bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approaches to Teaching Biometry and Epidemiology at Two Veterinary Schools in Germany
Authors: Zeimet Ramona , Kreienbrock Lothar , Doherr Marcus G.
Published: July 2016

In a thematically broad and highly condensed curriculum like veterinary medicine, it is essential to pay close attention to the didactic and methodical approaches used to deliver that content. The course topics ideally should be selected for their relevance but also for the target audience and their previous knowledge. The overall objective is to improve the long-term availability of what has been learned. For this reason, an evaluation among lecturers of German-speaking veterinary schools was carried out in 2012 to consider which topics in biometry and epidemiology they found relevant to other subject areas. Based on this survey, two veterinary schools (Berlin and Hannover) developed a structured approach for the introductory course in biometry and epidemiology. By means of an appropriate choice of topics and the use of adequate teaching methods, the quality of the lecture course could be significantly increased. Appropriately communicated learning objectives as well as a high rate of student activity resulted in increased student satisfaction. A certain degree of standardization of teaching approaches and material resulted in a comparison between the study sites and reduced variability in the content delivered at different schools. Part of this was confirmed by the high consistency in the multiple-choice examination results between the study sites. The results highlight the extent to which didactic and methodical restructuring of teaching affects the learning success and satisfaction of students. It can be of interest for other courses in veterinary medicine, human medicine, and biology.
A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Changing Student Confidence in an Online Shelter Medicine Course
Authors: DeTar Lena G. , Alber Julia M. , Behar-Horenstein Linda S. , Spencer Terry G.
Published: July 2016

Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine offers comprehensive training in shelter medicine to veterinary students based on a set of core job skills identified by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. In 2012, this program began teaching online distance education courses to students and practicing veterinarians worldwide who sought additional training in this newly recognized specialty area. Distance learning is a novel educational strategy in veterinary medicine; most instruction at veterinary medical schools is classroom based. No previous studies have shown whether online courses can prepare veterinarians to practice shelter medicine. In this study, we investigated how an online, graduate-level course titled “Shelter Animal Physical Health” changed student self-reported confidence. First, we compared pre-course confidence regarding eight specific shelter medical practice scenarios to post-course confidence through statistical analysis. Quantitative analysis showed a significant (p<.001) increase in self-reported confidence for all eight scenarios. Next, we used open coding to identify themes within reflection papers that students were asked to write during the course and used those findings to corroborate or refute the quantitative results. Qualitative analysis of students' reflection papers identified six themes: confidence, communication, population management, outbreak management, medical care, and application. The results of this study show that distance education can be an effective method of preparing veterinarians and veterinary students to practice shelter medicine.
Management of Acute Work-Related Shoulder Injuries by an Early Shoulder Assessment Program: Efficiency of Imaging Investigations
Authors: Razmjou Helen , Lincoln Sandra , Geddes Christopher , Boljanovic Dragana , Macritchie Iona , Virdo-Cristello Caterina , Medeiros Danielle , Richards Robin R.
Published: July 2016

Purpose: There has been a significant increase in the number of costly investigations of the shoulder joint over the past decade. The purposes of this study were to (1) describe the diagnostic imaging investigations ordered for injured workers seen at an Early Shoulder Physician Assessment (ESPA) program, (2) evaluate the impact of these investigations on final diagnosis and management, and (3) examine how efficient the program was by determining the appropriateness of referrals and whether costly imaging was justified. Methods: This was a retrospective review of the electronic files of injured workers who had been referred to an early assessment program because they had not progressed in their recovery or return-to-work plan within 16 weeks of the injury or reoccurrence. Results: The data of 750 consecutive patients—337 women (45%) and 413 men (55%), mean age 49 (SD 11) years—were reviewed. A total of 183 patients (24%) had been referred for further investigation. Of these, 90 (49%) were considered candidates for surgery (group 1), 58 (32%) had a change in diagnosis or management (group 2), and 17 (9%) had no change in diagnosis or management (group 3); 18 (10%) patients were lost to follow-up. We noticed a pattern in the type of diagnosis and the groups: full-thickness rotator cuff (RC) tear was the predominant diagnosis (Fisher's exact test [FET]=0.001, p<0.0001) for group 1. No statistically significant differences were found among the groups in the prevalence of labral pathology (FET=0.010, p=0.078), impingement syndrome (FET=0.012, p=0.570), partial-thickness RC tear (FET=0.004, p=0.089), or biceps pathology (FET=0.070, p=0.149). Ultrasound investigations were more prevalent in group 2 (FET=0.004, p=0.047). No pattern was found for use of magnetic resonance imaging and group allocation. However, all magnetic resonance arthrogram investigations (FET=0.007, p=0.027) had been ordered for patients who required labral or instability-related surgery. Conclusions: Of the injured workers we studied, 24% had further investigation, and the type and severity of pathology had affected the type of investigation. For the 165 patients who were included in groups 1–3, the ESPA was 90% efficient, with only 10% of patients not having had a change in diagnosis or management.
Do Physiotherapists Have the Skill to Engage in the “Psychological” in the Bio-Psychosocial Approach?
Authors: Connaughton Joanne , Gibson William
Published: July 2016

Purpose: To describe a cross-sectional exploration of attitudes of physiotherapists in general practice in Western Australia toward psychiatry and mental illness, how often they treat people with mental illness, their perceptions of how well their undergraduate education prepared them to work with these people, and their opinions about what further education would enable them to provide best-practice care. Methods: A questionnaire that included questions about participants' demographic information, personal experiences with mental illness, the Attitudes to Psychiatry (ATP-30), and open-ended questions about participants' preparedness to work with people with mental illness was distributed through 110 email contacts to physiotherapy departments in Western Australia. Results: A total of 75 completed questionnaires contributed to the findings; 11 returned questionnaires were incomplete and were not included in the data analysis. ATP-30 scores indicated moderately positive attitudes toward psychiatry and mental illness. Women indicated significantly more positive attitudes than men. Of the full sample, 41% (n=31) reported treating someone with a comorbid mental health problem every day and 76% (n=57) reported treating someone every week. Conclusion: Physiotherapists in general practice in Western Australia have generally positive perceptions of psychiatry. The majority of clinicians reported treating patients with mental illness at least once a week. Participants indicated feeling underprepared to work with this patient group, a need for the undergraduate curriculum to be revised, and an overwhelming need for postgraduate training in psychiatry and mental health.
Methodology for Simulating Manual Traffic Control
Authors: Parr Scott , Wolshon Brian
Published: July 2016

Manual traffic control (MTC) is a key part of managing traffic during emergencies and planned special events. Despite its long history, there has been little, if any, research on how to model MTC effectively. It is commonly represented as a version of actuated signal control. Although this method is useful, it has significant shortcomings because it does not adequately represent the variability of police officer control actions under field conditions. This paper presents the results of recent research to develop an MTC model and integrate it into a traffic simulation system. Here, the process of MTC is represented by police officers’ decision making in relation to a system of discrete choice equations (logit models) that compute signal phase length and green-time allocation as a function of demand, directional priority, phase length, and gaps in the approach traffic streams. The MTC discrete choice model was validated with the use of various data sets to show that it computed phase lengths and allocated green time within a 95% confidence level compared with field observation.
Nilotinib Effects in Parkinson’s disease and Dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Pagan Fernando , Hebron Michaeline , Valadez Ellen H. , Torres-Yaghi Yasar , Huang Xu , Mills Reversa R. , Wilmarth Barbara M. , Howard Hellen , Dunn Connell , Carlson Alexis , Lawler Abigail , Rogers Sean L. , Falconer Ramsey A. , Ahn Jaeil , Li Zhaoxia , Moussa Charbel
Published: July 2016

Background: We evaluated the effects of low doses of the tyrosine kinase Abelson (Abl) inhibitor Nilotinib, on safety and pharmacokinetics in Parkinson’s disease dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies.

Objectives: The primary outcomes of this study were safety and tolerability; pharmacokinetics and target engagement were secondary, while clinical outcomes were exploratory.

Methods: Twelve subjects were randomized into 150 mg ( n = 5) or 300 mg ( n = 7) groups and received Nilotinib orally every day for 24 weeks.

Results: This study shows that 150 mg and 300 mg doses of Nilotinib appear to be safe and tolerated in subjects with advanced Parkinson’s disease. Nilotinib is detectable in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and seems to engage the target Abl. Motor and cognitive outcomes suggest a possible beneficial effect on clinical outcomes. The CSF levels of homovanillic acid are significantly increased between baseline and 24 weeks of treatment. Exploratory CSF biomarkers were measured.

Conclusions: This small proof-of-concept study lacks a placebo group and participants were not homogenous, resulting in baseline differences between and within groups. This limits the interpretations of the biomarker and clinical data, and any conclusions should be drawn cautiously. Nonetheless, the collective observations suggest that it is warranted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Nilotinib in larger randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.
Performance of some high yielding garlic varieties at two locations of Bangladesh
Authors: Khatun MUS , Ferdous MZ , Islam MK , Anowar MM
Published: July 2016

The experiment was conducted at Ulipur, Kurigram and Gabtoli, Bogra for two consecutive rabi seasons (2010-11 to 2011-12) to observe the performance of some high yielding garlic varieties ( BARI Roshun 1, BARI Roshun 2, BAU Roshun 1 and BAU Roshun 2) including local variety at farmers field. In Kurigram, the highest yield (8.11 and 8.04 t ha-1 during two successive years) was obtained from BARI Roshun 2, which differed significantly from other varieties. In Bogra, the highest yield (12.01 and 11.82 t ha-1 during two successive years) was obtained from BAU Roshun 2, which differed significantly from other varieties but in the second year it was statistically identical to BAU Roshun 1. In Kurigram, the highest gross return (Tk. 405500 and 241237 ha-1) and the highest gross margin (Tk. 308325 and 97664 ha-1) were obtained from BARI Roshun 2 where as in Bogra, the highest gross return (Tk. 960000 and 574000 ha-1) and the highest gross margin (Tk. 826217 and 433081 ha-1) were obtained from BAU Roshun 2 during two successive years. The lowest gross return and gross margin was obtained from local variety at both locations.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 12(2): 235-239, December 2014
Fruit growth and proximate composition of deshi (Diospyros peregrina) and bilati gab (D. discolor)
Authors: Hasan MM , Fakir MSA , Rahman MM , Naznin S
Published: July 2016

Fruit (berry) growth, maturity and nutritional composition of deshi (Diospyros peregrina Gurke) and bilati Gab (D. discolor Gurke) were investigated at the Botanical Garden of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh (24o26' and 24054' N and 90015' and 90030' E) between April and August, 2011. Flowers were tagged at first opening (days after flowering, DAF) and fruit growth was investigated up to maturity. Fruit size (length and diameter), individual fruit weight, AGR and proximate composition of matured fruits were investigated. Morphological and growth parameters were recorded at 7-days interval up to 63 DAF in deshi and 85 DAF in bilati gab. All the morphological characters of fruits were gradually increased with increasing DAF and followed sigmoid pattern. The length and diameter of the berry became 5.80 and 4.61 cm, respectively at 63 DAF in deshi gab, and 9.13 and 7.62 cm, respectively at 85 DAF in bilati gab. The fresh and dry weights of berries were also maximum at 63 DAF in deshi and at 85 DAF in bilati gab. The maximum dry weight of seed i.e. PM in deshi gab attained at 56 DAF and that of bilati gab at 83 DAF. The proximate composition of matured berries of deshi and bilati gab at PM showed little variation between the species and hence, average crude protein, crude fat, ash and total carbohydrate was 5.35, 1.08, 3.74 and 67.47%, respectively. It might be concluded that harvest maturity attained around two months after flowering in deshi gab with yellowish green colour on fruit coat and three months from flowering in bilati gab when fruits turn into deep red colour with average fruit fresh weight of 60 g and 220 g, respectively.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 12(2): 261-266, December 2014
Relative abundance of stem borer species and natural enemies in rice ecosystem at Madhupur, Tangail, Bangladesh
Authors: Rahaman MM , Islam KS , Jahan M , Mamun MAA
Published: July 2016

The relative abundance of different stem borer species and their natural enemies with interaction effects were studied at three growth stages of irrigated Boro rice at Madhupur under the district of Tangail, Bangladesh during January to April, 2013. Five stem borer species viz; Yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas), Pink stem borer (Sesamia inferens), Dark headed stem borer (Chilo polyhcrysus), Stripped stem borer (Chilo suppressalis), White stem borer (Scirpophaga innotata), and nine different natural enemies were collected from the rice fields and recorded. The population of stem borers and natural enemies was highest in tillering stage and lowest in seedling stage. The relative abundance of stem borer species under investigation showed ranking order; yellow stem borer >dark headed stem borer>pink borer>white borer>stripped stem borer and natural enemies as ladybird beetle >long jawed spider>wolf spider>damselfly>carabid beetle>green mirid bug>lynx spider>dragon fly>ear wig. Populations of all five stem borers were positively correlated with ladybird beetle, wolf spider, long jawed spider, lynx spider, damsel fly, dragon fly, green mirid bug and negatively correlated with carabid beetle and earwig.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 12(2): 267-272, December 2014
Yield and quality of aromatic fine rice as affected by variety and nutrient management
Authors: Sarkar SK , Sarkar MAR , Islam N , Paul SK
Published: July 2016

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, to study the yield and quality of aromatic fine rice as affected by variety and nutrient management during the period from June to December 2013. The experiment comprised three aromatic fine rice varieties viz. BRRI dhan34, BRRI dhan37 and BRRI dhan38, and eight nutrient managements viz. control (no manures and fertilizers), recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers, cowdung at 10 t ha-1, poultry manure at 5 t ha-1, 50% of recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers + 50% cowdung, 50% of recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers + 50% poultry manure, 75% of recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers + 50% cowdung and 75% of recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers + 50% poultry manure. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The tallest plant (142.7 cm), the highest number of effective tillers hill(10.02), number of grains panicle (152.3), panicle length (-1 -122.71cm), 1000-grain weight (15.55g) and grain yield (3.71 t ha-1) were recorded in BRRI dhan34. The highest grain protein content (8.17%) was found in BRRI dhan34 whereas the highest aroma was found in BRRI dhan37 and BRRI dhan38. The highest number of effective tillers hill(11.59), number of grains panicle (157.6), panicle length (24.31 cm-1-1) and grain yield (3.97 t ha-1) were recorded in the nutrient management of 75% recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers + 50% cowdung (5 t ha-1). The treatment control (no manures and fertilizers) gave the lowest values for these parameters. The highest grain yield (4.18 t ha-1) was found in BRRI dhan34 combined with 75% recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers + 50% cowdung, which was statistically identical to BRRI dhan34 combined with 75% of recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers + 50% poultry manure and the lowest grain yield (2.7 t ha-1) was found in BRRI dhan37 in control (no manures and fertilizers). The highest grain protein content (10.9 %) was obtained in the interaction of BRRI dhan34 with recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers which was as good as that of BRRI dhan38 and 75% of recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers + 50% poultry manure. The highest aroma was found in BRRI dhan38 combined with 75% recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers + 50% cowdung.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 12(2): 279-284, December 2014
Marketing of shrimp in Bangladesh-A value chain analysis
Authors: Islam MS , Haque MM , Rabbani MG , Sharmin S
Published: July 2016

Shrimp is an important fisheries resource in the national economy of Bangladesh. It is considered as an exportable item and in each year it shared about 2.75% of the total export earning of Bangladesh. The present study was conducted to examine the marketing system and value chain, and marketing efficiency of shrimp marketed both in domestic and export market. For this study a total of 182 stakeholders (market intermediaries) were selected where shrimp farmers, export oriented farms, depot owners and other market participants and selling agents were included. Data were collected for the period of 2012-13. The study revealed that 80% shrimp is exported and rest 20% is consumed in the local market. Usually shrimp is exported through exporting agencies and firms. Considering all kinds of market, the average gross marketing margin and profit of shrimp in the local market were Tk 171.00/kg and Tk 134.04/kg respectively but for export market, the corresponding amounts were Tk 142.76/kg and Tk 89.51/kg respectively. Shrimp is sold both in domestic and overseas market and accordingly major supply chain and value chain were identified. Shrimp farmers and exporting agencies supply shrimp to ultimate consumers through supply chain. Actually value chain actors added value at each level of market. After processing and adding value, domestic and overseas consumers purchase 1 kg of shrimp at Tk 55.00 and Tk 142.76 respectively. Marketing efficiency was studied only for domestic market. It revealed that shorter supply channel resulted efficient marketing of shrimp where the shrimp producer received the higher percentages of sales price provided by the retailer in consumer market.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 12(2): 359-368, December 2014
Morphometric characters and length-weight relationship of Bele, (Glossogobius giuris) from Mithamoin haor, Kissorgonj, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain MS , Sultana N
Published: July 2016

Different morphometric characters such as total length (TL), standard length (SL), head length (HL), eye diameter (ED), body depth (BD), pre-orbital length (POL) were measured on Glossogobius giuris collected from Mithamoin haor showed that percentage growth value of SL, BD, HL, ED and POL were higher in female. A linear relationship was found between total length and morphometric characters and these also showed significant positive correlation (p<0.001) between dependent and independent variables. The length-weight relationships of G. giuris were calculated for males, females. The relationship was analyzed using the formula W=aLb after transform into straight-line equitation. The equation obtained for male was; Log W = 2.757 Log TL  1.757; for female; Log W = 2.843 Log TL  1.868. The regression coefficients (b) between males and females did not show any significant difference (p>0.05) while b value significantly deviated from the expected cube value of 3 in case of male only thus indicating negative allometry. However, relative condition factor (Kn) of G. giuris computed for female was 1.009 ± 0.124 and for male was 1.016 ± 0.199, which suggest the specimen were healthy and in good condition. All this variation between male and female may be due to spawning cycle or other physiological activities or environmental factors.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 12(2): 389-395, December 2014
Evaluation of Pangasius pond sediment potentials in vegetable production as rooftop Bag Gardening
Authors: Monira S , Haque MM , Ali MM , Prodhan MY
Published: July 2016

An experimental research was carried out to assess the potential of Pangasius pond sediment (PPS) on the performance of yield and yield quality attributes of vegetable crop (BARIs tomato variety) grown in bag gardening system on rooftop under integrated aquaculture-horticulture approach. For this purpose, PPS chemical analysis, recording of plant morphological parameters and biochemical analysis of yield were performed. The plants were grown in 100% PPS =T1; 50% PPS + 50% Virgin soil (VS) = T2; and 60% VS + 40% Cowdung + 50g TSP + 50g MoP = T3. To compare with PPS treated treatments, treatment T3 was considered as control because it is a standard and recommended fertilizing dose of BARIs tomato production. The PPS sediments were collected from different aged ponds ranging from 1to 5 years Pangasius culture. The old PPS was used in bag gardening for the determination of soil physico-chemical, plant morpho-physiological and production parameters. All PPS in bags were belonged to silt loam in texture. The total nitrogen level was higher in T1 where 100% PPS was used. The T1 had the plant height 77.98 cm, number of leaves per plant 184.33, leaf area 622.49 cm2, which were significantly (p<0.05) higher than T2 and T3. In the case of phenological development, onset of early flowering and fruiting was noticed in T1, which was almost 1.5 weeks earlier than T2 and 2 weeks than T3. The reproductive characters like flowers per plant (28.67), weight of fruit per plant (53.78g) and fruit yield per bag (1945.74g) and total biomass of plants after harvesting (119.47g) were also significantly (p< 0.05) higher in T1 followed by T2 and T3 (control). The numbers of branches per plant (29.54), number of clusters per plant (35.84) and fruits per cluster (5.10) were higher in T1 than T2 and T3. The vitamin C content of tomato (28.26 mg %) was also significantly (p< 0.05) higher in T1 followed by T2 (24.67 mg %) and T3 (21.28 mg %). The treatment T1 showed the best performance followed by T2 and T3 (control). The perceived aquaculture waste of PPS had the high potential to grow vegetables with better production without any manure and chemical fertilizers. Therefore, PPS could reduce use of chemical fertilizers, especially urea which is environment friendly and less costly for vegetable production in bag gardening system.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 12(2): 397-404, December 2014
Studies on public health and hygiene condition of retailers at fish markets in south-central Bangladesh
Authors: Alam MM , Haque MM , Shikha FH
Published: July 2016

Bangladesh is a fish producing country from the ancient history due to its deltaic nature agro-ecologically. Accordingly fish marketing systems developed in traditional systems sincelong. This study was conducted in two retail fish markets located in Rajbari and Barisal Sadar Upazila in the south central region of Bangladesh focusing public health and hygiene condition of retailers. The questionnaire interview with 30 retailers and participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools were used to get the information from the retailers and other value chain stakeholders. About 13% of the retailers had no education, however 60% had primary level and 27% had secondary level of education. Although many of them were literate, their knowledge and practice about public health, hygiene and sanitation was found to be very poor. Due to lack of knowledge on public health, they were found to be infected by various contagious diseases such as common cold (cough, coryza etc.), diarrhoea, lesion (lesion on hands, between fingers, on the tip of the fingers, between toes, on the nail and tip of the toes etc.) and skin disease. About 57% of them were affected with lesion on hands, while 33, 23, 7, 13 and 10% were affected with lesion between fingers, between toes, on the tip fingers, on the nail and tip of toes and skin disease on legs, respectively.Fish markets operated by them were ill-managed, unhygienic and unscientific. So, the hygiene and sanitation system of retail fish markets were very poor and unhealthy. Market should have adequate water supply, toilets and other sanitation facilities. Due to poor infrastructural facilities in harvest and post-harvest, landing, handling, preservation, distribution, marketing and quality assurance, the fish retailers suffered from serious health problems. Good personal hygiene management is therefore essential for the safe handling and preparation of fish and fisheries products. To ensure this, quick and proper action should be needed by the government, particularly by the local government and rural development (LGRD) authorities.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 12(2): 411-418, December 2014
Development of Dual-Axis MEMS Accelerometers for Machine Tools Vibration Monitoring
Authors: Huang Chih-Yung , Chen Jian-Hao
Published: July 2016

With the development of intelligent machine tools, monitoring the vibration by the accelerometer is an important issue. Accelerometers used for measuring vibration signals during milling processes require the characteristics of high sensitivity, high resolution, and high bandwidth. A commonly used accelerometer is the lead zirconate titanate (PZT) type; however, integrating it into intelligent modules is excessively expensive and difficult. Therefore, the micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer is an alternative with the advantages of lower price and superior integration. In the present study, we integrated two MEMS accelerometer chips into a low-pass filter and housing to develop a low-cost dual-axis accelerometer with a bandwidth of 5 kHz and a full scale range of ±50 g for measuring machine tool vibration. In addition, a platform for measuring the linearity, cross-axis sensitivity and frequency response of the MEMS accelerometer by using the back-to-back calibration method was also developed. Finally, cutting experiments with steady and chatter cutting were performed to verify the results of comparing the MEMS accelerometer with the PZT accelerometer in the time and frequency domains. The results demonstrated that the dual-axis MEMS accelerometer is suitable for monitoring the vibration of machine tools at low cost.
Erratum: Spatial Patterns of Irradiance and Advanced Reproduction along a Canopy Disturbance Severity Gradient in an Upland Hardwood Stand. Forests 2016, 7, 73
Authors:   Editorial Office
Published: July 2016

Due to a mistake during the production process, there was one error in paragraph 3 of the introduction in the original published version [1].[...]
Vertical Relationships within Platform Marketplaces
Authors: Tremblay Mark
Published: July 2016

In two-sided markets a platform allows consumers and sellers to interact by creating sub-markets within the platform marketplace. For example, Amazon has sub-markets for all of the different product categories available on its site, and smartphones have sub-markets for different types of applications (gaming apps, weather apps, map apps, ridesharing apps, etc.). The network benefits between consumers and sellers depend on the mode of competition within the sub-markets: more competition between sellers lowers product prices, increases the surplus consumers receive from a sub-market, and makes platform membership more desirable for consumers. However, more competition also lowers profits for a seller which makes platform membership less desirable for a seller and reduces seller entry and the number of sub-markets available on the platform marketplace. This dynamic between seller competition within a sub-market and agents’ network benefits leads to platform pricing strategies, participation decisions by consumers and sellers, and welfare results that depend on the mode of competition. Thus, the sub-market structure is important when investigating platform marketplaces.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Behaviors Related to Eating Out among University Students in China
Authors: Hu Ping , Huang Wenjie , Bai Ruixue , Zhang Fan , Sharma Manoj , Shi Zumin , Xiao Xiaoqiu , Abdullah Abu , Zhao Yong
Published: July 2016

In many countries the frequency of eating out has steadily increased over the last few decades, and this behavioris often associated with unhealthy dietary patterns. This study aimed to describe the levels of knowledge, attitude, and behaviors (KAB) related to eating out among university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the college town in Chongqing, China with a total of 1634 participants. The mean eating out related KAB scores were: knowledge 11.5 ± 2.9, attitude 17.0 ± 2.8, and behaviors 24.2 ± 4.8 (possible total scores: 20, 24, 40 respectively). As the level of knowledge increased, the percentage of highly satisfactory attitude and behaviors increased. Only 10% of the participants did not eat out for lunch and dinner during weekends in the last month. Gender, ethnicity, mother’s education, monthly boarding expenses, living place during the study, and the frequency of eating out for breakfast were statistically associated with the scores of KAB. In conclusion, Chinese junior students had poor knowledge of and behaviors towards eating out and ate out frequently. Educational interventionsto improve knowledge related eating out are needed in order to promote healthy eating out behaviors among Chinese university students.
Ambient Temperature and Stroke Occurrence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Xia , Cao Yongjun , Hong Daqing , Zheng Danni , Richtering Sarah , Sandset Else , Leong Tzen , Arima Hisatomi , Islam Shariful , Salam Abdul , Anderson Craig , Robinson Thompson , Hackett Maree
Published: July 2016

Biologically plausible associations exist between climatic conditions and stroke risk, but study results are inconsistent. We aimed to summarize current evidence on ambient temperature and overall stroke occurrence, and by age, sex, and variation of temperature. We performed a systematic literature search across MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and GEOBASE, from inception to 16 October 2015 to identify all population-based observational studies. Where possible, data were pooled for meta-analysis with Odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) by means of the random effects meta-analysis. We included 21 studies with a total of 476,511 patients. The data were varied as indicated by significant heterogeneity across studies for both ischemic stroke (IS) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Pooled OR (95% CI) in every 1 degree Celsius increase in ambient temperature was significant for ICH 0.97 (0.94–1.00), but not for IS 1.00 (0.99–1.01) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) 1.00 (0.98–1.01). Meta-analysis was not possible for the pre-specified subgroup analyses by age, sex, and variation of temperature. Change in temperature over the previous 24 h appeared to be more important than absolute temperature in relation to the risk of stroke, especially in relation to the risk of ICH. Older age appeared to increase vulnerability to low temperature for both IS and ICH. To conclude, this review shows that lower mean ambient temperature is significantly associated with the risk of ICH, but not with IS and SAH. Larger temperature changes were associated with higher stroke rates in the elderly.
Compulsory School In- and Outdoors—Implications for School Children’s Physical Activity and Health during One Academic Year
Authors: Pagels Peter , Raustorp Anders , Guban Peter , Fröberg Andreas , Boldemann Cecilia
Published: July 2016

Regulated school days entail less free-living physical activity (PA) and outdoor stay, which may jeopardize the opportunities for cohesive moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and, by extension, children’s health. The role of outdoor stay during school time for pupils’ free-living PA vs. physical education (PE) and indoor stay was studied during one academic year in 196 pupils aged 7–14 years at four schools in mid-southern Sweden during five consecutive days each in September, March, and May. Actigraph GT3X+ Activity monitors were used. Predictors for PA during school stay were expressed as mean daily accelerometer counts and were measured per season, day, grade, gender, weather, and time outdoors. Overall, free-living PA outdoors generated the highest mean accelerometer counts for moderate and vigorous PA. Outdoor PA and PE, representing 23.7% of the total school time contributed to 50.4% of total mean accelerometer counts, and were the greatest contributors to moderate and vigorous PA. Age and weather impacted PA, with less PA in inclement weather and among older pupils. More time outdoors, at all seasons, would favorably increase school children’s chances of reaching recommended levels of PA.
Temporal and Spatial Trends in Childhood Asthma-Related Hospitalizations in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil and Their Association with Social Vulnerability
Authors: Dias Cláudia , Dias Maria , Friche Amélia , Almeida Maria , Viana Thaís , Mingoti Sueli , Caiaffa Waleska
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Asthma is a multifactorial disease and a serious public health problem. Environmental factors and poverty are the main determinants of this disease. Objective: To describe the spatial and temporal distribution of asthma-related hospitalizations and identify the areas with the highest prevalence of and vulnerability to severe asthma in a major Brazilian city. Methods: An ecological study of hospitalizations for asthma from 2002 to 2012, in children and adolescents under 15 years of age, living in Belo Horizonte, Southeast Brazil. All events were geocoded by residence address using Hospital Information System data. The socioeconomic vulnerability of residence address was ranked using the Health Vulnerability Index. Raster surfaces were generated and time-series plots were constructed to determine spatial and time trends in the frequency of asthma-related hospitalizations, respectively. Results: Asthma-related hospitalization rates were highest in children aged 0–4 years and in boys. There was a decreasing trend in the number of asthma-related hospitalizations across the study period. Approximately 48% of all hospitalizations were children living in health vulnerable areas. Seasonal trends showed a hospitalization peak in March, April, and May, coinciding with the post-rainy period. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that social and environmental factors may be determinants of disparities in severe asthma.
Neuroprotective Effects of Inhibiting Fyn S-Nitrosylation on Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Damage to CA1 Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Hao Lingyun , Wei Xuewen , Guo Peng , Zhang Guangyi , Qi Suhua
Published: July 2016

Nitric oxide (NO) can regulate signaling pathways via S-nitrosylation. Fyn can be post-translationally modified in many biological processes. In the present study, using a rat four-vessel-occlusion ischemic model, we aimed to assess whether Fyn could be S-nitrosylated and to evaluate the effects of Fyn S-nitrosylation on brain damage. In vitro, Fyn could be S-nitrosylated by S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO, an exogenous NO donor), and in vivo, endogenous NO synthesized by NO synthases (NOS) could enhance Fyn S-nitrosylation. Application of GSNO, 7-nitroindazole (7-NI, an inhibitor of neuronal NOS) and hydrogen maleate (MK-801, the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist) could decrease the S-nitrosylation and phosphorylation of Fyn induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Cresyl violet staining validated that these compounds exerted neuroprotective effects against the cerebral I/R-induced damage to hippocampal CA1 neurons. Taken together, in this study, we demonstrated that Fyn can be S-nitrosylated both in vitro and in vivo and that inhibiting S-nitrosylation can exert neuroprotective effects against cerebral I/R injury, potentially via NMDAR-mediated mechanisms. These findings may lead to a new field of inquiry to investigate the underlying pathogenesis of stroke and the development of novel treatment strategies.
Edwardsiella tarda Outer Membrane Protein C: An Immunogenic Protein Induces Highly Protective Effects in Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) against Edwardsiellosis
Authors: Liu Fuguo , Tang Xiaoqian , Sheng Xiuzhen , Xing Jing , Zhan Wenbin
Published: July 2016

Outer membrane protein C of Edwardsiella tarda is a major cell surface antigen and it was identified to be an immunogenic protein by Western blot using flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) anti-recombinant OmpC (rOmpC), and anti-E. tarda antibodies. rOmpC tested the immune protective effect against E. tarda challenge in a flounder model and produced a relative percentage of survival rate of 85%. The immune response of flounder induced by rOmpC was investigated, and the results showed that: (1) the levels of specific serum antibodies induced by rOmpC were significantly higher than the control group after the second week after immunization, and the peak level occurred at week five after immunization; (2) rOmpC could induce the proliferation of sIg+ lymphocytes, and the peak levels of sIg+ lymphocytes in blood, spleen, and pronephros occurred at 4–5 weeks after immunization; and (3) the MHCIIα, CD4-1, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α genes were significantly induced after being injected with rOmpC. Taken together, these results demonstrated that rOmpC could evoke highly protective effects against E. tarda challenge and induce strong innate immune response and humoral immune response of flounder, which indicated that OmpC was a promising vaccine candidate against E. tarda infection.
Effect of Nanoparticle Incorporation and Surface Coating on Mechanical Properties of Bone Scaffolds: A Brief Review
Authors: Corona-Gomez Jesus , Chen Xiongbiao , Yang Qiaoqin
Published: July 2016

Mechanical properties of a scaffold play an important role in its in vivo performance in bone tissue engineering, due to the fact that implanted scaffolds are typically subjected to stress including compression, tension, torsion, and shearing. Unfortunately, not all the materials used to fabricate scaffolds are strong enough to mimic native bones. Extensive research has been conducted in order to increase scaffold strength and mechanical performance by incorporating nanoparticles and/or coatings. An incredible improvement has been achieved; and some outstanding examples are the usage of nanodiamond, hydroxyapatite, bioactive glass particles, SiO2, MgO, and silver nanoparticles. This review paper aims to present the results, to summarize significant findings, and to give perspective for future work, which could be beneficial to future bone tissue engineering.
A Review of Natural Joint Systems and Numerical Investigation of Bio-Inspired GFRP-to-Steel Joints
Authors: Avgoulas Evangelos , Sutcliffe Michael
Published: July 2016

There are a great variety of joint types used in nature which can inspire engineering joints. In order to design such biomimetic joints, it is at first important to understand how biological joints work. A comprehensive literature review, considering natural joints from a mechanical point of view, was undertaken. This was used to develop a taxonomy based on the different methods/functions that nature successfully uses to attach dissimilar tissues. One of the key methods that nature uses to join dissimilar materials is a transitional zone of stiffness at the insertion site. This method was used to propose bio-inspired solutions with a transitional zone of stiffness at the joint site for several glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) to steel adhesively bonded joint configurations. The transition zone was used to reduce the material stiffness mismatch of the joint parts. A numerical finite element model was used to identify the optimum variation in material stiffness that minimises potential failure of the joint. The best bio-inspired joints showed a 118% increase of joint strength compared to the standard joints.
Substructural Alignment during ECAE Processing of an Al-0.1Mg Aluminium Alloy
Authors: Huang Yan
Published: July 2016

An investigation has been carried out into the microstructures developed during the early stages of equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) in a polycrystalline single-phase Al-0.13Mg alloy, with emphasis on the substructural alignment with respect to the die geometry and the crystallographic slip systems, which is essentially related to the grain refinement and texture development during deformation. The material was processed by ECAE at room temperature to three passes, via a 90° die. Microstructures were examined and characterized by EBSD. It was found that dislocation cell bands and microshear bands were respectively the most characteristic deformation structures of the first and second pass ECAE. Both formed across the whole specimen and to align approximately with the die shear plane, regardless of the orientation of individual grains. This confirmed that substructural alignment was in response to the direction of the maximum resolved shear stress rather than to the crystallographic slip systems. However, a significant fraction of material developed preferred orientations during deformation that allowed the coincidence between the crystallographic slip systems and the simple shear geometry to occur, which governed texture development in the material. The third pass deformation was characterized with the formation of a fibre structure with a significant fraction of high angle boundaries, being aligned at an angle to the extrusion direction, which was determined by the total shear strain applied.
Synthesis and Electro-Magneto-Mechanical Properties of Graphene Aerogels Functionalized with Co-Fe-P Amorphous Alloys
Authors: Zheng Guang-Ping , Lu Xi , Han Zhuo
Published: July 2016

Graphene aerogels (GAs) are functionalized with Fe-Co-P alloy using an electro-deposition method. The Fe-Co-P alloy coated on the graphene nanosheets is found to possess an amorphous structure and a nanoporous architecture of GAs. The electro-mechanical properties of GAs are significantly affected by the Fe-Co-P nanoparticles embedded inside GAs. The electro-mechanical responses of GA/Fe-Co-P nanoporous hybrid structures are sensitive to an applied magnetic field, demonstrating that they are promising for electro-magneto-mechanical applications. The light-weight, high-strength and nanoporous GAs functionalized with Fe-Co-P amorphous alloys are desirable sensors, actuators, and nano-electro-mechanical systems that could be controlled or manipulated by mechanical, electric and magnetic fields.
Association between Toenail Mercury and Metabolic Syndrome Is Modified by Selenium
Authors: Park Kyong , Seo Eunmin
Published: July 2016

Background: Although Asian populations consume relatively large amounts of fish and seafood and have a high prevalence of metabolic diseases, few studies have investigated the association between chronic mercury exposure and metabolic syndrome and its effect modification by selenium. Methods: We analyzed baseline data from the Trace Element Study of Korean Adults in the Yeungnam area. Participants included 232 men and 269 women, aged 35 years or older, who had complete data regarding demographic, lifestyle, diet, toenail mercury and selenium levels, and health. Toenail mercury and selenium concentrations were measured using instrumental neutron-activation analysis. The metabolic biomarker levels were obtained through biannual medical checkups. Results: Higher toenail mercury levels were associated with habitual consumption of whale and shark meats, older age, obesity, smoking, alcohol drinking, and higher household income. Multivariable analysis showed a positive association between toenail mercury exposure and metabolic syndrome. In addition, this association was significantly stronger at lower selenium levels and was weaker at higher selenium levels. Conclusion: The possible harmful effects of mercury on metabolic syndrome may be attenuated by high levels of selenium. Future studies are needed to suggest optimal dietary guidelines regarding fish and selenium intakes, particularly for Asians with high levels of fish intake.
“Church” in Black and White: The Organizational Lives of Young Adults
Authors: Williams Rhys , Irby Courtney , Warner R.
Published: July 2016

The religious lives of young adults have generally been investigated by examining what young people believe and their self-reported religious practices. Far less is known about young adults’ organizational involvement and its impact on religious identities and ideas about religious commitment. Using data from site visit observations of religious congregations and organizations, and individual and focus group interviews with college-age black and white Christians, we find differences in how black and white students talk about their religious involvement; and with how they are incorporated into the lives of their congregations. White students tended to offer “organizational biographies” chronicling the contours of belonging as well as disengagement, and emphasizing the importance of fulfilling personal needs as a criterion for maintaining involvement. On the other hand, black students used “family” and “home” language and metaphors to describe how their religious involvement, a voluntary choice, was tied to a sense of “calling” and community. We show that this variation is aligned with organizational differences in black and white congregations that situate white youth as separate and black youth as integrated into the larger church community.