bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tobacco and Pituri Use in Pregnancy: A Protocol for Measuring Maternal and Perinatal Exposure and Outcomes in Central Australian Aboriginal Women
Authors: Ratsch Angela , Steadman Kathryn , Ryu BoMi , Bogossian Fiona
Published: June 2019

Maternal tobacco smoking is a recognized risk behavior that has adverse impacts on maternal and fetal health. However, in some populations, the use of smokeless tobacco exceeds the use of smoked tobacco. In central Australia, Aboriginal populations utilize wild tobacco plants (Nicotiana spp.) as a smokeless product. These plants are known by a variety of names, one of which is pituri. The plants are masticated and retained in the oral cavity for extended periods of time and their use continues throughout pregnancy, birth, and lactation. In contrast to the evidence related to combusted tobacco use, there is no evidence as to the effects of pituri use in pregnancy. Central Australian Aboriginal women who were at least 28 weeks pregnant were stratified into three tobacco exposure groups: (a) Pituri chewers, (b) smokers, and (c) non-tobacco users. Routine antenatal and birth information, pre-existing and pregnancy-related maternal characteristics, fetal characteristics, and biological samples were collected and compared. The biological samples were analysed for tobacco and nicotine metabolite concentrations. Samples from the mother included venous blood, urine, hair and colostrum and/or breast milk. From the neonate, this included Day 1 and Day 3 urine and meconium, and from the placenta, arterial and venous cord blood following delivery. This is the first study to correlate the pregnancy outcomes of central Australian Aboriginal women with different tobacco exposures. The findings will provide the foundation for epidemiological data collection in related studies. Note to readers: In this article, the term “Aboriginal” was chosen by central Australian women to refer to both themselves and the Aboriginal people in their communities. “Indigenous” was chosen to refer to the wider Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Nutrition and Supplement Update for the Endurance Athlete: Review and Recommendations
Authors: Vitale Kenneth , Getzin Andrew
Published: June 2019

Background: Endurance events have experienced a significant increase in growth in the new millennium and are popular activities for participation globally. Sports nutrition recommendations for endurance exercise however remains a complex issue with often opposing views and advice by various health care professionals. Methods: A PubMed/Medline search on the topics of endurance, athletes, nutrition, and performance was undertaken and a review performed summarizing the current evidence concerning macronutrients, hydration, and supplements as it pertains to endurance athletes. Results: Carbohydrate and hydration recommendations have not drastically changed in years, while protein and fat intake have been traditionally underemphasized in endurance athletes. Several supplements are commercially available to athletes, of which, few may be of benefit for endurance activities, including nitrates, antioxidants, caffeine, and probiotics, and are reviewed here. The topic of “train low,” training in a low carbohydrate state is also discussed, and the post-exercise nutritional “recovery window” remains an important point to emphasize to endurance competitors. Conclusions: This review summarizes the key recommendations for macronutrients, hydration, and supplements for endurance athletes, and helps clinicians treating endurance athletes clear up misconceptions in sports nutrition research when counseling the endurance athlete.
Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 Modulates Intestinal-Specific Microbiota, Short-Chain Fatty Acid and Immunological Profiles in Aging Mice
Authors: Vemuri Ravichandra , Gundamaraju Rohit , Shinde Tanvi , Perera Agampodi Promoda , Basheer Waheedha , Southam Benjamin , Gondalia Shakuntla V. , Karpe Avinash V. , Beale David J. , Tristram Stephen , Ahuja Kiran D. K. , Ball Madeleine , Martoni Christopher J. , Eri Rajaraman
Published: June 2019

Distribution of the microbiota varies according to the location in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Thus, dysbiosis during aging may not be limited to faecal microbiota and extend to the other parts of the GI tract, especially the cecum and colon. Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, a probiotic strain, has been shown to modulate faecal microbiota and its associated metabolic phenotype in aging mice. In the present study, we investigated the effect of L. acidophilus DDS-1 supplementation on caecal- and mucosal-associated microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and immunological profiles in young and aging C57BL/6J mice. Besides differences in the young and aging control groups, we observed microbial shifts in caecal and mucosal samples, leading to an alteration in SCFA levels and immune response. DDS-1 treatment increased the abundances of beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia spp. and Lactobacillus spp. more effectively in caecal samples than in mucosal samples. DDS-1 also enhanced the levels of butyrate, while downregulating the production of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, IL-1α, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, IL-12 and IFN-γ) in serum and colonic explants. Our findings suggest distinct patterns of intestinal microbiota, improvements in SCFA and immunological profiles with DDS-1 supplementation in aging mice.
Catalytic Activity of Oxidized Carbon Waste Ashes for the Crosslinking of Epoxy Resins
Authors: Stasi Enrica , Giuri Antonella , La Villetta Maurizio , Cirillo Domenico , Guerra Gaetano , Maffezzoli Alfonso , Ferraris Eleonora , Esposito Corcione Carola
Published: June 2019

In this study, two different fillers were prepared from carbon-based ashes, produced from the wooden biomass of a pyro-gasification plant, and starting from lignocellulosic waste. The first type was obtained by dry ball-milling (DBA), while the second one was prepared by oxidation in H2O2 of the dry ball-milled ashes (oDBA). The characterization of the fillers included wide-angle x-ray diffraction (WAXD), thermogravimetric, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The DBA and oDBA fillers were then tested as possible catalysts for the crosslinking reaction of a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) with a diamine. The cure reaction was studied by means of rheometry and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The oDBA filler exhibits both a higher catalytic activity on the epoxide–amine reaction than the DBA sample and improved mechanical properties and glass transition temperature. The results obtained indicate, hence, the potential improvement brought by the addition of carbon-based waste ashes, which allow both increasing the flexural properties and the glass transition temperature of the epoxy resin and reducing the curing time, acting as a catalyst for the crosslinking reaction of the epoxy resin.
Effects of Fire and Large Herbivores on Canopy Nitrogen in a Tallgrass Prairie
Authors: Ling Bohua , Raynor Edward J. , Goodin Douglas G. , Joern Anthony
Published: June 2019

This study analyzed the spatial heterogeneity of grassland canopy nitrogen in a tallgrass prairie with different treatments of fire and ungulate grazing (long-term bison grazing vs. recent cattle grazing). Variogram analysis was applied to continuous remotely sensed canopy nitrogen images to examine the spatial variability in grassland canopies. Heterogeneity metrics (e.g., the interspersion/juxtaposition index) were calculated from the categorical canopy nitrogen maps and compared among fire and grazing treatments. Results showed that watersheds burned within one year had higher canopy nitrogen content and lower interspersions of high-nitrogen content patches than watersheds with longer fire intervals, suggesting an immediate and transient fire effect on grassland vegetation. In watersheds burned within one year, high-intensity grazing reduced vegetation density, but promoted grassland heterogeneity, as indicated by lower canopy nitrogen concentrations and greater interspersions of high-nitrogen content patches at the grazed sites than at the ungrazed sites. Variogram analyses across watersheds with different grazing histories showed that long-term bison grazing created greater spatial variability of canopy nitrogen than recent grazing by cattle. This comparison between bison and cattle is novel, as few field experiments have evaluated the role of grazing history in driving grassland heterogeneity. Our analyses extend previous research of effects from pyric herbivory on grassland heterogeneity by highlighting the role of grazing history in modulating the spatial and temporal distribution of aboveground nitrogen content in tallgrass prairie vegetation using a remote sensing approach. The comparison of canopy nitrogen properties and the variogram analysis of canopy nitrogen distribution provided by our study are useful for further mapping grassland canopy features and modeling grassland dynamics involving interplays among fire, large grazers, and vegetation communities.
Unsupervised Domain Adaptation Using Generative Adversarial Networks for Semantic Segmentation of Aerial Images
Authors: Benjdira Bilel , Bazi Yakoub , Koubaa Anis , Ouni Kais
Published: June 2019

Segmenting aerial images is of great potential in surveillance and scene understanding of urban areas. It provides a mean for automatic reporting of the different events that happen in inhabited areas. This remarkably promotes public safety and traffic management applications. After the wide adoption of convolutional neural networks methods, the accuracy of semantic segmentation algorithms could easily surpass 80% if a robust dataset is provided. Despite this success, the deployment of a pretrained segmentation model to survey a new city that is not included in the training set significantly decreases accuracy. This is due to the domain shift between the source dataset on which the model is trained and the new target domain of the new city images. In this paper, we address this issue and consider the challenge of domain adaptation in semantic segmentation of aerial images. We designed an algorithm that reduces the domain shift impact using generative adversarial networks (GANs). In the experiments, we tested the proposed methodology on the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) semantic segmentation dataset and found that our method improves overall accuracy from 35% to 52% when passing from the Potsdam domain (considered as source domain) to the Vaihingen domain (considered as target domain). In addition, the method allows efficiently recovering the inverted classes due to sensor variation. In particular, it improves the average segmentation accuracy of the inverted classes due to sensor variation from 14% to 61%.
Sub-Pixel Crop Type Classification Using PROBA-V 100 m NDVI Time Series and Reference Data from Sentinel-2 Classifications
Authors: Dimitrov Petar , Dong Qinghan , Eerens Herman , Gikov Alexander , Filchev Lachezar , Roumenina Eugenia , Jelev Georgi
Published: June 2019

This paper presents the results of a sub-pixel classification of crop types in Bulgaria from PROBA-V 100 m normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) time series. Two sub-pixel classification methods, artificial neural network (ANN) and support vector regression (SVR) were used where the output was a set of area fraction images (AFIs) at 100 m resolution with pixels containing estimated area fractions of each class. High-resolution maps of two test sites derived from Sentinel-2 classifications were used to obtain training data for the sub-pixel classifications. The estimated area fractions have a good correspondence with the true area fractions when aggregated to regions of 10 × 10 km2, especially when the SVR method was used. For the five dominant classes in the test sites the R2 obtained after the aggregation was 86% (winter cereals), 81% (sunflower), 92% (broad-leaved forest), 89% (maize), and 67% (grasslands) when the SVR method was used.
A Novel Autonomous Celestial Integrated Navigation for Deep Space Exploration Based on Angle and Stellar Spectra Shift Velocity Measurement
Authors: Chen Xiao , Sun Zhaowei , Zhang Wei , Xu Jun
Published: June 2019

Traditional autonomous celestial navigation usually uses astronomical angle as measurement, which is a function of spacecraft’s position and can’t resolve the spacecraft’s velocity directly. To solve this problem, velocity measurement by stellar spectra shift is proposed in this paper. The autonomous celestial integrated navigation method is derived by combining velocity measurement with angle measurement, which can ensure the long-term high accuracy, real-time and continuous navigation performance for deep space exploration (DSE) missions. The observability of the integrated navigation system is analyzed. Moreover, the design of doppler navigator and hardware in-the-loop simulation system are described. Finally, a simulation example is employed to demonstration the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed navigation algorithm.
Evaluation of the GPS Precise Orbit and Clock Corrections from MADOCA Real-Time Products
Authors: Zhang Shaocheng , Du Shikang , Li Wei , Wang Guangxing
Published: June 2019

The Japanese Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) is a regional navigation satellite system covering the entire Asia-Oceania region. Except for the standard satellite navigation signals, QZSS satellites also broadcast L6E augmentation signals with real time GNSS precise orbit every 30 s and clock messages every 1 s, which is very important and necessary for Real-Time precise point positioning (RTPPP) applications. In this paper, the MADOCA real-time services derived from L6E augmentation signals were evaluated for both accuracy and availability compared with IGS final products. To avoid the datum difference of GPS orbit between MADOCA real-time and IGS final products, the 7-parameters Helmert transformation was firstly used in this paper, and then the orbit was evaluated on radial, along, and cross-track directions. On the clock evaluation, the mean satellites clock errors were taken as reference clock error, and then the standard deviation (STD) was calculated for each satellite. Furthermore, the signal in space range errors (SISRE) were also summarized to evaluate the ranging-measurement accuracy. Seven-day evaluation results show that satellite orbit, clock errors, and the final SISRE errors range as being 1.8–3.9 cm, 0.04–0.15 ns (1.2–4.5 cm), and 5–10 cm, respectively. For the one-year long-term evaluation, daily SISRE errors in 2018 show consistent performance with that of seven days. Furthermore, the open source software RTKLIB was used to evaluate the kinematic PPP performance based on the MADOCA real-time products, and it shows that the daily positioning accuracy of the 20 globally distributed IGS stations can reach 4.9, 4.2, 11.7, and 12.1 cm in the east, north, up, and 3D directions, respectively. Hence, it is concluded that the current MADOCA real-time ephemeris products can provide orbit and clock products with SISRE on centimeters level with high interval, which could meet the demands of the RTPPP solution and serve real-time users who can access the MADOCA real-time products via L6E signal or internet.
Facile Chemical Bath Synthesis of SnS Nanosheets and Their Ethanol Sensing Properties
Authors: Shan Wei , Fu Zhengqian , Ma Mingsheng , Liu Zhifu , Xue Zhenggang , Xu Jiaqiang , Zhang Faqiang , Li Yongxiang
Published: June 2019

Tin(II) monosulfide (SnS) nanosheets were synthesized using SnCl4•5H2O and S powders as raw materials in the presence of H2O via a facile chemical bath method. Orthorhombic phase SnS nanosheets with a thickness of ~100 nm and lateral dimensions of 2~10 μm were obtained by controlling the synthesis parameters. The formation of a SnO2 intermediate is key to the valence reduction of Sn ions (from IV to II) and the formation of SnS. The gas sensors fabricated from SnS nanosheets exhibited an excellent response of 14.86 to 100 ppm ethanol vapor when operating at 160 °C, as well as fast response and recovery times of 23 s and 26 s, respectively. The sensors showed excellent selectivity for the detection of ethanol over acetone, methanol, and ammonia gases, which indicates the SnS nanosheets are promising for high-performance ethanol gas sensing applications.
Optimal Design of Piezoelectric Cantilevered Actuators for Charge-Based Self-Sensing Applications
Authors: Bafumba Liseli Joël , Agnus Joël , Lutz Philippe , Rakotondrabe Micky
Published: June 2019

Charge-based Self-Sensing Actuation (SSA) is a cost and space-saving method for accurate piezoelectric based-actuator positioning. However, the performance of its implementation resides in the choice of its geometry and the properties of the constituent materials. This paper intends to analyze the charge-based SSA’s performances dependence on the aforementioned parameters and properties for a piezoelectric cantilever. A model is established for this type of Piezoelectric Actuator (PEA), and a multi-objective function is defined. The multi-objective function consists of the weighted actuator and sensor objective functions of the PEA. The analytical optimization approach introduced herein aims to assess the evolution of the defined multi-objective function across a defined set of geometrical parameters and material properties and highlights the existence of a subset of solutions for an optimal charge-based SSA’s implementation. The commercially-available finite element analysis software, COMSOL Multiphysics, is used on the parametric model of the given structure to validate the analytical model. Then, experiments are conducted to corroborate the numerical and analytical modeling and analysis.
A Non-Invasive Continuous Blood Pressure Estimation Approach Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Chen Shuo , Ji Zhong , Wu Haiyan , Xu Yingchao
Published: June 2019

Considering the existing issues of traditional blood pressure (BP) measurement methods and non-invasive continuous BP measurement techniques, this study aims to establish the systolic BP and diastolic BP estimation models based on machine learning using pulse transit time and characteristics of pulse waveform. In the process of model construction, the mean impact value method was introduced to investigate the impact of each feature on the models and the genetic algorithm was introduced to implement parameter optimization. The experimental results showed that the proposed models could effectively describe the nonlinear relationship between the features and BP and had higher accuracy than the traditional methods with the error of 3.27 ± 5.52 mmHg for systolic BP and 1.16 ± 1.97 mmHg for diastolic BP. Moreover, the estimation errors met the requirements of the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation and British Hypertension Society criteria. In conclusion, this study was helpful in promoting the practical application of methods for non-invasive continuous BP estimation models.
Development of a Function-Integrative Sleeve for Medical Applications
Authors: Neubauer Moritz , Häntzsche Eric , Pamporaki Christina , Eisenhofer Graeme , Dannemann Martin , Nocke Andreas , Modler Niels , Filippatos Angelos
Published: June 2019

Function-integrative textiles bear the potential for a variety of applications in the medical field. Recent clinical investigations suggest that the application of a function-integrative fabric could have a positive impact on currently applied diagnostic procedures of a specific type of tumour. In this context, the fabric should enable local warming of a patient’s upper extremity as well as blood flow measurement. Existing solutions comprise a warming system but lack a measuring apparatus for blood flow determination. With regard to the quality of results of current diagnostic procedures, the local warming of the patients’ upper extremity and the simultaneous determination of the blood flow plateau are crucial. In the present paper, the development process of a function-integrative sleeve is introduced. Besides the development of an adaptable sleeve-design, the manufacturing process of an integrated warming system was also addressed. Furthermore, the identification of crucial physiological effects, using a Laser Doppler Perfusion Monitor, is introduced. During testing of the function-integrative sleeve, modulation of the desired physiological effects was observed. The results support the initial assumptions and dictate further investigations on increasing user-friendliness and cost-efficiency during adjusting and determining the physiological effects in the course of tumour diagnosis.
Effect of IMU Design on IMU-Derived Stride Metrics for Running
Authors: Potter Michael V , Ojeda Lauro V , Perkins Noel C , Cain Stephen M
Published: June 2019

Researchers employ foot-mounted inertial measurement units (IMUs) to estimate the three-dimensional trajectory of the feet as well as a rich array of gait parameters. However, the accuracy of those estimates depends critically on the limitations of the accelerometers and angular velocity gyros embedded in the IMU design. In this study, we reveal the effects of accelerometer range, gyro range, and sampling frequency on gait parameters (e.g., distance traveled, stride length, and stride angle) estimated using the zero-velocity update (ZUPT) method. The novelty and contribution of this work are that it: (1) quantifies these effects at mean speeds commensurate with competitive distance running (up to 6.4 m/s); (2) identifies the root causes of inaccurate foot trajectory estimates obtained from the ZUPT method; and (3) offers important engineering recommendations for selecting accurate IMUs for studying human running. The results demonstrate that the accuracy of the estimated gait parameters generally degrades with increased mean running speed and with decreased accelerometer range, gyro range, and sampling frequency. In particular, the saturation of the accelerometer and/or gyro induced during running for some IMU designs may render those designs highly inaccurate for estimating gait parameters.
Population Aging, Household Savings and Asset Prices: A Study Based on Urban Commercial Housing Prices
Authors: Zeng Shihong , Zhang Xinwei , Wang Xiaowei , Zeng Guowang
Published: June 2019

Currently, China’s aging population, high savings rate and high housing asset prices coexist, which has become a hot issue in academic research. First, considering the life-cycle hypothesis and overlapping generations model, asset prices are negatively correlated with the population dependency ratio and positively correlated with household savings. Second, based on census data from prefecture-level cities, a pooled regression model and two-stage least squares (2SLS) are used in this empirical research. The child dependency ratio was found to have a significant negative impact on housing prices, while the elderly dependency ratio had a positive impact on housing prices. The positive relationship between household savings and housing prices is highly significant. Finally, the interaction analysis shows that the impact of population aging on housing prices differs under different levels of household savings; thus, population aging affects housing prices through household savings, and the mediator dilutes and weakens this impact. The elderly generation’s release of savings could gradually inhibit housing prices. Population aging causes long-run downside risks but not a market meltdown.
An Intelligent Model for the Prediction of Bond Strength of FRP Bars in Concrete: A Soft Computing Approach
Authors: Bolandi Hamed , Banzhaf Wolfgang , Lajnef Nizar , Barri Kaveh , Alavi Amir H.
Published: June 2019

Accurate prediction of bond behavior of fiber reinforcement polymer (FRP) concrete has a pivotal role in the construction industry. This paper presents a soft computing method called multi-gene genetic programming (MGGP) to develop an intelligent prediction model for the bond strength of FRP bars in concrete. The main advantage of the MGGP method over other similar methods is that it can formulate the bond strength by combining the capabilities of both standard genetic programming and classical regression. A number of parameters affecting the bond strength of FRP bars were identified and fed into the MGGP algorithm. The algorithm was trained using an experimental database including 223 test results collected from the literature. The proposed MGGP model accurately predicts the bond strength of FRP bars in concrete. The newly defined predictor variables were found to be efficient in characterizing the bond strength. The derived equation has better performance than the widely-used American Concrete Institute (ACI) model.
Fumonisins: Impact on Agriculture, Food, and Human Health and their Management Strategies
Authors: Kamle Madhu , Mahato Dipendra K. , Devi Sheetal , Lee Kyung Eun , Kang Sang G. , Kumar Pradeep
Published: June 2019

The fumonisins producing fungi, Fusarium spp., are ubiquitous in nature and contaminate several food matrices that pose detrimental health hazards on humans as well as on animals. This has necessitated profound research for the control and management of the toxins to guarantee better health of consumers. This review highlights the chemistry and biosynthesis process of the fumonisins, their occurrence, effect on agriculture and food, along with their associated health issues. In addition, the focus has been put on the detection and management of fumonisins to ensure safe and healthy food. The main focus of the review is to provide insights to the readers regarding their health-associated food consumption and possible outbreaks. Furthermore, the consumers’ knowledge and an attempt will ensure food safety and security and the farmers’ knowledge for healthy agricultural practices, processing, and management, important to reduce the mycotoxin outbreaks due to fumonisins.
eDNA Increases the Detectability of Ranavirus Infection in an Alpine Amphibian Population
Authors: Miaud Claude , Arnal Véronique , Poulain Marie , Valentini Alice , Dejean Tony
Published: June 2019

The early detection and identification of pathogenic microorganisms is essential in order to deploy appropriate mitigation measures. Viruses in the Iridoviridae family, such as those in the Ranavirus genus, can infect amphibian species without resulting in mortality or clinical signs, and they can also infect other hosts than amphibian species. Diagnostic techniques allowing the detection of the pathogen outside the period of host die-off would thus be of particular use. In this study, we tested a method using environmental DNA (eDNA) on a population of common frogs (Rana temporaria) known to be affected by a Ranavirus in the southern Alps in France. In six sampling sessions between June and September (the species’ activity period), we collected tissue samples from dead and live frogs (adults and tadpoles), as well as insects (aquatic and terrestrial), sediment, and water. At the beginning of the breeding season in June, one adult was found dead; at the end of July, a mass mortality of tadpoles was observed. The viral DNA was detected in both adults and tadpoles (dead or alive) and in water samples, but it was not detected in insects or sediment. In live frog specimens, the virus was detected from June to September and in water samples from August to September. Dead tadpoles that tested positive for Ranavirus were observed only on one date (at the end of July). Our results indicate that eDNA can be an effective alternative to tissue/specimen sampling and can detect Ranavirus presence outside die-offs. Another advantage is that the collection of water samples can be performed by most field technicians. This study confirms that the use of eDNA can increase the performance and accuracy of wildlife health status monitoring and thus contribute to more effective surveillance programs.
Exosomes Carry microRNAs into Neighboring Cells to Promote Diffusive Infection of Newcastle Disease Virus
Authors: Zhou Changluan , Tan Lei , Sun Yingjie , Qiu Xusheng , Meng Chunchun , Liao Ying , Song Cuiping , Liu Weiwei , Nair Venugopal , Ding Chan
Published: June 2019

Newcastle disease virus (NDV), an avian paramyxovirus, was shown to prefer to replicate in tumor cells instead of normal cells; however, this mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Exosomes play a crucial role in intercellular communication due to the bioactive substances they carry. Several studies have shown that exosomes are involved in virus infections. However, the effect that exosomes have on NDV-infected tumor cells is not known. In this study, we focus on the role of exosomes secreted by NDV-infected HeLa cells in promoting NDV replication. Three miRNA candidates (miR-1273f, miR-1184, and miR-198) embraced by exosomes were associated with enhancing NDV-induced cytopathic effects on HeLa cells. Furthermore, luciferase assays, RT-qPCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) all demonstrated that these miRNAs could suppress interferon (IFN)-β gene expression. Enhanced NDV replication in HeLa cells was identified by Western blot and plaque assays. Based on these results, we speculate that NDV employed exosomes entry into neighboring cells, which carry miRNAs, resulting in inhibition of the IFN pathway and promotion of viral infection. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the involvement of NDV-employed exosomes in tumor cells, and as such, it provides new insights into the development of anti-tumor therapies.
A Mixed Integer Linear Programming Method for Optimizing Layout of Irrigated Pumping Well in Oasis
Authors: Ma Teng , Wang Jinwen , Liu Yi , Sun Huaiwei , Gui Dongwei , Xue Jie
Published: June 2019

Optimization of irrigation well layout plays a vital role in the rational utilization of groundwater and to balance the water–energy nexus, especially in arid irrigation districts. This study proposes the mixed integer linear programming model (MILP) for well layout optimization with minimum well irrigation costs. This model efficiently establishes a link between irrigation area and wells to express the constraints of ensuring that irrigation area can be covered with optimal wells by using grid points to represent the irrigation area. It also uses the special ordered sets (SOS) modeling tool to decompose the mixed integer nonlinear programming into a mixed integer linear programming by assigning SOS-constrained weights to discrete points of a nonlinear function. This method was used in Cele Oasis of the Tarim Basin of the Xinjiang Province, an arid region in northwestern China. Since the original well layout was already established, different economic criteria like implicit cost and explicit cost were considered and two optimization results were yielded. The results showed that (1) the implicit cost optimization (ICO) and explicit cost optimization (ECO) reduced total costs by 7.64% and 3.56% compared with the condition of without optimization; and (2) the ICO and ECO reduced the optimal number of wells by 52.89% and 10.74% compared with the existing number of wells. Based on the analysis of the results, it is suggested that the manager should close uneconomical wells after determining the economic criteria. This method for well layout optimization can assist managers to make more rational plans for irrigation systems to exploit groundwater more efficiently, economically, and in a more environmentally friendly manner.
Estuarine Macrofauna Affects Benthic Biogeochemistry in a Hypertrophic Lagoon
Authors: Politi Tobia , Zilius Mindaugas , Castaldelli Giuseppe , Bartoli Marco , Daunys Darius
Published: June 2019

Coastal lagoons display a wide range of physico-chemical conditions that shape benthic macrofauna communities. In turn, benthic macrofauna affects a wide array of biogeochemical processes as a consequence of feeding, bioirrigation, ventilation, and excretion activities. In this work, we have measured benthic respiration and solute fluxes in intact sediment cores with natural macrofauna communities collected from four distinct areas within the Sacca di Goro Lagoon (NE Adriatic Sea). The macrofauna community was characterized at the end of the incubations. Redundancy analysis (RDA) was used to quantify and test the interactions between the dominant macrofauna species and solute fluxes. Moreover, the relevance of macrofauna as driver of benthic nitrogen (N) redundancy analysis revealed that up to 66% of the benthic fluxes and metabolism variance was explained by macrofauna microbial-mediated N processes. Nitrification was stimulated by the presence of shallow (corophiids) in combination with deep burrowers (spionids, oligochaetes) or ammonium-excreting clams. Deep burrowers and clams increase ammonium availability in burrows actively ventilated by corophiids, which creates optimal conditions to nitrifiers. However, the stimulatory effect of burrowing macrofauna on nitrification does not necessarily result in higher denitrification as processes are spatially separated.
Urban River Health Analysis of the Jialu River in Zhengzhou City Using the Improved Fuzzy Matter-Element Extension Model
Authors: Zhang Kaize , Shen Juqin , Han Han , Jia Yizhen
Published: June 2019

Urban rivers are valuable elements of urban ecosystems and play a key role in urban socio-economic development. Unfortunately, the functional integrity of urban rivers is being threatened by extensive human activities associated with the social development. Urban river health evaluation is important, as it may provide policy makers with information that is fundamental for river governance and the protection of urban ecosystems. To this purpose, we first constructed an urban river health assessment index system based on the pressure–state–response (PSR) framework. Secondly, we developed an urban river health index (uRHI) using the improved fuzzy matter–element extension assessment model. Finally, we used the uRHI to assess the health state of the Jialu River from 2008 to 2017 in Zhengzhou City, China. The results indicate that the health state of the Jialu River was improved from an unhealthy state in 2008 to a sub-healthy state in 2017. The pressure, state, and response subsystems developed towards a healthier state from 2008 to 2017, thanks to the implementation of a number of actions by the local government. However, the overall health status of the Jialu River is still relatively low. The Jialu River also faces several pressures, such as substantial Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) emissions and sewage discharge. This paper concludes that it is necessary to further strengthen the health management of the Jialu River and the protection of Zhengzhou’s water environment.
Reserva de vaga para pessoa com deficiência em concursos públicos: critérios legais e decisões judiciais
Authors: Borges Jesce John da Silva
Published: June 2019

O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar o cenário da inclusão da pessoa com deficiência no setor público e, principalmente, elucidar o cálculo da reserva de vaga aplicado nos concursos públicos segundo o regramento do Decreto nº 9.508/2018. Além disso, busca expor os equívocos matemáticos que resultam na ilegalidade dos entendimentos jurisprudenciais. Através do Relatório Anual de Informações Sociais – RAIS Cota PcD, disponibilizado pelo Ministério do Trabalho em Empregos – MTE, foi possível obter os dados de inclusão para o ano de 2016, sendo elaboradas tabelas a serem utilizadas como recurso para permitir a análise sistemática do cálculo da reserva de vaga. O resultado apresentado permite concluir que o percentual de inclusão no setor público é irrisório, sendo de apenas 0,33%. Todos os critérios que norteiam a reserva de vaga e que estão devidamente expressos no decreto garantem às pessoas com deficiência o direito da destinação da 2ª vaga do bloco, este definido pelo percentual adotado no certame. Diversas ilegalidades foram detectadas nos entendimentos jurisprudenciais, sendo todas decorrentes de equívocos matemáticos devido à interpretação dada ao limite máximo de 20% previsto no § 2º do art. 5º da Lei 8.112/1990, resultando em sérios prejuízos às pessoas com deficiência. Tal situação requer atenção especial do Ministério Público, visto que envolve sua área de atuação, qual seja a proteção das pessoas com deficiência.
Improving access and continuity in general practice: practical and policy lessons
Authors: Hemmings Nina , Rosen Rebecca , Palmer William , Keeble Eilis , Williams Sally , Paddison Charlotte , Imison Candace
Published: June 2019

Background

Improved access to general practice is seen by policy makers as essential to address patient expectations and reduce demand for A&E, but little is known about its impact on continuity.

Aim

This study examined the impact of policies to improve access on continuity and described practical approaches to delivering both improved access and continuity.

What is the evidence that continuity within general practice benefits patients, or is important to health professionals?

Which primary care patients are more likely to want continuity of care, and how likely are they to report receiving it?

How might policy initiatives to improve access affect continuity of care, and to what extent is there evidence of this?

What factors might best support continuity of care in the context of improved access?

Method

A rapid literature review, semi-structured interviews with providers and one commissioner, and two expert workshops were combined, with quantitative analysis of practice-level data and 2017 GP Patient Survey data.

Results

Various sociodemographic and clinical factors shape patients’ desire for, and ability to obtain, continuity. We will present the limited evidence available on the impact of improved access on continuity and describe practical approaches to support continuity across three broad areas: service design, workforce development, and technology.

Conclusion

It is possible to offer both improved access and continuity if this is an explicit objective of service redesign. Commissioners and policymakers should attach greater priority to continuity and commission further research to understand the longer-term impacts of improved access and working at scale on continuity, patient experience, and wider outcomes.
Skill mix in primary care: the scale and distribution of skill mix in GP practice across England
Authors: McDermott Imelda , Spooner Sharon , Gibson Jon , Sutton Matt , Hann Mark , Checkland Kath , Hodgson Damian , McBride Anne
Published: June 2019

Background

Decades of under investment in primary care and inattention to suboptimal recruitment and retention of GPs and nurses have contributed to a workforce crisis. The General Practice Forward View sets out how the government is planning to achieve a strengthened model of general practice. A key element of this proposal is to expand the workforce by employing an increasingly diverse range of practitioners i.e. ‘skill mix’. The commitment to broadening skill mix in primary care is reiterated in the NHS Long Term Plan (LTP), with the announcement of a 5-year deal to boost investment in primary care. A significant proportion of this investment focuses on increasing the number of ‘new’ roles such as clinical pharmacists, physiotherapists, physician associates, and paramedics.

Aim

This presentation offers an early analysis of the scale and distribution of current skill mix in general practice across England. This is part of a wider study about how skill mix is affecting outcomes, costs, and experiences of healthcare in England.

Method

Descriptive analysis of a longitudinal practice-level workforce data set using the practice-level workforce Minimum Data Set (wMDS).

Results

We will present early findings about how staffing has changed and average changes within a region or a clinical commissioning group.

Conclusion

These data will indicate the extent of progress towards achievement of the LTP vision of skill mix employment. Findings will inform our future analysis of the structures, contexts, and processes of these new ways of working and provide policymakers, commissioners, and practices with evidence about the wider effects of skill mix.
GPs’ views about their role when children and young people disclose a history of bullying in the community: a qualitative study
Authors: Prasad Vibhore , Condon Laura
Published: June 2019

Background

Bullying among children and young people (CYP) can lead to both physical and mental health consequences. CYP may disclose episodes of bullying and seek help from their GP. Therefore GPs have an important role in dealing with the mental and physical health consequences of bullying. However, there is currently little research on GPs’ views and perceptions on their role in dealing with bullying.

Aim

To explore GPs views about their role in dealing with disclosures of bullying by CYP.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs in England. Purposive sampling was used to achieve variation in GP demographics. Data were collected until thematic saturation was reached and analysed using the constant comparative method.

Results

Data from 14 semi-structured interviews revealed three main themes: GP experience, bullying in schools and cyberbullying, and training needs. There was an encompassing feeling that dealing with disclosures of bullying came down to a GP’s clinical experience rather than guideline recommendations, which do not currently exist; and that bullying was a precipitating factor in presentations of CYP’s mental health issues. Continuing professional development opportunities are needed. Such opportunities should include both the nature and health consequences of bullying, including cyberbullying, for which GPs felt ill prepared but which was reported to affect their practice.

Conclusion

GPs feel they have a role to play in managing and supporting the health of CYP who disclose bullying. However, they feel ill equipped in dealing with these disclosures. There is a need for collaboration between GPs and education services to improve support.
An exploration of the views and training status of GPs in Ireland on termination of pregnancy following its legalisation
Authors: O’Connor Raymond , Spain Eimear , O’Doherty Jane , O’Mahony Michael
Published: June 2019

Background

In May 2018, abortion laws in Ireland were liberalised allowing medical abortion for the first time. It was envisaged that Irish GPs would provide this service.

Aim

To elicit the views and level of preparedness of Irish GPs to provide medical termination of pregnancy.

Method

In total 222 practising GPs were surveyed. Participants are affiliated with the Graduate Entry Medical School (GEMS) in the University of Limerick, as well as graduates of the University Specialist Training Programme in General Practice.

Results

The response rate was 57% (127/222): 93.7% of GPs were willing to share abortion information with their patients; 48.0% would be willing to prescribe abortion pills before 12 weeks’ gestation, with 37.0% unwilling to do so. A further 40.9% of responders believed that such a service should not be part of general practice, with a further 17.3% indicating uncertainty. 72.4% believed that those who do not wish to be part of the process should be entitled to a conscientious objection (CO) but should also be obliged to refer a woman to a participating doctor. Over four-fifths (82.7%) of GPs had no training in this area of practice, with 3.2% indicating that they had sufficient training. The majority of responders feel that necessary support services such as counselling are not currently available.

Conclusion

Exploring the views and experiences of GPs in Ireland on this topic reveals many issues which need to be resolved before the service can be rolled out in a safe manner. It will be vital for state and professional bodies to provide appropriate education and guidance.
Is it safe to leave my patient at home? Interprofessional community-based learning
Authors: Penrose Heidi , Ainsworth-Smith Mark , Wills Carmel , Scallan Samantha
Published: June 2019

Background

Joint training of clinicians working in overlapping care areas can be a powerful way to help develop cross-professional insights and knowledge, and stimulate shared reflection and development. This poster describes a novel educational evening, which saw GP trainees and South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) staff coming together to learn and reflect through case-based discussion.

Aim

The aim of the educational evening was to enable participants to engage in shared learning activities using facilitated case scenarios based on common cases. Evaluation of the session highlighted in particular different approaches to risk management and uncertainty.

Method

Forty-seven (25 SCAS staff/22 GPs) participants attended the evening and worked in mixed SCAS/GP groups, which were facilitated by educators drawn from general practice and paramedic education. All participants completed pre-session information sheets and post-session evaluations.

Results

Participants valued the evening and reported broadened knowledge and insight about the clinical work of the other group, including the nature of work and differences in care management practice. Participants reported that the case-based scenarios were relevant.

Conclusion

The event helped participants to better understand each other’s roles gain and to learn together. The educational evening demonstrated that shared leaning can be powerful and generate insights for trainees and SCAS clinicians. Participants also made suggestions as to how the event might be developed for the future.
Evaluating a large-scale roll out of blood pressure telemonitoring using routinely acquired data
Authors: McKinstry Brian , Hammersley Vicky , Parker Richard , Pinnock Hilary , Padfield Paul , Hanley Janet , Stoddart Andrew , Steventon Adam
Published: June 2019

Background

1.2 million appointments in Scottish primary care annually are used solely for checking blood pressure (BP). While evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) shows that telemonitoring of BP produces significant reductions, it has not been mainstreamed because of difficulties in integrating telemonitoring with routine medical care. With NHS Lothian a system was developed which extracted data from a telemonitoring provider website, and delivered it as a routine DOCMAN report to GP practices without need for logons.

Aim

To determine the feasibility of implementing telemonitoring of high blood pressure (HBP) at scale in primary care and the potential of using routinely acquired data for exploring clinical and resource-use impacts.

Method

Practice recorded BP, prescribing, and appointments data were transferred for all people with HBP to a safe-haven. We compared before and after BPs at 1 year from participants and non-participants. Patient and clinician interviews.

Results

Over 2400 people were recruited to telemonitoring overall. Over a year, BP control improved in both telemonitoring participants and non-participants. Mean systolic BP (SBP) fell by 6.6 mmHg in participants and 3.5 mmHg in non-participants. In uncontrolled participants (SBP >135 mmHg home-monitored) average fall was 15 mmHg. Proportion with very poor control BP (SBP >150 mmHg) fell from 13.6% to 3.4%. Appointment data were challenging to interpret, but there was little change from the previous year in face-to-face appointment time and total appointments. Patients and clinicians were positive about the implementation

Conclusion

The study demonstrated an improvement in BP control similar to effects in RCTs in routine general practice with little impact on workload using routinely acquired data providing strong support for mainstreaming low-cost telemonitoring for HBP.