Properties Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Background: A new indirect bronchial provocation test measuring airway responsiveness by using inhaled mannitol was recently introduced. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the diagnostic properties of airway responsiveness to inhaled mannitol in the assessment of asthma in an unselected sample of young adults. Methods: Two hundred thirty-eight young adults randomly drawn from the nationwide civil registration list were challenged with inhaled, dry-powder mannitol. A respiratory specialist, blind to the test results, classified all 238 subjects with respect to the presence of asthma. The classification was based on respiratory symptoms, spirometric results, atopy, and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide values and response to inhaled b 2 -agonists. On this basis, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were assessed to different cutoff values of the test. A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed, and the accuracy of the test, defined as the area under the curve, was computed. Results: Fifty-one (21.4%) subjects had current asthma. Of 33 subjects with airway hyperresponsiveness to mannitol, 30 had current asthma. The specificity and sensitivity were 98.4% (95% CI, 96.2% to 99.4%) and 58.8% (95% CI, 50.7% to 62.6%), respectively. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 90.9% (95% CI, 78.4% to 96.8%) and 89.8 (95% CI, 87.7% to 90.7%), respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.83-0.95). Conclusions: In an unselected sample of young adults, bronchial provocation with inhaled dry-powder mannitol had a high diagnostic specificity for the diagnosis of asthma. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009;124:928-32.)

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- Epidemiology, Immunology, Asthma, Adolescent

Reus Indonesia bangga telah menjadi Subkon Interior Terbaik di Jakarta untuk Pengembangan properti land yang merupakan kerja sama dari PT Astra International Tbk, Hongkong Land Limited dan PT Modernland Tbk ini menjadi salah satu ikon... more

- by Reus Indonesia
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- Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Properties, Arsitektur

Background-The anisotropy of cardiac tissue is a key determinant of 3D electric propagation and the stability of activation wave fronts in the heart. The electric properties of ventricular myocardium are widely assumed to be axially anisotropic, with activation propagating most rapidly in the myofiber direction and at uniform velocity transverse to this. We present new experimental evidence that contradicts this view. Methods and Results-For the first time, high-density intramural electric mapping (325 electrodes at Ϸ4ϫ4ϫ1-mm spacing) from pig left ventricular tissue was used to reconstruct 3D paced activation surfaces projected directly onto 3D tissue structure imaged throughout the same left ventricular volume. These data from 5 hearts demonstrate that ventricular tissue is electrically orthotropic with 3 distinct propagation directions that coincide with local microstructural axes defined by the laminar arrangement of ventricular myocytes. The maximum conduction velocity of 0.67Ϯ0.019 ms Ϫ1 was aligned with the myofiber axis. However, transverse to this, the maximum conduction velocity was 0.30Ϯ0.010 ms Ϫ1 , parallel to the myocyte layers and 0.17Ϯ0.004 ms Ϫ1 normal to them. These orthotropic conduction velocities give rise to preferential activation pathways across the left ventricular free wall that are not captured by structurally detailed computer models, which incorporate axially anisotropic electric properties. Conclusions-Our findings suggest that current views on uniform side-to-side electric coupling in the heart need to be revised. In particular, nonuniform laminar myocardial architecture and associated electric orthotropy should be included in future models of initiation and maintenance of ventricular arrhythmia. (Circ Arrhythmia Electrophysiol. 2009;2:433-440.)

- by Bryan Caldwell
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- Cartography, Structure, Density, Stability
- by Michael A Istvan Jr.
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- Free Will, Moral Responsibility, Causation, Philosophy of Time, Free Will

To evaluate individual variations in broccoli VOLTA F1 plants, the bioactive components of 15 florets that were cultivated in identical agricultural and climatic conditions were analyzed. Glucosinolates were analyzed by HPLC; total phenolic compounds, ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids (vitamin C) and the DPPH • and OH • radical-scavenging activities of samples were also determined. Florets were characterized by particularly high glucoraphanin content, 17.95 lmol/g dry weight on average, which comprised about 50% of total glucosinolates. High individual variation was observed for several bioactive compounds, as well as for DPPH • and OH • radical-scavenging activity. Coefficients of variability (CVs) were high, and except for one case, exceeded 10%. Among glucosinolates, the highest CVs were noted for progoitrin (34.22%), 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin (27.32%) and neoglucobrassicin (24.44%). High CVs were also observed for vitamin C (29.11%), including dehydroascorbic acid (26.72%), and for OH • (25.76%) and DPPH • (21.77%) radical-scavenging activities. Smaller variations were found for glucoraphanin (CV = 14.84%) and polyphenols (CV = 14.95%).

- by Henryk Zielinski
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- Food, Industrial Biotechnology, Properties, vitamin C

The chemical composition of essential oils of six Stachys species, S. cretica L. ssp. vacillans Rech. fil., S. germanica L., S. hydrophila Boiss., S. nivea Labill., S. palustris L. and S. spinosa L., obtained by hydrodistillation, was studied by GC and GC–MS. All the oils have in common a great percentage of fatty acids and esters (24.2–58.5%) and a high

- by Daniela Rigano
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- Food Chemistry, Cytotoxicity, Multidisciplinary, Free Radical

Roasted and non roasted full fat or partially defatted flaxseed flours (Linum Usitatissimum) were evaluated for their proximate composition, mineral profile and functional properties. Significant increase in the crude protein, crude fiber, ash and mineral contents in the partially defatted flaxseed flours (both roasted and non-roasted) was observed. Partial defattening improved the foam capacity, foam stability and water absorption capacities while roasting decreased the foam stability and capacity of the flours. Mineral profile and proximate composition of the roasted partially defatted flaxseed flours showed that this can be added in the many types of food applications as defattening solves the problem of stability while roasting effectively reduces the antinutritional factors like cyanogenic glycosides contents of the flaxseed. The replacement of roasted partially defatted flaxseed flours upto a level of 16% supplementation in whole wheat flour was found acceptable regarding the sensory attributes of chapattis. Citation: Hussain, S., F.M. Anjum, M.S. Butt, and M.A. Sheikh. 2008. Chemical composition and functional properties of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) flour. Sarhad J. Agric. 24(4): 649-653.

- by Hussain Shahzad
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- Organic Chemistry, High Pressure, Food Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

To flour tortillas formulations containing 25 g/100 g of pinto bean flour, 0.5 g/100 g and 0.75 g/100 g of guar gum and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were added and their shelf stability was studied at 4 and 25 C over 7 days. Texture, determined instrumentally, rollability, and water holding capacity were the main parameters studied. Selected samples were evaluated by 55 participants to determine consumer acceptability. Firmness and cohesiveness were negatively affected by the addition of bean flour, however, this effect was partially overcome by the addition of hydrocolloids. Guar gum had a positive significant influence on water holding capacity and texture over time (P < 0.001), while CMC had no positive effects. Despite the instrumental texture data, which showed that bean tortillas had inferior attributes than the wheat control, consumers found the overall texture and acceptability of bean tortillas with and without guar gum on the range of ''like very much'' and ''like moderately'', which was significantly higher than the wheat control (P < 0.01). Based on physical and sensorial properties it would appear that these foods are industrially feasible and highly acceptable by health-conscious consumers.

- by R Gary Fulcher
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- Sensory, Stability, Animal Production, Negative Affect

Background The possibility of using microbes to maintain health, and to prevent or treat disease is a topic as old as microbiology. The research of novel probiotic strains is important in order to satisfy the increasing request of the market and to obtain functional products in which the probiotic cultures are more active and with better probiotic characteristics than those already present on the market. Aim of the study In this study, the probiotic potential of Lactobacillus strains isolated from Italian elderly human faeces was investigated. Methods The Lactobacillus strains were identified and examined for resistance to gastric acidity and bile toxicity, adhesion to HT-29 cells, antimicrobial activities, antibiotic susceptibility and plasmid profile. Survival of the strains through human intestine was examined in a 3 months human feeding trial.

- by Alberto Cresci
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- Microbiology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Nutrition, Probiotics

The aroma of sweet Fiano wine, the most representative non-aromatic white wine variety in southern Italy, was evaluated by sensory and instrumental analysis to determine the influence of grape overripeness, drying and Botrytis cinerea infection. Sensory descriptive analysis was used to evaluate the sensory properties of wines. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/olfactometry (GC/O) techniques were used to identify and to determine the content of free and bound volatile compounds and their odour impact. A sensory descriptive analysis had revealed that the sensory descriptors such as citrus jam, dried apricot, dried figs, prune, honey and coconut, occur in sweet Fiano wine more than in base Fiano wine. Thirty five free volatile compounds had higher levels in sweet Fiano wine than in base Fiano wine, these components were mostly terpenes, b-damascenone, lactones, aldehydes and ketones. Moreover higher levels of terpenes, b-damascenone, benzyl alcohol and 2-phenylethanol were found in the bound volatile fraction of sweet Fiano wine. The main odour impact compounds in sweet Fiano wine were nerol, geraniol and linalool (orange flowers), vitispirane (camphor), lactones such as c-nonalactone (coconut), d-decalactone and c-decalactone (apricot) and 1-octen-3-ol (mushroom). These differences appear to be due to the fact that grape overripeness and the drying process allows concentration of varietal aromatic compounds and an easier transfer of them from skins to must during vinification.

- by paola piombino
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- Food Chemistry, Multidisciplinary, Wine, Properties

Encapsulating properties of skimmed milk powder (SMP) and whey protein concentrate (WPC) for the coating of the essential oil (EO) of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and aroma extracts (AE) of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus G.) and sweet marjoram (Majorana hortensis L.) by spray-drying were evaluated. The efficiency of microencapsulation expressed as a percentage of flavoring entrapped into the microcapsules varied from 54.3% (marjoram in WPC) to 80.2% (oregano in SMP). The content of flavoring remaining on the surface of encapsulated oregano EO was remarkably lower (1.1% and 1.4%) as compared with citronella (11.2% and 15.2%) and marjoram (16.7% and 22.1%) AEs encapsulated in SMP and WPC matrixes, respectively. Consequently, the changes in the composition of individual flavor compounds during encapsulation were considerably smaller for oregano EO as compared with citronella and marjoram AEs. The release of aroma compounds from the encapsulated products was assessed by solid phase microextraction (SPME) of headspace volatiles and their analysis by gas chromatography; some differences were observed between the analysed products. However, the effect of SPME fiber polarity was another important factor affecting the amount of extracted aroma compounds from encapsulated flavors. The percentages of nonpolar aliphatic terpenes were higher in the extracts obtained by nonpolar polydimethylsiloxane or bipolar polydimethylsiloxane-divinylbenzene fibers, while the content of oxygenated constituents in most cases was higher on the polar polyacrylate fiber. The latter extracted lower amounts of volatiles during 10 min exposure. The scanning electron microscopy and particle size analysis revealed that microcapsules were well-formed spherically shaped particles; however, SMP coated products had smoother surface as compared to WPC, containing more dents and wrinkles on the capsule surface. Particle size varied from 6 to 280 lm for SMP and from 2 to 556 lm for WPC microencapsulated products.

- by Rimantas Venskutonis
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- Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Food, Scanning Electron Microscopy

Many plants used in Amazonian folk medicine present a high antioxidant activity. In this study, the antioxidant activities of four largely used plants, namely Byrsonima crassifolia, Davilla kunthii, Davilla rugosa and Inga edulis, were evaluated, using methanolic extracts of their leaves, fruits and bark and several different in vitro tests, based either on the capacity to scavenge free radicals (ORAC, TRAP) or on the ability to protect biological structures (LDLs, erythrocytes). The total phenolics (TP), flavanoids (TFA) and flavonols (TFO) were also measured. Almost all extracts performed well in all assays of antioxidative capacity, with best activities found in leaves (compared to fruits and bark). Most antioxidative performance indicators (ORAC, TRAP, LDL protection) correlated well with the TP and TFA content of the extracts. Conversely, correlation was lower between TFO and these indicators, reflecting a lower involvement of these compounds in antioxidant processes. Erythrocyte protection against oxidant-triggered haemolysis showed no correlation with any of the phenolic content indicators, suggesting that most of these compounds have a low ability to protect lipid targets in the erythrocyte membrane. On the other hand, protection of erythrocytes against haemolysis correlated positively with LDL protection. The extract of I. edulis leaves contained average amounts of polyphenols but ranked first in the majority of the tests, indicating the occurrence of particularly efficient compounds with very important antioxidant properties, which could be used for medicinal and other applications.

- by Hervé Rogez and +1
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- Folk Medicine, Food Chemistry, Multidisciplinary, Free Radical

Particle size distribution (PSD) and temper influences on dark chocolate fat crystallization were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and microscopy to establish relationships with their melting properties and microstructure. Variations in PSD had no influence on crystallinity of products at all temper regimes. Particle size (PS) increases had limited effects on T onset , T peak , and DH melt independent of temper regime but significant decreases in T end and T index were noted. Contrary, varying temper regime influenced the crystallinity and melting properties (T end , T index and DH melt ) of products. Under-tempered chocolate showed widened crystal size distribution (CSD) with significant changes in T end , T index and DH melt of products. Over-tempering caused moderate increases in CSD and melting properties, with significant effect on T end , T index and DH melt but no changes were noted in T onset , T peak of products. Fat-sugar melting profiles showed similar levels in all products independent of temper regime, suggesting fat and sugar components are present in similar amounts in under-, over-and optimally-tempered products. Micrographs revealed clear crystalline network structure and well defined inter-crystal networks among tempered and over-tempered samples. Under-tempered products showed re-arrangement and re-crystallization of unstable fat crystals to smaller numbers of larger agglomerates with formation of solid bridges between the crystalline network structures. Attainment of optimal temper regime during precrystallization of dark chocolate is necessary for the achievement of premium quality products and avoidance of defects in structure and melting character.

- by Joselio Vieira
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- Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Food, Scanning Electron Microscopy

A series of polypropylene carbonate (PPC)/ ZnO nanocomposite films with different ZnO contents were prepared via a solution blending method. The morphological structures, thermal properties, oxygen permeability, water sorption, and antibacterial properties of the films were investigated as a function of ZnO concentration. While all of the composite films with less than 5 wt % ZnO exhibited good dispersion of ZnO in the PPC matrix, FTIR and SEM results revealed that solution blending did not lead to a strong interaction between PPC and unmodified ZnO. As such, poor dispersion was induced in the composite films with a high ZnO content. By incorporating inorganic ZnO filler nanoparticles, the diffusion coefficient, water uptake in equilibrium, and oxygen permeability decreased as the content of ZnO increased. The PPC/ZnO nanocomposite films also displayed a good inhibitory effect on the growth of bacteria in the antimicrobial analysis. The enhancement in the physical properties achieved by incorporating ZnO is advantageous in packaging applications, where antimicrobial and environmental-friendly properties, as well as good water and oxygen barrier characteristics are required. Furthermore, UV light below $ 350 nm can be efficiently absorbed by incorporating ZnO nanoparticles into a PPC matrix. ZnO nanoparticles can also improve the weatherability of a PPC film. In future research, the compatibility and dispersion of the PPC matrix polymer and the inorganic ZnO filler nanoparticles should be increased.

- by Zhenbao Liu
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- Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering

The objective of this study was to apply response surface methodology to estimate the emulsifying capacity and stability of mixtures containing isolated and textured soybean proteins combined with pectin and to evaluate if the extrusion process affects these interfacial properties. A simplex-centroid design was applied to the model emulsifying activity index (EAI), average droplet size (D [4,3] ) and creaming inhibition (CI%) of the mixtures. All models were significant and able to explain more than 86% of the variation. The high predictive capacity of the models was also confirmed. The mean values for EAI, D [4,3] and CI% observed in all assays were 0.173 ± 0.015 nm, 19.2 ± 1.0 lm and 53.3 ± 2.6%, respectively. No synergism was observed between the three compounds. This result can be attributed to the low soybean protein solubility at pH 6.2 (<35%). Pectin was the most important variable for improving all responses. The emulsifying capacity of the mixture increased 41% after extrusion. Our results showed that pectin could substitute or improve the emulsifying properties of the soybean proteins and that the extrusion brings additional advantage to interfacial properties of this combination.

- by Inar Erger
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- Methodology, Food Engineering, Food, Response Surface Methodology

Image analysis system was used to provide geometric parameters of legume seeds, which are important for designing of engineering processes such as drying, milling, germination etc. Measured features of bean and lentil seeds were projected area, equivalent diameter, MaxFeret, MinFeret and thickness. Three approximation models (an oblate spheroid, two sphere segments and a triaxial ellipsoid) were used to evaluate volume and surface area of lentil and bean seeds of various varieties. The best approximation model was found as the triaxial ellipsoid and the oblate spheroid for bean varieties and two sphere segments for lentil varieties. From the model data estimated specific surface area were ranged from 5.1-5.8 cm 2 /g for bean varieties and 11.57-11.95 cm 2 /g for lentil varieties. Image analysis system provided fast and accurate values of important technological properties of legume such as geometric parameters, volume and surface area.

- by ebru durmuş
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- Food Engineering, Image Analysis, Properties, Method

Chemical analysis of Allium caepa L. var Tropeana (red onion) seeds showed high amounts of oil (20.4%), fibre (22.4%), crude protein (24.8%), calcium (175.0 mg/100 g), potassium (1010 mg/100 g), low amounts of sodium (11.2 mg/100 g) and six cysteine derivatives, of which the S-propylmercapto-cysteine has never been reported in onion before. The antioxidant capacity of seed extracts containing cysteine derivatives (SECCD), before and after boiling the seeds, and of cooking water extracts containing cysteine derivatives (CWECCD), was also evaluated, by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrilhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. The extracts showed discrete antioxidant capacity which increased after boiling, although cooking methods caused significant losses of the cysteine derivatives in water.

- by Irene Dini
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- Food Chemistry, Multidisciplinary, Properties, Potassium

Bamboo is one of the most valuable non-timber products in the world today and it provides livelihood to millions of people in the world. The paper explained bamboo and discussed the morphology of a bamboo plant. It explained the uses and properties of bamboo. The paper also identified impediments to effective utilization of bamboo as a forest product in Nigeria. Some of these impediments include lack of public awareness in the use of bamboo for modern construction work, lack of bamboo research institute, unavailability of technical experts for processing bamboo and government attitude towards bamboo as a forest product. The paper suggests establishment of Bamboo research institute for conducting researches in bamboo and for the production of technical personnel for processing bamboo.

- by IOSR Journals
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- Structure, Morphology, Biodiversity, Bamboo

This paper reports the development of natural cellulose technical fibers from soybean straw with properties similar to the natural cellulose fibers in current use. About 220 million tons of soybean straw available in the world every year could complement the byproducts of other major food crops as inexpensive, abundant and annually renewable sources for natural cellulose fibers. Using the agricultural byproducts as sources for fibers could help to address the concerns on the future price and availability of both the natural and synthetic fibers in current use and also help to add value to the food crops. A simple alkaline extraction was used to obtain technical fibers from soybean straw and the composition, structure and properties of the fibers was studied. Technical fibers obtained from soybean straw have high cellulose content (85%) but low% crystallinity (47%). The technical fibers have breaking tenacity (2.7 g/den) and breaking elongation (3.9%) higher than those of fibers obtained from wheat straw and sorghum stalk and leaves but lower than that of cotton. Overall, the structure and properties of the technical fibers obtained from soybean straw indicates that the fibers could be suitable for use in textile, composite and other industrial applications.

- by Narendra Reddy
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- Biotechnology, Biomass, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Crystallization

This work discusses the relevance of transcendent universals for different non-Humean theories on natural laws. These theories are: (i) theories that consider natural laws to be either ontologically dependent on primitive counterfactual facts, or theories that consider natural laws as themselves ontologically primitive; and (ii) theories that consider natural laws to be dependent on universals. In both cases (i) and (ii), laws are supposed to have a specific modal character. It is contended that in case (i) this modal character requires a connection with complexions of universals, as modal facts require universals (or so it is maintained). Thus it is more plausible to think of laws as dependent on universals, as in theories of type (ii). In theories of type (ii), furthermore, modal facts seem to require the acceptance of non-instantiated universals. In effect, the existence of a law implies the existence of the universals that are connected within it. As laws seem to exist in possible worlds where the universals that appear therein are not instantiated, non-instantiated universals seem to exist.

- by José Tomás Alvarado
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- Metaphysics of properties, Universals, Properties, Natural laws

The work is devoted to the study of the plastics features in modern construction use. The plastics classification in modern construction is generalized. This classification includes: the field of building products application, the features of the materials properties and products, a backup group that includes those products that are not included in the previous groups. The classification considered is the basis for choosing the basic materials properties that affect the quality and durability of products. To improve the plastics types in the construction, the Venn diagram is used. The main materials types for manufacturing a product of the "window profile" type are analyzed; the result of the studies is a comparative diagram.

- by Mohannad H Al-Sherrawi
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- Quality, Construction, Properties, Plastics

Brown Irish edible seaweeds, Himanthalia elongata, Laminaria sachharina and Laminaria digitata, were evaluated for the microbiota in raw and heat processed form. Raw seaweeds showed complete absence of aerobic mesophiles, halophiles, yeasts and molds. However, heating at 85°C for 15 min resulted in spore germination. Bacterial counts as high as 10 7 were observed for aerobic mesophiles and halophiles. Heating above 95°C for 15 min resulted in complete inactivation of surface microflora. Bacteria belonging to Bacillaceae, Paenibacillaceae, Moraxellaceae and Enterobacteriaceae family were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. In vitro antimicrobial activity of the methanolic extracts of the seaweed on food pathogenic and food spoilage bacteria were also evaluated. The seaweeds in their raw state had almost 100% inhibition against Listeria monocytogenes; 98% and 93% inhibition was achieved against Pseudomonas aeruginosa by H. elongata and L. saccharina extracts, respectively. Heating the seaweeds resulted in the reduction of antimicrobial activity as compared to raw. The effect was more pronounced against Gram negative bacteria.

- by Gaurav Rajauria
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- Microbiology, Microbial diversity, Food Processing, Food Science and Technology

Indigenous proteases in the skin of unicorn leatherjacket (Alutherus monoceros) were characterised using autolytic study. Maximised autolysis was found at pH 7 and 50 °C. Autolysis was markedly inhibited by 0.04 mM soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI), suggesting that heat activated serine protease was predominant in the skin. The impact of indigenous proteases on the properties of gelatin extracted from unicorn leatherjacket skin was investigated. Gelatin was extracted from unicorn leatherjacket skin using distilled water at 50 °C for 12 h in the presence and absence of 0.04 mM SBTI. In the presence of SBTI, the degradation was markedly inhibited, but a lower gelatin extraction yield was obtained (P < 0.05). Extracted gelatins contained α1 and α2 chains as the predominant components with some degradation peptides. FTIR spectra indicated a greater loss of molecular order of the triple helix and a higher degradation was found in gelatin extracted in the absence of 0.04 mM SBTI. The net charge of gelatin samples extracted with and without 0.04 mM SBTI became zero at pHs of 8.45 and 7.31, respectively, as determined by ζ-potential titration. Higher gel strength (320.68 ± 3.02 g) was obtained in gelatin extracted with SBTI, compared with that of gelatin extracted without SBTI (288.63 ± 1.44 g). High emulsifying activity index but lower emulsifying stability index was observed in the former. Therefore, heat-activated serine protease was involved in the degradation of gelatin molecules, thereby affecting the yield, proteinaceous components and properties of gelatin from unicorn leatherjacket skin.► Indigenous proteases hydrolysed gelatin from skin of unicorn leatherjacket during extraction. ► Soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI) could prevent the degradation of gelatin during extraction. ► Gelatin extracted in the presence of SBTI had the improved functional properties.

- by Mehraj Ahmad
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- Food Chemistry, Multidisciplinary, Properties, Triple Helix

The chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of aqueous butanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Pleurotus sajor-caju were investigated in this study. Twenty-two compounds comprising methyl esters, hydrocarbon fatty acids, ethyl esters, and sterols were identified in ethyl acetate extracts, while cinnamic acid, nicotinamide, benzeneacetamide, and 4-hydroxybenzaldyhde were identified in butanol extracts by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and NMR analysis. The antioxidant activity was determined by a β-carotene bleaching method, ferric reducing antioxidant power, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, and lipid peroxidation assays, while the total phenolic content in P. sajor-caju was assessed by Folin-Ciocalteau's method. The aqueous and butanol extracts exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, corresponding to the total phenolic content. The subfractions from the ethyl acetate extract (EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4), however, showed moderate antioxidant activity. The regular consumption of P. sajor-caju as a part of our diet may render nutritional and nutraceuticals benefits for good health.

- by Lukmanul Lukmanul
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- Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry

The synthesis of commercial EDDHA produces o,o-EDDHA as the main reaction product, together with a mixture of regioisomers (o,p-EDDHA and p,p-EDDHA) and other unknown byproducts also able to complex Fe 3+ . These compounds have been obtained by direct synthesis, and their structures have been determined by ESI-MS analysis as oligomeric EDDHA-like products, formed by polysubstitution in the phenolic rings. Short-term experiments show that the iron complexes of samples enriched in these oligomeric byproducts have adequate stability in solution, but a significant amount of them is lost after interaction with soils and soil materials. Mildly chlorotic cucumber plants are able to reduce iron better from o,p-EDDHA/Fe 3+ than from the iron complexes of the oligomeric byproducts. In hydroponics, the chlorotic soybean susceptible plants have a lower potential for Fe absorption from these byproducts than from o,o-EDDHA/Fe 3+ and from o,p-EDDHA/Fe 3+ . In the studied conditions, the iron chelates of EDDHA byproducts do not have the long-lasting effect shown by o,o-EDDHA/Fe 3+ and present a less efficient fast-action effect than the o,p-EDDHA/Fe 3+ .

- by Mar Gómez-gallego
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- Engineering, Soil, Structure, Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

We studied the influence of lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) on the pattern and rate of ethylene production and respiration of tcmatc (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. H7!55) leaflets and fruit. Leaflets that had been senescing on the plant showed a climacteric-like rise in ethylene prcduction but not in respiration rate which decreased continuously with leaf age. Detached leaflets had a ciimactenc-like pattern in respiration whether they were incubated in complete darkness or in light. Detached leaflets incubated in the dark had higher rates of ethylene production and CO, evolution than did light-incubated leaves. There was no change in the pattem of ethylene prcduction or COT evolution as a result cf LPE treatment. However, LPE-treated attached and detached leaflets had consistently lower rates of CO, evolution. The reduetion in CO> evolution by LPE was most pronounced at the climacteric-hke peak cf the detached leaves LPE-treated leaflets had a higher chlorophyll content and fresh weight and lower electrolyte leakage than the control. LPE-treated fruits had lower rates of ethylene and CO, production than did the ccntrol. LPE-treated fruits also had higher pericarp firmness and lower electrolyte leakage than the control. The results cf the present study provide evidence that LPE is able tc retard senescence of attached leaves and detached leaves and tomato fruits. Several recent studies suggest that lysolipids can act in a specific manner as metabolic regulators. Our results suggest a specific role of lysolipid LPE in aging and senescence.

- by Jiwan Palta
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- Metabolism, Plant Biology, Composition, Properties

Halloumi cheese was produced from 11 bovine milks with fat contents of 1.61-4.04%, giving a range of 32-53% fat in dry matter (FDM) in the cheeses. Starter culture and/or microparticulated whey protein (Simplesse ® 100(E)) was also added to selected batches of milk. Hardness decreased with increasing FDM, with increase in moisture and with lower pH. On sensory evaluation, there was an increase in preference score with FDM (R 2 = 0.8). Inclusion of microparticulated whey protein may have had a fat mimetic effect, as preference scores otherwise decreased with increasing protein levels (R 2 = 0.75).

- by Andrew Wilbey
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- Engineering, Biological Sciences, Properties, Dairy

Crude polysaccharides of mature fresh and dried fruit bodies and dried mycelia of Lentinus polychrous Lév. were evaluated for their antioxidant properties and cancer cell line cytotoxicity. The crude polysaccharides were in yields of 39.0-97.5 mg/g dry weight of sample. Trolox equivalent values in scavenging abilities of those crude polysaccharides against both 2,2 0 -azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS Å+ ) radical and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH Å ) radicals were in the range of 53.4-131 and 6.4-38.8 lmol trolox/g dwt of extract, respectively, whereas values of reducing power were in the range 27.6-54.9 lmol trolox/g dwt of extract. Scavenging ability and reducing power of these crude polysaccharide extracts were in the descending order of mycelia > dried fruit bodies > fresh fruit bodies. In vitro cytotoxicity, determined with the crude polysaccharides of fresh and dried fruit bodies of the fungus at a concentration of 1 mg/ml, by the [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] (MTT) method, showed cytotoxic effects of about 38% and 45%, respectively, against the human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7). This mushroom might be a good source of bioactive compounds for cancer prevention.

- by Chantragan Srisomsap
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- Food Chemistry, Cancer Prevention, Cytotoxicity, Multidisciplinary

A preliminary study was performed on fresh and irradiated Tuber aestivum black truffles to investigate the presence of mutagenic and antimutagenic activities in the fresh product and to examine the possible effects of treatment with gamma rays. The study was performed on aqueous and ethanolic extracts from truffles, untreated or irradiated with a final dose of 1.5 kGy. Two Salmonella typhimurium His À strains, TA 98 and TA100, were used. The preliminary results indicate that black truffles may contain compounds having an inhibitory effect against direct and indirect acting mutagenic compounds. The irradiation did not lead to the formation of mutagenic compounds, but the level of antimutagenic activity was slightly decreased after the treatment.

- by Aldo Di Luccia
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- Food Chemistry, Multidisciplinary, Food Preservation, Properties

The study of new probiotic strains for their technological relevance and use in dairy products is important for trade and industry. Eight Lactobacillus plantarum strains isolated from Bulgarian cheeses and selected for their potential probiotic properties were characterized. In vitro tests with the API ZYM system revealed high aminopeptidase and phosphatase activity, and weak lipolytic activity. The L. plantarum strains showed also a weak proteolytic activity and were characterized as slow variants on the base of their coagulation ability. They maintained high viability in fermented milk over extended shelf-times at refrigerated temperature and demonstrated a good adaptation to 6% NaCl. Among the preservatives, only calcium propionate did not affect the growth of L. plantarum. The highest concentrations used of potassium sorbate (0.5 and 1%) and nisaplin (0.02%) decreased the bacterial growth. One L. plantarum strain was tested as an adjunct to commercially available formula for cream cheese. This candidate probiotic culture withstood the technological processing and retained high number of 10 7 cfu g À1 at the end of the 3 months storage period at 4 C.

- by SVETLA DANOVA
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- Calcium, In Vitro, Properties, Bacteria

Composite materials have gained traction in the world today and are becoming of
common use in industrial and specialized applications in general due to their flexible
nature that involves mixing through layers or matrixes the components of various
substances and therefore, a percentage of each substance’s physical properties. In
recent years there has been an increasing concern for industries to use cost effective
reinforcement for metal materials like aluminum which is abundant cheap, with
various desirable properties like its lightness, but lacks the strength for various
applications – ceramic materials such as SiC and aluminum oxide are used generally
for reinforcing the aluminum MMC. There is a good probability, backed up by tests
for certain materials, that reinforcing metals with composites can increase failure
displacement, fatigue life, ultimate failure load and energy absorption capacity,
amongst many others by substantial amounts.

- by IAEME Publication
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- Materials, Properties, Composite, Reinforcement

The antioxidant activity of five indigenous rice bran varieties, i.e. Rice bran-Super kernel (RB-kr), Rice bran-Super 2000 (RB-s2), Rice bran-Super Basmati (RB-bm), Rice bran-Super-386 (RB-86) and Rice bran-Super fine (RB-sf), collected from the same agricultural plots, was evaluated. The order of antioxidant activity was evaluated by measurement of total phenolic content, antioxidant activity in linoleic acid system, reducing power, metal chelating ability, scavenging capacity by DPPH radical and ABTS cation radical and conjugated dienes. Determination of major antioxidant components reported in rice bran, i.e. tocopherols, tocotrienols and c-oryzanol, was made using reverse phase HPLC. However, for comparison of tocopherol content, quantification was also done by voltammetry. The overall order of antioxidant activity was RB-kr > RB-s2 > RB-bm > RB-86 > RB-sf. However, according to the chelating activity and conjugated dienes assays the antioxidant efficacy of RB-sf was higher than RB-bm and RB-86. Antioxidant power was correlated with growth period and irrigation water demand by a particular variety. A strong correlation of these two parameters with antioxidant activity was observed. RB-kr has the longest growth period and takes the least amount of water out of the series and exhibits highest antioxidant activity. Strongly reverse behavior was observed in case of RB-sf.

- by ShAhid IqbAl
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- Food Chemistry, Multidisciplinary, Properties, HPLC

Protein concentrates were produced from the flours of two barley cultivars (Bülbül and Tokak) by alkaline extraction procedure. The flour samples and their protein concentrates were examined by SDS-PAGE. Solubility properties of protein concentrates were investigated as a function of pH, NaCl concentration and protein concentration, whereas emulsifying properties were determined as a function of pH and protein concentration. The highest solubility was observed in water among the solvents studied, especially at pH values of 2, 10 and 11 as compared to the other ones. A decrease in solubility was determined with increasing ionic strength of NaCl solutions. The results suggested that emulsifying behavior of protein concentrates generally resembled their solubility behavior in water. Minimum solubility and emulsifying values were observed at pH 6, which is close to the isoelectric point of barley proteins. Both of these functional properties were improved below and above the isoelectric pH.

- by Sueda Celik
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- Industrial Biotechnology, Properties, Solubility, Gramineae

Total antioxidant capacities, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH . ), hydroxyl (HO . ), scavenging activities, and total phenolic values were determined in extracts of Cucurbita pepo L. female and male flowers. Powdered C. pepo L. samples were extracted in aqueous ethyl acetate (EA: W1, 17:3), ethanol (E), and water (W) by agitating in magnetic stirrer for 80 • C, 15 min and also by in aqueous ethyl acetate (EA: W2, 17:3) at 25 • C, 15 min. DPPH . , HO . scavenging capacities and total phenolic values of C. pepo L. female and male were higher in EA:W2 than in other extracts. In addition, all determined antioxidant capacities of female were significantly higher than male.

- by Roma Ghai
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- Free Radicals, Antioxidants, In Vitro, Properties
- by manasa thaviti
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- Properties

The effect of harvest dates on the starch properties of six potato cultivars was studied. The focus was on the content of amylose and phosphorus, mean granule size, viscosity analysis by rapid visco analyzer, thermal analysis by differential scanning calorimetry, and chain length distribution of amylopectin. A late harvest date significantly enhanced mean granule size, the phosphorus content, peak viscosity and breakdown. Furthermore, a late harvest date led to significant but slight decreases in amylose content, pasting temperature, and gelatinization temperature. In contrast, harvest date had no influences on gelatinization enthalpy on distribution of the shorter chain lengths of amylopectin. The correlation coefficients were calculated among these starch properties, and starch phosphorus content was found to have positively significant correlations with the peak viscosity and breakdown.

- by Mangalika Wickramasinghe
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- Food Chemistry, Multidisciplinary, Potato, Phosphorus
- by Fatima Juniva Jaramiillo Garcia
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- Light Scattering, Science, Morphology, Nanocomposites

Image retrieval is used in searching for images from images database. In this paper, content – based image retrieval (CBIR) using four feature extraction techniques has been achieved. The four techniques are colored histogram features technique, properties features technique, gray level cooccurrence matrix (GLCM) statistical features technique and hybrid technique. The features are extracted from the data base images and query (test) images in order to find the similarity measure. The similarity-based matching is very important in CBIR, so, three types of similarity measure are used, normalized Mahalanobis distance, Euclidean distance and Manhattan distance. A comparison between them has been implemented. From the results, it is concluded that, for the database images used in this work, the CBIR using hybrid technique is better for image retrieval because it has a higher match performance (100%) for each type of similarity measure so; it is the best one for image retrieval.

- by zainab abood
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- Image Processing, CBIR, Properties, Hybrid

The objective is to remove rain from videos without blurring the object. The algorithm helps to devise the system which removes rain from videos to facilitate video surveillance, and to improve the various visionbased algorithms. Rain is a noise that impairs videos and images. Such weather conditions will affect stereo correspondence, feature detection, segmentation, and object tracking and recognition. In video surveillance if any problem is found due to weather conditions the object cannot be tracked well. In this paper we have considered only rain falling in static environment, i.e., the object is not moving.

- by Agnieszka Szajdek
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- Food, Industrial Biotechnology, Properties, vitamin C

Pigments are present in all living matter and provide attractive colors and play basic roles in the development of organisms. Human beings, like most animals, come in contact with their surroundings through color, and things can or cannot be acceptable based on their color characteristics. This review presents the basic information about pigments focusing attention on the natural ones; it emphasizes the principal plant pigments: carotenoids, anthocyanins, and betalains. Special considerations are given to their salient characteristics; to their biosynthesis, taking into account the biochemical and molecular biology information generated in their elucidation; and to the processing and stability properties of these compounds as food colorants.

- by Francisco Delgado-Vargas
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- Biochemistry, Nutrition and Dietetics, Food Science, Nutrition
- by Kendal Harr and +1
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- Zoology, Hematology, Electron Microscopy, Reproduction

Protein concentrates were prepared from defatted rice brans and analyzed for their functional properties. Water-binding capacity was in the range of 3.87-5.60 (g/g) while oil absorption capacity ranged between 3.74 and 9.18 (g/g). Basmati 370 had highest bulk density (0.21 g/ml). Rice bran protein concentrates of Basmati 370 exhibited good foam stability with a half-life of 42.6 h at 15% sugar concentration. Emulsifying capacity of protein concentrates ranged between 24% and 74%. Emulsions were fairly stable under different pH, salt and sugar concentrations. Functional properties of rice bran protein concentrates are comparable with casein and have good potential in food industry.

- by Munkh-Erdene Baatar
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- Food Engineering, Properties, Oil, Absorptive Capacity

The Interpersonal Relationship Inventory-Short Form (IPRI-SF) has demonstrated psychometric consistency across several demographic and clinical populations; however, it has not been psychometrically tested in a military population. The purpose of this study was to psychometrically evaluate the reliability and component structure of the IPRI-SF in active duty United States Army female service members (FSMs). The reliability estimates were .93 for the social support subscale and .91 for the conflict subscale. Principal component analysis demonstrated an obliquely rotated three-component solution that accounted for 58.9% of the variance. The results of this study support the reliability and validity of the IPRI-SF for use in FSMs; however, a three-factor structure emerged in this sample of FSMs post-deployment that represents ''cultural context.'' ß

- by Linda Yoder
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- Nursing, Ethics, Psychometrics, Mental Health

The EcoEffect method of assessing external and internal impacts of building properties is briefly described. The external impacts of manufacturing and transport of the building materials, the generation of power and heat consumed during the operation phase are assessed using life-cycle methodology. Emissions and waste; natural resource depletion and toxic substances in building materials are accounted for. Here methodologies from natural sciences are employed. The internal impacts involve the assessment of the risk for discomfort and ill-being due to features and properties of both the indoor environment and outdoor environment within the boundary of the building properties. This risk is calculated based on data and information from questionnaires; measurements and inspection where methodologies mainly from social sciences are used. Life-cycle costs covering investment and utilities costs as well as maintenance costs summed up over the lifetime of the building are also calculated. The result presentation offers extensive layers of diagrams and data tables ranging from an aggregated diagram of environmental efficiency to quantitative indicators of different aspects and factors. Environmental efficiency provides a relative measure of the internal quality of a building property in relation to its external impact vis-a`-vis its performance relative to other building properties.

- by Marie Hult
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- Civil Engineering, Architecture, Methodology, Life Cycle Assessment

Abstract A lack of reliable observations for canopy science research is being partly overcome by the gradual use of lidar remote sensing. This study aims to improve lidar-based canopy characterization with airborne laser scanners through... more

- by Kaiguang Zhao
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- Artificial Intelligence, Forestry, Remote Sensing, Machine Learning

A wide variety of recycled waste has been successfully used in the production of concrete paving blocks. It is known that the mechanical properties of these concrete products tend to be inconsistent, which is understandable in view of the range of mix designs as well as the variety of materials and compaction methods that were adopted in the production. In this study, recycled waste tyre (crumb rubber) was used to replace sand by volume at the level of 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% in order to investigate how the soft rubber particles behave under plant-machine compaction method during the production of rubberized concrete paving blocks (RCPB). In the hardened stage, the physical properties as well as mechanical properties of RCPB including density, compressive strength, bending strength and skid resistance were studied. The results showed that as a small proportion (~10%) of soft rubber particles was included in the mixture, the particles easily distorted and filled the voids between the solid particles. This filling mechanism reduced the porosity of concrete mixtures and effectively developed an adequate adhesion between the particles, resulting in higher gain in strengths. On the contrary, as the rubber ratio increased more than 10%, which the deformability is more predominant than the filling mechanism, this results in higher total stress concentrations and rebound stress of rubber particles, thus, increasing the of porosity and micro cracks, resulting in loss in strengths. Nevertheless, the presence of rubber in concrete did not demonstrate brittle failure, but rather a ductile which had an ability to withstand post-failure loads. In comparison, the mechanical properties of plant-made RCPB performed better than that of corresponding manually-made RCPB. Therefore, plant-compaction method is recommended for future RCPB production and crumb rubber content used to replace sand by volume should be kept at or less than 10 %.

- by Tung-Chai Ling
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- Civil Engineering, Properties, Building, Building and Construction Materials

Ένα ζεστό σαββατιάτικο πρωινό, στα τέλη Ιουνίου του 1984, πέρασα για πρώτη φορά το κατώφλι του Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης, ακόμη τότε στα Περβόλια στο Ρέθυμνο, φορτωμένη με τη διδακτορική διατριβή που μόλις είχα υποστηρίξει στη Γαλλία. Το κτήριο ήταν άδειο, σε περίοδο φθίνουσας εξεταστικής περιόδου. Μόνο σε μια αίθουσα διδασκαλίας, δίπλα στη Γραμματεία του Ιστορικού και Αρχαιολογικού, ακουγόταν έντονη συζήτηση -προφορική εξέταση ήταν, όπως έμαθα αργότερα: για τη Γεωμετρική Πλαστική, τους γλύπτες, τα αγάλματα -και τα μηνύματά τους. Στο τέλος της ιδιότυπης, δυναμικής «πράξης», απευθύνθηκα στον «κορυφαίο» της, που κάπνιζε, ακόμη πολύ σκεπτικός, το άφιλτρο τσιγάρο του. Καλού-κακού, βεβαιώθηκα: «Ψάχνω τον κ. Φαράκλα». «Του ομιλείτε», ήρθε η απάντηση. Συστήθηκα, αμήχανα, επιμένοντας προς το μέρος της διατριβής. Το αμελητέο ενδιαφέρον του συνομιλητή μου γι' αυτήν αντιστάθμισε η εμπειρία της πρώτης μου συζήτησης με τον Νικόλα. Η γνωριμία μου, δηλαδή, με τον πρωτότυπο εκείνο δικό του λόγο, που σε (ξανα)μαθαίνει, θαρρείς, να σκέφτεσαι, κριτικά και διαλεκτικά. Μέσα από τις απλές -αλλά γι' αυτό και τόσο δύσκολες -ατραπούς του «ορθού επιστημονικού λόγου» (sic).