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•A device based on a NIR camera and a Xenon lamp was set up for kiwifruit assessments.•Image analysis was conducted according to the distribution of the gray pixel.•Kiwifruit firmness ...models were built by exploring univariate, PLS and ANN tools.•PLS model allowed firmness prediction of with R2 of 0.777 (RMSE = 13 N).•Sugar content appeared less correlated with optical parameters respect to firmness.
A prototype based on a NIR sensitive camera and a Xenon lamp was set up and used to capture 8 bit gray scale (from 0 = black to 255 = white) image of the radiation that passes through the fruit. The count of the pixels with different gray tone was used to build statistical-mathematical models to correlate and predict the kiwifruit flesh firmness. One hundred sixteen fruits conveniently stored to obtain firmness within a range of penetrometric force from 0.8 N to 87 N, were submitted to the optical measurements. Simple regression between the gray tone having the maximum number of pixels and the firmness showed an exponential correlation with R2 values of 0.717. On the contrary, the tone uniformity (maximum number of pixels with the same gray tone) resulted linearly correlated with hardness (R2 = 0.687). PLS algorithm allowed prediction of the flesh firmness with R2 of 0.777 (RMSE = 13 N). Artificial neural networks produced similar results. Although the current technique does not fully satisfies the need of an accurate selection, it could be considered for on-line applications by improving performances (e.g. acting on lamp spectral emissions and camera detection) and with easy mechanical modifications of the sorting lines.
After having announced the statistically significant observation (5.6σ) of the new exotic πK atom, the DIRAC experiment at the CERN proton synchrotron presents the measurement of the corresponding ...atom lifetime, based on the full πK data sample: τ=(5.5−2.8+5.0)×10−15 s. By means of a precise relation (≈1%) between atom lifetime and scattering length, the following value for the S-wave isospin-odd πK scattering length a0−=13(a1/2−a3/2) has been derived: |a0−|=(0.072−0.020+0.031)Mπ−1.
The observation of hydrogenlike πK atoms, consisting of π^{-}K^{+} or π^{+}K^{-} mesons, is presented. The atoms are produced by 24 GeV/c protons from the CERN PS accelerator, interacting with ...platinum or nickel foil targets. The breakup (ionization) of πK atoms in the same targets yields characteristic πK pairs, called "atomic pairs," with small relative momenta Q in the pair center-of-mass system. The upgraded DIRAC experiment observed 349±62 such atomic πK pairs, corresponding to a signal of 5.6 standard deviations. This is the first statistically significant observation of the strange dimesonic πK atom.
The adapted DIRAC experiment at the CERN PS accelerator observed for the first time long-lived hydrogenlike π^{+}π^{-} atoms, produced by protons hitting a beryllium target. A part of these atoms ...crossed the gap of 96 mm between the target and a 2.1 μm thick platinum foil, in which most of them dissociated. Analyzing the observed number of atomic pairs, n_{A}^{L}=436_{-61}^{+157}|_{tot}, the lifetime of the 2p state is found to be τ_{2p}=(0.45_{-0.30}^{+1.08}|_{tot})×10^{-11} s, not contradicting the corresponding QED 2p state lifetime τ_{2p}^{QED}=1.17×10^{-11} s. This lifetime value is three orders of magnitude larger than our previously measured value of the π^{+}π^{-} atom ground state lifetime τ=(3.15_{-0.26}^{+0.28}|_{tot})×10^{-15} s. Further studies of long-lived π^{+}π^{-} atoms will allow us to measure energy differences between p and s atomic states and so to discriminate between the isoscalar and isotensor ππ scattering lengths with the aim to check QCD predictions.
The results of a search for hydrogen-like atoms consisting of π∓K± mesons are presented. Evidence for πK atom production by 24 GeV/c protons from CERN PS interacting with a nickel target has been ...seen in terms of characteristic πK pairs from their breakup in the same target (178±49) as well as in terms of produced πK atoms (653±42). Using these results, the analysis yields a first value for the πK atom lifetime of τ=(2.5−1.8+3.0) fs and a first measurement of the S-wave isospin-odd πK scattering length |a0−|=13|a1/2−a3/2|=(0.11−0.04+0.09)Mπ−1 (aI for isospin I).
Satureja montana extract significantly increased ejaculation latency in male rats.
Satureja montana (winter savory) is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat different disorders including male ...sexual dysfunction. In this study we evaluated the effect of Satureja montana hydroalcoholic extract on copulatory behavior of sexually potent male rats.
The extract was orally administered acutely or repetitively for 8 consecutive days at the doses of 25 and 50mg/kg. The main parameters of sexual behavior, mount (ML), intromission (IL), ejaculation (EL) latencies and post-ejaculatory interval (PEI), were evaluated in animals submitted to mating test and multiple ejaculations test. Testosterone serum levels were measured in rats acutely treated with Satureja montana extract dosed at 50mg/kg. In addition the open field test was conducted to evaluate the locomotor behavior.
When acutely administered at both dosages, the extract was able to significantly increase EL and decrease intromission frequency (IF) in comparison with controls. The significant increase in EL was found also when the extract was subacutely administered, daily for 8 consecutive days, at the dose of 25mg/kg. In the multiple ejaculations test, EL values of treated rats were significantly increased during the 1st and 2nd sequence in comparison with controls; in addition only rats treated with the extract were able to reach the 4th ejaculation within 30min. Testosterone serum level measured in rats acutely treated with Satureja montana at the dose of 50mg/kg was significantly increased in rats in comparison with controls. Finally, the locomotor activity recorded in the open field test was not affected by the acute administration of the plant extract.
These data suggest that Satureja montana could be considered as a natural remedy for the treatment of premature ejaculation delaying ejaculation latency without exerting any negative effect on the other parameters of sexual behavior and without exerting a sedative effect. In addition the increased serum level of testosterone confirms the positive influence of Satureja montana on male sexual function.
Purpose: To evaluate the prostate cancer (PCa) detection rate in men with chronic use of Aspirin and to compare it with the detection rate of non-users. Patients and Methods: Prospectively maintained ...database regarding patients undergoing prostate biopsy over the last 10 years in five institutions. Patients were divided into two groups according to their exposure to Aspirin. We relied on multivariable linear and logistic regression models to test whether Aspirin administration was associated with lower PSA values at prostate biopsy, higher PCa diagnosis, and higher Gleason Grade Grouping (GGG) at biopsy. Results: Were identified 1059 patients, of whom 803 (76%) did not take Aspirin vs 256 (24%) were taking it. In multivariable log-linear regression analysis, Aspirin administration was associated with lower PSA levels (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.71– 0.97, p = 0.01), after controlling for age, prostate volume, smoking history, associated inflammation at prostate biopsy, presence of PCa at biopsy, and GGG. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, Aspirin administration was not found to be a predictor of PCa at prostate biopsy (OR 1.40, 95% CI 0.82– 2.40, p = 0.21) after controlling for age, PSA, smoking history, prostate volume, findings at digital rectal examination and the number of biopsy cores. In patients with PCa at prostate biopsy (n = 516), Aspirin administration was found to predict higher GGG (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.01– 4.87, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Aspirin administration was found to be a predictor of more aggressive GGG. These findings suggest that a lower PSA threshold should be considered in patients taking Aspirin, as, despite low PSA levels, they might harbour aggressive PCa.
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