Molecular Microbiology of Heavy Metals (Microbiology Monographs)

About Molecular Microbiology of Heavy Metals (Microbiology Monographs) detail

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3100211 in Books
• Published on: 2007-05-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 460 pages

Molecular Microbiology of Heavy Metals (Microbiology Monographs) Description

All forms of life depend on a variety of heavy metal ions. Nearly one-third of all gene products require a metal ion for proper folding or function. However, even metals generally regarded as non-poisonous are toxic at higher concentrations, including the essential ones. Thus, sensitive regulation of metal uptake, storage, allocation and detoxification is needed to maintain cellular homeostasis of heavy metal ions.

Molecular Microbiology of Heavy Metals includes chapters on allocation of metals in cells, metal transporter, storage and metalloregulatory proteins, cellular responses to metal ion stress, transcription of genes involved in metal ion homeostasis, uptake of essential metals, metal efflux and other detoxification mechanisms. Also discussed are metal bioreporters for the nanomolar range of concentration and tools to address the metallome. Chapters in the second part cover specific metals such as Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, Co, Zn and Mo as key nutrient elements and Ag, As, Cd, Hg and Cr as toxic elements.

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Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Book and CD-ROM Set

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Very Useful
In my industry I have found this text to be a very valuable resource. I recomend anyone associated with chemicals have one on their desks.

AN ALL-ENCOMPASSING REFERENCE TOOL
Also available in CD-ROM, this all-in-one resource is an authoritative reference which many scientists and learners can count on. Since its first appearance some eighty years ago, this dictionary has established itself as the ultimate tool of choice for researchers.
Its extensive coverage of chemicals and pharmaceuticals is hard to rival. Users of this dictionary appreciate its concise definition of both terms and phenomena. Anybody who seeks a solid all-encompassing chemical lexicon will get the ultimate satisfaction here. Its 1300 pages are filled with the most up-to-date definitions.
The only sour point, though, is that its price is on the high side. Still, it is not a bad investment.

Excellant book for practical chemists, researches, students.
This book provides condensed and prompt information not only on chemistry related subjects, but biology, biochemistry, and many more. It has very good cross referances. I think anybody who decided to buy Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary would not regret it.

About Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Book and CD-ROM Set detail

• Amazon Sales Rank: #476805 in Books
• Published on: 2007-05-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 1379 pages

Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Book and CD-ROM Set Description

Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 15th Edition is a compilation of technical data and descriptive information covering thousands of chemicals and chemical phenomena, trade name products, processes, reactions, products, and related terminology. Organized to meet the needs of those who have only minutes to devote to any given substance or topic, the 15th Edition updates and expands the coverage from the previous edition.

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American Drug Index 2008: Published by Facts & Comparisons (American Drug Index)

About American Drug Index 2008: Published by Facts & Comparisons (American Drug Index) detail

• Amazon Sales Rank: #551123 in Books
• Published on: 2007-11-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 1168 pages

American Drug Index 2008: Published by Facts & Comparisons (American Drug Index) Description

The American Drug Index provides the identification, explanation, and correlation of thousands of pharmaceuticals in concise dictionary format with extensive cross-referencing. This comprehensive drug listing includes composition, strength, doseform, packaging, schedule, and usage for approximately 22,000 brand and official USP generic drugs. Appendices include Cancer Chemotherapy Regimens, New Drugs, and Discontinued Drugs.

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Laboratory and Diagnostic Test Handbook

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Excellent for Laboratory and Diagnostic Test References
The book provides an excellent source of information regarding laboratory and diagnostic testing. The book also provides nursing considerations and interventions in an easy-to-read format for quick and easy reference of informative material. I would highly recommend this book to any practicing nurse or nursing student.

About Laboratory and Diagnostic Test Handbook detail

• Amazon Sales Rank: #603533 in Books
• Published on: 1995-08-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 825 pages

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Organic Chemistry - Textbook Only

About Organic Chemistry - Textbook Only detail

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1927486 in Books
• Published on: 2002
• Format: Student Edition
• Binding: Hardcover
• 1421 pages

Organic Chemistry - Textbook Only Description

With a reputation for outstanding scientific quality, Organic Chemistry by G. Marc Loudon is a textbook that students will actually want to read. This much-anticipated fourth edition continues its predecessors' popular and unique mechanistic approach within a functional group framework. Enhanced biological and biochemical material make it ideal for chemistry majors as well as premedical and prepharmacy students taking a full-year, sophomore level course. Loudon's excellent use of language and reader-friendly style transform organic chemistry into a logical, understandable, and exciting subject for students. In use at undergraduate and graduate schools of all levels, this authoritative yet accessible volume is packed with effective analogies that enliven and clarify rigorous discussions of important concepts. For example, Loudon uses a flute player jumping between musical octaves to explain transitions between quantum levels. An engaging detective with combined characteristics from Sherlock Holmes and James Bond depicts resonance structures. Thanks to humorous characters like Flick Flaskflinger and Professor Havno Scentz, problem solving becomes simultaneously challenging and entertaining. Varying from the routine to the complex, Loudon's problems are renowned for their originality, their range of difficulty levels, and their ability to teach students to understand and predict organic reactivity rather than just memorize facts. In addition, Loudon blends biological, environmental, and industrial applications of organic chemistry into the body of the text--rather than separating them as "special topics"--giving students an integrated sense of the subject in its real-life context.

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Emerging Organic Pollutants in Waste Waters and Sludge (Handbook of Environmental Chemistry)

About Emerging Organic Pollutants in Waste Waters and Sludge (Handbook of Environmental Chemistry) detail

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2108299 in Books
• Published on: 2005-03-14
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 280 pages

Emerging Organic Pollutants in Waste Waters and Sludge (Handbook of Environmental Chemistry) Description

Over the past fifteen years regulatory agencies have relied on their approaches to characterise and control the release of toxic substances into the aquatic environment: a GC/MS analysis for U.S. EPA designated 126 priority pollutants and 132 dangerous substances according to the European 76/464/CEE Directive and on the bioassays with aquatic bioorganisms.
"Emerging Contaminants" correspond in most cases to irregulated contaminants, e.g. surfactants, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCP), or gasoline additives.
These two volumes, 5/I and 5/O, of this Handbook deal with the analytical, toxicological and environmental issues of these toxicants. Based on results of up-to-date research they give the reader a balanced view on this rapidly developing and complex subject.

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The Usborne Illustrated Dictionary of Science (Usborne Illustrated Dictionaries)

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Excellent for many topics
This book gives a simplified explanations for many topics in science. It covers biology, chemistry, and physics. It also includes detailed drawings for many topics. The explanations are simple enough that many 8th graders are able to understand them. As a science teacher I love this book. I makes rewording topics for students to understand a breeze. It was also a good refresher for any topics I hadn't studied in a while.

One of the best books I've ever owned
My parents bought me this book in hardcover about ten years ago, and it has been indispensible. It covers a broad enough base of information so well, and with enough depth, that it has been a constant and indispensible reference for me through GCSE science in the UK, high school chemistry in the US, and even sometimes during my undergrad chemistry and physics. The illustrations are wonderful, and the explainations lucid. I would definitely recommend this for anyone with a child in school, or anyone who wants to look at a bit of basic science.

Absolutely brilliant.
About 15 years ago, as a 9 year old, I read the three books that make up this Dictionary of Science (the Biology, Physics and Chemistry ones). I was completely captivated by them, and read them over and over again. The science is pitched at exactly the right level for children: the colourful illustrations and short sections retain a child's attention. I went on to take biology, physics and chemistry A-levels at age 17, and went on to study Medicine at Cambridge University in England. Obviously there was more to this achievement than the Usborne books I read as a child, but I honestly do attribute much of my initial interest to them.

About The Usborne Illustrated Dictionary of Science (Usborne Illustrated Dictionaries) detail

• Amazon Sales Rank: #396779 in Books
• Published on: 2007-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 382 pages

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Medical Statistics from A to Z: A Guide for Clinicians and Medical Students

About Medical Statistics from A to Z: A Guide for Clinicians and Medical Students detail

• Amazon Sales Rank: #613565 in Books
• Published on: 2007-01-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 258 pages

Medical Statistics from A to Z: A Guide for Clinicians and Medical Students Description

From 'Abcissa' to 'Zygosity determination' - this accessible introduction to the terminology of medical statistics describes more than 1500 terms all clearly explained, illustrated and defined in non-technical language, without any mathematical formulae! With the majority of terms revised and updated and the addition of more than 100 brand new definitions, this new edition will enable medical students to quickly grasp the meaning of any of the statistical terms they encounter when reading the medical literature. Furthermore, annotated comments are used judiciously to warn the unwary of some of the common pitfalls that accompany some cherished biomedical statistical techniques. Wherever possible, the definitions are supplemented with a reference to further reading where the reader may gain a deeper insight, so whilst the definitions are easily disgestible, they also provide a stepping stone to a more sophisticated comprehension. Statistical terminology can be quite bewildering for clinicians: this guide will be a lifesaver.

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Spectroscopy

When a sample is illuminated with broad-band white light some of this energy may absorbed at discrete wavelengths by constituent molecules. The measured deficiencies in exiting energies can provide the identifying 'finger print' of the constituent molecule. In the NIR region the observed absorption bands are either overtones or combinations of overtones of fundamental bands originating in the mid infrared region (2500 to 25000 nm).

These overtones and combination bands are much weaker (typically by a factor 1000) than their counterparts in the IR region and characteristically have broad bandwidths ">(typically 30-40 nm FWHM). Low absorptivity in the NIR allows the use of long path lengths and making for minimal or no sample preparation; a significant advantage for in-line analyses.

Some typical spectra show the need to use chemometrics.

Figure 2: Typical IR Spectrum

Figure 3: Typical NIR Fruit Spectrum

source: http://pelm.cqu.edu.au/FCWViewer/view.do;jsessionid=8a4d179b30da84c6ab46b542410c940ff362ffd0c654.e34MaxeRbhuObi0LahqPa3qQc3z0n6jAmljGr5XDqQLvpAe?page=6109

The potential role of near infra red reflectance (NIR) monitoring in precision agriculture (PAG).

The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is probably one of the greatest challenges and opportunities of the 21st century to expand the horizons of soil and plant analysis by matching the spatial variability of soil properties and crop demand with a variable input of agro-resources in the field. The high cost of soil sampling and chemical and physical analysis by conventional laboratories has restricted the full implementation of this technique at field level. Near Infra Red (NIR) analysis could be a cost-effective solution, but a whole paradigm shift in philosophy is needed to move away from the traditional approach in soil testing of taking a 'perceived' representative sample in which all the spatial variation is lost, to using a combination of grid soil sampling at a sample intensity of 4 to 10 cores per ha, in which the sub samples are analysed separately using rapid but less accurate methods such as NIR. Agricultural industries worldwide are showing increasing interest in the potential applications of near infrared (NIR) analysis in the fields of soil fertility, cane nutrition, cane quality testing and screening for resistance to certain pests and diseases. Recent investigations in the sugar and wheat industries have demonstrated the feasibility of using NIR scanning techniques for mapping spatial variability of important soil properties on a field scale. Soil properties that have been calibrated include gravimetric soil water, clay, buffer capacity, pH, electrical conductivity, titratable acidity, organic matter, mineralizable nitrogen, potential ammonia volatilization from urea, potential nitrification rate, and urease activity. Mapping spatial variability in this way will enable better utilization of resources such as the application of fertilizers.

source: http://www.cababstractsplus.org/google/abstract.asp?AcNo=20053159362

Handbook of Near-Infrared Analysis, Third Edition (Practical Spectroscopy)

About Handbook of Near-Infrared Analysis, Third Edition (Practical Spectroscopy) detail

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1197767 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 826 pages

Handbook of Near-Infrared Analysis, Third Edition (Practical Spectroscopy) Description

Fast, inexpensive, and easy-to-use, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy can be used to analyze small samples of virtually any composition. The Handbook of Near Infrared Analysis, Third Edition explains how to perform accurate as well as time- and cost-effective analyses across a growing spectrum of disciplines. Presenting nearly 50% new and revised material, this thoroughly updated edition incorporates the latest advances in instrumentation, computerization, calibration, and method development in NIR spectroscopy. The book underscores current trends in sample preparation, calibration transfer, process control, data analysis, and commercial NIR instrumentation. New chapters highlight novel applications including the analysis of agro-forestry products, polymers, blood, and control serum. They also cover NIR spectra, process analytical technologies (PAT), quantitative and qualitative analyses for nutraceuticals, NIR photography uses in medicine, and counterfeit detection methods for pharmaceuticals and currency. Offering the most complete single-source guide of its kind, the Handbook of Near Infrared Analysis, Third Edition continues to offer practicing chemists and spectroscopists an unparalleled combination of theoretical foundations, cutting-edge applications, and practical experience provided firsthand by more than 60 experts in the field.

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"Nondestructive Direct Determination of Heroin in Seized Illicit Street Drugs by Diffuse Reflectance near-Infrared Spectroscopy"

Scientists in Spain are reporting an advance toward a new method for determining the purity of heroin that could save lives by allowing investigators to quickly identify impure and more toxic forms of the drug being sold on the street. Unlike conventional tests, it does not destroy the original drug sample, according to their report. It is scheduled for the Oct. 1 issue of ACS' Analytical Chemistry, a semi-monthly journal.

In the new study, Salvador Garrigues and colleagues point out that the purity of heroin can vary widely, since pushers often mix it with chalk, flour, or other "cutting agents." Because heroin users do not know the exact purity of the drug, they are more at risk for overdose and even death. Conventional tests for determining the purity of street heroin involve destructive and time-consuming sample preparation, the scientists say.

They studied 31 illicit drug samples from Spain that contained six to 34 percent heroin. The scientists tested the samples using the new analytical method, called Diffuse Reflectance Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (DR-NIR). It involves shooting a beam of infrared light into a sample to determine its chemical composition based on the wavelength of light emitted. The method quickly and accurately determined the chemical content of the samples without any prior sample preparation, the scientists say.

ATR Accessory enables polarized measurements in FT-IR.

Combining infrared spectroscopy with polarizer, Universal Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) Polarization Accessory provides polarized measurements, which offer additional information on molecular structure of sample and help characterize materials. Accessory is particularly suited for crystal structure analysis, polymer and fiber orientation studies, and structural analysis studies of biomolecules. Variable angle polarizer can be removed for non-polarized measurements.

source: http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/549568

Urodynamix Submits 510(k) Filing to FDA for Second Generation Bladder Monitor

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Sept. 17, 2008) - Urodynamix Technologies Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:URO) today announced that it has submitted a 510(k) filing to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its second-generation UroNIRS 2000 Bladder Monitor System - a non-invasive medical device that uses near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to diagnose lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a urology office setting.

UroNIRS 2000 is a standalone device that does not require conventional external or peripheral urodynamics equipment for its operation, unlike first generation UroNIRS technology. This will allow Urodynamix to broaden distribution of its UroNIRS products and expand from hospitals and clinics into urology office markets. This office-based device will provide Urodynamix and its current and future distribution partners with greater access to the 20 million men in the U.S. with symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who require diagnosis prior to effective treatment.

UroNIRS 2000 is based on a wireless tablet PC with Urodynamix's proprietary sensor configuration and is compact, portable and specifically designed for ease of use in the physician's office setting. The non-invasive procedure is used to confirm the presence of bladder outlet obstruction in men by identifying patients that have healthy bladder function yet suffer from weak urinary stream, hesitancy, urinary retention and related symptoms. UroNIRS 2000 is safer, faster, less expensive and more comfortable than conventional catheter-based diagnostics for the same condition. Clinical studies have shown that the UroNIRS device has an 86% success rate for accurately identifying obstructed male patients, most of whom are good surgical candidates.

Urodynamix will launch this new product with expanded distribution on a worldwide basis and expects to announce these new partnership(s) within 30 days.

"We are very pleased with the performance, quality, and customer-driven features of our UroNIRS system and are excited to be bringing this new technology to market as part of our strategy of developing the hospital market and then expanding into the Urologist office market," said Barry Allen, President and CEO of Urodynamix. "We look forward to FDA's review and the opportunity to provide our partners and physicians with an important new non-invasive approach to managing a widespread, chronic condition such as LUTS."

The typical review period for a 510(k) submission is approximately 90 days, and Urodynamix expects the first commercial orders of UroNIRS to ship in the first quarter of 2009 upon regulatory clearance.

About Urodynamix Technologies Ltd.

Urodynamix Technologies is a Canadian medical device company developing and commercializing non-invasive medical technology based on proprietary applications of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The Company is currently focused on products that aid in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence, lower urinary tract symptoms, prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and traumatic increases in intra-abdominal pressure that cause abdominal compartment syndrome. Urodynamix's breakthrough medical technology has the potential to beneficially affect more than 200 million people worldwide.

Certain information contained in this press release may be forward-looking and is subject to unknown risks, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth or implied herein. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove correct.

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

source: http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Urodynamix-Technologies-Ltd-TSX-VENTURE-URO-900825.html

Portable NIR Food Analyzer Kit

Analyze protein, oil, and moisture content on site!
◗ Displays results in less than one minute
Enhance the profitability of your grains and dairy products by ensuring their optimum protein, oil, and
moisture contents. Analyzer is designed for rugged use—take with you on the plant floor or in the field.
Meter analyzes protein and oil both on an “as-is” basis and a constant moisture (CM) basis. Simply pour
sample into sample holder and place holder into the meter. Results are displayed in less than one minute.
Download data to your 486 computer or better with the included calibration software and RS-232 cable.
Factory-set calibrations for HRS, HRW, protein and moisture in SWW, durum wheat, SRW,
2 row barley, 6 row barley, oats, corn, soybean, canola, mustard, flax, milo, or long-and medium-grain
rough rice. Oil calibration is included with corn, soybean, canola, mustard, and flax calibrations.

NIR Spectrometer covers 190-1,100 nm spectral range

Back thinned CCD UV-to-Near-IR spectrometer offers 2 nm (FWHM) spectral resolution, ±0.5 nm wavelength accuracy, and slit width of 25 µm. It minimizes stray light with holographic aberration-corrected flat field concave grating and optimized optical bench, which reduces noise and helps improve throughput. Optical input can be supplied through SMA905 connector. Instrument is supplied with software that allows users to configure it for large dynamic range or high sensitivity operation. source: http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/820046

FOSS NIRSystems Launches New Web Site

FOSS NIRSystems, Inc. is proud to announce its new website for all your Near-Infrared (NIR) analyzer needs. Please visit us at www.foss-nirsystems.com for information about FOSS NIRSystems products, education services, product support, distributors and applications in the pharmaceutical, chemical and other areas.

FOSS NIRSystems, Inc. is a unit of FOSS A/S and the world's leading supplier of laboratory, at-line and process NIR solutions. FOSS NIRSystems has more than 40 years of industry experience and over 18,000 successful installations worldwide. XDS NIR analyzers can be used throughout the manufacturing processes – from raw material inspection and in-process testing to final product release.

Rudolph launches DigiPol DS saccharimeters

Rudolph Instruments has introduced the DigiPol DS series of saccharimeters, designed to meet the range of requirements for the sugar industry.

The DS Series features three models.

The DigiPol - DS 11 is suited for refined sugar testing using lead at 589nm.

The DigiPol - DS 21 is for raw sugar testing without lead using the NIR package at 880nm.

The DigiPol - DS 41 has two wavelength 589nm visible and 880nm NIR for both with and without sugar testing with automatic wavelength changeover.

DigiPol saccharimeters can be easily configured for measuring any sugar in any length cell.

The saccharimeters are supported by Rudolph Instruments with a range of accessories, and services including sample cells, calibration standards, and calibration services.

การใช้โ้โปรแกรม SPSS for Windows 11.5 ในการวิเคราะห์ค์ความแปรปรวนแบบวัดซ้ํ้ำา และการวิเคราะห์ค์ความแปรปรวนร่ว่วม

การวิเคราะห์ความแปรปรวนเมื่อมีการวัดซ้ำ (Repeated Measures ANOVA)

รายงานการประชุม The 1st Asian NIR Symposium and The 24th Japanese NIR Forum

รายงานการประชุม
The 1st Asian NIR Symposium and The 24th Japanese NIR Forum
10-12 พฤศจิกายน 2551
Tsukuba International Congress Center
Tsukuba city, ประเทศญี่ปุ่น

ugar Determination in Grapes Using NIR Technology

In the last years, the interest in near infrared (NIR) technology is growing. Among the advantages offered by NIR spectroscopy are: speed, low cost, high repeatability, high reproducibility, and nondestructive. The purpose of this paper is to study the possibility of using NIR reflectance spectroscopy for correlation with sugar contents in grapes of the following varieties: Garnacha and Viura. These procedures were performance: fruits were hand-harvested and 30 grapes of each variety were selected. Mass, sugar and NIR (800-2500 nm) reflectance spectra of all the samples were obtained. The harvesting lasted long to obtain a wide range of the sugar content. Data were analysed using SPSS and SAS. It is possible a correlationship between NIR spectra and sugar (°Brix) so we can predict °Brix of grape with NIR technology. Multilinear Regressions were obtained. So, Viura multilinear regression used 33 variables (R² = 0,925; standard error of estimate = 1,0446) and Garnacha, 63 variables (R² = 0,89; standard error of estimate = 1,0508).

source: http://www.springerlink.com/content/bt1j2gbvqyln6awe/

Feasibility study of NIR diffuse optical tomography on agricultural produce

It is desirable to monitor the quality of fresh fruit and vegetables since it benefits both producers, by offering a competitive advantage, and consumers, by improving consistency and hence encouraging a more healthy and varied diet. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a candidate technology for monitoring agricultural produce quality. Here there has been a recent trend toward transmission-based geometries which interrogates deeper into the sample. NIR tomography is the natural progression of this, offering the possibility of detecting internal defects. The aim of this study was to evaluate a NIR tomograph built from relatively low-cost components. This comprised a stabilised VIS/NIR broadband source; a diode-array NIR spectrometer and a sample turntable. The angular positions of the detector and turntable could be moved independently of each other using two stepper motors under computer control. An experimental approach was adopted to generate a linear 'difference image' reconstruction matrix using 47 mm diameter potato cores, with a nominal length of 65 mm. and a 10 mm diameter black rod acting as an internal absorbing perturbation. The reconstruction matrix was generated for a single wavelength (689 nm) using multiple linear regression and evaluated for the case of two perturbing rods. The reconstructed image was of comparable quality to that typically obtained from other so-called 'soft-field' tomographic techniques. Although conducted under highly simplified conditions, the results suggest NIR tomography has potential for monitoring internal defects in agricultural produce.

source: Postharvest biology and technology

CHEMOMETRIC PROCESSING OF FT-RAMAN AND NEAR-INFRARED SPECTRAL DATA FOR NUTRITIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF CEREAL PRODUCTS

Classification of nutritional components in cereal products based on their relative content of total dietary fiber, fat, protein and sugar was accomplished using two spectroscopic methods, Fourier transform Raman (FT-Raman) and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. FT-Raman spectra (202-3399 cm-1) and NIR spectra (400-2500 nm) of one hundred twenty ground cereal samples were collected and utilized for chemometric analysis. Classification of the samples according to high and low content of each component was attempted using soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) and discriminant partial least squares (PLS) regression. The selection of x-variables (frequency regions) and various preprocessing of the spectral data were investigated to improve the accuracy.

source: http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?seq_no_115=179721

Software and Chemometric Products

Middleton Research is collaborating with its US and European partners on unique chemometric software that reduces the calibration sample preparation burden, which is usually the most expensive part of the implementation of infrared and near-infrared process instruments.

The use of NIR spectroscopy for the estimation of properties in agricultural and forest soils from SE Spain

Carle & Montanari now stronger on the global market

Packaging Division of this long-standing firm to move to the new plant in Imola.

More than a century of business, thousands of complete plants installed all over the globe and a brand - Carle & Montanari – that is synonymous the world over with chocolate-making and packaging machines. A Sacmi Group company, originally founded in 1907 by Enrico Carle, Carle & Montanari is now preparing for an equally successful, even higher-quality future by moving its Packaging division from Bologna to Imola.

As of this February the Carle & Montanari production lines will be setting up home at the Sacmi Packaging plant in Imola. This transfer that stems from a dual need: to acquire extra space for the manufacture of wrapping machines – so as to keep pace with steadily growing demand – and, above all, to implement the company's future development plans, which see Carle & Montanari as protagonists not just in the traditional core business of wrapping but also in the 'end of line' segment – that is, the machines for forming cardboard containers and palletizers for transport of the finished product to storage areas.

The goal, then, is to supply complete turnkey lines to ensure an ever-stronger presence in the packaging industry. A future that is now within reach thanks to promising production and design synergies with the SACMI PACKAGING Division of Imola. For over twenty years now this division has produced and marketed outstanding machines and complete packaging-palletizing systems and will therefore be able to place its facilities and skills at the direct disposal of Carle&Montanari.

Fruit and Vegetable: with Sammo at the service of major retail chains

Traceability, safety and quality on show at "Sammeet" in Milano Marittima

The Sammeet workshop, organised, in cooperation with SACMI IMOLA, by Sammogroup - a leading European provider of technologically cutting-edge fresh fruit and vegetable post-harvest analysis, product preparation, sorting, packaging and labelling systems/solutions - will take place on Friday 4th April at the Gallia Hotel in Milano Marittima. Sammeet will provide a welcome get-together opportunity for suppliers and major European retail chains and also offers an occasion for in-depth discussion of the trends and needs within fruit and vegetable markets, needs increasingly linked to aspects such as traceability, quality, safety and flexibility.
The workshop will open at 9 o'clock with a talk by Professor Roberto Della Casa of the University of Bologna on "The European Fruit and Vegetable Market: scenarios and trends". A round table discussion will follow: participants will include European-level production and distribution representatives. In the afternoon there will be a guided tour of the Sammogroup showroom in Cesena, including a demonstration of the latest, highly advanced Sammo and Sacmi technologies; here, participants will be treated to a sneak preview of the "Naturally robot packer", an all-new development for the packaging industry.
Also on display will be the Sacmi-developed automatic Nir Box sorters that are applied on Sammo machines: together, they form integrated systems, which provide efficient fruit sorting by both weight and internal parameters. There will also be demonstrations of the Nir Case, an indispensable, portable, versatile instrument for quality control of fruit in the field, in the warehouse or even the retail outlet itself.

Integrated fruit and vegetable treatment system

Sammo graders and Sacmi sorters: together at Fruit Logistica 2008 in Berlin

The appointment with the world's most important international showcase for the fruit and vegetable industry is set for this coming 7th February. As in previous years, all the key protagonists of the fruit and vegetable business - from sales to processing, from packaging to quality control - will be attending Fruit Logistica.

And it is on the packaging and quality control fronts that Sacmi aims to play a key role: this year, for the very first time, we'll be sharing a stand in Berlin with our industrial partner, Sammo, a leading manufacturer of fruit and vegetable processing machines. Taking pride of place will be the Sacmi-made automatic Nir Box sorters, ideal – as the Group aims to make clear at Fruit Logistica 2008 – for application on machines made by Sammo, already Italy's biggest supplier of complete plants for fruit and vegetable processing-packaging and a Sacmi partner for some years now.

There are two main Nir Box models applicable to Sammo size graders: sorters designed to inspect large size fruits (melons, small water melons, pineapples etc) and those for the inspection of medium-size ones (apples, pears, kiwis etc.). The end result is an integrated system that efficiently sorts fruit according to both weight and internal parameters. In addition to the Nir Box, Sacmi will also be using the shared stand (A05 and A06, Hall 6.2) to display three Nir Case units. The Nir Case is a unique "portable technology" tool for rapid quality control of fruit, from the field to the warehouse. Last but not least comes the Nir Lab, ideal for fast, precision analysis of food product quality parameters and thus providing a valuable service to the industry.

Sacmi Packaging will also be attending Fruit Logistica 2008 to present its automatic TF 40 forming machine; suitable for producing compact and corrugated cardboard trays with reinforced corners on the upper flaps, the TF 40 produces 35 pieces per minute. Sacmi Packaging will also exhibit the all-new TF 80, designed to form small trays: featuring compact and innovative design, the TF 80 provides outstanding flexibility, high output capacity, can process two different formats simultaneously and produce a remarkable 120 pieces per minute.

EOS Ambiente, the “dynamic olfactometry” champion

Sacmi's odour-detecting machine exhibited at Ecomondo 2007

"Dynamic olfactometry" is a pretty recent science. Its origins date back to the 1980s when there was a growing awareness within Europe that industrial plant odour emissions constituted a serious social and environmental problem. Hence the development of a series of techniques for odour measurement and monitoring so as to bring "unpleasant smells" within the lowest possible - and legal - limits.

The innovative Sacmi-developed solution, capable of measuring even minimal concentrations of bad odours – no small problem for those living near distilleries, slaughterhouses, waste dumps, composting stations, animal farms etc. – is called EOS Ambiente (EOS Environment). Built by Sacmi Imola in collaboration with Progress srl – a company specialising in the control of glazing plants and environmental waste biological treatment stations – EOS Ambiente will be exhibited in Hall A7, stand 113 of the Ecomondo 2007 fair; due to be held in Rimini from 7th to 10th November, Ecomondo is Italy's biggest energy and material recovery/reutilisation fair.

The EOS Ambiente system is characterised by both outstanding stability, a must when working at continuously variable temperatures and humidity levels, and high sensitivity, so that even the most diluted odours right on the olfactory threshold can be measured. Moreover, EOS Ambiente can continuously assess the olfactory impact of a plant not only close to the various odour sources in the plant itself but also far away from them via remote receptors. Among other things, the instrument includes a set of electro-chemical sensors and an electrical signal processing system that recognise the "olfactory footprint" of a certain odour and quantify its concentration. The instrument also features an air/component intake system that stabilises its response independently of environmental conditions. The olfactory sensor "calibration" process is as unique as it is curious; sensors are calibrated in the laboratory on the basis of a dynamic olfactometry test. In practice, a panel of flesh-and-blood "nasal analysts" sniff air contaminated by the unpleasant odour; the latter is diluted with clean air until the smell drops below the perception threshold, thus becoming compliant with EN 13725:2003 standards. These samples are then used to calibrate the electronic system.

Ecomondo is a major event, attracting the attention of all those involved in the environmental field, as figures for the 2006 edition clearly show: 960 companies, 52,595 industry operators from 61 countries, 170 seminars/events/workshops and 335 business meetings between international buyers and exhibiting companies. Ecomondo is, then, an ideal opportunity to contact potential purchasers (public utility companies, plant managers etc.) of this new system. The prototype, already presented at the last edition of Ecomondo, incorporates all the Sacmi Group's long-standing experience with control systems, especially as regards the gas sensor development technology that Sacmi has been supplying to the food quality control sector for years.