bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental and economic model for sustainable development of a region (the case of Samara Oblast)
Authors: Kudinova G E , Kostina N V , Yurina V S , Khasaev G R
Published: July 2021

Biodiversity in natural ecosystems, with the increasing anthropogenic transformation of the environment, is becoming an increasingly important direction of research every decade. We propose to consider the number of game animals as one of the indicators of biodiversity. Since they are the most steadily observed objects in specially protected and anthropogenically transformed territories. Biodiversity conservation ensures sustainable development. In this regard, using the example of Samara Oblast, we considered the principles of biodiversity conservation in environmental and economic systems, including anthropogenically modified and specially protected natural areas, in order to ensure sustainable development at the regional level. We selected some ecological and economic spatially distributed characteristics of the environmental-economic system and compiled equations of multiple linear regression of the dependence of the number of game animals on the factors that have the greatest influence. These are the following factors: the volume of industrial production, investments in fixed assets, the value of fixed assets of industry, payments for natural resources, fines for violation of legislation in the use of natural resources, species diversity of animals, generalized assessment of atmospheric air pollution, percentage of forest cover. We offer some management actions of influencing ecological and economic systems that ensure sustainable development. The authors determined that at the regional level it is necessary to revise and increase the normative fees for natural resources, as well as to increase the size of fines for violation of environmental legislation. We have carried out clustering of municipal districts by economic indicators affecting the number of biological resources, and we propose the necessary priority management actions based on the obtained models.
Population health as a basis for sustainable development of a region
Authors: Kuznetsova R S
Published: July 2021

A healthy life in harmony with the environment is one of the principles of sustainable development. We consider the incidence of the population as an indicator of the health of the environment. On the example of Samara region, we analyzed the infectious morbidity associated with natural conditions and diseases that depend on social interaction within the human population. The study was carried out on the basis of data on infectious morbidity in 35 administrative and municipal divisions of Samara region (8 cities and 27 municipal districts) provided by the Office of Rospotrebnadzor of the Russian Federation. On the basis of data on natural focal morbidity, we carried out zoning of the territory: 1) by the level of natural focal morbidity; 2) by the incidence of natural focal diseases. The authors, based on the data on the incidence of chronic viral hepatitis B and C, assess the age structure of the incidence. The authors analyze the relationship between the incidence rate of chronic hepatitis B and C with the level of socio-economic development in the region. The calculation of the socio-economic damage from the incidence of chronic hepatitis C was carried out. The statistical analysis of the influence of socio-economic indicators in the region on the incidence of tuberculosis was carried out. The research was carried out by methods of comparative and statistical analysis. Some formulas for calculating socio-economic damage are given.
Seasonal dynamics of phyto- and zooplankton and their relationships in a small urbanized reservoir, by the example of the Lake Bolshoe Vasilievskoe (Togliatti city, Samara region, Russia)
Authors: Mukhortova O V , Krivina E S , Tarasova N G
Published: July 2021

The abiotic environmental factors and the composition of phyto- and zooplankton were homogeneous along the entire water body in a shallow polymictic hypereutrophic urbanized Lake Bolshoe Vasilievskoe (Togliatti city, Samara region, Russia). The species composition of phytoplankton was quite diverse and corresponded to the type characteristic of small water bodies of the middle and lower reaches of the Volga River. Zooplankton was represented quite poorly, mostly by eurybiont species, which were the indicators of a high degree of organic pollution. During theyear, the species composition of the entire phytoplankton and the complex of dominant forms of algae corresponded to a certain stage of the seasonal periodicity and successive change of hydro-climatic phases for shallow hypertrophic water bodies. We analyzed the communities of phyto- and zooplankton and their relationships under the influence of eutrophication and seasonal changes in abiotic environmental factors. Summer cycles of phyto- and zooplankton abundance and biomass dynamics had opposite dynamics. In autumn, there was a synchronous decrease in both abundance and biomass of phyto- and zooplankton, associated with the natural seasonal cycles of abiotic environmental factors. In winter, the abundance of warm-water zooplankton species was higher than that of typical cold-water species; the opposite patter was observed in summer. The method of the correlation pleiades of Terentyev revealed that phytoplankton was the main environment-forming component of the ecosystem in the Lake Bolshoe Vasilievskoe. It was also found that an increase in the level of trophicity of the Lake Bolshoe Vasilievskoe, including an increase in the concentration of biogenic elements (nitrogen, phosphorus), affected the zooplankton community through phytoplankton community indirectly.
Distribution of zooplankton in Lake Aslikul (South Urals, Russian Federation)
Authors: Mukhortova O V , Sabitova R Z
Published: July 2021

Fauna of aquatic invertebrates from various biotopes of the mineralized Lake Aslikul of the Asly-Kul natural park was studied. Lake Aslikul is the largest body of water in the Republic of Bashkortostan, one of the largest lakes in the Middle Volga region. Crustaceans dominated (67%) in the zooplankton in terms of the number of species. Typical eurythermal species such as Keratella quadrata (Müller, 1786), Eudiaptomus gracilis (Sars, 1863), and E. graciloides (Lilljeborg, 1888) were recorded in the zooplankton, that thrived throughout the summer and autumn. Typical brackish-water species were encountered, for example, Hemidiaptomus ignatovi Sars, 1903. A specific community of zooplankters was formed in different biotopes of the lake: Daphnia galeata and Bosmina (E.) cf longispina (Leydig, 1860) were found in the pelagial; Pleuroxus aduncus (Jurne, 1820) and Eucyclops macruroides (Lilljborg, 1901) in macrophyte beds. The species inhabiting the deep-water part of the water body may be considered as indicators of oligo- and mesotrophic waters (Diaphanasoma brachyurum (Lievin, 1848), Bosmina (Eubosmina) cf. longispina Ley dig, 1860, and Bilpalpus hudsoni (Imhof, 1891)). Two rotifer species Rotaria rotatoria (Pallas, 1766) and Lecane (s. Str.) luna (Müller, 1776) were found only in macrophyte beds indicating mesotrophic conditions. In June and September 2010, the abundance of zooplankton throughout the entire lake varied from 1200 to 196 (on average, 484.3 ± 166.4) thousand individuals/m³, and the biomass from 13.6 to 0.9 (on average, 8.5 ± 2.5) g/m³. Crustaceans (78%) have also made the main contribution to the formation of quantitative indicators of zooplankton in various biotopes of the lake.
Ontogenetic structure of Coenopopulations of Centaurea jacea L.
Authors: Osmanova G O , Firulina I I , Kudinova G E
Published: July 2021

The study of the structure of coenopopulations (CP) is one of the directions in phytocoenology. Analysis of the morphological characteristics of individuals, ontogenetic structure, vitality, effective density allows predicting the dynamics of population development, which is importante for the rational use of both plant resources and territories occupied by different populations. We chose Centaurea jacea L. (meadow cornflower) as the object of our study. It is a perennial short-rhizome herb of the family Asteraceae Dumort., Hemicryptophyte, xeromesophyte, and a frequent component of meadow communities. Using the ecological scales of D.N. Tsyganov, a phytoindication assessment of the habitat conditions of Centaurea jacea L. is given. The values of the realized ecological valence fit into all ranges of the scaes given by D N Tsyganov for this species. This indicates a fairly wide range of tolerance of C. jacea. Coenopopulations of C. jacea are normal. Ontogenetic spectra are single-vertex: in CP 1-centered, in CP 2, 5-right-sided, in CP 3-left-sided. In CP 4 of C. jacea, the spectrum of ontogenetic states is bimodal. According to the “delta-omega” classification by L A Zhivotovsky CPs 1 and 2 of C. jacea, according to the values of efficiency and age indices, are characterized as mature, CPs 3 and 4 are transitional, and CP 5 is aging. The ontogenetic structure and type of spectrum depend on the growth rate of individuals, seed productivity, ecological conditions (soil turf, economic activity and mode of use).
Spatial heterogeneity of hydrochemical and trophic characteristics of the Kuibyshev reservoir in summer
Authors: Rakhuba A V
Published: July 2021

Non-uniform distribution of water chemistry and plankton in water areas of big reservoirs occurs under intensive flow regulation that, generally, pre-defines their productivity, self-purification and trophic behavior. This article represents the results of hydro-chemical and trophic spatial non-uniformity studies in morphometrically different areas of the Kuybyshev reservoir in summer periods of 2015 and 2016 years. Chemical and trophic parameters of the reservoir ecosystem were compared in years with different water content. Observation data show increase in water temperature, pH and organics content, as well as decrease in water specific conductivity and mineral nitrogen and phosphor contents from north to south along the length of the reservoir. The biggest values of phytoplankton biomass, integral primary production and integral destruction are observed in lower and central parts of the reservoir, while the upper part is featured by lower values pf photosynthesis. It was found that in hot period daily phytoplankton production of the Kuybyshev reservoir twice exceeds daily ingress of allochthonic organic substance with water afflux. In the Kuibyshev reservoir, which receives an influx of allochthonous matter, the intensity of destruction processes is higher than that of production processes, which indicates a good ability to self-purify the Volga waters.
Modelling Management of Recreation and Tourist Resources (Samara Oblast Tourism Development Strategy)
Authors: Rozenberg A G
Published: July 2021

The development of the theory of environmental tourism cannot do without solving the problem of optimizing the management of tourist flows. The authors argue that one of the possible solutions can be an approach based on the theory of the potential efficiency of complex systems. With the development of eco-tourism, conditions are created for a balanced preservation of the environment and natural resource potential, the level of social responsibility of business for the environmental content of economic activity increases. Using the example of assessing the recreational value of the natural resources of Samara Oblast, the authors discuss a matrix model with a breakdown of the “tourist community” by age, level of well-being and health status. On the territory of Samara Oblast there are all the prerequisites for the formation and development of eco-tourism. As a result of the study, the authors obtained some parameters of a steady state for drawing up certain schemes for ecotourism management (in particular, within the framework of the tourism development project in Samara Oblast). The authors came to the conclusion that the assessment of strategies for the recreational use of territories is carried out according to several indicators, therefore, the task of multi-criteria analysis inevitably arises. The authors believe that further improvement of this model should go in the direction of maximum consideration of the “diversity of the tourist community”.
Synthesis of environmentally friendly film-forming polymers based on 1,3-pentadiene
Authors: Rozentsvet V A
Published: July 2021

The use of traditional paints and varnishes containing organic solvents in their composition causes significant harm to human health and leads to environmental pollution. In this regard, an actual problem is the creation of new environmentally friendly paints and varnishes that are applied to the painted surface without the use of organic solvents. As a result of the research, a method has been developed for producing 1,3-pentadiene polymers, which can be used in the manufacture of thermoplastic paints for road marking. The method consists in carrying out the process of cationic polymerization of 1,3-pentadiene using a catalytic system based on ethylaluminum sesquichloride. It was found that the polymer chain of the synthesized poly-1,3-pentadiene consists mainly of 1,4-trans- and 1,2-trans-units and is characterized by reduced unsaturation. The introduction of a modifier, diisopropyl ether, into the catalytic system makes it possible to obtain completely soluble 1,3-pentadiene polymers with the required softening point temperature.
Changes in the concentration of sulfate ions in the Volga water (section of the Zhigulevsky hydroelectric complex)
Authors: Selezneva A V
Published: July 2021

In water bodies, sulfate ions play an important role in the sulfur cycle and affect the state and functioning of aquatic ecosystems. In the Volga water, sulfates rank second among the main anions in terms of their contribution to water mineralization. The concentration of sulfates does not remain constant, but changes continuously throughout the year. For a quantitative assessment of changes in the concentration of sulfates on the Volga River in the section of the Zhigulevsky hydroelectric complex, an analysis of long-term data of hydrological and hydrochemical observations was carried out. For the period 2001-2018 the average annual river flow was 7,7 thousand m3/s. The highest flow rate was observed in 2005 and amounted to 9,0 thousand m3/s, and the lowest in 2011 – 6,2 thousand m3/s. The average annual concentration of sulfates was 55 mg/dm3, the highest – 64 mg/dm3, and the lowest – 45 mg/dm3. The sulfate content was characterized by significant seasonal variability. During the winter low-water period, the highest concentrations of sulfates were observed with a maximum in April, before the beginning of the spring flood (67 mg/dm3). During the flood, the content of sulfates decreased, reaching the lowest values during the summer low-water period in August (44 mg/dm3), and then, from September, the concentration of sulfates gradually increased to 57 mg/dm3 at the beginning of the winter low-water period. Over the 18-year observation period, the amplitude of sulfate concentrations was 34-87 mg/dm3. Seasonal changes in the content of sulfates in the section of the Zhigulevskaya hydroelectric complex are mainly due to the change in water masses formed on the overlying reservoirs as a result of the interaction of the surface and underground components of the water runoff. In dry years, the content of sulfates increases, and in high water, it decreases. The difference in the content of sulfates in extremely high-water and low-water years can reach 15-20 mg/dm3.
Development of Regional Tourism on the Example of the Republic of Bashkortostan
Authors: Serova O V , Kudinova G E , Rozenberg A G , Kudinov A K , Lazareva N V
Published: July 2021

As a result of the analysis of data on the territory and population of the Russian Federation, the problem of the need to develop tourism and recreational areas was identified, since in 2021 the share of urban residents accounts for 74.27% of the population. For a good rest in the modern urbanized world, city dwellers are increasingly turning to outdoor tourism, which is not disturbed by anthropogenic stress, which ensures a full recovery of emotional, physical and spiritual health. Federal and regional regulatory documents regulate the development of domestic and inbound tourism. The topic of regional tourism development remains relevant and requires further research despite the fact that many studies and reports are devoted to this economic and environmental trend, numerous programs and regulations have been asserted. The aim of the research is to analyze the directions of development of regional tourism and offer some practical recommendations on the example of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The development of tourism on the basis of a multifunctional multidisciplinary center based on the Geoparks “Yangan-Tau” and “Toratau” is considered. An innovative infrastructure of geoparks is proposed, which includes three interrelated and complementary clusters: scientific and educational, eco-tourism, and industrial. These clusters will allow the development of regional tourism, attracting both local residents, the population of the Russian Federation, and foreign tourists and travelers to Bashkortostan, significantly improving the socio-economic and ecological state of unique natural areas, contributing to the development of the region as a whole.
Monitoring of the hydrological regime of the Saratov reservoir using the MNDWI index
Authors: Sherstobitov D N , Ermakov V V , Bochkina A A , Tupitsyna O V , Bykov D E , Chertes K L
Published: July 2021

The article analyzes the possibilities of using Earth remote sensing (ERS) indices for monitoring the state of the environment. The possibility of using remote sensing indices for monitoring and forecasting the state of water bodies and watercourses, their hydrological characteristics was assessed. Within Samara region, the possibility of using the Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) to assess the water saturation of the Saratov reservoir in the Vasilievsky Islands area was considered. This territory was chosen due to the fact that it is sufficiently indicative for assessing changes in the hydrological regime of the reservoir. The processing of multispectral images taken by the Sentinel-2 satellite was carried out on the basis of green and short-wavelength spectral channels. The area of the water surface was calculated based on the number of binary pixels of the processed images. In accordance with the calculations, it was revealed that the area of the Saratov reservoir in the Vasilievsky Islands area has increased. At the same time, it was noted that the area of the water surface of small water bodies that have no connection with the reservoir has increased. The results obtained showed a high efficiency of monitoring changes in the hydrological regime of the reservoir when using the MNDWI.
Environmental education of students of higher educational institutions
Authors: Simonenkova V A , Simonenkov V S , Gilasieva S R
Published: July 2021

The article provides information about the need for environmental education for the development of a harmonious personality of students. With the optimal organization of environmental education, which is carried out by competent teachers with their own eco-culture, it is systematically capable of influencing the knowledge, skills, and abilities of students. Environmental education should be a unified learning process, which includes the assimilation, systematization of knowledge about the environment, the acquisition of skills and knowledge of nature conservation and the formation of a whole eco-culture. We believe that the goal of environmental education should be to develop a critical attitude towards nature. In the process of environmental education, there are three of its components: environmental education; environmental education; environmental education. Environmental education, according to the Federal State Educational Standard, must be implemented in the form of an eco-block of basic educational disciplines, as well as in the form of variable and optional components. Environmental education should be understood as the process of developing an understanding of the environment in a person, understanding the appropriate use of it. In the information age, the timely process of forming a system of society’s worldview, which leads to the harmonization of relations between man and nature, is relevant. In this case, there should be an optimization of the further stability of the ecological situation on Earth. At the heart of eco-upbringing, a number of primary tasks can be noted that form a set of training, upbringing and development. The condition for the completion of the formation of a conscientious attitude towards the natural environment is considered to be moral concern for future generations. The principles of environmental education should guarantee the implementation of uniform requirements for the level of professional competence of future specialists, which are prescribed for each area of training for a bachelor’s, specialist’s or master’s degree. Today, environmental education is the basis for the reform and modernization of higher education.
Development of phytoplankton communities in various ecotopes of the Sumka River (Republic of Tatarstan, Russia)
Authors: Tarasova N G , Ozerova T S , Tretjakova T P , Kulakova Ju P , Beljaeva Ju V
Published: July 2021

In summer, phytoplankton community of the small river Sumka located in the Republic of Tatarstan Russia, comprised 119 alga taxa, with a rank below the genus. Chlorophyta were the most diverse group. There were no significant differences in the structure of microalgae communities in different ecotopes of the small river; Sørensen similarity index was 67%. The dominant complex of algal species was mainly represented by Cyanophyta, belonging to the M- and H1-types. However, in August, the dominant complex included the S1-type representatives. The degree of organic pollution of the watercourse may be estimated as transitional from oligo- to mezotrophic type considering the phytoplankton biomass and the composition of the dominant complex of algal species.
Conservation of rare plants in natural areas in Penza region
Authors: Vasjukov V M , Novikova L A , Gorbushina T V , Ivanov A I
Published: July 2021

200 rare species are included in the second edition of the Red Book of Penza Region. Information on the distribution of species in existing and planned protected areas should be clarified in the preparation of the next edition of the Red Book. Herbarium materials and literary information were used to clarify the information. 148 rare species of vascular plants (74% of them are listed in the Red Book of Penza region) are currently protected by the modern system of specially protected natural territories of Penza region. Populations of 13 of the 22 species listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation are currently not known, two species are subject to exclusion due to incorrect identification. There are 86 protected species of vascular plants (43%) on the territory of the State Nature Reserve «Privolzhskaya lesostep». 114 species are protected (57%) only on the territory of natural monuments. 57 species do not have territorial protection in the region. Only 34 of them are known to have a population known to scientists. These species need priority protection measures. The existing system of protected areas needs significant optimization.
Some Data on the Adventive Component of Flora in Communities of Aquatic and Coastal-Aquatic Vegetation in Saline Ecotopes of Southeastern Europe
Authors: Yuritsyna N A
Published: July 2021

In the article, the author analyzes the features of the invasions of alien plant species in the European Southeast into communities of two classes of aquatic and coastal aquatic vegetation-Crypsidetea aculeatae Vicherek 1973 and Phragmito-Magno-Caricetea Klika in Klika et Novák 1941. In the saline habitats of this mega-region in the above communities the alien species turned out to be represented in very limited quantities [2 species-Atriplex tatarica L. (Chenopodiaceae Vent.) and Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv. (Poaceae Barnhart)], in terms of syntaxonomy (only in 4 lower units of the “association-community” rank), and geographically (only in the Lower Volga region, the lower reaches of the Volga River-Astrakhan oblast). The total share of alien species in the cenoflora of the lower syntaxa of the classes under consideration is insignificant and varies from 2 to 5.5%. Echinochloa crus-galli is most successfully adapted to local conditions. It invades communities of both of these classes, which are found on soils of the entire range of salinity (from weak to strong). But at the same time, the level of soil salinity, obviously, is a certain limiting factor for it. Since this species is more massively present in communities growing on weakly and moderately saline soils than in highly saline soils.
Preparation, morphology and properties of biodegradable phloem fiber of alchornea davidii franch reinforced PBS composites
Authors: Zhao Lei , Jiang Weiqing , Zhou Hongtao , Wei Li
Published: July 2021

In this work, we use the treated PF-ADF(2 ∼ 3 mm) as the reinforcing body(fiber) and the biodegradable PBS as the matrix. The different treated PF-ADF were mixed with PBS particles according to the mass percentage of 20:80, and C-PBS, C-DF/PBS, C-ADF/PBS and C-KDF/PBS were prepared by molding process. The influence of surface treatment on the microstructure and physical properties of the fiber were discussed and the mechanical properties of the composites were compared. Also the biodegradability of the different composite was analyzed. The results showed that most of the non-cellulosic materials such as pectin were removed from C-DF, but a certain amount of pectin remains on the surface. The surface of C-ADF appeared ‘S’ groove, and the groove on C-KDF was good continuity and deep. Compared with C-DF, the tensile strength of C-ADF and C-KDF increased by 5.08% and decreased by 3.58% respectively. Compared with C-PBS, the tensile strength and bending strength of C-KDF/PBS increased by 48.32% and 25.97% respectively, and the tensile modulus and bending modulus increased by 146.45% and 128.3% respectively. The changes of biodegradability of C-DF/PBS, C-ADF/PBS and C-KDF/PBS composites were consistent, but the change of weightlessness rate of C-KDF/PBS was the smallest. The more degraded and uneven the surface of the composite, the more obvious the decrease in contact angle.
African Ancestry vs. Creatine Kinase to Predict Hypertension Control: Time for a Change?
Authors: Brewster Lizzy M , Van Valkengoed Irene , van Montfrans Gert A
Published: July 2021

Background

African ancestry patients are considered separately in hypertension guidelines because of more severe hypertension that is presumably harder to control. However, despite the perceived benefit in reducing health disparities, racial profiling in medicine is increasingly criticized for its potential of bias and stereotyping. Therefore, we studied whether creatine kinase (CK), an ATP-regenerating enzyme that enhances vascular contractility and sodium retention, could serve as a more proximate causal parameter of therapy failure than race/ancestry.

Methods

In a random multiethnic population sample, we compared the performance of African ancestry vs. resting plasma CK as predictors of treated uncontrolled hypertension. Difference in area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) was the primary outcome.

Results

We analyzed 1,405 persons of African, Asian, and European ancestry (40.2% men, mean age 45.5 years, SE 0.2). Hypertension prevalence was 39% in African vs. 29% in non-African ancestry participants vs. 41% and 27% by high and low CK tertiles. Control rates of treated patients were similar by ancestry (African ancestry patients 40%, non-African ancestry 41%; P = 0.84), but 27% vs. 53% in patients with high vs. low CK (22% vs. 67% in African and 32% vs. 52% in non-African participants). AUC was 0.51 [0.41–0.60] for African ancestry vs. 0.64 [0.55–0.73] for log CK (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

In contrast to African ancestry, CK might identify hypertensive patients at risk for therapy failure across different ancestry groups. Larger, prospective studies should establish whether resting plasma CK is clinically useful as an impartial method to help predict antihypertensive therapy failure.
Stress and Depression Are Associated With Life’s Simple 7 Among African Americans With Hypertension: Findings From the Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Langford Aisha T , Butler Mark , Booth John N , Jin Peng , Bress Adam P , Tanner Rikki M , Kalinowski Jolaade , Blanc Judite , Seixas Azizi , Shimbo Daichi , Sims Mario , Ogedegbe Gbenga , Spruill Tanya M
Published: July 2021

Background

The American Heart Association created the Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) metrics to promote cardiovascular health (CVH) by achieving optimal levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, physical activity, diet, weight, and smoking status. The degree to which psychosocial factors such as stress and depression impact one’s ability to achieve optimal CVH is unclear, particularly among hypertensive African Americans.

Methods

Cross-sectional analyses included 1,819 African Americans with hypertension participating in the Jackson Heart Study (2000–2004). Outcomes were LS7 composite and individual component scores (defined as poor, intermediate, ideal). High perceived chronic stress was defined as the top quartile of Weekly Stress Inventory scores. High depressive symptoms were defined as Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale scores of ≥16. We compared 4 groups: high stress alone; high depressive symptoms alone; high stress and high depressive symptoms; low stress and low depressive symptoms (reference) using linear regression for total LS7 scores and logistic regression for LS7 components.

Results

Participants with both high stress and depressive symptoms had lower composite LS7 scores (B [95% confidence interval] = −0.34 [−0.65 to −0.02]) than those with low stress and depressive symptoms in unadjusted and age/sex-adjusted models. They also had poorer health status for smoking (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.52 [0.35–0.78]) and physical activity (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.71 [0.52–0.95]) after full covariate adjustment.

Conclusions

The combination of high stress and high depressive symptoms was associated with poorer LS7 metrics in hypertensive African Americans. Psychosocial interventions may increase the likelihood of engaging in behaviors that promote optimal CVH.
Risk Estimates of Agricultural Injuries and Fatalities in Central India
Authors: Khadatkar Abhijit , Kot Lokendra Singh
Published: July 2021

The purpose of the study was to describe the nature, magnitude, causes, and economic impact, and also to evaluate risk estimates of agricultural incidents occurring during 2012–2013 in Madhya Pradesh, India. The study was carried out in 360 villages in 9 districts of Madhya Pradesh namely Datia, Shivpuri, Balaghat, Barwani, Indore, Jhabua, Narshigpur, Satna, and Bhopal. A total of 92 793 agricultural workers participated in a survey of agricultural incidents. Of 21 agricultural incidents, 14% were fatal and 86% non-fatal in nature. The agricultural incident rates were 0.23/1000 agricultural worker per year and 0.2/1000 agricultural machines per year. The annual monetary loss due to deaths in agricultural incidents in Madhya Pradesh was estimated to be Rs. 16 935.4 lakhs. The economic loss due to agricultural incidents is more severe that resulted in significant loss to the workers due to absence from work. Hence, it is important to map down the cause and taking preventive measures to reduce the losses.
Contrasting processing tomato cultivars unlink yield and pollen viability under heat stress
Authors: Miller Golan , Beery Avital , Singh Prashant Kumar , Wang Fengde , Zelingher Rotem , Motenko Etel , Lieberman-Lazarovich Michal
Published: July 2021

Climate change is causing temperature increment in crop production areas worldwide, generating conditions of heat stress that negatively affect crop productivity. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), a major vegetable crop, is highly susceptible to conditions of heat stress. When tomato plants are exposed to ambient day/night temperatures that exceed 32 °C/20 °C, respectively, during the reproductive phase, fruit set and fruit weight are reduced, leading to a significant decrease in yield. Processing tomato cultivars are cultivated in open fields, where environmental conditions are not controlled; therefore, plants are exposed to multiple abiotic stresses, including heat stress. Nonetheless, information on stress response in processing tomatoes is very limited. Understanding the physiological response of modern processing tomato cultivars to heat stress may facilitate the development of thermotolerant cultivars. Here, we compared two tomato processing cultivars, H4107 and H9780, that we found to be constantly differing in yield performance. Using field and temperature-controlled greenhouse experiments, we show that the observed difference in yield is attributed to the occurrence of heat stress conditions. In addition, fruit set and seed production were significantly higher in the thermotolerant cultivar H4107, compared with H9780. Despite the general acceptance of pollen viability as a measure of thermotolerance, there was no difference in the percentage of viable pollen between H4107 and H9780 under either of the conditions tested. In addition to observations of similar pollen germination and bud abscission rates, our results suggest that processing tomato cultivars may present a particular case, in which pollen performance is not determining reproductive thermotolerance. Our results also demonstrate the value of combining controlled and uncontrolled experimental settings, in order to validate and identify heat stress-related responses, thus facilitating the development of thermotolerant processing tomato cultivars.
DeepFeature: feature selection in nonimage data using convolutional neural network
Authors: Sharma Alok , Lysenko Artem , Boroevich Keith A , Vans Edwin , Tsunoda Tatsuhiko
Published: July 2021

Artificial intelligence methods offer exciting new capabilities for the discovery of biological mechanisms from raw data because they are able to detect vastly more complex patterns of association that cannot be captured by classical statistical tests. Among these methods, deep neural networks are currently among the most advanced approaches and, in particular, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been shown to perform excellently for a variety of difficult tasks. Despite that applications of this type of networks to high-dimensional omics data and, most importantly, meaningful interpretation of the results returned from such models in a biomedical context remains an open problem. Here we present, an approach applying a CNN to nonimage data for feature selection. Our pipeline, DeepFeature, can both successfully transform omics data into a form that is optimal for fitting a CNN model and can also return sets of the most important genes used internally for computing predictions. Within the framework, the Snowfall compression algorithm is introduced to enable more elements in the fixed pixel framework, and region accumulation and element decoder is developed to find elements or genes from the class activation maps. In comparative tests for cancer type prediction task, DeepFeature simultaneously achieved superior predictive performance and better ability to discover key pathways and biological processes meaningful for this context. Capabilities offered by the proposed framework can enable the effective use of powerful deep learning methods to facilitate the discovery of causal mechanisms in high-dimensional biomedical data.
Nanopanel2 calls phased low-frequency variants in Nanopore panel sequencing data
Authors: Popitsch Niko , Preuner Sandra , Lion Thomas
Published: July 2021

Motivation

Clinical decision making is increasingly guided by accurate and recurrent determination of presence and frequency of (somatic) variants and their haplotype through panel sequencing of disease-relevant genomic regions. Haplotype calling (phasing), however, is difficult and error prone unless variants are located on the same read which limits the ability of short-read sequencing to detect, e.g. co-occurrence of drug-resistance variants. Long-read panel sequencing enables direct phasing of amplicon variants besides having multiple other benefits, however, high error rates of current technologies prevented their applicability in the past.

Results

We have developed Nanopanel2, a variant caller for Nanopore panel sequencing data. Nanopanel2 works directly on base-called FAST5 files and uses allele probability distributions and several other filters to robustly separate true from false positive (FP) calls. It effectively calls SNVs and INDELs with variant allele frequencies as low as 1% and 5%, respectively, and produces only few low-frequency false-positive calls (∼1 FP call with VAF<5% per kb amplicon). Haplotype compositions are then determined by direct phasing. Nanopanel2 is the first somatic variant caller for Nanopore data, enabling accurate, fast (turnaround <48 h) and cheap (sequencing costs ∼10$/sample) diagnostic workflows.

Availabilityand implementation

The data for this study have been deposited at zenodo.org under DOIs accession numbers 4110691 and 4110698. Nanopanel2 is open source and available at https://github.com/popitsch/nanopanel2.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Coaching to enhance qualified surgeons’ non-technical skills: a systematic review
Authors: Granchi N , Ting Y Y , Foley K P , Reid J L , Vreugdenburg T D , Trochsler M I , Bruening M H , Maddern G J
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The lack of an effective continuing professional development programme for qualified surgeons, specifically one that enhances non-technical skills (NTS), is an issue receiving increased attention. Peer-based coaching, used in multiple professions, is a proposed method to deliver this. The aim of this study was to undertake a systematic review of the literature to summarize the quantity and quality of studies involving surgical coaching of NTS in qualified surgeons.

Methods

A systematic search of the literature was performed through MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Collaboration and PsychINFO. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data for the included studies was independently extracted by two reviewers and the quality of the studies evaluated using the Medical Education and Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI).

Results

Some 4319 articles were screened from which 19 met the inclusion criteria. Ten studies involved coaching of individual surgeons and nine looked at group coaching of surgeons as part of a team. Group coaching studies used non-surgeons as coaches, included objective assessment of NTS, and were of a higher quality (average MERSQI 13.58). Individual coaching studies focused on learner perception, used experienced surgeons as coaches and were of a lower quality (average MERSQI 11.58). Individual coaching did not show an objective improvement in NTS for qualified surgeons in any study.

Conclusion

Surgical coaching of qualified surgeons’ NTS in a group setting was found to be effective. Coaching of individual surgeons revealed an overall positive learner perception but did not show an objective improvement in NTS for qualified surgeons.
The UK ‘geography of discontent’: narratives, Brexit and inter-regional ‘levelling up’
Authors: McCann Philip , Ortega-Argilés Raquel
Published: July 2021

This paper explains the background to the notion of the ‘geography of discontent’ in the context of UK interregional inequalities and political shocks. The paper then examines how the geography of discontent has bound conflicting political and economic narratives together in ways, which makes the correcting for these regional imbalances all the more difficult, and results in ambiguity and a lack of clarity regarding the nature and form which Levelling Up processes should take.
Correlations, agreement and utility of frailty instruments in prevalent haemodialysis patients: baseline cohort data from the FITNESS study
Authors: Anderson Benjamin M , Qasim Muhammad , Correa Gonzalo , Evison Felicity , Gallier Suzy , Ferro Charles J , Jackson Thomas A , Sharif Adnan
Published: July 2021

Background

Frailty is associated with poor outcomes for haemodialysis patients, but its prevalence is uncertain due to heterogeneous definitions. The aim of this study was to compare and contrast prevalence and features of commonly used frailty instruments in a British haemodialysis cohort.

Methods

The FITNESS (Frailty Intervention Trial iN End-Stage patientS on haemodialysis) study recruited adults aged ≥18 years after informed consent, with ≥3 months haemodialysis exposure and no hospital admission within 4 weeks unless for dialysis access. Study participants were clinically phenotyped with frailty instruments including the Frailty Index (FI), Frailty Phenotype (FP), Edmonton Frailty Scale (EFS) and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), alongside comprehensive baseline data collection of biochemical, clinical and social characteristics.

Results

Between 12 January 2018 and 18 April 2019, 485 haemodialysis patients were recruited. Baseline demographics were median age 63 years, male sex 58.6% and non-White ethnicity 42.1%. Prevalence of frailty was high; 41.9% of participants were frail by FP, 63.3% by FI, 50.2% by EFS and 53.8% by CFS. Female gender was associated with increased frailty, with no independent association observed with age or ethnicity. While correlation between frailty instruments was strong, intraclass correlation coefficient for frailty agreement was 0.628 (95% confidence interval 0.585–0.669) and only weak agreement between instrument pairs.

Conclusion

Frailty is highly prevalent among haemodialysis patients regardless of criteria used. However, our data suggest caution when interpreting heterogenous definitions of frailty for haemodialysis patients as they are not interchangeable. Consensus agreement on the optimal frailty definition for haemodialysis patients must balance ease of use with predictive ability for adverse outcomes before determining clinical application.
User compliance and remediation success after IoT malware notifications
Authors: Rodríguez Elsa , Verstegen Susanne , Noroozian Arman , Inoue Daisuke , Kasama Takahiro , van Eeten Michel , Gañán Carlos H
Published: July 2021

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are getting involved in remediating Internet of Things (IoT) infections of end users. This endeavor runs into serious usability problems. Given that it is usually unknown what kind of device is infected, they can only provide users with very generic cleanup advice, trying to cover all device types and remediation paths. Does this advice work? To what extent do users comply with the instructions? And does more compliance lead to higher cleanup rates? This study is the first to shed light on these questions. In partnership with an ISP, we designed a randomized control experiment followed up by a user survey. We randomly assigned 177 consumers affected by malware from the Mirai family to three different groups: (i) notified via a walled garden (quarantine network), (ii) notified via email, and (iii) no immediate notification, i.e. a control group. The notification asks the user to take five steps to remediate the infection. We conducted a phone survey with 95 of these customers based on communication–human information processing theory. We model the impact of the treatment, comprehension, and motivation on the compliance rate of each customer, while controlling for differences in demographics and infected device types. We also estimate the extent to which compliance leads to successful cleanup of the infected IoT devices. While only 24% of notified users perform all five remediation steps, 92% of notified users perform at least one action. Compliance increases the probability of successful cleanup by 32%, while the presence of competing malware reduces it by 54%. We provide an empirical basis to shape ISP best practices in the fight against IoT malware.
Primary Hypogammaglobulinaemia with Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Like Features: An ECCO CONFER Multicentre Case Series
Authors: Albshesh Ahmad , Eder Piotr , Ribaldone Davide Giuseppe , Oldenburg Bas , de Boer Nanne K , Mantzaris Gerassimos J , Savarino Edoardo Vincenzo , Dragoni Gabriele , Weisshof Roni , Truyens Marie , Festa Stefano , Maillard Michel H , Capirchio Lena , Filip Rafal , Theodoraki Eirini , Kopylov Uri
Published: July 2021

Background

Hypogammaglobulinaemia is a disorder characterized by low serum immunoglobulin levels and a high prevalence of gastrointestinal manifestations. In some cases, clinical and endoscopic features are indistinguishable from those of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD].

Methods

This was a multicentre case series performed as a part of the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation [ECCO] Collaborative Network of Exceptionally Rare case reports [CONFER] project.

Results

This report includes 27 patients with primary hypogammaglobulinaemia and IBD-like features: 20 males and seven females, median age 45.6 years (interquartile range [IQR] 35.2–59). Crohn’s disease-like features were noted in 23 patients, and four patients had ulcerative colitis-like features. The diagnosis of hypogammaglobulinaemia preceded a diagnosis of IBD-like features in 20 patients [median of 7 years prior, IQR 2.6–20.6 years], and followed the appearance of IBD-like features in seven cases [median of 1 year after, IQR 0.45–5.6 years]. Hypogammaglobulinaemia aetiologies were common variable immunodeficiency [66.6%], agammaglobulinaemia [7.4%], selective IgA-deficiency [11.1%], Good’s syndrome [7.4%], IgG subclass deficiency with IgA deficiency [3.7%] and hyper-IgM [3.7%]. In addition to antibiotics and intravenous immunoglobulin [IVIG] for hypogammaglobulinaemia, 12 patients received IBD-related treatment including 5-aminosalicylate agents [two patients], corticosteroids [one patient], thiopurines [three patients], anti-tumour necrosis factor [four patients] and vedolizumab [two patients]. By the end of the follow-up (44.5 months [IQR 18–81]), 21/27 [77%] patients were in clinical remission.

Conclusion

This case series describes IBD-like features in patients with hypogammaglobulinaemia. The diagnosis of IBD-like features mainly occurred after that of hypogammaglobulinaemia, with successful recovery in the majority of cases after appropriate treatment.