Prediction of wheat quality parameters using near-infrared spectroscopy and artificial neural networks

In wheat and flour processing, the quality control needs quick analytical tools for predicting physical, rheological, and chemical properties. In this study, near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy combined with artificial neural network (ANN) was used to predict the flour quality parameters that are protein content, moisture content, Zeleny sedimentation, water absorption, dough development time, dough stability time, degree of dough softening, tenacity (P), extensibility (L), P/G, strength, and baking test (loaf volume and loaf weight). A total of 79 flour samples of different wheat varieties grown in different regions of Turkey were chemically analyzed, and the results of both NIR spectrum (400–2,498 nm) and chemical analysis were used to train/test the network by applying various ANN architectures. Prediction of protein, P, P/G, moisture content, Zeleny sedimentation, and water absorption in particular gave a very good accuracy with coefficient of determination (R ²) of 0.952, 0.948, 0.933, 0.920, 0.917, and 0.832, respectively. The results indicate that NIR combined with the ANN can successfully be used to predict the quality parameters of wheat flour.     

Determination of the biodegradation of phenolated wood-based molding materials by strength loss method

The biodegradability of new molding materials from HCl-catalyzed phenolated wood was investigated by using some dynamic and static mechanical strength loss methods.     

Some Biochemical Properties of Lipase from Bay Laurel (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Laurus nobilis</Emphasis> L.) Seeds

Lipase was isolated from bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) seeds, some biochemical properties were determined. The bay laurel oil was used as the substrate in all experiments. The pH optimum was found to be 8.0 in the presence of this substrate. The temperature optimum was 50 °C. The specific activity of the lipase was found to be 296 U mg protein⁻¹ in optimal conditions. The enzyme activity is quite stable in the range of pH 7.0–10. The enzyme was stable for 1 h at its optimum temperature, and retained about 68% of activity at 60 °C during this time. K _m and V _max values were determined as 0.975 g and 1.298 U mg protein⁻¹, respectively. Also, storage stability and metal effect on lipolytic activity were investigated. Enzyme activity was maintained for 9, 12, and 42 days at room temperature, 4 and −20 °C, respectively. Ca²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, and Mg²⁺ lightly enhanced bay laurel lipase activity.     

Framework for Operation and Maintenance (OAM) in Optical Burst Switched Networks

The problem of operation and maintenance (OAM) in optical burst switched (OBS) networks is not addressed by the optical-networking community even though OBS has been gaining research interest in recent years. In this paper, we introduce a functional model of OBS networks and an OAM architecture that is designed to meet the operational requirements based on this model. We present the first framework to realize OAM in OBS networks, including OAM activities, OAM-aware OBS nodes, OAM information and communication models and protocols. A number of practical examples of possible network failures and the corresponding reactions are presented.     

Steady aerodynamic characteristics of a wing flying over a nonplanar ground surface Part II: Channel

The steady aerodynamic characteristics of a wing flying over a channel are investigated using a boundary-element method. The present method is validated by comparing the computed results with the measured data. Compared with a flat ground surface, the channel fence augmented the lift increase and induced drag reduction. When the fence is lower than the wing height, the gap between the wingtip and the fence does not affect the aerodynamic characteristics of the wing much. When the fence is higher than the wing height, the close gap increased the lift. The induced drag is reduced when the wing is placed near the ground or at the same height as the fence. It is believed that present results can be used in the conceptual design of the high-speed ground transporters flying over the channel.     

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation and diastolic heart functions in hemodialysis patients: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation has been shown to improve diastolic heart function in various patient cohorts. Systolic and diastolic dysfunctions are common in patients with end‐stage renal disease. Favorable effects of CoQ10 on cardiac functions are yet to be seen in hemodialysis patients. We aimed to evaluate effect of CoQ10 supplementation on diastolic function in a cohort of maintenance hemodialysis patients. This was a prospective, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover study in which all patients received placebo and oral CoQ10 200 mg/d during the 8 weeks in each phase, with a 4‐week washout period. Participants underwent conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography before and after each study phase. Parameters characterizing left ventricle diastolic function and other standard echocardiographic measurements were recorded. Twenty‐eight patients were randomized, but 22 patients completed study protocol. Intraventricular septum (IVS) thickness and left ventricle mass were significantly decreased in CoQ10 group (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01, respectively). Myocardial peak systolic and early diastolic velocities derived from IVS were significantly increased (P = 0.048 and P = 0.04, respectively). Isovolumetric relaxation time and E/Em ratio calculated for IVS also significantly reduced in CoQ10 group (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively). There was no significant difference in any of the studied echocardiographic parameters in placebo group. The results of this study showed that CoQ10 supplementation did not significantly improved diastolic heart functions compared with placebo in maintenance hemodialysis patients.     

Geological Setting and the Validity of the Petroleum System Logic in the Taurus Belt of Turkey

The Taurus Belt region is located in the southern part of Turkey and includes the Tauridia highlands, the Autochthonous Taurus Units and the Allochthonous Units in the southern and northern flank of the Tauridia, respectively, and the Gondwanian Units in the southern part of the entire area. The total thickness of Palaeozoic to Cenozoic sediments ranges from 2,500 m (for the Allochthonous Units) to 10,700 m (for the Autochthonous Taurus Units). All Taurus units display many characteristics of a carbonate platform. Previous studies in the Taurus region indicate that the Paleozoic successions in the eastern and central parts of that region include some intervals of potential petroleum source rocks. Some hydrocarbon indications were found in the Akseki, Guzelsu, and Ucyildiz areas.     

Electrochemical synthesis of polyaniline films on zinc-cobalt alloy deposited carbon steel surface in sodium oxalate

Polyaniline (PANI) coatings were electropolymerized on zinc-cobalt alloy deposited carbon steel (CS/ZnCo) electrode from an aqueous sodium oxalate solution using three different scan rates in cyclic voltammetric technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the surface morphology of the polymer film. The SEM images showed that the increase in scan rate induced an increase in grain size of the PANI film. The corrosion behavior of CS/ZnCo electrodes with and without PANI film in 3.5% NaCl solution were investigated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and anodic polarization studies. The results of the study showed that the PANI coatings provided significant and effective protection for the CS/ZnCo electrode, in preventing corrosion. In addition, the PANI film that was synthesized at a high scan rate, exhibited the best anti-corrosive performance due to the formation of protective oxide layers through its catalytic efficiency.