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The demarcation problem in the applied sciences refers to the challenge of discerning between progressive, stagnant, and improper model development programs. We examine the demarcation problem from the perspectives of two influential philosophers of science, Imre Lakatos and Thomas Kuhn, using the evolutionary development of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) for illustration. We propose objective criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Microstructural characteristics of biopolymer cast films were determined by PALS. [•] Macrostructure of the cast films was characterized by the puncture strength. [•] Macrostructural changes were visualized by SEM. [•] Similar trends were found in the macro- and microstructural properties of the films. [•] PALS is useful for the optimization of the composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignant cancers amongst men. Our aim was to obtain information on the sociodemographic status, health and mental status of Hungarian men with prostate cancer as the psychosocial background of cancer patients is an under examined area in Hungary Methods 100 men completed the survey that the authors put together about their sociodemographic and health status, lifestyle. Their health status was affected by the settlement classification (p=0.024), the financial status (p=0.001), physical activity (p=0.000), whether they have chronic illnesses (p=0.000) and alcohol consumption (p=0.001). [Extracted from the article]

Highly homogeneous low-dose (50 μg) tablets were produced incorporating perfectly free-flowing granules prepared by a fully integrated Continuous Manufacturing (CM) line. The adopted CM equipment consisted of a Twin-Screw Wet Granulator (TSWG), a Continuous Fluid Bed Dryer (CFBD) and a Continuous Sieving (CS) unit. Throughout the experiments a pre-blend of lactose-monohydrate and corn starch was gravimetrically dosed with 1 kg/h into the TSWG, where they were successfully granulated with the drug containing water-based PVPK30 solution. The wet mass was subsequently dried in the CFBD on a vibratory conveyor belt and finally sieved in the milling unit. Granule production efficiency was maximized by determining the minimal Liquid-to-Solid (L/S) ratio (0.11). Design of Experiments (DoE) were carried out in order to evaluate the influence of the drying process parameters of the CFBD on the Loss-on-Drying (LOD) results. The manufactured granules were compressed into tablets by an industrial tablet rotary press with excellent API homogeneity (RSD < 3%). Significant scale-up was realized with the CM line by increasing the throughput rate to 10 kg/h. The manufactured granules yielded very similar results to the previous small-scale granulation runs. API homogeneity was demonstrated (RSD < 2%) with Blend Uniformity Analysis (BUA). The efficiency of TSWG granulation was compared to High-Shear Granulation (HSG) with the same L/S ratio. The final results have demonstrated that both the liquid distribution and more importantly API homogeneity was better in case of the TSWG granulation (RSD 1.3% vs. 4.5%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]