Use of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to determine the health-promoting index (HPI) of cow\u27s milk

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy steadily has been gaining popularity for the analysis of milk components including total fat, protein, lactose, and ketones. To date, there have been few descriptions of the use of FTIR spectroscopy for the determination of milk fatty acid composition.;The first objective of this thesis was to develop a method utilizing FTIR spectroscopy for prediction of the health-promoting index (HPI) of milk. The HPI is known to affect the relative softness of butter (Bobe et al., 2003); so, this model could be used to predict which cows\u27 milk could be designated for generation of niche products. To accomplish this objective, milk was collected from 281 cows for analysis. One set of samples was esterified into butyl esters for analysis via gas chromatography (GC), and the lipid was extracted from another set to analyze via FTIR spectroscopy. The GC-derived values and FTIR spectra were used to make predictive models by using the partial least squares (PLS) procedure of SAS. The models subsequently were used to generate predictions of milk composition by using FTIR spectra from three additional sets of 135 cows. The predictive model generated for HPI did not generate values for data not included in the predictive model satisfactorily (mean = 0266, root mean-squared error of prediction (RMSEP) = 0.122); so, predictive models were created for additional milk fatty acid combinations. The predictive models generated estimates for several milk composition parameters relatively well. For example, the model generated to determine the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids is able to predict with a mean = 0.347 and RMSEP = 0.096. With further development, the use of FTIR spectroscopy to determine milk fatty acid composition could become an essential part of milk analysis protocols.;The second objective of this study was to develop a method utilizing FTIR spectroscopy to determine fatty acid composition of milk that could be commercially marketed. At this time, this objective has not been achieved because the O-H stretching vibrations of water absorb nearly all of the photons present in the wavelengths at which the C-H and alkene bonds of fatty acids absorb energy. To counteract the interference of the O-H stretching vibrations at these wavelengths, it was necessary to remove water from raw milk samples before analysis. Several potential methods to eliminate water were investigated and a modification of the Folch method (Folch and Stanley, 1957) was chosen. The Folch method produces accurate and reproducible results (Avalli and Contarini, 2005, Zhang et al., 2008), but takes several hours per sample to complete as well as requiring the use of chloroform, which has multiple potential negative human health effects. Further investigation is needed to develop a method that will eliminate water from samples quickly and in a manner that does not pose risk to human health.;Key words: dairy cow, fatty acid composition, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, partial least squares analysis, health-promoting inde

The role of the innate immune system in the clearance of apoptotic cells

Rapid clearance of dying cells is a vital feature of apoptosis throughout development, tissue homeostasis and resolution of inflammation. The phagocytic removal of apoptotic cells is mediated by both professional and amateur phagocytes, armed with a series of pattern recognition receptors that participate in host defence and apoptotic cell clearance. CD14 is one such molecule. It is involved in apoptotic cell clearance (known to be immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory) and binding of the pathogen-associated molecular pattern, lipopolysaccharides (a pro-inflammatory event). Thus CD14 is involved in the assembly of two distinct ligand-dependent macrophage responses. This project sought to characterise the involvement of the innate immune system, particularly CD14, in the removal of apoptotic cells. The role of non-myeloid CD14 was also considered and the data suggests that the expression of CD14 by phagocytes may define their professional status as phagocytes. To assess if differential CD14 ligation causes the ligand-dependent divergence in macrophage responses, a series of CD14 point mutants were used to map the binding of apoptotic cells and lipopolysaccharides. Monoclonal antibodies, 61D3 and MEM18, known to interfere with ligand-binding and responses, were also mapped. Data suggests that residue 11 of CD14, is key for the binding of 61D3 (but not MEM18), LPS and apoptotic cells, indicating lipopolysaccharides and apoptotic cells bind to similar residues. Furthermore using an NF-kB reporter, results show lipopolysaccharides but not apoptotic cells stimulate NF-kB. Taken together these data suggests ligand-dependent CD14 responses occur via a mechanism that occurs downstream of CD14 ligation but upstream of NF-?B activation. Alternatively apoptotic cell ligation of CD14 may not result in any signalling event, possibly by exclusion of TLR-4, suggesting that engulfment receptors, (e.g. TIM-4, BAI1 and Stablin-2) are required to mediate the uptake of apoptotic cells and the associated anti-inflammatory response

On being self-ish, self-less or well-balanced (other-ish), and how this may relate to practicing dentistry

It has been said that people are driven by either self interest or caring for others. In extreme cases, the former selfishly seek self-fulfilment, often at the expense of others, while the latter selflessly and altruistically strive to please others, many times with personal costs. This paper will explore the issues of selfish versus selfless behaviour with regard to the practice of dentistry, and offers dialogue on how practitioners could pursue a more balanced option that will serve the best interest of both parties

Attitudes and beliefs about evidence based practice among masters in social work practitioners and licensed clinical social workers

The purpose of this study is to better understand the attitudes and beliefs about evidence-based practice among masters in social work practitioners (MSWs) and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). Assessing the attitudes toward evidence-based practice can further the analysis of competent practice and perhaps help determine the extent to which social work is a profession based on research or anecdotal methods. The survey was given to 59 MSWs and LCSWs working in the mental health setting during a staff meeting at Patton State Hospital

Self-reported substance use, in dental and oral hygiene students at a university in South Africa

A recent study amongst South African dental students found that a number of them had perceived moderate to severe stress and as a result, some have resorted to stimulant drugs. The aim of the study was to assess substance use by dental and oral hygiene students at a university in South Africa. A cross-sectional design was used and all dental and oral hygiene students registered in 2019 at a university in South Africa were asked to participate. Materials and Methods A pretested, validated self-administered questionnaire was used to achieve the aim. The objectives were to identify which substances were used, where they were obtained, frequency and reasons for use, as well as the self-perceived benefits and side effects experienced. Data was analysed using SPSS version 27. The data was confidential and anonymity was ensured. A total of 303 (88%) agreed to participate with ages from 17 to 36 years and a mean of 22.3 years. Over two thirds 206 (67.9%) used substances. Almost half of the group (44.6%) took one product, 16.5% took two, and 7% consumed between 3 and 5. The sources of substances ranged from peers, friends, acquaintances and pharmacies. Nearly twenty percent of the students used caffeine products, energy drinks, and methylphenidate. Almost 10% used anti-anxiety pills and anti-depressants whilst just above 11% used natural boosters and multivitamins. More than half of the students used the substances to stay awake and improve marks and 45(22%) of the users struggled to stop. Conclusions Over two thirds of students used substances, with almost half using one substance. There were multiple sources of substances. More than half of the students used them to stay awake and improve marks

The role of the innate immune system in the clearance of apoptotic cells

Rapid clearance of dying cells is a vital feature of apoptosis throughout development, tissue homeostasis and resolution of inflammation. The phagocytic removal of apoptotic cells is mediated by both professional and amateur phagocytes, armed with a series of pattern recognition receptors that participate in host defence and apoptotic cell clearance. CD14 is one such molecule. It is involved in apoptotic cell clearance (known to be immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory) and binding of the pathogen-associated molecular pattern, lipopolysaccharides (a pro-inflammatory event). Thus CD14 is involved in the assembly of two distinct ligand-dependent macrophage responses. This project sought to characterise the involvement of the innate immune system, particularly CD14, in the removal of apoptotic cells. The role of non-myeloid CD14 was also considered and the data suggests that the expression of CD14 by phagocytes may define their professional status as phagocytes. To assess if differential CD14 ligation causes the ligand-dependent divergence in macrophage responses, a series of CD14 point mutants were used to map the binding of apoptotic cells and lipopolysaccharides. Monoclonal antibodies, 61D3 and MEM18, known to interfere with ligand-binding and responses, were also mapped. Data suggests that residue 11 of CD14, is key for the binding of 61D3 (but not MEM18), LPS and apoptotic cells, indicating lipopolysaccharides and apoptotic cells bind to similar residues. Furthermore using an NF-kB reporter, results show lipopolysaccharides but not apoptotic cells stimulate NF-kB. Taken together these data suggests ligand-dependent CD14 responses occur via a mechanism that occurs downstream of CD14 ligation but upstream of NF-?B activation. Alternatively apoptotic cell ligation of CD14 may not result in any signalling event, possibly by exclusion of TLR-4, suggesting that engulfment receptors, (e.g. TIM-4, BAI1 and Stablin-2) are required to mediate the uptake of apoptotic cells and the associated anti-inflammatory response.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

What's age got to do with it? On the critical analysis of age and organisations

Age, as an embodied identity and as an organizing principle, has received scant attention in organization studies. There is a lack of critical appreciation of how age plays out in organizational settings, the material and discursive dynamics of age practices, how age discourses impact on the body, and how age and ageing intersect with other identity categories. This is curious since age works as a master signifier in contemporary society and is something that affects us all. In this introductory essay, we show how the papers in this special issue redress this lacuna by enhancing and challenging what we know about age and organizations. We also set out an agenda for stimulating research conversations to bring an age-sensitive lens to organizational analysis. We structure our analysis around two focal points: age as an embodied identity, and the symbolic meanings of age within organizing practices. In doing so, we aim to provide a catalyst not only for research on age in organizations but also about the aged nature of organizing

Reflections on reflexive theorizing: the need for a little more conversation

We investigate the nature and impact of recent ‘reflexive theorizing’ in the field of Organization Studies by examining articles that critically reflect on research, practice and the profession more generally with a view to defining, refining or changing future trajectories for the field. We identify a range of discursive practices used in these articles to establish authority, describe the field and make claims about the nature of theorizing. We then present three ‘ideal types’ that represent particular constellations of these discursive practices. We interrogate each of these ideal types in order to demonstrate how particular combinations of discursive practices can limit the potential of reflexive theorizing by shutting down conversations. Finally, we make a number of suggestions for weaving together discursive practices in ways that help to ensure that reflexive theorizing generates new forms of knowledge through conversations which are open to a wider range of voices, and where respect and generosity are evident

Double layer charging driven carbon dioxide adsorption limits the rate of electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction on Gold.

Electrochemical CO[Formula: see text] reduction is a potential route to the sustainable production of valuable fuels and chemicals. Here, we perform CO[Formula: see text] reduction experiments on Gold at neutral to acidic pH values to elucidate the long-standing controversy surrounding the rate-limiting step. We find the CO production rate to be invariant with pH on a Standard Hydrogen Electrode scale and conclude that it is limited by the CO[Formula: see text] adsorption step. We present a new multi-scale modeling scheme that integrates ab initio reaction kinetics with mass transport simulations, explicitly considering the charged electric double layer. The model reproduces the experimental CO polarization curve and reveals the rate-limiting step to be *COOH to *CO at low overpotentials, CO[Formula: see text] adsorption at intermediate ones, and CO[Formula: see text] mass transport at high overpotentials. Finally, we show the Tafel slope to arise from the electrostatic interaction between the dipole of *CO[Formula: see text] and the interfacial field. This work highlights the importance of surface charging for electrochemical kinetics and mass transport