Integrated continuous process design for crystallisation, spherical agglomeration, and filtration of lovastatin

Purpose This work seeks to improve the particle processability of needle-like lovastatin crystals and develop a small-footprint continuous MicroFactory for its production. Methods General conditions for optimal spherical agglomeration of lovastatin crystals and subsequent product isolation are developed, first as batch processes, and then transferred to continuous MicroFactory operation. Results Methyl isobutyl ketone is a suitable bridging liquid for the spherical agglomeration of lovastatin. Practical challenges including coupling unit operations and solvent systems; mismatched flow rates and inconsistent suspension solid loading were resolved. The successful continuous production of lovastatin spherical agglomerates (D50 = 336 µm) was achieved. Spherical agglomeration increased the density of the bulk lovastatin powder and improved product flowability from poor to good, whilst maintaining lovastatin tablet performance. Conclusion A continuous, integrated MicroFactory for the crystallisation, spherical agglomeration, and filtration of lovastatin is presented with improved product particle processability. Up to 16,800 doses of lovastatin (60 mg) can be produced per day using a footprint of 23 m2

The Costs and Benefits of Roman Annexation: Dacia AD 106-107

The aim of this thesis is to create a more comprehensive methodology for the assessment of Roman annexation in order to determine whether, and under what circumstances, annexation was advantageous to Rome. In doing so, it will also demonstrate that monocausal explanations for the causes of Roman annexation can only provide a simplified, and hence flawed, assessment of causality. The scope of this thesis is restricted to the imperial period, and specifically the reign of the emperor Trajan (AD 98 - 117). The usefulness of the methodology presented here is not restricted to this period, nor the annexationist actions of the Romans alone. With some minor adjustments, the methodology presented can be utilised to examine any annexationist imperialist action regardless of when it occurred or who the participants were. Additionally, it will also be demonstrated that it is possible to utilise the methodology as an analytical tool to determine the likely advantage or disadvantage to be gained from a planned act of conquest. This is particularly useful for occasions where an emperor's motives for not engaging in an act of annexation are questioned

Aggressive behaviour among drug-using women from Cape Town, South Africa: Ethnicity, heavy alcohol use, methamphetamine and intimate partner violence

Background: Women have generally been found to be the victims of violence, but scant attention has been paid to the characteristics of women who perpetrate aggression and violence. In South Africa, violence is a prevalent societal issue, especially in the Western Cape. Method: This study aimed at identifying factors that were associated with aggression among a sample of 720 substance-using women. We conducted multivariate logistic regression to identify factors that are significantly associated with these behaviours. Results: Ethnicity (Wald X2 = 17.07(2), p < 0.01) and heavy drinking (Wald X2 = 6.60 (2), p = 0.01) were significantly related to verbal aggression, methamphetamine use was significantly related to physical (Wald X2 = 2.73 (2), p = 0.01) and weapon aggression (Wald X2 = 7.94 (2), p < 0.01) and intimate partner violence was significantly related to verbal (Wald X2 = 12.43 (2), p < 0.01) and physical aggression (Wald X2 = 25.92 (2), p < 0.01). Conclusions: The findings show high levels of aggression among this sample, and highlight the need for interventions that address methamphetamine, heavy drinking and intimate partner violence among vulnerable substance-using women