450 research outputs found
The Effects of Cocaine on Different Redox Forms of Cysteine and Homocysteine, and on Labile, Reduced Sulfur in the Rat Plasma Following Active versus Passive Drug Injections
Received: 28 November 2012 / Revised: 19 April 2013 / Accepted: 6 May 2013 / Published online: 16 May 2013
The Author(s) 2013. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.comThe aim of the present studies was to evaluate
cocaine-induced changes in the concentrations of different
redox forms of cysteine (Cys) and homocysteine (Hcy),
and products of anaerobic Cys metabolism, i.e., labile,
reduced sulfur (LS) in the rat plasma. The above-mentioned
parameters were determined after i.p. acute and
subchronic cocaine treatment as well as following i.v.
cocaine self-administration using the yoked procedure.
Additionally, Cys, Hcy, and LS levels were measured
during the 10-day extinction training in rats that underwent
i.v. cocaine administration. Acute i.p. cocaine treatment
increased the total and protein-bound Hcy contents,
decreased LS, and did not change the concentrations of Cys
fractions in the rat plasma. In turn, subchronic i.p. cocaine administration significantly increased free Hcy and lowered
the total and protein-bound Cys concentrations while
LS level was unchanged. Cocaine self-administration
enhanced the total and protein-bound Hcy levels, decreased
LS content, and did not affect the Cys fractions. On the
other hand, yoked cocaine infusions did not alter the concentration
of Hcy fractions while decreased the total and
protein-bound Cys and LS content. This extinction training
resulted in the lack of changes in the examined parameters
in rats with a history of cocaine self-administration while in
the yoked cocaine group an increase in the plasma free Cys
fraction and LS was seen. Our results demonstrate for the
first time that cocaine does evoke significant changes in
homeostasis of thiol amino acids Cys and Hcy, and in some
products of anaerobic Cys metabolism, which are dependent
on the way of cocaine administration
Bacterial cellulose-lactoferrin as an antimicrobial edible packaging
Bacterial cellulose (BC) films from two distinct sources (obtained by static culture with Gluconacetobacter xylinus ATCC 53582 (BC1) and from a commercial source (BC2)) were modified by bovine lactoferrin (bLF) adsorption. The functionalized films (BC+bLF) were assessed as edible antimicrobial packaging, for use in direct contact with highly perishable foods, specifically fresh sausage as a model of meat products. BC+bLF films and sausage casings were characterized regarding their water vapour permeability (WVP), mechanical properties, and bactericidal efficiency against two food pathogens, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Considering their edibility, an in vitro gastrointestinal tract model was used to study the changes occurring in the BC films during passage through the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the BC films against 3T3 mouse embryo fibroblasts was evaluated.
BC1 and BC2 showed equivalent density, WVP and maximum tensile strength. The percentage of bactericidal efficiency of BC1 and BC2 with adsorbed bLF (BC1+bLF and BC2+bLF, respectively) in the standalone films and in inoculated fresh sausages, was similar against E. coli (mean reduction 69 % in the films per se versus 94 % in the sausages) and S. aureus (mean reduction 97 % in the films per se versus 36 % in the case sausages). Moreover, the BC1+bLF and BC2+bLF films significantly hindered the specific growth rate of both bacteria. Finally, no relevant cytotoxicity against 3T3 fibroblasts was found for the films before and after the simulated digestion. BC films with adsorbed bLF may constitute an approach in the development of bio-based edible antimicrobial packaging systems.The authors would like to acknowledge Portuguese Foundation
for Science and Technology (Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia)
for the research grants: Jorge Padrão SFRH/BD/64901/2009, Sara
Gonçalves SFRH/BD/63578/2009, João Pedro Silva SFRH/BPD/
64958/2009, Ana Cristina Pinheiro SFRH/BPD/101181/2014. V.
Sencadas thanks support from the COST Action MP1206: “Electrospun
nano-fibres for bio inspired composite materials and innovative
industrial applications” and MP1301: “New Generation
Biomimetic and Customized Implants for Bone Engineering”. The
authors would also like to thank the co-funded by the Programa
Operacional Regional do Norte (ON.2 e O Novo Norte), QREN,
FEDER Projects “BioHealth e Biotechnology and Bioengineering
approaches to improve health quality”, Ref. NORTE-07-0124-
FEDER-000027; “BioInd e Biotechnology and Bioengineering for
improved Industrial and Agro-Food processes”, REF. NORTE-07-
0124-FEDER-000028; Strategic Project PEST-C/FIS/UI607/2014;
Matepro eOptimizing Materials and Processes”, ref. NORTE-07-
0124-FEDER-000037; Strategic Project PEst-OE/EQB/LA0023/2013
and project ref. RECI/BBB-EBI/0179/2012 (project number FCOMP-
01-0124-FEDER-027462). Finally, the authors thank the Fundação
para a Ciência e Tecnologia for the strategic funding from the UID/
BIO/04469/2013 unit
Investigation Of Seed Yield And Some Quality Characteristics in Linseed Genotypes Grown in Canakkale Conditions
Recently, global climate changes force to introduce new crop species into agricultural production. For this purpose, linseed, which is gown in a limited area in Turkey, could be an alternative crop. In this study, the aim was to compare eight linseed genotypes for seed yield, quality characteristics and energy values. Experiments were conducted in Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Dardanos Experimental Unit during 2007 and 2008 according to randomized block experimental design. In the study, plant yield (g/plant), protein (%), oil (%), carbohydrate (%), ash (%), dry matter (%) and energy value (kcal) were determined. The results showed that Flanders (1.20 g/plant) for plant yield, Midin (38.6%) for oil ratio, Norman (454.9 kcal) for energy value and McGregor (9.62% and 4.23%, respectively) for carbohydrate and ash ratio had advantages compared to the rest of genotypes. Significant relationships among some investigated characters were also detected. The highest correlation coefficient (r=0.89) was found between oil ratio and total energy value
Does Domain Change the Opinion of Individuals on Human Values? : A Preliminary Investigation on eHealth Apps End-users
AbstractThe elicitation of end-users& human values — such as freedom, honesty, transparency, etc — is important in the development of software systems. We carried out two preliminary Q-studies to understand (a) the general human value opinion types of eHealth applications (apps) end-users (b) the eHealth domain human value opinion types of eHealth apps end-users (c) whether there are differences between the general and eHealth domain opinion types. Our early results show three value opinion types using generic value instruments: (1) fun-loving, success-driven and independent end-user, (2) security-conscious, socially-concerned, and success-driven end-user, and (3) benevolent, success-driven, and conformist end-user. Our results also show two value opinion types using domain-specific value instruments: (1) security-conscious, reputable, and honest end-user, and (2) success-driven, reputable and pain-avoiding end-user. Given these results, consideration should be given to domain context in the design and application of values elicitation instruments.Abstract
The elicitation of end-users& human values — such as freedom, honesty, transparency, etc — is important in the development of software systems. We carried out two preliminary Q-studies to understand (a) the general human value opinion types of eHealth applications (apps) end-users (b) the eHealth domain human value opinion types of eHealth apps end-users (c) whether there are differences between the general and eHealth domain opinion types. Our early results show three value opinion types using generic value instruments: (1) fun-loving, success-driven and independent end-user, (2) security-conscious, socially-concerned, and success-driven end-user, and (3) benevolent, success-driven, and conformist end-user. Our results also show two value opinion types using domain-specific value instruments: (1) security-conscious, reputable, and honest end-user, and (2) success-driven, reputable and pain-avoiding end-user. Given these results, consideration should be given to domain context in the design and application of values elicitation instruments
A First Look at Human Values-Violation in App Reviews
AbstractUbiquitous technologies such as mobile software applications (mobile apps) have a tremendous influence on the evolution of the social, cultural, economic, and political facets of life in society. Mobile apps fulfil many practical purposes for users including entertainment, transportation, financial management, etc. Given the ubiquity of mobile apps in the lives of individuals and the consequent effect of these technologies on society, it is essential to consider the relationship between human values and the development and deployment of mobile apps. The many negative consequences of violating human values such as privacy, fairness or social justice by technology have been documented in recent times. If we can detect these violations in a timely manner, developers can look to better address them. To understand the violation of human values in a range of common mobile apps, we analysed 22,119 app reviews from Google Play Store using natural language processing techniques. We base our values violation detection approach on a widely accepted model of human values; the Schwartz theory of basic human values. The results of our analysis show that 26.5% of the reviews contained text indicating user perceived violations of human values. We found that benevolence and self-direction were the most violated value categories, and conformity and tradition were the least violated categories. Our results also highlight the need for a proactive approach to the alignment of values amongst stakeholders and the use of app reviews as a valuable additional source for mining values requirements.Abstract
Ubiquitous technologies such as mobile software applications (mobile apps) have a tremendous influence on the evolution of the social, cultural, economic, and political facets of life in society. Mobile apps fulfil many practical purposes for users including entertainment, transportation, financial management, etc. Given the ubiquity of mobile apps in the lives of individuals and the consequent effect of these technologies on society, it is essential to consider the relationship between human values and the development and deployment of mobile apps. The many negative consequences of violating human values such as privacy, fairness or social justice by technology have been documented in recent times. If we can detect these violations in a timely manner, developers can look to better address them. To understand the violation of human values in a range of common mobile apps, we analysed 22,119 app reviews from Google Play Store using natural language processing techniques. We base our values violation detection approach on a widely accepted model of human values; the Schwartz theory of basic human values. The results of our analysis show that 26.5% of the reviews contained text indicating user perceived violations of human values. We found that benevolence and self-direction were the most violated value categories, and conformity and tradition were the least violated categories. Our results also highlight the need for a proactive approach to the alignment of values amongst stakeholders and the use of app reviews as a valuable additional source for mining values requirements
On the violation of honesty in mobile apps : automated detection and categories
AbstractHuman values such as integrity, privacy, curiosity, security, and honesty are guiding principles for what people consider important in life. Such human values may be violated by mobile software applications (apps), and the negative effects of such human value violations can be seen in various ways in society. In this work, we focus on the human value of honesty. We present a model to support the automatic identification of violations of the value of honesty from app reviews from an end-user perspective. Beyond the automatic detection of honesty violations by apps, we also aim to better understand different categories of honesty violations expressed by users in their app reviews. The result of our manual analysis of our honesty violations dataset shows that honesty violations can be characterised into ten categories: unfair cancellation and refund policies; false advertisements; delusive subscriptions; cheating systems; inaccurate information; unfair fees; no service; deletion of reviews; impersonation; and fraudulent-looking apps. Based on these results, we argue for a conscious effort in developing more honest software artefacts including mobile apps, and the promotion of honesty as a key value in software development practices. Furthermore, we discuss the role of app distribution platforms as enforcers of ethical systems supporting human values, and highlight some proposed next steps for human values in software engineering (SE) research.Abstract
Human values such as integrity, privacy, curiosity, security, and honesty are guiding principles for what people consider important in life. Such human values may be violated by mobile software applications (apps), and the negative effects of such human value violations can be seen in various ways in society. In this work, we focus on the human value of honesty. We present a model to support the automatic identification of violations of the value of honesty from app reviews from an end-user perspective. Beyond the automatic detection of honesty violations by apps, we also aim to better understand different categories of honesty violations expressed by users in their app reviews. The result of our manual analysis of our honesty violations dataset shows that honesty violations can be characterised into ten categories: unfair cancellation and refund policies; false advertisements; delusive subscriptions; cheating systems; inaccurate information; unfair fees; no service; deletion of reviews; impersonation; and fraudulent-looking apps. Based on these results, we argue for a conscious effort in developing more honest software artefacts including mobile apps, and the promotion of honesty as a key value in software development practices. Furthermore, we discuss the role of app distribution platforms as enforcers of ethical systems supporting human values, and highlight some proposed next steps for human values in software engineering (SE) research
Çanakkale koşullarında yetiştirilen keten genotiplerinin tohum verimi ve bazı kalite özelliklerinin incelenmesi
Son yıllarda meydana gelen iklimsel değişimler yeni bitki türlerinin tarımsal üretimde yaygınlaştırılmasını zorunlu hale getirmiştir. Bu konuda ülkemizde sınırlı alanlarda yetiştiriciliği yapılan keten önemli bir alternatif ürün olma niteliğindedir. Bu çalışmada sekiz keten genotipinin, tohum verimi, kalite özellikleri ve yaklaşık enerji değerleri bakımından karşılaştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Denemeler 2007 ve 2008 yılında Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi, Ziraat Fakültesi, Dardanos Araştırma ve Uygulama Birimi’nde tesadüf blokları deneme desenine göre yürütülmüştür. Araştırmada kullanılan genotiplerin tek bitki verimi (g), protein (%), yağ (%), karbonhidrat (%), kül (%) ve kuru madde (%) oranının yanı sıra yaklaşık enerji değerleri (kcal) belirlenmiştir. Araştırma bulgularına göre, tek bitki verimi bakımından Flanders (1,20 g/bitki), yağ oranı bakımından Midin (% 38,6) ve yaklaşık enerji değeri bakımından Norman (454,9 kcal), karbonhidrat ve kül içeriği bakımından McGregor (% 9,62 ve % 4,23) genotipleri diğer genotiplerden üstün bulunmuştur. İncelenen özelliklerden bazıları arasında istatistikî açıdan önemli ilişkiler tespit edilmiş ve en yüksek korelasyon yağ oranı ile toplam enerji değeri arasında (r=0,89) bulunmuştur.
The effect of autumn and spring planting time on seed yield and protein content of chickpea genotypes
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of autumn and spring plantings on seed yield and quality of chickpea genotypes. Fourteen chickpea genotypes were grown over the consecutive two growing seasons in northwest Turkey. The results showed that planting time had significant effects on the investigated traits (P < 0.05). Significant differences for yield were observed between autumn (2050 kg ha(-1)) and spring (1588 kg ha(-1)) plantings. Line 99-59C was the highest yielding genotype both in autumn (2662 kg ha(-1)) and spring (2000 kg ha(-1)) plantings. Seed analysis revealed that crude protein content in spring planting (23.2%) was higher than in autumn planting (20.5%). The highest protein content (21.1%) was produced by genotype P-2 in autumn planting whereas line 97-73C had the highest content (24.6%) in spring planting. In addition, yield was highly and positively correlated with C/N ratio (r = 0.20**) whereas it was negatively correlated with protein (r = -0.19**). As a result, planting time influenced yield, yield components and chemical composition of the genotypes. Autumn planting had advantages for higher seed yield and consequently higher amount of protein per harvested area
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