ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ ГІГІЄНІЧНИХ ВЛАСТИВОСТЕЙ ВКЛАДНИХ ІНДИВІДУАЛЬНИХ ЗАСОБІВ З ВСТАВКАМИ РОСЛИННОЇ СИРОВИНИ У ВЗУТТЯ

Purpose: To conduct experimental studies of embedded hygienic installed insoles with tableted plant inserts in footwearMethodology. The properties of embedded hygienic insoles have been studied for vapor permeability and moisture content according to the methods of GOST 22900-78. The solid inserts were ground and extracted with distilled water for a week to obtain aqueous extracts for microbiological studies. Determination of antimicrobial activity was performed using a culture of S.aureus ATCC 25923 in microtiter 96-well plates in liquid nutrient medium NB spectrophotometrically by optical density (Hipo MPP-96, Biosan, λ = 620 nm, control medium – by the location of a non-sterile sample with (30 × 30 mm) on the surface of sterile NA medium.Findings. To improve the hygienic characteristics of the inner space of the shoe, the research presents embedded hygienic products with solid inserts in the form of tablets from the plant raw materials of medicinal thyme and sage. The technological characteristics of tableted inserts from vegetable raw materials are given. The results of vapor permeability and moisture content in the studied samples are obtained, which correspond to the normative values according to GOST 940-81 and are safe for human feet.Originality. Determination of indicators of vapor permeability and moisture content of embedded hygienic installed insoles with tableted plant inserts and establishing their compliance with regulatory requirements. Determined the regularities of inhibitory effect of aqueous extracts of thyme on the growth of biomass of gram-negative bacteria in planktonic culture.Practical value. Another advantage of custom-made shoes is the ability to consider the customer's preferences regarding shoe care products during the operation. At the same time, an important task is to ensure the hygiene of the inner space of the shoe through the use of insoles containing elements obtained from medicinal plant materials.

The Effects of Heart Rate Monitoring on Ratings of Perceived Exertion and Attention Allocation in Individuals of Varying Fitness Levels

There has been a rapid increase in the use of wearable technology-based physical activity trackers. Most of these physical activity trackers include tracking and displaying the individual's heart rate (HR). There is little known about how HR monitoring influences the perception of exertion and attention allocation. Shifting attentional focus toward the body (association), such as monitoring HR, instead of environmental stimuli (dissociation) may increase one's perceived level of exertion. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of HR monitoring on ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and attention allocation during an exertive stepping task in individuals of varying fitness levels. The YMCA stepping task normative values determined fitness levels. For the experimental condition, participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions (i.e., HR monitoring or control) and completed a stepping task with a weighted vest at 20% of their bodyweight. HR, RPE, and attention allocation were collected at 30-s intervals. Performing the stepping task resulted in a gradual increase of HR and RPE along with a shift from dissociative to associative attention across all conditions. Monitoring one's HR during the task resulted in more dissociative attention allocation, however, no RPE differences were reported between the two conditions. Unfit individuals reported lower levels of RPE during the first time point compared to fit individuals despite having higher HR throughout the task. The results of this study have relevance for applied practitioners implementing physical activity interventions with individuals who monitor their HR.

Pro-agility unpacked: Variability, comparability and diagnostic value

Change of direction (COD) is an important component of athlete performance and measuring and comparing athletes is an integral aspect of strength and conditioning practice. This article aimed to determine pro-agility shuttle utility, by quantifying variability and normative values for different sports, skill-levels and positions. Limitations of the pro-agility shuttle are identified, as are future research directions. A total of 67 studies were included for review. Pro-agility shuttle reliability was reported in 10 studies across 6 sports; however, comprehensive reliability statistics were absent in most papers. Additionally, only reliability of total-time from stopwatch and timing lights were reported. Data of 32,891 subjects in 12 sports (American football, basketball, cricket, general athletes, hockey, lacrosse, recreational athletes, resistance-trained athletes, rugby, soccer, swimming, and tennis) were extracted and aggregated, establishing sport, skill-level (elite, sub-elite, and novice) and positional normative values, where practical. Elite athletes showed the fastest performance times, whereas sub-elite and novice athletes showed similar spreads in performance, suggesting similar athletic capabilities. In conclusion, the pro-agility shuttle currently has limited diagnostic value and the variability of smaller performance sub-components within pro-agility shuttle should be examined. Furthermore, the value of other technologies such as smart phone, inertial sensor or radar should be investigated.

Diaphragmatic Compound Muscle Action Potentials Recorded From Over the Sternum and Lateral Chest Wall: a Comparative Study

Objectives:To report normative data for diaphragmatic compound muscle action potentials (DCMAPs) recorded from over the sternum and lateral chest wall (LCW).Method:The phrenic nerve of seventy-three healthy subjects was bilaterally stimulated at the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. DCMAPs from over the sternum and LCW were recorded (inspiration/expiration). Results: Normative values of sternal and LCW DCMAPs were presented. Significant differences were found between sternal and LCW potentials in the mean latency, amplitude, and area (p<0.001). The duration did not differ between the two sites. Differences were found between inspiration and expiration, right and left sides, and men and women. Regression analysis showed a relation between latency of sternal and LCW potentials and age. Latency (LCW potentials) and amplitude and area (sternal/LCW potentials) were related to gender. Amplitude (LCW potentials/inspiration) and area (sternal potentials/inspiration) were related to chest circumference (p=0.023 and 0.013 respectively). Area (sternal potentials/expiration) was related to the BMI (p=0.019). Conclusions: Our normative values for sternal and LCW DCMAPs are provided. Notable differences in the DCMAPs parameters were detected between the two recording sites, inspiration and expiration, right and left, and men and women. Significance:The technique of phrenic nerve should be standardized.

The Shortfalls of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Act 2010 in Achieving Sustainable Development

This chapter examines the impact that the concept of “sustainable development” in the Nigerian oil and gas industry has had and is likely to have upon the development of energy, resources, and economic growth in the future of Nigeria upon the focus and scope of energy, resource, and environmental law practice associated with that development. The chapter will adopt the definition of sustainable development as articulated in the Brundtland Report by the World Commission on Environment and Development. It will examine the legal status of Sections 10 and 12 of the Nigerian Oil Industry Content Development Act 2010 and its implication on international trade and sustainable development. The chapter argues that Sections 10 and 12 of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Act 2010 do not reflect the meaning and intention of the Brundtland's definition of sustainable development, which evinces normative values, values of equity, and justice for all.

Validation of the local applicability of the ‘TIB’ Olfactory Test Device in the era of COVID-19

Objective To evaluate the validity and test–retest reliability of the novel ‘TIB’ Olfactory Test Device (TIB) and to determine its normative values. Methods The study stratified the study subjects into normosmic, hyposmic and anosmic groups according to their olfactory function. The olfactory function of the subjects was evaluated using both the traditional Chinese version of the University of Pennsylvania of Smell Identification Test (UPSIT-TC) and the TIB. The normosmic group was used to retest with the UPSIT-TC and TIB at an inter-test interval of at least 7 days. The cut-off scores of TIB among the three different groups were determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results This study enrolled 180 subjects: 60 in each group. The mean scores of TIB were 44.1 for the normosmic group, 27.5 for the hyposmic group and 10.9 for the anosmic group. The TIB scores were significantly different across the three groups. There was a significant correlation between the first and second TIB tests ( r = 0.506). The cut-off scores were 41 for normosmic subjects and 24 for hyposmic subjects. Conclusion The validity and test–retest reliability results suggest that the TIB is an appropriate olfactory test for the Taiwanese population.

Taste function in children: normative values and associated factors

Background Although less frequent than in adults, taste loss also occurs in childhood. “Taste Strips” are frequently used for diagnosing taste dysfunction; however, normative values are lacking for children. In this study, we will create normative values for the “Taste Strips” in children. Methods This cross-sectional study included 609 children aged 6–15 years. “Taste Strips” were used to determine sweet, sour, salty, and bitter taste scores by a non-forced procedure. The 10th percentile was used to distinguish normal taste function from a reduced sense of taste. Multivariable generalized linear models (GLM) were estimated to study the effect of age (group), sex, and 6‐n‐propylthiouracil (PROP) status on taste function. Results Taste function changed with age, allowing for a distinction of three age groups: (I) 6–7 years, (II) 8–9 years, and (III) 10–15 years. Normative values were created for the age groups and boys and girls separately. Additionally, GLM showed a significant effect of (1) age (group) on sweet, salty, bitter, and total taste scores; (2) sex on sweet, sour, and total taste scores; and (3) PROP status on total taste scores. Conclusions This study provided normative values for the “Taste Strips” in children, highlighting age- and sex-related differences. Impact Taste dysfunction can be harmful and impacts quality of life, a topic that became increasingly important since the COVID-19 pandemic. Although taste dysfunction is thought to be rare in childhood, the detrimental impact of such dysfunction might be large, as children’s eating habits are strongly influenced by input from the chemical senses. Measuring taste function may elucidate the relationship between taste dysfunction and disease, fostering the development of more appropriate supportive strategies. However, adequate tools are lacking for children. Normative values of the “Taste Strips” are now available for children, which bolster the clinical utility of this test.

Longitudinal Effects of Supported Exercise on Elevated Anxiety and Depression Scores in Formerly Sedentary Adults With Severe Obesity

Persistent anxiety and depression may be particularly high in individuals with obesity. Increasing exercise reliably improves mood in the general population; however, it has rarely been tested specifically in adults with severe obesity. Volunteer participants (60% women) of a theory-based cognitive-behavioral weight-management treatment with severe obesity and elevated (highest 10% based on normative values) depression ( N = 89) or anxiety ( N = 60) were assessed at baseline and Month 6 on measures of exercise output (overall, and whether the equivalent of three moderate sessions/week [i.e., ≥ 15 METs/week] were completed), corresponding mood, and exercise barriers self-efficacy. There were significant improvements (large effect sizes) in exercise outputs and mood. Increase in exercise outputs was significantly associated with reduced depression (β = −.52) and anxiety (β = −.67) scores. At least 15 METs/week of exercise was reached by 61% and 60% of participants, respectively. Participants demonstrated significantly greater reductions in depression and anxiety scores over 6 months than those completing lower amounts. Change in exercise barriers self-efficacy significantly mediated the following: (a) the prediction of depression change by change in exercise output and (b) the prediction of change in anxiety by completion/non-completion of ≥ 15 METs/week of exercise. Findings suggest substantial benefits for depression and anxiety in adults with severe obesity under conditions of moderate exercise supported by a community-based cognitive-behavioral treatment. Because of its identified mediation properties, future behavioral treatments should seek to increase barriers self-efficacy to maximize effects on elevated depression and anxiety and possibly weight.

Vitamin D: Dosing, levels, form, and route of administration: Does one approach fit all?

The 4th International Conference on Controversies in Vitamin D was held as a virtual meeting in September, 2020, gathering together leading international scientific and medical experts in vitamin D. Since vitamin D has a crucial role in skeletal and extra-skeletal systems, the aim of the Conference was to discuss improved management of vitamin D dosing, therapeutic levels and form or route of administration in the general population and in different clinical conditions. A tailored approach, based on the specific mechanisms underlying vitamin D deficiency in different diseases that were discussed, was recommended. Specifically, in comparison to healthy populations, higher levels of vitamin D and greater amounts of vitamin D were deemed necessary in osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, obesity (particularly after bariatric surgery), and in those treated with glucocorticoids. Emerging and still open issues were related to target vitamin D levels and the role of vitamin D supplementation in COVID-19 since low vitamin D may predispose to SARS-CoV-2 infection and to worse COVID-19 outcomes. Finally, whereas oral daily cholecalciferol appears to be the preferred choice for vitamin D supplementation in the general population, and in most clinical conditions, active vitamin D analogs may be indicated in patients with hypoparathyroidism and severe kidney and liver insufficiency. Parenteral vitamin D administration could be helpful in malabsorption syndromes or in states of vitamin D resistance.Specific guidelines for desired levels of vitamin D should be tailored to the different conditions affecting vitamin D metabolism with the goal to define disease-specific normative values.