Bleaching of SeaCell® active fabrics with hydrogen peroxide

Seaweed-based SeaCell® fibres have been considered as new materials for textile industry. In this study, seaweedbased SeaCell® Active fibres which have antifungal and antibacterial activity have been used. Simple, economic and green process is applied to investigate the bleaching performance of SeaCell® Active fabric. Bleaching process has been performed in a laboratory scale dyeing machine by using H₂O₂ at different concentrations. Also, different bleaching trials were carried out by varying temperature, pH and process duration. Colour Measurements of the bleached SeaCell® Active fabrics have been characterized by utilizing Datacolor SF 600 +. Tristimulus and Whiteness Index values have been calculated according to the CIELab system with D65/10 o observer values. After the bleaching treatment, the obtained results reveal that SeaCell® Active fabric with satisfactory whiteness index and improved lightness (L*) value can be obtained by processing the fabric at 90 °C for 60 min in a bleaching bath with fixed pH 7.5 containing 30 ml/l H₂O₂. SEM images of untreated and bleached SeaCell® Active fabrics also show that some fibres have been damaged after bleaching process.     

Surface Modification of Wool Fabric with POSS® Nanomaterial

Wool fabrics, without any surface treatment, can undergo undesirable and irreversible structural changes of wool fiber during washing under heat and mechanical agitation, leading to high shrinkage of wool garments. The traditional method based on polyamide resin can prevent felting and/or shrinkage of wool textiles, but adversely affect the surface hydrophobicity. In the present study, a treatment solution was developed based on TriSilanolIsooctyl POSS® and 3- mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane, which created wool surface with increased hydrophobicity and highly resistant to shrinkage or felting, as measured after 3×5A wash cycles (equivalent to 24 domestic washes). After the treatment, the wool fabric appeared to be superhydrophobic with a water contact angle of above 150°, compared to the untreated fabric. The treatment has marginal effect on mechanical performance as observed in tensile properties. Scanning electron microscopic images revealed a coating of POSS® on the wool surface. The dyeing of untreated and treated fabrics appeared to be uniform to the naked eye, though spectrophotometric analysis indicated a difference in the extent of dyeing performance. This research showed that POSS®-based treatment is a potentially effective approach for developing shrink-resistant wool textiles with enhanced surface hydrophobicity, in contrast to traditional chlorine/polyamide resin treatment.     

Spirality related mechanical properties of single knit fabrics of lincLITE® and conventional yarns

In this study, spirality related mechanical properties such as torque, tensile and snarling tendency and their effect on spirality and skewness are investigated in single jersey structures made from soft and bulkier lincLITE® yarns and conventional wool yarns. Twist liveliness, snarling tendency, torque and residual torque, asymmetry of torque and tightness significantly effect the spirality and skewness of single jersey fabrics. Torques and residual torques and snarling tendency have positive and tightness factor has a negative correlation with skewness. Asymmetry of torque appeared to be proportional with an increase of torque and residual torques, but showed a negative correlation with torsional resilience. LincLITE® yarns showed better torsional properties nearly in all cases in concern of spirality. Tensile properties are nearly similar between lincLITE® and conventional yarns. Lower initial modulus and slightly higher coefficient of friction are exhibited by lincLITE® yarns over conventional yarns.     

Prediction of bread wheat baking quality using an optimized GlutoPeak®-Test method

The GlutoPeak^®-Test (GPT) as a rapid small-scale technique was optimized to evaluate the gluten aggregation properties and to predict the loaf volume, on the basis of a multiyear and multilocation analysis of wheat samples, using different solvents. 5 % lactic acid and 1 % sodium chloride displayed significant GPT responses. Relationships between protein content, sedimentation value, GPT parameters and loaf volume were investigated. With 1 % sodium chloride, the torque 15 s before maximum torque (AM) presented the highest correlation with loaf volume of samples from 2013 to 2014 (r = 0.77, r = 0.63, p < 0.001, respectively). A multiple regression analysis indicated that the best prediction of loaf volume was a linear function of protein content and AM, explaining the variation in loaf volume by 63 % and providing an uncertainty of ±39 ml. The accuracy of the validation of the linear function leads to 64 % correct and to 36 % incorrect predictions of the loaf volume. This emphasizes that the application of the linear function of protein content and AM cannot replace the actual measurement of loaf volume, but it could be a useful rapid screening test in breeding for improved baking quality in bread wheat.     

Characteristics of biodegradable Mater-Bi®-starch based foams as affected by ingredient formulations

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foams are widely used to provide protection to merchandise during shipping and handling. The disposal of EPS foams, however, causes pollution to the environment. Starch based loose fill packaging foams are commercially available to replace the EPS foams. Starch foams dissolve readily in water, and do not possess satisfactory physical and mechanical properties. To improve the functional properties and water resistance of starch foams, regular (25% amylose) and waxy corn starches blended with Mater-Bi® ZF03U (MBI) were extruded into loose-fill packaging foams using a co-rotating twin screw extruder. MBI contents of 10, 25 and 40% and starch moisture contents of 19, 22 and 25% (d.b.) were used. Waxy starch produced foam with greater radial expansion and lower unit and bulk densities than regular starch. Higher levels of MBI reduced radial expansion and increased unit and bulk densities. Foam made with regular starch had a lower water solubility index than foam made with waxy starch. The addition of MBI improved the water solubility. Higher starch moisture contents increased foam water solubility indices. Foams made from both types of starch possessed acceptable mechanical properties. Regular starch produced more rigid foams than the waxy starch as indicated by the higher compressibility values based on both single-piece and bulk samples. Moisture content affected the compressibilities. Higher moisture contents produced more rigid foams. The spring indices of bulk samples were excellent (>95%) for all MBI contents.     

Tasco®: a product of Ascophyllum nodosum enhances immune response of Caenorhabditis elegans against Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection

The effects of Tasco^®, a product made from the brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) were tested for the ability to protect Caenorhabditis elegans against Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. A water extract of Tasco^® (TWE) reduced P. aeruginosa inflicted mortality in the nematode. The TWE, at a concentration of 300 µg/mL, offered the maximum protection and induced the expression of innate immune response genes viz.; zk6.7 (Lypases), lys-1 (Lysozyme), spp-1 (Saponin like protein), f28d1.3 (Thaumatin like protein), t20g5.7 (Matridin SK domain protein), abf-1 (Antibacterial protein) and f38a1.5 (Lectin family protein). Further, TWE treatment also affected a number of virulence components of the P. aeuroginosa and reduced its secreted virulence factors such as lipase, proteases and toxic metabolites; hydrogen cyanide and pyocyanin. Decreased virulence factors were associated with a significant reduction in expression of regulatory genes involved in quorum sensing, lasI, lasR, rhlI and rhlR. In conclusion, the TWE-treatment protected the C. elegans against P. aeruginosa infection by a combination of effects on the innate immunity of the worms and direct effects on the bacterial quorum sensing and virulence factors.     

Spinning performance and antibacterial activity of SeaCell® active/cotton blended rotor yarns

Microorganisms can lead to functional, hygienic and aesthetic (e.g. deterioration, staining) problems on textile products. Natural fibers especially cotton are more easily affected by microorganisms. Blending of cotton fibers with antimicrobial fibers can enhance the protective properties of products against microorganisms. Demand of antimicrobial performance from the products changes depending on the application area. Therefore determination of suitable antimicrobial fiber quantity for the desired application is important. In this study the spinning performance of SeaCell Active/cotton blended open end rotor yarns and antibacterial activities of fabrics produced by these blended yarns were investigated. Five different cotton/SeaCell Active blended slivers with SeaCell Active content from 3 % up to 53 % were prepared on drawframe machine and all slivers were spun into yarns on open end rotor spinning machine at a yarn count of 20 tex with α_Tt=3827 twist coefficient. The effects of rotor speed, opening roller speed, rotor, opening roller and navel type on the quality parameters of SeaCell Active/cotton blended yarns were investigated. Tensile properties, hairiness, unevenness and IPI values of the yarns were reported. All types of cotton/SeaCell Active blended yarns were knitted on a circular knitting machine. Antibacterial activity of the fabrics was analyzed quantitatively. Antibacterial tests showed that good antibacterial activity can be achieved after several washings even with 3 % of SeaCell Active fibers in fabrics.     

Modeling the Fibrillation of Kevlar® KM2 Single Fibers Subjected to Transverse Compression

In this work, fibrillation is introduced as an energy absorbing mechanism in the modeling of Kevlar® KM2 single fibers subjected to quasi-static transverse compression. Fibrillation is simulated using a finite element model of the fiber cross-section containing discrete fibrils connected by interfibrillar cohesive zones. Model predictions of nominal stress-strain response for an assumed bilinear cohesive traction-separation interfibrillar behavior are compared to experimental data. Analysis shows that modeling of the microstructural fibril network, represented by a distribution of strong cohesive interactions, is necessary to capture the experimental response. The model provides valuable insight into the unique deformation mechanisms governing fiber fibrillation under transverse compression.     

Occurrence,distribution, and ear damage of Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in mixed plantings of non-Bt and Bt corn containing Genuity® SmartStax™ traits

Protein contamination on refuge kernels due to cross-pollination from Bt corn to non-Bt corn ears is a major concern in the use of a seed mixture refuge strategy (“RIB”) for resistance management of ear-feeding pests. In this study, occurrence, distribution, and ear damage of the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), were evaluated in three planting patterns of non-Bt and Bt corn plants containing Genuity^® SmartStax™ traits. The three planting patterns were 1) pure stands of 27 Bt plants; 2) pure stands of 27 non-Bt plants; and 3) one non-Bt plant in the center surrounded by 26 Bt plants. A total of six trials were conducted in open field conditions with natural infestations in 2011 and 2012. Egg populations of H. zea were distributed randomly or uniformly, and the number of eggs laid was similar between Bt and non-Bt corn ears regardless of the planting patterns, suggesting that females of H. zea have no egg-laying preference between Bt and non-Bt plants. Bt corn plants containing Genuity^® SmartStax™ traits were equally effective in the control of H. zea in pure stands of Bt corn and “RIB” plantings. Occurrence of larvae and ear damage on Bt corn were significantly lower than on non-Bt plants and there were no significant differences between pure stands of Bt and “RIB” plantings across all trials. However, the limited numbers of live larvae in the pure stands of Bt plants were distributed non-randomly, suggesting a possibility of uneven expression of Bt proteins or elevated larval movement in the pure stands of Bt plants. Larval occurrence (3rd–5th instars) and ear damage on the refuge ears in “RIB” plantings were similar to or greater than found on ears of pure stands of non-Bt plants. However, more studies are needed to understand the effect of pollen movement on the full life cycle of H. zea before a final conclusion on the refuge function of RIB planting can be made.     

Clearfield® rice: Its development,success, and key challenges on a global perspective

Weedy rice (Oryza sativa) is a close relative of domesticated rice and a noxious weed prevalent in rice fields in world regions where rice is grown. Weedy rice management has remained challenging to farmers, mainly due to the weed's physiological and morphological resemblance to rice cultivars. The introduction of Clearfield^® rice provides an alternative solution and an additional tool for integrated weed management. Clearfield^® rice-based programs result in the cleanest rice fields in the southern U.S. However, persistent application of the imidazolinone herbicides (imazethapyr, imazamox, and imazapic) in Clearfield^® rice raises concerns about the possible evolution of resistance to ALS-inhibitor herbicides in weedy rice and the transfer of resistance trait. The risk of resistant weedy rice evolution is much higher in Asia, Latin America, and other tropical regions where there is no winterkill and rice is planted at least twice each year. Herbicide carryover to rotational crops is also a concern. We summarized the progress of commercialization of Clearfield^® rice in 15 countries across the continents of America, Asia and Europe. In some countries, imidazolinone-resistant weedy rice outcrosses have been found abundant, thereby negating the utility of Clearfield^® technology. The persistence of imidazolinone herbicide residues in the soil is a concern in regions where multiple crops are planted in a year, or the following year. These challenges should be anticipated by countries that are considering adopting Clearfield^® rice technology. Issues associated with gene escape, resistance evolution in weedy rice, and herbicide carryover to rotational crops remain to be resolved. Research to achieve sustainable solutions for weedy rice management, must be continued and intense educational programs for growers must be sustained.     

Mechanism of immunization of rice seedlings

In saline paddy soil in the north of China, the technique of immunization of rice nursery (IRN) was applied in 1990‘s and succesfuully met the production needs. It had more advantages than paddy soil land nursery (PSLN).     

Development of Chinese near-isogenic lines of rice and their differentiating ability of pathogenic races of blast fun-gus

To use common differential varietiesin the world, a set of internationaldifferential varieties, including 6 in-dica and 2 japonica rice varieties,were set up in the midddle of 1960s;in 1976, a set of differential varietiescmposed of 9 japonica varieties withknown resistance gene were estab-lished; and later a set ofnear-isogenic lines (NILs), 4 lines     

Effect of desiccation on regeneration frequency of green plantlets and some biochemical properties of calli of wild rice

Wild rice is an important resource of useful genes to rice breeders. However, low regeneration frequency is an obstacle to use the valuable genes. We used desiccation to improve the regeneration frequency and studied the biochemical changes of calli of wild rice after desiccation,     

Influence of nitrogen on relative parasitic fitness of cultivar-race combinations of rice blast

Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe grisea, is one of the most important rice diseases in China. Resistance breakdown often happened, especially in the field supplied with high nitrogen fertilizer. In the simulation study on race dynamics and cultivar-race interaction on population level, the influence of nitrogen on the relative parasitic fittness of cultivar-race combinations should be realized quantitative-ly.     

AMMI analysis of interaction of genotype and environment in chalkiness of indica rice

Chalkiness is an unpleasant trait for rice con-sumer. which is known to be controlled geneti-cally and affected by environment during grainmaturing. We used the model of Additive MainEffects and Multiplieative Interaction (AMMI)for interpreting the result of genotype by env-iornment interaction (G×E) in the chalkinessof indica rice varieties.     

Levels of β-carotene and effects of processing on selected fruits and vegetables of the arid zone of India

Some locally available fruits and vegetables of the arid zone of Rajasthanwere analyzed for their -carotene content; the selected fruits and vegetables were: Dansra (Rhus myserensis), Kachri (Cucumis collosus), fruit Kachri (Cucumis collosus), Kair (Capparisdecidua) and Sanghri (Prosopis cineriria). The -carotene contents of the samples were estimated in fresh and various processed states (blanched, dried and roasted). The results showed the heat lability of -carotene. Among the samples, kair was found to be the richest source of -carotene. Variety, too, had an impact on the content of this fat soluble vitamin.