Scientific and technical aspects of yogurt fortification:A review

Food fortification is one of the most important processes for improvement of the nutrients quality and quantity in food.It can be a very cost effective public health intervention.Due to the high consumption rate of dairy products such as yogurt,fortification of these products will effectively reduce or prevent diseases associated with nutritional deficiencies.The aim of this investigation is to study the technical aspects involved in production of different types of fortified yogurts and their role in disease prevention and correction of deficiencies.In this paper,firstly,fortification is defined and the main reasons behind carrying out this process are presented and then yogurt production process and a variety of minerals,vitamins,and functional ingredients which are used in the process are briefly discussed.©2015 Beijing Academy of Food Sciences.Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.All rights reserved.

Planning and Implementing Food Fortification Programs to Combat Micronutrient Malnutrition: Iron

Iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in the world and food fortification is a cost-effective approach to combat it. This paper reviews the food fortification process with micronutrients, with special emphasis on iron and the most critical steps and common difficulties found when implementing a program. The first step is to measure the magnitude of the problem and the groups affected by iron deficiency and anemia, to determine if there is a need for fortification. Then the adequate iron compound and vehicle should be selected, to obtain a bioavailable form of iron in a frequently consumed food item without changing the taste, appearance or cooking characteristics of the final food item or complete meals containing it, to assure the acceptance by consumers. Before implementation, bioavailability studies are in order for the fortified food item and for complete meals especially typical or traditional meals, followed by field studies and pilot tests. Once implemented, the program should be monitored and evaluated continuously, and the impact on health assessed periodically to give the program the flexibility for continuation made changes or finalization when necessary. Other key elements for successful implementation of food fortification programs include the presence of a viable food industry;available channels for food marketing and distribution;a health care system to identify and monitor micronutrient malnutrition in the population;institutions for education, treatment and evaluation of the impact of the program;and continuous and effective input into the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the intervention to ensure sustainability of the intervention.

The Introduction of European Fortification in the Late Ming Period

In the late Ming period,Xu Guangqi and other Catholic literati were actively involved with military affairs because of the invasion of the Manchu forces and the threat of uprisings.The story of how they imported European cannons and gunners from Macao is now quite famous.However,the introduction of European fortifications,mainly the trace Italienne,in the same period is still relatively unknown.Xu Guangqi and his student Sun Yuanhua exerted considerable efforts in advocating European-style bastions.Xu not only received help from Jesuits,but also support from some Fujianese who were familiar with Intramuros,the Spanish walled city of Manila.In addition to Xu and Sun,Han Lin and Han Yun(also Xu’s students)prepared a Chinese treatise on European fortification architecture based on Italian sources and tried to put the knowledge into practice.Another relevant figure is Ma Weicheng,who allegedly directed the building of 32 angled bastions in three cities around 1640.Although a few recorded writings and practices of constructing European-style fortification appeared in the first half of the seventeenth century,soon afterwards the art of trace Italienne met its end prematurely in China.To a great extent,the swift collapse of the Ming dynasty eliminated the possibility of spreading the new defense technology.Throughout the eighteenth century,the Qing dynasty enjoyed long-term peace,and the warfare at the frontiers brought few threats to the city walls.There was thus little urgency to develop innovative defensive works and European fortification sunk into oblivion until the mid-nineteenth century.

Research on the seismic fortification level of offshore platform in Bohai Sea and adjacent areas

API code is introduced at first, and then a comparison of seismic character and seismic hazard between Bohai and Southern California is carried out. The analysis indicates both the seismic frequency and intensity and the seismic hazard of Bohai are much weaker than that of Southern California. API code states the strength level and deformation level of permanent structures in Southern California takes 200 a and several hundred to a few thousand years respectively. But in the reference codes in China, the seismic levels take 500 a and 10000 a for strength design and deformation design, and it seems too conservative. In China, the deformation level of class A structure takes 2%-3% probabilities of exceedance in reference period 100 a, and that of class B and C often takes 2%-3% in 50 a. Now that offshore platforms may cause server subsequent risk, it is safe to take 1% in 30 a as its deformation design level. On the basis of the above analyses and social economic level and the consistency with present codes, the strength design level and deformation design level of Chinese offshore platforms is suggested to take 200 a and 3000 a respectively.

Lectotype optimization of mid-highrise residential building based on site conditions and seismic fortification intensity

A multi-objective lectotype optimization model based on site conditions and seismic fortification intensity is presented for mid-highrise residential buildings taking into account multiple items such as the original investment, disaster losses and maintenance cost, the integral stiffness, the total ductility, the construction period, and so on. A Three-Scale Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy process is proposed by introducing the Three-Scale Analytical Hierarchy process and the trapezoid fuzzy number. The result of a calculation example shows that the T-FAHP is practical.

Large, moderate, small earthquakes and seismic fortification criterion

This paper discusses the relation between two-step seismic design and the standard of probability of exceedance, and the relation of three-levels seismic ground motion parameters given by probability method and comprehensive probability method. The relative size relations of the ground motions with 2%, 10%, 63% probability of exceedance in 50 years, namely large earthquake, moderate earthquake, and small earthquake, are discussed through a practical example of seismic hazard analysis. The methods to determine seismic fortification criterion are discussed.

Optimization of Bioactive Fortification in Apple Snacks through Vacuum Impregnation Using Response Surface Methodology

Fortification of apple slices with t-resveratrol glucoside was obtained by vacuum impregnation (VI) of apple slices with a solution containing grape juice using response surface methodology (RSM). Three independent variables of the VI process: vacuum pressure, application time and relaxation time, were coded at five levels in a central composite design. The VI-treated and dried apple slices were analyzed for t-resveratrol glucoside concentration and textural attributes (gradient and linear distance). Multiple response optimization revealed the following optimum VI condi-tions for the bioactive enrichment and improved textural quality of dried apple slices: vacuum pressure of 6 in. of Hg, application time of 10 min, and relaxation time of 22.5 min.

A knowledge-to-action approach to food fortification: Guiding principles for the design of fortification programs as a means of effectively addressing micronutrient malnutrition

The gap that exists between research and the dissemination and implementation of research findings has been well established. Food fortification, one of the most cost-effective means of addressing micronutrient malnutrition, is no exception. With decades of implementation experience, there is need to strengthen mechanisms that effectively broadcast proven strategies to promote the successful implementation of fortification programs in changing, challenging, and dynamic environments. This requires clear channels of communication, well-defined in-country leadership, and a streamlined and focused approach that can be adapted to country-specific contexts. Based on experience designing and implementing fortification programs throughout Africa and a broad understanding of past successes and failures, a model is proposed that articulates often over-looked program elements critical to design and implementation.

Protein Fortification of Corn <i>Tortillas</i>: Effects on Physicochemical Characteristics, Nutritional Value and Acceptance

The aim of this study was to evaluate the texture of corn dough as well as the nutritional quality and acceptance of corn cakes (tortillas) made either with a readymade commercial corn flour (CCF) or with a traditional way (nixtamal) both fortified with lys + tryp (L + T) or with a protein concentrate from Phaseolus lunatus added with L + T (PC + L + T). All treatments were analyzed to investigate the physical properties of the dough and tortillas as well as their physicochemical and nutritional quality. Results showed that cohesion was affected (p tortillas made with nixtamal showed no difference. Adhesion was not affected by treatments. Weight loss increased only in the fortified tortillas made with CCF (p tortillas increased with the fortification being the highest value 0.96 N. Color was not affected in tortillas made with CCF (p tortillas made with CCF and fortified with PC + L + T. Acceptance was greater for tortillas fortified with L+T alone. Protein fortification of tortillas made with either CCF or nixtamal is feasible using either L + T together or in combination with a PC from Phaseolus lunatus improving their nutritional value without negative effects on their physicochemical characteristics or acceptance.

Iodine and Selenium Intake in a Sample of Women of Childbearing Age in Palmerston North, New Zealand after Mandatory Fortification of Bread with Iodised Salt

Iodine deficiency is a worldwide public health problem, which has long been observed in many parts of the world, including New Zealand (NZ). The aim of this study was to assess iodine and selenium intake among women of childbearing age in Palmerston North, New Zealand post mandatory fortification of bread with iodised salt. Fifty women of childbearing age completed a researcher-led questionnaire, including a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Iodine and selenium were analysed in 24-hour urine samples. The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 65 μg/l with 30% below 50 μg/l;representing mild iodine deficiency according to the World Health Organization. The estimated median daily iodine intake (130 μg/day) was higher than the Estimated Average Requirement (100 μg/day) and higher than seen in women prior to fortification. The median excretion of selenium (32 μg/day) was slightly above level suggested as adequate (30 μg/day) and estimated median intake (57 μg/day) was higher than Estimated Average Requirement (50 μg/day). Selenium and iodine excretion were significantly correlated (Spearman’s rank order;r(50) = 0.547, p 0.001). The major contributors to iodine intake were milk (36%), bread (25%) and fish/seafood (15%). Participants had a mean intake of 2.5 slices of bread/day, which contributed approximately 14 to 20 μg of iodine. The majority of participants (74%) had iodised salt at home, but less than half (48%) used iodised salt exclusively. In conclusion, despite the mandatory fortification of bread with iodised salt in NZ, UIC of the study population indicates iodine deficiency although their estimated dietary intakes appear adequate. It is essential that government initiatives to improve iodine status are evaluated for their efficacy.

Storming Fortifications

Feel for boulders while crossing the river. ---Deng Xiaoping After a 20-year track record of extraordinary successes, however, China’sleaders now confront the toughest issues since reforms began in 1978. The domes-tic economic growth rate is declining, and the surrounding region is confronting

The Planned Conservation of the Urban Fortifications of Tuscany: Satellite Interferometry as an Innovative Monitoring Technology for Asset Management

The “Monitoring City Walls” research project by the University of Pisa approaches planned conservation as a process that pursues an in-depth understanding of historic city walls and their surroundings to define a system of effective risk prevention. This multidisciplinary research adopts monitoring strategies and technologies at the large scale and in relationship to natural and urban conditions. The underlying logic frames the conservation of these historic fortifications within the more general mitigation of risks generated by context. The research aims to develop an innovative approach to monitoring ancient defensive structures in historical towns. The integrated use of advanced technologies allows for the control and, most importantly, advance identification of possible risks. These new technologies, in particular satellite interferometry, make it possible to improve and increase the operational capacity of monitoring processes by facilitating the acquisition and investigation of data relative to the system defined by ancient city walls and their surroundings. These technologies also represent a cost-effective tool for managing the important transition from the observation and study of individual monuments to the monitoring of large monumental complexes or even entire historical centers.

A Comparison of Domestic and Foreign Seismic Fortification Standards for Electrical Equipment

It is of great significance to make comparative analyses of seismic fortification criteria at home and abroad for improving the anti-seismic capability of electrical equipment and revising the relevant national standards.A brief overview of American,Japanese,IEC standards and Chinese seismic design codes for electrical equipment is presented.Differences between these seismic fortification standards of electrical equipment are compared and analyzed in respect of the goal and level of seismic fortification and the seismic design spectrum.The advantages and disadvantages of Chinese standards are pointed out.Through learning from foreign experience on the determination of seismic fortification standards,recommendations are made for the improvement and revision of Chinese seismic fortification standards for electrical equipment.

Study on the Seismic Fortification Criteria of Offshore Platforms in the Bohai Sea

This paper analyzes the seismicity and seismic risk distribution in the Bohai Sea. Based on the seismic design parameters of 46 platforms in the Bohai Sea, a statistic analysis is made on the ratios of the peak accelerations for different probability levels. In accordance with the two-stage design method, a scheme of two design seismic levels is proposed, and two fortification goals are established respectively for strength level earthquakes and ductility level earthquakes. Through analogy and comparison to the Chinese seismic code for buildings, it is proposed that the probability level for the strength and ductility level earthquakes takes return periods of 200a and 1000～2500a respectively, and we further expounded on its rationality. Finally, the fortification parameters in the sub-regions of Bohai Sea area are given in the light of seismic risk zonation and ground motion division. This article is a summary of experiences from many years of offshore platform seismic fortification work, and an exploratory study on the seismic fortification standards of offshore platforms in China, which may provide some references for the establishment of the standard.

Study on the Relationship of Seismic Design Ground Motion at Different Fortification Levels in the Xinjiang Region

The seismic risk analysis results of 79 cities in Xinjiang are presented, and the bedrock peak ground accelerations under three seismic levels and their ratios are discussed. Then, the relationship between earthquake environments and the seismic risk analysis results of different exceeding probabilities are researched. The results show that minor and major earthquake motion parameters calculated from moderate earthquakes do not have a consistent probability and the ratio of bedrock peak accelerations under different exceedance probabilities are dosdy correlated with earthquake environments.

Performance-based three-level fortification goal and its application in anti-dislocation countermeasures:A case study of Shantou Submarine tunnel

The dislocation momentum is the design basis for anti-dislocation to tunnel when a tunnel crosses an active fault.The influence of different dislocation levels on tunnel performances is not clear.Thus,based on seismic activity parameters at the site of interest and probability of fault dislocation,probability fault displacement hazard analysis(PFDHA)methodology was introduced in this paper to ascertain the fault dislocation level under different exceeding probabilities(63%,10%,and 2%–3%).Then,based on the definition of different ground motion strength and fortification goals of the tunnel,a three-level fortification goal with different performance requirements of the tunnel was proposed.The first attempt to use the proposed indexes including the maximum dislocation of the tunnel and maximum relative deformation of the tunnel was tried to evaluate deformation and failure states with an experimental approach.Subsequently,the feasibility of the three-level fortification goal was further investigated according to the self-defined qualitative description and quantitative indexes in the segmental design and sectional expansion tunnels comprehensively.The results show that the fault dislocations relying on PFDHA at the site of the Shantou Submarine Tunnel are firstly ascertained as 0.04,1.8,and 2.4 m respectively.Taking the fault dislocation as model input values into account,the dislocation mechanism of the tunnel under the three levels was revealed.More importantly,judging from the dislocation performance requirements of the three-level fortification goal,the tunnel deformation and failure states are mitigated by adopting the countermeasures.The sectional expansion design can well meet the requirements without the restriction of a strong earthquake,while the effectiveness of the segmental tunnel can be proved under frequently occurred and fortification earthquake.The final research results are expected to provide a new fortification goal for anti-dislocation hazard evaluation on expansion design in high-intensity seismic regions and segmental design in slight and moderate-intensity seismic regions.

Castle architecture in Anatolia： Fortifications of Diyarbakir

The ancient wails of Diyarbakir are the city＇s most important urban etement, exhibiting an artistic grace through the arrangement of the towers, architectural values, dimensions, materiats, and decorations. Diyarbakir is located at the crossroads of important trade routes, one connecting the Western World to the Far East and the other connecting North to South. Architecturally, its defensive waits and towers make it one of the most important surviving casttes. In this study, the history, location, architectural and building properties of fortifications of Diyarbakir were explained and technical dimensioning typology studies on towers and city watts were submitted.

Optimization of unit operations for microencapsulating ferrous fumarate during scale-up of double fortification of salt with iron and iodine

Objectives:This study evaluates factors responsible for the floating of iron premix in double fortified salt(DFS),which initially affected the large-scale implementation of the salt fortification program in India,and provides solutions to the scale-up of the technology.Materials and Methods:To mitigate this time-sensitive scale-up challenge.First,the iron premix samples were obtained from the industrial scale-up pilot studies in India,evaluated for the impact of the amount of coating material(5 per cent,7.5 per cent,and 10 per cent(in weight)),type of formulation(soy stearin,SEPIFILM and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose),amount of titanium dioxide(25-35 per cent(in weight))used for color masking;Second,we studied the effect of change in the composition of the coating,from 10 per cent(in weight)soy stearin to a double coat with 5 per cent(in weight)hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and 5 per cent soy stearin or 10 per cent soy stearin and 1 per cent(in weight)lecithin mixture,on particle density,floating or sinking property of the iron premix,and on the stability of iodine in the DFS.Results:It was observed that the hydrophobic nature and the amount of soy stearin used for coating caused the floating issue.The double coating with 5 per cent hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and 5 per cent soy stearin was preferred because lecithin in soy stearin enhanced the moisture-aided adverse interaction between iron and iodine.Shelf-life storage studies proved over 80 per cent iodine retention after 12 months of storage in the DFS formulated with iron premix double-coated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and soy stearin.Conclusion:This proffered solution enabled the full implementation of the double fortification program in India.

Evaluation of collapse resistance of RC frame structures for Chinese schools in seismic design categories B and C

According to the Code for Seismic Design of Buildings （GB50011-2001）, ten typical reinforced concrete （RC） frame structures, used as school classroom buildings, are designed with different seismic fortification intensities （SFIs） （SFI=6 to 8.5） and different seismic design categories （SDCs） （SDC=B and C）. The collapse resistance of the frames with SDC=B and C in terms of collapse fragility curves are quantitatively evaluated and compared via incremental dynamic analysis （IDA）. The results show that the collapse resistance of structures should be evaluated based on both the absolute seismic resistance and the corresponding design seismic intensity. For the frames with SFI from 6 to 7.5, because they have relatively low absolute seismic resistance, their collapse resistance is insufficient even when their corresponding SDCs are upgraded from B to C. Thus, further measures are needed to enhance these structures, and some suggestions are proposed.

Effect of Na Fe EDTA-Fortified Soy Sauce on Anemia Prevalence in China: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective To assess the effect of sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate （NaFeEDTA）-fortified soy sauce on anemia prevalence in the Chinese population. Methods A systematic review was performed to identify potential studies by searching the electronic databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, WHO Library, HighWire, CNKI, and other sources. The selection criteria included randomized controlled trials that compared the efficacy of NaFeEDTA-fortified soy sauce with that of non-fortified soy sauce. Anemia rates and hemoglobin levels were the outcomes of interest. Inclusion decisions, quality assessment, and data extraction were performed by two reviewers independently. A total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria for anemia rate analysis, of which 12 studies met the inclusion criteria for hemoglobin analysis. All included studies assessed the effect of NaFeEDTA-fortified soy sauce on anemia rates and hemoglobin concentrations. Results After the intervention, the hemoglobin concentration increased and anemia rates decreased significantly as compared with the non-fortified soy sauce groups. For anemia rates, data from 16 studies could be pooled, and the pooled estimate odds ratio was 0.25 （95% CI 0.19-0.35）. For hemoglobin concentrations, data from 12 studies could be pooled, and the pooled weighted mean difference was 8.81 g/L （95% CI 5.96-11.67）. Conclusion NaFeEDTA-fortified soy sauce has a positive effect on anemia control and prevention in the at-risk population.