River Discharge

In 2014, combined discharge from the eight largest Arctic rivers (2,487 km3) was 10% greater than average discharge for the period 1980-1989. Values for 2013 (2,282 km3) and 2012 (2,240 km3) were 1% greater than and 1% less than the 1980-1989 average, respectively. For the first seven months of 2015, the combined discharge for the six largest Eurasian Arctic rivers shows that peak discharge was 10% greater and five days earlier than the 1980-1989 average for those months

Coordination and Sustainability of River Observing Activities in the Arctic

To understand and respond to changes in the world’s northern regions, we need a coordinated system of long-term Arctic observations. River networks naturally integrate across landscapes and link the terrestrial and ocean domains. Changes in river discharge reflect changes in the terrestrial water balance, whereas changes in water chemistry are linked to changes in biogeochemical processes and water flow paths. Sustained measurements of river water discharge and water chemistry are therefore essential components of an Arctic observing network. As we strive to establish and sustain long-term observations in the Arctic, these two measurements must be coupled. Although river discharge and chemistry measurements are already coupled to some extent within national boundaries, this is not done in a consistent and coordinated fashion across the pan-Arctic domain. As a consequence, data quality and availability vary widely among regions. International coordination of river discharge and chemistry measurements in the Arctic would be greatly facilitated by formal commitments to maintain a set of core sites and associated measurements that are mutually agreed upon among pan-Arctic nations. Involvement of the agencies currently operating river discharge gauges around the Arctic and establishment of an overarching coordination entity to implement shared protocols, track data quality, and manage data streams would be essential in this endeavor. Focused studies addressing scale-dependent relationships between watershed characteristics and water chemistry, in-stream processes, and estuarine and coastal dynamics are also needed to support interpretation and application of Arctic river observing data as they relate to land and ocean change

DESIGN, CHARACTERIZATION AND STATISTICAL OPTIMIZATION OF RAMOSETRON HYDROCHLORIDE MOUTH DISSOLVING FILM USING DESIGN OF EXPERIMENT

Objective: The present study aims to prepare a mouth dissolving film of ramosetron hydrochloride to provide relief to cancer patients suffering from nausea and vomiting. Methods: Mouth dissolving film of ramosetron hydrochloride were prepared and optimized using three levels two factor design. The films were prepared using the solvent casting technique. The effect of formulation variables such as the concentration of HPMC E15, and honey on disintegration time, tensile strength and drug release from the film were studied. The films were evaluated for weight, thickness, folding endurance, tensile strength, percent elongation, surface pH, disintegration time and drug release. Results: All the films were found to be transparent, non-sticky and easily peelable. The concentration of HPMC E 15 and Honey was found to have a significant effect on disintegration time and drug release of the mouth dissolving film. Formulation R1 was found to the best formulation with 104.21 % release in 9 min and disintegration time of 57 seconds. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the developed mouth dissolving film could serve as an effective, convenient alternative to prevent nausea and vomiting in cancer patients of any age group

DESIGN AND STATISTICAL OPTIMIZATION OF MOUTH DISSOLVING SUBLINGUAL FILM OF FIXED DOSE COMBINATION OF DOXYLAMINE SUCCINATE AND PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE USING DESIGN OF EXPERIMENT IN THE TREATMENT OF NAUSEA AND VOMITING IN PREGNANCY

Objective: The present research aims at formulating a mouth dissolving sublingual film of fixed dose combination of doxylamine succinate (DS) and pyridoxine hydrochloride (PH) that would provide faster onset of action and hence relief from the condition of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.Methods: Mouth dissolving films were prepared using a solvent casting technique. A 23 full-factorial design of eight formulations was set up with three independent variables: X1 - polymer 1 HPMC E15 concentration, X2 - polymer 2 HPMC E5 concentration, and X3 - plasticizer PEG 400 concentration. The responses, i.e., dependent variables measured for the study were Y1 disintegration time in seconds, Y2 tensile strength in kg/cm2, Y3 drug release in the percentage of DS, and Y4 drug release in the percentage of PH. All the formulations were evaluated for physicochemical parameters such as clarity, weight, thickness, folding endurance, surface pH, and content. The design expert software 11.0 trial version was used for statistical analysis of the responses.Results and Conclusion: All the film formulations were found to be transparent, non-tacky, and easily peelable having the satisfactory tensile strength and folding endurance. The concentration of polymer 1 and 2 was found to have a significant effect on disintegration time and drug release of mouth dissolving films. The best film formulation DP1 was found to have a disintegration time of 77.66 s and found to release 96.22% of DS and 95.43% of pyridoxine HCl in 21 min

FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT AND STATISTICAL OPTIMIZATION OF A BILAYER TABLET OF BOSENTAN MONOHYDRATE AND SILDENAFIL CITRATE IN MANAGEMENT OF PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Objective: The current study aims at fabrication of an oral bilayer matrix tablet of bosentan monohydrate and sildenafil citrate; the optimisation of their in vitro release and characterization, thereby reducing the side effects associated with bosentan, reducing dosing frequency and increasing patient compliance in the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Methods: Methocel K4M Premium DC2, a directly compressible HPMC grade was used as the sustained release polymer. Pregelatinised starch is used as a diluent and release modifier and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) as a solubiliser. The blends of both layers were prepared, evaluated for precompression characteristics and compressed by direct compression. The compressed bilayer tablets were evaluated for their hardness, weight variation, friability, content uniformity and swelling index. The principle objective was to assess the influence of the above variables on in vitro drug release of Bosentan using a 23 factorial design. Responses are measured as drug release at 2h (Q2), 6h (Q6) and 10h (Q10). Results: HPMC and pregelatinized starch form a synergistic gel thereby controlling drug release of bosentan for a 12 hour period. Batch BS09 consisting of 40 mg HPMC, 30 mg Pregeletinized starch and 5 mg SLS showed adequate controlled release for a 12 h period. Immediate release layer of sildenafil citrate showed optimum drug release of 102.96% within 30 min. Conclusion: Bilayer tablet of bosentan and sildenafil is an ideal combination for patients failing monotherapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension

BUSINESS CLIMATE OF FOOD FIRMS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PROBLEMS FACED BY FOOD MANUFACTURERS, WHOLESALERS, RETAILERS AND SERVICE INSTITUTIONS IN NEW JERSEY

This paper presents the problems facing food firms using information from focus groups of industry executives from New Jersey. The leading problems for food manufacturers are related to regulation, taxation, economic development, and high business costs. For food wholesalers the leading problems are transportation, regulation, labor quality, training and education, and public relations. Food retailers cite litigation and liability, high business costs, regulation, and insurance costs as leading problems. For food service firms, regulation, licensing and permits, labor quality and costs, and high business costs are the most pressing problems. Policy recommendations for improving the business climate are provided.Agribusiness,

ENHANCING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FOOD WHOLESALE SECTOR: A CASE STUDY OF NEW JERSEY

New Jersey is very much like many other states in the northeastern region of the United States. On the other hand, it is unique in a number of ways. New Jersey is characterized by (1) a large and affluent consumer base, (2) access to major ports and air transportation facilities which facilitates foreign imports and exports, and (3) large food manufacturing, retail and service sectors. New Jersey's food wholesale sector is therefore an important economic sector with strong potential for future growth. Food wholesalers can provide stable high-paying jobs in an economy still recovering from the 1989-92 recession. Limited knowledge of the challenges facing this sector may hinder its potential growth and development. Given the implications that could be drawn from New Jersey, this paper investigates the challenges facing New Jersey food wholesalers based on information obtained directly from industry leaders via a focus group meeting. Findings suggest the need for public policies to address transportation, regulation, education and training, public relations, nonunion labor and quality of life issues. These findings are useful in planning for economic development of the food wholesale sector and fostering competitiveness not only in New Jersey, but in the Northeast and other regions.Agribusiness,

THE STATUS AND CONDITIONS OF NEW JERSEY'S FOOD WHOLESALE INDUSTRY: FOOD, GROCERIES, CONFECTIONERY, AND BEVERAGE WHOLESALE AND BROKERAGE

Agribusiness,

THE STATUS AND CONDITION OF NEW JERSEY'S FOOD RETAIL INDUSTRY: GROCERY STORES, SUPERMARKETS, AND OTHER FOOD STORES

Agribusiness,