Application of Pomegranate Rind Extract for Improvement of Functional Properties of Various Materials—A Critical Review

Pomegranate rind is abundantly available as a waste material. Pomegranate Rind Extract (PRE) can be applied to cotton fabrics for its natural colours, as a mordanting agent and also for imparting certain functional properties such as fire retardancy and antimicrobial properties. This paper reviews the feasibility of Pomegranate Rind Extract to improve the functional properties of cellulosic fabrics. Studies show that varying concentrations and higher temperatures that were used to apply the extract on the fabric, resulted in enhanced functional properties. At a particular concentration, the treated fabric showed a 15 times lower burning rate in comparison with the control fabric. Also, antimicrobial efficacy has been observed against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Due to the natural colouring material, it can be used as a natural dye on cotton material. The fire retardancy of pomegranate rind extract was tested on jute material under varying alkalinity. Research has indicated that pomegranate rind extract could be used to dye polyamide as well. The rubbing and wash fastness of the finished fabrics is good. The light fastness was fair, and its antibacterial efficiency against tested bacteria was good.

Changes of structure and functional properties of rice protein in the fresh edible rice during the seed development

It has been reported that fresh edible rice has more bioactive compounds and its protein is easier to digest and has lower hypoallergenic than mature rice. In this paper, the changes in structure and functional properties of proteins at five different stages, including early milky stage(EMS), middle milky stage(MMS), late milky stage(LMS), waxy ripe stage(WS)and ripening stage(RS), during the seed development were investigated. It was found that with the seed developing, the molecular weight of fresh rice protein gradually become larger while the secondary structure changed from the highest content of disordered structure at MMS to the highest content of ordered structure at RS, which affect the surface hydrophobicity and then the functional properties of proteins, including foaming properties, emulsifying properties and oil holding capacity. Fresh rice protein at MMS has the strongest surface hydrophobicity while fresh edible rice protein at RS has the strongest oil holding capability. The results of our study can provide a theoretical basis for the application of fresh rice protein in the food industry and help to develop new fresh edible rice food.

Functional properties,antioxidant activity and in-vitro digestibility characteristics of brown and polished rice flours of Indian temperate region

The present investigation was aimed to study functional properties,antioxidant activity and in-vitro digestibility characteristics of brown and polished flours obtained from four rice cultivars(SR-4,K-39,Mushq Budij and Zhag)of Kashmir.Brown rice flours had higher total dietary fibre(3.08%-3.68%),oil absorption(116.0%-139.0%),emulsion capacity(4.78%-9.52%),emulsion stability(87.46%-99.93%)and resistant starch content(6.80%-9.00%)than polished flours.However,polished flours presented greater water absorption(102.0%-122.0%),foaming capacity(8.00%-13.63%),apparent amylose(19.16%-22.62%),peak(2260.0-2408.0 cP),trough(1372.0-1589.0 cP)and breakdown(714.0-978.0 cP)viscosities than their brown counterparts.Brown rice flours depicted highest total phenolic content(4.40-6.40 mg GAE/g)and inhibition of lipid peroxidation(19.50%-33.20%).However,equilibrium starch hydrolysis percentage(C∞)and predicted glycemic index of brown rice flours were lower than their polished counterparts.Among rice cultivars,brown Zhag flour had the highest total dietary fibre(3.68%),emulsion capacity(9.52%),emulsion stability(99.93%),resistant starch(9.00%),DPPH radical scavenging activity(85.45%)and inhibition of lipid peroxidation(33.20%),respectively.Emulsion capacity and emulsion stability were positively correlated with protein content of rice flours.However,peak,trough,breakdown and setback viscosities were negatively correlated with protein and fat contents of rice flour.The present investigation will be helpful in identifying nutritive role of rice flours from studied cultivars in human diet.

Effect of lipid peroxidation on the allergenicity and functional properties of soybeanβ-conglycinin(7S)and glycinin(11S)

This study aimed to analyze the effect of lipid peroxidation on the allergenicity and functional properties of soybeanβ-conglycinin(7 S)and glycinin(11 S).Oxidation complexes were determined using the lipid peroxidation method.Functional properties were analyzed based on emulsifying and foaming properties.The potential allergenicity was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo methods.The results found that oxidation altered structures of the proteins and resulted in the formation of cross-linked protein polymers.The emulsion and foaming properties of the proteins were improved after oxidation.The IgE-binding capacity of 7 S and11 S reduced after oxidation.KU812 cell assays showed that both histamine and IL-4 release decreased after oxidation treatment.A mouse model showed that oxidation reduced the IgE,IgG,and IgG1 levels,as well as reduced histamine and mMCP-1 release in serum,which might suppress the allergic reaction.In conclusion,the lipid peroxidation treatment likely causes changes to the functional properties of soybean,decreasing the potential allergenicity of 7 S and 11 S.

Pectin fractions extracted sequentially from Cerasus humilis:Their compositions,structures,functional properties and antioxidant activities

Three pectin fractions(water-soluble fraction(WSF),chelator-soluble fraction(CSF),and sodium carbonatesoluble fraction(NSF))were obtained from Chinese dwarf cherry(Cerasus humilis)fruits.All of them were branched low methoxylated pectins with an amorphous or partially nanocrystalline nature and eight neutral monosaccharides(arabinose and galactose were most abundant).WSF,CSF and NSF had a degree of methylation(DM)of 35.82%,14.85%and 7.13%,uronic acid(UA)content of 76.02%,83.71%and 69.01%,and total protein content of 2.4%,2.1%and 8.8%,respectively.Their molecular weights were 340.31,330.16 and 141.31 kg/mol,respectively(analyzed by gel permeation chromatography(GPC)).WSF,CSF and NSF exhibited good rheological,thermal,emulsifying,emulsion-stabilizing,water-adsorbing,oil-binding,cholesterol-binding and antioxidant properties.NSF had the highest emulsifying,emulsion stabilizing,water-/oil-/cholesterol-binding and antioxidant capacities,followed by CSF.NSF had the highest viscosity(406.77 m Pa·s),flowability,and resistance to heat-induced changes/damage,which may be related to its lowest polydispersity index,DM and UA content and highest protein content.The three pectin fractions with desirable characteristics can be used as food additives/ingredients and dietary supplements.

Effects of Different Drying Methods on the Functional and Structural Properties of Dietary Fiber from Peanut Shell

[Objectives] This study was conducted to investigate the drying methods,functional and structure properties of dietary fiber( DF) from peanut shells.[Methods]Peanut shells were used as a raw material to prepare peanut shell dietary fiber( DF) by hot air drying( HA) and vacuum freeze drying( VF),respectively,and their functional and structural characteristics were compared in detail. [Results]The solubility,water holding capacity,oil holding capacity and swelling capacity of HA-DF and VF-DF were 2. 15 %,7. 63 g/g,7. 73 g/g,10. 35 ml/g and 3. 85 %,14. 98 g/g,15. 25 g/g,15. 85 ml/g,respectively. The total phenol contents were 2. 623 and 5. 173 mg GAE/g,respectively. The IC(50) values of ·OH,O2^-· and DPPH free radicals were 4. 16 and 4. 09 mg/ml,7. 90 and 3. 32 mg/ml,and 3. 19 and 3. 09 mg/ml,respectively. The molecular weight of VF-DF was smaller,and it had narrow molecular weight distribution and denser particles. Electron microscopy showed that VF-DF had a porous network like honeycomb and swelled structure. [Conclusions]This study can provide a theoretical basis for the functional modification and comprehensive utilization of peanut shell dietary fiber.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of ZrO_2-Ni Functionally Gradient Material

The fabrication. microstructure and mechanical properties of ZrO2-Ni functionally gradient materials (FGM ) have been studied. FGM as well as non-FG M of ZrO2-Ni system was developed by powder metallurgical process. X-ray diffractometer (XRD ). electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA), scanning electron microscope (SEM ) and optical microscope were employed to investigate the crystalline phases. chemical composition and microstructure Experimental results demonstrate that the composition and microstructure of ZrO2-Ni FGM have the expected gradient distribution. There are no distinct interfaces in the FGM due to the gradient change of components. that is, the constituents are continuous in microstructure everywhere. Moreover, Vickers hardness and flexural strength were measured for the common composites as a function of composition. It is made clear that the mechanical properties of the FGM vary corresponding to the constitutional changes as well

Phytochemical, anti nutrient, invitro-protein digestibility and functional properties of (Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile) Aduwa protein meals, Protein Concentrate and Isolate

Background:Protein meals,Concentrate and Isolates are widely use as bioactive ingredients in functional food.In this study,the effect of toasting of Aduwa(Balanites aegyptiaca)seed on the phytochemicals,Anti nutrient,in vitro protein digestibility and functional properties of Aduwa Protein Meals,Protein Concentrate and Isolate were investigated.Methods:Aduwa seeds toasted at 70°C to make Aduwa protein meal(APM)yield extensive resolved biomaterials.The meal were resolved into DAPM,APC and API.Results:Phytochemicals analysis revealed reduction as APM sample is being resolved to protein concentrate and isolate.Similar trend was also observed in Anti-nutrients content significant reduction as material meal are resolved into protein concentrate and isolate.The in-vitro protein digestibility showed that APM(59.81%)and API(76.41%)had high percentage protein digestibility.Functional properties declined as meals materials were been resolved into protein concentrate and isolate.Swelling capacity revealed that resolved and unresolved samples leached biomolecules.Conclusion:The results obtained showed nutritional potential,and safety of biomaterials from Aduwa meals,an alternative food ingredient for protein supplementation.

The Effect of Glandless Cottonseed Meal Content and Process Parameters on the Functional Properties of Snacks during Extrusion Cooking

The results of the present study indicate that glandless cottonseed meal (CSM) can be incorporated in extruded corn flour snacks at a 10% content level, which increases snack protein content to 12.8% and reduce fat content to 6.2%. To improve snacks’ nutritional quality, CSM and corn flour were extruded using a simple screw extruder. An expansion index (EI) ranging of 1.2 - 4.7 was obtained. Penetration force (PF) was 7 - 9 times harder than other extruded products. High extrusion temperature and high CSM concentrations decreased (p p p< 0.05) extrudates’ water solubility index. Extrusion conditions used showed a 68.5% starch gelatinization, and a starch availability of more than 97%, which explains the high expansion index obtained.

Characterization,functional properties,and antioxidant activities of macromolecular extracts isolated from Pyropia yezoensis

Pyropia yezoensis is one of the most economical seaweed species in China.Determining how to make full use of mature P.yezoensis and exploring new ways to increase the value of its resources are important subjects of research for the development of the laver breeding industry.In this study,we provide a simple method to comprehensively extract the bioactive substances from P.yezoensis.The characteristics,functional properties,and antioxidant activities of two types of biopolymer extract from P.yezoensis were studied and analyzed relatively.Based on the characterization of water-soluble concentrate(WSC)and alkali-soluble concentrate(ASC),obtained via chemical analysis,including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer(FT-IR)and Thermal Gravimetric Analyzer(TGA),and diff erential scanning calorimetry(DSC),they both had typical polysaccharide and protein characteristics and steady composition.ASC showed higher nitrogen solubility,water holding capacity,and foaming ability.ASC could not only be used as a protein supplement,but also performed well in improving the properties of foods in terms of water holding and fat-absorption.The emulsifying activity and oil-holding capacity of WSC were observed to be higher than those of ASC.Thus,WSC has the potential to be used as an emulsifi er.Surprisingly,WSC and ASC have radical scavenging capacity in vitro,which broadens the direction of their application.

Theoretical Study on the Optical Properties for 2,7- and 3,6-Linked Carbazole Trimers by Time-dependent Density Functional Theory

Electronic properties, such as HOMO and LUMO energies, band gaps, ionization potential （IP） and electron affinity （EA） of 2,7- and 3,6-1inked carbazole trimers, two conjugated oligomcrs with different linkages of carbazole, were studicd by the density functional theory with Becke-Lee-Young-Parr composite exchange correlation functional （B3LYP）. The absorption spectra of these compounds were also investigated by time-dependent density functional theory （TD-DFT） with 6-3 IG＊ basis set. The calculated results indicated that the HOMO and LUMO of the 2,7- and 3,6-1inked carbazole trimers are both slightly destabilized on going from methyl substitution to sec-butyl substitution. Both IP and EA exhibit their good hole-transporting but poor electronaccepting ability. The presence of alkyl groups on the nitrogen atoms does not affect the intra-chain electronic delocalization along the molecular frame. Thus no significant effect on the band gap and absorption spectra of compounds has been found.

EFFECT OF STRUCTURE OF FUNCTIONAL POLYMER ACTIVE MATERIALS ON PROPERTIES OF GADOLINIUM ION SELECTIVE ELECTRODE

In this paper,the functional polymeric active materials were prepared by the grafting copolymerization and their structure and properties were studied.The results show that the structure and properties of these ac- tive materials have the relative large effects on the properties of gadolinium ion selective electrodes.

Comparison of Chemical and Functional Properties of Stevia rebaudiana(Bertoni)Varieties Cultivated in Mexican Southeast

The leaf powders from two varieties of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) cultivated in Yucatan, Mexico were analyzed for their proximate composition, dietary fiber composition and functional properties. The leaf powders were a good source of carbohydrates (64.06%-67.98%), protein (12.11%-15.05%), and crudefiber (5.92%-9.52%). Total dietary fiber content in the S. rebaudiana leaf powders were 28.61 (Morita II) and 29.12 (Criolla) g/100g sample, with most of this content represented by insoluble dietary fiber 87.79% (Morita II) and 70.02% (Criolla). Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) were higher in Criolla (19.29%, 17.77%, 8.98%) than Morita II variety (18.11%, 14.16%, 2.28%). Hemicellulose and cellulose were higher in Morita II (3.96%, 11.78%) than criolla variety (1.51%, 8.79%). Functional properties of leaf powder from Morita II and Criolla were, water-holding capacity (2.87-4.07 g/g sample), oil-holding capacity (6.49-6.79 g/g sample), water-absorption capacity (3.41-3.44 g/g sample), water-adsorption capacity (0.25-0.28 g/g sample), and organic molecule absorption capacity (1.13-1.81 g/g sample). These suggest that S. rebaudiana (Bertoni) leaf powders may be used as dietary supplement or as food additive.

Effect of Texture on the Grain-Size-Dependent Functional Properties of NiTi Shape Memory Alloys and Texture Gradient Design:A Phase Field Study

Texture is inevitably introduced during the manufacturing of most NiTi shape memory alloys(SMAs),and the textured nanocrystalline NiTi has been extensively employed in engineering.However,the effect of texture,and the joint effect of grain size(GS)and texture on the functional properties of NiTi SMAs and the corresponding microscopic mechanisms have not been clearly understood yet.In this work,based on the phase field method,the effect of texture on the GS-dependent functional properties of NiTi SMAs,including super-elasticity(SE),one-way shape memory effect(OWSME),and stress-assisted two-way shape memory effect(SATWSME),is investigated,and the corresponding microscopic mechanisms are revealed.Moreover,the samples with discrete geometrical gradients and/or texture gradients are designed to achieve graded functional properties.The simulation results indicate that the dependence of functional properties on texture is due to the effect of crystallographic orientation on martensite transformation and reorientation,which can lead to different inelastic strains.In the designed samples with texture gradients,the stress–strain responses of sheets with various textures are different,allowing for the coordination of overall deformation of the sample by combining such sheets,with varying inelastic deformation degrees.Thus,the overall response of the sample differs from that without texture gradient,leading to the achievement of graded functional properties.The simulation results and new findings in this work contribute to a deeper understanding of the effects of texture,GS,and their interaction on the functional properties of SMAs,and provide valuable reference for the design and development of SMA-based devices with desired functional properties.

Surface contact behavior of functionally graded thermoelectric materials indented by a conducting punch

The contact problem for thermoelectric materials with functionally graded properties is considered.The material properties,such as the electric conductivity,the thermal conductivity,the shear modulus,and the thermal expansion coefficient,vary in an exponential function.Using the Fourier transform technique,the electro-thermoelastic problems are transformed into three sets of singular integral equations which are solved numerically in terms of the unknown normal electric current density,the normal energy flux,and the contact pressure.Meanwhile,the complex homogeneous solutions of the displacement fields caused by the gradient parameters are simplified with the help of Euler’s formula.After addressing the non-linearity excited by thermoelectric effects,the particular solutions of the displacement fields can be assessed.The effects of various combinations of material gradient parameters and thermoelectric loads on the contact behaviors of thermoelectric materials are presented.The results give a deep insight into the contact damage mechanism of functionally graded thermoelectric materials(FGTEMs).

HOLDER PROPERTY OF FRACTAL INTERPOLATION FUNCTION

The purpose of this paper is to prove a Holder property about the fractal interpolation function L(x), ω(L,δ)=O(δ~α), and an approximate estimate |f-L|≤2{α(h)+||f||/1-h^(2-D)·h^(2-D)}, where D is a fractal dimension of L(x).

Microstructure and Properties of Cement Foams Prepared by Magnesium Oxychloride Cement

Microstructural features including pore size distribution, cell walls and phase compositions of magnesium oxychloride cement foams（MOCF） with various MgO powders and water mixture ratios were studied. Their infl uences on compressive strength, water absorption and resistance of MOCF were also discussed in detail. The experimental results indicated that moderate and slight excess MgO powders（MgO/MgCl2 molar ratios from 5.1 to 7） were beneficial to the formation of excellent microstructure of MOCF, but increasing water contents（H2O/MgO mass ratios from 0.9 to 1.29） might result in opposite conclusions. The microstructure of MOCF produced with moderate and slight excess MgO powders could enhance the compressive strength, while serious excess MgO powders addition（MgO/MgCl2 molar ratios = 9） would destroy the cell wall structures, and therefore decrease the strength of the system. Although MOCF produced with excess MgO powders could decrease the water absorption, its softening coefficient was lower than that of the material produced with moderate MgO powders. This might be due to the instability of phase 5, the volume expansion and cracking of cell walls as immersed the sample into water.

On the generalized Cauchy function and new Conjecture on its exterior singularities

This article studies on Cauchy’s function f （z） and its integral, （2πi）J[ f （z）] ≡ ■C f （t）dt/（t z） taken along a closed simple contour C, in regard to their comprehensive properties over the entire z = x ＋ iy plane consisted of the simply connected open domain D ＋ bounded by C and the open domain D outside C. （1） With f （z） assumed to be C n （n ∞-times continuously differentiable） z ∈ D ＋ and in a neighborhood of C, f （z） and its derivatives f （n） （z） are proved uniformly continuous in the closed domain D ＋ = [D ＋ ＋ C]. （2） Cauchy’s integral formulas and their derivatives z ∈ D ＋ （or z ∈ D ） are proved to converge uniformly in D ＋ （or in D = [D ＋C]）, respectively, thereby rendering the integral formulas valid over the entire z-plane. （3） The same claims （as for f （z） and J[ f （z）]） are shown extended to hold for the complement function F（z）, defined to be C n z ∈ D and about C. （4） The uniform convergence theorems for f （z） and F（z） shown for arbitrary contour C are adapted to find special domains in the upper or lower half z-planes and those inside and outside the unit circle ｜z｜ = 1 such that the four general- ized Hilbert-type integral transforms are proved. （5） Further, the singularity distribution of f （z） in D is elucidated by considering the direct problem exemplified with several typ- ical singularities prescribed in D . （6） A comparative study is made between generalized integral formulas and Plemelj’s formulas on their differing basic properties. （7） Physical sig- nificances of these formulas are illustrated with applicationsto nonlinear airfoil theory. （8） Finally, an unsolved inverse problem to determine all the singularities of Cauchy function f （z） in domain D , based on the continuous numerical value of f （z） z ∈ D ＋ = [D ＋ ＋ C], is presented for resolution as a conjecture.

Structure and magnetic properties of Osn （n=11～22） clusters

The structure and magnetic properties of Osn （n=11～22） clusters are systematically studied by using density functional theory （DFT）. For each size, the average binding energy per atom, the second-order differences of total energies and the highest occupied molecular orbital （HOMO）–the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital （LUMO） gaps are calculated to analyze the stability of the cluster. The structures of Os14 and Os18 clusters are based on a close-packed hexagonal structure, and they have maximum stabilities, so n=14, 18 are the magic numbers. The 5d electrons play a dominant role in the chemical reaction of Osn clusters. The magnetic moments of Osn clusters are quenched around n=12, and when n=18～22 the value approximates to zero, due to the difference of electron transfer.

Tunable Electronic and Magnetic Properties from Structure Phase Transition of Layered Vanadium Diselenide

The atomic geometry, structure stability, electronic and magnetic properties of VSe2 were systematically investigated based on the density functional theory（DFT）. Varying from 3D to 2D four VSe2 structures, bulk 2H-VSe2 and 1T-VSe2, monolayer H-VSe2 and T-VSe2 are all demonstrated as thermodynamically stable by lattice dynamic calculations. More interestingly, the phase transition temperature is dramatically different due to the lattice size. Finally, owing to different crystal structures, H-VSe2 is semimetallic whereas T-VSe2 is totally metallic and also they have different magnetic moments. Our main argument is that being exfoliated from bulk to monolayer, 2H-VSe2 transforms to T-VSe2, accompanied by both semimetallic-metallic transition and dramatic magnetic moment variation. Our calculations provide a novel structure phase transition and an efficient way to modulate the electronic structure and magnetic moment of layered VSe2, which suggests potential applications as high-performance functional nanomaterial.