Development of free sugar white chocolate, suitable for diabetics, using Stevia and sucralose as sweeteners: study of the thermal degradation kinetic

The purpose of this study was the development of formulations of white chocolate for diabetics with replacement of sucrose by sucralose (Su) and Stevia (St) using a mixture experimental design. The kinetic studies of thermodegradation which showed that binary combinations of Stevia with sucrose had synergistic effects since the matrix presented a lower thermal sensitivity to the non-enzymatic browning reaction than the samples formulated from the individual components. The phenomena of blooming during storage were studied by a computer vision system and image analysis. The results of sensory analysis revealed that the sample 100%St was not acceptable; however, combining Stevia with sucrose and sucralose, acceptable sensory chocolates were obtained with no statistically significant differences, compared to control 100%S (P> 0.05). Our study provides a chocolate suitable for diabetics, with an appropriate combination of sensorially acceptable sweeteners with higher stability than control sample.Fil: Rodriguez Furlan, Laura Teresa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Luis. Instituto de Invest. En Tecnología Química; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia; ArgentinaFil: Baracco, Yanina. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia; ArgentinaFil: Zaritzky, Noemi. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos; ArgentinaFil: Campderrós, Mercedes. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Argentin

An application of hybrid life cycle assessment as a decision support framework for green supply chains

In an effort to achieve sustainable operations, green supply chain management has become an important area for firms to concentrate on due to its inherent involvement with all the processes that provide foundations to successful business. Modelling methodologies of product supply chain environmental assessment are usually guided by the principles of life cycle assessment (LCA). However, a review of the extant literature suggests that LCA techniques suffer from a wide range of limitations that prevent a wider application in real-world contexts; hence, they need to be incorporated within decision support frameworks to aid environmental sustainability strategies. Thus, this paper contributes in understanding and overcoming the dichotomy between LCA model development and the emerging practical implementation to inform carbon emissions mitigation strategies within supply chains. Therefore, the paper provides both theoretical insights and a practical application to inform the process of adopting a decision support framework based on a LCA methodology in a real-world scenario. The supply chain of a product from the steel industry is considered to evaluate its environmental impact and carbon ‘hotspots’. The study helps understanding how operational strategies geared towards environmental sustainability can be informed using knowledge and information generated from supply chain environmental assessments, and for highlighting inherent challenges in this process

Cellulosic materials as biopolymers and supercritical CO2as a green process: chemistry and applications

In this review, we describe the use of supercritical CO2 (scCO2) in several cellulose applications. The focus is on different technologies that either exist or are expected to emerge in the near future. The applications are wide from the extraction of hazardous wastes to the cleaning and reuse of paper or production of glucose. To put this topic in context, cellulose chemistry and its interactions with scCO2 are described. The aim of this study was to discuss the new emerging technologies and trends concerning cellulosic materials processed in scCO2 such as cellulose drying to obtain aerogels, foams and other microporous materials, impregnation of cellulose, extraction of highly valuable compounds from plants and metallic residues from treated wood. Especially, in the bio-fuel production field, we address the pre-treatment of cellulose in scCO2 to improve fermentation to ethanol by cellulase enzymes. Other reactions of cellulosic materials such as organic inorganic composites fabrication and de-polymerisation have been considered. Cellulose treatment by scCO2 has been discussed as well. Finally, other applications like deacidification of paper and cellulosic membranes fabrication in scCO2 have been reviewed. Examples of the discussed technologies are included as well

New Natural Injection-Moldable Composite Material from Sunflower Oil Cake

Through a twin-screw extrusion process the native structure of sunflower oil cake was completely transformed (globular protein denaturation/texturization and husk fiber defibration) into a simpler matrix-fiber structure, as could be seen on SEM micrographs. Further chemical reduction of protein disulfide bridges greatly reduced the melt viscosity of the moistened composite that it could be injection-molded. The molded specimens were tested and their tensile and flexural properties and water absorption calculated. Their water resistance appeared to be particularly high, and could be enhanced further after a thermal treatment (N2, 200°C). The proteic matrix seemed to behave like a natural thermoset resin. Sunflower oil cake could be used without any additives to make biodegradable, water resistant and exceptionally cheap material

Impacts of Sugar Free Trade Agreements on the U.S. Sugar Industry

We use a multi-region GTAP model to study the implications of a global sugar free trade agreement on the U.S. sugar industry. In general, the sugar net importing countries such as the former Soviet Union, Japan, and the United States would reduce sugar production and increase their net imports from the world market. By contrast, the sugar net exporting countries such as Australia, Brazil, and Thailand would increase their sugar production and increase their net exports. Under a scenario where import tariffs and export subsidies are completely eliminated, U.S. sugar production would decrease by 2.8%. This is in contrast to some of the previous studies, which argued that the U.S. sugar production would increase slightly annually. U.S. import prices would decrease by 21.9% and U.S. domestic sugar prices would decrease slightly by 0.8%. U.S. net imports of sugar of sugar would increase 478.1 million US dollars.International Relations/Trade,

Cogeneration Technology Alternatives Study (CTAS). Volume 3: Industrial processes

Cogenerating electric power and process heat in single energy conversion systems rather than separately in utility plants and in process boilers is examined in terms of cost savings. The use of various advanced energy conversion systems are examined and compared with each other and with current technology systems for their savings in fuel energy, costs, and emissions in individual plants and on a national level. About fifty industrial processes from the target energy consuming sectors were used as a basis for matching a similar number of energy conversion systems that are considered as candidate which can be made available by the 1985 to 2000 time period. The sectors considered included food, textiles, lumber, paper, chemicals, petroleum, glass, and primary metals. The energy conversion systems included steam and gas turbines, diesels, thermionics, stirling, closed cycle and steam injected gas turbines, and fuel cells. Fuels considered were coal, both coal and petroleum based residual and distillate liquid fuels, and low Btu gas obtained through the on site gasification of coal. An attempt was made to use consistent assumptions and a consistent set of ground rules specified by NASA for determining performance and cost. Data and narrative descriptions of the industrial processes are given

Industry 4.0 Technological Advancement in the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry in South Africa—Bibliometric Analysis via Natural Language Processing

The food and beverage (FOODBEV) manufacturing industry is a significant contributor to global economic development, but it is also subject to major global competition. Manufacturing technology evolution is rapid and, with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), ever accelerating. Thus, the ability of companies to review and identify appropriate, beneficial technologies and forecast the skills required is a challenge. 4IR technologies, as a collection of tools to assist technological advancement in the manufacturing sector, are essential. The vast and diverse global technology knowledge base, together with the complexities associated with screening in technologies and the lack of appropriate enablement skills, makes technology selection and implementation a challenge. This challenge is premised on the knowledge that there are vast amounts of information available on various research databases and web search engines; however, the extraction of specific and relevant information is time-intensive. Whilst existing techniques such as conventional bibliometric analysis are available, there is a need for dynamic approaches that optimise the ability to acquire the relevant information or knowledge within a short period with minimum effort. This research study adopts smart knowledge management together with artificial intelligence (AI) for knowledge extraction, classification, and adoption. This research defines 18 FOODBEV manufacturing processes and adopts a two-tier Natural Language Processing (NLP) protocol to identify technological substitution for process optimisation and the associated skills required in the FOODBEV manufacturing sector in South Africa

Additive Manufacturing as an opportunity for supporting sustainability through the implementation of circular economies

As changes are automatic while progress is not, technology improvements in manufacture need to find their room within market requirements. Among the challenges manufacturers have to face with, there is the need to approach a multifaceted context. Additive Manufacturing is considered one of the most effective technology with the potential to give proper industry-side responses to markets, fulfilling a long-term sustainable perspective. Layered fabrication may lead to structural changes both in economics and societies and may fill the missing tie to foster the spread of circular systems towards the realization of effective circular economies. There is a widespread interest for manufacturing to shift from linear to circular systems, where biological and technical saves are possible. This paper thus aims to frame Additive Manufacturing, one of the most game-changing technology of nowadays societies, into the need and characteristics of Circular Economy concept, one of the most challenging change in human progress

The potential of additive manufacturing in the smart factory industrial 4.0: A review

Additive manufacturing (AM) or three-dimensional (3D) printing has introduced a novel production method in design, manufacturing, and distribution to end-users. This technology has provided great freedom in design for creating complex components, highly customizable products, and efficient waste minimization. The last industrial revolution, namely industry 4.0, employs the integration of smart manufacturing systems and developed information technologies. Accordingly, AM plays a principal role in industry 4.0 thanks to numerous benefits, such as time and material saving, rapid prototyping, high efficiency, and decentralized production methods. This review paper is to organize a comprehensive study on AM technology and present the latest achievements and industrial applications. Besides that, this paper investigates the sustainability dimensions of the AM process and the added values in economic, social, and environment sections. Finally, the paper concludes by pointing out the future trend of AM in technology, applications, and materials aspects that have the potential to come up with new ideas for the future of AM explorations