Changes in the texture,physicochemical properties and volatile compound profiles of fresh Kashar cheese (<90 days) during ripening

In this study, four different fresh Kashar cheese samples were ripened for 90 days. The physicochemical properties, texture attributes, fatty acid composition and volatile compound profiles of the samples were measured every 30 days of ripening. The texture properties of the cheese samples were significantly affected by the duration of the ripening period. The results of this study highlighted that texture parameters as a function of ripening period should be considered for both fresh and aged Kashar cheeses to determine the ripening period as they are very important for consumer acceptability and consumption of the end product.     

Effect of the drying process on the nutritive value of milk. Part 1. Biochemical composition

Five different brands of instant dry whole milk that are most commonly used, and freeze dried milk were analyzed for nitrogen, fat, ash and 4 inorganic constituents and compared with human milk. The composition of the milks differed considerably. The protein content varied widely, ranging from 11.6 to 24.5%. Fat content did not differ widely, ranging from 24.9 to 29.5%. Freeze dried milk had the highest fat content (42.6%). Three out of the five brands of dry milk studied were spray dried and the remaining two were roller dried. All milks tested contained considerably more sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus solid than human milk, some of them the four fold amount of calcium and phosphorus.     

A 2D numerical simulation of sub-cooled flow boiling at low-pressure and low-flow rates

The main purpose of this study is to apply a two-fluid mathematical model to numerical simulation of two-phase flow at low-pressure condition. Although models of sub-cooled boiling flow at one-dimension and high-pressure have been studied extensively, there are few equivalent studies for numerical simulation at two-dimension and low-pressure (1-2 bar) conditions. Recent literature studies on sub-cooled boiling flow at low-pressure have shown that empirical models developed for high-pressure situations are not valid at low-pressures. Since the mathematical model used in this study is accomplished at low-pressure, the transport equations for the variables of each phase are substituted in low-pressure. The governing equations of two-phase flow with an allowance to inter-phase transfer of mass, momentum and heat, are solved using a two-fluid; non-equilibrium model. The finite volume discretization scheme is used to create a linearized system of equations that are solved by SIMPLE staggered grid solution technique for a rectangular channel. Improvement of the void fraction prediction of our model for the case of low-pressure sub-cooled flow boiling conditions was achieved. It is found that the heat transfer due to evaporation and surface quenching is higher than that by convection. Good agreement is achieved with the predicted results against the experimental data’s available in the literatures for a number of test cases.     

Making concrete with saline well-water

Permitted limits of salt concentrations in water used for making mortar and plain concrete differ from one country to another, but in any event geographical conditions prevent this guidance being applied directly to Saudi Arabia. Comparing the effects on compressive strength of saline well-water and drinking quality water, scientists at the Department of Building Research in the Saudi Arabian Standards Organisation show in this article that well-water with total dissolved salts (TDS) concentrations up to 4500 ppm can be suitable for mixing and curing mortars and plain concrete.     

Modeling hydrogen storage on Mg–H2 and LiNH2 under variable temperature using multiple regression analysis with respect to ANOVA

The world is facing a major problem due to the depletion of conventional energy sources. Hydrogen is considered one of the most promising sources of energy. Recently, one of the problems facing utilization of hydrogen energy is the storage. Therefore, finding materials to store hydrogen based on the adsorption/desorption methodology (i.e. metal hydrides) is considered extremely vital issue. During this work two candidate materials (i.e. Mg–H₂ and LiNH₂) were investigated at different temperatures (25–45 °C). The results revealed that both candidate materials possessed long cycle life and cyclibility which opens the wide door to use these materials in vehicular applications. On the other hand the generated mathematical models based on the multiple regression analysis with respect to ANOVA showed that increasing temperature will increase the weight of hydrogen adsorption for both candidate materials.     

Process for overcoming drug retention in hard gelatin inhalation capsules

The quantity and consistency of drug delivery from dry powder inhalation devices that incorporate a pre-measured dose in a hard shell capsule of gelatin or other compatible material can be negatively affected by mold release lubricants used in capsule manufacturing. This paper describes a novel process employing supercritical CO₂ for selective extraction of the fraction of lubricant responsible for the observed high and inconsistent drug retention in capsules and the ensuing lack of reproducibility of drug delivery. The process allows for lubricant removal from seemingly inaccessible interior surfaces of assembled capsule shells without altering the structural or chemical properties of the capsules. Diffusion limitations are overcome through repeated pressure increase and decrease to generate significant convective flow of dissolved lubricant out of the capsule. Drug retention is alleviated only if nearly all the retentive fraction of the lubricant is removed. The effect of extraction with supercritical CO₂ on the structure of the internal surfaces of the capsules is investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Key performance parameters such as drug and carrier retention and fine particle mass are investigated using simulated inhalation tests. Laboratory and pilot scale extractions yielded similar results.