Impedance of cylindrical antennas in plasma - A review

Cylindrical antenna impedance in linear cold or warm plasma

Sensory characteristics and lipid composition of white amur (Ctenopharyngodon Idella) fed different diets

Two fish diets, trout chow pellets (A) and alfalfa pellets (P), were evaluated as to their effects on growth, lipid level and compo-sition, fatty acid (FA) composition of polar and neutral lipids, and sensory characteristics of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). During the 6 month feeding experiment, fish fed A gained 661 g/fish compared to 358 g for fish fed P. In addition, total lipid con-tent in fish fed A increased from 1.84 to 3.72% in 4 months time, but remained approximately the same in fish fed P (P\u3c 1.0%) across feed-ing times. Three phospholipid classes: sphingomyelin (6 to 13%), lecithin (55 to 63%), and cephalin (25 to 35%) were affected by feed-ing time (P\u3c0.05). Nineteen FA were found in the phospholipids: 14:0, 16:01, 16:0, 16:1, 18:0, 18:1, 18:11, 18:2ω6, 18:3ω6, 18:3ω3, 20:1, 20:2, 20:3, 20:4ω6, 20:5ω3, 20:5ω6, 22:5uω3, 22:6ω3, and 24:1. Significant differences between diets were found in the percentages of 14 acids, and feeding time also significantly affected the levels of these acids. All of the previous FA except 16:01 plus 9 additional 16:11, 17:0, 17:1, 20:0, 22:1, 23:0, 24:0, 24:4 and an unknown, were found in the neutral lipids. Significant differences between diets were found in the percentages of 18 acids in the neutral lipids, and feeding time significantly affected the levels of 19 of the acids. Compared with fish fed P, fish fed A had higher levels of monounsatur-ated FA (MONO) and lower levels of omega-6 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) in both neutral and polar lipids; there were higher levels of saturated FA (SAT) and omega-S PUFA in the phospholipids but lower levels of SAT and omega-3 PUFA in the neutral lipids. Compared to P, A had lower percentages of SAT (40.9 vs. 51.1), omega-6 PUFA (12.1 vs. 18.2), and omega-3 PUFA (15.8 vs. 24.7) and a higher percentage of MONO (31.0 vs. 5.3). There was no significant difference between the flavor of grass carp fed P (3.6) and that of catfish (3.7), but the panel (n = 93) scored the flavor of grass carp fed A (3.4) lower than that of catfish (P\u3c0.06). They also found no significant differences in texture among the three fish samples. Compared with catfish acceptability (3.6), grass carp fed P tended to have lower acceptability (3.4), but grass carp fed A a significantly lower acceptability (3.3). The main reason given for scoring the acceptability of grass carp lower than that of catfish was the presence of small bones in the fillets. This indicates that either grass carp must be bigger at market-size than those in this study (1585 g) or the bones must somehow be removed

Growth and organoleptic qualities of grass carp fed experimental diets

The growth of two different sizes of grass carp were studied in laboratory feeding experiments. Experimental diets included trout chow, bermuda grass pellets, and sudan grass; fish were fed at three feeding rates, 2.5, 5, and 10% of body weight. The fish that were fed trout chow showed excellent growth of small and large fish at 2.5, 5, and 10%. Bermuda grass produced good growth only in large fish at the 2.5% level and better growth at 5%. Small fish lost weight when fed bermuda grass at the 5 and 10% rates. This was probably due to the smaller fish being unable to consume the large pellets. The fish fed sudan grass at 2.5% body weight also lost weight during the six-week feeding trial. Organoleptic comparisons indicated that there was a significant difference in the taste preference of grass carp fed bermuda grass and trout chow. The panelists preferred fish fed bermuda grass more than those fed trout chow. There was no significant difference in the taste preference among grass carp fed bermuda grass, trout chow, and sudan grass when compared to channel catfish

Estimation of Pulmonary Functions and Cardiovascular Indices among Workers in Al-Samawa Oil Refinery

Background: Oil refinery employees suffer from exposure to fumes from petrol that contain harmful chemicals that can hurt the lungs and cardiovascular system. This research aimed to assess workers' health at the Al-Samawa oil refinery in Iraq, specifically their pulmonary function and cardiovascular wellness. Methods and Results: Sixty workers at the Al-Samawa oil refinery, with a mean exposure duration of 8.7±4.23 years, were compared to sixty non-exposed healthy participants (the control group) of the same age, height, and weight. Workers at the Al-Samawa oil refinery were divided into three subgroups of twenty each based on their work: production workers (PW), operation workers (OW), and technical workers (TW). Pulmonary function was evaluated using a spirometer, and blood pressure was recorded using a digital wrist cuff monitor. The current study demonstrated that there was a highly significant drop in the mean values of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC%, PEFR, and FEF25-75% of employees at the Al-Samawa oil refinery, in comparison with the control. According to our findings, the mean values of FVC and FEV1 among PW and OW were significantly lower than the control values. In addition, among OW and TW, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC significantly decreased, compared to control. Furthermore, the mean values of PEFR and FEF25%-75% in OW were significantly lower than the control. Mean FVC, PEFR, and FEF25%-75% values were significantly lower in OW than in PW and TW. Furthermore, the mean values of FEV1 and FEV1/FVC in OW were significantly lower than in PW. Systolic BP and diastolic BP were significantly higher in the Al-Samawa oil refinery workers than in the control. Conclusion: The Al-Samawa oil refinery workers have impaired respiratory functions. In addition, the lung function of those working in the operations department was significantly lower than that of individuals working in other occupations. Exposure to petrol vapors in the workplace is associated with increased BP

Effects of processing parameters on dough sheet properties

Established and supported under the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centre Progra

Two-Dimensional FTIR as a Tool to Study the Chemical Interactions within Cellulose-Ionic Liquid Solutions

In this study two-dimensional FTIR analysis was applied to understand the temperature effects on processing cellulose solutions in imidazolium-based ionic liquids. Analysis of the imidazolium ion νC2–H peak revealed hydrogen bonding within cellulose solutions to be dynamic on heating and cooling. The extent of hydrogen bonding was stronger on heating, consistent with greater ion mobility at higher temperature when the ionic liquid network structure is broken. At ambient temperatures a blue shifted νC2–H peak was indicative of greater cation-anion interactions, consistent with the ionic liquid network structure. Both cellulose and water further impact the extent of hydrogen bonding in these solutions. The FTIR spectral changes appeared gradual with temperature and contrast shear induced rheology changes which were observed on heating above 70°C and cooling below 40°C. The influence of cellulose on solution viscosity was not distinguished on initial heating as the ionic liquid network structure dominates rheology behaviour. On cooling, the quantity of cellulose has a greater influence on solution rheology. Outcomes suggest processing cellulose in ionic liquids above 40°C and to reduce the impacts of cation-anion effects and enhance solubilisation, processing should be done at 70°C

Effects Inhalation of Kerosene and Naphtha Fumes on Some Blood Indices in Rats

Background: Multiple studies, including both humans and animals, have demonstrated that gasoline, kerosene, and diesel fuel exhaust emissions include chemical components harmful to the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of kerosene and naphtha vapors on several blood parameters in rats. Methods and Results: The study was conducted on 10–12-week-old male Wistar albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) (n=20) weighing 150–200g. The experimental rats were categorized into two groups, each including five animals. The rats were exposed to kerosene and naphtha vapors for 15, 30, and 45 days, with six hours of daily exposure. Two control groups of animals, each including five animals, were exposed to room air. One group of rats was allowed to inhale the vapors emitted by the evaporating kerosene. Another group underwent an identical process for the naphtha vapors. Both groups of animals were exposed to daily vapors for six hours, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., six days a week, for three different durations: 15, 30, and 45 days. Blood samples were tested for hematological indices using a Cell Dyn Ruby Hematology Analyzer (Abbott, USA). On days 15, 30, and 45 of the experiment, rats exposed to kerosene and naphtha vapors had an increase in the total number of leukocytes, an increase in the percentage of lymphocytes, and a decrease in the percentage of neutrophils, compared to the control group (P<0.05 in all cases). At 15, 30, and 45 days of the experiment, the total number of RBCs increased significantly (P<0.05 in all cases). In addition, under the influence of kerosene and naphtha vapors, a higher level of PCV and MCV was noted at 30 and 45 days of the experiment, compared to the control group. At the same time, at the indicated stages of the experiment, there was a significant decrease in MCH and MCHC, compared to the control group (P<0.05 in all cases). Conclusion: exposure to naphtha and kerosene vapor significantly affects a variety of WBC and RBC parameters, exhibiting toxic effects

New functionalities of Maillard reaction products as emulsifiers and encapsulating agents, and the processing parameters: a brief review

Non-enzymatic browning has been a wide and interesting research area in the food industry, ranging from the complexity of the reaction to its applications in the food industry as well as its ever-debatable health effects. This review provides a new perspective to the Maillard reaction apart from its ubiquitous function in enhancing food flavour, taste and appearance. It focuses on the recent application of Maillard reaction products as an inexpensive and excellent source of emulsifiers as well as superior encapsulating matrices for the entrapment of bioactive compounds. Additionally, it will also discuss the latest approaches employed to perform the Maillard reaction as well as several important reaction parameters that need to be taken into consideration when conducting the Maillard reaction

Effects of fluoxetine on functional outcomes after acute stroke (FOCUS): a pragmatic, double-blind, randomised, controlled trial

Background Results of small trials indicate that fluoxetine might improve functional outcomes after stroke. The FOCUS trial aimed to provide a precise estimate of these effects. Methods FOCUS was a pragmatic, multicentre, parallel group, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial done at 103 hospitals in the UK. Patients were eligible if they were aged 18 years or older, had a clinical stroke diagnosis, were enrolled and randomly assigned between 2 days and 15 days after onset, and had focal neurological deficits. Patients were randomly allocated fluoxetine 20 mg or matching placebo orally once daily for 6 months via a web-based system by use of a minimisation algorithm. The primary outcome was functional status, measured with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), at 6 months. Patients, carers, health-care staff, and the trial team were masked to treatment allocation. Functional status was assessed at 6 months and 12 months after randomisation. Patients were analysed according to their treatment allocation. This trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, number ISRCTN83290762. Findings Between Sept 10, 2012, and March 31, 2017, 3127 patients were recruited. 1564 patients were allocated fluoxetine and 1563 allocated placebo. mRS data at 6 months were available for 1553 (99·3%) patients in each treatment group. The distribution across mRS categories at 6 months was similar in the fluoxetine and placebo groups (common odds ratio adjusted for minimisation variables 0·951 [95% CI 0·839–1·079]; p=0·439). Patients allocated fluoxetine were less likely than those allocated placebo to develop new depression by 6 months (210 [13·43%] patients vs 269 [17·21%]; difference 3·78% [95% CI 1·26–6·30]; p=0·0033), but they had more bone fractures (45 [2·88%] vs 23 [1·47%]; difference 1·41% [95% CI 0·38–2·43]; p=0·0070). There were no significant differences in any other event at 6 or 12 months. Interpretation Fluoxetine 20 mg given daily for 6 months after acute stroke does not seem to improve functional outcomes. Although the treatment reduced the occurrence of depression, it increased the frequency of bone fractures. These results do not support the routine use of fluoxetine either for the prevention of post-stroke depression or to promote recovery of function. Funding UK Stroke Association and NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme

Exprimer une pensée (Consolidation des acquis en arabe littéral - Unité 3)

Avec cette unité, l'enrichissement lexical se poursuit, avec des exercices et des documents plus difficiles. L'écoute doit se poursuivre, au-delà des documents donnés ici. A cette fin, des entrées possibles pour les moteurs de recherche, à la fois en lecture et en écoute, sont proposées dans cette unité