Functional Aspects Research Articles

Prevalence and associated factors of non-traumatic shoulder pain during spike and serve movements in male high school volleyball players: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundNontraumatic shoulder pain is a prevalent issue among male high school volleyball players, but its comprehensive assessment has been lacking in prior research, which often isolated specific aspects of shoulder function. This study aimed to identify contributing factors to shoulder pain in this population. HypothesisThe hypothesis posited that limited shoulder internal rotation (IR) range of motion (ROM), imbalance in rotator cuff muscle strength, intrinsic sensory disturbance, and joint stability are associated with shoulder pain in male high school volleyball players. Additionally, there was an anticipation that a substantial proportion of players would experience shoulder pain but refrain from reporting it to coaches. MethodsForty-nine male volleyball players aged 15-17 years were evaluated between February and June 2023. Questionnaires assessed the prevalence of shoulder pain during spiking and/or serving, as well as the frequency of reporting this pain to coaches. Various factors, including acromio-humeral distance, shoulder ROM, isometric strength, proprioception, joint stability (Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test), joint position sense, and upper extremity power (Seated Medicine Ball Throw Test; SMBT), were quantified. Logistic regression analyses was conducted to explore potential connections between these variables and shoulder pain. ResultsShoulder pain was reported by 39% of participants, but it was rarely communicated to coaches (95%). Jump serves (odds ratio 1.84, p=0.02) and reduced shoulder IR ROM (odds ratio 0.94, p=0.03) were associated with shoulder pain. ConclusionThis study provides crucial insights into the prevalence, severity, and associated factors of shoulder pain among male high school volleyball players. The findings underscore the importance of improving athlete-coach communication to facilitate early intervention and preventive measures. Significant associations were observed between the use of jump serves, reduced shoulder internal rotation range of motion, and shoulder pain, highlighting the relevance of specific volleyball techniques in injury prevention. These findings offer valuable guidance to coaches and trainers in developing interventions aimed at mitigating the risk of shoulder pain and enhancing player performance.

Effect of Light on Dairy Cattle in Farm Conditions – A Review

Abstract Cattle are among the animals with diurnal activity, which is due to the specific animal–environment relationship and the natural role wild cattle play in the ecosystem. As humans began domesticating, breeding these animals, they became an integral part of this relationship. This review article addresses the most important current issues: 1) a characterisation of contemporary knowledge on the biological determinants of the vision abilities of dairy cattle, 2) a discussion of the relationship between these abilities and animal health and performance, and 3) a characterisation of the light–animal relationship under husbandry conditions. The intricate link between the anatomical and physiological aspects of visual function in cattle and their circadian rhythms was emphasised. This connection directly influences cattle growth and development, as well as the health and performance of dairy cows during the long/short day photoperiods. The article also considers the possibility of managing dairy cows’ photoperiod and light quality to enhance their performance and overall well-being.

Viral imitation is the sincerest form of epigenetic flattery.

Viruses use multiple strategies to successfully generate progeny and overcome host defenses. In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that epigenetic mechanisms of host gene regulation are vulnerable to viral manipulation. In the form of histone mimicry, viral invasion of host chromatin is a striking example of how viruses have evolved to invade every aspect of cellular function for viral benefit. In this perspective, we will review how three viruses-influenza A, SARS-CoV-2, and Cotesia plutellae bracovirus-use histone mimicry to promote viral success through immune evasion. These examples highlight the importance of this burgeoning field and point toward the wealth of knowledge we have yet to uncover.

Role of Apolipoprotein E in Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis, Prognosis and Treatment.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an incurable and progressive neurodegenerative disease with increasing prevalence worldwide. Previous trials of anti-amyloid and anti-tau immunotherapy indicate that additional research needs to be conducted on other mechanisms to find curative or disease-modifying therapy. This review focuses on apolipoprotein E (ApoE), a critical protein in brain lipid metabolism that acts specifically in the clearance and transport of lipids and cholesterol. The ApoE4 allele confers substantial gene dose-dependent risk of developing AD and lowers the age of onset of AD, although the mechanisms of influence remain incompletely understood. The other isoforms bring different levels of AD risk. ApoE2 is protective while ApoE3 is the most common isoform and is considered neutral. An overview is presented of the latest information on the role of ApoE in AD pathogenesis with an emphasis on pathways that are involved in AD development and interactions with crucial processes in different cell types in the brain. Elucidating the key interactions of ApoE with multiple aspects of brain function can be useful for designing novel ApoE-targeted therapeutic approaches.

The yin and yang of pioneer transcription factors: Dual roles in repression and activation.

Pioneer transcription factors, by virtue of their ability to target nucleosomal DNA in silent chromatin, play crucial roles in eliciting cell fate decisions during development and cellular reprogramming. In addition to their well-established role in chromatin opening to activate gene expression programs, recent studies have demonstrated that pioneer factors have the complementary function of being able to silence the starting cell identity through targeted chromatin repression. Given recent discoveries regarding the repressive aspect of pioneer function, we discuss the basis by which pioneer factors can suppress alternative lineage programs in the context of cell fate control.

Ecological networks reveal important taxa for ecosystem function in two subtropical South African estuaries

Biodiversity is essential for estuarine ecosystems' functioning, resilience, and persistence. While biodiversity assessments provide some insight into the ecosystem state, they cannot quantify every aspect of ecosystem-level function. We assessed aspects of estuarine ecosystem function and pinpointed taxa of interest that fulfil specific roles in estuarine ecosystems, using a series of novel food web model ensembles and Ecological Network Analysis. We investigated emergent network properties of two subtropical South African estuaries, the anthropogenically impacted large temporarily closed uMdloti Estuary and the ‘near natural’ predominantly open uMlalazi Estuary, during a drought period induced by the El Niño Southern Oscillation. In addition, important network components were identified to elucidate the importance of estuarine/marine taxa in maintaining ecosystem function. The key findings included (1) estuaries exhibit system-specific functional responses under drought conditions, and (2) estuarine/marine taxa are critical for overall ecosystem function. Both estuaries showed seasonal differences in ecosystem activity and reliance on trophic level I (microalgae and detritus) to fuel the food web, and persistently low cycling (<9.3 %). However, compared to uMdloti Estuary, uMlalazi Estuary showed less variation in mean seasonal activity (1597–2095 mgC m−2 d−1), and higher reliance on detritus to fuel the food web (D:H > 2.02), indicating greater ecosystem functional resilience to external perturbations. uMlalazi Estuary ecosystem function could be attributed to predominantly open mouth conditions maintaining a salinity gradient, and subsequent large contributions to overall ecosystem function from typically estuarine/marine invertebrate taxa. In contrast, the uMdloti Estuary, dominated by freshwater/brackish taxa under prolonged closed mouth conditions, showed greater seasonal variations in mean system activity (1084–2289 mgC m−2 d−1) and generally high reliance on microalgae (D:H < 1.26), indicative of decreased resilience to external perturbations. During this study, a single mouth breach acted as a ’biological reset’ of uMdloti Estuary, enabling recruitment of estuarine/marine taxa, and a temporary recovery in ecosystem function reflected in increased system cycling (FCI >14.05 %) and decreased reliance on microalgae (D:H > 1. 41). These findings suggest that future predicted drought impacts on estuarine ecosystem function may be partially system-specific due to differing estuarine types, anthropogenic impact, and invertebrate community composition. This study provides a scientific link between ecosystem-level indicators and the role of individual taxa within the system, which is a valuable complement to biodiversity assessments and ecosystem state evaluation.

Open spaces and emergent dwellings. Innovative solutions to sustainable renovation of student housing.

Abstract The paper aims to report the research results that deal with the theme of educational open spaces such as schoolyards or student housing, framing it in an environmental dimension capable of enhancing the existing identity and landscape quality elements, at the same time responding to climatic vulnerabilities, but also to new needs of users, with adequate performance responses. The proposed research is part of a scientific collaboration agreement developed aim of supporting it in the field of environmental issues and innovative technologies for student housing with Agenzia del Demanio at the end to write guidelines for spatial functional, technological and environmental aspects of its sustainable design of heritage to be converted into student housing. University student living is an evolving form of housing, subject to significant investment and design experimentation. In addition to the issue of housing, the open space related to student housing even in the face of emergent dwelling becomes a continuation of housing and therefore cannot be underestimated. The proposed methodology from best practice highlights a new demand framework useful for the development of the guidelines of which an excerpt concerning open space is proposed here.

Implementation of a Practical Environmental Sustainable Design Project in Interior Architectural Education: A Case Study at the University of Jordan

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to discuss the implementing of a practical project as a new learning methodology to help students develop expertise in the functional, aesthetic, and creative aspects of environmental design. Methods: The research is qualitative in design and based on a case-study approach, in which sixty-three environmental practical projects were explored. The examined design projects were conducted by interior design students at the department of visual arts of the University of Jordan as part of an environmental design course during three semesters in 2022. Results: Nine themes emerged from the study, which were interpreted based on the selecting and processing of materials (either recycled or adapted from the local environment). These materials comprised recycled plastic, recycled paper, recycled metal, recycled wood, recycled glass, recycled threads, resin, ceramic, and plants. The study also found that working with and processing local or recycled materials in practical projects within the study curriculum helped students acquire skills and gain confidence in relation to environmental practice, and increased their awareness of the different usages of materials and their advantages from both a functional and aesthetic perspective. Conclusions: The significance of the study lies in its adoption of a practical approach as a new active learning methodology within art and design educational programmes to meet the current educational standards stipulated by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Jordan. Real-world projects foster students’ development of critical creativity to achieve the ultimate principles of environmental design and prepare them to deal with real challenges within the professional job market.

The Role of ChatGPT in English Language Learning: A Hedonic Motivation Perspective on Student Adoption in Chinese Universities

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly OpenAI’s ChatGPT, have transformed English language learning through Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) tools. This study examined the adoption of ChatGPT among university-level English learners employing the Hedonic Motivation System Adoption Model (HMSAM). An online survey was conducted with 266 valid responses, analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to assess the key factors influencing ChatGPT adoption. According to the findings, the main factors influencing students’ inclination to utilize ChatGPT are perceived usefulness, boredom, and a sense of control. These findings highlight important considerations for integrating AI in English education, suggesting that practical AI tools must address both functional and motivational aspects of learning. The study offers insights for educators and developers in designing AI-driven language learning tools that align with students’ needs and motivations, potentially shaping the future of English education.

Comparison of Spatial Perception Regarding the Re-functionalized Industrial Buildings: Abdullah Gül University Sümer Campus

Industrial buildings that conserve their authentic identities and provide cultural sustainability also appeal to the spatial perceptions of users through their old and new usage forms. It is thought that every generation will have different timeframes and experiencing forms in the spaces they are in, based on their own needs, and this is believed to reflect on their spatial perceptions. Accordingly, this study aims to reveal the effect of different generations’ characteristics on their perception of educational buildings converted from industrial buildings and to reflect users’ reactions to the relevant spaces. In this study, the evolving spatial perceptions regarding Abdullah Gül University Sümer Campus, which has been converted as an educational facility from Sümerbank Fabric Factory, were evaluated through the members of the Generation X and Z. This study which employed qualitative data collection and assessment methods was conducted as a particular case study. Furthermore, this study contained the holistic assessment of the physical, functional and psychological aspects of the re-functionalized campus considering the fact that these spaces whose functions were converted to be educational would include differences based on spatial perceptions. The results of this study indicated that Sümer Campus was considered by the Generation X as a location combining the old texture with the new, while the Generation Z assessed the campus as an esthetic formation where the old and new coexisted with contrasts.

Current and Emerging Radiotracers in Molecular Cardiovascular Imaging.

Cardiovascular imaging has rapidly advanced over the past decades. Traditional imaging techniques such as echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance are essential for assessing the structural and functional aspects of the cardiovascular system but often fall short in providing direct insights into disease activity. This gap is increasingly being bridged by molecular nuclear imaging techniques, including positron emission tomography and single-photon emission computed tomography, which enable the visualization of disease processes at the molecular and cellular levels. This review highlights the role of cardiovascular molecular imaging, emphasizing its current and potential applications in diagnosing and managing cardiovascular disease. With advancements in positron emission tomography scanners, novel radiotracers, and sophisticated imaging software, molecular imaging is set to play an essential role in precision medicine by enhancing our understanding of disease mechanisms, accelerating the development of targeted therapies, and facilitating personalized patient care.

Variations in the structure and function of the soil fungal communities in the traditional cropping systems from Madeira Island.

Agricultural soils are responsible for ecological functions and services that include primary production of food, fiber and fuel, nutrient cycling, carbon cycling and storage, water infiltration and purification, among others. Fungi are important drivers of most of those ecosystem services. Given the importance of fungi in agricultural soils, in this study, we aimed to characterize and analyse the changes of the soil fungal communities of three cropping systems from Madeira Island, where family farming is predominant, and investigate the response of fungi and its functional groups to soil physicochemical properties. To achieve that, we sequenced amplicons targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) of the rRNA region, to analyse soil samples from 18 agrosystems: 6 vineyards (V), 6 banana plantations (B) and 6 vegetable plantations (H). Our results showed that alpha diversity indices of fungal communities are similar in the three cropping systems, but fungal composition and functional aspects varied among them, with more pronounced differences in B. Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota were the main phyla found in the three cropping systems. Agaricomycetes and Sordariomycetes are the predominant classes in B, representing 23.8 and 22.4%, respectively, while Sordariomycetes (27.9%) followed by Eurotiomycetes (12.3%) were the predominant classes in V and Sordariomycetes (39.2%) followed by Tremellomycetes (8.9%) in the H. Saprotrophs are the fungal group showing higher relative abundance in the three cropping systems, followed by plant pathogens. Regarding symbionts, endophytes were highly observed in B, while mycorrhizal fungi was predominant in V and H. The structure of fungal communities was mainly correlated with soil content of P, K, N, Fe, and Cu. In addition, we identified bioindicators for each cropping system, which means that cultivated crops are also drivers of functional groups and the composition of communities. Overall, the three cropping systems favored diversity and growth of taxa that play important roles in soil, which highlights the importance of conservative management practices to maintain a healthy and resilient agrosystem.

Interpretable Spatio-Temporal Embedding for Brain Structural-Effective Network with Ordinary Differential Equation.

The MRI-derived brain network serves as a pivotal instrument in elucidating both the structural and functional aspects of the brain, encompassing the ramifications of diseases and developmental processes. However, prevailing methodologies, often focusing on synchronous BOLD signals from functional MRI (fMRI), may not capture directional influences among brain regions and rarely tackle temporal functional dynamics. In this study, we first construct the brain-effective network via the dynamic causal model. Subsequently, we introduce an interpretable graph learning framework termed Spatio-Temporal Embedding ODE (STE-ODE). This framework incorporates specifically designed directed node embedding layers, aiming at capturing the dynamic inter-play between structural and effective networks via an ordinary differential equation (ODE) model, which characterizes spatial-temporal brain dynamics. Our framework is validated on several clinical phenotype prediction tasks using two independent publicly available datasets (HCP and OASIS). The experimental results clearly demonstrate the advantages of our model compared to several state-of-the-art methods.

Trapezius Island Myocutaneous Flap for Head, Neck, and Facial Reconstruction in Neurofibromatosis Type 1-Associated Plexiform Neurofibromas.

Reconstruction of significant soft tissue defects in the head and neck region after resection of extensive plexiform neurofibromas, as well as preservation and restoration of cosmetic and functional aspects, presents a considerable challenge. The purpose is to evaluate the feasibility of eTMF in repairing substantial defects after the complete resection of NF1 PN. Patients diagnosed with substantial neurofibromatosis (NP) type 1 (NF1), according to the revised criteria, underwent complete resection and remodeling of the facial aesthetic unit. An extended vertical lower trapezius island myocutaneous flap (eTIMF) was used for the defect reconstruction. Perioperative complications were evaluated using the Clavien-Dindo classification. ECOG PS was assessed. Postoperative follow-up at 6 months and completion of UW-QOL. The questionnaire included swallowing, chewing, speech, and quality of life scores. Two patients had pathogenic missense variants: c.5609G>A (p.Arg1870Gln) in exon 38 of NF1 in the first case, and c.4600C>T (p.Arg1534*) in exon 35 in the second case. Two eTMFs were harvested successfully. Five facial esthetic units were remodeled, and 4 units were remodeled. Two extensive tumors were nearly entirely removed. No severe complications were noted. The ECOG PS improved from grade 3 in the first week postsurgery to grade 0 by the eighth week. The UW-QOL results indicated that swallowing, chewing, and speaking functions returned to their preoperative levels, with a 40% improvement in quality of life, reaching 60% and 80%, respectively. eTMF to repair substantial defects following total resection of NF1 PN and facial esthetic unit remodeling enhances appearance, function, and psychosocial outcomes. This technique is safe, efficient, resource-conserving, and simple to implement.

Protein Hydrolysates—Production, Effects on Plant Metabolism, and Use in Agriculture

Agriculture is facing challenges to produce more food in a climate scenario that works in the opposite direction. To amend this, agriculture has to invent new ways of making more with less. Interest in using by-products and finding new ways to utilize them has been increasing in recent years. The use of protein-rich sources for protein hydrolyzation and the use of these protein hydrolysates as biostimulants in plant production have been increasing. These mixtures are mainly produced by chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis from agro-industrial protein-rich by-products of animal, plant, and algal origins. The application of PHs has the potential to alleviate environmental stress; improve plant growth; and increase productivity, fruit yield, and abiotic-stress tolerance in agricultural crops. The use of these biostimulants offers a way to reduce the use of agrochemicals and agrees with the “do more with less” task in the future of agricultural production. This review gives an insight into the production of PHs, referring to sources of raw materials and methods of hydrolysis, the uptake and translocation of PHs, their effect on plant growth, the development and physiology, their role in alleviating stressful conditions, and their use in agriculture. The beneficial effects of PHs on different aspects of plant physiology, metabolism, and plant functioning under stressful conditions are evident. Inconveniently, crops, and sometimes even cultivars, are affected differently based on the way that PH is applied, the timing, and the concentration applied. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which the components of PHs modify plant physiology and metabolism.

Nongenetic and Genetic Factors Associated with White Matter Brain Aging: Exposome-Wide and Genome-Wide Association Study.

Human brain aging is a complex process that affects various aspects of brain function and structure, increasing susceptibility to neurological and psychiatric disorders. A number of nongenetic (e.g., environmental and lifestyle) and genetic risk factors are found to contribute to the varying rates at which the brain ages among individuals. In this paper, we conducted both an exposome-wide association study (XWAS) and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on white matter brain aging in the UK Biobank, revealing the multifactorial nature of brain aging. We applied a machine learning algorithm and leveraged fractional anisotropy tract measurements from diffusion tensor imaging data to predict the white matter brain age gap (BAG) and treated it as the marker of brain aging. For XWAS, we included 107 variables encompassing five major categories of modifiable exposures that potentially impact brain aging and performed both univariate and multivariate analysis to select the final set of nongenetic risk factors. We found current tobacco smoking, dietary habits including oily fish, beef, lamb, cereal, and coffee intake, length of mobile phone use, use of UV protection, and frequency of solarium/sunlamp use were associated with the BAG. In genetic analysis, we identified several SNPs on chromosome 3 mapped to genes IP6K1, GMNC, OSTN, and SLC25A20 significantly associated with the BAG, showing the high heritability and polygenic architecture of human brain aging. The critical nongenetic and genetic risk factors identified in our study provide insights into the causal relationship between white matter brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

A critical examination of industrial conflict in labour- management relations

The paper examines the occurrence of industrial conflict between labour unions and management in the workplace. The inevitability of conflict stems from the economic interest both parties want to satisfy at any point in time in their work relations which are at variance. The economic interest of both parties is inversely related and this will always reinforce disharmony of interest in the workplace. The theoretical analysis focused on conflict theory by Karl Marx and theory of industrial pluralism by Sidney and Beatrice Webb. Essentially, causes of industrial conflict was brought to the fore, its consequences and resolution mechanism were expatiated. Views of various schools of thought on conflict were examined together with functional and dysfunctional aspects of industrial conflict. Suggested measures to manage effectively the emergence of workplace conflict were also discussed. The study concluded that industrial conflict has become a recurring decimal in labour–management relations, however, the suggested measures to reduce and manage the preponderance of conflict should be followed in order to enhance workplace peace and harmonious labour management relations.

Integrated gut microbiota and serum pharmacochemistry reveal the mechanisms of wine steaming in alleviating rhubarb diarrhea

BackgroundLong-term use of rhubarb (RH) can cause adverse gastrointestinal reactions (such as diarrhea), whereas RH steaming with wine (PRH) can alleviate RH-induced diarrhea. However, the potential material basis and mechanisms by which wine steaming alleviates diarrhea caused by RH remain unclear. PurposeTo reveal the potential material basis and underlying mechanisms of wine steaming in alleviating diarrhea caused by RH from the perspective of small intestinal flora and immune function. MethodsThe major anthraquinone/anthrone components were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Constipation model mice were replicated using loperamide hydrochloride and were administered RH and PRH for six consecutive weeks. Histopathological observation (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) was performed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) were examined. CD4+, CD8+, and Treg cells counts in peripheral blood were determined using flow cytometry; The protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) was determined using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot (WB). The small intestine contents and feces were analyzed by 16 S rRNA sequencing and the contents of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) was used to analyze the blood absorption compounds and endogenous metabolites. ResultsThe levels of the major anthraquinone/anthrone components were decreased in PRH. RH and PRH both increased the wet fecal weight at 12 h (WFW-12) and fecal water rate (FWR), alleviated the dry and black fecal morphology, and relieved small intestine injuries in the second week. In the fourth week, although RH and PRH alleviated the abnormal levels of indicators in the model mice (fecal water rate, immune cells percentage, and TLR4/NF-κB expression), minor small intestinal damage was observed. Compared to that at the fourth week, RH and PRH increased the levels of WFW-12, FWR, inflammatory cytokines, and TLR4/NF-κB expression, and decreased the levels of IgG/IgA and immune cells with extended administration (sixth week). Further, damage to the small intestine worsened (severe ileal damage) and different degrees of loose stools were observed in RH- and PRH-administered mice in the sixth week. Compared with those in the control group, the levels of WFW-12, FWR, inflammatory cytokines, TLR4/NF-κB expression, IgG/IgA, and immune cell percentage were significantly different in the RH-H and PRH-H mice at the sixth week (except for CD8+in PRH-H). Further, RH and PRH disturbed the gut microbiota (GM) (Lactobacillus and Dubosiella decreased, Aerococcus and Corynebacterium increased) and obviously reduced the content of SCFAs (acetic acid, butyric acid, and isobutyric acid). However, almost all the results indicated a lower impact of PRH than that of RH. Metabolic pathways mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism were identified along with a total of 21 blood absorption components, including anthraquinones, anthrones, flavanols, and tannins. The correlation analysis showed a positive correlation of pathogenic bacteria (Aerococcus and Corynebacterium) with inflammatory cytokines, TLR4/NF-κB, LysoPC(20:0/0:0), and PE (16:0/20:4(8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)) and a negative correlation with immune cells and SCFAs (acetic acid and isobutyric acid); however, the opposite results were observed for beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus and Dubosiella). ConclusionOverall, PRH can alleviate RH-induced diarrhea by recovering the GM imbalance and abnormal levels of GM-mediated SCFAs, alleviating the decrease in cellular immune function and abnormal expression of TLR4/NF-κB, thereby suppressing the release of inflammatory factors, possibly, through its lower content of anthraquinones. This study explored for the first time the processing mechanism of wine steaming in alleviating RH-induced diarrhea from the aspects of small intestinal flora and small intestinal immune function.

From Traditional to Exceptional: Impact of the Use of Dried Chicken Meat Powder on Sensory and Nutritional Quality of Tarhana

Tarhana is a popular Turkish fermented food, made of a mixture of cereal and yoghurt, generally consumed as soup. Both lactic acid bacteria and yeasts are responsible for the fermentation. The selection and proportions of ingredients integrated along with the production process specify the nutritional value and sensory properties of the final product. Therefore, the first objective of the present study was to process a dried “chicken meat powder (CMP)” that could be used in food formulations. The second objective was to determine the impact of CMP addition on the nutritional and sensorial properties of Uşak tarhana recipe with geographical indication. In order to fulfill these challenges dried chicken meat powder (CMP) at levels of 20, 25, 30, and 35% were included in tarhana recipes for the very first time. Within the scope of the study, organoleptic properties of tarhana soups (control and CMP added) were determined, and the formulation with 30% CMP (TCMP30) achieved the highest sensory evaluation scores. This sample was analyzed further, and its physicochemical properties were compared to a control sample strictly following the traditional Uşak tarhana recipe. In the tarhana samples, the moisture, protein, and total fat content increased with higher CMP additions, while the ash, crude cellulose, carbohydrates, energy, salt, and dietary fiber decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.05). The calcium and sodium contents decreased, however, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc contents increased. The fatty acid composition analysis revealed that Uşak tarhana contained more saturated fatty acids than either CMP or TCMP30; adding 30% CMP reduced the total saturated fatty acids while increasing the monounsaturated fatty acids. The main fatty acids in traditional samples were linoleic, palmitic, and oleic acids, comprising 83.82% of the total fat. In TCMP30, the order changed to oleic &gt; linoleic &gt; palmitic with 83.89% of total fat. Over time, the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity decreased in the control sample but increased in TCMP30. These results suggest that a formulation including 30% CMP effectively enhances the sensory, functional, and nutritional aspects in tarhana.

Exploring the Strategies Used in Subtitling Nicknames from English to Arabic

Nicknames in audiovisual content serve multiple purposes including, highlighting character traits, adding humor, fostering familiarity, and revealing relationships within the narrative. Subtitling these names can be challenging, due to their culture-specific and connotative nature. However, there is a noticeable lack of research on the strategies involved in subtitling them, particularly from English to Arabic. Therefore, this study aimed to address this gap by identifying, analyzing, and assessing the strategies subtitlers used in subtitling nicknames from English to Arabic. To achieve this, 41 subtitles containing nicknames were selected from the first season of the TV series Lost and analyzed based on Pedersen’s (2011) taxonomy of strategies. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results showed frequent use of Retention, Direct translation, Situational Substitution, and Omission strategies which failed to convey the intended meaning causing a deviation from the original effect. The used strategies suggested a tendency to untranslated them. Therefore, it was recommended to consider the functional aspects of the nicknames and the significance of conveying their intended meaning to enhance the effectiveness of nickname subtitling and improve viewer experience. Instructors of translation are also recommended to pay sufficient heed to the teaching of strategies of nickname subtitling.