Function Formulation Research Articles

Enhancing composition and functionality of jelly candies through apple and beetroot pomace flour addition

The functionalization of food products with agri-industial residues is of great interest. Apple and beetroot pomace flour, abundant in dietary fiber and antioxidants, were incorporated into jelly candies using agar, pectin, or gelatin. Three functional formulations were devised for each flour type at the pilot scale, resulting in jelly candies with desirable sensory properties and texture. The high content of total polyphenolics, flavonoids, betacyanins, and betaxantines was determined upon in vitro digestion. The influence of different matrices on these bioactives, crucial for exerting antioxidant activity, was evaluated using DPPH and FRAP assays on both fresh and nine-month stored jelly candies, showcasing good bioavailability and retention. Enrichment with APF and BPF also led to reduced postprandial glucose levels, glycemic index, and load determined in vivo. These findings affirm that compositionally optimized innovative formulations of jelly candies facilitate the efficient delivery of compounds with anti-obesity effect from upcycled raw materials.

A Green's Function Wind Turbine Induction Model That Incorporates Complex Inflow Conditions

ABSTRACTIn this work, we develop a new analytical turbine induction model that can incorporate complex inflow conditions including cases where the wind velocity and temperature profiles can vary as functions of height. This induction model is derived from the linearized Navier–Stokes and leads to a second‐order ODE that can be solved using a Green's function formulation. The corresponding Green's function for several configurations are found including the infinite domain, semi‐infinite domain with ground plane, and a power law velocity inflow profile. The results of this approach are then compared with simulations of the turbine induction field using the AMR‐Wind CFD solver with a uniformly loaded actuator disk model. These comparisons show that the Green's function approach captures the centerline blockage, three‐dimensional blockage flow field, and streamwise velocity slow down, with very good agreement for lower thrust conditions and at larger distances away from rotor disk. The effects of shear on the turbine blockage were also compared using a power law inflow profile, and we show that this approach matches the CFD predictions for the cases considered.

Simulation of the Neutral Atmospheric Flow Using Multiscale Modeling: Comparative Studies for SimpleFoam and Fluent Solver

The reproduced planetary boundary layer (PBL) wind is commonly applied in downscaled simulations using commercial CFD codes with Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) turbulence modeling. When using the turbulent inlets calculated by numerical weather prediction models (NWP), adjustments of the turbulence eddy viscosity closures and wall function formulations are concerned with maintaining the fully developed wind profiles specified at the inlet of CFD domains. The impact of these related configurations is worth discussing in engineering applications, especially when commercial codes restrict the internal modifications. This study evaluates the numerical performances of open-source OpenFOAM 2.3.0 and commercial Fluent 17.2 codes as supplementary scientific comparisons. This contribution focuses on the modified turbulence closures to incorporate turbulent profiles produced from mesoscale PBL parameterizations and the modified wall treatments relating to the roughness length. The near-ground flow features are evaluated by selecting the flat terrains and the classical Askervein benchmark case. The improvement in near-ground wind flow under the downscaled framework shows satisfactory performance in the open-source CFD platform. This contributes to engineers realizing the micro-siting of wind turbines and quantifying terrain-induced speed-up phenomena under the scope of wind-resistant design.

Critical buckling load analysis of Euler-Bernoulli beam on two-parameter foundations using Galerkin method

The critical buckling load determination of Euler-Bernoulli beams on two-parameter elastic foundations (EBBo2PFs) is important to avert buckling failures. The governing equation for buckling of thin beam on two-parameter elastic foundation is a homogeneous ordinary differential equation (HODE) of fourth order and constant parameters when the beam is prismatic and homogeneous. The HODE has been solved in this work by Galerkin method for simply supported, clamped and clamped-simply supported ends. One-parameter algebraic shape function formulation was used to reduce the problem to an algebraic eigenvalue problem, which is solved to find the critical buckling load for each studied case. The critical buckling load for EBBo2PF for simply supported boundary conditions was found to be closely identical to the exact solutions. The solutions for clamped-clamped edges and clamped-simple supports were found to be accurate. The merit of the Galerkin method is the simplicity and the accuracy even when one-parameter shape function has been used.

Enhancing Agro Packaging Textiles : Innovations and Functional Formulations for Improved Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability

Enhancing Agro Packaging Textiles : Innovations and Functional Formulations for Improved Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability

Effects of acid, alkaline and enzymatic extraction methods on functional, structural and antioxidant properties of dietary fiber fractions from quince (Cydonia oblonga Miller)

In this study, quince soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) were obtained by acid extraction, enzyme extraction and alkaline extraction methods. The acid extracted DF displayed higher results compared to enzyme and alkaline extraction methods in terms of water holding capacity (15.97 g/g SDF), oil holding capacity (1.05 g/g SDF) and nitrite ion adsorption capacity (92.83 mg/g SDF). The antioxidant activity and phenolic content of acid extracted IDF were significantly higher than the other quince DFs. In addition, quince DFs exhibited in vitro hypoglycaemic activity, exhibiting high glucose adsorption capacity (237 mg/g) and α-amylase inhibition activity (82 %). Similarly, acid extracted SDF of quince showed in vitro hypolipidemic activity, with cholesterol adsorption capacity of 155 mg/g and lipase inhibition activity of 36 %. The structures and thermal properties of quince DFs were characterized by FT-IR and TGA. Quince DFs with high functional properties might be suitable agents for functional food formulations, such as meat products, low-calorie fruit bars, flour mixtures, etc.

Hydrogel Matrix Containing Microcarriers for Dexamethasone Delivery to Protect Against Cisplatin-Induced Hearing Loss.

A functional hydrogel containing biopolymer microcarriers loaded with dexamethasone was developed to address the hearing loss that results from cisplatin ototoxicity. The drug delivery platform was tested both in vitro in the HEI-OC1 inner ear cell line and in vivo in a rat animal model. The newly described formula offered prolonged release of the contained dexamethasone for up to six days and transformed into a solid state at body temperature, thus counteracting its clearing through the Eustachian tube when injected into the middle ear. When tested in vitro, the inner ear cells exposed to cisplatin showed significantly higher viability at 48 hours when seeded on hydrogel containing dexamethasone-loaded microparticles than the cells treated with free dexamethasone. In the rat in vivo model, the ears of the rats treated with the hydrogel formulation presented better hearing thresholds after cisplatin administration than contralateral ears treated with free dexamethasone. The ears of the rats treated with microcarriers without inclusion in the functional hydrogel obtained better results than the dexamethasone treatment group but not as good as the hydrogel-containing microcarrier group. Histological assessment of the rats' inner ears showed better integrity of the structures and lower apoptosis in the microcarrier-treated groups than in the control group. Overall, the newly described microcarrier of dexamethasone offers better protection against cisplatin-induced hearing loss than free dexamethasone, especially when contained in a functional hydrogel formulation.

Processing of Angelica (Angelica sylvestris L.) into a functional jam with addition of carob and cinnamon extracts: Evaluation of sensorial, physicochemical, and nutritional characteristics and in vitro bioaccessibility of phenolics

AbstractA traditional Angelica jam has been produced from stems of Angelica sylvestris L. growing at the foot of Mount Uludag in Bursa for many years. The aim of this study was to develop new functional formulations of Angelica jam by adding carob and cinnamon extracts, and to evaluate the effect of jam processing and the extracts' addition on the sensory attributes, physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of Angelica jams as well as in vitro bioavailability of phenolics. The main physicochemical properties of the jams including total water‐soluble dry matter (Brix value), pH, invert sugar content, total dietary fiber content, and 5‐(hydroxymethyl) furfural (HMF) ranged between 71.80–72.70 °Bx, 3.65–3.91, 39.30%–49.60%, 0.70–0.90 g/100 g, and 91.00–105.50 mg/kg, respectively. The most abundant minerals were potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), and iron (Fe) within a concentration range of 80.49–388.67 mg/kg, 111.10–135.00 mg/kg, 24.00–43.28 mg/kg, 7.57–28.06 mg/kg, and 0.52–1.14 mg/kg, respectively. Sensory analysis revealed that general acceptability of Angelica jams in a 9‐point hedonic scale was above 7. The highest antioxidant capacity values of Angelica jam and its functional forms fortified with carob and cinnamon extracts were obtained as 96.68 ± 11.30 mg TE/100 g DM, 248.49 ± 17.78 mg TE/100 g DM, and 193.11 ± 16.06 mg TE/100 g DM, respectively, with the ABTS (2,2′‐azino‐bis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) method. It was observed that the main phenolic compound of the jams was caffeic acid. Depending on the type of extract added into the formulations, trans‐cinnamic acid and gallic acid (GA) became predominant phenolics. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of Angelica sylvestris stem decreased by 72%–85% with the heat treatment applied during jam processing. While total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant capacity (measured by the DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl) method) increased as a result of intestinal digestion of the jam, it was observed that bioaccessibility of most of the phenolic compounds decreased after intestinal digestion of the jams.

Traffic microsimulation for smart cities: Investigating the impact of objective function formulation on calibration efficiency

Traffic microsimulation for smart cities: Investigating the impact of objective function formulation on calibration efficiency

Entropy optimization of MHD second-grade nanofluid thermal transmission along stretched sheet with variable density and thermal-concentration slip effects

The goal of present investigation is to explore the influence of exponential variable density and entropy optimization on second-grade nanofluid heating efficiency and mass-concentration transmission along extended surface using external magnetic-field and temperature-concentration slip effects. To enhance the motion of nanoparticles and thermal efficiency, the influence of exponential form of temperature-based density on magnetically charged second-grade nanomaterial is main novelty of this research. For higher temperature difference, the entropy optimization is used. The defined formulation of stream functions and similarities are used to convert leading second-grade nanofluid model into ordinary differential form. The efficient Keller box method and Newton Raphson technique are applied to compute numerical results. The final algebraic equations are solved through global matrix for unknown physical quantities. The consequence of all physical constraints on velocity/U profile, temperature/θ field, concentration/ϕ shapes, skin friction coefficient, Nusselt and Sherwood number are analyzed pictorially and numerically. The following range of parameters 0.1 ≤ ≤ 2.0, 0.0 ≤ ≤ 1.2, 0.1 ≤ ≤ 2.0, 0.07 ≤ ≤ 7.0, 0.01 ≤ ≤ 0.8, 0.01 ≤ ≤ 0.9 is used. It is found that velocity field increases with maximum amplitude as variable density, magnetic force and temperature-slip constraint. It is noted that the slip behavior in temperature field and concentration field are increased with convective boundary conditions. It is depicted that local Nusselt quantity and local Sherwood quantity increases as buoyancy force and Prandtl coefficient increases.

Entanglement propagation in integrable Heisenberg chains from a new lens

Abstract The exact single-magnon entanglement evolution in Heisenberg chains is obtained using the Quantum Correlation Transfer Function (QCTF) formulation. A dual, i.e., frequency and time-domain, analysis shows that the transient dynamics of individual spins' entanglement is described via a Bessel function of the first kind. Through QCTF, we bypass the evaluation of the full system's state for the purpose of obtaining entanglement. Although it is known that the observable entanglement edge is formed by the arrival of a stream of quasi-particles that travel with the maximum group velocity, we show how the early quasi-particles travel faster than the maximum group velocity of the chain and contribute to entanglement production. Our results can be extended to the multi-magnon regime, therefore opening up the means to better interpret equilibration dynamics and thermodynamics in Heisenberg chains.

Synergies of bioactivities, mechanisms, dietary factors and functional food applications of medicinal insulin plant (Costus pictus D.): a review

SummaryModernisation has significantly altered lifestyles, particularly eating habits, contributing to the increase of chronic diseases, with diabetes mellitus being a predominant metabolic disorder. Medicinal herbs such as Costus pictus (C. pictus), commonly known as the Insulin plant, offer a promising approach to managing these conditions. It is a perennial plant from the Costaceae family rich in proteins, fibres, minerals (K, Ca, Cr, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn), and bioactive compounds. This review highlighted the plant's potential in mitigating chronic diseases and metabolic disorders due to its diverse bioactivities, including hepatoprotective, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antioxidant properties. These benefits are primarily attributed to its phytochemicals, mainly flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The antidiabetic mechanism involves suppressing metabolic enzymes essential for carbohydrate metabolism, while its antioxidant activity helps reduce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels implicated in various diseases. Furthermore, C. pictus can be incorporated into functional foods such as bakery and confectionery products, functional drinks, and edible coatings. We discussed the dietary factors, bioactivities, and underlying mechanisms associated with Costus pictus D., emphasising its applicability in functional food formulations. The synthesis of current research highlights the plant's role in modulating glucose metabolism, enhancing antioxidant defences, and its potential in mitigating diseases such as diabetes. By delving into the synergies between its dietary factors and bioactivities, this review aims to elucidate the multifaceted benefits of Costus pictus D., thereby fostering its integration into sustainable agricultural practises and contributing to public health nutrition.

Nanocochleates as novel delivery vehicles for enhancement of water solubility, stability and controlled release of dihydromyricetin in gastrointestinal tract

Dihydromyricetin (DHM) possesses impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its effectiveness is limited by poor bioavailability. Liposomes improve the solubility and stability of insoluble bioactives but encounter challenges in gastrointestinal fluids after oral administration. Consequently, DHM-loaded nanocochleates were fabricated to enhance the solubility, stability, and release behavior of DHM. The nanoliposomes exhibited an entrapment efficiency (EE) ranging from 85.64 % to 88.79 %, a particle size between 136.20 and 150.70 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.36 to 0.43, and a zeta potential of –6.82 to –11.13 mV. In contrast, the cylindrical-shaped nanocochleates demonstrated an EE ranging from 74.94 % to 84.64 %, a particle size between 239.07 and 571.43 nm, a PDI from 0.16 to 0.61, and a zeta potential ranging from –21.97 to –27.10 mV. The nanocochleates exhibited improved water solubility (64.75 %) and retained antioxidant activity (41.38 %) compared to free DHM. Additionally, they demonstrated enhanced stability of DHM compared to nanoliposomes during 30 days of storage. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry confirmed that DHM was encapsulated within nanocochleate structures via ionic and chemical interactions. X-ray diffraction revealed a distinct organization of the nanocochleates in comparison to the nanoliposomes. The release of DHM from nanocochleates demonstrated a prolonged and controlled release in simulated gastrointestinal medium, unlike the burst release observed with nanoliposomes. This study hightlighted the potential of nanocochleates as novel delivery vehicles for enhancing the stability and bioavailability of DHM. It also offered a unique perspective on developing functional food formulations that utilize nanocochleates as promising nanocarriers for bioactives.

Position estimation of acoustic elements based on improved delay estimation algorithm

Array signal processing is extensively utilized in the field of underwater acoustics (UWA). The majority of existing array signal processing algorithms require precise array position information to optimize their functionality. However, the intricate nature of the UWA environment introduces challenges such as the influence of water flow, which may result in deviations from the predetermined array positions. Consequently, this can amplify errors in array processing algorithms. Therefore, a high-precision array positioning method is needed to estimate the actual position of the array. The effectiveness of current array localization algorithms employing delay differential matching depends significantly on the accuracy of delay estimation and the formulation of the ambiguity function. In response to these crucial factors, this paper presents an algorithm for estimating array element positions that leverages an improved approach to delay estimation. Firstly, we propose the ρ-PHAT algorithm enhanced by the artificial fish swarm algorithm (AFSA-PHAT), significantly improving delay estimation accuracy, particularly in low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions. Compared to the traditional ρ-PHAT algorithm, this approach achieves a 3 dB increase in precision and a reduction in the root-mean-square error (RMSE). Additionally, a novel method is introduced for constructing the ambiguity function, which focuses on minimizing the acoustic complexity to encompass only direct and surface-reflected sounds. This improvement makes it particularly suitable for hydrophone arrays deployed near the sea surface. Computer simulations and experimental results validate that the algorithm, incorporating the aforementioned improvements, achieves enhanced accuracy in position estimation, reduced RMSE, and increased robustness.

Space Quasi-Periodic Steady Euler Flows Close to the Inviscid Couette Flow

We prove the existence of steady space quasi-periodic stream functions, solutions for the Euler equation in a vorticity-stream function formulation in the two dimensional channel R×[-1,1]\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${{\\mathbb {R}}}\ imes [-1,1]$$\\end{document}. These solutions bifurcate from a prescribed shear equilibrium near the Couette flow, whose profile induces finitely many modes of oscillations in the horizontal direction for the linearized problem. Using a Nash–Moser implicit function iterative scheme, near such equilibrium we construct small amplitude, space reversible stream functions, slightly deforming the linear solutions and retaining the horizontal quasi-periodic structure. These solutions exist for most values of the parameters characterizing the shear equilibrium. As a by-product, the streamlines of the nonlinear flow exhibit Kelvin’s cat eye-like trajectories arising from the finitely many stagnation lines of the shear equilibrium.

Unveiling correlated two-dimensional topological insulators through fermionic tensor network states—classification, edge theories and variational wavefunctions

The study of topological band insulators has revealed fascinating phases characterized by band topology indices and anomalous boundary modes protected by global symmetries. In strongly correlated systems, where the traditional notion of electronic bands becomes obsolete, it has been established that topological insulator phases persist as stable phases, separate from the trivial insulators. However, due to the inability to express the ground states of such systems as Slater determinants, the formulation of generic variational wave functions for numerical simulations is highly desirable. In this paper, we tackle this challenge for two-dimensional topological insulators by developing a comprehensive framework for fermionic tensor network states. Starting from simple assumptions, we obtain possible sets of tensor equations for any given symmetry group, capturing consistent relations governing symmetry transformation rules on tensor legs. We then examine the connection between these tensor equations andnon-chiraltopological insulators by constructing edge theories and extracting quantum anomaly data from each set of tensor equations. By exhaustively exploring all possible sets of equations, we achieve a systematic classification of non-chiral topological insulator phases. Imposing the solutions of a given set of equations onto local tensors, we obtain generic variational wavefunctions for the corresponding topological insulator phases. Our methodology provides an important step toward simulating topological insulators in strongly correlated systems. We discuss the limitations and potential generalizations of our results, paving the way for further advancements in this field.

Evaluation of Prebiotic and Health-Promoting Functions of Honeybee Brood Biopeptides and Their Maillard Reaction Conjugates.

This study addresses the growing interest in natural functional ingredients by evaluating the prebiotic and health-promoting functions of honeybee brood biopeptides (HBb-Bps) and their conjugates. The purpose was to investigate their antioxidant activities, enzyme inhibition properties, and effects on probiotic growth and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. The HBb-Bps were conjugated with honey, glucose, and fructose via the Maillard reaction. Antioxidant activities were assessed using DPPH and ABTS assays. The inhibitory effects on amylase, pancreatic lipase, and the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) were measured. Probiotic growth and SCFA production were evaluated using L. plantarum TISTR846, and L. lactis TISTR1464. The HBb-Bps and their conjugates exhibited enhanced antioxidant activities post-Maillard reaction. They showed moderate enzyme inhibition, which decreased after conjugation. However, ACE inhibition increased with conjugation. The HBb-Bps significantly promoted probiotic growth and SCFA production, with further enhancement by the Maillard reaction. Overall, the HBb-Bps and their conjugates demonstrate significant prebiotic and health-promoting functions, suggesting their potential as natural ingredients in functional foods and nutraceuticals. Further research should focus on the in vivo effects and, given their solubility and stability these biopeptides could be incorporated into functional food formulations, such as health beverages, protein bars, and other fortified foods designed to deliver specific health benefits.

Development of nonlinear flat shell element with nonlinear thickness variation for highly flexible wind turbine blade

Large deformation from continuously varied thicknesses on existing and wind turbine blade shell structures is investigated. Various structure models having complicated outer shapes and thickness variations are considered and validated in this paper. A co-rotational method is developed to analyze geometric nonlinearity with a triangular shell structure. The updated stiffness matrix from interpolated thickness function and integral formulation is suggested to consider complicated geometry and thickness variation. Moreover, the co-rotational flat shell element based on the updated stiffness matrix is developed to analyze various nonlinear shell structures, which are the main feature of this research. The numerical analysis for structure deformations show well matched trends in static load analysis. Furthermore, the deformation of a simplified flexible wind turbine blade having tapered geometry and various thickness cases is adopted as a practical case. Moreover, modal analysis for composite beam structure is performed to verify the dynamic problems. The structural behaviors of the nonlinear thickness shell are validated against the solid and the shell models in commercial software, ABAQUS.

Tomographic projection optimization for volumetric additive manufacturing with general band constraint Lp-norm minimization

Tomographic volumetric additive manufacturing is a rapidly growing fabrication technology that enables rapid production of 3D objects through a single build step. In this process, the design of projections directly impacts geometric resolution, material properties, and manufacturing yield of the final printed part. Herein, we identify the hidden equivalent operations of three major existing projection optimization schemes and reformulate them into a general loss function where the optimization behavior can be systematically studied, and unique capabilities of the individual schemes can coalesce. The loss function formulation proposed in this study unified the optimization for binary and greyscale targets and generalized problem relaxation strategies with local tolerancing and weighting. Additionally, this formulation offers control on error sparsity and consistent dose response mapping throughout initialization, optimization, and evaluation. A parameter-sweep analysis in this study guides users in tuning optimization parameters for application-specific goals.

Impact of a Functional Dairy Powder and Its Primary Component on the Growth of Pathogenic and Probiotic Gut Bacteria and Human Coronavirus 229E.

Milk boasts an array of potent bioactive compounds, such as lactoferrin (Lf), immunoglobulins, and functional proteins, all delivering substantial therapeutic benefits. In this study, Immune Powder (a functional dairy formulation) and its primary component called Fractionated Milk Protein (FMP) containing Lf, zinc, and immunoglobulins and formulated by Ausnutria Pty Ltd. were evaluated for their potential broad-spectrum pharmacological activity. In particular, this study investigated the antibacterial (against pathogenic Escherichia coli), prebiotic (promoting Lactobacillus delbrueckii growth), anti-inflammatory (inhibition of NO production in RAW264.7 macrophages), and antiviral (against human coronavirus 229E) effects of the samples. In addition, the impact of simulated gastric digestion on the efficacy of the samples was explored. LCMS-based proteomics was implemented to unveil cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying antiviral activity. The Immune Powder demonstrated antibacterial activity against E. coli (up to 99.74 ± 11.47% inhibition), coupled with prebiotic action (10.84 ± 2.2 viability fold-change), albeit these activities diminished post-digestion (p < 0.01). The Immune Powder effectively mitigated NO production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, with declining efficacy post-digestion (p < 0.0001). The Immune Powder showed similar antiviral activity before and after digestion (p > 0.05) with up to 3-fold improvement. Likewise, FMP exhibited antibacterial potency pre-digestion at high concentrations (95.56 ± 1.23% inhibition at 125 mg/mL) and post-digestion at lower doses (61.82 ± 5.58% inhibition at 3906.25 µg/mL). FMP also showed enhanced prebiotic activity post-digestion (p < 0.0001), NO inhibition pre-digestion, and significant antiviral activity. The proteomics study suggested that the formulation and its primary component shared similar antiviral mechanisms by inhibiting scavenger receptor binding and extracellular matrix interaction.