Diffusion controlled stress rupture of polycrystalline materials

The high temperature stress rupture process in polycrystalline solids is examined in terms of grain boundary parting by vacancy condensation at the tip of a crack within the boundary. The gradient for diffusion of these defects is considered in the model to arise from the stress gradient in advance of the flaw tip. A rupture stress function is derived which is shown to closely describe the stress rupture behavior of a number of metals and high temperature alloys.     

Current efficiency during the electrochemical machining of iron and nickel

Current efficiency determinations from weight-loss measurements were made on pure iron and pure nickel anodes in 4M NaClO₃ solution in a flow cell at flow rates between 500 and 3000 cm/s in a current range from 5 to 50 A/cm². The current efficiency for metal removal was virtually independent of current density and flow rate on iron anodes. On nickel anodes the current efficiency increased strongly with current density. In the high current density region, the current efficiency decreases with flow rate up to 2000 cm/s and then increases with higher flow rates. This behavior was accounted for by differences in the nature and properties of the anodic films formed on iron and nickel anodes.     

Digestibility and Pasting Properties of Rice Starch Heat‐Moisture Treated at the Melting Temperature (Tm )

Non‐waxy and waxy rice starches adjusted to 20% moisture (wet based, w.b.) were heated in a differential scanning calorimeter to determine the optimum parameters for producing slowly digestible starch (SDS). Starches heated to the temperature of melting (T_m) and held for 60 min in the calorimeter showed a slow digestibility compared to unheated samples. Digestibility decreased by 25 and 10%, respectively, for non‐waxy and waxy rice starches relative to non‐treated starches. Heat‐moisture treatment of waxy corn, non‐waxy corn and wheat starches at the T_m determined for non‐waxy rice starch did not result in significant decreases in digestibility. For waxy rice starches heat‐treated in microwave or conventional ovens at the T_m , there were slight but significant increases in digestibility of the treated starches compared to non‐treated starches at all incubation times. Digestibility was higher for starches heated for 30 min than for 60 min. Non‐waxy rice starches did not show any significant changes in digestibility. Heat‐moisture treatment at the T_m and the holding time of sample at that temperature in a differential scanning calorimeter were found to be significant to the formation of slowly digestible heat‐moisture treated starch.     

Effect of relative humidity on the store stability of spray-dried beta-carotene nanoemulsions

In order to overcome the limitations of liquid-base emulsion system, beta-carotene nanoemulsions stabilized by modified starch were spray-dried to powders after the emulsification process. The powders showed a good dissolution in water and the reconstituted emulsions had similar particle sizes with the fresh nanoemulsions. A 30 days storage test was carried out to investigate the effect of relative humility (RH) on the storage stability of beta-carotene powders at 25.0 °C. The beta-carotene degradation profiles over time were found to fit well with a Weibull model and also closely related to the film property of the matrix, moisture sorption property and glass transition temperature of the powder. The results showed that modified starches with lower film oxygen permeability had a higher retention of beta-carotene during storage. The glass transition temperature of powder in different RH also affected the rate of beta-carotene degradation. Overall these results provide useful information for choosing wall materials and storage conditions to protect nutraceuticals in delivery systems.     

Gluten-free pasta production from banana and cassava flours with egg white protein and soy protein addition

Egg white protein and soy protein were incorporated into a banana and cassava flour blend (75:25) to produce gluten-free pasta. The objectives of study were to investigate the effects of the different protein sources on the physico-chemical properties of gluten-free pasta. The levels of protein inclusion were 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% of composite flour (w/w) for each type of protein. Pasta made from 100% durum wheat semolina was used as controls. The protein fortification affected the total starch, resistant starch and protein content of gluten-free pasta compared to semolina pasta. No significant effects of soy/egg white protein addition were found in either insoluble or soluble dietary fibre content. Cooking properties of pasta (optimum cooking time, swelling index, water adsorption index and cooking loss) and texture properties (firmness and extensibility) were affected by the level of protein addition and the type of protein. Results showed the utilisation of 25% cassava flour and protein inclusion have a promising application in gluten-free pasta production.     

Characterization and Technological Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria in the Production of “Sorghurt,” a Cereal-Based Product

A total of 57 predominant LAB strains isolated from cassava and maize grains fermentation processes for fufu and ogi were identified using phenotypic and genomic fingerprinting methods such as rep-PCR and ARDRA. They were divided into facultatively heterofermentative rods (26.3%), obligately heterofermentative rods (31.6%), and tetrad forming homofermentative cocci (42.1%). Selected strains were further identified by sequencing the 16S rDNA gene. Technological studies such as acidification, hydrogen peroxide production, starch hydrolysis, enzymatic activities, degradation of oligosaccharides, and in vitro adherence properties were carried out. Lactobacillus plantarum strains demonstrated better and rapid acid production capability, followed by the Pediococcus strains, while L. fermentum strains exhibited slower acid production. Hydrogen peroxide production was observed among the LAB groups. The test strains utilized the indigestible sugars raffinose and stachyose. Only L. pentosus demonstrated high amylase activity comparable to that of L. amylovorus DSM 20531. Lactobacillus plantarum and L. fermentum strains showed high β-glucosidase activity. Six strains were selected as starter cultures. The strains were tolerant to acidic pH levels and bile salt. The yoghurt-like “sorghurt” produced using the selected starter cultures had a final pH of less than pH 4.0, and a viable count of less than 5.5 Log₁₀cfu/mL at the end of a 24 h fermentation period. The samples were generally acceptable to the taste panelists. The starter organisms demonstrated varying degree of adherence to HT29 MTX cell line. Therefore, employing functionally defined LAB strains may be one practical approach for incorporating health-promoting features into appropriate food products suitable for targeted population.     

Moisture sorption and thermodynamic properties of cassava starch and soy protein concentrate based edible films

Moisture sorption isotherms and thermodynamic properties of cassava starch and soy protein concentrate–based edible films were investigated. Equilibrium moisture content was determined at various temperatures (10, 20, 30 and 40 °C) and relative humidities (17–83%) using gravimetric method, and the results were analysed using four sorption isotherm models. The equilibrium moisture of edible films (both adsorption and desorption modes) decreased with soy protein concentrate addition and temperature at constant water activity. The monolayer moisture content values of cassava starch–soy protein concentrate edible films decreased with increase in temperature and soy protein level. GAB and Oswin models (%RMS ≤10) best described the isotherms of the biofilms with the monolayer moisture contents, isosteric enthalpy and entropy higher for adsorption with significant kinetic compensations. The moisture sorption and thermodynamic properties of cassava starch–soy protein concentrate edible films showed that they are suitable for packaging applications.     

Effect of Gaseous Ozone on Papaya Anthracnose

Anthracnose caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is considered as one of the most devastating postharvest disease of papaya. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of gaseous ozone as a potential antifungal preservation technique to overcome anthracnose disease of papaya during cold storage. Different concentrations of ozone (0 (control), 0.04, 1.6, and 4 ppm) were applied for various exposure durations (48, 96, and 144 h). Radial mycelia growth and conidial germination were evaluated in vitro after fungal exposure to the different levels and durations of ozone. Significant inhibition in radial mycelia growth of C. gloeosporioides was observed (p?<?0.05) in all ozone treatments as compared to the control during 8 days of incubation at room temperature (25?±?3 °C). Ozone treatment of papaya fruit with 1.6-ppm ozone for 96 h delayed and simultaneously decreased the disease incidence to 40 % whereas disease severity was rated at 1.7, following 28 days of storage at 12?±?1 °C and 80 % relative humidity. The scanning electron microscopy showed that 4-ppm ozone caused disintegration of spore structure and did not affect the cuticular surface of fruit. Thus, ozone fumigation can reduce postharvest losses of papaya caused by anthracnose.     

Effect of Ca2+ and Zn2+ on UO2 dissolution rates

The dissolution of UO(2) in a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) in the presence of Ca(2+) and Zn(2+) was investigated under experimental conditions relevant to contaminated groundwater systems. Complementary experiments were performed to investigate the effect of adsorption and precipitation reactions on UO(2) dissolution. The experiments were performed under anoxic and oxic conditions. Zn(2+) had a much greater inhibitory effect on UO(2) dissolution than did Ca(2+). This inhibition was most substantial under oxic conditions, where the experimental rate of UO(2) dissolution was 7 times lower in the presence of Ca(2+) and 1450 times lower in the presence of Zn(2+) than in water free of divalent cations. EXAFS and solution chemistry analyses of UO(2) solids recovered from a Ca experiment suggest that a Ca-U(VI) phase precipitated. The Zn carbonate hydrozincite [Zn(5)(CO(3))(2)(OH)(6)] or a structurally similar phase precipitated on the UO(2) solids recovered from experiments performed in the presence of Zn. These precipitated Ca and Zn phases can coat the UO(2) surface, inhibiting the oxidative dissolution of UO(2). Interactions with divalent groundwater cations have implications for the longevity of UO(2) and the mobilization of U(VI) from these solids in remediated subsurface environments, waste disposal sites, and natural uranium ores.     

Edible mushrooms: a potential source of essential amino acids,glucans and minerals

The main chemical and biochemical constituents of nine edible mushrooms were evaluated in this study. An enzymatic method was used to determine the α‐ and β‐glucan contents, and the amino acid (AA) profiles were evaluated by RP‐HPLC‐DAD. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of the nutrients was evaluated. Finally, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to group the mushrooms according to their AA, glucans and chemical composition. All mushrooms evaluated can be considered as a potential and alternative source of dietary fibre (24.4–46.62%) and protein (16.47–36.96%) in a diet, with low contents of fat (1.40–2.08%). Phosphorus, potassium, iron, copper and zinc were the main minerals found in the mushrooms, whereas sodium concentration was negligible. All essential AA were detected in the mushrooms, with Pleurotus ostreatus (black oyster) representing the main source of essential amino acids among the samples. The contents of β‐glucan ranged from 1.58 to 16.91 mg g^?1 of dry matter among the mushrooms and Pleurotus eryngii presented the highest amount of this component. Pleurotus ostreatus (black oyster) and P. eryngii were also grouped together due to similarities in their phosphorous and arginine contents. Among the main results, it can highlight the high concentration of dietary fibre and essential amino acids of the edible mushrooms.