Changes in physicochemical properties of spray-dried camel milk powder over accelerated storage

Changes in physiochemical properties of spray-dried camel milk powders during storage at 11-32% RH and 37 °C over 18 weeks were investigated. The results showed that fresh camel milk powders had amorphous structure, clumsy spherical shape particles and almost 100% solubility in water. During storage at controlled low RH levels (<32% RH), reduction in moisture content and a_w of the powders caused glass transition signals of lactose to evolve, although the powders exhibited a slight development of crystallinity. True density, colour (L*, a* and whiteness), and morphology were almost unchanged during storage while b* values associated with non-enzymatic browning, and fat oxidation into volatile compounds increased steadily. Over storage period, solubility of the powder declined just slightly and secondary structure of proteins unfolded from α-helices to β-sheets, loops and β-turns. These changes were more profound for the powders stored at 32% RH than those kept at 11 and 22% RH.

Giving Care to Men and Women with Mental Illness

Caregivers are a largely understudied, unsung population who shoulder many of the social and psychological costs of mental illness. This study examines the load of caregiving during symptomatic and stabilised phases of the mentally ill and the various ways in which family members adapt themselves to give care. Drawing its data from 200 families with mental illness in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, the study diffuses the notion of care as physical, medical, psychological and social. The article focuses on how the gender of the affected person affects caregiving and underlines the indispensability of the family. Used to giving credit for any improvement to doctors and medicines, the study records the incredulous gratitude of caregivers at being acknowledged for the work they do, providing a boost to the morale of tired, unacknowledged caregivers.