Changes in Oxidative Stress Parameters as Response to Supplementation With Vitamin E and Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Male Workers Exposed to High Level Noise

Background: The present study aimed to assess the effects of the supplementation consumption of vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acid on the oxidative stress parameters among workers exposed to high levels of noise in an automobile parts manufacturing plant. Moreover, the effects of the exposure to noise on SOD, total oxidative stress (TAC) and MDA will be investigated. Methods: The participants were deployed into 4 groups (vitamin E (100 mg), Omega 3 fatty acids (180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA), vitamin E+ Omega 3 and Placebo), as per the double-blind block randomization method. The oxidative stress parameters of the participants were analyzed before and after three month consumption of supplements via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The level of workers' exposure to noise, was measured according to ISO 9612. Results: Before intervention, mean MDA, SOD and TAC were 27.52 (7.46) nmol/ml, 58.84 (10.44) U/ml and 2.57 (0.67) mM respectively. After intervention, mean MDA, SOD and TAC were 24.57 (7.58) nmol/ml, 63.46 (11.02) U/ml and 2.70 (0.84) mM respectively. The use of supplement Omega 3 fatty acids had a significant decremental effect on MDA levels. The use of vitamin E alongside Omega 3 fatty acids had a significant incremental effect on SOD activity.Conclusion: Noise exposure had a decremental effect on TAC and SOD as well as an incremental effect on MDA, but this was only statistically significant for TAC. It appears that the simultaneous use of vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acids for three months had a positive effect on the anti-oxidant performance of workers exposed to noise.

Formalisation of informal collectors under a dual-recycling channel: A game theoretic approach

Formalisation of informal collectors is beneficial for economical, environmental and social sustainability. Through dividing collectors and recyclers, a benchmark model consists of competitive dual formal and informal channels is established to quantitatively analyse the possibility of formalising informal collectors and study the formalisation extent. This study comprehensively compares the effects of respective subsidy or punishment targeting at collectors or recyclers in the extended policy model. The subsidy delay used to represent the response speed of the subsidy system is first included. This study indicates the influences of different factors on formalisation activity, including bargaining power, reluctance of informal collectors and recycling cost of formal channels. The policy model concluded that the subsidy on informal collectors or formal recyclers (punishment on informal collectors or informal recyclers) presents no difference regarding the formalisation extent. Based on numerical data, we studied the formalisation extent for the context of China and visualised the effects of different policies. The decremental effect of subsidy and the incremental effect of punishment are concluded in a formalisation activity. This study fills the gap of a quantitative study on formalisation activity and the results will comprehend the promotion of the formalisation of informal collectors.

Effect of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate-Fumaric Acid Coupled Addition on theIn VitroRumen Fermentation with Special Regard to Methanogenesis

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of sodium lauryl sulfate-fumaric acid coupled addition onin vitromethangenesis and rumen fermentation. Evaluation was carried out usingin vitrogas production technique. Ruminal contents were collected from five steers immediately after slaughtering and used for preparation of inoculums of mixed rumen microorganisms. Rumen fluid was then mixed with the basal diet of steers and used to generate four treatments, negative control (no additives), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) treated, fumaric acid treated, and SLS-fumaric acid coupled addition treated. The results revealed that, relative to control, efficiency in reduction of methanogenesis was as follows: coupled addition > SLS-addition > fumaric acid addition. Both SLS-addition and SLS-fumaric acid coupled addition demonstrated a decremental effect on ammonia nitrogen (–), total short chain volatile fatty acids (SCVFAs) concentrations and the amount of substrate degraded, and an increment effect on microbial mass and microbial yield (). Nevertheless, fumaric acid did not alter any of the previously mentioned parameters but induced a decremental effect on –. Furthermore, both fumaric acid and SLS-fumaric acid coupled addition increased propionate at the expense of acetate and butyrate, while, defaunation increased acetate at the expense of propionate and butyrate. The pH value was decreased by all treatments relative to control, while, cellulase activity did not differ by different treatments. The current study can be promising strategies for suppressing ruminal methane emissions and improving ruminants feed efficiency.

Effect of Previous Exposure on Response Decrement Induced by an Olfactory Stimulus

Two experiments examined the influence of pre-exposure on the decrement produced in a trained running response by a novel odor. In Exp. 1, when first presented in the runway, the smell led to higher running times in a group of rats pre-exposed 72 hr. earlier and in a group with no pre-exposure than in a group pre-exposed 25 min. earlier. There was no significant difference between the first two groups. In Exp. 2, three groups of rats were pre-exposed, 25 min. before testing in the runway, in pre-exposure boxes which differed in degree of similarity to the runway. Their performance did not differ significantly on test sessions. Taken together, the results indicate that contact with a novel odor is sufficient to lessen its decremental effect even if it occurs outside the training situation and is not followed by reinforcement. The effects of pre-exposure dissipate with time and do not seem to depend strongly on contextual stimuli.

Minimum Visual Feedback Processing Time for Amendment of an Incorrect Movement

The average minimum time required by a performer to amend an incorrect movement based upon his ability to process visual feedback is discussed. Further, a decremental effect of the psychological refractory period on minimal visual feedback processing time is suggested.

Effects of Alternating Weak and Strong Shock during Blocks of Variable-Interval Punishment

12 naive rats were run on a variable-interval punishment schedule (superimposed on a variable-interval food schedule) during 4 punishment periods, alternated with 4 no-punishment periods. Punishment intensity for the 4 punishment periods was varied in two sequences: 0.4 ma., 1.0 ma., 0.4 ma., and 1.0 ma., or vice versa. Two effects of punishment were observed: (1) an immediate, but reversible, suppressive effect during punishment and (2) a permanent, gradual decremental effect which was observed during post-punishment sessions. The two effects appeared to function reciprocally. When strong suppression during the weaker punishment (first effect) occurred in some Ss, there was better recovery following punishment to pre-punishment levels (no second effect); however, if little suppression (no first effect) occurred and S continued to respond, there was more eventual response decrement (second effect).