title: Minimising energy use in milk powder production using process integration techniques

authors: Atkins, Martin John

subjects: milk powder producation

abstract: Spray drying of milk powder is an energy intensive process and there remains a significant opportunity to reduce energy consumption by applying process integration principles. The ability to optimally integrate the drying process with the other processing steps has the potential to improve the overall efficiency of the entire process, especially when exhaust heat recovery is considered. However, achieving the minimum energy targets established using pinch analysis results in heat exchanger networks that, while theoretically feasible, are impracticable, unrealistic, contain large number of units, and ultimately uneconomic. Integration schemes that are acceptable from an operational point of view are examined in this paper. The use of evaporated water is an important factor to achieve both energy and water reductions. The economics of additional heat recovery seem favourable and exhaust heat recovery is economically justifiable on its own merits, although milk powder deposition should be minimised by selecting an appropriate target temperature for the exhaust air. This will restrict the amount of heat recovery but minimise operational risk from heat exchanger fouling. The thermodynamic constraints caused by the operating temperatures of the dryer and the poor economics exclude the use of heat pumps for exhaust heat recovery in the short to medium term.

text: Minimising energy use in milk powder production using process integration techniques Spray drying of milk powder is an energy intensive process and there remains a significant opportunity to reduce energy consumption by applying process integration principles. The ability to optimally integrate the drying process with the other processing steps has the potential to improve the overall efficiency of the entire process, especially when exhaust heat recovery is considered. However, achieving the minimum energy targets established using pinch analysis results in heat exchanger networks that, while theoretically feasible, are impracticable, unrealistic, contain large number of units, and ultimately uneconomic. Integration schemes that are acceptable from an operational point of view are examined in this paper. The use of evaporated water is an important factor to achieve both energy and water reductions. The economics of additional heat recovery seem favourable and exhaust heat recovery is economically justifiable on its own merits, although milk powder deposition should be minimised by selecting an appropriate target temperature for the exhaust air. This will restrict the amount of heat recovery but minimise operational risk from heat exchanger fouling. The thermodynamic constraints caused by the operating temperatures of the dryer and the poor economics exclude the use of heat pumps for exhaust heat recovery in the short to medium term.

year: 2012

title: Developmental gene expression profile of Vmo1 in the mouse auditory system

authors: Forrester-Gauntlett, Blaise Kelly Erin

abstract: Hearing loss (HL) is a sensory disorder that affects an estimated 250 million people worldwide and can greatly affect quality of life. In New Zealand, more than 10% of the population is affected by HL with the Māori population being overrepresented among all age groups. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of HL is extremely important for the development of new pharmaceuticals for the prevention or treatment of HL disorders.
The main aim of the research undertaken in this thesis was to characterise the function of the Mus musculus (mouse) vitelline membrane outer layer one (Vmo1) gene. This gene is considered an excellent candidate for being involved in human HL and/or balance disorders. Our hypothesis is based on its restricted gene localisation within the mouse inner ear and the postulated function of Reissner’s membrane.
Two methods were used to address this aim. Firstly, comparative genomics was used to determine the level of nucleotide and amino acid conservation of VMO1 across mammalian species, and to search for DNA motifs that may imply a biological function. Secondly, molecular biology and histochemical techniques were used to DNA sequence the Vmo1 gene, detect the expression of 22 kDa VMO1 protein within mouse tissues, and to localise the expression of VMO1 protein within the mouse inner ear.
Comparative genomics results showed VMO1 to be highly conserved across 36 species. An in-depth analysis of the differences and similiarites between the mouse, human and chicken indicated a high level of gene conservation with an even greater degree of identity and similarity seen at a proteomic level. In addition, a high level of conservation across amino acids involved in the formation and stabilisation of the three dimensional structure. Thus, results suggest an important function for the VMO1 protein.
Two commerical VMO1 antibodies were purchased to determine the localisation of the mouse VMO1 protein. They were validated for specificity using western blot analysis of protein lysates dissected from postnatal day 28 mice (P28). VMO1 was identified within the inner ear protein lysate and tear gland protein lysate of an expected molecular weight size of 20-37kDa with additional binding observed in the ear sample at 250kDa.
Immunohistochemistry detected high concentrations of VMO1 protein within the tectorial membrane (TM) and inner pillar cells (IPC) in inner ear sections from the mouse at P5. In agreement with the comparative genomics analysis, VMO1 is a secreted protein.
The movement of the hair cells (HC) relative to the TM is is essential for the transduction of sound into electrical signals. The IPC act as supporting cells for the hair cells, and help to couple movement of the basilar membrane to the HC. In conclusion, the importance of the TM and IPC in hearing function, and the localisation of the VMO1 protein within these structures implies an important role for VMO1 in hearing function. We recommend further studies to examine the specificity of the VMO1 antibody, and the development of a Vmo1 knockout mouse to support the functional analysis of Vmo1 in the auditory system.

text: Developmental gene expression profile of Vmo1 in the mouse auditory system Hearing loss (HL) is a sensory disorder that affects an estimated 250 million people worldwide and can greatly affect quality of life. In New Zealand, more than 10% of the population is affected by HL with the Māori population being overrepresented among all age groups. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of HL is extremely important for the development of new pharmaceuticals for the prevention or treatment of HL disorders.
The main aim of the research undertaken in this thesis was to characterise the function of the Mus musculus (mouse) vitelline membrane outer layer one (Vmo1) gene. This gene is considered an excellent candidate for being involved in human HL and/or balance disorders. Our hypothesis is based on its restricted gene localisation within the mouse inner ear and the postulated function of Reissner’s membrane.
Two methods were used to address this aim. Firstly, comparative genomics was used to determine the level of nucleotide and amino acid conservation of VMO1 across mammalian species, and to search for DNA motifs that may imply a biological function. Secondly, molecular biology and histochemical techniques were used to DNA sequence the Vmo1 gene, detect the expression of 22 kDa VMO1 protein within mouse tissues, and to localise the expression of VMO1 protein within the mouse inner ear.
Comparative genomics results showed VMO1 to be highly conserved across 36 species. An in-depth analysis of the differences and similiarites between the mouse, human and chicken indicated a high level of gene conservation with an even greater degree of identity and similarity seen at a proteomic level. In addition, a high level of conservation across amino acids involved in the formation and stabilisation of the three dimensional structure. Thus, results suggest an important function for the VMO1 protein.
Two commerical VMO1 antibodies were purchased to determine the localisation of the mouse VMO1 protein. They were validated for specificity using western blot analysis of protein lysates dissected from postnatal day 28 mice (P28). VMO1 was identified within the inner ear protein lysate and tear gland protein lysate of an expected molecular weight size of 20-37kDa with additional binding observed in the ear sample at 250kDa.
Immunohistochemistry detected high concentrations of VMO1 protein within the tectorial membrane (TM) and inner pillar cells (IPC) in inner ear sections from the mouse at P5. In agreement with the comparative genomics analysis, VMO1 is a secreted protein.
The movement of the hair cells (HC) relative to the TM is is essential for the transduction of sound into electrical signals. The IPC act as supporting cells for the hair cells, and help to couple movement of the basilar membrane to the HC. In conclusion, the importance of the TM and IPC in hearing function, and the localisation of the VMO1 protein within these structures implies an important role for VMO1 in hearing function. We recommend further studies to examine the specificity of the VMO1 antibody, and the development of a Vmo1 knockout mouse to support the functional analysis of Vmo1 in the auditory system.

year: 2013

title: He huringa āhuarangi, he huringa ao: A changing climate, a changing world

authors: Awatere, S

subjects: climate change adaptation

abstract: Iwi/hapū (tribe/subtribe) governance institutions are increasingly asserting their rangatiratanga (autonomy) to manage climate change risks and meet the well-being of whānau (family)/ hapū/iwi. Howevere, there is a shortange of specific guidance for whānau/hapū/iwi with respect to climate change adaptation and mitigation. We provide a commentary about risk and uncertainty, knowledge gaps, and options for climate change mitigation and adaptation for whānau/hapū/iwi.

text: He huringa āhuarangi, he huringa ao: A changing climate, a changing world Iwi/hapū (tribe/subtribe) governance institutions are increasingly asserting their rangatiratanga (autonomy) to manage climate change risks and meet the well-being of whānau (family)/ hapū/iwi. Howevere, there is a shortange of specific guidance for whānau/hapū/iwi with respect to climate change adaptation and mitigation. We provide a commentary about risk and uncertainty, knowledge gaps, and options for climate change mitigation and adaptation for whānau/hapū/iwi.

year: 2021-10