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At the onset of egg production, physiological changes governing calcium and phosphorus utilization must occur to meet demands for medullary bone formation and eggshell mineralization. The objective of this study was to identify these changes and determine if they are influenced by dietary supplementation with 1α-hydroxycholecalciferol (AlphaD3™, Iluma Alliance). Commercial laying hens fed either a control or AlphaD3-supplemented diet beginning at 18 weeks of age were sampled at 18 (n = 8) and 31 weeks (n = 8/diet) to evaluate mRNA expression associated with calcium and phosphorus utilization in kidney, shell gland, ileum, and liver, circulating vitamin D3 metabolites, and bone quality parameters in humerus, tibia, and keel bone. Though diet did not heavily influence gene expression at 31 weeks, several significant differences were observed between 18- and 31-week-old hens. Heightened sensitivity to hormones regulating calcium and phosphorus homeostasis was observed at 31 weeks, indicated by increased parathyroid hormone receptor 1, calcium-sensing receptor, calcitonin receptor, and fibroblast growth factor 23 receptors in several tissues. Increased renal expression of 25-hydroxylase and vitamin D binding protein ( DBP ) at 31 weeks suggests kidney participates in local vitamin D3 25-hydroxylation and DBP synthesis after egg production begins. Biologically active 1,25(OH)2D3 was higher at 31 weeks, with correspondingly lower inactive 24,25(OH)2D3. Increased expression of plasma membrane calcium ATPase 1 and calbindin in kidney, shell gland, and ileum suggests these are key facilitators of calcium uptake. Elevated renal inorganic phosphorus transporter 1 and 2 and sodium-dependent phosphate transporter IIa at 31 weeks suggests increased phosphorus excretion following hyperphosphatemia due to bone breakdown for eggshell formation. Diet did influence bone quality parameters. Bone mineral density in both humerus and tibia was higher in AlphaD3-supplemented hens at 31 weeks. Tibial bone mineral content increased between 18 and 31 weeks, with AlphaD3-supplemented hens increasing more than control hens. Moreover, control hens exhibited diminished tibial breaking strength at 31 weeks compared to hens at 18 weeks, while AlphaD3-supplemented hens did not. Together, these results indicate supplementation with AlphaD3 enhanced bone mineralization during the medullary bone formation period and elucidate the adaptive pathways regulating calcium and phosphorus utilization after the onset of lay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cotton Textile Technology is the property of Cotton Textile Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

It is a vital route to develop new fiber products with various physical‐mechanical properties by which their aggregation structure can be changed via controlling the spinning process parameters. In this study, five groups fiber samples had been obtained by changing the spinneret drawing ratio, two stages drawing ratio and two stages heat‐setting rate. The aggregation structure of the poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) industrial fibers from different spinning process was analyzed by combination use of thermal analysis, two‐dimensional wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), and Infrared Spectroscopy (IR) measurements. It was found that, increasing the spinneret drawing ratio and two stages drawing ratio promoted the orientation and crystallinity within a certain range. For the subsequent two stages heat‐setting process, the disorientation of the amorphous chain is simulated by reducing the relaxation rate and heat setting temperature. Finally, a concise three‐dimensional structure model was established to explain the relationship between aggregation structure and property. These results have important reference for the structure and property analysis of polyester industrial fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As advances in heat resistant ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber via ultraviolet (UV) crosslinking, it is worth paying attention to its thermal aging behavior and heat resistance mechanism. UHMWPE fibers in different forms, the fully drawn yarn (FDY) and the UV crosslinked FDY (UVFDY), are subjected to isothermal aging at 135°C. The effects of thermal aging on their surface morphology and mechanical properties are studied and compared initially. The results demonstrate that UVFDY is a kind of a heat‐resistant fiber. Subsequently, to reveal the heat resistance mechanism of UVFDY, its crystalline and orientation structure evolution during thermal aging are further studied. It is indicated that the formation of dense‐packing crystals and disorientation behavior lead to fiber shrink, so that a number of grooves appear on the fiber surface. Since the crosslinked stucture of UVFDY hinders its molecules movement, the crystallization and disorientation behavior of UVFDY are weaker than those of FDY, resulting in UVFDY possesses slighter thermal shrinkage (Ts), fewer grooves and better mechanical properties than those of FDY. Therefore, the heat resistance of the fiber improves effectively after UV crosslinking. This work provides insights into the structure–property relationship of UVFDY during thermal aging, and offers basis data for its application in specific conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the onset of egg production, physiological changes governing calcium and phosphorus utilization must occur to meet demands for medullary bone formation and eggshell mineralization. The objective of this study was to identify these changes and determine if they are influenced by dietary supplementation with 1α-hydroxycholecalciferol (AlphaD3™, Iluma Alliance). Commercial laying hens fed either a control or AlphaD3-supplemented diet beginning at 18 weeks of age were sampled at 18 (n = 8) and 31 weeks (n = 8/diet) to evaluate mRNA expression associated with calcium and phosphorus utilization in kidney, shell gland, ileum, and liver, circulating vitamin D3 metabolites, and bone quality parameters in humerus, tibia, and keel bone. Though diet did not heavily influence gene expression at 31 weeks, several significant differences were observed between 18- and 31-week-old hens. Heightened sensitivity to hormones regulating calcium and phosphorus homeostasis was observed at 31 weeks, indicated by increased parathyroid hormone receptor 1, calcium-sensing receptor, calcitonin receptor, and fibroblast growth factor 23 receptors in several tissues. Increased renal expression of 25-hydroxylase and vitamin D binding protein (DBP) at 31 weeks suggests kidney participates in local vitamin D3 25-hydroxylation and DBP synthesis after egg production begins. Biologically active 1,25(OH)2D3 was higher at 31 weeks, with correspondingly lower inactive 24,25(OH)2D3. Increased expression of plasma membrane calcium ATPase 1 and calbindin in kidney, shell gland, and ileum suggests these are key facilitators of calcium uptake. Elevated renal inorganic phosphorus transporter 1 and 2 and sodium-dependent phosphate transporter IIa at 31 weeks suggests increased phosphorus excretion following hyperphosphatemia due to bone breakdown for eggshell formation. Diet did influence bone quality parameters. Bone mineral density in both humerus and tibia was higher in AlphaD3-supplemented hens at 31 weeks. Tibial bone mineral content increased between 18 and 31 weeks, with AlphaD3-supplemented hens increasing more than control hens. Moreover, control hens exhibited diminished tibial breaking strength at 31 weeks compared to hens at 18 weeks, while AlphaD3-supplemented hens did not. Together, these results indicate supplementation with AlphaD3 enhanced bone mineralization during the medullary bone formation period and elucidate the adaptive pathways regulating calcium and phosphorus utilization after the onset of lay.

Copyright of China Fiber Inspection / Zhongguo Xian-Jian is the property of China Fiber Inspection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper investigates the effect of machine setting on breaking strength, breaking elongation, and pick-up percentage of sized yarn properties. The factors considered are concentration of size solution, squeezing pressure and counts of yarn, the aim to develop a regression model that shows the effect of factors on size pick-up percentage, breaking strength regain, and loss in breaking elongation. The experiment is conducted by using 16 Ne and 21 Ne of cotton yarn, 3 Bar and 5 Bar of squeezing pressure, and 1.9% and 6% of size concentration with maize starch as sizing agent. A factorial design with two factors and 5 replicants has been used to design the experiment and analyze the results. The result showed that a slight change in squeezing pressure and concentration significantly affects the pick-up percentage, breaking strength regain and breaking elongation loss while a change of yarn count would not have a significant effect on the pick-up percentage of sized yarn. Furthermore, for achieving optimum properties of the sized yarn the pressure of squeezing, the count of the yarn and the concentration of the solution should be adjusted, and a regression model is developed to investigate the properties of the sized yarn by considering considered factors.

Copyright of Wool Textile Journal is the property of National Wool Textile Science & Technology Information Center and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Active bone remodeling processes can be altered by the presence of reactive oxygen species and, therefore, cause leg problems in broiler chickens. The antioxidant activity present in grape seed extract (GSE) could be a viable alternative to high inclusion levels of vitamin E (VE) as a nutritional strategy to improve the antioxidant capacity of birds and, thus, prevent leg abnormalities. Objective: To evaluate the effect of partial substitution of VE with grape GSE on leg health and performance of broiler chickens. Methods: Four hundred and twenty newly-hatched Ross 308 male broiler chickens were distributed into three treatments: 1) Control-AL, a diet containing 40 IU/kg of VE and fed ad libitum (CAL); 2) Control-FR, the CAL diet but offered through a feed restriction program (CFR); and 3) grape seed extract-AL, a diet containing 10 mg/kg of GSE + 10 IU/kg of VE fed ad libitum (GSE-AL). The trial was conducted for 47 days. Feed intake and body weight of the chickens were recorded weekly to evaluate performance. At day 43, gait score (GS), valgus/varus angulation (AngV), foot burn (FB), and hock burn (HB) lesions were evaluated. At day 47, tibia-breaking strength (TBS) and gastrocnemius tendon-breaking strength (GTBS) were evaluated. Results: Birds in the GSE-AL treatment showed reduced (p=0.05) GS compared to the other treatments. No statistical differences (p>0.05) were found in AngV, HB, FB, TBS, TGBS, and growth performance among treatments. Conclusions: These results suggest that GSE may partially replace VE in broiler diets without negative effects on growth performance or leg health. Further research is required to evaluate the potential of grape seed extract to replace VE or other ingredients with antioxidant activity under different rearing conditions and feeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the relationship between the damage intensity by different gastrointestinal contents to the botulinum toxin type D and the sensitivity of the rodents to the botulinum toxin type D of rats in plateau grazing area, the median lethal dose (LD50) of botulinum toxin type D to Ochotona curzoniae, Eospalax baileyi and Neodon fuscus were determined by Hohn's method. The toxin residues of three kinds of gastrointestinal contents and their supernatant after interaction with type D botulinum toxin were determined. The results showed that the LD50 of type D botulinum toxin to Ochotona curzoniae, Eospalax baileyi, and Neodon fuscus were 5，110, 5，840, and 50，100 MLD/kg, respectively. The damage intensity of the order of the stomach and intestinal contents to the toxin was Neodon fuscus, Eospalax baileyi, and Ochotona curzoniae. The gastric and intestinal contents of the three kinds of rodents had different destructive effects on botulinum toxin type D, and there was a positive correlation between LD50 and toxin residue. The difference of gastric and intestinal environment is one of the reasons for the difference of sensitivity of different harmful rodents to botulinum toxin type D. The result of this study is of significance for the future selection and breeding of efficient and specific botulinum toxin type D biological rodenticide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cotton Textile Technology is the property of Cotton Textile Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of China Synthetic Fiber Industry is the property of Sinopec Baling Petrochemical Company and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Advanced Textile Technology is the property of Zhejiang Sci-Tech University Magazines and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

ABSTRACT: During the storage irreversible changes occur in eggs that result in a deterioration of their quality. The most significant changes affect the albumen. One of the major proteins of albumen present in egg white is lysozyme, which protects the embryo from microorganisms. This enzyme also contributes to the qualitative characteristics of albumen. It is possible that its polymorphism also affects the quality and stability of the obtained raw material that is, table eggs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the potential effect of polymorphism in the lysozyme gene and protein on the quality changes during the storage of eggs derived from 2 genetic strains of Japanese quail belonging to various utility types. Eggs from selected females of laying and meat-type breeds were stored for 14 wk. During this period the egg quality traits were evaluated 10 times. DNA was isolated from each female and all exons of the lysozyme gene had been sequenced. In total, fourteen SNPs’ and one 4-bp indel mutation were identified in exons and adjacent intronic sequences, among which SNP1 (1:32140723) resulted in a substitution of lysine with glutamine (Q21K). The results showed that SNP1 (strain S22), as well as the SNP2, SNP5, SNP7, SNP8, SNP10, SNP11, SNP12 and SNP13 were significantly associated with breaking strength during egg storage in both investigated Japanese quail strains. Furthermore, a 3 haplotype blocks containing nine SNPs (2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 13) were identified. These blocks displayed 8 distinct haplotypes that had significant association with breaking strength at all storage time points where egg quality analyses were performed. The study also revealed significant effects of breed and storage time on the egg quality traits. These results provide new insights into the genetic basis of egg quality during storage and could be incorporated into the breeding programs involving these strains.

Copyright of Advanced Textile Technology is the property of Zhejiang Sci-Tech University Magazines and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Indonesian Fisheries Processing Journal / Jurnal Pengolahan Hasil Perikanan Indonesia is the property of IPB University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Cotton Textile Technology is the property of Cotton Textile Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Textiles & Engineers / Tekstil ve Mühendis is the property of Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers & Architects, Chamber of Textile Engineers and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Textiles & Engineers / Tekstil ve Mühendis is the property of Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers & Architects, Chamber of Textile Engineers and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Equine Veterinary Journal is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Comparative tests of the following fibers are conducted under the same conditions: mineral (basalt, glass), carbon, chemical (polycaproamide, polyacrylonitrile, viscose fibers), and vegetable (bast fibers of linen, hemp, nettle). The diameter of a monofiber, linear density, breaking strength of a roving (a bundle of fibers) and microplastics, breaking tenacity, and gain ratio are assessed. Glass and basalt fibers have the highest linear density of 1200–2500 tex; carbon, 378 tex; chemical, 183 tex (except for PANF, which has 826 tex); and bast vegetable fibers, 440–630 tex. The breaking tenacity for glass rovings and basalt rovings is comparable of 240–264 mN/tex and is the highest of 597 mN/tex for carbon rovings; the gain ratio is 2–2.25. For chemical fibers, the breaking tenacity is 282–323 mN/tex (92 mN/tex in viscose ones) and the gain ratio is 0.5–0.9. Of vegetable fibers, the highest breaking strength of 93–102 mN/tex is in the fibers of linen and hemp, which exceeds this parameter for a viscose fiber; the gain ratio is 1.6 in hemp and 4.39 in linen. In fibers of nettle, the results are the lowest among vegetable fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The indicators of adhesion of adhesives based on copolymers of sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonate with acrylamide, methacrylamide, and sodium acrylate and methacrylate to silicate glass and paper products depending on the chemical nature of the comonomer and ratio of the monomer units in a macromolecule are determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alterations in feed ingredients and the nutrient matrix to produce reduced-protein diets may affect bone morphology and mineralization in laying hens. This study was implemented to determine the effects of L-arginine (Arg), guanidinoacetic acid (GAA), and L-citrulline (Cit) supplementation to Arg-deficient reduced-protein diets on bone morphology, strength, and mineralization status of laying hens. Individually housed Hy-Line Brown laying hens were evenly distributed to five dietary treatments with 25 replicates per treatment from 20 to 40 wk of age. Treatments consisted of a standard protein diet (17% crude protein, SP), a reduced-protein diet deficient in Arg (13% crude protein, RP), and RP supplemented with Arg (0.35% Arg, RP-Arg), GAA (0.46% GAA equivalent to 0.35% Arg, RP-GAA), or Cit (0.35% Cit equivalent to 0.35% Arg, RP-Cit) to reach the Arg level of SP diets. Birds fed the SP diet had similar bone weight, ash, length, width, Seedor index, breaking strength, and serum mineral concentration, but higher toe B level (P

Much of Agriculture focuses its efforts on research, technological development and providing elements to increase production and productivity. That is why the study of the physical-mechanical properties is of great importance to improve the design and construction of equipment and structures for the handling, collection, transport, cleaning, classification and agro-industrial processing, as well as their use as data for entry to the theoretical model that bases the design and operation parameters of the machines. The work was carried out in the Quality Laboratory of the Faculty of Technical Sciences, Agrarian University of Havana, which had the objective of determining the physical-mechanical properties of black bean grains (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) var. BAT 304 which were obtained from "El Guayabal" Farm, belonging to the Agrarian University of Havana, in full harvest maturity. The following values were obtained: mass, 19.99 g; bulk density, 1.35 g/cm³; sphericity, 0.92; geometric diameter, 2.75 mm; arithmetic diameter, 7.26 mm; length, 9.93mm; width, 6.62mm; thickness, 4.86mm; breaking force, 10.21 kgf and firmness 19.83 kgf. The coefficient of friction on a steel surface reached an average value of 18.4 and the angle of free fall was 26.6°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study yarn unevenness, diameter variation, hairiness and strength properties of slub yarns with various slub structures were investigated. The yarns (Ne20) in different slub thickness (1.2, 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8), slub length (1 - 3, 5 - 7 and 10 - 12 cm.), slub frequency (0.5, 3 and 6 pcs/m) and slub ramp length (1, 2 and 4 cm.) were produced from PET fibers. The multipopulation slub yarn, which has two-slub length, was also spun. The measurements of the yarns were made on the Fancy Yarn Profile of the Uster Tester 5 and the Uster Tensojet devices. The values of the test result were analyzed and evaluated statically. The slub parameters were found to have a significant effect on the unevenness and strength properties of the yarns. As the slub thickness, slub length and frequency increased, the yarn unevenness, hairiness increased and the yarn strength decreased. Medium ramp length was found suitable for higher breaking strength and elongation of the slub yarns and it was determined that the number of population was found statistically significant for these properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem that the pure ramie yarn has more hairiness and then the produced textile is easy to produce itching feeling, the superfine ramie yarn made from dissolving ramie/vinylon blended yarn was used as the core, and the colored polyester roving and natural cotton roving as the overwrapped fibre to spin the polyester/cotton/ramie siro core-spun yarn. The tensile strength, abrasion resistance, hairiness and evenness of the obtained core-spun yarn were tested. The results show that the core-spun yarn has flat surface and the core is not easy to leak out when the twist direction of the spinning yarn is the same as that of the core. The critical twist coefficient of polyesler/cotton/ramie siro core-spun yarn is about 360. With the increase of twist coefficient, the unevenness and abrasion resistance of polyester/cotton/ramie siro core-spun yarn increased first and then decreased. With the increase of ramie content, the abrasion resistance and elongation at break of polyester/cotton/ramie siro core-spun yarn decreased gradually, while the breaking strength first decreased. When the increased, and the smallest breaking strength 1. 67 cN/tex was observed when ramie content was 17%. The polyester/cotton/ramie siro core-spun yarn with super-fine ramie core has better appearance and physical and mechanical properties, and makes the ramie fiber has a wider application prospect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: In order to analyze the relationship between organic matrix and eggshell properties in Muscovy duck eggshells with different qualities, the organic matrices in the eggshells of normal, pimpled, and striped eggs of white-feathered Muscovy ducks were extracted and separated into acid-insoluble, water-insoluble, and facultative-soluble matrix (both acid- and water-soluble). There was no significant difference in calcified shell thickness between normal and pimpled eggs. However, the percentages of acid-insoluble matrix and total matrix were significantly higher, and the breaking strength was significantly lower in pimpled eggs than those in normal eggs. In striped eggs, the percentages of acid-insoluble matrix, facultative-soluble matrix, and total matrix, calcified shell weight, calcified shell thickness, and breaking strength were significantly lower than those in normal eggs. The amount and percentage of 3 organic matrices (water-insoluble matrix, facultative-soluble matrix, and total matrix) were significantly positively correlated with calcified shell thickness in normal eggs rather than striped and pimpled eggs. Our results also demonstrated that there was no linear correlation between the organic components in the 3 Muscovy duck eggshells and the mechanical properties of the eggshells. The lower breaking strength of pimpled eggshells might be due to the unbalanced enrichment of certain proteins, whereas the striped eggs might mainly result from thinner calcified shells and poor balance between different sedimentary layers.

Natural gut harp strings are made from twisted bundles of gut strips, which are dried, ground, and varnished. The effects of varying the twist angle and surface finishing on the mechanical properties of gut harp strings have been explored. Strings were tested over a range of twist angles from 23.5 ∘ to 58.3 ∘ , and with all four combinations of ground or unground and varnished or unvarnished surface finishing. The principal effects of varying the degree of twisting were that the breaking strength and tensile Young's modulus both fell as the twist angle was increased. String makers must therefore make a compromise between sound quality and string strength and durability. Leaving the string unvarnished dramatically increased the sensitivity to changes in humidity, which, in turn, affected the thermal tuning sensitivity and creep behaviour. Grinding the string surface prior to varnishing had no significant effect on the behaviour, but did make some difference to the thermal tuning sensitivity if the string was left unvarnished. Increasing the humidity frequently triggered episodes of additional string creep. There appeared to be a threshold effect, with the additional creep triggered when the string linear density exceeded its previous maximum. When the string was not creeping, there appeared to be a strong coupling mechanism between changes in the linear density and complementary changes in the string tension, such that there was almost no net effect on the string frequency. This behaviour was independent of the twist angle and the surface finishing, suggesting that whatever the coupling mechanism was, it was not dependent on the twisted structure of the string. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Wool Textile Journal is the property of National Wool Textile Science & Technology Information Center and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Antibacterial finishing effect of quaternarized/N-halamine chitosan on cotton fabric was studied. Cotton fabric was treated by butane tetracarboxylic acid as cross-linking agent and quaternarized/N-halamine chitosan as antibacterial agent by leaching, baking and chlorination. The related properties of the fabric were tested and studied. The results showed that the finished cotton fabric had better crease recovery and antibacterial properties. The chlorinated fabric achieved higher efficiency and rapid sterilization. It is considered that the finished cotton fabric is expected to be used in the field of home textiles and industrial textiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Wool Textile Journal is the property of National Wool Textile Science & Technology Information Center and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this study, a fiber chain was developed to replace a steel chain using high-modulus polyethylene DM20. The pick count, wrapping count, and inner length were selected as the main design variables of the fiber chain and were analyzed to increase the breaking strength. Orthogonal array experiments were conducted, and the results were analyzed with respect to the breaking strength. The analysis revealed that the pick count and wrapping count had meaningful effects at significance levels within 5%. The main effect analysis revealed that a smaller pick count, larger wrapping count, and longer inner length caused the breaking strength to increase. With the wrapping count fixed at 1, a pick count less than -0.65, and an inner length greater than 0.38, the breaking strength was calculated to be greater than 300 kN. These results are expected be important factors in the derivation of an optimal combination of design variables to attain a fiber chain with a targeted strength.

Tensile properties are important to wool fiber because of their direct effect on the mechanical properties of wool yarns and fabrics. Many studies have been conducted to understand these fiber properties of conventional merino (CM) wool, while those of Australian Soft Rolling Skin (SRS) wool are not yet clear. In this work, SRS wool was compared with CM wool to find out the difference in these two types of wool and explore the underlying reasons for this difference. Experimental results indicate that there is no statistically significant difference in the breaking strength between SRS and CM wool, while the average breaking elongation is slightly higher for SRS wool (37%) than CM wool (34%). SRS wool (2.38 GPa) has a lower modulus than CM wool (2.53 GPa). The lower coefficient of variation of mean fiber diameter (MFD) along fiber length (fiber irregularity) is likely responsible for the higher breaking elongation for SRS wool. These findings add new knowledge to the literature on SRS wool and may have implications for the processing performance of SRS wool.

Ultrasonic welding is a welding method that has been applied for welding nonwoven fabrics, with many advantages such as fast speed, high reliability, easy automation and especially less pollution to the environment. This paper studies the optimization of technological parameters in the welding process such as welding time, pressure, and weld shape on the breaking strength of ultrasonic welding of Polypropylene (PP) nonwovens. To evaluate the influence level and find the reasonable technological parameters domain in the paper, the Taguchi method is used in combination with the face-centered central composite design (FCCCD) response surface method. The research results have determined the regression equations used to calculate the breaking strength for each weld shape as well as the optimal domain for the main technological parameters, ensuring the breaking strength of the weld. There are different degrees of influence of technological parameters (shape of the weld zone, welding time and welding pressure) on the breaking strength of ultrasonic welds. Among them, the influence level of welding time t is 45.31 %, the weld shape is Pattern 2 with the rate of 30.03 %, and the welding pressure is 24.66 %. Carrying out a verification test with the welding parameters: t = 1.6 s, p = 3.1 kgf/cm2, two patterns (Pattern 2 and Pattern 3), the result of breaking strength for patterns was achieved. Pattern 2 has a difference of 1.19 % between the regression equation results and the actual experimental results, while the figure for Pattern 3 is 0.77 %. From these results, it is possible to select the appropriate technological parameters for ultrasonic welding equipment when processing products from nonwoven fabrics to ensure the highest quality and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a natural textile material, raw silk is beloved by people because of its unique and elegant qualities. And light and thin silk fabrics are gradually favored by people with the increasing prosperity of life. The requirements of silk weaving on raw silk tensile properties are gradually increasing to meet the supply demand for silk fabrics and the production of high-quality fabrics. Raw silk’s tensile qualities are influenced by various parameters, including raw silk cohesiveness, average size, cocoon dependability, sericin loss, and moisture regain. Among them, the key determining factors are cocoon quality and raw silk moisture regain. The cocoon quality can be improved through the cocoon selection stage. However, in the weaving process, the adjustment of moisture regains and the adjustment range are both based on experience, which means that the tensile qualities of raw silk cannot be accurately improved. To accurately improve the tensile properties of raw silk in weaving production, we studied the correlation between the tensile properties and the moisture regains of raw silk from three aspects: microscopic perspective, sampling test, and random batch test. Firstly, we analyzed the influencing factors of raw silk tensile properties after observing the microstructure changes of raw silk using the electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. Then, we obtained the corresponding average breaking strength and average elongation at break of raw silk by studying the moisture regain of raw silk changes step by step through the sampling test method. After that, we obtained the correlation between the average breaking strength and the moisture regain, and between the average elongation at break and the moisture regain, and the regression equations involving correlation. Finally, we verified the correlation between the tensile properties and moisture regains of raw silk by randomly sampling raw silk in batches, and further obtained the relationship between the tensile properties and moisture regains of raw silk with different cocoon qualities. The results showed that: (i) the appearance of isolated point sizes of the test sample appear will affect the strength test results of the raw silk multifilament, the reelability and cleanness of cocoon raw materials will affect the breaking strength of raw silk, and the sericin dissolution rate in silk reeling process will affect the elongation at break of raw silk. (ii) The mechanism of raw silk tensile strength is that sericin viscosity decreases first, and then cocoon filament cracking occurs, and the silk fibroin fiber in the center of cocoon filament elongates synchronously. (iii) With the increase of the drawing ratio, the cocoon filaments that make up raw silk tend to split, and the fibre diameter has no obvious difference. Compared with raw silk without drawing and degumming, the cocoon silk of raw silk after drawing 20% and degumming is significantly thinner. (iv) In the tensile property test of the same batch of raw silk, the average moisture regain has a linear relationship with the average breaking strength and the average elongation but has no linear relationship with the breaking strength. (v) In the random batch raw silk performance test, the average moisture regain strongly correlates with the average breaking strength and average elongation at break. Further, the linear regression equations of the average moisture regain and the breaking strength and the average breaking length for different cocoon qualities are obtained based on the difference between the dry and fresh cocoon reeling processes. Still, the average moisture regains and breaking strength do not show a linear relationship. The linear relationship between the tensile properties and the moisture regain of raw silk has a strong correlation, which can accurately improve the tensile properties of raw silk in the weaving process, reduce the problems of breaking and cutting in the weaving process, and further improve the weaving production efficiency. At the same time, the linear relationship between raw silk tensile properties and moisture regain is proposed, which provides guidance for the correction of the raw silk strength test results in the non-constant temperature and humidity environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Ceramic is an engineering material that has endeared itself to many sectors especially the building services sector where it is used for floor tiles. Machining is a necessary finishing operation after casting and other forming operations. A very important machining operation performed on ceramic materials such as tiles is grinding to pave way for easy installation, aesthetics and safety. This work investigates the elemental and chemical composition of the raw materials used in the production of the ceramic tiles under investigation and study the effect of different grinding procedures on some mechanical properties of the ceramic tiles. The tiles were ground at two different grinding speeds and two different levels (continuous and intermittent at 2 seconds intervals). Breaking strength, flexural strength, hardness, and surface roughness before and after grinding were analyzed using the Signal-to-Noise (S/N) ratio. The result revealed that the elements and their respective oxides present in the raw materials were able to give strength, rigidity and support to the ceramic article. Also, grinding was found to affect the mechanical properties of the ceramic tile samples as the breaking strength and flexural strength reduces from 339.77 N for the control sample to as low as 273.30 N and 16.40 N/mm² respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to elucidate the texture characteristics of machine-made somen noodles based on their microstructure. The findings of sensory tests revealed that the firmness (elasticity) of somen noodles increased in the following order: machine-made somen (Kanzaki Somen, MS1), hand-pulled somen (Ibonoito, TS), and machine-made somen (Number One, MS2). On the other hand, when firmness was determined by measuring breaking strength, somen was stronger in the order of MS1 < MS2 < TS. Synchrotron radiation computed tomography (CT) scan measurements showed that the TS somen (dry noodle) had a large band of voids at their center, and that some of these bands of voids remained after boiling. This difference in the structure of the outer and inner portions is thought to be the reason for the higher firmness. On the other hand, the small voids that were evenly distributed inside the machine-made somen noodles were identified as the cause of the low breaking strength. However, the sensory tests showed that MS2 had higher firmness than TS, suggesting that the rate of water absorption during boiling also affected somen texture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characteristics such as drip rate and muscle toughness are important for evaluating the quality of the fish to be used in the production of frozen sashimi products. This study aimed to characterize the seasonal changes of quality deterioration in the muscles of the spotted mackerel Scomber australasicus and the Pacific mackerel Scomber japonicus in response to the spawning period. We detected muscle deterioration (high drip rate and softening) and an acidic pH when both species neared their spawning seasons. The drip rate was higher and the muscle was softer in the frozen–thawed muscle of the spotted mackerel than those of the Pacific mackerel. Furthermore, in both species, the drip rate weakly correlated with water content (r = 0.34 and 0.23, respectively) and negatively correlated with pH (r = −0.60 and −0.59, respectively); the muscle toughness also correlated with muscle pH (r = 0.41 and 0.44, respectively). These data suggest that (1) changes in drip rate and muscle toughness are seasonal, (2) the drip rate increases with an increase in the water content and with an acidic pH, and (3) muscle toughness is influenced by an acidic pH in the frozen–thawed muscles of both species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Advanced Textile Technology is the property of Zhejiang Sci-Tech University Magazines and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Cotton Textile Technology is the property of Cotton Textile Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Nutrient restriction is a common strategy to prevent metabolic disorders in fast growing broiler chickens, but limited information is available regarding the impact of diets with low protein and energy on leg abnormalities. Objective: Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of varying crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) levels on gastrocnemius tendon (GTeBS) and tibia breaking strength (TiBS), gait score (GS) and valgus/varus angulation (VAng). Methods: In Experiment 1, eight-d-old Ross 308 broilers (n=90) were randomly assigned into three treatments: 13/2,900 (13% CP and 2,900 kcal ME kg-1 of diet), 17/3,000 (17% CP and 3,000 kcal ME kg-1 of diet), and 21/3,025 or control (21% CP and 3,025 kcal ME kg-1 of diet). In Experiment 2, six-d-old Ross 308 chickens (n=192) were randomly distributed into two treatments: 16/3,000; 16% CP and 3,000 kcal ME kg-1 of diet and 21/3,000 or control; 21% CP and 3,000 kcal ME kg-1 of diet. In both experiments data were analyzed as one-way ANOVA. Results: In Experiment 1, broilers in the 17/3,000 and control treatments had similar (p>0.05) GTeBS (202 and 224 N, respectively), and TiBS (338 and 332 N, respectively). Birds in the 13/2,900 treatment showed higher GS (lower walking ability; 80% of birds with score >3), and greater VAng (53% of birds with score >2) than broilers in the control treatment (0% of birds with GS score >3 and 0% of birds with VAng score >2). Experiment 2, broilers in the 16/3,000 showed similar VAng, GS and TiBS than birds in the control treatment. However, birds in the 16/3,000 treatment showed lower (-26%) GTeBS than birds in the control treatment (p

Leaf decay in seagrasses is enhanced in some seasons since large green senescent beach-cast seagrass leaves are frequently recorded during autumn and winter seasons. Here, we explore if senescence is operating in seagrass leaf decay or if hydrodynamic stress is responsible for the seasonal leaf abscission. A seasonal study on the temperate seagrass Cymodocea nodosa was carried out in four locations with contrasting hydrodynamic regimes. The morphological, biomechanical and material properties of C. nodosa were measured. The force required to break the ligule was always lower than that required to break the blade. This could be considered an adaptive strategy to reduce acute drag forces and thus lessen the chance of plant uprooting. The absolute force needed to dislodge the blade at the ligule level varied with season and location, with the lowest forces recorded in autumn. This may indicate that senescence is operating in this species. On the other hand, the minimum estimated failure velocities for leaf abscission were also recorded in autumn. Consequently, this may cause the premature shedding of leaves in this season before the senescence process has finished and can probably explain the occurrence of green beach-cast seagrass leaves usually found during autumn and winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this study, in order to improve mechanical properties of cotton fabrics, nano‐micro sized calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was deposited in situ on cotton fabrics. The mechanical properties, surface morphology, crystalline index, infrared spectrum, thermal property, and wettability of the deposited fabrics were measured and discussed. The results showed that the breaking strength of cotton fabric increased by about 10% after in situ deposition of nano‐micro calcium carbonate. After ultrasonic washing, the strength of cotton fabric deposited CaCO3 was still increased by about 10%. The crystallinity of the cotton fabric deposited with calcium carbonate increased from 76% to 84%. The hydrogen bond between cellulose molecules and calcium carbonate was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. The hydrophilicity and thermal properties of cotton fabric were not significantly influenced by calcium carbonate deposition. This provides a new idea for improving the mechanical properties of cotton fabric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cotton Textile Technology is the property of Cotton Textile Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)