Wild Nutrition’s Food-Grown® Magnesium Supplementation Increases Sleep Quality and Sleep Duration and Reduces Stress in a Healthy Adult Population: A Double-Blind, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Study

Background: Magnesium, an essential mineral crucial for various bodily functions, has been shown to positively influence sleep patterns. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Food-Grown® magnesium in enhancing sleep quality and duration, as well as overall well-being. Methods: Eighty participants were randomly assigned to receive either 80 mg of Food-Grown® magnesium or a placebo (microcrystalline cellulose) daily for 8 weeks. Participants completed questionnaires assessing sleep quality, daytime drowsiness, quality of life, anxiety, and stress levels. Additionally, participants maintained daily sleep diaries and wore wrist-worn actigraphy devices. The primary outcome measured was the change in sleep quality and duration. Results: Seventy-one participants fulfilled all study requirements (35 in the active group and 36 in the placebo group). Magnesium supplementation significantly improved reported sleep quality, with the active group showing a 32% increase compared to 16% in the placebo group (p = 0.034). Moreover, magnesium supplementation led to a decrease in reported stress scores at week 8 compared to the placebo group (3.7 ± 2.6 vs. 5.5 ± 3.1, respectively). Both the magnesium and placebo groups exhibited significant increases in reported sleep duration and reductions in time to fall asleep, sleep disturbance, sleep latency, sleep medication usage, and total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score at week 8 compared to baseline. Conclusion: Magnesium supplementation notably enhanced sleep quality and reduced stress levels compared to the placebo group. These findings highlight the potential of magnesium as a beneficial supplement for improving sleep quality and overall well-being.

Effect of β-Glucan (Angel Yeast) Compared to a Placebo on Cold and Flu Incidence and Symptoms in an Adult Population—A Double Blind, Randomised Controlled Trial

Background: 1-3, 1-6 β-glucan derived from Baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been widely studied for its immune stimulatory capabilities and safety. Previous studies found β-glucan to have efficacy at reducing incidence of URTIs as well as being a low risk for negative side effects. The current study aimed to examine the effects of yeast β-glucan (Angel Yeast) on cold and flu incidences and symptoms in healthy adults. Methods: Two hundred and thirty-one males and females aged 18 to 65 years old supplemented with either β-glucan or a placebo for 3-months. Participants completed a general health questionnaire every 4 weeks and in addition, if participants experienced any cold or flu symptoms, these were recorded daily (along with severity) until resolved or up to 2 weeks. Results: Supplementation with β-glucan reduced the self-reported severity of sore throats and improved sleep quality compared to the placebo group. Conclusions: Yeast β-glucan supplementation appears to be able to help reduce certain symptoms experienced during a cold or flu episode and is safe and well tolerated.

Role of Media in Promoting Peace and Conflict Resolution in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo

The research examined the role of media in promoting peace and conflict resolution in North Kivu,Democratic Republic of Congo.The security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo(DRC),particularly in the eastern region of North Kivu,has been deteriorating.The study was anchored in social identity theory.The research methodology employed for this study was qualitative,focusing on the analysis of Mr.Edgar Mateso’s contributions to Radio Okapi’s“Dialogue entre Congolais”program during the period from 2019 to 2023.The research was conducted within the broader context of the persistent war and conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo,providing valuable insights into the dynamics and challenges of addressing the ongoing insecurity and violence in the region.The study found that media,exemplified by Radio Okapi,plays a multifaceted and significant role in promoting peace and conflict resolution in North Kivu,Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC).It serves as a critical source of accurate information,enabling informed decision-making regarding ceasefire agreements,peace talks,and humanitarian aid.Media fosters dialogue and understanding among different stakeholders,contributing to reconciliation efforts.Additionally,it raises awareness about the human cost of the conflict,challenges misinformation,monitors peace agreements,amplifies the concerns of the affected population,and promotes human rights and justice.Media also engages youth,serves as an early warning system,and attracts global attention to the conflict.It is recommended that media organizations in North Kivu continue their efforts to facilitate dialogue and understanding among different stakeholder groups.Additionally,media should maintain its focus on raising awareness about the human cost of the conflict,ensuring that the suffering of civilians remains in the spotlight and generates international empathy and support.Media outlets should also continue their role as watchdogs by closely monitoring the implementation of ceasefire agreements and reporting any violations transparently.To strengthen media’s role in promoting peace,there should be continued advocacy for peace through dedicated radio programs,news reports,and editorial content.Internationally,media should continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the conflict in North Kivu,attracting global attention and shaping the perception of the conflict on the global stage.Lastly,media organizations should preserve a lasting legacy of peace by archiving peace-related content,documentaries,and narratives of reconciliation.

Efficacy of InferrinTM and Lactoferrin on Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Otherwise Healthy Adults: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome affects one in five Australians, with abdominal pain as one of the main symptoms. Lactoferrin, found in milk, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and the development of a novel microencapsulated form, InferrinTM, may be useful in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. The current study aimed to study the effectiveness of InferrinTM compared to lactoferrin and a placebo on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Methods: Sixty-eight male and female participants over 18 years of age were recruited to complete 8 weeks of supplementation with either InferrinTM, lactoferrin, or a matched placebo. Outcomes were measured at baseline, week 4, and week 8. Results: There was a decrease from baseline across all groups in IBS symptom severity at weeks 4 and 8, as well as improvements in QOL scores. Lactoferrin and InferrinTM groups had a significant reduction from baseline to week 8 in weekly stool frequency. Conclusions: Overall, lactoferrin and InferrinTM appeared to have an effect in decreasing symptoms of IBS and weekly stool frequency.

Efficacy of a Kiwifruit Extract (PhenActivTM) on Gastrointestinal Tract Function: A Randomised Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

Objective: Gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort is experienced by millions of people every day. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PhenActivTM, a novel green kiwifruit extract, on gastrointestinal tract (GIT) function in otherwise healthy adults. Methods: 41 healthy adults with mild GI discomfort were enrolled in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Participants were randomized to either take 3.0 g/day of PhenActivTM or a placebo for 6 weeks. Interviews were conducted at baseline, week 3 and week 6, with participants completing questionnaires regarding GI symptoms. Frequency of bowel movements was self-recorded daily. Results: There were no differences in daily and weekly defecation frequency and stool characteristics in either group. The active and placebo groups significantly improve GSRS scores (p , only the active group had a significant improvement in the IBSSS and PAC-QOL scores (p < 0.05) from baseline. Neither group had changes in sleep quality, quality of life and fatigue, plasma zonulin concentrations or macular pigment optical density scores. The product was well tolerated with no GI disturbances or adverse events being reported. Conclusion: Supplementation of 3.0 g/day of PhenActivTM for 6 weeks did not improve defecation frequency or stool composition in healthy adults, but did improve perceived symptoms of GIT function, including symptoms of functional GIT disorders, IBS and constipation. The product was well tolerated and future trials investigating higher doses with more participants and/or a different population would be beneficial.

嵌入式以太网处理器

当一台设备具有网络智能时,人们可以在任何时间、地点,使用任何平台,对设备进行监视、控制、诊断、测试或者配置。 RDC的网络处理器,高速度、高集成度、低功耗、低价格,是设备网络化的强劲心脏和理想解决方案。它能够将一个独立、低成本的以太网口和TCP/IP协议相嵌在设备中,从而使设备具有网络智能:从普通的自动调温器、烟尘探测器,到智能家居;从可联网的门禁、一卡通系统,到远程数据采集设备。

Assessment of Ecotoxicity of Topsoils from a Wood Treatment Site

A series of 9 soil samples were taken at a timber treatment site in SW France where Cu sulphate and chromated copper arsenate （CCA） have been used as wood preservatives （Sites P1 to P9） and one soil sample was collected at an adjacent site on the same soil type （Site P10）. Copper was a major contaminant in all topsoils, varying from 65 （Soil P5） to 2600 mg Cu kg^-1 （Soil P7）, exceeding background values for French sandy soils. As and Cr did not accumulate in soil, except at Site P8 （52 mg As kg^-1 and 87 mg Cr kg^-1） where CCA-treated posts were stacked. Soil ecotoxicity was assessed with bioassays using radish, lettuce, slug Arion rufus L., and earthworm Dendrobaena octaedra （Savigny）. There were significantly differences in lettuce germination rate, lettuce leaf yield, radish root and leaf yields, slug herbivory, and earthworm avoidance. An additional bioassay showed higher negative impacts on bean shoot and root yields, Rhizobium nodule counts on Bean roots, and guaiacol peroxidase activity in primary Bean leaves for soil from Site PT, with and without fertilisation, than for soil from Site P10, despite both soils having a similar value for computed free ion Cu2＋ activity in the soil solution （pCu^2＋）. Beans grown in soil from Site P7 that had been fertilised showed elevated foliar Cu content and phytotoxic symptoms. Soils from Sites P7 （treatment plant） and P6 （storage of treated utility poles） had the highest ecotoxicity, whereas soil from Site P10 （high organic matter content and cation exchange capacity） had the lowest. Except at Site P10, the soil factor pCu^2＋ computed with soil pH and total soil Cu could be used to predict soil ecotoxicity.

对制动试验中制动距离修正的研究

本文在分析了车辆制动时的力学过程后 ,在适当假设与简单模型的基础上 ,推导出在制动试验时制动距离与时间之间的关系式 ;对公式进行进一步的处理 ,得到近似公式。在估算了近似公式的精度的基础上 ,证明了近似公式能满足工程精度要求。运用所得公式可对不同初速度下的制动距离进行修正 ,使得在不同制动初速度时的制动距离有比较的基础。同时运用公式对制动过程中的特征时间进行了估算 。

Mineralogy and Magmatic Processes of Cenozoic Intraplate Alkaline Volcanic Rocks of Bafang and Its Environs (Cameroon Volcanic Line, West Africa)

Alkaline basalts of Bafang and its environs are consisted of feldspars, olivines, pyroxenes and oxides which appear as phenocrysts, microphenocrysts and microcrysts. Feldspars are plagioclases (An67.97-15.84Ab69.19-30.43Or20.59-1.51) and anorthoclases (Ab68.11-61.20Or33.87-20.91An10.98-4.93). Plagioclases are the most abundant amount these feldspars. Anorthoclases appear only in mugearite (BAF 3 and BAF 37) the most differentiated of the studied alkaline-basalts. In High Magnesian basalt, (HMg-B) plagioclases are labradorites (An67.97-59.30Ab38.74-30.43Or2.75-1.60) and sanidine (An45.44-31.82Ab62.66-51.79Or5.52-2.77), whereas in Low Magnesian basalt (LMg-B) there are labrador (An67.4.75-51.96Ab44.98-33.72Or3.06-1.51), andesine (An45.44-31.82Ab62.66-51.79Or5.52-2.77), oligoclase (An26.65-15.84Ab69.19-63.57Or20.59-8.55) and anarthoclase (Ab68.11-61.20Or33.87-20.91An10.98-4.93). Olivines are magnesian (Fo86.7-50.1) and ferriferous (Fo48.8-37.8). In HMg-B, olivine are only magnesian. These olivines are chrysolites and hyalositerite. In LMg-B, olivines are magnesian and ferriferous with the predominance of ferriferous. They are chrysolites, hyalositerite and hortonolite. Pyroxenes are Ca, Mg and Fe clinopyroxenes. There are diopsides (Wo51.94-45.02En44.41-33.16Fs16.42-10.70) and augites (Wo44.88-43.64En41.03-37.04Fs18.25-14.43). Oxides are magnetites represented by ulvospinel (Usp90-75Sp2-7Mt5-23). Fractionation of ferromagnesian minerals (opaque oxide, olivine and pyroxene) is the main differentiation process. Two stages of fractional crystallization can be distinguished: the first stage comes with basanites and the second with hawaiites to mugearites. Chemical compositions of phenocrystals in studied basaltics lavas record signatures of magma recharge by pulsatory intrusions of new magma into the existing magma reservoir before the eruptions.

Volcano ISO Bootloader助力BCM控制器安全高效实现程序刷新

Bootloader在汽车电子领域软件开发中发挥着非常重要的作用。它可以实现ECU的程序更新、数据标定、EEPROM刷写、诊断等功能。本文基于上汽荣威350的车身控制器(Body Control Module,BCM)成熟平台,介绍其Bootloader的详细功能、实现策略及测试方法。

螺杆菌属与伴或不伴肝细胞癌的丙型肝炎肝硬化的关系

Background and aims: Recent studies have suggested that bacterial coinfection with Helicobacter species in patients already infected with hepatitis C virus ( HCV) could be involved in the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcin oma (HCC). A retrospective cross sectional study was performed in order to explo re the association between Helicobacter species and HCV associated liver disease s. Methods: The presence of Helicobacter species was tested by polymerase chain reaction on liver samples from four groups of patients. Resutls: Helicobacter 16 S rDNA was found in only 4.2% of liver samples from control patients (n = 24) and in 3.5% of liver samples from patients with non- cirrhotic chronic hepatit is C (n = 29) while it was found in 68.0% of liver samples from patients with HCV positive cirrhosis without HCC (n = 25) as well as in 61.3% of cirrhotic l iver samples from patients with HCV positive cirrhosis and HCC (n = 31). In addi tion, when the HCC tumour tissue was tested (n = 21), 90.5% of samples were po sitive. DNA from Helicobacter pylori- and Helicobacter pullorum- like organis ms was found. Conclusions: There is an association between the presence of Helic obacter species DNA in the liver and hepatitis C cirrhosis, with or without HCC. Indeed, the presence of these bacteria could be the result of structural change s in the liver. Alternatively, Helicobacter species could be a co- risk factor in HCV chronic liver diseases. This result warrants prospective studies to deter mine the possible causal role of these bacteria in the progression of chronic he patitis C.

乔治亚州烤烟种植斑萎症治理方案

1986年乔治亚州首次确认了烟草植株因番茄斑萎症病毒感染的斑萎症。自1995年开始，斑萎症所造成的损失已超过其他所有烟草病害造成损失的总和。1990至2005年间开展的研究为烟农们提供了一个最大限度减少斑萎症损失的多渠道综合治理方案。该方案的要点如下：

Efficacy of Palmitoylethanolamide (Levagen+TM) Compared to Ibuprofen for Reducing Headache Pain Severity and Duration in Healthy Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel, Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) has shown promise as an analgesic for those with chronic pain pathologies. With recently increased bioavailability, PEA may also be a treatment for acute pain presentations such as tension-type headaches. Aim: To assess the efficacy of a bioavailable PEA formulation (Levagen+TM) for reducing the severity and duration of acute episodes of tension-type headaches when compared to a standard treatment, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (the comparator). Methods: The study was a double-blind, randomized, single site, comparator controlled clinical study, with the cohort consisting of otherwise healthy adults, aged between 18 and 71, who experienced regular tension-type headaches. 94 adults experiencing headaches were randomised to receive either PEA (n = 47) or Ibuprofen comparator (n = 47). Upon headache onset, participants consumed their allocated product, recorded pain levels using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and continued to log their pain scores at 30-minute intervals for up to 4-hours. Results: Eighty-six participants (44 active treatment and 42 comparator) recorded at least one headache with a total of 271 tension-type headaches recorded (120 active treatment and 151 comparator). Most headaches were reduced in both treatment arms by 2 hours and almost all by 4 hours;90% in the PEA group, and 97% in comparator group, p > 0.5. For moderate at onset headaches, the comparator group had a greater percentage of pain-free events at 2-hours. However, the time taken to resolve severe headaches was significantly lower in the PEA group than the comparator group (p Conclusions: These results place PEA as a potential treatment option for tension-type headaches.

Assessing Comprehensive Sexuality Education Programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Adolescents’ and Teachers’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices towards Contraception

Introduction: Improving teenagers’ knowledge on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is important to prevent unintended pregnancies. We aimed to assess comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) programs and knowledge, attitudes and practices of adolescents and teachers towards contraception. Methods: Based on the reasoned action theory and CSE guidelines, a qualitative study was conducted with seven teachers and 62 adolescents aged 15 - 19. The data were collected through six focus groups (FG) of adolescents and seven semi-structured interviews of teachers. The program of the family life education course (FLEC) was assessed. The Atlas Ti software helped to analyze the data, using a deductive approach. Results: The periodic abstinence, male condoms and pills were the most known contraceptive methods. Adolescents and teachers were reluctant to use artificial contraceptive methods, apart from the male condom which they used irregularly. Girls especially preferred natural contraceptive methods, fearing side effects, such as the risk of infertility. Almost all adolescents wanted to be informed on SRH and family planning in school. However, they estimated that the content of the FLEC was insufficient and criticized the teachers’ lack of openness. Their main sources of information were peers, siblings and the internet. Mothers were an important source of information for girls, unlike fathers considered to be indifferent or even frightening. Conclusion: Adolescents’ and teachers’ knowledge are weak;and their attitudes unfavorable towards contraception. Misconceptions about contraception lead to the use of ineffective practices to prevent unwanted pregnancies. To improve knowledge, a teacher training program should be developed and the content of the FLEC improved, formalized and regulated.

CEPA对内地家电物流业的影响

CEPA，即《内地与香港关于建立更紧密经贸关系的安排》，签署于2003年6月29日．主体内容是从2004年1月1日开始实施。包括原产地香港的273种商品可以零关税进入内地市场销售；包括零售业、律师、电讯、咨询、旅游、物流业等18种服务行业获准进入内地经营，以及其他关贸便利化措施，

CAD/CAM在锻模制造中的应用

本文概要介绍上海汽车锻造总厂在锻模制造中应用CAD/CAM的现状和经验.结合该厂锻模设计制造中的具体情况,就以下三方面作了分析:1.锻模中切边模的设计与制造;2.CAD加工中走刀方向的改进;3.PC机与NC机床的通讯接口。最后,为确保CAD/CAM在设计制造中的有效应用,提出了建立相应的质保体系的建议,给出了CAD/CAM质量控制框图。

Weldability of Low Carbon Transformation Induced Plasticity Steel

Transformation induced plasticity （TRIP） steel exhibited high or rather high carbon equivalent （CE） because of its chemical composition, which was a particularly detrimental factor affecting weldability of steels. Thus the weldability of a TRIP steel （grade 600） containing （in mass percent, %） 0.11C-1. 19Si-1.67Mn was extensively studied. The mechanical properties and impact toughness of butt joint, the welding crack susceptibility of weld and heat affected zone （HAZ） for tee joint, control thermal severity （CTS） of the welded joint, and Y shape 60° butt joint were measured after the gas metal arc welding （GMAW） test. The tensile strength of the weld was higher than 700 MPa. Both in the fusion zone （FZ） and HAZ for butt joint, the impact toughness was much higher than 27 J, either at room temperature or at -20 ℃, indicating good low temperature impact ductility of the weld of TRIP 600 steel. In addition, welding crack susceptibility tests revealed that weldments were free of surface crack and other imperfection. All experimental results of this steel showed fairly good weldability. For application, the crossmember in automobile made of this steel exhibited excellent weldability, and fatigue and durability tests were also accomplished for crossmember assembly.

基于IRS2168D的串联双14W TL5荧光灯镇流器的设计(上)

本文详细地介绍了IRS2168D的基本特性和功能,并将其应用于14W两灯的开发,并阐明了关键参数的选取和设计方法。实验结果表明,该方案镇流控制和保护功能强大、电路简单、成本合理,很适合于中高档的镇流器。