Quality Of Components Research Articles

Development of a mobile application for rapid detection of meat freshness using deep learning

The freshness or spoilage of meat is critical in terms of meat color and quality criteria. Detecting the condition of the meat is important not only for consumers but also for the processing of the meat itself. Meat quality is influenced by various pre-slaughter factors including housing conditions, diet, age, genetic background, environmental temperature, and stress factors. Additionally, spoilage can occur due to the slaughtering process, though post-slaughter spoilage is more frequent and has a stronger correlation with postslaughter factors. The primary indicator of meat quality is the pH value, which can be high or low. Variations in pH values can lead to adverse effects in the final product such as color defects, microbial issues, short shelf life, reduced quality, and consumer complaints. Many of these characteristics are visible components of quality. This study aimed to develop a mobile application using deep learning-based image processing techniques for the rapid detection of freshness. The attributes of the source and the targeted predictions were found satisfactory, indicating that further advancements could be made in developing future versions of the application.

Impact of Six Months of Three Different Modalities of Exercise on Stress in Post-Treatment Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Extensive evidence suggests that exercise is physically and mentally beneficial for cancer survivors. This study reports on changes in self-reported stress, physiological biomarkers for stress (salivary cortisol), and HR-QOL constructs for fifty breast cancer survivors participating in one of three different exercise programs over 6 months. Methods: Fifty post-treatment breast cancer survivors were randomized to either therapeutic yoga-based exercise (YE), comprehensive exercise (CE) (aerobic, resistance, flexibility), or choosing (C) their own exercise activities. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Medical Outcomes Short-Form 36® (SF-36), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Five samples of salivary cortisol were collected on two consecutive days. The 10 samples were used to calculate the diurnal rhythm slope. Outcome measures were repeated after six months. Results: All groups improved in HR-QOL measures of PSS; PSQI sleep quality components of latency and daytime functioning; and five of the ten SF-36 scales (Mental Component Scale, Social Functioning subscale, Mental Health subscale, Physical Component Scale, Physical Functioning subscale). Although the CE group observed the most favorable change in cortisol (−0.183), where cortisol slope changes approached significance (p = 0.057), but no significant decrease in cortisol between groups were noted. Conclusion: Our results suggest that it is the engagement of, rather than the specific type of exercise, which is associated with improved HR-QOL. However, longer-term studies with better adherence monitoring and larger sample sizes are needed to better determine clinical impact.

Monitoring equity in the delivery of health services: a Delphi process to select healthcare equity indicators.

Health equity is a key component of quality of care and an objective for a growing number of quality improvement projects for deontological, ethical, public health and economic reasons. To monitor equity in the delivery of health services in Switzerland, there is a need to implement valid, measurable and actionable equity indicators, along with vulnerability stratifiers such as migrant status, which could lead to differences in quality of care. The aim of this study was to develop a set of healthcare equity indicators and stratifiers targeting inpatient and outpatient populations and to test their feasibility. A scoping literature review and inputs from a national interprofessional expert taskforce provided a set of indicators and vulnerability stratifiers. The most valid and measurable indicators and stratifiers were retained using a Delphi process. They were then operationalised, and their implementation tested in three Swiss hospitals from the three language regions. A taskforce of 18 experts, including a patient representative, selected 11 indicators that evaluate structures, processes and outcomes, and five vulnerability stratifiers. Although most indicators and stratifiers could be implemented in all three hospitals, data availability was limited for some variables, including patient satisfaction and access to interpreters for foreign-language patients. The equity indicators and stratifiers identified by this two-stage process have content validity, wide patient coverage and are focused on inequities in the healthcare system that are actionable through improvement projects. Both the indicators and the project methodology could be replicated in institutions aiming for more equitable care.

Utilizing nontargeted metabolomics integrated with quality component quantitation via differential analysis to reveal the taste differences between and metabolite characteristics of hawk black tea and hawk white tea

This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the differences in the taste characteristics of hawk black tea and hawk white tea, exploring the intrinsic relationship between nonvolatile metabolites and these taste characteristics. The results revealed significant differences in taste properties of the two types of hawk tea. Hawk black tea mainly exhibits a fresh, sweet, and sweet aftertaste quality, whereas hawk white tea offers a mellow and pure taste. Comparative analysis revealed that the content of amino acids and carbohydrates in hawk black tea was significantly higher than that in hawk white tea, while the content of flavonoids and organic acids was relatively lower. Quality composition results indicated significant differences in the 13 major quality components and water extracts between the two hawk teas, aligning with the quantitative descriptive analysis results. Additionally, through weighted gene coexpression network analysis, significant associations were found between 671 metabolites across 155 metabolic pathways and 9 taste characteristics. Among them, flavonoid biosynthesis and degradation are the main metabolic pathways of the two types of hawk tea. And it was found that butin, phlorizin, naringin, dihydrokaempferol, sakuranetin, apigenin, (−)-epicatechin, (+)-gallocatechin, caffeoyl shikimic acid, homoeriodictyol, which are 10 flavonoids, are the key metabolites affecting the taste difference of hawk black and white tea. Additionally, this study found that hawk tea does not contain caffeine, which is of great significance for the development of caffeine-free beverages in the future.

MHealth Apps in the Digital Marketplace for Pediatric Patients With Cancer: Systematic Search and Analysis.

The substantial increase in smartphone ownership has led to a rise in mobile health (mHealth) app use. Developing tailored features through mHealth apps creates a pathway to address the health care needs of pediatric patients with cancer and their families who have complex care needs. However, few apps are designed specifically to integrate with pediatric cancer care. This study reports a systematic search and analysis of mHealth apps available on the Apple App (iOS) and Google Play (Android) stores designed for pediatric cancer through a list of features that serve (1) patients, (2) caregivers, or (3) both audiences. Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, we reviewed apps for pediatric patients with cancer and caregivers available as of January 30, 2024. We searched the Apple App and Google Play stores with a list of keyword combinations focusing on pediatric cancer care. The inclusion criteria were (1) specifically apps targeted toward pediatric patients with cancer, their families, or both; (2) available in either app store; and (3) available in English. Apps were assessed using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). The MARS is a quality assessment for mHealth apps, including components of engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and informational quality (5-point Likert scale items-1: low and 5: high quality). In total, 22 apps were identified and 17 of those apps were available on both platforms. The most popular features (n=12) were resource sharing, symptom tracking, reminders, care team connections, journaling, community support, medication tracking, data visualizations, and appointment tracking. Features and interfaces were designed for caregivers (n=9) more frequently than the patients (n=7) while a subset of apps created options for both users (n=6). A total of 16 apps received positive reviews (mean 4.4, SD 0.59; Min=3.1, Max=5.0). A small subset (n=3) achieved over 5000 downloads; however, the majority (n=15) had fewer than 500. More than half (n=12) of the apps were not available in English. Apps requested access to a range of device functionalities to operate (mean 2.72, SD 3.13; Min=0, Max=10). Out of 22, a total of 17 apps were publicly accessible. The mean MARS scores for the apps ranged from 1.71 (SD 0.75) to 4.33 (SD 0.82). Overall, apps scored high on functionality (mean 3.72, SD 0.54) but low on engagement (mean 3.02, SD 0.93). Our review highlights the promising yet underdeveloped potential of mHealth apps in pediatric oncology care, underscoring the need for more inclusive, comprehensive, and integrative digital health solutions. Future developments should actively involve key stakeholders from the pediatric oncology community, including patients, families, and health care professionals, to ensure the apps meet specific needs while addressing linguistic and cultural barriers.

Critical windows for exposure to chemical composition of ambient particulate matter and human semen quality decline

BackgroundCritical windows for exposure to chemical components of particulate matter (PM <2.5 μm in diameter [PM2.5]) associated with the human semen quality decline remain unclear. ObjectivesTo address this gap, we developed a new analytical framework by integrating a Linear Mixed Model (LMM) with subject- and center-specific intercepts and a Distributed Lag Model (DLM) to fully account for correlations between finely vulnerable exposure windows based on complete profile of the spermatogenesis cycle. MethodsWe constructed a multicenter cohort involving 33,234 sperm donors with 78,952 semen samples covering 6 representative regions across China from 2014 to 2020 to investigate the week-scale critical windows for the exposure. Daily exposure to PM2.5 chemical components of donors was derived from grid data based on 1-km spatial resolution surface measurements. ResultsDecreased sperm count was significantly associated with NO3− and SO42− at 9–10 weeks (e.g., β: -0.05 %, 95%CI: [−0.10 %, −0.00 %] at the 9th week) and 0–2 weeks (e.g., β: -0.66 %, 95%CI: [−1.24 %, −0.07 %] at the 1st week), respectively. Critical windows of progressive motility decline were 0–10 weeks for BC (e.g., β: -0.07 %, 95%CI: [−0.11 %, −0.03 %] at the 5th week), Cl− at 1–4 weeks (e.g., β: -2.21 %, 95%CI: [−3.77 %, −0.66 %] at the 2nd week), 0–6 weeks and 9–10 weeks for NO3− (e.g., β: -0.05 %, 95%CI: [−0.09 %, −0.01 %] at the 4th week), 1–3 weeks and the 8th week for NH4+ (e.g., β: -0.06 %, 95%CI: [−0.11 %, −0.01 %] at the 2nd week). Total motility is significantly negatively associated with BC at entire windows, Cl− at 0–3 weeks, the 5th week and 9–10 weeks. ConclusionsThere are week-scale vulnerable windows of exposure to PM2.5 chemical components for human semen quality. This highlights the need for more targeted pollution control strategies addressing PM2.5 and its chemical components.

The effect of cold plasma treatment on the fruit quality and aroma components of winter jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. 'Dongzao').

Cold plasma (CP) is a novel environmental-friendly preservation technology that causes minimal damage to fruits. The flavor and quality of winter jujubes have decreased with the extended storage time. Currently, the research on the use of CP on winter jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. 'Dongzao') mainly focuses on the effect of the treatment on storage quality. There is limited research on the effect of CP treatment on the flavor of winter jujubes. This study used different CP (80kV) treatment durations (0, 5, and 10min) to treat winter jujubes. The appropriate treatment time was selected by observing the changes in color, respiratory intensity, soluble sugar content, total acid content, and vitamin C (VC) content of winter jujubes. Amino acid analyzer and headspace solid-phase microextraction in combination with gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric detection were used to analyze the effect of CP treatment on the flavor compounds of winter jujubes. The results showed that the 5-min CP treatment could significantly slow down the red coloration of winter jujube while maintaining high soluble sugar, total acid, and VC content. At the respiration peak, the respiratory intensity of the 5-min CP treatment group was 0.74 mg CO2·kg-1·h-1 lower than that of the control group (p < 0.05). CP treatment slowed down the decrease in the content of amino acids and volatile organic compounds (such as 2-methyl-4-pentenal, 2-hexenal, and 3-hexenal) in winter jujubes. This study will provide basic data for applying CP preservation technology in postharvest winter jujubes.

Effectiveness of a theory-underpinning exercise intervention among community-dwelling (pre)frail older adults: A stepped-wedge cluster-randomized trial

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of a theory-underpinning exercise intervention among Chinese community-dwelling (pre)frail older adults, and the impacts of intervening late as opposed to intervening early. MethodsThis was a stepped-wedge cluster-randomized trial. Participants were enrolled from six communities in a county of central China from January to November in 2021 (n = 149). A 12-week exercise intervention based on the integration of Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behavior and Health Action Process Approach was implemented among 149 community-dwelling (pre)frail older adults during the study period. The primary outcomes were frailty and muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance. Secondary outcomes included physical disability, fear of falling, cognitive function, depressive symptoms, social support and quality of life. Assessments were conducted at baseline and at 12, 24 and 36 weeks. A multilevel regression model was used for statistical analysis. ResultsThe positive effects were statistically significant on frailty (β = −1.166, p = 0.016), muscle mass (β = 1.499, p = 0.005), handgrip strength (β = 14.758, p < 0.001), physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery, β = 6.043, p < 0.001), physical disability (Activities of Daily Living: β = 0.462, p = 0.043; Instrumental Activities of Daily Living: β = 0.693, p = 0.049;) and fear of falling (β = −1.490, p = 0.003), cognitive function (β = −0.466, p = 0.011), depressive symptoms (β = −0.541, p < 0.001), social support (β = 27.661, p < 0.001), physical (β = 2.413, p = 0.013) and mental (β = 7.837, p < 0.001) components of quality of life at 0-week postintervention, and most of them persisted at 12- and 24-week postintervention. The effectiveness significantly differed by the time of interventions on muscle mass (β = −1.217, p = 0.002), 5-time chair stand test (β = −1.172, p = 0.018), cognitive function (β = 0.600, p = 0.014) and mental component of quality of life (β = −12.679, p = 0.002). ConclusionThe theory-underpinning exercise intervention has positive immediate and persistent effects on frailty, frailty-related characteristics as well as physical, mental and social functioning among Chinese community-dwelling (pre)frail older adults. Late intervention attenuated the significant intervention effect. Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100041981.

Nondestructive detection of multiple qualities of dried jujube in different storage periods based on hyperspectral imaging combined with deep learning

Moisture content and sugar content are characteristic substances that determine the quality of dried jujubes. In this study, we collected visible/near-infrared and near-infrared hyperspectral data (Vis-NIR and NIR) from three dried jujubes samples with different storage periods, and established recognition models for different storage periods of jujubes using Random Forest (RF), Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Deep Learning Methods (LeNet, ResNet, DenseNet, MobileNet and EfficientNet). Then, we constructed a dried jujubes storage period classification model based on feature bands using Successive projections algorithm (SPA) and Principal component analysis (PCA) methods, the results showed that the classification results based on Vis-NIR were better than those based on NIR, and the classification model based on SPA method was more accurate. In addition, the internal quality attributes of moisture content and total sugar during a single storage period of jujube were also predicted, and a quality prediction model for multiple storage periods was established based on NIR. This study provides a fast and non-destructive method for detecting the storage and quality components of jujube, in order to control the quality of jujube at different storage periods.

Utilization of Lean Six Sigma and the DMAIC process on oral treatment regimen entry and consent to improve patient care and mitigate practice risk.

281 Background: Oral medication (chemo/hormone) volumes in oncology treatment selection will continue to increase year over year. In 22’, oral meds accounted for the largest market share in dollars at 51% vs IV treatment at 49%. Oral medication volume is projected to increase by proliferation and utilization, though revenues may decrease due to decreasing drug margins. Medication regimen consent is a critical part of specialty pharmacy accreditation through one of the national accrediting organizations. This accreditation is vital to meeting the requirements and maintaining contracts with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and specialty-focused pharmacy services administrative organizations (PSAO). Without improved and continued consent compliance, OHC was at a significant risk of losing the ability to provide care for this impacted patient population, thus resulting in increased risk of financial toxicity. PBMs and accreditations require quality components be completed to maintain the ability to run a specialty oncology pharmacy. When a new oral prescription is written, the oral must be 1.) entered as a regimen and not a single script-only in the EHR and 2.) must have a completed teaching visit and legal consent. Methods: Following the DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, implement and control) process, OHC’s Lean Team deployed Lean Six Sigma strategies and tools in PY23’ to bridge the gap to goal for both oral medication risk areas. OHC followed the lean methodology A3 process using DMAIC, deployed implementation strategies and curated data analytic reports to ensure oral medications were entered as regimens vs script-only, that teaching/consents were completed, and that the control phase maintained a steady state. Results: In 23’, OHC providers accurately prescribed in the EHR a new oral chemo/hormone at 98% (1037/1055) accuracy vs 22’ at 69% (586/845). Additionally, OHC achieved a 93% (986/1055) teach/consent compliance rate vs 22’ at 59% (499/845). With mitigation of compliance risk (est. at 12,114,000), OHC ensured no loss of pharmacy accreditation and contracts. Increased oral medication teaching visits capture rate increased (n=399) resulting in $114,000 additional return on investment in calendar year 23’. Conclusions: Utilizing Lean Six Sigma tools and the DMAIC process, OHC was able to implement strategies to meet both measure goals in one performance year, resulting in improved patient care, organizational risk mitigation, and sustainable profitability. The results have been maintained in the control phase of PY24’. Lean Six Sigma and the DMAIC process are vital to organization success. Tactics deployed have proven to be reproducible and scalable to other projects. Measure PY2022 PY2023 Goal Oral Medication Regimen NCCN Entry vs Script-only 69% (586/845) 98% (1037/1055) 90% Oral Medication Regimen Teach/Consent 59% (499/845) 93% (986/1055) 93%

Examining the interplay of chatbot interactivity and anthropomorphic design for enhancing brand relationships in service businesses

The current research examines how elements of chatbot design influence not only consumers’ perceptions and responses but also the processes by which they promote online-to-offline behavioral intention toward service brands. Focusing on the coffee service business, a study following a 2 × 2 between-subjects experimental design was conducted. Among the findings, the impact of interactivity on chatbot- and brand-related outcomes depended on the anthropomorphic conversational style employed; interactions with the warm, high-interactivity (vs. low-interactivity) chatbot enhanced the sense of social presence, whereas interactions with the competent, low-interactivity (vs. high-interactivity) chatbot promoted brand-related behavioral intention. Moreover, as the moderated serial mediation model demonstrated, although increased social presence shaped components of brand relationship quality (i.e. brand partner quality and brand attachment), only brand partner quality bolstered the intention to patronize the brand. The significant moderated indirect effect suggests that a warm, highly interactive chatbot design can strengthen social presence and thereby improve brand partner quality and raise the likelihood of offline patronage. Theoretical and managerial implications of the findings are discussed.

Stakeholder contestations of water quality use and management in the Vaal Barrage catchment

The water resources within the lower section of the Upper Vaal catchment, where the Vaal Barrage is situated, are highly utilised and developed, and water quality regulation has become a contested space between resource users and the regulators. The credibility and scientific defensibility of discharge standards in water-use licences (WULs), the relationship between upstream and downstream waste loads, the relationship between flows and water quality standards in WUL, and the water quality components of the resource quality objectives (RQOs) are being contested. This study explores the perceptions and motivations underlying these contestations as a contribution to scientific understanding of water quality management in a highly developed system. Perceived unrealistic RQOs, perceived lack of scientific credibility of the methods for deriving water quality standards in WUL, data inadequacy, as well as poor institutional capacity were identified as the top motivations for contesting applicable regulatory instruments in the catchment. Punitive measures, incentives, and education and awareness-raising were identified as key to accelerating compliance. Overall, this paper contributes to our general understanding of the intricacies of water quality management within a contested space.

Core Components of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs: 2024 Update: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

The science of cardiac rehabilitation and the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease has progressed substantially since the most recent American Heart Association and American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation update on the core components of cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs was published in 2007. In addition, the advent of new care models, including virtual and remote delivery of cardiac rehabilitation services, has expanded the ways that cardiac rehabilitation programs can reach patients. In this scientific statement, we update the scientific basis of the core components of patient assessment, nutritional counseling, weight management and body composition, cardiovascular disease and risk factor management, psychosocial management, aerobic exercise training, strength training, and physical activity counseling. In addition, in recognition that high-quality cardiac rehabilitation programs regularly monitor their processes and outcomes and engage in an ongoing process of quality improvement, we introduce a new core component of program quality. High-quality program performance will be essential to improve widely documented low enrollment and adherence rates and reduce health disparities in cardiac rehabilitation access.

Chemodiversity of Zingiber officinale Roscoe rhizome essential oil at different drying times

Ginger (Zingiber officinale), a globally distributed plant, is widely used in the industry for its flavourings, seasonings, and beverages. However, maintaining its quality and volatile components during processing has posed a challenge. This study, therefore, aimed to assess the impact of drying time (24, 48, and 72h) in a circulation oven at 40 °C on the chemical composition and yield of fresh and dried ginger. The essential oils were extracted using the hydrodistillation method, and their chemical analysis was conducted using gas chromatography. The drying time in the oven directly influenced the essential oil yield, with a longer time resulting in a higher yield. We identified 27 compounds in the essential oils, varying their predominance depending on the drying time. The PCA analysis revealed that the drying time can lead to the formation of different chemotypes for ginger, indicating that altering the drying time can yield significantly different chemical profiles.

Physical and Mental Components of Quality of Life after a Cardiac Rehabilitation Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: This study aimed to analyze the effect of cardiac rehabilitation programs on the health-related quality of life of patients after a coronary cardiac event using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for up to 6 months of evaluation. Methods: A comprehensive search was carried out in the MEDLINE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases for randomized controlled trials comparing the cardiac rehabilitation program with usual care. Two independent reviewers assessed the studies for inclusion, risk of bias using the Cochrane tool, and quality of evidence through the GRADE system. A meta-analysis was performed on studies assessing health-related quality of life with the SF-12 (Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary) up to 6 months after the program. Results: Twelve studies encompassed 2260 patients who participated in a cardiac rehabilitation program after a coronary event, with a mean age of 60.06 years. The generic PROMs used to assess quality of life were the SF-12, SF-36, EQ-5D-3L, EQ-5D-5L, and GHQ, and the specific coronary heart disease PROMs were MacNew and HeartQoL. There was a positive effect of participation in cardiac rehabilitation on the physical component of health-related quality of life at 6 months (MD [7.02]; p = 0.04] and on the mental component (MD [1.06]; p = 0.82) after applying the SF-12. Conclusions: This study highlights the significant benefits of cardiac rehabilitation programs on health-related quality of life, particularly in the physical domain at 6 months. Assessing outcomes over time through PROMs after coronary heart events is essential, thus making it possible to personalize patients' care and improve their health status.

USING INFOGRAPHICS IN ORGANIZING ACTIVITIES TO EXPLORE STONE CARVING (NON NUOC STONE VILLAGE) TO DEVELOP QUALITIES IN ELEMENTARY STUDENTS

A new point in the 2018 General Education Program focuses on integrating national cultural education content into Social Science subjects and experiential activities. Using Infographics in teaching is significant in guiding students to self-study and develop necessary competencies. The article presents the teaching process using an infographic with the content of Stone Carving Craft (Non Nuoc Stone Village) in Experiential Activity 4 to develop students' qualities and meet the educational goals of the General Educational Program 2018. Research using pedagogical experimental methods on 02 classes and assess the difference between the ability groups of the two experimental classes using Independent Samples T-test through the ratio (%) groups of students achieved the corresponding quality components in each class. The results show that organizing the Stone Carving Activity (Non Nuoc Stone Village) through an infographic helps students develop qualities aligned with the 2018 General Education Program goals. Keywords: Cultural value; experience activities; infographic; grade 4; primary.

Sex-Specific Association of Clinical Parameters and Components of Femoral Bone Quality in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty

Poor bone quality is a critical factor associated with an increased risk of complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, no consistent recommendations have yet been established for assessing indicators of bone quality preoperatively. Thus, it remains unclear which preoperatively available and readily accessible parameters are most closely associated with femoral bone quality. Here, we obtained femoral neck specimens from 50 patients undergoing THA. Preoperative Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans, pelvic radiographs, and laboratory parameters were analyzed. In the obtained specimens, bone microstructure was assessed using micro-CT and histomorphometry. Additionally, matrix mineralization and osteocyte lacunar morphology were evaluated using quantitative backscattered electron imaging. Our analysis revealed that DXA-derived T-scores correlated with trabecular microstructure. Furthermore, radiographic indices and body mass index correlated differentially with aspects of bone quality in women and men. Contrary to previous observations, no correlation was found between serum vitamin D levels and osteoid indices, nor between clinical parameters and matrix mineralization. Age was strongly associated with the number of mineralized osteocyte lacunae, a factor that appeared to be independent of sex. Taken together, our study demonstrates that no single preoperatively available parameter exhibits a strong and consistent association with femoral bone quality. However, DXA remains a reliable preoperative measure for determining the trabecular microstructure of the femoral neck. In clinical practice, surgeons should adopt an individualized approach to preoperative assessments by considering age, sex, BMI, and radiographic indices to enhance their insight into femoral bone quality, particularly when DXA is unavailable.

Osteopathic status and quality of life of pregnant women in megacities

Introduction. According to the World Health Organization, the natural and human-transformed natural environment affects the health of urban residents. In modern socio-economic conditions of megapolis there are unfavorable trends of deterioration of health and quality of life indicators of urban population. Pregnancy is a crisis state for both the woman herself and her family as a whole, so it is during this period that a woman needs to ensure a high level of quality of life, which is often not given due attention due to the high rhythm of life in megacities. The course of pregnancy is determined by the development of structural and functional changes in a woman′s body, which in turn affect not only physical well-being, but also mental health, thus changing the level of quality of life of a woman. Along with this physiological changes during pregnancy can serve as a background for the formation of somatic dysfunctions, the clinical manifestations of which are determined by the compensatory capabilities of the body of the pregnant woman. Pregnancy support at the present stage dictates the necessity of timely detection of functional changes and quality of life disorders in order to prevent complications during pregnancy.The aim of the study: to evaluate the osteopathic status and the level of quality of life of pregnant women in megacitiesMaterials and methods. In a cross-sectional cohort study conducted in the period from 03.2018 to 05.2023g on the basis of medical clinics in St. Petersburg (LLC «Institute of Osteopathy Mokhov»), in Moscow (Balashikha Maternity Hospital), in Kazan (City Clinical Hospital № 16) and Medical Clinic «Medexpert» (Kazan) were included 225 somatically healthy pregnant women at different stages of pregnancy, aged 25–45 years. The mean age of the subjects was 34±3,8 years at the time of follow-up. A unified osteopathic examination was performed in all pregnant women with the formation of an osteopathic report and the level of quality of life was assessed according to the criteria of the SF-36 questionnaire.Results. The analysis of the results of the conducted studies demonstrated that as pregnancy progresses, somatic dysfunctions of the pelvic region come to the forefront (p&lt;0,05), and the indicators of the level of both physical and psychological components of the quality of life significantly decrease (p=0,02) with increasing gestational age. At the same time, a significantly lower level of quality of life indicators at baseline and as pregnancy progresses is observed in the residents of Moscow compared to pregnant women living in St. Petersburg and Kazan.Conclusion. Healthy pregnant women are characterized by the presence of somatic dysfunctions of regional and local level, and the frequency of their detection, degree of severity and level of manifestation depends on the term of pregnancy and does not statistically differ in the residents of the cities of St. Petersburg, Moscow and Kazan. As pregnancy progresses, the inhabitants of megacities are characterized by a decrease in both physical and psychological components of quality of life. The fact that we have revealed a statistically significantly lower level of quality of life indicators in women living in Moscow compared to those living in St. Petersburg and Kazan needs further study by specialists.

Effect of dynamic high-pressure microfluidization and thermal processing on quality and volatile components of NFC tomato juice

In this study, tomato juice was processed using both dynamic high-pressure microfluidization (DHPM) and thermal processing (TP) to investigate their effects on the quality and volatile components of not-from-concentrate (NFC) tomato juice. Both DHPM (400 MPa, 25 ℃) and TP (95 ℃, 3 min) achieved sterilization and improved the brightness of the juice. TP resulted in severe loss of ascorbic acid with only 49 % retention. Significant color change after TP (ΔE = 1.62), and severe browning. DHPM treatment and TP reduced the acidity of tomato juice by 26.67 % and 22.67 %, respectively. DHPM improved tomato juice stability, and the D [3,4] and turbidity of the tomato juice decreased from 98.1 to 21.2 μm and from 55.64 to 24.58 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU), respectively. The identification of volatile components in tomato juice by gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) showed that the content of 37 volatile components in tomato juice increased after DHPM treatment. The contents of 2-furanmethanol and 2-ethylpyrazine, the off-flavor compounds of the cooking flavor, increased more after TP. The characteristic aroma of tomato, 2-phenylacetaldehyde, increased after processing. The study results provide basic theoretical data for tomato juice processing.

Effect of nozzles on disease control with spraying fungicides in soybean crops

ABSTRACT The productivity of the soybean crop (Glycine max) can be limited by several factors, including diseases. In the integrated management of diseases, one of the strategies used is chemical control. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the influence of spray nozzle types on the chemical control of fungal diseases in soybean plants. The experimental design was randomised blocks, with six treatments and four replications. The treatments consisted of control (without fungicide application on soybean plants) and application of fungicides with different spray nozzles: hollow cone jet, double flat jet, extended range flat jet, wide angle flat jet and air induction flat jet. The sprayer used was the backpack pressurised by carbon dioxide CO2. The experiment was installed in the Campos Gerais region (Paraná, Brazil); during three cropping seasons. The evaluated variables were incidence and severity, spray quality (covered area, droplet density, and relative amplitude) and yield components. It was concluded that the chemical control of fungal diseases in soybean plants reduced the proliferation of pathogens and losses in crop yield. There were significant changes in spraying quality in all analysed variables. There were no differences among the spray nozzle types regarding the analysis of incidence, severity and soybean yield components.