Improvement of the quality of gluten‐free sponge cake using different levels and particle sizes of carrot pomace powder

In this study, carrot pomace powder (CPP) with particle sizes of 210 μm (CPP210) and 500 μm (CPP500) was added in the gluten‐free sponge cake recipe. Flour (rice and corn flour, 1:1, w/w) was replaced with 0, 10, 20 and 30% CPP. With increasing the level and particle size of CPP, batter density, viscosity, consistency and firmness increased. The control cake had a dense, hard texture, irregular shape and low sensory scores. These properties improved with addition of CPP so that the cake density, hardness and cohesiveness reduced, while symmetry index and sensory scores increased. Varying the particle size of CPP had no considerable effects on most of the batter and cake properties, while increasing the level of CPP had great positive effects on the quality of batter and cake. Overall, addition of 30% CPP with either of the particle sizes resulted in an acceptable gluten‐free cake.     

Sensing and identification of carbon monoxide using carbon films fabricated by methane arc discharge decomposition technique

Carbonaceous materials have recently received attention in electronic applications and measurement systems. In this work, we demonstrate the electrical behavior of carbon films fabricated by methane arc discharge decomposition technique. The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of carbon films are investigated in the presence and absence of gas. The experiment reveals that the current passing through the carbon films increases when the concentration of CO₂ gas is increased from 200 to 800 ppm. This phenomenon which is a result of conductance changes can be employed in sensing applications such as gas sensors.     

Physicochemical properties of cross-linked-annealed wheat starch

Starch in its native form, may not be able to provide functional properties such as high or low temperatures and shear forces bearings expected in modern industries. Therefore, it is usually modified to make it compatible for different applications. The main aim of this research was to study the effects of dual modification using cross-linking and annealing on physicochemical properties of wheat starch. Therefore, starch was first cross-linked using different levels of POCl₃ (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4?%, w/w, starch basis) and then annealed at 40?°C for 72?h. Scanning electron micrographs showed the presence of some spots on the granules of the dual-modified samples. The results of differential scanning calorimetry showed that the onset, peak and conclusion temperatures and enthalpy increased upon dual modification. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the modified samples remained unchanged while water solubility and swelling decreased. The results of rapid visco analyzing showed lower peak, setback, breakdown and final viscosities for the dual-modified samples. These samples produced stronger gels as determined using a texture analyzer. In total, annealing of the cross-linked starch could enhance some of its functional properties for further applications.     

Physicochemical assessment of fresh chilled dairy dessert supplemented with wheat germ

Wheat germ is an available and economical source of protein, vitamins and antioxidants with an increasing application in food products. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different levels (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0%) and particle sizes (120, 210 and 354 μm) of wheat germ on physicochemical properties of fresh chilled dairy dessert. With increasing wheat germ level, dry matter of the dessert increased while the pH decreased. Particle size had no significant effect on these parameters. Increasing the wheat germ content and particle size enhanced darkness, hardness, cohesiveness and gumminess of the desserts while decreasing springiness and water release of the samples. Wheat germ level had greater effects on different quality aspects of the desserts than its particle size. The most acceptable dessert was produced with no more than 5.0% wheat germ with either of the particle sizes used in this study.     

FeO0.7F1.3/C Nanocomposite as a High‐Capacity Cathode Material for Sodium‐Ion Batteries

Searching high capacity cathode materials is one of the most important fields of the research and development of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Here, we report a FeO_0.7F_1.3/C nanocomposite synthesized via a solution process as a new cathode material for SIBs. This material exhibits a high initial discharge capacity of 496 mAh g^?1 in a sodium cell at 50 °C. From the 3^rd to 50^th cycle, the capacity fading is only 0.14% per cycle (from 388 mAh g^?1 at 3^rd the cycle to 360 mAh g^?1 at the 50^th cycle), demonstrating superior cyclability. A high energy density of 650 Wh kg^?1 is obtained at the material level. The reaction mechanism studies of FeO_0.7F_1.3/C with sodium show a hybridized mechanism of both intercalation and conversion reaction.     

Magneto-electro-elastic analysis of piezoelectric–flexoelectric nanobeams rested on silica aerogel foundation

This article explores that the study on bending of magneto-electric-elastic nanobeams relies on nonlocal elasticity theory. The Vlasov’s model foundation utilizes the silica aerogel foundation. The guiding expressions of nonlocal nanobeams in the considered framework are used extensively and where parabolic third-order beam theory is achieved after using Hamilton’s principle. Parametric work is introduced to scrutinize the influence of the magneto-electro-mechanical loadings, nonlocal parameter, and aspect ratio on the deflection characteristics of nanobeams. It is noticed that the boundary conditions, nonlocal parameter, and beam geometrical parameters have significant effects on dimensionless deflection of nanoscale beams.

     

Optimal design of stepped spillways using the HBMO algorithm

Studies on stepped spillways as flood energy dissipators have been conducted to understand the hydraulics on the stepped face of roller-compacted concrete dams as well as overlays of embankment dams. Significant energy losses occur along the stepped chute so that the energy dissipation structure becomes smaller and more economic. In addition, considering the design discharge, downstream face slope, height of spillway, different combinations of spillway width and number of spillway steps may lead to different head losses. In each feasible combination, the remaining head after the steps should be dissipated by downstream energy dissipators. Design and construction of spillways and energy disspators are very cost-consuming and build up a major part of the dam's construction expenses. Thus, the cost of a financially viable stepped spillway project that consists of the steps’ cost and downstream dissipator's cost should be minimised. In this paper, the honey-bee mating optimisation (HBMO) algorithm is used to determine the best combination of design variables so as to minimise the total cost of both spillway chute and stilling basin. Results are compared with those previously obtained by genetic algorithm (GA) and show the promising potential of the HBMO algorithm in this field of application.     

Photobiomodulation Therapy and the Glymphatic System: Promising Applications for Augmenting the Brain Lymphatic Drainage System

The glymphatic system is a glial-dependent waste clearance pathway in the central nervous system, devoted to drain away waste metabolic products and soluble proteins such as amyloid-beta. An impaired brain glymphatic system can increase the incidence of neurovascular, neuroinflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases. Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy can serve as a non-invasive neuroprotective strategy for maintaining and optimizing effective brain waste clearance. In this review, we discuss the crucial role of the glymphatic drainage system in removing toxins and waste metabolites from the brain. We review recent animal research on the neurotherapeutic benefits of PBM therapy on glymphatic drainage and clearance. We also highlight cellular mechanisms of PBM on the cerebral glymphatic system. Animal research has shed light on the beneficial effects of PBM on the cerebral drainage system through the clearance of amyloid-beta via meningeal lymphatic vessels. Finally, PBM-mediated increase in the blood–brain barrier permeability with a subsequent rise in Aβ clearance from PBM-induced relaxation of lymphatic vessels via a vasodilation process will be discussed. We conclude that PBM promotion of cranial and extracranial lymphatic system function might be a promising strategy for the treatment of brain diseases associated with cerebrospinal fluid outflow abnormality.     

Fabrication of oriented electrospun cellulose nanocrystals–polystyrene composite fibers on a rotating drum

Nitrobenzene (CNC-1), trifluoromethyl benzene (CNC-2) modified and polystyrene-grafted (CNC-g) cellulose nanocrystals in polystyrene (PS)-N,N dimethylformamide (DMF) solutions were electrospun and collected as stretched and aligned fibers on a rotating drum. Scanning electron microscope pictures showed significant alignment in the case of unmodified and nitrobenzene-modified CNC-1/PS nanocomposite fibers once the linear speed of rotor reached to 15 m s⁻¹. Fiber diameter decrease was more strong with rotor speed increase in the case of trifluoromethyl benzene modified (CNC-2) and polystyrene-grafted (CNC-g) cellulose nanocrystals/PS systems. Dynamic mechanical analysis including storage and elastic modulus of electrospun-oriented fibers were performed on surface-modified and polymer-grafted CNC/PS samples. According to α transition peak, the increase in the glass-transition temperature with filler concentration was the highest in polymer-grafted CNC-g/PS composite fibers. It was due to the interpenetration of grafted polymer brushes and free polymer chains in continuous phase and resulted in restrictions of motions of polymer chains in the PS matrix. The elastic moduli of nitrobenzene (CNC-1) and trifluoromethyl benzene (CNC-2)-modified CNC-filled PS composite fibers agreed well with percolation model, which indicates the CNC–CNC interactions and network formation with an increase in concentration. Magnitude of the elastic modulus of polymer grafted CNC-g at 0.33 vol % in PS was significantly higher than the prediction from percolation theory. It was due the immobilized polymer chains around CNC-g particles. However, grafted polymer chains, at higher CNC concentrations acted like stickers among CNC particles and caused CNC agglomerates with entrapped free polystyrene from the matrix, thus caused a decrease in the elastic modulus. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137, 48942.