scholarly journals Application of Focus Variation Microscopy and Dissolution Imaging in Understanding the Behaviour of Hydrophilic Matrices

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1162
Author(s):  
Adam Ward ◽  
Benedict Brown ◽  
Karl Walton ◽  
Peter Timmins ◽  
Barbara R. Conway ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose ◽  
Interfacial Area ◽  
Pharmaceutical Formulations ◽  
Hydrophilic Polymers ◽  
A Value ◽  
Gel Layer ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Frequency Components ◽  
Swelling Studies ◽  
Focus Variation

Hydrophilic matrix systems can be found in a wide range of extended release pharmaceutical formulations. The main principle of these systems is that upon contact with water, the hydrophilic component swells to form a hydrated gel layer which controls drug release. The following work demonstrates an explorative study into the use of dissolution imaging and focus variation microscopy with hydrophilic polymers. This study investigated the surface properties of xanthan gum (XG), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and hypromellose (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, HPMC) compacts with each of these three hydrophilic polymers from one of each classification of natural, semi-synthetic, or synthetic polymer using a focus variation instrument. The auto correlation length (Sal) showed all surface profiles from the compacts displayed a value below 0.1 mm, indicating that only high frequency components (i.e., roughness) were considered and that the analysis had been successful. The developed interfacial area ratio (Sdr) displayed values below 5% in line with ISO guidelines for all the polymers studied with their texture aspect ratio values (Str) > 0.5, indicating uniformity of the surfaces of the produced compacts. Of the various parameters studied, areal material ratio (Smr2) predicted XG to wet and hydrate quicker than PEO, with PEO also wetting and hydrating quicker than the HPMC. The dissolution imaging and initial swelling studies proved to concur with the findings from the areal material ratio (Smr2) parameter, suggesting porosity was not an indicator for the ease with which water ingress occurs. This study suggests the Smr2 surface parameter to potentially predict wetting and initial hydration of hydrophilic polymers, however care should be taken as this study consists of a selected number of hydrophilic polymers.

scholarly journals Development and Evaluation of Fluoxetine Fast Dissolving Films: An Alternative for Noncompliance in Pediatric Patients

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 778
Author(s):  
Emőke-Margit Rédai ◽  
Paula Antonoaea ◽  
Nicoleta Todoran ◽  
Robert Alexandru Vlad ◽  
Magdalena Bîrsan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose ◽  
Pharmaceutical Formulations ◽  
Release Kinetic ◽  
Disintegration Time ◽  
Casting Technique ◽  
First Order ◽  
Orodispersible Films ◽  
Folding Endurance

The most used pharmaceutical formulations for children are syrups, suppositories, soft chewable capsules, and mini-tablets. Administrating them might create an administration discomfort. This study aimed to develop and evaluate orodispersible films (ODFs) for pediatric patients in which the fluoxetine (FX) is formulated in the polymeric matrix. Six FX fast dissolving films (10 mg FX/ODF), FX1, FX2, FX3, FX4, FX5, and FX6, were prepared by solvent casting technique. In the composition of the ODFs, the concentration of the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and the concentration of the propylene glycol were varied. Each formulation of fluoxetine ODF was evaluated by determining the tensile strength, folding endurance, disintegration, behavior in the controlled humidity and temperature conditions, and adhesiveness. All the obtained results were compared with the results obtained for six ODFs prepared without FX. The disintegration time of the FX ODFs was of maximum 88 s for FX2. Via the in vitro releasing study of the FX from the ODFs it was noticed that FX1 and FX2 allow a better release of the drug 99.98 ± 3.81% and 97.67 ± 3.85% being released within 15 min. From the obtained results it was also confirmed that FX ODFs were found to follow first-order release kinetic.

scholarly journals Applicability of Cork as Novel Modifiers to Develop Electrochemical Sensor for Caffeine Determination

Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Mayra K. S. Monteiro ◽  
Djalma R. Da Silva ◽  
Marco A. Quiroz ◽  
Vítor J. P. Vilar ◽  
Carlos A. Martínez-Huitle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electrochemical Sensor ◽  
Linear Response ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Pharmaceutical Formulations ◽  
Caffeine Concentration ◽  
Real Samples ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Potential Use

This study aims to investigate the applicability of a hybrid electrochemical sensor composed of cork and graphite (Gr) for detecting caffeine in aqueous solutions. Raw cork (RAC) and regranulated cork (RGC, obtained by thermal treatment of RAC with steam at 380 °C) were tested as modifiers. The results clearly showed that the cork-graphite sensors, GrRAC and GrRGC, exhibited a linear response over a wide range of caffeine concentration (5–1000 µM), with R2 of 0.99 and 0.98, respectively. The limits of detection (LOD), estimated at 2.9 and 6.1 µM for GrRAC and GrRGC, suggest greater sensitivity and reproducibility than the unmodified conventional graphite sensor. The low-cost cork-graphite sensors were successfully applied in the determination of caffeine in soft drinks and pharmaceutical formulations, presenting well-defined current signals when analyzing real samples. When comparing electrochemical determinations and high performance liquid chromatography measurements, no significant differences were observed (mean accuracy 3.0%), highlighting the potential use of these sensors to determine caffeine in different samples.

Path Integral Calculations of Particle Self-Energy and Effective Mass in Coulomb Systems

1997 ◽  
Vol 11 (04) ◽  
pp. 129-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Sa-Yakanit ◽  
V. D. Lakhno ◽  
Klaus Haß
Keyword(s):  
Effective Mass ◽  
Path Integral ◽  
State Energy ◽  
Coulomb Systems ◽  
Integral Approach ◽  
Coupling Region ◽  
Self Energy ◽  
Consistent Approximation ◽  
A Value ◽  
Wide Range

The generalized path integral approach is applied to calculate the ground state energy and the effective mass of an electron-plasmon interacting system for a wide range of densities. It is shown that in the self-consistent approximation an abrupt transition between the weak coupling and the strong coupling region of interaction exists. The transition occurs at low electron densities according to a value of 418 for rs, when Wigner crystallization is possible. For densities of real metals, the electron bandwidth is calculated and a comparison with experimental results is given.

scholarly journals Framing the Values of Vernacular Architecture for a Value-Based Conservation: A Conceptual Framework

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 4974
Author(s):  
Obafemi A. P. Olukoya
Keyword(s):  
Vernacular Architecture ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Participatory Process ◽  
Value Assessment ◽  
A Value ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Flexible Framework ◽  
Value Model ◽  
Contextual Values ◽  
Range Of Values

While a growing number of researchers have provided series of tough critiques of the typology-led heritage value assessment over the recent years, the impacts have been constrained by the continued obsession with expanding the list of the predetermined value typologies rather than escaping its limitations. While these sustained debates have provided important insights, this article argues that operationalizing these predetermined ‘one-size-fits-all’ value typologies is symptomatic of a number of shortcomings, especially in the context of capturing the pluralities of values in contextualized heritage such as vernacular architecture. It also often undermines inclusivity and participation in the valuing processes. However, rather than simply rejecting the values-based paradigm, this article proposes a conceptual value assessment framework that is informed by the theorization of vernacular architecture as a contextualized heritage. The proposed Vernacular Value Model (VVM) puts forward the ‘when(s)’ and ‘how(s)’ of amalgamating both technical and normative processes to capture the range of contextual values present in built vernacular heritage. To this end, this article posits that by drawing on such a proposed flexible framework, the conservation strategy for built vernacular heritage can be propagated as an inclusive and participatory process which captures the wide range of values for a more sustainable practices for conservation.

scholarly journals The effect of enriched cyclopoid copepods on the coloration and feeding rate of Betta splendens

2021 ◽  
Vol 869 (1) ◽  
pp. 012007
Author(s):  
A Yuslan ◽  
N Nasir ◽  
H Suhaimi ◽  
A Arshad ◽  
N W Rasdi
Keyword(s):  
Rice Bran ◽  
Feeding Rate ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
B Value ◽  
Proximate Analysis ◽  
Betta Splendens ◽  
A Value ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
L Value

Abstract Copepods with a wide range of sizes, species, and nutritional compositions are preferred as live food for rearing of Betta splendens larvae. This research focuses on evaluating the efficiency of copepod enrichment diets in improving the coloration and feeding rate of B. splendens. Copepod were enriched with Chlorella sp. (T1), capsicum (T2), mixed vegetable (carrot + spinach), (T3), yeast (T4) and rice bran (T5) in 24 hours prior the feeding tests. As a result, proximate analysis of enriched-copepods showed that T1 (70.88±0.41) has highest protein content and T5 (22.01±0.59) has the highest lipid content. The specific growth rate and survival rate of B. splendens was highest in the treatment T1 (2.56±0.07%; 91.11±1.92%) and followed closely by T3 (2.49±0.51%; 85.55±8.39%). Feeding rate, T3 (70.08±3.88%) presented highest rate compared to other treatments. The different enrichment diets used were significantly impact the coloration test on body of L* value (P=0.001, P<0.05), T3 (66.11±3.60) appeared darker in color in contrast to others. As for a* value, the coloration was not impacted with the use of different enrichment on copepods (P=0.158, P>0.05) was detected for T1 (2.84±0.73) that gave a redder shade than other treatments did. T3 (2.40±0.30) exerted a more yellowish shade than the rest for b* value with a significant difference (P=0.015, P<0.05). The current study demonstrates that, rice bran, capsicum and mixed vegetable enrichment (carrot and spinach) have the potential to be an effective means of increasing B. splendens coloring and feeding rate. This potential diet can be further used as a substitution to artificial foods in producing sustainable culture of ornamental fish in the aquaculture industry.

NUMERICAL SOLUTIONS OF SMOLUCHOWSKI'S EQUATIONS FOR THE COAGULATION OF UNCHARGED AEROSOLS

1965 ◽  
Vol 43 (8) ◽  
pp. 2312-2318 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Beeckmans
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Numerical Solutions ◽  
Coagulation Factor ◽  
Dispersion Parameter ◽  
Particle Size Range ◽  
Mean Particle Size ◽  
A Value ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Differential Sedimentation ◽  
Smoluchowski’S Equation

Smoluchowski's equations for the coagulation of uncharged aerosol particles were programmed for solution by electronic computer. Terms representing differential sedimentation, turbulence, and mean aggregate density in solid aerosols were included. The effect of heterogeneity in the particle-size distribution of the aerosols on their rate of coagulation was illustrated by means of a slip-corrected coagulation factor Fc, which assumes a value of unity in all non-turbulent homogeneous aerosols. Curves of Fc vs. σg, the geometrical standard deviation, were calculated for aerosols of various mean particle-size. The effects due to turbulence, and to differential sedimentation, were illustrated in a similar manner. It was also found that the process of coagulation gives rise to a degree of dispersion which is independent of the original dispersion parameter, and depends only slightly on the mean particle-size of the aerosol over a wide range of particle-sizes. In the particle-size range in which differential sedimentation is inappreciable, the relatively constant value of the dispersion parameter implies that heterogeneous aerosols must obey the simplified integrated form of Smoluchowski's equation, which is applicable to homogeneous aerosols. The coagulation constant exceeds that predicted by the simple theory by about 10% for liquid aerosols of 0.1 μ or less.

scholarly journals On the spectrum of vertically propagating gravity waves generated by a transient heat source

2004 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1063-1090 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Alexander ◽  
J. R. Holton
Keyword(s):  
Heat Source ◽  
Gravity Waves ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Convective Heating ◽  
Frequency Spectra ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Frequency Components ◽  
High Frequency Waves ◽  
Vertically Propagating ◽  
Group Velocities

Abstract. It is commonly believed that cumulus convection preferentially generates gravity waves with tropospheric vertical wavelengths approximately twice the depth of the convective heating. Individual cumulonimbus, however, act as short term transient heat sources (duration 10 to 30 min). Gravity waves generated by such sources have broad frequency spectra and a wide range of vertical scales. The high-frequency components tend to have vertical wavelengths much greater than twice the depth of the heating. Such waves have large vertical group velocities, and are only observed for a short duration and at short horizontal distances from the convective source. At longer times and longer distances from the source the dominant wave components have short vertical wavelengths and much slower group velocities, and thus are more likely to be observed even though their contribution to the momentum flux in the upper stratosphere and mesosphere may be less than that of the high frequency waves. These properties of convectively generated waves are illustrated by a linear numerical model for the wave response to a specified transient heat source. The wave characteristics are documented through Fourier and Wavelet analysis, and implications for observing systems are discussed.

scholarly journals On Beauty … and the History of Business

2000 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 485-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathy Peiss
Keyword(s):  
Business Strategy ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Future Research ◽  
American Women ◽  
A Value ◽  
Sales And Marketing ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Large Sector ◽  
History Of

Beauty and business seem opposite terms but in fact have had an important and consequential relationship that business historians are only now exploring. This paper sketches several major themes and approaches to the topic. The first is the emergence of a large sector of the economy devoted to selling beauty aids, fashions, bodily care, and style to American women and men. Another is the deployment of beauty as a business strategy—in creating brands, sales, and marketing; in managing the workplace; and in projecting corporate identities. A third considers the sale of beauty itself, as a value added and attached to a wide range of goods, from art to bodies. These broad approaches suggest new directions for future research.

The problems and causes of match-fixing: are legal sports betting regimes to blame?

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minhyeok Tak ◽  
Michael P. Sam ◽  
Steven J. Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory System ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Sports Betting ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Policy Problem ◽  
A Value ◽  
Incentive Structures ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
National Boundaries

Purpose Sport match-fixing has emerged as a complex global problem. The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it critically reviews how match-fixing is typified as a policy problem. Second, it advances an analysis of the legal framework and regulatory system for sports betting as a causal source for “routinized” match-fixing. Design/methodology/approach This study extracts and synthesises (cross-national) materials from policies, media releases and scholarly works on the subject of match-fixing and sports betting. The analysis is framed by the contrasts between rational choice and sociological institutionalist approaches. Findings Match-fixing is typically attributed to: criminal organisations and illegal sports betting; vulnerable individuals; and failure of governance on the part of sports organisations. Each cause holds assumptions of utility-maximising actors and it is argued that due consideration be given to the fundamental risks inherent in legal sports betting regimes. Research limitations/implications Match-fixing in sport is a recurrent social problem, transcending national boundaries and involving a wide range of actors and, sporting disciplines and levels of competition. Within such an environment, it may matter little how strong the incentive structures and education programmes are, when betting on human beings is both normatively and cognitively advanced as a value and institutionally permitted as a practice. Originality/value This paper argues that legal betting regimes paradoxically contribute to routinised match-fixing because: for betting customers there is no qualitative, ethical difference between legal and illegal operators; and legalisation serves to normalise and legitimate the view of athletes as objects for betting (like cards or dice).

Recent Progress in the Studies of Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flows at Microgravity Conditions

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomoji Takamasa ◽  
Takashi Hibiki
Keyword(s):  
Recent Progress ◽  
Interfacial Area ◽  
Phase System ◽  
Two Phase Flows ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Interfacial Area Transport ◽  
Drift Flux ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Microgravity Conditions ◽  
Heat Loads

In a thermal system of spacecraft, two-phase flow system now is an excellent alternative to the conventional single-phase system in transporting large amount of thermal energy at a uniform temperature regardless of variations in the heat loads. In addition, two-phase flows exist in a wide range of applications and enabling technologies in space. This report outlines recent progress in the studies of gas-liquid two-phase flows at microgravity conditions, especially for which regarding to interfacial area transport and drift flux.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document