bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stakeholder perspectives of widening access initiatives to medical school in the UK: A scoping review
Authors: Wong Ernest , Glen John , Williams Sion
Published: December 2019

Background: Widening access initiatives to medical school (WAMS) have had mixed success. One reason may be the competing interests of different stakeholder groups involved. The aim of this scoping review was to explore stakeholder perspectives of widening access initiatives to medical school in the UK. Methods: Scoping review, including the use of data sources from published literature from 1998 to 2018, CINAHL, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts, ProQuest Education Collection, PsychINFO, PubMed, key journals and citation tracking. Results: The review focused on the 12 papers which comprise 11 studies and can be categorised into: 8 studies on Widening Access initiatives done in the UK, 2 studies on stakeholder perspectives only and 1 generic review on “best practices” in WAMS. The 4 main areas targeted by the WAMS initiatives in this review include: outreach, selection, transition, retention and completion. They also display several key features which could have contributed to their success and sustainability, namely: committed personnel and resources, selection of suitable WAMS applicants, focused sessions based on needs of students, led and delivered by a combination of staff and medical students, utilisation of technology and social media and data collection and feedback. The stakeholders identified are as follows: students, parents, school teachers, medical schools’ admissions deans, WAMS facilitators, policy makers, hospital management and the public. Their interests and perspectives have been tabulated. Conclusions: WAMS in the UK have come a long way since their inception, but much remains to be done in achieving their desired results more broadly. As more resources are being allocated to WAMS around the country, a more thorough exploration of stakeholder perspectives and interests may be helpful in understanding how these programmes work.
Genetic dissection of photosynthetic performances in maize under drought-stressed and well-watered environments
Authors: Zhao Xiaoqiang , Lu Yantian , Bai Mingxing , Li Wenli , Zhang Dan , Li Guichen , Zhong Yuan
Published: December 2019

Background: Maintaining photosynthetic capacities is a critical function that allows maize ( Zea mays L.) to adapt to drought stress. The elucidation of genetic controls of photosynthetic performances, and tightly linked molecular markers under water stress are thus of great importance in marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding. Meanwhile, little is known regarding their genetic controls under drought stress. Two F 4 populations were developed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and dissect the genetic variation underlying six photosynthetic-related traits, namely, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), intercellular CO 2 concentration (Ci), transpiration rate (Tr), ribulose 1,5-biphosphate carboxylase activity (RuBP), and water use efficiency (WUE) under drought-stressed and well-watered environments. Results: For two populations, we detected 54 QTLs under drought-stressed and well-watered environments by single-environment mapping with composite interval mapping (CIM), approximately 81.8~100 % QTLs displayed non-additive effects, and 43 of the 54 QTLs were identified under drought-stressed environment. We also dissected 54 QTLs via joint analysis of all environments with mixed-linear-model-based composite interval mapping (MCIM), 24 QTLs involved in QTL × environment interactions (QEIs), approximately 87.5 % QEIs were identified under drought-stressed environments, as well as 14 pair epistasis exhibited dominance-by-additive/dominance (DA/DD) effects under constracting environments. We further identified 8 constitutive QTLs (cQTLs) across two populations by CIM/MCIM under multiple environments. Remarkably, bin 1.07_1.10 (cQTL2), bin 6.05 (cQTL5), bin 7.02_7.04 (cQTL6), bin 8.03 (cQTL7), and bin 10.03 (cQTL8) exhibited 5 pleiotropic cQTLs that were consistent with phenotypic correlations among all photosynthetic-related traits. Additionally, 17 candidate genes were validated in above cQTLs. Conclusions: Photosynthetic performances in maize were predominantly controlled by non-additive and QEIs effects, where more QEIs effects occurred in drought stress. 8 cQTLs affecting six photosynthetic-related traits could be useful for genetic improvement of these traits via QTL pyramiding, corresponding 5 QTLs clusters indicated tight linkage or pleiotropy in the inheritance of these traits, and 17 candidate genes involved in leaf morphology and development, photosynthesis, and stress reponse coincided with above corresponding cQTLs.
Evidence of pathogenic zoonotic tick-borne Rickettsia and Borrelia spp.  in some communal farms in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Adelabu Olusesan Adeyemi , Iweriebor Benson Chuks , Okoh Anthony Ifeanyi , Obi Larry Chikwelu
Published: December 2019

BackgroundThe abundance of tick populations in South Africa represents a probable risk for both animal and human health. Rickettsia and Borrelia are well-known significant agents of emerging human tick-borne infectious diseases throughout the world. Nevertheless, the epidemiology of their infections has been underreported in South Africa, Therefore, the aim of this study was to profile for zoonotic Rickettsia and Borrelia species from ticks infesting domesticated animals in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Morphological and molecular identification techniques were conducted on 1,200 tick samples collected from domestic animals before screening for the target bacterial pathogens. ResultsThe molecular identification of the tick samples was based on the amplification of the 12S rRNA mitochondrial DNA while detection of Rickettsia and Borrelia species were carried out by amplifying fragments of gltA, ompA and ompB genes for Rickettsia and flaB gene for Borrelia spp. Thereafter, the positive ticks, Borrelia and Rickettsia ompB amplicons were sequenced and further analysed. Eight species of ticks belonging to three genera; Rhipicephalus, Amblyomma, and Haemaphysalis were identified. A total of 320 (27%) samples were confirmed positive for Rickettsia out of which 74 (23%) were positive for both ompA and ompB genes. Phylogenetic analysis of ompB revealed a high homology to rickettsial reference strains from GenBank, while there was no positive result for Borrelia. The generated sequences showed 99.1 to 100% homology with R. africae-KX227790 (100 %), R. parkeri - KY113111 (99.8 %), R .peacock (99.3 %) and R. slovaca - KJ675445, JX683122 (99.1 %) representative sequences in GenBank. ConclusionThe findings from this study revealed that ticks collected from domesticated animals were parasitized by Rickettsia species with possible zoonotic potential, which is detrimental to human health if bitten by infected ticks.
Screening and Identification of Key Genes for the Survival and Multiplication of Salmonella typhimurium in the Host
Authors: Sun Na , Song Yanying , Liu Cong , Dai Yu , Wang Peng , Liu Mengda , Yu Lanping , Feng Chenglian , Sun Shuhong , Shang Yingli , Wang Fangkun
Published: December 2019

BackgroundSalmonella typhimurium is an important intracellular pathogen that poses a health threat to humans. The key to studying the pathogenesis of Salmonella is to clarify the mechanisms responsible for its survival and reproduction in macrophages. In this study, RNA was extracted from S. typhimurium reference strain (ATCC 14028) and S. typhimurium isolated from the spleen of infected mice for RNA high-throughput sequencing analysis, based on the BGISEQ-500 platform.ResultsA total of 1,340 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened through quantitative gene analysis and various analyses based on gene expression. Of these, 16 genes were randomly selected for fluorescence quantitative PCR verification. Two pairs of primers, 16S and pyridoxol 5ʹ-phosphate synthase (pdxJ), were used as internal references. The coincidence rate was determined to be 93.75%, which was consistent with the RNA-seq data, proving the reliability of the RNA-seq data. Functional annotation revealed DEGs associated with regulation, metabolism, transport and binding, pathogenesis, and motility. Through data mining and literature retrieval, 26 of the 58 upregulated DEGs (FPKM >10) were not reported to be related to the adaptation to intracellular survival, and were classified as candidate key genes (CKGs) for survival and proliferation in vivo. Among the CKGs, five were biotin synthetic bio family proteins. BioF is one of the first enzymes in the protein synthesis pathway. To evaluate the potential role of bioF in survival and proliferation, bioF mutants of Salmonella were constructed, and the virulence/attenuation was evaluated in vivo. Through the infection of BALB/c mice, bioF deficiency was found to significantly reduce the bacterial load and the fatality rate of mice. ConclusionsOur results indicated that the bioF gene plays an important role in the survival and proliferation of S. typhimurium in vivo. These data contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms used by Salmonella to regulate virulence gene expression whilst replicating inside mammalian cells.
Construction of a high-density genetic map and identification of quantitative trait loci for nitrite tolerance in the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Authors: Zeng Digang , Chen Xiuli , Zhu Weilin , Peng Min , Yang Chunling , Liu Qingyun , Li Qiangyong , Wang Huanling , Liu Hong , Liang Jingzhen , Lin Yong , Chen Xiaohan , Zhao Yongzhen
Published: December 2019

BackgroundNitrite is a major environmental toxin in aquaculture systems disrupting multiple physiological functions in aquatic animals. Although nitrite tolerance in shrimp is closely related to successful industrial production, few genetic studies of this trait are available. ResultsIn this study, we constructed a high-density genetic map of L. vannamei with 17,242 single nucleotide polymorphism markers spanning 6,828.06 centimorgans (cM) and an average distance of 0.4 cM between adjacent markers on 44 linkage groups (LGs). Using this genetic map, we identified 2 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) involved in nitrite tolerance on two LGs explaining 8.42–10.31% of the phenotypic variance. We then sequenced the transcriptomes of the most nitrite-tolerant and the most nitrite-sensitive individuals from each of four genetically distinct L. vannamei families and found 2,002, 1,983, 1,954, and 1,867 differentially expressed genes in the four families, respectively. By integrating QTL and transcriptomics analyses, we identified a candidate gene associated with nitrite tolerance. This gene was annotated as solute carrier family 26 member 6 (SLC26A6). RNA interference (RNAi) analysis demonstrated that SLC26A6 was critical for nitrite tolerance in L. vannamei. ConclusionsThe present study increases our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying nitrite tolerance in shrimp, and provides a basis for molecular-marker-assisted shrimp breeding.
Community Acquired Multi-drug Resistant Clinical Strains from Tracheal Aspirates of Patients in Hospital Settings in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Sarkar Md Murshed Hasan , Afroz Jinia , Jubyda Fatema Tuz , Sharmin Sanzida , Faruq Md. Jobaid , Dey Amit Kumar , Ahmed Sabbir , Rahman Md Zamilur , Chowdhury Arfatun Nahar , Ibrahim Md. , Moniruzzaman Md , Farzana Tasmia
Published: December 2019

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a multi-sectoral problem which poses a major threat in the treatment of infectious diseases especially in developing countries like Bangladesh. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria along with extremely drug resistant (XDR) bacteria have emerged as major clinical and therapeutic dilemma in the treatment of tracheal infections in hospitals here. Thus the aim of this study was to document the incidence of MDR and XDR producing β-lactamases in clinical isolates from tracheal aspirates of patients in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: Two hundred clinical isolates from tracheal aspirates were identified and their antibiotic susceptibility profiles were evaluated by using the VITEK 2 system following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Patient information on diagnosis, sex, age was obtained from hospital data. Results: Of 200 clinical, non-duplicate bacterial isolates obtained, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequent pathogens (N=61/200, 30.5%) followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (N=58/200, 29%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (N=45/200, 22.5%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (N = 15/200, 7.5%), Escherichia coli (N=10/200, 5%), Staphylococcus aureus (N=4/200, 2%), Proteus spp (N=3/200, 1.5%), Enterobacter spp (N=2/100, 1%), Citrobacter spp (1/200, 0.5%), Providencia spp (N=1/200, 0.5%). Of 20 different antibiotics tested, highest number of isolates (N=172/200, 86%) showed resistance to third generation cephalosporin cefixime, however least number of isolates showed resistance to polymixin antibiotics- colistin (N=25/200, 12.5%) and polymixinB (N=12/200, 6%) . The patients’ ages ranged between 1 month to 95 years with the gender distribution of 133 (66.5%) males and 67 (33.5%) females. The prevalence of infections was highest among the patients of age-group (old adults) ≥60 years (N=123/200, 61.5%). Of 200 clinical isolates, 43 (21.5%) were XDR and 125 (62.5%) were MDR bacteria. Of 200 clinical isolates, the synthesis of extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) and carbepenemase were detected in 59 (29.5%) and 98 (49%) strains respectively. Conclusion: Tracheal infections caused by MDR and XDR pathogens among patients are high at hospital settings in Bangladesh. Therefore, there is an urgent need for constant surveillance and interventions in Bangladesh in order to prevent further spreading of those resistant organisms.
A Novel FAND Nomogram to Predict the Risk of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia after Acute Ischemic Stroke with Mechanical Thrombectomy
Authors: Ochete Belynda Owoya , Nyame Linda , Li Xiang , Zou Yang , Li XueMei , Huang Chaoping , Shan Yajie , Li Ming , Ibrahim Mako , Jie Qiong , Liu Yunxin , Ge Chun , Hu Jue , Zhao ZhiHong , Zou Jianjun
Published: December 2019

Background: The timely prediction in the risk of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia（HAP）in Acute Ischemic stroke (AIS) patients after Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) treatment is of high priority, given the rise in AIS mortality as a result. Although prior extensive research has been conducted in HAP preventive management and therapeutics, ischemic stroke patients are still at serious risk of contracting In-hospital pneumonia infections following certain medical procedures like Mechanical thrombectomy, a care standard for AIS patients. The predictive accuracy of patients with higher infection risk and adjusting therapeutic strategies accordingly will not only provide an enhanced preventive measure perspective but also significantly improve patient outcomes. Hence, our study was aimed at the validation and development of a novel predictive tool for risk stratification and individualized predictions of HAP occurrence in AIS patients after MT therapy. Method: A multicenter retrospective study was executed with 405 AIS patients after undergoing MT treatment and admitted to the three Chinese stroke units. The major measure of outcome was to estimate the risk of HAP after MT through the integration of the following four predictors FBG, Age, NHISS, and Diastolic blood pressure (FAND) into a nomogram. Assessed on the multivariate logistic model, a nomogram was constructed, using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve to evaluate the discriminative performance and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test for risk prediction model calibration. Results: Age(OR:1039; 95%Cl 1.017-1.062; p=0.001), NIHSS(National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) score on admission(OR:1.066; 95%Cl: 1.030-1.103); p< 0.0001), diastolic blood pressure(OR 1.023; 95% Cl 1.006-1.040: p=0.008), Fasting blood glucose(OR 1.1444; 95% Cl 1.029-1.271; p=0.013) remained independent predictors of HAP integrated into the FAND nomogram after AIS Chinese patients received MT treatment. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of fit-test expressed good calibration(p-value: 0.496) and Area under the curve of 0.737 was exhibited for functional impairment prediction. Conclusion: The FAND nomogram is a novel prognostic model developed and validated in Chinese AIS patients after MT treatment may aid in preventive measure strategies and predict poor patient outcomes.
Why Residents of South China live longer than those of North China?
Authors: huang yi , Wang Mengqi , Song Yanxin , Zhang Shuangping
Published: December 2019

Background: Since 1990, life expectancy and nonagenarian ratio in South China have been higher than those in North China.Methods: To determine the reason residents of South China live longer, we calculated age-specific mortality rates (per 100,000 people) in North and South China. We examined the associations between the provincial mortality rates due to major fatal diseases and life span indicator.Results: CVD is the leading cause of death in China. The proportion of CVD in all-cause mortality increases with age, and its mortality rate accounts for over 50% of all-cause mortalities in people aged over 80 years. Moreover, the mortality rate of CVD gradually decreases from north to south, indicating the main reason of difference in longevity between North and South China. This difference can be attributed to variations in temperature, salt consumption, selenium intake, air pollution, overweight and obesity between the two regions. Lower mortality rates of individuals aged 55–89 years in South China lead to higher longevity level. Provincial gravity centers of the proportion of longevity population move southward, and this shift is accelerated with increasing age.Conclusions: the mortality rate of CVD gradually decreases from north to south is the reason residents of South China live longer, and risk factors of CVD gradually decreases from north to south.
The spatial-temporal association between mrteorological factors and bacillary dysentery
Authors: Zhang Xiangxue , Wang Li , Xu Chengdong , Gu Xinchen , Zhou Yuke , Xiao Gexin , Qiao Jiajun
Published: December 2019

BackgroundBacillary dysentery remains a worldwide public health problem, which has been found to have spatial–temporal heterogeneity, however most studies have only focused on the disease from either a time or space perspective, the spatial–temporal association between them has been still unclear. MethodIn this study, the Bayesian space–time hierarchy model was used to identify the spatial-temporal patterns of this disease in Shandong province, China. And then GeoDetector was used to quantify the determinant power of meteorological factors and their interactive effect among different regions in Shandong. ResultsThe results indicated that, temporally, the incidence peaked in summer. Geographically, the hot spots were distributed discretely among three regions, among which the effect of meteorological factors on this disease exist significant discrepancy. The most important two dominant factors of eastern coastal region were wind speed and average temperature, with determinant powers of 28% and 25%, respectively. The first two dominant factors of western inland region were average temperature and precipitation, with determinant powers of 47% and 32%, respectively. The first two dominant factors of middle region were average temperature and wind speed, with determinant powers of 66% and 48%, respectively. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that in a hot and humid environment would boost the transmission of bacillary dysentery, which can be served as a suggestion and basis for the surveillance and will be helpful for this disease control and implementing disease-prevention policies.
Afebrile Bacteremia in Adult Emergency Department Patients with Liver Cirrhosis：Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes
Authors: Chen Hung-Yu , Hsu Yin-Chou
Published: December 2019

Background: Cirrhotic patients with bacteremia are at an increased risk of organ failure and mortality. In addition, they can develop serious infection without fever because of their impaired immune response. Our study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, and outcomes in afebrile bacteremic patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods: A single-center, retrospective cohort study was performed on adult patients who visited the emergency department from January 2015 to December 2018. All patients with bacteremia and a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis were enrolled and classified as either afebrile or febrile. We compared the clinical characteristics, laboratory results, microbiological data and outcomes between the two groups. Results：In total, 113 bacteremic patient with liver cirrhosis (afebrile: 60 patients and, febrile: 53) were included in the study. Compared with the febrile group, patients in the afebrile group showed a significantly higher rate of inappropriate antimicrobial agent administration (43.3% vs. 18.9%, p= 0.01). They were also at an increased risk of 30-day mortality (40% vs. 18.9%, p= 0.02), intensive care unit transfer (38.3% vs. 20.8%, p=0.04) and endotracheal intubation (28.3% vs. 11.3%, p=0.03). Conclusions：In bacteremic patients with liver cirrhosis, a significantly higher rate of inappropriate antimicrobial agent administration, higher risk of intensive care unit transfer, endotracheal intubation and 30-day mortality were observed in the afebrile group than in the febrile group. Clinicians should perform prudent evaluation in cirrhotic patients and carefully monitor for possible sings of serious infection even in the absence of fever.
Pre-attentive processing of Alzheimer's disease: an event-related potential study
Authors: Na Eunchan , Lee Kanghee , Kim Eun Ji , Bae Jong Bin , Suh Seung Wan , Byun Seonjeong , Han Ji Won , Kim Ki Woong
Published: December 2019

Background: While identifying Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in its early stages is crucial, traditional neuropsychological tests tend to lack sensitivity and specificity for its diagnosis. Based on the early visual attention deficits of adults with AD, which are apparent before cognitive deficits emerge, this study aimed to investigate visual attentional characteristics of adults with AD, from pre-attentive to attentive processing, using a visual oddball task and event-related potentials (ERPs).Methods: Cognitively normal elderly controls (NC, n=27) and patients with probable AD (AD, n=10) were recruited. Participants performed a three-stimulus visual oddball task and were asked to press a designated button in response to the target stimuli. The amplitudes of 4 ERPs were analyzed. Visual mismatch-negativity (vMMN) was analyzed around the parieto-occipital and temporo-occipital regions. P3a was analyzed around the fronto-central regions, whereas P3b was analyzed around the centro-parietal regions.Results: Late vMMN amplitudes of the AD group were significantly smaller than those of the NC group, while early vMMN amplitudes were comparable. Compared to the NC group, P3a amplitudes of the AD group were significantly smaller for the infrequent deviant stimuli but the amplitudes for the standard stimuli were comparable. Lastly, the AD group had significantly smaller P3b amplitudes than the NC group.Conclusion: Our findings imply that AD patients exhibit pre-attentive visual processing deficits, known to affect later higher-order brain functions. In a clinical setting, the visual oddball paradigm could be used to provide helpful diagnostic information since pre-attentive ERPs can be induced by passive exposure to infrequent stimuli.
Ensuring the Vibration Reliability of Rotors Connected by Spline Joints
Authors: Verbovyi A. , Neamtu C. , Sieryk M. , Vashyst B. , Pavlenko V. , Simonovskiy V. , Pavlenko I.
Published: December 2019

This article is devoted to the development of refined numerical mathematical models of rotor dynamics of high-performance turbomachines having a spline connection. These models consider the dependence of the critical frequencies of the shaft on the angular stiffness of the spline connection, as well as the procedure of virtual balancing. As a result of the complex application of this approach, the methods of calculation of vibration characteristics taking into ac-count variable values of angular rigidity of splined connection are offered. In addition, the method of evaluating the system of initial imbalances with the corresponding displacements of the rotor axis in the correction and calculation sections has also been improved. The proposed approaches, based on the integrated application of CAE software and computational intelligent systems, allow for modal and harmonic analysis and implement virtual balancing with a significant reduction in preparation and machine time without loss of relative accuracy. In addition, the developed mathematical model of free and forced vibrations of rotor systems have been implemented in the program code operational files “Critical Frequencies of the Rotor” and “Forced Oscillations of the Rotor” of the computer algebra system MathCAD that allows improving the dynamic balancing procedure for evaluating primary imbalances. The high accuracy of the proposed approach is confirmed by checking the dynamic deviations of the rotor axis by the system of residual imbalances in accordance with the standards of vibration stability. Keywords: turbomachine, spline connection, angular stiffness, virtual balancing, modal analysis, harmonic analysis.
Computer Engineering and Design of Cast Parts for Internal Combustion Engine Crankcase
Authors: Akimov O. V. , Marchenko A. P. , Alyokhin V. I. , Soloshenko V. , Shinsky O. Y. , Klymenko S. I. , Kostyk K. O.
Published: December 2019

This paper discusses the formulation of the problem of designing the cast parts block-crankcases engine in order to ensure its quality for the case study of cast iron parts of the cylinder block inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with the capacity of 1.4 dm3. Material Ch190B is gray cast iron with optional chemical composition, and sulfur – no more than 0.15 %, phosphorus – no more than 0.1 %, structure – perlite plate. The results obtained in this work confirm the conclusions about the possibility of reducing the metal content of the casting and changing the technical conditions of its manufacture. According to the results of the research, the developed recommendations are aimed at stabilizing the characteristics of the metal, reducing metal consumption, and changing the technical conditions for the defectiveness of this type of castings. Recommendations for changing the configuration of the partition in order to reduce the metal content of the casting and recommendations for changing the Technical Conditions for casting defects were stated for the casting block crankcase 4ChN12/14. For defects of discontinuity type, the maximum size was defined, and controlled places of their detecting were defined.

Keywords: CAD, CAE, block-crankcase, 3D model, casting defect.
Reducing Preharvest Bolting in Open-field-grown Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L. cv. Santo) through Use of Growth Regulators
Authors: Meyering Bo , Hoeffner Adam , Albrecht Ute
Published: December 2019

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.), also called coriander, is an herbaceous, annual plant that is cultivated worldwide for its leaves and seeds. Cilantro has a strong propensity to bolt quickly in hot weather and under long-day (LD) conditions, which affects the flavor and renders the crop unmarketable. High incidence of preharvest bolting in open-field production can cause significant economic loss. The phytohormone gibberellic acid (GA) regulates stem elongation and floral initiation in many LD rosette plants. In pilot experiments, we found that GA induced bolting in greenhouse-grown cilantro and that plant growth regulators (PGRs) with anti-GA activity can delay this process. We then explored the effects of different GA inhibitors on reducing the incidence of bolting in cilantro grown in a commercial open-field environment. Four field trials were conducted on a commercial farm near Clewiston in Florida between Fall 2016 and Spring 2018. Different growth regulators were applied at different times, ranging from 5 to 8 weeks after seeding (WAS), and plants were harvested 2 to 3 weeks thereafter. Applications of GA inhibitors significantly reduced the incidence of bolting in three of the four trials, but the extent depended on the type of inhibitor used. The results from one trial were inconclusive due to changes in weather that prevented bolting in the entire field. Overall, plots treated with prohexadione calcium and paclobutrazol were most effective and reduced bolting by up to 78%. Applying the PGRs at 5 and 6 WAS was more effective than at 7 or 8 WAS.
LINEAR CHOLESKY DECOMPOSITION OF COVARIANCE MATRICES IN MIXED MODELS WITH CORRELATED RANDOM EFFECTS
Authors: Rabe Anasu , Shangodoyin D. K. , Thaga K.
Published: December 2019

Modelling the covariance matrix in linear mixed models provides an additional advantage in making inference about subject-specific effects, particularly in the analysis of repeated measurement data, where time-ordering of the responses induces significant correlation. Some difficulties encountered in these modelling procedures include high dimensionality and statistical interpretability of parameters, positive definiteness constraint and violation of model assumptions. One key assumption in linear mixed models is that random errors and random effects are independent, and its violation leads to biased and inefficient parameter estimates. To minimize these drawbacks, we developed a procedure that accounts for correlations induced by violation of this key assumption. In recent literature, variants of Cholesky decomposition were employed to circumvent the positive definiteness constraint, with parsimony achieved by joint modelling of mean and covariance parameters using covariates. In this article, we developed a linear Cholesky decomposition of the random effects covariance matrix, providing a framework for inference that accounts for correlations induced by covariate(s) shared by both fixed and random effects design matrices, a circumstance leading to lack of independence between random errors and random effects. The proposed decomposition is particularly useful in parameter estimation using the maximum likelihood and restricted/residual maximum likelihood procedures.
Current Status of Strategy Development of Congress-Exhibition Tourism in Saint-Petersburg
Authors: Manenkov Sergey
Published: December 2019

The research features the efficiency of the strategy development of congress-exhibition sector in St. Petersburg. The paper also describes the system weaknesses in the context of brand destination formation for business tourism. A powerful brand of an attractive touristic destination requires permanent diversification and improvement of the product. Business tourism is a highly remunerative segment in tourism industry. Therefore, its development is relevant for regional economy. Infrastructural environment is the determining factor for market capacity calculation. It remains important for strategic development initiatives in the sphere of positive image formation and high-quality services delivery. The methodological background included system approach to the local investment climate, which resulted in the development and classification of St. Petersburg congress-exhibition market. This approach is able to confirm direct or indirect connection between city ranks in the affected industry, as well as the actual implementation of strategic governmental initiatives. However, global strategies in the congress-exhibition service market cannot be applied to the current state of the industry in St. Petersburg. The new strategy can be implemented only after the development of a unified indivisible system approach to recording and classifying events at the congress-exhibition market. In addition, the local business processes have to be improved by applying effective experience of competitive destinations.
Problems of Scientific and Technical Personnel Training in Vologda Region
Authors: Ushakova Yulia , Uskov Vladimir
Published: December 2019

Personnel training is an important strategic objective of innovative economy. The use of scientific and technological potential and the development of innovations ensure the economic growth of the modern economy. Only highly qualified specialists can make these factors work. The present research featured the problems of scientific and technical personnel training in Vologda region. The article presents a methodological basis that can be used to study innovative economic development. The number of researchers, engineers, and technical personnel has been going down for the last 25 years. The Vologda Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences conducted a survey among students and heads of local schools and colleges to analyze the conditions for the training of scientific and technical personnel in the region. The results can be used by the regional authorities to develop measures to improve the system of training, which will provide a smooth passage to innovative economy.
Effects of Perinatal Cardamom Exposure on Social Behavior, Anxiety, Locomotor Activity, Blood Biochemical Parameters and Brain Acetylcholinesterase of Mice Offspring
Authors: Abu-Taweel Gasem M.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Cardamom is the flavouring spices mainly cultivated all over the world. Apart
from being used as the spice, it has many medicinal values. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate
the potential use of cardamom and its effects on the ability of learning, developmental, and
various biochemical factors of Swiss-Webster mice offspring at different stages.

Methods:

In this method, Swiss-Webster mice offspring at different stages were used for the analysis of
biochemical factors. After the administration of cardamom orally, the pups were subjected to various tests
for determining social and defense behaviors of males and females, anxiety behavior; locomotor and neuromuscular
activities, haemotological parameters, and hormonal factors of males and females.

Results:

The present findings indicate that the cardamom induced reduction in the social and defense
behaviors of males and females, respectively, and also anxiety behavior. Interestingly, locomotor and
neuromuscular activities decreased significantly.

Discussion:

In addition, the packed cell volume, red blood count, hemoglobin content, AChE in forebrain,
the testosterone in males and progesterone in females were observed to increase significantly,
whereas the blood platelets and total white blood count decreased non-significantly. Through perinatal
exposure, cardamom can pass through the placenta or/and lactation and reaches the fetus. Care must be
taken when using cardamom and especially during pregnancy and lactation.

Conclusion:

The administration of cardamom enhances the ability of social, developmental, and various
biochemical factors of Swiss-Webster mice offspring at different stages.
Predicting the Potential Patients' Intention to Select Healthcare Service Providers: Application of Structural Equation Modeling Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Bastani Peivand , Javanbakht Mahnaz , Ravangard Ramin
Published: December 2019

Background:

Today, patients are more sensitive in selecting healthcare services than the past, and are more engaged in their healthcare process. Also, the characteristics of each health service provider are likely to affect the patients' behavior or intention to behave in selecting service providers.

Objective:

To predict the intention of employees working at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS), as potential patients, to select health service providers.

Methods:

This cross-sectional applied study was carried out among 330 employees of various SUMS' sub-centers in 2016 using structural equation modeling (SEM). A standard questionnaire designed based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) was used for collecting the required data. The collected data were analyzed by Warp-PLS 5.0 software.

Results:

The results of the model fitness in the public, private and charity sectors showed that these models were well fitted and the greatest associations were between the attitude towards the behavior and intention, the perceived behavioral control and intention, and also between the perceived behavioral control and intention in the studied sectors.

Conclusion:

It seems that the positive attitude of the employees leads to their increased intention of selecting the public sector. In this regard, the University was recommended to take action to build trust among its employees and to create an atmosphere of empathy and respect in order to facilitate employees' use of services.
Obstetrics Outcome after a Nutritional Health Education Program for Pregnant Females at Zagazig University Hospitals; An Interventional Study
Authors: Soliman Al-Zahraa Mohammad , Hassan Al-Said , Fahmy Howaida Henry , Abdelsalam Amira E. , Salem Mostafa Abdo Ahmed
Published: December 2019

Background:

Nutrition during pregnancy is an important element for the pregnant women and their developing fetus, they must take enough calories and nutrients to provide the essential requirements for both themselves and their fetus and to prevent complications of abnormal weight gain in pregnancy.

Objectives:

To determine the effect of the nutritional health education program on changing knowledge, attitude, and practice towards a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy, obtaining optimal weight gain and consequently its effect on maternal and fetal outcomes.

Subjects and Methods:

An interventional study (pre-post test), in Zagazig university antenatal care outpatient clinic was conducted.

Subjects' Criteria:

135 pregnant females in the first trimester aged 18-35 years who did not have any chronic medical disorder with Body Mass Index between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2 were enrolled.

Methods:

Data collection was done using a semi-structured questionnaire about females’ socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric, family and clinical history. Health education sessions were applied to the pregnant females and their knowledge, attitude, and practice about healthy nutrition were assessed before and after the intervention. Ultrasound was performed, maternal and fetal outcomes were detected.

Results:

This study was conducted on 135 pregnant females from whom 9 cases had excluded at the time of delivery due to the detection of ultrasound abnormalities and 16 women were dropped out during the follow-up period. After the nutritional education program, the proportions of adequate knowledge, attitude, and practice were increased from (28.2% to 77.3%), (8.2% to 75.5%) and (32.7% to 77.3%) respectively (p-value <0.001). There was a statistically significant higher cesarean section, Intra and post-partum complications (85.7%vs 42.9%p<0.001), (71.4% vs17.2% p<0.001) and (25.7%vs7.1% p=0.008) [Odds (95% C.I); 8 (6.7-11.3), 12.1(11.7-13.9) and 4.5(1.2-8.7)], higher neonatal weight and neonatal blood glucose (p<0.001& 0.009) in over-weight versus optimal weight gain groups respectively.

Conclusion:

The intervention was effective in increasing pregnant females’ knowledge, attitude, and practice towards healthy nutrition during pregnancy, obtaining optimal weight gain and improving maternal and fetal outcomes.
Web-Based Intervention Effects on Mild Cognitive Impairment Based on Apolipoprotein E Genotype: Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Tsolaki Anthoula C , Tsolaki Magda , Pandria Niki , Lazarou Eftychia , Gkatzima Olymbia , Zilidou Vasiliki , Karagianni Maria , Iakovidou-Kritsi Zafiroula , Kimiskidis Vasilios K , Bamidis Panagiotis D
Published: December 2019

Background

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Computer-based training programs can improve cognitive performance in elderly populations. However, the effects of computer-based interventions on MCI APOE ε4 carriers have never been studied before.

Objective

The effects of different web-based interventions and the APOE isoform-specific differences in training outcomes are investigated.

Methods

Using a quasi-experimental study design, 202 participants with MCI aged 60 years and older took part in three different intervention programs (physical and cognitive [Long-Lasting Memories, or LLM], cognitive [Active Control, or AC], or physical intervention [Physical Training Control, or PTC]) via an innovative information and communication technologies exergaming platform. Participants in each interventional group were subdivided into APOE ε4 carriers and non–APOE ε4 carriers. All participants underwent an extensive neuropsychological evaluation before and after the training, blood tests, and brain imaging.

Results

All interventions resulted in multiple statistically significant cognitive benefits after the intervention. Verbal learning (California Verbal Learning Test: immediate recall test score—LLM: P=.04; AC: P<.001), working memory (digit span forward and backward test scores—AC: P=.03; PTC: P=.02 and P=.006, respectively), and long-term memory (California Verbal Learning Test: delayed recall test score—LLM: P=.02; AC: P=.002; and PTC: P=.02) were improved. There was no statistically significant difference among the intervention effects. APOE ε4 presence moderates intervention effects as the LLM intervention improved only their task-switching processing speed (Trail Making Test, Part B: P=.03) and the PTC intervention improved only the working memory (digit span backward: P=.03). No significant performance alteration was noted for the APOE ε4+ cognitive AC training group.

Conclusions

None of the applied interventions could be identified as the optimal one; it is suggested, however, that combined cognitive and physical training and physical training via exergaming may be more effective for the high-risk MCI ΑPOE ε4+ subgroup.
Rethinking the Use of Mobile Apps for Dietary Assessment in Medical Research
Authors: Khazen Wael , Jeanne Jean-François , Demaretz Laëtitia , Schäfer Florent , Fagherazzi Guy
Published: December 2019

Food intake and usual dietary intake are among the key determinants of health to be assessed in medical research and important confounding factors to be accounted for in clinical studies. Although various methods are available for gathering dietary data, those based on innovative technologies are particularly promising. With combined cost-effectiveness and ease of use, it is safe to assume that mobile technologies can now optimize tracking of eating occasions and dietary behaviors. Yet, choosing a dietary assessment tool that meets research objectives and data quality standards remains challenging. In this paper, we describe the purposes of collecting dietary data in medical research and outline the main considerations for using mobile dietary assessment tools based on participant and researcher expectations.
Engaging African American Youth in the Development of a Serious Mobile Game for Sexual Health Education: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Patchen Loral , Ellis Lindsey , Ma Tony Xuyen , Ott Corilyn , Chang Katie HK , Araya Brook , Atreyapurapu Sravanthi , Alyusuf Amal , Gaines Lanzi Robin
Published: December 2019

Background

Although teen pregnancy rates decreased dramatically in the United States over the past decade, the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents and young adults increased. STI rates disproportionately affect African American youth and young adults. Innovative, accessible, and culturally relevant sexual health interventions are urgently needed.

Objective

This study aimed to identify the optimal modality for a game-based sexual health intervention; develop the educational, entertainment, and technological aspects of the serious game; and demonstrate its usability and acceptance by the target population.

Methods

This project was grounded in formative data collection with community-based participatory research principles and practices combined with a user-centered design and development approach. Sexually Active Adolescent–Focused Education (SAAFE) was developed using input and feedback from African American youths aged 15 to 21 years who participated in a youth advisory board and focus group discussions to inform the co-design and cocreation of the serious game. The process was highly iterative with multiple sessions for user input following design changes. It proceeded in 3 stages. Social cognitive theory and problem-solving theory were leveraged to provide evidence-based, trauma-informed education through a serious game. Usability testing assessed the quality of user experience with the prototype.

Results

Across all 3 stages, a total of 86 self-identified African American males and females aged 15 to 21 years from the District of Columbia and Birmingham, Alabama, participated. Participants requested a dating simulation game. They wanted SAAFE to be customizable, realistic, entertaining, educational, modern, and experiential, linking consequences to their gameplay decisions. Usability testing resulted in an initial System Usability Survey score of 77.7, placing the game in the 82nd percentile and above average for usability.

Conclusions

Initial results suggest that the SAAFE prototype is a promising intervention to engage African American youth in sexual health education using a role-playing game. If proven efficacious, the game has the potential to meet the need for sex education, counterbalance unhealthy portrayals of sex in popular media, and respond to the disparities in the STI epidemic.
Translating the Burden of Pollen Allergy Into Numbers: 10-Year Observational Study of Electronically Generated Symptom Data From the Patient’s Hayfever Diary in Austria and Germany
Authors: Bastl Katharina , Bastl Maximilian , Bergmann Karl-Christian , Berger Markus , Berger Uwe
Published: December 2019

Background

Pollen allergies affect a significant proportion of the population globally. At present, Web-based tools such as pollen diaries and mobile apps allow for easy and fast documentation of allergic symptoms via the internet.

Objective

This study aimed to characterize the users of the Patient’s Hayfever Diary (PHD), a Web-based platform and mobile app, to apply different symptom score calculations for comparison, and to evaluate the contribution of organs and medications to the total score for the first time.

Methods

The PHD users were filtered with regard to their location in Austria and Germany, significant positive correlation to the respective pollen type (birch/grass), and at least 15 entries in the respective season. Furthermore, 4 different symptom score calculation methods were applied to the datasets from 2009 until 2018, of which 2 were raw symptom scores and 2 were symptom load index (normalized) calculations. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated pairwise for these 4 symptom score calculations.

Results

Users were mostly male and belonged to the age groups of 21 to 40 years or ≥40 years. User numbers have increased in the last 5 years, especially when mobile apps were made available. The Pearson correlation coefficients showed a significant linear relationship above 0.9 among the 4 symptom score datasets and thus indicated no significant difference between the different methods of symptom score calculation. The nose contributed the most to the symptom score and determined about 40% of the score.

Conclusions

The exact method of calculation of the symptom score is not critical. All computation methods show the same behavior (increase/decrease during the season). Therefore, the symptom load index is a useful computation method in all fields exploring pollen allergy, and Web-based diaries are a globally applicable tool to monitor the effect of pollen on human health via electronically generated symptom data.