Gluten-free pasta production from banana and cassava flours with egg white protein and soy protein addition

Egg white protein and soy protein were incorporated into a banana and cassava flour blend (75:25) to produce gluten-free pasta. The objectives of study were to investigate the effects of the different protein sources on the physico-chemical properties of gluten-free pasta. The levels of protein inclusion were 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% of composite flour (w/w) for each type of protein. Pasta made from 100% durum wheat semolina was used as controls. The protein fortification affected the total starch, resistant starch and protein content of gluten-free pasta compared to semolina pasta. No significant effects of soy/egg white protein addition were found in either insoluble or soluble dietary fibre content. Cooking properties of pasta (optimum cooking time, swelling index, water adsorption index and cooking loss) and texture properties (firmness and extensibility) were affected by the level of protein addition and the type of protein. Results showed the utilisation of 25% cassava flour and protein inclusion have a promising application in gluten-free pasta production.     

Mine water effluent quality in the Illawarra region

The mining industry in the Illawarra region exists in one of the most environmentally sensitive areas. An assessment of various water quality parameters are presented for nine mine effluent discharges. Water pollution problems and receiving water quality impacts from various sources are identified. Further studies are required for more precise assessment and quantification.     

The Lantern Slide: Legibility and Production

This paper describes an investigation, carried out in the context of a teaching hospital and medical school, into the comparative legibility of slides produced by the reproduction methods most commonly used, indicates variations in legibility with different audiences and goes on to describe photographic methods whereby all the common forms of line slide can be mode with almost equal ease.     

Design of problem-based learning activities in the field of microfluidics for 12- to 13-year-old participants—Small Plumbing!: empowering the next generation of microfluidic engineers

Public engagement activities based on microfluidics are being increasingly delivered and reported on in the literature. Here, we evaluate the success of a novel approach to microfluidics outreach recently undertaken with schoolchildren aged 12–13. Unlike previous work, a problem-based learning approach was adopted whereby participants were asked to design and test a microfluidic system to solve a research challenge. Our aim was to develop understanding of microfluidics design, manufacture and operation via involvement in the full engineering cycle of a product, from ideas to design, and from fabrication to test. This article demonstrates that problem-based learning is a successful method of public engagement with microfluidics, and we share our best practice, including activity design, supporting material produced for the project and an example case study detailing the types of chips produced by the participants. Furthermore, following an evaluation of the activity by all participants recommendations for delivery of this, or similar, activities are provided.     

Theorizing gender in the face of social change: Is there anything essential about essentialism?

The authors examine how beliefs about the stability of the social hierarchy moderate the link between sexism and essentialist beliefs about gender and how the expression of essentialist beliefs might reciprocally affect the social structure. Studies 1 (N = 240) and 2 (N = 143) presented gender-based inequality as stable, changing, or changed. In both studies, sexism was positively associated with essentialism only among men and only when inequality was presented as changing. Study 3 (N = 552) explored the possible consequences of expressing essentialist theories for social change. Exposure to essentialist theories increased both men's and women's acceptance of inequality. Exposure further increased men's support for discriminatory practices and boosted their self-esteem. These patterns demonstrate that although essentialism is linked to prejudice, this link is itself not essential. Rather, essentialism may be invoked strategically to protect higher status when this is threatened by change and may be successful in so doing. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Ultrafine Particle Deposition in a Human Tracheobronchial Cast

The deposition of 0.20, 0.15, and 0.04 μm diameter particles was measured in a human central airway cast using a variable larynx with cyclic inspiratory flow. Data were compared with theoretical predictions for deposition from laminar flow for the first seven airway generations. With the exception of tracheal deposition, which on average exceeded predictions by a factor of 9, the measured deposition was about twice that predicted. The enhanced deposition is attributable to secondary swirling flows. Less enhancement is observed at higher inspiratory flow rates as turbulence increases. The surface density of particles deposited at bifurcations was approximately 20% greater than along the airway lengths. This increased deposition at bifurcations should be considered when calculating tissue dose for particles which act before the initial deposit is removed by clearance processes.