bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A proposal for a national frame of reference for the accreditation of engineering programs in Tunisia
Authors: Khelifi Adel , Khlifi Slaheddine , Khelifi Nabil , Essaieb Hamdi 
Published: August 2020

Purpose
This study aims to propose a national frame of reference for the accreditation of engineering programs (EPs) in Tunisia. It uses as a benchmark the structure used by the world’s leading accreditation systems such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur. It provides a comprehensive framework for academic institutions to evaluate the performance of their programs. In addition, it suggests the procedures, steps and timeline for the application process and defines the required documents that should be submitted.

Design/methodology/approach
The study analyzes the standards applied by well-established accreditation agencies such as ABET, Commission Titre Ingenieur and European Accredited Engineer, studies the perceptions of academicians who participated in six workshops and uses the results of surveys and interviews to characterize their opinions about accreditation. A sample population of 146 faculty members, experts and policymakers from 23 different higher education institutions in Tunisia, who had participated in the workshops mentioned above, was solicited to participate in the survey. The opinions of 51 respondents who responded to the survey were analyzed. This methodology led to the establishment of a proposed national frame of reference for accreditation of EPs.

Findings
Analysis reveals that the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MHESR) provides authorization (“habilitation”) to institutions allowing them to offer their educational program. However, it is inaccurate to consider this procedure as accreditation because it is more of a licensure process. In addition, the MHESR grants the “habilitation” to those institutions that successfully apply. The National Authority for Assessment, quality assurance and accreditation Instance Nationale de l’Evaluation, de l’Assurance Qualité et de l’Accréditation (IEAQA) is not involved in this process, which makes the latter’s role trivial.

Practical implications
This frame of reference will help the MHESR to evaluate the EPs based on a comprehensive analysis of well-established accreditation systems, to improve its “habilitation” process by splitting it into two parts as per international practice, namely, licensure and accreditation and to make the existence and role of the IEAQA much clearer.

Originality/value
This study is the foremost study to propose a comprehensive frame of reference for accrediting EPs in Tunisia.
Entrepreneurial growth intention and capability approach in agriculture: lesson from Sri Lanka
Authors: Sachitra Vilani , Padmini Chandra 
Published: August 2020

PurposeIt is imperative to offer a new perspective of Entrepreneurial Growth Intention (EGI) that draws directly upon the capability approach. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of capabilities in the context of EGI in the floriculture industry in Sri Lanka.Design/methodology/approachThe study was exploratory and is mainly qualitative in nature. In-depth interviews were carried out with the owners of farms who possess experience in floriculture commercial cultivation in Sri Lanka.FindingsThe results emerged that there are different perspectives among farm owners regarding EGI. Drawing attention on the stories of our participants and making a three-phase analysis, we identified 31 key actions denoted by the farm owners. This work then suggests that the seven capabilities might be fruitfully framed around EGI.Research limitations/implicationsAs the results stress the role of capabilities in the formation of an entrepreneur's growth intention is vital. Therefore, more targeted measures should be drawn to build fair and supportive facilities to obtain advanced knowledge, to familiarise with the emergence of technology and to attain professional services specifically in financial literacy.Originality/valueThe question of what factors influence EGI at the farm level is still largely unexplored as less is known about the effect of capabilities on EGI. The study expands the current debates on EGI and institutional environment, which allows the mapping out of capability development.
Embryo growth and seed germination of four taxa of Narcissus (section Pseudonarcissi) conserved under non‐recalcitrant seed conditions in germplasm banks
Authors: Herranz Sanz José M. , Copete Carreño Miguel A. , Herranz Ferrer Raquel , Santiago González Alejandro , Copete Carreño Elena , Ferrandis Gotor Pablo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the germinative ability of the seeds of four Narcissus taxa belonging to Section Pseudonarcissi after they had been conserved under the conditions of non‐recalcitrant seed storage protocols. For each taxon (N. alcaracensis, N. longispathus, N. radinganorum and N. pseudonarcissus subsp. munozii‐garmendiae), one seed lot was desiccated to 4% moisture content (MC) and stored under laboratory conditions (22°C, 40–50% relative humidity (RH), whereas another was dehydrated to 3% MC and stored at −10°C. The latter treatment simulated standard conservation conditions for non‐recalcitrant seeds. After 26 months, embryo growth and germination were evaluated. Seed responses were correlated with their MC upon dispersal. Seeds of N. alcaracensis, N. longispathus and N. radinganorum left to dry on the mother plant during maturation had 8–10% MC when dispersed, tolerated non‐recalcitrant seed conservation and germinated to >90% under the most favorable incubation conditions. Narcissus pseudonarcissus subsp. munozii‐garmendiae seeds did not undergo maturation drying and had 46.7% MC upon dispersal. They reached 100% germination after being desiccated to 4% and stored at 22°C, were not recalcitrant, but failed to germinate when stored at −10°C under non‐recalcitrant seed conservation conditions. Therefore, N. alcaracensis, N. longispathus and N. radinganorum seeds can be conserved under non‐recalcitrant seed conditions in germplasm banks, whereas those of N. pseudonarcissus subsp. munozii‐garmendiae are moderately recalcitrant. Seed storage behavior is influenced primarily by the extent of maturation drying of the seeds on the mother plant.
The medicinal and aromatic plants business of Uttarakhand: A mini review of challenges and directions for future research
Authors: Chandra Pramod 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe medicinal and aromatic plants resources of Uttarakhand, India offer significant opportunities of employment and livelihood for rural communities and contribute a large share in the medicinal and aromatic plants trade of India. With the growing trade of medicinal and aromatic plants resources in the global market, the medicinal and aromatic plants business of Uttarakhand is also continuously growing in terms of trade volume, value and market reach. But, considering the ecological importance as well as unregulated exploitations of these resources, the growing business activities in this sector appear incompatible to the sustainability agenda. Through a mini review, this study assesses the medicinal and aromatic plants sector of Uttarakhand and identifies key challenges that seem incompatible for resource and business sustainability and offers some prospective research directions essential for identifying pragmatic solutions to support sustainability in the sector. This review identifies nine key challenges to sustainability in Uttarakhandʼs medicinal and aromatic plants sector. It is therefore pertinent that future research focus on the prevailing challenges of the medicinal and aromatic plants sector of Uttarakhand to develop strategies for sustainable business prospects.
The effects of antibiotics on the reproductive physiology targeting ovaries in the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus
Authors: Ha Young‐Ran , Jeong Se‐Jin , Jang Chang‐Won , Chang Kyu‐Sik , Kim Hyun‐Woo , Cho Shin‐Hyoung , Lee Hee‐Il 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMosquitoes have adapted to various environmental conditions. Symbionts with mosquitoes impact this adaptation in different environments. In the field, mosquitoes could get exposed to antibiotics during their developmental period, which could reduce or eliminate their symbiotic microbes. However, the side effects of the antibiotics on the ovary and reproductive physiology of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of tetracycline and combinations of rifampicin and tetracycline at environmentally acceptable levels on the reproductive physiology of ovaries in Ae. albopictus. Rifampicin and tetracycline in combination reduced the hatching rate and fertility of Ae. albopictus compared to the untreated control group. These antibiotics induced histopathological damage and reactive oxygen species production in the ovaries. The combination of antibiotics decreased the expression of surface protein of Wolbachia (WSP) in Ae. albopictus. Additionally, the expression of Toll like receptor 2 (TLR2) and Myd88 were triggered by the combinations. The findings demonstrate the detrimental effects of antibiotics, particularly combinations of rifampicin and tetracycline, on the reproductive capacity of Ae. albopictus females.
Susceptibility‐guided quadruple therapy is not superior to medication history‐guided therapy for the rescue treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ji Chao Ran , Liu Jing , Li Yue Yue , Qiao Chen , Qu Jun Yan , Hu Jun Nan , Lin Min Juan , Ji Rui , Li Li Xiang , Zuo Xiu Li , Li Yan Qing 
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveIn this study we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of two personalized rescue therapies for Helicobacter pylori infection.MethodsAn open‐label, single‐center, randomized controlled trial was conducted. Patients who had failed one or two regimens for H. pylori infection were randomized to receive a 14‐day bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy guided by antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) or personal medication history (PMH). In the AST group, either two of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole or levofloxacin were prescribed according to the AST. In the PMH group, amoxicillin plus either levofloxacin or furazolidone were prescribed based on the patient's history of quinolone use. The primary outcomes were eradication rates confirmed by an urea breath test 6 weeks after treatment. The secondary outcomes were adherence, incidence of adverse events (AE) and cost‐effectiveness.ResultsAltogether 164 with a positive culture received AST‐guided therapy and 192 received PMH‐guided therapy, respectively. Both AST‐ and PMH‐guided therapies achieved comparable eradication rate (intention‐to‐treat analysis: 78.10% vs 74.29%, P = 0.42; per‐protocol analysis: 87.10% vs 88.64%, P = 0.80). The AST clarithromycin regimen had a lower per‐protocol eradication rate than the levofloxacin (75.47% vs 96.30%, P = 0.03) or furazolidone‐containing regimen (75.47% vs 92.75%, P = 0.02). Both groups had high compliance with low incidences of AE, and PMH‐guided therapy had a lower medical cost.ConclusionsAST‐guided therapy was not superior to PMH‐guided therapy as a second‐ or third‐line treatment for H. pylori infection. Considering the cost‐effectiveness, PMH therapy is clinically more favorable.
Associations between Apgar scores and children’s educational outcomes at eight years of age
Authors: Yisma Engida , Mol Ben W. , Lynch John W. , Mittinty Murthy N. , Smithers Lisa G. 
Published: August 2020

BackgroundLow Apgar scores are associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality, but effects of Apgar scores of 0–5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 (compared with 10) on longer‐term neurodevelopmental outcomes are less clear.AimTo examine the associations between Apgar scores of 0–5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 (compared with 10) and children’s educational outcomes as measured by the Australian National Assessment Program—Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests at age eight.Materials and MethodsWe merged perinatal data including all children born in South Australia from 1999 to 2008 with school assessment data (NAPLAN). School assessments included five learning areas (domains)—reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. Each domain was categorised according to performing at or below National Minimum Standards (≤NMS). Effects were estimated using Augmented Inverse Probability Weighting (AIPW) accounting for a range of maternal, perinatal and sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsRisk differences comparing five‐minute Apgar scores of 0–5 with Apgar scores of 10 for children performing ≤NMS for each domain were: reading (0.07 (95% CI −0.16 to 0.29)), writing (0.27 (95% CI −0.14 to 0.68)), spelling (0.15 (95% CI −0.10 to 0.40)), grammar (0.04 (95% CI −0.21 to 0.29)) and numeracy (0.21 (95% CI −0.04 to 0.45)). Risk differences for children performing ≤NMS were also evident when Apgar score of 6 was compared with Apgar score of 10.ConclusionsChildren with five‐minute Apgar scores of 0–5 and 6, compared with Apgar score of 10, are at higher risk of scoring at/below the NMS on the NAPLAN assessments at eight years.
Peripapillary and parafoveal microvascular changes in eyes with optic neuritis and their fellow eyes measured by optical coherence tomography angiography: an Exploratory Study
Authors: Lee Ga‐In , Park Kyung‐Ah , Oh Sei Yeul , Min Ju‐Hong , Kim Byoung Joon 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to evaluate parafoveal and peripapillary microvascular alterations in eyes with optic neuritis (ON) along with their fellow eyes compared to healthy control eyes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT‐A).MethodsWe included 31 ON‐affected eyes and 31 fellow eyes of 31 patients who had experienced unilateral ON and 33 eyes of 33 healthy controls in this exploratory retrospective cross‐sectional study. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT‐A) was used to generate microvascular structural images and quantify the vessel density of the superficial retinal capillary plexus (SRCP), the deep retinal capillary plexus (DRCP) and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) segments. We used the Kruskal–Wallis test for the comparison of OCT‐A results between the three groups and generalized estimating equation models for the pairwise comparisons.ResultsThere were significant differences of SRCP (p = 0.0003) and RPC segment (p < 0.0001) vessel densities between the three groups. Specifically, there was a reduction in parafoveal and peripapillary vessel density in the ON‐affected eyes compared to fellow eyes (SRCP, estimates, −1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI], −3.07, −0.87; RPC, −6.95, 95% CI, −8.70, −5.19) and controls (SRCP, −3.15, 95% CI, −4.61, −1.69; RPC, −8.66, 95% CI, −10.55, −6.76). The superior sector of the RPC segments vessel density in the fellow eyes was decreased compared to the controls (−4.93, 95% CI, −8.07, −1.80).ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that microvascular changes occur in both the affected eye and unaffected fellow eye after a unilateral ON episode. Future studies are needed to clarify the clinical implications of these findings.
Effects of a monocarboxylate transport 1 inhibitor, AZD3965, on retinal and visual function in the rat
Authors: Allen Annette E. , Martin Elizabeth A. , Greenwood Katherine , Grant Claire , Vince Peter , Lucas Robert J. , Redfern William S. 
Published: August 2020

Background and PurposeInhibition of monocarboxylate transport 1 (MCT1) is of interest in targeting highly glycolytic tumours. However, MCT1 is expressed in retina, and so inhibition of MCT1 could affect retinal function.Experimental ApproachAZD3965, an MCT1 inhibitor selected for clinical development, and two additional MCT1 inhibitors were evaluated for effects on visual acuity in albino (Han Wistar) rats. The effects of AZD3965 on visual acuity and electroretinography (ERG) were further investigated in pigmented (Long‐Evans) rats, with dosing for up to 7 days.Key ResultsAll three MCT1 inhibitors reduced visual acuity within 2 h of dosing, suggesting a class effect. The deficit caused by AZD3965 (1,000 mg·kg−1 p.o. per day for 4 days) in Long Evans rats recovered to pre‐dose levels 7 days after cessation of dosing. AZD3965 (50 to 1,000 mg·kg−1 p.o.) reduced the amplitude of scotopic a‐ and b‐waves, and photopic b‐wave of the ERG in a dose‐related fashion, within 2 h of dosing. The effects on the scotopic ERG had diminished by Day 7 of dosing, demonstrating partial restoration of function despite continued treatment. Seven days after cessation of dosing at the highest dose tested (1,000 mg·kg−1), there was recovery of both scotopic a‐ and b‐ waves and, to a lesser extent, photopic b‐wave. ERG was affected at lower plasma exposures than was visual function.Conclusions and ImplicationsThis study clarifies the role of the MCT1 transporter in retinal function. The monitorability of the functional effects on the retina enabled safe clinical use of AZD3965.
Allogeneic expanded adipose‐derived stem cells in the treatment of rectovaginal fistulas in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Nikolic M. , Stift A. , Reinisch W. , Vogelsang H. , Matic A. , Müller C. , von Strauss und Torney M. , Riss S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimCrohn's disease (CD)‐related rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs) are rare, challenging to treat and associated with a high morbidity. Due to a significant lack of data, we aimed to analyse the safety and feasibility of allogeneic adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) in the treatment of CD‐related RVF.MethodFour consecutive patients with CD‐related RVF underwent treatment with expanded allogeneic ASCs extracted from a healthy donor in a tertiary referral centre in 2019. None of the patients had an intestinal diversion at the time of the treatment. Follow‐up was performed 6 months postoperatively.ResultsThe median operation time was 45 min with a median hospital stay of 3 days. No intra‐operative complications occurred. Three patients (75%) developed recurrent RVF after a median follow‐up of 19 days. Two patients required surgical treatment including loose seton drainage due to discharge and pain. One patient developed recurrence of symptoms after 10 days, but refused further surgical therapy. Only one patient (25%) showed healing of the RVF, with re‐epithelialization of both the vaginal and rectal opening and absence of clinical symptoms.ConclusionExpanded allogeneic ASC therapy represents a novel safe treatment option for CD‐associated RVF. Although efficacy appears limited, further controlled studies are required to draw robust conclusions.
The elusiveness of representativeness in general population surveys for alcohol
Authors: Rehm Jürgen , Kilian Carolin , Rovira Pol , Shield Kevin D. , Manthey Jakob 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPopulation survey research is limited by biases introduced through the exclusion of sub‐populations from the sampling frame and by non‐response bias. This is a particular problem for alcohol surveys, where populations such as the homeless and the institutionalised—who consume on average more alcohol than the general population—are usually excluded, and where people who respond to alcohol surveys tend to consume less alcohol than those who do not. These biases lead to the underestimation of alcohol consumption at the population level, which can be corrected for by triangulating alcohol consumption data with population data sources (i.e. taxation and production). Other methods which account for the biases inherent in surveys include triangulation with outcomes (e.g. traffic injuries), calculation of estimates for groups which are outside common sampling frames, and combining probabilistic sampling with new methodologies, such as computer‐assisted web interviews. In particular, population surveys do not attract sufficient participation numbers for certain groups, such as the marginalised urban male youths. In this situation, it may be helpful to add estimates generated via respondent‐driven sampling or non‐probabilistic web panels restricted to a specific group to such population surveys. Additionally, computer‐assisted web interviews perform better for sensitive questions, such as those about personal alcohol use. In sum, based on the objectives, the future of survey will need to include statistical modelling, adding data from external sources for validation and combining data from various types of surveys.
Defining dental operative skills curricula: An ADEE consensus paper
Authors: Field James , Dixon Jonathan , Towers Ashley , Green Rachel , Albagami Hathal , Lambourn Guy , Mallinson Julie , Fokkinga Wietske , Tricio‐Pesce Jorge , Crnić Tin , Vital Sibylle 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper reports on the recent activity of the pan‐European consensus of the ADEE Special Interest Group for Pre‐Clinical Operative Skills. Following the previous recommendations from the group, and in order to support teachers and to harmonise the delivery of skills training across Europe, a more formal curriculum relating to pre‐clinical operative skills needs to be created. This paper reports European consensus surrounding the categorisation (level of importance, and difficulty) of basic operative dental clinical skills within the undergraduate curriculum and provides recommendations relating to session structure and timing of curricular elements for basic operative dental clinical skills teaching.
The role of grain size in static and cyclic deformation behaviour of a laser reversion annealed metastable austenitic steel
Authors: Droste Matthias , Järvenpää Antti , Jaskari Matias , Motylenko Mykhaylo , Weidner Anja , Karjalainen Pentti , Biermann Horst 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDifferent grain sizes were created in a metastable 17Cr‐7Mn‐7Ni steel by martensite‐to‐austenite reversion at different temperatures using a laser beam. Two fully reverted material states obtained at 990°C and 780°C exhibited average grain sizes of 7.7 and 2.7 μm, respectively. The third microstructure (610°C) consisted of grains at different stages of recrystallization and deformed austenite. A hot‐pressed, coarse‐grained counterpart was studied for reference. The yield and tensile strengths increased with refined grain size, maintaining reasonable elongation except for the heterogeneous microstructure. Total strain‐controlled fatigue tests revealed increasing initial stress amplitudes but decreasing cyclic hardening and fatigue‐induced α′‐martensite formation with decreasing grain size. Fatigue life was slightly improved for the 2.7‐μm grain size. Contrary, the heterogeneous microstructure yielded an inferior lifetime, especially at high strain amplitudes. Examinations of the cyclically deformed microstructure showed that the characteristic deformation band structure was less pronounced in refined grains.
Fatigue assessment of high strength welded joints through the strain energy density method
Authors: Foti Pietro , Berto Filippo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe main aim of the present work is to investigate, through the strain energy density method, the fatigue behaviour of high strength welded joints realised employed in hydraulic runner blades. The geometries, found in literature, present the welding bead machined in order to have no geometrical discontinuities in the specimen realising a wide fitting radius between the two welded plates; the only critical geometrical discontinuity in the specimen is given by the lack of penetration that leads to an internal crack‐like defect. The specimens presented failure both from the weld toe and from the weld root depending on the amount of welding penetration. The results, summarised in this work with the strain energy density method, show clearly the possibility to consider a unique master curve for this kind of joints regardless of the failure initiation point. Acquiring, through a finite element model, the strain energy density value both at the weld toe and at the weld root and comparing them, the method is proved to be adequate to detect the most critical area of the joint. A first fatigue master curve in terms of cyclic averaged strain energy density value is provided for the fatigue design of high strength welded joints.