Published Date Available online 27 May 2016,doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.05.095
In Press, Accepted Manuscript — Note to users
Title
COMPARISON OF THE PROPERTIES OF MEMBRANES PRODUCED WITH ALGINATE AND CHITOSAN FROM MUSHROOM AND FROM SHRIMP
Author
Andréa C.K. Bierhalz
Cecilia Buzatto Westin
Ângela Maria Moraes,
Department of Engineering of Materials and of Bioprocesses, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas, Av. Albert Einstein 500 CEP, 13083-852 Campinas, SP, Brazil
Received 6 April 2016. Revised 14 May 2016. Accepted 26 May 2016. Available online 27 May 2016. Highlights . Dense and porous chitosan-alginate (CA) membranes were produced for coatings of skin wounds. . The influence of chitosan source (fungal or animal) on properties and toxicity was evaluated. . Porosity increased in membranes obtained with fungal chitosan and with its molecular mass. . The indirect cytotoxicity to fibroblasts cells was low for membranes with fungal chitosan. . The replacement of animal chitosan by fungal chitosan to produce CA membranes is promising Abstract Dense and porous chitosan-alginate membranes (1:1 in mass) useful as coverages of skin wounds treated through cell therapy were produced using chitosan of different chain sizes from fungal (white mushrooms) and animal (shrimp shells) sources. Porous materials were obtained by adding the surfactant Poloxamer 188 to the formulations. The influence of chitosan type on membranes physicochemical properties and toxicity to fibroblasts was evaluated. Porosity was noticed to be more pronounced in membranes obtained with fungal chitosan and increased with its molecular mass. These formulations showed the highest values of thickness, roughness, opacity, liquid uptake and water vapor permeability. The membranes were not toxic to fibroblasts, but the lowest values (0.16-0.21%) were observed for membranes prepared with fungal chitosan in the presence of surfactant. In conclusion, it is possible to replace chitosan from animal sources by chitosan of fungal origin to produce membranes with negligible cytotoxicity while maintaining appropriate physicochemical properties. Keywords
Broth-based vegetable soup is a low-fat, filling option.Photo Credit John Foxx/Stockbyte/Getty Images
A low-fat diet can help you reduce your calorie consumption and lose weight. Some low-fat, low-calorie diets can lead to excessive hunger, but some foods help suppress hunger. Choose low-fat foods that contain filling nutrients such as protein, dietary fiber and water to stay satisfied and nourished on a low-fat diet.
Vegetable Medley
Bowl of alfalfa sproutsPhoto Credit luanateutzi/iStock/Getty Images
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that most vegetables are low in fat, and their water and fiber content helps make them bulkier so that they fill you up see. Dietary fiber also helps lower cholesterol levels. Add spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms or onions to eggs in the morning, put carrots, tomatoes, celery or broccoli in soup, serve a side salad or cooked vegetables with your dinner and add sprouts, lettuce or cucumber to your sandwiches. These ideas make meals more filling without adding much fat or many calories.
Fresh Fruit
Bowl of fruit saladPhoto Credit chainatp/iStock/Getty Images
Most fruit is high-fiber and low-fat. Add berries to cereal or yogurt at breakfast. Keep some washed, ready-to-eat fruit handy so that you can choose it for a quick snack. Apples, tangerines, oranges and bananas are portable and available year-round. You can also use fruit to satisfy your sweet tooth after meals. Choose cut melon, some fruit salad or berries instead of a higher-fat, less-filling dessert. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that whole fruits are more filling than fruit juices and dried fruits.
Lean Protein
Grilled skinless chicken breastPhoto Credit Liv Friis-Larsen/iStock/Getty Images
Skinless white-meat chicken and turkey, egg whites, lean beef and fish are low-fat foods with a high protein content, so they help fill you up. For a snack, try skewers with vegetables and grilled chicken breast or shrimp. Have broiled fish or roast chicken with asparagus or brussels sprouts for dinner, and consider including some turkey breast or egg whites at breakfast to decrease hunger throughout the morning. Eating your lean protein with fruits or vegetables lets you get fiber as well.
Reduced-Fat Dairy Products
Bowl of low fat cottage cheesePhoto Credit YelenaYemchuk/iStock/Getty Images
Fat-free yogurt and low-fat cottage cheese and regular cheese are filling because of their protein content. They also provide calcium, which is essential for strong bones. Liquids, such as milk, are not as filling as solid foods. Choose fat-free dairy products when possible to limit your intake of calories and cholesterol-raising saturated fats. Mix apples and cinnamon into fat-free cottage cheese, have low-fat cheese cubes with grapes or dip vegetables into plain Greek yogurt.
Title Graft polymerization of vinyl acetate onto starch. Saponification to starch-g-poly(vinyl alcohol) International Nuclear Information System (INIS) Author Fanta, G F.; Burr, R.C.; Doane, W.M. Russell, C.R. (Dept. of Agriculture, Peoria, IL Abstract Graft polymerizations of vinyl acetate onto granular cornstarch were initiated by cobalt-60 irradiation ofstarch-monomer-water mixtures, and ungraftedpoly(vinylacetate) was separated from the graft copolymer by benzene extraction. Conversions of monomer to polymer were quantitative at a radiation dose of 1.0 Mrad. Over half of the polymer was present as ungraftedpoly(vinylacetate) (grafting efficiency less than 50%), and the graft copolymer contained only 34% grafted synthetic polymer (34% add-on). Lower irradiation doses produced lower conversions of monomer to polymer and gave graft copolymers with lower % add-on. Addition of minor amounts of acrylamide, methyl acrylate, and methacrylic acid as comonomers produced only small increases in % add-on and grafting efficency. Grafting efficiency was increased to 70% when a monomer mixture containing about 10% methyl methacrylate was used. Grafting efficiency could be increased to over 90% if the graft polymerization of vinyl acetate--methyl methacrylate was carried out near 00C; although conversion of monomers to polymer was low and grafted polymer contained 40 to 50% poly(methyl methacrylate). Selected graft copolymers were treated with methanolic sodium hydroxide to convertstarch-g-poly(vinyl acetate) tostarch-g-poly(vinylalcohol). The molecular weight of thepoly(vinylalcohol) moiety was about 30,000. The solubility ofstarch-g-poly(vinylalcohol) in hot water was less than 50; however, solubility could be increased by substituting either acid-modified or hypochlorite-oxidized for unmodifiedstarchin the graft polymerization reaction. Vinyl acetate was also graft polymerized onto acid-modifiedstarchwhich had been dispersed and partially solubilized by heating in water. A total irradiation dose of either 1.0 or 0.5 Mrad gavestarch-g-poly For further details log on website : https://inis.iaea.org/search/search.aspx?orig_q=RN:10472511
A woman is practicing yoga.Photo Credit michaeljung/iStock/Getty Images
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the movement of blood against the walls of your arteries while the heart pumps blood throughout the body. The more pressure applied to the blood flow against the artery walls, the higher your blood pressure rises. It's hard to detect since there are no obvious symptoms other than headaches. However, stress from emotional situations, such as illness or a death in the family, trigger blood pressure spikes. Job situations, such as increased workload, can also trigger stress, which in turn triggers high blood pressure. The correlation between stress and high blood pressure varies since some people handle stressful situations better than others. You can relieve stress and lower your blood pressure risk through meditation, yoga or by venting your problems to a loved one. Blood pressure returns to normal once the stressful situation ends.
Whether you're trying to maintain a healthy weight or gain weight, calories count. A 2,700-calorie diet is a higher-calorie regimen that can help most women and inactive men gain weight, and it can help active men maintain a healthy weight. The high number of calories doesn't mean you get to eat whatever you want, however. No matter how many calories you need to eat a day, it's important that your diet include a healthy balance of foods from all the food groups.
Grilled salmon sits on a bed of spinach with a cream sauce over it.Photo Credit olgna/iStock/Getty Images.
Grain Goodness
Grains supply B vitamins, iron, magnesium and selenium. Additionally, whole grains are a good source of fiber. You need 10 ounces of grains a day on your 2,700-calorie diet. One ounce of grain is equal to one slice of bread or 1 cup of cold cereal. For better health, make at least half your grain choices whole grains, which means whole-wheat bread and whole-grain cereal in place of white bread and refined grain cereals.
Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and vegetables may be low in calories, but they are an important source of a number of essential nutrients that keep you healthy, including vitamins A and C, potassium and fiber. People who eat more fruits and vegetables have lower rates of heart disease, type-2 diabetes and cancer. You need 3 1/2 cups of vegetables and 2 1/2 cups of fruit on your 2,700-calorie diet plan. Include a rainbow of fruits and veggies throughout the week to vary your nutrient intake.
Don't Forget Dairy
Most Americans don't eat or drink as much dairy as they should, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As a source of calcium and vitamin D, dairy foods are important for bone health. You need three servings of dairy a day on your diet plan, with one serving equaling to 1 cup of milk or yogurt or 1 1/2 ounces of natural cheese. You should make most of your dairy choices low-fat or nonfat to limit your intake of saturated fat.
Pick Your Protein
Food sources of protein include seafood, meat, poultry, beans, peas, seeds and nuts. In addition to supplying your body with protein, these foods also help you meet your needs for iron, zinc, magnesium, vitamin E and the B vitamins. On your 2,700-calorie diet you need 7 ounces of protein foods a day. As with the other food groups, if you want to maximize the nutrition in your diet, be sure to eat a variety of different sources of protein throughout the week. And when it comes to meat, make it lean to keep your saturated fat intake low.
The Extras
It's OK to get a little fat and sugar on your diet. In fact, healthy fats -- which include fat from oils, nuts, seeds and avocados -- when used to replace saturated fats, may help lower cholesterol levels. You can have 8 teaspoons of oil on your 2,700-calorie diet plan. Half a tablespoon of peanut butter and 1/3 ounce of nuts also counts as 1 teaspoon of oil. When it comes to foods with solid fat and added sugar, such as cookies and candy, you should limit your daily calorie allotment of these foods to no more than 300 calories a day.
Sleep is essential to runners, because this is when your body restores itself. If you're having sleep problems, your running routine might be to blame. Running triggers conditions in your body that can impair sleep. Additionally, the intensity of your workout, and the time during which you run, can also affect your sleep cycle. Learning about the effects of running on sleep can help you get the expert-recommended seven to nine hours of shuteye. Don't let your running routine keep you up at night.Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images.
Increase of Cortisol
When you wake up in the morning, the amount of the stress hormone cortisol in your body is at its highest, and over the course of the day, it slowly lowers. In addition to inhibiting your immune system, raising your blood sugar, and promoting the metabolic process of carbs, protein and fat, cortisol increases glucose in your body when you run. Glucose provides energy to your muscles. When your workout is over, cortisol levels can stay elevated for up to nine hours, which can have a negative effect on sleep.
Increase of Body Temperature
Falling asleep is easiest under cool conditions, which includes a low body temperature, and a cool room with a temperature of about 65 degrees Fahrenheit. However, when you run, your breathing gets heavier and your body temperature increases. This increase in body temperature can keep you awake at night, because it can take four to six hours before your temperature goes back down. This means that if you exercise close to bedtime, your elevated body temperature can cause sleep problems.
Vigorous Exercise Intensity
Your running intensity might partly be to blame for your lack of sleep at night. According to the National Sleep Foundation, a moderate exercise intensity, such as that of walking, is more beneficial to getting quality sleep, compared to vigorous-intensity exercise, such as running. Exercising at a moderate pace allows you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. To monitor your intensity, do the talk test. If you can talk, but not sing, you're exercising at a moderate intensity, and if you can only say a few words before catching your breath, you're exercising at a vigorous pace.
Running and Sleeping
In many instances, running is beneficial to sleep, as long as you do it at least four hours before bedtime, so that your body temperature has enough time to go down to a favorable level. If you want to do some exercise before bedtime, do yoga, or some light stretching, which can have a relaxing effect. Running, and exercising in general, also combats symptoms associated with anxiety and depression, which can sometimes keep you up at night. Other ways to get a good night's sleep can be to make sure that the room is pitch dark, to take a warm bath beforehand, and to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
Some people with insomnia may have trouble falling asleep, while others can fall asleep easily but wake up in the middle of the night, unable to go back to sleep. Certain medical conditions, medicines, stimulants, emotions or stress can cause insomnia. Lack of sleep can cause irritability, inability to focus, anxiety and depression. It can also weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. The cure for your insomnia depends on its cause.
A man unable to sleep looking at his clock in bed.Photo Credit OcusFocus/iStock/Getty Images
Step 1
Stop taking stimulants before bedtime. Caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol can all interfere with getting a good night's sleep. Some medications, such as diet pills, contain caffeine. Although alcohol might make you feel drowsy, it will keep you from entering into the deeper stages of sleep.
Step 2
Go outside in the sunshine during the day. Bright natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythm, helping your body stay awake during the day and sleep better at night.
Step 3
Block out light and noise. If there's a street lamp, get black-out curtains for your windows or use an eye mask. Use a "white noise" machine to drown out urban or environmental noise.
Step 4
Take valerian root, a natural herbal sedative available at health food stores. Take 1 or 2 tablets 30 minutes before bedtime.
Step 5
Go to bed the same time each night. Establish a regular bedtime and stick to it seven days a week. Don't stay up much later on the weekends as this disrupts your natural sleep rhythm. A bedtime routine can signal your body to relax and prepare for sleep. Try something relaxing like a hot bath, meditation or deep breathing exercises.
Step 6
Stop drinking liquids two hours before bedtime. You may be waking up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. Make sure to use the bathroom right before you go to bed.
Step 7
Exercise early in the day, not in the evening. Exercise gives you energy and releases endorphins, which can make it difficult to fall asleep. Exercise may also help you control your weight. Being overweight puts you at risk for sleep apnea.
Step 8
Take a melatonin supplement. Melatonin is a hormone that helps your body regulate the sleep/wake cycle. Try a 2.5 mg sublingual dose at bedtime.
Step 9
Stop working at least an hour before bed. Turn off your cell phone and your laptop and try to relax. Unwind, and don't worry about tomorrow's deadlines.
Warnings
An overactive thyroid can also cause chronic insomnia, so if you don't know the cause of your inability to sleep, consult your doctor.
Tips
Don't give into the urge to nap. Stay awake during the day to help you sleep better at night.
If your mind is still racing at bedtime, try keeping a journal or diary and writing down your thoughts.
The method of strict parenting came up for debate in January 2011, when Amy Chua wrote a book called "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother,” detailing her uber-strict method of parenting her daughters for excellence. Among her methods included discipline for any grade below an A, no TV or computer games, no play dates and no room for negotiation. While some critics view Chua's methods as harsh, strict parenting has experienced a resurgence in an age of child-led discipline and permissive parents. Before you choose a strict method of parenting for your children, consider both the positive and the negative effects that you'll likely deal with. Some tactics could result in rebellion.Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images.
Disciplining Your Child
By setting the bar for your expectations high, your child knows what's acceptable and what isn't in your eyes, notes Ruth A. Peters, Ph.D. When you raise your child with strict expectations, you can expect to see a greater degree of discipline. Not only does this discipline affect your child interacts with you, but it might also extend to the way he approaches school work, spending time with friends and eventually even apply that discipline to a career. If you have high expectations for your child, a strict method helps spell out those expectations to get results.
Rebellious Behavior
Not all children respond well to a high degree of strictness in the home. If your child is not used to complete discipline or does better with making his own decision, he could rebel when you attempt to lay down strict rules and regulations. That rebellion becomes a constant struggle, especially when your child goes out of his way to be oppositional. If you already have a rebellious child, strict parenting could make the situation worse, so tread carefully and take your child's temperament into consideration.
Staying Consistent
Some children crave both consistency and rules to function properly and you supply both of those when you choose a strict method of parenting. When you strictly enforce the rules in your home, your child knows what to expect and feels secure that he can predict your reaction to certain types of behavior. While rules are hard to follow for some children, if you know that your child thrives on the consistency of rules and punishment, strict parenting makes for an ideal fit for both you and your child.
Choosing How to Parent
While your method of parenting should be a private matter between you, your partner and your child, social backlash for being a strict parent could derail your progress. In some cases, methods of strict parenting could even be seen as abuse. Like Chua discovered after forums, blogs and websites criticized her parenting methods, strict parenting isn't for everyone. When you create rules that are strictly enforced in the face of various social situations, expect to experience some backlash. That backlash affects both you and your child, especially if he feels ostracized by his peers because he can't participate in certain activities. Still, the method of discipline you choose should be discussed at length with your partner and your child to choose what works best for you.
Published Date 2016, Vol.8:387–394,doi:10.1016/j.aaspro.2016.02.034
Florence “Sustainability of Well-Being International Forum”. 2015: Food for Sustainability and not just food, FlorenceSWIF2015
Open Access, Creative Commons license
Title
Evaluation of Sustainable Development of Wooden Furniture Industry Using Multi criteria Decision Making Method☆
Author
Majid Azizi a
Nemat Mohebbi a
Fabio De Felice b,,
aWood and paper sciences and technology Department, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Daneshkadeh street, Karaj 31585-4314, Iran
bDepartment of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, G. Di Biasio 43 street, Cassino 03043, Italy
Available online 23 February 2016.
Abstract
Furniture manufacturing industry seems to be significant not only from economical and social standpoints but also from perspective of environmentally compatible industries. Accordingly, moving toward sustainable development in this sector of Iran's industry is regarded as a national necessity. The intent of the current study is to determine and prioritize the indices affecting sustainable development of Iran's wooden furniture industry by benefiting from Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. After the conducted investigations, 39 indices were identified and categories in seven general groups namely, technical, human, cultural-social, economic, materials and products, rules and regulations, and environmental. Subsequently, Analytical Hierarchy Process was applied in the form of adjusting and distributing questionnaires among professional experts. Results show that the highest priorities for attaining sustainable development in this industry respectively belong to sub-criteria of economic stability increase in the country, development of furniture industrial clusters, adjustment of furniture and wooden products importation tariffs, reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOC), marketing, reinforcement of unions, and creation of competitive environment in this industry.
Arian, A. 2007. Effect of Unions on Iran Furniture Industry Guidance: p15-20.1st scientific- Functional Seminar “Development of Iran Furniture and Decoration Industry”. Senobar Press.(in Persian).
De Felice, F., Petrillo, A., 2014. Proposal of a structured methodology for the measure of intangible criteria and for decision making. International Journal of Simulation and Process Modelling. Volume 9, Issue 3, 2014, Pages 157-166. ISSN: 17402123. DOI: 10.1504/IJSPM. 2014.064392.
Home and Office Furniture Union, 2009. The Bulletin of Home and Office Furniture Union, A look at export hall of the 18st international exhibition of Hofex, 50pp.(In Persian).
