Global analysis of the apple fruit microbiome: are all apples the same?

We present the first worldwide study on the apple (Malus × domestica) fruit microbiome that examines questions regarding the composition and the assembly of microbial communities on and in apple fruit. Results revealed that the composition and structure of the fungal and bacterial communities associated with apple fruit vary and are highly dependent on geographical location. The study also confirmed that the spatial variation in the fungal and bacterial composition of different fruit tissues exists at a global level. Fungal diversity varied significantly in fruit harvested in different geographical locations and suggests a potential link between location and the type and rate of postharvest diseases that develop in each country. The global core microbiome of apple fruit was represented by several beneficial microbial taxa and accounted for a large fraction of the fruit microbial community. The study provides foundational information about the apple fruit microbiome that can be utilized for the development of novel approaches for the management of fruit quality and safety, as well as for reducing losses due to the establishment and proliferation of postharvest pathogens. It also lays the groundwork for studying the complex microbial interactions that occur on apple fruit surfaces.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The effect of melatonin on lipid peroxidation during radiotherapy in female rats

Background: Because radiotherapy is one of the causes of primary or secondary ovarian failure, protection of ovarian functions in the patients receiving total body or pelvic radiotherapy is of importance. In this study, we investigated the role of melatonin in the oxidative damage in both whole body and ovaries, which is caused by radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: Eighteen female rats were divided into 3 groups, each of which consisted of 6 rats. First group was control group receiving no treatment, second group received total body radiotherapy (RT) by 2 x 360 cGy only and third group received radiotherapy plus melatonin. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in both blood and ovarian tissue were detected as the indicator of free radical (FR) damage. Levels of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathion peroxidase (GPX) in blood were measured as the indicators of antioxidant level. Results: Radiotherapy caused a significant increase in the levels of MDA in blood and ovarian tissue (p < 0.001). However, MDA levels decreased in the radiotherapy plus melatonin group (p < 0.05). SOD and GPX levels decreased insignificantly in the radiotherapy only group while they increased in the radiotherapy plus melatonin group significantly (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion: Melatonin, in rats, reduced the level of MDA, which is elevated by radiotherapy and increased the levels of SOD and GPX, which are involved in the antioxidant system

The general and volatile properties and the quality of two newly selected Satsuma clones (11/1 Izmir and 30/Izmir) grown under Mediterranean ecological conditions

WOS: 000470324600028The general and volatile properties, and the quality of two new Satsuma clones - 11/1 Izmir and 30/Izmir - selected under a Citrus Bud Wood Selection Program, were compared with Owari Satsuma samples grown under Adana ecological conditions. Gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, flame ionization detection (GC/MS/FID) analysis was used in the identification and quantification of the aromatic compounds, and a sensory profile analysis was performed to complete the general understanding using chemical analysis. The general analysis showed that the clone samples have higher yields, are more intense in skin color and more acidic; however, the total soluble solids and total sugar amount are lower than the Owari Satsuma samples. The terpenes are the major aromatic compound class. Along with other terpenes, there were significant amounts of dl-limonene followed by gamma-terpinene, beta-elemene, linalool and alpha-terpineol. The sensory analysis showed that the Owari Satsuma samples are sweeter and riper, with a better floral, spicy-citrus flavor than both clones. Both clones had a lower "Overall liking" rating than the Owari Satsuma samples

Real Time Big Data Analytics for Tool Wear Protection with Deep Learning in Manufacturing Industry

Industry 4.0 is a motivation that represents the transformation by data-driven industrial operations and decision making by digitization of manufacturing processes to gain operational advantages in the market. Considering how the manufacturing sector is adopting data-driven operations is challenging, given that there is not a straightforward definition of machine traceability, receiving and storing raw data from manufacturing lines, gives an opportunity to analyse the processes in real time nature. Thanks to big data management platforms and artificial intelligence decision support algorithms, it gives the ability to deeply understand the complexity of the processes and, accordingly, to eliminate or minimise false methods and reduce the costs that are insufficient for production. In addition, one of the biggest preventable costs for metal machining processes is the tool breakage and tool wearing problems. The motivation of this paper is to discuss data-driven decision making possibilities of the tool wearing and optimise breakage costs with using artificial intelligence. Furthermore, the analysis provides a proof-of-concept that the existence of a digital infrastructure combined with the analytical capabilities, such as real-time data management and monitoring, and having a highly accurate LSTM based time-series integrated artificial intelligent predictive model, to deal with inefficiencies in production processes. To this end, in this context, by developing the latest advancements in big data analytics, we propose a scalable predictive and preventive maintenance architecture for metal machining processes domain. We also show the opportunities and challenges of utilizing the big data architecture in the manufacturing domain

Hopelessness among Medical Students Caused Due to COVID-19 Pandemic Linked Educational Hiatus: A Case Study of Bursa Uludag University, Türkiye

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions in medical education, leading to feelings of hopelessness among students regarding their medical careers. However, effective institutional crisis-response approaches can mitigate these feelings of hopelessness. This study evaluated changes in the levels of hopelessness among Turkish medical students due to interruptions in their education caused by the pandemic between March and July 2020, using the Beck Hopelessness Scale in three selected periods. A statistical survey was conducted with a total of 3580 participants in three different periods to study the impact of various contributing factors, such as socio-economic status, family problems, health problems, and lack of working environment, on the levels of hopelessness in conjunction with active COVID-19 cases and the effect of institutional interventions for the continuation of medical education during the pandemic. The analysis revealed a direct relationship between contributing factors and hopelessness scores at the end of the selected three periods. Additionally, active COVID-19 cases and institutional crisis-response strategies were found to be indirectly associated with students’ hopelessness. An increase in students’ hopelessness was found to be related to an increase in active COVID-19 cases in the country, a lack of continuing education practices, and the role of contributing factors. Conversely, a decrease in hopelessness was associated with effective institutional crisis-response strategies. These findings suggest that educational settings dealing with practical subjects should prioritize preparedness for crisis situations

Wingate anaerobic testing with a modified electromagnetically braked elliptical trainer. Part I: Methodological considerations

WOS: 000267950800009The aim of this study was to modify an elliptical trainer and determine a suitable test load with it in order to perform Wingate anaerobic testing (WAnTet). Modifications were made to an electromagnetically braked elliptical trainer. Study participants were forty-eight physically active male college athletes ( mean age 20 +/- 1 years). Two pilot studies (n = 8) were administered to determine electrical signalling errors and to select the range of potentially suitable test loads ( between 0.5 to 1.3 watt/kg). The 1.0 watt/kg WAnTet load was determined to be the most suitable for WAnTet applications amongst 0.8 to 1.1 watt/kg loads ( n = 40; p < 0.05). Test-retest results using the 1.0 watt/ kg load for peak power ( PP) ( 1477 +/- 258 and 1484 +/- 271 watts), average power (AP) ( 1134 +/- 209 and 1120 +/- 208 watts), fatigue index ratio (FI%) ( 49 +/- 10% and 49 +/- 10%) and change in lactate levels ( 12.6 +/- 1.7 and 12.4 +/- 2.1 mM) were highly correlated (r: 0.94, 0.94, 0.80 and 0.74, respectively; p < 0.001). An electromagnetically braked elliptical trainer may be used to measure anaerobic power and anaerobic capacity of athletes and may be substituted for the usual Wingate anaerobic test performed on a cycle ergometer.Acibadem Health Group ( Istanbul, Turkey)The authors would like to give special thanks to the Acibadem Health Group for the material support they provided. The authors also would like to thank Cem Seref Bediz for his editorial assistance. This study was sponsored by the Acibadem Health Group ( Istanbul, Turkey)

Raloxifene decreases serum malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels in postmenopausal women with end-stage renal disease under chronic hemodialysis therapy

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