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A statistical model enables auto-calibration of second harmonic generation (SHG) images for quantifying trace crystallinity within amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) over a wide dynamic range of crystallinity. In this paper, we demonstrate particle-counting approaches for quantifying trace crystallinity, combined with analytical expressions correcting for particle overlap bias in higher crystallinity regimes to extend the continuous dynamic range of standard particle-counting algorithms through to the signal averaging regime. The reliability of the values recovered by these expressions was demonstrated with simulated data as well as experimental data obtained for an amorphous solid dispersion formulation containing evacetrapib, an Eli Lilly and Company compound. Since particle counting independently recovers the crystalline volume and the SHG intensity, the average SHG intensity per unit volume can be used as an internal calibrant for quantifying crystallinity at higher volume fractions, for which particle counting is no longer applicable.

The government is proposing changes to the Planning Act to enable planning authorities to control proposals for new retail floor space. This is in response to the perception that there is a sudden increase in new retail floor space in retail parks that is being built at first-floor or mezzanine level as a result of planning decisions that appear to support arguments that such floor space does not require planning permission. Critics of the retail industry have highlighted the wording of the existing Planning Act as creating a loophole that has been exploited by retailers to the detriment of planning policy objectives which generally seek to encourage new retail investment in town centres and other similarly well-established retail locations. This paper examines whether in fact the perception is supported by the facts; and whether there is a need for the legislative change. It concludes that there is little evidence to support arguments that there is a widespread problem requiring legislative changes, and, further, the perception that a change is needed has become a self-fulfilling prophecy. In short, the so-called mezzanine problem is a problem wrought from nowhere.