Sample records for content values obtained
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Circadian Macronutrients Variations over the First 7 Weeks of Human Milk Feeding of Preterm Infants.
Moran-Lev, Hadar; Mimouni, Francis B; Ovental, Amit; Mangel, Laurence; Mandel, Dror; Lubetzky, Ronit
2015-09-01
Little is known about circadian variations of macronutrients content of expressed preterm human milk (HM). This study evaluated diurnal variations of macronutrients and energy content of preterm HM over the first 7 weeks of lactation and tested the hypothesis that values obtained during a morning sample are predictive of those obtained from an evening sample. Expressed HM was obtained from 32 mothers of preterm infants (26-33 weeks in gestational age), who routinely expressed all their milk every 3 hours from the beginning of the second to the seventh week after delivery. One aliquot was obtained from the first morning expression and the second from the evening expression. Energy and macronutrients contents were measured using an HM analyzer. Mean fat and energy contents of all samples obtained during the whole period were significantly higher in evening samples (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between morning and evening carbohydrates and protein contents. Concentrations of protein, carbohydrates, and fat from morning samples were predictive of evening concentrations to different extents (R(2) = 0.720, R(2) = 0.663, and R(2) = 0.20, respectively; p < 0.02). The predictability of evening values by morning values was not influenced by the week of lactation at sampling or by individual patients. In repeated-measures analysis of variance performed on 11 patients who completed the whole 7-week period, over time, there was a significant decrease in fat, energy, and protein contents, whereas carbohydrates content remained unchanged. Day-night differences remained significant only for fat content. Circadian variations in fat and energy concentrations of HM are consistent over the first 7 weeks of lactation. There are no consistent circadian variations in HM protein and carbohydrates. Over a given day, there are little variations in protein and carbohydrates content, but fat concentrations are more variable, and evening values are less well predicted by morning sample analysis than values for protein or carbohydrates.
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González-Méijome, José M; López-Alemany, Antonio; Lira, Madalena; Almeida, José B; Oliveira, M Elisabete C D Real; Parafita, Manuel A
2007-01-01
The purpose of the present study was to develop mathematical relationships that allow obtaining equilibrium water content and refractive index of conventional and silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses from refractive index measures obtained with automated refractometry or equilibrium water content measures derived from manual refractometry, respectively. Twelve HEMA-based hydrogels of different hydration and four siloxane-based polymers were assayed. A manual refractometer and a digital refractometer were used. Polynomial models obtained from the sucrose curves of equilibrium water content against refractive index and vice-versa were used either considering the whole range of sucrose concentrations (16-100% equilibrium water content) or a range confined to the equilibrium water content of current soft contact lenses (approximately 20-80% equilibrium water content). Values of equilibrium water content measured with the Atago N-2E and those derived from the refractive index measurement with CLR 12-70 by the applications of sucrose-based models displayed a strong linear correlation (r2 = 0.978). The same correlations were obtained when the models are applied to obtain refractive index values from the Atago N-2E and compared with those (values) given by the CLR 12-70 (r2 = 0.978). No significantly different results are obtained between models derived from the whole range of the sucrose solution or the model limited to the normal range of soft contact lens hydration. Present results will have implications for future experimental and clinical research regarding normal hydration and dehydration experiments with hydrogel polymers, and particularly in the field of contact lenses. 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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The role of moisture content in above-ground leaching
Stan Lebow; Patricia Lebow
2007-01-01
This paper reviews previous reports on the moisture content of wood exposed above ground and compares those values to moisture contents obtained using simulated rainfall and immersion methods. Laboratory leaching trials with CCA-treated specimens were also conducted and the results compared to published values for leaching of CCA-treated specimens exposed above ground...
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Farace, P; Pontalti, R; Cristoforetti, L; Antolini, R; Scarpa, M
1997-11-01
This paper presents an automatic method to obtain tissue complex permittivity values to be used as input data in the computer modelling for hyperthermia treatment planning. Magnetic resonance (MR) images were acquired and the tissue water content was calculated from the signal intensity of the image pixels. The tissue water content was converted into complex permittivity values by monotonic functions based on mixture theory. To obtain a water content map by MR imaging a gradient-echo pulse sequence was used and an experimental procedure was set up to correct for relaxation and radiofrequency field inhomogeneity effects on signal intensity. Two approaches were followed to assign the permittivity values to fat-rich tissues: (i) fat-rich tissue localization by a segmentation procedure followed by assignment of tabulated permittivity values; (ii) water content evaluation by chemical shift imaging followed by permittivity calculation. Tests were performed on phantoms of known water content to establish the reliability of the proposed method. MRI data were acquired and processed pixel-by-pixel according to the outlined procedure. The signal intensity in the phantom images correlated well with water content. Experiments were performed on volunteers' healthy tissue. In particular two anatomical structures were chosen to calculate permittivity maps: the head and the thigh. The water content and electric permittivity values were obtained from the MRI data and compared to others in the literature. A good agreement was found for muscle, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and white and grey matter. The advantages of the reported method are discussed in the light of possible application in hyperthermia treatment planning.
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The adsorption kinetics of metal ions onto different microalgae and siliceous earth.
Schmitt, D; Müller, A; Csögör, Z; Frimmel, F H; Posten, C
2001-03-01
In the present work the adsorption kinetics of the six metal ions aluminum, zinc, mercury, lead, copper, and cadmium onto living microalgae were measured. The freshwater green microalga Scenedesmus subspicatus, the brackish water diatom Cyclotella cryptica, the seawater diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, and the seawater red alga Porphyridium purpureum were the subject of investigation. In most cases the adsorption rate of the metals could be well described by using the equation of the Langmuir adsorption rate expression. Inverse parameter estimation allowed the determination of the rate constants of the adsorption process and the maximum metal content of the algae. The highest values for the rate constant were obtained for Porphyridium purpureum followed by Phaeodactylum tricornutum. High values for the maximum content were obtained for Cyclotella cryptica and Scenedesmus subspicatus. The maximum rate constant was 24.21 h-1 for the adsorption of Hg to Porphyridium purpureum whereas the maximum metal content (0.243 g g-1) was obtained for Zn on Cyclotella cryptica. A comparison of these values with those obtained for the mineral siliceous earth exhibiting low maximum content and high adsorption rates reveals that the mechanism of adsorption onto the algae is a mixture of adsorption and accumulation.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Perkins, Porter J.; Kline, Dwight B.
1951-01-01
Flight icing-rate data obtained in a dense and. abnormally deep supercooled stratiform cloud system indicated the existence of liquid-water contents generally exceeding values in amount and extent previously reported over the midwestern sections of the United States. Additional information obtained during descent through a part of the cloud system indicated liquid-water contents that significantly exceeded theoretical values, especially near the middle of the cloud layer.. The growth of cloud droplets to sizes that resulted in sedimentation from the upper portions of the cloud is considered to be a possible cause of the high water contents near the center of the cloud layer. Flight measurements of the vertical temperature distribution in the cloud layer indicated a rate of change of temperature with altitude exceeding that of the moist adiabatic lapse rate. This excessive rate of change is considered to have contributed to the severity of the condition.
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Ionizing power and nucleophilicity in water in oil AOT-based microemulsions.
García-Río, Luis; Hervella, Pablo; Leis, José Ramón
2005-08-16
A study was carried out on the solvolysis of substituted phenyl chloroformates in AOT/isooctane/water microemulsions. (AOT is the sodium salt of bis(2-ethyhexyl)sulfosuccinate.) The results obtained have been interpreted by taking into account the distribution of the chloroformates between the continuous medium and the interface of the microemulsions, where the reactions take place. The values obtained for the rate constant in the interface, k(i), decreases as the water content of the microemulsions increases, as a consequence of the decrease in its nucleophilic capacity. This behavior is consistent with a rate-determining step of water addition to the carbonyl group. The values of k(i) allow us to obtain the slopes of the Hammett correlations at the interface of the microemulsions, rho = 2.25, whose values are greater than those obtained in an aqueous medium, rho = 0.82. This increase in the Hammett slope is similar to that observed in ethanol/water mixtures and is a consequence of a variation in the structure of the transition state of the reaction where there is a smaller extension of the expulsion of the leaving group. The values of the rate constants at the interface of the microemulsions have allowed us, by means of the Grunwald-Winstein equation, to obtain the solvent ionizing power and the nucleophilicity of the solvent. The values obtained for Y(Cl) increase together with the water content of the microemulsion, whereas the values of N(T) decrease. These variations are a consequence of the interaction between the AOT headgroups and the interfacial water, where the water molecules act like electronic acceptors. The intensity of this interaction is greater if the system has a small water content, which explains the variation of Y(Cl) and N(T).
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An evaluation of a bioelectrical impedance analyser for the estimation of body fat content.
Maughan, R J
1993-01-01
Measurement of body composition is an important part of any assessment of health or fitness. Hydrostatic weighing is generally accepted as the most reliable method for the measurement of body fat content, but is inconvenient. Electrical impedance analysers have recently been proposed as an alternative to the measurement of skinfold thickness. Both these latter methods are convenient, but give values based on estimates obtained from population studies. This study compared values of body fat content obtained by hydrostatic weighing, skinfold thickness measurement and electrical impedance on 50 (28 women, 22 men) healthy volunteers. Mean(s.e.m.) values obtained by the three methods were: hydrostatic weighing, 20.5(1.2)%; skinfold thickness, 21.8(1.0)%; impedance, 20.8(0.9)%. The results indicate that the correlation between the skinfold method and hydrostatic weighing (0.931) is somewhat higher than that between the impedance method and hydrostatic weighing (0.830). This is, perhaps, not surprising given the fact that the impedance method is based on an estimate of total body water which is then used to calculate body fat content. The skinfold method gives an estimate of body density, and the assumptions involved in the conversion from body density to body fat content are the same for both methods. PMID:8457817
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Xia, Qing; Liu, Changhong; Liu, Jinxia; Pan, Wenjuan; Lu, Xuzhong; Yang, Jianbo; Chen, Wei; Zheng, Lei
2016-03-30
Rancidity is an important attribute for quality assessment of butter cookies, while traditional methods for rancidity measurement are usually laborious, destructive and prone to operational error. In the present paper, the potential of applying multi-spectral imaging (MSI) technology with 19 wavelengths in the range of 405-970 nm to evaluate the rancidity in butter cookies was investigated. Moisture content, acid value and peroxide value were determined by traditional methods and then related with the spectral information by partial least squares regression (PLSR) and back-propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN). The optimal models for predicting moisture content, acid value and peroxide value were obtained by PLSR. The correlation coefficient (r) obtained by PLSR models revealed that MSI had a perfect ability to predict moisture content (r = 0.909), acid value (r = 0.944) and peroxide value (r = 0.971). The study demonstrated that the rancidity level of butter cookies can be continuously monitored and evaluated in real-time by the multi-spectral imaging, which is of great significance for developing online food safety monitoring solutions. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Effect of YAG laser cutting on stretch-flangeability of TRIP steels
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nagasaka, A.; Sugimoto, K.-I.; Kobayashi, M.
2003-10-01
The effect of YAG laser cutting on the stretch-flangeability of transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP)-aided dual-phase sheet steels (TDP steels), which had different contents of C, Si and Mn, was examined. In TDP steels in which Si and Mn contents were constant and C content was varied ((O.1 0.4)C 1.5Si 1.5Mn, mass%), the strength stretch-flangeability balance (TS × λ) of holes obtained by either laser cutting, hole-punching or drilling decreased with increasing C content. When the C content was 0.3 mass% or higher, the λ value in the case of laser cutting, which originally was as good as that in the case of drilling, decreased to a level comparable to that in the case of hole-punching. On the other hand, in TDP steels in which Si and Mn contents were varied and C content was kept constant (0.2C (1.0 2.0)Si (1.0 2.0)Mn, mass%), the λ value of the hole obtained by hote-punching was low under high TS, however, the value was greatly improved by laser cutting. Based on the above results, we demonstrated that YAG laser cutting contributes to the improvement of the stretch-flangeability of 980-MPa-class TDP steels with 0.2 mass% C.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Leitinger, R.; Hartmann, G. K.; Davies, K.
1976-01-01
The reported investigation takes into account data obtained with the aid of the geostationary satellite ATS-6, the satellites of the U.S. navy navigation system (NNSS) at an altitude between 900 and 1200 km, and the satellites ISIS 1 and ISIS 2. The altitude range between ground and ATS-6 is divided into two regions, including the 'ionosphere', involving the region with an upper limit of 2000 km, and the 'plasma sphere', involving the region above an altitude of 2000 km. Data concerning the electron content obtained from different sources are compared, taking into account discrepancies between ionogram-derived values and values computed on the basis of satellite measurements. Attention is also given to the vertical electron content of the ionosphere on the basis of a combination of data obtained with the aid of the ATS-6 and the NNSS.
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Marikkar, Jalaldeen Mohammed Nazrim; Rana, Sohel
2014-01-01
A study was conducted to detect and quantify lard stearin (LS) content in canola oil (CaO) using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Authentic samples of CaO were obtained from a reliable supplier and the adulterant LS were obtained through a fractional crystallization procedure as reported previously. Pure CaO samples spiked with LS in levels ranging from 5 to 15% (w/w) were analyzed using DSC to obtain their cooling and heating profiles. The results showed that samples contaminated with LS at 5% (w/w) level can be detected using characteristic contaminant peaks appearing in the higher temperature regions (0 to 70°C) of the cooling and heating curves. Pearson correlation analysis of LS content against individual DSC parameters of the adulterant peak namely peak temperature, peak area, peak onset temperature indicated that there were strong correlations between these with the LS content of the CaO admixtures. When these three parameters were engaged as variables in the execution of the stepwise regression procedure, predictive models for determination of LS content in CaO were obtained. The predictive models obtained with single DSC parameter had relatively lower coefficient of determination (R(2) value) and higher standard error than the models obtained using two DSC parameters in combination. This study concluded that the predictive models obtained with peak area and peak onset temperature of the adulteration peak would be more accurate for prediction of LS content in CaO based on the highest coefficient of determination (R(2) value) and smallest standard error.
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Spiric, Aurelija; Trbovic, Dejana; Vranic, Danijela; Djinovic, Jasna; Petronijevic, Radivoj; Matekalo-Sverak, Vesna
2010-07-05
Studies performed on lipid extraction from animal and fish tissues do not provide information on its influence on fatty acid composition of the extracted lipids as well as on cholesterol content. Data presented in this paper indicate the impact of extraction procedures on fatty acid profile of fish lipids extracted by the modified Soxhlet and ASE (accelerated solvent extraction) procedure. Cholesterol was also determined by direct saponification method, too. Student's paired t-test used for comparison of the total fat content in carp fish population obtained by two extraction methods shows that differences between values of the total fat content determined by ASE and modified Soxhlet method are not statistically significant. Values obtained by three different methods (direct saponification, ASE and modified Soxhlet method), used for determination of cholesterol content in carp, were compared by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The obtained results show that modified Soxhlet method gives results which differ significantly from the results obtained by direct saponification and ASE method. However the results obtained by direct saponification and ASE method do not differ significantly from each other. The highest quantities for cholesterol (37.65 to 65.44 mg/100 g) in the analyzed fish muscle were obtained by applying direct saponification method, as less destructive one, followed by ASE (34.16 to 52.60 mg/100 g) and modified Soxhlet extraction method (10.73 to 30.83 mg/100 g). Modified Soxhlet method for extraction of fish lipids gives higher values for n-6 fatty acids than ASE method (t(paired)=3.22 t(c)=2.36), while there is no statistically significant difference in the n-3 content levels between the methods (t(paired)=1.31). The UNSFA/SFA ratio obtained by using modified Soxhlet method is also higher than the ratio obtained using ASE method (t(paired)=4.88 t(c)=2.36). Results of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that the highest positive impact to the second principal component (PC2) is recorded by C18:3 n-3, and C20:3 n-6, being present in a higher amount in the samples treated by the modified Soxhlet extraction, while C22:5 n-3, C20:3 n-3, C22:1 and C20:4, C16 and C18 negatively influence the score values of the PC2, showing significantly increased level in the samples treated by ASE method. Hotelling's paired T-square test used on the first three principal components for confirmation of differences in individual fatty acid content obtained by ASE and Soxhlet method in carp muscle showed statistically significant difference between these two data sets (T(2)=161.308, p<0.001). Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Xu, Jie; Mustafa, Ahmed M; Sheng, Kuichuan
2017-10-01
To overcome the biogas inhibition in anaerobic digestion of fish waste (FW), effects of inoculum to substrate ratio (I/S, based on VS) and co-digestion with bagasse on biogas production of FW were studied in batch reactors. I/S value was from 0.95 to 2.55, bagasse content in co-digestion (based on VS) was 25%, 50% and 75%. The highest biogas yield (433.4 mL/gVS) with 73.34% methane content was obtained at an I/S value of 2.19 in mono-digestion of FW; the biogas production was inhibited and the methane content was below 70% when I/S was below 1.5. Co-digestion of FW and bagasse could improve the stability and biogas potential, also reducing the time required to obtain 70% of the total biogas production, although the total biogas yield and methane content decreased with the increase in bagasse content in co-digestion. Biogas yield of 409.5 mL/gVS was obtained in co-digestion of 75% FW and 25% bagasse; simultaneously 78.46% of the total biogas production was achieved after 10 days of digestion.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ogunsua, B. O.; Laoye, J. A.
2018-05-01
In this paper, the Tsallis non-extensive q-statistics in ionospheric dynamics was investigated using the total electron content (TEC) obtained from two Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver stations. This investigation was carried out considering the geomagnetically quiet and storm periods. The micro density variation of the ionospheric total electron content was extracted from the TEC data by method of detrending. The detrended total electron content, which represent the variation in the internal dynamics of the system was further analyzed using for non-extensive statistical mechanics using the q-Gaussian methods. Our results reveals that for all the analyzed data sets the Tsallis Gaussian probability distribution (q-Gaussian) with value q > 1 were obtained. It was observed that there is no distinct difference in pattern between the values of qquiet and qstorm. However the values of q varies with geophysical conditions and possibly with local dynamics for the two stations. Also observed are the asymmetric pattern of the q-Gaussian and a highly significant level of correlation for the q-index values obtained for the storm periods compared to the quiet periods between the two GPS receiver stations where the TEC was measured. The factors responsible for this variation can be mostly attributed to the varying mechanisms resulting in the self-reorganization of the system dynamics during the storm periods. The result shows the existence of long range correlation for both quiet and storm periods for the two stations.
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Gas occurrence property in shales of Tuha basin northwest china
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Chen, Jinlong; Huang, Zhilong
2017-04-01
Pore of rock under formation condition must be fulfilled by gas, oil, or water, so the volume of water and gas is equation to porous volume in shale gas. The occurrences states of gas are free gas, solution gas, and absorbed gas. Field analysis is used to obtain total gas content by improved lost gas recover method. Free gas content acquired by pore proportion of gas, which use measured pore volume minus water and oil saturation, convert gas content of standard condition by state equation. Water saturation obtain from core water content, oil saturation obtain from extract carbohydrate. Solution gas need gas solubility in oil and water to calculate solution gas content in standard condition. Absorbed gas, introduce Absorbed Gas Saturation ɛ, which acquire from isothermal adsorption volume vs field analysis gas content in many basins of published paper, need isothermal adsorption and Absorbed Gas Saturation to obtain absorbed gas content. All of the data build connect with logging value by regression equation. The gas content is 0.92-1.53 m3/t from field analysis, evaluate gas content is 1.33 m3/t average, free gas proportion is about 47%, absorbed gas counter for 49%, and solution gas is average 4%.
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Goycoolea, F; González de Mejía, E; Barrón, J M; Valencia, M E
1990-06-01
A 3(2) factor design was carried out in order to investigate the different home-cooking treatments applied in the preparation of pinto beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) on the nutritive value of their protein. The factors studied were previous soaking, type of cooking and addition of cooking broth. Biological evaluation of the protein was performed, and the protein efficiency ratio (PER) and apparent digestibility of the protein (DAP) values were obtained. The tannin content was measured in hulls, cotyledons and in the cooking broths of each experimental treatment. The most significant effect of the PER value was the type of cooking (P less than 0.0001), followed by the addition of cooking broth (P less than 0.05) as well as a significant interaction between cooking method and addition of broth (P less than 0.025). Soaking did not have significant effects per se or through its interactions in relation to PER. The highest values for PER and DAP were obtained with the boiling treatment without broth. The detrimental effect of the cooking broth can be explained by its tannin content (108.5-272.25 mg Eq. catechin/100g).
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The Variation Test and Extraction Equipment to Optimum Asphalt by Using Gasoline Solvent
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Soehardi, Fitridawati
2017-12-01
Based on the Binamarga Specification 2010 at third revision, the extraction test should be carried out using the specimen from the loose asphalt mixture extracted from the back of the finisher bitumen machine. The purpose of this research is to find out the result of pretest and posttest extraction asphalt content. The Extraction test using two equipment, they are Soklet and Centrifuge. The specimens was used AMP, Asphalt Finisher and Core, which involved gasoline solvent. Based on the asphalt level extraction test results, the appropriate equipment was used centrifuge with the level accuracy as requirement of Binamarga Specification 2010 at third revision and the level of ease used as equipment in the field study. The asphalt content obtained for AMP 5,51%, Asphalt Finisher5,46% and Core 5.34%. As for the socket asphalt content obtained is AMP 5.55%, Asphalt Finisher 5.50% and Core core 5. 41%. The extract test value of asphalt content decreased, so it can be formulated KA JMF
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Total hydrocarbon content (THC) testing in liquid oxygen (LOX) systems
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Meneghelli, B. J.; Obregon, R. E.; Ross, H. R.; Hebert, B. J.; Sass, J. P.; Dirschka, G. E.
2015-12-01
The measured Total Hydrocarbon Content (THC) levels in liquid oxygen (LOX) systems at Stennis Space Center (SSC) have shown wide variations. Examples of these variations include the following: 1) differences between vendor-supplied THC values and those obtained using standard SSC analysis procedures; and 2) increasing THC values over time at an active SSC test stand in both storage and run vessels. A detailed analysis of LOX sampling techniques, analytical instrumentation, and sampling procedures will be presented. Additional data obtained on LOX system operations and LOX delivery trailer THC values during the past 12-24 months will also be discussed. Field test results showing THC levels and the distribution of the THC's in the test stand run tank, modified for THC analysis via dip tubes, will be presented.
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Total Hydrocarbon Content (THC) Testing in Liquid Oxygen (LOX)
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Meneghelli, B. J.; Obregon, R. E.; Ross, H. R.; Hebert, B. J.; Sass, J. P.; Dirschka, G. E.
2016-01-01
The measured Total Hydrocarbon Content (THC) levels in liquid oxygen (LOX) systems at Stennis Space Center (SSC) have shown wide variations. Examples of these variations include the following: 1) differences between vendor-supplied THC values and those obtained using standard SSC analysis procedures; and 2) increasing THC values over time at an active SSC test stand in both storage and run vessels. A detailed analysis of LOX sampling techniques, analytical instrumentation, and sampling procedures will be presented. Additional data obtained on LOX system operations and LOX delivery trailer THC values during the past 12-24 months will also be discussed. Field test results showing THC levels and the distribution of the THC's in the test stand run tank, modified for THC analysis via dip tubes, will be presented.
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Naghii, M R; Wall, P M; Samman, S
1996-12-01
Boron is an essential micronutrient for higher plants. The results of studies in animals and humans have suggested a potential role for boron as a modulator of the steroid hormone pathway. As part of a study to obtain baseline information on boron in humans, the boron content of selected foods (66 items) consumed in Australia was determined. Mean values are presented for the element per 100 g or 100 ml of food and per serving. Major sources of the element were nuts, dried fruits, legumes, fresh vegetables and fruits. The boron content of these foods correlated positively and strongly with values provided by the comprehensive Finnish Tables of mineral composition of foods and with the US Food and Drug Administration Total Diet Study. Because of the similarity in methods employed by this study and that used for the comprehensive Finnish Tables, the latter was used to analyze the boron content in 7-day weighed food records of 32 subjects. Using data obtained from the food records and assigning the corresponding values from the Finnish Tables for the boron content of foods, the average daily consumption of boron for a selected group of Australians was found to be 2.23 +/- 1.23 mg/day.
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Water content estimated from point scale to plot scale
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Akyurek, Z.; Binley, A. M.; Demir, G.; Abgarmi, B.
2017-12-01
Soil moisture controls the portioning of rainfall into infiltration and runoff. Here we investigate measurements of soil moisture using a range of techniques spanning different spatial scales. In order to understand soil water content in a test basin, 512 km2 in area, in the south of Turkey, a Cosmic Ray CRS200B soil moisture probe was installed at elevation of 1459 m and an ML3 ThetaProbe (CS 616) soil moisture sensor was established at 5cm depth used to get continuous soil moisture. Neutron count measurements were corrected for the changes in atmospheric pressure, atmospheric water vapour and intensity of incoming neutron flux. The calibration of the volumetric soil moisture was performed, from the laboratory analysis, the bulk density varies between 1.719 (g/cm3) -1.390 (g/cm3), and the dominant soil texture is silty clay loam and silt loamThe water content reflectometer was calibrated for soil-specific conditions and soil moisture estimates were also corrected with respect to soil temperature. In order to characterize the subsurface, soil electrical resistivity tomography was used. Wenner and Schlumberger array geometries were used with electrode spacing varied from 1m- 5 m along 40 m and 200 m profiles. From the inversions of ERT data it is apparent that within 50 m distance from the CRS200B, the soil is moderately resistive to a depth of 2m and more conductive at greater depths. At greater distances from the CRS200B, the ERT results indicate more resistive soils. In addition to the ERT surveys, ground penetrating radar surveys using a common mid-point configuration was used with 200MHz antennas. The volumetric soil moisture obtained from GPR appears to overestimate those based on TDR observations. The values obtained from CS616 (at a point scale) and CRS200B (at a mesoscale) are compared with the values obtained at a plot scale. For the field study dates (20-22.06.2017) the volumetric moisture content obtained from CS616 were 25.14%, 25.22% and 25.96% respectively. The values obtained from CRS200B were 23.23%, 22.81% and 23.26% for the same dates. Whereas the values obtained from GPR were between 32%-44%. Soil moisture observed by CRS200B is promising to monitor the water content in the soil at the mesoscale and ERT surveys help to understand the spatial variability of the soil water content within the footprint of CRS200B.
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Use of petroleum-based correlations and estimation methods for synthetic fuels
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Antoine, A. C.
1980-01-01
Correlations of hydrogen content with aromatics content, heat of combustion, and smoke point are derived for some synthetic fuels prepared from oil and coal syncrudes. Comparing the results of the aromatics content with correlations derived for petroleum fuels shows that the shale-derived fuels fit the petroleum-based correlations, but the coal-derived fuels do not. The correlations derived for heat of combustion and smoke point are comparable to some found for petroleum-based correlations. Calculated values of hydrogen content and of heat of combustion are obtained for the synthetic fuels by use of ASTM estimation methods. Comparisons of the measured and calculated values show biases in the equations that exceed the critical statistics values. Comparison of the measured hydrogen content by the standard ASTM combustion method with that by a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method shows a decided bias. The comparison of the calculated and measured NMR hydrogen contents shows a difference similar to that found with petroleum fuels.
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Comparison with IRI-PLUS and IRI-2012-TEC values of GPS-TEC values
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Atıcı, Ramazan; Saǧır, Selçuk
2016-07-01
This study presents a comparison with IRI-PLUS and IRI-2012 Total Electron Content (TEC) values of Total Electron Content (TEC) values obtained from Ankara station (39,7 N; 32,76 E) of Global Position System (GPS) of Turkey on equinox and solstice days of 2009 year. For all days, it is observed that GPS-TEC values are greater than IRI-2012-TEC values, while IRI-PLUS-TEC values are very close to GPS-TEC values. When GPS-TEC values for both equinoxes are compared, it is seen that TEC values on September equinox are greater than one on March equinox. However, it is observed that GPS-TEC values on June solstice are greater than one on December solstice. Also, the relationship between GPS-TEC values and geomagnetic indexes is investigated.
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The Accuracy of Stated Energy Contents of Reduced-Energy, Commercially Prepared Foods
Urban, Lorien E.; Dallal, Gerard E.; Robinson, Lisa M.; Ausman, Lynne M.; Saltzman, Edward; Roberts, Susan B.
2010-01-01
The accuracy of stated energy contents of reduced-energy restaurant foods and frozen meals purchased from supermarkets was evaluated. Measured energy values of 29 quick-serve and sit-down restaurant foods averaged 18% more than stated values, and measured energy values of 10 frozen meals purchased from supermarkets averaged 8% more than originally stated. These differences substantially exceeded laboratory measurement error but did not achieve statistical significance due to considerable variability in the degree of underreporting. Some individual restaurant items contained up to 200% of stated values and, in addition, free side dishes increased provided energy to an average of 245% of stated values for the entrees they accompanied. These findings suggest that stated energy contents of reduced-energy meals obtained from restaurants and supermarkets are not consistently accurate, and in this study averaged more than measured values, especially when free side dishes were taken into account. If widespread, this phenomenon could hamper efforts to self-monitor energy intake to control weight, and could also reduce the potential benefit of recent policy initiatives to disseminate information on food energy content at the point of purchase. PMID:20102837
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Improving the color of bulgur: new industrial applications of tempering and UV/sun-light treatments.
Balci, Fatih; Bayram, Mustafa
2015-09-01
Color (CIE b*; yellowness) is an important parameter for bulgur quality. Color of bulgur is mainly due to natural pigments (carotenoids) that are present at different levels in wheat. In order to increase the customer acceptability, the producers try to obtain yellowish color in bulgur. In this study, two different tempering methods (spray and steam) were used before sun and UV- light polishing applications. Sun and UV-light were applied to tempered bulgur for 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 h. Moisture content (%, d.b.), ash content (%, d.b.), protein content (%, d.b.), total carotenoid content in terms of lutein equivalent (TCC) and color values (CIE L*; lightness, CIE b*; yellowness, CIE a*; redness and CIE YI; yellowness index) were determined. It was found that UV-light was more effective (P < 0.05) on the CIE L* and CIE b* values compared to sunlight. Both tempering methods were significantly (P < 0.05) increased the CIE L*, CIE b* and CIE YI values. Steam tempering has a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the CIE b* values as well as UV and time of UV exposure. The highest value of TCC i.e. 6.31 μg/g was obtained by using spray tempering and UV-light exposure. As a conclusion, as proposed methods steam tempering and UV-light have an obvious positive effect on the color of bulgur.
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Chen, Bin; Wu, Hong-yang; Han, Chao; Yan, Huan; Liu, Ge
2015-10-01
Trace water has a significant impact on the electrical performances of the insulating oil, such as the dielectric loss factor, resistivity. So there is an important significance to investigate the influence of insulating oil by trace water, and monitor its operating status with effective measures. First, it is necessary to prepare the insulating oil samples with different water content and treat them 8 hours with ultrasonic oscillator, and observe microscopic images about the water-oil mixtures in order to study their relative uniformity and stable time, in the way it can be concluded that the relative uniformity can be kept favorable during the 25 min stable time for free water and emulsification water in oil; Based on this conclusion, the dielectric loss factor, resistivity were tested and the electrical performances of insulating oil with different water content in oil can obtained by analyzing these data; Then, the absorbance value of the different water content in oil at the spectral wave number of 1 640, 3 400, 3 450, 3 615 cm(-1), with the mid-infrared spectral scanning and analyzing to the different water content in oil, Therefore, combined the water absorbance values by the mid-infrared spectral scanning and analyzing with the experimental data of dielectric loss factor value, resistivity value of oil samples. The results shows that the absorbance value of the different water content in oil has a significant difference at the spectral wave number of 1 640, 3 400, 3450, 3 615 cm(-1), their correlation coefficient are 0.964 1, 0.984 8, 0.984 5, 0.944 0 between the absorbance value and water content at the spectral wave number of 1 640, 3 400, 3 450, 3 615 cm(-1), it can be obtained that the absorbance value of sample of moisture in the corresponding characteristic wave number can better reflect the change trend of water content; there is the highly relative of water absorbance values at the spectral wave number of 3 400 and 3 450 cm(-1) with the trends of oil dielectric loss factor values, their correlation coefficient are 0.860 6, 0.863 6; and relative of water absorbance values at the spectral wave number of 1 640 and 3 615 cm(-1) with the trends of oil resistivity values, their correlation coefficient is -0.931 5 and -0.968 0, this result can be lay the foundation research for monitoring the trace water in oil.
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Sensitivity of solar-cell performance to atmospheric variables. 1: Single cell
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Klucher, T. M.
1976-01-01
The short circuit current of a typical silicon solar cell under direct solar radiation was measured for a range of turbidity, water vapor content, and air mass to determine the relation of the solar cell calibration value (current-to-intensity ratio) to those atmospheric variables. A previously developed regression equation was modified to describe the relation between calibration value, turbidity, water vapor content, and air mass. Based on the value of the constants obtained by a least squares fit of the data to the equation, it was found that turbidity lowers the value, while increase in water vapor increases the calibration value. Cell calibration values exhibited a change of about 6% over the range of atmospheric conditions experienced.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hazreek, Z. A. M.; Rosli, S.; Fauziah, A.; Wijeyesekera, D. C.; Ashraf, M. I. M.; Faizal, T. B. M.; Kamarudin, A. F.; Rais, Y.; Dan, M. F. Md; Azhar, A. T. S.; Hafiz, Z. M.
2018-04-01
The efficiency of civil engineering structure require comprehensive geotechnical data obtained from site investigation. In the past, conventional site investigation was heavily related to drilling techniques thus suffer from several limitations such as time consuming, expensive and limited data collection. Consequently, this study presents determination of soil moisture content using laboratory experimental and field electrical resistivity values (ERV). Field and laboratory electrical resistivity (ER) test were performed using ABEM SAS4000 and Nilsson400 soil resistance meter. Soil sample used for resistivity test was tested for characterization test specifically on particle size distribution and moisture content test according to BS1377 (1990). Field ER data was processed using RES2DINV software while laboratory ER data was analyzed using SPSS and Excel software. Correlation of ERV and moisture content shows some medium relationship due to its r = 0.506. Moreover, coefficient of determination, R2 analyzed has demonstrate that the statistical correlation obtain was very good due to its R2 value of 0.9382. In order to determine soil moisture content based on statistical correlation (w = 110.68ρ-0.347), correction factor, C was established through laboratory and field ERV given as 19.27. Finally, this study has shown that soil basic geotechnical properties with particular reference to water content was applicably determined using integration of laboratory and field ERV data analysis thus able to compliment conventional approach due to its economic, fast and wider data coverage.
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Disconnecting Positive Psychology and OBM
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Hyten, Cloyd
2005-01-01
This paper responds to the article by Wiegand and Geller which advocates broadening the content of OBM by assimilating content from non-behavioral psychologies. I argue that these psychologies have theories and aims so incompatible with OBM that no added value will be obtained by forming an interconnection. Specific problems with positive…
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Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content in Red Ginger (Zingiber officinale) based drinks
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Widayat; Cahyono, B.; Satriadi, H.; Munfarida, S.
2018-01-01
Indonesia is a rich spices country, both as a cooking spice and medicine. One of the most abundant commodities is red ginger, where it still less in application. On the other hand, the level of pollution is higher, so antioxidants are needed to protect the body cells from the bad effects of free radicals. The body can not naturally produce antioxidants as needed, so we need to consume foods with high antioxidant content. The purpose of this study is to know the antioxidant activity and total phenolic content in red ginger (Zingiber officinale) based drinks. Research design with complete randomized design (RAL) with factorial pattern 3 x 3, as the first factor is red ginger extract and water ratio (1: 1, 1: 2 and 1: 3) and second factor is the type of sugar used (cane sugar, palm sugar and mixed sugar). The results of this study indicate that red ginger extract and water ratio of 1: 3 give higher antioxidant. The highest antioxidant obtained in red ginger extract and water ratio of 1: 3 and using mixed sugar. That antioxidants value is 88.56%, it is not significant decreased compared to the antioxidant of pure ginger extract that is 91.46%. For higher phenol total content obtained on syrup that uses palm sugar. The highest phenol total content obtained in red ginger extract and water ratio of 1: 1 and using palm sugar. That total phenol content value is 6299 ppm.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hacker, Paul T.
1956-01-01
An airborne cloud aeroscope by which droplet size, size distribution, and liquid-water content of clouds can be determined has been developed and tested in flight and in wind tunnels with water sprays. In this aeroscope the cloud droplets are continuously captured in a stream of oil, which Is then photographed by a photomicrographic camera. The droplet size and size distribution can be determined directly from the photographs. With the droplet size distribution known, the liquid-water content of the cloud can be computed from the geometry of the aeroscope, the airspeed, and the oil-flow rate. The aeroscope has the following features: Data are obtained semi-automatically, and permanent data are taken in the form of photographs. A single picture usually contains a sufficient number of droplets to establish the droplet size distribution. Cloud droplets are continuously captured in the stream of oil, but pictures are taken at Intervals. The aeroscope can be operated in icing and non-icing conditions. Because of mixing of oil in the instrument, the droplet-distribution patterns and liquid-water content values from a single picture are exponentially weighted average values over a path length of about 3/4 mile at 150 miles per hour. The liquid-water contents, volume-median diameters, and distribution patterns obtained on test flights and in the Lewis icing tunnel are similar to previously published data.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Ventilation and Perfusion in the Lung
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Prisk, Gordon Kim (Inventor); Hopkins, Susan Roberta (Inventor); Pereira De Sa, Rui Carlos (Inventor); Theilmann, Rebecca Jean (Inventor); Buxton, Richard Bruce (Inventor); Cronin, Matthew Vincent (Inventor)
2017-01-01
Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for implementing a fully quantitative non-injectable contrast proton MRI technique to measure spatial ventilation-perfusion (VA/Q) matching and spatial distribution of ventilation and perfusion. In one aspect, a method using MRI to characterize ventilation and perfusion in a lung includes acquiring an MR image of the lung having MR data in a voxel and obtaining a breathing frequency parameter, determining a water density value, a specific ventilation value, and a perfusion value in at least one voxel of the MR image based on the MR data and using the water density value to determine an air content value, and determining a ventilation-perfusion ratio value that is the product of the specific ventilation value, the air content value, the inverse of the perfusion value, and the breathing frequency.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dianda, P.; Mahidin; Munawar, E.
2018-03-01
Many cities in developing countries is facing a serious problems to dealing with huge municipal solid waste (MSW) generated. The main approach to manage MSW is causes environmental impact associated with the leachate and landfill gas emissions. On the other hand, the energy available also limited by rapid growth of population and economic development due to shortage of the natural resource. In this study, the potential utilized of MSW to produce refuse derived fuel (RDF) was investigate. The RDF was produced with various organic waste content. Then, the RDF was subjected to laboratory analysis to determine its characteristic including the calorific value. The results shows the moisture content was increased by increasing organic waste content, while the calorific value was found 17-36 MJ/kg. The highest calorific value was about 36 MJ/kg obtained at RDF with 40% organic waste content. This results indicated that the RDF can be use to substitute coal in main burning process and calcinations of cement industry.
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Application of dietary fiber method AOAC 2011.25 in fruit and comparison with AOAC 991.43 method.
Tobaruela, Eric de C; Santos, Aline de O; Almeida-Muradian, Ligia B de; Araujo, Elias da S; Lajolo, Franco M; Menezes, Elizabete W
2018-01-01
AOAC 2011.25 method enables the quantification of most of the dietary fiber (DF) components according to the definition proposed by Codex Alimentarius. This study aimed to compare the DF content in fruits analyzed by the AOAC 2011.25 and AOAC 991.43 methods. Plums (Prunus salicina), atemoyas (Annona x atemoya), jackfruits (Artocarpus heterophyllus), and mature coconuts (Cocos nucifera) from different Brazilian regions (3 lots/fruit) were analyzed for DF, resistant starch, and fructans contents. The AOAC 2011.25 method was evaluated for precision, accuracy, and linearity in different food matrices and carbohydrate standards. The DF contents of plums, atemoyas, and jackfruits obtained by AOAC 2011.25 was higher than those obtained by AOAC 991.43 due to the presence of fructans. The DF content of mature coconuts obtained by the same methods did not present a significant difference. The AOAC 2011.25 method is recommended for fruits with considerable fructans content because it achieves more accurate values. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Rohaeti, E.; Fauzi, M. R.; Batubara, I.
2017-03-01
This study aimed to determine the antidiabetic activity of the skin fruit and flesh of snack fruit through α-glucosidase inhibition and correlated with total phenolic and flavonoid content as well as thin layer chromatography bio-autography. Seven varieties of varieties of skin and flesh of the fruits each extracted by maceration using ethanol 70%. The results show the highest power of the α-glucosidase inhibition obtained at Manonjaya skin extract with IC50 value of 17.9 µg/mL. The TLC pattern indicates the presence of four active spot on skin extract and two spots on flesh extracts on the use of solvent BuOH:HAc:water (6:2:2). The highest phenolic content obtained at skin fruit extract of Salak Mawar 186.15 ± 1.66 mg of gallic acid equivalents per gram extract. The highest total flavonoid content obtained in Salak Malaka skin fruit extract that is 7:43 ± 0:04 milli gram of quercetin equivalents
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Pîslea, Daniela; Boldea, Marius; Sala, Florin
2013-10-01
The laboratory analysis of the gluten content of wheat in relation to the doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium used for fertilizing the soil reveals positive correlation between the two variables. The gluten content in wheat grains is an extremely important quality index in bread manufacturing. One of the farmers' objectives is to obtain high values of this index. The quality of bread manufacturing products is very sensitive to any changes in the percentage share of this indicator. The minimum limit of gluten accepted for bread manufacturing is 26%; even a small variation, of one percentage, of gluten, over this limit, changes the quality of the wheat yield, with considerable effects on the quality of bread. Therefore, farmers are interested in using crop technologies and especially fertilization in order to obtain wheat with high gluten content. Of the nutritive macronutrients, nitrogen plays a significant role in ensuring high gluten content. The definition domain of the measurements is (0;1). This ratio is not constant, but it has a tendency towards a certain medium value, depending on the chemical fertilizers, on fertilization. It follows that the statistic distribution which evaluates the phenomenon is the beta distribution.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Salehi, M.; Saidi, A.; Ahmadian, M.; Raeissi, K.
2014-01-01
Nanocrystalline Ni-Co alloys are electrodeposited by direct (DC) and pulse current (PC) in an electrolyte solution which consisted of nickel sulfate, cobalt sulfate and boric acid. Electrodeposition parameters including current density, electrolyte pH and pulse times in a single electrolyte bath were changed. XRD pattern showed that the structure of the alloys depends on Co content and the synthesis parameter and changed from single phase structure (fcc) to dual phase structure (fcc + hcp). The Co content in the deposited alloys declined from 70 at.% to 50 at.% by increasing in direct current from 70 mA/cm2 to 115 mA/cm2 and also decreased from 75 at.% to 33 at.% with decrease in pH values from 4 to 2. By applying PC the Co content changed from 76 at.% to 41 at.%. Magnetic properties measurements showed the saturation magnetization (Ms) increased with increasing the Co content. There was no significant effect on coercivity values (Hc) with change in Co content and about 40 Oe was obtained for all samples. The grain size of deposited alloys obtained between 24-58 nm and 15-21 nm by applying DC and PC, respectively.
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Physiological pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models require Vmax, Km values for the metabolism of OPs by tissue enzymes. Current literature values cannot be easily used in OP PBPK models (i.e., parathion and chlorpyrifos) because standard methodologies were not used in their ...
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Physiological pharmacokinetic\\pharmacodynamic models require Vmax, Km values for the metabolism of OPs by tissue enzymes. Current literature values cannot be easily used in OP PBPK models (i.e., parathion and chlorpyrifos) because standard methodologies were not used in their ...
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Determining the soil hydraulic conductivity by means of a field scale internal drainage
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Severino, Gerardo; Santini, Alessandro; Sommella, Angelo
2003-03-01
Spatial variations of water content in large extents soils (vadose zone) are highly affected by the natural heterogeneity of the porous medium. This implies that the magnitude of the hydraulic properties, especially the conductivity, varies in an irregular manner with scale. Determining mean values of hydraulic properties will not suffice to accurately quantify water flow in the vadose zone. At field scale proper field measurements have to be carried out, similar to standard laboratory methods that also characterize the spatial variability of the hydraulic properties. Toward this aim an internal drainage test has been conducted at Ponticelli site near Naples (Italy) where water content and pressure head were monitored at 50 locations of a 2×50 m 2 plot. The present paper illustrates a method to quantify the mean value and the spatial variability of the hydraulic parameters needed to calibrate the soil conductivity curve at field scale (hereafter defined as field scale hydraulic conductivity). A stochastic model that regards the hydraulic parameters as random space functions (RSFs) is derived by adopting the stream tube approach of Dagan and Bresler (1979). Owing to the randomness of the hydraulic parameters, even the water content θ will be a RSF whose mean value (hereafter termed field scale water content) is obtained as an ensemble average over all the realizations of a local analytical solution of Richards' equation. It is shown that the most frequent data collection should be carried out in the initial stage of the internal drainage experiment, when the most significant changes in water content occur. The model parameters are obtained by a standard least square optimization procedure using water content data at a certain depth (z=30 cm) for several times ( t=5, 24, 48, 96, 144, 216, 312, 408, 576, 744, 912 h). The reliability of the proposed method is then evaluated by comparing the predicted water content with observations at different depths ( z=45, 60, 75, and 90 cm). The calibration procedure is further verified by comparing the cumulative distribution of measured water content at different times with corresponding distribution obtained from the calibrated model.
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Gélinas, Céline; Puntillo, Kathleen A; Boitor, Madalina; Bérubé, Mélanie; Topolovec-Vranic, Jane; Ramelet, Anne-Sylvie; Joffe, Aaron M; Richard-Lalonde, Melissa; Bernard, Francis; Streiner, David L
2018-05-01
The evidence shows that brain-injured patients express behaviours that are related to their level of consciousness (LOC), and different from other patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Therefore, existing behavioural scales should be revised to enhance their content and validity for use in these patients. The aim was to evaluate the content relevance of behaviours and autonomic responses for pain assessment of brain-injured ICU patients from the perspective of critical care clinicians. A total of 77 clinicians from four adult neuroscience ICUs (three from Canada and one from the United States) participated in this descriptive study. A physician/nurse ratio of 21% (13/61) was reached in this quota sample, and three physiotherapists also participated. They completed a content validation questionnaire of 19 items rated on clarity and relevance based on the patient's LOC. Item Content Validity Index (I-CVI), and modified kappa (κ*) were calculated. Values higher than 0.78 and 0.75 respectively were considered excellent. Regardless of the patient's LOC, brow lowering, grimacing, and trying to reach the pain site were rated as the most relevant behaviours by clinicians, with excellent values of I-CVI>0.78 and κ*>0.75. Eyes tightly closed, moaning and verbal complaints of pain also obtained excellent values in altered LOC and conscious patients. Eye weeping obtained excellent values only in conscious patients. Other items showed fair (0.40-0.59) to good (0.60-0.74) values, while blinking and coughing showed poor values (<0.40) at various LOC. Facial expressions, movements towards the pain site, and vocalisation of pain were the most relevant pain-related behaviours rated by critical care clinicians. The relevance of some behaviours (e.g., moaning and verbal complaints of pain) varied across LOCs, thereby calling forth adaptations of behavioural pain scales to allow for interpretation in the context of a patient's LOC and ability to express specific behaviours. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
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Meléndez-Martínez, Antonio J; Vicario, Isabel M; Heredia, Francisco J
2003-12-03
Tristimulus Colorimetry was applied to characterize the color of Valencia late orange juices. Color measurements were made against white background and black background. The profile of the main carotenoids related to the color of the juices was determined by HPLC. Significant correlations (p < 0.05) between b*, Cab* and h(ab) and the content of beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein + zeaxanthin and beta-carotene were found. The correlations between the color parameters L*, a*, b*, Cab* and h(ab) and the carotenoids content were also explored by partial least squares. The results obtained have shown that it is possible to obtain equations, by means of multiple regression models, which allow the determination of the individual carotenoid levels from the CIELAB color parameters, with R2 values always over 0.9. In this sense, equations have been proposed to calculate the retinol equivalents (1 RE = 1 microgram retinol = 12 micrograms beta-carotene = 24 micrograms alpha-carotene = 24 micrograms beta-cryptoxanthin) of the orange juice analyzed as a function of the color parameters calculated from measurement made against white and black backgrounds. The average RE per liter of juice obtained by HPLC was 51.07 +/- 18.89, whereas employing these equations, average RE values obtained were 51.16 +/- 1.36 and 51.21 +/- 1.70 for white background and black background, respectively.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Solla, Mercedes; Fontul, Simona; Marecos, Vânia; Loizos, Andreas
2016-04-01
During the last years high-performance railway lines have increased both their number and capabilities. As all types of infrastructures, railways have to maintain a proper behaviour during the entire life cycle. This work is focused on the analysis of the GPR method and its capabilities to detect defects in both infra and superstructure in railways. Different GPR systems and frequency antennas (air-coupled with antennas of 1.0 and 1.8 GHz, and ground-coupled with antennas of 1.0 and 2.3 GHz) were compared to establish the best procedures. For the assessment of the ground conditions, both GPR systems were used in combination with Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) load tests, in order to evaluate the bearing capacity of the subgrade. Moreover, Light Falling Weight Deflectometer (LFWD) measures were performed for the validation of the interpretation of the damaged areas identified from GPR and FWD tests. Finally, to corroborate the joint interpretation of GPR and FWD-LFWD, drill cores were extracted in the damaged areas identified based on the field data. Comparing all the data, a good agreement was obtained between the methods, when identifying both anomalous deflections and reflections. It was also demonstrated that ground-coupled systems have clear advantages compared to air-coupled systems since these antennas provide both better signal penetration and vertical resolution to detect fine details like cracking. Regarding the assessment of the thickness, three different high-speed track infrastructure solutions were constructed in a physical model, using asphalt as subballast layer. Four different antennas were used, two ground- and two air-coupled systems. Two different methodologies were assumed to calibrate the velocity of wave propagation: coring and metal plate. Comparing the results obtained, it was observed that the ground-coupled system provided higher values of wave velocity than the air-coupled system. The velocity values were also obtained by the amplitude or metal plate method with the air-coupled system. These velocities values were similar to those values obtained with the ground-coupled system, when using the coring method. Some laboratory tests were also developed in this work aiming to evaluate the dielectric constants for different levels of ballast fouling (0, 7.5 and 15%). The effect of the water presence on the dielectric constant was also evaluated by simulating different water contents: 5.5, 10 and 14%. Different GPR systems and configuration were used. The results have demonstrated that dielectric values increase with the increasing of fouling conditions. The dielectric constants also increase with the increasing of water content. However, the analysis of all the results obtained has revealed that values are more sensitive to the fouling level rather than to the water content variation. The dielectric constants obtained with a frequency of 1.0 GHz were slightly lower than those obtained with higher frequencies of 1.8 and 2.3 GHz. Additionally, the dielectric constants obtained for all the measurements, increasing fouling conditions and water contents, with a frequency of 1.0 GHz, were also different. Thus, the dielectric constant values obtained with the ground-coupled antenna were slightly lower than those obtained with the air-coupled antenna.
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Ismail, Samir Abd-elmonem A; Ali, Rehab Farouk M
2015-01-01
We have evaluated the efficiency of sugar cane bagasse ash (SCBA), date palm seed carbon (DPSC), and rice husk ash (RHA) as natural adsorbents and compared them with the synthetic adsorbent Magnesol XL for improving the quality of waste frying oil (WFO) and for the impact on the physicochemical properties of the obtained biodiesel. We measured moisture content, refractive index (RI), density, acid value (AV), iodine value (IV), peroxide value (PV), and saponification value (SV), as well as fatty acid profile. Purification treatments with various levels of adsorbents caused significant (P ≤ 0.05) decreases in free fatty acids (FFAs), PVs, and IVs. The highest yields (86.45 and 87.80%) were observed for biodiesel samples produced from WFO treated with 2% Magnesol and 3% of RHA, respectively, followed by samples treated with 2 and 3% of DPSC or RHA. Pre-treatments caused a significant decrease in the content of C 18:2 linoleic acids, consistent with a significant increase in the content of monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids (MUFA) in the treated samples. The highest oxidation value (COX) (1.30) was observed for biodiesel samples produced from WFO without purification treatments. However, the lowest values (0.44–0.73) were observed for biodiesel samples produced from WFO treated with different levels of adsorbents. Our results indicate that pre-treatments with different levels of adsorbents regenerated the quality of WFO and improved the quality of the obtained biodiesel. PMID:27877789
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ismail, Samir Abd-elmonem A.; Ali, Rehab Farouk M.
2015-06-01
We have evaluated the efficiency of sugar cane bagasse ash (SCBA), date palm seed carbon (DPSC), and rice husk ash (RHA) as natural adsorbents and compared them with the synthetic adsorbent Magnesol XL for improving the quality of waste frying oil (WFO) and for the impact on the physicochemical properties of the obtained biodiesel. We measured moisture content, refractive index (RI), density, acid value (AV), iodine value (IV), peroxide value (PV), and saponification value (SV), as well as fatty acid profile. Purification treatments with various levels of adsorbents caused significant (P ≤ 0.05) decreases in free fatty acids (FFAs), PVs, and IVs. The highest yields (86.45 and 87.80%) were observed for biodiesel samples produced from WFO treated with 2% Magnesol and 3% of RHA, respectively, followed by samples treated with 2 and 3% of DPSC or RHA. Pre-treatments caused a significant decrease in the content of C 18:2 linoleic acids, consistent with a significant increase in the content of monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids (MUFA) in the treated samples. The highest oxidation value (COX) (1.30) was observed for biodiesel samples produced from WFO without purification treatments. However, the lowest values (0.44-0.73) were observed for biodiesel samples produced from WFO treated with different levels of adsorbents. Our results indicate that pre-treatments with different levels of adsorbents regenerated the quality of WFO and improved the quality of the obtained biodiesel.
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Balázs, Nándor; Sipos, Pál
2007-01-15
The degree of deacetylation (DDA) of chitosan determines the biopolymer's physico-chemical properties and technological applications. pH-Potentiometric titration seems to offer a simple and convenient means of determining DDA. However, to obtain accurate pH-potentiometric DDA values, several factors have to be taken into consideration. We found that the moisture content of the air-dry chitosan samples can be as high as 15%, and a reasonable fraction of this humidity cannot be removed by ordinary drying. Corrections have to be made for the ash content, as in some samples it can be as high as 1% by weight. The method of equivalence point determination was also found to cause systematic variations in the results and in some samples extra acid as high as 1 mol% of the free amino content was also identified. To compensate for the latter effect, the second equivalence point of the titration has to be determined separately and the analytical concentration of the acid be corrected for it. All the corrections listed here are necessary to obtain DDA values that are in reasonable agreement with those obtained from (1)H NMR and IR spectroscopic measurements. The need for these corrections severely limits the usefulness of pH-metry for determining accurate DDA values and thus potentiometry is hardly able to compete with other standard spectroscopic procedures, that is, (1)H NMR spectroscopy.
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Phenological changes in nutritive value of honey mesquite leaves, pods and flowers
USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database
The objective of this study was to examine changes in potential forage value of honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) throughout the year. During 2012, samples were obtained at approximately 2 week intervals from April to December in south-central New Mexico. Crude protein content of leaves decreased...
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Rojas-Gonzalez, Juan A; Avallone, Sylvie; Brat, Pierre; Trystram, Gilles; Bohuon, Philippe
2006-01-01
The influence of thermal treatment (frying of plantain) on the micronutrients ascorbic acid, potassium and carotenoids is evaluated. Cylinders (diameter 30 mm, thickness 10 mm) of plantain (Musa AAB 'barraganete') were fried at four thermal treatments (120-180 degrees C and from 24 to 4 min) to obtain products with approximately the same water content (approximately 0.8+/-0.02 kg/kg1) and fat content (approximately 0.15+/-0.06 kg/kg). The thermal study used the cook value and the mean cook value as indicators of the effect of several different treatment temperatures and times on quality. Deep-fat frying had no significant effect on carotenoid contents at any frying conditions, and on potassium content, except at 120 degrees C and 24 min (loss
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Pansini, Vittorio; Monnet, Aurélien; Salleron, Julia; Hardouin, Pierre; Cortet, Bernard; Cotten, Anne
2014-02-01
To evaluate in a healthy population normal spectroscopic fat content (FC) values of the hip bone marrow and to assess the influence of age and sex on bone marrow conversion. Eighty volunteers (40 men; 40 women; ages: 20-60 years; divided into four consecutive groups) underwent acetabulum, femoral head, femoral neck, greater trochanter, and diaphysis localized (1) H MR spectroscopy. FC values of each anatomical site were obtained according to the following formula: Fat content = CH2 /(CH2 + Water)*100. To assess bone marrow conversion, a spectroscopic conversion index (SCI) was calculated as FC neck/FC greater trochanter. FC values showed a gradient as follows: greater trochanter > femoral head > femoral neck > diaphysis > acetabulum in every age group both in men and in women. SCI increased with age both in men and women, showing lower values in women for every age group. We obtained normal spectroscopic FC values from different areas of the hip, according to age and sex. These values may be used as reference values to evaluate, by the means of (1) H MR spectroscopy, pathological conditions affecting hip bone marrow. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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[Value of the tritium test for determining the fat content in the body of rats].
Pisarchuk, K L
1990-01-01
An indirect method for estimation of the fat percentage in the animal organism, a tritium test, was studied on laboratory male rats aged 4 and 12 months. Results obtained from the tritium test and direct chemical analysis were compared. With age a mean absolute error of the tritium test increased (from 1 to 8%) as against actual values of the water and fat percentage in the organism obtained by a direct chemical analysis. The data obtained testify to the relative insolvency of the tritium test, as well as the necessity to carry additional investigations in order to obtain adequate data.
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A kinetic estimate of the free aldehyde content of aldoses
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dworkin, J. P.; Miller, S. L.; Bada, J. L. (Principal Investigator)
2000-01-01
The relative free aldehyde content of eight hexoses and four pentoses has been estimated within about 10% from the rate constants for their reaction with urazole (1,2,4-triazole-3,5-dione). These values of the percent free aldehyde are in agreement with those estimated from CD measurements, but are more accurate. The relative free aldehyde contents for the aldoses were then correlated to various literature NMR measurements to obtain the absolute values. This procedure was also done for three deoxyaldoses, which react much more rapidly than can be accounted for by the free aldehyde content. This difference in reactivity between aldoses and deoxyaldoses is due to the inductive effect of the H versus the OH on C-2'. This may help explain why deoxyribonucleosides hydrolyze much more rapidly than ribonucleosides.
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Tadapaneni, Ravi Kiran; Yang, Ren; Carter, Brady; Tang, Juming
2017-12-01
In recent years, research studies have shown that the thermal resistance of foodborne pathogens in the low moisture foods is greatly influenced by the water activity (a w ) at temperatures relevant to thermal treatments for pathogen control. Yet, there has been a lack of an effective method for accurate measurement of a w at those temperatures. Thus, the main aim of this study was to evaluate a new method for measuring a w of food samples at elevated temperatures. An improved thermal cell with a relative humidity and temperature sensor was used to measure the a w of the three different food samples, namely, organic wheat flour, almond flour, and non-fat milk powder, over the temperature range between 20 and 80°C. For a constant moisture content, the a w data was used to estimate the net isosteric heat of sorption (q st ). The q st values were then used in the Clausius Clapeyron equation (CCE) equation to estimate the moisture sorption isotherm for all test food samples at different temperatures. For all the tested samples of any fixed moisture content, a w value generally increased with the temperature. The energy for sorption decreased with increasing moisture content. With the experimentally determined q st value, CCE describes well about the changes in a w of the food samples between 20 and 80°C. This study presents a method to obtain a w of a food sample for a specific moisture content at different temperatures which could be extended to obtain q st values for different moisture contents and hence, the moisture sorption isotherm of a food sample at different temperatures. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Yufrizal, Hery; Huzairin; Hasan, Basturi
2017-01-01
This article aims at exploring whether project based content language integrated learning (CLIL) has a significant effect on the oral capability of students of science department of the University of Lampung. The number of students involved in this study was 88 students. Quantitative data was obtained from the value of students' English…
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Effect of gamma irradiation on quality of dried potato
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wang, J.; Chao, Y.
2003-03-01
The objectives of this study were to obtain the effect of gamma irradiation on the quality of dried potato. Experiments were conducted to study the influence of different doses, air temperatures, slice thickness of potatoes on the dehydration rate, appearance quality ( L-values), vitamin C content, and the rehydration ratio of dried potatoes. The greater the dose, the higher the dehydration rate, the lesser the vitamin C content, and the lower the rehydration ratio. The L-values for low-dose irradiation was greater than that for non-irradiated potatoes.
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Phase transformation of mixed-phase clouds
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Korolev, Alexei; Isaac, George
2003-01-01
The glaciation time of a mixed-phase cloud due to the Wegener-Bergeron-Findeisen mechanism is calculated using an adiabatic one-dimensional numerical model for the cases of zero, ascending, descending and oscillating vertical velocities. The characteristic values of the glaciation time are obtained for different concentrations of ice particles and liquid-water content. Steady state is not possible for the ice-water content/total water content ratio in a uniformly vertically moving mixed-phase parcel. The vertical oscillation of a cloud parcel may result in a periodic evaporation and activation of liquid droplets in the presence of ice particles during infinite time. After a certain time, the average ice-water content and liquid-water content reach a steady state. This phenomenon may explain the existence of long-lived mixed-phase stratiform layers. The obtained results are important for understanding the mechanisms of formation and life cycle of mixed-phase clouds.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Pilawski, Tamara; Dumont, Gaël; Nguyen, Frédéric
2015-04-01
Landfills pose major environmental issues including long-term methane emissions, and local pollution of soil and aquifers but can also be seen as potential energy resources and mining opportunities. Water content in landfills determine whether solid fractions can be separated and recycled, and controls the existence and efficiency of natural or enhanced biodegradation. Geophysical techniques, such as electrical and electromagnetic methods have proven successful in the detection and qualitative investigation of sanitary landfills. However, their interpretation in terms of quantitative water content estimates makes it more challenging due to the influence of parameters such as temperature, compaction, waste composition or pore fluid. To improve the confidence given to bulk electrical resistivity data and to their interpretation, we established temperature and volumetric water content petrophysical relationships that we tested on field and laboratory electrical resistivity measurements. We carried out two laboratory experiments on leachates and waste samples from a landfill located in Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium. We determined a first relationship between temperature and electrical resistivity with pure and diluted leachates by progressively increasing the temperature from 5°C to 65°C, and then cooling down to 5°C. The second relationship was obtained by measuring electrical resistivity on waste samples of different volumetric water contents. First, we used the correlations obtained from the experiments to compare electrical resistivity measurements performed in a landfill borehole and on reworked waste samples excavated at different depths. Electrical resistivities were measured every 20cm with an electromagnetic logging device (EM39) while a temperature profile was acquired with optic fibres. Waste samples were excavated every 2m in the same borehole. We filled experimental columns with these samples and measured electrical resistivities at laboratory temperature. We made corrections according to the temperature profile and to volumetric water contents obtained previously on undisturbed samples. Corrected values tended to be superimposed on those obtained in the field. Then, we calculated the water content of the different reworked waste samples using the correlation between volumetric water content correlation and electrical resistivity and we compared this value to the one measured at the laboratory. Both values were correlated satisfactorily. In conclusion, we show that bulk electrical resistivity measurements are very promising to quantify water content in landfills if temperature can be estimated independently. In future applications, electrical resistivity tomography coupled with distributed temperature sensing could give important estimates of water content of the waste and thus helping in dealing with problematics such as boosting biodegradation and stabilization of the waste, reducing risks of soil and aquifers pollution, landfill mining, and controlled production of methane.
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Analyzing Value Content in Television Programs.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Jensen, Larry; Zelig, Mark
Four prime time television programs--"Charlie's Angels,""Little House on the Prairie,""Grizzly Adams," and "Lou Grant" --were rated by university students for their portrayal of moral reasoning and values. Data were obtained from three episodes of each program by randomly assigning raters to one of two viewing groups, both of which used an…
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Siger, Aleksander; Gawrysiak-Witulska, Marzena; Bartkowiak-Broda, Iwona
2017-01-01
In this study, the effect of temperature (140, 160, 180 °C) and roasting time (5, 10, 15 min) on the bioactive compound content (canolol, tocopherol and plastochromanol-8) of cold-pressed oil from yellow-seeded rapeseed lines of different colors was investigated. Roasting increased the peroxide value in the seed oils compared to the oils from the control samples. However, roasting did not affect the acid values of the oils, which were 1.15-1.47 and 1.30-1.40 mg KOH/g, for line PN1 03/1i/14 (yellow seeds) and line PN1 563/1i/14 (brown seeds), respectively. In this study, the seeds of line PN1 03/1i/14 were characterized by different changes in canolol content during roasting than the seeds of PN1 563/1i/14. There was a 90-fold increase in canolol for the line PN1 03/1i/14 (768.26 µg/g) and a 46-fold increase for the line PN1 563/1i/14 (576.43 µg/g). Changes in tocopherol and PC-8 contents were also observed. There was an increase in the contents of γ-T and PC-8 in the oils obtained from the seeds roasted at 180 °C for 10 and 15 min. γ-T content increased by 17-18% after 15 min of roasting, whereas the PC-8 content increased twofold.
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Modeling oil generation with time-temperature index graphs based on the Arrhenius equation
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Hunt, J.M.; Lewan, M.D.; Hennet, R.J.C.
1991-04-01
The time and depth of oil generation from petroleum source rocks containing type II kerogens can be determined using time-temperature index (TTI) graphs based on the Arrhenius equation. Activation energies (E) and frequency factors (A) used in the Arrhenius equation were obtained from hydrous pyrolysis experiments on rock samples in which the kerogens represent the range of type II kerogen compositions encountered in most petroleum basins. The E and A values obtained were used to construct graphs that define the beginning and end of oil generation for most type II kerogens having chemical compositions in the range of these standards.more » Activation energies of these standard kerogens vary inversely with their sulfur content. The kerogen with the highest sulfur content had the lowest E value and was the fastest in generating oil, whereas the kerogen with the lowest sulfur content had the highest E value and was the slowest in generating oil. These standard kerogens were designated as types IIA, B, C, and D on the basis of decreasing sulfur content and corresponding increasing time-temperature requirements for generating oil. The {Sigma}TTI{sub ARR} values determined graphically with these type II kerogen standards in two basin models were compared with a computer calculation using 2,000 increments. The graphical method came within {plus minus} 3% of the computer calculation. As type II kerogens are the major oil generators in the world, these graphs should have wide application in making preliminary evaluations of the depth of the oil window in exploration areas.« less
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Compositional dependence of optical band gap and refractive index in lead and bismuth borate glasses
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Mallur, Saisudha B.; Czarnecki, Tyler; Adhikari, Ashish
2015-08-15
Highlights: • Refractive indices increase with increasing PbO/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} content. • Optical band gap arises due to direct forbidden transition. • Optical band gaps decrease with increasing PbO/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} content. • New empirical relation between the optical band gap and the refractive index. - Abstract: We prepared a series of lead and bismuth borate glasses by varying PbO/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} content and studied refractive index and optical band gap as a function of glass composition. Refractive indices were measured very accurately using a Brewster’s angle set up while the optical band gaps were determined by analyzing the opticalmore » absorption edge using the Mott–Davis model. Using the Lorentz–Lorentz method and the effective medium theory, we calculated the refractive indices and then compared them with the measured values. Bismuth borate glasses show better agreement between the calculated values of the refractive index and experimental values. We used a differential method based on Mott–Davis model to obtain the type of transition and optical band gap (E{sub opt}) which in turn was compared with the value of E{sub opt} obtained using the extinction coefficient. Our analysis shows that in both lead and bismuth borate glasses, the optical band gap arises due to direct forbidden transition. With increasing PbO/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} content, the absorption edge shifts toward longer wavelengths and the optical band gap decreases. This behavior can be explained in terms of changes to the Pb−O/Bi−O chemical bonds with glass composition. We obtained a new empirical relation between the optical band gap and the refractive index which can be used to accurately determine the electronic oxide polarizability in lead and bismuth oxide glasses.« less
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Protonospheric columnar electron content determination. I - Analysis.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Almeida, O. G.
1973-01-01
A combination of phase-path length difference and Faraday rotation angle data obtained from geostationary satellite transmissions is used to determine the integration constant necessary to convert phase-path length difference information into absolute values of total slant columnar electron content. The total content thus determined, which is the sum of the ionospheric and protonospheric contents, is measured with uncertainties about one order of magnitude smaller than the value of the protonospheric content. It is thus, in principle, possible to determine the latter by subtracting from the measurement the so-called 'Faraday content.' This idea, proposed by several authors in the past, is critically examined in the present paper. It is impossible to totally eliminate the ionospheric contribution to the measurements; however, it is shown that the degree of elimination depends on the type of distribution of the longitudinal component of the geomagnetic field along the path of observation. Satisfactory minimization of the ionospheric contribution can be accomplished only under certain geometries of observation.
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Abbas, Zaheer; Gras, Vincent; Möllenhoff, Klaus; Oros-Peusquens, Ana-Maria; Shah, Nadim Joni
2015-02-01
Quantitative water content mapping in vivo using MRI is a very valuable technique to detect, monitor and understand diseases of the brain. At 1.5 T, this technology has already been successfully used, but it has only recently been applied at 3T because of significantly increased RF field inhomogeneity at the higher field strength. To validate the technology at 3T, we estimate and compare in vivo quantitative water content maps at 1.5 T and 3T obtained with a protocol proposed recently for 3T MRI. The proposed MRI protocol was applied on twenty healthy subjects at 1.5 T and 3T; the same post-processing algorithms were used to estimate the water content maps. The 1.5 T and 3T maps were subsequently aligned and compared on a voxel-by-voxel basis. Statistical analysis was performed to detect possible differences between the estimated 1.5 T and 3T water maps. Our analysis indicates that the water content values obtained at 1.5 T and 3T did not show significant systematic differences. On average the difference did not exceed the standard deviation of the water content at 1.5 T. Furthermore, the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the estimated water content map was increased at 3T by a factor of at least 1.5. Vulnerability to RF inhomogeneity increases dramatically with the increasing static magnetic field strength. However, using advanced corrections for the sensitivity profile of the MR coils, it is possible to preserve quantitative accuracy while benefiting from the increased CNR at the higher field strength. Indeed, there was no significant difference in the water content values obtained in the brain at 1.5 T and 3T. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Rébufa, Catherine; Pany, Inès; Bombarda, Isabelle
2018-09-30
A rapid methodology was developed to simultaneously predict water content and activity values (a w ) of Moringa oleifera leaf powders (MOLP) using near infrared (NIR) signatures and experimental sorption isotherms. NIR spectra of MOLP samples (n = 181) were recorded. A Partial Least Square Regression model (PLS2) was obtained with low standard errors of prediction (SEP of 1.8% and 0.07 for water content and a w respectively). Experimental sorption isotherms obtained at 20, 30 and 40 °C showed similar profiles. This result is particularly important to use MOLP in food industry. In fact, a temperature variation of the drying process will not affect their available water content (self-life). Nutrient contents based on protein and selected minerals (Ca, Fe, K) were also predicted from PLS1 models. Protein contents were well predicted (SEP of 2.3%). This methodology allowed for an improvement in MOLP safety, quality control and traceability. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
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Yadav, Pooja; Samadder, S R
2018-06-01
Selection of suitable municipal solid waste management (MSWM) options is one of the major challenges in urban areas of the developing countries. Success of MSWM requires accurate data of generation rate, composition and physico-chemical characteristics of solid wastes. Improper handling of solid waste can have significant environmental and aesthetical impacts. The present study proposes a new method (applicability index - P ik values) for identifying the most appropriate disposal option with the help of applicability values of Composting-C P , Incineration-I P and Landfill-L P for individual components of MSW based on the results of the physico-chemical analysis of the collected representative solid waste samples from the study area, Dhanbad, India. The mean values of moisture content, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, volatile organic carbon, fixed carbon, ash content, density and calorific values (CV) of individual components were used as input values in this process. Based on the proposed applicability index (P ik ), the highest P ik values were obtained for incineration (I P ) for plastics, polythene, paper, coconut shell, wood, cardboard, textile, thermocol (polystyrene), rubber, sugarcane bagasse, cow dung and leather wastes (I P > C P > L P ) due to high CV of these solid waste components; the highest P ik values were obtained for composting (C P ) of kitchen waste (C P > I P > L P ); and the highest P ik values for inert wastes were obtained for landfill option (L P > I P > C P ). The highest P ik value for a particular waste for a specific treatment option signifies that the waste is suitable for treatment/disposal using that option.
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Shiguetomi-Medina, J M; Ramirez-Gl, J L; Stødkilde-Jørgensen, H; Møller-Madsen, B
2017-09-01
Up to 80 % of cartilage is water; the rest is collagen fibers and proteoglycans. Magnetic resonance (MR) T1-weighted measurements can be employed to calculate the water content of a tissue using T1 mapping. In this study, a method that translates T1 values into water content data was tested statistically. To develop a predictive equation, T1 values were obtained for tissue-mimicking gelatin samples. 1.5 T MRI was performed using inverse angle phase and an inverse sequence at 37 (±0.5) °C. Regions of interest were manually delineated and the mean T1 value was estimated in arbitrary units. Data were collected and modeled using linear regression. To validate the method, articular cartilage from six healthy pigs was used. The experiment was conducted in accordance with the Danish Animal Experiment Committee. Double measurements were performed for each animal. Ex vivo, all water in the tissue was extracted by lyophilization, thus allowing the volume of water to be measured. This was then compared with the predicted water content via Lin's concordance correlation coefficient at the 95 % confidence level. The mathematical model was highly significant when compared to a null model (p < 0.0001). 97.3 % of the variation in water content can be explained by absolute T1 values. Percentage water content could be predicted as 0.476 + (T1 value) × 0.000193 × 100 %. We found that there was 98 % concordance between the actual and predicted water contents. The results of this study demonstrate that MR data can be used to predict percentage water contents of cartilage samples. 3 (case-control study).
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The effects of temperature and catalysts on the pyrolysis of industrial wastes (herb residue).
Wang, Pan; Zhan, Sihui; Yu, Hongbing; Xue, Xufang; Hong, Nan
2010-05-01
Pyrolysis of herb residue was investigated in a fixed-bed to determine the effects of pyrolysis temperature and catalysts (ZSM-5, Al-SBA-15 and alumina) on the products yields and the qualities of bio-oils. The results indicated that the maximum bio-oil yield of 34.26% was obtained at 450 degrees Celsius with 10 wt.% alumina catalyst loaded. The pyrolytic oils were examined by ultimate analysis and calorific values determination, and the results indicated that the presence of all catalysts decreased the oxygen content of bio-oils and increased the calorific values. The order of the catalytic effect for upgrading the pyrolytic oil was Al(2)O(3)>Al-SBA-15>ZSM-5. The bio-oil with the lowest oxygen content (26.71%) and the highest calorific value (25.94 MJ kg(-1)) was obtained with 20 wt.% alumina catalyst loaded. Furthermore, the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used in order to investigate the components of obtained pyrolytic oils. It was found that the alumina catalyst could clearly enhance the formation of aliphatics and aromatics. Crown Copyright 2009. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Effect of addition of ripe bananas on some physico-chemical properties of maize 'extract'.
Okezie, U; Akanbi, C T; Otunola, E T; Adeyemi, I A
2003-11-01
Flour mixes obtained by the addition of banana pulp in various proportions (0-50%) to maize 'extracts' were evaluated for some quality characteristics. All the mixes had significantly lower values of crude protein, fat and water-holding capacity. Gelation, however, significantly increased the water-holding capacity in all cases. The ash content, titratable acidity and total sugars increased tremendously with an increase in the level of banana substitution. While both Adam's consistency values and equilibrium moisture content decreased with an increase in the level of banana substitution, the syneresis values did not show any consistent pattern. The consistently low moisture content and the results of the moisture sorption isotherms suggest a good storage stability of all the mixes, especially when kept under conditions of water activity of 0.30 and below, and their possible suitability for baked products.
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Baiano, A; Terracone, C; Gambacorta, G; La Notte, E
2009-04-01
The aim of this study was to assess the influence of 9 winemaking technologies (traditional, delestage, saignée, delayed punching-down, addition of grape seed tannins, addition of ellagic-skin-seed tannins, heating of must-wine, cryo-maceration, and prolonged maceration) on the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Primitivo musts and wines. Three methods for the determination of the antioxidant activity were compared: DPPH, beta-carotene bleaching assay, and ABTS. Oenological parameters and composition of the phenolic fraction of 1-y-aged wines was also determined. The addition of tannins allowed the increase of the phenolic content of musts and wines in a greater amount than the other technologies. The results concerning the antioxidant activity depended on the method applied. Concerning musts, the DPPH assay did not highlight great differences among technologies, whereas the addition of tannins allowed the obtainment of the highest antioxidant activity according to beta-carotene and ABTS assays. The wine aging determined an increase of the antioxidant activity, independently on the method applied. Wine obtained through traditional technology, saignée, and addition of tannins showed the highest antioxidant activities according to DPPH and beta-carotene. The highest correlation coefficients (0.961 and 0.932) were calculated between phenolic content and ABTS values of musts whereas the lowest values (0.413 and 0.517) were calculated between phenolic content and ABTS values of wines. Wines produced through traditional technology were the richest in anthocyanins. The addition of tannins allowed to obtain high content in monomeric anthocyanins, flavonoids, flavans reactive to vanillin, and coumaroylated malvidin and a low content in acetylated malvidin. Practical Applications: It is well known that a moderate consumption (equivalent to 2 glasses per day) of red wine is actually recommended since it appears associated with a decreased incidence of cardiovascular diseases. The mechanisms involved in this protective effect are not completely understood although they appear related to the presence of phenolic compounds. To increase the intake of these compounds without increase of the wine consumption, it is necessary to improve their extraction during maceration. This study could represent a helpful tool for wineries aimed to know the way to increase the antioxidant content of their wines, thus changing them in functional beverages and prolonging their shelf life.
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Nutritive value of mule deer forages on ponderosa pine summer range in Arizona
P. J. Urness; D. J. Neff; R. K. Watkins
1975-01-01
Chemical analyses and apparent in vitro dry matter digestibilities were obtained for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) forages appearing in monthly diets. Relative values among individual forage species were calculated based upon nutrient contents and percentage composition in the diet. These data provide land managers with the means to more precisely assess some impacts...
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Idehara, Kenji; Yamagishi, Gaku; Yamashita, Kunihiko; Ito, Michio
2008-01-01
The murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) is an accepted and widely used method for assessing the skin-sensitizing potential of chemicals. Here, we describe a non-radio isotopic modified LLNA in which adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content is used as an endpoint instead of radioisotope (RI); the method is termed LLNA modified by Daicel based on ATP content (LLNA-DA). Groups of female CBA/JNCrlj mice were treated topically on the dorsum of both ears with test chemicals or a vehicle control on days 1, 2, and 3; an additional fourth application was conducted on day 7. Pretreatment with 1% sodium lauryl sulfate solution was performed 1 h before each application. On day 8, the amount of ATP in the draining auricular lymph nodes was measured as an alternative endpoint by the luciferin-luciferase assay in terms of bioluminescence (relative light units, RLU). A stimulation index (SI) relative to the concurrent vehicle control was derived based on the RLU value, and an SI of 3 was set as the cut-off value. Using the LLNA-DA method, 31 chemicals were tested and the results were compared with those of other test methods. The accuracy of LLNA-DA vs LLNA, guinea pig tests, and human tests was 93% (28/30), 80% (20/25), and 79% (15/19), respectively. The estimated concentration (EC) 3 value was calculated and compared with that of the original LLNA. It was found that the EC3 values obtained by LLNA-DA were almost equal to those obtained by the original LLNA. The SI value based on ATP content is similar to that of the original LLNA as a result of the modifications in the chemical treatment procedure, which contribute to improving the SI value. It is concluded that LLNA-DA is a promising non-RI alternative method for evaluating the skin-sensitizing potential of chemicals.
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Shukla, Shruti; Mehta, Archana; John, Jinu; Singh, Siddharth; Mehta, Pradeep; Vyas, Suresh Prasad
2009-08-01
The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro potential of ethanolic extract of Caesalpinia bonducella seeds as a natural antioxidant. The DPPH activity of the extract (20, 40, 50, 100 and 200 microg/ml) was increased in a dose dependent manner, which was found in the range of 38.93-74.77% as compared to ascorbic acid (64.26-82.58%). The IC(50) values of ethanolic extract and ascorbic acid in DPPH radical scavenging assay were obtained to be 74.73 and 26.68 microg/ml, respectively. The ethanolic extract was also found to scavenge the superoxide generated by EDTA/NBT system. Measurement of total phenolic content of the ethanolic extract of C. bonducella was achieved using Folin-Ciocalteau reagent containing 62.50mg/g of phenolic content, which was found significantly higher when compared to reference standard gallic acid. The ethanolic extract also inhibited the hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide, superoxide anions with IC(50) values of 109.85, 102.65 and 89.84 microg/ml, respectively. However, the IC(50) values for the standard ascorbic acid were noted to be 70.79, 65.98 and 36.68 microg/ml respectively. The results obtained in this study clearly indicate that C. bonducella has a significant potential to use as a natural antioxidant agent.
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The Potential in Bioethanol Production From Waste Fiber Sludges in Pulp Mill-Based Biorefineries
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sjöde, Anders; Alriksson, Björn; Jönsson, Leif J.; Nilvebrant, Nils-Olof
Industrial production of bioethanol from fibers that are unusable for pulp production in pulp mills offers an approach to product diversification and more efficient exploitation of the raw material. In an attempt to utilize fibers flowing to the biological waste treatment, selected fiber sludges from three different pulp mills were collected, chemically analyzed, enzymatically hydrolyzed, and fermented for bioethanol production. Another aim was to produce solid residues with higher heat values than those of the original fiber sludges to gain a better fuel for combustion. The glucan content ranged between 32 and 66% of the dry matter. The lignin content varied considerably (1-25%), as did the content of wood extractives (0.2-5.8%). Hydrolysates obtained using enzymatic hydrolysis were found to be readily fermentable using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Hydrolysis resulted in improved heat values compared with corresponding untreated fiber sludges. Oligomeric xylan fragments in the solid residue obtained after enzymatic hydrolysis were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight and their potential as a new product of a pulp mill-based biorefinery is discussed.
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Mercury in Bituminous Coal Used in Polish Power Plants
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Burmistrz, Piotr; Kogut, Krzysztof
2016-09-01
Poland is a country with the highest anthropogenic mercury emission in the European Union. According to the National Centre for Emissions Management (NCEM) estimation yearly emission exceeds 10 Mg. Within that approximately 56% is a result of energetic coal combustion. In 121 studied coal samples from 30 coal mines an average mercury content was 112.9 ppb with variation between 30 and 321 ppb. These coals have relatively large contents of chlorine and bromine. Such chemical composition is benefitial to formation of oxidized mercury Hg2+, which is easier to remove in Air Pollution Control Devices. The Hgr/Qir (mercury content to net calorific value in working state) ratio varied between 1.187 and 13.758 g Hg · TJ-1, and arithmetic mean was 4.713 g Hg · TJ-1. Obtained results are close to the most recent NCEM mercury emission factor of 1.498 g Hg · TJ-1. Value obtained by us is more reliable that emission factor from 2011 (6.4 g Hg · TJ-1), which caused overestimation of mercury emission from energetic coal combustion.
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The potential in bioethanol production from waste fiber sludges in pulp mill-based biorefineries.
Sjöde, Anders; Alriksson, Björn; Jönsson, Leif J; Nilvebrant, Nils-Olof
2007-04-01
Industrial production of bioethanol from fibers that are unusable for pulp production in pulp mills offers an approach to product diversification and more efficient exploitation of the raw material. In an attempt to utilize fibers flowing to the biological waste treatment, selected fiber sludges from three different pulp mills were collected, chemically analyzed, enzymatically hydrolyzed, and fermented for bioethanol production. Another aim was to produce solid residues with higher heat values than those of the original fiber sludges to gain a better fuel for combustion. The glucan content ranged between 32 and 66% of the dry matter. The lignin content varied considerably (1-25%), as did the content of wood extractives (0.2-5.8%). Hydrolysates obtained using enzymatic hydrolysis were found to be readily fermentable using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Hydrolysis resulted in improved heat values compared with corresponding untreated fiber sludges. Oligomeric xylan fragments in the solid residue obtained after enzymatic hydrolysis were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight and their potential as a new product of a pulp mill-based biorefinery is discussed.
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Vučković, Ivana; Špirić, Zdravko; Stafilov, Trajče; Kušan, Vladimir; Bačeva, Katerina
2013-10-01
Moss samples were collected from 121 sampling sites all over Croatia during the summer and autumn of 2010. They were totally digested by using microwave digestion system and analysed by using atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-AES). Descriptive statistics and maps of distribution were made. The data obtained in this study were compared with those from the study in 2006 and additionally with the data obtained in the similar studies in neighbouring countries and Norway as pristine area. The median value of nickel is 3.16 mg kg(-1) and the content varies from 1.04 to 14.66 mg kg(-1). The content of vanadium ranges between 0.23 and 37.26 mg kg(-1) with the median value of 2.55 mg kg(-1). High contents of these elements are found in the vicinity of Rijeka, Zagreb and Sisak as a result of their emission from oil refinery, thermal power plant and industrial processes.
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Soil sail content estimation in the yellow river delta with satellite hyperspectral data
Weng, Yongling; Gong, Peng; Zhu, Zhi-Liang
2008-01-01
Soil salinization is one of the most common land degradation processes and is a severe environmental hazard. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the potential of predicting salt content in soils with hyperspectral data acquired with EO-1 Hyperion. Both partial least-squares regression (PLSR) and conventional multiple linear regression (MLR), such as stepwise regression (SWR), were tested as the prediction model. PLSR is commonly used to overcome the problem caused by high-dimensional and correlated predictors. Chemical analysis of 95 samples collected from the top layer of soils in the Yellow River delta area shows that salt content was high on average, and the dominant chemicals in the saline soil were NaCl and MgCl2. Multivariate models were established between soil contents and hyperspectral data. Our results indicate that the PLSR technique with laboratory spectral data has a strong prediction capacity. Spectral bands at 1487-1527, 1971-1991, 2032-2092, and 2163-2355 nm possessed large absolute values of regression coefficients, with the largest coefficient at 2203 nm. We obtained a root mean squared error (RMSE) for calibration (with 61 samples) of RMSEC = 0.753 (R2 = 0.893) and a root mean squared error for validation (with 30 samples) of RMSEV = 0.574. The prediction model was applied on a pixel-by-pixel basis to a Hyperion reflectance image to yield a quantitative surface distribution map of soil salt content. The result was validated successfully from 38 sampling points. We obtained an RMSE estimate of 1.037 (R2 = 0.784) for the soil salt content map derived by the PLSR model. The salinity map derived from the SWR model shows that the predicted value is higher than the true value. These results demonstrate that the PLSR method is a more suitable technique than stepwise regression for quantitative estimation of soil salt content in a large area. ?? 2008 CASI.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lin, Xiaomei; Chang, Penghui; Chen, Gehua; Lin, Jingjun; Liu, Ruixiang; Yang, Hao
2015-11-01
Our recent work has determined the carbon content in a melting ferroalloy by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The emission spectrum of carbon that we obtained in the laboratory is suitable for carbon content determination in a melting ferroalloy but we cannot get the expected results when this method is applied in industrial conditions: there is always an unacceptable error of around 4% between the actual value and the measured value. By comparing the measurement condition in the industrial condition with that in the laboratory, the results show that the temperature of the molten ferroalloy samples to be measured is constant under laboratory conditions while it decreases gradually under industrial conditions. However, temperature has a considerable impact on the measurement of carbon content, and this is the reason why there is always an error between the actual value and the measured value. In this paper we compare the errors of carbon content determination at different temperatures to find the optimum reference temperature range which can fit the requirements better in industrial conditions and, hence, make the measurement more accurate. The results of the comparative analyses show that the measured value of the carbon content in molten state (1620 K) is consistent with the nominal value of the solid standard sample (error within 0.7%). In fact, it is the most accurate measurement in the solid state. Based on this, we can effectively improve the accuracy of measurements in laboratory and can provide a reference standard of temperature for the measurement in industrial conditions. supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51374040), and supported by Laser-Induced Plasma Spectroscopy Equipment Development and Application, China (No. 2014YQ120351)
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García-Gil, Alejandro; Epting, Jannis; Garrido, Eduardo; Vázquez-Suñé, Enric; Lázaro, Jesús Mateo; Sánchez Navarro, José Ángel; Huggenberger, P; Calvo, Miguel Ángel Marazuela
2016-12-01
As a result of the increasing use of shallow geothermal resources, hydraulic, thermal and chemical impacts affecting groundwater quality can be observed with ever increasing frequency (Possemiers et al., 2014). To overcome the uncertainty associated with chemical impacts, a city scale study on the effects of intensive geothermal resource use by groundwater heat pump systems on groundwater quality, with special emphasis on heavy metal contents was performed. Statistical analysis of geochemical data obtained from several field campaigns has allowed studying the spatiotemporal relationship between temperature anomalies in the aquifer and trace element composition of groundwater. The relationship between temperature and the concentrations of trace elements resulted in weak correlations, indicating that temperature changes are not the driving factor in enhancing heavy metal contaminations. Regression models established for these correlations showed a very low reactivity or response of heavy metal contents to temperature changes. The change rates of heavy metal contents with respect to temperature changes obtained indicate a low risk of exceeding quality threshold values by means of the exploitation regimes used, neither producing nor enhancing contamination significantly. However, modification of pH, redox potential, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen and alkalinity correlated with the concentrations of heavy metals. In this case, the change rates of heavy metal contents are higher, with a greater risk of exceeding threshold values. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Lee, Ji Hye; Song, Dae Woong; Park, Young Hwan; Um, In Chul
2016-08-01
Regenerated silk film has been increasingly attracting the research community's attention for biomedical applications due to its good biocompatibility and excellent cyto-compatibility. However, some limitations regarding its mechanical properties, such as brittleness, have restricted the use of silk films for industrial biomedical applications. In this study, regenerated silk films with different residual sericin content were prepared applying controlled degumming conditions to evaluate the effect of sericin content on the structure and properties of the films generated. When the residual sericin content increased to 0.6%, crystallinity index and breaking strength of silk films were increased. Above this value, these parameters then decreased. A 1.5 fold increase of silk film elongation properties was obtained when incorporating 16% sericin. Regardless of sericin content, all regenerated silk films showed excellent cyto-compatibility, comparable to the one obtained with tissue culture plates. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Evaluation and modeling of aerodynamic properties of mung bean seeds
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Shahbazi, Feizollah
2015-01-01
Aerodynamic properties of solid materials have long been used to convey and separate seeds and grains during post harvest operations. The objective of this study was the evaluation of the aerodynamic properties of mung bean seeds as a function of moisture content and two grades referred to above and below a cut point of 4.8 mm in length. The results showed that as the moisture content increased from 7.8 to 25% (w.b.), the terminal velocity of seeds increased following a polynomial relationship, from 7.28 to 8.79 and 6.02 to 7.12 m s-1, for grades A and B, respectively. Seeds at grade A had terminal velocities with a mean value of 8.05 m s-1, while at grade B had a mean value of 6.46 m s-1. The Reynolds number of both grades increased linearly with the increase of seeds moisture content, while the drag coefficient decreased with the increase of moisture content. Mathematical relationships were developed to relate the change in seeds moisture content with the obtained values of aerodynamic properties. The analysis of variance showed that moisture content had a significant effect, at 1% probability level, on all the aerodynamics properties of mung beans.
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Thermoelectric properties of heavily GaP- and P-doped Si0.95Ge0.05
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yamashita, Osamu
2001-06-01
The Seebeck coefficient S, the electrical resistivity ρ and the thermal conductivity κ of Si0.95Ge0.05 samples doped with 0.4 at. % P and/or 0.5-2.0 mol % GaP, which were prepared by a conventional arc melting method, were measured as functions of GaP content and temperature T in the range from 323 to 1208 K. When multidoped with P and GaP, Ga tends to segregate more strongly with Ge to the grain boundaries than P, while when doped with GaP alone, both P and Ga segregate equally strongly with Ge. For multidoped samples, the S values at 323 K have a minimum at 1.0 mol % GaP and then increase with additional GaP, while the values of ρ and κ decrease monotonically with increasing GaP content. The optimum additional content of GaP that gives the largest thermoelectric figures of merit (ZT=S2T/κρ) for multidoped n-type Si0.95Ge0.05 samples was 1.5 mol %, which is slightly less than the 2.0 mol % of GaP added to Si0.8Ge0.2 alloy by hot pressing. The ZT value for multidoped Si0.95Ge0.05 with an optimum content of GaP increases linearly with temperature, and at 1073 K is 18% higher than that obtained previously for Si0.95Ge0.05 doped with only 0.4 at. % P. At 1173 K the ZT value is 1.16, which corresponds to 95% of that obtained previously at the corresponding temperature for Si0.8Ge0.2 alloy doped with 2.0 mol % GaP.
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Physical Characteristics of Laboratory Tested Concrete as a Substituion of Gravel on Normal Concrete
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Butar-butar, Ronald; Suhairiani; Wijaya, Kinanti; Sebayang, Nono
2018-03-01
Concrete technology is highly potential in the field of construction for structural and non-structural construction. The amount uses of this concrete material raise the problem of solid waste in the form of concrete remaining test results in the laboratory. This waste is usually just discarded and not economically valuable. In solving the problem, this experiment was made new materials by using recycle material in the form of recycled aggregate which aims to find out the strength characteristics of the used concrete as a gravel substitution material on the normal concrete and obtain the value of the substitution composition of gravel and used concrete that can achieve the strength of concrete according to the standard. Testing of concrete characteristic is one of the requirements before starting the concrete mixture. This test using SNI method (Indonesian National Standard) with variation of comparison (used concrete : gravel) were 15: 85%, 25: 75%, 35:65%, 50:50 %, 75: 25%. The results of physical tests obtained the mud content value of the mixture gravel and used concrete is 0.03 larger than the standard of SNI 03-4142-1996 that is equal to 1.03%. so the need watering or soaking before use. The water content test results show an increase in the water content value if the composition of the used concrete increases. While the specific gravity value for variation 15: 85% until 35: 65% fulfilled the requirements of SNI 03-1969-1990. the other variasion show the specifics gravity value included on the type of light materials.
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Leal-Cervantes, Marla G; Arvizu-Medrano, Sofía M; Martínez-Peniche, Ramón; Martínez-Gonzáles, Nanci E; Hernández-Iturriaga, Montserrat
2018-04-01
Multiple outbreaks related to Salmonella in tomatoes require an evaluation of the risk associated with cherry tomatoes due to the increase in its production, consumption, and marketing in Mexico's central region. The purpose of this study was to determine the microbial quality of cherry tomatoes obtained from two retail sale points (supermarkets and local markets). Cherry tomato samples (333) were collected from four supermarkets and from four local markets, and the contents of aerobic plate count, molds and yeasts, total coliforms, and Escherichia coli were quantified; the presence of Salmonella was simultaneously determined. The median values of the microbial populations were obtained, and the data were analyzed per the sampling site by using the Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The median of aerobic plate count content in tomatoes obtained from supermarkets ranged between 2.2 and 4.4 log CFU/g, and in markets from 2.9 to 4.8 log CFU/g. For molds and yeasts, the tomatoes from supermarkets (2.0 to 4.1 log CFU/g) and markets (1.5 to 4.5 log CFU/g) showed similar contents. Regardless of the sampling site, the values of total coliforms were very low, ranging from 1.0 to 1.8 log CFU/g. E. coli was detected in 5.4 and 20.1% of samples from supermarkets and markets, respectively; in both sites, the content was low (0.3 to 5.8 most probable number per g). The incidence of Salmonella was 14.1% in supermarkets and 7.8% in local markets. The results obtained from this investigation highlight the elevated risk for consumer health associated with the ingestion of cherry tomatoes.
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Radon exhalation rates and effective radium contents of the soil samples in Adapazarı, Turkey
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Kuş, Adem, E-mail: adem.kus@ogr.sakarya.edu.tr; Yakut, Hakan, E-mail: hyakut@sakarya.edu.tr; Tabar, Emre, E-mail: etabar@sakarya.edu.tr
In this study effective radium content and radon exhalation rates in soil samples collected from Adapazarı district of Sakarya, Turkey have been measured using LR-115 type-II plastic track detectors by closed-can technique for the first time. The obtained effective radium contents are found to vary from 6.66 to 34.32 Bqkg{sup −1} with a mean value of 18.01 Bqkg{sup −1}. The radon exhalation rates measured in terms of mass and area of soil samples are found to vary from 50.35-259.41 mBqkg{sup −1}h{sup −1} with a mean value of 136.12 mBqkg{sup −1}h{sup −1} and 1035.18-5333.39 mBqm{sup −2}h{sup −1} with a mean valuemore » of mBqm{sup −2}h{sup −1}. All the measurements show that the values of radium content are under the safe limit recommended by Organization for Cooperation and Development.« less
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Normal spinal bone marrow in adults: dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging.
Montazel, Jean-Luc; Divine, Marine; Lepage, Eric; Kobeiter, Hicham; Breil, Stephane; Rahmouni, Alain
2003-12-01
To determine the patterns of dynamic enhancement of normal spinal bone marrow in adults at gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and the changes that occur with aging. Dynamic contrast material-enhanced MR imaging of the thoracolumbar spine was performed in 71 patients. The maximum percentage of enhancement (Emax), enhancement slope, and enhancement washout were determined from bone marrow enhancement time curves (ETCs). The bone marrow signal intensity on T1-weighted spin-echo MR images was qualitatively classified into three grade categories. Quantitative ETC values were correlated with patient age and bone marrow fat content grade. Statistical analysis included mean t test comparison, analysis of variance, and regression analysis of the correlations between age and quantitative MR parameters. Emax, slope, and washout varied widely among the patients. Emax values were obtained within 1 minute after contrast material injection and ranged from 0% to 430%. Emax values were significantly higher in patients younger than 40 years than in those aged 40 years or older (P <.001). These values decreased with increasing age in a logarithmic relationship (r = 0.71). Emax values decreased as fat content increased, but some overlap among the fat content grades was noted. Analysis of variance revealed that Emax was significantly related to age (younger than 40 years vs 40 years or older) (P <.001) and fat content grade (P <.001) but not significantly related to sex. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging patterns of normal spinal bone marrow are dependent mainly on patient age and fat content.
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Radium-226 content of beverages
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Kiefer, J.
Radium contents of commercially obtained beer, wine, milk and mineral waters were measured. All distributions were log-normal with the following geometrical mean values: beer: 2.1 X 10(-2) Bq L-1; wine: 3.4 X 10(-2) Bq L-1; milk: 3 X 10(-3) Bq L-1; normal mineral water: 4.3 X 10(-2) L-1; medical mineral water: 9.4 X 10(-2) Bq L-1.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Aminudin, A.; Hasanah, T. R.; Iryati, M.
2018-05-01
The Electrical and physical properties can be used as indicators for measuring soil conditions. One of the methods developed in agricultural systems to obtain information on soil conditions is through measuring of electrical conductivity. Peat soil is one of the natural resources that exist in Indonesia. This study aims to determine the characteristics of peat soil in Rasau village, West Kalimantan. This research was conducted by the properties of electrical conductivity and water content using 5TE Water Contents and EC Sensor equipment, but also to know the change of physical nature of peat soil covering peat soil and peat type. The results showed that the electrical conductivity value of 1-4 samples was 0.02 -0.29 dS/m and the volume water content value (VWC) was 0.255-0.548 m3/m3 and the physical characteristics obtained were peat colour brown to dark brown that allegedly the soil still has a very high content of organic material derived from weathering plants and there are discovery of wood chips, wood powder and leaf powder on the ground. Knowing the information is expected to identify the land needs to be developed to be considered for future peat soil utilization.
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Analysis of interspecies physicochemical variation of grain legume seeds
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Rybiński, Wojciech; Rusinek, Robert; Szot, Bogusław; Bocianowski, Jan; Starzycki, Michał
2014-10-01
The paper presents an attempt to assess the reaction of seeds to mechanical loads taking into account their geometry expressed as seed thickness and 1000 seed weight. The initial material comprised 33 genotypes of grain legume plants and included cultivars registered in the country and breeding lines that are subject to pre-registration trials. The analysis of variance revealed significant diversity of the cultivars and lines of the species studied in terms of each of the analysed trait. The highest weight of 1000 seeds were obtained for white lupine seeds and peas, the lowest for andean lupine seeds. The maximum deformation and energy were obtained for white lupine seeds, the lowest for pea seeds, the maximum force and module the lowest values were determined for narrow-leafed lupine and pea. The highest values of protein were obtained for andean and yellow lupine, a fat content for andean and white lupine. The fatty acid profile as much as 70% or more were linoleic and oleic acids. Against the background of all the species are distinguished by white lupine seeds with a high content of oleic acid and the lowest of linoleic acid, for yellow lupine were obtained the inverse ratio of the two acids.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Stepanov, Dmitry; Gusev, Anatoly; Diansky, Nikolay
2016-04-01
Based on numerical simulations the study investigates impact of atmospheric forcing on heat content variability of the sub-surface layer in Japan/East Sea (JES), 1948-2009. We developed a model configuration based on a INMOM model and atmospheric forcing extracted from the CORE phase II experiment dataset 1948-2009, which enables to assess impact of only atmospheric forcing on heat content variability of the sub-surface layer of the JES. An analysis of kinetic energy (KE) and total heat content (THC) in the JES obtained from our numerical simulations showed that the simulated circulation of the JES is being quasi-steady state. It was found that the year-mean KE variations obtained from our numerical simulations are similar those extracted from the SODA reanalysis. Comparison of the simulated THC and that extracted from the SODA reanalysis showed significant consistence between them. An analysis of numerical simulations showed that the simulated circulation structure is very similar that obtained from the PALACE floats in the intermediate and abyssal layers in the JES. Using empirical orthogonal function analysis we studied spatial-temporal variability of the heat content of the sub-surface layer in the JES. Based on comparison of the simulated heat content variations with those obtained from natural observations an assessment of the atmospheric forcing impact on the heat content variability was obtained. Using singular value decomposition analysis we considered relationships between the heat content variability and wind stress curl as well as sensible heat flux in winter. It was established the major role of sensible heat flux in decadal variability of the heat content of the sub-surface layer in the JES. The research was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (grant N 14-05-00255) and the Council on the Russian Federation President Grants (grant N MK-3241.2015.5)
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Kahraman, Kevser; Koksel, Hamit; Ng, Perry K W
2015-05-01
The optimum reaction conditions (temperature and pH) for the preparation of cross-linked (CL) corn and wheat starches with maximum resistant starch (RS) content were investigated by using response surface methodology (RSM). According to the preliminary results, five levels were selected for reaction temperature (38-70 °C) and pH (10-12) in the main study. RS contents of the CL corn and wheat starch samples increased with increasing temperature and pH, and pH had a greater influence on RS content than had temperature. The maximum RS content (with a maximum p value of 0.4%) was obtained in wheat starch cross-linked at 38 °C and pH 12. In the case of CL corn starch, the optimum condition was 70 °C and pH 12. CL corn and wheat starch samples were also produced separately under the optimum conditions and their RS contents were 80.4% and 83.9%, respectively. These results were also in agreement with the values predicted by RSM. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Cheng, Chu-Lin; Perfect, Edmund; Kang, Misun
Water retention curves are essential for understanding the hydrologic behavior of partially-saturated porous media and modeling flow transport processes within the vadose zone. In this paper we report direct measurements of the main drying and wetting branches of the average water retention function obtained using 2-dimensional neutron radiography. Flint sand columns were saturated with water and then drained under quasi-equilibrium conditions using a hanging water column setup. Digital images (2048 x 2048 pixels) of the transmitted flux of neutrons were acquired at each imposed matric potential (~10-15 matric potential values per experiment) at the NCNR BT-2 neutron imaging beam line.more » Volumetric water contents were calculated on a pixel by pixel basis using Beer-Lambert s law after taking into account beam hardening and geometric corrections. To remove scattering effects at high water contents the volumetric water contents were normalized (to give relative saturations) by dividing the drying and wetting sequences of images by the images obtained at saturation and satiation, respectively. The resulting pixel values were then averaged and combined with information on the imposed basal matric potentials to give average water retention curves. The average relative saturations obtained by neutron radiography showed an approximate one-to-one relationship with the average values measured volumetrically using the hanging water column setup. There were no significant differences (at p < 0.05) between the parameters of the van Genuchten equation fitted to the average neutron radiography data and those estimated from replicated hanging water column data. Our results indicate that neutron imaging is a very effective tool for quantifying the average water retention curve.« less
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Osman, Asha Mohamed Ali; Hassan, Amro B; Osman, Gammaa A M; Mohammed, Nagat; Rushdi, Mohamed A H; Diab, Eiman E; Babiker, Elfadil E
2014-08-01
The effect of gamma irradiation (0.5 and 1.0 kGy) and/or cooking on the proximate composition, mineral content, tannin content, phytic acid content and the in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) of two Sudanese faba bean cultivars (BB7-S1 and SH-S2) was investigated in the present study. The results obtained revealed that gamma irradiation and/or cooking treatments have slight effect in chemical composition and mineral content, while they caused significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction on tannin content for both cultivars. Cooking of faba bean seeds also insignificantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced phytic acid content for both cultivars, while irradiation process and/or cooking had fluctuated effect. For both cultivars, irradiation of seeds and/or cooking increased the in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD), with maximum value of IVPD (79.97%) obtained for cultivar BB7-S1. The results indicate that the treatments used in this study might improve the nutritive quality of faba bean seed due to reduction in antinutritional factors with a concomitant increase in IVPD.
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El Khoury, M; Mesurolle, B; Omeroglu, A; Aldis, A; Kao, E
2013-05-01
Determine values of pathological analysis of the canister content during a vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB). Approval was obtained from the ethical committee. Prospective radiological and pathological analyses of the canister content collected during 231 VABBs performed on 231 patients were carried out. χ(2) test was used to determine predictors on canister pathology. The canister pathology was reported separately in 212 cases. It showed only blood in 78/212 (37%) cases and benign (including high-risk lesions) and malignant results in, respectively, 113/212 (53%) and 21/212 (10%) cases. Respective specimen analysis was benign, including high-risk lesions in 162/212 cases (76%) and malignant in 50/212 (24%) cases. Microcalcifications were documented on canister X-ray in 70/231 (30%) cases. There was significant association between the canister and the specimen pathology (p<0.0001). In none of the cases was microcalcifications seen exclusively in the canister content or pathological upgrading found in the canister content compared with the specimen. Small tissue fragments and microcalcifications may be lost in the canister during a VABB. Nevertheless, our results did not show any significant value for systematic analysis of the canister content. There is no added diagnostic value to retrieval and analysis of tissue lost in the canister during a VABB.
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Somatic cell counts in bulk milk and their importance for milk processing
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Savić, N. R.; Mikulec, D. P.; Radovanović, R. S.
2017-09-01
Bulk tank milk somatic cell counts are the indicator of the mammary gland health in the dairy herds and may be regarded as an indirect measure of milk quality. Elevated somatic cell counts are correlated with changes in milk composition The aim of this study was to assess the somatic cell counts that significantly affect the quality of milk and dairy products. We examined the somatic cell counts in bulk tank milk samples from 38 farms during the period of 6 months, from December to the May of the next year. The flow cytometry, Fossomatic was used for determination of somatic cell counts. In the same samples content of total proteins and lactose was determined by Milcoscan. Our results showed that average values for bulk tank milk samples were 273,605/ml from morning milking and 292,895/ml from evening milking. The average values for total proteins content from morning and evening milking are 3,31 and 3,34%, respectively. The average values for lactose content from morning and evening milking are 4,56 and 4,63%, respectively. The highest somatic cell count (516,000/ml) was detected in bulk tank milk sample from evening milk in the Winter and the lowest content of lactose was 4,46%. Our results showed that obtained values for bulk tank milk somatic cell counts did not significantly affected the content of total proteins and lactose.
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Quality evaluation of yellow peach chips prepared by explosion puffing drying.
Lyu, Jian; Zhou, Lin-Yan; Bi, Jin-Feng; Liu, Xuan; Wu, Xin-Ye
2015-12-01
Nineteen evaluation indicators in 15 yellow peach chips prepared by explosion puffing drying were analyzed, including color, rehydration ratio, texture, and so on. The analysis methods of principle component analysis (PCA), analytic hierarchy process (AHP), K-means cluster (KC) and Discriminate analysis (DA) were used to analyze the comprehensive quality of the yellow peach chips. The dispersed coefficient of variation of the 19 evaluation indicators varied from 3.58 to 852.89 %, suggesting significant differences among yellow peach cultivars. The characteristic evaluation indicators, namely, reducing sugar content, out-put ratio, water content, a value and L value were analyzed by PCA, and their weights 0.0429, 0.1140, 0.4816, 1.1807 and 0.1807 were obtained by AHP. The levels in 15 cultivars effectively were classified by discrimination functions which obtained by KC and DA. The results suggested that three levels of comprehensive quality for yellow peach chips were divided, and the highest synthesis scores was observed in "senggelin" (11.1037), while the lowest synthesis value was found in "goldbaby" (-3.7600).
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Al-26 and Be-10 production in iron meteorites
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Aylmer, D.; Bonanno, V.; Herzog, G. F.; Weber, H.; Klein, J.
1988-01-01
To compare the Al-26/Ne-21 ages with K-40/K-41 ages, the contents of Al-26 were determined in seven iron meteorites using accelerator mass spectrometry and the light noble gas contents were determined using conventional mass spectrometry, for samples for which these values were not available. In addition, contents of Be-10 were measured. Due to the presence of boron in the samples, the values of Al-26 were found to be at least 30 percent lower than the literature values obtained by low-level counting techniques, while the Be-10 values were 10-15 percent lower. The production rates of these nuclides at different He-4/Ne-21 ratios were estimated, showing that the increase in He-4/Ne-21 ratios corresponded with decreases in Al-26 and Be-10. It was shown that the exposure ages calculated from the Ne-21/Al-26 ratio cannot be calibrated so as to agree with both the K-40/K-41 ages and ages based on the shorter-lived nuclides Ar-39 and Cl-36.
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Crack Free Tungsten Carbide Reinforced Ni(Cr) Layers obtained by Laser Cladding
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Amado, J. M.; Tobar, M. J.; Yáñez, A.; Amigó, V.; Candel, J. J.
The development of hardfacing coatings has become technologically significant in many industries A common approach is the production of metal matrix composites (MMC) layers. In this work NiCr-WC MMC hardfacing layers are deposited on C25 steel by means of laser cladding. Spheroidal fused tungsten carbides is used as reinforcement phase. Three different NiCr alloys with different Cr content were tested. Optimum conditions to obtain dense, uniform carbide distribution and hardness close to nominal values were defined. The effect of Cr content respect to the microstructure, susceptibility for cracking and the wear rate of the resulting coating will also be discussed.
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Hlavsová, Adéla; Raclavská, Helena; Juchelková, Dagmar; Škrobánková, Hana; Frydrych, Jan
2014-01-01
A pyrolysis of compost for the production of syngas with an explicit H2/CO = 2 or H2/CO = 3 was investigated in this study. The composts were obtained from nonhybrid (perennial) grasses (NHG) and hybrid (perennial) grasses (HG). Discrepancies in H2 evolution profiles were found between NHG and HG composts. In addition, positive correlations for NHG composts were obtained between (i) H2 yield and lignin content, (ii) H2 yield and potassium content, and (iii) CO yield and cellulose content. All composts resulted in H2/CO = 2 and five of the nine composts resulted in H2/CO = 3. Exceptionally large higher heating values (HHVs) of pyrolysis gas, very close to HHVs of feedstock, were obtained for composts made from mountain brome (MB, 16.23 MJ/kg), hybrid Becva (FB, 16.45 MJ/kg), and tall fescue (TF, 17.43 MJ/kg). The MB and FB composts resulted in the highest syngas formation with H2/CO = 2, whereas TF compost resulted in the highest syngas formation with H2/CO = 3. PMID:25101320
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dursun, Atilla; Yildirim, Ertan; Ekinci, Melek; Turan, Metin; Kul, Raziye; Karagöz, Fazilet P.
2017-04-01
This study was designed to determine the influence of a nitrogen fixing plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) inoculation (seed coating and seedling dipping) and 6 doses of nitrogen (0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200 kg ha-1) application on amino acid contents of cabbage. Coating and seedling dipping applications caused a significant increase in values histidine, glycine, thionin, arginine and alanine of cabbage. Highest glutamate, serine, asparagines and glutamine contents were obtained from 160-200 kg ha-1 nitrogen dose applied plants. As a result, the use of bacteria treatments provides means of improving amino acid contents in cabbage.
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Atnaw, Samson Mekbib; Sulaiman, Shaharin Anwar; Yusup, Suzana
2014-01-01
Biomass wastes produced from oil palm mills and plantations include empty fruit bunches (EFBs), shells, fibers, trunks, and oil palm fronds (OPF). EFBs and shells are partially utilized as boiler fuel while the rest of the biomass materials like OPF have not been utilized for energy generation. No previous study has been reported on gasification of oil palm fronds (OPF) biomass for the production of fuel gas. In this paper, the effect of moisture content of fuel and reactor temperature on downdraft gasification of OPF was experimentally investigated using a lab scale gasifier of capacity 50 kW. In addition, results obtained from equilibrium model of gasification that was developed for facilitating the prediction of syngas composition are compared with experimental data. Comparison of simulation results for predicting calorific value of syngas with the experimental results showed a satisfactory agreement with a mean error of 0.1 MJ/Nm3. For a biomass moisture content of 29%, the resulting calorific value for the syngas was found to be only 2.63 MJ/Nm3, as compared to nearly double (4.95 MJ/Nm3) for biomass moisture content of 22%. A calorific value as high as 5.57 MJ/Nm3 was recorded for higher oxidation zone temperature values. PMID:24578617
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Atnaw, Samson Mekbib; Sulaiman, Shaharin Anwar; Yusup, Suzana
2014-01-01
Biomass wastes produced from oil palm mills and plantations include empty fruit bunches (EFBs), shells, fibers, trunks, and oil palm fronds (OPF). EFBs and shells are partially utilized as boiler fuel while the rest of the biomass materials like OPF have not been utilized for energy generation. No previous study has been reported on gasification of oil palm fronds (OPF) biomass for the production of fuel gas. In this paper, the effect of moisture content of fuel and reactor temperature on downdraft gasification of OPF was experimentally investigated using a lab scale gasifier of capacity 50 kW. In addition, results obtained from equilibrium model of gasification that was developed for facilitating the prediction of syngas composition are compared with experimental data. Comparison of simulation results for predicting calorific value of syngas with the experimental results showed a satisfactory agreement with a mean error of 0.1 MJ/Nm³. For a biomass moisture content of 29%, the resulting calorific value for the syngas was found to be only 2.63 MJ/Nm³, as compared to nearly double (4.95 MJ/Nm³) for biomass moisture content of 22%. A calorific value as high as 5.57 MJ/Nm³ was recorded for higher oxidation zone temperature values.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lidiana, H.; Sulmartiwi, L.; Andriyono, S.
2018-04-01
Natural pigment from seaweed, is currently required by humans as one of active compounds that are usefull in the field of health, cosmetics and food. One of the pigments which potentially can be developed is red phycobilin pigment. The pigment can be obtained from Gracilaria sp. throught maceration method. This research aims to find out wheter there is influence from the long maceration time toward to the content and the phycoerytrin color brightness of Gracilaria sp. The reseach method used experimental experiment with complete randomized design (CRD) which was consisted of nine treatments of long time maceration period three replications. Data analysis was used the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and continued to Duncan’s Multiple Distance Test to. The result showed that treatments with the time of maceration for 30 hours was the best treatment on phycoerytrin content about 0.98 mg/g with the brightness value was 19.73 L*, reddish value was 7.23 a*, and yellowish value was 2.87 b* of Gracilaria sp.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zhang, Xiaodong; Chen, Long; Sun, Yangbo; Bai, Yu; Huang, Bisheng; Chen, Keli
2018-03-01
Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been widely used in the analysis fields of traditional Chinese medicine. It has the advantages of fast analysis, no damage to samples and no pollution. In this research, a fast quantitative model for zinc oxide (ZnO) content in mineral medicine calamine was explored based on NIR spectroscopy. NIR spectra of 57 batches of calamine samples were collected and the first derivative (FD) method was adopted for conducting spectral pretreatment. The content of ZnO in calamine sample was determined using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) titration and taken as reference value of NIR spectroscopy. 57 batches of calamine samples were categorized into calibration and prediction set using the Kennard-Stone (K-S) algorithm. Firstly, in the calibration set, to calculate the correlation coefficient (r) between the absorbance value and the ZnO content of corresponding samples at each wave number. Next, according to the square correlation coefficient (r2) value to obtain the top 50 wave numbers to compose the characteristic spectral bands (4081.8-4096.3, 4188.9-4274.7, 4335.4, 4763.6,4794.4-4802.1, 4809.9, 4817.6-4875.4 cm- 1), which were used to establish the quantitative model of ZnO content using back propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) algorithm. Then, the 50 wave numbers were operated by the mean impact value (MIV) algorithm to choose wave numbers whose absolute value of MIV greater than or equal to 25, to obtain the optimal characteristic spectral bands (4875.4-4836.9, 4223.6-4080.9 cm- 1). And then, both internal cross and external validation were used to screen the number of hidden layer nodes of BP-ANN. Finally, the number 4 of hidden layer nodes was chosen as the best. At last, the BP-ANN model was found to enjoy a high accuracy and strong forecasting capacity for analyzing ZnO content in calamine samples ranging within 42.05-69.98%, with relative mean square error of cross validation (RMSECV) of 1.66% and coefficient of determination (R2) of 95.75% in internal cross and relative mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 1.98%, R2 of 97.94% and ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) of 6.11 in external validation.
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MEASUREMENT OF MERCURY IN CHINESE UTILITY COAL
The paper gives results of analyzing representative samples of 20 Chinese utility coals for mercury content, and proximate, ultimate, and heating values. The data for these bituminous coals, obtained from China with the cooperation of the Chinese University of Mining Technology,...
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The Utility of Using a Near-Infrared (NIR) Camera to Measure Beach Surface Moisture
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nelson, S.; Schmutz, P. P.
2017-12-01
Surface moisture content is an important factor that must be considered when studying aeolian sediment transport in a beach environment. A few different instruments and procedures are available for measuring surface moisture content (i.e. moisture probes, LiDAR, and gravimetric moisture data from surface scrapings); however, these methods can be inaccurate, costly, and inapplicable, particularly in the field. Near-infrared (NIR) spectral band imagery is another technique used to obtain moisture data. NIR imagery has been predominately used through remote sensing and has yet to be used for ground-based measurements. Dry sand reflects infrared radiation given off by the sun and wet sand absorbs IR radiation. All things considered, this study assesses the utility of measuring surface moisture content of beach sand with a modified NIR camera. A traditional point and shoot digital camera was internally modified with the placement of a visible light-blocking filter. Images were taken of three different types of beach sand at controlled moisture content values, with sunlight as the source of infrared radiation. A technique was established through trial and error by comparing resultant histogram values using Adobe Photoshop with the various moisture conditions. The resultant IR absorption histogram values were calibrated to actual gravimetric moisture content from surface scrapings of the samples. Overall, the results illustrate that the NIR spectrum modified camera does not provide the ability to adequately measure beach surface moisture content. However, there were noted differences in IR absorption histogram values among the different sediment types. Sediment with darker quartz mineralogy provided larger variations in histogram values, but the technique is not sensitive enough to accurately represent low moisture percentages, which are of most importance when studying aeolian sediment transport.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mankovskaya, E. V.; Korchemkina, E. N.; Latushkin, A. A.
2017-11-01
A method allowing to obtain estimates of dissolved organic and suspended matter content in Black Sea waters using beam attenuation coefficient (BAC) measurements in two spectral channels is proposed. It makes possible to assess the composition, bio-productivity and ecological state of waters in real time, and to validate the data of satellite scanners. The method is based on retrieval the spectral distribution of BAC by orthogonal functions. Full spectral distribution in range 416 - 677 nm allows to select spectral sites with a dominant contribution of certain substance in BAC and to obtain the content of yellow substance and suspended matter using specially designed optimization technique. Calculated values are in good agreement with the satellite data obtained from MODIS scanner.
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Kang, Bongmun; Yoon, Ho-Sung
2015-02-01
Recently, microalgae was considered as a renewable energy for fuel production because its production is nonseasonal and may take place on nonarable land. Despite all of these advantages, microalgal oil production is significantly affected by environmental factors. Furthermore, the large variability remains an important problem in measurement of algae productivity and compositional analysis, especially, the total lipid content. Thus, there is considerable interest in accurate determination of total lipid content during the biotechnological process. For these reason, various high-throughput technologies were suggested for accurate measurement of total lipids contained in the microorganisms, especially oleaginous microalgae. In addition, more advanced technologies were employed to quantify the total lipids of the microalgae without a pretreatment. However, these methods are difficult to measure total lipid content in wet form microalgae obtained from large-scale production. In present study, the thermal analysis performed with two-step linear temeperature program was applied to measure heat evolved in temperature range from 310 to 351 °C of Nostoc sp. KNUA003 obtained from large-scale cultivation. And then, we examined the relationship between the heat evolved in 310-351 °C (HE) and total lipid content of the wet Nostoc cell cultivated in raceway. As a result, the linear relationship was determined between HE value and total lipid content of Nostoc sp. KNUA003. Particularly, there was a linear relationship of 98% between the HE value and the total lipid content of the tested microorganism. Based on this relationship, the total lipid content converted from the heat evolved of wet Nostoc sp. KNUA003 could be used for monitoring its lipid induction in large-scale cultivation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Production of coconut protein powder from coconut wet processing waste and its characterization.
Naik, Aduja; Raghavendra, S N; Raghavarao, K S M S
2012-07-01
Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been gaining popularity in recent times. During its production, byproducts such as coconut skim milk and insoluble protein are obtained which are underutilized or thrown away to the environment at present. This study deals with utilization of these byproducts to obtain a value-added product, namely, coconut protein powder. When coconut milk was subjected to centrifugation, three phases, namely, fat phase (coconut cream), aqueous phase (coconut skim milk), and solid phase (insoluble protein) were obtained. The coconut skim milk and insoluble protein were mixed and homogenized before spray drying to obtain a dehydrated protein powder. The proximate analysis of the powder showed high protein content (33 % w/w) and low fat content (3 % w/w). Protein solubility was studied as a function of pH and ionic content of solvent. Functional properties such as water hydration capacity, fat absorption capacity, emulsifying properties, wettability, and dispersibility of coconut protein powder were evaluated along with morphological characterization, polyphenol content, and color analysis. Coconut protein powder has shown to have good emulsifying properties and hence has potential to find applications in emulsified foods. Sensory analysis showed high overall quality of the product, indicating that coconut protein powder could be a useful food ingredient.
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Sorimachi, Kenji; Okayasu, Teiji
2015-01-01
The complete vertebrate mitochondrial genome consists of 13 coding genes. We used this genome to investigate the existence of natural selection in vertebrate evolution. From the complete mitochondrial genomes, we predicted nucleotide contents and then separated these values into coding and non-coding regions. When nucleotide contents of a coding or non-coding region were plotted against the nucleotide content of the complete mitochondrial genomes, we obtained linear regression lines only between homonucleotides and their analogs. On every plot using G or A content purine, G content in aquatic vertebrates was higher than that in terrestrial vertebrates, while A content in aquatic vertebrates was lower than that in terrestrial vertebrates. Based on these relationships, vertebrates were separated into two groups, terrestrial and aquatic. However, using C or T content pyrimidine, clear separation between these two groups was not obtained. The hagfish (Eptatretus burgeri) was further separated from both terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates. Based on these results, nucleotide content relationships predicted from the complete vertebrate mitochondrial genomes reveal the existence of natural selection based on evolutionary separation between terrestrial and aquatic vertebrate groups. In addition, we propose that separation of the two groups might be linked to ammonia detoxification based on high G and low A contents, which encode Glu rich and Lys poor proteins.
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Peluzio, M do C; de Miranda, L C; de Moraes, G H; Peluzio, L E
1998-12-01
The present work was conducted to obtain a proteic product and to evaluate its biological value in order to be used for human and/or domestic animal consumption. Thus, it were used cassava leaves as a non conventional source of protein. It was produced a freeze-dried, fat-free and colourless proteic isolated from those leaves (CLPI). This was mixed with casein and after the mixture as enzymatically hydrolyzed and resynthesized (Plastein reaction) to obtain a precipitated (PP) and a soluble plastein (SP) fractions. The protein contents observed were 64.39% (PS), 61.36% (PP) and 51.97% (CLPI). Trypsin inhibitor activities values showed a 41% reduction in the PP fraction suggesting that the heat treatment used to inactivated the enzyme also inactiveted partially the inhibitor or the reduction was due to the casein dilution. The amino acid composition of the frations obtained showed values close to the standards established. It can be concluded:--the utilization of non-conventional source should be stimulated when the proteins from those sources have an amino acidic profile that allow them to be used as an amino acid supplementation in food with low level of essential amino acids;--the fractions obtained by the plastein reaction showed satisfactory protein contents and their amino acid profiles were comparable with the FAO/OMS/UNU (1985) recommendations;--the plastein reaction can be utilized in food processing, after industrial scale adaptation remove compounds responsible to bitter taste, fetidness and to discolour protein products.
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Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for on-line determination of quality parameters in intact olives.
Salguero-Chaparro, Lourdes; Baeten, Vincent; Fernández-Pierna, Juan A; Peña-Rodríguez, Francisco
2013-08-15
The acidity, moisture and fat content in intact olive fruits were determined on-line using a NIR diode array instrument, operating on a conveyor belt. Four sets of calibrations models were obtained by means of different combinations from samples collected during 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, using full-cross and external validation. Several preprocessing treatments such as derivatives and scatter correction were investigated by using the root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV) and prediction (RMSEP), as control parameters. The results obtained showed RMSECV values of 2.54-3.26 for moisture, 2.35-2.71 for fat content and 2.50-3.26 for acidity parameters, depending on the calibration model developed. Calibrations for moisture, fat content and acidity gave residual predictive deviation (RPD) values of 2.76, 2.37 and 1.60, respectively. Although, it is concluded that the on-line NIRS prediction results were acceptable for the three parameters measured in intact olive samples in movement, the models developed must be improved in order to increase their accuracy before final NIRS implementation at mills. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Gusman, M. H.; Sastroredjo, P. N. E.; Prawisudha, P.; Hardianto, T.; Pasek, A. D.
2017-05-01
Less utilized empty fruit bunch (EFB) is seldom used as solid biofuel due to its high alkali content that potentially cause ash deposit called slagging and fouling. This phenomenon could harm biomass-fired power plant equipment. Some pre-treatment of EFB is needed to reduce EFB ash deposit potential. The effect of wet torrefaction pre-treatment in laboratory scale was successfully proven in decreasing slagging and fouling potential while increasing EFB calorific value that could fulfill clean solid fuel criteria. This research focuses on wet torrefaction process that conducted on a pilot scale with the capacity of 250 liters. It was found that wet torrefaction process can improve the product’s calorific value up to 9.41% while reduce its ash content down to 1.01% comparing to the raw EFB. The reduction of ash content also leads to the reduction of slagging and fouling tendency that presents in terms of alkali index. Alkali index is a quantitative method that can be calculated after obtaining metal oxides fraction on solid fuel. Metal oxides could be obtained by using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy.
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Chemical composition and nutritional value of unripe banana flour (Musa acuminata, var. Nanicão).
Menezes, Elizabete Wenzel; Tadini, Carmen Cecília; Tribess, Tatiana Beatris; Zuleta, Angela; Binaghi, Julieta; Pak, Nelly; Vera, Gloria; Dan, Milana Cara Tanasov; Bertolini, Andréa C; Cordenunsi, Beatriz Rosana; Lajolo, Franco M
2011-09-01
Banana flour obtained from unripe banana (Musa acuminata, var. Nanicão) under specific drying conditions was evaluated regarding its chemical composition and nutritional value. Results are expressed in dry weight (dw). The unripe banana flour (UBF) presented a high amount of total dietary fiber (DF) (56.24 g/100 g), which consisted of resistant starch (RS) (48.99 g/100 g), fructans (0.05 g/100 g) and DF without RS or fructans (7.2 g/100 g). The contents of available starch (AS) (27.78 g/100 g) and soluble sugars (1.81 g/100 g) were low. The main phytosterols found were campesterol (4.1 mg/100 g), stigmasterol (2.5 mg/100 g) and β-sitosterol (6.2 mg/100 g). The total polyphenol content was 50.65 mg GAE/100 g. Antioxidant activity, by the FRAP and ORAC methods, was moderated, being 358.67 and 261.00 μmol of Trolox equivalent/100 g, respectively. The content of Zn, Ca and Fe and mineral dialyzability were low. The procedure used to obtain UBF resulted in the recovery of undamaged starch granules and in a low-energy product (597 kJ/100 g).
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Alvarez-Suarez, Jose M; Tulipani, Sara; Díaz, Daimy; Estevez, Yadiley; Romandini, Stefania; Giampieri, Francesca; Damiani, Elisabetta; Astolfi, Paola; Bompadre, Stefano; Battino, Maurizio
2010-01-01
Several monofloral Cuban honeys were analyzed to determine their total phenolic, flavonoid, ascorbic acid, amino acid, protein and carotenoid contents as well as their radical-scavenging activity and antimicrobial capacities. The total phenolic, flavonoid and carotenoid contents varied considerably, and the highest values were obtained for Linen vine (Govania polygama (Jack) Urb) honey, which is classified as an amber honey. The highest amino acid content was found in Morning glory (Ipomoea triloba L.) while Liven vine had the highest protein content. Similarly Linen vine honey had the highest antioxidant activity while the lowest was found in Christmas vine (Turbina corymbosa (L.) Raf). Ascorbic acid was absent. Hydroxyl radical formation was studied by EPR and spin trapping, and it was found in all honeys tested. The antimicrobial activity was screened using two Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. S. aureus was the most sensitive microorganism while Pseudomonas aeruginosa presented higher minimum active dilution values. Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli were both moderately sensitive to honey antimicrobial activity. A correlation between radical-scavenging activity and total phenolic content was found. Correlation existed also between color vs phenolics content, vs flavonoid content or between phenolic vs flavonoid. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Flores, Gema; Ruiz del Castillo, María Luisa
2016-03-01
Black currant seeds are obtained as a residue during juice production. Black currant seed oil contains high amounts of nutritionally desirable constituents such as γ-linolenic acid (GLA), α-linolenic acid (ALA) and stearidonic acid (SA), as well as certain phenolic acids, which act as natural antioxidants. Fatty acids and phenolic acids of seeds from black currant cultivars after elicitation with methyl jasmonate (MJ) were examined. GLA contents around 25% with respect to total fatty acid content were measured in seeds after pre-harvest treatment of black currants with 0.02mM MJ in 0.05% Tween-20. High GLA samples also exhibited high SA content (higher than 10% with respect to total fatty acid content); however, ALA dropped (from 16% to 10%). High GLA content seeds also showed increased contents of gallic, caffeic, p-coumaric and ferulic acids. In particular, seeds from 0.02mM MJ treated Ben Hope black currants exerted contents of gallic, caffeic, p-coumaric and ferulic acids of 201.4, 125.9, 201.3 and 112.5μgg(-1)vs 124.3, 58.6, 165.4 and 95.8μgg(-1) measured in seeds from untreated Ben Hope black currants. Comparable results were obtained for Ben Alder and Ben Gairn berries. Chemical elicitation with 0.02 MJ is proposed as an industrial practice in such a way that, after consideration of quality issues, it would be obtained high added value black currant seeds. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Albayrak, Onder, E-mail: albayrakonder@mersin.edu.tr
In the current study, boron doped biphasic calcium phosphate bioceramics consisting of a mixture of boron doped hydroxyapatite (BHA) and beta tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) of varying BHA/β-TCP ratios were obtained after sintering stage. The effects of varying boron contents and different sintering temperatures on the BHA/β-TCP ratios and on the sinterability of the final products were investigated. Particle sizes and morphologies of the obtained precipitates were determined using SEM. XRD and FTIR investigation were conducted to detect the boron formation in the structure of HA and quantitative analysis was performed to determine the BHA/β-TCP ratio before and after sintering stage.more » In order to determine the sinterability of the obtained powders, pellets were prepared and sintered; the rates of densification were calculated and obtained results were correlated by SEM images. Also Vickers microhardness values of the sintered samples were determined. The experimental results verified that boron doped hydroxyapatite powders were obtained after sintering stage and the structure consists of a mixture of BHA and β-TCP. As the boron content used in the precipitation stage increases, β-TCP content of the BHA/β-TCP ratio increases but sinterability, density and microhardness deteriorate. As the sintering temperature increases, β-TCP content, density and microhardness of the samples increase and sinterability improves. - Highlights: • This is the first paper about boron doped biphasic calcium phosphate bioceramics. • Boron doping affects the structural and mechanical properties. • BHA/β-TCP ratio can be adjustable with boron content and sintering temperature.« less
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Cheel, José; Schmeda-Hirschmann, Guillermo; Jordan, Miguel; Theoduloz, Cristina; Rodríguez, Jaime A; Gerth, André; Wilken, Dirk
2007-01-01
An in vitro propagation system was developed to obtain shoot and root cultures from the Andean spice Sanicula graveolens (Apiaceae). Propagation of shoots, roots and plantlets was achieved by the temporary immersion system. The free radical scavenging effect of the methanol/water (7:3 v/v) extracts was determined by the discoloration of the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH). Total phenolic, flavonoid, chlorogenic acid (CA) and quercetin 3-O-glucoside content in the samples was assessed by spectrophotometry and DAD-HPLC analysis, respectively. On a dry weight basis, the crude extracts showed total phenolic values ranging from 3.57 to 6.93%, with highest content for the root culture sample. Total flavonoid content ranged from 1.23 to 2.23% and was lower for the root culture. Chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid were identified by TLC in all samples. Highest free radical scavenging effect was observed for the root culture which also presented the highest CA content. Two of the shoot culture samples, with similar IC50 values in the DPPH discoloration assay, also presented close quercetin-3-O-glucoside content.
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Forsido, Sirawdink Fikreyesus; Rupasinghe, H P Vasantha; Astatkie, Tess
2013-12-01
The total antioxidant capacity, total phenolics content (TPC) and nutritional content of five types of enset (Enset ventricosum) flour in comparison with four staples (teff [Eragrostis tef], wheat, corn and tapioca) were evaluated. Teff, corn and "amicho" (corm of enset) had the highest ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The FRAP and TPC of teff (1.8 mmol Trolox equivalence/100 g dry matter (DM) and 123.6 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g DM, respectively) were over 4-fold larger than the lowest obtained from "bulla" (dehydrated juice of pseudostem of enset). Corn had the lowest IC(50) value of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging (10.27 mg DM mL(-1)). Teff had the highest crude fat content (3.71%) and some mineral profile (P, Mg, Mn and Cu). Enset products had higher fiber, Ca, K, Mg and Mn content as compared to wheat and corn. Ethiopian staple teff has a potential for developing value-added food products with nutritional and health benefits.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Handhika, J.; Cari, C.; Suparmi, A.; Sunarno, W.; Purwandari, P.
2018-03-01
The purpose of this research was to develop a diagnostic test instrument to reveal students' conceptions in kinematics and dynamics. The diagnostic test was developed based on the content indicator the concept of (1) displacement and distance, (2) instantaneous and average velocity, (3) zero and constant acceleration, (4) gravitational acceleration (5) Newton's first Law, (6) and Newton's third Law. The diagnostic test development model includes: Diagnostic test requirement analysis, formulating test-making objectives, developing tests, checking the validity of the content and the performance of reliability, and application of tests. The Content Validation Index (CVI) results in the category are highly relevant, with a value of 0.85. Three questions get negative Content Validation Ratio CVR) (-0.6), after revised distractors and clarify visual presentation; the CVR become 1 (highly relevant). This test was applied, obtained 16 valid test items, with Cronbach Alpha value of 0.80. It can conclude that diagnostic test can be used to reveal the level of students conception in kinematics and dynamics.
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Lin, Shin-Yi; Chien, Shih-Chang; Wang, Sheng-Yang; Mau, Jeng-Leun
2015-01-01
The optimization of submerged culture of the culinary-medicinal golden oyster mushroom, Pleurotus citrinopileatus, was studied using a one-factor-at-a-time, two-stage stimulation and central composite rotatable design to produce mycelia with high ergothioneine content. The optimal culture conditions for mycelia harvested at day 22 were a temperature of 25°C, an inoculation ratio of 5%, 2% glucose, 0.5% yeast extract, and adjustment of the initial pH value to 10. The biomass and ergothioneine content were 8.28 g/L and 10.65 mg/g dry weight (dw), respectively. The addition of an amino acid precursor increased the ergothioneine content of mycelia; cysteine was the most effective. In addition, the results obtained from central composite rotatable design showed that the recommended combination for cysteine, histidine, and methionine was 8, 4, and 0.5 mmol/L, respectively. The predicted ergothioneine content was 13.90 mg/g dw, whereas the experimental maximal ergothioneine content was 14.57 mg/g dw. With the addition of complex precursors and under optimal culture conditions, mycelia harvested at days 16-20 had higher ergothioneine content. Accordingly, the information obtained could be used to produce mycelia with high ergothioneine content.
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Contreras-Padilla, Margarita; Gutiérrez-Cortez, Elsa; Valderrama-Bravo, María Del Carmen; Rojas-Molina, Isela; Espinosa-Arbeláez, Diego Germán; Suárez-Vargas, Raúl; Rodríguez-García, Mario Enrique
2012-03-01
Chemical proximate analysis was done in order to determine the changes of nutritional characteristics of nopal powders from three different maturity stages 50, 100, and 150 days and obtained by three different drying processes: freeze dried, forced air oven, and tunnel. Results indicate that nopal powder obtained by the process of freeze dried retains higher contents of protein, soluble fiber, and fat than the other two processes. Also, freeze dried process had less effect on color hue variable. No changes were observed in insoluble fiber content, chroma and lightness with the three different drying processes. Furthermore, the soluble fibers decreased with the age of nopal while insoluble fibers and ash content shows an opposite trend. In addition, the luminosity and hue values did not show differences among the maturity stages studied. The high content of dietary fibers of nopal pad powder could to be an interesting source of these important components for human diets and also could be used in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry.
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Determination of fatty acid composition of γ-irradiated hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, and pistachios
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Gecgel, Umit; Gumus, Tuncay; Tasan, Murat; Daglioglu, Orhan; Arici, Muhammet
2011-04-01
Hazelnut, walnut, almonds, and pistachio nuts were treated with 1, 3, 5, and 7 kGy of gamma irradiation, respectively. Oil content, free fatty acid, peroxide value, and fatty acid composition of the nuts were investigated immediately after irradiation. The data obtained from the experiments indicated that gamma irradiation did not cause any significant change in the oil content of nuts. In contrast, free fatty acid and peroxide value of the nuts increased proportionally to the dose (p<0.05). Among the fatty acids determined, the concentration of total saturated fatty acids increased while total monounsaturated and total polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased with the irradiation dose (p<0.05 and <0.01).
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Hernández, Maria M; Song, Shiren; Menéndez, Cristina M
2017-01-01
Flavan-3-ol compounds are important secondary metabolites which show high antioxidant activity and are responsible for bitterness and astringency of food products. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential for selecting grape materials with higher seed flavanol content from a breeding population. The composition and content of flavan-3-ols from 151 genotypes obtained from crossing wine grape varieties was evaluated by UPLC in three consecutive years. Chromatograms of flavan-3-ol compounds showed the same 12 compounds for all samples, but quantitative differences were observed between genotypes as well as parental varieties. The most abundant compounds were (-)-epicatechin and (+)-catechin followed by proanthocyanidins A2 and B2. Progeny showed higher values than the parental genotypes for every detected compound indicating directional transgressive segregation. With these results genotypes with as much as five times more flavanols than their parents could be identified. The year effect was significant; however, high correlations between years for each compound indicated that there is a strong genetic component in the determination of flavanol content. Higher contents of seed flavan-3-ols can be obtained by hybridisation, and those genotypes could be used for extracting healthy phytochemicals, adding value to seeds as a sub-product in wine elaboration. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Gross, K.; Prías Barragán, J. J.; Sangiao, S.; De Teresa, J. M.; Lajaunie, L.; Arenal, R.; Ariza Calderón, H.; Prieto, P.
2016-09-01
The large-scale production of graphene and reduced-graphene oxide (rGO) requires low-cost and eco-friendly synthesis methods. We employed a new, simple, cost-effective pyrolytic method to synthetize oxidized-graphenic nanoplatelets (OGNP) using bamboo pyroligneous acid (BPA) as a source. Thorough analyses via high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy provides a complete structural and chemical description at the local scale of these samples. In particular, we found that at the highest carbonization temperature the OGNP-BPA are mainly in a sp2 bonding configuration (sp2 fraction of 87%). To determine the electrical properties of single nanoplatelets, these were contacted by Pt nanowires deposited through focused-ion-beam-induced deposition techniques. Increased conductivity by two orders of magnitude is observed as oxygen content decreases from 17% to 5%, reaching a value of 2.3 × 103 S m-1 at the lowest oxygen content. Temperature-dependent conductivity reveals a semiconductor transport behavior, described by the Mott three-dimensional variable range hopping mechanism. From the localization length, we estimate a band-gap value of 0.22(2) eV for an oxygen content of 5%. This investigation demonstrates the great potential of the OGNP-BPA for technological applications, given that their structural and electrical behavior is similar to the highly reduced rGO sheets obtained by more sophisticated conventional synthesis methods.
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Toledo-Martín, Eva María; Font, Rafael; Obregón-Cano, Sara; De Haro-Bailón, Antonio; Villatoro-Pulido, Myriam; Del Río-Celestino, Mercedes
2017-05-20
The potential of visible-near infrared spectroscopy to predict glucosinolates and total phenolic content in rocket ( Eruca vesicaria ) leaves has been evaluated. Accessions of the E. vesicaria species were scanned by NIRS as ground leaf, and their reference values regressed against different spectral transformations by modified partial least squares (MPLS) regression. The coefficients of determination in the external validation (R²VAL) for the different quality components analyzed in rocket ranged from 0.59 to 0.84, which characterize those equations as having from good to excellent quantitative information. These results show that the total glucosinolates, glucosativin and glucoerucin equations obtained, can be used to identify those samples with low and high contents. The glucoraphanin equation obtained can be used for rough predictions of samples and in case of total phenolic content, the equation showed good correlation. The standard deviation (SD) to standard error of prediction ratio (RPD) and SD to range (RER) were variable for the different quality compounds and showed values that were characteristic of equations suitable for screening purposes or to perform accurate analyses. From the study of the MPLS loadings of the first three terms of the different equations, it can be concluded that some major cell components such as protein and cellulose, highly participated in modelling the equations for glucosinolates.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Beg, S.A.; Amin, M.B.; Hussain, I.
1986-01-01
Characterization of Arab medium Crude Oil, has been carried out in terms of API gravity, debutanized crude gravity, total sulfur content, Reid vapour pressure ash content, heating value, salt content, viscosity SUS, vanadium content as V/sub 2/O/sub 5/, pour point and analysis of various metals. Further, six true boiling point (TBP) fractions (IBP-95/sup 0/C, 95-205/sup 0/C, 205-260/sup 0/C, 260-345/sup 0/C, 345-455/sup 0/C and 455/sup 0/C+) of this crude were characterized in terms of API gravity, total sulfur contents H/sub 2/S content, mercaptons content, molecular weight, elemental analyses for total carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen, analyses of various metals and paraffin, aromaticmore » and naphthene contents of lighter fractions. The kinematic viscosity-temperature data have been obtained for 95/sup 0/C+ TBP fractions for a wide range of temperatures.« less
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Tao, Xuemei; He, Yong
2006-09-01
The internal quality of tomato such as acidity and sugar content is important to its taste thus influences the market. The objective of this paper was to demonstrate the feasibility of using a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to investigate the relationship between sugar content and acidity of tomato and absorption spectra. The N1RS reflectance of nondestructive tomatoes was measured with a Visible/NJR spectrophotometer in 325-1075 nm range. The sugar content and acidity of tomato were obtained with a handhold sugar content meter and a PH meter. The reflectance data set was recorded and analyzed with some mathematic methods. The PLS (Partial least squares) calibration method was developed for converting the NIRS reflectance of tomato into the data which determined the acidity value. BP (Back propagation) neural network was used to set up the relationship between the NIRS reflectance of tomato and sugar content. The acidity values were detected with an accuracy of 9O% and the sugar contents determined by the BP network were also very close to the measurements (coefficient of correlation r2=0.8764). NW spectra analysis would be very useful in the nondestructive internal quality inspecting of tomato.
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Selenium species in selenium fortified dietary supplements.
Niedzielski, Przemyslaw; Rudnicka, Monika; Wachelka, Marcin; Kozak, Lidia; Rzany, Magda; Wozniak, Magdalena; Kaskow, Zaneta
2016-01-01
This article presents a study of dietary supplements available on the Polish market. The supplements comprised a large group of products with selenium content declared by the producer. The study involved determination of dissolution time under different conditions and solubility as well as content and speciation of selenium. The total content was determined as well as organic selenium and the inorganic forms Se(IV) and Se(VI). The organic selenium content was calculated as the difference between total Se and inorganic Se. The values obtained were compared with producers' declarations. The work is the first such study of selenium supplements available on the market of an EU Member State. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Domingo, Olwen; Stöver, Andreas; Roider, Gabriele; Graw, Matthias
2017-03-01
In our study, we analysed the effect of a variety of storage conditions on the methaemoglobin (MetHb) content of blood samples obtained from altogether 110 deceased subjects with diverse causes of death, including three 'poppers'-related fatalities. The obtained results were compared to data from blood samples of six living, healthy subjects. Results obtained from the spectrophotometric measurement of blood MetHb content suggest that storage at room temperature (RT) and storage at -20 °C result in either highly fluctuating values, as was the case for the RT samples, or values much higher than the initial MetHb concentrations when stored at -20 °C. Blood samples at 4 °C showed more stable MetHb levels, which, however, increased with up to 4 % of the initial value after only 3 weeks of storage. These factors pose a problem in forensic toxicology, especially in nitrite abuse cases, where the involvement of such substance abuse is often unknown at the time of blood sampling and thus often requires longer storage times. Nevertheless, even after the storage of blood samples over several months at 4 and -20 °C, 'poppers' cases still show a significantly higher MetHb concentration as compared to non-'poppers' samples that were stored for the same time period under identical conditions.
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Convenient models of the atmosphere: optics and solar radiation
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Alexander, Ginsburg; Victor, Frolkis; Irina, Melnikova; Sergey, Novikov; Dmitriy, Samulenkov; Maxim, Sapunov
2017-11-01
Simple optical models of clear and cloudy atmosphere are proposed. Four versions of atmospheric aerosols content are considered: a complete lack of aerosols in the atmosphere, low background concentration (500 cm-3), high concentrations (2000 cm-3) and very high content of particles (5000 cm-3). In a cloud scenario, the model of external mixture is assumed. The values of optical thickness and single scattering albedo for 13 wavelengths are calculated in the short wavelength range of 0.28-0.90 µm, with regard to the molecular absorption bands, that is simulated with triangle function. A comparison of the proposed optical parameters with results of various measurements and retrieval (lidar measurement, sampling, processing radiation measurements) is presented. For a cloudy atmosphere models of single-layer and two-layer atmosphere are proposed. It is found that cloud optical parameters with assuming the "external mixture" agrees with retrieved values from airborne observations. The results of calculating hemispherical fluxes of the reflected and transmitted solar radiation and the radiative divergence are obtained with the Delta-Eddington approach. The calculation is done for surface albedo values of 0, 0.5, 0.9 and for spectral values of the sandy surface. Four values of solar zenith angle: 0°, 30°, 40° and 60° are taken. The obtained values are compared with data of radiative airborne observations. Estimating the local instantaneous radiative forcing of atmospheric aerosols and clouds for considered models is presented together with the heating rate.
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Determination of iodine in bread and fish using the iodide ion-selective electrode
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Steiner, J.B.
The purpose of this study was to assess the potential for use of the ion-selective electrode (ISE) as a method for measuring the iodine content in bread and fish. Ashing methods, sample preparation and electrode responses were evaluated. The iodine values obtained using the iodide electrode were compared to iodine values obtained by the arsenic-cerium method (As-Ce). Ashing methods were used in preparing bread and haddock for iodine analysis by the ISE. The values were compared to unashed samples measured by the ISE. Electrode response to iodide was examined by varying the sample pH, measuring electrode equilibrium times, and comparingmore » direct measurement in ppm to iodide values obtained by the method of known addition. Oyster reference tissue with a known iodine concentration was used to determine rates of recovery. For the As-Ce procedure, an alkaline dry ash for two hour followed by colorimetric analysis at 320 nm was recommended. The study showed that the pre-treatment of bread and fish was necessary for ISE measurement. The iodine values obtained by the ISE in the analysis of oyster reference tissue, haddock and bread were not in agreement with their corresponding As-Ce values. Further work needs to be done to determine an ashing procedure that has minimal iodide loss an/or develop sample treatments that will improve the reliability and precision of iodine values obtained using the ion-selective electrode.« less
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Antolín-Rodríguez, Juan M; Sánchez-Báscones, Mercedes; Martín-Ramos, Pablo; Bravo-Sánchez, Carmen T; Martín-Gil, Jesús
2016-06-01
Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) pollution related to the use of organic waste as fertilizers in agricultural soils is a cause of major concern. In the study presented herein, PCB concentration was studied through a field trial conducted in two agricultural soils in the province of Palencia (Spain) over a 4-year period, assessing the impact of irrigation and of different types of organic waste materials. The amounts of organic waste added to the soil were calculated according to the nitrogen needs of the crop, and the concentration of PCBs was determined before and after the application of the organic waste. The resulting persistence of the total PCB content in the agricultural soils, compared with the PCB concentration in the original soils, ranged from 27% to 90%, with the lowest value corresponding to irrigated soils treated with municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) and the highest value to non-irrigated soils treated with composted sewage sludge (CSS). An estimate of the PCB content in agricultural soils after the application of organic waste materials until year 2050 was obtained, resulting in a value below 5 ng·g(-1), considered a background value for soils in sites far away from potential pollution sources.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yogish, H.; Chandrashekara, K.; Pramod Kumar, M. R.
2012-11-01
India is looking at the renewable alternative sources of energy to reduce its dependence on import of crude oil. As India imports 70 % of the crude oil, the country has been greatly affected by increasing cost and uncertainty. Biodiesel fuel derived by the two step acid transesterification of mixed non-edible oils from Jatropha curcas and Pongamia (karanja) can meet the requirements of diesel fuel in the coming years. In the present study, different proportions of Methanol, Sodium hydroxide, variation of Reaction time, Sulfuric acid and Reaction Temperature were adopted in order to optimize the experimental conditions for maximum biodiesel yield. The preliminary studies revealed that biodiesel yield varied widely in the range of 75-95 % using the laboratory scale reactor. The average yield of 95 % was obtained. The fuel and chemical properties of biodiesel, namely kinematic viscosity, specific gravity, density, flash point, fire point, calorific value, pH, acid value, iodine value, sulfur content, water content, glycerin content and sulfated ash values were found to be within the limits suggested by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS 15607: 2005). The optimum combination of Methanol, Sodium hydroxide, Sulfuric acid, Reaction Time and Reaction Temperature are established.
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Effect of Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate and Sodium Bromide Additives on Ni–W Nanocoatings.
Das, Malay Kumar; Qin, Jiaqian; Zhang, Xinyu; Li, Rongxia; Thueploy, Adisak; Limpanart, Sarintorn; Boonyongmaneerat, Yuttanat; Ma, Mingzhen; Liu, Riping
2017-02-01
Nickel-tungsten (Ni–W) coatings were fabricated by electrodeposition method with varying quantities of sodium dodecyl sulphate and sodium bromide to examine the effects of the aforesaid additives on the coatings. The obtained nanocoatings were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and hardness tester. The hardness, tungsten content and grain size attained a maximum value at current density of 0.15 A/cm²,0.1 A/cm² and 0.1 A/cm², respectively. There was a pronounced impact of both the additives on the microstructure and morphology of the coatings. According to results, there are considerable difference in terms of the impact caused by the additives to the tungsten content, hardness and grain size of the coatings. The obtained results suggest that hardness of coatings is mainly contributed by W content in the deposits.
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Characterization of Coconut Oil Fractions Obtained from Solvent Fractionation Using Acetone.
Sonwai, Sopark; Rungprasertphol, Poonyawee; Nantipipat, Nantinee; Tungvongcharoan, Satinee; Laiyangkoon, Nantikan
2017-09-01
This work was aimed to study the solvent fraction of coconut oil (CNO). The fatty acid and triacylglycerol compositions, solid fat content (SFC) and the crystallization properties of CNO and its solid and liquid fractions obtained from fractionation at different conditions were investigated using various techniques. CNO was dissolved in acetone (1:1 w/v) and left to crystallize isothermally at 10°C for 0.5, 1 and 2 h and at 12°C for 2, 3 and 6 h. The solid fractions contained significantly lower contents of saturated fatty acids of ≤ 10 carbon atoms but considerably higher contents of saturated fatty acids with > 12 carbon atoms with respect to those of CNO and the liquid fractions. They also contained higher contents of high-melting triacylglycerol species with carbon number ≥ 38. Because of this, the DSC crystallization onset temperatures and the crystallization peak temperatures of the solid fractions were higher than CNO and the liquid fractions. The SFC values of the solid fractions were significantly higher than CNO at all measuring temperatures before reaching 0% just below the body temperature with the fraction obtained at 12°C for 2 h exhibiting the highest SFC. On the contrary, the SFC values of the liquid fractions were lower than CNO. The crystallization duration exhibited strong influence on the solid fractions. There was no effect on the crystal polymorphic structure possibly because CNO has β'-2 as a stable polymorph. The enhanced SFC of the solid fractions would allow them to find use in food applications where a specific melting temperature is desired such as sophisticated confectionery fats, and the decreased SFC of the liquid fractions would provide them with a higher cold stability which would be useful during extended storage time.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kowalska, Małgorzata; Janas, Sławomir; Woźniak, Magdalena
2018-04-01
The aim of this work was the presentation of an alternative method of determination of the total dry mass content in processed cheese. The authors claim that the presented method can be used in industry's quality control laboratories for routine testing and for quick in-process control. For the test purposes both reference method of determination of dry mass in processed cheese and moisture analyzer method were used. The tests were carried out for three different kinds of processed cheese. In accordance with the reference method, the sample was placed on a layer of silica sand and dried at the temperature of 102 °C for about 4 h. The moisture analyzer test required method validation, with regard to drying temperature range and mass of the analyzed sample. Optimum drying temperature of 110 °C was determined experimentally. For Hochland cream processed cheese sample, the total dry mass content, obtained using the reference method, was 38.92%, whereas using the moisture analyzer method, it was 38.74%. An average analysis time in case of the moisture analyzer method was 9 min. For the sample of processed cheese with tomatoes, the reference method result was 40.37%, and the alternative method result was 40.67%. For the sample of cream processed cheese with garlic the reference method gave value of 36.88%, and the alternative method, of 37.02%. An average time of those determinations was 16 min. Obtained results confirmed that use of moisture analyzer is effective. Compliant values of dry mass content were obtained for both of the used methods. According to the authors, the fact that the measurement took incomparably less time for moisture analyzer method, is a key criterion of in-process control and final quality control method selection.
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Dynamics of actual aggregation of petroleum products in snow cover
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Begunova, L. A.; Kuznetsova, O. V.; Begunov, D. A.; Kuznetsova, A. N.
2017-11-01
The paper presents issues of snow cover pollution by petroleum products. Petroleum products content was determined using the fluorimetric method of analysis. The samples of snow were selected on the territory of Angarsk and Irkutsk cities. According to the obtained data, the content of petroleum products in the analyzed samples exceeds the background value up to 6 times. Analysis of the reference data for similar research confirms need for creation of an environmental monitoring centralized system to monitor atmospheric precipitation and, particularly, snow cover.
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Influence of spore moisture content on the dry-heat resistance of Bacillus subtilis var. niger.
Angelotti, R; Maryanski, J H; Butler, T F; Peeler, J T; Campbell, J E
1968-05-01
The dry-heat resistance of Bacillus subtilis var. niger spores located in or on various materials was determined as D and z values in the range of 105 through 160 C. The systems tested included spores located on steel and paper strips, spores located between stainless-steel washers mated together under 150 inch-lb and 12 inch-lb of torque, and spores encapsulated in methylmethacrylate and epoxy plastics. D values for a given temperature varied with the test system. High D values were observed for the systems in which spores were encapsulated or under heavy torque, whereas lower D values were observed for the steel and paper strip systems and the lightly torqued system. Similar z values were obtained for the plastic and steel strip systems (z(D) = 21 C), but an unusually low z for spores on paper (z(D) = 12.9 C) and an unusually high z for spores on steel washers mated at 150 inch-lb of torque (z(D) = 32 C) were observed. The effect of spore moisture content on the D value of spores encapsulated in water-impermeable plastic was determined, and maximal resistance was observed for spores with a water activity (a(w)) of 0.2 to 0.4. Significantly decreased D values were observed for spores with moisture contents below a(w) 0.2 or above a(w) 0.4. The data indicate that the important factors to be considered when measuring the dry heat resistance of spores are (i) the initial moisture content of the spore, (ii) the rate of spore desiccation during heating, (iii) the water retention capacity of the material in or on which spores are located, and (iv) the relative humidity of the system at the test temperature.
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Mass fraction assignment of folic acid in a high purity material
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Westwood, Steven; Josephs, Ralf; Choteau, Tiphaine; Daireaux, Adeline; Stoppacher, Norbert; Wielgosz, Robert; Davies, Stephen; de Rego, Eliane; Wollinger, Wagner; Garrido, Bruno; Fernandes, Jane; Lima, Jonathan; Oliveira, Rodrigo; de Sena, Rodrigo; Windust, Anthony; Huang, Ting; Dai, Xinhua; Quan, Can; He, Haihong; Zhang, Wei; Wei, Chao; Li, Na; Gao, Dexin; Liu, Zhao; Lo, Man-fung; Wong, Wai-fun; Pfeifer, Dietmar; Koch, Matthias; Dorgerloh, Ute; Rothe, Robert; Philip, Rosemary; Hirari, Nobuyasu; Fazlin Rezali, Mohd; Salazar Arzate, Claudia Marcela; Pedraza Evelina Berenice, Mercado; Serrano Caballero, Victor; Arce Osuna, Mariana; Krylov, A.; Kharitonov, S.; Lopushanskaya, E.; Liu, Qinde; Tang Lin, Teo; Fernandes-Whaley, Maria; Quinn, Laura; Nhlapo, Nontete; Prevoo-Franzsen, Desiree; Archer, Marcelle; Kim, Byungjoo; Baek, Song-Yee; Lee, Sunyoung; Lee, Joonhee; Marbumrung, Sornkrit; Kankaew, Ponhatai; Chaorenpornpukdee, Kanokrat; Chaipet, Thitiphan; Shearman, Kittiya; Ceyhan Goren, Ahmet; Gunduz, Simay; Yilmaz, Hasibe; Un, Ilker; Bilsel, Gokhan; Clarkson, Cailean; Bedner, Mary; Camara, Johanna E.; Lang, Brian E.; Lippa, Katrice A.; Nelson, Michael A.; Toman, Blaza; Yu, Lee L.
2018-01-01
The comparison required the assignment of the mass fraction of folic acid present as the main component in the comparison sample. Performance in the comparison is representative of a laboratory's measurement capability for the purity assignment of organic compounds of medium structural complexity [molecular weight range 300–500] and high polarity (pKOW < ‑2). Methods used by the eighteen participating NMIs or DIs were based on a mass balance (summation of impurities) or qNMR approach, or the combination of data obtained using both methods. The qNMR results tended to give slightly lower values for the content of folic acid, albeit with larger associated uncertainties, compared with the results obtained by mass balance procedures. Possible reasons for this divergence are discussed in the report, without reaching a definitive conclusion as to their origin. The comparison demonstrates that for a structurally complex polar organic compound containing a high water content and presenting a number of additional analytical challenges, the assignment of the mass fraction content property value of the main component can reasonably be achieved with an associated relative standard uncertainty in the assigned value of 0.5% Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
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Özgen, Mustafa; Scheerens, Joseph C.; Reese, R. Neil; Miller, Raymond A.
2010-01-01
Fourteen purple-black American elderberry accessions (Sambucus canadensis L.) obtained from various sites in midwestern USA and then grown at a single Ohio production site in USA were analyzed for their total phenolic (TP) and total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA) contents and for their antioxidant capacity by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging assays. Total phenolic and anthocyanin contents were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and the pH differential methods, respectively. Overall, the phytonutrient contents and antioxidant capacity of our elderberry accessions were similar to those typically reported for black raspberries, blackberries and other dark-fleshed small fruits. Variability among accessions was greatest for TMA content (CV 37.5%); individuals ranged nearly threefold from 1308 to 4004 μg cy3-GE/g on a fresh weight basis. Variation among accessions was also evident for TP, FRAP and DPPH values (CV 14.4, 21.7 and 26.8%, respectively). TP and TMA values were very highly correlated (r = 0.93), although individuals differed in the estimated proportion of total phenolics attributable to anthocyanins. Both TP and TMA also highly correlated to antioxidant capacity values (r = 0.70–0.85). Within this limited study of 14 accessions, variability for phytonutrient content and antioxidant capacity suggested the employment of wild germplasm within an elderberry improvement program to incorporate an array of superior horticultural, post-harvest or processing traits into new or existing cultivars with superior phytonutrient profiles. PMID:20931079
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Gastric residual volume (GRV) and gastric contents measurement by refractometry.
Chang, Wei-Kuo; McClave, Stephen A; Hsieh, Chung-Bao; Chao, You-Chen
2007-01-01
Traditional use of gastric residual volumes (GRVs), obtained by aspiration from a nasogastric tube, is inaccurate and cannot differentiate components of the gastric contents (gastric secretion vs delivered formula). The use of refractometry and 3 mathematical equations has been proposed as a method to calculate the formula concentration, GRV, and formula volume. In this paper, we have validated these mathematical equations so that they can be implemented in clinical practice. Each of 16 patients receiving a nasogastric tube had 50 mL of water followed by 100 mL of dietary formula (Osmolite HN, Abbott Laboratories, Columbus, OH) infused into the stomach. After mixing, gastric content was aspirated for the first Brix value (BV) measurement by refractometry. Then, 50 mL of water was infused into the stomach and a second BV was measured. The procedure of infusion of dietary formula (100 mL) and then water (50 mL) was repeated and followed by subsequent BV measurement. The same procedure was performed in an in vitro experiment. Formula concentration, GRV, and formula volume were calculated from the derived mathematical equations. The formula concentrations, GRVs, and formula volumes calculated by using refractometry and the mathematical equations were close to the true values obtained from both in vivo and in vitro validation experiments. Using this method, measurement of the BV of gastric contents is simple, reproducible, and inexpensive. Refractometry and the derived mathematical equations may be used to measure formula concentration, GRV, and formula volume, and also to serve as a tool for monitoring the gastric contents of patients receiving nasogastric feeding.
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Natural radionuclide and plutonium content in Black Sea bottom sediments
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Strezov, A.; Stoilova, T.; Yordanova, I.
1996-01-01
The content of uranium, thorium, radium, lead, polonium, and plutonium in bottom sediments and algae from two locations at the Bulgarian Black Sea coast have been determined. Some parent:progeny ratios for evaluation of the geochemical behavior of the nuclides have been estimated as well. The extractable and total uranium and thorium are determined by two separate radiochemical procedures to differentiate the more soluble chemical forms of the elements and to estimate the potential hazard for the biosphere and for humans. No distinct seasonal variation as well as no significant change in total and extractable uranium (also for {sup 226}Ra) contentmore » is observed. The same is valid for extractable thorium while the total thorium content in the first two seasons is slightly higher. Our data show that {sup 210}Po content is accumulated more in the sediments than {sup 210}Pb, and the evaluated disequilibria suggest that the two radionuclides belong to more recent sediment layers deposited in the slime samples compared to the silt ones for the different seasons. The obtained values for plutonium are in the lower limits of the data cited in literature, which is quite clear as there are no plutonium discharge facilities at the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The obtained values for the activity ratio {sup 238}Pu: {sup 239+240}Pu are higher for Bjala sediments compared to those of Kaliakra. The ratio values are out of the variation range for the global contamination with weapon tests fallout plutonium which is probably due to Chernobyl accident contribution. The dependence of natural radionuclide content on the sediment type as well as the variation of nuclide accumulation for two types of algae in two sampling locations for five consecutive seasons is evaluated. No serious contamination with natural radionuclides in the algae is observed. 38 refs., 6 figs., 7 tabs.« less
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Preliminarily comparison of nutritional composition of some fresh and processed seafood.
Aberoumand, Ali
2012-10-01
Processing made fish less susceptible to spoilage. Fish are rich in protein content but the protein content is reduced with processing gave a better result when long-time preservation was carried out. Aim of this study was comparison of proximate analysis of some fresh and processed seafoods. Raw materials and processed seafoods (canned mackerel tuna, frozen Sea-Bream and Pressed caviar) were obtained from different firms and analyzed. Analysis carried out according AOAC methods. Moisture, protein and fat values of tuna fish were estimated to be 51, 23.9 and 21.4%, respectively. In this study, moisture content of pressed caviar was 36%, protein content was 34.4% and fat content was 16.7%, carbohydrate and energy values were 4.9% and 316 kcal/100 g, respectively. Pressed and smoked seafoods contained lower amount of moisture but higher amounts of the other components than raw materials (p < 0.05). Canned mackerel tuna, frozen sea bream and pressed caviar also contained higher amounts of fat, carbohydrate and energy, respectively (p < 0.05) than raw material. Except canning with water, all processing technologies decreased the moisture content but increased energy values (p < 0.05) of the fish. It is concluded that processed seafoods are rich in chemical components and very nutritive. Canned tuna with salted water may be advised for low-calorie diets. Caviar pressed was one the best sea foods that was produced in Iran. Since fishes are consumed as a major protein source in food, it is very important that the protein content should not be compromised during table preparation.
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Gainotti, Alessandro; Losi, Elena; Bettini, Ruggero; Colombo, Paolo; Sonvico, Fabio; Baroni, Daniela; Santi, Patrizia; Colombo, Gaia
2005-08-01
The purpose of this study was to investigate the physico-chemical characteristics of sucralfate humid gel dried by microwaves, in relation to the residual water content. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) allowed for the determination of the water state in sucralfate samples. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to monitor the changes in sucralfate gel structure induced by the microwave drying. A boundary value of total water content for sucralfate gel samples was found at 42% (w/w). Below this value only bound water was present, whereas above this value, the increase in total water was due to free water. In the physical form of gel, the strength of the coordination between sulfate anions and the positively charged aluminum hydroxide was dependent on the residual water content. The study of the sedimentation behavior of water suspensions prepared with dried sucralfate allowed for the evaluation of the retention of gel properties. We found that the microwave drying process affected the sedimentation of sucralfate dried gel suspensions independent of the residual water content: when suspensions were prepared from sucralfate dried gel powders containing more than 42% (w/w) of residual water, the sedimentation ratio was higher than 0.9. The non-gel powder suspension showed a sedimentation ratio of 0.68 +/- 0.02, whereas the sucralfate humid gel suspension did not sediment.
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MEASUREMENT OF TRACE LEVELS OF DEUTERIUM OXIDE IN BIOLOGIC FLUIDS USING INFRARED SPECTROPHOTOMETRY.
Experimental data relevant to the assay of D2O in human serum, urine, and parotid fluid are presented. For serum, with triplicate scans, values of precision...and of accuracy of plus or minus 3% at the 250 p.p.m. D2O level are obtained. By use of parotid fluid the values are narrowed to plus or minus 2% at...aqueous compartments using values for serum water content. Parotid fluid appears to be particularly suitable for biomedical applications due to its ease
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Santamaria, Anna Rita; D'Auria, Felicia Diodata; Innocenti, Marzia; Gabrielli, Elena; Panella, Simona; Antonacci, Donato; Palamara, Anna Teresa; Vecchiarelli, Anna
2014-01-01
For the first time, grape seed extracts (GSEs), obtained from wine and table cultivars of Vitis vinifera L., cultured in experimental fields of Lazio and Puglia regions of Italy and grown in different agronomic conditions, have been tested on 43 Candida species strains. We demonstrated a significant correlation between the content of the flavan-3-ols in GSEs extracts, with a polymerization degree ≥4, and anti-Candida activity. Moreover, we demonstrated that GSEs, obtained from plants cultured with reduced irrigation, showed a content of polymeric flavan-3-ols >250 mg/g with geometric mean MIC values between 5.7 and 20.2 mg/L against Candida albicans reference strains. GSE, showing 573 mg/g of polymeric flavan-3-ols, has been tested in an experimental murine model of vaginal candidiasis by using noninvasive in vivo imaging technique. The results pointed out a significant inhibition of Candida albicans load 5 days after challenge. These findings indicate that GSEs with high content of polymeric flavan-3-ols can be used in mucosal infection as vaginal candidiasis. PMID:24864227
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Klement, Aleš; Kodešová, Radka; Bauerová, Martina; Golovko, Oksana; Kočárek, Martin; Fér, Miroslav; Koba, Olga; Nikodem, Antonín; Grabic, Roman
2018-03-01
The sorption of 3 pharmaceuticals, which may exist in 4 different forms depending on the solution pH (irbesartan in cationic, neutral and anionic, fexofenadine in cationic, zwitter-ionic and anionic, and citalopram cationic and neutral), in seven different soils was studied. The measured sorption isotherms were described by Freundlich equations, and the sorption coefficients, K F (for the fixed n exponent for each compound), were related to the soil properties to derive relationships for estimating the sorption coefficients from the soil properties (i.e., pedotransfer rules). The largest sorption was obtained for citalopram (average K F value for n = 1 was 1838 cm 3 g -1 ) followed by fexofenadine (K F = 35.1 cm 3/n μg 1-1/n g -1 , n = 1.19) and irbesartan (K F = 3.96 cm 3/n μg 1-1/n g -1 , n = 1.10). The behavior of citalopram (CIT) in soils was different than the behaviors of irbesartan (IRB) and fexofenadine (FEX). Different trends were documented according to the correlation coefficients between the K F values for different compounds (R IRB,FEX = 0.895, p-value<0.01; R IRB,CIT = -0.835, p-value<0.05; R FEX,CIT = -0.759, p-value<0.05) and by the reverse relationships between the K F values and soil properties in the pedotransfer functions. While the K F value for citalopram was positively related to base cation saturation (BCS) or sorption complex saturation (SCS) and negatively correlated to the organic carbon content (Cox), the K F values of irbesartan and fexofenadine were negatively related to BCS, SCS or the clay content and positively related to Cox. The best estimates were obtained by combining BCS and Cox for citalopram (R 2 = 93.4), SCS and Cox for irbesartan (R 2 = 96.3), and clay content and Cox for fexofenadine (R 2 = 82.9). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Griggs, M.; Ludwig, C. B.; Malkmus, W. (Principal Investigator)
1973-01-01
The author has identified the following significant results. Significant results, relating the radiance over water surfaces to the atmospheric aerosol content, have been obtained. The results indicate that the MSS channels 4, 5, and 6 centered at 0.55, 0.65, and 0.75 microns have comparable sensitivity, and that the aerosol content can be determined within + or - 10% with the assumed measurement errors of the MSS. The fourth channel, MSS 7, is not useful for aerosol determination due to the water radiance values from this channel generally being less than the instrument noise. The accuracy of the aerosol content measurement could be increased by using an instrument specifically designed for this purpose. This radiance-aerosol content relationship can possibly provide a basis for monitoring the atmospheric aerosol content on a global basis, allowing a base-line value of aerosols to be established. The contrast-aerosol content investigation shows useful linear relationships in MSS channels 4 and 5, allowing the aerosol content to be determined within + or - 10%. MSS 7 is not useful due to the low accuracy in the water radiance, and MSS 6 is found to be too insensitive. These results rely on several assumptions due to the lack of ground truth data, but do serve to indicate which channels are most useful.
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Won, S G; Cho, W S; Lee, J E; Park, K H; Ra, C S
2014-03-01
Many studies on methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from livestock industries have revealed that livestock production directly contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through enteric fermentation and manure management, which causes negative impacts on animal environment sustainability. In the present study, three essential values for GHG emission were measured; i.e., i) maximum CH4 producing capacity at mesophilic temperature (37°C) from anaerobically stored manure in livestock category (B0,KM, Korean livestock manure for B0), ii) EF3(s) value representing an emission factor for direct N2O emissions from manure management system S in the country, kg N2O-N kg N(-1), at mesophilic (37°C) and thermophilic (55°C) temperatures, and iii) Nex(T) emissions showing annual N excretion for livestock category T, kg N animal(-1) yr(-1), from different livestock manure. Static incubation with and without aeration was performed to obtain the N2O and CH4 emissions from each sample, respectively. Chemical compositions of pre- and post-incubated manure were analyzed. Contents of total solids (% TS) and volatile solid (% VS), and the ratio of carbon to nitrogen (C/N) decrease significantly in all the samples by C-containing biogas generation, whereas moisture content (%) and pH increased after incubation. A big difference of total nitrogen content was not observed in pre- and post-incubation during CH4 and N2O emissions. CH4 emissions (g CH4 kg VS(-1)) from all the three manures (sows, layers and Korean cattle) were different and high C/N ratio resulted in high CH4 emission. Similarly, N2O emission was found to be affected by % VS, pH, and temperature. The B0,KM values for sows, layers, and Korean cattle obtained at 37°C are 0.0579, 0.0006, and 0.0828 m(3) CH4 kg VS(-1), respectively, which are much less than the default values in IPCC guideline (GL) except the value from Korean cattle. For sows and Korean cattle, Nex(T) values of 7.67 and 28.19 kg N yr(-1), respectively, are 2.5 fold less than those values in IPCC GL as well. However, Nex(T) value of layers 0.63 kg N yr(-1) is very similar to the default value of 0.6 kg N yr(-1) in IPCC GLs for National greenhouse gas inventories for countries such as South Korea/Asia. The EF3(s) value obtained at 37°C and 55°C were found to be far less than the default value.
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Toledo-Martín, Eva María; García-García, María Carmen; Font, Rafael; Moreno-Rojas, José Manuel; Gómez, Pedro; Salinas-Navarro, María; Del Río-Celestino, Mercedes
2016-07-01
The characterization of internal (°Brix, pH, malic acid, total phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid and total carotenoid content) and external (color, firmness and pericarp wall thickness) pepper quality is necessary to better understand its possible applications and increase consumer awareness of its benefits. The main aim of this work was to examine the feasibility of using visible/near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (VIS-NIRS) to predict quality parameters in different pepper types. Commercially available spectrophotometers were evaluated for this purpose: a Polychromix Phazir spectrometer for intact raw pepper, and a scanning monochromator for freeze-dried pepper. The RPD values (ratio of the standard deviation of the reference data to the standard error of prediction) obtained from the external validation exceeded a value of 3 for chlorophyll a and total carotenoid content; values ranging between 2.5 < RPD < 3 for total phenolic compounds; between 1.5 < RPD <2.5 for °Brix, pH, color parameters a* and h* and chlorophyll b; and RPD values below 1.5 for fruit firmness, pericarp wall thickness, color parameters C*, b* and L*, vitamin C and malic acid content. The present work has led to the development of multi-type calibrations for pepper quality parameters in intact and freeze-dried peppers. The majority of NIRS equations obtained were suitable for screening purposes in pepper breeding programs. Components such as pigments (xanthophyll, carotenes and chlorophyll), glucides, lipids, cellulose and water were used by modified partial least-squares regression for modeling the predicting equations. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Improving Employee Selection with a Revised Resume Format
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Wright, Edward W.; Domagalski, Theresa A.; Collins, Ronald
2011-01-01
This study investigates the acceptance of a prototype resume that includes candidate personality assessment information. Data were obtained from hiring managers and human resource professionals in regional chapters of the Society for Human Resource Management. Respondents found the new content useful and that the new information added value when…
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Effect of carbon nanofibers on the infiltration and thermal conductivity of carbon/carbon composites
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Li, Jinsong, E-mail: lijinsong@buaa.edu.cn; School of Physics and Nuclear Energy Engineering, Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Beijing 100191; Luo, Ruiying, E-mail: ryluo@buaa.edu.cn
Highlights: {yields} The CNFs improve the infiltration rate and thermal properties of carbon/carbon composites. {yields} The densification rate increases with the CNF content increasing at the beginning of infiltration. {yields} The values of the thermal conductivity of the composite obtain their maximum values at 5 wt.%. -- Abstract: Preforms containing 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt.% carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were fabricated by spreading layers of carbon cloth, and infiltrated using the electrified preform heating chemical vapor infiltration method (ECVI) under atmospheric pressure. Initial thermal gradients were determined. Resistivity and density evolutions with infiltration time have been recorded. Scanning electronmore » microscopy, polarized light micrograph and X-ray diffraction technique were used to analyze the experiment results. The results showed that the infiltration rate increased with the rising of CNF content, and after 120 h of infiltration, the density was the highest when the CNF content was 5 wt.%, but the composite could not be densified efficiently as the CNF content ranged from 10 wt.% to 20 wt.%. CNF-reinforced C/C composites have enhanced thermal conductivity, the values at 5 wt.% were increased by nearly 5.5-24.1% in the X-Y direction and 153.8-251.3% in the Z direction compared to those with no CNFs. When the additive content was increased to 20 wt.%, due to the holes and cavities in the CNF web and between carbon cloth and matrix, the thermal conductivities in the X-Y and Z directions decreased from their maximum values at 5 wt.%.« less
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Radioactive equilibrium in ancient marine sediments
Breger, I.A.
1955-01-01
Radioactive equilibrium in eight marine sedimentary formations has been studied by means of direct determinations of uranium, radium and thorium. Alpha-particle counting has also been carried out in order to cross-calibrate thick-source counting techniques. The maximum deviation from radioactive equilibrium that has been noted is 11 per cent-indicating that there is probably equilibrium in all the formations analyzed. Thick-source alpha-particle counting by means of a proportional counter or an ionization chamber leads to high results when the samples contain less than about 10 p.p.m. of uranium. For samples having a higher content of uranium the results are in excellent agreement with each other and with those obtained by direct analytical techniques. The thorium contents that have been obtained correspond well to the average values reported in the literature. The uranium content of marine sediments may be appreciably higher than the average values that have been reported for sedimentary rocks. Data show that there is up to fourteen times the percentage of uranium as of thorium in the formations studied and that the percentage of thorium never exceeds that of uranium. While the proximity of a depositional environment to a land mass may influence the concentration of uranium in a marine sediment, this is not true with thorium. ?? 1955.
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Ozone pretreatment and fermentative hydrolysis of wheat straw
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ben'ko, E. M.; Chukhchin, D. G.; Lunin, V. V.
2017-11-01
Principles of the ozone pretreatment of wheat straw for subsequent fermentation into sugars are investigated. The optimum moisture contents of straw in the ozonation process are obtained from data on the kinetics of ozone absorbed by samples with different contents of water. The dependence of the yield of reducing sugars in the fermentative reaction on the quantity of absorbed ozone is established. The maximum conversion of polysaccharides is obtained at ozone doses of around 3 mmol/g of biomass, and it exceeds the value for nonozonated samples by an order of magnitude. The yield of sugar falls upon increasing the dose of ozone. The process of removing lignin from the cell walls of straw during ozonation is visualized by means of scanning electron microscopy.
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Nutrient and antinutrient composition of yellow yam (Dioscorea cayenensis) products.
Adepoju, Oladejo Thomas; Boyejo, Oluwatosin; Adeniji, Paulina Olufunke
2017-04-01
The data presented in this article are related to research article titled "Effects of processing methods on nutrient and antinutrient composition of yellow yam ( Dioscorea cayenensis ) products" (Adepoju et al., 2016) [1]. This article documented information on nutrient and antinutrient composition as well as nutrient retention of Dioscorea cayenensis products. Fresh Dioscorea cayenensis tubers obtained from Bodija market were prepared into raw sample and local delicacies and analysed for proximate, mineral, vitamin and antinutrient composition using AOAC methods [2]. Data obtained were analysed using ANOVA, and level of significance set at p<0.05. Processing significantly improved macronutrients and energy content of yam products, and led to significant reduction in values of all antinutrient content of the products (p<0.05).
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Pereira, L S F; Pedrotti, M F; Vecchia, P Dalla; Pereira, J S F; Flores, E M M
2018-06-20
A simple and automated system based on combustion followed by a pyrohydrolysis reaction was proposed for further halogens determination. This system was applied for digestion of soils containing high (90%) and also low (10%) organic matter content for further halogens determination. The following parameters were evaluated: sample mass, use of microcrystalline cellulose and heating time. For analytes absorption, a diluted alkaline solution (6 mL of 25 mmol L -1 NH 4 OH) was used in all experiments. Up to 400 mg of soil with high organic matter content and 100 mg of soil with low organic matter content (mixed with 400 mg of cellulose) could be completely digested using the proposed system. Quantitative results for all halogens were obtained using less than 12 min of sample preparation step (about 1.8 min for sample combustion and 10 min for pyrohydrolysis). The accuracy was evaluated using a certified reference material of coal and spiked samples. No statistical difference was observed between the certified values and results obtained by the proposed method. Additionally, the recoveries obtained using spiked samples were in the range of 98-103% with relative standard deviation values lower than 5%. The limits of quantification obtained for F, Cl, Br and I for soil with high (400 mg of soil) and low (100 mg of soil) organic matter were in the range of 0.01-2 μg g -1 and 0.07-59 μg g -1 , respectively. The proposed system was considered as a simple and suitable alternative for soils digestion for further halogens determination by ion chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry techniques. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Li, Lin; Xu, Shuo; An, Xin; Zhang, Lu-Da
2011-10-01
In near infrared spectral quantitative analysis, the precision of measured samples' chemical values is the theoretical limit of those of quantitative analysis with mathematical models. However, the number of samples that can obtain accurately their chemical values is few. Many models exclude the amount of samples without chemical values, and consider only these samples with chemical values when modeling sample compositions' contents. To address this problem, a semi-supervised LS-SVR (S2 LS-SVR) model is proposed on the basis of LS-SVR, which can utilize samples without chemical values as well as those with chemical values. Similar to the LS-SVR, to train this model is equivalent to solving a linear system. Finally, the samples of flue-cured tobacco were taken as experimental material, and corresponding quantitative analysis models were constructed for four sample compositions' content(total sugar, reducing sugar, total nitrogen and nicotine) with PLS regression, LS-SVR and S2 LS-SVR. For the S2 LS-SVR model, the average relative errors between actual values and predicted ones for the four sample compositions' contents are 6.62%, 7.56%, 6.11% and 8.20%, respectively, and the correlation coefficients are 0.974 1, 0.973 3, 0.923 0 and 0.948 6, respectively. Experimental results show the S2 LS-SVR model outperforms the other two, which verifies the feasibility and efficiency of the S2 LS-SVR model.
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Chemical, rheological and bread making characteristics of bran duster flours from roller flourmills.
Sakhare, Suresh D; Indrani, D; Inamdar, Aashitosh A; Gaikwad, Shwetha B; Rao, G Venkateswara
2014-10-01
Bran dusters are used in the wheat flour milling process to increase flour extraction rate. Chemical, rheological and bread characteristics of bran duster flours (BDR1, BDR2, BDR3) and straight run flour (SRF) obtained from two commercial roller flour mills were analyzed. Important chemical characteristics such as ash, dry gluten content, sedimentation value, damaged starch and falling number of bran duster flours were determined. Rheological behavior was tested using farinograph and alveograph equipments. The results showed an increase in ash, dry gluten content and Zeleny's sedimentation value for bran duster flours compared to SRF. Rheological characteristics indicated higher farinograph dough development time and stability values for bran duster flours. Alveograph characteristics indicated higher extensibility and lower elasticity values for bran duster flours. Over all quality score of bread for BDR1 from A and B roller flour mills ranged from 73.4 to 74.7, BDR2 (79-81.8), BDR3 (69-70.4) as against SRF (85.4-86.3).
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Schiøtz, Michaela; Bøgelund, Mette; Almdal, Thomas; Willaing, Ingrid
2012-05-01
To determine preferences among patients with type 2 diabetes for content and format of patient education. Using discrete choice methods, we surveyed patients about their preferences for patient education. We investigated preferred content and format regarding education on living well with diabetes, preventing complications, healthy eating, exercising, and psychosocial issues related to diabetes. We obtained usable responses from 2187 patients with type 2 diabetes. Acquiring competencies to live a fulfilling life with diabetes, adjust diet and exercise habits, and prevent complications was significantly more highly valued than was simply being informed about these topics. Patients preferred to be involved in the planning of their diabetes care and valued individually tailored content higher than prescheduled content. Women and younger patients found diet and exercise significantly more important than did men, and patients with poorly controlled diabetes valued all education and support more highly than did patients in better control. Patients with type 2 diabetes prefer to be actively involved in educational activities, to develop competencies to prevent and manage complications, and to involve their social network in supporting them. Future patient education should enhance participation and competence development and include relatives. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Ramirez-Sanchez, Israel; Maya, Lisandro; Ceballos, Guillermo; Villarreal, Francisco
2010-12-01
Polyphenolic compounds of the flavanoid family are abundantly present in cacao seed and its cocoa products. Results from studies using cocoa products indicate beneficial effects of flavanols on cardiovascular endpoints. Evidence indicates that (-)-epicatechin is the main cacao flavanol associated with cardiovascular effects, so the accurate quantification of its content in cacao seeds or cocoa products is important. Common methods for the quantification of phenolic content in cocoa products are based on the reaction of phenols with colorimetric reagents such as the Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) In this study, we compared the FC method of phenolic determinations using 2 different standards (gallic acid and (-)-epicatechin) to construct calibration curves. We compare these results with those obtained from a simple fluorometric method (Ex(280)/Em(320) nm) used to determine catechin/(-)-epicatechin content in samples of cacao seeds and cocoa products. Values obtained from the FC method determination of polyphenols yield an overestimation of phenol (flavonoid) content when gallic acid is used as standard. Moreover, the epicatechin is a more reliable standard because of its abundance in cacao seeds and cocoa products. The use of fluorometric spectra yields a simple and highly quantitative means for a more precise and rapid quantification of cacao catechins. Fluorometric values are essentially in agreement with those reported using more cumbersome methods. In conclusion, the use of fluorescence emission spectra is a quick, practical and suitable means to quantifying catechins in cacao seeds and cocoa products.
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Production and characterization of pyrolytic oils by pyrolysis of waste machinery oil.
Sinağ, Ali; Gülbay, Selen; Uskan, Burçin; Uçar, Suat; Ozgürler, Sara Bilge
2010-01-15
The main objective of this work is to propose an alternative method for evaluation of the waste machinery oil which is an environmental problem in Turkey. For this purpose, pyrolysis of waste machinery oil was conducted in a tubular reactor. Effect of the experimental conditions (various temperatures, catalyst type) on the formation of pyrolytic oil, gas, and char was investigated. Nickel supported on silica and zeolite (HZSM-5) were used as catalysts. Properties of the pyrolytic oils were characterized by gas chromatograph equipped with a mass selective detector (GC-MS), gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID for boiling point range distribution), nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR) spectroscopy, higher heating value measurement, and elemental analysis. The behavior of the metals in the waste machinery oil and the pyrolytic oil samples was also quantitatively detected by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. As, Cd and Cr contents of the all pyrolytic oils were found as <0.05 ppm, while Cu content of the pyrolytic oils varied between 0.3 ppm and 0.61 ppm. Only Vanadium contents of the pyrolytic oils obtained at 800 degrees C (0.342 ppm) and in the presence of HZSM5 (0.57 ppm) increased compared to that obtained by waste machinery oil (0.1 ppm). Lower metal contents of the pyrolytic oils reveal that pyrolysis of the waste machinery oils leads to the formation of environmental friendly pyrolytic oils with higher heating values.
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Peat soils stabilization using Effective Microorganisms (EM)
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yusof, N. Z.; Samsuddin, N. S.; Hanif, M. F.; Syed Osman, S. B.
2018-04-01
Peat soil is known as geotechnical problematic soil since it is the softest soil having highly organic and moisture content which led to high compressibility, low shear strength and long-term settlement. The aim of this study was to obtain the stabilized peat soils using the Effective Microorganisms (EM). The volume of EM added and mixed with peat soils varied with 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% and then were cured for 7, 14 and 21 days. The experiment was done for uncontrolled and controlled moisture content. Prior conducting the main experiments, the physical properties such as moisture content, liquid limit, specific gravity, and plastic limit etc. were measure for raw peat samples. The Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) test was performed followed by regression analysis to check the effect of EM on the soil strength. Obtained results have shown that the mix design for controlled moisture contents showed the promising improvement in their compressive strength. The peat soil samples with 10% of EM shows the highest increment in UCS value and the percentage of increments are in the range of 44% to 65% after curing for 21 days. The regression analysis of the EM with the soil compressive strength showed that in controlled moisture conditions, EM significantly improved the soil stability as the value of R2 ranged between 0.97 – 0.78. The results have indicated that the addition of EM in peat soils provides significant improving in the strength of the soil as well as the other engineering properties.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kusbandari, A.; Susanti, H.
2017-11-01
Maranta arundinacea L is one of herbaceous plants in Indonesia which have flavonoid content. Flavonoids has antioxidants activity by inhibition of free radical oxidation reactions. The study aims were to determination total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of methanol extract of fresh leaf and tuber of M. arundinacea L by UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The methanol extracts were obtained with maceration and remaseration method of fresh leaves and tubers. The total phenolic content was assayed with visible spectrophotometric using Folin Ciocalteau reagent. The antioxidant activity was assayed with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrilhidrazil (DPPH) compared to gallic acid. The results showed that methanol extract of tuber and fresh leaf of M. arundinacea L contained phenolic compound with total phenolic content (TPC) in fresh tuber of 3.881±0.064 (% GAE) and fresh leaf is 6.518±0.163 (% b/b GAE). IC50 value from fresh tuber is 1.780±0.0005 μg/mL and IC50 fresh leaf values of 0.274±0.0004 μg/mL while the standard gallic acid is IC50 of 0.640±0.0002 μg/mL.
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Cardeñosa, Vanessa; Medrano, Evangelina; Lorenzo, Pilar; Sánchez-Guerrero, Maria Cruz; Cuevas, Francisco; Pradas, Inmaculada; Moreno-Rojas, José M
2015-11-01
Different nitrogen inputs and/or development under adverse water conditions (water stress/low quality and/or high salinity/electrical conductivity), such as those prevailing in Almeria (Mediterranean coast, south-east Spain), may affect overall fruit and vegetable quality. This study evaluated the influence of salinity and nitrogen reduction in hydroponic nutrient solution on strawberry fruit quality and nutritional compounds (Fragaria × ananassa Duch., cv. Primoris). Strawberries obtained under salinity treatments recorded the highest values for soluble solids content (SSC; all samplings); fruit taste was thus enhanced. Additionally, salinity improved fruit nutritional value, with higher contents of antioxidants compounds (first sampling). During first and second samplings, strawberries grown under N reduction and non-saline conditions showed higher values for firmness compared to fruits developed under other treatments. Regarding health-related compounds, few differences were found except for total polyphenols concentration and antioxidant activity for the first sampling, where strawberries grown under saline treatments obtained the highest values for both parameters. The use of low-quality waters, such as those found in Almeria (salinity, N9S and N5S) and low nitrogen inputs (N5, avoid environmental impact) for strawberry cultivation does not exert a negative impact on overall quality. Positive differences could be found in SSC, firmness and health-related compounds when compared against the control treatment (N9). © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.
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[Effect of increased protein content on nutritional and sensory quality of cookies].
Pérez, Santiago Rafael; Osella, Carlos Alberto; Torre, Maria Adela de la; Sánchez, Hugo Diego
2008-12-01
The objective of this work was to study the effect of soy flour and whey protein concentrate (WPC) on cookies quality. An optimal recipe showing improved protein quality and content as well as acceptable sensory quality was defined taking into account the results obtained. Rotary moulded cookie formulation adaptable to lamination and cutting in pilot plant was used. Wheat flour from this formulation was partially replaced by whey protein concentrate and full fat soy flour. Second order models were employed to generate response surfaces for: total protein, lysine by 16 grams of total nitrogen, lysine by 100 grams of sample, loss of lysine during processing and sensory evaluation of cookies. We could obtain an effect on available lysine value when water content was increased in the formulation because a delay in the Maillard reaction. The optimal formulation contains 13% of full fat soy flour, 3% of whey protein concentrate and 23% of water. The results demonstrated that the protein content and the protein quality of the supplemented flours were increased when soy flour was added in the formulation of cookies. On other hand, protein content was increased but protein quality was decreased when WPC was used, because of available lysine loss.
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Sorimachi, Kenji; Okayasu, Teiji; Ohhira, Shuji
2015-04-01
Normalized nucleotide and amino acid contents of complete genome sequences can be visualized as radar charts. The shapes of these charts depict the characteristics of an organism's genome. The normalized values calculated from the genome sequence theoretically exclude experimental errors. Further, because normalization is independent of both target size and kind, this procedure is applicable not only to single genes but also to whole genomes, which consist of a huge number of different genes. In this review, we discuss the applications of the normalization of the nucleotide and predicted amino acid contents of complete genomes to the investigation of genome structure and to evolutionary research from primitive organisms to Homo sapiens. Some of the results could never have been obtained from the analysis of individual nucleotide or amino acid sequences but were revealed only after the normalization of nucleotide and amino acid contents was applied to genome research. The discovery that genome structure was homogeneous was obtained only after normalization methods were applied to the nucleotide or predicted amino acid contents of genome sequences. Normalization procedures are also applicable to evolutionary research. Thus, normalization of the contents of whole genomes is a useful procedure that can help to characterize organisms.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Medeiros, L.C.; Belden, R.P.
Selenium (Se) content of elk, deer, bison and beef were measured and compared. Samples were obtained from animals grazed on soil known to contain high, but variable amounts of Se. Beef were feedlot grazed and elk, deer, and bison were from captive or semi-captive herds. Selenium content was determined by graphite furnace after high pressure wet microwave digestion of samples. Deer and bison contained more Se than elk or beef. On a dry weight basis, deer contained more Se than bison. Game species contained more Se than beef. Within samples from male elk and deer and elk and bison ofmore » both genders, there were interactions between specie and muscle effects. Muscle and gender did not significantly influence Se content. The animals from which these samples were taken were supplemented with feeds grown on high Se containing soils, which was reflected in all values. Se values were twofold higher than those previously reported for meat. Those consuming large quantities of game from areas with high Se soil may need to monitor Se intake to avoid consuming excessive quantities.« less
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Influence of synthetic calcium silicates on the strength properties of fine-grained concrete
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yarusova, S. B.; Gordienko, P. S.; Kozin, A. V.; Zhevtun, I. G.; Perfilev, A. V.
2018-04-01
The effect of additives based on acicular calcium hydrosilicates (xonotlite and tobermorite) and wollastonite, obtained from boric acid production waste in autoclave synthesis at a temperature of 220 °C, on the strength of fine-grained concrete, has been studied in this paper. It was shown that when the calcium hydrosilicates and wollastonite are introduced, an increase in the strength characteristics of concrete is observed. After heat and moisture treatment, the maximum increase in strength is observed with the addition of 4% of mass content of calcium hydrosilicates and 6% of mass content of wollastonite. After 28 days of hardening under normal conditions, the maximum increase in strength of concrete is observed with the addition of 4% of mass content of both types of additives. It was shown that the water absorption of concrete decreases with a maximum when 4% of mass content is added, as in the case of the introduction of calcium hydrosilicates, and wollastonite. With a further increase in the number of additives, the amount of water absorption increases, but these values remain below the values for the control sample without additives.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Subarwanti, Y.; Safitri, R. D.; Supriyanto, A.; Iriani, Y.; Jamaludin, A.
2017-02-01
Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) have been made with variation strontium (Sr) 10%, 30% and 50% by co-precipitation method. This study aims to determine influence addition Sr against the crystal structure, crystallite size, lattice parameter, grain size and dielectric constant. Samples have been made by co-precipitation method and then the samples were sintered by furnace at 1100°C with holding time 4 hours. Characterization of BST use X-Ray Diffraction instrument, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Resistance Capacitance Inductance (RCL meter). Based on result obtained, the larger Sr content cause the diffraction angle shift to the right (the greater) and crystallinity increasing. But, the value of dielectric constant, crystallite size and grain size decreasing with additional Sr content. Measurement of dielectric constant (K) performed in the frequency range 1 kHz to 100 kHz and the highest value at Sr content 0.1 i.e. 258.35. The addition of Sr content 30% and 50% change the crystal structure from tetragonal to cubic which has paraelectric phase.
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Effect of frying, grilling, and steaming on amino acid composition of marine fishes.
Erkan, Nuray; Özden, Özkan; Selçuk, Arif
2010-12-01
Amino acid and proximate compositions were determined in six raw and cooked marine fish species that are commonly consumed in Turkey. The changes in amino acid and proximate content were found to be significant for all cooking methods in all fish species. Cooking did, in general, significantly increase the contents of essential, semiessential, and other amino acids compared with raw fish species. Grilled Atlantic bonito, anchovy, and bluefish and fried mullet and hake appeared to be more valuable fish dishes for obtaining the officially recommended appropriate daily intake of essential amino acids for humans. Moisture, fat, ash, and carbohydrate contents of raw fish ranged between 48.01% and 83.05%, 0.87% and 30.48%, 1.10% and 1.61%, and 0.09% and 8.70%, respectively. All fresh fish investigated were high in protein: 11.20-17.14 g/100 g. Wide variations in protein content (18.11-25.65 g/100 g) between species and methods of cooking were observed. Fried fish had intermediate fat values, whereas grilled and steamed fishes had a comparatively low value.
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On-line determination of pork color and intramuscular fat by computer vision
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Liao, Yi-Tao; Fan, Yu-Xia; Wu, Xue-Qian; Xie, Li-juan; Cheng, Fang
2010-04-01
In this study, the application potential of computer vision in on-line determination of CIE L*a*b* and content of intramuscular fat (IMF) of pork was evaluated. Images of pork chop from 211 pig carcasses were captured while samples were on a conveyor belt at the speed of 0.25 m•s-1 to simulate the on-line environment. CIE L*a*b* and IMF content were measured with colorimeter and chemical extractor as reference. The KSW algorithm combined with region selection was employed in eliminating the surrounding fat of longissimus dorsi muscle (MLD). RGB values of the pork were counted and five methods were applied for transforming RGB values to CIE L*a*b* values. The region growing algorithm with multiple seed points was applied to mask out the IMF pixels within the intensity corrected images. The performances of the proposed algorithms were verified by comparing the measured reference values and the quality characteristics obtained by image processing. MLD region of six samples could not be identified using the KSW algorithm. Intensity nonuniformity of pork surface in the image can be eliminated efficiently, and IMF region of three corrected images failed to be extracted. Given considerable variety of color and complexity of the pork surface, CIE L*, a* and b* color of MLD could be predicted with correlation coefficients of 0.84, 0.54 and 0.47 respectively, and IMF content could be determined with a correlation coefficient more than 0.70. The study demonstrated that it is feasible to evaluate CIE L*a*b* values and IMF content on-line using computer vision.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Syafriyono, S.; Caesario, D.; Swastika, A.; Adlan, Q.; Syafri, I.; Abdurrokhim, A.; Mardiana, U.; Mohamad, F.; Alfadli, M. K.; Sari, V. M.
2018-03-01
Rock physical parameters value (Vp and Vs) is one of fundamental aspects in reservoir characterization as a tool to detect rock heterogenity. Its response is depend on several reservoir conditions such as lithology, pressure and reservoir fluids. The value of Vp and Vs is controlled by grain contact and contact stiffness, a function of clay mineral content and porosity also affected by mineral composition. The study about Vp and Vs response within sandstone and its relationship with petrographic parameters has become important to define anisotrophy of reservoir characteristics distribution and could give a better understanding about local diagenesis that influence clastic reservoir properties. Petrographic analysis and Vp-Vs calculation was carried out to 12 core sample which is obtained by hand-drilling of the outcrop in Sukabumi area, West Java as a part of Bayah Formation. Data processing and interpretation of sedimentary vertical succession showing that this outcrop comprises of 3 major sandstone layers indicating fluvial depositional environment. As stated before, there are 4 petrographic parameters (sorting, roundness, clay mineral content, and grain contact) which are responsible to the differences of shear wave and compressional wave value in this outcrop. Lithology with poor-sorted and well- roundness has Vp value lower than well-sorted and poor-roundness (sub-angular) grain. For the sample with high clay content, Vp value is ranging from 1681 to 2000 m/s and could be getting high until 2190 to 2714 m/s in low clay content sample even though the presence of clay minerals cannot be defined neither as matrix nor cement. The whole sample have suture grain contact indicating telogenesis regime whereas facies has no relationship with Vp and Vs value because of the different type of facies show similar petrographic parameters after diagenesis.
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Hwang, Eun-Sun; Thi, Nhuan Do
2016-09-01
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different growing regions on quality characteristics, total bioactive compound contents, and in vitro antioxidant activity in aronia. Aronia grown in 3 different regions (Sangjoo, Ulju, and Youngcheon) in Korea was obtained and used fresh or as a freeze-dried powder. No statistically significant differences were observed for moisture, ash, crude lipid, and crude protein contents in aronia sampled from the 3 different regions. Aronia grown in Sangjoo had the highest total acid content and the lowest sugar content and pH value. Conversely, aronia grown in Youngcheon possessed the lowest total acid content and the highest sugar content and pH value. Aronia grown in Sangjoo possessed relatively high levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, as well as high antioxidant activity in comparison with aronia produced in other regions. Aronia grown in Youngcheon scored the highest for taste and overall acceptability in sensory evaluations, which may be related to the high sugar content and pH, and the low total acidity of the fruits. It is possible that higher sugar contents and pH, and lower total acidity in the aronia grown in Youngcheon result in more preferable sensory characteristics. However, they also contain relatively low levels of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, and have low antioxidant activity as measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging assays.
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Hwang, Eun-Sun; Thi, Nhuan Do
2016-01-01
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different growing regions on quality characteristics, total bioactive compound contents, and in vitro antioxidant activity in aronia. Aronia grown in 3 different regions (Sangjoo, Ulju, and Youngcheon) in Korea was obtained and used fresh or as a freeze-dried powder. No statistically significant differences were observed for moisture, ash, crude lipid, and crude protein contents in aronia sampled from the 3 different regions. Aronia grown in Sangjoo had the highest total acid content and the lowest sugar content and pH value. Conversely, aronia grown in Youngcheon possessed the lowest total acid content and the highest sugar content and pH value. Aronia grown in Sangjoo possessed relatively high levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, as well as high antioxidant activity in comparison with aronia produced in other regions. Aronia grown in Youngcheon scored the highest for taste and overall acceptability in sensory evaluations, which may be related to the high sugar content and pH, and the low total acidity of the fruits. It is possible that higher sugar contents and pH, and lower total acidity in the aronia grown in Youngcheon result in more preferable sensory characteristics. However, they also contain relatively low levels of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, and have low antioxidant activity as measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging assays. PMID:27752502
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Prediction of iron oxide contents using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Marques, José, Jr.; Arantes Camargo, Livia
2015-04-01
Determining soil iron oxides using conventional analysis is relatively unfeasible when large areas are mapped, with the aim of characterizing spatial variability. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) is rapid, less expensive, non-destructive and sometimes more accurate than conventional analysis. Furthermore, this technique allows the simultaneous characterization of many soil attributes with agronomic and environmental relevance. This study aims to assess the DRS capability to predict iron oxides content -hematite and goethite - , characterizing their spatial variability in soils of Brazil. Soil samples collected from an 800-hectare area were scanned in the visible and near-infrared spectral range. Moreover, chemometric calibration was obtained through partial least-squares regression (PLSR). Then, spatial distribution maps of the attributes were constructed using predicted values from calibrated models through geostatistical methods. The studied area presented soils with varied contents of iron oxides as examples for the Oxisols and Entisols. In the spectra of each soil is observed that the reflectance decreases with the content of iron oxides present in the soil. In soils with a high content of iron oxides can be observed more pronounced concavities between 380 and 1100 nm which are characteristic of the presence of these oxides. In soils with higher reflectance it were observed concavity characteristics due to the presence of kaolinite, in agreement with the low iron contents of those soils. The best accuracy of prediction models [residual prediction deviation (RPD) = 1.7] was obtained for goethite within the visible region (380-800 nm), and for hematite (RPD = 2.0) within the visible near infrared (380-2300 nm). The maps of goethite and hematite predicted showed the spatial distribution pattern similar to the maps of clay and iron extracted by dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate, being consistent with the iron oxide contents of soils present in the study area. These results confirm the value of DRS in the mapping of iron oxides in large areas at detailed scale.
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Merouze, P; Gaudemer, Y
1975-01-01
1. The influence of catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) on energy metabolism of the rat myocardium has been studied by incubating slices of this tissue with these hormones and by following the levels of the different phosphorylated fractions and adenylic nucleotides. 2. Similar effects are obtained with both hormones, adrenaline being more effective. 3. Catecholamines decrease significantly the total amount of phosphate while Pi content increases during the first 10 minutes of incubation; labile and residual phosphate contents increase at the beginning of incubation and decrease to the initial values afterwards. 4. ATP and ADP levels decrease significantly with both hormones; however, the effect of noradrenalin on the ATP level needs a longer time of incubation. The ATP/ADP ratios decrease after 5 minutes incubation and the total adenylic nucleotide content is severely decreased (35 per cent with adrenalin, after 20 minutes incubation). 5. Similar results have been obtained with other tissues; these results can explain the decrease of aerobic metabolism we observed under the same conditions.
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Fracture behavior of glass fiber reinforced polymer composite
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Avci, A.; Arikan, H.; Akdemir, A
2004-03-01
Chopped strand glass fiber reinforced particle-filled polymer composite beams with varying notch-to-depth ratios and different volume fractions of glass fibers were investigated in Mode I fracture using three-point bending tests. Effects of polyester resin content and glass fiber content on fracture behavior was also studied. Polyester resin contents were used 13.00%%, 14.75%, 16.50%, 18.00% and 19.50%, and glass fiber contents were 1% and 1.5% of the total weight of the polymer composite system. Flexural strength of the polymer composite increases with increase in polyester and fiber content. The critical stress intensity factor was determined by using several methods such asmore » initial notch depth method, compliance method and J-integral method. The values of K{sub IC} obtained from these methods were compared.« less
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Garcés, Diego; Díaz, Eva; Sastre, Herminio; Ordóñez, Salvador; González-LaFuente, José Manuel
2016-01-01
Solid recovered fuels constitute a valuable alternative for the management of those non-hazardous waste fractions that cannot be recycled. The main purpose of this research is to assess the suitability of three different wastes from the landfill of the local waste management company (COGERSA), to be used as solid recovered fuels in a cement kiln near their facilities. The wastes analyzed were: End of life vehicles waste, packaging and bulky wastes. The study was carried out in two different periods of the year: November 2013 and April 2014. In order to characterize and classify these wastes as solid recovered fuels, they were separated into homogeneous fractions in order to determine different element components, such as plastics, cellulosic materials, packagings or textile compounds, and the elemental analysis (including chlorine content), heavy metal content and the heating value of each fraction were determined. The lower heating value of the waste fractions on wet basis varies between 10 MJ kg(-1) and 42 MJ kg(-1). One of the packaging wastes presents a very high chlorine content (6.3 wt.%) due to the presence of polyvinylchloride from pipe fragments, being the other wastes below the established limits. Most of the wastes analyzed meet the heavy metals restrictions, except the fine fraction of the end of life vehicles waste. In addition, none of the wastes exceed the mercury limit content, which is one of the parameters considered for the solid recovered fuels classification. A comparison among the experimental higher heating values and empirical models that predict the heating value from the elemental analysis data was carried out. Finally, from the three wastes measured, the fine fraction of the end of life vehicles waste was discarded for its use as solid recovered fuels due to the lower heating value and its high heavy metals content. From the point of view of the heating value, the end of life vehicles waste was the most suitable residue with a lower heating value of 35.89 MJ kg(-1), followed by the packaging waste and the bulky waste, respectively. When mixing the wastes studied a global waste was obtained, whose classification as solid recovered fuels was NCV 1 Cl 3 Hg 3. From the empirical models used for calculating higher heating value from elemental content, Scheurer-Kestner was the model that best fit the experimental data corresponding to the wastes collected in November 2013, whereas Chang equation was the most approximate to the experimental heating values for April 2014 fractions. This difference is due to higher chlorine content of the second batch of wastes, since Chang equation is the only one that incorporates the chlorine content. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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[Foliar water use efficiency of Platycladus orientalis sapling under different soil water contents].
Zhang, Yong E; Yu, Xin Xiao; Chen, Li Hua; Jia, Guo Dong; Zhao, Na; Li, Han Zhi; Chang, Xiao Min
2017-07-18
The determination of plant foliar water use efficiency will be of great value to improve our understanding about mechanism of plant water consumption and provide important basis of regional forest ecosystem management and maintenance, thus, laboratory controlled experiments were carried out to obtain Platycladus orientalis sapling foliar water use efficiency under five different soil water contents, including instantaneous water use efficiency (WUE gs ) derived from gas exchange and short-term water use efficiency (WUE cp ) caculated using carbon isotope model. The results showed that, controlled by stomatal conductance (g s ), foliar net photosynthesis rate (P n ) and transpiration rate (T r ) increased as soil water content increased, which both reached maximum va-lues at soil water content of 70%-80% field capacity (FC), while WUE gs reached a maximum of 7.26 mmol·m -2 ·s -1 at the lowest soil water content (35%-45% FC). Both δ 13 C of water-soluble leaf and twig phloem material achieved maximum values at the lowest soil water content (35%-45% FC). Besides, δ 13 C values of leaf water-soluble compounds were significantly greater than that of phloem exudates, indicating that there was depletion in 13 C in twig phloem compared with leaf water-soluble compounds and no obvious fractionation in the process of water-soluble material transportation from leaf to twig. Foliar WUE cp also reached a maximum of 7.26 mmol·m -2 ·s -1 at the lowest soil water content (35%-45% FC). There was some difference between foliar WUE gs and WUE cp under the same condition, and the average difference was 0.52 mmol·m -2 ·s -1 . The WUE gs had great space-time variability, by contrast, WUE cp was more representative. It was concluded that P. orientalis sapling adapted to drought condition by increasing water use efficiency and decreasing physiological activity.
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By-products of Opuntia ficus-indica as a source of antioxidant dietary fiber.
Bensadón, Sara; Hervert-Hernández, Deisy; Sáyago-Ayerdi, Sonia G; Goñi, Isabel
2010-09-01
Dietary fiber and bioactive compounds are widely used as functional ingredients in processed foods. The market in this field is competitive and the development of new types of quality ingredients for the food industry is on the rise. Opuntia ficus-indica (cactus pear) produces edible tender stems (cladodes) and fruits with a high nutritional value in terms of minerals, protein, dietary fiber and phytochemicals; however, around 20% of fresh weight of cladodes and 45% of fresh weight of fruits are by-products. The objective of this study was therefore to determine the nutritional value of by-products obtained from cladodes and fruits from two varieties of Opuntia ficus-indica, examining their dietary fiber and natural antioxidant compound contents in order to obtain quality ingredients for functional foods and increase the added value of these by-products.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Moghadas, Davood; Jadoon, Khan Zaib; McCabe, Matthew F.
2017-12-01
Monitoring spatiotemporal variations of soil water content (θ) is important across a range of research fields, including agricultural engineering, hydrology, meteorology and climatology. Low frequency electromagnetic induction (EMI) systems have proven to be useful tools in mapping soil apparent electrical conductivity (σa) and soil moisture. However, obtaining depth profile water content is an area that has not been fully explored using EMI. To examine this, we performed time-lapse EMI measurements using a CMD mini-Explorer sensor along a 10 m transect of a maize field over a 6 day period. Reference data were measured at the end of the profile via an excavated pit using 5TE capacitance sensors. In order to derive a time-lapse, depth-specific subsurface image of electrical conductivity (σ), we applied a probabilistic sampling approach, DREAM(ZS) , on the measured EMI data. The inversely estimated σ values were subsequently converted to θ using the Rhoades et al. (1976) petrophysical relationship. The uncertainties in measured σa, as well as inaccuracies in the inverted data, introduced some discrepancies between estimated σ and reference values in time and space. Moreover, the disparity between the measurement footprints of the 5TE and CMD Mini-Explorer sensors also led to differences. The obtained θ permitted an accurate monitoring of the spatiotemporal distribution and variation of soil water content due to root water uptake and evaporation. The proposed EMI measurement and modeling technique also allowed for detecting temporal root zone soil moisture variations. The time-lapse θ monitoring approach developed using DREAM(ZS) thus appears to be a useful technique to understand spatiotemporal patterns of soil water content and provide insights into linked soil moisture vegetation processes and the dynamics of soil moisture/infiltration processes.
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13C-NMR spectra and contact time experiment for Skjervatjern fulvic and humic acids
Malcolm, R.L.
1992-01-01
The T(CP) and T(1p) time constants for Skjervatjern fulvic and humic acids were determined to be short with T(CP) values ranging from 0.14 ms to 0.53 ms and T(1p) values ranging from 3.3 ms to 5.9 ms. T(CP) or T(1p) time constants at a contact time of 1 ms are favorable for quantification of 13C-NMR spectra. Because of the short T(CP) values, correction factors for signal intensity for various regions of the 13C-NMR spectra would be necessary at contact times greater than 1.1 ms or less than 0.9 ms. T(CP) and T(1p) values have a limited non-homogeneity within Skjervatjern fulvic and humic acids. A pulse delay or repeat time of 700 ms is more than adequate for quantification of these 13C-NMR spectra. Paramagnetic effects in these humic substances are precluded due to low inorganic ash contents, low contents of Fe, Mn, and Co, and low organic free-radical contents. The observed T(CP) values suggest that all the carbon types in Skjervatjern fulvic and humic acids are fully cross-polarized before significant proton relaxation occurs. The 13C-NMR spectra for Skjervatjern fulvic acid is similar to most aquatic fulvic acids as it is predominantly aliphatic, low in aromaticity (fa1 = 24), low in phenolic content, high in carboxyl content, and has no resolution of a methoxyl peak. The 13C-NMR spectra for Skjervatjern humic acid is also similar to most other aquatic humic acids in that it is also predominantly aliphatic, high in aromaticity (fa1 = 38), moderate in phenolic content, moderate in carboxyl content, and has a clear resolution of a methoxyl carbon region. After the consideration of the necessary 13C-NMR experimental conditions, these spectra are considered to be quantitative. With careful consideration of the previously determined 13C-NMR experimental conditions, quantitative spectra can be obtained for humic substances in the future from the HUMEX site. Possible changes in humic substances due to acidification should be determined from 13C-NMR data.
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Cholesterol and vitamin D content of eggs in the U.S. retail market
USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database
Nationwide sampling in the U.S. of whole large eggs, to update values in the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR) (http://www.ars.usda.gov/nutrientdata), was conducted in 2000-2001 and again in 2010. Retail cartons of large eggs were obtained from 12 supermarket locations usi...
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24 CFR 970.11 - Procedures for the offer of sale to established eligible organizations.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-04-01
... purchase the property; (d) Contents of initial written notification. The initial written notification to... opportunity to purchase the development, the development's value, and potential use; (5) A statement that... to purchase the property and to obtain a firm financial commitment, as defined in § 970.5. The...
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Ros, M; Franke-Whittle, I H; Morales, A B; Insam, H; Ayuso, M; Pascual, J A
2013-05-01
This study evaluated the feasibility of obtaining methane in anaerobic digestion (AD) from the waste products generated by the processing of fruit and vegetables. During the first phase (0-55 d) of the AD using sludge from fruit and vegetable processing, an average value of 244±88 L kg(-1) dry matter d(-1)of biogas production was obtained, and methane content reached 65% of the biogas. Co-digestion with chopped fresh artichoke wastes in a second phase (55-71 d) enhanced biogas production, and resulted in an average value of 354±68 L kg(-1) dry matter d(-1), with higher methane content (more than 70%). The archaeal community involved in methane production was studied using the ANAEROCHIP microarray and real-time PCR. Results indicated that species of Methanosaeta and Methanosarcina were important during the AD process. Methanosarcina numbers increased after the addition of chopped fresh artichoke, while Methanosaeta numbers decreased. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Proximate Composition Analysis.
2016-01-01
The proximate composition of foods includes moisture, ash, lipid, protein and carbohydrate contents. These food components may be of interest in the food industry for product development, quality control (QC) or regulatory purposes. Analyses used may be rapid methods for QC or more accurate but time-consuming official methods. Sample collection and preparation must be considered carefully to ensure analysis of a homogeneous and representative sample, and to obtain accurate results. Estimation methods of moisture content, ash value, crude lipid, total carbohydrates, starch, total free amino acids and total proteins are put together in a lucid manner.
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Cabrera-Covarrubias, Francisca Guadalupe; Gómez-Soberón, José Manuel; Almaral-Sánchez, Jorge Luis; Arredondo-Rea, Susana Paola; Gómez-Soberón, María Consolación; Corral-Higuera, Ramón
2016-12-21
The difficult current environmental situation, caused by construction industry residues containing ceramic materials, could be improved by using these materials as recycled aggregates in mortars, with their processing causing a reduction in their use in landfill, contributing to recycling and also minimizing the consumption of virgin materials. Although some research is currently being carried out into recycled mortars, little is known about their stress-strain (σ-ε); therefore, this work will provide the experimental results obtained from recycled mortars with recycled ceramic aggregates (with contents of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 50% and 100%), such as the density and compression strength, as well as the σ-ε curves representative of their behavior. The values obtained from the analytical process of the results in order to finally obtain, through numerical analysis, the equations to predict their behavior (related to their recycled content) are those of: σ (elastic ranges and failure maximum), ε (elastic ranges and failure maximum), and Resilience and Toughness. At the end of the investigation, it is established that mortars with recycled ceramic aggregate contents of up to 20% could be assimilated just like mortars with the usual aggregates, and the obtained prediction equations could be used in cases of similar applications.
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Cabrera-Covarrubias, Francisca Guadalupe; Gómez-Soberón, José Manuel; Almaral-Sánchez, Jorge Luis; Arredondo-Rea, Susana Paola; Gómez-Soberón, María Consolación; Corral-Higuera, Ramón
2016-01-01
The difficult current environmental situation, caused by construction industry residues containing ceramic materials, could be improved by using these materials as recycled aggregates in mortars, with their processing causing a reduction in their use in landfill, contributing to recycling and also minimizing the consumption of virgin materials. Although some research is currently being carried out into recycled mortars, little is known about their stress-strain (σ-ε); therefore, this work will provide the experimental results obtained from recycled mortars with recycled ceramic aggregates (with contents of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 50% and 100%), such as the density and compression strength, as well as the σ-ε curves representative of their behavior. The values obtained from the analytical process of the results in order to finally obtain, through numerical analysis, the equations to predict their behavior (related to their recycled content) are those of: σ (elastic ranges and failure maximum), ε (elastic ranges and failure maximum), and Resilience and Toughness. At the end of the investigation, it is established that mortars with recycled ceramic aggregate contents of up to 20% could be assimilated just like mortars with the usual aggregates, and the obtained prediction equations could be used in cases of similar applications. PMID:28774151
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Total body water measurements using resonant cavity perturbation techniques.
Stone, Darren A; Robinson, Martin P
2004-05-07
A recent paper proposed a novel technique for determining the total body water (TBW) of patients suffering with abnormal hydration levels, using a resonant cavity perturbation method. Current techniques to measure TBW are limited by resolution and technical constraints. However, this new method involves measuring the dielectric properties of the body, by placing a subject in a large cavity resonator and measuring the subsequent change in its resonant frequency, fres and its Q-factor. Utilizing the relationship that water content correlates to these dielectric properties, it has been shown that the measured response of these parameters enables determination of TBW. Results are presented for a preliminary study using data estimated from anthropometric measurements, where volunteers were asked to lie and stand in an electromagnetic screened room, before and after drinking between 1 and 2 l of water, and in some cases, after voiding the bladder. Notable changes in the parameters were observed; fres showed a negative shift and Q was reduced. Preliminary calibration curves using estimated values of water content have been developed from these results, showing that for each subject the measured resonant frequency is a linear function of TBW. Because the gradients of these calibration curves correlate to the mass-to-height-ratio of the volunteers, it has proved that a system in which TBW can be unequivocally obtained is possible. Measured values of TBW have been determined using this new pilot-technique, and the values obtained correlate well with theoretical values of body water (r = 0.87) and resolution is very good (750 ml). The results obtained are measurable, repeatable and statistically significant. This leads to confidence in the integrity of the proposed technique.
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Total body water measurements using resonant cavity perturbation techniques
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Stone, Darren A.; Robinson, Martin P.
2004-05-01
A recent paper proposed a novel technique for determining the total body water (TBW) of patients suffering with abnormal hydration levels, using a resonant cavity perturbation method. Current techniques to measure TBW are limited by resolution and technical constraints. However, this new method involves measuring the dielectric properties of the body, by placing a subject in a large cavity resonator and measuring the subsequent change in its resonant frequency, fres and its Q-factor. Utilizing the relationship that water content correlates to these dielectric properties, it has been shown that the measured response of these parameters enables determination of TBW. Results are presented for a preliminary study using data estimated from anthropometric measurements, where volunteers were asked to lie and stand in an electromagnetic screened room, before and after drinking between 1 and 2 l of water, and in some cases, after voiding the bladder. Notable changes in the parameters were observed; fres showed a negative shift and Q was reduced. Preliminary calibration curves using estimated values of water content have been developed from these results, showing that for each subject the measured resonant frequency is a linear function of TBW. Because the gradients of these calibration curves correlate to the mass-to-height-ratio of the volunteers, it has proved that a system in which TBW can be unequivocally obtained is possible. Measured values of TBW have been determined using this new pilot-technique, and the values obtained correlate well with theoretical values of body water (r = 0.87) and resolution is very good (750 ml). The results obtained are measurable, repeatable and statistically significant. This leads to confidence in the integrity of the proposed technique.
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Chabanova, Elizaveta; Fonvig, Cilius Esmann; Bøjsøe, Christine; Holm, Jens-Christian; Thomsen, Henrik S
2017-08-01
The purpose of the present study was to obtain a cutoff value of liver fat content for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis by comparing magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy results in children and adolescents with normal and excess weight. The study included 420 children and adolescents (91 normal-weight, 99 overweight, and 230 obese) 8-18 years of age. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed with a 3T MR system using point resolved spectroscopy sequence with series echo times. The mean absolute mass concentration of liver fat was obtained: 0.5 ± 0.04% in normal-weight boys; 0.5 ± 0.03% in normal-weight girls; 0.9 ± 0.16% in boys with overweight; 1.1 ± 0.24% in girls with overweight; 1.7 ± 0.24% in boys with obesity; and 1.4 ± 0.21% in girls with obesity. The cutoff value of absolute mass concentration of liver fat for hepatic steatosis was found to be 1.5%. Based on this cutoff value, hepatic steatosis was diagnosed in 16% of boys with overweight, 11% of girls with overweight, 32% of boys with obesity, and 27% of girls with obesity. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was successfully applied to obtain the cutoff value of absolute mass concentration of liver fat for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis in children and adolescents. Children and adolescents with obesity have higher risk of hepatic steatosis than their peers with overweight. Copyright © 2017 The Association of University Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Orthogonal test design for optimization of synthesis of MTX/LDHs hybrids by ion-exchange method
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Liu, Su-Qing; Dai, Chao-Fan; Wang, Lin; Li, Shu-Ping; Li, Xiao-Dong
2015-04-01
Based on orthogonal test design, the factors influencing the synthesis of methotrexate intercalated magnesium-aluminum layered double hydroxides (MTX/LDHs for short) by ion-exchange method, such as weight ratio of pristine LDHs to MTX (R for short), exchange temperature, time and pH value were investigated. Of the four controllable independent variables, R had the strongest effect on the crystallinity and the drug-loading capacity and the optimum synthesis conditions considered from the crystallinity and the drug-loading capacity both pointed to the same values, i.e., R=2:1, pH=9.5, temperature of 80 °C and exchange time of 3 day. The XRD diffractions indicated that high MTX content was in favor of the formation of intercalated hybrids, while low content lead to the failure of it. TEM photos indicated that the intercalated hybrids all exhibited aggregated hexagonal plates. In order to improve the morphology, two different states of pristine LDHs, i.e., powder and colloid, were chosen to prepare MTX/LDHs hybrids and the results indicated that colloid state of pristine was advantageous to obtain regular particles. The study also revealed that the properties of hybrids obtained at optimum conditions by ion-exchange were superior to that obtained from standard methods, such as co-precipitation method.
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Ahmaruzzaman, M
2008-07-01
Higher heating value (HHV) and analysis of chars obtained from cocracking of petroleum vacuum residue (XVR) with coal (SC), biomass (BG, CL) and plastics (PP, PS, BL) are important which define the energy content and determine the clean and efficient use of these chars. The main aim of the present study is to analyze the char obtained from cocracking in terms of their proximate analysis data and determination of the HHV of the chars. The char obtained from XVR+PP cocracking showed a HHV of 32.84 MJ/kg, whereas that from CL cracking showed a HHV of 18.52 MJ/kg. The experimentally determined heating values of the char samples obtained from cocracking have been correlated with the theoretical equation based on proximate analysis data. There exists a variety of correlations for predicting HHV from proximate analysis of fuels. Based upon proximate analysis data, the models were tested. The best results show coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.965 and average absolute and bias error of 3.07% and 0.41%, respectively. The heating values obtained from the model were in good agreement with that obtained by experiment. Proximate analysis of the chars obtained from the cocracking of XVR with coal, biomass and plastics showed that there exists a definite interaction of the reactive species, when they were cocracked together.
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Oxygen index tests of thermosetting resins
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gilwee, W. J., Jr.; Parker, J. A.; Kourtides, D. A.
1980-01-01
The flammability characteristics of nine thermosetting resins under evaluation for use in aircraft interiors are described. These resins were evaluated using the Oxygen Index (ASTM 2863) testing procedure. The test specimens consisted of both neat resin and glass reinforced resin. When testing glass-reinforced samples it was observed that Oxygen Index values varied inversely with resin content. Oxygen values were also obtained on specimens exposed to temperatures up to 300 C. All specimens experienced a decline in Oxygen Index when tested at an elevated temperature.
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Methane and Hydrogen Production from Anaerobic Fermentation of Municipal Solid Wastes
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kobayashi, Takuro; Lee, Dong-Yeol; Xu, Kaiqin; Li, Yu-You; Inamori, Yuhei
Methane and hydrogen production was investigated in batch experiments of thermophilic methane and hydrogen fermentation, using domestic garbage and food processing waste classified by fat/carbohydrate balance as a base material. Methane production per unit of VS added was significantly positively correlated with fat content and negatively correlated with carbohydrate content in the substrate, and the average value of the methane production per unit of VS added from fat-rich materials was twice as large as that from carbohydrate-rich materials. By contrast, hydrogen production per unit of VS added was significantly positively correlated with carbohydrate content and negatively correlated with fat content. Principal component analysis using the results obtained in this study enable an evaluation of substrates for methane and hydrogen fermentation based on nutrient composition.
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Amino acid composition and antioxidant capacity of Spanish honeys.
Pérez, Rosa Ana; Iglesias, María Teresa; Pueyo, Encarnación; Gonzalez, Montserrat; de Lorenzo, Cristina
2007-01-24
The amino acid composition of 53 honey samples from Spain, consisting of 39 floral, 5 honeydew, and 9 blend honeys, has been determined. Physicochemical characteristics, polyphenolic content, amino acid composition, and estimation of the radical scavenging capacity against the stable free radical DPPH of the honey samples were analyzed. The resulting data have been statistically evaluated. The results showed that pH, acidity, net absorbance, electrical conductivity, and total polyphenolic contents of the honeys showed a strong correlation with the radical scavenging capacity. The correlation between the radical scavenging capacity of honey and amino acid contents was high with 18 of the 20 amino acids detected, with correlation values higher than those obtained for polyphenolic content. These results suggest that the amino acid composition of honey is an indicator of the sample's scavenging capacity.
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The electron content of the southern mid-latitude ionosphere, 1965-1971.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Titheridge, J. E.
1973-01-01
Continuous accurate records of the electron content of the ionosphere are obtained at Auckland (ionosphere point at 34 deg S geographic, 38 deg geomagnetic) and at Invercargill (42 deg S geographic, 47 deg geomagnetic). Mean hourly values scaled from these records are used to show the average diurnal, seasonal and solar cycle changes in the ionosphere from June 1965 to August 1971. The mean daytime electron content shows no seasonal anomaly at any stage of the solar cycle, at 34 deg S. There is some anomaly at 42 deg S, particularly near solar maximum. The anomaly becomes quite marked in terms of peak density because of a contraction of the ionosphere in winter. The mean amplitude of the day-to-day fluctuations in electron content shows no appreciable solar cycle change.
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Ghanei, Amir; Jafari, Faezeh; Mehrinejad Khotbehsara, Mojdeh; Mohseni, Ehsan; Cui, Hongzhi
2017-01-01
In this study, the effects of nano-CuO (NC) on engineering properties of fibre-reinforced mortars incorporating metakaolin (MK) were investigated. The effects of polypropylene fibre (PP) were also examined. A total of twenty-six mixtures were prepared. The experimental results were compared with numerical results obtained by adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and Primal Estimated sub-GrAdient Solver for SVM (Pegasos) algorithm. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was also employed to investigate the microstructure of the cement matrix. The mechanical test results showed that both compressive and flexural strengths of cement mortars decreased with the increase of MK content, however the strength values increased significantly with increasing NC content in the mixture. The water absorption of samples decreased remarkably with increasing NC particles in the mixture. When PP fibres were added, the strengths of cement mortars were further enhanced accompanied with lower water absorption values. The addition of 2 wt % and 3 wt % nanoparticles in cement mortar led to a positive contribution to strength and resistance to water absorption. Mixture of PP-MK10NC3 indicated the best results for both compressive and flexural strengths at 28 and 90 days. SEM images illustrated that the morphology of cement matrix became more porous with increasing MK content, but the porosity reduced with the inclusion of NC. In addition, it is evident from the SEM images that more cement hydration products adhered onto the surface of fibres, which would improve the fibre–matrix interface. The numerical results obtained by ANFIS and Pegasos were close to the experimental results. The value of R2 obtained for each data set (validate, test and train) was higher than 0.90 and the values of mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and the relative root mean squared error (PRMSE) were near zero. The ANFIS and Pegasos models can be used to predict the mechanical properties and water absorptions of fibre-reinforced mortars with MK and NC. PMID:29065559
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Soil specific re-calibration of water content sensors for a field-scale sensor network
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Gasch, Caley K.; Brown, David J.; Anderson, Todd; Brooks, Erin S.; Yourek, Matt A.
2015-04-01
Obtaining accurate soil moisture data from a sensor network requires sensor calibration. Soil moisture sensors are factory calibrated, but multiple site specific factors may contribute to sensor inaccuracies. Thus, sensors should be calibrated for the specific soil type and conditions in which they will be installed. Lab calibration of a large number of sensors prior to installation in a heterogeneous setting may not be feasible, and it may not reflect the actual performance of the installed sensor. We investigated a multi-step approach to retroactively re-calibrate sensor water content data from the dielectric permittivity readings obtained by sensors in the field. We used water content data collected since 2009 from a sensor network installed at 42 locations and 5 depths (210 sensors total) within the 37-ha Cook Agronomy Farm with highly variable soils located in the Palouse region of the Northwest United States. First, volumetric water content was calculated from sensor dielectric readings using three equations: (1) a factory calibration using the Topp equation; (2) a custom calibration obtained empirically from an instrumented soil in the field; and (3) a hybrid equation that combines the Topp and custom equations. Second, we used soil physical properties (particle size and bulk density) and pedotransfer functions to estimate water content at saturation, field capacity, and wilting point for each installation location and depth. We also extracted the same reference points from the sensor readings, when available. Using these reference points, we re-scaled the sensor readings, such that water content was restricted to the range of values that we would expect given the physical properties of the soil. The re-calibration accuracy was assessed with volumetric water content measurements obtained from field-sampled cores taken on multiple dates. In general, the re-calibration was most accurate when all three reference points (saturation, field capacity, and wilting point) were represented in the sensor readings. We anticipate that obtaining water retention curves for field soils will improve the re-calibration accuracy by providing more precise estimates of saturation, field capacity, and wilting point. This approach may serve as an alternative method for sensor calibration in lieu of or to complement pre-installation calibration.
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Peiretti, Pier Giorgio; Meineri, Giorgia; Gai, Francesco; Longato, Erica; Amarowicz, Ryszard
2017-09-01
Phenolic compounds were extracted from pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) seed and amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus) grain into 80% (v/v) methanol. The extracts obtained were characterised by the contents of total phenolic compounds (TPC), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and antiradical activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH · ) radical. The content of individual phenolic compounds was determined by HPLC-DAD method. Pumpkin seeds showed the higher content of TPC than that from amaranth. The TEAC values of both extracts were similar each other. The lower value of FRAP was observed for pumpkin seed. Phenolic compound present in amaranth grain exhibited strongest antiradical properties against DPPH radical. Several peaks were present on the HPLC chromatograms of two extracts. The UV-DAD spectra confirmed the presence of vanillic acid derivatives in the amaranth grain. The three main phenolic compound present in pumpkin seed were characterised by UV-DAD spectra with maximum at 258, 266 and 278 nm.
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Estimation water vapor content using the mixing ratio method and validated with the ANFIS PWV model
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Suparta, W.; Alhasa, K. M.; Singh, M. S. J.
2017-05-01
This study reported the comparison between water vapor content, the surface meteorological data (pressure, temperature, and relative humidity), and precipitable water vapor (PWV) produced by PWV from adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) for areas in the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Bangi (UKMB) station. The water vapor content value was estimated with mixing ratio method and the surface meteorological data as the parameter inputs. The accuracy of water vapor content was validated with PWV from ANFIS PWV model for the period of 20-23 December 2016. The result showed that the water vapor content has a similar trend with the PWV which produced by ANFIS PWV model (r = 0.975 at the 99% confidence level). This indicates that the water vapor content that obtained with mixing ratio agreed very well with the ANFIS PWV model. In addition, this study also found, the pattern of water vapor content and PWV have more influenced by the relative humidity.
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[Evaluation of soy bean proteins obtained by pressure].
Bau, H M; Poullain, B; Debry, G
1978-01-01
Besides the processes of extrusion and protein fiber spinning, analogous utilization research with a range of protein sources is continuing at an accelerated pace. However, the pressure forming process, an attractive process for producing protein foods, has not received the attention as it merits. The fabrication techniques contribute the advantages of nutritional value, economic and simplicity in manufacture; it can be extend to utilize in the development of useful textured vegetable protein foods. Here, we present a pressure forming process for producing protein foods with soybean grains. In this paper, we evaluated the composition, and the yield of the products obtained by this process; the trypsin inhibitor and enzymatic proteolyse of the products were also studied. The product obtained contents soluble and insoluble proteins of soybean, 45 p. 100 of protein (N x 6,25), 20-25 p. 100 of carbohydrates of which the fibers are included; moreover it contents 6-7 p. 100 of ash and 20-22 p. 100 of fat. It does not content any starch, the oligosaccharides and antinutritional factors were almost eliminated. This product presents in acceptable textural form resembling traditional animal protein foodstuffs; its fonctional and nutritional properties can meet different utilizations in foodstuffs such as dietetic products and protein complements.
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Winter-spring anomalies in stratospheric O3 and NO2 contents over the Moscow region in 2010 and 2011
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Gruzdev, A. N.; Kropotkina, E. P.; Solomonov, S. V.; Elokhov, A. S.
2017-03-01
Using results of ground-based spectrometric measurements, we analyze the anomalies in the stratospheric contents of O3 and NO2 in the Moscow region related to the sudden stratospheric warming and associated distortion of the stratospheric circumpolar vortex in early February 2010 and to the latitudinal displacement of the vortex towards the European sector in late March 2011 before the final spring warming. In the former case, the O3 concentration increased up to 85% and the stratospheric column NO2 content increased twice; in the latter case, the O3 concentration decreased by a quarter and the NO2 content decreased twice in comparison with average values for the time periods preceding the onsets of the anomalies. Estimates of the statistical correlationship of the stratospheric O3 and NO2 contents with potential vorticity and geopotential have been obtained.
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Arab light crude study focuses on kinematic viscosity
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Beg, S.A.; Al-Mutawa, A.H.; Amin, M.B.
1989-02-01
Arab light crude oil has been characterized in terms of API gravity, total sulfur content, Reid vapor pressure, ash content, heating value, salt content, viscosity SUS, vanadium content as V/sub 2/O/sub 5/, pour point and analyses of various metals. The crude oil was fractionated into six true boiling point (TBP) fractions (IBP-95/sup 0/C, 95-205/sup 0/C, 205-260/sup 0/C, 260-345/sup 0/C, 345-455/sup 0/C and 455/sup 0/C+). These fractions were characterized in terms of API gravity, total sulfur, H/sub 2/S, mercaptan contents, molecular weight, elemental analyses for total carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen, and analyses of various metals. The kinematic viscosity data have beenmore » obtained for 95/sup 0/C+ TBP fractions for a wide range of temperature up to 200/sup 0/C.« less
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Londoño-Restrepo, Sandra M; Rincón-Londoño, Natalia; Contreras-Padilla, Margarita; Acosta-Osorio, Andrés A; Bello-Pérez, Luis A; Lucas-Aguirre, Juan C; Quintero, Víctor D; Pineda-Gómez, Posidia; del Real-López, Alicia; Rodríguez-García, Mario E
2014-04-01
This work presents the physicochemical and pasting characterization of isolated mafafa starch and mafafa flour (Xanthosoma robustum). According to SEM images of mafafa starches in the tuber, these starches form Lego-like shaped structures with diameters between 8 and 35 μm conformed by several starch granules of wedge shape that range from 2 to 7 μm. The isolated mafafa starch is characterized by its low contents of protein, fat, and ash. The starch content in isolated starch was found to be 88.58% while the amylose content obtained was 35.43%. X-ray diffraction studies confirm that isolated starch is composed mainly by amylopectin. These results were confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry and thermo gravimetric analysis. This is the first report of the molecular parameters for mafafa starch: molar mass that ranged between 2×10(8) and 4×10(8) g/mol, size (Rg) value between 279 and 295 nm, and molecular density value between 9.2 and 9.7 g/(mol nm(3)). This study indicates that mafafa starch shows long chains of amylopectin this fact contributes to higher viscosity development and higher gel stability. The obtained gel phase is transparent in the UV-vis region. The viscosity, gel stability and optical properties suggest that there is potential for mafafa starch applications in the food industry. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Pereira, M A; Sousa, D Z; Mota, M; Alves, M M
2004-11-20
Long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) associated with anaerobic sludge by mechanisms of precipitation, adsorption, or entrapment can be biodegraded to methane. The mineralization kinetics of biomass-associated LCFA were established according to an inhibition model based on Haldane's enzymatic inhibition kinetics. A value around 1,000 mg COD-LCFA..g VSS(-1) was obtained for the optimal specific LCFA content that allowed the maximal mineralization rate. For sludge with specific LCFA contents of 2,838 +/- 63 and 4,571 +/- 257 mg COD-LCFA..g VSS(-1), the specific methanogenic activities in the presence of acetate, butyrate, and H(2)/CO(2) were significantly enhanced after the mineralization of the biomass-associated LCFA. For sludge with a specific LCFA content near the optimal value defined by the kinetic model, the effect of adding VFA to the medium was studied during the mineralization of the biomass-associated LCFA. Different patterns were obtained for each individual substrate. Acetate and butyrate were preferentially consumed by the consortium, but in the case of propionate no evidence of a sequential consumption pattern could be withdrawn. It was concluded that LCFA do not exert a bactericidal neither a permanent toxic effect toward the anaerobic consortia. A discussion is addressed to the relative roles of a reversible inhibitory effect and a transport limitation effect imposed by the LCFA surrounding the cells. (c) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
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Caffeine and Creatine Content of Dietary Supplements Consumed by Brazilian Soccer Players.
Inácio, Suelen Galante; de Oliveira, Gustavo Vieira; Alvares, Thiago Silveira
2016-08-01
Caffeine and creatine are ingredients in the most popular dietary supplements consumed by soccer players. However, some products may not contain the disclosed amounts of the ingredients listed on the label, compromising the safe usage and the effectiveness of these supplements. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the content of caffeine and creatine in dietary supplements consumed by Brazilian soccer players. The results obtained were compared with the caffeine content listed on the product label. Two batches of the supplement brands consumed by ≥ 50% of the players were considered for analysis. The quantification of caffeine and creatine in the supplements was determined by a high-performance liquid chromatography system with UV detector. Nine supplements of caffeine and 7 supplements of creatine met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Eight brands of caffeine and five brands of creatine showed significantly different values (p < .05) as compared with the values stated on the label. There were no significant differences between the two batches of supplements analyzed, except for one caffeine supplement. It can be concluded that caffeine and creatine dietary supplements consumed by Brazilian soccer players present inaccurate values listed on the label, although most presented no difference among batches. To ensure consumer safety and product efficacy, accurate information on caffeine and creatine content should be provided on all dietary supplement labels.
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Domínguez, Rubén; Pateiro, Mirian; Crecente, Santiago; Ruiz, Marta; Sarriés, María V; Lorenzo, José M
2018-01-01
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of finishing diet (control concentrate vs. linseed concentrate) and slaughter age (13 vs. 26 months) on meat and nutritional quality of foal meat. For this study, 46 foals from crossing Galicia Mountain x Burguete breeds were used. The obtained results showed that slaughter age had an influence on chemical composition and colour parameters. Foals slaughtered at the age of 13 months had lower content of intramuscular fat and higher cholesterol contents than those slaughtered at 26 months of age. Regarding colour parameters, older foals showed the highest values of redness and lowest myoglobin contents. Finishing diet had a low effect on the majority of parameters evaluated. Foals fed with linseed presented lower shear force values than those fed with control concentrate. Fatty acid and amino acid contents were hardly influenced by finishing diet, whereas slaughter age effect had a high impact on fatty acid profile. Older animals showed lowest SFA values and n-6/n-3 ratio. Older animals presented the best meat quality. Diet had low effect in meat quality and could be related to the short time during finishing diet was administered and the low amount of linseed in the experimental diet. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Walkowiak-Tomczak, Dorota; Czapski, Janusz; Młynarczyk, Karolina
2016-01-01
Elderberries are a source of dietary supplements and bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins. These dyes are used in food technology. The aim of the study was to assess the changes in colour parameters, anthocyanin contents and sensory attributes in solutions of elderberry juice concentrates during storage in a model system and to determine predictability of sensory attributes of colour in solutions based on regression equations using the response surface methodology. The experiment was carried out according to the 3-level factorial design for three factors. Independent variables included pH, storage time and temperature. Dependent variables were assumed to be the components and colour parameters in the CIE L*a*b* system, pigment contents and sensory attributes. Changes in colour components X, Y, Z and colour parameters L*, a*, b*, C* and h* were most dependent on pH values. Colour lightness L* and tone h* increased with an increase in experimental factors, while the share of the red colour a* and colour saturation C* decreased. The greatest effect on the anthocyanin concentration was recorded for storage time. Sensory attributes deteriorated during storage. The highest correlation coefficients were found between the value of colour tone h* and anthocyanin contents in relation to the assessment of the naturalness and desirability of colour. A high goodness-of-fit of the model to data and high values of R2 for regression equations were obtained for all responses. The response surface method facilitates optimization of experimental factor values in order to obtain a specific attribute of the product, but not in all cases of the experiment. Within the tested range of factors, it is possible to predict changes in anthocyanin content and the sensory attributes of elderberry juice concentrate solutions as food dye, on the basis of the lack of a fit test. The highest stability of dyes and colour of elderberry solutions was found in the samples at pH 3.0, which confirms the advisability of using an anthocyanin preparation to shape the colour of high-acidity food products, such as fruit fillings, beverages,desserts.
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Influence of Spore Moisture Content on the Dry-Heat Resistance of Bacillus subtilis var. niger
Angelotti, Robert; Maryanski, James H.; Butler, Thomas F.; Peeler, James T.; Campbell, Jeptha E.
1968-01-01
The dry-heat resistance of Bacillus subtilis var. niger spores located in or on various materials was determined as D and z values in the range of 105 through 160 C. The systems tested included spores located on steel and paper strips, spores located between stainless-steel washers mated together under 150 inch-lb and 12 inch-lb of torque, and spores encapsulated in methylmethacrylate and epoxy plastics. D values for a given temperature varied with the test system. High D values were observed for the systems in which spores were encapsulated or under heavy torque, whereas lower D values were observed for the steel and paper strip systems and the lightly torqued system. Similar z values were obtained for the plastic and steel strip systems (zD = 21 C), but an unusually low z for spores on paper (zD = 12.9 C) and an unusually high z for spores on steel washers mated at 150 inch-lb of torque (zD = 32 C) were observed. The effect of spore moisture content on the D value of spores encapsulated in water-impermeable plastic was determined, and maximal resistance was observed for spores with a water activity (aw) of 0.2 to 0.4. Significantly decreased D values were observed for spores with moisture contents below aw 0.2 or above aw 0.4. The data indicate that the important factors to be considered when measuring the dry heat resistance of spores are (i) the initial moisture content of the spore, (ii) the rate of spore desiccation during heating, (iii) the water retention capacity of the material in or on which spores are located, and (iv) the relative humidity of the system at the test temperature. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 Fig. 5 Fig. 7 PMID:4968962
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Optical spectra of coal gasification products in the RF plasmatron
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Fedorovich, S. D.; Burakov, I. A.; Dudolin, A. A.; Markov, A. A.; Khtoo Naing, Aung; Ulziy, Batsamboo; Kavyrshin, D. I.
2017-11-01
The use of solid fuel gasification process is relevant to the regions where there is no opportunity to use natural gas as the main fuel. On the territory of the Russian Federation such regions are largely the Urals, Siberia and the Far East. In order to reduce the harmful effects on the environment solid fuel with high sulfur content, ash content and moisture are subjected to gasification process. One of the major problems of this process is to produce syngas with a low calorific value. For conventional types of gasification (gasification), the value of this quantity ranges 8 - 10 MJ / m3. The use of plasma gasification increases the calorific value of 12 - 16 MJ / m3 which allows the most efficient use of the syngas. The reason for the increase of the value lies in the change of temperature in the reaction zone. A significant rise in temperature in the reaction zone leads to an increase in methane formation reactions constant value, which allows to obtain a final product with a large calorific value. The HFI-plasma torch coal temperature reaches 3000 ° C, and the temperature of coal gasification products can reach 8000 ° C. The aim is to develop methods for determining the composition of the plasma gasification products obtained optical spectra. The Kuznetsky coal used as the starting material. Received and decrypted gasification products optical spectra in a wavelength range from 220 to 1000 nm. Recommendations for the use of the developed method for determining the composition of the plasma gasification products. An analysis of the advantages of using plasma gasification as compared with conventional gasification and coal combustion.
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Pazesh, Samaneh; Lazorova, Lucia; Berggren, Jonas; Alderborn, Göran; Gråsjö, Johan
2016-09-10
The main purpose of the study was to evaluate various pre-processing and quantification approaches of Raman spectrum to quantify low level of amorphous content in milled lactose powder. To improve the quantification analysis, several spectral pre-processing methods were used to adjust background effects. The effects of spectral noise on the variation of determined amorphous content were also investigated theoretically by propagation of error analysis and were compared to the experimentally obtained values. Additionally, the applicability of calibration method with crystalline or amorphous domains in the estimation of amorphous content in milled lactose powder was discussed. Two straight baseline pre-processing methods gave the best and almost equal performance. By the succeeding quantification methods, PCA performed best, although the classical least square analysis (CLS) gave comparable results, while peak parameter analysis displayed to be inferior. The standard deviations of experimental determined percentage amorphous content were 0.94% and 0.25% for pure crystalline and pure amorphous samples respectively, which was very close to the standard deviation values from propagated spectral noise. The reasonable conformity between the milled samples spectra and synthesized spectra indicated representativeness of physical mixtures with crystalline or amorphous domains in the estimation of apparent amorphous content in milled lactose. Copyright © 2016 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Magnetic susceptibility and dielectric properties of peat in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Budi, Pranitha Septiana; Zulaikah, Siti; Hidayat, Arif; Azzahro, Rosyida
2017-07-01
Peatlands dominate almost all regions of Borneo, yet its utilization has not been developed optimally. Any information in this field could be obtained using soil magnetization methods by determining the magnetic succeptibility in terms of magnetic susceptibility value that could describe the source and type of magnetic minerals which could describe the source and type of magnetic minerals. Moreover, the dielectric properties of peat soil were also investigated to determine the level of water content by using the dielectric constant value. Samples was taken at six different locations along Pulang pisau to Berengbengkel. Magnetic susceptibility mass value at these locations ranged between -0.0009 - 0.712 (×10-6 m3/kg). Based on the average magnetic susceptibility value, samples that were taken from T1, T3 and T5 belonged to the type of paramagnetic mineral, while samples which were taken from T2, T4 and T6 belonged to the group of diamagnetic mineral. The low value of magnetic susceptibility of peat was probably derived from the pedogenic process. The average value of peat soil in six locations has a large dielectric constant value that is 28.2 which indicated that there was considerable moisture content due to the hydrophilic nature of peatland which means that the ability of peat in water binding is considerably high.
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An experiment of used palm oil refinery using the value engineering method
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sumiati; Waluyo, M.
2018-01-01
Palm Oil is one of prime materials which very necessary for Indonesia. In the development of palm oil industry the constraint which faced is raw material availability and the economic crisis that attack Indonesia which cause increasing of cost industry so that the salaes price become very expensive . With using alternative raw material namely used palm oil them be made palm oil design to solve this problems. In the designing which comply the consideration of good pal oil planning aspect be use value engineer study. While the criteria parameter of hygienic palm oil which obtained from the questioner area free fatty acid, water content, Iodine number, peroxide number, odor, taste and the color. The research which use value engineer study is throught any phase that is information phase, analyzes phase, creative phase, development phase and presentation phase. This research began with doing the identification of palm oil demand, continued by methodology development in order to measure oil design. By using creative process could be obtained flow rate position, the amount of adsorbent and the best settling time for palm oil alternative that is in the flow rate 70 ml/sec, 4% of adsorbent and the 70 minute for the settling time with free fatty acid value: 0.299. While the best palm oil alternative are palm oil with free fatty acid value = 0.299, water content = 0.31, Iodine number = 40.08, Peroxide number = 3.72, odor and taste = Normal, the color = Normal. The Evalution which done by value engineer study generate the value from alternative palm oil is 1.330 and market palm oil 1.392. Thus, can be conclude thet the value engineer study can be good implemented in the alternative palm oil planning so that alternative palm oil can be produced largely because they have better value that market palm oil and appropriate for little industries.
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Stiffness and shrinkage of green and dry joists
Lyman W. Wood; Lawrence A. Soltis
1964-01-01
This report gives information on the edgewise modulus of elasticity, stiffness, and shrinkage of 360 joists in three species, three grades, and two sizes, each species obtained from two sources. Each joist was evaluated nondestructively at four moisture content values ranging from the green condition to about 11 percent. Information is also given on specific gravity,...
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Mendonça, Maria Andréia Corrêa; Carvalho, Carlos Roberto; Clarindo, Wellington Ronildo
2010-01-01
Chicken red blood cells (CRBCs) are widely used as standards for DNA content determination. Cytogenetic data have shown that the Z sex chromosome is approximately twice as large as the W, so that the DNA content differs to some extent between male (ZZ) and female (ZW) chickens. Despite this fact, male and female CRBCs have been indiscriminately used in absolute genome size determination. Our work was conducted to verify whether the DNA content differences between male and female Gallus gallus domesticus “Leghorn” nuclei and ZZ/ZW chromosomes can be resolved by image cytometry (ICM). Air-dried smears stained by Feulgen reaction were used for nuclei analysis. Chicken metaphase spreads upon Feulgen staining were analyzed for obtaining quantitative information on the Z and W chromosomes. Before each capture session, we conducted quality control of the ICM instrumentation. Our results from nuclear measurements showed that the 2C value is 0.09 pg higher in males than in females. In chromosomes, we found that the Z chromosome shows 200% more DNA content than does the W chromosome. ICM demonstrated resolution power to discriminate low DNA content differences in genomes. We suggest prudence in the general use of CRBC 2C values as standards in comparative cytometric analysis. (J Histochem Cytochem 58:229–235, 2010) PMID:19875846
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De Boever, J L; Blok, M C; Millet, S; Vanacker, J; De Campeneere, S
2014-11-01
The chemical composition inclusive amino acids (AAs) and the energy and protein value of three wheat, three maize and seven blend (mainly wheat) dried distillers grains and solubles (DDGS) were determined. The net energy for lactation (NEL) was derived from digestion coefficients obtained with sheep. The digestible protein in the intestines (DVE) and the degraded protein balance (OEB) were determined by nylon bag incubations in the rumen and the intestines of cannulated cows. Additional chemical parameters like acid-detergent insoluble CP (ADICP), protein solubility in water, in borate-phosphate buffer and in pepsin-HCl, in vitro digestibility (cellulase, protease, rumen fluid) and colour scores (L*, a*, b*) were evaluated as potential predictors of the energy and protein value. Compared to wheat DDGS (WDDGS), maize DDGS (MDDGS) had a higher NEL-value (8.49 v. 7.38 MJ/kg DM), a higher DVE-content (216 v. 198 g/kg DM) and a lower OEB-value (14 v. 66 g/kg DM). The higher energy value of MDDGS was mainly due to the higher crude fat (CFA) content (145 v. 76 g/kg DM) and also to better digestible cell-walls, whereas the higher protein value was mainly due to the higher percentage of rumen bypass protein (RBP: 69.8 v. 55.6%). The NEL-value of blend DDGS (BDDGS) was in between that of the pure DDGS-types, whereas its DVE-value was similar to MDDGS. Although lower in CP and total AAs, MDDGS provided a similar amount of essential AAs as the other DDGS-types. Lysine content was most reduced in the production of WDDGS and cysteine in MDDGS. Fat content explained 68.6% of the variation in NEL, with hemicellulose and crude ash as extra explaining variables. The best predictor for RBP as well as for OEB was the protein solubility in pepsin-HCl (R 2=77.3% and 83.5%). Intestinal digestibility of RBP could best be predicted by ADF (R 3=73.6%) and the combination of CFA and NDF could explain 60.2% of the variation in the content of absorbable microbial protein. The availability of AAs could accurately be predicted from the rumen bypass and intestinal digestibility of CP.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Emre, G.; Akkus, A.; Karamış, M. B.
2018-01-01
In this study mechanichal and tribological properties of keratin, bone ash and hydroxylapatite by adding to PMMA ( known as the main prosthesis material) were investigated. Hydroxylapatite, bone ash, and keratin materials were added as PMMA in to the content of PMMA, in the proportions of %1, %3 and %5, respectively. The resulting mixtures were put into the molds and solidified in order to obtain samples to be used in the wear experiments. Each experiment was conducted by preparing three experimental samples. The wear data were compared according to the average values of the experimental samples. In the wear test, the results were also evaluated according to the average values obtained from each group and the results of the control group. It was observed that, the wear resistance of the PMMA including 3%, 5% bone ash and PMMA including 5% keratin flour were higher than the values of the control group.
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Anand, Sushil; Pang, Edwin; Livanos, George; Mantri, Nitin
2018-01-05
The antioxidant and antimicrobial components of honey vary based on sourced of nectar. Medicinal plants with the therapeutic value have potential to produce honey with greater bioactivity. The aim of the present study was to characterize the physico-chemical and antioxidant capacities of Agastache honey produced from Agastache rugosa and compare them with other popular commercial honeys sold in Australia. The total phenolics, total flavonoids, moisture content, colour, pH, protein content and antioxidant capacity were evaluated for Agastache , Manuka, Jelly bush, Tea tree, Super manuka and Jarrah honeys. The results reveal that the moisture content ranged from 17-21%, pH ranged from 3.8-4.3 and estimated protein content ranged from 900-2200 µg/g. The DPPH•, ABTS•+, ORAC and FRAP methods were used to measure the antioxidant capacity of the honey samples. The DPPH• % inhibition, ABTS•+, ORAC and FRAP values for Agastache honey were 9.85 (±1.98 µmol TE/g), 26.88 (±0.32 µmol TE/g), 19.78 (±1.1 µmol TE/g) and 3.61 (±0.02 µmol TE/g) whereas the highest antioxidant capacity values obtained were 18.69 (±0.9 µmol TE/g), 30.72 (±0.27 µmol TE/g), 26.95 (±0.9 µmol TE/g) and 3.68 (±0.04 µmol TE/g), respectively. There was a positive correlation between colour, total phenolic content and DPPH• scavenging activity for most of the honeys except Tea tree honey. However, there was no clear correlation with ABTS•+, ORAC and FRAP values. The measured antioxidant capacity of samples varied with the assays used. The DPPH• assay clearly indicated that the phenolic compounds contribute to the scavenging activity of the honeys. Nevertheless, all assays confirm that Agastache honey has significant antioxidant capacity. Therefore, Agastache honey can be important to human nutrition and health.
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Free radical scavenging of grape pomace extracts from Cabernet sauvingnon (Vitis vinifera).
de Campos, Luanda M A S; Leimann, Fernanda V; Pedrosa, Rozangela Curi; Ferreira, Sandra R S
2008-11-01
Pressed grape pomace obtained from the wine production of Cabernet sauvignon (Vitis vinifera) vintage was dried until 9.8% moisture content, ground and submitted to extraction of soluble components from different extraction techniques. Low pressure extractions were performed with ethanol maceration followed by fractionation with n-hexane, dichloromethane, butanol and ethyl acetate. These solvents were furthermore applied for soxhlet extraction. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) was also performed to obtain grape pomace extracts by using pure CO2 and CO2 with ethanol as co-solvent in concentrations of 10, 15 and 20%w/w. The operating condition used in high pressure extractions was 150bar and 40 degrees C. The antioxidant activity of the grape pomace extracts was determined considering the free radical scavenging assay using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and was correlated with the total phenol content determined according to the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The results obtained in DPPH tests indicate the highest antioxidant activity of 96.6+/-0.3%AA, with an IC50 value of 13+/-1, for the extracts obtained with ethyl acetate in solid-liquid extraction. The highest yield values were achieved in soxhlet extraction with ethanol (13.2%w/w) and with butanol (12.2%w/w), and also by SFE with 15% ethanol (9.2%w/w). The lipophilic composition of grape pomace extracts was evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with the identification of components like linoleic acid and ethyl linoleate, with important therapeutic activities.
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TRACE METAL CONTENT (Cu, Zn, Mn AND Fe) IN URTICA DIOICA L. AND PLANTAGO MAJOR L.
Krolak, Elzbieta; Raczuk, Jolanta; Borkowska, Lidia
2016-11-01
The aim of the study was to compare the contents of Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe in the washed and unwashed leaves and roots of two plant species: Urica dioica L. and Plantago major L., used in herbal medicine. These two herb species occur in the same environmental habitats, yet their morphological structure is different. The soil and plant samples for analyses were collected from an uncontaminated area in Eastern Poland. In each habitat location, the samples were taken from sandy soils with slightly acidic and neutral pH values. The obtained results showed that U. dioica and P. major accumulated similar amounts of trace metals, such as: Cu, Zn and Fe, in leaves, despite the differences in the morphological structure of their overground parts. The content of Mn in leaves U. dioica was about twice as much as in P. major. Also, no differences in the metal content were observed between washed and unwashed leaves of both species. However, in the same habitat conditions, a significantly higher content of Cu, Zn and Mn was found in the roots of P. major than U. dioica. The content of Fe in the roots was similar in both species. P. major and U. dioica may be a valuable source of microelements, if they are obtained from unpolluted habitats.
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Mn Impurity in Bulk GaAs Crystals
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Pawłowski, M.; Piersa, M.; Wołoś, A.; Palczewska, M.; Strzelecka, G.; Hruban, A.; Gosk, J.; Kamińska, M.; Twardowski, A.
2006-11-01
Magnetic and electron transport properties of GaAs:Mn crystals grown by Czochralski method were studied. Electron spin resonance showed the presence of Mn acceptor A in two charge states: singly ionized A- in the form of Mn2+(d5), and neutral A0 in the form of Mn2+(d5) plus a bound hole (h). It was possible to determine the relative concentration of both types of centers from intensity of the corresponding electron spin resonance lines. Magnetization measured as a function of magnetic field (up to 6 T) in the temperature range of 2-300 K revealed overall paramagnetic behavior of the samples. Effective spin was found to be about 1.5 value, which was consistent with the presence of two types of Mn configurations. In most of the studied samples the dominance of Mn2+(d5)+h configuration was established and it increased after annealing of native donors. The total value of Mn content was obtained from fitting of magnetization curves with the use of parameters obtained from electron spin resonance. In electron transport, two mechanisms of conductivity were observed: valence band transport dominated above 70 K, and hopping conductivity within Mn impurity band at lower temperatures. From the analysis of the hopping conductivity and using the obtained values of the total Mn content, the effective radius of Mn acceptor in GaAs was estimated as a = 11 ± 3 Å.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Szuvandzsiev, Péter; Helyes, Lajos; Lugasi, Andrea; Szántó, Csongor; Baranowski, Piotr; Pék, Zoltán
2014-10-01
Processing tomato production represents an important part of the total production of processed vegetables in the world. The quality characteristics of processing tomato, important for the food industry, are soluble solids content and antioxidant content (such as lycopene and polyphenols) of the fruit. Analytical quantification of these components is destructive, time and labour consuming. That is why researchers try to develop a non-destructive and rapid method to assess those quality parameters. The present study reports the suitability of a portable handheld visible near infrared spectrometer to predict soluble solids, lycopene and polyphenol content of tomato fruit puree. Spectral ranges of 500-1000 nm were directly acquired on fruit puree of five different tomato varieties using a FieldSpec HandHeld 2™ Portable Spectroradiometer. Immediately after spectral measurement, each fruit sample was analysed to determine soluble solids, lycopene and polyphenol content. Partial least square regressions were carried out to create models of prediction between spectral data and the values obtained from the analytical results. The accuracy of the predictions was analysed according to the coefficient of determination value (R2), the root mean square error of calibration/ cross-validation.
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Verma, K C; Verma, S K
2015-01-01
Depleting reserves of fossil fuel and increasing effects of environmental pollution from petrochemicals demands eco-friendly alternative fuel sources. Jatropha curcas oil, an inedible vegetable oil, can be a substitute feedstock for traditional food crops in the production of environment-friendly and renewable fuel. Jatropha oil is looked up in terms of availability and cost and also has several applications and enormous economic benefits. The seed oils of various jatropha biotypes from hilly regions were screened out and evaluated for their physiochemical parameters, viz, seed index(520-600 g), oil content (15-42 %), biodiesel yield (71-98 %), moisture content (2.3-6.5 %), ash content (3.2-5.6 %), acid value (4.2-26), density (0.9172-0.9317 g/cm(3)), viscosity (5-37 mm(2)/s), saponification value (195.8-204.2 mg/g), iodine value (106.6-113.6 mg/g), flash point (162-235 °C), cetane value (46.70-50.06 °C), free fatty acid value (2.5-10.2 %), and refractive index (1.4600-1.4710). Fatty acid profiling of jatropha resembles as edible oilseeds. NAA with BAP was found to be superior for callus induction (up to 87 %), as well as for shoot regeneration (up to12 shoots). Root induction (90-100 %) was successfully obtained in MS medium with or without phytoregulators. Grown plantlets were successfully transferred from lab to field with a survival rate of 80 %.
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Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Assay of Key Quality-Indicative Ingredients of Tongkang Tablets.
Pan, Wenjie; Ma, Jinfang; Xiao, Xue; Huang, Zhengwei; Zhou, Huanbin; Ge, Fahuan; Pan, Xin
2017-04-01
The objective of this paper is to develop an easy and fast near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) assay for the four key quality-indicative active ingredients of Tongkang tablets by comparing the true content of the active ingredients measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the NIRS data. The HPLC values for the active ingredients content of Cimicifuga glycoside, calycosin glucoside, 5-O-methylvisamminol and hesperidin in Tongkang tablets were set as reference values. The NIRS raw spectra of Tongkang tablets were processed using first-order convolution method. The iterative optimization method was chosen to optimize the band for Cimicifuga glycoside and 5-O-methylvisamminol, and correlation coefficient method was used to determine the optimal band of calycosin glucoside and hesperidin. A near-infrared quantitative calibration model was established for each quality-indicative ingredient by partial least-squares method on the basis of the contents detected by HPLC and the obtained NIRS spectra. The correlation coefficient R 2 values of the four models of Cimicifuga glycoside, calycosin glucoside, 5-O-methylvisamminol and hesperidin were 0.9025, 0.8582, 0.9250, and 0.9325, respectively. It was demonstrated that the accuracy of the validation values was approximately 90% by comparison of the predicted results from NIRS models and the HPLC true values, which suggested that NIRS assay was successfully established and validated. It was expected that the quantitative analysis models of the four indicative ingredients could be used to rapidly perform quality control in industrial production of Tongkang tablets.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Altdorff, Daniel; van der Kruk, Jan; Bechtold, Michel; Tiemeyer, Bärbel; Huismann, Sander
2013-04-01
Intact peatlands are natural sinks of climate-relevant atmospheric CO2 and they are able to store high amounts of organic carbon (C). In addition, intact peatlands are increasingly important given positive effects on biodiversity, hydrological processes and corresponding management issues. Nevertheless, large parts of peatlands in populated areas were modified by human activity during the last centuries. In Germany, more than 90% of the peatlands are drained, mainly for agricultural use. Due to the recent recognition of the positive effects of intact peatlands, there are presently several initiatives for re-wetting parts of these peatlands. However, a restoration to nearly natural conditions needs an evaluation of the current situation as well as an assessment of the restoration potential. Therefore, soil properties like peat layer thickness, bulk density and moisture content need to be known. Non-invasive hydrogeophysical methods offer the possibility for a time and cost-effective characterization of peatlands. In this study, we investigated a medium-scale peatland area (approximately 35 ha) of the 3000 ha large 'Großes Moor' peatland. We present apparent conductivity (ECa) values obtained from Electromagnetic Induction (EMI) measurements representative for three investigation depths (approximately 0.25, 0.5, and 1m). We selected zones with dissimilar ECa to identify areas where strong changes in the subsoil properties with depth are expected (i.e. shallow peat soil on top of sand). Within these areas, additional measurements were made using Ground Penetration Radar (GPR) and soil sampling was performed. In total, six 30 m long GPR profiles and corresponding common midpoint (CMP) measurements were recorded. Additionally, 15 soil cores were taken down to a depth of 0.9 m in order to obtain peat thickness, water content, pore water EC, bulk density (BD), as well as C and N content. Each core was divided into several 5 to 20 cm thick layers to obtain information on the vertical variation of these soil properties with depth. Our results indicate that the peat layer is generally characterized by lower BD, higher pore water EC, higher C content, and higher water contents compared to the underlying sand layer. Preliminary EMI results indicate a ECa - C content correlation that decreases with EMI investigation depth from 0.25 to 1 m. Regarding all soil core properties, the strongest contrast occurs at the peat-sand interface. This contrast also clearly appears in some of the GPR results. The EMI apparent conductivities are positively correlated with soil water content and peat thickness obtained from the soil cores. Preliminary GPR results confirm an increased thickness of the upper layer in areas with increased ECa values. The EMI results also reveal clear patterns linked over several fields with different land use history that represent natural structures in the subsurface.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ferrara, Alessandro; Polverino, Pierpaolo; Pianese, Cesare
2018-06-01
This paper proposes an analytical model of the water content of the electrolyte of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell. The model is designed by accounting for several simplifying assumptions, which make the model suitable for on-board/online water management applications, while ensuring a good accuracy of the considered phenomena, with respect to advanced numerical solutions. The achieved analytical solution, expressing electrolyte water content, is compared with that obtained by means of a complex numerical approach, used to solve the same mathematical problem. The achieved results show that the mean error is below 5% for electrodes water content values ranging from 2 to 15 (given as boundary conditions), and it does not overcome 0.26% for electrodes water content above 5. These results prove the capability of the solution to correctly model electrolyte water content at any operating condition, aiming at embodiment into more complex frameworks (e.g., cell or stack models), related to fuel cell simulation, monitoring, control, diagnosis and prognosis.
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Comparison of GPS receiver DCB estimation methods using a GPS network
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Choi, Byung-Kyu; Park, Jong-Uk; Min Roh, Kyoung; Lee, Sang-Jeong
2013-07-01
Two approaches for receiver differential code biases (DCB) estimation using the GPS data obtained from the Korean GPS network (KGN) in South Korea are suggested: the relative and single (absolute) methods. The relative method uses a GPS network, while the single method determines DCBs from a single station only. Their performance was assessed by comparing the receiver DCB values obtained from the relative method with those estimated by the single method. The daily averaged receiver DCBs obtained from the two different approaches showed good agreement for 7 days. The root mean square (RMS) value of those differences is 0.83 nanoseconds (ns). The standard deviation of the receiver DCBs estimated by the relative method was smaller than that of the single method. From these results, it is clear that the relative method can obtain more stable receiver DCBs compared with the single method over a short-term period. Additionally, the comparison between the receiver DCBs obtained by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) and those of the IGS Global Ionosphere Maps (GIM) showed a good agreement at 0.3 ns. As the accuracy of DCB values significantly affects the accuracy of ionospheric total electron content (TEC), more studies are needed to ensure the reliability and stability of the estimated receiver DCBs.
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Béligon, Vanessa; Poughon, Laurent; Christophe, Gwendoline; Lebert, André; Larroche, Christian; Fontanille, Pierre
2015-09-01
The improvement of culture parameters for lipid production from acetate as carbon source was investigated using the oleaginous yeast Cryptococcus curvatus. A new pH regulation system dispensing acetate was developed for fed-batch culture and allowed obtaining nearly 80 g/L biomass within 60 h with a maximal growth rate of 0.28 h(-1). A biological model was developed from experimental data. The influence of three C/N ratios of 300, 500 and 900 were tested during a multi-phases process on lipid accumulation. The C/N ratio of 300 was reported to be the most suitable for lipid storage. No significant increase of lipids content was obtained with higher value. A maximal content of 60% DCW of lipid was obtained. The determination of fatty acids profiles of the microbial oils has confirmed that the valorization of acetate by microbial oils production was a promising perspective. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Dumont, Gaël; Pilawski, Tamara; Dzaomuho-Lenieregue, Phidias; Hiligsmann, Serge; Delvigne, Frank; Thonart, Philippe; Robert, Tanguy; Nguyen, Frédéric; Hermans, Thomas
2016-09-01
The gravimetric water content of the waste material is a key parameter in waste biodegradation. Previous studies suggest a correlation between changes in water content and modification of electrical resistivity. This study, based on field work in Mont-Saint-Guibert landfill (Belgium), aimed, on one hand, at characterizing the relationship between gravimetric water content and electrical resistivity and on the other hand, at assessing geoelectrical methods as tools to characterize the gravimetric water distribution in a landfill. Using excavated waste samples obtained after drilling, we investigated the influences of the temperature, the liquid phase conductivity, the compaction and the water content on the electrical resistivity. Our results demonstrate that Archie's law and Campbell's law accurately describe these relationships in municipal solid waste (MSW). Next, we conducted a geophysical survey in situ using two techniques: borehole electromagnetics (EM) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). First, in order to validate the use of EM, EM values obtained in situ were compared to electrical resistivity of excavated waste samples from corresponding depths. The petrophysical laws were used to account for the change of environmental parameters (temperature and compaction). A rather good correlation was obtained between direct measurement on waste samples and borehole electromagnetic data. Second, ERT and EM were used to acquire a spatial distribution of the electrical resistivity. Then, using the petrophysical laws, this information was used to estimate the water content distribution. In summary, our results demonstrate that geoelectrical methods represent a pertinent approach to characterize spatial distribution of water content in municipal landfills when properly interpreted using ground truth data. These methods might therefore prove to be valuable tools in waste biodegradation optimization projects. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Kuselman, Ilya; Pennecchi, Francesca R; da Silva, Ricardo J N B; Hibbert, D Brynn
2017-11-01
The probability of a false decision on conformity of a multicomponent material due to measurement uncertainty is discussed when test results are correlated. Specification limits of the components' content of such a material generate a multivariate specification interval/domain. When true values of components' content and corresponding test results are modelled by multivariate distributions (e.g. by multivariate normal distributions), a total global risk of a false decision on the material conformity can be evaluated based on calculation of integrals of their joint probability density function. No transformation of the raw data is required for that. A total specific risk can be evaluated as the joint posterior cumulative function of true values of a specific batch or lot lying outside the multivariate specification domain, when the vector of test results, obtained for the lot, is inside this domain. It was shown, using a case study of four components under control in a drug, that the correlation influence on the risk value is not easily predictable. To assess this influence, the evaluated total risk values were compared with those calculated for independent test results and also with those assuming much stronger correlation than that observed. While the observed statistically significant correlation did not lead to a visible difference in the total risk values in comparison to the independent test results, the stronger correlation among the variables caused either the total risk decreasing or its increasing, depending on the actual values of the test results. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bala, N.; Napiah, M.; Kamaruddin, I.; Danlami, N.
2018-04-01
In this study, modelling and optimization of materials polyethylene, polypropylene and nanosilica for nanocomposite modified asphalt mixtures has been examined to obtain optimum quantities for higher fatique life. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied for the optimization based on Box Behnken design (BBD). Interaction effects of independent variables polymers and nanosilica on fatique life were evaluated. The result indicates that the individual effects of polymers and nanosilica content are both important. However, the content of nanosilica used has more significant effect on fatique life resistance. Also, the mean error obtained from optimization results is less than 5% for all the responses, this indicates that predicted values are in agreement with experimental results. Furthermore, it was concluded that asphalt mixture design with high performance properties, optimization using RSM is a very effective approach.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Fang, Zhi; Shao, Tao; Wang, Ruixue; Yang, Jing; Zhang, Cheng
2016-04-01
The dielectric barrier discharge generated in argon/oxygen mixtures at atmospheric pressure is investigated, and the effect of oxygen content on discharge characteristics at applied voltage of 4.5 kV is studied by means of electrical measurements and optical diagnostics. The results show that the filaments in the discharge regime become more densely packed with the increasing in the oxygen content, and the distribution of the filaments is more uniform in the gap. An increase in the oxygen content results in a decrease in the average power consumed and transported charges, while there exists an optimal value of oxygen content for the production of oxygen radicals. The maximal yield of oxygen radicals is obtained in mixtures of argon with 0.3% oxygen addition, and the oxygen radicals then decrease with the further increase in the oxygen content. The oxygen/argon plasma is employed to modify surface hydrophilicity of the PET films to estimate the influence of oxygen content on the surface treatment, and the static contact angles before and after the treatments are measured. The lowest contact angle is obtained at a 0.3% addition of oxygen to argon, which is in accordance with the optimum oxygen content for oxygen radicals generation. The electron density and electron temperature are estimated from the measured current and optical emission spectroscopy, respectively. The electron density is found to reduce significantly at a higher oxygen content due to the increased electron attachment, while the estimated electron temperature do not change apparently with the oxygen content. Contribution to the Topical Issue "Recent Breakthroughs in Microplasma Science and Technology", edited by Kurt Becker, Jose Lopez, David Staack, Klaus-Dieter Weltmann and Wei Dong Zhu.
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Elephant Moraine 87521 - The first lunar meteorite composed of predominantly mare material
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Warren, Paul H.; Kallemeyn, Gregory W.
1989-01-01
This paper presents the results of trace-element analyses and detailed petrography obtained for the Elephant Moraine 87521 meteorite (EET87521) found recently in Antarctica. Its high values found for the Fe/Mn ratio and the bulk-Co content indicate that the EET87521 is not, as was originally classified, a eucrite. Moreover, its low Ga/Al and Na/Ca ratios exclude the possibility that it is an SNC meteorite. These and other characteristics (e.g., a very low Ti content) of the EET87521 suggest its affinity with very-low-Ti high-alumina varieties of lunar mare basalt.
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Biogas slurry pricing method based on nutrient content
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zhang, Chang-ai; Guo, Honghai; Yang, Zhengtao; Xin, Shurong
2017-11-01
In order to promote biogas-slurry commercialization, A method was put forward to valuate biogas slurry based on its nutrient contents. Firstly, element contents of biogas slurry was measured; Secondly, each element was valuated based on its market price, and then traffic cost, using cost and market effect were taken into account, the pricing method of biogas slurry were obtained lastly. This method could be useful in practical production. Taking cattle manure raw meterial biogas slurry and con stalk raw material biogas slurry for example, their price were 38.50 yuan RMB per ton and 28.80 yuan RMB per ton. This paper will be useful for recognizing the value of biogas projects, ensuring biogas project running, and instructing the cyclic utilization of biomass resources in China.
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Puppel, Kamila; Sakowski, Tomasz; Kuczyńska, Beata; Grodkowski, Grzegorz; Gołębiewski, Marcin; Barszczewski, Jerzy; Wróbel, Barbara; Budziński, Arkadiusz; Kapusta, Aleksandra; Balcerak, Marek
2017-02-01
The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional value of organic milk in Poland, investigate the influence of diet on antioxidant capacity and degree of antioxidant protection (DAP), and to examine the effect of season on the bioactive properties of milk from organic farms. From 2014 to 2015, 820 milk samples were collected from 6 organic farms during indoor feeding season (IDS) and pasture feeding season (PS). Pasture feeding season + corn grain (PSCG) cows' daily ration during pasture feeding season was enriched with 4 kg a day of corn to improve dietary energy balance. Milk obtained during PS was found to have a higher fat content, slight but significantly lower protein content compared with milk from IDS. The study showed that the content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in milk fat was strongly linked to the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and, to a lesser extent, on the supply of MUFA. The IDS data (concentration of vitamin E, A, and β-carotene) showed the lowest values compared with the PS and PSCG groups. Total antioxidant status (TAS) and DAP showed an increasing trend in organic milk. PSCG was associated with highest level of DAP (9% higher than PS and 79% higher than IDS) and TAS (37% higher than PS and 79% higher than IDS). The results obtained show that supplementation of the basic ration with corn grain improved both TAS and DAP. The higher DAP and TAS value is responsible for product stability, considering the risk factor related to levels of cholesterol-oxide intake in humans. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.
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19 CFR 10.454 - Regional value content.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-04-01
... Agreement Rules of Origin § 10.454 Regional value content. Where General Note 26, subdivision (n), HTSUS, sets forth a rule that specifies a regional value content test for a good, the regional value content...
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19 CFR 10.535 - Regional value content.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-04-01
... Agreement Rules of Origin § 10.535 Regional value content. (a) General. Where General Note 25(o), HTSUS, sets forth a rule that specifies a regional value content test for a good, the regional value content...
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Effect of antimony-oxide on the shielding properties of some sodium-boro-silicate glasses.
Zoulfakar, A M; Abdel-Ghany, A M; Abou-Elnasr, T Z; Mostafa, A G; Salem, S M; El-Bahnaswy, H H
2017-09-01
Some sodium-silicate-boro-antimonate glasses having the molecular composition [(20) Na 2 O - (20) SiO 2 - (60-x) B 2 O 3 - (x) Sb 2 O 3 (where x takes the values 0, 5 … or 20)] have been prepared by the melt quenching method. The melting and annealing temperatures were 1500 and 650K respectively. The amorphous nature of the prepared samples was confirmed by using X-ray diffraction analysis. Both the experimental and empirical density and molar volume values showed gradual increase with increasing Sb 2 O 3 content. The empirical densities showed higher values than those obtained experimentally, while the empirical molar volume values appeared lower than those obtained experimentally, which confirm the amorphous nature and randomness character of the studied samples. The experimentally obtained shielding parameters were approximately coincident with those obtained theoretically by applying WinXCom program. At low gamma-ray energies (0.356 and 0.662MeV) Sb 2 O 3 has approximately no effect on the total Mass Attenuation Coefficient, while at high energies it acts to increase the total Mass Attenuation Coefficient gradually. The obtained Half Value Layer and Mean Free Path values showed gradual decrease as Sb 2 O 3 was gradually increased. Also, the Total Mass Attenuation Coefficient values obtained between about 0.8 and 3.0MeV gamma-ray energy showed a slight decrease, as gamma-ray photon energy increased. This may be due to the differences between the Attenuation Coefficients of both antimony and boron oxides at various gamma-ray photon energies. However, it can be stated that the addition of Sb 2 O 3 into sodium-boro-silicate glasses increases the gamma-ray Attenuation Coefficient and the best sample is that contains 20 mol% of Sb 2 O 3 , which is operating well at 0.356 and 0.662MeV gamma-ray. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Santosh, D. N.; Ravikumar, B. N.; Mahesh, B.; Vijayalaxmi, S. P.; Srinivas, Y. V.
2018-04-01
In this paper, the effect of filler content is studied on elastic properties and water absorption behavior for jute epoxy composite. For reinforcement the plain woven jute fabric is used. The bonding system consists of resin-epoxy and Hardener in the ratio 10:1 by weight. Alumina (average grain size of 30 µm) is used as filler. The effect of filler content on elastic properties and water absorption behavior studied by varying the filler content from 5%, 10%, 15% with respect to weight of epoxy. The open mould method used to fabricate the alumina filled jute-epoxy composite laminates. Tests were conducted according to ASTM standards. The evaluation assesment of elastic properties of alumina filled jute-epoxy composite materials have been analyzed by theoretically and experimentally. The speculated values are analyzed with those obtained from experimental to validate the calculated theoretically with rule of mixture procedure. Young's modulus and shear modulus were found to increase with the increase in the filler content upto 10 wt%, beyond which the modulii showed decreasing trend. Poisson's ratio was found to be continuously decreasing with the increase in the alumina filler content of jute-eposy composite. It was clearly observed that unfilled specimen has the highest saturated moisture content and 15% filled specimen has lowest value. As alumina filler content increases resistance to moisture absorption also increases. The water diffusion coefficient of composite was calculated using the diffusion coefficient equation. As filler content increases diffusion co-efficient decreases for alumina filled jute-epoxy composite.
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Exploring the Relationship Between Reflectance Red Edge and Chlorophyll Content in Slash Pine
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Curran, Paul J.; Dungan, Jennifer L.; Gholz, Henry L.
1990-01-01
Chlorophyll is a key indicator of the physiological status of a forest canopy. However, its distribution may vary greatly in time and space, so that the estimation of chlorophyll content of canopies or branches by extrapolation from leaf values obtained by destructive sampling is labor intensive and potentially inaccurate. Chlorophy11 content is related positively to the point of maximum slope in vegetation reflectance spectra which occurs at wavelengths between 690-740 nm and is known as the "red edge." The red edge of needles on individual slash pine (Piniis elliottii Engelm.) branches and in whole forest canopies was measured with a spectroradiometer. Branches were measured on the ground against a spectrally flat reflectance target and canopies were measured from observation towers against a spectrally variable understory and forest floor. There was a linear relationship between red edge and chlorophyll content of branches (R(exp 2) = 0.91). Measurements of the red edge and this relationship were used to estimate the chlorophyll content of other branches with an error that was lower than that associated with the colorimetric (laboratory) method. There was no relationship between the red edge and the chlorophyll content of whole canopies. This can be explained by the overriding influence of the understory and forest floor, an influence that was illustrated by spectral mixture modeling. The results suggest that the red edge could be used to estimate the chlorophyll content in branches but it is unlikely to be of value for the estimation of chlorophyll content in canopies unless the canopy cover is high.
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The Application of FT-IR Spectroscopy for Quality Control of Flours Obtained from Polish Producers
Ceglińska, Alicja; Reder, Magdalena; Ciemniewska-Żytkiewicz, Hanna
2017-01-01
Samples of wheat, spelt, rye, and triticale flours produced by different Polish mills were studied by both classic chemical methods and FT-IR MIR spectroscopy. An attempt was made to statistically correlate FT-IR spectral data with reference data with regard to content of various components, for example, proteins, fats, ash, and fatty acids as well as properties such as moisture, falling number, and energetic value. This correlation resulted in calibrated and validated statistical models for versatile evaluation of unknown flour samples. The calibration data set was used to construct calibration models with use of the CSR and the PLS with the leave one-out, cross-validation techniques. The calibrated models were validated with a validation data set. The results obtained confirmed that application of statistical models based on MIR spectral data is a robust, accurate, precise, rapid, inexpensive, and convenient methodology for determination of flour characteristics, as well as for detection of content of selected flour ingredients. The obtained models' characteristics were as follows: R2 = 0.97, PRESS = 2.14; R2 = 0.96, PRESS = 0.69; R2 = 0.95, PRESS = 1.27; R2 = 0.94, PRESS = 0.76, for content of proteins, lipids, ash, and moisture level, respectively. Best results of CSR models were obtained for protein, ash, and crude fat (R2 = 0.86; 0.82; and 0.78, resp.). PMID:28243483
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Zeppa, Giuseppe; Belviso, Simona; Bertolino, Marta; Cavallero, Maria Chiara; Dal Bello, Barbara; Ghirardello, Daniela; Giordano, Manuela; Giorgis, Marta; Grosso, Arianna; Rolle, Luca; Gerbi, Vincenzo
2015-06-01
Hazelnut skin is the perisperm of the hazelnut kernel. It is separated from the kernel during the roasting process and is normally discarded. Recent studies have reported that hazelnut skin is a rich source of dietary fibre as well as of natural antioxidants owing to the presence of phenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to assess the use of hazelnut skins obtained from different cultivars for enhancing the nutritional value of fresh egg pasta. Skins obtained from roasted hazelnuts of four different varieties were used at three concentrations as a flour replacement in fresh egg pasta. Hazelnut skin concentration significantly influenced all evaluated physicochemical parameters as well as consumers' appreciation for the pasta, but significant differences were also observed between the four varieties. Although pasta produced with 10 and 15% hazelnut skin displayed the highest content of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in vitro, pasta containing 5% Tombul hazelnut skin showed maximum consumer preference. The results obtained in the present study highlighted that it is possible to use hazelnut skin in fresh pasta production to obtain a fortified food with high fibre content and antioxidant activity. The characteristics of the resulting pasta were strictly correlated with the hazelnut variety used for skin production and, of course, with the percentage of skin that was added. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Lorenzo, J M; Crecente, S; Franco, D; Sarriés, M V; Gómez, M
2014-03-01
This trial was conducted to study the effect of livestock production system (freedom extensive system (FES) v. semi extensive system (SES)) and amount of finishing feed (1.5 v. 3.0 kg of commercial feed) in SES on carcass characteristics, meat quality and nutritional value of meat foal slaughtered at 18 months of age. For this study, a total of 49 foals (21 from FES and 28 from SES) were used. The obtained results showed that SES had a positive influence on carcass characteristic because these foals showed the best values for live weight, carcass weight, dressing percentage, perimeter of leg (PL) and carcass compactness index. On the other hand, finishing feeding also had a significant (P<0.05) effect on PL and lean thickness, as the highest values were obtained in foals finished with 3 kg of commercial fodder. The physico-chemical properties were significantly affected by the livestock production system with the exception of ashes content (P>0.05). Foals finished in SES increased in 408% the intramuscular fat content (0.23 v. 1.17%, for foals reared in FES and SES, respectively). On the other hand, L*-value and a*-value were significantly (P<0.01) affected by livestock production system, as foals from the FES group had a more intense redder color (higher CIE a*-value) and higher lightness (higher CIE L*-value) compared with those from the SES group. Finally, meat nutritional value was significantly affected by livestock production system, as foals from an extensive production system on wood pasture could be considered as healthier in relation to their fatty acid profiles (low n-6/n-3 ratio and high hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio) as a result of the beneficial grass intake on meat fatty acid profile.
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2012-01-01
Background Recently, an increased interest in the identification of valuable possibilities for preserving the antioxidant properties of products obtained by thermal processing of fruits rich in bioactive compounds can be noticed. In this regard, an extensive analysis is necessary in terms of thermal processed products behavior in relation to various factors. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect which processing and storage at 20°C has on the antioxidant properties and color quality of low-sugar bilberry jam with different low-methoxyl pectin (LMP) concentrations. Results For all measured parameters, it should be noted that thermal processing induced significant alterations reported to the values registered for fresh fruit. Most important losses due to thermal processing were recorded for total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA) (81-84%), followed by L-ascorbic acid (L-AsAc) content (53-58%), total phenolics (TP) content (42-51%) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) values (36-47%). Moreover, depreciation of the investigated compounds occurred during storage at 20°C. Jam storage for 7 months resulted in severe losses in TMA content in the range 58-72% from the value recorded one day after processing. This coincided with marked increases in polymeric color percent of these products after 7 months of storage. Also, bilberry jam storage for 7 months resulted in a decrease in L-AsAc content of 40-53% from the value recorded one day after processing, 41-57% in TP content and 33-46% from the value recorded one day after processing for FRAP values. By decreasing of LMP concentration in the jam recipe from 1 to 0.3% there has been an increase in losses of investigated compounds. Conclusion Overall, the results indicated that bilberry jams can also represent a good source of antioxidant compounds, although compared to the fruit, important losses seem to occur. Practical application of this work is that this kind of information will be very useful in optimizing the jam processing technology and storage conditions, in order to improve the quality of these products. PMID:22248151
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Alekseev, I I; Abakumov, E V; Shamilishvili, G A; Lodygin, E D
In August 2015 there were executed investigations on the study of the soils diversity of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. One of the directions of this work got be the study of urban soils of settlements of the Yamal-Nenents Autonomous Okrug. The sectors for the observation were settlement of Harsaim, village Aksarka, city of Salekhard, settlement Harp and city of Labytnangi. About 20 soil samples were collected during the field work. Samples were collected from a depth of 0-5 cm and 5-20 cm. Heavy metals (HM) were detected with the use of X-ray fluorescent analyzer “Spectroscan-MAX”. The HM content values were compared with the corresponding Approxible Permissible Concentrations and Maximum Allowable Concentrations (MAC) adopted in Russia. Hydrocarbons content was determined by gravimetric method. Values of the hydrocarbons content in studied soils were compared with the existing regulations of the Russian Federation. The levels of soil contamination by hydrocarbons were determined. The study of soil samples from different settlements allowed to reveal characteristic features of soil contamination of separate settlements by HM and hydrocarbons and to compare them against each other. The vast majority of samples are characterized by arsenic exceedance of MAC, which should indicate to a high regional background of this element. For a more adequate assessment of the Zc meaning as the value of the total pollution index of soils there were used not only arithmetical average values of the coefficients of the chemical composition concentration (Kc), but also their average geometric values. According to levels of total soil contamination most of soil samples are characterized as non-hazardous (Zc<16). Calculation of soil pollution index showed that the most of soil samples have values less than 1. It characterizes soils as unpolluted. Statistical processing of obtained data in the media of the analytical software interface STATISTICA 10 showed a statistically significant difference in the content ofHM and hydrocarbons for the layer of 0-20 cm of the soils for three elements (Cu, Zn, Ni).
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Wytrychowski, Marine; Daniele, Gaëlle; Casabianca, Hervé
2012-05-01
The effects of feeding bees artificial sugars and/or proteins on the sugar compositions and (13)C isotopic measurements of royal jellies (RJs) were evaluated. The sugars fed to the bees were two C4 sugars (cane sugar and maize hydrolysate), two C3 sugars (sugar beet, cereal starch hydrolysate), and honey. The proteins fed to them were pollen, soybean, and yeast powder proteins. To evaluate the influence of the sugar and/or protein feeding over time, samples were collected during six consecutive harvests. (13)C isotopic ratio measurements of natural RJs gave values of around -25 ‰, which were also seen for RJs obtained when the bees were fed honey or C3 sugars. However, the RJs obtained when the bees were fed cane sugar or corn hydrolysate (regardless of whether they were also fed proteins) gave values of up to -17 ‰. Sugar content analysis revealed that the composition of maltose, maltotriose, sucrose, and erlose varied significantly over time in accordance with the composition of the syrup fed to the bees. When corn and cereal starch hydrolysates were fed to the bees, the maltose and maltotriose contents of the RJs increased up to 5.0 and 1.3 %, respectively, compared to the levels seen in authentic samples (i.e., samples obtained when the bees were fed natural food: honey and pollen) that were inferior to 0.2% and not detected, respectively. The sucrose and erlose contents of natural RJs were around 0.2 %, whereas those in RJs obtained when the bees were fed cane or beet sugar were as much as 4.0 and 1.3 %, respectively. The combination of sugar analysis and (13)C isotopic ratio measurements represents a very efficient analytical methodology for detecting (from early harvests onward) the use of C4 and C3 artificial sugars in the production of RJ.
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Antioxidant activity and phytochemical compounds of snake fruit (Salacca Zalacca)
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Suica-Bunghez, I. R.; Teodorescu, S.; Dulama, I. D.; Voinea, O. C.; imionescu, S.; Ion, R. M.
2016-06-01
Snake fruit (Salacca zalacca) is a palm tree species, which is found in Malaysia and Indonesia. This study was conducted to investigate and compare the composition, total phenolic, flavonoid, tanins and monoterpenoids contents in the core and shell fruits. Concentration values of extracts were obtained from standard curves obtained. Antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH method. For all methods it was used the UV-VIS Specord M40, using different wavelength. The infrared spectral analysis was carried out to caracterized the type of functional group existent in snake fruit parts (shell and core).
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Structural, optical and magnetic properties of Er3+, Tb3+: YIG films prepared by sol-gel method
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Elhamali, Suleiman M.; Ibrahim, N. B.; Radiman, S.
2018-04-01
Nanoparticle Y2.8-xTb0.2ErxFe5O12 (x = 0, 0.8, 1.4, 1.8, and 2.2) films were successfully prepared using a sol-gel method. The films were deposited on a quartz substrate, followed by annealing process in air at 900 °C. The XRD patterns revealed the single-phase garnet structure of obtaining films. The results confirmed the successful incorporation of erbium and terbium ions into the YIG structure. The lattice parameter increases at low Er3+ concentration, then decreases with increment of Er3+ ions and the lowest value of 12.34 Å was obtained at (x = 2.2). The sizes of nanoparticles are in the average range from 29 to 46 nm. The addition of Er3+ ions significantly enhanced the transparency (from 64 % to 95 %) in the visible and near infrared region. Magnetic properties study showed that all films are soft ferrimagnetic materials. The saturation magnetization value increased to 190 emu/cm3 at (x=1.4), then decreased dramatically with increment of x content. Coercivity field noticeably increased with the increments of x content.
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Rajesh, N; Imelda-Joseph; Raj, R Paul
2010-11-01
Vegetable waste typically has high moisture content and high levels of protein, vitamins and minerals. Its value as an agricultural feed can be enhanced through solid-state fermentation (SSF). Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the nutritional status of the products derived by SSF of a mixture of dried vegetable waste powder and oil cake mixture (soybean flour, wheat flour, groundnut oil cake and sesame oil cake at 4:3:2:1 ratio) using fungi Aspergillus niger S(1)4, a mangrove isolate, and A. niger NCIM 616. Fermentation was carried out for 9 days at 35% moisture level and neutral pH. Significant (p<0.05) increase in crude protein and amino acids were obtained in both the trials. The crude fat and crude fibre content showed significant reduction at the end of fermentation. Nitrogen free extract (NFE) showed a gradual decrease during the fermentation process. The results of the study suggest that the fermented product obtained on days 6 and 9 in case of A. niger S(1)4 and A. niger NCIM 616 respectively contained the highest levels of crude protein. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Cai, Jie; Wu, Meng; Ren, Jie; Du, Yali; Long, Zhangbiao; Li, Guoxun; Han, Bing; Yang, Lichen
2017-05-02
Our aim was to evaluate the cut-off value and efficiency of using reticulocyte hemoglobin content as a marker to diagnose iron deficiency anemia in Chinese adults. 140 adults who needed bone marrow aspiration for diagnosis at the hematology department of the Peking Union Medical College Hospital were enrolled according to the inclusive and exclusive criteria. Venous blood samples were collected to detect complete blood count, including hemoglobin, reticulocyte hemoglobin content, hematocrit, mean cellular volume, corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, hemoglobin content, free erythrocyte protoporphyrin; iron indexes of serum ferritin, serum transferrin receptor, and unsaturated iron-binding capacity; and inflammation markers of C-reactive protein and α-acid glycoprotein. Bone marrow samples were obtained for the bone marrow iron staining, which was used as the standard for the evaluation of iron status in this study. Subjects were divided into three groups according to hemoglobin levels and bone marrow iron staining results: the IDA (iron deficiency anemia) group, the NIDA (non-iron deficiency anemia) group, and the control group. The differences of the above-mentioned indexes were compared among the three groups and the effect of inflammation was also considered. The cut-off value of reticulocyte hemoglobin content was determined by receiver operation curves. The IDA group ( n = 56) had significantly lower reticulocyte hemoglobin content, mean cellular volume, corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, hemoglobin content, and serum ferritin; and higher free erythrocyte protoporphyrin, unsaturated iron-binding capacity, and serum transferrin receptor ( p < 0.05) compared with the NIDA group ( n = 38) and control group ( n = 46). Hematocrit, serum ferritin, and unsaturated iron-binding capacity were significantly affected by inflammation while reticulocyte hemoglobin content and other parameters were not. The cut-off value of reticulocyte hemoglobin content for diagnosing iron deficiency anemia was 27.2 pg, with a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 92.9%. The cut-off values for mean cellular volume, serum ferritin, and serum transferrin receptor were 76.6, 12.9, and 4.89 mg/L, respectively. Reticulocyte hemoglobin content had the largest area under the curve of 0.929, while those for mean cellular volume, serum ferritin, serum transferrin receptor were 0.922, 0.887, and 0.900, respectively. Reticulocyte hemoglobin content has a high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia, and its comprehensive diagnostic efficacy is better than other traditional indicators-such as serum ferritin and serum transferrin receptor.
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Comparison of tissue oximeters on a liquid phantom with adjustable optical properties
Kleiser, S.; Nasseri, N.; Andresen, B.; Greisen, G.; Wolf, M.
2016-01-01
The SafeBoosC trial showed that cerebral oximetry combined with a treatment guideline can reduce the the burden of hypoxia in neonates by 50% [Brit. Med. J. 350, g7635 (2015)25569128]. However, guidelines based on oximetry by one oximeter are not directly usable by other oximeters. We made a blood-lipid phantom simulating the neonatal head to determine the relation between oxygenation values obtained by different oximeters. We calculated coefficients for easy conversion from one oximeter to the other. We additionally determined the corresponding SafeBoosC intervention thresholds at which we measured an uncertainty of up to 9.2% when varying hemoglobin content from 25μM to 70μM. In conclusion, this paper makes the comparison of absolute values obtained by different oximeters possible. PMID:27570691
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Xi, Jun; Xue, Yujing; Xu, Yinxiang; Shen, Yuhong
2013-11-01
In this study, the ultrahigh pressure extraction of green tea polyphenols was modeled and optimized by a three-layer artificial neural network. A feed-forward neural network trained with an error back-propagation algorithm was used to evaluate the effects of pressure, liquid/solid ratio and ethanol concentration on the total phenolic content of green tea extracts. The neural network coupled with genetic algorithms was also used to optimize the conditions needed to obtain the highest yield of tea polyphenols. The obtained optimal architecture of artificial neural network model involved a feed-forward neural network with three input neurons, one hidden layer with eight neurons and one output layer including single neuron. The trained network gave the minimum value in the MSE of 0.03 and the maximum value in the R(2) of 0.9571, which implied a good agreement between the predicted value and the actual value, and confirmed a good generalization of the network. Based on the combination of neural network and genetic algorithms, the optimum extraction conditions for the highest yield of green tea polyphenols were determined as follows: 498.8 MPa for pressure, 20.8 mL/g for liquid/solid ratio and 53.6% for ethanol concentration. The total phenolic content of the actual measurement under the optimum predicated extraction conditions was 582.4 ± 0.63 mg/g DW, which was well matched with the predicted value (597.2mg/g DW). This suggests that the artificial neural network model described in this work is an efficient quantitative tool to predict the extraction efficiency of green tea polyphenols. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Antioxidant activity of rye bread enriched with milled buckwheat groats fractions.
Żmijewski, Mirosław; Sokół-Łętowska, Anna; Pejcz, Ewa; Orzeł, Dagmara
2015-01-01
Buckwheat, despite its broad nutritional benefits, is still not widely appreciated grain. It contains a protein with preferred amino acid composition and it is a valuable source of micronutrients and vitamins of the B group and vitamin E. Moreover, buckwheat groats have a high amount of polyphenols, including flavonoids and flavones. Eating rye bread is beneficial due to its high content of dietary fiber, phenolic acids and characteristic taste and aroma. Therefore, the use of rye flour and buckwheat mill products for bread may allow obtaining a product of high nutritional value and flavor. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of buckwheat products addition and baking process on the antioxidant properties of rye-buckwheat blends and breads. Experimental material was rye flour type 580 and buckwheat flour, wholegrain flour and bran obtained by grinding buckwheat groats. Buckwheat products share was 20 and 35%. The control was the rye flour. In the rye-buckwheat blends and bread loaves, the contents of selected flavonoids by HPLC method, total polyphenols content by Folin-Ciocalteu method and the antioxidant activity by the DPPH˙ radical scavenging method were determined. Buckwheat bran was significantly richer in total polyphenols, rutin, quercetin, orientin and isoorientin than other buckwheat products and rye flour. Bread after baking contained similar amount of total polyphenols and quercetin and have a comparable ability to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH˙) than the corresponding blends. Baking process negatively affected the amount of rutin, orientin and isoorientin. The use of buckwheat bran as a replacement for wheat flour in bread significantly increases its nutritional value. The process of baking unequally affects the content of particular groups of antioxidant compounds.
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Energy values and estimation of power generation potentials of some non-woody biomass species
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Kumar, M.; Patel, S.K.
In view of high energy potentials in non-woody biomass species and an increasing interest in their utilization for power generation, an attempt has been made in this study to assess the proximate analysis and energy content of different components of Ocimum canum and Tridax procumbens biomass species (both non-woody), and their impact on power generation and land requirement for energy plantations. The net energy content in Ocimum canum was found to be slightly higher than that in Tridax procumbens. In spite of having higher ash contents, the barks from both the plant species exhibited higher calorific values. The results havemore » shown that approximately 650 and 1,270 hectares of land are required to generate 20,000 kWh/day electricity from Ocimum canum and Tridax procumbens biomass species. Coal samples, obtained from six different local mines, were also examined for their qualities, and the results were compared with those of studied biomass materials. This comparison reveals much higher power output with negligible emission of suspended particulate matters (SPM) from biomass materials.« less
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Developing an effective means to reduce 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural from caramel colour.
Guan, Yongguang; Chen, Mingshun; Yu, Shujuan; Tang, Qiang; Yan, He
2014-01-15
Supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction was used to extract 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural from caramel colour (solid content was about 75%). The procedure was carried out by response surface methodology using a quadratic polynomial model. Extraction pressure, time, temperature and ethanol content were selected as the independent variables. Conditions to obtain the highest extraction ratio of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural were determined to be an extraction pressure of 21.65MPa, time of 46.7min, temperature of 35°C and 70% ethanol content of caramel colour. The predicted 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural extraction ratio was 87.42%. Under the conditions stated above, the experimental value of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural extraction ratio was 86.98%, which was similar to the predicted value by the model. This study indicated that supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction can effectively reduce 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural from caramel colour, which can help food industry to improve the safety of the food material, as well as provide more healthy caramel colour for human beings. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Torres, María D; Moreira, Ramón; Chenlo, Francisco; Vázquez, María J
2012-06-20
Water adsorption isotherms of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), guar gum (GG), locust bean gum (LBG), tragacanth gum (TG) and xanthan gum (XG) were determined at different temperatures (20, 35, 50, and 65°C) using a gravimetric method. Several saturated salt solutions were selected to obtain different water activities in the range from 0.09 to 0.91. Water adsorption isotherms of tested hydrocolloids were classified like type II isotherms. In all cases, equilibrium moisture content decreased with increasing temperature at each water activity value. Three-parameter Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) model was employed to fit the experimental data in the water activity range and statistical analysis indicated that this model gave satisfactory results. CMC and GG were the most and the least hygroscopic gums, respectively. Sorption heats decreased with increasing moisture content. Monolayer moisture content evaluated with GAB model was consistent with equilibrium conditions of maximum stability calculated from thermodynamic analysis of net integral entropy. Values of equilibrium relative humidity at 20°C are proposed to storage adequately the tested gums. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Lee, Jong Suk; Ramalingam, Srinivasan; Jo, Il Guk; Kwon, Ye Som; Bahuguna, Ashutosh; Oh, Young Sook; Kwon, O-Jun; Kim, Myunghee
2018-07-01
Three refined and four unrefined branded commercial sugars available in Korea were investigated in terms of pH, soluble solids, moisture, ash content, turbidity, color values, microbial profile, reducing power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activities, cellular antioxidant activity, and total phytoconstituent (i.e. phenolic, flavonoid, mineral, sucrose, glucose, and fructose) contents using standard analytical protocols such as high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography-flame ionization detector/mass spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. All tested physicochemical parameters were within the recommended standard levels. Significantly high nutritional and antioxidant properties were observed for the unrefined sugars, especially AUNO® sugar, whereas a high sucrose content was detected for the refined sugars. Hence, this study revealed that the degree of purification affects the nutritional values and antioxidant potentials of sugars. The present findings also indicate that unrefined sugars can be used as sweeteners in sugar-based cuisine to obtain nutritional and antioxidant-rich foodstuff. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Han, Lu; Xu, Zijian; Huang, Jianhua; Meng, Zong; Liu, Yuanfa; Wang, Xingguo
2011-12-14
A kind of low-calorie structured lipid (LCSL) was obtained by interesterification of tributyrin (TB) and methyl stearate (St-ME), catalyzed by a commercially immobilized 1,3-specific lipase, Lipozyme RM IM from Rhizomucor miehei . The condition optimization of the process was conducted by using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal conditions for highest conversion of St-ME and lowest content LLL-TAG (SSS and SSP; S, stearic acid; P, palmitic acid) were determined to be a reaction time 6.52 h, a substrate molar ratio (St-ME:TB) of 1.77:1, and an enzyme amount of 10.34% at a reaction temperature of 65 °C; under these conditions, the actually measured conversion of St-ME and content of LLL-TAG were 78.47 and 4.89% respectively, in good agreement with predicted values. The target product under optimal conditions after short-range molecular distillation showed solid fat content (SFC) values similar to those of cocoa butter substitutes (CBS), cocoa butter equivalent (CBE), and cocoa butters (CB), indicating its application for inclusion with other fats as cocoa butter substitutes.
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Antioxidant Activities and Oxidative Stabilities of Some Unconventional Oilseeds.
Uluata, Sibel; Ozdemir, Nurhayat
2012-04-01
The oils of some unconventional oilseeds (hemp, radish, terebinth, stinging nettle, laurel) were obtained by a cold-press method in which the total oil content, fatty acids, tocopherol isomers, some metal contents (Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu), antioxidant activity and oxidative stability were determined. The total oil content was determined ranging between 30.68 and 43.12%, and the oil samples had large amounts of unsaturated fatty acids, with oleic acid and linoleic acid. Of all the oils, terebinth seed oil had the highest α-tocopherol content (102.21 ± 1.01 mg/kg oil). Laurel oilseed had the highest antiradical activity in both the DPPH and ABTS assays. The peroxide value of the non-oxidized oils ranged between 0.51 and 3.73 mequiv O(2)/kg oil. The TBARS value of the non-oxidized oils ranged between 0.68 ± 0.02 and 6.43 ± 0.48 mmol MA equiv/g oil. At 110 °C, the Rancimat induction period of the oils ranged between 1.32 and 43.44 h. The infrared spectra of the samples were recorded by FTIR spectroscopy. The absorbance values of the spectrum bands were observed and it was determined that some of the chemical groups of oxidized oils caused changes in absorbance. As a result of the present research, the analyzed oils could be evaluated as an alternative to traditionally consumed vegetable oils or as additives to them.
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Estimating soil matric potential in Owens Valley, California
Sorenson, Stephen K.; Miller, R.F.; Welch, M.R.; Groeneveld, D.P.; Branson, F.A.
1988-01-01
Much of the floor of the Owens Valley, California, is covered with alkaline scrub and alkaline meadow plant communities, whose existence is dependent partly on precipitation and partly on water infiltrated into the rooting zone from the shallow water table. The extent to which these plant communities are capable of adapting to and surviving fluctuations in the water table depends on physiological adaptations of the plants and on the water content, matric potential characteristics of the soils. Two methods were used to estimate soil matric potential in test sites in Owens Valley. The first was the filter-paper method, which uses water content of filter papers equilibrated to water content of soil samples taken with a hand auger. The other method of estimating soil matric potential was a modeling approach based on data from this and previous investigations. These data indicate that the base 10 logarithm of soil matric potential is a linear function of gravimetric soil water content for a particular soil. Estimates of soil water characteristic curves were made at two sites by averaging the gravimetric soil water content and soil matric potential values from multiple samples at 0.1 m depths derived by using the hand auger and filter paper method and entering these values in the soil water model. The characteristic curves then were used to estimate soil matric potential from estimates of volumetric soil water content derived from neutron-probe readings. Evaluation of the modeling technique at two study sites indicated that estimates of soil matric potential within 0.5 pF units of the soil matric potential value derived by using the filter paper method could be obtained 90 to 95% of the time in soils where water content was less than field capacity. The greatest errors occurred at depths where there was a distinct transition between soils of different textures. (Lantz-PTT)
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Determination of Ionospheric Total Electron Content Derived from Gnss Measurements
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Inyurt, S.; Mekik, C.; Yildirim, O.
2014-12-01
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) has been used in numerous fields especially related to satellite- based radio navigation system for a long time. Ionosphere, one of the upper atmosphere layers ranges from 60 km to 1500 km, is a dispersive medium and it includes a number of free electrons and ions. The ionization is mainly subject to the sun and its activity. Ionospheric activity depends also on seasonal, diurnal variations and geographical location. Total Electron Content (TEC), which is also called Slant Total Electron Content (STEC), is a parameter that changes according to ionospheric conditions and has highly variable structure. Furthermore, Vertical TEC (VTEC) can be explained as TEC value in the direction of zenith. Thanks to VTEC, TEC values can be modelled. TEC is measured in units of TECU and 1TECU= 1016 electrons/m2. Ionospheric modelling has a great importance for improving the accuracies of positioning and understanding the ionosphere. Thus, various models have been developed to detect TEC value in the last years. Single Layer Model (SLM) which provides determining TEC value and GPS positioning in the ionosphere accurately is one of the most commonly used models. SLM assumes that all free electrons are concentrated in a shell of infinitesimal thickness. In this paper SLM model was used to derive TEC values by means of Bernese 5.0 program developed by the University of Bern, Sweden. In this study, we have used regional ionosphere model to derive TEC value. First of all, GPS data have been collected from 10 stations in Turkey and 13 IGS stations for 7 days from 06.03.2010 to 12.03.2010. Then, Regional Ionosphere Model (RIM) is created with the reference of the GPS data. At the end of the process, the result files are stored as IONEX format. TEC results for those days are obtained with two hours interval. TEC variation related to the research area ranges from nearly 6 TECU to approximately 20 TECU. The obtained results show that TEC values start increasing until mid-days and reach peak value at 12:00 UT. After 12:00 UT it begins decreasing gradually towards night because of recombination of the ions. As a result, SLM is an effective model for mapping TEC values and determination of TEC variation can be used to identify many studies such as precursor of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and launching site determination etc.
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Deformation of the total ozone content field in the tropical zone
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Vasilyev, Victor I.
1994-01-01
Presented are the ozone investigation results obtained in the tropical zone. Measurements of the total ozone content (TOC) were carried out by the ozonometer M-124. The ozonometer was automated to investigate the ozone intradiurnal variations and to increase precision of the TOC measurements. Obtained results allowed us to follow the effect of tropical cyclones (TC) on the TOC field. Several days before the TC formation the TOC increase is observed in daily mean course compared with the background one. Three types of trend can be singled out in the TOC intradiurnal course: zero, parabolic, quasi-linear. Maximum velocities of a trend are observed some days before the TC formation. Analogous harmonic constituents are mainly presented as spectrum of daily means of ozone, mean and absolute velocities of trend and dispersion as well as spectra of meteorological, hydrometeorological and actinometric values. Revealed is a number of day-to-day ozone variations concerned with large-scale circulations; moisture content in the atmosphere. Obtained are the data about short-period ozone waves (period less than a day). Thin-film silver sensors were used to measure the vertical ozone distribution (VOD). Atmospheric aerosol and VOD measurements were carried out simultaneously, they gave data of the VOD layered structure, where the VOD local minima coincided with the position of aerosol layers' maxima.
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Characterisation of Aronia powders obtained by different drying processes.
Horszwald, Anna; Julien, Heritier; Andlauer, Wilfried
2013-12-01
Nowadays, food industry is facing challenges connected with the preservation of the highest possible quality of fruit products obtained after processing. Attention has been drawn to Aronia fruits due to numerous health promoting properties of their products. However, processing of Aronia, like other berries, leads to difficulties that stem from the preparation process, as well as changes in the composition of bioactive compounds. Consequently, in this study, Aronia commercial juice was subjected to different drying techniques: spray drying, freeze drying and vacuum drying with the temperature range of 40-80 °C. All powders obtained had a high content of total polyphenols. Powders gained by spray drying had the highest values which corresponded to a high content of total flavonoids, total monomeric anthocyanins, cyaniding-3-glucoside and total proanthocyanidins. Analysis of the results exhibited a correlation between selected bioactive compounds and their antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, drying techniques have an impact on selected quality parameters, and different drying techniques cause changes in the content of bioactives analysed. Spray drying can be recommended for preservation of bioactives in Aronia products. Powder quality depends mainly on the process applied and parameters chosen. Therefore, Aronia powders production should be adapted to the requirements and design of the final product. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Action of multi-enzyme complex on protein extraction to obtain a protein concentrate from okara.
de Figueiredo, Vitória Ribeiro Garcia; Yamashita, Fábio; Vanzela, André Luis Laforga; Ida, Elza Iouko; Kurozawa, Louise Emy
2018-04-01
The objective of this study was to optimize the extraction of protein by applying a multi-enzymatic pretreatment to okara, a byproduct from soymilk processing. The multi-enzyme complex Viscozyme, containing a variety of carbohydrases, was used to hydrolyze the okara cell walls and facilitate extraction of proteins. Enzyme-assisted extraction was carried out under different temperatures (37-53 °C), enzyme concentrations (1.5-4%) and pH values (5.5-6.5) according to a central composite rotatable design. After extraction, the protein was concentrated by isoelectric precipitation. The optimal conditions for maximum protein content and recovery in protein concentrate were 53 °C, pH 6.2 and 4% of enzyme concentration. Under these conditions, protein content of 56% (dry weight basis) and a recovery of 28% were obtained, representing an increase of 17 and 86%, respectively, compared to the sample with no enzymatic pretreatment. The multi-enzyme complex Viscozyme hydrolyzed the structural cell wall polysaccharides, improving extraction and obtaining protein concentrate from the okara. An electrophoretic profile of the protein concentrate showed two distinct bands, corresponding to the acidic and basic subunits of the protein glycinin. There were no limiting amino acids in the protein concentrate, which had a greater content of arginine.
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Liquid smoke characteristics from the pyrolysis of oil palm fronds
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Maulina, S.; Silia, F.
2018-02-01
This study was conducted as means to characterize the pyrolysis of oil palm fronds into more economical products. In particular, this study was focused on pyrolysis of oil palm fronds, which could generate products such as liquid smoke, tar and char. Four characteristics of liquid smoke were examined in this study, namely the yield of liquid smoke, phenolic content, total acid content and pH. These characteristics were examined in a temperature of 150 °C, 200 °C and 250 °C with processing time of 60 minutes, 90 minutes and 120 minutes. This study revealed that the highest yield of liquid smoke was equal to 43.47% at a temperature of 150 °C for approximately 2 hours, while the highest level of phenolic was obtained at a temperature of 250 °C for approximately 1 hour. Moreover, the highest total acid content obtained was 11.23% at a temperature of 150 °C with a time of 1 hour. In addition, all operating conditions has produced liquid smoke with an average pH value of 3.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Christina, Daisy; Hermansyah, Heri; Wijanarko, Anondho; Rohmatin, Etin; Sahlan, Muhamad; Pratami, Diah Kartika; Mun'im, Abdul
2018-02-01
Antioxidants are inhibitory compounds that can inhibit auto oxidation reaction by binding to free radicals and highly reactive molecules. The human body needs antioxidant. Antioxidants can be obtained from a variety of natural ingredients, including propolis. Propolis is the natural sap of the bees, obtained from the herbs around the honeycomb. Ethanol is the solvent that often used to extract propolis. Although it has many advantages, ethanol also has weaknesses such as intolerance to alcohol by some people. Therefore, this research was to extract propolis Tetragonula sp. coarse (C) and soft (S) using four varieties of organic solvent, i.e. olive oil (OO), virgin coconut oil (VCO), propylene glycol (PG), and lecithin (L). It was expected to get the best solvent in extracting propolis. The selection of the best solvent was determined by total flavonoids and polyphenols content assay and antioxidant activity. At each test, the absorbance value read by a microplate reader. Flavonoids content assay is using AlCl3 method with best result on rough-VCO propolis extract of 2509,767 ± 615,02 µg/mL. Polyphenols content assay was using Folin Ciocalteu method with the best results on soft-VCO propolis extract of 1391 ± 171.47 µg/mL. Antioxidant activity assay is using DPPH method with best result on soft-VCO propolis extract with IC50 value of 1,559 ± 0,222 µg/mL.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Batubara, I.; Suparto, I. H.; Wulandari, N. S.
2017-03-01
Guava leaves contain various compounds that have biological activity such as kaempferol and quercetin as anticancer. Twelve extraction techniques were performed to obtain the best extraction technique to isolate kaempferol and quercetin from the guava leaves. Toxicity of extracts was tested against Artemia salina larvae. All extracts were toxic (LC50 value less than 1000 ppm) except extract of direct soxhletation on guava leaves, and extract of sonication and soxhletation using n-hexane. The extract with high content of total phenols and total flavonoids, low content of tannins, intense color of spot on thin layer chromatogram was selected for high performance liquid chromatography analysis. Direct sonication of guava leaves was chosen as the best extraction technique with kampferol and quercetin content of 0.02% and 2.15%, respectively. In addition to high content of kaempferol and quercetin, direct sonication was chosen due to the shortest extraction time, lesser impurities and high toxicity.
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Investigation of Polyhenolic Content of Rose Hip (Rosa canina L.) Tea Extracts: A Comparative Study
İlbay, Zeynep; Şahin, Selin; Kırbaşlar, Ş. İsmail
2013-01-01
Three different brands of Rose hip (Rosa canina L.) tea were extracted with water, ethanol (EtOH), methanol (MeOH), and aqueous mixtures (50%, v/v) by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and Soxhlet methods. Total phenolic content was determined according to the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The results were presented by means of the extract yields and total phenolic contents, expressed in gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per g of dried matter (DM). The greatest amount of extract observed in tea samples was obtained by UAE through water with the value of 619.37 ± 0.58 mg/g DM. Regarding the phenolic content, the best result was achieved by the Soxhlet method through 50% MeOH mixture (59.69 ± 0.89 mg GAE/g DM), followed by the UAE method with water (48.59 ± 0.29 mg GAE/g DM). PMID:28239095
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Solubility of Nitrogen in Superaustenitic Stainless Steels During Air Induction Melting
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Chandrasekar, A.; Anburaj, J.; Narayanan, R.; Balusamy, V.; Mohamed Nazirudeen, S. S.
2013-04-01
The amount of nitrogen contained in super austenitic stainless steels (SASS) influences their properties significantly. The effect of maximum amount of nitrogen in the highly alloyed Cr and Ni SASS containing further additions of Mo and Mn is studied. The calculated nitrogen contents of the experimental alloys are compared with the actual nitrogen contents obtained in the alloys produced using induction melting furnace. The actual nitrogen content of the alloys is always lower than the calculated value, and this discrepancy is due to the presence of positive interaction parameters of Ni, Cu, and Si in the alloy. However, the yield of nitrogen in the liquid SASS is improved significantly with additions of Mn and Mo contents. The construction of multicomponent phase diagrams for SASS is demonstrated using Thermo-Calc software. SASS containing more nitrogen exhibited a very high strength without loss of toughness.
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Adamczyk-Szabela, Dorota; Markiewicz, Justyna; Wolf, Wojciech M
The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of soil pH on the uptake of copper, zinc, and manganese by Valeriana officinalis . Preliminary studies involved soil analyses to determine acidity, organic matter content, and copper, zinc, and manganese total and bioavailable forms. The study involved atomic absorption spectrometry to determine the concentration of the elements, and mineral soil of pH = 5.1 was used in the study, as being typical for central Poland. The copper, zinc, and manganese contents were determined in plants grown in soils which had been modified to cover a wide range of pH values 3÷13. The intensity of germination was strongly pH dependent with the highest yield obtained in original, unmodified soil. Surprisingly, high soil alkalinity stimulated copper and manganese uptake while at the same time resulting in a decrease in zinc content.
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Juárez, J; Galaz, J G; Machi, L; Burboa, M; Gutiérrez-Millán, L E; Goycoolea, F M; Valdez, M A
2007-03-15
Interfacial properties of N-nitrosodiethylamine/bovine serum albumin (NDA/BSA) complexes were investigated at the air-water interface. The interfacial behavior at the chloroform-water interface of the interaction product of phospholipid 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), dissolved in the chloroform phase, and NDA/BSA complex, in the aqueous phase, were also analyzed by using a drop tensiometer. The secondary structure changes of BSA with different NDA concentrations were monitored by circular dichroism spectroscopy at different pH and the NDA/BSA interaction was probed by fluorescence spectroscopy. Different NDA/BSA mixtures were prepared from 0, 7.5 x 10(-5), 2.2 x 10(-4), 3.7 x 10(-4), 5 x 10(-4), 1.6 x 10(-3), and 3.1 x 10(-3) M NDA solutions in order to afford 0, 300/1, 900/1, 1 500/1, 2 000/1, 6 000/1, and 12 500/1 NDA/BSA molar ratios, respectively, in the aqueous solutions. Increments of BSA alpha-helix contents were obtained up to the 2 000/1 NDA/BSA molar ratio, but at ratios beyond this value, the alpha-helix content practically disappeared. These BSA structure changes produced an increment of the surface pressure at the air-water interface, as the alpha-helix content increased with the concentration of NDA. On the contrary, when alpha-helix content decreased, the surface pressure also appeared lower than the one obtained with pure BSA solutions. The interaction of DPPC with NDA/BSA molecules at the chloroform-water interface produced also a small, but measurable, pressure increment with the addition of NDA molecules. Dynamic light scattering measurements of the molecular sizes of NDA/BSA complex at pH 4.6, 7.1, and 8.4 indicated that the size of extended BSA molecules at pH 4.6 increased in a greater proportion with the increment in NDA concentration than at the other studied pH values. Diffusion coefficients calculated from dynamic surface tension values, using a short-term solution of the general adsorption model of Ward and Tordai, also showed differences with pH and the NDA concentration. Both, the storage and loss dilatational elastic modulus were obtained at the air-water and at the chloroform-water interfaces. The interaction of NDA/BSA with DPPC at the chloroform-water produced a less rigid monolayer than the one obtained with pure DPPC (1 x 10(-5) M), indicating a significant penetration of NDA/BSA molecules at the interface. At short times and pH 4.6, the values of the storage elastic modulus were larger and more sensible to the NDA addition than the ones at pH 7.1 and 8.4, probably due to a gel-like network formation at the air-water interface.
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Liu, Wei; Du, Peijun; Wang, Dongchen
2015-01-01
One important method to obtain the continuous surfaces of soil properties from point samples is spatial interpolation. In this paper, we propose a method that combines ensemble learning with ancillary environmental information for improved interpolation of soil properties (hereafter, EL-SP). First, we calculated the trend value for soil potassium contents at the Qinghai Lake region in China based on measured values. Then, based on soil types, geology types, land use types, and slope data, the remaining residual was simulated with the ensemble learning model. Next, the EL-SP method was applied to interpolate soil potassium contents at the study site. To evaluate the utility of the EL-SP method, we compared its performance with other interpolation methods including universal kriging, inverse distance weighting, ordinary kriging, and ordinary kriging combined geographic information. Results show that EL-SP had a lower mean absolute error and root mean square error than the data produced by the other models tested in this paper. Notably, the EL-SP maps can describe more locally detailed information and more accurate spatial patterns for soil potassium content than the other methods because of the combined use of different types of environmental information; these maps are capable of showing abrupt boundary information for soil potassium content. Furthermore, the EL-SP method not only reduces prediction errors, but it also compliments other environmental information, which makes the spatial interpolation of soil potassium content more reasonable and useful.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Xin, Qi; Zhi Ling, Hou; Jian Long, Tian; Zhu, Yu
2006-08-01
The aim was to develop a simple and rapid method for determination of fat and protein content in milk. Based on the laser light scattering theory, the ratio of the scattered light (at 90±0.05° scattering angles) intensity to the transmitted light intensity, which is called scattered-transmitted-ratio method, is adopted as the optical parameter representing the milk fat content and the protein content. In this way, the influence of the fluctuation of the power of the light source is eliminated and the accuracy of determination is improved accordingly. The system we use is real-time and can satisfy the challenging requirements of dairy farming. Results of this study indicate the feasibility of using this technology for fresh milk fat and protein analysis. The fat contents and protein contents of 50 milk samples determined by this method were consistent with the values obtained by the reference methods based on Rose-Gottlieb method and Kjeldahl determination of N method. In this paper, the operating principle of the instrument is introduced and the influence of the environmental conditions, such as the homogenization pressure and homogenization temperature, etc. on the result of the test is analyzed. Through data analysis, the concrete schemes for testing the fat using the curve fitting and testing the protein using the surface fitting technique are determined. Finally, the difference from the reference values of the test is discussed.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Choi, Bo Kyeong; Jang, Sung Wook; Kim, Eung Soo, E-mail: eskim@kyonggi.ac.kr
2015-07-15
The effects of the crystallization behaviour of CaMgSi{sub 2}O{sub 6} (diopside) glass-ceramics on their microwave dielectric properties were investigated as functions of the Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} content and heat-treatment method used (one or two steps). The crystallization behaviours of the specimens were affected by the Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} content as well as by the heat-treatment method employed, and were evaluated using X-ray diffraction and the combined Rietveld and reference intensity ratio (RIR) method. The dielectric constants (K) of the specimens did not change significantly with an increase in the Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} content. The quality factor (Qf) of the specimensmore » increased for Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} contents of up to 0.5 wt% Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3}, but then decreased for higher contents. These results could be attributed to the degree of crystallization. For the same Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} content, the specimens that underwent a two-step heat treatment showed lower K values and higher Qf values than those heat-treated in one-step. These results could be attributed to the smaller crystallite size and higher degree of crystallization in the specimens obtained from the two-step heat treatment compared with those of the specimens heat-treated in one-step method.« less
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Zhang, Hong-Tao; Xiong, Weili; Hu, Jianhua; Xu, Baoguo; Lin, Chi-Chung; Xu, Ling; Jiang, Lihua
2014-01-01
Production of high quality Chinese rice wine largely depends on fermentation temperature. However, there is no report on the ethanol, sugars, and acids kinetics in the fermentation mash of Chinese rice wine treated at various temperatures. The effects of fermentation temperatures on Chinese rice wine quality were investigated. The compositions and concentrations of ethanol, sugars, glycerol, and organic acids in the mash of Chinese rice wine samples were determined by HPLC method. The highest ethanol concentration and the highest glycerol concentration both were attained at the fermentation mash treated at 23°C. The highest peak value of maltose (90 g/L) was obtained at 18°C. Lactic acid and acetic acid both achieved maximum values at 33°C. The experimental results indicated that temperature contributed significantly to the ethanol production, acid flavor contents, and sugar contents in the fermentation broth of the Chinese rice wines. PMID:24672788
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Characterisation of the wall-slip during extrusion of heavy-clay products
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kocserha, I.; Gömze, A. L.; Kulkov, S.; Kalatur, E.; Buyakova, S. P.; Géber, R.; Buzimov, A. Y.
2017-01-01
During extrusion through the extrusion die, heavy-clay compounds are usually show plug flow with extensive slip at the wall of the die. In this study, the viscosity and the thickness of the slip layer were investigated. For the examination a brick-clay from Malyi (Hungary) deposit was applied as a raw material. The clay was characterised by XRPD, BET, SEM and granulometry. As the slip layer consists of suspension of the fine clay fraction so the clay minerals content of the clay (d<2µm) was separated by the help of sedimentation. The viscosity of suspension with different water content was measured by means of rotational viscosimeter. The thickness of the slip layer was calculated from the measured viscosity and other data obtained from an earlier study with capillary rheometer. The calculated thickness value showed a tendency to reach a limit value by increasing the extrusion speed.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Suryaningsih, S.; Nurhilal, O.; Yuliah, Y.; Mulyana, C.
2017-05-01
The increasing in world population and the industrial sector led to increased demand for energy sources. To do this by utilizing the agricultural waste as a fuel source of alternative energy in the form of bio briquette. The aim at this study was to obtain data onto the characteristics of a wide variety of biomass briquettes from waste agricultural industry. The basic ingredients used are biomass waste from coconut husks, sawdust, rice husks and coffee husks. Each of these biomass residues are dried, crushed, then mixed with starch adhesives. This mixture is molded and dried using sunlight. Each type of briquettes was characterized and analyzed the physical-chemical properties, including calorific value, water content, fixed carbon content and the results were compared with charcoal and coal that was used as fuel in public. The results showed that bio briquettes from coconut husks get the highest calorific value of 4,451 cal/g.
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Gonzálvez, A; Armenta, S; De La Guardia, M
2008-01-01
A methodology based on inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) after microwave-assisted acid digestion was developed to determine the content of traces elements in curry samples from the Spanish market. The methodology was validated in terms of accuracy by the analysis of citrus and tomato leaf reference materials achieving comparable results with the certified values. The trace metal content of curry samples was compared with data available from previously published reports concerning Indian samples, especially in terms of heavy metal composition, in order to guarantee the quality of the commercially available spices in the European countries. Values found for the analysis of arsenic, lead and cadmium were significantly lower than the maximum limit allowed by European Union statutory limits for heavy metals and lower than those obtained for Indian curry leaves reported by Indian research teams by using neutron activation and γ-ray analysis.
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Liu, Dengfeng; Zhang, Hong-Tao; Xiong, Weili; Hu, Jianhua; Xu, Baoguo; Lin, Chi-Chung; Xu, Ling; Jiang, Lihua
2014-01-01
Production of high quality Chinese rice wine largely depends on fermentation temperature. However, there is no report on the ethanol, sugars, and acids kinetics in the fermentation mash of Chinese rice wine treated at various temperatures. The effects of fermentation temperatures on Chinese rice wine quality were investigated. The compositions and concentrations of ethanol, sugars, glycerol, and organic acids in the mash of Chinese rice wine samples were determined by HPLC method. The highest ethanol concentration and the highest glycerol concentration both were attained at the fermentation mash treated at 23 °C. The highest peak value of maltose (90 g/L) was obtained at 18 °C. Lactic acid and acetic acid both achieved maximum values at 33 °C. The experimental results indicated that temperature contributed significantly to the ethanol production, acid flavor contents, and sugar contents in the fermentation broth of the Chinese rice wines.
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Martínez-Morillas, Rocío; Ramírez, Rafael; Sánchez-Marcos, Jorge; Fonda, Emiliano; de Andrés, Alicia; Prieto, Carlos
2014-02-12
Transparent and conductive indium titanium oxide (ITiO) films have been obtained by electron beam physical vapour deposition with Ti content from 5 at % up to 28 at %. X-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques have been used to identify the local environment of Ti ions. Even at the lowest concentrations Ti is not incorporated into the In2O3 structure but forms clusters of a Ti-In mixed oxide that present a distorted rutile TiO2 short-range order. The optical transmittance of the annealed samples reaches 95 % and no significant variation of the gap energy (around 3.7 eV) is observed with Ti content. The electronic conductivity under light irradiation is studied evidencing a huge photo-resistance in the samples with Ti content above 22 at % reaching more than two orders of magnitude for the 26 at % Ti under illumination with few μW/cm(2) at 365 nm. Hall and conductivity results are analyzed using a model that takes into account both electron and hole carriers as well as the conductivity enhancement by carrier photogeneration. The electron carrier density decreases with Ti content while its mobility increases up to values of 1000 cm(2)/(V s). Oxygen annealed ITiO films obtained by this technique with Ti content below 10 at % have properties adequate as transparent semiconductors and those with Ti content higher than 22 at % have exceptional photoresistive properties relevant for numerous applications.
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Hla, San Shwe; Roberts, Daniel
2015-07-01
The development and deployment of thermochemical waste-to-energy systems requires an understanding of the fundamental characteristics of waste streams. Despite Australia's growing interest in gasification of waste streams, no data are available on their thermochemical properties. This work presents, for the first time, a characterisation of green waste and municipal solid waste in terms of chemistry and energy content. The study took place in Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland. The municipal solid waste was hand-sorted and classified into ten groups, including non-combustibles. The chemical properties of the combustible portion of municipal solid waste were measured directly and compared with calculations made based on their weight ratios in the overall municipal solid waste. The results obtained from both methods were in good agreement. The moisture content of green waste ranged from 29% to 46%. This variability - and the tendency for soil material to contaminate the samples - was the main contributor to the variation of samples' energy content, which ranged between 7.8 and 10.7MJ/kg. The total moisture content of food wastes and garden wastes was as high as 70% and 60%, respectively, while the total moisture content of non-packaging plastics was as low as 2.2%. The overall energy content (lower heating value on a wet basis, LHVwb) of the municipal solid waste was 7.9MJ/kg, which is well above the World Bank-recommended value for utilisation in thermochemical conversion processes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Teng, Le-sheng; Wang, Di; Song, Jia; Zhang, Yi-bo; Guo, Wei-liang; Teng, Li-rong
2008-08-01
Since 1980s, tuberculosis has become increasingly serious. Rifampicin tablets, isoniazide tablets, pyrazinamide tablets, rifampicin and isoniazide tablets and rifampicin isoniazide and pyrazinamide tablets are currently relatively efficacious antituberculosis drugs. In the present paper, near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) with partial least squares (PLS) was applied to the simultaneous determination of rifampicin (RMP), isoniazide (INH) and pyrazinamide (PZA) contents in 5 varieties of anti-tuberculosis tablets. As the results showed, all of the models for the determination of RMP, INH and PZA contents applied the original NIR spectra. The most efficacious wavelength range for the determination of RMP contents was 1981-2195 nm, it was 1540-1717 nm and 2086-2197 nm for the determination of INH contents, and it was 1460-1537 nm, 1956-2022 nm and 2268-2393 nm for determination of PZA contents. The root mean square error of the calibration set obtained by cross-validation (RMSECV) of the optimum models for the quantitative analysis of RMP, INH and PZA contents was 0.0494, 0.0257 and 0.0307, respectively. Using these optimum models for the determination of RMP, INH and PZA contents in prediction set, the root mean square error of prediction set (RMSEP) was 0.0182, 0.0166 and 0.0134, respectively. The correlation coefficient (r(p)) between the predicted values and actual values was 0.9864, 0.9989 and 0.9993, respectively. These results demonstrated that this method was precise and reliable, and is significative for in situ measurement and the on-line quality control for anti-tuberculosis tablets production.
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Balabanova, Biljana; Stafilov, Trajče; Šajn, Robert; Andonovska, Katerina Bačeva
2017-02-23
Distributions of a total of 21 elements were monitored in significantly lead-zinc polluted area using moss species (Hypnum cupressiforme and Camptothecium lutescens) used interchangeably, covering a denser sampling network. Interspecies comparison was conducted using Box-Cox transformed values, due to their skewed distribution. The median concentrations of trace elements in the both mosses examined decreased in the following order: Fe>Mn>Zn>Pb>Cu>Ni∼Cr∼As>Co>Cd>Hg. For almost all analyzed elements, H. cupressiforme revealed higher bio-accumulative abilities. For arsenic contents was obtained ER-value in favor of C. lutescens. The ER for the element contents according to the distance from the pollution source in selected areas was significantly enriched for the anthropogenic introduced elements As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn. After Box-Cox transformation of the content values, T B was significantly different for As (4.82), Cd (3.84), Cu (2.95), Pb (4.38), and Zn (4.23). Multivariate factor analysis singled out four elemental associations: F1 (Al-Co-Cr-Fe-Li-Ni-V), F2 (Cd-Pb-Zn), F3 (Ca-Mg-Na-P) and F4 (Cu) with a total variance of 89%. Spatial distribution visualized the hazardously higher contents of "hot spots" of Cd > 1.30 mg/kg, Cu > 22 mg/kg, Pb > 130 mg/kg and Zn > 160 mg/kg. Therefore, main approach in moss biomonitoring should be based on data management of the element distribution by reducing the effect of extreme values (considering Box-Cox data transformation); the interspecies variation in sampling media does not deviate in relation to H. cupressiforme vs. C. lutescens.
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Influence of type of muscles on nutritional value of foal meat.
Lorenzo, José M; Pateiro, Mirian
2013-03-01
The effect of type of muscle on nutritional characteristic (fatty acid profile, amino acid content, cholesterol and major and minor mineral) of foal meat was investigated. Six muscles: longissimus dorsi (LD), semimembranosus (SM), semitendinosus (ST), biceps femoris (BF), triceps brachii (TB) and psoas major & minor (PM) from twelve foals slaughtered at 15 months from an extensive production system in freedom regimen were extracted for this study. Horse meat is characterized by low fat, low cholesterol content, rich in iron and in vitamin B. Statistical analysis showed that the cholesterol content did not show significant differences (P>0.05) among muscle with mean value range between 0.62 and 0.57 mg/100g. Most fatty acid presented significant differences (P<0.05) with respect to the type of muscle. The obtained results showed that except for the polyunsaturated linoleic acid, the highest contents of fatty acids were found in the hindquarter muscles. Regarding amino acid profile, significant differences (P<0.05) were observed among muscles and our results indicated that, 100g of foal meat covered from 80.6 to 86.7% for the daily requirement for an adult man weighing 70 kg for essential amino acids for ST and LD muscles, respectively. Statistical analysis showed significant differences (P=0.050) for the EAA (essential amino acids) index, which was highest for TB muscle, followed by BF and SM muscles, while the lowest values were reported by ST muscle. Finally, foal meat seems to be a very good nutritional source of major and minor minerals. The higher nutritional value of foal meat will be of great importance in the promotion of this meat. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Hyperspectral imaging detection of decayed honey peaches based on their chlorophyll content.
Sun, Ye; Wang, Yihang; Xiao, Hui; Gu, Xinzhe; Pan, Leiqing; Tu, Kang
2017-11-15
Honey peach is a very common but highly perishable market fruit. When pathogens infect fruit, chlorophyll as one of the important components related to fruit quality, decreased significantly. Here, the feasibility of hyperspectral imaging to determine the chlorophyll content thus distinguishing diseased peaches was investigated. Three optimal wavelengths (617nm, 675nm, and 818nm) were selected according to chlorophyll content via successive projections algorithm. Partial least square regression models were established to determine chlorophyll content. Three band ratios were obtained using these optimal wavelengths, which improved spatial details, but also integrates the information of chemical composition from spectral characteristics. The band ratio values were suitable to classify the diseased peaches with 98.75% accuracy and clearly show the spatial distribution of diseased parts. This study provides a new perspective for the selection of optimal wavelengths of hyperspectral imaging via chlorophyll content, thus enabling the detection of fungal diseases in peaches. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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The effect of mixing ratio variation of sludge and organic solid waste on biodrying process
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nasution, A. C.; Kristanto, G. A.
2018-01-01
In this study, organic waste was co-biodried with sludge cake to determine which mixing ratio gave the best result. The organic waste was consisted of dried leaves and green leaves, while the sludge cake was obtained from a waste water treatment plant in Bekasi. The experiment was performed on 3 lab-scale reactors with same specifications. After 21 days of experiment, it was found that the reactor with the lowest mixing fraction of sludge (5:1) has the best temperature profile and highest moisture content depletion compared with others. Initial moisture content and initial volatile solid content of this reactor’s feedstock was 52.25% and 82.4% respectively. The airflow rate was 10 lpm. After biodrying was done, the final moisture content of the feedstock from Reactor C was 22.0% and the final volatile solid content was 75.9%.The final calorific value after biodrying process was 3179,28kcal/kg.
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Siger, Aleksander; Józefiak, Marta; Górnaś, Paweł
2017-01-01
The paper looks at the levels of canolol, tocopherols and antioxidant activity in cold-pressed and hot-pressed rapeseed oils produced from seeds of various moisture levels (5%, 7.5%, and 10%). The paper also considers the effects of seed roasting on the levels of these compounds. The material used for the tests was rapeseed cv. Adrianna. The quality of the oils obtained is determined using peroxide and acid values. The levels of canolol and tocopherols are analyzed using HPLC. The DPPH radical-scavenging activity method for oil samples and phenolic extract from oils was used. It has been demonstrated that the oils produced from rapeseeds with a 5% moisture content, and in particular from cold-pressed oils, were characterized by the lowest peroxide values. Cold-pressed oils produced from rapeseeds with a 5% moisture content were characterized by higher levels of tocopherols and plastochromanol-8. In the case of hot-pressed oils, the highest levels of tocopherols were found in oils pro- duced from seeds with a 7.5% moisture content, and the greatest amount of PC-8 (more than 4 mg/100 g) was found in oils produced from seeds with a 10% moisture content. Hot-pressed oils have been shown to have higher levels of these compounds than cold-pressed oils. Both roasting and hot pressing led to an increase in the amount of canolol in the oils investigated. When analysing the antioxidant activity of the oils and phenolic extracts it was shown that phenolic compounds are responsible for approx. 10% of total antioxidant activity. Various levels of biologically active compounds were shown to be present in the rapeseed oil obtained from raw materials of a varying moisture content. The type of pressing process (cold-pressing or hot-pressing) and whether the seeds have undergone roasting has also been shown to affect the resulting oil and the level of native antioxidants it contains.
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Air permeability and trapped-air content in two soils
Stonestrom, David A.; Rubin, Jacob
1989-01-01
To improve understanding of hysteretic air permeability relations, a need exists for data on the water content dependence of air permeability, matric pressure, and air trapping (especially for wetting-drying cycles). To obtain these data, a special instrument was designed. The instrument is a combination of a gas permeameter (for air permeability determination), a suction plate apparatus (for retentivity curve determination), and an air pycnometer (for trapped-air-volume determination). This design allowed values of air permeability, matric pressure, and air trapping to be codetermined, i.e., determined at the same values of water content using the same sample and the same inflow-outflow boundaries. Such data were obtained for two nonswelling soils. The validity of the air permeability determinations was repeatedly confirmed by rigorous tests of Darcy's law. During initial drying from complete water saturation, supplementary measurements were made to assess the magnitude of gas slip. The extended Darcy equation accurately described the measured flux gradient relations for each condition of absolute gas pressure tested. Air permeability functions exhibited zero-permeability regions at high water contents as well as an abruptly appearing hysteresis at low water contents. Measurements in the zero-permeability regions revealed that the total amount of air in general exceeded the amount of trapped air. This indicates that the medium' s air space is partitioned into three measurable domains: through-flowing air, locally accessible air (i.e., air accessible from only one flow boundary), and trapped air. During repeated wetting and drying, the disappearance and reappearance of air permeability coincided closely with the reappearance and disappearance, respectively, of trapped air. The observed relation between critical features of the air permeability functions and those of the air-trapping functions suggest that water-based blockages play a significant role in the disruption of gas-phase connectivity and in preventing air flow, and must be considered in any effectual model of air permeability relations.
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Effects of biodrying process on municipal solid waste properties.
Tambone, F; Scaglia, B; Scotti, S; Adani, F
2011-08-01
In this paper, the effect of biodrying process on municipal solid waste (MSW) properties was studied. The results obtained indicated that after 14d, biodrying reduced the water content of waste, allowing the production of biodried waste with a net heating value (NHV) of 16,779±2,074kJ kg(-1) wet weight, i.e. 41% higher than that of untreated waste. The low moisture content of the biodried material reduced, also, the potential impacts of the waste, i.e. potential self-ignition and potential odors production. Low waste impacts suggest to landfill the biodried material obtaining energy via biogas production by waste re-moistening, i.e. bioreactor. Nevertheless, results of this work indicate that biodrying process because of the partial degradation of the organic fraction contained in the waste (losses of 290g kg(-1) VS), reduced of about 28% the total producible biogas. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Kalaycıoğlu, Zeynep; Erim, F Bedia
2017-04-15
Numerous recent scientific publications investigating the health benefits of pomegranate juice have greatly increased consumer interest in this fruit. The primary cause of the positive health effect of pomegranate is the unique antioxidant activity of this fruit. As a result of the increased attention given to pomegranate, the number of countries producing pomegranate has increased and new cultivars are appearing. The purpose of this review is to quantitatively establish the antioxidant activities, the total phenolic contents which are highly correlated to antioxidant activities, and the other important ingredients of pomegranate juices obtained from cultivars of different regions. Pomegranate wine, vinegar, and sour sauce obtained directly from pomegranate juice are included in this review. Comparison of aril juices with peel and seed extracts is also given. This data could be useful to the pomegranate industry in identifying and developing cultivars having commercial value. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Riondato, J; Vanhaecke, F; Moens, L; Dams, R
2001-07-01
In the framework of an international certification campaign, sector-field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (sector-field ICP-MS) was used for the accurate determination of the rare earth elements in five candidate reference materials: aquatic plant, calcareous soil, mussel tissue, river sediment, and tuna muscle. All samples were taken into solution by use of microwave-assisted or mixed microwave-assisted / open beaker acid digestion. Subsequently, the samples were appropriately diluted and subjected to ICP-MS analysis. Except for Sc, all the elements involved were determined at low mass resolution (R = 300). For Sc, application of a higher resolution setting (R = 3,000) was required to separate the analyte signal from those of several molecular ions which gave rise to spectral overlap at low mass resolution. Some of the heavier REE can also suffer from spectral overlap attributed to the occurrence of oxide ions (MO+) of the lighter REE and Ba. This spectral overlap could be successfully overcome by mathematical correction. Matrix effects were overcome by use of two carefully selected internal standards, such that external calibration could be used. On each occasion, a geological reference material was analyzed as a quality-control sample and the reliability of all results obtained was additionally checked by means of chondrite normalization. For tuna muscle the content of all REE was below the limit of detection. For calcareous soil and river sediment, low to sub microg g(-1) values were observed, whereas the REE content of aquatic plant and mussel tissue was considerably lower (low to sub ng g(-1)). Overall, the results obtained were in excellent agreement with the average values, calculated on the basis of all "accepted" values, obtained in different laboratories using different techniques.
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Fujita, Yukihiro; Hara, Yasushi; Nezu, Yoshinori; Yamaguchi, Shinya; Schulz, Kurt S; Tagawa, Masahiro
2005-12-01
To compare activities of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and contents of sulfated glycosaminoglycan (S-GAG) in joint fluid obtained from dogs with hip dysplasia (HD) and clinically normal dogs, evaluate correlations among these markers in joint fluid obtained from dogs with HD, and evaluate correlations between each marker and clinical and radiographic variables. Animals-26 dogs with HD (clinical group) and 43 clinically normal Beagles (control group). Joint fluid was aseptically collected from the hip joints of all dogs. For each dog in the clinical group, age, duration of lameness, radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) score, and Norberg angle in each affected joint were recorded. Activities of IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and MMP-3 and S-GAG contents were measured. Values were compared between groups by use of Mann-Whitney U tests, and the Spearman rank correlation test was used to evaluate correlations among markers and between each marker and clinical or radiographic variables. Values of all markers were significantly higher for the clinical group, compared with values for the control group. There was a moderate positive correlation between lameness duration and IL-6 activity and a strong negative correlation between the Norberg angle and IL-1beta activity. Analysis of our results indicated that there was a significant increase in markers of OA in dogs with HD. Activities of IL-1beta and IL-6 in joint fluid of dogs with HD may be influenced by the severity of laxity in the hip joint and lameness duration, respectively.
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19 CFR 10.305 - Value content requirement.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-04-01
... 19 Customs Duties 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Value content requirement. 10.305 Section 10.305... Agreement § 10.305 Value content requirement. (a) Direct cost of processing or assembling—(1) Definition. For purposes of applying a specific rule of origin under the Agreement which requires a value content...
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19 CFR 10.305 - Value content requirement.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-04-01
... 19 Customs Duties 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Value content requirement. 10.305 Section 10.305... Agreement § 10.305 Value content requirement. (a) Direct cost of processing or assembling—(1) Definition. For purposes of applying a specific rule of origin under the Agreement which requires a value content...
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19 CFR 10.305 - Value content requirement.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-04-01
... 19 Customs Duties 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Value content requirement. 10.305 Section 10.305... Agreement § 10.305 Value content requirement. (a) Direct cost of processing or assembling—(1) Definition. For purposes of applying a specific rule of origin under the Agreement which requires a value content...
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19 CFR 10.305 - Value content requirement.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-04-01
... 19 Customs Duties 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Value content requirement. 10.305 Section 10.305... Agreement § 10.305 Value content requirement. (a) Direct cost of processing or assembling—(1) Definition. For purposes of applying a specific rule of origin under the Agreement which requires a value content...
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Gritcan, Iana; Duxbury, Mark; Leuzinger, Sebastian; Alfaro, Andrea C.
2016-01-01
We measured nitrogen stable isotope values (δ15N), and total phosphorus (%P) and total nitrogen (%N) contents in leaves of the temperate mangrove (Avicennia marina sp. australasica) from three coastal ecosystems exposed to various levels of human impact (Manukau, high; Mangawhai, low; and Waitemata, intermediate) in northern New Zealand. We measured δ15N values around 10‰ in environments where the major terrestrial water inputs are sewage. The highest average total nitrogen contents and δ15N values were found in the Auckland city region (Manukau Harbour) at 2.2%N and 9.9‰, respectively. The lowest values were found in Mangawhai Harbour, situated about 80 km north of Auckland city, at 2.0%N and 5.2‰, respectively. In the Waitemata Harbour, also located in Auckland city but with less exposure to human derived sewage inputs, both parameters were intermediate, at 2.1%N and 6.4‰. Total phosphorus contents did not vary significantly. Additionally, analysis of historical mangrove leaf herbarium samples obtained from the Auckland War Memorial Museum indicated that a reduction in both leaf total nitrogen and δ15N content has occurred over the past 100 years in Auckland’s harbors. Collectively, these results suggest that anthropogenically derived nitrogen has had a significant impact on mangrove nutrient status in Auckland harbors over the last 100 years. The observed decrease in nitrogenous nutrients probably occurred due to sewage system improvements. We suggest that mangrove plant physiological response to nutrient excess could be used as an indicator of long-term eutrophication trends. Monitoring leaf nutrient status in mangroves can be used to assess environmental stress (sewage, eutrophication) on coastal ecosystems heavily impacted by human activities. Moreover, nitrogen and phosphorus leaf contents can be used to assess levels of available nutrients in the surrounding environments. PMID:28066477
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Novel edible oil sources: Microwave heating and chemical properties.
Hashemi, Seyed Mohammad Bagher; Mousavi Khaneghah, Amin; Koubaa, Mohamed; Lopez-Cervantes, Jaime; Yousefabad, Seyed Hossein Asadi; Hosseini, Seyedeh Fatemeh; Karimi, Masoumeh; Motazedian, Azam; Asadifard, Samira
2017-02-01
The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of various microwave heating times (1, 3, 5, 10, and 15min) on the chemical properties of novel edible oil sources, including Mashhadi melon (Cucumis melo var. Iranians cv. Mashhadi), Iranian watermelon (Citrullus lanatus cv. Fire Fon), pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo var. Styriaca), and yellow apple (Malus domestica cv. Golden Delicious) seed oils. The evaluated parameters were peroxide value (PV), conjugated diene (CD) and triene (CT) values, carbonyl value (CV), p-anisidine value (AnV), oil stability index (OSI), radical scavenging activity (RSA), total tocopherols, total phenolics, as well as chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. Results showed that extended microwave heating involves decreased quality of the seed oils, mainly due to the formation of primary and secondary oxidation products. Microwave heating time also affects the total contents of chlorophylls, carotenoids, phenolics and tocopherols, which clearly decrease by increasing the exposure time. The order of oxidative stability of the analyzed edible oils was pumpkin>Mashhadi melon>Iranian watermelon>yellow apple. The obtained results demonstrated the promising potential of these novel edible oils for different food applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Teixeira, Daniel Câmara; Farias, Davi Felipe; Carvalho, Ana Fontenele Urano; Arantes, Mariana Reis; Oliveira, José Tadeu Abreu; Sousa, Daniele Oliveira Bezerra; Pereira, Mirella Leite; Oliveira, Hermogenes David; Andrade-Neto, Manoel; Vasconcelos, Ilka Maria
2013-01-01
Among the Bauhinia species, B. cheilantha stands out for its seed protein content. However, there is no record of its nutritional value, being used in a nonsustainable way in the folk medicine and for large-scale extraction of timber. The aim of this study was to investigate the food potential of B. cheilantha seeds with emphasis on its protein quality to provide support for flora conservation and use as raw material or as prototype for the development of bioproducts with high added socioeconomic value. B. cheilantha seeds show high protein content (35.9%), reasonable essential amino acids profile, low levels of antinutritional compounds, and nutritional parameters comparable to those of legumes widely used such as soybean and cowpea. The heat treatment of the seeds as well as the protein extraction process (to obtain the protein concentrate) increased the acceptance of diets by about 100% when compared to that of raw Bc diet. These wild legume seeds can be promising alternative source of food to overcome the malnutrition problem faced by low income people adding socioeconomic value to the species.
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Teixeira, Daniel Câmara; Farias, Davi Felipe; Carvalho, Ana Fontenele Urano; Arantes, Mariana Reis; Oliveira, José Tadeu Abreu; Sousa, Daniele Oliveira Bezerra; Pereira, Mirella Leite; Oliveira, Hermogenes David; Andrade-Neto, Manoel; Vasconcelos, Ilka Maria
2013-01-01
Among the Bauhinia species, B. cheilantha stands out for its seed protein content. However, there is no record of its nutritional value, being used in a nonsustainable way in the folk medicine and for large-scale extraction of timber. The aim of this study was to investigate the food potential of B. cheilantha seeds with emphasis on its protein quality to provide support for flora conservation and use as raw material or as prototype for the development of bioproducts with high added socioeconomic value. B. cheilantha seeds show high protein content (35.9%), reasonable essential amino acids profile, low levels of antinutritional compounds, and nutritional parameters comparable to those of legumes widely used such as soybean and cowpea. The heat treatment of the seeds as well as the protein extraction process (to obtain the protein concentrate) increased the acceptance of diets by about 100% when compared to that of raw Bc diet. These wild legume seeds can be promising alternative source of food to overcome the malnutrition problem faced by low income people adding socioeconomic value to the species. PMID:23691507
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Trinary Associative Memory Would Recognize Machine Parts
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Liu, Hua-Kuang; Awwal, Abdul Ahad S.; Karim, Mohammad A.
1991-01-01
Trinary associative memory combines merits and overcomes major deficiencies of unipolar and bipolar logics by combining them in three-valued logic that reverts to unipolar or bipolar binary selectively, as needed to perform specific tasks. Advantage of associative memory: one obtains access to all parts of it simultaneously on basis of content, rather than address, of data. Consequently, used to exploit fully parallelism and speed of optical computing.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ginting, E.; Tambunanand, M. M.; Syahputri, K.
2018-02-01
Evolutionary Operation Methods (EVOP) is a method that is designed used in the process of running or operating routinely in the company to enables high productivity. Quality is one of the critical factors for a company to win the competition. Because of these conditions, the research for products quality has been done by gathering the production data of the company and make a direct observation to the factory floor especially the drying department to identify the problem which is the high water content in the mosquito incense coil. PT.X which is producing mosquito coils attempted to reduce product defects caused by the inaccuracy of operating conditions. One of the parameters of good quality insect repellent that is water content, that if the moisture content is too high then the product easy to mold and broken, and vice versa if it is too low the products are easily broken and burn shorter hours. Three factors that affect the value of the optimal water content, the stirring time, drying temperature and drying time. To obtain the required conditions Evolutionary Operation (EVOP) methods is used. Evolutionary Operation (EVOP) is used as an efficient technique for optimization of two or three variable experimental parameters using two-level factorial designs with center point. Optimal operating conditions in the experiment are stirring time performed for 20 minutes, drying temperature at 65°C, and drying time for 130 minutes. The results of the analysis based on the method of Evolutionary Operation (EVOP) value is the optimum water content of 6.90%, which indicates the value has approached the optimal in a production plant that is 7%.
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Radiological and material characterization of high volume fly ash concrete.
Ignjatović, I; Sas, Z; Dragaš, J; Somlai, J; Kovács, T
2017-03-01
The main goal of research presented in this paper was the material and radiological characterization of high volume fly ash concrete (HVFAC) in terms of determination of natural radionuclide content and radon emanation and exhalation coefficients. All concrete samples were made with a fly ash content between 50% and 70% of the total amount of cementitious materials from one coal burning power plant in Serbia. Physical (fresh and hardened concrete density) and mechanical properties (compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and modulus of elasticity) of concrete were tested. The radionuclide content ( 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K) and radon massic exhalation of HVFAC samples were determined using gamma spectrometry. Determination of massic exhalation rates of HVFAC and its components using radon accumulation chamber techniques combined with a radon monitor was performed. The results show a beneficial effect of pozzolanic activity since the increase in fly ash content resulted in an increase in compressive strength of HVFAC by approximately 20% for the same mass of cement used in the mixtures. On the basis of the obtained radionuclide content of concrete components the I -indices of different HVFAC samples were calculated and compared with measured values (0.27-0.32), which were significantly below the recommended 1.0 index value. The prediction was relatively close to the measured values as the ratio between the calculated and measured I-index ranged between 0.89 and 1.14. Collected results of mechanical and radiological properties and performed calculations clearly prove that all 10 designed concretes with a certain type of fly ash are suitable for structural and non-structural applications both from a material and radiological point of view. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Feng, Lidan; Watanabe, Takumi; Wang, Yi; Kichise, Tomoyasu; Fukuchi, Takeshi; Chen, Guo-Qiang; Doi, Yoshiharu; Inoue, Yoshio
2002-01-01
The comonomer-unit compositional distributions have been investigated for bacterial poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) [P(3HB-co-3HH)] samples with 3HH unit content of 13.8, 18.0, 22.0, and 54.0 mol %. They were comonomer compositionally fractionated using chloroform/n-heptane mixed solvent at ambient temperature. The fractionation of P(3HB-co-18.0 mol %3HH) and P(3HB-co-22.0 mol % 3HH), which could not be carried out effectively at room temperature, were refractionated at 70 degrees C in the mixed solvent. Fractions with different 3HH unit content in a wide range (from 4.4 to 80.7 mol %) were obtained. By use of these fractions with narrow compositional distribution, the comonomer composition dependence of thermal properties was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. The melting point (T(m)) and heat of fusion (DeltaH) decreased as the 3HH unit content increased in the range of low 3HH content (<40 mol %), while they increased as the 3HH unit content increased in the high 3HH content range (>70 mol %). The minimum T(m) and DeltaH values were found to exist at 3HH unit content of about 60 mol %. The glass transition temperature (T(g)) decreased linearly with the increase of 3HH unit content. The values of T(m), DeltaH, and T(g) of P(3HB-co-3HH)s were compared with those of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxypropionate), and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate), and the effects of comonomer types on the thermal properties were revealed.
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Applied research of shaking table for scandium concentration from a silicate ore
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yan, P.; Zhang, G. F.; Gao, L.; Shi, B. H.; Shi, Z.; Yang, Y. D.
2018-03-01
A poor magnetite iron ore is a super large independent scandium deposit with over the multi-billion potential utilizable value. Shaking table separation is very useful for impurities removing and scandium content increasing as a follow-up step of high-intensity magnetic separation. In the present study, a satisfactory index, namely scandium content of 83.10 g/t and recovery rate of 79.45 wt%, was obtained by shaking table separation. The good result was achieved under the conditions which the parameters were feed concentrate of 18 wt%, feeding quantity of 11 L/min, stroke frequency of 275 times/min and stroke of 17mm.
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Biochemistry of seminal plasma in azoospermic men.
Perez-Pelaez, M; Jeyendran, R S; Alagaratnam, D
1985-01-01
Seminal plasma from 20 azoospermic and 4 vasectomized men and 75 samples from normal ejaculates were quantitated colorimetrically for zinc, fructose, and glycerylphosphorylcholine (GPC) contents. The results were similar to those obtained in the normal ejaculates, in 17 of 21 azoospermic ejaculates, whereas in the vasectomized ejaculates, GPC values were reduced. In the remaining 4 azoospermic ejaculates, less than 15% of fructose and GPC and a zinc content three times higher than normal were detected. Vasogram performed in these 4 azoospermic men revealed occlusion or aplasia of the ampula. The data suggest that biochemical evaluation may aid in differential diagnosis of the etiology of azoospermia.
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Evaluation of Amazon fruits: chemical and nutritional studies on Borojoa sorbilis.
Rabelo Rodrigues, Francimilton; de Souza Ramos, Aline; Fernandes Amaral, Ana Claudia; Pinto Ferreira, José Luiz; da Silva Carneiro, Carla; Rocha de Andrade Silva, Jefferson
2018-01-31
Borojoa sorbilis (Ducke) is an Amazonian species with edible fruits that are widely consumed by the local population, but little studied and not yet economically explored. Thus the aim of this study was to describe the chemical composition, volatile compounds, nutritional aspects and antioxidant activity of the fruit pulp and peel of B. sorbilis. Headspace solid-phase microextraction, using polydimethylsiloxane-divinylbenzene (PDMS-DVB) fiber, resulted in the identification of 59 substances in the pulp and peel of B. sorbilis fruits after analysis of the chromatograms obtained by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry using polar and nonpolar columns. Esters were the most abundant. Moisture, lipids, protein, dietary fiber, ash, carbohydrate, total energy value, titratable acid, soluble solids and pH were measured. Protein amount, fat content and antioxidant activity were low in both pulp and peel. Carbohydrate content was 179.2 and 134.9 g kg -1 in pulp and peel, respectively. This is the first report on the chemical characteristics, flavor and nutritional aspects of B. sorbilis fruit, which is essential to its economic exploitation. The high energy value associated with the carbohydrate content, plus the low fat content, contribute to a possible use of B. sorbilis fruits as a food supplement. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Kurek, Marcin Andrzej; Wyrwisz, Jarosław; Karp, Sabina; Wierzbicka, Agnieszka
2018-05-01
In this study, some dietary fiber (DF) sources were investigated as fortifiers of wheat bread: oat (OB), flax (FB), and apple (AB). Adding oat and flax fibers to bread significantly changed the fatty acid profiles. OB was highest in oleic acid (33.83% of lipids) and linoleic acid (24.31% of lipids). Only in FB, γ-linolenic fatty acid was present in a significant amount-18.32%. The bioaccessibility trails revealed that the DF slow down the intake of saturated fatty acids. PUFA were least bioaccessible from all fatty acids groups in the range of (72% in OB to 87% in FB). The control bread had the greatest value (80.5) and was significantly higher than values for OB, FB, and AB in terms of glycemic index. OB, FB and AB addition led to obtain low glycemic index. AB had a significant highest value of total phenolic (897.2 mg/kg) with the lowest values in FB (541.2 mg/kg). The only significant lowering of caloric values in this study was observed in AB. The study could address the gap in the area of research about taking into consideration glycemic index, fatty acid profile and phenolic content in parallel in terms of DF application in breads.
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Alves, Julio Cesar L; Poppi, Ronei J
2013-01-30
This work verifies the potential of support vector machine (SVM) algorithm applied to near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy data to develop multivariate calibration models for determination of biodiesel content in diesel fuel blends that are more effective and appropriate for analytical determinations of this type of fuel nowadays, providing the usual extended analytical range with required accuracy. Considering the difficulty to develop suitable models for this type of determination in an extended analytical range and that, in practice, biodiesel/diesel fuel blends are nowadays most often used between 0 and 30% (v/v) of biodiesel content, a calibration model is suggested for the range 0-35% (v/v) of biodiesel in diesel blends. The possibility of using a calibration model for the range 0-100% (v/v) of biodiesel in diesel fuel blends was also investigated and the difficulty in obtaining adequate results for this full analytical range is discussed. The SVM models are compared with those obtained with PLS models. The best result was obtained by the SVM model using the spectral region 4400-4600 cm(-1) providing the RMSEP value of 0.11% in 0-35% biodiesel content calibration model. This model provides the determination of biodiesel content in agreement with the accuracy required by ABNT NBR and ASTM reference methods and without interference due to the presence of vegetable oil in the mixture. The best SVM model fit performance for the relationship studied is also verified by providing similar prediction results with the use of 4400-6200 cm(-1) spectral range while the PLS results are much worse over this spectral region. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Soil Moisture Content Estimation using GPR Reflection Travel Time
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lunt, I. A.; Hubbard, S. S.; Rubin, Y.
2003-12-01
Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) reflection travel time data were used to estimate changes in soil water content under a range of soil saturation conditions throughout the growing season at a California winery. Data were collected during four data acquisition campaigns over an 80 by 180 m area using 100 MHz surface GPR antennae. GPR reflections were associated with a thin, low permeability clay layer located between 0.8 to 1.3 m below the ground surface that was calibrated with borehole information and mapped across the study area. Field infiltration tests and neutron probe logs suggest that the thin clay layer inhibited vertical water flow, and was coincident with high volumetric water content (VWC) values. The GPR reflection two-way travel time and the depth of the reflector at borehole locations were used to calculate an average dielectric constant for soils above the reflector. A site-specific relationship between the dielectric constant and VWC was then used to estimate the depth-averaged VWC of the soils above the reflector. Compared to average VWC measurements from calibrated neutron probe logs over the same depth interval, the average VWC estimates obtained from GPR reflections had an RMS error of 2 percent. We also investigated the estimation of VWC using reflections associated with an advancing water front, and found that estimates of average VWC to the water front could be obtained with similar accuracy. These results suggested that the two-way travel time to a GPR reflection associated with a geological surface or wetting front can be used under natural conditions to obtain estimates of average water content when borehole control is available. The GPR reflection method therefore has potential for monitoring soil water content over large areas and under variable hydrological conditions.
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The impact of epidermal melanin on objective measurements of human skin colour.
Alaluf, Simon; Atkins, Derek; Barrett, Karen; Blount, Margaret; Carter, Nik; Heath, Alan
2002-04-01
Objective measurements of human skin colour were made with a tristimulus (L*a*b*) chromameter in a range of different ethnic skin types. These were compared with biochemical measurements of melanin content, melanin composition and melanosome size in skin biopsies obtained from the same sites. L*, a* and b* values were found to vary significantly with ethnicity. In general, constitutively dark skin types have lower L* values, higher a* values and higher b* values than constitutively light skin types. Total epidermal melanin content appears to be the primary determinant of L* values in human skin (r = -0.88; P < 0.00001), whilst melanosome size also has a significant but more subtle influence on L* values (r = -0.73; P < 0.00001). There is also a strong positive contribution to a* values from epidermal melanin (r = 0.66, P < 0.00001), which accounts for the ethnic variation in a* values observed in this study. Melanin is also a major contributor to b* values in lighter skin types (r = 0.71, P < 0.00001). However, this relationship breaks down in darker skin types where b* values actually reach a maximum and then decrease as the concentration of melanin in the skin increases. This appears to be because of optical masking of yellow light by high concentrations of melanin in the epidermis. Analysis of the relationships between L*, a* and b* values in human skin indicate that they are very closely interrelated, and suggest that the optical properties of melanin in the epidermis are very similar to those of a dye on a fabric substrate.
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Physical and chemical evaluation of furniture waste briquettes.
Moreno, Ana Isabel; Font, Rafael; Conesa, Juan A
2016-03-01
Furniture waste is mainly composed of wood and upholstery foam (mostly polyurethane foam). Both of these have a high calorific value, therefore, energy recovery would be an appropriate process to manage these wastes. Nevertheless, the drawback is that the energy content of these wastes is limited due to their low density mainly that of upholstery foam. Densification of separate foam presents difficulties due to its elastic character. The significance of this work lies in obtaining densified material by co-densification of furniture wood waste and polyurethane foam waste. Densification of furniture wood and the co-densification of furniture wood waste with polyurethane foam have been studied. On the one hand, the parameters that have an effect on the quality of the furniture waste briquettes have been analysed, i.e., moisture content, compaction pressure, presence of lignin, etc. The maximum weight percentage of polyurethane foam that can be added with furniture wood waste to obtain durable briquettes and the optimal moisture were determined. On the other hand, some parameters were analysed in order to evaluate the possible effect on the combustion. The chemical composition of waste wood was compared with untreated wood biomass; the higher nitrogen content and the concentration of some metals were the most important differences, with a significant difference of Ti content. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sutarno, Nugraha, Bagja; Kusharjanto
2017-01-01
One of the most important characteristic of aluminum foam is compressive strength, which is reflected by its impact energy and Young's modulus. In the present research, optimization of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content in the synthesized aluminum foam in order to obtain the highest compressive strength was carried out. The results of this study will be used to determine the CaCO3 content synthesis process parameter in pilot plant scale production of an aluminum foam. The experiment was performed by varying the concentration of calcium carbonate content, which was used as foaming agent, at constant alumina concentration (1.5 wt%), which was added as stabilizer, and temperature (725°C). It was found that 4 wt% CaCO3 gave the lowest relative density, which was 0.15, and the highest porosity, which was 85.29%, and compressive strength of as high as 0.26 Mpa. The pore morphology of the obtained aluminum foam at such condition was as follow: the average pore diameter was 4.42 mm, the wall thickness minimum of the pore was 83.24 µm, roundness of the pore was 0.91. Based on the fractal porosity, the compressive strength was inversely proportional to the porosity and huddled on a power law value of 2.91.
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Fadda, C; Del Caro, A; Sanguinetti, A M; Urgeghe, P P; Vacca, V; Arca, P P; Piga, A
2012-10-01
Extraction technology has a great effect on quality of olive oils. This paper studied 18 months of storage of two Sardinian extra virgin monovarietal oils obtained with a traditional and with a low oxidative stress technology. Oil samples were subjected to the following chemical analyses: acidity, peroxide value, ultraviolet light absorption K₂₃₂ and K₂₇₀, carotenoids, chlorophylls, tocopherols and total polyphenols. The antioxidant capacity of oils, polyphenol extract and oil extract (remaining after polyphenol extraction) was also determined as radical scavenging activity. The results show that both extraction technologies resulted in minor changes in legal and quality indices during storage, due surely to the high quality of the oils as well as to the very good storage conditions used. Oils obtained with the low oxidative stress technology showed lower peroxide value and acidity and resulted in up to 103% higher total polyphenol content as well as increased radical-scavenging activity, with respect to oils obtained with the traditional technology. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Spectral reflectance of surface soils: Relationships with some soil properties
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kiesewetter, C. H.
1983-01-01
Using a published atlas of reflectance curves and physicochemical properties of soils, a statistical analysis was carried out. Reflectance bands which correspond to five of the wavebands used by NASA's Thematic Mapper were examined for relationships to specific soil properties. The properties considered in this study include: Sand Content, Silt Content, Clay Content, Organic Matter Content, Cation Exchange Capacity, Iron Oxide Content and Moisture Content. Regression of these seven properties on the mean values of five TM bands produced results that indicate that the predictability of the properties can be increased by stratifying the data. The data was stratified by parent material, taxonomic order, temperature zone, moisture zone and climate (combined temperature and moisture). The best results were obtained when the sample was examined by climatic classes. The middle Infra-red bands, 5 and 7, as well as the visible bands, 2 and 3, are significant in the model. The near Infra-red band, band 4, is almost as useful and should be included in any studies. General linear modeling procedures examined relationships of the seven properties with certain wavebands in the stratified samples.
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Sensitive methods for the titrimetric micro-determination of biological calcium and magnesium
Beale, R. N.; Bostrom, J. O.
1963-01-01
New reagents containing high concentrations of urea are developed for micro-titration of calcium and magnesium, with ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (E.D.T.A.) as titrant and Corinth Ca (Plasmocorinth B) as indicator. Magnesium is determined as the difference between calcium plus magnesium and calcium. Quantitative aspects are studied, and accurate titration of untreated serum or urine is believed to be possible; precision is satisfactory. The methods are simple, robust, and suitable for routine use. Normal ranges are established for serum from blood donors of each sex. The mean serum calcium level for women is found to be lower than for men, while the mean magnesium contents are approximately the same. The latter appear to be somewhat lower than values found by flame emission spectrophotometry; in very good agreement with a mean value for plasma obtained by flame absorption spectrophotometry; and intermediate when compared with the values obtained by two other titrimetric procedures. PMID:13969919
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Effect of Opuntia ficus-indica flowers maceration on quality and on heat stability of olive oil.
Ammar, Imène; BenAmira, Amal; Khemakem, Ibtihel; Attia, Hamadi; Ennouri, Monia
2017-05-01
This study was focused on the evaluation of the quality and the oxidative stability of olive oil added with Opuntia ficus - indica flowers. Two different amounts of O. ficus - indica flowers were considered 5 and 15% (w/w). The olive oils were evaluated towards their quality, fatty acids profile, total phenol contents and thermal properties by differential scanning calorimetry. The oxidative stability was also monitored by employing the Rancimat and the oven test based on accelerating the oxidation process during storage. The addition of O. ficus - indica flowers induced an increase in free acidity values and a variation in fatty acids profile of olive oils but values remained under the limits required for an extra-virgin olive oil. The obtained olive oils were nutritionally enriched due to the increase in their phenols content. The oxidative stability was generally improved, mainly in olive oil enriched with 5% Opuntia ficus - indica flowers. These findings proved that this enriched olive oil could be considered as a product with a greater added value.
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Wang, Lifeng; Chen, Chao; Su, Anxiang; Zhang, Yiyi; Yuan, Jian; Ju, Xingrong
2016-04-01
The current study aims to investigate the antioxidant activities of various extracts from defatted adlay seed meal (DASM) based on the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, peroxyl radical scavenging capacity (PSC) assay and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assay. Of all the fractions, the n-butanol fraction exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, followed by crude acetone extract and aqueous fractions. Of the three sub-fractions obtained by Sephadex LH-20 chromatography, sub-fraction 3 possessed the highest antioxidant activity and total phenolic content. There was a strong positive correlation between the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity. Based on HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis, the most abundant phenolic acid in sub-fraction 3 of DASM was ferulic acid at 67.28 mg/g, whereas the predominant flavonoid was rutin at 41.11 mg/g. Of the major individual compounds in sub-fraction 3, p-coumaric acid exhibited the highest ORAC values, and quercetin exhibited the highest PSC values and CAA values. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Cutaneous Uptake of 14C-HD Vapor by the Hairless Guinea Pig.
1996-10-01
guinea pig (HGP) is used by our laboratory to model the human cutaneous response to sulfur mustard (HD) exposure. We have determined the HD content in the skin of HOP after 7-minute exposures to vapors saturated with a mixture of HD and 14C-HD. Concentration/time (C1) values in the range of 2 mg/sq cm/min were determined by counting skin 14C disintegrations per minute (dpm) in animals euthanized immediately after exposure. These values are similar to human penetration rates obtained by other investigators. A direct relationship between C1 and relative humidity was
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Analysis of Calorific Value of Tibarau Cane Briquette
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nurdin, H.; Hasanuddin, H.; Darmawi, D.; Prasetya, F.
2018-04-01
The development of product diversification through tibarau cane briquettes as an effort in obtaining alternative fuels. Tibarau cane is one of the potential materials of renewable energy sources that can be processed into briquette. So as to reduce dependence on energy fuel oil, which for the middle to lower class is the main requirement. Efforts and innovations tibarau cane briquettes in producing fuel that has quality and performance can be measured with calorific value. Prior to development of this potential required the existence of test and evaluation stages according to the order of the flow of new material product development. Through process technology of briquette product making with compaction and optimization of composition content on tapioca adhesive and mesh particles suitable to get optimum calorific value. The results obtained in this research are the development of tibarau cane briquette model which is recommended as replacement fuel. Where the calorific value of tibarau cane briquette is 11.221,72 kJ / kg at composition percentage 80: 20 and its density is 0,565 gr/cm3. The comparison of mass tibarau with tapioca, particle size, pressure force (compaction), can affect the calorific value and density of tibarau cane briquette.
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Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy and Colorimetry as a Diagnostic Tool for Acanthosis Nigricans
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Pattamadilok, Bensachee; Devpura, Suneetha; Syed, Zain U.; Vemulapalli, Pranita; Henderson, Marsha; Rehse, Steven J.; Hamzavi, Iltefat; Mahmoud, Bassel H.; Lim, Henry W.; Naik, Ratna
2011-03-01
The purpose of this study was to quantify skin color changes due to Acanthosis Nigricans, a disorder common among prediabetic and obese individuals. The non-invasive optical technique diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) was used to determine skin melanin, oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin content through the measured absorption spectrum. Colorimetery was used to measure skin color based on the standard Tristimulus values (L*, a*, and b*). Data was obtained from eight patients, spanning eight months of treatment. Measurements were obtained from lesion tissue on the neck and healthy skin was used as a control. L*, a* and b* values showed significant differences between lesion and normal controls, whereas melanin was the only parameter which showed statistical significant differences in DRS measurements. Future work will use more sensitive chemometric methods to increase diagnostic accuracy based on the raw spectra of the DRS.
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Synthesis and Thermal Degradation Studies of Melamine Formaldehyde Resins
Ullah, Sami; Bustam, M. A.; Nadeem, M.; Tan, W. L.; Shariff, A. M.
2014-01-01
Melamine formaldehyde (MF) resins have been synthesized at different reaction temperature and pH values. Different molar ratios of melamine and formaldehyde were used to synthesize the corresponding resins. The prepared resin samples were characterized by using molecular weight determination viscometry and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The maximum percentage of solid content (69.7%) was obtained at pH 8.5 and 75°C temperature. The molecular weight of MF resin was increased with an increase of melamine monomer concentration. The highest residual weight 14.125 wt.% was obtained with sample 10. PMID:25436237
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Melting of genomic DNA: Predictive modeling by nonlinear lattice dynamics
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Theodorakopoulos, Nikos
2010-08-01
The melting behavior of long, heterogeneous DNA chains is examined within the framework of the nonlinear lattice dynamics based Peyrard-Bishop-Dauxois (PBD) model. Data for the pBR322 plasmid and the complete T7 phage have been used to obtain model fits and determine parameter dependence on salt content. Melting curves predicted for the complete fd phage and the Y1 and Y2 fragments of the ϕX174 phage without any adjustable parameters are in good agreement with experiment. The calculated probabilities for single base-pair opening are consistent with values obtained from imino proton exchange experiments.
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Determination of the acid value of instant noodles: interlaboratory study.
Hakoda, Akiko; Sakaida, Kenichi; Suzuki, Tadanao; Yasui, Akemi
2006-01-01
An interlaboratory study was performed to evaluate the method for determining the acid value of instant noodles, based on the Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS), with extraction of lipid using petroleum ether at a volume of 100 mL to the test portion of 25 g. Thirteen laboratories participated and analyzed 5 test samples as blind duplicates. Statistical treatment revealed that the repeatability (RSDr) of acid value was <6.5%, and the reproducibility (RSDR) of acid value was <9.6%. The HorRat values (RSDR/predicted RSDR) were 1.2-1.8, where the RSDR and the predicted RSDR were obtained in terms of free fatty acids in the noodles per unit weight, using the equation [acid value = percent free fatty acids (as oleic) x 1.99] and the extracted lipid contents. This method was shown to have acceptable precision by the present study.
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Content Specificity of Expectancy Beliefs and Task Values in Elementary Physical Education
Chen, Ang; Martin, Robert; Ennis, Catherine D.; Sun, Haichun
2015-01-01
The curriculum may superimpose a content-specific context that mediates motivation (Bong, 2001). This study examined content specificity of the expectancy-value motivation in elementary school physical education. Students’ expectancy beliefs and perceived task values from a cardiorespiratory fitness unit, a muscular fitness unit, and a traditional skill/game unit were analyzed using constant comparison coding procedures, multivariate analysis of variance, χ2, and correlation analyses. There was no difference in the intrinsic interest value among the three content conditions. Expectancy belief, attainment, and utility values were significantly higher for the cardiorespiratory fitness curriculum. Correlations differentiated among the expectancy-value components of the content conditions, providing further evidence of content specificity in the expectancy-value motivation process. The findings suggest that expectancy beliefs and task values should be incorporated in the theoretical platform for curriculum development based on the learning outcomes that can be specified with enhanced motivation effect. PMID:18664044
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Synthesis of Graphite Oxide with Different Surface Oxygen Contents Assisted Microwave Radiation
Ibarra-Hernández, Adriana
2018-01-01
Graphite oxide is synthesized via oxidation reaction using oxidant compounds that have lattice defects by the incorporation of unlike functional groups. Herein, we report the synthesis of the graphite oxide with diverse surface oxygen content through three (B, C, D) different modified versions of the Hummers method assisted microwave radiation compared with the conventional graphite oxide sample obtained by Hummers method (A). These methods allow not only the production of graphite oxide but also reduced graphene oxide, without undergoing chemical, thermal, or mechanical reduction steps. The values obtained of C/O ratio were ~2, 3.4, and ~8.5 for methodologies C, B, and D, respectively, indicating the presence of graphite oxide and reduced graphene oxide, according to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy of method D shows the fewest structural defects compared to the other methodologies. The results obtained suggest that the permanganate ion produces reducing species during graphite oxidation. The generation of these species is attributed to a reversible reaction between the permanganate ion with π electrons, ions, and radicals produced after treatment with microwave radiation. PMID:29438280
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Synthesis and characterization of hematite pigment obtained from a steel waste industry.
Prim, S R; Folgueras, M V; de Lima, M A; Hotza, D
2011-09-15
Pigments that meet environmental and technology requirements are the focus of the research in the ceramic sector. This study focuses on the synthesis of ceramic pigment by encapsulation of hematite in crystalline and amorphous silica matrix. Iron oxide from a metal sheet rolling process was used as chromophore. A different content of hematite and silica was homogenized by conventional and high energy milling. The powders obtained after calcinations between 1050 and 1200 °C for 2h were characterized by X-ray diffraction and SEM analysis. The pigments were applied to ceramic enamel and porcelain body. The effect of pigment was measured by comparing L*a*b* values of the heated samples. Results showed that the color developed is influenced by variables such as oxide content employed, conditions of milling and processing temperature. The results showed that the use of pigment developed does not interfere in microstructural characteristics of pigmented material. The best hue was obtained from samples with 15 wt% of chromophore, heated at 1200 °C in amorphous silica matrix. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Guillaume, François; Fritz, Sébastien; Boichard, Didier; Druet, Tom
2008-01-01
The efficiency of the French marker-assisted selection (MAS) was estimated by a simulation study. The data files of two different time periods were used: April 2004 and 2006. The simulation method used the structure of the existing French MAS: same pedigree, same marker genotypes and same animals with records. The program simulated breeding values and new records based on this existing structure and knowledge on the QTL used in MAS (variance and frequency). Reliabilities of genetic values of young animals (less than one year old) obtained with and without marker information were compared to assess the efficiency of MAS for evaluation of milk, fat and protein yields and fat and protein contents. Mean gains of reliability ranged from 0.015 to 0.094 and from 0.038 to 0.114 in 2004 and 2006, respectively. The larger number of animals genotyped and the use of a new set of genetic markers can explain the improvement of MAS reliability from 2004 to 2006. This improvement was also observed by analysis of information content for young candidates. The gain of MAS reliability with respect to classical selection was larger for sons of sires with genotyped progeny daughters with records. Finally, it was shown that when superiority of MAS over classical selection was estimated with daughter yield deviations obtained after progeny test instead of true breeding values, the gain was underestimated. PMID:18096117
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Caballero, Eduardo; Soto, Carmen; Olivares, Araceli; Altamirano, Claudia
2014-01-01
Structured Lipids are generally constituents of functional foods. Growing demands for SL are based on a fuller understanding of nutritional requirements, lipid metabolism, and improved methods to produce them. Specifically, this work was aimed to add value to avocado oil by producing dietary triacylglycerols (TAG) containing medium-chain fatty acids (M) at positions sn-1,3 and long-chain fatty acids (L) at position sn-2. These MLM-type structured lipids (SL) were produced by interesterification of caprylic acid (CA) (C8:0) and avocado oil (content of C18:1). The regiospecific sn-1,3 commercial lipases Lipozyme RM IM and TL IM were used as biocatalysts to probe the potential of avocado oil to produce SL. Reactions were performed at 30-50°C for 24 h in solvent-free media with a substrate molar ratio of 1∶2 (TAG:CA) and 4-10% w/w enzyme content. The lowest incorporation of CA (1.1% mol) resulted from Lipozyme RM IM that was incubated at 50°C. The maximum incorporation of CA into sn-1,3 positions of TAG was 29.2% mol. This result was obtained at 30°C with 10% w/w Lipozyme TL IM, which is the highest values obtained in solvent-free medium until now for structured lipids of low-calories. This strategy opens a new market to added value products based on avocado oil.
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Caballero, Eduardo; Soto, Carmen; Olivares, Araceli; Altamirano, Claudia
2014-01-01
Structured Lipids are generally constituents of functional foods. Growing demands for SL are based on a fuller understanding of nutritional requirements, lipid metabolism, and improved methods to produce them. Specifically, this work was aimed to add value to avocado oil by producing dietary triacylglycerols (TAG) containing medium-chain fatty acids (M) at positions sn-1,3 and long-chain fatty acids (L) at position sn-2. These MLM-type structured lipids (SL) were produced by interesterification of caprylic acid (CA) (C8:0) and avocado oil (content of C18:1). The regiospecific sn-1,3 commercial lipases Lipozyme RM IM and TL IM were used as biocatalysts to probe the potential of avocado oil to produce SL. Reactions were performed at 30–50°C for 24 h in solvent-free media with a substrate molar ratio of 1∶2 (TAG:CA) and 4–10% w/w enzyme content. The lowest incorporation of CA (1.1% mol) resulted from Lipozyme RM IM that was incubated at 50°C. The maximum incorporation of CA into sn-1,3 positions of TAG was 29.2% mol. This result was obtained at 30°C with 10% w/w Lipozyme TL IM, which is the highest values obtained in solvent-free medium until now for structured lipids of low-calories. This strategy opens a new market to added value products based on avocado oil. PMID:25248107
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Talapaneni, Trinath; Yedla, Natraj; Pal, Snehanshu; Sarkar, Smarajit
2017-06-01
Blast furnaces are encountering high Alumina (Al2O3 > 25 pct) in the final slag due to the charging of low-grade ores. To study the viscosity behavior of such high alumina slags, synthetic slags are prepared in the laboratory scale by maintaining a chemical composition of Al2O3 (25 to 30 wt pct) CaO/SiO2 ratio (0.8 to 1.6) and MgO (8 to 16 wt pct). A chemical thermodynamic software FactSage 7.0 is used to predict liquidus temperature and viscosity of the above slags. Experimental viscosity measurements are performed above the liquidus temperature in the range of 1748 K to 1848 K (1475 °C to 1575 °C). The viscosity values obtained from FactSage closely fit with the experimental values. The viscosity and the slag structure properties are intent by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. It is observed that increase in CaO/SiO2 ratio and MgO content in the slag depolymerizes the silicate structure. This leads to decrease in viscosity and activation energy (167 to 149 kJ/mol) of the slag. Also, an addition of Al2O3 content increases the viscosity of slag by polymerization of alumino-silicate structure and activation energy from 154 to 161 kJ/mol. It is witnessed that the activation energy values obtained from experiment closely fit with the Shankar model based on Arrhenius equation.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Suryaningsih, S.; Nurhilal, O.
2018-05-01
Rice husk as an abundant waste of biomass up to 21 million tons/year, it is unfortunate if it is not utilized. By converting it into bio briquettes, the value of rice husk bio briquettes in some studies before obtaining a relatively low value of 3,221-3,350 cal/g. The purpose of this research is to increase the calorific value of rice husk bio briquettes by mixing with coconut shell charcoal or corncob charcoal at various composition ratios of 50:50 and 80:20, to reach the optimal value that the industrial sector needed. Carbonization process was carried out at a temperature of 250-350 °C for 1.5 hours. From the results of the proximate analysis test using selected carbonization temperature at 300 °C, it can be seen that the best briquette value is made by mixing rice husk and coconut shell charcoal at composition ratio of 50:50, resulting 47.92% fixed carbon, 8.52% moisture content, 23.40% volatile matter and 20.16% ash content. The highest calorific value of 4,886 cal/g at ratio composition of 50:50, is slightly higher than the East Kalimantan coal standard of 4,828 cal/g. Hence, this bio briquettes are suitable for small scale industry application and household community use.
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Estimating soil matric potential in Owens Valley, California
Sorenson, Stephen K.; Miller, Reuben F.; Welch, Michael R.; Groeneveld, David P.; Branson, Farrel A.
1989-01-01
Much of the floor of Owens Valley, California, is covered with alkaline scrub and alkaline meadow plant communities, whose existence is dependent partly on precipitation and partly on water infiltrated into the rooting zone from the shallow water table. The extent to which these plant communities are capable of adapting to and surviving fluctuations in the water table depends on physiological adaptations of the plants and on the water content, matric potential characteristics of the soils. Two methods were used to estimate soil matric potential in test sites in Owens Valley. The first, the filter-paper method, uses water content of filter papers equilibrated to water content of soil samples taken with a hand auger. The previously published calibration relations used to estimate soil matric potential from the water content of the filter papers were modified on the basis of current laboratory data. The other method of estimating soil matric potential was a modeling approach based on data from this and previous investigations. These data indicate that the base-10 logarithm of soil matric potential is a linear function of gravimetric soil water content for a particular soil. The slope and intercepts of this function vary with the texture and saturation capacity of the soil. Estimates of soil water characteristic curves were made at two sites by averaging the gravimetric soil water content and soil matric potential values from multiple samples at 0.1-m depth intervals derived by using the hand auger and filter-paper method and entering these values in the soil water model. The characteristic curves then were used to estimate soil matric potential from estimates of volumetric soil water content derived from neutron-probe readings. Evaluation of the modeling technique at two study sites indicated that estimates of soil matric potential within 0.5 pF units of the soil matric potential value derived by using the filter-paper method could be obtained 90 to 95 percent of the time in soils where water content was less than field capacity. The greatest errors occurred at depths where there was a distinct transition between soils of different textures.
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Determination of Component Contents of Blend Oil Based on Characteristics Peak Value Integration.
Xu, Jing; Hou, Pei-guo; Wang, Yu-tian; Pan, Zhao
2016-01-01
Edible blend oil market is confused at present. It has some problems such as confusing concepts, randomly named, shoddy and especially the fuzzy standard of compositions and ratios in blend oil. The national standard fails to come on time after eight years. The basic reason is the lack of qualitative and quantitative detection of vegetable oils in blend oil. Edible blend oil is mixed by different vegetable oils according to a certain proportion. Its nutrition is rich. Blend oil is eaten frequently in daily life. Different vegetable oil contains a certain components. The mixed vegetable oil can make full use of their nutrients and make the nutrients more balanced in blend oil. It is conducive to people's health. It is an effectively way to monitor blend oil market by the accurate determination of single vegetable oil content in blend oil. The types of blend oil are known, so we only need for accurate determination of its content. Three dimensional fluorescence spectra are used for the contents in blend oil. A new method of data processing is proposed with calculation of characteristics peak value integration in chosen characteristic area based on Quasi-Monte Carlo method, combined with Neural network method to solve nonlinear equations to obtain single vegetable oil content in blend oil. Peanut oil, soybean oil and sunflower oil are used as research object to reconcile into edible blend oil, with single oil regarded whole, not considered each oil's components. Recovery rates of 10 configurations of edible harmonic oil is measured to verify the validity of the method of characteristics peak value integration. An effective method is provided to detect components content of complex mixture in high sensitivity. Accuracy of recovery rats is increased, compared the common method of solution of linear equations used to detect components content of mixture. It can be used in the testing of kinds and content of edible vegetable oil in blend oil for the food quality detection, and provide an effective reference for the creation of national standards.
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Electrical and magnetic properties of rock and soil
Scott, J.H.
1983-01-01
Field and laboratory measurements have been made to determine the electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and magnetic permeability of rock and soil in areas of interest in studies of electromagnetic pulse propagation. Conductivity is determined by making field measurements of apparent resisitivity at very low frequencies (0-20 cps), and interpreting the true resistivity of layers at various depths by curve-matching methods. Interpreted resistivity values are converted to corresponding conductivity values which are assumed to be applicable at 10^2 cps, an assumption which is considered valid because the conductivity of rock and soil is nearly constant at frequencies below 10^2 cps. Conductivity is estimated at higher frequencies (up to 10^6 cps) by using statistical correlations of three parameters obtained from laboratory measurements of rock and soil samples: conductivity at 10^2 cps, frequency and conductivity measured over the range 10^2 to 10^6 cps. Conductivity may also be estimated in this frequency range by using field measurements of water content and correlations of laboratory sample measurements of the three parameters: water content, frequency, and conductivity measured over the range 10^2 to 10^6 cps. This method is less accurate because nonrandom variation of ion concentration in natural pore water introduces error. Dielectric constant is estimated in a similar manner from field-derived conductivity values applicable at 10^2 cps and statistical correlations of three parameters obtained from laboratory measurements of samples: conductivity measured at 10^2 cps, frequency, and dielectric constant measured over the frequency range 10^2 to 10^6 cps. Dielectric constant may also be estimated from field measurements of water content and correlations of laboratory sample measurements of the three parameters: water content, frequency, and dielectric constant measured from 10^2 to 10^6 cps, but again, this method is less accurate because of variation of ion concentration of pore water. Special laboratory procedures are used to measure conductivity and dielectric constant of rock and soil samples. Electrode polarization errors are minimized by using an electrode system that is electrochemically reversible-with ions in pore water.
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Catalytic upgrading of bio-oil produced from hydrothermal liquefaction of Nannochloropsis sp.
Shakya, Rajdeep; Adhikari, Sushil; Mahadevan, Ravishankar; Hassan, El Barbary; Dempster, Thomas A
2018-03-01
Upgrading of bio-oil obtained from hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of algae is necessary for it to be used as a fuel. In this study, bio-oil obtained from HTL of Nannochloropsis sp. was upgraded using five different catalysts (Ni/C, ZSM-5, Ni/ZSM-5, Ru/C and Pt/C) at 300 °C and 350 °C. The upgraded bio-oil yields were higher at 300 °C; however, higher quality upgraded bio-oils were obtained at 350 °C. Ni/C gave the maximum upgraded bio-oil yield (61 wt%) at 350 °C. However, noble metal catalysts (Ru/C and Pt/C) gave the better upgraded bio-oils in terms of acidity, heating values, and nitrogen values. The higher heating value of the upgraded bio-oils ranged from 40 to 44 MJ/kg, and the nitrogen content decreased from 5.37 to 1.29 wt%. Most of the upgraded bio-oils (35-40 wt%) were in the diesel range. The major components present in the gaseous products were CH 4 , CO, CO 2 and lower alkanes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Experimental study on temperature profile of fixed - bed gasification of oil-palm fronds
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Atnaw, Samson M.; Sulaiman, Shaharin A.; Moni, M. Nazmi Z.
2012-06-01
Currently the world's second largest palm oil producer Malaysia produces large amount of oil palm biomass each year. The abundance of the biomass introduces a challenge to utilize them as main feedstock for heat and energy generation. Although some oil palm parts and derivatives like empty fruit bunch and fibre have been commercialized as fuel, less attention has been given to oil palm fronds (OPF). Initial feasibility and characterization studies of OPF showed that it is highly feasible as fuel for gasification to produce high value gaseous fuel or syngas. This paper discusses the experimental gasification attempt carried out on OPF using a 50 kW lab scale downdraft gasifier and its results. The conducted study focused on the temperature distributions within the reactor and the characteristics of the dynamic temperature profile for each temperature zones during operation. OPF feedstock of one cubic inch in individual size with 15% average moisture content was utilized. An average pyrolysis zone temperature of 324°Cand an average oxidation zone temperature of 796°Cwere obtained over a total gasification period of 74 minutes. A maximum oxidation zone temperature of 952°Cwas obtained at 486 lpm inlet air flow rate and 10 kg/hr feedstock consumption rate. Stable bluish flare was produced for more than 70% of the total gasification time. The recorded temperature profiles produced closely similar patterns with the temperature profiles recorded from the gasification of woody materials. Similar temperature profile was obtained comparing the results from OPF gasification with that of woody biomass. Furthermore, the successful ignition of the syngas produced from OPF gasification ascertained that OPF indeed has a higher potential as gasification feedstock. Hence, more detailed studies need to be done for better understanding in exploiting the biomass as a high prospect alternative energy solution. In addition, a study of the effect of initial moisture content of OPF feedstock on the temperature distribution profile along the gasifier bed showed that initial moisture content of feedstock in the range of 15% gives satisfactory result, while experiment with feedstock having higher moisture content resulted in lower zone temperature values.
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Mezzomo, Natália; Mileo, Bruna R; Friedrich, Maria T; Martínez, Julian; Ferreira, Sandra R S
2010-07-01
Peach kernels are industrial residues from the peach processing, contain oil with important therapeutic properties and attractive nutritional aspects because of the high concentration of oleic and linoleic acids. The extraction method used to obtain natural compounds from raw matter is critical for product quality definition. Thus, the aim of this work was to compare peach almond extraction yields obtained by different procedures: soxhlet extractions (Sox) with different solvents; hydrodistillation (HD); ethanolic maceration (Mac) followed by fractionation with various solvents, and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) at 30, 40 and 50 degrees C and at 100, 200 and 300bar, performed with pure CO(2) and with a co-solvent. The extracts were evaluated with respect to fatty acid composition (FAC), fractionated chemical profile (FCP) and total phenolic content (TPC). The Sox total yields were generally higher than those obtained by SFE. The crossover pressure for SFE was between 260 and 280bar. The FAC results show oleic and linoleic acids as main components, especially for Sox and SFE extracts. The FCP for samples obtained by Sox and Mac indicated the presence of benzaldehyde and benzyl alcohol, components responsible for almond flavor and with important industrial uses, whereas the SFE extracts present a high content of a possible flavonoid. The higher TPC values were obtained by Sox and Mac with ethanol. In general, the maximum pressure in SFE produced the highest yield, TPC and oleic acid content. The use of ethanol at 5% as co-solvent in SFE did not result in a significant effect on any evaluated parameter. The production of peach almond oil through all techniques is substantially adequate and SFE presented advantages, with respect to the quality of the extracts due to the high oleic acid content, as presented by some Sox samples. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wei, L.; Marshall, J. D.
2007-12-01
3PG (Physiological Principles in Predicting Growth), a process-based physiological model of forest productivity, has been widely used and well validated. Based on 3PG, a 3PG-δ13C model to simulate δ13C content in plant tissue is built in this research. 3PG calculates carbon assimilation from utilizable absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and calculates stomatal conductance from maximum canopy conductance multiplied by physiological modifier which includes the effect of water vapor deficit and soil water. Then the equation of Farquhar and Sharkey (1982) was used to calculate δ13C content in plant. Five even-aged coniferous forest stands located near Clarkia, Idaho (47°15'N, 115°25'W) in Mica Creek Experimental Watershed, were chosen to test the model, (2 stands had been partial cut (50% canopy removal in 1990) and 3 were uncut). MCEW has been extensively investigated since 1990 and many necessary parameters needed for 3PG are readily available. Each of these sites is located near a UI Meteorological station, which recorded half-hourly climatic data since 2003. These site-specific climatic data were extend to 1991 by correlating with data from a nearby SNOTEL station (SNOwpack TELemetry, NRCS, 47°9' N, 116°16' W). Forest mensuration data were obtained form each stand using variable radius plots (VRP). Three tree species, which consist more than 95% of all trees, were parameterized for 3PG model, including: grand fir (Abies grandis Donn ex D. Don), western red cedar (Thuja plicat Donn ex D. Don a) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco). Because 4 out of 5 stands have mixed species, we also used parameters for mixed stands to run the model. To stabilize, the model was initially run under average climatic data for 20 years, and then run under the actual climatic data from 1991 to 2006. As 3PG runs in a monthly time step, monthly δ13C values were calculated first, and then yearly values were calculated by weighted averages. For testing the model, tree cores were collected from each stand and species. Ring-widths of tree cores were measured and cross-dated with a ring-width chronology obtained from MCEW. δ13C contents of tree- ring samples from known year were tested. Preliminary results indicate 3PG-δ13C simulated values are consistent with observed values in tree-rings. δ13C values of modeled species are different: western red cider has the highest delta13C values among the three species and western larch has the lowest.
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Turconi, Giovanna; Bazzano, Rosella; Roggi, Carla; Cena, Hellas
2012-05-01
A few studies link out-of-home eating to higher energy consumption, overweight and obesity in both adults and children. The present study was undertaken to investigate the nutritional value of meals available in a university cafeteria, in order to develop a target nutritional tool to help consumers make a more conscious nutritional choice. A cross-sectional study. In a university cafeteria in Pavia, northern Italy, the recipes and ingredients of each meal served during the whole year were obtained from the cooks. Energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate and fibre contents were computed for each meal standardized portion. Thirteen pyramid figures, subdivided into three coloured levels, were used to depict the energy and nutrient content of each meal. Four hundred randomly selected customers were interviewed on the cafeteria nutritional proposal. Foods available in the cafeteria consisted of 216 items and were distributed in the pyramids according to their energy content: the lowest ones at the bottom (green level) and the highest ones at the top (red level), passing through an orange level in the middle. Energy values ranged from 460 kJ (110 kcal) for a portion of dressed vegetables to 5021 kJ (1200 kcal) for a pizza. The depicted pyramids were displayed in the cafeteria, so that customers could choose their meal according to its nutritional value. The meals' nutritional content information was perceived very helpful for customers' nutritional choices. Availability of nutrition information in the cafeteria was well accepted by the customers who could plan their meals according to a more balanced diet.
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Transition from Terrorist Event Management to Consequence Management, Executive Summary
1982-03-31
8217 "This report has been reviewed in the Federal Emergency Management Agency and approved for puLlication. Approval does not signify that the contents...acts. It describes in general terms what mechanism is in place today. This description is derived from documentation reviewed and information obtained...probabilities was employed in the development of the- values expressed in the matrices. Probabilities were established by a review of several previous
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Effects of Mineral Compositions on Matrix Diffusion and Sorption of 75Se(IV) in Granite.
Yang, Xiaoyu; Ge, Xiangkun; He, Jiangang; Wang, Chunli; Qi, Liye; Wang, Xiangyun; Liu, Chunli
2018-02-06
Exploring the migration behaviors of selenium in granite is critical for the safe disposal of radioactive waste. The matrix diffusion and sorption of 75 Se(IV) (analogue for 79 Se) in granite were systematically studied to set reliable parameters in this work. Through-diffusion and batch sorption experiments were conduct with four types of Beishan granite. The magnitudes of the obtained apparent diffusion coefficient (D a ) values are of the following order: monzogranite > granodiorite-2 > granodiorite-1, which is opposite to the sequence of the K d values obtained from both the diffusion model and batch sorption experiments. The EPMA results of the granitic flakes showed that there was no obvious enrichment of Se(IV) on quartz, microcline and albite. Only biotite showed a weak affinity for Se(IV). Macroscopic sorption behaviors of Se(IV) on the four types of granite were identical with the sequence of the granitic biotite contents. Quantitative fitting results were also provided. XPS and XANES spectroscopy data revealed that bidentate inner-sphere complexes were formed between Se(IV) and Fe(III). Our results indicate that biotite can be representative of the Se(IV) sorption in complex mineral assemblages such as granite, and the biotite contents are critically important to evaluate Se(IV) transport in granite.
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Tribological characterization of TiCN coatings deposited by two crossed laser ablation plasma beams
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Camps, Enrique; Escobar-Alarcón, L.; Camps, Iván; Muhl, Stephen; Flores, Martín
2013-03-01
The simultaneous laser ablation of two targets (graphite and titanium) in an Ar-N2 gas mixture was carried out to deposit thin films of the ternary compound TiCN at room temperature. The base conditions used to produce the TiN without carbon were taken from our previous studies. The experimental conditions for the ablation of the carbon target were varied so that the carbon content in the films could be changed depending on the carbon ion energy. The control of the experimental conditions was carried out using a Langmuir planar probe which permitted the determination of the mean kinetic ion energy. The maximum hardness value of 35 GPa, was obtained with a carbon ion energy of about 250 eV, which corresponds to a film with 5 at% carbon content. In order to perform tribological and scratch tests, two types of substrate were used: nitrided AISI 316 stainless steel and AISI 316 stainless steel previously coated with a thin titanium layer (˜50 nm). Values of the wear rate in the range of 1.39×10-6 to 7.45×10-5 mm3 N-1 m-1, friction coefficient from 0.21 to 0.28 and adhesion from scratch test measurements up to 80 N for final critical load, were obtained.
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Microencapsulation of Natural Anthocyanin from Purple Rosella Calyces by Freeze Drying
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nafiunisa, A.; Aryanti, N.; Wardhani, D. H.; Kumoro, A. C.
2017-11-01
Anthocyanin extract in powder form will improve its use since the powder is easier to store and more applicable. Microencapsulation method is introduced as an efficient way for protecting pigment such as anthocyanin. This research was aimed to characterise anthocyanin encapsulated products prepared from purple Roselle calyces by freeze drying. The liquid anthocyanin extracts from ultrasound-assisted extraction were freeze-dried with and without the addition of 10% w/w maltodextrins as a carrier and coating agents. The quality attributes of the powders were characterised by their colour intensity, water content, and solubility. Analysis of encapsulated material was performed for the powder added by maltodextrin. The stability of the microencapsulated pigment in solution form was determined for 11 days. Total anthocyanin content was observed through pH differential method. The results of the colour intensity analysis confirm that the product with maltodextrin addition has more intense colour with L* value of 29.69 a* value of 54.29 and b* value of 8.39. The result with the addition of maltodextrin has less moisture content and more soluble in water. It is verified that better results were obtained for powder with maltodextrin addition. Anthocyanin in the powder form with maltodextrin addition exhibits higher stability even after 11 days. In conclusion, the microencapsulation of anthocyanin with maltodextrin as a carrier and coating agent presented a potential method to produce anthocyanin powder from purple Roselle.
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Vasconcelos, Maydla Dos Santos; Passos, Wilson Espíndola; Lescanos, Caroline Honaiser; Pires de Oliveira, Ivan; Trindade, Magno Aparecido Gonçalves; Caires, Anderson Rodrigues Lima; Muzzi, Rozanna Marques
2018-01-01
The techniques used to monitor the quality of the biodiesel are intensely discussed in the literature, partly because of the different oil sources and their intrinsic physicochemical characteristics. This study aimed to monitor the thermal degradation of the fatty acid methyl esters of Sesamum indicum L. and Raphanus sativus L. biodiesels (SILB and RSLB, resp.). The results showed that both biodiesels present a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, ∼84% (SILB) and ∼90% (RSLB). The SILB had a high content of polyunsaturated linoleic fatty acid (18 : 2), about 49%, and the oleic monounsaturated (18 : 1), ∼34%. On the other hand, RSLB presented a considerable content of linolenic fatty acid (18 : 3), ∼11%. The biodiesel samples were thermal degraded at 110°C for 48 hours, and acid value, UV absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopy analysis were carried out. The results revealed that both absorption and fluorescence presented a correlation with acid value as a function of degradation time by monitoring absorptions at 232 and 270 nm as well as the emission at 424 nm. Although the obtained correlation is not completely linear, a direct correlation was observed in both cases, revealing that both properties can be potentially used for monitoring the biodiesel degradation.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Rahn, Helene; Alexiou, Christoph; Trahms, Lutz; Odenbach, Stefan
2014-06-01
X-ray computed tomography is nowadays used for a wide range of applications in medicine, science and technology. X-ray microcomputed tomography (XμCT) follows the same principles used for conventional medical CT scanners, but improves the spatial resolution to a few micrometers. We present an example of an application of X-ray microtomography, a study of 3-dimensional biodistribution, as along with the quantification of nanoparticle content in tumoral tissue after minimally invasive cancer therapy. One of these minimal invasive cancer treatments is magnetic drug targeting, where the magnetic nanoparticles are used as controllable drug carriers. The quantification is based on a calibration of the XμCT-equipment. The developed calibration procedure of the X-ray-μCT-equipment is based on a phantom system which allows the discrimination between the various gray values of the data set. These phantoms consist of a biological tissue substitute and magnetic nanoparticles. The phantoms have been studied with XμCT and have been examined magnetically. The obtained gray values and nanoparticle concentration lead to a calibration curve. This curve can be applied to tomographic data sets. Accordingly, this calibration enables a voxel-wise assignment of gray values in the digital tomographic data set to nanoparticle content. Thus, the calibration procedure enables a 3-dimensional study of nanoparticle distribution as well as concentration.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kamaruddin, Shazlin; Mustapha, Wan Aida Wan; Haiyee, Zaibunnisa Abdul
2018-04-01
The objectives of this study were to compare the properties of moisture content, colour and essential oil compounds between stem and leaves of lemongrass (Cymbopogun citratus). The essential oil was extracted using two different methods which are hydrodistillation and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). There was no significant difference of moisture content between stem and leaves of lemongrass. The lightness (L) and yellowness (+b) values of the stems were significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to the leaves. The highest yield of essential oil was obtained by extraction using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) in leaves (˜ 0.7%) by treatment at 1700psi and 50°C. The main compound of extracted essential oil was citral (geranial and neral).
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Tumuluru, Jaya Shankar
2016-04-16
In the present study a Box–Behnken experimental design was used to understand the effect of the moisture content of lodgepole pine grind (33–39%, w.b.), die speed (40–60 Hz) and preheating temperature (30–90 °C) on the pellet quality and specific energy consumption. The partially dried pellets produced had high-moisture content in the range of 19–28% (w.b.), and were further dried to <9% (w.b.) in a mechanical oven set at 70 °C for 3 h. Dried pellets were further evaluated for pellet moisture content, unit, bulk, tapped density, and durability. Response surface models developed for the product properties have adequately described themore » process based on coefficient of determination values. Surface plots developed indicated higher unit, bulk, and tapped density (1050, 520, 560 kg/m 3) are achievable at 33–35% (w.b.) moisture content of the lodgepole pine grind, die speed of 60 Hz and preheating temperature of 30–60 °C. Higher moisture content of 39% (w.b) reduced unit, bulk, and tapped density to <912, 396, and 452 kg/m 3. Higher durability values of >95% were obtained at 33–35% (w.b.) at lower preheating temperatures of 30–50 °C and higher die speed of >50 Hz. At 33% (w.b.) moisture content of the lodgepole pine grind, preheating temperature of 90 °C, and die speed of 60 Hz, the observed specific energy consumption was <116 kW h/ton. As a result, scanning electron microscope studies indicated that lignin crosslinking is the primary reason for binding of the lodgepole pine grind at high-moisture content.« less
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Pardo, A.; Buijnsters, J. G.; Endrino, J. L.; Gómez-Aleixandre, C.; Abrasonis, G.; Bonet, R.; Caro, J.
2013-09-01
The influence of the metal content (Cu: 0-28 at.%) on the structural, mechanical and tribological properties of amorphous carbon films grown by pulsed filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition is investigated. Silicon and AISI 301 stainless steel have been used as substrate materials. The microstructure, composition and bonding structure have been determined by scanning electron microscopy, combined Rutherford backscattered spectroscopy-nuclear reaction analysis, and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. The mechanical and tribological properties have been assessed using nanoindentation and reciprocating sliding (fretting tests) and these have been correlated with the elemental composition of the films. A self-organized multilayered structure consisting of alternating carbon and copper metal nanolayers (thickness in the 25-50 nm range), whose formation is enhanced by the Cu content, is detected. The nanohardness and Young’s modulus decrease monotonically with increasing Cu content. A maximum value of the Young’s modulus of about 255 GPa is obtained for the metal-free film, whereas it drops to about 174 GPa for the film with a Cu content of 28 at.%. In parallel, a 50% drop in the nanohardness from about 28 GPa towards 14 GPa is observed for these coatings. An increase in the Cu content also produces an increment of the coefficient of friction in reciprocating sliding tests performed against a corundum ball counterbody. As compared to the metal free film, a nearly four times higher coefficient of friction value is detected in the case of a Cu content of 28 at.%. Nevertheless, the carbon-copper composite coatings produced a clear surface protection of the substrate despite an overall increase in wear loss with increasing Cu content in the range 3-28 at.%.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Tumuluru, Jaya Shankar
In the present study a Box–Behnken experimental design was used to understand the effect of the moisture content of lodgepole pine grind (33–39%, w.b.), die speed (40–60 Hz) and preheating temperature (30–90 °C) on the pellet quality and specific energy consumption. The partially dried pellets produced had high-moisture content in the range of 19–28% (w.b.), and were further dried to <9% (w.b.) in a mechanical oven set at 70 °C for 3 h. Dried pellets were further evaluated for pellet moisture content, unit, bulk, tapped density, and durability. Response surface models developed for the product properties have adequately described themore » process based on coefficient of determination values. Surface plots developed indicated higher unit, bulk, and tapped density (1050, 520, 560 kg/m 3) are achievable at 33–35% (w.b.) moisture content of the lodgepole pine grind, die speed of 60 Hz and preheating temperature of 30–60 °C. Higher moisture content of 39% (w.b) reduced unit, bulk, and tapped density to <912, 396, and 452 kg/m 3. Higher durability values of >95% were obtained at 33–35% (w.b.) at lower preheating temperatures of 30–50 °C and higher die speed of >50 Hz. At 33% (w.b.) moisture content of the lodgepole pine grind, preheating temperature of 90 °C, and die speed of 60 Hz, the observed specific energy consumption was <116 kW h/ton. As a result, scanning electron microscope studies indicated that lignin crosslinking is the primary reason for binding of the lodgepole pine grind at high-moisture content.« less
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Antioxidant potential, tannin and polyphenol contents of seed and pericarp of three Coffea species.
Patay, Éva Brigitta; Sali, Nikolett; Kőszegi, Tamás; Csepregi, Rita; Balázs, Viktória Lilla; Németh, Tibor Sebastian; Németh, Tibor; Papp, Nóra
2016-04-01
To investigate the antioxidant activity, total phenolic and total tannin content of the pericarp and the seed of Coffea benghalensis (C. benghalensis) and Coffea liberica compared to Coffea arabica (C. arabica). The antioxidant potential, total tannin and polyphenol contents of the immature and mature seed and pericarp of C. benghalensis and Coffea liberica were quantified and compared to C. arabica. Enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), oxygen radical absorbance capacity, Folin-Ciocalteau method and total tannin content assays were used. Trolox equivalent (TE/g plant material) values obtained by ECL and DPPH methods showed loose correlation (r(2) = 0.587) while those measured by oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay were higher without correlation in each plant. A closer correlation was detected between the ECL method and the percentage antioxidant activity of the DPPH technique (r(2) = 0.610 7) in each species, however the immature pericarp of C. benghalensis showed much higher DPPH scavenging potential than was seen in the ECL assay. The immature pericarp of C. benghalensis expressed the highest tannin and polyphenol content, and a high polyphenol level was also detected in the immature seed of C. arabica. The immature pericarp of Bengal and Liberian coffees showed the largest amount of phenolic contents. The obtained data highlight the potential role of C. benghalensis as a new source of natural antioxidants and polyphenols compared to C. arabica. Copyright © 2016 Hainan Medical College. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Bojar, Iwona; Wierzbińska-Stępniak, Anna; Witczak, Mariusz; Raczkiewicz, Dorota; Owoc, Alfred
2015-01-01
The objective of the study was an evaluation of the relationship between the level of cognitive functions and contents of micro- and macro-components in the diet of postmenopausal women. A group of 402 women was recruited to the study. The inclusion criteria were: minimum two years after the last menstruation, FSH concentration 30 U/ml and no dementia signs on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). A computerized battery of the Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNS VS) test was used to diagnose cognitive functions. The dietary questionnaire was evaluated based on observation of a seven-day diet. The data obtained were introduced into the database and analyzed using computer software DIETICIAN. Statistical analysis was performed using statistical software STATISTICA. The results of the study concerning diet unequivocally indicate a very poor quality of diet in the group of postmenopausal women examined. The daily diet had a too high energetic value. The women consumed an excessive amount of total fat, including definitely too much monounsaturated fatty acids, and insufficient polyunsaturated fatty acids. The dietary intake of sodium and phosphorus was too high, whereas deficiencies were observed in the consumption of iron, copper, potassium, calcium, magnesium and zinc. No significant correlations were found in the analysis of cognitive functions according to the energetic value of daily diet and contents of macro- and micro-components. The results concerning verbal memory significantly depended on the daily intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Women who consumed polyunsaturated fatty acids below the daily normal or normal level obtained significantly higher results in verbal memory.
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Balabanova, Biljana; Stafilov, Trajče; Bačeva, Katerina
2015-01-01
Bioavailability of metals occurring in soil is the basic source of its accumulation in vegetables and herbs. The impact of soil pollution (due to urban and mining areas) on the food chain presents a challenge for many investigations. Availability of metals in a potentially polluted soil and their possible transfer and bioaccumulation in sorrel (Rumex acetosa), spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and common nettle (Urtica dioica), were examined. Microwave digestion was applied for total digestion of the plant tissues, while on the soil samples open wet digestion with a mixture of acids was applied. Three extraction methods were implemented for the bioavailable metals in the soil. Atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma was used for determination of the total contents of 21 elements. Significant enrichments in agricultural soil for As, Pb and Zn (in urban area), Cd, Cu and Ni (in a copper mine area), compared with the respective values from European standards were detected. On the basis of three different extraction methods, higher availability was assumed for both lithogenic and anthropogenic elements. Translocation values >1 were obtained for As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn. Higher bioconcentrating value was obtained only for Cd, while the bioaccumulation values vary from 0.17 for Cd to 0.82 for Zn. The potential availability of hazardous metals in urban and mining soils is examined using DTPA-TEA-CaCl2 (urban) and HCl (Cu-mines areas). Our results suggested that S. oleracea and R. acetosa have a phytostabilization potential for Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb, while U. dioica only for Cu. R. acetosa has a potential for phytoextraction of Cd in urban and copper polluted areas.
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Lucas-González, Raquel; Viuda-Martos, Manuel; Pérez-Álvarez, José Ángel; Fernández-López, Juana
2017-03-01
The aim of the work was to study the influence of particle size in the composition, physicochemical, techno-functional and physio-functional properties of two flours obtained from persimmon (Diospyros kaki Trumb. cvs. 'Rojo Brillante' (RBF) and 'Triump' (THF) coproducts. The cultivar (RBF and THF) and particle size significantly affected all parameters under study, although depending on the evaluated property, only one of these effects predominated. Carbohydrates (38.07-46.98 g/100 g) and total dietary fiber (32.07-43.57 g/100 g) were the main components in both flours (RBF and THF). Furthermore, insoluble dietary fiber represented more than 68% of total dietary fiber content. All color properties studied were influenced by cultivar and particle size. For both cultivars, the lower particle size, the higher lightness and hue values. RBF flours showed high values for emulsifying activity (69.33-74.00 mL/mL), while THF presented high values for water holding capacity (WHC: 9.47-12.19 g water/g sample). The bile holding capacity (BHC) and fat/oil binding values were, in general, higher in RBF (19.61-12.19 g bile/g sample and 11.98-9.07, respectively) than THF (16.12-12.40 g bile/g sample and 9.78-7.96, respectively). The effect of particle size was really evident in both WHC and BHC. Due to their dietary fiber content, techno-functional and physio-functional properties, persimmon flours seem to have a good profile to be used as potential functional ingredient.
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Silica removal in industrial effluents with high silica content and low hardness.
Latour, Isabel; Miranda, Ruben; Blanco, Angeles
2014-01-01
High silica content of de-inked paper mill effluents is limiting their regeneration and reuse after membrane treatments such as reverse osmosis (RO). Silica removal during softening processes is a common treatment; however, the effluent from the paper mill studied has a low hardness content, which makes the addition of magnesium compounds necessary to increase silica removal. Two soluble magnesium compounds (MgCl₂∙6H₂O and MgSO₄∙7H₂O) were tested at five dosages (250-1,500 mg/L) and different initial pH values. High removal rates (80-90%) were obtained with both products at the highest pH tested (11.5). With these removal efficiencies, it is possible to work at high RO recoveries (75-85%) without silica scaling. Although pH regulation significantly increased the conductivity of the waters (at pH 11.5 from 2.1 to 3.7-4.0 mS/cm), this could be partially solved by using Ca(OH)₂ instead of NaOH as pH regulator (final conductivity around 3.0 mS/cm). Maximum chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal obtained with caustic soda was lower than with lime (15 vs. 30%). Additionally, the combined use of a polyaluminum coagulant during the softening process was studied; the coagulant, however, did not significantly improve silica removal, obtaining a maximum increase of only 10%.
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Reliability and validity of the Salford-Scott Nursing Values Questionnaire in Turkish.
Ulusoy, Hatice; Güler, Güngör; Yıldırım, Gülay; Demir, Ecem
2018-02-01
Developing professional values among nursing students is important because values are a significant predictor of the quality care that will be provided, the clients' recognition, and consequently the nurses' job satisfaction. The literature analysis showed that there is only one validated tool available in Turkish that examines both the personal and the professional values of nursing students. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Salford-Scott Nursing Values Questionnaire in Turkish. This study was a Turkish linguistic and cultural adaptation of a research tool. Participants and research context: The sample of this study consisted of 627 undergraduate nursing students from different geographical areas of Turkey. Two questionnaires were used for data collection: a socio-demographic form and the Salford-Scott Nursing Values Questionnaire. For the Salford-Scott Nursing Values Questionnaire, construct validity was examined using factor analyses. Ethical considerations: The study was approved by the Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine Research Ethics Board. Students were informed that participation in the study was entirely voluntary and anonymous. Item content validity index ranged from 0.66 to 1.0, and the total content validity index was 0.94. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling was 0.870, and Bartlett's test of sphericity was statistically significant (x 2 = 3108.714, p < 0.001). Construct validity was examined using factor analyses and the six factors were identified. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess the internal consistency reliability and the value of 0.834 was obtained. Our analyses showed that the Turkish version of Salford-Scott Nursing Values Questionnaire has high validity and reliability.
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Rathod, Rahul P; Annapure, Uday S
2017-03-01
Lentil contains substantial amount of protein, carbohydrate, fibre and other nutrients and orange peels powder rich in carbohydrate and fiber content The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of extrusion processing parameter on the level of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total tannin content and antioxidant activity of lentil-orange peel powder blend, also to investigate the possibility of blend as a candidate for production of protein rich extruded product by using response surface methodology. It was observed that, the physicochemical properties and sensory characteristics of lentil-orange peel based extrudate were highly dependent on process variables. The blend of lentil and orange peel powder has a huge potential for extrusion to produce ready-to-eat extruded with good acceptance. The overall best quality product was optimized and obtained at 16% moisture, 150 °C die temperature and 200 rpm screw speed. Extrusion process increased nutritional value of extruded product with TPC and TFC of 70.4 and 67.62% respectively and antioxidant activity of 60.6%. It showed higher stability at 150 °C with intermediate feed moisture content and despite the use of high temperatures in the extrusion-cooking is possible to minimize the loss of bioactive compounds to achieve products. Thus, results indicated that blend of lentil and orange peel may be used as raw material for the production of extruded snacks with great nutritional value.
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dos Santos, Luiz Felipe Lopes; Mársico, Eliane Teixeira; Lázaro, César Aquiles; Teixeira, Rose; Doro, Laís
2015-01-01
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the levels of biogenic amines (cadaverine, putrescine, tyramine, histamine, spermidine and spermine) by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the physicochemical (moisture, lipids, proteins, pH, water activity and fixed mineral residue) and microbiological (lactic acid bacteria and aerobic heterotrophic mesophilic bacteria count) characteristics of six Italian-type salami brands sold in the city of Niteroi (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The salami showed lactic acid bacteria count from 5.7 to 8.6 CFU•mL-1, and heterotrophic mesophilic bacteria count from 5.8 to 8.7 CFU•mL-1. Three brands showed moisture contents above 35% and one brand had protein content below 25%. The mean values obtained for the amines were: 197.43, 143.29, 73.02, 4.52, 90.66 and 36.17 mg•kg-1 for tyramine, putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine, histamine, and spermine respectively. Two brands presented histamine contents above the legal limit established in 100 mg•kg-1. We concluded that the evaluated salami presented a wide variation in the count of the bacterial groups with a predominance of lactic acid bacteria. The moisture contents indicate insufficient drying before commercialization and protein content had values below the minimum limit determined by the Brazilian legislation. Finally, the levels of biogenic amines found could cause adverse reactions in susceptible consumers, depending of the amount and frequency of intake of these products. PMID:27800400
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cardiff, Michael; Barrash, Warren; Thoma, Michael; Malama, Bwalya
2011-06-01
SummaryA recently developed unified model for partially-penetrating slug tests in unconfined aquifers ( Malama et al., in press) provides a semi-analytical solution for aquifer response at the wellbore in the presence of inertial effects and wellbore skin, and is able to model the full range of responses from overdamped/monotonic to underdamped/oscillatory. While the model provides a unifying framework for realistically analyzing slug tests in aquifers (with the ultimate goal of determining aquifer properties such as hydraulic conductivity K and specific storage Ss), it is currently unclear whether parameters of this model can be well-identified without significant prior information and, thus, what degree of information content can be expected from such slug tests. In this paper, we examine the information content of slug tests in realistic field scenarios with respect to estimating aquifer properties, through analysis of both numerical experiments and field datasets. First, through numerical experiments using Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods for gauging parameter uncertainty and identifiability, we find that: (1) as noted by previous researchers, estimation of aquifer storage parameters using slug test data is highly unreliable and subject to significant uncertainty; (2) joint estimation of aquifer and skin parameters contributes to significant uncertainty in both unless prior knowledge is available; and (3) similarly, without prior information joint estimation of both aquifer radial and vertical conductivity may be unreliable. These results have significant implications for the types of information that must be collected prior to slug test analysis in order to obtain reliable aquifer parameter estimates. For example, plausible estimates of aquifer anisotropy ratios and bounds on wellbore skin K should be obtained, if possible, a priori. Secondly, through analysis of field data - consisting of over 2500 records from partially-penetrating slug tests in a heterogeneous, highly conductive aquifer, we present some general findings that have applicability to slug testing. In particular, we find that aquifer hydraulic conductivity estimates obtained from larger slug heights tend to be lower on average (presumably due to non-linear wellbore losses) and tend to be less variable (presumably due to averaging over larger support volumes), supporting the notion that using the smallest slug heights possible to produce measurable water level changes is an important strategy when mapping aquifer heterogeneity. Finally, we present results specific to characterization of the aquifer at the Boise Hydrogeophysical Research Site. Specifically, we note that (1) K estimates obtained using a range of different slug heights give similar results, generally within ±20%; (2) correlations between estimated K profiles with depth at closely-spaced wells suggest that K values obtained from slug tests are representative of actual aquifer heterogeneity and not overly affected by near-well media disturbance (i.e., "skin"); (3) geostatistical analysis of K values obtained indicates reasonable correlation lengths for sediments of this type; and (4) overall, K values obtained do not appear to correlate well with porosity data from previous studies.
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Skalny, Anatoly V; Tinkov, Alexey A; Voronina, Irina; Terekhina, Olga; Skalnaya, Margarita G; Kovas, Yulia
2018-01-01
The objective of the present study was to perform comparative analysis of hair trace element content in women with natural and in vitro fertilization (IVF)-induced pregnancy. Hair trace element content in 33 women with IVF-induced pregnancy and 99 age- and body mass index-matched control pregnant women (natural pregnancy) was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results demonstrated that IVF-pregnant women are characterized by significantly lower hair levels of Cu, Fe, Si, Zn, Ca, Mg, and Ba at p < 0.05 or lower. Comparison of the individual levels with the national reference values demonstrated higher incidence of Fe and Cu deficiency in IVF-pregnant women in comparison to that of the controls. IVF pregnancy was also associated with higher hair As levels (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant interrelation between IVF pregnancy and hair Cu, Fe, Si, and As content. Hair Cu levels were also influenced by vitamin/mineral supplementation and the number of pregnancies, whereas hair Zn content was dependent on prepregnancy anthropometric parameters. In turn, planning of pregnancy had a significant impact on Mg levels in scalp hair. Generally, the obtained data demonstrate an elevated risk of copper, iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium deficiency and arsenic overload in women with IVF-induced pregnancy. The obtained data indicate the necessity of regular monitoring of micronutrient status in IVF-pregnant women in order to prevent potential deleterious effects of altered mineral homeostasis.
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Settling of virgin olive oil from horizontal screw solid bowl in static conditions.
Gila, Abraham M; Bejaoui, Mohamed A; Beltrán, Gabriel; Jiménez, Antonio
2017-08-01
This work was aimed to study the clarification efficiency of natural decantation in settling tank on virgin olive oil obtained from a two-ways continuous process. For this purpose, the impurities content of the virgin olive oil were monitored during settling process in settling tank at two different depths. Efficiency of purging system was determined for two days. The experiments were performed at industrial scale during three crop years. During the first minutes of settling was observed an ascent of the smaller organic particles of the oil. Then, most of the virgin olive oil impurities were settled at 300 min, independently of the initial content of virgin olive oil. Finally, oil decantation showed slower rate. Higher clarification values were obtained for those decanter oils with higher impurities content, achieving clarification percentages between of 62.69 and 95.91% at 48 h of settling. The highest settling efficiency was observed for those decanter oils with initial higher impurities content. The purging system used in the settling tanks was not able to remove the most of settled impurities since a considerable amount of the impurities remained in the tank after 48 h, between 13.6 and 71.41% for the studied oils. In the tank purges was observed important oil losses. Therefore, decantation was not an efficient system for oil clarification since its settling capacity varied depending on the initial impurities content and due to the settled impurities can not be removed fully by purging system.
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Boeing, Joana Schuelter; Barizão, Erica Oliveira; E Silva, Beatriz Costa; Montanher, Paula Fernandes; de Cinque Almeida, Vitor; Visentainer, Jesuí Vergilio
2014-01-01
This study evaluated the effect of the solvent on the extraction of antioxidant compounds from black mulberry (Morus nigra), blackberry (Rubus ulmifolius) and strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa). Different extracts of each berry were evaluated from the determination of total phenolic content, anthocyanin content and antioxidant capacity, and data were applied to the principal component analysis (PCA) to gain an overview of the effect of the solvent in extraction method. For all the berries analyzed, acetone/water (70/30, v/v) solvent mixture was more efficient solvent in the extracting of phenolic compounds, and methanol/water/acetic acid (70/29.5/0.5, v/v/v) showed the best values for anthocyanin content. Mixtures of ethanol/water (50/50, v/v), acetone water/acetic acid (70/29.5/0.5, v/v/v) and acetone/water (50/50, v/v) presented the highest antioxidant capacities for black mulberries, blackberries and strawberries, respectively. Antioxidants extractions are extremely affected by the solvent combination used. In addition, the obtained extracts with the organic solvent-water mixtures were distinguished from the extracts obtained with pure organic solvents, through the PCA analysis.
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2012-01-01
Background Microalgae have attracted major interest as a sustainable source for biodiesel production on commercial scale. This paper describes the screening of six microalgal species, Scenedesmus quadricauda, Scenedesmus acuminatus, Nannochloropsis sp., Anabaena sp., Chlorella sp. and Oscillatoria sp., isolated from fresh and marine water resources of southern Pakistan for biodiesel production and the GC-MS/MS analysis of their fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). Results Growth rate, biomass productivity and oil content of each algal species have been investigated under autotrophic condition. Biodiesel was produced from algal oil by acid catalyzed transesterification reaction and resulting fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) content was analyzed by GC/MS. Fatty acid profiling of the biodiesel, obtained from various microalgal oils showed high content of C-16:0, C-18:0, cis-Δ9C-18:1, cis-Δ11C-18:1 (except Scenedesmus quadricauda) and 10-hydroxyoctadecanoic (except Scenedesmus acuminatus). Absolute amount of C-14:0, C-16:0 and C-18:0 by a validated GC-MS/MS method were found to be 1.5-1.7, 15.0-42.5 and 4.2-18.4 mg/g, respectively, in biodiesel obtained from various microalgal oils. Biodiesel was also characterized in terms of cetane number, kinematic viscosity, density and higher heating value and compared with the standard values. Conclusion Six microalgae of local origin were screened for biodiesel production. A method for absolute quantification of three important saturated fatty acid methyl esters (C-14, C-16 and C-18) by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), using multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) mode, was employed for the identification and quantification of biodiesels obtained from various microalgal oils. The results suggested that locally found microalgae can be sustainably harvested for the production of biodiesel. This offers the tremendous economic opportunity for an energy-deficient nation. PMID:23216896
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Walencik-Łata, A; Kozłowska, B; Dorda, J; Przylibski, T A
2016-11-01
A survey was conducted to measure natural radioactivity in spa waters from the Kłodzko Valley. The main goal of this study was to determine the activity concentration of uranium, radium and radon isotopes in the investigated groundwaters. Samples were collected several times from 35 water intakes from 5 spas and 2 mineral water bottling plants. The authors examined whether the increased gamma radiation background, as well as the elevated values of radium and uranium content in reservoir rocks, have a significant impact on the natural radioactivity of these waters. The second objective of this research was to provide information about geochemistry of U, Ra, Rn radionuclides and the radiological and chemical risks incurred by ingestion of isotopes with drinking water. On the basis of results obtained, it is feasible to assess the health hazard posed by ingestion of natural radioactivity with drinking waters. Moreover, the data yielded by this research may be helpful in the process of verification of the application of these waters in balneotherapy. In addition, annual effective radiation doses resulting from the isotopes consumption were calculated on the basis of the evaluated activity concentrations. In dose assessment for uranium and radium isotopes, the authors provided values for different human age groups. The obtained uranium content in the investigated waters was compared with the currently valid regulations concerning the quality of drinking water. Based on the activity concentrations data, the activity isotopic ratios (234)U/(238)U, (226)Ra/(238)U, (222)Rn/(238)U, (222)Rn/(226)Ra and the correlations between radionuclides content were then examined. In brief, it may be concluded on the basis of the obtained results that radon solubility is inversely proportional to radium and uranium dissolution in environmental water circulation. The presented study allows conclusions to be drawn on the radionuclide circulation among different environmental biota: from lithosphere through hydrosphere to biosphere. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Tumor and Plasma Met Levels in Non-Metastatic Prostate Cancer.
Kaye, Deborah R; Pinto, Peter A; Cecchi, Fabiola; Reilly, Joseph; Semerjian, Alice; Rabe, Daniel C; Gupta, Gopal; Choyke, Peter L; Bottaro, Donald P
2016-01-01
To measure Met protein content in prostate biopsies guided by fused magnetic resonance and ultrasound imaging, and to measure soluble Met (sMet) protein concentration in plasma samples from patients presenting evidence of prostate cancer. 345 patients had plasma samples drawn prior to image-guided biopsy of the prostate. Of these, 32% had benign biopsies. Of the 236 that were positive for prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa), 132 treated by total prostatectomy had Gleason scores of 6 (17%), 7, (55%), 8 (16%), or 9-10 (12%). 23% had evidence of local invasion. Plasma samples were also obtained from 80 healthy volunteers. Tissue Met and plasma sMet were measured by two-site immunoassay; values were compared among clinically defined groups using non-parametric statistical tests to determine significant differences or correlations. PCa tumor Met correlated significantly with plasma sMet, but median values were similar among benign and malignant groups. Median plasma sMet values were also similar among those groups, although both medians were significantly above normal. Median Met content in primary PCa tumors and sMet concentrations were independent of Gleason score, final pathologic stage and age. Plasma sMet is not predictive of PCa or its severity in patients with organ-confined or locally invasive disease. Quantitative analysis of Met protein content and activation state in PCa tumor biopsy samples was highly feasible and may have value in follow-up to genomic and/or transcriptomic-based screens that show evidence of oncogenically relevant MET gene features that occur at relatively low frequency in non-metastatic PCa.
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Reduction of FeO contents in sinter under high bed operation
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Fujii, K.; Hazama, K.; Hoshikuma, Y.
1996-12-31
High-bed operation (bed height more than 700 mm) is currently being carried out at the Kure No. 1 sintering plant. Before initiating this high-bed operation, the authors conducted sinter pot tests at various bed heights to investigate the effect of bed height on sintering. The following results were obtained from these pot tests: Heightening of the sinter bed increased yield at the upper layer, but at the lower layer, the yield reached a maximum value at a certain bed height. From observation of the sinter cakes, the reduction in yield is attributed to uneven burn caused by surplus heat atmore » the lower layers. Therefore, when high-bed operation is carried out, reduction of the burning energy (reduction of the FeO content in the sinter) is required. This high-bed operation with lower FeO content has enabled the company to reduce fuel consumption and SiO{sub 2} content, while maintaining high yield and high sinter quality.« less
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Predictive methods of some optoelectronic properties for blends based on quaternized polysulfones
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dobos, Adina Maria; Filimon, Anca
2017-11-01
Blends based on quaternized polysulfones were investigated in terms of optical and electronic properties. By applying the Bicerano formalism the refractive index and dielectric constant were evaluated. Also, the dielectric constant of these blends was studied as a function of temperature and frequency. As the result of the main chain structure and charged groups, an increase in theoretical values of the refractive index and dielectric constant with increasing of the ionic quaternized units content in the polymer blend occurs. Additionally, decrease in the dielectric constant with the increase of frequency and decrease of temperature was observed. Refractive index and dielectric constant values indicate that the analyzed samples are transparent and can be used in obtaining of materials with applications involving a small polarizability. Thus, the results are important in prediction of the special optoelectronic features of new polymers blends to obtain high-performance materials with applications in electronic and biomedical fields.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Parthasarathy, Arvind; Srinivasan, Supramanian; Appleby, A. J.; Martin, Charles R.
1992-01-01
Results of a study of the temperature dependence of the oxygen reduction kinetics at the Pt/Nafion interface are presented. This study was carried out in the temperature range of 30-80 C and at 5 atm of oxygen pressure. The results showed a linear increase of the Tafel slope with temperature in the low current density region, but the Tafel slope was found to be independent of temperature in the high current density region. The values of the activation energy for oxygen reduction at the platinum/Nafion interface are nearly the same as those obtained at the platinum/trifluoromethane sulfonic acid interface but less than values obtained at the Pt/H3PO4 and Pt/HClO4 interfaces. The diffusion coefficient of oxygen in Nafion increases with temperature while its solubility decreases with temperature. These temperatures also depend on the water content of the membrane.
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Seemann, Andreas; Wallner, Teresa; Poschlod, Peter; Heilmann, Jörg
2010-05-01
In ten grassland or heathland sites along a geographic (north to south) and climatic gradient in Germany, flowerheads of Arnica montana were collected, and the total content of sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) as well as the content of the detected single compounds were determined. The ratios of helenalin (H)- and corresponding 11 alpha,13-dihydrohelenalin(DH)-type compounds were calculated. All habitats were characterised concerning the climatic and soil conditions, and the values obtained were correlated with SL contents according to univariate statistical analyses. All populations showed very similar and constant ratios of helenalin ( 1)/11 alpha,13-dihydrohelenalin ( 2) at around 1.5-2/1 irrespective of different ecological parameters. The ratio of helenalin/11 alpha,13-dihydrohelenalin esters was several fold higher in all samples, but it was nearly identical in every habitat among each other, except for the helenalin/11 alpha,13-dihydrohelenalin 2-methylbutyrate pair ( 5/ 11), which showed a constantly twofold higher H/DH ratio. However, the 6- O-isovalerylhelenalin content ( 6) showed highly significant correlations to climatic factors. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart New York.
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Steinrücken, Pia; Mjøs, Svein A; Prestegard, Siv K; Erga, Svein R
2018-01-01
Microalgae with a high content of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are of great demand for microalgae-based technologies. An Arctic strain of the diatom Attheya septentrionalis was shown in previous experiments to increase its EPA content from 3.0 to 4.6% of dry weight (DW) in the nutrient-replete exponential phase and nutrient-depleted stationary phase, respectively. In the present study, a factorial-design experiment was used, to investigate this effect in more detail and in combination with varying salinities and irradiances. A mathematical model revealed that both growth phase and salinity, alone and in combination, influenced the EPA content significantly. Maximum EPA values of 7.1% DW were obtained at a salinity of 22 and after 5 days in stationary phase, and might be related to a decreased silica content, an accumulation of storage lipids containing EPA, or both. However, growth rates were lower for low salinity (0.54 and 0.57 d -1 ) than high salinity (0.77 and 0.98 d -1 ) cultures.
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Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity analysis of Malaysian pineapple cultivars
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Chiet, Chong Hang; Zulkifli, Razauden Mohamed; Hidayat, Topik; Yaakob, Harisun
2014-03-01
Pineapple industry is one of the important agricultural sectors in Malaysia with 76 cultivars planted throughout the country. This study aims to generate useful nutritional information as well as evaluating antioxidant properties of different pineapple commercial cultivars in Malaysia. The bioactive compound content and antioxidant capacity of `Josapine', `Morris' and `Sarawak' pineapple (Ananas comosus) were studied. The pineapple varieties were collected at commercial maturity stage (20-40% yellowish of fruit peel) and the edible portion of the fruit was used as sample for evaluation. The bioactive compound of the fruit extracts were evaluated by total phenolic and tannin content assay while the antioxidant capacity was determined by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). From the results obtained, total phenolic and tannin content was highest for `Josapine' followed by `Morris' and `Sarawak'. With respect to FRAP, `Josapine' showed highest reducing capacity, followed by `Morris' and then `Sarawak' having the least value. The bioactive compounds content are positively correlated with the antioxidant capacities of the pineapple extracts. This result indicates that the total phenolics and tannin content present in the pineapples may contribute to the antioxidant capacity of the pineapples.
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40 CFR 98.315 - Procedures for estimating missing data.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... measured parameters used in the GHG emissions calculations is required (e.g., carbon content values, etc... such estimates. (a) For each missing value of the monthly carbon content of calcined petroleum coke the substitute data value shall be the arithmetic average of the quality-assured values of carbon contents for...
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Choi, Mi-Jung; Shin, Kwang-Soon
2014-01-01
The object of this study was to investigate the difference in physical and sensory properties of various premium ice creams. The physical properties of the various ice creams were compared by manufacturing brand. The water contents of the samples differed, with BR having the highest value at 60.5%, followed by NT and CS at 57.8% and 56.9%, respectively. The higher the water content, the lower Brix and milk fat contents in all samples. The density of the samples showed almost similar values in all samples (p>0.05). The viscosity of each ice cream had no effect on the water content in any of the brands. Before melting of the ice cream, the total color difference was dependent on the lightness, especially in the vanilla ice cream, owing to the reflection of light on the surface of the ice crystals. The CS product melted the fastest. In the sensory test, CS obtained a significantly higher sweetness intensity score but a lower score for color intensity, probably due to the smaller difference in total color, by which consumers might consider the color of CS as less intense. From this study, the cold chain system for ice cream distribution might be important to decide the physical properties although the concentration of milk fat is key factor in premium ice cream.
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Siracusa, Laura; Avola, Giovanni; Patanè, Cristina; Riggi, Ezio; Ruberto, Giuseppe
2013-11-01
The heightened consumer awareness for food safety is reflected in the demand for products with well-defined individual characteristics due to specific production methods, composition and origin. In this context, of pivotal importance is the re-evaluation of folk/traditional foods by properly characterizing them in terms of peculiarity and nutritional value. The subjects of this study are two typical Mediterranean edible products. The main morphological, biometrical and productive traits and polyphenol contents of three onion genotypes ('Cipolla di Giarratana', 'Iblea' and 'Tonda Musona') and three long-storage tomato landraces ('Montallegro', 'Filicudi' and 'Principe Borghese') were investigated. Sicilian onion landraces were characterized by large bulbs, with 'Cipolla di Giarratana' showing the highest bulb weight (605 g), yield (151 t ha(-1)) and total polyphenol content (123.5 mg kg(-1)). Landraces of long-storage tomato were characterized by low productivity (up to 20 t ha(-1)), but more than 70% of the total production was obtained with the first harvest, allowing harvest costs to be reduced. High contents of polyphenols were found, probably related to the typical small fruit size and thick skin characterizing these landraces. The present study overviews some of the most important traits that could support traditional landrace characterization and their nutritional value assessment. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Kazamias, Georgios; Roulia, Maria; Kapsimali, Ioanna; Chassapis, Konstantinos
2017-12-01
In the present work, a new simple and quick eco-friendly method is discussed to handle effectively the green wastes and produce a sustainable peat substitute of high quality on the large scale. Principal physicochemical parameters, i.e., temperature, moisture, specific weight, pH, electrical conductivity and, also, microorganisms, organic matter, humic substances, total Kjeldahl nitrogen and total organic carbon, C/N ratio, ash, metal content and phytotoxicity, were monitored systematically. Humic substances content values were interrelated to both C/N ratio and pH values and, similarly, bulk density, TOC, TKN, C/N, GI, ash and organic matter were found interconnected to each other. A novel biocatalyst, extremely rich in soil microorganisms, prepared from compost extracts and peaty lignite, accelerated the biotransformation. Zeolite was also employed. The compost does not demonstrate any phytotoxicity throughout the entire biotransformation process and has increased humic substances content. Both humic substances content and germination index can be employed as maturation indices of the compost. Addition of compost, processed for 60 days only, in cultivations of grass plants led to a significant increase in the stem mass and root size, annotating the significant contribution of the compost to both growth and germination. The product obtained is comparable to peat humus, useful as peat substitute and can be classified as a first class soil conditioner suitable for organic farming. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Studies on Physical and Sensory Properties of Premium Vanilla Ice Cream Distributed in Korean Market
Choi, Mi-Jung
2014-01-01
The object of this study was to investigate the difference in physical and sensory properties of various premium ice creams. The physical properties of the various ice creams were compared by manufacturing brand. The water contents of the samples differed, with BR having the highest value at 60.5%, followed by NT and CS at 57.8% and 56.9%, respectively. The higher the water content, the lower Brix and milk fat contents in all samples. The density of the samples showed almost similar values in all samples (p>0.05). The viscosity of each ice cream had no effect on the water content in any of the brands. Before melting of the ice cream, the total color difference was dependent on the lightness, especially in the vanilla ice cream, owing to the reflection of light on the surface of the ice crystals. The CS product melted the fastest. In the sensory test, CS obtained a significantly higher sweetness intensity score but a lower score for color intensity, probably due to the smaller difference in total color, by which consumers might consider the color of CS as less intense. From this study, the cold chain system for ice cream distribution might be important to decide the physical properties although the concentration of milk fat is key factor in premium ice cream. PMID:26761671
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kachel-Jakubowska, Magdalena; Matwijczuk, Arkadiusz; Gagoś, Mariusz
2017-04-01
The technology of transesterification of biodiesel obtained from many agricultural products, which are often referred to as renewable resources, yields substantial amounts of by-products. They exhibit various properties that prompt scientific research into potential application thereof. Various spectroscopic methods, e.g. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, are being increasingly used in the research. In this paper, we present the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectroscopy analyses of technical glycerine, distilled glycerine, and matter organic non glycerol, i.e. by-products of biodiesel production. To facilitate the spectroscopic analysis, a number of parameters were determined for all the materials, e.g. the calorific value, water content, sulphated ash content, methanol content, acidity, as well as the contents of esters, heavy metals, aldehydes, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The results indicate that the analysed products are characterised by a comparable calorific value in the range from 11.35 to 16.05 MJ kg-1 in the case of matter organic non glycerol and technical glycerine. Observation of changes in the position of selected peaks in the range of 3700-650 cm-1 in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy method facilitates determination of the level of degradation of the analysed material. Changes in the wavelength ranges can be used for monitoring the formation of secondary oxidation products containing carbonyl groups.
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[Polymorphism of PentaD and PentaE STR locus in five Chinese Han population].
Liu, Qiu-ling; Lu, Hui-ling; Lü, De-jian
2003-01-01
To obtain the genetic polymorphism data of Guangxi, Hunan, Henan, Sichuan, Taiwang Chinese Han population and compare the polymorphism of PentaD and PentaE STR locus. The two loci was analyzed by using the PowerPlex 16 System. 10 alleles of PentaD and 19 alleles of PentaE were found in the five Han population. PentaD and PentaE have the expected heterozygosity values of 0.7746-0.8047 and 0.9005-0.9219, the polymorphism information content values of 0.7710-0.8025 and 0.8969-0.9176, the discrimination power values of 0.9223-0.9341 and 0.9471-0.9782, the power of exclusion values of 0.5435-0.6325 and 0.6785-0.8465, respectively. The result showed that these two loci were highly informative and suitable for forensic application.
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Effects of Various Kinds of Salt on the Quality and Storage Characteristics of Tteokgalbi.
Lee, Hyun-Joo; Lee, Jae-Joon
2014-01-01
This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of various kinds of salt on the quality and storage characteristics of tteokgalbi. The tteokgalbi was prepared using four types of salt: 1.5% purified salt (control, C), 1.5% five-year-old solar salt (FS), 1.5% Topan solar salt (TS), and 1.5% French Guérande solar salt (GS). The moisture, crude lipid, crude ash, crude protein and calorie contents, water holding capacity, and cooking loss were not significantly different between control and all other treatments. As for the textural characteristics, the use of GS increased the hardness of the tteokgalbi. According to the sensory evaluation, the use of TS had the best score in springiness. Tteokgalbi made with TS and GS had the two highest scores in flavor and total acceptability. During 15 d of storage, the contents of 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value, volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) and the total microbial counts increased, while the pH decreased. The TBA values of the tteokgalbi containing TS and GS were lower than that of C. Lightness (L) and yellowness (b) values decreased during storage, but redness (a) displayed no significant difference during storage. Overall, the best results, in terms of TBA value and sensory attributes, were obtained for the tteokgalbi containing TS and GS.
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A study of thematic content in hospital mission statements: a question of values.
Williams, Jaime; Smythe, William; Hadjistavropoulos, Thomas; Malloy, David C; Martin, Ronald
2005-01-01
We examined the content of Canadian hospital mission statements using thematic content analysis. The mission statements that we studied varied in terms of both content and length. Although there was some content related to goals designed to ensure organizational visibility, survival, and competitiveness, the domain of values predominated over our entire coding structure. The primary value-related theme that emerged concerned the importance of patient care.
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Bladder segmentation in MR images with watershed segmentation and graph cut algorithm
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Blaffert, Thomas; Renisch, Steffen; Schadewaldt, Nicole; Schulz, Heinrich; Wiemker, Rafael
2014-03-01
Prostate and cervix cancer diagnosis and treatment planning that is based on MR images benefit from superior soft tissue contrast compared to CT images. For these images an automatic delineation of the prostate or cervix and the organs at risk such as the bladder is highly desirable. This paper describes a method for bladder segmentation that is based on a watershed transform on high image gradient values and gray value valleys together with the classification of watershed regions into bladder contents and tissue by a graph cut algorithm. The obtained results are superior if compared to a simple region-after-region classification.
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Optimal Landsat transforms for forest applications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Logan, T. L.; Strahler, A. H.
1983-01-01
Eleven transformations of data from four Landsat MSS channels were investigated to find if any of the transforms accentuated the separability of natural vegetation classes in regions of varying topographical relief. Attention was given to the divergence analysis and classification accuracy of information content of the eleven transforms and four channels. A useful scaling function was observed with the second eigenvector being the denominator in the divergence values obtained. The second eigenvector was found to reduce the effects of shadowing and differential illumination of vegetation signatures, thereby enhancing the divergence values. The highest accuracies in crop identification were provided by the averages of channels 4, 6, and 7 divided by the second eigenvector.
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Comparison of instruments for dual-energy X-ray bone mineral densitometry.
Vainio, P; Ahonen, E; Leinonen, K; Sievänen, H; Koski, E
1992-04-01
While bone mineral densitometry has become a common laboratory test, it is important to pay attention to the compatibility of the results from different instruments. In this study results from three commercially available bone densitometers are compared using both patient and phantom studies. Overall correlation between instruments was good but there were systematic discrepancies in the results. The three instruments provided bone mineral density (BMD) values that differed by as much as 13.5% due to differences as large as 6% in bone mineral content and as large as 7% in bone area. Thus, the BMD values obtained from different manufacturers' instruments are not directly comparable.
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The effect of changing gravity and weightlessness of vasopressin control systems
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Moran, W. H.
1972-01-01
An immunoassay to determine the effects of changing gravity and weightlessness on vasopressin control system is discussed. Seven extracts from persons known to have inappropriate ADH syndrome secondary to pulmonary oat cell cancer were examined. The extracts had previously been subject to bioassay in rats. The intent of the examination was to determine if the vasopressin content could be confirmed immunologically. The results compared favorably with the values obtained by biological assay.
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Jaszewska, Edyta; Kośmider, Anita; Kiss, Anna K; Naruszewicz, Marek
2009-09-23
Three extracts of defatted seeds of Oenothera paradoxa Hudziok, aqueous extract, 60% ethanolic extract, and 30% isopropanolic extract, differing by their total content of phenolic compounds and by their contents of individual polyphenols, were investigated in this study. The extracts exerted cytotoxic action on HTB-140 human skin melanoma cells. After 24 h of incubation, IC(50) values of 169.7 +/- 5.9 micog/mL, 72.4 +/- 3.8 microg/mL, and 155.3 +/- 6.3 microg/mL were obtained for HTB-140 cells with the aqueous extract, 60% ethanolic extract, and 30% isopropanolic extract at the tested concentrations (5-200 microg/mL), respectively, while IC(50) for normal fibroblast cells NHDFs was not attained. Moreover, for HTB-140 cells, LD(50) (concentration at which 50% of cells were dead) of 89.2 +/- 4.3 microg/mL and 181.4 +/- 6.5 microg/mL were obtained with 60% ethanolic extract and 30% isopropanolic extract, respectively. In melanoma cells, all three extracts caused a concentration-dependent increase of ROS production, GSH, and ATP lowering, and appearance of phosphatidylserine on the external surface of cellular membranes where it was bound to annexin V-FITC; furthermore, apoptosis without activation of caspase-3 took place. The most effective was 60% ethanolic extract, which had the greatest total content of phenolic compounds and the greatest content of pentagalloyloglucose (PGG).
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Wu, Di; Cao, Fang; Feng, Shui-Juan; He, Yong
2008-05-01
In the present study, the JASCO Model FTIR-4 000 fourier transform infrared spectrometer (Japan) was used, with a valid range of 7 800-350 cm(-1). Seven brands of milk powder were bought in a local supermarket. Milk powder was compressed into a uniform tablet with a diameter of 5 mm and a thickness of 2 mm, and then scanned by the spectrometer. Each sample was scanned 40 times and the data were averaged. About 60 samples were measured for each brand, and data for 409 samples were obtained. NIRS analysis was based on the range of 4 000 to 6 666 cm(-1), while MIRS analysis was between 400 and 4 000 cm(-1). The protein content was determined by kjeldahl method and the factor 6.38 was used to convert the nitrogen values to protein. The protein content value is the weight of protein per 100 g of milk powder. The NIR data of the milk powder exhibited slight differences. Univariate analysis was not really appropriate for analyzing the data sets. From NIRS region, it could be observed that the trend of different curves is similar. The one around 4 312 cm(-1) embodies the vibration of protein. From MIRS region, it could be determined that there are many differences between transmission value curves. Two troughs around 1 545 and 1 656 cm(-1) stand for the vibration of amide I and II bands of protein. The smoothing way of Savitzky-Golay with 3 segments and zero polynomials and multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) were applied for denoising. First 8 important principle components (PCs), which were obtained from principle component analysis (PCA), were the optimal input feature subset. Least-squares support vector machines was applied to build the protein prediction model based on infrared spectral transmission value. The prediction result was better than that of traditional PLS regression model as the determination coefficient for prediction (R(p)2) is 0.951 7 and root mean square error for prediction (RMSEP) is 0.520 201. These indicate that LS-SVM is a powerful tool for spectral analysis. Moreover, the study compared the prediction results based on near infrared spectral data and mid-infrared spectral data. The results showed that the performance of the model with mid-infrared spectral data was better than the one with near infrared spectra data. It was concluded that infrared spectroscopy technique can do the quantification of protein content in milk powder fast and non-destructively and the process was simple and easy to operate. The results of this study can be used for the design of a simple and non-destructive spectra sensor for the quantitative of protein content in milk powder.
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Seasonal variations of the ionospheric total electron content in Asian equatorial anomaly regions
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Tsai, Ho-Fang; Liu, Jann-Yenq; Tsai, Wei-Hsiung; Liu, Chao-Han; Tseng, Ching-Liang; Wu, Chin-Chun
2001-12-01
The ionospheric total electron contents (TEC) in both northern and southern equatorial anomaly regions are examined by using the Global Positioning System (GPS) in Asian area. The TEC contour charts obtained at YMSM (25.2°N, 121.6°E 14.0°N geomagnetic) and DGAR (7.3°S, 72.4°E 16.2°S geomagnetic) stations in 1997, solar minimum, are investigated. It is found that the ionospheric crests manifest remarkable seasonal variations. The TEC values on both northern and southern equatorial anomaly crests yield their maximum values during the vernal and autumnal months, but the winter anomaly does not appear in the southern region. Results show that both crests are fully developed around midday in winter, postnoon in equinoxes and late afternoon in summer, and the two crests move significantly equatorward in winter but slightly poleward in summer and autumn. These phenomena can be fully explained by a combined theory of the transequatorial neutral wind, the subsolar point, and the auroral equatorward wind.
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Composition and properties of virgin pistachio oils and their by-products from different cultivars.
Ojeda-Amador, Rosa M; Fregapane, Giuseppe; Salvador, María Desamparados
2018-02-01
Pistachios (Pistacia vera) exhibit an interesting nutritional value, due to the high content of oleic acid and minor components with antioxidant and bioactive properties. This work aimed to characterize pistachio virgin oils and their partially defatted residual cakes, obtained from eight cultivars (Aegina, Avdat, Kastel, Kerman, Larnaka, Mateur, Napoletana, and Sirora). Interesting results on phenolics, tocopherols and antioxidant activity were observed, which were greatly affected by variety. Pistachio virgin oils are rich in healthy oleic acid (55-74%), phytosterols (3200-7600mg/kg) and γ-tocopherol (550-720mg/kg). A high content of phenolic compounds (8600-15000mg/kg gallic acid equivalents) and the corresponding antioxidant activities (12-46 and 155-496mmol/kg for DPPH and ORAC) of the residual cakes demonstrate their potential applications as functional ingredients and as rich sources of bioactive compounds. Moreover, virgin pistachio oils possess peculiar and pleasant sensory characteristics, contributing greater added value to the consumers compared to refined vegetable oils. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Tezcan, S. S.; Dincer, M. S.; Bektas, S.
2016-07-15
This paper reports on the effective ionization coefficients, limiting electric fields, electron energy distribution functions, and mean energies in ternary mixtures of (Trifluoroiodomethane) CF{sub 3}I + CF{sub 4} + Ar in the E/N range of 100–700 Td employing a two-term solution of the Boltzmann equation. In the ternary mixture, CF{sub 3}I component is increased while the CF{sub 4} component is reduced accordingly and the 40% Ar component is kept constant. It is seen that the electronegativity of the mixture increases with increased CF{sub 3}I content and effective ionization coefficients decrease while the limiting electric field values increase. Synergism in themore » mixture is also evaluated in percentage using the limiting electric field values obtained. Furthermore, it is possible to control the mean electron energy in the ternary mixture by changing the content of CF{sub 3}I component.« less
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Effects of calcium supplements on the quality and acrylamide content of puffed shrimp chips.
Chen, Tai-Yuan; Luo, Hsuan-Min; Hsu, Pang-Hung; Sung, Wen-Chieh
2016-01-01
The quality and acrylamide content of deep-fried and microwave-puffed shrimp chips fortified with 0.1%, 0.5%, or 1.0% calcium salts (calcium lactate, calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, or calcium acetate) were investigated. Microwave-puffed shrimp chips contained higher amounts of acrylamide (130.43 ppb) than did deep-fried shrimp chips. The greatest mitigation of acrylamide formation in overfried chips was obtained with 0.1% calcium lactate. All browning indexes of fortified shrimp chips, whether deep-fried or microwave-puffed, were reduced. L* values of microwave-puffed shrimp chips were higher than those of deep-fried shrimp chips, whereas a* and b* values and browning indexes were lower. Color differences (ΔE) between deep-fried puffed shrimp chips fortified with calcium salts and a control sample were higher than 5, and the sensory scores of shrimp chips were significantly decreased by the addition of calcium lactate. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.
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Chen, Bin; Liu, Jian; Qiu, Jiandong; Zhang, Xilin; Wang, Shuang; Liu, Jinqing
2017-03-15
Twenty-five surface sediments and one sediment core sample were collected from the study area. Grain size, major elements, and heavy metals were determined. The content of fine-grained sediments (silt and clay), as well as the concentrations of major elements and heavy metals, showed seaward decreasing trends, with high content in the coastal areas of the East China Sea (ECS) and south west of Jeju Island. Low enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) values were found, indicating that the ecological risk of heavy metals was low. The EF values obtained from the high-resolution sedimentary records of heavy metals in the Yangtze River Estuary could be divided into Stage 1 (1950s to the late 1970s) and Stage 2 (late 1970s to the current sampling day), which coincided with economic development of the Yangtze River Basin, implementation of environmental protection, and impoundment of the Three Gorges Dam. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
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Weng, Ze-Bin; Duan, Jin-Ao; Guo, Sheng; Zhu, Zhen-Hua; Gu, Jun-Fei; Lei, Zhen-Hong; Li, An-Ping
2016-09-01
According to the research strategy of resource chemistry of Chinese medicinal materials and Chinese medicinal resources recycling utilization, this study intends to explore the potential resource-oriented utilization value of the seed of Sophora flavescens by contrasting with its kindred plant S. alopecuroides. This study established a rapid UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and UPLC-TQ-MS/MS method to determine the alkaloids in the seed of S. flavescens. Results of UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis showed that the alkaloids in the seed of S. flavescens were highly similar with S. alopecuroides.In the determination of 7 kinds of alkaloids, the total content was 11.203 and 15.506 mg•g⁻¹ in the seed of S. flavescens and S. alopecuroides, respectively. The content of oxymatrine, oxysophocarpine and sophoridine is high in the seed of S. flavescens. The results indicated that the seeds of S. flavescens. could be an important material resource to obtain alkaloids. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.
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Ali, Akbar; Khan, M Masroor A; Uddin, Moin; Naeem, M; Idrees, Mohd; Hashmi, Nadeem; Dar, Tariq Ahmad; Varshney, Lalit
2014-11-04
Eucalyptus citriodora Hook. is highly valued for its citronellal-rich essential oil (EO) extracted from its leaves. Hence, escalated EO production of eucalyptus is the need of hour. Marine polysaccharides (sodium alginate) are processed through gamma radiation of particular intensity, to obtain the irradiated sodium alginate (ISA). A pot experiment was conducted to study the effect of foliar application of ISA on growth, biochemical, physiological, EO yield and composition of E. citriodora. The treatments were applied as: foliar spray of deionized water only (control), seed soaked with ISA (90 mg L(-1)) and foliar spray of ISA with 30, 60, 120 and 240 mg L(-1). The treatment 6 (spray of ISA at 120 mg L(-1)) showed the highest value for most of the parameters studied. It also enhanced the EO content (33.3%), EO yield (86.7%), citronellal content (63.4%) and citronellal yield (205.5%) as compared to the control. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Recycling of waste engine oil for diesel production.
Maceiras, R; Alfonsín, V; Morales, F J
2017-02-01
The aim of this work was to recycle waste engine oil until converting it into reusable product, diesel fuel. The waste oil was treated using pyrolytic distillation. The effect of two additives (sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate) in the purification of the obtained fuel was also studied. Moreover, the influence of the number of distillations were analysed. Some thermal and physicochemical properties (density, viscosity, colour, turbidity, acidity value, distillation curves, cetane number, corrosiveness to Cu, water content, flash point and hydrocarbons) were determined to analyse the quality of the obtained fuel. The best results were obtained with 2% of sodium carbonate and two successive distillations. The obtained results showed that pyrolytic distillation of waste engine oil is an excellent way to produce diesel fuel to be used in engines. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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The design of control system of livestock feeding processing
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sihombing, Juna; Napitupulu, Humala L.; Hidayati, Juliza
2018-03-01
PT. XYZ is a company that produces animal feed. One type of animal feed produced is 105 ISA P. In carrying out its production process, PT. XYZ faces the problem of rejected feed amounts during 2014 to June 2015 due to the amount of animal feed that exceeds the standard feed quality of 13% of moisture content and 3% for ash content. Therefore, the researchers analyzed the relationship between factors affecting the quality and extent of damage by using regression and correlation and determine the optimum value of each processing process. Analysis results found that variables affecting product quality are mixing time, steam conditioning temperature and cooling time. The most dominant variable affecting the product moisture content is mixing time with the correlation coefficient of (0.7959) and the most dominant variable affecting the ash content of the product during the processing is mixing time with the correlation coefficient of (0.8541). The design of the proposed product processing control is to run the product processing process with mixing time 235 seconds, steam conditioning temperature 87 0C and cooling time 192 seconds. Product quality 105 ISA P obtained by using this design is with 12.16% moisture content and ash content of 2.59%.
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Olędzki, Remigiusz
2018-01-01
Minimally processed cereal breakfast products from whole grain entered the market due to consumer demand of more nutritional food with more controlled sugar release. However, the subsequent processing of such products with different cooking methods in the consumer’s kitchen may lead to significant differentiation of their nutritional value. Therefore, the evaluation of the impact of frequently used cooking methods on a final quality of breakfast cereals meal is needed. The present study investigates how the two different methods of heating, conventional and microwave (MW) assisted, affect the carbohydrate content, profile and resulting glycemic index of so prepared food as well as the antioxidant activity of meals. Two products available on the market—oat bran and flakes—were used. The highest starch content in fluid phase of oatmeal was detected in samples heated for 3 min with microwaves, regardless the type. The lowest starch content was obtained for 5 min MW heated flakes sample. The total content of glucose was about 1.5 times lower in bran vs. flakes oatmeal. The highest β-glucan content in fluid fraction was also observed for bran meal but its release was independent of applied conditions. PMID:29443904
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Cecchi, Lorenzo; Migliorini, Marzia; Cherubini, Chiara; Innocenti, Marzia; Mulinacci, Nadia
2015-02-04
The phenolic profiles of three typical Tuscan olive cultivars, Frantoio, Moraiolo, and Leccino, stored in different conditions (fresh, frozen, and whole lyophilized fruits), have been compared during the ripening period. Our main goals were to evaluate the phenolic content of whole freeze-dried fruits and to test the stability of the corresponding cake in oxidative-stress conditions. The comparison of fresh and whole freeze-dried fruits from the 2012 season gave unexpected results; e.g., oleuropein in lyophilized fruits was up to 20 times higher than in fresh olives with values up to 80.3 g/kg. Over time we noted that the olive pastes obtained from lyophilized olives contained highly stable phenolic compounds, even under strong oxidative stress conditions. Finally, it was also observed that the cake/powder obtained from unripe freeze-dried olives was very poor in oil content and therefore quite suitable for use in nutritional supplements rich in phenolic compounds, such as secoiridoids, which are not widely present in the human diet.
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Smith, A M; Harris, K B; Haneklaus, A N; Savell, J W
2011-10-01
This study evaluated the influence of various degrees of doneness on proximate composition and energy content of beef. Ten steaks were obtained from each of five USDA Prime, five USDA Choice, and five USDA Select strip loins and assigned to one of five degree of doneness treatments (two sets of treatments per strip loin): raw, medium rare (63 °C), medium (71 °C), well done (77 °C), and very well done (82 °C). After cooking, steaks were dissected into separable tissue components consisting of lean, fat, and refuse. Lean tissue was used to obtain proximate analyses of protein, moisture, fat, and ash. Degree of doneness did influence (P<0.05) the nutrient composition of beef steaks. As the degree of doneness increased, percent fat and protein increased, while percent moisture decreased. Cooking steaks to a higher degree of doneness resulted in a higher caloric value when reported per 100g basis. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Wilk, Małgorzata; Magdziarz, Aneta; Gajek, Marcin; Zajemska, Monika; Jayaraman, Kandasamy; Gokalp, Iskender
2017-11-01
A novel approach, linking both experiments and modelling, was applied to obtain a better understanding of combustion characteristics of torrefied biomass. Therefore, Pine, Acacia and Miscanthus giganteus have been investigated under 260°C, 1h residence time and argon atmosphere. A higher heating value and carbon content corresponding to a higher fixed carbon, lower volatile matter, moisture content, and ratio O/C were obtained for all torrefied biomass. TGA analysis was used in order to proceed with the kinetics study and Chemkin calculations. The kinetics analysis demonstrated that the torrefaction process led to a decrease in Ea compared to raw biomass. The average Ea of pine using the KAS method changed from 169.42 to 122.88kJ/mol. The changes in gaseous products of combustion were calculated by Chemkin, which corresponded with the TGA results. The general conclusion based on these investigations is that torrefaction improves the physical and chemical properties of biomass. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Prediction of mechanical properties of composites of HDPE/HA/EAA.
Albano, C; Perera, R; Cataño, L; Karam, A; González, G
2011-04-01
In this investigation, the behavior of the mechanical properties of composites of high-density polyethylene/hydroxyapatite (HDPE/HA) with and without ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer (EAA) as possible compatibilizer, was studied. Different mathematical models were used to predict their Young's modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break. A comparison with the experimental results shows that the theoretical models of Guth and Kerner modified can be used to predict the Young's modulus. On the other hand, the values obtained by the Verbeek model do not show a good agreement with the experimental data, since different factors that influence the mechanical properties are considered in this model such as: aspect ratio of the reinforcement, interfacial adhesion, porosity and binder content. TEM analysis confirms the discrepancies obtained between the experimental Young's modulus values and those predicted by the Verbeek model. The values of "P", "a" and "σ(A)" suggest that an interaction among the carboxylic groups of the copolymer and the hydroxyl groups of hydroxyapatite might be present. In composites with 20 and 30 wt% of filler, this interaction does not improve the Young's modulus values, since the deviations of the Verbeek model are significant. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Regional Myocardial Blood Volume and Flow: First-Pass MR Imaging with Polylysine-Gd-DTPA
Wilke, Norbert; Kroll, Keith; Merkle, Hellmut; Wang, Ying; Ishibashi, Yukata; Xu, Ya; Zhang, Jiani; Jerosch-Herold, Michael; Mühler, Andreas; Stillman, Arthur E.; Bassingthwaighte, James B.; Bache, Robert; Ugurbil, Kamil
2010-01-01
The authors investigated the utility of an intravascular magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent, poly-L-lysine-gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), for differentiating acutely ischemic from normally perfused myocardium with first-pass MR imaging. Hypoperfused regions, identified with microspheres, on the first-pass images displayed significantly decreased signal intensities compared with normally perfused myocardium (P < .0007). Estimates of regional myocardial blood content, obtained by measuring the ratio of areas under the signal intensity-versus-time curves in tissue regions and the left ventricular chamber, averaged 0.12 mL/g ± 0.04 (n = 35), compared with a value of 0.11 mL/g ± 0.05 measured with radiolabeled albumin in the same tissue regions. To obtain MR estimates of regional myocardial blood flow, in situ calibration curves were used to transform first-pass intensity-time curves into content-time curves for analysis with a multiple-pathway, axially distributed model. Flow estimates, obtained by automated parameter optimization, averaged 1.2 mL/min/g ± 0.5 [n = 29), compared with 1.3 mL/min/g ± 0.3 obtained with tracer microspheres in the same tissue specimens at the same time. The results represent a combination of T1-weighted first-pass imaging, intravascular relaxation agents, and a spatially distributed perfusion model to obtain absolute regional myocardial blood flow and volume. PMID:7766986
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Antioxidant activity of goat's milk from three different locations in Malaysia
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Alyaqoubi, Saif; Abdullah, Aminah; Addai, Zuhair Radhi
2014-09-01
This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant activities of two types of goat milk obtained from three different farms in Malaysia named: Semenyih, Johor Baharu and Bander Baru Bangi. Milk from Jamnupari goat breed and a crossbred of Jamnupari and Saanen were investigated in terms of antioxidant capacity based on total phenol content (TPC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Goat milk samples exhibited a significantly different antioxidant capacity (P>0.05) through all the samples. Jamnupari exhibited the highest capacity parity in TPC, FRAP, and DPPH assays (544.08 mg GA/100 g FW, 481.69 mg TE/100 g FW, and 64.77 %, respectively). By contrast, the milk sample obtained from the crossbred of Saanen and Jamnupari obtained from a UK farm exhibited the lowest values (354.14 mg GA/100 g FW, 313.58 mg TE/100 g FW, and 55.29 %, respectively). The samples obtained from the traditional farm in Bander Baru Bangi exhibited higher average values (523.80 mg GA/100 g FW, 439.33 mg TE/100 g FW, and 63.78%, respectively) than those from other sites.
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Bayona, Sofía; Fernández-Arroyo, José Manuel; Martín, Isaac; Bayona, Pilar
2008-09-01
The aims of this study were to test the face, content, and construct validities of a virtual-reality haptic arthroscopy simulator and to validate four assessment hypothesis. The participants in our study were 94 arthroscopists attending an international conference on arthroscopy. The interviewed surgeons had been performing arthroscopies for a mean of 8.71 years (σ = 6.94 years). We explained the operation, functionality, instructions for use, and the exercises provided by the simulator. They performed a trial exercise and then an exercise in which performance was recorded. After having using it, the arthroscopists answered a questionnaire. The simulator was classified as one of the best training methods (over phantoms), and obtained a mark of 7.10 out of 10 as an evaluation tool. The simulator was considered more useful for inexperienced surgeons than for surgeons with experience (mean difference 1.88 out of 10, P value < 0.001). The participants valued the simulator at 8.24 as a tool for learning skills, its fidelity at 7.41, the quality of the platform at 7.54, and the content of the exercises at 7.09. It obtained a global score of 7.82. Of the subjects, 30.8% said they would practise with the simulator more than 6 h per week. Of the surgeons, 89.4% affirmed that they would recommend the simulator to their colleagues. The data gathered support the first three hypotheses, as well as face and content validities. Results show statistically significant differences between experts and novices, thus supporting the construct validity, but studies with a larger sample must be carried out to verify this. We propose concrete solutions and an equation to calculate economy of movement. Analogously, we analyze competence measurements and propose an equation to provide a single measurement that contains them all and that, according to the surgeons' criteria, is as reliable as the judgment of experts observing the performance of an apprentice.
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Re Depaolini, Andrea; Bianchi, Giancarlo; Fornai, Daniele; Cardelli, Angela; Badalassi, Marco; Cardelli, Camillo; Davoli, Enrico
2017-10-01
A large number of end-of-life tires (ELTs) were sampled and classified by type, age and origin to obtain recycled rubber samples representative of the materials placed on the Italian market. The selected recycled tire rubber samples were physically and chemically characterized and a chemometric approach was used to determine correlations. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) content was correlated to the aromaticity index and a model was built to establish the H-Bay aromaticity index (H-Bay) from the PAH concentrations. ELT of different origin and age produced in non-European countries generally had higher PAH content and a higher H-Bay index. H-Bay values of all the samples were lower than the REACH limits and old tires had higher aromatic content than recent ones, possibly due to the replacement of aromatic oils in tire production. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.
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Nuclear DNA Content Variation and Species Relationships in the Genus Lupinus (Fabaceae)
NAGANOWSKA, BARBARA; WOLKO, BOGDAN; ŚLIWIŃSKA, ELWIRA; KACZMAREK, ZYGMUNT
2003-01-01
The 2C nuclear DNA content has been estimated by flow cytometry in 18 species and botanical forms of the genus Lupinus (family Fabaceae), using propidium iodide as a fluorescent dye. They represented distinct infrageneric taxonomic groups and differed in somatic chromosome numbers. Estimated 2C DNA values ranged from 0·97 pg in L. princei to 2·44 pg in L. luteus, which gives a more than 2·5-fold variation. Statistical analysis of the data obtained resulted in a grouping that supports the generally accepted taxonomic classification of the Old World lupins. The rough-seeded L. princei turned out to be an interesting exception, getting closer to smooth-seeded species. Results of DNA content analyses are discussed with regards to the phylogenetic relationships among the Old World lupins and some aspects of the evolution of the genus. PMID:12853281
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[Changes in emotional response to visual stimuli with sexual content in drug abusers].
Aguilar de Arcos, Francisco; Verdejo Garcia, Antonio; Lopez Jimenez, Angeles; Montañez Pareja, Matilde; Gomez Juarez, Encarnacion; Arraez Sanchez, Francisco; Perez Garcia, Miguel
2008-01-01
In a phenomenon as complex as drug dependence there is no doubt that affective and emotional aspects are involved. However, there has been little research to date on these emotional aspects, especially in specific relation to everyday affective stimuli, unrelated to drug use. In this work we investigate whether the consumption of narcotic substances causes changes in the emotional response to powerful unconditional natural stimuli, such as those of a sexual nature. To this end, I.A.P.S. images with explicit erotic content were shown to 84 drug-dependent males, in separate groups according to preferred substance. These groups' results were compared with each other and with the values obtained by non-consumers. The results indicate that drug abusers respond differently to visual stimuli with erotic content compared to non-consumers, and that there are also differences in response among consumers according to preferred substance.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Liu, Hui; Su, Qinglong; Sheng, Daping; Zheng, Wei; Wang, Xin
2017-02-01
In this paper, FTIR spectroscopy was used to compare gastric cancer patients' red blood cells (RBCs) with healthy persons' RBCs. IR spectra were acquired with high resolution. The A1653/A1543 (the protein secondary structures), A1543/A2958 (the relative content of proteins and lipids), A1106/A1166 (the structure and content changes of sugars) and A1543/A1106 (the relative content of proteins and sugars) ratios of gastric cancer patients' RBCs were significantly different from those of healthy persons' RBCs. Curve fitting results showed that the protein secondary structures and sugars' structures had differences between gastric cancer patients' and healthy persons' RBCs. Additionally, FTIR spectroscopy could obtain 95% sensitivity, 70% specificity, 84.2% accuracy and 80.9% positive predictive value in combination with canconical discriminant analysis. The above results indicate FTIR spectroscopy may be useful for diagnosing gastric cancer.
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Sorption behaviour of perfluoroalkyl substances in soils.
Milinovic, Jelena; Lacorte, Silvia; Vidal, Miquel; Rigol, Anna
2015-04-01
The sorption behaviour of three perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), was studied in six soils with contrasting characteristics, especially in the organic carbon content. Sorption isotherms were obtained by equilibrating the soil samples with 0.01 mol L(-1) CaCl2 solutions spiked with increasing concentrations of the target PFAS. The sorption reversibility of PFASs was also tested for some of the samples. Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify the target PFASs in the solutions. Both the Freundlich and linear models were appropriate to describe the sorption behaviour of PFASs in soils, and enabled us to derive solid-liquid distribution coefficients (Kd) for each compound in each soil. Kd values increased from 19 to 295 mL g(-1) for PFOS, from 2.2 to 38 mL g(-1) for PFOA and from 0.4 to 6.8 mL g(-1) for PFBS, and were positively correlated with the organic carbon content of the soil. KOC values obtained from the correlations were 710, 96 and 17 mL g(-1) for PFOS, PFOA and PFBS, respectively. Whereas Kd values decreased in the sequence PFOS>PFOA>PFBS, desorption yields were lower than 13% for PFOS, from 24 to 58% for PFOA, and from 32 to 60% for PFBS. This shows that the physicochemical characteristics of PFASs, basically their hydrophobicity, controlled their sorption behaviour in soils, with PFOS being the most irreversibly sorbed PFAS. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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[Anaerobic co-digestion of corn stalk and vermicompost].
Chen, Guang-yin; Zheng, Zheng; Zou, Xing-xing; Fang, Cai-xia; Luo, Yan
2010-02-01
The characteristics of corn stalk digested alone at different total solid (TS) loading rates and co-digestion of various proportions of corn stalk and vermicompost were investigated by batch model at 35 degrees C +/- 1 degrees C. The organic loading rates (OLRs) studied were in the range of 1.2%-6.0% TS and increasing proportions of vermicompost from 20% to 80% TS. A maximum methane yield of corn stalk digested alone was 217.60 mL/g obtained at the TS loading rate of 4.8%. However, when the TS loading rate was 6.0%, the anaerobic system was acidified and the lowest pH value was 5.10 obtained on day 4 and the biogas productivity decreased. Furthermore, co-digestion of vermicompost and corn stalk in varying proportions were investigated at constant of 6.0% TS. Co-digestion with vermicompost improved the biodegradability of corn stalk and the methane yield was improved by 4.42%-58.61%, and led to higher pH values, higher volatile fatty acids (VFAs) concentration and lower alkalinity content compared with corn stalk digested alone. The maximum biogas yield and methane yield of 410.30 mL/g and 259. 35 mL/g were obtained for 40% vermicompost and 60% corn stalk respectively. Compared with corn stalk digested alone, co-digested with vermicompost didn' t affect methane content and the fermentation type, but promoted the destruction of crystalline of cellulose and the highest destruction rate was 29.36% for 40% vermicompost and 60% corn stalk. Therefore, adding vermicompost was beneficial for the decomposition and increasing the biotransformation rate of corn stalk.
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Espinoza-Moreno, Ramona J; Reyes-Moreno, Cuauhtémoc; Milán-Carrillo, Jorge; López-Valenzuela, José A; Paredes-López, Octavio; Gutiérrez-Dorado, Roberto
2016-06-01
The snack foods market is currently demanding healthier products. A ready-to-eat expanded snack with high nutritional and antioxidant value was developed from a mixture (70:30) of whole amarantin transgenic maize (Zea mays L.) and black common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) by optimizing the extrusion process. Extruder operation conditions were: feed moisture content (FMC, 15-25 %, wet basis), barrel temperature (BT, 120-170 °C), and screw speed (SS, 50-240). The desirability numeric method of the response surface methodology (RSM) was applied as the optimization technique over four response variables [expansion ratio (ER), bulk density (BD), hardness (H), antioxidant activity (AoxA)] to obtain maximum ER and AoxA, and minimum BD, and H values. The best combination of extrusion process variables for producing an optimized expanded snack (OES, healthy snack) were: FMC = 15 %/BT = 157 °C/SS = 238 rpm. The OES had ER = 2.86, BD = 0.119 g/cm (3) , H = 1.818 N, and AoxA = 13,681 μmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/100 g, dry weight. The extrusion conditions used to produce the OES increased the AoxA (ORAC: +18 %, ABTS:+20 %) respect to the unprocessed whole grains mixture. A 50 g portion of OES had higher protein content (7.23 vs 2.32 g), total dietary fiber (7.50 vs 1.97 g), total phenolic content (122 vs 47 mg GAE), and AoxA (6626 vs 763 μmol TE), and lower energy (169 vs 264 kcal) than an expanded commercial snack (ECS = Cheetos™). Because of its high content of quality protein, dietary fiber and phenolics, as well as high AoxA and low energy density, the OES could be used for health promotion and chronic disease prevention and as an alternative to the widely available commercial snacks with high caloric content and low nutritional/nutraceutical value.
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Civil Engineering Applications of Ground Penetrating Radar in Finland
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Pellinen, Terhi; Huuskonen-Snicker, Eeva; Olkkonen, Martta-Kaisa; Eskelinen, Pekka
2014-05-01
Ground penetrating radar (GPR) has been used in Finland since 1980's for civil engineering applications. First applications in this field were road surveys and dam inspections. Common GPR applications in road surveys include the thickness evaluation of the pavement, subgrade soil evaluation and evaluation of the soil moisture and frost susceptibility. Since the 1990's, GPR has been used in combination with other non-destructive testing (NDT) methods in road surveys. Recently, more GPR applications have been adopted, such as evaluating bridges, tunnels, railways and concrete elements. Nowadays, compared with other countries GPR is relatively widely used in Finland for road surveys. Quite many companies, universities and research centers in Finland have their own GPR equipment and are involved in the teaching and research of the GPR method. However, further research and promotion of the GPR techniques are still needed since GPR could be used more routinely. GPR has been used to evaluate the air void content of asphalt pavements for years. Air void content is an important quality measure of pavement condition for both the new and old asphalt pavements. The first Finnish guideline was released in 1999 for the method. Air void content is obtained from the GPR data by measuring the dielectric value as continuous record. To obtain air void content data, few pavement cores must be taken for calibration. Accuracy of the method is however questioned because there are other factors that affect the dielectric value of the asphalt layer, in addition to the air void content. Therefore, a research project is currently carried out at Aalto University in Finland. The overall objective is to investigate if the existing GPR technique used in Finland is accurate enough to be used as QC/QA tool in assessing the compaction of asphalt pavements. The project is funded by the Finnish Transport Agency. Further research interests at Aalto University include developing new microwave asphalt radar for the thickness evaluation of thin asphalt layers. This work benefited from networking activities carried out within the EU funded COST Action TU1208 "Civil Engineering Applications of Ground Penetrating Radar".
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Barbosa, Marcília Medrado; Detmann, Edenio; Rocha, Gabriel Cipriano; de Oliveira Franco, Marcia; de Campos Valadares Filho, Sebastião
2015-01-01
A comparison was made of measurements of neutral detergent fiber concentrations obtained with AOAC Method 2002.04 and modified methods using pressurized environments or direct use of industrial heat-stable α-amylase in samples of forage (n=37), concentrate (n=30), and ruminant feces (n=39). The following method modifications were tested: AOAC Method 2002.04 with replacement of the reflux apparatus with an autoclave or Ankom(220®) extractor and F57 filter bags, and AOAC Method 2002.04 with replacement of the standardization procedures for α-amylase by a single addition of industrial α-amylase [250 μL of Termamyl 2X 240 Kilo Novo Units (KNU)-T/g] prior to heating the neutral detergent solution. For the feces and forage samples, the results obtained with the modified methods with an autoclave or modification of α-amylase use were similar to those obtained using AOAC Method 2002.04, but the use of the Ankom220 extractor resulted in overestimated values. For the concentrate samples, the modified methods using an autoclave or Ankom220 extractor resulted in positive systematic errors. However, the method using industrial α-amylase resulted in systematic error and slope bias despite that the obtained values were close to those obtained with AOAC Method 2002.04.
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Inhibition properties of propolis extracts to some clinically important enzymes.
Baltas, Nimet; Yildiz, Oktay; Kolayli, Sevgi
2016-01-01
The present study was conducted to envisage inhibition effects of propolis on the crucial enzymes, urease, xanthine oxidase (XO) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Some of the antioxidant properties of the propolis samples were determined using the total phenolic content (TPE) and total flavonoids in the eight different ethanolic propolis extracts (EPE) samples. Inhibition values of the enzymes were expressed as inhibition concentration (IC 50 ; mg/mL or μg/mL) causing 50% inhibition of the enzymes with donepezil, acetohydroxamic acid and allopurinol as reference inhibitors. All the propolis extracts exhibited variable inhibition effects on these enzymes, but the higher the phenolic contents the lower the inhibitions values (IC 50 = 0.074 to 1.560 mg/mL). IC 50 values of the P5 propolis sample having the highest TPE, obtained from Zonguldak, for AChE, urease and XO were 0.081 ± 0.009, 0.080 ± 0.006 and 0.074 ± 0.011 μg/mL, respectively. The EPE proved to be a good source of inhibitor agents that can be used as natural inhibitors to serve human health.
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Formation, analysis and characterization of wood pyrolyzed oil
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mahadwad, O. K.; Wagh, D. D.; Kokil, P. L.
2017-06-01
Pyrolysis of wood is the possible path for converting biomass to higher valuable products such as bio-oil, bio-char and bio-gas. Bio-oil or liquid biofuels have higher heating values so it can store and transport more conveniently. The by-products bio-char and bio-gas, which can be used to provide heat required in the process. This work focused on the formation, analysis and characterization of bio-oil which was obtained from the mixed wood pyrolysis. A GC-MS technique was used for the determination of families of lighter chemicals form pyrolyzed oil. Karl fisher titration and other analytical methods were used for the characterization of pyrolyzed oil. In all there were sixty-six compounds found in the GC-MS analysis of bio-oil and the major compound was acetic acid (19.06 wt ), formic acid (4.90 wt ) 1,2-benzenediol (4.43 wt ) and furfural (3.46 wt ). Along with this analysis, pyrolyzed oil was characterized by calculating its viscosity, density, calorific value, acid value, fire point, flash point, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, ash and water content in it. Most of the above mention properties of bio-oil matches with the properties of crude oil except it show more water content in it.
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Effect of Lime, Humic Acid and Moisture Regime on the Availability of Zinc in Alfisol
Naik, Sushanta Kumar; Das, Dilip Kumar
2007-01-01
Lime and humic acid application can play an important role in the availability of zinc in paddy soils. We conducted laboratory incubation experiments on a rice growing soil (Alfisol) to determine the effect of lime, humic acid and different moisture regimes on the availability of Zn. Addition of half doses of liming material (powdered lime stone) recorded highest values of DTPA-Zn followed by no lime and 100% of lime requirement throughout the incubation period. With the progress of incubation, DTPA-Zn increased slightly during the first week and then decreased thereafter. The highest DTPA-extractable Zn content of 2.85 mg/kg was found in the treatment Zn10 L1/2 at 7 days of incubation, showing 17.3 % increase in DTPA-Zn content over its corresponding treatment of Zn alone (Zn10L0). The DTPA-Zn concentration increased with the application of humic acid compared with no humic acid throughout 35 days of the incubation period and the peak value obtained was 3.12 mg/kg in the treatment Zn10 HA2 at 14 days after incubation, showing 50 % increase in Zn content over its corresponding treatment of Zn alone (Zn10HA0). The application of 0.2% humic acid compared with 0.1% resulted in greater increase in DTPA-Zn concentration in soil application. During the 35 days of incubation, highest values of DTPA-Zn were recorded in soil maintained at saturated compared to water logged conditions. However, under alternate wetting and drying condition the DTPA-Zn content gradually decreased up to 21 days and thereafter increased slowly. PMID:17704853
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nadhiro, U.; Subekti, S.; Tjahjaningsih, W.; Patmawati
2018-04-01
Crude fish oil extracted from fish canning industry a low quality, therefore refining process is required to obtain feasible fish oil for food purposes. Purification of fish oil can through steps of degumming, neutralization, and bleaching by using bentonite as the adsorbent. This study aims to analyze the results of the purification process of crude fish oil by-product of canning industry of lemuru fish by using bentonite adsorbent with different concentrations. The method used was an experimental method by descriptive data analysis. The results showed that the highest yield (33.418 %) obtained from oil purification of lemuru with bentonite concentration of 6 % are classified as follows: free fatty acid content of 0.265 %, peroxide value of 6.343 mEq / kg, produce clarity 60.275 % T, 88.075 % T, 87.5 % T, 87.425 % T, 87.975 % T at a wavelength (λ) of 450 nm, 550 nm, 620 nm, 665 nm, 700 nm, para-anisidine value of 3.725 mEq / kg; and value of oxidation total of 16.41 meq / kg.
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ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Richard, Veronica M.
2010-01-01
The author explored secondary content literacy in four ways: 1) to create and pilot (Re)valuing Methodology; 2) to explore the various contextual issues in secondary content area literacy through (Re)valuing Methodology; 3) to explore the beliefs and perspectives of secondary preservice teachers; and 4) to explore teachers' contextual experiences…
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Adsorption of water vapour and the specific surface area of arctic zone soils (Spitsbergen)
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cieśla, Jolanta; Sokołowska, Zofia; Witkowska-Walczak, Barbara; Skic, Kamil
2018-01-01
Water vapour/nitrogen adsorption were investigated and calculated the specific surface areas of arctic-zone soil samples (Turbic Cryosols) originating from different micro-relief forms (mud boils, cell forms and sorted circles) and from different depths. For the characterisation of the isotherms obtained for arctic soils, the Brunauer-Emmet-Teller model was then compared with the two other models (Aranovich-Donohue and Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer) which were developed from Brunauer-Emmet-Teller. Specific surface area was calculated using the Brunauer-Emmet-Teller model at p p0-1 range of 0.05-0.35 for the water vapour desorption and nitrogen adsorption isotherms. The values of total specific surface area were the highest in Cryosols on mud boils, lower on cell forms, and the lowest on sorted circles. Such tendency was observed for the results obtained by both the water vapour and nitrogen adsorption. The differences in the values of specific surface area at two investigated layers were small. High determination coefficients were obtained for relationships between the specific surface areas and contents of clay and silt fraction in Cryosols. No statistically significant correlation between the total carbon amount and the values of specific surface area in Cryosols has been found.
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Ahaotu, I; Ogueke, C C; Owuamanam, C I; Ahaotu, N N; Nwosu, J N
2011-10-15
The ability of microorganisms involved in cassava mash fermentation to produce and improve protein value by these microorganisms during fermentation was studied. Standard microbiological procedures were used to isolate, identify and determine the numbers of the organisms. Alcaligenes faecalis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus subtilis, Leuconostoc cremoris, Aspergillus niger, A. tamari, Geotrichum candidum and Penicillium expansum were isolated and identified from cassava waste water while standard analytical methods were used to determine the ability of the isolates to produce linamarase and the proximate composition, pH and titrable acidity of the fermenting mash. The linamarase activity of the isolates ranged from 0.0416 to 0.2618 micromol mL(-1) nmol(-1). Bacillus subtilis, A. niger, A. tamari and P. expansum did not express any activity for the enzyme. Protein content of mash fermented with mixed fungal culture had the highest protein value (15.4 mg/g/dry matter) while the raw cassava had the least value (2.37 mg/g/dry matter). The naturally fermented sample had the least value for the fermented samples (3.2 mg/g/dry matter). Carbohydrate and fat contents of naturally fermented sample were higher than values obtained from the other fermented samples. Microbial numbers of the sample fermented with mixed bacterial culture was highest and got to their peak at 48 h (57 x 10(8) cfu g(-1)). pH decreased with increase in fermentation time with the mash fermented by the mixed culture of fungi having the lowest pH of 4.05 at the end of fermentation. Titrable acidity increased with increase in fermentation time with the highest value of 1.32% at 96 h of fermentation produced by the mixed culture of fungi. Thus fermentation with the pure cultures significantly increased the protein content of mash.
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López-Vargas, Jairo H; Fernández-López, Juana; Pérez-Álvarez, José Ángel; Viuda-Martos, Manuel
2014-06-01
The aim of this work determined the technological, nutritional and sensory characteristics of pork burgers, added with different concentrations (2.5 and 5%) of passion fruit albedo (PFA) co-product, obtained from passion fruit juice processing. The addition of PFA on pork burgers improves their nutritional value (higher fiber content). In raw and cooked burger, all textural parameters, except springiness and cohesiveness, were affected by the incorporation of PFA. PFA addition was found to be effective improving the cooking yield, moisture retention and fat retention. The raw and cooked pork burgers added with PFA had lower TBA values and lower counts of aerobic mesophilic bacteria and enterobacteria than the control samples. No Escherichia coli and molds were found in the samples. The overall acceptability scores showed that the most appreciated sample was the one containing 2.5% PFA. According to the results obtained, 2.5 and 5% of PFA addition can be recommended in pork burger production as a new dietary fiber source. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kaufmann, Manuela Sarah; von Hebel, Christian; Brogi, Cosimo; Baumecker, Michael; Döring, Thomas; Amelung, Wulf; Vereecken, Harry; van der Kruk, Jan
2017-04-01
Electromagnetic induction (EMI) data are often being used to investigate large scale soil properties including clay content, soil water content, and salinity changes for a wide range of applications. For agricultural sites, different management practices such as organic/mineral fertilization, tillage, and/or irrigation are important when interpreting the measured apparent electrical conductivity (ECa). Here, we present EMI data recorded at two long term field experiment (LTFE) agricultural test sites in Thyrow near Berlin (Germany), where different long term fertilizer and irrigation management practices were applied. We used two fixed-boom multi-coil EMI instruments that simultaneously measure over nine different depths of investigation (DOI), recording information ranging between the very shallow (0-0.25 m) ploughing zone including the organic matter and the surface soil (A-Horizon) down to the relatively deep (0-2.7 m) subsoil (B-Horizon) or even substratum (C-Horizon). At both test sites, the prevailing sandy to silty sand in the A- and B-Horizon is underlain by a glacial till C-Horizon resulting in generally low ECa values between 0.5 and 5 mS/m. At one test site, a "static nutrient deficiency experiment" is performed since 1937, where organic fertilizer (farm yard manure) and mineral fertilizers (nitrogen-phosphate-potassium (NPK) and liming) are applied at specific grids. Comparing the fertilizer application grid to the measured EMI data, the lowest ECa values coincide to unfertilized grids whereas the ECa values increase with liming, farm yard manure, and NPK. The visually observed correlation between ECa and the liming treatment was possibly due to the increased pH of the soil, because the fertilizer application increases ion contents that increase the soil electrical conductivity. At the second test site, a "Static Irrigation and Fertilizer Experiment" is conducted, where next to the fertilizer treatment (farm yard manure and nitrogen) part of the field is irrigated with a yearly average of 78 mm. Preliminary results show that for the irrigated area, the ECa values increased up to 80% compared to the non-irrigated zones for the deepest sensing coils, whereas farm yard manure increased ECa up to 10% for coils with intermediate DOI. These results obtained at the two LTFE sites strongly indicate that irrigation and fertilizer treatments influence the ion contents of soils from A- to B-Horizons as reflected by the higher apparent electrical conductivities measured with EMI and should be considered when interpreting ECa measurements to obtain soil properties of interest.
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Sinthusamran, Sittichoke; Benjakul, Soottawat
2015-12-01
Swim bladder is generated as a by-product during evisceration. It has been used for the production of fish maw, in which several processing parameters determine the characteristics or quality of the resulting fish maw. The present study aimed to investigate the characteristics of fish maws from seabass swim bladder as influenced by drying and frying conditions. The expansion ratio and oil uptake content of fish maw increased as the moisture content of swim bladder increased (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, the expansion ratio of fish maw decreased when the moisture content was higher than 150 g kg(-1) . The L*-value decreased, whilst the a*- and b*-values of fish maw increased with increasing moisture content. When pre-frying and frying temperatures increased, the expansion ratio of fish maw increased (P < 0.05). However, the expansion ratio decreased when the frying was performed at a temperature higher than 200 °C. The oil uptake contents of fish maw with frying temperatures of 180 and 200 °C were in the range of 451.06-578.06 g kg(-1) , whereas the lower contents (378.60-417.17 g kg(-1) ) were found in those having frying temperatures of 220-240 °C. Hardness of fish maw decreased but no changes in fracturability were observed with increasing pre-frying temperature when subsequent frying was carried out 200 °C. Drying temperatures, moisture content, pre-frying and frying temperatures were the factors influencing the characteristics and properties of fish maws from seabass swim bladder. Fish maw could be prepared by pre-frying swim bladder, dried at 60 °C to obtain 150 g kg(-1) moisture content, at 110 °C for 5 min, followed by frying at 200 °C for 20 s. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline apatites from solution modeling human blood
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Solodyankina, Anna; Nikolaev, Anton; Frank-Kamenetskaya, Olga; Golovanova, Olga
2016-09-01
Present paper is devoted to the research of the calcification processes in the blood plasma of human body. Spontaneous crystallization from the solution modeling the inorganic part of the blood plasma has been carried out. Obtained precipitates were studied by the various instrumental methods (X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis and gas-volumetric method). All gathered data allow to summarize that nonstoichiometric carbonated hydroxyapatite with low crystallinity (CSD lengths 18-28 nm), high water content and small amount of chlorine ion was obtained throughout the syntheses. Part of vacancies at the Ca sites varies from 0.17 to 0.87; the value of the Cat/(P + C) ratio-from 1.52 to 1.64 (where Cat = Ca2+ + Na+ + K+ + Mg2+). The poor crystallized synthetic apatites with high carbonate ion content (from 4.34 to 5.54 wt%) and c parameter (6.888-6.894 Å) are analogues of the apatites of the pathological cardiovascular deposits. They can be obtained from the solution modeling human blood plasma by the inorganic components with calcium phosphate supersaturation 25 and 50 and with 10 and 12 weeks experiment time.
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Makan, Abdelhadi; Assobhei, Omar; Mountadar, Mohammed
2013-01-03
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of initial moisture content on the in-vessel composting under air pressure of organic fraction of municipal solid waste in Morocco in terms of internal temperature, produced gases quantity, organic matter conversion rate, and the quality of the final composts.For this purpose, in-vessel bioreactor was designed and used to evaluate both appropriate initial air pressure and appropriate initial moisture content for the composting process. Moreover, 5 experiments were carried out within initial moisture content of 55%, 65%, 70%, 75% and 85%. The initial air pressure and the initial moisture content of the mixture showed a significant effect on the aerobic composting. The experimental results demonstrated that for composting organic waste, relatively high moisture contents are better at achieving higher temperatures and retaining them for longer times.This study suggested that an initial moisture content of around 75%, under 0.6 bar, can be considered as being suitable for efficient composting of organic fraction of municipal solid waste. These last conditions, allowed maximum value of temperature and final composting product with good physicochemical properties as well as higher organic matter degradation and higher gas production. Moreover, final compost obtained showed good maturity levels and can be used for agricultural applications.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Song, Seok-Jeong; Kim, Tae-Il; Kim, Youngmi; Nam, Hyoungsik
2018-05-01
Recently, a simple, sensitive, and low-cost fluorescent indicator has been proposed to determine water contents in organic solvents, drugs, and foodstuffs. The change of water content leads to the change of the indicator's fluorescence color under the ultra-violet (UV) light. Whereas the water content values could be estimated from the spectrum obtained by a bulky and expensive spectrometer in the previous research, this paper demonstrates a simple and low-cost camera-based water content measurement scheme with the same fluorescent water indicator. Water content is calculated over the range of 0-30% by quadratic polynomial regression models with color information extracted from the captured images of samples. Especially, several color spaces such as RGB, xyY, L∗a∗b∗, u‧v‧, HSV, and YCBCR have been investigated to establish the optimal color information features over both linear and nonlinear RGB data given by a camera before and after gamma correction. In the end, a 2nd order polynomial regression model along with HSV in a linear domain achieves the minimum mean square error of 1.06% for a 3-fold cross validation method. Additionally, the resultant water content estimation model is implemented and evaluated in an off-the-shelf Android-based smartphone.
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Optical Method for Estimating the Chlorophyll Contents in Plant Leaves.
Pérez-Patricio, Madaín; Camas-Anzueto, Jorge Luis; Sanchez-Alegría, Avisaí; Aguilar-González, Abiel; Gutiérrez-Miceli, Federico; Escobar-Gómez, Elías; Voisin, Yvon; Rios-Rojas, Carlos; Grajales-Coutiño, Ruben
2018-02-22
This work introduces a new vision-based approach for estimating chlorophyll contents in a plant leaf using reflectance and transmittance as base parameters. Images of the top and underside of the leaf are captured. To estimate the base parameters (reflectance/transmittance), a novel optical arrangement is proposed. The chlorophyll content is then estimated by using linear regression where the inputs are the reflectance and transmittance of the leaf. Performance of the proposed method for chlorophyll content estimation was compared with a spectrophotometer and a Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) meter. Chlorophyll content estimation was realized for Lactuca sativa L., Azadirachta indica , Canavalia ensiforme , and Lycopersicon esculentum . Experimental results showed that-in terms of accuracy and processing speed-the proposed algorithm outperformed many of the previous vision-based approach methods that have used SPAD as a reference device. On the other hand, the accuracy reached is 91% for crops such as Azadirachta indica , where the chlorophyll value was obtained using the spectrophotometer. Additionally, it was possible to achieve an estimation of the chlorophyll content in the leaf every 200 ms with a low-cost camera and a simple optical arrangement. This non-destructive method increased accuracy in the chlorophyll content estimation by using an optical arrangement that yielded both the reflectance and transmittance information, while the required hardware is cheap.
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Effect of slaughter age on foal carcass traits and meat quality.
Domínguez, R; Crecente, S; Borrajo, P; Agregán, R; Lorenzo, J M
2015-10-01
Meat has played a crucial role in human evolution and is an important component of a healthy and well-balanced diet due to its nutritional richness. Recent studies have shown that horsemeat may be considered as an alternative to other meat (such as beef or pork), and it may have a positive effect on human health from a nutritional point of view. This research was conducted to characterize the carcass measurement, meat quality (chemical composition, colour characteristics and textural traits) and nutritional value (fatty acid and amino acid composition) of foals slaughtered at 8 and 11 months of age (8 and 11 m groups). For this study, a total of 21 foals (10 and 11 animals from the 8 and 11-m groups, respectively) were used. The results obtained showed a positive influence on carcass characteristics with an increase in slaughter age, because 11 m animals had slightly higher values of live (275 v. 247 kg) and carcass weights (148 v. 133 kg), length of leg (72.86 v. 69.85 cm) and carcass (100.41 v. 96.30 cm) and perimeter of leg (97.68 v. 89.22 cm) compared with animals from the 8-m group. Regarding meat quality, only Fe-haeme and cholesterol content in chemical composition and luminosity (L*) in colour parameters showed significant differences. Foals from the 8-m group had the highest content of cholesterol (0.47 v. 0.28 mg/100 g of meat) and luminosity values (39.66 v. 37.88) and the lowest content of ash (1.20% v. 1.40%). In fatty acids content, only five out of 23 fatty acids showed differences between the two groups. However, an interesting change in the fatty acid profile occurred with an increase in the slaughter age. Foals from the 8-m group had the highest values of α-linolenic acid and n-3 fatty acids and the lowest values of linoleic and n-6 fatty acids, which is an interesting fact from a health point of view. Finally, slaughter age had no statistical influence on textural properties or amino acid content. As a main conclusion, animals slaughtered at 8 months of age had higher nutritional quality meat (with higher content of n-3 fatty acids) than meat from foals slaughtered at 11 months of age. The slaughter of animals at 8 months of age also reduced production costs because they ate a smaller amount of commercial fodder.
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Determination of the biotin content of select foods using accurate and sensitive HPLC/avidin binding
Staggs, C.G.; Sealey, W.M.; McCabe, B.J.; Teague, A.M.; Mock, D.M.
2006-01-01
Assessing dietary biotin content, biotin bioavailability, and resulting biotin status are crucial in determining whether biotin deficiency is teratogenic in humans. Accuracy in estimating dietary biotin is limited both by data gaps in food composition tables and by inaccuracies in published data. The present study applied sensitive and specific analytical techniques to determine values for biotin content in a select group of foods. Total biotin content of 87 foods was determined using acid hydrolysis and the HPLC/avidin-binding assay. These values are consistent with published values in that meat, fish, poultry, egg, dairy, and some vegetables are relatively rich sources of biotin. However, these biotin values disagreed substantially with published values for many foods. Assay values varied between 247 times greater than published values for a given food to as much as 36% less than the published biotin value. Among 51 foods assayed for which published values were available, only seven agreed within analytical variability (720%). We conclude that published values for biotin content of foods are likely to be inaccurate. PMID:16648879
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Investigation of TEC Variations over Mid-Latitude during Quit and Disturbed Days of March 2015
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Atıcı, Ramazan; Saǧır, Selçuk; Güzel, Esat
2016-07-01
The variations during 09-14-March-2015 quit days and 15-20 March 2015 disturbed days of Total Electron Content (TEC) values (provided by IONOLAB group) obtained by analysis the data from Ankara Global Position System (GPS) station of Turkey located at mid-latitude, IRI -2012 model the and IRI-PLUS model are investigated. Also, the variations of the geomagnetic, interplanetary and solar wind parameters are examined. As a result of investigations, TEC values from all three models are not change too much at quit days. Unlike, at the disturbed days, although IRI-2012 and IRI-PLUS TEC values are not change too much, a noticeable change in GPS-TEC values is occurred. GPS-TEC values are rapidly increased on 17-March 2015 to be severe magnetic storm (Dst = -124 nT). Then, on following days it was observed to significantly decrease. Thus, it is said that GPS-TEC values are more sensitive than IRI-2012 and IRI-PLUS models to variations occurred on disturbed days.
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The calcium content of human erythrocytes
Harrison, D. G.; Long, C.
1968-01-01
1. The calcium content of human erythrocytes, after removal of the buffy coat and washing free from plasma with isotonic sodium chloride, has been determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The mean value found for normal subjects was 0·634 μg/ml. of packed erythrocytes (0·0158 μg-atom/ml.). The corresponding values for magnesium and zinc were 79·7 and 20·1 μg/ml., respectively. 2. The calcium is considered to be mostly and perhaps exclusively located in the erythrocyte membrane, since, after osmotic haemolysis, the same amount was found in the ghost cells as was present in the erythrocytes from which they were prepared. By contrast, magnesium and zinc, which are essentially intracellular, were lost to the extent of about 96 and 92%, respectively. 3. About 90% of the calcium was removed from erythrocytes by washing with isotonic sodium chloride containing 5 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), or other complexing agents of high stability constant for calcium. A small fraction of the magnesium but none of the zinc was removed by this treatment. 4. Other complexing agents of lower stability constant removed somewhat less calcium from the erythrocytes. Citrate was totally ineffective. 5. The buffy coat had a high calcium content, but this could not be removed by washing with EDTA. 6. Calcium was also determined in trichloroacetic acid extracts of ghost cells after ashing and treatment with bis-(o-hydroxyphenylimino)-ethane and measuring the red complex spectrophotometrically. The values obtained confirmed the atomic absorption measurements. PMID:4972779
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An assessment of the stray light in 25 years of Dobson total ozone data at Athens, Greece
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Christodoulakis, J.; Varotsos, C.; Cracknell, A. P.; Tzanis, C.; Neofytos, A.
2015-07-01
In this study, we investigated the susceptibility of the Dobson spectrophotometer No. 118 to stray light interference. In this regard, a series of total ozone content measurements were carried out in Athens, Greece for air-mass values (μ) extending up to μ = 5. The monochromatic-heterochromatic stray light derived by Basher's model was used in order to evaluate the specific instrumental parameters which determine if this instrument suffers from this problem or not. The results obtained indicate that the measurements made by the Dobson instrument of the Athens station for air mass values up to 2.5, underestimates the total ozone content by 3.5 DU in average, or about 1 % of the station's mean total ozone content (TOC). The comparison of the values of the same parameters measured 15 years ago with the present ones indicates the good maintenance of the Dobson spectrophotometer No. 118. This fact is of crucial importance because the variability of the daily total ozone observations collected by the Athens Dobson Station since 1989 has proved to be representative to the variability of the mean total ozone observed over the whole mid-latitude zone of the Northern Hemisphere. This stresses the point that the Athens total ozone station, being the unique Dobson station in south-eastern Europe, may be assumed as a ground truth station for the reliable conversion of the satellite radiance observations to total ozone measurements.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hariyanto, Sucipto; Usman, Mohammad Nurdianfajar; Citrasari, Nita
2017-06-01
This research aim is to determine the best briquettes as implementation of wastes recycle based on scoring method, main component composition, compressive strength, caloric value, water content, vollatile content, and ash content, also the suitability with SNI 01-6235-2000. Main component that used are rice husk, 2mm and 6 mm PET, and dried leaves. Composition variation in this research are marked as K1, K2, K3, K4, and K5 with 2 mm PET plastic and K1, K2, K3, K4, and K5 with 6 mm PET plastic. The total weight of the briquettes is 100 g and divided into 90% main components and 10% tapioca as binder. The compressive strength, caloric value, water content, vollatile content, and ash content were tested according to ASTM D 5865-04, ASTM D 3173-03, ASTM D 3175-02, ASTM D 3174-02. The tested results were used to determine the best briquette by scoring method, and the chosen briquettes is K2 with 6 mm PET plastic. The composition is 70% rice husk, 20% 6 mm PET plastic, and 10% dried leaves with the compressive strength, caloric value, water content, vollatile content, and ash content value is 51,55 kg/cm2; 5123 kal/g; 3,049%; 31,823%, dan 12,869%. The suitable value that meet the criteria according to SNI 01-6235-2000 is compressive strength, caloric value, water content, and ash content.
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Comparison of Nimbus-7 SMMR and GOES-1 VISSR Atmospheric Liquid Water Content.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lojou, Jean-Yves; Frouin, Robert; Bernard, René
1991-02-01
Vertically integrated atmospheric liquid water content derived from Nimbus-7 Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) brightness temperatures and from GOES-1 Visible and Infrared Spin-Scan Radiometer (VISSR) radiances in the visible are compared over the Indian Ocean during MONEX (monsoon experiment). In the retrieval procedure, Wilheit and Chang' algorithm and Stephens' parameterization schemes are applied to the SMMR and VISSR data, respectively. The results indicate that in the 0-100 mg cm2 range of liquid water content considered, the correlation coefficient between the two types of estimates is 0.83 (0.81- 0.85 at the 99 percent confidence level). The Wilheit and Chang algorithm, however, yields values lower than those obtained with Stephens's schemes by 24.5 mg cm2 on the average, and occasionally the SMMR-based values are negative. Alternative algorithms are proposed for use with SMMR data, which eliminate the bias, augment the correlation coefficient, and reduce the rms difference. These algorithms include using the Witheit and Chang formula with modified coefficients (multilinear regression), the Wilheit and Chang formula with the same coefficients but different equivalent atmospheric temperatures for each channel (temperature bias adjustment), and a second-order polynomial in brightness temperatures at 18, 21, and 37 GHz (polynomial development). When applied to a dataset excluded from the regressionn dataset, the multilinear regression algorithm provides the best results, namely a 0.91 correlation coefficient, a 5.2 mg cm2 (residual) difference, and a 2.9 mg cm2 bias. Simply shifting the liquid water content predicted by the Wilheit and Chang algorithm does not yield as good comparison statistics, indicating that the occasional negative values are not due only to a bias. The more accurate SMMR-derived liquid water content allows one to better evaluate cloud transmittance in the solar spectrum, at least in the area and during the period analyzed. Combining this cloud transmittance with a clear sky model would provide ocean surface insulation estimates from SMMR data alone.
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Putrescine N-Methyltransferase in Cultured Roots of Hyoscyamus albus1
Hibi, Naruhiro; Fujita, Toshihiro; Hatano, Mika; Hashimoto, Takashi; Yamada, Yasuyuki
1992-01-01
Biosynthesis of tropane alkaloids is thought to proceed by way of the diamine putrescine, followed by its methylation by putrescine N-methyltransferase (PMT; EC 2.1.1.53). High PMT activities were found in branch roots and/or cultured roots of several solanaceous plants. PMT was partially purified and characterized from cultured roots of Hyoscyamus albus that contain hyoscyamine as the main alkaloid. Initial velocity studies and product inhibition patterns of PMT are consistent with an ordered bi-bi mechanism, in which the Km values for putrescine and S-adenosyl-l-methionine are 277 and 203 μm, respectively, and the Ki value for S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine is 110 μm. PMT efficiently N-methylated amines that have at least two amino groups separated by three or four methylene groups. Monoamines were good competitive inhibitors of PMT, among which n-butylamine, cyclohexylamine, and exo-2-aminonorbornane were most inhibitory, with respective Ki values of 11.0, 9.1, and 10.0 μm. When n-butylamine was fed to root cultures of H. albus, the alkamine intermediates (tropinone, tropine, and pseudotropine) drastically decreased at 1 mm of the exogenous monoamine, and the hyoscyamine content decreased by 52% at 6 mm, whereas the contents of 6β-hydroxyhyoscyamine and scopolamine did not change. Free and conjugated forms of polyamines were also measured. The n-butylamine treatment caused a large increase in the putrescine content (especially in the conjugated pool), and the spermine content also increased slightly, whereas the spermidine content decreased slightly. The increase in the putrescine pool size (approximately 40 nmol/mg dry weight) was large enough to account for the decrease in the total alkaloid pool size. Similar results were also obtained in root cultures of Datura stramonium. These studies further support the role of PMT as the first committed enzyme specific to alkaloid biosynthesis. Images Figure 8 PMID:16653064
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Fontes, Pedro Ribeiro; Souza, Paula Monteiro; William Fagg, Christopher; Neves Silva Guerra, Eliete; de Medeiros Nóbrega, Yanna Karla; Silveira, Damaris; Fonseca-Bazzo, Yris; Simeoni, Luiz Alberto; Homem-de-Mello, Maurício; Oliveira Magalhães, Pérola
2016-01-01
Melanogenesis is a process responsible for melanin production, which is stored in melanocytes containing tyrosinase. Inhibition of this enzyme is a target in the cosmetics industry, since it controls undesirable skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation due to the overproduction of melanin. Species of the Morus genus are known for the beneficial uses offered in different parts of its plants, including tyrosinase inhibition. Thus, this project aimed to study the inhibitory activity of tyrosinase by extracts from Morus nigra leaves as well as the characterization of its chromatographic profile and cytotoxicity in order to become a new therapeutic option from a natural source. M. nigra leaves were collected, pulverized, equally divided into five batches and the standardized extract was obtained by passive maceration. There was no significant difference between batches for total solids content, yield and moisture content, which shows good reproducibility of the extraction process. Tyrosinase enzymatic activity was determined for each batch, providing the percentage of enzyme inhibition and IC50 values obtained by constructing dose-response curves and compared to kojic acid, a well-known tyrosinase inhibitor. High inhibition of tyrosinase activity was observed (above 90% at 15.625 μg/mL). The obtained IC50 values ranged from 5.00 μg/mL ± 0.23 to 8.49 μg/mL ± 0.59 and were compared to kojic acid (3.37 μg/mL ± 0.65). High Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis revealed the presence of chlorogenic acid, rutin and, its major compound, isoquercitrin. The chromatographic method employed was validated according to ICH guidelines and the extract was standardized using these polyphenols as markers. Cytotoxicity, assessed by MTT assay, was not observed on murine melanomas, human keratinocytes and mouse fibroblasts in tyrosinase IC50 values. This study demonstrated the potential of M. nigra leaf extract as a promising whitening agent of natural source against skin hyperpigmentation. PMID:27655047
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Trace metal contents of selected seeds and vegetables from oil producing areas of Nigeria.
Wegwu, Matthew O; Omeodu, Stephen I
2010-07-01
The concentrations of accumulated trace metals in selected seeds and vegetables collected in the oil producing Rivers State of Nigeria were investigated. The values were compared with those of seeds and vegetables cultivated in Owerri, a less industrialized area in Nigeria. The lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) contents of the seeds obtained from Rivers State ranged between 0.10 and 0.23 microg/g dry weight, while those of the seeds cultivated in Owerri fell below the detection limit of 0.01 microg/g dry weight. The highest manganese (Mn) level (902 microg/g dry weight) was found in Irvingia garbonesis seeds cultivated in Rivers State. Similarly, the highest nickel (Ni) value (199 microg/g dry weight) was also obtained in I. garbonesis, however, in the seeds sampled in Owerri. The highest copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) levels (16.8, 5.27, and 26.2 microg/g dry weight, resp.) were detected in seeds collected in Rivers State. With the exception of Talinum triangulae, Ocinum gratissimum, and Piper guineese, with Pb levels of 0.09, 0.10, and 0.11 microg/g dry weight, respectively, the Pb and Cd levels in the vegetables grown in Owerri fell below the detection limit of 0.01 microg/g dry weight. The trace metal with the highest levels in all the vegetables studied was Mn, followed by Fe. The highest concentrations of Ni and Cu occurred in vegetables collected from Rivers State, while the highest level of Zn was observed in Piper guineese collected in Owerri, with a value of 21.4 microg/g dry weight. Although the trace metal concentrations of the seeds and vegetables collected in Rivers State tended to be higher than those of the seeds and vegetables grown in Owerri, the average levels of trace metals obtained in this study fell far below the WHO specifications for metals in foods.
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Understanding of sodium content labeled on food packages by Japanese people.
Okuda, Nagako; Nishi, Nobuo; Ishikawa-Takata, Kazuko; Yoshimura, Eiichi; Horie, Saki; Nakanishi, Tomoko; Sato, Yoko; Takimoto, Hidemi
2014-05-01
Salt reduction is one of the most important lifestyle modifications for the prevention of hypertension. The health promotion law regulates the labeling of the nutrient content of food in Japan and, the level of sodium, not salt (sodium chloride), has to be printed on the labels of manufactured foods. In order to control their salt intake, consumers need to apply a conversion factor to the sodium levels listed on the labels to obtain the salt equivalent. However, it is not known whether people have the knowledge appropriate for making the conversion. We carried out a questionnaire survey at the 7th National Shokuiku (food education) Conference in 2012, asking subjects to determine the salt equivalent of 1000 mg of sodium on food labels. We also asked about the target values of salt reduction in grams in the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese 2010 (DRI2010) and the Guidelines for Management of Hypertension 2009 by the Japanese Society of Hypertension (JSH2009). We analyzed the data from 683 respondents (169 men and 514 women); only 13.3% of respondents gave a correct answer for the salt equivalent of 1000 mg of sodium (2.50-2.60 g), whereas 61.8 and 40.4% of respondents chose the correct target values for salt reduction according to DRI2010 and JSH2009, respectively. In conclusion, few people could convert sodium content to salt, which suggested difficulty in using food labels to control their salt intake. Salt content in grams, not sodium content, should be labeled on food packages for effective salt reduction and prevention of hypertension.
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Pedrosa, Paulo; Ferreira, Armando; Martin, Nicolas; Arab Pour Yazdi, Mohammad; Billard, Alain; Lanceros-Mendez, Senentxu; Vaz, Filipe
2018-06-11
Inclined, zigzag and spiral TiAg films were prepared by GLancing Angle Deposition (GLAD), using two distinct Ti and Ag targets with a particle incident angle of 80º and Ag contents ranging from 20 to 75 at. %. The effect of increasing Ag incorporation and columnar architecture change on the morphological, structural and electrical properties of the films was investigated. It is shown that inclined columnar features (β = 47º) with high porosity were obtained for 20 at. % Ag, with the column angle sharply decreasing (β = 21º) for 50 at. % Ag, and steeply increasing afterwards until 37º for the film with 75 at. % Ag. The sputtered films exhibit a rather well-crystallized structure for Ag contents ≥ 50 at. %, with a TiAg (111) preferential growth. No significant oxidation was detected in all films, except for the one with 20 at. % Ag, after two 298-473-298 K temperature cycles in air. The calculated temperature coefficient of resistivity (TCR) values vary between 1.4 and 5.5×10-4 K-1. Nano-sculptured spiral films exhibit consistently higher resistivity (ρ = 1.5×10-6 Ω m) and TCR values (2.9×10-4 K-1) than the inclined one with the same Ag content (ρ = 1.2×10-6 Ω m and TCR = 2.0×10-4 K-1). No significant changes are observed in the zigzag films concerning these properties. The effective anisotropy Aeff at 473 K changes from 1.3 to 1.7 for the inclined films. Spiral films exhibit an almost completely isotropic behavior with Aeff = 1.1. Ag-rich TiAg core + shell Janus-like columns were obtained with increasing Ag concentrations. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.
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Kalenik, Tatiana K; Costa, Rui; Motkina, Elena V; Kosenko, Tamara A; Skripko, Olga V; Kadnikova, Irina A
2017-01-01
There is a need to develop new foods for participants of expeditions in extreme conditions, which must be self-sufficient. These foods should be light to carry, with a long shelf life, tasty and with high nutrient density. Currently, protein sources are limited mainly to dried and canned meat. In this work, a protein-rich dried concentrate suitable for extreme expeditions was developed using soya, tomato, milk whey and meat by-products. Protein concentrates were developed using minced beef liver and heart, dehydrated and mixed with a soya protein-lycopene coagulate (SPLC) obtained from a solution prepared with germi- nated soybeans and mixed with tomato paste in milk whey, and finally dried. The technological parameters of pressing SPLC and of drying the protein concentrate were optimized using response surface methodology. The optimized technological parameters to prepare the protein concentrates were obtained, with 70:30 being the ideal ratio of minced meat to SPLC. The developed protein concentrates are characterized by a high calorific value of 376 kcal/100 g of dry product, with a water content of 98 g·kg-1, and 641-644 g·kg-1 of proteins. The essential amino acid indices are 100, with minimum essential amino acid content constitut- ing 100-128% of the FAO standard, depending on the raw meat used. These concentrates are also rich in micronutrients such as β-carotene and vitamin C. Analysis of the nutrient content showed that these non-perishable concentrates present a high nutritional value and complement other widely available vegetable concentrates to prepare a two-course meal. The soups and porridges prepared with these concentrates can be classified as functional foods, and comply with army requirements applicable to food products for extreme conditions.
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Characterization of cellulosic wastes and gasification products from chicken farms
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Joseph, Paul, E-mail: p.joseph@ulster.ac.uk; Tretsiakova-McNally, Svetlana; McKenna, Siobhan
Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The gas chromatography indicated the variable quality of the producer gas. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The char had appreciable NPK values, and can be used as a fertiliser. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The bio-oil produced was of poor quality, having high moisture content and low pH. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Mass and energy balances showed inadequate level energy recovery from the process. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Future work includes changing the operating parameters of the gasification unit. - Abstract: The current article focuses on gasification as a primary disposal solution for cellulosic wastes derived from chicken farms, and the possibility to recover energy from this process. Wood shavings and chickenmore » litter were characterized with a view to establishing their thermal parameters, compositional natures and calorific values. The main products obtained from the gasification of chicken litter, namely, producer gas, bio-oil and char, were also analysed in order to establish their potential as energy sources. The experimental protocol included bomb calorimetry, pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry (PCFC), thermo-gravimetric analyses (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, elemental analyses, X-ray diffraction (XRD), mineral content analyses and gas chromatography. The mass and energy balances of the gasification unit were also estimated. The results obtained confirmed that gasification is a viable method of chicken litter disposal. In addition to this, it is also possible to recover some energy from the process. However, energy content in the gas-phase was relatively low. This might be due to the low energy efficiency (19.6%) of the gasification unit, which could be improved by changing the operation parameters.« less
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Azura Zakarya, Irnis; Baya Khalib, Siti Noor; Ramzi, Norhasykin Mohd
2018-03-01
Rice straw is considered as one of the most important agricultural residues and represented as one of the major by-products from rice production process. Normally, rice straw that produced after harvesting season been directly burned on-farm. Conversion of rice straw into value added compost will improve the productivity of plant, reduction of pollution towards environment and reduction of local pollution due to open burning activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of composting rice straw ash (RSA) with food waste (FW) and effective microorganisms (EM) in term of the compost quality (pH, temperature, moisture content). RSA was prepared by burning the raw rice straw at three different temperature of 300°C, 400°C and 500°C for one hour. EM used during the composting process was prepared by mixing of brown sugar, `tempe' and water that can be used after one week of fermentation process. There are four treatments of RSA-compost; RSA (300°C), RSA (400°C), RSA (500°C) and control (raw rice straw) with the same amount of compost medium; 1kg black soil, 0.5kg RSA, 3L EM and 1kg FW. The composting process happens for 30 days. During the composting process, all the parameters of RSA-compost obtained in a range like; pH value 8-10, temperature 20-50°C and moisture content 40-60%. The result showed that all compost quality of rice straw ash compost obtained in an acceptable range for final compost to establish.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Henine, Hocine; Tournebize, Julien; Laurent, Gourdol; Christophe, Hissler; Cournede, Paul-Henry; Clement, Remi
2017-04-01
Research on the Critical Zone (CZ) is a prerequisite for undertaking issues related to ecosystemic services that human societies rely on (nutrient cycles, water supply and quality). However, while the upper part of CZ (vegetation, soil, surface water) is readily accessible, knowledge of the subsurface remains limited, due to the point-scale character of conventional direct observations. While the potential for geophysical methods to overcome this limitation is recognized, the translation of the geophysical information into physical properties or states of interest remains a challenge (e.g. the translation of soil electrical resistivity into soil water content). In this study, we propose a geostatistical framework using the Bayesian Maximum Entropy (BME) approach to assimilate geophysical and point-scale data. We especially focus on the prediction of the spatial distribution of soil water content using (1) TDR point-scale measurements of soil water content, which are considered as accurate data, and (2) soil water content data derived from electrical resistivity measurements, which are uncertain data but spatially dense. We used a synthetic dataset obtained with a vertical 2D domain to evaluate the performance of this geostatistical approach. Spatio-temporal simulations of soil water content were carried out using Hydrus-software for different scenarios: homogeneous or heterogeneous hydraulic conductivity distribution, and continuous or punctual infiltration pattern. From the simulations of soil water content, conceptual soil resistivity models were built using a forward modeling approach and point sampling of water content values, vertically ranged, were done. These two datasets are similar to field measurements of soil electrical resistivity (using electrical resistivity tomography, ERT) and soil water content (using TDR probes) obtained at the Boissy-le-Chatel site, in Orgeval catchment (East of Paris, France). We then integrated them into a specialization framework to predict the soil water content distribution and the results were compared to initial simulations (Hydrus results). We obtained more reliable water content specialization models when using the BME method. The presented approach integrates ERT and TDR measurements, and results demonstrate that its use significantly improves the spatial distribution of water content estimations. The approach will be applied to the experimental dataset collected at the Boissy le Châtel site where ERT data were collected daily during one hydrological year, using Syscal pro 48 electrodes (with a financial support of Equipex-Critex) and 10 TDR probes were used to monitor water content variation. Hourly hydrological survey (tile drainage discharge, precipitation, evapotranspiration variables and water table depth) were conducted at the same site. Data analysis and the application of geostatistical framework on the experimental dataset of 2015-2016 show satisfactory results and are reliable with the hydrological behavior of the study site.
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Soil moisture content estimation using ground-penetrating radar reflection data
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lunt, I. A.; Hubbard, S. S.; Rubin, Y.
2005-06-01
Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) reflection travel time data were used to estimate changes in soil water content under a range of soil saturation conditions throughout the growing season at a California winery. Data were collected during three data acquisition campaigns over an 80 by 180 m area using 100 MHz surface GPR antennas. GPR reflections were associated with a thin, low permeability clay layer located 0.8-1.3 m below the ground surface that was identified from borehole information and mapped across the study area. Field infiltration tests and neutron probe logs suggest that the thin clay layer inhibited vertical water flow, and was coincident with high volumetric water content (VWC) values. The GPR reflection two-way travel time and the depth of the reflector at the borehole locations were used to calculate an average dielectric constant for soils above the reflector. A site-specific relationship between the dielectric constant and VWC was then used to estimate the depth-averaged VWC of the soils above the reflector. Compared to average VWC measurements from calibrated neutron probe logs over the same depth interval, the average VWC estimates obtained from GPR reflections had an RMS error of 0.018 m 3 m -3. These results suggested that the two-way travel time to a GPR reflection associated with a geological surface could be used under natural conditions to obtain estimates of average water content when borehole control is available and the reflection strength is sufficient. The GPR reflection method therefore, has potential for monitoring soil water content over large areas and under variable hydrological conditions.
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The Content of Tocols in South African Wheat; Impact on Nutritional Benefits
Mkhatywa, Nomcebo
2017-01-01
Wheat is a major component within human consumption, and due to the large intake of wheat, it has an impact on human nutritional health. This study aimed at an increased understanding of how the content and composition of tocols may be governed for increased nutritional benefit of wheat consumption. Therefore, ten South African wheat cultivars from three locations were fractionated into white and whole flour, the content and concentration of tocols were evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and vitamin E activity was determined. The content and composition of tocols and vitamin E activity differed with fractionation, genotype, environment, and their interaction. The highest tocol content (59.8 mg kg−1) was obtained in whole flour for the cultivar Elands grown in Ladybrand, while whole Caledon flour from Clarence resulted in the highest vitamin E activity (16.3 mg kg−1). The lowest vitamin E activity (1.9 mg kg−1) was found in the cultivar C1PAN3118 from Ladybrand. High values of tocotrienols were obtained in whole flour of the cultivars Caledon (30.5 mg kg−1 in Clarens), Elands (35.5 mg kg−1 in Ladybrand), and Limpopo (33.7 mg kg−1 in Bultfontein). The highest tocotrienol to tocopherol ratio was found in white flour (2.83) due to higher reduction of tocotrienols than of tocopherols at fractionation. The quantity and composition of tocols can be governed in wheat flour, primarily by the selection of fractionation method at flour production, but also complemented by selection of genetic material and the growing environment. PMID:29099067
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Direct bandgap materials based on the thin films of SexTe100 − x nanoparticles
2012-01-01
In this study, we fabricated thin films of SexTe100 − x (x = 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24) nanoparticles using thermal evaporation technique. The results obtained by X-ray diffraction show that the as-synthesized nanoparticles have polycrystalline structure, but their crystallinity decreases by increasing the concentration of Se. They were found to have direct bandgap (Eg), whose value increases by increasing the Se content. These results are completely different than those obtained in the films of SexTe100 − x microstructure counterparts. Photoluminescence and Raman spectra for these films were also demonstrated. The remarkable results obtained in these nanoparticles specially their controlled direct bandgap might be useful for the development of optical disks and other semiconductor devices. PMID:22978714
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GFAAS determination of selenium in infant formulas using a microwave digestion method.
Alegria, A; Barbera, R; Farré, R; Moreno, A
1994-01-01
A method for determining the selenium content of infant formulas is proposed. It includes wet digestion with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide in medium pressure teflon bombs in a microwave oven and determination by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). The absence of interferences is checked. Values obtained for the limit of detection (19.4 ng/g), precision (RSD = 2.2%) and accuracy by analysis of a reference material show that the method is reliable.
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XRD and 29Si MAS-NMR spectroscopy across the β-Lu 2Si 2O 7- β-Y 2Si 2O 7 solid solution
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Becerro, Ana I.; Escudero, Alberto
2005-01-01
Samples in the system Lu 2-xY xSi 2O 7 (0⩽ x⩽2) have been synthesized following the sol-gel method and calcined to 1300 °C, a temperature at which the β-polymorph is known to be the stable phase for the end-members Lu 2Si 2O 7 and Y 2Si 2O 7. The XRD patterns of all the compositions studied are compatible with the structure of the β-polymorph. Unit cell parameters are calculated as a function of composition from XRD patterns. They show a linear change with increasing Y content, which indicates a solid solubility of β-Y 2Si 2O 7 in β-Lu 2Si 2O 7 at 1300 °C. 29Si MAS NMR spectra of the different members of the system agree with the XRD results, showing a linear decrease of the 29Si chemical shift with increasing Y content. Finally, a correlation reported in the literature to predict 29Si chemical shifts in silicates is applied here to obtain the theoretical variation in 29Si chemical shift values in the system Lu 2Si 2O 7-Y 2Si 2O 7 and the results compare favorably with the values obtained experimentally.
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Hypericum perforatum incorporated chitosan films as potential bioactive wound dressing material.
Güneş, Seda; Tıhmınlıoğlu, Funda
2017-09-01
Recent studies in wound dressing applications offer new therapies and promote wound healing process. The aim of this study was to develop Hypericum perforatum (St John's Wort) oil incorporated chitosan films for wound dressing applications. H. perforatum oil as a potential therapeutic agent was encapsulated in chitosan film to achieve a better wound dressing material. Oil incorporated chitosan films were successfully prepared by solvent casting method in different oil concentrations (0.25-1.5%v/v). Water vapor permeability (WVP), mechanical test, swelling behavior and surface hydrophobicity were performed in order to characterize the prepared films. Antimicrobial test was performed by disc diffusion method and the growth inhibition effects of the films including different amount of H. perforatum oil were investigated on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. WVP increased with oil incorporation and the highest value was obtained for 0.25% oil concentration.The highest strain value was obtained in 0.25% oil content films although tensile stress decreased with increasing oil content. H. perforatum oil incorporated films had antimicrobial effect on both microorganisms. Chitosan based films had no cytotoxic effects on NIH3T3fibroblast cells and provided a good surface for cell attachment and proliferation. The results showed that the H. perforatum incorporated chitosan films seems to be a potential and novel biomaterial for wound healing applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Thoo, Yin Yin; Ho, Swee Kheng; Abas, Faridah; Lai, Oi Ming; Ho, Chun Wai; Tan, Chin Ping
2013-06-14
Antioxidants have been widely used in the food industry to enhance product quality by preventing oxidation of susceptible substances. This work was carried out to maximise the recovery of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical-scavenging capacity and 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging capacity from Morinda citrifolia fruit via modification of the ethanol concentration, extraction time and extraction temperature at minimal processing cost. The optimised conditions yielded values of 881.57 ± 17.74 mg GAE/100 g DW for TPC, 552.53 ± 34.16 mg CE/100 g DW for TFC, 799.20 ± 2.97 µmol TEAC/100 g DW for ABTS and 2,317.01 ± 18.13 µmol TEAC/100 g DW for DPPH were 75% ethanol, 40 min of time and 57 °C. The four responses did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) from predicted values, indicating that models obtained are suitable to the optimisation of extraction conditions for phenolics from M. citrifolia. The relative amounts of flavonoids were 0.784 ± 0.01 mg quercetin/g of extract and 1.021 ± 0.04 mg rutin/g of extract. On the basis of the results obtained, M. citrifolia extract can be used as a valuable bioactive source of natural antioxidants.
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Radionuclides in drinking water: the recent legislative requirements of the European Union.
Grande, Sveva; Risica, Serena
2015-03-01
In November 2013, a new EURATOM Directive was issued on the protection of public health from the radionuclide content in drinking water. After introducing the contents of the Directive, the paper analyses the hypotheses about drinking water ingestion adopted in documents of international and national organizations and the data obtained from national/regional surveys. Starting from the Directive's parametric value for the Indicative Dose, some examples of derived activity concentrations of radionuclides in drinking water are reported for some age classes and three exposure situations, namely, (i) artificial radionuclides due to routine water release from nuclear power facilities, (ii) artificial radionuclides from nuclear medicine procedures, and (iii) naturally occurring radionuclides in drinking water or resulting from existing or past NORM industrial activities.
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Dong, Hao; Luo, Donghui; Xian, Yanping; Luo, Haiying; Guo, Xindong; Li, Chao; Zhao, Mouming
2016-04-27
According to the AOAC 998.12 method, honey is considered to contain significant C-4 sugars with a C-4 sugar content of >7%, which are naturally identified as the adulteration. However, the authenticity of honey with a C-4 sugar content of <0% calculated by the above method has been rarely investigated. A new procedure to determine δ(13)C values of honey, corresponding extracted protein and individual sugars (sucrose, glucose, and fructose), δ(2)H and δ(18)O values, sucrose content, and reducing sugar content of honey using an elemental analyzer and liquid chromatography coupled to isotope ratio mass spectroscopy, was first developed to demonstrate the authenticity of honey with a C-4 sugar content of <0%. For this purpose, 800 commercial honey samples were analyzed. A quite similar pattern on the pentagonal radar plot (isotopic compositions) between honey with -7 < C-4 sugar content (%) < 0 and 0 < C-4 sugar content (%) < 7 indicated that honey with -7 < C-4 sugar content (%) < 0 could be identified to be free of C-4 sugars as well. A very strong correlation is also observed between δ(13)C honey values and δ(13)C protein values of both honey groups. For the δ(18)O value, the C-4 sugar content (%) < -7 group has lower (p < 0.05) values (16.30‰) compared to other honey, which could be a useful parameter for adulterated honey with a C-4 sugar content (%) < -7. The use of isotopic compositions and some systematic differences permits the honey with a C-4 sugar content of <0% to be reliably detected. The developed procedure in this study first and successfully provided favorable evidence in authenticity identification of honey with a C-4 sugar content of <0%.
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Chokan, Kou; Murakami, Hideki; Endo, Hirooki; Mimata, Yoshikuni; Yamabe, Daisuke; Tsukimura, Itsuko; Oikawa, Ryosuke; Doita, Minoru
2016-04-01
T2 mapping was used to quantify moisture content of the lumbar spinal disk nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus before and after exercise stress, and after rest, to evaluate the intervertebral disk function. To clarify water retention in intervertebral disks of the lumbar vertebrae by performing magnetic resonance imaging before and after exercise stress and quantitatively measuring changes in moisture content of intervertebral disks with T2 mapping. To date, a few case studies describe functional evaluation of articular cartilage with T2 mapping; however, T2 mapping to the functional evaluation of intervertebral disks has rarely been applied. Using T2 mapping might help detect changes in the moisture content of intervertebral disks, including articular cartilage, before and after exercise stress, thus enabling the evaluation of changes in water retention shock absorber function. Subjects, comprising 40 healthy individuals (males: 26, females: 14), underwent magnetic resonance imaging T2 mapping before and after exercise stress and after rest. Image J image analysis software was then used to set regions of interest in the obtained images of the anterior annulus fibrosus, posterior annulus fibrosus, and NP. T2 values were measured and compared according to upper vertebrae position and degeneration grade. T2 values significantly decreased in the NP after exercise stress and significantly increased after rest. According to upper vertebrae position, in all of the upper vertebrae positions, T2 values for the NP significantly decreased after exercise stress and significantly increased after rest. According to the degeneration grade, in the NP of grade 1 and 2 cases, T2 values significantly decreased after exercise stress and significantly increased after rest. T2 mapping could be used to not only diagnose the degree of degeneration but also evaluate intervertebral disk function. 3.
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Xia, Lang; Mao, Kebiao; Ma, Ying; Zhao, Fen; Jiang, Lipeng; Shen, Xinyi; Qin, Zhihao
2014-01-01
A practical algorithm was proposed to retrieve land surface temperature (LST) from Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) data in mid-latitude regions. The key parameter transmittance is generally computed from water vapor content, while water vapor channel is absent in VIIRS data. In order to overcome this shortcoming, the water vapor content was obtained from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data in this study. The analyses on the estimation errors of vapor content and emissivity indicate that when the water vapor errors are within the range of ±0.5 g/cm2, the mean retrieval error of the present algorithm is 0.634 K; while the land surface emissivity errors range from −0.005 to +0.005, the mean retrieval error is less than 1.0 K. Validation with the standard atmospheric simulation shows the average LST retrieval error for the twenty-three land types is 0.734 K, with a standard deviation value of 0.575 K. The comparison between the ground station LST data indicates the retrieval mean accuracy is −0.395 K, and the standard deviation value is 1.490 K in the regions with vegetation and water cover. Besides, the retrieval results of the test data have also been compared with the results measured by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) VIIRS LST products, and the results indicate that 82.63% of the difference values are within the range of −1 to 1 K, and 17.37% of the difference values are within the range of ±2 to ±1 K. In a conclusion, with the advantages of multi-sensors taken fully exploited, more accurate results can be achieved in the retrieval of land surface temperature. PMID:25397919
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Hoffman, Joel C; Sierszen, Michael E; Cotter, Anne M
2015-11-15
Normalizing δ(13) C values of animal tissue for lipid content is necessary to accurately interpret food-web relationships from stable isotope analysis. To reduce the effort and expense associated with chemical extraction of lipids, various studies have tested arithmetic mass balance to mathematically normalize δ(13) C values for lipid content; however, the approach assumes that lipid content is related to the tissue C:N ratio. We evaluated two commonly used models for estimating tissue lipid content based on C:N ratio (a mass balance model and a stoichiometric model) by comparing model predictions to measure the lipid content of white muscle tissue. We then determined the effect of lipid model choice on δ(13) C values normalized using arithmetic mass balance. To do so, we used a collection of fish from Lake Superior spanning a wide range in lipid content (5% to 73% lipid). We found that the lipid content was positively related to the bulk muscle tissue C:N ratio. The two different lipid models produced similar estimates of lipid content based on tissue C:N, within 6% for tissue C:N values <7. Normalizing δ(13) C values using an arithmetic mass-balance equation based on either model yielded similar results, with a small bias (<1‰) compared with results based on chemical extraction. Among-species consistency in the relationship between fish muscle tissue C:N ratio and lipid content supports the application of arithmetic mass balance to normalize δ(13) C values for lipid content. The uncertainty associated with both lipid extraction quality and choice of model parameters constrains the achievable precision of normalized δ(13) C values to about ±1.0‰. Published in 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the U.S.A.
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Fang, Li-Min; Lin, Min
2009-08-01
For the rapid detection of the ethanol, pH and rest sugar in red wine, infrared (IR) spectra of 44 wine samples were analyzed. The algorithm of fast independent component analysis (FastICA) was used to decompose the data of IR spectra, and their independent components and the mixing matrix were obtained. Then, the ICA-NNR calibration model with three-level artificial neural network (ANN) structure was built by using back-propagation (BP) algorithm. The models were used to estimate the contents of ethanol, pH and rest sugar in red wine samples for both in calibration set and predicted set. Correlation coefficient (r) of prediction and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) were used as the evaluation indexes. The results indicate that the r and RMSEP for the prediction of ethanol content, pH and rest sugar content are 0.953, 0.983 and 0.994, and 0.161, 0.017 and 0.181, respectively. The maximum relative deviations between the ICA-NNR method predicted value and referenced value of the 22 samples in predicted set are less than 4%. The results of this paper provide a foundation for the application and further development of IR on-line red wine analyzer.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Swastawati, Fronthea; Ambaryanto; Cahyono, Bambang; Wijayanti, Ima; Chilmawati, Diana
2018-02-01
Milkfish meatballs are one of the value-added product that is potential to be developed because this product is favored by consumers. The aims of this study were mainly to evaluate the effect of nano encapsulation liquid smoke addition to the properties of milkfish meatballs. The different concentration (0%, 1%, 3% and 5%) of nano encapsulation liquid smoke was treated into milkfish meatballs with three replications. Test parameters used include texture (hardness, deformation and gel strength); proximate (moisture, protein, fat, ash and carbohydrates content); sensory (organoleptic and hedonic). Parametric data were analysis using ANOVA and non-parametric parameters using Kruskal Wallis test. Analysis of variant shows that nanoencapsulation gave significant effect on the hardness, deformation, and gel strength; protein, lipid, ash and water content(P<0,05), but gave no significant effect on carbohydrate (P >0.05). The best texture characteristic was obtained by milkfish meatball added with 1% of nanoencapsulation liquid smoke indicated by the moisture water; protein; fat; ash and carbohydrate content: 66,35%; 12,69%; 6,75%; 2,42% and 5,93% respectively. The best organoleptic and hedonic value of milkfish meatballs was achieved by a panelist at the sample with the addition of 1% liquid smoke, but this sample found gave no significance different to control in terms of sensory valle.
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Fraker, Christopher A; Mendez, Armando J; Stabler, Cherie L
2011-09-08
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are compounds with increased oxygen solubility and effective diffusivity, making them ideal candidates for improving oxygen mass transfer in numerous biological applications. Historically, quantification of the mass transfer characteristics of these liquids has relied on the use of elaborate laboratory equipment and complicated methodologies, such as in-line gas chromatography coupled with temperature-controlled glass fritted diffusion cells. In this work, we present an alternative method for the determination of dissolved oxygen content in PFC emulsions and, by extrapolation, pure PFCs. We implemented a simple stirred oxygen consumption microchamber coupled with an enzymatic reaction for the quantitative determination of oxygen by optical density measurements. Chambers were also custom fitted with lifetime oxygen sensors to permit simultaneous measurement of internal chamber oxygen levels. Analyzing the consumption of oxygen during the enzymatic reaction via recorded oxygen depletion traces, we found a strong degree of correlation between the zero-order reaction rate and the total measured oxygen concentrations, relative to control solutions. The values obtained were in close agreement with published values in the literature, establishing the accuracy of this method. Overall, this method allows for easy, reliable, and reproducible measurements of oxygen content in aqueous solutions, including, but not limited to PFC emulsions.
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Ojiako, Okey A; Ogbuji, Chiza A; Agha, Ngozi C; Onwuliri, Viola A
2010-10-01
The proximate, nutritional, and antinutritional compositions of the raw, cooked, and roasted samples of four Nigerian indigenous seeds-Sphenostylis stenocarpa, Pentaclethra macrophylla, Mucuna flagellipes, and Citrullus colocynthis-were evaluated. Also estimated were zinc and divalent cation bioavailability of the seeds using millimolar ratios/kg dry weight of [calcium]/[phytate], [phytate]/[zinc], [calcium][phytate]/[Zn], and [phytate]/[total phosphorus]. The results obtained revealed that the seeds of P. macrophylla and C. colocynthis had high protein and lipid levels. All the seeds were also found to have high energy value and low moisture content. Mineral analysis showed the presence of Na, K, Ca, and Mg in appreciable quantities and Zn, I, Fe, and Se in minute quantities. Antinutritional analyses indicated the presence of traces of tannin, oxalate, phytate, saponin, and cyanide in the samples. The various processing techniques had significant (P ≤ .05) effects on the measured parameters. The calculated [Ca][phytate]/[Zn] molar ratios revealed that these seeds had values above the critical level of 0.5 mL/kg, thus indicating reduced bioavailability of zinc. In view of the high nutrient contents, low antinutritional contents after processing, and their superabundance, these seeds could be cheap nutrient sources. The implications of these findings with regards to food security are enormous.
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Cacao seeds are a "Super Fruit": A comparative analysis of various fruit powders and products
2011-01-01
Background Numerous popular media sources have developed lists of "Super Foods" and, more recently, "Super Fruits". Such distinctions often are based on the antioxidant capacity and content of naturally occurring compounds such as polyphenols within those whole fruits or juices of the fruit which may be linked to potential health benefits. Cocoa powder and chocolate are made from an extract of the seeds of the fruit of the Theobroma cacao tree. In this study, we compared cocoa powder and cocoa products to powders and juices derived from fruits commonly considered "Super Fruits". Results Various fruit powders and retail fruit products were obtained and analyzed for antioxidant capacity (ORAC (μM TE/g)), total polyphenol content (TP (mg/g)), and total flavanol content (TF (mg/g)). Among the various powders that were tested, cocoa powder was the most concentrated source of ORAC and TF. Similarly, dark chocolate was a significantly more concentrated source of ORAC and TF than the fruit juices. Conclusions Cocoa powder and dark chocolate had equivalent or significantly greater ORAC, TP, and TF values compared to the other fruit powders and juices tested, respectively. Cacao seeds thus provide nutritive value beyond that derived from their macronutrient composition and appear to meet the popular media's definition of a "Super Fruit". PMID:21299842
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Cacao seeds are a "Super Fruit": A comparative analysis of various fruit powders and products.
Crozier, Stephen J; Preston, Amy G; Hurst, Jeffrey W; Payne, Mark J; Mann, Julie; Hainly, Larry; Miller, Debra L
2011-02-07
Numerous popular media sources have developed lists of "Super Foods" and, more recently, "Super Fruits". Such distinctions often are based on the antioxidant capacity and content of naturally occurring compounds such as polyphenols within those whole fruits or juices of the fruit which may be linked to potential health benefits. Cocoa powder and chocolate are made from an extract of the seeds of the fruit of the Theobroma cacao tree. In this study, we compared cocoa powder and cocoa products to powders and juices derived from fruits commonly considered "Super Fruits". Various fruit powders and retail fruit products were obtained and analyzed for antioxidant capacity (ORAC (μM TE/g)), total polyphenol content (TP (mg/g)), and total flavanol content (TF (mg/g)). Among the various powders that were tested, cocoa powder was the most concentrated source of ORAC and TF. Similarly, dark chocolate was a significantly more concentrated source of ORAC and TF than the fruit juices. Cocoa powder and dark chocolate had equivalent or significantly greater ORAC, TP, and TF values compared to the other fruit powders and juices tested, respectively. Cacao seeds thus provide nutritive value beyond that derived from their macronutrient composition and appear to meet the popular media's definition of a "Super Fruit".
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Critical Values for Lawshe's Content Validity Ratio: Revisiting the Original Methods of Calculation
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Ayre, Colin; Scally, Andrew John
2014-01-01
The content validity ratio originally proposed by Lawshe is widely used to quantify content validity and yet methods used to calculate the original critical values were never reported. Methods for original calculation of critical values are suggested along with tables of exact binomial probabilities.
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Content Specificity of Expectancy Beliefs and Task Values in Elementary Physical Education
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Chen, Ang; Martin, Robert; Ennis, Catherine D.; Sun, Haichun
2008-01-01
The curriculum may superimpose a content-specific context that mediates motivation (Bong, 2001). This study examined content specificity of the expectancy-value motivation in elementary school physical education. Students' expectancy beliefs and perceived task values from a cardiorespiratory fitness unit, a muscular fitness unit, and a traditional…
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Miroiu, Floralice Marimona; Stefan, Nicolaie; Visan, Anita Ioana; Nita, Cristina; Luculescu, Catalin Romeo; Rasoga, Oana; Socol, Marcela; Zgura, Irina; Cristescu, Rodica; Craciun, Doina; Socol, Gabriel
2015-11-01
Composite silk fibroin-poly(3-hydroxybutyric-acid-co-3-hydroxyvaleric-acid) (SF-PHBV) biodegradable coatings were grown by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation on titanium substrates. Their physico-chemical properties and particularly the degradation behavior in simulated body fluid at 37 °C were studied as first step of applicability in local controlled release for tissue regeneration applications. SF and PHBV, natural biopolymers with excellent biocompatibility, but different biodegradability and tensile strength properties, were combined in a composite to improve their properties as coatings for biomedical uses. FTIR analyses showed the stoichiometric transfer from targets to coatings by the presence in the spectra of the main absorption maxima characteristic of both polymers. XRD investigations confirmed the FTIR results showing differences in crystallization behavior with respect to the SF and PHBV content. Contact angle values obtained through wettability measurements indicated the MAPLE deposited coatings were highly hydrophilic; surfaces turning hydrophobic with the increase of the PHBV component. Degradation assays proved that higher PHBV contents resulted in enhanced resistance and a slower degradation rate of composite coatings in SBF. Distinct drug-release schemes could be obtained by adjusting the SF:PHBV ratio to controllably tuning the coatings degradation rate, from rapid-release formulas, where SF predominates, to prolonged sustained ones, for larger PHBV content.
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Itoh, Nobuyasu; Yamazaki, Taichi; Sato, Ayako; Numata, Masahiko; Takatsu, Akiko
2014-01-01
We examined the reliability of a certified reference material (CRM) for urea (NMIJ CRM 6006-a) as a calibrant for N, C, and H in elemental analyzers. Only the N content for this CRM is provided as an indicative value. To estimate the C and H contents of the urea CRM, we took into account the purity of the urea and the presence of other identified impurities. When we examined the use of various masses of the calibrant (0.2 to 2 mg), we unexpectedly observed low signal intensities for small masses of H and N, but these plateaued at about 2 mg. We therefore analyzed four amino acid CRMs and four food CRMs on a 2-mg scale with the urea CRM as the calibrant. For the amino acid CRMs, the differences in the analytical and theoretical contents (≤0.0026 kg/kg) were acceptable with good repeatability (≤0.0013 kg/kg in standard deviation; n = 4). For food CRMs, comparable repeatabilities to those obtained with amino acid CRMs (≤0.0025 kg/kg in standard deviation; n = 4) were obtained. The urea CRM can therefore be used as a reliable calibrant for C, H, and N in an elemental analyzer.
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Shekh, Ajam Yakub; Shrivastava, Preeti; Gupta, Ankit; Krishnamurthi, Kannan; Devi, Sivanesan Saravana; Mudliar, Sandeep N
2016-02-01
In this study, the concentrations of MgSO4, salinity and light intensity were optimised for maximum biomass productivity and lipid content in Chlorella sp. Lipid synthesized at varied experimental conditions was also assessed in detail for biodiesel properties through FAME analysis. FAMEs mainly composed of C16:0, C16:1(9), C16:3(7, 10, 13), C18:0, C18:1(11), C18:2(9, 12), C18:3(9, 12, 15). The optimum biomass productivity (372.50mgL(-1)d(-1)) and lipid content (32.57%) was obtained at MgSO4-150ppm; salinity-12.5ppm, and light intensity-25μmolm(-2)s(-1). However, at this condition the cetane number, a major biodiesel property was not complying with worldwide biodiesel standard. Therefore, further optimisations were done to check the suitability of biodiesel fuel. The optimum biomass productivity (348.47mgL(-1)d(-1)) and lipid content (12.43%) with suitable biodiesel fuel properties was obtained at MgSO4-50ppm, salinity-25ppm and light intensity-100μmolm(-2)s(-1). The validation experiments confirmed the closeness of predicted and measured response values. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Gallie, Daniel R
2013-08-30
Vitamin C serves as a cofactor in the synthesis of collagen needed to support cardiovascular function, maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth, as well as being required in wound healing. Although vitamin C is essential, humans are one of the few mammalian species unable to synthesize the vitamin and must obtain it through dietary sources. Only low levels of the vitamin are required to prevent scurvy but subclinical vitamin C deficiency can cause less obvious symptoms such as cardiovascular impairment. Up to a third of the adult population in the U.S. obtains less than the recommended amount of vitamin C from dietary sources of which plant-based foods constitute the major source. Consequently, strategies to increase vitamin C content in plants have been developed over the last decade and include increasing its synthesis as well as its recycling, i.e., the reduction of the oxidized form of ascorbic acid that is produced in reactions back into its reduced form. Increasing vitamin C levels in plants, however, is not without consequences. This review provides an overview of the approaches used to increase vitamin C content in plants and the successes achieved. Also discussed are some of the potential limitations of increasing vitamin C and how these may be overcome.
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Nikolić, Djordje; Milošević, Novica; Mihajlović, Ivan; Zivković, Zivan; Tasić, Viša; Kovačević, Renata; Petrović, Nevenka
2010-02-01
This work presents the results of 4 years long monitoring of concentrations of SO(2) gas and PM(10) in the urban area around the copper smelter in Bor. The contents of heavy metals Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni, and As in PM(10) were determined and obtained values were compared to the limit values provided in EU Directives. Manifold excess concentrations of all the components in the atmosphere of the urban area of the townsite Bor were registered. Through application of a multi-criteria analysis by using PROMETHEE/GAIA method, the zones were ranked according to the level of pollution.
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Wang, Caixia; Hu, Jiawei; Cheng, Guoxia; Liu, Yu; Li, Tianlai
2016-11-01
To understand the content level of nickel in all kinds of foods, and to assess the daily intake of nickel and the possible adverse health impact. Statistical analysis of the nickel contents of 1872 samples. The dietary intake of nickel was obtained using the test results and the results of Shaanxi total diet study in 2002. The safety of dietary nickel was evaluated by using the tolerable daily intake( TDI)recommended by WHO. The health risk was assessed by using USEPA health risk assessment model. The content of nickel ranged from 0. 0586 to 0. 210 mg/kg in seven kinds of food, and the nickel content of cereals was higher than other kinds, the value of which was 3. 30 mg/kg. The average and the higher dietary intake of nickel were2. 17 μg/( kg·d) and 11. 2 μg/( kg·d), respectively. The rates of which were 18% and94%, compared to TDI value. That showed a potential health risk from Ni via dietary exposure for the people highly exposured. Because there was inadequate evidence for carcinogenicity of nickel, if nickel was non carcinogenic elements, the individual health risk of nickel was lower than the standard of ICRP. In contrast, the individual health riskof nickel was higher than the standard, which means a potential health risk for Shaanxi habitants. This study showed a potential health risk from Ni via dietary exposure for the people highly exposured.
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Li, Dongsheng; Cao, Hai
2012-01-01
The applicability of acoustic emission (AE) techniques to monitor the mechanism of evolution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber concrete damage under temperature fatigue loading is investigated. Using the temperature fatigue test, real-time AE monitoring data of PVA fiber concrete is achieved. Based on the AE signal characteristics of the whole test process and comparison of AE signals of PVA fiber concretes with different fiber contents, the damage evolution process of PVA fiber concrete is analyzed. Finally, a qualitative evaluation of the damage degree is obtained using the kurtosis index and b-value of AE characteristic parameters. The results obtained using both methods are discussed.
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Li, Dongsheng; Cao, Hai
2012-01-01
The applicability of acoustic emission (AE) techniques to monitor the mechanism of evolution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber concrete damage under temperature fatigue loading is investigated. Using the temperature fatigue test, real-time AE monitoring data of PVA fiber concrete is achieved. Based on the AE signal characteristics of the whole test process and comparison of AE signals of PVA fiber concretes with different fiber contents, the damage evolution process of PVA fiber concrete is analyzed. Finally, a qualitative evaluation of the damage degree is obtained using the kurtosis index and b-value of AE characteristic parameters. The results obtained using both methods are discussed. PMID:23012555
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Dupre, Terin E; Benjamin, William J
2018-06-25
The relationship between water (W) content and silicon (Si) content of silicone-hydrogel (SiHy) contact lens materials was inspected using identical methodologies, equipment, and operators for materials composing 16 types of commercially available SiHy contact lenses. Fluorine (F) content was included in the analysis for the three materials also containing a fluoropolymer. One type of lens consisted of a bulk SiHy material coated with thin layers of conventional hydrogel. SiHy materials were obtained in the form of 16 contact lens brands purchased on the open market in a common range of refractive powers from -3 to +6 D in single lots. All test lenses were equilibrated at room temperature in a standard saline recommended in the American National Standards Institute Z80.20-2016 and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 18369-4:2017 standards. W content was obtained gravimetrically, in %, according to those standards for 16 lenses of each SiHy material. Si content was determined in % using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy for four digested lenses of each material. F content was determined in % using an ion-selective electrode for four combusted lenses of each of the three fluorinated SiHy materials. W and Si contents of the bulk SiHy material of the coated lens were estimated by computational exclusion of the hydrogel layers. The linear coefficients of determination (R, n=16) were -0.7576 (relating mean dry Si content [n=4] to mean W content [n=16]) and -0.8819 (relating mean hydrated Si content [n=4] to mean W content [n=16]). When the 4 SiHy materials that were fluorinated or coated were excluded from the analysis, the R values (n=12) were -0.8869 and -0.9263, respectively. When F contents and the coating were added to the assessments, the linear coefficients of determination (R, n=16) became -0.8948 (relating mean dry [Si+F] content to mean W content) and -0.9397 (relating mean hydrated [Si+F] content to mean W content). There is a fundamental negative linear relationship between Si and W contents for SiHy contact lens materials above 35% W content that is followed when F content and hydrogel coatings are empirically added to the analysis below 35% W content. The relationship was tightest for hydrated (Si+F) content and W content, for which the regression equation had an R of -0.9397: (Si+F)=-0.3073 (W)+22.148. The relationship between (Si+F) and W therefore seems to be based on composition rather than structure of available SiHy contact lens materials.
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Zemberyová, Mária; Barteková, Jana; Hagarová, Ingrid
2006-12-15
A modified three-step sequential extraction procedure for the fractionation of heavy metals, proposed by the Commission of the European Communities Bureau of Reference (BCR) has been applied to the Slovak reference materials of soils (soil orthic luvisols, soil rendzina and soil eutric cambisol), which represent pedologically different types of soils in Slovakia. Analyses were carried out by flame or electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS or ETAAS). The fractions extracted were: exchangeable (extraction step 1), reducible-iron/manganese oxides (extraction step 2), oxidizable-organic matter and sulfides (extraction step 3). The sum of the element contents in the three fractions plus aqua-regia extractable content of the residue was compared to the aqua-regia extractable content of the elements in the origin soils. The accuracy obtained by comparing the determined contents of the elements with certified values, using BCR CRM 701, certified for the extractable contents (mass fractions) of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in sediment following a modified BCR-three step sequential extraction procedure, was found to be satisfactory.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Agustin, R. R.; Liliasari, L.
2017-02-01
The purpose of this study was to attain an insight into pre-service science teachers’ technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) as an integrative competency that is addressed by 21st century skills. The methods used in the study was descriptive. Nineteen pre-service science teachers (PSTs) of an educational university in Indonesia were involved in a semester long school science course. The course mainly develop students’ pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) by utilizing content representation (CoRe) template. Furthermore an infusion of technological knowledge (TK) analysis led to the study of their TPACK by extending the template with a question in line to TK. The extended CoRe and self-reported survey were employed as instruments. The analysis of data used were quantitative and qualitative technique to obtain the insight into PSTs’ PCK and TK. The results shows contrary value of PCK and TK identified by CoRe template to those measured by self-reported survey. However, the PSTs perceive their TPACK much higher, that, is 74.74%. Further investigation regarding PSTs ability to compose lesson plan was recommended for further research to capture more comprehensive insight into PSTs’ TPACK.
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Viscosity and Structure of CaO-SiO2-P2O5-FetO System with Varying P2O5 and FeO Content
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Diao, Jiang; Gu, Pan; Liu, De-Man; Jiang, Lu; Wang, Cong; Xie, Bing
2017-10-01
A rotary viscosimeter and Raman spectrum were employed to measure the viscosity and structural information of the CaO-SiO2-P2O5-FetO system at 1673 K. The experimental data have been compared with the calculated results using different viscosity models. It shows that the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and Pal models fit the CaO-SiO2-P2O5-FeOt system better. With the P2O5 content increasing from 5% to 14%, the viscosity increases from 0.12 Pa s to 0.27 Pa s. With the FeO content increasing from 30% to 40%, the viscosity decreases from 0.21 Pa s to 0.12 Pa s. Increasing FeO content makes the complicated molten melts become simple, and increasing P2O5 content will complicate the molten melts. The linear relation between viscosity and structure parameter Q(Si + P) was obtained by regression analysis. The calculated viscosity by using the optimized NPL and Pal model are almost identical with the fitted values.
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Defect-free high Sn-content GeSn on insulator grown by rapid melting growth.
Liu, Zhi; Cong, Hui; Yang, Fan; Li, Chuanbo; Zheng, Jun; Xue, Chunlai; Zuo, Yuhua; Cheng, Buwen; Wang, Qiming
2016-12-12
GeSn is an attractive semiconductor material for Si-based photonics. However, large lattice mismatch between GeSn and Si and the low solubility of Sn in Ge limit its development. In order to obtain high Sn-content GeSn on Si, it is normally grown at low temperature, which would lead to inevitable dislocations. Here, we reported a single-crystal defect-free graded GeSn on insulator (GSOI) stripes laterally grown by rapid melting growth (RMG). The Sn-content reaches to 14.2% at the end of the GSOI stripe. Transmission electron microscopy observation shows the GSOI stripe without stacking fault and dislocations. P-channel pseudo metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) and metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) Schottky junction photodetectors were fabricated on these GSOIs. Good transistor performance with a low field peak hole mobility of 402 cm 2 /Vs is obtained, which indicates a high-quality of this GSOI structure. Strong near-infrared and short-wave infrared optical absorption of the MSM photodetectors at 1550 nm and 2000 nm were observed. Owing to high Sn-content and defect-free, responsivity of 236 mA/W@-1.5 V is achieved at 1550 nm wavelength. In addition, responsivity reaches 154 mA/W@-1.5 V at 2000 nm with the optical absorption layer only 200 nm-thick, which is the highest value reported for GeSn junction photodetectors until now.
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Defect-free high Sn-content GeSn on insulator grown by rapid melting growth
Liu, Zhi; Cong, Hui; Yang, Fan; Li, Chuanbo; Zheng, Jun; Xue, Chunlai; Zuo, Yuhua; Cheng, Buwen; Wang, Qiming
2016-01-01
GeSn is an attractive semiconductor material for Si-based photonics. However, large lattice mismatch between GeSn and Si and the low solubility of Sn in Ge limit its development. In order to obtain high Sn-content GeSn on Si, it is normally grown at low temperature, which would lead to inevitable dislocations. Here, we reported a single-crystal defect-free graded GeSn on insulator (GSOI) stripes laterally grown by rapid melting growth (RMG). The Sn-content reaches to 14.2% at the end of the GSOI stripe. Transmission electron microscopy observation shows the GSOI stripe without stacking fault and dislocations. P-channel pseudo metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) and metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) Schottky junction photodetectors were fabricated on these GSOIs. Good transistor performance with a low field peak hole mobility of 402 cm2/Vs is obtained, which indicates a high-quality of this GSOI structure. Strong near-infrared and short-wave infrared optical absorption of the MSM photodetectors at 1550 nm and 2000 nm were observed. Owing to high Sn-content and defect-free, responsivity of 236 mA/W@-1.5 V is achieved at 1550 nm wavelength. In addition, responsivity reaches 154 mA/W@-1.5 V at 2000 nm with the optical absorption layer only 200 nm-thick, which is the highest value reported for GeSn junction photodetectors until now. PMID:27941825
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Defect-free high Sn-content GeSn on insulator grown by rapid melting growth
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Liu, Zhi; Cong, Hui; Yang, Fan; Li, Chuanbo; Zheng, Jun; Xue, Chunlai; Zuo, Yuhua; Cheng, Buwen; Wang, Qiming
2016-12-01
GeSn is an attractive semiconductor material for Si-based photonics. However, large lattice mismatch between GeSn and Si and the low solubility of Sn in Ge limit its development. In order to obtain high Sn-content GeSn on Si, it is normally grown at low temperature, which would lead to inevitable dislocations. Here, we reported a single-crystal defect-free graded GeSn on insulator (GSOI) stripes laterally grown by rapid melting growth (RMG). The Sn-content reaches to 14.2% at the end of the GSOI stripe. Transmission electron microscopy observation shows the GSOI stripe without stacking fault and dislocations. P-channel pseudo metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) and metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) Schottky junction photodetectors were fabricated on these GSOIs. Good transistor performance with a low field peak hole mobility of 402 cm2/Vs is obtained, which indicates a high-quality of this GSOI structure. Strong near-infrared and short-wave infrared optical absorption of the MSM photodetectors at 1550 nm and 2000 nm were observed. Owing to high Sn-content and defect-free, responsivity of 236 mA/W@-1.5 V is achieved at 1550 nm wavelength. In addition, responsivity reaches 154 mA/W@-1.5 V at 2000 nm with the optical absorption layer only 200 nm-thick, which is the highest value reported for GeSn junction photodetectors until now.
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Ma, Jun; Krynitsky, Alexander J; Grundel, Erich; Rader, Jeanne I
2012-01-01
Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae), commonly known as bitter melon, is widely cultivated in many tropical and subtropical areas of the world. It is a common food staple; its fruits, leaves, seeds, stems, and roots also have a long history of use in traditional medicine. In the United States, dietary supplements labeled as containing bitter melon can be purchased over-the-counter and from Internet suppliers. Currently, no quantitative analytical method is available for monitoring the content of cucurbitane-type triterpenes and triterpene glycosides, the major constituents of bitter melon, in such supplements. We investigated the use of HPLC-electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS/MS for the quantitative determination of such compounds in dietary supplements containing bitter melon. Values for each compound obtained from external calibration were compared with those obtained from the method of standard additions to address matrix effects associated with ESI. In addition, the cucurbitane-type triterpene and triterpene glycoside contents of two dietary supplements determined by the HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method with standard additions were compared with those measured by an HPLC method with evaporative light scattering detection, which was recently developed for quantification of such compounds in dried fruits of M. charantia. The contents of five cucurbitane-type triterpenes and triterpene glycosides in 10 dietary supplements were measured using the HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method with standard additions. The total contents of the five compounds ranged from 17 to 3464 microg/serving.
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Automated segmentation of midbrain structures with high iron content.
Garzón, Benjamín; Sitnikov, Rouslan; Bäckman, Lars; Kalpouzos, Grégoria
2018-04-15
The substantia nigra (SN), the subthalamic nucleus (STN), and the red nucleus (RN) are midbrain structures of ample interest in many neuroimaging studies, which may benefit from the availability of automated segmentation methods. The high iron content of these structures awards them high contrast in quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) images. We present a novel segmentation method that leverages the information of these images to produce automated segmentations of the SN, STN, and RN. The algorithm builds a map of spatial priors for the structures by non-linearly registering a set of manually-traced training labels to the midbrain. The priors are used to inform a Gaussian mixture model of the image intensities, with smoothness constraints imposed to ensure anatomical plausibility. The method was validated on manual segmentations from a sample of 40 healthy younger and older subjects. Average Dice scores were 0.81 (0.05) for the SN, 0.66 (0.14) for the STN and 0.88 (0.04) for the RN in the left hemisphere, and similar values were obtained for the right hemisphere. In all structures, volumes of manual and automatically obtained segmentations were significantly correlated. The algorithm showed lower accuracy on R 2 * and T 2 -weighted Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) images, which are also sensitive to iron content. To illustrate an application of the method, we show that the automated segmentations were comparable to the manual ones regarding detection of age-related differences to putative iron content. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Si, Xu; Chen, Qinqin; Bi, Jinfeng; Wu, Xinye; Yi, Jianyong; Zhou, Linyan; Li, Zhaolu
2016-04-01
Dehydration has been considered as one of the traditional but most effective techniques for perishable fruits. Raspberry powders obtained after dehydration can be added as ingredients into food formulations such as bakery and dairy products. In this study, raspberry powders obtained by hot air drying (HAD), infrared radiation drying (IRD), hot air and explosion puffing drying (HA-EPD), infrared radiation and microwave vacuum drying (IR-MVD) and freeze drying (FD) were compared on physical properties, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Drying techniques affected the physical properties, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of raspberry powders greatly. FD led to significantly higher (P < 0.05) values of water solubility (45.26%), soluble solid (63.46%), hygroscopicity (18.06%), color parameters and anthocyanin retention (60.70%) of raspberry powder compared with other drying methods. However, thermal drying techniques, especially combined drying methods, were superior to FD in final total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity. The combined drying methods, especially IR-MVD, showed the highest total polyphenol content (123.22 g GAE kg(-1) dw) and total flavonoid content (0.30 g CAE kg(-1) dw). Additionally, IR-MVD performed better in antioxidant activity retention. Overall, combined drying methods, especially IR-MVD, were found to result in better quality of raspberry powders among the thermal drying techniques. IR-MVD could be recommended for use in the drying industry because of its advantages in time saving and nutrient retention. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Soil biochar amendments: type and dose effects
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ojeda, G.; Domene, X.; Mattana, S.; Sousa, J. P.; Ortiz, O.; Andres, P.; Alcañiz, J. M.
2012-04-01
Biochar is an organic material produced via the pyrolysis of C-based biomass, which is increasingly being recognized by scientists and policy makers for its potential role in carbon sequestration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, waste mitigation, and as a soil amendment. Recent studies indicated that biochar improves soil fertility through its positive influence on physical-chemical properties, since not only improves water retention, aggregation and permeability, but its high charge density can also hold large amounts of nutrients, increasing crop production. However, it was observed that combustion temperature could affects the degree of aromaticity and the size of aromatic sheets, which in turns determine short-term mineralization rates. To reconcile the different decompasibility observations of biochar, it has sugested that physical protection and interactions with soil minerals play a significant part in biochar stability. In this context, it has initiated one pilot studies which aims to assess the effects of biochar application on physical and chemical properties of agricultural soil under Mediterranean conditions, such as changes in aggregate formation, intra-aggregate carbon sequestration and chemistry of soil water. In the present study, different clases of biochar produced from fast, slow and gasification pyrolisis of vegetal (pine, poplar) and dried sludge biomass, were applied at 1% of biochar-C to mesocosmos of an agricultural soil. Preliminary, it must be pointed out that slow and gasification pyrolisis changes the proportion of particles < 2 mm in diameter, from 10% (original materials) to almost 100%. In contrast, slow pyrolisis not modifies significantly biochar granulometry. As a consequence, bulk density of poplar and pine splinters decreases after fast pyrolisis. Regarding to organic carbon contents of biochar, all biochars obtained from plant biomass presented percentagens of total organic carbon (TOC) between 70 - 90%, while biochar obtained from dried sludge by slow pyrolisis has a TOC around of 22%. On the other hand, pH values of biochar depends of the type of pyrolisis as observed in the biochar obtained from poplar biomass, where pH of slow pyrolisis < fast pyrolisis < gasification pyrolisis. When soil aggregate stability was tested, it was observed that biochars from pine biomass obtained by slow and fast pyrolisis trend to increase the water-stable soil aggregates, while the biochars from poplar and thermally-dreid sludge obtained by slow pyrolisis and from pine biomass obtained by gasification trend to the contrary. These differences were not explained by TOC contents or bulk density of bichars, probably because specific resistence to slaking and wettability of each biochar. At least, when measuring pH values of water where soil aggregates were immersed during soil aggregate stability test, it was observed that biochars from thermally-dried sludge obtained by slow pyrolisis and from pine biomass obtained by gasification pyrolisis increased water pH, which corresponded with high pH values of both biochars. In general, increases in the percentage of water-stable soil aggregates corresponded with increases in water pH values, except in the case of biochar from pine biomass obtained by slow pyrolisis.
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Effects of Various Kinds of Salt on the Quality and Storage Characteristics of Tteokgalbi
Lee, Jae-Joon
2014-01-01
This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of various kinds of salt on the quality and storage characteristics of tteokgalbi. The tteokgalbi was prepared using four types of salt: 1.5% purified salt (control, C), 1.5% five-year-old solar salt (FS), 1.5% Topan solar salt (TS), and 1.5% French Guérande solar salt (GS). The moisture, crude lipid, crude ash, crude protein and calorie contents, water holding capacity, and cooking loss were not significantly different between control and all other treatments. As for the textural characteristics, the use of GS increased the hardness of the tteokgalbi. According to the sensory evaluation, the use of TS had the best score in springiness. Tteokgalbi made with TS and GS had the two highest scores in flavor and total acceptability. During 15 d of storage, the contents of 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value, volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) and the total microbial counts increased, while the pH decreased. The TBA values of the tteokgalbi containing TS and GS were lower than that of C. Lightness (L) and yellowness (b) values decreased during storage, but redness (a) displayed no significant difference during storage. Overall, the best results, in terms of TBA value and sensory attributes, were obtained for the tteokgalbi containing TS and GS. PMID:26761494
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Booij, Martijn J.; Oldhoff, Ruben J. J.; Rustanto, Andry
2016-04-01
In order to accurately model the hydrological processes in a catchment, information on the soil hydraulic properties is of great importance. These data can be obtained by conducting field work, which is costly and time consuming, or by using pedotransfer functions (PTFs). A PTF is an empirical relationship between easily obtainable soil characteristics and a soil hydraulic parameter. In this study, PTFs for the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and the available water content (AWC) are investigated. PTFs are area-specific, since for instance tropical soils often have a different composition and hydraulic behaviour compared to temperate soils. Application of temperate soil PTFs on tropical soils might result in poor performance, which is a problem as few tropical soil PTFs are available. The objective of this study is to determine whether Ks and AWC can be accurately approximated using PTFs, by analysing their performance at both the local scale and the catchment scale. Four published PTFs for Ks and AWC are validated on a data set of 91 soil samples collected in the Upper Bengawan Solo catchment on Java, Indonesia. The AWC is predicted very poorly, with Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) values below zero for all selected PTFs. For Ks PTFs better results were found. The Wösten and Rosetta-3 PTFs predict the Ks moderately accurate, with NSE values of 0.28 and 0.39, respectively. New PTFs for both AWC and Ks were developed using multiple linear regression and NSE values of 0.37 (AWC) and 0.55 (Ks) were obtained. Although these values are not very high, they are significantly higher than for the published PTFs. The hydrological SWAT model was set up for the Keduang, a sub-catchment of the Upper Bengawan Solo River, to simulate monthly catchment streamflow. Eleven cases were defined to validate the PTFs at the catchment scale. For the Ks-PTF cases NSE values of around 0.84 were obtained for the validation period. The use of AWC PTFs resulted in slightly lower NSE values, although the differences in model accuracy are low. The small differences between the cases are caused by the soil homogeneity in the Keduang catchment. Without model calibration an NSE value of 0.51 was found. At the local scale, the Wösten and Rosetta-3 PTFs can be used to predict Ks. AWC PTFs show insufficient accuracy at the local scale. At the catchment scale, the Wösten and Rosetta-3 Ks PTFs and the developed AWC and Ks PTFs are validated. It is recommended to use the PTFs developed in this study for the Upper Bengawan Solo catchment. More research is needed on the effect of PTF input on simulated hydrological state variables, such as soil moisture content, and the effect of catchment soil heterogeneity on the validation and application of PTFs.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ahmed, Farzana; Gulliver, John S.; Nieber, J. L.
2015-11-01
Roadside drainage ditches (grassed swales) are an attractive stormwater control measure (SCM) since they can reduce runoff volume by infiltrating water into the soil, filter sediments and associated pollutants out of the water, and settle solids onto the soil surface. In this study a total of 722 infiltration measurements were collected in five swales located in Twin-Cities, MN and one swale located in Madison, WI to characterize the field-saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) derived from the infiltration measurements of these swales. Measurements were taken with a falling head device, the Modified Philip Dunne (MPD) infiltrometer, which allows the collection of simultaneous infiltration measurements at multiple locations with several infiltrometers. Field-saturated hydraulic conductivity was higher than expected for different soil texture classes. We hypothesize that this is due to plant roots creating macropores that break up the soil for infiltration. Statistical analysis was performed on the Kfs values to analyze the effect of initial soil moisture content, season, soil texture class and distance in downstream direction on the geometric mean Kfs value of a swale. Because of the high spatial variation of Kfs in the same swale no effect of initial soil moisture content, season and soil texture class was observed on the geometric mean Kfs value. But the distance in downstream direction may have positive or negative effect on the Kfs value. An uncertainty analysis on the Kfs value indicated that approximately twenty infiltration measurements is the minimum number to obtain a representative geometric mean Kfs value of a swale that is less than 350 m long within an acceptable level of uncertainty.
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Ethical values in nurse education perceived by students and educators.
Boozaripour, Mahsa; Abbaszadeh, Abbas; Shahriari, Mohsen; Borhani, Fariba
2018-03-01
Education is considered the first function and mission of the university, and observing educational ethics guarantees the health of the teaching-learning process in the university. The aim of this study was to explore ethical values in nursing education from the perspective of Iranian nursing students and educators. This qualitative study was conducted using the Thematic Content Analyses method. The data were collected from seven semi-structured individual interviews and three focus group discussions from July to November 2015. Participants and research context: The participants were faculty educators of nursing and nursing students in Tehran, capital of Iran, who were selected through purposive sampling. They were recruited gradually. Sampling was continued until data saturation when no new codes were extracted. Ethical committee: This study was conducted after obtaining the approval of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Ethics Committee, and informed consent were ensured before conducting the research. The principles of voluntariness, confidentiality, and anonymity were respected during the research process. Seven major themes emerged: human dignity, constructive human relations, educational justice, competency enhancement, excellence view, wisdom, and commitment and accountability. The results of this study indicated that although many of the values, as universal values, were similar to those of other countries-which can be a reflection of the globalization process in the nursing profession and the presence of humanistic and spiritual approaches at the roots of the discipline, some differences could be found in the content of values due to factors such as the people's beliefs, culture, and religion. Iranian nursing students and educators revealed a unique and culture-based set of ethical values.
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Recycled wind turbine blades as a feedstock for second generation composites.
Mamanpush, Seyed Hossein; Li, Hui; Englund, Karl; Tabatabaei, Azadeh Tavousi
2018-06-01
With an increase in renewable wind energy via turbines, an underlying problem of the turbine blade disposal is looming in many areas of the world. These wind turbine blades are predominately a mixture of glass fiber composites (GFCs) and wood and currently have not found an economically viable recycling pathway. This work investigates a series of second generation composites fabricated using recycled wind turbine material and a polyurethane adhesive. The recycled material was first comminuted via a hammer-mill through a range of varying screen sizes, resinated and compressed to a final thickness. The refined particle size, moisture content and resin content were assessed for their influence on the properties of recycled composites. Static bending, internal bond and water sorption properties were obtained for all composites panels. Overall improvement of mechanical properties correlated with increase in resin content, moisture content, and particle size. The current investigation demonstrates that it is feasible and promising to recycle the wind turbine blade to fabricate value-added high-performance composite. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Marcinek-Jacel, Marta; Albińska, Jadwiga; Pawlaczyk, Aleksandra; Szynkowska, Małgorzata Iwona
2017-10-01
The aim of this work was to access the influence of different factors such as sex, age, fish consumption, hair dyeing or smoking habit on the content of mercury in human hair samples. The research was carried on 444 samples (102 males and 342 females) collected from the population of people living in the region of Lodz (central Poland). The content of mercury in human hair samples was determined using the Mercury Analyzer MA 3000 (Nippon Instruments, Japan). The obtained results were elaborated using Statistica ver. 10.0 software. The mean value of mercury in investigated human hair samples was found to be 0.174±0.137mg/kg. We observed the statistically significant correlations (p<0.05) between the content of Hg in hair of the studied population and factors such as gender, age, and fish consumption. However, no statistically significant differences were found in relation to cosmetic treatment such as hair dyeing or smoking. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Olive oil quality and ripening in super-high-density Arbequina orchard.
Benito, Marta; Lasa, José Manuel; Gracia, Pilar; Oria, Rosa; Abenoza, María; Varona, Luis; Sánchez-Gimeno, Ana Cristina
2013-07-01
The aim of this work was to evaluate the evolution of the quality of extra virgin olive oil obtained from a super-high-density Arbequina orchard, under a drip irrigation system, throughout the ripening process. For this objective, physicochemical, nutritional and sensory parameters were studied. In addition, the oxidative stability, pigment content and colour evolution of olive oil were analysed during the ripening process. Free acidity increased slightly throughout the ripening process, while peroxide value and extinction coefficient decreased. Total phenol content and oxidative stability showed a similar trend, increasing at the beginning of ripening up to a maximum and thereafter decreasing. α-Tocopherol and pigment contents decreased with ripening, leading to changes in colour coordinates. Sensory parameters were correlated with total phenol content, following a similar trend throughout the maturation process. By sampling and monitoring the ripeness index weekly, it would be possible to determine an optimal harvesting time for olives according to the industrial yield and the physicochemical, nutritional and sensory properties of the olive oil. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Balss, K M; Llanos, G; Papandreou, G; Maryanoff, C A
2008-04-01
Raman spectroscopy was used to differentiate each component found in the CYPHER Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stent. The unique spectral features identified for each component were then used to develop three separate calibration curves to describe the solid phase distribution found on drug-polymer coated stents. The calibration curves were obtained by analyzing confocal Raman spectral depth profiles from a set of 16 unique formulations of drug-polymer coatings sprayed onto stents and planar substrates. The sirolimus model was linear from 0 to 100 wt % of drug. The individual polymer calibration curves for poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) [PEVA] and poly(n-butyl methacrylate) [PBMA] were also linear from 0 to 100 wt %. The calibration curves were tested on three independent drug-polymer coated stents. The sirolimus calibration predicted the drug content within 1 wt % of the laboratory assay value. The polymer calibrations predicted the content within 7 wt % of the formulation solution content. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra from five formulations confirmed a linear response to changes in sirolimus and polymer content. Copyright 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hidayati, A.; Rahmi, A.; Yohandri; Ratnawulan
2018-04-01
The importance of teaching materials in accordance with the characteristics of students became the main reason for the development of basic electronics I module integrated character values based on conceptual change teaching model. The module development in this research follows the development procedure of Plomp which includes preliminary research, prototyping phase and assessment phase. In the first year of this research, the module is validated. Content validity is seen from the conformity of the module with the development theory in accordance with the demands of learning model characteristics. The validity of the construct is seen from the linkage and consistency of each module component developed with the characteristic of the integrated learning model of character values obtained through validator assessment. The average validation value assessed by the validator belongs to a very valid category. Based on the validator assessment then revised the basic electronics I module integrated character values based on conceptual change teaching model.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Bernhardt, P. A.; Darosa, A. V.; Price, K. M.
1980-01-01
Topics covered include: (1) the application of ionosphere modifications models to the simulation of results obtained when rocket-borne explosives were detonated in the ionosphere; (2) the problem of hypersonic vapor releases from orbiting vehicles; (3) measuring the electron content reduction resulting from the firing of a Centaur rocket in the ionosphere; and (4) the preliminary design of the critical frequency tracker which displays the value of electron concentration at the peak of the F 2 region, in real time.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mannucci, A. J.; Anderson, D. N.; Abdu, A. M.
1994-01-01
The Parametrized Real-Time Ionosphere Specification Model (PRISM) is a global ionospheric specification model that can incorporate real-time data to compute accurate electron density profiles. Time series of computed and measured data are compared in this paper. This comparison can be used to suggest methods of optimizing the PRISM adjustment algorithm for TEC data obtained at low altitudes.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Blau, H. H., Jr.; Fowler, M. G.; Chang, D. T.; Ryan, R. T.
1972-01-01
Over two thousand individual cloud droplet size distributions were measured with an optical cloud particle spectrometer flown on the NASA Convair 990 aircraft. Representative droplet spectra and liquid water content, L (gm/cu m) were obtained for oceanic stratiform and cumuliform clouds. For non-precipitating clouds, values of L range from 0.1 gm/cu m to 0.5 gm/cu m; with precipitation, L is often greater than 1 gm/cu m. Measurements were also made in a newly formed contrail and in cirrus clouds.
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Soil-plant abstract of heavy metals in Pb-Zn mining sites from Alcudia Valley (South Spain)
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
López-Berdonces, Miguel; Higueras, Pablo; Esbrí, Jose Maria; González-Corrochano, Beatríz; García-Noguero, Eva Mª; Martínez-Coronado, Alba; Fernandez-Calderón, Sergio; García-Noguero, Carolina
2013-04-01
Soil-plant transfer of heavy metals in Pb-Zn mining sites from Alcudia Valley (South Spain). Authors: Miguel A. López-Berdonces¹; Pablo Higueras¹; Jose María Esbrí¹; Beatriz González-Corrochano¹; Eva Mª García- Noguero¹; Alba Martínez Coronado¹; Sergio Fernández-Calderón¹; Carolina García-Noguero¹ ¹Instituto de Geología Aplicada, Universidad Castilla la Mancha, Pza. Manuel Meca, 1. 13400 Almadén, Spain. Alcudia Valley is a vast territory recently declared Natural Park, located in South of Spain. It is an area rich in mineral deposits of Zn and Pb and mining exists since the first millennium BC., having its highest ore production between mid-nineteenth century and the middle of the twentieth. This area has been selected because has more than 120 abandoned mines without remediation actions, with dumps and tailings with high contents of zinc and lead sulfides, and Cu, Ag, Cd, As, Sb in minor concentrations. In this study we determinate the transfer rate of these metals from soils to plants represented by oak leaves (Quercus ilex), because this specie is common within the selected area. To evaluate the soil-plant transfer were studied the correlation of contents, total and extractable, in soil-leaves. Extractable fraction was done by for different methods in water, EPA 1312 sulfuric acid: nitric acid 60:40 v., Ammonium Acetate and EDTA. To establish the correlation between heavy metals from soils to plants is necessary to know the contents of these and bioavailable content in soil. Three areas (S. Quintín, Romanilla, Bombita) were selected, taking 24 samples of soils and leaves. Analyzed leaves by XRF showed that Mn, Pb, Zn and Mo in S.Quintin and Romanilla, Mn, Pb in Bombita, exceeded the toxicity threshold. The same samples analyzed by ICP show us the toxicity threshold is exceeded Pb, Zn and Hg in S.Quintin, and Pb in Romanilla. The heavy metal content in leaves compared between two techniques analytical gives an acceptable correlation Zn - Pb with R²= 95. Total metal contents in soils were analyzed by EDXRF (Energy Dispersion X Ray Fluorescence). We obtained RRL (Regional Reference Level), from La Bienvenida soil samples with values 20 Ni; 53 Cr; 38 Cu; 125 Zn; 128 Pb; 26 As, all in mg kg¯¹. Taking into account the values obtained in S.Quintin Pb 10127; Zn 2861; As 183; Cd 138; Cu 331; Ni 60 and Hg 893 mg kg¯¹, we can say that S.Quintin is a highly contaminated area; Bombita and Romanilla we would consider polluted areas where only Ni, As have values below RRL. We found differences in uptake patterns on the three areas due to heterogeneity in soil parameters and acid drainage, especially in S.Quintín mine where only measured uptake of Sb by plant has a good linear correlation with metal content extract with Ammonium Acetate. Romanilla has more homogeneous soil condition where we found an high soil-plant correlation Ag, As, Cd, Zn using EDTA and Acetate. Bombita has a similar characteristics, with high correlations between plants contents and soil in Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn with EDTA and Acetate. Total contents of heavy metal in a soil is not enough to evaluate the Toxicity Potential, it is necessary to know the bioavailable fraction present in the soil and the extractable fraction which proved to be the decisive factor in the content of heavy metal in plant of studied areas; the correlation in metals content soil-plant is higher in extractable content metals than in total content.
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Lim, Ho-Nam; Kim, Seong-Hwan; Yu, Bin; Lee, Yong-Keun
2009-01-01
The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of incrementally added uncured HEMA in experimental HEMA-added glass ionomer cement (HAGICs) on the mechanical and shear bond strength (SBS) of these materials. Increasing contents of uncured HEMA (10-50 wt.%) were added to a commercial glass ionomer cement liquid (Fuji II, GC, Japan), and the compressive and diametral tensile strengths of the resulting HAGICs were measured. The SBS to non-precious alloy, precious alloy, enamel and dentin was also determined after these surfaces were subjected to either airborne-particle abrasion (Aa) or SiC abrasive paper grinding (Sp). Both strength properties of the HAGICs first increased and then decreased as the HEMA content increased, with a maximum value obtained when the HEMA content was 20% for the compressive strength and 40% for the tensile strength. The SBS was influenced by the HEMA content, the surface treatment, and the type of bonding surface (p<0.05). These results suggest that addition of an appropriate amount of HEMA to glass ionomer cement would increase diametral tensile strength as well as bond strength to alloys and teeth. These results also confirm that the optimal HEMA content ranged from 20 to 40% within the limitations of this experimental condition. PMID:19668995
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Tabatabee, S N; Sadeghi, G H; Tabeidian, S A
2007-03-15
An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of soaking in water and different rumen digesta solutions on nutritional value of dry barley seeds. Treatments were included distilled water as control and rumen digesta that diluted with distilled water to obtain 20, 40 and 60% digesta solutions. Solutions have added to 10 kg of barley seed samples to achieve final 30% moisture content. After 21 days the chemical composition and energy content of barley seed were determined. Gross energy of barley seeds did not affected by different experimental treatments. Use of 20% rumen digesta solution resulted to a significant (p<0.01) increase in AME and AMEn content of barley seeds. Barley seed that treated with 40% of rumen digesta solution had highest TME and TMEn content and its different from seeds that treated with 60 and 100% rumen digesta solutions was significant (p<0.05). The chemical composition such as dry matter, crud protein, crude fat, crud fiber, ash and NFE were found to be similar and there was no significant difference. However, soaking in rumen digesta solutions increased crud protein, ether extract, crude fiber and ash content of barley seeds numerically.
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[Lateral diffusion of saturated phosphatidylcholines in cholesterol-containing bilayers].
Filippov, A V; Rudakova, M A; Oradd, G; Lindblom, J
2007-01-01
Lateral diffusion in oriented bilayers of saturated cholesterol-containing phosphatidylcholines, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and dimyrilstoylphosphatidylcholine upon their limiting hydration has been studied by NMR with impulse gradient of magnetic field. For both systems, similar dependences of the coefficient of lateral diffusion on temperature and cholesterol concentration were observed, which agree with the phase diagram showing the presence of regions of ordered and unordered liquid-crystalline phases and a two-phase region. Under similar conditions, the coefficient of lateral diffusion for dipalmytoylphosphatidylcholine has lower values, which is in qualitative agreement with its greater molecular mass. A comparison of data for dipalmytoylphosphatidylcholine with the results obtained earlier for dipalmytoylsphyngomyelin/cholesterol under the same conditions shows, despite a similarity in phase diagrams, greater (two- to threefold) differences in the values of the coefficient of lateral diffusion and a different mode of dependence of the coefficient on cholesterol concentration. A comparison of data for dimyrilstoylphosphatidylcholine with the results obtained previously shows that the values of the coefficient of lateral diffusion and the mode of its dependence on cholesterol concentration coincide in the region of higher concentrations (more than 15 mole %) and differ in the region of lower concentrations (below 15 mole %). The discrepancies may be explained by different contents of water in the systems during the measurements. At a limiting hydration (more than 35%) of water, the coefficient of lateral diffusion decreases with increasing cholesterol concentration. If the content of water is about 25% (as a result of equilibrium hydration from vapors), the coefficient of lateral diffusion of phosphatidylcholine is probably independent of cholesterol concentration. This results from a denser packing of molecules in the bilayer at a lower water concentration, an effect that competes with the ordering effect of cholesterol.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Erić, Suzana; Logar, Mihovil; Milovanović, Dragan; Babič, Danilo; Adnađević, Borivoj
2009-02-01
The study discusses the application of the Ti-in-biotite geothermometer of Henry et al. (2005) to the example of biotites from non-graphitic peraluminous micaschists of Central Serbia. Three petrographically different micaschists were distinguished on the basis of the following mineral assemblages: CV1 (St-Grt-Bt-Ms-Pg-Pl-Qtz), CV2 (Grt-St-Ky-Bt-Ms-Pl-Qtz) and RH (Grt-St-Bt-Ms-Pl-Qtz). Applying different geothermobarometers it was estimated that the studied micaschists were metamorphosed at average temperatures and pressures of 530 °C and 520 MPa (CV1incl), 580 °C and 670 MPa (CV1), 630 °C and 700 MPa (CV2) and 550 °C, 680 MPa (RH). The average temperatures obtained by the Ti-in-biotite method revealed uniform values for CV1 and CV2 micaschists and these values are very similar to the temperatures obtained by other methods. In contrast, the application of Ti-in-biotite geothermometer for RH micaschist yields the temperature difference of 85-110 °C. The variability of temperature is interpreted as a result of a positive correlation of Ti contents and XMg values in RH biotite, which is in disagreement with the principles of the Ti-in-biotite method. The positive Ti-XMg correlation is a result of the compositional variability shown by RH biotites from different samples, which can possibly be related to compositional inhomogeneities of the pelitic protolith. On the other hand, the Ti-in-biotite geothermometer for CV2 biotite gave very uniform temperatures despite variable Ti contents (Ti = 0.260, sd = 0.018 apfu). This is explained as result of the low sensitivity of Ti-in-biotite geothermometer for high Ti concentrations (> 0.25 apfu).