Functional Aspect Research Articles

Embedded heritage: the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in urban placemaking (case study: Tehran's citadel)

As young, active, creative, and authentic people tend to outmigration from the historical contexts of downtown Tehran, the question in this paper has dealt with the ways of place-making through ICT. Hence, the article seeks to find an urban design solution to attract people to the inner parts of the cities. The primary purpose of this study is to enhance public events in the historic zone of Tehran's Citadel by using ICT. In spite of the potentials of the heritage areas in empowering social interactions and nightlife entertainments, many of the historic urban spaces have now fallen into disrepair and decrepitude. The importance of this research is in recreating the morphological, economic, social and historical aspects of vast and sensitive areas in Tehran and other similar cities. Therefore, by studying the evolution of urban fabrics in three historical periods, the physical, social, and historic-cultural features of these periods have been studied and assessed through 3D modeling and fabrication. Volumetric envelopes of historic monuments, some of which are now destroyed, are to be made and virtually displayed in the original location of the buildings by using lighting techniques. The result of this paper indicates that in addition to its instrumental role of digital documentation production, ICT may enhance historical urban sites and aid people in three main place aspects including the functional aspect (enhancing safety, nightlife, and social interaction), the perceptual aspect (enhancing the identity of the place) and the physical aspect (redesigning urban places).

Functional aspect resonance matrices for fraud analysis

As the socio technological has complex resonant relationship, the resonance coupling of functions is necessary to analyze. Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM) has been used to investigate the resonance couplings by using aspects to connect each other. There have been proposed two types of matrix representations of FRAM to exhaustively analyze the coupling between functions. However, inter relationship between matrices is no been clarified. In this paper, we propose another new matrix representation of FRAM as well as compare these three types of matrix representations by using connectivity tuple notation between functions. The result shows the equivalence of FRAM matrix representations. The applicability of the proposed matrix representation to the fraud incident analysis is also clarified by a case study.

In-silico Characterization of ICE1 Transcriptional Factor in Cold Signalling Network in Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)

Aim: Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) is a leguminous crop with high rich of protein and susceptible to cold stress. In silico characterization of ICE1, a cold tolerant transcriptional factor in Vigna radiata and transcriptional regulatory network with other species of Vigna and with special refrence to legume crops.
 Methodology: Genomic sequences of Vigna radiata, V. angularis and V. unguculata and other leguminous crops were retrieved from NCBI (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and used for multiple sequence alignment, Phylogenetic and comparative analysis of ICE1 protein and motif analysis.
 Results: The present study showed that Vigna radiata ICE1 (VrICE1) gene was closely related to VaICE1 gene (Vigna angularis) and then VuICE1 gene (Vigna unguiculata). The study also revealed that the bHLH domain region (247-298aa) was the low complexity region and co-localization signals of V.radiataICE1. There were a similarities and dissimilarities of the ICE1 protein isoforms in V.radiata. It was noted that VrICE1 had a average of hydropathicity (GRAVY) of -0.593 in one and -0.6 in other. An instability index of 64.58 and 64.90. VrICE1 had a higher percentage of non-polar amino acid content and more number of random coils followed by alpha helix in secondary structure. The study also revealed that there was major involvement of VrICE1 proteins in biological and molecular functions under cold stress.
 Conclusion: The bioinformatics tools help researchers in getting information with regard to the functional aspect of the gene with respect to cold tolerance. A comprehensive analysis of the different physical and chemical properties of Vigna species could help us to identify their diversified usefulness.

Alkali cation-mediated topology displayed by an exonic G-rich sequence of TRPA1 gene

G-rich sequences are intrinsic parts of the genome, widespread in promoters, telomeres, or other regulatory regions. The in vivo existence and biological significance have established the functional aspect of G-quadruplex structures and thus have developed immense interest in exploring their therapeutic aspects. Herein, using biophysical methods, we examined the structural status and comprehensive cation-dependence of a 17-bp G-rich genomic sequence (SKGT17) located in the coding region of the human TRPA1 gene, known to be associated with various neurovascular, cardiovascular, and respiratory conditions. TRPA1 is primarily seen as a therapeutic target for the development of novel analgesics. Bioinformatics analysis has suggested that 17-bp quadruplex motif is a binding site for transcription factor 'Sp1'. The formation and recognition of SKGT17 G-quadruplex might impact its regulatory functioning. Biophysical studies confirmed that the presence of alkali metal ions facilitated the formation of G-quadruplex in parallel topology. Native gel further substantiated the formation of a biomolecular species. Circular dichroism (CD), UV-thermal melting (Tm), and CD melting confirmed the formation of parallel G-quadruplex with metal ion-dependent stability. The stability of the G-quadruplex formed is found to be significantly high in the presence of K+ ions than that of other ions. Intriguingly, we have also established that this segment of the TRAP1 gene favors G-quadruplex formation over its participation in the corresponding duplex formation under K+ ions conditions. This study attempts to explain the rationale for the stabilization of G-quadruplex in the presence of alkali metal ions and may add to a better understanding and insights into DNA-metal ions interactions.

Demolition of the cereal elevator building located in the conservation protection zone in the aspect of technical, functional-utility and economic conditions

The article presents a description of the technical condition of the Grain Elevator building situated on the port quay, which after many years of operation has been decommissioned. The immediate reason for the cessation of operation was the change in the use profile of the port quay, which caused the handling of other goods at the quay than the bulk materials originally stored in Elewator Zbożowy. The work contains a detailed analysis of the technical condition of the building, also taking into account the functional and utility aspect as well as the economics of renovation works. The article showed that despite the location of the building in the conservation protection zone, the optimal solution was the demolition of Grain Elevator and its reconstruction of a new warehouse facility with parameters adapted to the current needs and target handling capacity of the port quay.

Class Case Study Using the Metaverse Platform in 〈Reading Classics〉

The purpose of this study was to explore the functional aspect that can strengthen the sense of solidarity between learners by using the metaverse platform in the <Reading classics> class, and the learning aspect of completing a creative work based on a classics text. In addition, the metaverse platform ‘ZEPETO’ was used as a methodology.First of all, this study described how the textbooks that learners read in the field lectures go through the understanding and deepening process. Next, this paper describes a method that students can use to improve intimacy and teamwork through a meetings using ZEPETO. Finally, examples of videos produced by learners in the classes of 『Orientalism』 and 『Crime and Punishment』 were introduced to examine what kind of perspective students have on the original text and whether they are demonstrating their creative imagination.There are two things that we hope to confirm through the analysis of this paper. First, whether students can engage in various levels of participation in the process of producing cartoons, music videos, and audiovisual materials using the ZEPETO ‘Situational Drama’ platform. Second, whether learners can go beyond their ability to read classics and write assignments based on such texts, to something they can also see, read, and hear.

漢江 下流域 청동기시대 전기 住居의 變異 이해 - 金浦ㆍ仁川지역 유적을 중심으로 -

It has been suggested that the Early Bronze Age rectangular dwellings were also the result of the family composition of society at the time, and that the morphological variation was due to the family developmental cycle. In addition, multiple rectangular(unit) dwellings are connected in parallel, and the estimation that rectangular unit dwellings are residential spaces for nuclear families is also widespread. However, many researchers tend to interpret the relationship between long rectangular dwellings and rectangular dwellings coexisting in one site as a fixed cultural entity by judging that the long to short axes ratio reflects time. This perspective has raised problems that hinder the understanding of various factors on housing variation-changes in housing size due to family development, the use of housing (renewal, expansion, renovation), and disposal. To overcome this problem, this paper examined the possibility that the perception of household development cycles will highlight the dynamic aspects of the Bronze Age housing pattern in the Lower Reaches of Hangang River by comparing it with an archaeological explanatory model that can connect family and household changes. In the end, it is difficult to dynamically explain the early Bronze Age residential pattern of the Lower Reaches of Hangang River in the houses of different floor shapes, which focuses on the floor plan of the residence in a situation where overlapping patterns or absolute solidarity between dwellings are ambiguous. Therefore, it would be reasonable to assume the functional aspect of the change in dwelling structure according to the development of the family rather than grasping the difference in the shape of the residential floor shapes as a fixed cultural entity.

Endek Patchwork As Inspiration For Painting Pouch Collaboration With High Artistic Value

Adding surface designs or paintings to traded products is one way to increase the value of the goods, the value in question is aesthetics and selling price. Agung Bali Collection as a writing partner in MBKM Entrepreneurial activities, provides knowledge about the canting massage technique which can be used as an additional technique in making surface designs. HOLD ME is a form of Start-Up business that the author created personally, this business is engaged in the fashion sector, with canvas bags and endek patchwork as the main raw materials for making strong and environmentally friendly products, as well as the use of endek patchwork in the Agung Bali Collection as a form of cultural preservation and processing of patchwork waste will make goods have high selling power. Until now, HOLD ME has produced six pouch product models and is planning to expand its business. The product that has been produced is a canvas cloth bag in collaboration with endek patchwork and there is a surface design with brush and massage techniques with use of glitter which can create unique, beautiful, and special bag products, consumers not only enjoy the product through visual beauty but also can be enjoyed from the functional or usability aspect of the product.

The Communicative Function of Law

The article is devoted to the analysis of the communicative function of law, which underlies the interaction of the social state and the emerging civil society in the modern era of the formation of digital law. It is the context that the specifics of understanding and classifying functions of law should be considered. Communication is the most important characteristic of the modern digital state and law. In this regard, the communicative role of law is assessed in the article both as a social and legal function. In the first case, the communicative function of law is considered as informational and is essential for legal culture, legal education and legal awareness. In addition, social communication has specific legal functionality. In this aspect, communicative action is associated with regulatory and protective functions of law. The role of communication is key in modern legal regulation in connection with the expansion of the subject of legal regulation. Now the functioning of law has specifics in connection with the process of legalization of society in the context of the modernization of law and the fulfillment of the social function by the state. Juridification consists on replacing other social rules with legal norms. The regulation of most public relations through legal functions leads to the need to take into account communication ties in society. The legal functions of law in modern society should take into account the legitimacy factor of legal norms, and not just their coercion. Communication in a functional aspect seems to be a necessary foundation for achieving the goals of legal regulation and legal policy.

ACQUISITION OF THE RUSSIAN LANGUAGE BY KOREAN STUDENTS (technical program students)

This article deals with traditional and modern methods, techniques of language pedagogy, connected with Russian lexicography and corpus linguistics. Contemporary tools of teaching Russian as a foreign language (new types of dictionaries, particularly ideographic and text corpuses) address issues related to unsystematic learning of the language, structuring the teaching process, enhancing students’ creativity and interests in the language. The author considers linguocultural aspect as central point of intercultural communication needed for linguistic persona development. It is reported that within language training programs for technical faculty students the following components are to be covered: gender aspects of communicative behavior reflected in verbal interaction, features of mind-set, cultural traditions of formal and informal communication. According to the author, this aim can be reached due to tasks on ranking in communication, contrastive-comparative analysis, working with lexicographic literature; texts of different styles and genres enable foreign students to learn lexical-phraseological system of the Russian language (theme groups; synonymic rows; antonymic pairs) more effectively, and pay attention to functional aspect of the language system.

Study the hypolipidemic effects of Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) and vitamin E in albino rabbits

The current study was aimed to determining the effects of carob and vitamin E on liver functions and lipid profile in white rabbits. 20 male rabbits were used in this work, (age 5-6 month) get from local market in Kirkuk city. The rabbits were divided to the following groups (each group was content 5 male): Control group received standard diet, extract group that administrated (orally) with root extract 200mg/kg., extract group that administrated with root extract 400mg/kg., Vit. E group that administrated with vit. E 400mg/kg. Blood was drawn (cardiac puncture) monthly from each group for the duration of the study, which lasted for 5 months. the results showed significant (P<0.05) decreased in the lipid profile parameters (total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL) especially in the third month after administration of 400mg/kg carob extract group. Also, the results of current study showed significant (P<0.05) decreased in the levels of liver enzymes especially in the third month after administration of 400mg/kg carob extract group. Therefore, it is concluded from the current study that carob play important as hypolipidermic effect and supports the functional aspect liver.

Vascular physiology: A bridge between health and disease

A functional aspect of the vascular system is defined as vascular physiology, which covers mostly cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, renovascular and pulmonary vascular systems. Most of the system functions with perfect homeostasis under the coverage of haemodynamics. This haemodynamics maintains a steady relationship between intravascular pressure (P), overall vascular resistance (R) and circulatory flow (F). To explore more unknown facts of vascular physiology further research in experimental physiology with small animals by in vivo, vascular cell line research by in vitro, applications of bioinformatics tools by in silico and clinical studies are needed.

Social support and risk of mortality in cirrhosis: A cohort study

The function and structure of social relationships influence mortality in individuals within the general population. We compared aspects of social relationships in individuals with cirrhosis and a matched comparison cohort and studied their association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and mortality in cirrhosis. Individuals with cirrhosis and comparators were identified among participants of the Danish National Health Surveys 2010-2017. The surveys included questions on functional (social support and loneliness) and structural (living alone/cohabitating and frequency of contacts with relatives and friends) aspects of social relationships and HRQoL (Short Form-12). We estimated associations of aspects of social relationships with HRQoL and all-cause mortality in individuals with cirrhosis through2020. Of 541 individuals with cirrhosis and 2,157 comparators, low social support (22% in cirrhosis vs. 13% in comparators), loneliness (35% vs. 20%), and living alone (48% vs. 22%) were more frequent in individuals with cirrhosis than comparators, whereas the frequency of contacts with relatives and friends was similar. Except for living alone, weak functional and structural social relationships were associated with lower mental HRQoL in those with cirrhosis. Physical HRQoL was only marginally associated with social relationships. During 2,795 person-years of follow-up, 269 individuals with cirrhosis died. Functional and not structural aspects of social relationships were associated with risk of mortality in cirrhosis. Specifically, the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.4 (95% CI 1.1-1.9), p= 0.011, for low vs. moderate-to-high social support (functional aspect), and 1.0 (95% CI 0.8-1.3), p= 0.85 for living alone vs. cohabitating (structural aspect). Individuals with cirrhosis have weaker functional and structural social relationships than matched comparators. Weak functional relationships are associated with lower mental HRQoL and increased risk of mortality in individuals with cirrhosis. This study investigated the prevalence of weak social relationships in individuals with cirrhosis and their influence on health-related quality of life and risk of mortality. Individuals with cirrhosis were nearly twice as likely to report low social support, loneliness, and to live alone than a matched comparison cohort. Low social support and loneliness (functional measures of social relationships) were associated with lower mental health-related quality of life and increased risk of mortality risk in cirrhosis, when adjusting for known confounders. We hope that these results will make healthcare providers aware of the functional aspects of the social relationships of individuals with cirrhosis, in addition to the traditional clinical management, and motivate further research of interventions to strengthen the social support ofindividuals with cirrhosis.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN TGI (TOTAL GUT IRRIGATION) GUIDED V/S NON TGI GUIDED MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE FECAL FISTULA.

Background: a fecal stula is dreadful complication both for patients ,surgeons and care takers after the major abdominal surgery. though rarely encountered but very challenging as the chance of operability and future healing always remains a question in surgeon's mind and sigh of relief isn't possible until patients starts tolerating oral feeds. A conservative management option always hit the surgeon's mind, the same idea has been evaluated here in detail. the objective was to analyze and check the Objectives: effectiveness of conservative management option of fecal stula in our patients and to which extent it is viable to adhere it in patients. We have choose some parameters to assess it which has been described later. Patients and Methods: In this study, a comparative study was done about evaluation of total gut irrigation method for the closure of fecal stula. The total 40 patients over the period of 2 years were included in the study and 20 patients were divided in each group, in one group we had given the total gut irrigation and in another group we did not give any gut irrigation. We evaluated the both groups on following parameters.1. spontaneous closure of fecal stula 2. Skin conditions 3. Time to start the oral feed 4. Days of hospitalization 5. Development of features of intestinal obstruction 6. Sepsis in patients. Results: In this study we found that for the low output stula and some selective cases of medium output stula, the TGI is good and attractive option, though the statistical test doesn't show difference on some points mentioned above but in half of the parameters they were signicant. In high output stula group we found not much usability of TGI but in previous two types there was clear positive difference on almost all parameters. Total gut Conclusion: irrigation(TGI) is a simple and an important bedside test whose methodology when applied to acute fecal stula helps to characterize the stula from a functional aspect. In our study of 40 patients we found the clear mandate of TGI in low output and selective medium output stula

이비인후과 비대면 로봇 진료를 위한 UX 디자인 연구

In a face-to-face medical environment where masks are taken off in a continuous COVID-19 infection environment, medical staff and patients are exposed to respiratory disease infection environments. The purpose of this study is to propose a concept design according to non-face-to-face robot treatment in otolaryngology for the prevention of respiratory diseases and infectious diseases for patients and medical staff by analyzing the face-to-face treatment environment by approaching from a UX perspective. First, the literature and cases were investigated, and patient experiences, observations, interviews, and treatment environments were conducted through visits to the otolaryngology hospital. Second, a design concept was derived through face-to-face treatment environment analysis and a non-face-to-face robot treatment scenario was presented. Third, we proposed a concept design for an otolaryngology robot treatment room according to a non-face-to-face robot treatment scenario. As a result of the study, the three key words for design direction development were derived by analyzing the collected data as spatiality, observability, and usability of treatment. According to three keywords, the treatment method process, treatment room layout, unit chair, and robot treatment UI for otolaryngology robot treatment were designed. The problems derived from the Master device and the Robot system of Main and Sub to operate the treatment robot more precisely will proceed to follow-up research. The patient wants to see the doctor in the hospital for treatment. In order for non-face-to-face robotic treatment to be implemented in otolaryngology, a gradual shift from face-to-face treatment is required. When the patient and doctor are interviewed through a glass window in a separate space, and when the robot medical experience becomes common, it is converted to an online questionnaire, suggesting the possibility of non-face-to-face robotic treatment and remote treatment. This study approaches from the UX point of view, suggests concept design, and finds solutions to problems, and places significance on the functional aspect of concept design development from the research results, where problems are found again. It is expected that non-face-to-face medical services will be developed.

Prospects of advanced metagenomics and meta-omics in the investigation of phytomicrobiome to forecast beneficial and pathogenic response.

Microorganisms dwell in diverse plant niches as non-axenic biotic components that are beneficial as well pathogenic for the host. They improve nutrients-uptake, stress tolerance, phytohormone synthesis, and strengthening the defense system through phyllosphere, rhizosphere, and endosphere. The negative consequences of the microbial communities are largely in the form of diseases characterized by certain symptoms such as gall, cankers, rots etc. Uncultivable and unspecified nature of different phytomicrobiomes communities is a challenge in the management of plant disease, a leading cause for the loss of the plant products. Metagenomics has opened a new gateway for the exploration of microorganisms that are hitherto unknown, enables investigation of the functional aspect of microbial gene products through metatranscriptomics and metabolomics. Metagenomics offers advantages of characterizing previously unknown microorganisms from extreme environments like hot springs, glaciers, deep seas, animal gut etc. besides bioprospecting gene products such as Taq polymerase, bor encoded indolotryptoline, hydrolases, and polyketides. This review provides a detailed account of the phytomicrobiome networks and highlights the importance and limitations of metagenomics and other meta-omics approaches for the understanding of plant microbial diversity with special focus on the disease control and its management.

MASTERING SKILLS OF ORAL SCIENTIFIC AND EDUCATIONAL SPEECH AS A PREREQUISITE FOR THE FORMATION OF A PROFESSIONAL AND CREATIVE PERSONALITY OF A TEACHER

The article raises the problem of the formation of the professional and creative personality of a modern teacher due to the formation of skills of using oral scientific and educational speech as the main functional tool of his professional activity. Emphasis is placed on the fact that the language training of future teachers at philological and non-philological faculties is focused mainly on their acquisition of normative and literary correctness of speech. At the same time, the functional aspect of the use of language in professional communication of a teacher, depending on his specialty, is left out of consideration. Future teachers are not oriented to take into account in their speech linguistic and stylistic features of oral scientific and educational speech, due to the systemic nature of the scientific style in accordance with the form of implementation of a particular functional variety. To ensure the effectiveness of communication, accurate and adequate perception of educational information by the audience, each teacher must take into account the extralinguistic basis of scientific and educational speech, its stylistic features, which, complementing each other, serve to enhance the cognitive activity of educational entities. The level of this knowledge and skills determines the effectiveness of the teacher’s professional duties, the effectiveness of his professional and creative growth. The level of this knowledge and skills determines the effectiveness of the teacher’s professional duties, the effectiveness of his professional and creative growth. Therefore, in the process of language training of future teachers, it is necessary to provide a special course that would provide them with theoretical knowledge and practical skills of the basics of scientific and educational communication to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their professional activities.
 Keywords: professional communication; communicative competence; style; sub-style; genre; scientific and educational speech; creative personality; teacher.

Mechanisms of designs inspired by nature and ways to develop them

Research in the field of biometric simulation is in the design of various and various industrial products, but it still needs new studies and research that are compatible with scientific and technological development, especially in the field of computing. Recognition, deduction, and simulation of nature, for example, the use of animal bones as tools in cutting, hunting or fighting, in addition to the use of animal drawings in cave drawings as symbols of strength, as well as dance movements and face painting to simulate the natural reality that surrounds humans. This trend developed to include simulation of nature in the formal and functional aspect to reach To vocabulary and solutions that help man in his daily life, the research problem is summarized in answering some questions, including what are the methods and methods that are used in bio-simulation and how to compare them, and is it possible to reach a new mechanism, but the objectives of the research were to reveal and compare the methodologies that address Biomimetics and the possibility of reaching a new mechanism in biomimetics. As for the research results, they were summarized as follows:1- There are a number of methodological approaches that describe the way in which biomimetics are solved.2- These methods only provide the way to achieve biomimetics, and their application is subject to the designer's direction and thinking.3- It is important to study the dynamic form in detail in order to get the basic idea of the design.

In vitro starch digestibility and estimation of glycemic index in algae‐based couscous

SummaryEnrichment of foods by algae or their derived nutrients is of a great interest to enhance nutritional properties leading to health promotion and disease prevention by a sustainable way. In this context, five Chlorella vulgaris and one micro‐macroalgae blend (Algaessence®) with different biochemical compositions were used (6%) in the formulation of couscous in an attempt to modulate glycemic response and enhance functional aspect. Phytochemicals, such as carotenoids and phenolics were retained to a higher extent in algae‐couscous being the highest (5.58 mg GAE/g and 1.05 mg/g, respectively) in the couscous formulated with autotrophic Chlorella (designated as Organic). Starch fractions and in vitro starch digestion of the products were determined. The highest starch content was found in control couscous (73.83%) which resulted in higher digestible starch (70.55%). The kinetic constant, designative of the hydrolysis rate in the early stage, was the lowest in algae‐couscous (0.022). The lowest hydrolysis index of 70.27% and 71.71% were observed in Organic and White couscous (heterotrophic), respectively; leading to lower glycemic index of 78.21% (Organic) and 79.00% (White). The obtained results evidence the potential use of algae in the formulation of value‐added food products designated for controlled diets.

Telomere Length as a Marker of Biological Aging: A Critical Review of Recent Literature.

Aging is characterized as a syndrome of deleterious, progressive, universal, and irreversible function changes affecting every structural and functional aspect of the organism and accompanied by a generalized increase in mortality. Although a substantial number of candidates for biomarkers of aging have been proposed, none has been validated or universally accepted. Human telomeres constitute hexameric repetitive DNA sequence nucleoprotein complexes that cap chromosome ends, regulating gene expression and modulating stress-related pathways. Telomere length (TL) shortening is observed both in cellular senescence and advanced age, leading to the investigation of TL as a biomarker for aging and a risk factor indicator for the development and progression of the most common age-related diseases. The present review underlines the connection between TL and the pathophysiology of the diseases associated with telomere attrition. We performed a structured search of the PubMed database for peer-reviewed research of the literature regarding leukocyte TL and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), more specifically stroke and heart disease, and focused on the relevant articles published during the last 5 years. We also applied Hill's criteria of causation to strengthen this association. We analyzed the recent literature regarding TL length, stroke, and CVD. Although approximately one-third of the available studies support the connection, the results of different studies seem to be rather conflicting as a result of different study designs, divergent methods of TL determination, small study samples, and patient population heterogeneity. After applying Hill's criteria, we can observe that the literature conforms to them weakly, with chronology being the only Hill criterion of causality that probably cannot be contested. The present review attempted to examine the purported relation between leukocyte TL and age-related diseases such as CVD and more specific stroke and heart disease in view of the best established, comprehensive, medical and epidemiological criteria that have characterized the focused recent relevant research. Although several recommendations have been made that may contribute significantly to the field, a call for novel technical approaches and studies is mandatory to further elucidate the possible association.