Search results for "agricultural and biological sciences"
showing 10 items of 1704 documents
Reliability and validity of a new accelerometer-based device for detecting physical activities and energy expenditure.
2018
Background Objective assessments of sedentary behavior and physical activity (PA) by using accelerometer-based wearable devices are ever expanding, given their importance in the global context of health maintenance. This study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of a new accelerometer-based analyzer (Fibion) for detecting different PAs and estimating energy expenditure (EE) during a simulated free-living day. Methods The study consisted of two parts: a reliability (n = 18) and a validity (n = 19) test. Reliability was assessed by a 45 min protocol of repeated sitting, standing, and walking (i.e., 3 × 15 min, repeated twice), using both Fibion and ActiGraph. Validity was assesse…
The vaccinaTion & Hpv Knowledge (THinK) questionnaire: a reliability and validity study on a sample of women living in Sicily (southern-Italy)
2019
Objective The aim of this study was to introduce the VaccinaTion & Hpv Knowledge (THinK) questionnaire to assess knowledge about human papillomavirus (HPV) and attitude to HPV-vaccination. Its reliability and validity was demonstrated in a sample of women living in Sicily (southern Italy). Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of 220 women at the “Paolo Giaccone” University Hospital in Palermo (Sicily), aged 18–61. Data were analyzed through Cronbach’s alpha and exploratory factor analysis, followed by a structural equation model with measurement component. The two-level data structure was explicitly considered. Results Three dimensions were found: “knowledge of HP…
Growth factors and cell kinetics: a mathematical model applied to Il-3 deprivation on leukemic cell lines.
1992
We assume the existence of a specific G1 protein which is an initiator of DNA replication. This initiator is supposed to be synthesized according to Michaelis-Menten kinetics. In order to start DNA replication, it is assumed that this G1 specific protein must be produced in a required amount. Intra-cellular growth inhibitors and extra-cellular growth factors control the production of the initiator. This model allows to calculate the average G1 phase time as a function of the various chemical concentrations of nutrients, enzymes, growth inhibitors and growth factors. This model is compared to cell kinetics experiments on a leukemic cell line responding to Interleukin 3 deprivation. The curve…
Hydrolytic enzyme activity of Paenibacillus sp. strain B2 and effects of the antagonistic bacterium on cell integrity of two soil-borne pathogenic fu…
2000
Paenibacillus sp. strain B2, isolated from the mycorrhizosphere of Sorghum bicolor and having an antagonistic activity towards soil-borne fungal pathogens, possessed extracellular cellulolytic, proteolytic, chitinolytic and pectinolytic enzyme activities. The eventual role of these lytic enzymes in cellular interactions between Paenibacillus sp. strain B2 and Phytophthora parasitica and Fusariumoxysporum was investigated by electron microscopy and molecular cytology. Electron microscopic observations showed that the presence of Paenibacillus sp. strain B2 resulted in disorganisation of cell walls and/or cell contents of P. parasitica and F. oxysporum. However, when P. parasitica was treated…
Analytical model for the long- distance tracer-transport in plants
2011
International audience; Recent investigations of long-distance transport in plants using non-invasive tracer techniques such as C radiolabeling monitored by positron emission tomography (PET) combined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the need of dedicated methods to allow a quantitative data analysis and comparison of such experiments. A mechanistic compartmental tracer transport model is presented, defined by a linear system of partial differential equations (PDEs). This model simplifies the complexity of axial transport and lateral exchanges in the transport pathways of plants (e.g. the phloem) by simulating transport and reversible exchange within three compartments using j…
Bioaccumulation of Trace Elements from Aqueous Solutions by Selected Terrestrial Moss Species
2022
The interrelationship between metal concentrations in mosses and their surroundings prompts research toward examining their accumulation properties, as it is particularly important for their usage in biomonitoring studies that use mosses. In this study, the kinetics of elemental sorption in three moss species (Pleurozium schreberi, Dicranum polysetum, and Sphagnum fallax) were investigated under laboratory conditions. Sorption from metal salt solutions was carried out under static conditions with decreasing elemental concentration. Functional groups responsible for binding metal cations to the internal structures of the mosses were also identified. It was shown that the equilibrium state wa…
1H NMR-Based Metabolomics to Assess the Impact of Soil Type on the Chemical Composition of Nero d’Avola Red Wines
2023
: In this study, the soil effect on the micro-component composition of Nero d'Avola wines obtained from different locations was investigated through 1H NMR-based metabolomics. Two different approaches were applied: the targeted (TA) and the non-targeted one (NTA). The former differentiated the wines by profiling (i.e., by identifying and quantifying) a number of different metabolites. The latter provided wine fingerprinting by processing the entire spectra with multivariate statistical analysis. NTA also allowed investigation of the hydrogen bond network inside wines via the analysis of 1H NMR chemical shift dispersions. Results showed that the differences among wines were due not only to t…
Training-induced increase in Achilles tendon stiffness affects tendon strain pattern during running
2019
Background During the stance phase of running, the elasticity of the Achilles tendon enables the utilisation of elastic energy and allows beneficial contractile conditions for the triceps surae muscles. However, the effect of changes in tendon mechanical properties induced by chronic loading is still poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that a training-induced increase in Achilles tendon stiffness would result in reduced tendon strain during the stance phase of running, which would reduce fascicle strains in the triceps surae muscles, particularly in the mono-articular soleus. Methods Eleven subjects were assigned to a training group performing isometric single-leg plantarflexion co…
Morphomechanics of the humero-ulnar joint: I. Joint space width and contact areas as a function of load and flexion angle
1995
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that the trochlear notch is deeper than necessary for an exact fit with the humerus. However, humero-ulnar joint space width and contact areas have so far not been quantified for variations in the load and angle of flexion. METHODS Six fresh cadaveric specimens were investigated at 30 degrees, 60 degrees, 90 degrees, and 120 degrees of flexion and at loads of 25 and 500 N, simulating resisted elbow extension. The joint space width and contact were determined, using polyether casting material. RESULTS At 25 N all joints made contact in the ventral and dorsal aspects of the articular surfaces, whereas in the depth of the trochlear notch the joint space w…
Checklist of the Mammal Collection Preserved at the University of Palermo under the Framework of the National Biodiversity Future Center
2023
The latest reorganization of the Vertebrate collections preserved at the “Pietro Doderlein” Museum of Zoology of the University of Palermo (Italy) has made it possible to draw up a check-list of the Mammal taxa present in the stuffed (M), fluid-preserved (ML) and anatomical (AN) collections. The intervention was planned under the National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC) agenda, focused on the enhancement of Italian natural history museums. The growing interest in museum collections strongly demands databases available to the academic and policy world. In this paper, we record 679 specimens belonging to 157 specific taxa arranged in 58 families and 16 orders. Most of the species (75.1%) co…