Phosphorus contents of raw chicken meat and processed chicken meat products

Introduction: The per capita consumption of chicken meat and related products has increased steadily in Malaysia, as it is affordable and can be consumed without religious constraints. There is concern for the widespread use of phosphate additives in processed meats, which may lead to hyperphosphatemia, especially among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The objective of this study was to determine and compare the phosphorus content in raw chicken breast meat (RCBM) and selected processed chicken meat products. Methods: Samples of RCBM, chicken frankfurters, chicken patties and chicken nuggets of different brands were studied. The phosphorus content of the samples were determined via the dry ashing method and a Perkin-Elmer 5300DV inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). Results: The mean phosphorus content in RCBM was 209.15±3.13 mg per 100 g. Chicken nuggets contained the highest phosphorus content, followed by RCBM, chicken patties and chicken frankfurters. Compared to the RCBM, the mean phosphorus content of chicken frankfurters and chicken patties were 21.42% and 4.81% respectively lower, whilst that of chicken nuggets was 1.74% higher. The same type of chicken meat products from different brands also differed significantly in their phosphorus content. Conclusion: There were significant differences in the phosphorus content among different types of chicken meat products, and among the same chicken meat products from different brands. Caution should be exercised, especially by CKD patients, in consuming processed chicken meat products due to the risk posed to them by phosphorus content

Acquisition of scientific literature in developing countries

The second of a series of articles on the acquisition of scientific literature by libraries in developing countries. Deals mainly with higher education libraries. Summarizes the Malaysian background and the relationship between scientific research and libraries in Malaysia. Describes government policies with regard to contract purchasing, copyright and the national language and their effects on library acquisitions. Discusses acquisitions policy, the selection process, the acquisition of journals, audio-visual materials, maps and related materials, conference papers and theses, the role of gifts and exchanges in acquisitions work and problems of customs clearance and censorship. Progress in cooperative acquisitions and the automation of acquisitions work are also described. Presents proposals for further action

Rheological behavior of magnetic powder mixtures for magnetic PIM

Powder injection molding (PIM) is a promising manufacturing technology for the net-shape production of small, complex, and precise metal or ceramic components. In order to manufacture high quality magnets using PIM, the magneto-rheological (MR) properties of the PIM feedstock, i.e. magnetic powder-binder mixture, should be investigated experimentally and theoretically. The current research aims at comprehensive understanding of the rheological characteristics of the PIM feedstock. The feedstock used in the experiment consists of strontium ferrite powder and paraffin wax. Steady and oscillatory shear tests have been carried out using a plate-and-plate rheometer, under the influence of a uniform magnetic field applied externally. Rheological properties of the PIM feedstock have been measured and characterized for various conditions by changing the temperature, the powder fraction and the magnetic flux densit

Rheological behavior of magnetic powder mixtures for magnetic PIM

Powder injection molding (PIM) is a promising manufacturing technology for the net-shape production of small, complex, and precise metal or ceramic components. In order to manufacture high quality magnets using PIM, the magneto-rheological (MR) properties of the PIM feedstock, i.e. magnetic powder-binder mixture, should be investigated experimentally and theoretically. The current research aims at comprehensive understanding of the rheological characteristics of the PIM feedstock. The feedstock used in the experiment consists of strontium ferrite powder and paraffin wax. Steady and oscillatory shear tests have been carried out using a plate-and-plate rheometer, under the influence of a uniform magnetic field applied externally. Rheological properties of the PIM feedstock have been measured and characterized for various conditions by changing the temperature, the powder fraction and the magnetic flux densit

Combined transnasal and transoral endoscopic approach to a transsphenoidal encephalocele in an infant

Purpose This paper reports an unusual case of a transsphenoidal encephalocele and discusses our experience with a minimally invasive management. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first case of a combined endoscopic transnasal and transoral approach to a transsphenoidal encephalocele in an infant. Methods A 17-day-old boy, who was referred for further assessment of upper airway obstruction, presented with respiratory distress and feeding difficulties. Bronchoscopy and imaging revealed a transsphenoidal encephalocele. At the age of 48 days, he underwent a combined endoscopic transnasal and transoral excision of the nasal component of the encephalocele. This approach, with the aid of neuronavigation, allows good demarcation of the extra-cranial neck of the transsphenoidal encephalocele. We were able to cauterize and carefully dissect the sac prior to excision. The defect of the neck was clearly visualized, and Valsalva manoeuvre was performed to exclude any CSF leak. As the defect was small, it was allowed to heal by secondary intention. Results The patient’s recovery was uneventful, and he tolerated full feeds orally on day 2. Postoperative imaging demonstrated no evidence of recurrence of the nasal encephalocele. Endoscopic follow-up showed good healing of the mucosa and no cerebrospinal fluid leak. Conclusions The surgical management of transsphenoidal encephalocele in neonates and infants is challenging. We describe a safe technique with low morbidity in managing such a condition. The combined endoscopic transnasal and transoral approach with neuronavigation is a minimally invasive, safe and feasible alternative, even for children below 1 year of age

Precipitates and Grain Boundary Strength of an Fe-Mn-Ni Alloy

The effect of grain boundary (GB) precipitates on the GB strength of an age-hardened Fe-7.8Mn-8.2Ni alloy was investigated. Premature intergranular fracture was observed after age hardening due to the precipitation of theta-MnNi precipitates at prior austenite grain boundaries. However, the conversion of GB theta precipitates to austenite by a short second aging at 793 K (520 A degrees C) after peak aging at 713 K (440 A degrees C) resulted in a remarkable improvement of GB strength. The result strongly supports the proposition that the weak bonding of GB theta precipitates to the matrix is the main reason for GB embrittlement in age-hardened Fe-Mn-Ni alloys.11Nsciescopu

Mapping quantitative trait loci for tissue culture response in VCS3M-DH population of Brassica rapa

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling callus induction and plant regeneration were identified in the VCS3M-DH population of Brassica rapa. The VCS3M-DH population showed wide and continuous variation in callus induction and shoot regeneration. Significant coefficient correlations were detected between these two parameters. Broad-sense heritability (h2) for the two traits was around 0.7, indicating genetic regulation of regeneration ability in this population. In the composite interval mapping analysis, two QTLs for callus induction ability, qCi2 and qCi7, were mapped on chromosome A02 and A07, explaining 28.6 % of phenotypic variation. For plant regeneration, four QTLs, qPr6-1 qPr6-2, qPr7, and qPr9 were identified on chromosome A06, A07, and A09, which in total explained 50.1 % of phenotypic variation. Furthermore, 15 putative candidate genes were found on the interval of the six QTLs, which were related to various plant hormones, MADS-box genes, and serine/threonine related genes. These results provide important information to identify genes related to tissue culture ability in B. rap

An Overview of Interfaces for Automated Vehicles (inside/outside) (Deliverable D2.1 in the H2020 MSCA ITN project SHAPE-IT)

This Deliverable starts with a short overview of the design principles and guidelines developed for current Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), which are predominantly developed for manually driven vehicles, or those with a number of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), at SAE Levels 0 and 1 (SAE, 2018). It then provides an overview of how the addition of more capable systems, and the move to higher levels of vehicle automation, is changing the role the human inside an Automated Vehicle (AV), and the ways in which future automated vehicles at higher levels of automation (SAE level 4 and 5) must communicate with other road users, in the absence of an “in charge” human driver.It is argued that such changes in the role of the driver, and more transfer of control to the AV and its different functionalities, means that there will be more emphasis on the roles and responsibilities of HMIs for future AVs. In parallel, the multifaceted nature of these HMI, presented from different locations, both in and outside the vehicles, using a variety of modalities, and engaging drivers in a two-way interaction, means that a new set of design guidelines are required, to ensure that the humans interacting with AVs (inside and outside the vehicle) are not distracted and overloaded, that they remain situation aware and understand the capabilities and limitations of the system, having the right mental model of system capabilities and their responsibilities, as responsible road users, at all timesFollowing a summary of suggested frameworks and design principles which highlight the significant change needed for new AV HMIs, an overview of results from studies investigating human interaction with internal (or iHMIs), and external (or eHMIs), is provided, with examples of new and innovative methods of communication between humans and their vehicles.The Deliverable then provides a summary of the innovative approaches that will be tackled by the ESRs of the project, which focus on factors such as use of AI and AR for future design of more intuitive and transparent HMI, studying how HMI can support the long term interaction of humans with AVs, and the use of neuroergonomic methods for developing safer HMIs. The Deliverable concludes by summarising how each ESR’s project contributes to the development of HMIs for future AVs.Transport and Plannin