Ana Sofia Matos

Characterisation of nutrient profile of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus), and purple corn (Zea mays L.) consumed in the North of Argentina: proximates, minerals and trace elements.

Quinoa, amaranth and purple corn are Andean cereals largely consumed in North of Argentina. Nutrient analysis with the purpose of inclusion in the Argentinean FCDB and e-search EuroFIR has become urgent matter. In this work proximate and mineral profile of Andean cereals cultivated in the North of Argentina were determined and compared with rice. Proximate analysis showed that Andean cereals have similar profile but significantly higher (p<0.05) than rice. Andean cereals are rich sources of iron, copper, manganese and zinc and better than rice. Phosphorus and magnesium quinoa content could contribute up to 55% of consumers DRI. Andean cereals and rice are poor sources of potassium. To guarantee the interchange of data among users and producers of FCDB component values were obtained in compliance with EuroFIR guidelines for compilation process. Present work provides necessary information to FCDB users who wish to have access to food reference analytical parameters.

Protein content and amino acids profile of pseudocereals

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus) and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) represent the main protein source in several diets, although these pseudocereals are not currently present in the FCDB nutrient profile information. The aim of this work is to characterise the AA profile of these pseudocereals and compare them with rice. Total protein content revealed to vary from 16.3g/100g (quinoa Salta) to 13.1g/100g (buckwheat) and lower values were found in rice samples (6.7g/100g). For pseudocereals the most abundant essential AA was leucine. Quinoa-Salta evidences the highest leucine content (1013mg/100g) and the minor methionine content (199mg/100g). Buckwheat was the cereal with the highest phenylalanine content (862mg/100g). Rice (Oryza sativa) presents the lowest content for all AA. Results showed pseudocereals as the best source of AA. EuroFIR guidelines where strictly followed and proved to be a crucial tool to guarantee data interchangeability and comparability.

Experimental approaches for the estimation of uncertainty in analysis of trace inorganic contaminants in foodstuffs by ICP-MS

Total Diet Studies to estimate dietary exposure to food contaminants need to evaluate laboratory measurements data variance. In this process it is critical that data from analytical methods are reliable to correctly scrutinize and compare values over time and between countries. In Europe it is widely recognized that the evaluation of measurement uncertainty is an important parameter when assessing the sources of analytical data variability. Two approaches are considered to estimate uncertainty in analytical measurement. Arsenic, Lead, Chromium and Cadmium, content in several food matrix determined by Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) microwave digestion assisted, are used as examples. The aim of the present research work is to compare both approaches accepted by Eurolab and GUM: Mathematical modeling to assess uncertainty components based on a classical model (bottom up) and an empirical method (top down), based on either experimental data obtained from a single laboratory validation data or inter-laboratory data from Proficiency Testing schemes. Relative expanded uncertainty calculated by both approaches agree when U (%) <20%. These values are concordant with RSDR reported in collaborative studies of EN 15763 (2009), which were assumed as target uncertainty. The top down approach described is simple and easy to use when compared with the mathematical modeling approach providing considerable benefits to those who assess data produced by several laboratories.

Optimizing UPLC isocyanate determination through a Taguchi experimental design approach

The development of a chromatographic procedure for an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography can be a very time‐consuming task, as the general approach for finding the appropriate operating conditions has been a trial‐and‐error process. The present study reports a novel approach in the field of ultra‐performance liquid chromatography by using statistical experimental design based on Taguchis method, which allows a complete separation of nine isocyanates present in a complex matrix. The resolution between two adjacent peaks was considered as a quality characteristic and transformed to a Taguchi signal‐to‐noise ratio. An orthogonal array L9 (34) was selected to analyze the effect of four chromatographic factors, that is, proportion of solvent, percent triethylamine (v/v), temperature (°C), and flow (mL min−1), with three levels each. The joint analysis performed to the significant factors achieved in the eight analyses of variance allowed to identify two methods to conduct a complete separation of all peaks. Six isocyanates were separated with the first method, with all factors at the lowest level. The remaining three isocyanates were separated with the second method, with the proportion of solvent at the highest level and the other factors at the lowest level. The overall Taguchi experimental design identified the proportion of solvent and the flow rate as major chromatographic factors. Finally, confirmatory experiments were performed with samples prepared with six and three isocyanates, confirming the complete separation of all isocyanates in the study.

Effects of etomidate in the adrenal and cytokine responses to hemorrhagic shock in rats

Hemorrhagic shock (HS) induces a compensatory endocrine and cytokine response which aims to restore homeostasis. This response can be modulated by general anesthetics. To our knowledge, no studies have evaluated if etomidate modulates this response in experimental HS. After being premedicated with buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg subcutaneously), male Wistar rats were anaesthetized with 5% isoflurane and divided into three groups: G1 (control, n = 16), G2 (n = 13), and G3 (n = 14). G2 and G3 were subjected to HS by collecting 30% of their blood volume and resuscitated 90 min later with the collected blood and normal saline, in a 1:3 ratio, respectively. G3 received etomidate (1 mg/kg IV) before HS. Blood gas analysis, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone, and plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 mRNA obtained through real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were measured at 0, 90, 150, and 240 min after HS induction. Compared with G2, etomidate-treated animals had significantly lower corticosterone, PO2, PO2/FiO2, base excess and HCO3, and higher TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α mRNA levels (P <0.05). Etomidate-treated rats showed impaired adrenal and increased cytokine response to HS and evidence of worse tissue oxygenation and lung dysfunction. Based on these results, and until further studies are performed to confirm if these findings occur in clinical patients, we suggest that etomidate should be used cautiously in HS.

Z and W charts for controlling service processes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the causes for the discrepancy between the utilization of statistical process control (SPC) in services and manufacturing. Furthermore, an approach for integrating customer demands and technical aspects of a service is presented. Services are very often characterized by a large number of characteristics, with relatively few observations. This research addresses a methodology based on Z and W charts, proposing it for the control of service features. An example associated with service provision is presented to illustrate the computation of Z and W as well as its interpretation. Design/methodology/approach The shortcomings of traditional control charts are stated and compared with the control charts for Z and W. An example illustrates how to utilize these charts, their ability to monitor several characteristics simultaneously, along with a continuous monitoring of process capability. Findings The proposed approach allowed the representation of several process characteristics in the same charts, even when those characteristics are not collected with the same periodicity. The Z and W charts are dimensionless and can be applied whenever it is possible to estimate process parameters, being an interesting approach to be utilized in Phase 2 of SPC. The difficulty for identifying the existence of non-random patterns emerges as the major shortcoming for these charts. Research limitations/implications The proposed approach is a contribute to overcoming the discrepancy that persists between the utilization of SPC in services and manufacturing. Nevertheless, service production and consumption are frequently simultaneous, which constitutes an issue hard to deal with that is not fully addressed in this piece of research. Furthermore, the Z charts also present some disadvantages, notably an increased difficulty for analyzing the existence of non-random patterns, which worsens as increases the number of products/quality characteristics to be checked. Practical implications The proposed charts are very flexible and provide a rational utilization of resources. In fact, the representation of several processes is possible, along with the traditional analysis of patterns, thus providing an effective approach for controlling services processes. Social implications Several quantitative approaches that have been utilized in manufacturing for a long time are still scarce in services. However, services play a major role in modern economies, being clear that improvements in service provision might have a direct impact on society. Originality/value The approach was based on the utilization of Z/W with samples, but it can be extended to individual observations or even to the control of discrete variables. Additionally, a methodology for process capability analysis in real-time is also proposed.

Etomidate decreases adrenal gland apoptosis and necrosis associated with hemorrhagic shock in a rat model (Rattus norvegicus)

Abstract Purpose: Evaluate if etomidate modulates adrenal apoptosis and if this influences the development of critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) in hemorrhagic shock (HS). Material and methods: Four groups of 16 male Wistar rats: G0 (control group anesthetized with isoflurane and mechanical ventilation), G1 (like G0, but with buprenorphine), G2 (like G1 with HS), and G3 (like G2 with etomidate 1 mg/kg, IV, before HS). HS induced by collecting 30% of blood volume. Resuscitation performed 90 min later with the collected blood and normal saline. Hemodynamic parameters, blood gas analysis, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone (CS), and TNF-α, IL6, IL10 were determined at 0, 90, 150, and 240 min post-HS induction (at the corresponding time points in G0 and G1). Apoptosis and necrosis were determined by TUNEL and caspase-3 immunofluorescence and a necrosis score, respectively. Results: HS groups had significantly higher levels of apoptosis and necrosis than G1 and G0. Compared with G2, etomidate-treated animals had significantly lower levels of CS (compatible with CIRCI), PO2, PO2/FiO2, BE, HCO3, apoptosis, and necrosis and significantly higher cytokine levels. Conclusions: Etomidate was associated with CIRCI. HS was associated with adrenal gland apoptosis and necrosis. The latter were decreased by etomidate, possibly by both direct and indirect mechanisms.

Statistical Process Control for a Limited Amount of Data

Some production systems control many quality characteristics with a restricted number of data, not allowing estimation conveniently the process parameters (mean and variance). So, it is created a difficulty in implementing the traditional Statistical Process Control (SPC). In order to answer this question, the approach suggested is to adopt the developments by Charles Quesenberry, which consists in the statistics sample transformation at time i. This transformation is based on parameters estimation at time (i � 1). This paper addresses two situations, the univariate and multivariate SPC, with the use of statistics dimensionless Q. Both univariate (Q) and multivariate (MQ) statistics are distributed according to standard Normal distribution. It is also suggested the application of capability indices QL and QU to study the univariate process capability, which are represented in the mean Q control chart to evaluate in real time the performance of the various processes and predict the possibility of production of nonconforming product, which will allow increase customer satisfaction. The methodology is applicable to different production systems, both for industry and services. Based on a methodology developed, a case study is presented and discussed.

Road Map to the Statistical Process Control

Since 1920s, when Walter Shewhart first introduced the foundations for control charts, that several developments regarding new implementations of the statistical process control (SPC) have been presented in order to suit different situations that can be found in several processes. It is noted, among others, the Short Run SPC, data non-normality, the presence of auto-correlation in process data, detection of small and moderate shifts in process parameters and the simultaneous control of various quality characteristics. This great diversity of situations is crucial for academic researchers and quality managers in making decisions regarding the choice of the best technique to implement the statistical processes control. For answering this diversity of situations in production systems, this paper presents a road map that allows the decision maker choosing the best technique for implementation. Various techniques are shown, such as the traditional Shewhart control charts, cumulative sums (CUSUM) charts, exponential weighted moving average (EWMA) charts, dimensionless Z/W and Q charts, residuals/forecast errors charts to processes with a significant autocorrelation and multivariate control charts.

Average Run Length Performance Approach to Determine the Best Control Chart When Process Data is Autocorrelated

Most conventional Statistical Process Control techniques have been developed under the assumption of the independence of observations. However, due to advances in data sensing and capturing technologies, larger volumes of data are routinely being collected from individual units in manufacturing industries and therefore data autocorrelation phenomena is more likely to occur. Following this changes in manufacturing industries, many researchers have focused on the development of appropriate SPC techniques for autocorrelated data. This paper presents a methodology to be applied when the data exhibit autocorrelation and, in parallel, to evidence the strong capabilities that simulation can provide as a key tool to determine the best control chart to be used, taking into account the process’s dynamic behavior. To illustrate the proposed methodology and the important role of simulation, a numerical example with data collected from a pulp and paper industrial process is provided. A set of control charts based on the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) statistic was studied and the in and out-of-control average run length was chosen as performance criteria.The proposed methodology constitutes a useful tool for selecting the best control chart, taking into account the autocorrelated structure of the collected data.