Test Locations Research Articles

Pointwise and Region-Wise Course of Visual Field Loss in Patients With Glaucoma.

PurposeAccurate assessment of visual field (VF) trend may help clinicians devise the optimum treatment regimen. This study was conducted to investigate the behavior of VF sequences using pointwise and region-wise linear, exponential, and sigmoid regression models.Materials and MethodsIn a retrospective cohort study, 277 eyes of 139 patients with glaucoma who had been followed for at least 7 years were investigated. Linear, exponential, and sigmoid regression models were fitted for each VF test location and Glaucoma Hemifield Test (GHT) region to model the trend of VF loss. The model with the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) was selected as the best fit.ResultsThe mean age (standard deviation [SD]) of the patients was 59.9 years (9.8) with a mean follow-up time of 9.3 (0.7) years. The exponential regression had the best fit based on pointwise and region-wise approaches in 39.3% and 38.1% of eyes, respectively. The results showed a better performance based on sigmoid regression in patients with initial VF sensitivity threshold greater than 22 dB (71.6% in pointwise and 62.2% in region-wise approaches). The overall RMSE of the region-wise regression model was lower than the overall RMSE of the pointwise model.ConclusionsIn the current study, nonlinear regression models showed a better fit compared to the linear regression models in tracking VF loss behavior. Moreover, findings suggest region-wise analysis may provide a more appropriate approach for assessing VF deterioration.Translational RelevanceFindings may confirm a nonlinear progression of VF deterioration in patients with glaucoma.

Location of Logistics Distribution Center Based on Improved Bald Eagle Algorithm

The location of a logistics distribution center is a complex combinatorial optimization problem, and it is difficult to achieve the best results by traditional mathematical methods. This paper proposes an improved bald eagle search applied to logistics distribution center location selection for the first time, one which uses the chaotic operator to initialize the population, increases the diversity of populations, and introduces a sine and cosine algorithm in the search stage. It increases the global search ability of the algorithm and the ability to jump further out of the local space. Through test function and location simulation experiments, it is proved that the improved algorithm has obvious advantages over other common algorithms in solution accuracy and convergence speed. It can effectively improve the efficiency of logistics distribution when applied to the location of logistics distribution centers. Finally, the improved bald eagle search algorithm is used to optimize the location model of logistics distribution center. The experimental results show that the improved bald eagle search algorithm has good solving ability in this problem, can be obtained to minimize the distribution cost, save the distribution cost effectively and improve the distribution efficiency. It can further optimize the logistics management system and increase the efficiency of logistics enterprises. Compared with similar algorithms, such as WOA, WCA, PSO, the results are improved.

THE EFFECT OF ADDED COARSE SAND FRACTION ON LATERITE SOIL SHEAR STRENGTH

Laterite soil is the most common type of embankment soil used for road construction in Kalimantan. This is because laterite soils are easy to find and widely available in several locations in South Kalimantan. However, this soil has many drawbacks, one of which is that it has a high plasticity index to be used as embankment, both for ordinary embankments and selected embankments. Therefore, it is necessary to improve or stabilize the soil so that the laterite soil can meet the requirements or specifications as embankment soil. In previous studies, the addition of a mixture of sand to laterite soils tends to decrease the value of the plasticity index.This study aims to determine the characteristics of laterite soils and the effect of adding a mixture of sand and plasticity to the shear strength of laterite soils by using a direct shear test apparatus. The specimens were made by testing the standard type of compaction and the value of 90% of the maximum density. The variation of the Sand mixture used is 0%; 7%; 14%; 21%; and 28%.Based on the USCS classification system, the soil for the three preliminary test locations is classified as CH (clay-high) group, while according to the AASHTO classification system, Landasan Ulin and Mandiangin location are classified as group A-7-5 and Sungai Ulin location is classified as group A-7-6 (clayey soils). There was a decrease in the value for the shear strength parameter of the laterite soil from the peak condition to the residual condition. The addition of a mixture of sand in each variation of the sample can reduce the PI value along with the addition of sand. In addition, the addition of sand also changes the parameters of the shear strength of the laterite soil. All samples of laterite and sand mixture variations have a value liquidity index < 0 which indicates that the soil is in a solid or semi-solid condition, while a value consistency index > 0 indicates that the soil is in a solid or semi-solid condition. The higher the value of the plasticity index of a soil, the higher the cohesion value of the soil and the lower the value of the internal shear angle. The more addition of a mixture of sand can reduce the plasticity index and soil cohesion and can increase the value of the internal shear angle. It can be said that the addition of a mixture of sand can reduce the plasticity index of the soil and affect the parameters of the shear strength of the soil in both peak and residual conditions.Keywords: shear strength, residual shear strength, laterite soil, sand, plasticity index

Effects of anode position on pedicle screw testing during lumbosacral spinal fusion surgery

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATAPedicle screws are commonly placed with lumbar/lumbosacral fusions. Triggered electromyography (tEMG), which employs the application of electrical current between the screw and a complementary anode to determine thresholds of conduction, may be utilized to confirm the safe placement of such implants. While previous research has established clinical thresholds associated with safe screw placement, there is variability in clinical practice of anode placement which could lead to unreliable measurements. PURPOSETo determine the variance in pedicle screw stimulation thresholds when using four unique anode locations (ipsilateral/contralateral and paraspinal/gluteal relative to tested pedicle screws). STUDY DESIGNProspective cohort study. Tertiary medical center. PATIENT SAMPLETwenty patients undergoing lumbar/lumbosacral fusion with pedicle screws using tEMG OUTCOME MEASUREStEMG stimulation return values are used to assess varied anode locations and reproducibility based on anode placement. METHODSMeasurements were assessed across node placement in ipsilateral/contralateral and paraspinal/gluteal locations relative to the screw being assessed. R2 coefficients of correlation were determined, and variances were compared with F-tests. RESULTSA total of 94 lumbosacral pedicle screws from 20 patients were assessed. Repeatability was verified using two stimulations at each location for a subset of the screws with an R2 of 0.96. Comparisons between the four anode locations demonstrated R2 values ranging from 0.76 to 0.87. F-tests comparing thresholds between each anode site demonstrated all groups not to be statistically different. CONCLUSIONThe current study, a first-of-its-kind formal evaluation of anode location for pedicle screw tEMG testing, demonstrated very strong repeatability and strong correlation with different locations of anode placement. These results suggest that there is no need to change the side of the anode for testing of left versus right screws, further supporting that placing an anode electrode into gluteal muscle is sufficient and will avoid a sharp ground needle in the surgical field.

Rapid, in-field deployable, avian influenza virus haemagglutinin characterisation tool using MinION technology

Outbreaks of avian influenza virus (AIV) from wild waterfowl into the poultry industry is of upmost significance and is an ongoing and constant threat to the industry. Accurate surveillance of AIV in wild waterfowl is critical in understanding viral diversity in the natural reservoir. Current surveillance methods for AIV involve collection of samples and transportation to a laboratory for molecular diagnostics. Processing of samples using this approach takes more than three days and may limit testing locations to those with practical access to laboratories. In potential outbreak situations, response times are critical, and delays have implications in terms of the spread of the virus that leads to increased economic cost. This study used nanopore sequencing technology for in-field sequencing and subtype characterisation of AIV strains collected from wild bird faeces and poultry. A custom in-field virus screening and sequencing protocol, including a targeted offline bioinformatic pipeline, was developed to accurately subtype AIV. Due to the lack of optimal diagnostic MinION packages for Australian AIV strains the bioinformatic pipeline was specifically targeted to confidently subtype local strains. The method presented eliminates the transportation of samples, dependence on internet access and delivers critical diagnostic information in a timely manner.

An Exploratory Study Testing Environmental Wayfinding Aids as an Intervention for Children With Autism.

This exploratory mixed methods experiment aimed to determine whether the application of wayfinding aids (colored doors, shapes on the floor, and signage) as an intervention could help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) find their way to a destination to promote independence. Several individuals with ASD have described the difficulties they experienced finding their way in the environment. This is especially relevant to complex environments like healthcare. Participants with ASD aged 8-11 (n = 9) were randomly assigned to control or treatment groups. The test location was an empty school corridor unfamiliar to participants. Each participant was shown the way to a destination using a script pointing out existing cues (control group) or applied wayfinding aids (treatment group). Participants were taken back to the start and then asked to lead the way to the destination. Afterward, they were interviewed about their experience. Data collection included observation, behavioral mapping, and video recording. The variable of wayfinding scripts helped all participants find their way to the destination, but those in the treatment group found their way directly compared to 75% of the control group. Wayfinding aids made the environment more memorable to those in the treatment group. Some children were distracted by environmental stimuli, and some noticed surprising elements that helped them wayfind. Study results suggest that wayfinding instruction could be used as an intervention in environments with and without the application of wayfinding aids. This needs further testing in other environments. Issues included recruitment and random assignment.

Choroideremia Carriers: Dark-Adapted Perimetry and Retinal Structures.

PurposeIn choroideremia (CHM) carriers, scotopic sensitivity was assessed by dark adapted chromatic perimetry (DACP) and outer retinal structure was evaluated by multimodal imaging.MethodsNine carriers (18 eyes) and 13 healthy controls (13 eyes) underwent DACP testing with cyan and red stimuli. Analysis addressed peripapillary (4 test locations closest to the optic disc), macular (52 locations), and peripheral (60 locations outside the macula) regions. Responses were considered to be rod-mediated when cyan relative to red sensitivity was >5 dB. Fundus imaging included spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), short-wavelength (SW-AF), near-infrared (NIR-AF), ultrawide-field (200 degrees) pseudocolor fundus imaging, and quantitative (qAF) fundus autofluorescence.ResultsDetection of the cyan stimulus was rod mediated in essentially all test locations (99.7%). In the macular and peripheral areas, DACP sensitivity values were not significantly different from healthy eyes. In the peripapillary area, sensitivities were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). SD-OCT imaging ranged from hyper-reflective lesions and discontinuities of the outer retinal bands to hypertransmission of signal. SW-AF and NIR-AF images presented with peripapillary atrophy in seven patients (14 eyes). Mosaicism was detectable in SW-AF images in seven patients and in NIR-AF images in five patients. Frank hypo-autofluorescence was visible in eight patients with distinct chorioretinopathy in seven patients. The qAF values were below the 95% confidence interval (CI) of healthy age-matched individuals in 12 eyes.ConclusionsRod mediated scotopic sensitivity was comparable to that in control eyes in macular and peripheral areas but was decreased in the peripapillary area where changes in retinal structure were also most severe.

Effect of growing environments on the minerals and proximate composition of urdbeans (Vigna mungo L. Hepper)

Urdbean (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) is an abundantly grown and profusely consumed south-Asian pulse crop. It has enormous scope in the international food industry, being a high-value and low-carbon footprint source of several nutrients and micronutrients. The present study was conducted in a set of urdbean genotypes of diverse origins - to validate high sources for iron and zinc concentrations in urdbean based on replicated field trials, to determine the effect of growing environment on these traits, to quantify phytic acid concentration, to quantify fats, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, protein content and to generate Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy profile of these urdbean genotypes. Analysis of variance showed that genotypic effects were significant (p < 0.05) at all locations for iron and zinc concentrations. The mean value of Fe and Zn concentrations were 97.1 mg/kg and 14 mg/kg, respectively, over the locations. Fe and Zn concentration ranged between 86.7 (LBG-787) to 116 (WBU-108) mg/kg and 11.2 (VBN-7) to 18.2 (IPU99–79) mg/kg, respectively. Moisture, protein, fat, ash, total fiber, and total carbohydrate contents were 11.5, 25.3, 1.1, 2.95, 13.9, 57.5%, respectively. The phytic acid content was stable over the locations, ranging from 13.7 mg/g to 14 mg/g for the 20 tested urdbean genotypes. In this study, genotype, PLU 429, which had Fe concentration ranging between 81.6 and 93.5 mg/kg, is a superior genotype with the lowest PA content (10 mg/g) over the three test locations. Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy profiling detected three urdbean- specific sharp peaks between 4000 and 3500 wave numbers. Among these, two peaks (3724, 3625 wave numbers) were due to free O-H stretching of alcohols. In GGEBiplot analysis, the most stable urdbean genotypes with high Fe concentration were PU-30 (102 mg/kg) and Shekhar 2 (105 mg/kg), and for Zinc concentration, WBU137–2 (15.2 mg/kg) and UH85–5 (15.4 mg/kg) were having high concentration as well as comparatively higher stability. In conclusion, urdbeans were identified as stable sources of high iron and zinc concentrations, and a lower anti-nutrient concentration may help breed for nutrient-dense urdbean cultivar.

Early experiences with quality-assured HbA1c and professional glucose point-of-care testing in general practice: a cross-sectional observational study among patients, nurses and doctors

BackgroundPoint-of-care testing (POCT) is increasingly used in primary care. The rapid availability of the test result during the patient encounter increases the potential for patients and care providers to make a direct and joint decision on disease management. Our aim was to get insight into the first experiences of patients and healthcare professionals after introducing quality-controlled HbA1c and professional glucose POCT in diabetes care in their own general practices.MethodsA cross-sectional observational study using paper questionnaires for patients, nurses and general practitioners (GPs) in 13 general practices in the Netherlands. HbA1c and professional glucose POCT was introduced after training and under day-to-day quality control. Patients filled in the questionnaire immediately after the test; nurses and GPs after a minimum period of three months from the starting date. Descriptive data analyses were performed.ResultsA total of 1551 fingerstick blood POC tests were performed (1126 HbA1c; 425 Glucose). For HbA1c POCT, 84 patients, 29 nurses and 11 GPs filled in the questionnaires. For professional glucose POCT, 30 patients, 17 nurses and 8 GPs responded. Response rates varied between 24 and 56%. Patients, nurses and GPs were generally (very) satisfied with the novel POC tests. Patients were most positive about the location (in the GPs’ office) and execution of the POC test (by their own nurse), and the speed of the test result. Almost all nurses indicated to have sufficient knowledge and skills to perform the test. Both nurses and GPs had confidence in the test results and indicated they experienced a higher patient satisfaction than with regular blood tests. Perceived disadvantages were the time required to regularly calibrate the devices and the extension of the consultation time because of the test. Patients, nurses and GPs generally expressed they wanted to continue performing these POC tests in routine diabetes care.ConclusionsPatients, nurses and GPs expressed (very) positive first experiences after introducing HbA1c and professional glucose testing on two high-quality POCT devices in their own general practices. Further research, with a random selection procedure of practices and patients and in other regions and countries, is recommended to confirm these findings.

Does the Proximity of the Area Affect in Incidence of Stunting? : Study on Densely Populated Provinces in Indonesia

The prevalence of stunting in Indonesia is still above WHO standards, so it needs to be addressed immediately,given the adverse effects on individuals and countries. This study aims to analyze the incidence of stunting inEast Java by paying attention to the proximity of the area as an effort to solved stunting problems. The studywas conducted using secondary data from 2017 from official government agency reports. Administrative area(regency/city) analysis unit. Analysis using spatial regression test. The results show that Moran’s I test showsa spatial dependency or location autocorrelation (p &lt;0.20). The Lagrange Multiplier SAR spatial regression testcan explain that spatial factors can increase 5% greater (75%) of the 5 selected factors that cause toddler stunting,compared to using the OLS classic regression test. It could be concluded that spatial factors, namely geographicareas, can increase the percentage of clarity in the regression modeling for the incidence of stunting in an area. Inthis study, spatial factors are known to be associated with regional proximity and ethnic similarity, namely theMadurese ethnicity.

Large-Scale Open-Jet Testing: A new frontier in structural wind Engineering

This study aims to meet the widely reported challenges associated with building aerodynamics by testing large-scale models in flows that exhibit complete turbulence (low- and high-frequency spectral content) at high Reynolds numbers. We tested 1:5 and 1:10 scale models of the Silsoe cube at multiple locations in the Louisiana State University (LSU) open-jet facility. The paper investigates the velocity-related parameters and the statistical quantities of roof pressures to yield a suitable scale and testing location in the facility. Moreover, we compare measured surface pressures with those from Tokyo Polytechnic University’s (TPU) wind tunnel and the Silsoe full-scale data to validate the results. We attempt to generate both small- and large-scale turbulence by employing the concept of flow without boundaries. The paper reveals the open-jet facility’s promising capabilities to produce mean and peak pressures on buildings, which accurately conform with the full-scale counterparts. The results suggest that the open-jet facility can generate realistic wind loads on low-rise buildings, a fundamental step towards reconciling current design guidelines for the evolution of code and standard provisions.

Participatory Varietal Evaluation and Grain Yield Performance of Improved Bread Wheat Varieties

The activity was conducted in Guagusa-shikudad district using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications to evaluate the agronomic performance of four improved bread wheat varieties and their acceptability among local farmers. The agronomic traits such as days to 50% heading, days to 85% maturity, plant height, spike length, 1000 seed weight and grain yield were collected and subjected to a statistical analysis using SAS 9.4 statistical software. The varieties differed significantly for all traits except for their grain yield. Relatively, the highest grain yield was recorded by the variety ‘’Lemu’’ (2721kgha -1 ) followed by the varieties ‘’Ogolcho’’ (2665kgha -1 ), Wane (2649kgha -1 ) and ‘’Hidasse’’ (2342kg ha -1 ) respectively. The varieties were also qualitatively evaluated considering their resistance to disease and lodging. Farmers’ preference analysis through participatory varietal selection (PVS) approach using two different gender-based farmers discussion groups (FDG) confirmed that the varieties ‘’Lemu’’ and ‘’Wane’’ ranked 1 st and 3 rd respectively by both women and men FDG. The variety ‘’Ogolcho’’ ranked 4 th and 2 nd by men and women FDG respectively. Generally, Lemu, Ogolcho and Wane were selected by the FDGs for their better grain yield, 85% physiological maturity, better tillering capacity, strong stem, resistance to disease and lodging, better biomass yield, larger grain size, and longer spike length when compared to the standard check called Danda’a which is widely cultivated in the testing location. Therefore, based on the above result, the variety ‘’Lemu’’, ‘’Ogolcho’’ and ‘’Wane’’ are recommended to be demonstrated and disseminated in the small hold farms of Guagusa-Shikudad district and other agro-ecologically similar areas of Ethiopia. Keywords: Bread wheat varieties, Participatory varietal evaluation, Grain yield performance. DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-13-02 Publication date: July 31 st 2022

Genomic Biomarkers and Genome-Wide Loss-of-Heterozygosity Scores in Metastatic Prostate Cancer Following Progression on Androgen-Targeting Therapies.

PURPOSETo study the impact of standard-of-care hormonal therapies on metastatic prostate cancer (mPC) clinical genomic profiles in real-world practice, with a focus on homologous recombination-repair (HRR) genes.PATIENTS AND METHODSTargeted next-generation sequencing of 1,302 patients with mPC was pursued using the FoundationOne or FoundationOne CDx assays. Longitudinal clinical data for correlative analysis were curated via technology-enabled abstraction of electronic health records. Genomic biomarkers, including individual gene aberrations and genome-wide loss-of-heterozygosity (gLOH) scores, were compared according to biopsy location and time of sample acquisition (androgen deprivation therapy [ADT]-naïve, ADT-progression and post-ADT, and novel hormonal therapies [NHT]-progression), using chi-square and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Multivariable analysis used linear regression. False-discovery rate of 0.05 was applied to account for multiple comparisons.RESULTSEight hundred forty (65%), 132 (10%), and 330 (25%) biopsies were ADT-naïve, ADT-progression, and NHT-progression, respectively. Later-stage samples were enriched for AR, MYC, TP53, PTEN, and RB1 aberrations (all adjusted P values < .05), but prevalence of HRR-related BRCA2, ATM, and CDK12 aberrations remained stable. Primary and metastatic ADT-naïve biopsies presented similar prevalence of TP53 (36% v 31%) and BRCA2 (8% v 7%) aberrations; 81% of ADT-naïve BRCA2-mutated samples presented BRCA2 biallelic loss. Higher gLOH scores were independently associated with HRR genes (BRCA2, PALB2, and FANCA), TP53, and RB1 aberrations, and with prior exposure to hormonal therapies in multivariable analysis.CONCLUSIONPrevalence of HRR-gene aberrations remains stable along mPC progression, supporting the use of diagnostic biopsies to guide poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor treatment in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. gLOH scores increase with emerging resistance to hormonal therapies, independently of individual HRR gene mutations.

GENETIC ANALYSIS FOR YIELD ATTRIBUTES IN SWEET CORN (ZEA MAYS L. VAR. SACCHARATA) UNDER DIVERSE ENVIRONMENTS

The genotype and environment interaction (GEI) has always been a challenge as these are the main concerns of breeders during the selection of suitable parents for breeding programs. Very little information is available regarding the implication and importance of significant GE interaction, its source, and nature in plant breeding programs and on the net yield and resultant varieties. The study aimed to investigate the gene action and assess the performance of half-diallel populations using eight advanced sweet corn inbred lines for yield-related traits across two environmental conditions, i.e., Nowshera plain and Swat hilly areas, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Statistical analyses revealed significant variations among sweet corn genotypes for the studied traits from both locations. Hayman's graphical analysis deduced that majority of traits like grains cob-1, 100-kernel weight, stover yield, and sweet corn grain yield showed over-dominance sort of inheritance at both Nowshera and Swat locations. The additive components were not more in magnitude than the dominance components at both the locations, however, these were lower than their counterparts’ (H1 and H2) components signifying the major function of a dominant gene action. The dominance effect was unidirectional for all the traits in the sub-tropical plain area, as well as, the temperate hilly area. Asymmetrical gene allocation was found due to their values being lower than 0.25 at both test locations. Broad-sense heritability was higher for most of the traits at both locations except for grains cob-1 and stover yield at Nowshera. It can be incidental that due to the dominant gene action and the least amount of narrow-sense heritability for most of the sweet corn yield-related traits, high yielding hybrids could be utilized for heterotic breeding.

6. Breast Flap Neurotization After Autologous Free Flap Breast Reconstruction: A Prospective Trial

Purpose: Restoration of breast sensation is an important factor to consider following autologous breast reconstruction (ABR). Flap neurotization may result in improved sensation after ABR, but current literature regarding both patient-reported outcomes and quantitative sensation after neurotization is inadequate and heterogenous. We present a prospective trial investigating the long-term outcomes of flap neurotization regarding breast sensation. Methods: 98 patients (n = 166 flaps) were prospectively evaluated for breast sensation and quality-of-life 1-5 years after ABR. This included 55 neurotized patients (n=97 neurotized breast flaps) and 44 non-neurotized patients (n=71 non-neurotized breast flaps). Evaluation consisted of the validated patient-reported questionnaire (BREAST-Q), a sensation-specific patient-reported questionnaire, and pressure-specified sensation testing at 9 locations on the breast using the AcroVal pressure-specified sensory device. Continuous variables were compared using independent t-tests. Categorical variables were compared using chi-squared analyses. Results: Non-neurotized patients were significantly more likely to report breast sensation was affecting their daily lives due to pain or discomfort, while neurotized patients were more likely to report they did not notice a difference in breast sensation after ABR or that the change in sensation was not affecting their daily lives (p= 0.035). While there was no significant difference in quantitative sensation between neurotized and non-neurotized patients at 1 year after ABR, neurotized patients were significantly more sensate at 4 of 9 testing locations on the breast (0.011<p<0.039) when evaluated 2-5 years after ABR. Conclusion: Breast sensation affects the daily lives of breast reconstruction patients and is an important long-term outcome to consider following ABR. Neurotization is associated with improved protective sensation as well as reduced pain and discomfort in the long-term after ABR.

Financial Incentives, Not Behavioral Nudges, Led to Optimized HIV Testing among Pregnant Women in a High-Burden Urban Population in Ecuador.

Behavioral economic principles are increasingly being used in the fight against HIV, including improving voluntary testing in sub-Saharan Africa and South America. However, behavioral nudges have not been widely tested as a strategy to optimize HIV testing in pregnant women. Here, we assessed whether behavioral nudges or financial incentives were effective in optimizing HIV testing among pregnant women in a high-HIV burden setting. A randomized clinical trial was conducted between May 21 and Oct 5, 2018, to allocate pregnant women in Ecuador into three study arms: information only, soft commitment (i.e., a behavioral nudge), and financial incentives. All participants received an informational flyer, including the address of a testing location. Participants in the soft-commitment arm signed and kept a form on which they committed to get tested for HIV. Those in the financial incentive arm received a $10 incentive when tested for HIV. A stepwise logistic regression analysis estimated the effect of the study arms on HIV testing rate. Participants in the financial-incentive arm had higher odds of getting an HIV test (adjusted odds ratio 17.06, P < 0.001) as compared with information-only participants. Soft-commitment had the opposite effect (adjusted odds ratio 0.14, P = 0.014). Financial incentives might be useful in improving HIV testing among pregnant women, especially among those who might be at higher risk but who have not completed an HIV test.

Failure phenomenon of electromagnetic shielding clothing on human health protection in electromagnetic radiation environment

Electromagnetic shielding (EMS) clothing is an important product to protect human body from electromagnetic damage, but the change law and influencing factors of its protective effect have not been clarified so far. In this paper, an important phenomenon is found that the shielding effectiveness (SE) value of the EMS clothing is abnormally reduced to 0 or even less than 0 under certain conditions, which is named failure phenomenon. A semi anechoic chamber is selected to build a testing system to carry out the experiments. The occurring rule and mechanism of the failure phenomenon is explored when the emission source parameters and the test positions are different. The projection method is proposed to obtain the equivalent hole and equivalent seam of the clothing. According to the electromagnetic theory, the estimation method of whether the failure phenomenon appears is established. The results show that the failure phenomenon of the EMS clothing is a serious hidden danger to human health, and the parameters of the emission source and test location have an important impact on the generation of the failure phenomenon. Its essence is determined by the distribution and characteristics of the leakage area and the normal area of the clothing area incident by electromagnetic wave. The estimation method of the failure phenomenon and the design principle of the clothing can prevent the occurrence of the failure phenomenon. This paper can provide reference for the design, production, test and evaluation of the EMS clothing and related scientific research, and has great significance for really protection of human health by the EMS clothing.

Large Displacement Finite Element Modelling of the Screw Driving Sounding Test in Sandy Soil Using the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian Method

The Screw Driving Sounding (SDS) is a recently developed in-situ testing method for soil/site characterisation. To better understand the mechanism of testing, it is essential to create a simulation model for the SDS test to assist in better understanding the response and in improving the testing process, not to mention the development of empirical correlations to estimate geotechnical parameters for use in design. Complex problems involving large deformations are usually difficult to solve with the classical finite element (FE) method because large deformations can lead to large mesh distortions and contact problems. In this paper, a computational model using the finite element method is developed to simulate the drilling process involved in SDS tests; the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) approach is used to deal with large deformation problems. The SDS drilling process in a sandy deposit with defined stress states (i.e., relative density and effective confining pressure) is simulated, and the SDS-derived parameters are monitored. Based on the simulation results, a chart was established to correlate the measured SDS parameter with the internal friction angle for different vertical effective overburden stresses. The derived chart is validated with the results of laboratory tests performed on samples taken from several sites in Christchurch, NZ, adjacent to the locations of the SDS tests. The results show that the CEL FE framework can model complex physical processes encountered during the SDS drilling. Moreover, the developed chart can be used to estimate the friction angle of the sandy soil based on the SDS-measured torque at a given depth.

Using the modified Schirmer test for dry mouth assessment: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to establish whether the modified Schirmer test could serve as a diagnostic tool for dry mouth, that is, whether it could reliably measure salivary film at selected locations within the oral cavity, and to identify levels of sensitivity/specificity and determine reference values. Therefore, a cross-sectional study (N = 120, mean age 63.5 [SD 13.9] years) was performed. The test was used at five locations (hard palate; buccal mucosa in molar region at 4 mm above occlusal plane; anterior tongue; lower lip; mouth floor), and results were recorded after 1, 2 and 3min. A statistically significant discriminatory ability of the Schirmer test for the unstimulated salivary flow rates could be shown for the palate (at 3min), buccal mucosa (at 1min), mouth floor (at 1 min), and tongue (at 2 and 3min) (areas under the curve 0.64-0.68), with individual sensitivity/specificity values depending on test location/time points. Thus, the modified Schirmer test has potential to become a simple and reproducible instrument for the detection of dry mouth based on low unstimulated salivary flow rates in dentistry and especially outreach care. Care must be taken concerning intraoral test location and measurement time.

Optimizing use of U.S. Ex-PVP inbred lines for enhancing agronomic performance of tropical Striga resistant maize inbred lines

BackgroundTemperate maize inbred lines with expired Plant Variety Protection Act certificates (Ex-PVP) are potential sources of desirable alleles for tropical germplasm improvement. Up to now, the usefulness of the Ex-PVP inbred lines as a potential source of novel beneficial alleles for Striga hermonthica resistance breeding to enhance genetic gain in tropical maize has not been reported.ResultsThis study was thus conducted to characterize the combining ability of 24 Ex-PVP inbred lines in crosses with two tropical Striga resistant inbred testers under Striga-infested and non-infested conditions and across three locations for 2 years. Many testcrosses between Ex-PVP inbred lines and the first tester (T1) produced competitive or significantly higher grain yields compared to the hybrid between the two resistant testers under Striga infested and non-infested conditions and across multiple test locations. Also, most of the testcrosses with positive heterosis for grain yield and negative heterosis for Striga damage and emerged Striga count involved T1 as a tester. Our study identified six Ex-PVP inbred lines with positive GCA effects for grain yield under Striga infested and non-infested conditions and across multiple test locations. Amongst these, inbred lines HB8229-1 and WIL900-1 also displayed negative GCA effects for emerged Striga count and Striga damage rating. The inbred line HB8229-1 showed positive SCA effects for grain yield with T2, whereas WIL900-1 had positive SCA effects for grain yield with T1. Over 70% of the Ex-PVP inbred lines were consistently assigned to specific heterotic groups using yield-based classifying methods (mean grain yield and SCA effects).ConclusionsThese results could facilitate systematic introgression of the Ex-PVP inbred lines into the existing Striga resistant heterotic groups in IITA. The Ex-PVP inbred lines with positive GCA effects and producing high grain yields in hybrid combinations could be useful parents for enhancing Striga resistance and agronomic performance of tropical maize hybrids.