The evolution of primate short-term memory

Short-term memory is implicated in a range of cognitive abilities and is critical for understanding primate cognitive evolution. To investigate the effects of phylogeny, ecology and sociality on short-term memory, we tested the largest and most diverse primate sample to date (421 non-human primates across 41 species) in an experimental delayed-response task. Our results confirm previous findings that longer delays decrease memory performance across species and taxa. Our analyses demonstrate a considerable contribution of phylogeny over ecological and social factors on the distribution of short-term memory performance in primates; closely related species had more similar short-term memory abilities. Overall, individuals in the branch of Hominoidea performed better compared to Cercopithecoidea, who in turn performed above Platyrrhini and Strepsirrhini. Interdependencies between phylogeny and socioecology of a given species presented an obstacle to disentangling the effects of each of these factors on the evolution of shortterm memory capacity. However, this study offers an important step forward in understanding the interspecies and individual variation in short-term memory ability by providing the first phylogenetic reconstruction of this trait’s evolutionary history. The dataset constitutes a unique resource for studying the evolution of primate cognition and the role of short-term memory in other cognitive abilities

Colorful and facile in situ nanosilver coating on sisal/cotton interwoven fabrics mediated from European larch heartwood

Abstract This study reports on a novel coloration approach for sisal/cotton interwoven fabric via in situ synthesis of European larch (Larix decidua) heartwood-anchored sustainable nanosilver. The heartwood extracts functioned as the reducing and stabilizing agent in reaction systems. The deposited silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) over the fabric surfaces displayed brilliant coloration effects with improved fastness ratings and color strengths (K/S). The successful depositions of nanosilvers were quantified and increasing trends in K/S values with the increase in silver precursor loading were discovered. The concentrations of AgNPs deposited on fabric surfaces were found to be 16 mg/L, 323 mg/L, and 697 mg/L, which were measured through an iCP OES (atomic absorption spectroscopy) test. The K/S values obtained for different loadings of silver precursors (0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 mM (w/v)) are 2.74, 6.76, and 8.96. Morphological studies of the control and AgNP-treated fabrics also displayed a uniform and homogeneous distribution of AgNPs over the fabric surfaces. FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) studies of the sustainably developed materials further confirms the successful bonding between the fabrics and AgNPs. Furthermore, stability against temperature was also noticed as per TGA (thermogravimetric analysis) and DTG (derivative TG) analysis although there was a slight decline from the control sisal/cotton interwoven fabrics observed. Statistically, regression analysis and ANOVA tests were conducted to understand the significance of increased nanosilver loading on sisal/cotton interwoven fabrics. In summary, the perceived results demonstrated successful coloration and functionalization of sisal/cotton interwoven fabrics through green AgNPs, which could indicate a new milestone for industrial production units

Flame-retardant hybrid composite manufacturing through reinforcing lignocellulosic and carbon fibers reinforced with epoxy resin (F@LC)

Novel flame retardant hybrid composites were developed from lignocellulosic and carbon fibers reinforced with epoxy resin using hot pressing technology. The size of the lignocellulosic fibers was within 0.045 to 0.8 mm, and the carbon fibers ranged from 5 to 8 mm. The nominal thickness of the composites was 10 mm, whereas the nominal density was 730 kg/m 3 . The composite dimensions were 400 × 400 mm 2 . The developed panels were tested for internal bonding strength and flexural properties to investigate their mechanical performance. Furthermore, SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) test was conducted to examine the morphologies of the products before and after fracture and found substantial quantities of both types of fiber in the composite system. The EDX (Energy disruptive X-ray) analysis also displayed the chemical elements present in the developed products. Moreover, an FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) study showed strong chemical interactions among the lignocellulosic and carbon fibers with the thermosetting epoxy polymers. The flame retardancy tests of the composite materials also showed significant thermal stability, especially after loading carbon fibers in the composite system. Moreover, dimensional stability showed an improving trend with the increase of carbon fibers as the reinforcement. Overall, the composite materials developed using lignocellulosic and carbon fibers with epoxy resin are showing a novel route to develop composites with high mechanical performance and considerable flame retardancy

Jerusalem artichoke powder as a food additive in bakery products

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether Jerusalem artichoke powder produced by a simple drying method is suitable for replacing inulin as a dietary fibre in bread. Baking probe was performed using 0, 5, and 10% Jerusalem artichoke (JA) powder and 2.5 and 5% inulin (IN) on wheat flour weight basis. Functional properties of bread loafs were tested by Stable Micro System TA TX2i Texture Analyser (SMS) after 0, 24, 48, and 72 h storage. It was concluded that using inulin as a dietary fibre did not deteriorate the baking quality of bread, however, shelflife slightly decreased. Jerusalem artichoke powder compared to inulin had similar effect on the baking properties of bread. Based on our results, JA powder proved to be a promising alternative for fibre enhancement in bread

Jerusalem artichoke powder as a food additive in dairy products and fat replacers

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the Jerusalem artichoke powder produced by a simple drying method is suitable for replacing inulin in dairy products and in fat replacer mixtures. Rheological properties of milk drinks were tested by rotational method measuring the flow curve and fitting the Herschel-Bulkley model. The Jerusalem artichoke powder showed similar rheological behaviour as the commercially available inulin and proved to be a more effective thickener in milk drinks as indicated by the higher consistency values at the same concentration. Panelists found milk drinks prepared with Jerusalem artichoke powder to have similar sensorial quality as prepared with inulin. Fat replacer mixtures were tested by oscillatory tests using amplitude sweep method. The samples containing Jerusalem artichoke powder had lower complex viscosity and initial G’ and G” values indicating weaker gel forming properties compared to inulin. However, lower slope of G’ and G” indicated their better spreadability. The organoleptic texture properties of fat replacer prepared with Jerusalem artichoke powder proved to be slightly better than that of the inulin containing mixture. Based on our results, the Jerusalem artichoke powder seems to be suitable to replace inulin as a natural additive in certain food products