Hardness Index Research Articles

Ring opening ring closure reactions with 5,9-diethyl-7-(chromon-3-yl)-7-hydroquinolino[3′,4′:5,6]pyrano[3,2-c]quinoline-6,8(5H,9H)-dione with some 1,2-binucleophiles: Synthesis, characterization, DFT study and biological activity

The chemical behaviour of electron deficient substrate 1 was investigated with some 1,2-bi-nucleophilic reagents. Reaction of substrate 1 with hydrazine derivatives namely hydrazine hydrate, phenylhydrazine, 7‑chloro-4-hydrazinoquinoline and 3-hydrazino-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine led to 7-pyrazolylquinolinopyranoquinolines 2, 3, 6 and 7, respectively. These reactions proceed through γ-pyrone ring opening followed by pyrazole ring closure. Moreover, treating compound 1 with hydroxylamine hydrochloride provided 7-isoxazolylquinolino[3′,4′:5,6]pyrano[3,2-c]quinoline 8. The molecular structures were optimized utilizing DFT/B3LYP functional with 6–311G+(d,p) basis sets for all compounds. Moreover, global reactivity descriptors like chemical potential (μ), electronegativity (χ), hardness (η), softness (S) and electrophilicity index (ω) were computed to predict the chemical reactivity and kinetic stability of the synthesized compounds. The locations susceptible to attack by electrophiles and nucleophiles were examined at the same theoretical level by using molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and condensed Fukui functions. The NMR chemical shifts were computed by the Gauge Independent Atomic Orbital (GIAO) method and compared to the experimental results. The first hyperpolarizability of the prepared compounds is higher than urea, so serves as good candidate for nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. The synthesized substances were tested for their efficacy as antimicrobial agents against a variety of bacterial and fungal species. Additionally, the present compounds revealed some antitumor activity (compounds 3 and 7 showed activity comparable to cis-platin, used as a reference drug in the assay). Furthermore, the synthesized compounds were moderately compliant with Lipinski's rule of five, suggesting that related compounds might be suitable for oral administration as medications.

Microphysical parameter variation in gamma-ray burst stratified afterglows and closure relations: from sub-GeV to TeV observations

ABSTRACT Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are one of the most exciting sources that offer valuable opportunities for investigating the evolution of energy fraction given to magnetic fields and particles through microphysical parameters during relativistic shocks. The delayed onset of GeV–TeV radiation from bursts detected by the Fermi Large Area Telescope and Cherenkov Telescopes provide crucial information in favour of the external-shock model. Derivation of the closure relations (CRs) and the light curves in external shocks requires knowledge of GRB afterglow physics. In this manuscript, we derive the CRs and light curves in a stratified medium with variations of microphysical parameters of the synchrotron and synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) afterglow model radiated by an electron distribution with a hard and soft spectral index. Using Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations, we apply the current model to investigate the evolution of the spectral and temporal indices of those GRBs reported in the Second Gamma-ray Burst Catalog (2FLGC), which comprises 29 bursts with photon energies above 10 GeV and of those bursts (GRB 180720B, 190114C, 190829A, and 221009A) with energetic photons above 100 GeV, which can hardly be modelled with the CRs of the standard synchrotron scenario. The analysis shows that (i) the most likely afterglow model using synchrotron and SSC emission on the 2FLGC corresponds to the constant-density scenario, and (ii) variations of spectral (temporal) index keeping the temporal (spectral) index constant could be associated with the evolution of microphysical parameters, as exhibited in GRB 190829A and GRB 221009A.

Infrared spectroscopy of SWIFT J0850.8−4219: identification of the second red supergiant X-ray binary in the Milky Way

ABSTRACT High-mass X-ray binaries hosting red supergiant (RSG) donors are a rare but crucial phase in massive stellar evolution, with only one source previously known in the Milky Way. In this letter, we present the identification of the second Galactic RSG X-ray binary SWIFT J0850.8−4219. We identify the source 2MASS 08504008−4211514 as the likely infrared counterpart with a chance coincidence probability ≈5 × 10−6. We present a $1.0{\!-\!}2.5\, \mu$m spectrum of the counterpart, exhibiting features characteristic of late-type stars and an exceptionally strong He i emission line, corroborating the identification. Based on i) the strength of the 12CO(2,0) band, ii) strong CN bandheads and absent TiO bandheads at ≈1.1 µm and iii) equivalent width of the Mg i$1.71\, \mu$m line, we classify the counterpart to be a K3–K5 type RSG with an effective temperature of 3820 ± 100 K, located at a distance of ≈12 kpc. We estimate the source X-ray luminosity to be (4 ± 1) × 1035 erg s−1, with a hard photon index (Γ < 1), arguing against a white dwarf accretor but consistent with a magnetized neutron star in the propeller phase. Our results highlight the potential of systematic near-infrared spectroscopy of Galactic hard X-ray sources in completing our census of the local X-ray binary population.

Theoretical insights into phosphate chains: Density functional theory study and Zinc ion insertion reaction

The present research delves into a theoretical examination of phosphate chains using the density functional theory method with the RB3LYP/6-311G model. The geometry of the studied chains was optimized and their atomic charge densities were evaluated. Various parameters, such as HOMO and LUMO energies, energy difference (ΔE), chemical hardness, chemical potential, softness, and global electrophilicity index were thoroughly investigated. Moreover, vibrational frequencies were explored, highlighting both symmetric and asymmetric vibrations in the chains based on the computed IR and Raman spectra. Subsequently, an investigation into the Zinc ion insertion reaction in the studied phosphate chains was carried out. Several parameters were calculated to determine the electrophilic/nucleophilic character of these two constituents. The outcomes revealed that the phosphate chains display nucleophilic behavior and tend to release electrons, while the Zinc ion exhibits electrophilic tendencies and retains electrons. Notably, electron transfer occurs from the chains to the Zinc ion, with the chains acting as electron donors and the Zinc ion as an electron acceptor. The smaller overall electrophilicity gap between chain III and Zn2+ indicates the weak polar character of this reaction. Furthermore, favorable nucleophilic sites for the attack of the Zinc ion (Zn2+) on chain III were identified using the FUKUI indexes.

Analysis of the Physical Quality of Chicken Eggs Fed with Added Calcium Fish Oil by Spectroscopic Method

This research was carried out with the aim of improving the physical quality, chicken eggs and the effect of optimum levels by adding fish oil calcium to the feed. The method was a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replications, namely P0 as control; P1 added fish oil 0.2% in feed; P2 added fish oil 0.4% in feed; P3 was added with 0.6% fish oil in the feed, each study unit used 10 chickens; the total chickens in the study were 160 chickens. After 30 days of the treatment, then the analysis was carried out every week for six weeks using an electric screw micrometer to measure the thickness of the eggshell, the LIBS method used to determine the hardness index, the SAA method used to measure the surface area and pore size. Barrett-Joiner_Halenda method used to determine the pore diameter of the eggshell, and the AAS method used to determine the concentration of calcium. The results showed that the addition of calcium from fish oil in general can improve physical quality of the eggshell compared to controls. The optimum level of fish oil calcium in the feed to produce the best physical quality is 0.4%.

Micromechanical Contrast of Ordos Basin Sandstone‐Mudstone Interbedded Layered Rocks

AbstractLayered rocks are heterogeneous media composed of multiscale minerals with contrasting geomechanical properties. It remains unclear how the mechanical responses of constituent minerals among different adjacent layers vary in a microscale. Based on the grid nanoindentation tests assisted by high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy techniques, we quantified the mechanical responses of various minerals in an interbedded sandstone‐mudstone core sample and provided visual mineralogies and indentation patterns of different adjacent layers. Results show that the Young's modulus, hardness, and elasticity index of quartz and dolomite decrease, whereas their fracture toughness and plastic work ratio increase from the sandstone layer to the mudstone layer. Quartz displays elastic‐dominated deformations in the sandstone layer whereas transforms into medium‐plastic deformations in the mudstone layer. The mean values of Young's modulus, hardness, and elasticity index of quartz in the sandstone layer are 1.28, 2.00, and 1.56 times higher than that in the mudstone layer, respectively. Dolomite and phyllosilicate minerals show prominently plastic‐dominated deformations in each layer. When an indenter encounters multiple minerals simultaneously, the mechanical responses are determined by the softer phases and irregular indent impressions are generated. Shear and radical cracks are prone to occur in the elastic‐dominated minerals, while chipping damage is induced in the plastic‐dominated minerals. This work provides new insights and fundamental understandings in geomechanical properties contrasts in multilayered rocks, and can facilitate the geomechanical modeling and upscaling schemes in multilayered formations.

Design, synthesis, molecular docking, biological evaluation, DFT and ADME studies of novel bisquinazolinone derivatives

Novel derivatives of bisquinazolinones and bisfuramides were synthesized and tested for their efficiency in this work. Within short reaction times (1–10 min), bisfuramide derivatives were synthesized through the interaction of the ring opening of bis benzoxazin-4-one with primary aromatic amines. FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS spectral data were used to characterize the structures of newly synthesized compounds. These compounds were screened in vitro antimicrobial activity. The inhibition zone of the synthesized compounds against various bacteria (S. aureus, E. coli) and fungus (C. albicans) was measured by using well and disc diffusion assay. The novel bisquinazolinones were screened for their anti-cancer activity against MCF-7 cell lines, the obtained results clearly reveal moderate to excellent anti-proliferative activity, anti-oxidant activity was performed by using DPPH method. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis revealed a favorable binding contact with the Kinase inhibitor (PDB ID: 1XKK). DFT calculations with B3LYP/6–31 + G (d) level were used to analyze the electronic and geometric characteristics deduced from the stable structure of the compounds. The electron affinity (EA), ionization potential (IP), energy gap (Egap), electronegativity (χ), electrophilicity (ω), hardness (η), softness (S) and electrophilicity index (ωi) were computed and discussed. Furthermore, in silico ADMET (i.e. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) calculations were performed on all synthesized compounds that showed potency in comparison to conventional azithromycin.

Mapping QTL for Yield and Its Component Traits Using Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) RIL Mapping Population from TAM 113 × Gallagher

Understanding genetic architectures of yield and yield-related traits of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown under dryland or irrigated conditions is pivotal for developing modern high-yielding germplasm and cultivars. The objectives of this study were to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) linked to yield and yield components using a mapping population derived from ‘TAM 113’/‘Gallagher’, including 191 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). The population was grown in McGregor, College Station, and Bushland, Texas, for three consecutive years from 2019 to 2021. A high-density genetic map covering all 21 chromosomes was constructed using a set of 8,075 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). A total of 147 QTLs for 16 yield-related traits were identified, which included 16 QTLs consistently detected in multiple experiments and 8 QTLs that showed pleiotropic effects. Of them, five pleiotropic QTLs overlapped with the consistent QTL. They increased grain yield (YLD) up to 37.64 g m−2, thousand kernel weight (TKW) up to 1.33 g, harvest (HI) up to 0.97%, kernel length up to 0.08 mm, and kernel width up to 0.04 mm with Gallagher alleles and increased YLD up to 22.21 g m−2, kernels spike−1 up to 1.77, TKW up to 1.14 g, and HI up to 3.72% with TAM 113 alleles. One major and consistent QTL on chromosome 2D at 34.4 Mbp overlapped with the major photoperiod gene Ppd-D1 and was affected by multiple traits, including kernel diameter (DIAM), TKW, kernel hardness index (KHI), heading date (HD), and plant height (PH). Another QTL cluster region on 7D between 52 and 66 Mbp, encompassing one consistent and three pleiotropic QTLs. One of the pleiotropic QTLs at 52 Mbp increased YLD up to 24.16 g m−2, HI up to 1%, and DIAM up to 0.03 mm. This study dissected genetic loci associated with yield and yield-related traits, providing valuable information on wheat improvement using marker-assisted selection (MAS).

Statistical X-ray analysis of gamma-ray-emitting radio galaxies

Abstract We systematically analyzed Swift/XRT X-ray data of gamma-ray-emitting radio galaxies (RGs) to study the origin of X-ray radiation. We studied the short-duration variability of spectra by using Swift/XRT data for 20 RGs. We found that gamma-ray-emitting RGs with a higher gamma-ray-to-X-ray flux ratio show a strong harder-when-brighter behavior. In addition, gamma-ray-emitting RGs with soft gamma-ray spectral index tend to have a hard X-ray spectral index and vice versa. Based on these properties, we imply a trend that gamma-ray-emitting RGs could be roughly classified into three types of X-ray emission: jet-dominated type, disk/corona-dominated type, and intermediate type. This classification is quite consistent with the optical and radio classification of RGs. In addition, we also discuss this result in terms of the Eddington luminosity ratio. These interpretations should be confirmed using larger samples of RGs in the future.

Quantification of the apical palatal bone index for maxillary incisor immediate implant assessment: A retrospective cross-sectional study

BackgroundApical palatal bone is important in immediate implant evaluation. Current consensus gives qualitative suggestions regarding it, limiting its clinical decision-making value. ObjectivesTo quantify the apical palatal bone dimension in maxillary incisors and reveal its quantitative correlation with other implant-related hard tissue indices to give practical advice for pre-immediate implant evaluation and design. Material and methodsA retrospective analysis of immediate implant-related hard tissue indices in maxillary incisors obtained by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was conducted. Palatal bone thickness at the apex level (Apical-P) on the sagittal section was selected as a parameter reflecting the apical palatal bone. Its quantitative correlation with other immediate implant-related hard tissue indices was revealed. Clinical advice of pre-immediate implant assessment was given based on the quantitative classification of Apical-P and its other correlated immediate implant-related hard tissue indices. ResultsApical-P positively correlated with cervical palatal bone, whole cervical buccal-palatal bone, sagittal root angle, and basal bone width indices. while negatively correlated with apical buccal bone, cervical buccal bone, and basal bone length indices. Six quantitative categories of Apical-P are proposed. Cases with Apical-P below 4 mm had an insufficient apical bone thickness to accommodate the implant placement, while Apical-P beyond 12 mm should be cautious about the severe implant inclination. Cases with Apical-P of 4–12 mm can generally achieve satisfying immediate implant outcomes via regulating the implant inclination. ConclusionsQuantification of the apical palatal bone index for maxillary incisor immediate implant assessment can be achieved, providing a quantitative guide for immediate implant placement in the maxillary incisor zone.

A comparative investigation on the fundamental physical properties of UX2 (X = O, N, C, Si and S) solid nuclear fuel materials: A DFT + U study

This study investigates and compares the physical properties of various UX2 (X = O, N, C, Si and S) nuclear fuels using a combination of Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Hubbard U correction parameter (U) to accurately model the electronic structure and account for strong correlation effects among 5f orbital electrons. Spin-polarized DFT + U method is employed to optimize the structures of the considered compounds. The computational analysis reveals that UO2 and UN2 exhibit Mott-insulating properties, while the remaining UX2 compounds demonstrate metallic nature. To assess the mechanical aspects of these materials, the study evaluates their mechanical stability, Vickers hardness and machinability index through calculations of elastic constants. Notably, all the UX2 fuels are found to be mechanically stable and possess ductility. Both the two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) depictions of the elastic moduli for the analyzed solid fuels demonstrate the presence of elastic anisotropy. The famous Slack's equation is used to determine the lattice thermal conductivity of the UX2 fuels, providing valuable insights into their thermal properties. Among the investigated materials, UC2 exhibits the highest values of Debye temperature and lattice thermal conductivity, which amount to 412 K and 15.73 Wm−1 K−1 at 300 K, respectively. Furthermore, UN2 demonstrates the highest melting temperature. Among the compounds under investigation, UC2 and UN2 fuels exhibit the most minimal thermal expansion and the greatest heat capacity. Based on these findings, UC2 and UN2 emerge as promising alternative fuel materials to UO2 for potential use in nuclear power reactors. This research contributes to the ongoing efforts in identifying alternative fuel materials.

Long-term X-Ray Outburst in the TeV-detected Blazar Mrk 501 in 2021–2022: Further Clues for the Emission and Unstable Processes

This paper presents the results of a detailed X-ray timing and spectral analysis of Mrk 501, which are based mainly on the Swift data obtained during 2021 February–2022 December. The source showed strongly enhanced X-ray activity, characterized by a long-term increase in the baseline 0.3–10 keV flux level superimposed by shorter-term flares on timescales of a few weeks to about 2 months. During some time intervals, Mrk 501 was the brightest blazar in the X-ray sky and, moreover, showed an intense intraday variability, which was sometimes detected within the exposures lasting a few hundred seconds. These instances were characterized by fractional variability amplitudes of 4%–18% and were mostly observed during short-term X-ray flares. The source exhibited extreme spectral properties with dominance of the spectral curvature, frequent occurrence of hard photon indices in the 0.3–10 keV and 0.3–300 GeV bands, and the peak of a synchrotron spectral energy distribution in the hard X-ray range. These properties demonstrate the importance of relativistic magnetic reconnection, first-order Fermi mechanism within the magnetic field of different confinement efficiencies, stochastic acceleration, and hadronic processes. The X-ray and γ-ray fluxes showed a log-normal distribution, which hints at the imprint of accretion disk instabilities on the blazar jet, as well as the possible presence of hadronic cascades and random fluctuations in the particle acceleration rate. The optical–UV and γ-ray variabilities showed a weak or absent correlation with the X-ray flaring activity, which is not consistent with simple leptonic models and requires more complex particle acceleration, emission, and variability scenarios.

Quantitative proteomic analysis of super soft kernel texture in soft white spring wheat.

Super soft kernel texture is associated with superior milling and baking performance in soft wheat. To understand the mechanism underlying super soft kernel texture, we studied proteomic changes between a normal soft and a super soft during kernel development. The cultivar 'Alpowa', a soft white spring wheat, was crossed to a closely related super soft spring wheat line 'BC2SS163' to produce F6 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). Four normal soft RILs and four super soft RILs along with the parents were selected for proteomic analysis. Alpowa and the normal soft RILs showed hardness indices of 20 to 30, whereas BC2SS163 and the super soft RILs showed hardness indices of -2 to -6. Kernels were collected from normal soft and super soft genotypes at 7 days post anthesis (dpa), 14 dpa, 28 dpa, and maturity and were subject to quantitative proteomic analysis. Throughout kernel development, 175 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were identified. Most DAPs were observed at 7 dpa, 14 dpa, and 28 dpa. Of the 175 DAPs, 32 had higher abundance in normal soft wheat, whereas 143 DAPs had higher abundance in super soft wheat. A total of 18 DAPs were associated with carbohydrate metabolism and five DAPs were associated with lipids. The gene TraesCS4B02G091100.1 on chromosome arm 4BS, which encodes for sucrose-phosphate synthase, was identified as a candidate gene for super soft kernel texture in BC2SS163. This study enhanced our understanding of the mechanism underlying super soft kernel texture in soft white spring wheat.

Effect of different coating methods on coating quality and mango preservation

In this study, the spraying quality of four different coating methods (dip coating, brush coating, spray coating and electrostatic spraying) and their effect on the preservation of mango coating were investigated. SEM, AFM and fluorescence microscopy images visually showed the smoothest and flattest surface of the film formed by the DC method. The water-sensitive paper experiment verified that the ES method could spray finer droplets than the SC method. Furthermore, the ES method had the highest transfer efficiency and produced the thinnest films. For mango coating preservation, the ES and DC groups maintained similar hardness, BI, MDA and TPC preservation indices with no significant (p < 0.05) differences. The ES method could save coating solution and drying time, reducing production costs. It could also achieve continuous and automated coating operations, saving manpower and material resources，making it a viable and more economical method for mango coating preservation.

High-intensity, Low-frequency Ultrasound Treatment as Sustainable Strategy to Develop Innovative Biomaterials from Agri-food Byproducts and Wastes

Bioconversion is an important avenue for finding value from biomass waste produced by the agricultural industry. One avenue of conversion is the development of upcycling byproducts and waste from food processing to value-added products. This includes degradable biomaterials which have real potential to reduce waste, improving economic, social and environmental impacts. As such, this research paper was focused on exploring two avenues of bioconversion from waste products of tomato skin, hemp meal and hops vines: identification of phytochemicals and the development of bioplastic. Combined to these researches, the effect of Ultrasound as a green technology was studied in both contexts. It was found that Ultrasound treatment reduced extraction time for saponin and phenolic acid from tomato skin, hemp meal and/or hops vines from 24h to 30 min. However, Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAE) was shown to affect the phenolic acid and saponin profiles of certain extracts. &#x0D; &#x0D; Ultrasound treatment was shown to positively impact the overall microscopic structure and qualities of bioplastic such as water activity, percentage moisture, hardness, cohesiveness, resilience, and springiness index. This study suggests that Ultrasound can be used as sustainable non-thermal method for extraction of active saponins and phenolics but also in bioplastic formulation to enhance physico-chemical characteristic.

Predicting phases and hardness of high entropy alloys based on machine learning

The mechanical properties of high entropy alloys are highly dependent on phase structure. Therefore, accurate prediction of the phase structure is a guide to composition selection and performance enhancement, and it saves both experimental and financial expenditure. In this study, seven classification models were selected to predict the phase structure of high-entropy alloys and six regression models were selected to predict the hardness, and it was found that the XGB model performed best in both classification and regression predictions, where in the prediction phase structure, the XGB model has an error rate of 4.5% in the 10% prediction set, 11.6% in the 20% prediction set and 6.25% in the 30% prediction set. In predicting the hardness, the RMSE and MAE evaluation indexes of the XGB model are 52.66, 26.49. The δ (atomic radius difference) feature parameter having the strongest contribution to the phase formation in the high-entropy alloys. In addition, valence electron concentration(VEC), y/n BCC (The presence or absence of BCC) and y/n lm (The presence or absence of other phases) were key features affecting the hardness. Predictive analysis of two high-entropy alloys, AlCoCrFeNi and AlCoCrFeNiTi0.5, and a characterization effect map based on the Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) framework were developed to provide decision support for hardness assessment.

Kenaf Fiber and Hemp Fiber Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Filler-Reinforced Epoxy-Based Hybrid Composites for Biomedical Applications: Morphological and Mechanical Characterization

This study used a hybrid combination of kenaf and hemp fibers and the multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforcements in the matrix phase to synthesize the composites. A kenaf/hemp fiber blend with MWCNTs in epoxy was used for the specific concentration. The procedure used three composite materials chosen from pilot trials. The ratio of MWCNT filler particles was altered up to the agglomeration limit based on initial trials. Two specimens (2 and 3) were supplemented with MWCNTs in a concentration range of 0.5 wt. % to 1 wt. %, with the fiber concentration being maintained in equilibrium with the epoxy resin, all of the materials were tested under the same conditions. The hybrid nanocomposite was characterized for its morphological and mechanical properties; the tensile properties were higher for 1% MWCNTs concentration (specimen 2), while the flexural properties were higher for 0.5% MWCNTs, with values of 43.24 MPa and 55.63 MPa, correspondingly. Once the MWCNT concentration was increased to 1 wt. %, the maximum impact strength was achieved (specimen 3). In the limits of the Shore-D scale, the kenaf fiber and hemp fiber matrix composite (specimen 1) gained a hardness index of 84. Scanning electron microscopy was carried out to analyze the morphological features of the fractured samples and to assess the adhesion between the fiber, matrix, and surface. Among the various fillers tested, the kenaf fiber/hemp/MWCNT composite (specimen 3) demonstrated superior binding and reduced the incidence of fiber pull-out, breakage, and voids. In addition to the comparative analysis, the addition of 0.5 wt. % MWCNTs resulted in better mechanical properties compared to the other two combinations.

Unlocking the potential of ancient hexaploid Indian dwarf wheat, Tritium sphaerococcum for grain quality improvement.

Wild and ancient wheat are considered to be a rich source of nutrients and better stress tolerant, hence being re-considered for mainstreaming its cultivation by the farmers and bringing it back to the food basket. In the present study, thirty-four diverse accessions of Indian dwarf wheat, Triticum sphaerococcum conserved in the Indian National Genebank were evaluated for thirteen-grain quality parameters namely thousand-grain weight (TGW), hectolitre weight (HW), sedimentation value (Sed), grain hardness index (HI), protein (Pro), albumin (Alb), globulin (Glo), gliadin (Gli), glutenin (Glu), gluten, lysine (Lys), Fe2+ and Zn2+ content, and four antioxidant enzymes activities. Substantial variations were recorded for studied traits. TGW, HW, Sed, HI, Pro, Alb, Glo, Gli, Glu, Gluten, Lys, Fe2+, and Zn2+ varied from 26.50-45.55 g, 70.50-86.00 kg/hl, 24.00-38.00 ml, 40.49-104.90, 15.34-19.35%, 17.60-40.31 mg/g, 10.75-16.56 mg/g, 26.35-44.94 mg/g, 24.47-39.56 mg/g, 55.33-75.06 mg/g, 0.04-0.29%, 42.72-90.72 ppm, and 11.45-25.70 ppm, respectively. Among antioxidants, peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity ranged from 0.06-0.60 unit/ml, 0.02-0.61 unit/ml, 0.11-2.26 unit/ml, and 0.14-0.97 unit/ml, respectively. Hardness Index was positively associated with Pro and Zn2+ content whereas Lys was negatively associated with gluten content. Likewise, gluten and Fe2+ content had a positive association with the major protein fraction i.e., Gli and Glu. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped 34 accessions into four clusters and the major group had nine indigenous and eight exotic accessions. We also validated high GPC accessions and EC182958 (17.16%), EC187176 and EC182945 (16.16%), EC613057 (15.79%), IC634028 (15.72%) and IC533826 (15.01%) were confirmed with more than 15% GPC. Also, superior trait-specific accessions namely, EC187167, IC534021, EC613055, EC180066, and EC182959 for low gluten content and IC384530, EC313761, EC180063, IC397363, EC10494 for high iron content (>76.51) were identified that may be used in wheat quality improvement for nutritional security of mankind.

In vitro evaluation of CAD/CAM composite materials

ObjectivesThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the microstructural, elemental and mechanical properties of contemporary computer-aided-design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) resin based composite (RBC) materials. MethodsSix CAD/CAM RBC materials [Brilliant CRIOS (Coltene Whaledent AG), Cerasmart (GC), Lava Ultimate (3M ESPE), Tetric CAD (Ivoclar Vivadent), Shofu Block HC (Shofu), Grandio Blocs (VOCO GmbH)] were tested. Ten rectangular blocks (14 Χ 12 Χ 18 mm) for each material, after metallographic grinding and polishing, were subjected to Instrumented Indentation Testing (ΙIT). Martens Hardness (HM), Indentation Elastic Modulus (EIT), Elastic (ηIT) and Creep indices (CIT) were determined according to formulas provided by ISO 14577. The diagonal length of each indentation was measured and HV was determined. The results of HM, EIT, ηΙΤ, HV, and CIT were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test employing the material as a discriminating variable (a = 0.05), while the possible correlations were determined by Spearman's correlation test. One specimen from each group was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). ResultsBackscattered Electron images and EDX analysis demonstrated differences in size, shape and type of fillers along with elemental composition among materials tested. Statistical significant differences were identified for all mechanical properties tested. Grandio Blocs had the significantly higher HM (953±7 N/mm2), HV (136±1) and EIT (23±1 GPa) followed by Lava Ultimate (ΗM=674±25 N/mm2, HV=105±2, EIT=15±1 GPa). Elastic index ranged from 41% to 52%, with Shofu Block demonstrating the significantly highest ηIT (52 ± 1%) values. Cerasmart had significantly higher CIT value (8.4 ± 0.1%) than all other materials tested, while Grandio Blocs and Lava Ultimate had the lowest ones. Spearman's correlation revealed that all mechanical properties tested exhibited correlations with each other, apart from ηΙΤ. ConclusionsThe results showed that the CAD/CAM materials tested have differences in their microstructure, elemental composition and mechanical properties. Clinical significanceThe RBCs tested showed significant differences in mechanical properties and thus differences in clinical performance are anticipated. RBCs with increased filler loading had the most favorable combination of hardness, elastic modulus and creep index indicating that these materials may have better clinical performance under intraoral loading conditions.

Microstructure and technological properties of cooked meat sausages prepared with emulsions of vegetable oils as substitutes for animal fat

This paper investigated the functional possibilities of using two types of vegetable oil emulsions of chia and grape seeds, as substitutes for animal fat in the cooked sausage formulation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and texture profile analysis (TPA) were used to assess the effect of different levels of fat substitution with the chia and grape seed oils emulsions on the structural changes and the emulsion stability of sausages. A direct correlation was observed between the hardness index in the TPA analysis and the addition of the chia oil emulsion. A decrease in the adhesiveness of the test samples in relation to the control sample (Р˃0.05) was observed when the fat was fully or partially replaced by a grape seed oil emulsion and, contrariwise, adhesiveness increased in the samples to which a chia oil emulsion had been added, the increase being directly proportional to its quantity. SEM images of sausages showed that the samples in which the porcine adipose tissue was partially substituted by pre-emulsified chia and/or grape seed oils exhibited a more compact network with smaller fat droplets compared to the control sample and the emulsified grape seed oil sample. To sum up, the use of chia and grape seed oil emulsions was found to be a possible alternative for the substitution of animal fat in emulsified meat sausages; pre-emulsified chia oil addition resulted in products that were close to the standard one in terms of texture, microstructural indices and emulsion stability, along with improved nutritional image and wholesomeness of the end product.