The Efficacy of Molecular Markers Analysis with Integration of Sensory Methods in Detection of Aroma in Rice

Allele Specific Amplification with four primers (External Antisense Primer, External Sense Primer, Internal Nonfragrant Sense Primer, and Internal Fragrant Antisense Primer) and sensory evaluation with leaves and grains were executed to identify aromatic rice genotypes and their F1 individuals derived from different crosses of 2 Malaysian varieties with 4 popular land races and 3 advance lines. Homozygous aromatic (fgr/fgr) F1 individuals demonstrated better aroma scores compared to both heterozygous nonaromatic (FGR/fgr) and homozygous nonaromatic (FGR/FGR) individuals, while, some F1 individuals expressed aroma in both leaf and grain aromatic tests without possessing the fgr allele. Genotypic analysis of F1 individuals for the fgr gene represented homozygous aromatic, heterozygous nonaromatic and homozygous nonaromatic genotypes in the ratio 20 : 19 : 3. Genotypic and phenotypic analysis revealed that aroma in F1 individuals was successfully inherited from the parents, but either molecular analysis or sensory evaluation alone could not determine aromatic condition completely. The integration of molecular analysis with sensory methods was observed as rapid and reliable for the screening of aromatic genotypes because molecular analysis could distinguish aromatic homozygous, nonaromatic homozygous and nonaromatic heterozygous individuals, whilst the sensory method facilitated the evaluation of aroma emitted from leaf and grain during flowering to maturity stages

A new family of magnetic adhesion based wall-climbing robots

This paper is devoted to climbing robots that adhere to the wall through permanent magnetic elements. If the surface on which they adhere is not ferromagnetic, it is necessary for the system to be composed of two subsystems (master and follower carts), arranged in a sandwich configuration, with the surface to climb interposed between the two. However, this configuration does not allow the robot to descend from the wall where it is climbing and to move freely on the floor (because of the presence of the follower). This paper shows how to remove this limitation. In fact, the system is able to automatically detach the follower when the robot has to move on the floor and recover it when it has to climb

The Effect of Brand Awareness, Price Perception and Electronic Word of Mouth (E-WOM) Toward Purchase Intention on Instagram

The most popular social media promotion tool is Instagram. The main factor is that social networking tools enable users to exchange photographs and videos. Additionally, Instagram, which is open to all users and is free, is utilized as a promotional tool, particularly by business people who are trying to establish their own companies. The study aims to determine the effect of the relationship variables that affect purchase intention on Instagram, a social media platform whose popularity is growing at the present time. Primary data were collected through the use of questionnaires sent to a total of 120 respondents located in a variety of cities throughout Indonesia. The data were analyzed using the application of structural positive and equation model (SEM) partial least square (smartPLS 3.0), to determine all of the relationships that exist between the variables of price perception, electronic word of mouth (E-WOM), and brand awareness on purchase intention in the model. The structural model indicates that the model on the buying interest variable can be said to be strong because it has a value that is greater than 0.67. The model of the influence of the independent latent variables (price perception, electronic word of mouth, and brand awareness) on purchase intention has an R-Square value of 0.743, which can be interpreted to mean that the variability of price perception, E-WOM, and brand awareness is 74.3%. Keywords: price perception, Electronic Word of Mouth (E-WOM), brand awareness, purchase intentio

Multidrug resistant clinical strains isolated from tracheal aspirates of patients in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background: Antimicrobial resistance poses a major threat in the treatment of respiratory disease especially in developing countries like Bangladesh. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria along with extremely drug resistant (XDR) bacteria have emerged as major clinical and therapeutic dilemma in the treatment of tracheal infections here. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess multidrug resistance among clinical strains isolated from tracheal aspirates of patients in Dhaka, Bangladesh.Methods: Total 200 clinical isolates from tracheal aspirates were identified and their antibiotic susceptibility profiles were evaluated by using the VITEK 2 system following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Patient information on diagnosis, sex, age was obtained from hospital data.Results: Of 200 clinical isolates obtained, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequent pathogens (30.5%) followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (29%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (22.5%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (7.5%), Escherichia coli (5%), Staphylococcus aureus (2%), Proteus spp (1.5%), Enterobacter spp (1%), Citrobacter spp (0.5%), Providencia spp (0.5%). Of 20 different antibiotics tested, highest number of isolates (86%) showed resistance to third generation cephalosporin cefixime, however least number of isolates showed resistance to polymixin antibiotics- colistin (12.5%) and polymixin B (6%). Tracheal infection was found to be more prevalent in males rather than in females although this difference was not statistically significant. The prevalence of infections was highest among the patients of age-group (old adults) ≥60 years (61.5%). Of 200 clinical isolates, 43 (21.5%) were XDR and 125 (62.5%) were MDR bacteria. Of 200 clinical isolates, the synthesis of extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) and carbepenemase were detected in 59 (29.5%) and 98 (49%) strains respectively.Conclusions: Tracheal infections caused by β-lactamase producing MDR and XDR pathogens among patients are high in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Therefore, there is an urgent need for constant surveillance and interventions in Bangladesh in order to prevent further spreading of those resistant organisms

The Role of Culture in Sports Sponsorship: an Update

Nowadays Sponsorship is an important part of sports events. Sports sponsorship offers more benefits, more variety and also it’s a more powerful form of marketing. In general, sponsorship holds a unique position in the marketing mix because it is effective in building brand awareness, provides different marketing platforms and valuable networking and hospitality opportunities. Sponsorship marketing efforts can be influenced by culture. Especially when global sponsorship in sports which refers to sports events in different countries with different cultures, is under consideration. In such situations, sponsorship aspects can be affected by cultural obligations which are discussed in this article

Influence of elemental sulfur on nutrient uptake, yield and quality of cucumber grown in sandy calcareous soil

Abstract This study was carried out to investigate the effect of elemental sulfur (S 0 ) and sulfur oxidizing bacteria (Paracoccus versutus) on nutrient uptake, yield and quality of cucumber grown in sandy calcareous soils. Both elemental sulfur powder (S 0 P) and pellets of sulfur powder-Tiger 90 (S 0 T) were applied at rates of 0, 1, 5 and 10 t/ha at Al Hamraneya. On the contrary, S 0 P was used at rates of 0, 1, 5 and 10 t/ha combined with or without Paracoccus versutus (Pv) at Al Kuwaitat, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Higher concentrations of N, P, S, Mn and Zn in leaves and yield of cucumber at both locations were obtained with application of S 0 at rates of 5 and 10 t/ha. Total soluble sugar (TSS) content and vitamin C was higher with the application of S 0 at rates of 5 and 10 t/ha. Application of Pv individually or with varying levels of S 0 P had no positive effect on nutrients uptake, yield and quality of cucumber. A positive correlation was observed between shelf life and vitamin C. At Al Hamraneya S 0 P performed better than S 0 T. The results reveal that application of S 0 P at the rate of 5 t/ha in sandy calcareous soils can enhance the nutrients uptake ability, increase yield and superior quality of cucumber at both locations in UAE

Whole exome sequencing reveals novel candidate genes in familial forms of Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration

Glaucoma is the largest cause of irreversible blindness with a multifactorial genetic etiology. This study explores novel genes and gene networks in familial forms of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) to identify rare mutations with high penetrance. Thirty-one samples from nine MYOC-negative families (five POAG and four PACG) underwent whole-exome sequencing and analysis. A set of prioritized genes and variations were screened in an independent validation cohort of 1536 samples and the whole-exome data from 20 sporadic patients. The expression profiles of the candidate genes were analyzed in 17 publicly available expression datasets from ocular tissues and single cells. Rare, deleterious SNVs in AQP5, SRFBP1, CDH6 and FOXM1 from POAG families and in ACACB, RGL3 and LAMA2 from PACG families were found exclusively in glaucoma cases. AQP5, SRFBP1 and CDH6 also revealed significant altered expression in glaucoma in expression datasets. Single-cell expression analysis revealed enrichment of identified candidate genes in retinal ganglion cells and corneal epithelial cells in POAG; whereas for PACG families, retinal ganglion cells and Schwalbe’s Line showed enriched expression. Through an unbiased exome-wide search followed by validation, we identified novel candidate genes for familial cases of POAG and PACG. The SRFBP1 gene found in a POAG family is located within the GLC1M locus on Chr5q. Pathway analysis of candidate genes revealed enrichment of extracellular matrix organization in both POAG and PACG

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Death in hospital following ICU discharge : insights from the LUNG SAFE study

Background: To determine the frequency of, and factors associated with, death in hospital following ICU discharge to the ward. Methods: The Large observational study to UNderstand the Global impact of Severe Acute respiratory FailurE study was an international, multicenter, prospective cohort study of patients with severe respiratory failure, conducted across 459 ICUs from 50 countries globally. This study aimed to understand the frequency and factors associated with death in hospital in patients who survived their ICU stay. We examined outcomes in the subpopulation discharged with no limitations of life sustaining treatments (‘treatment limitations’), and the subpopulations with treatment limitations. Results: 2186 (94%) patients with no treatment limitations discharged from ICU survived, while 142 (6%) died in hospital. 118 (61%) of patients with treatment limitations survived while 77 (39%) patients died in hospital. Patients without treatment limitations that died in hospital after ICU discharge were older, more likely to have COPD, immunocompromise or chronic renal failure, less likely to have trauma as a risk factor for ARDS. Patients that died post ICU discharge were less likely to receive neuromuscular blockade, or to receive any adjunctive measure, and had a higher pre- ICU discharge non-pulmonary SOFA score. A similar pattern was seen in patients with treatment limitations that died in hospital following ICU discharge. Conclusions: A significant proportion of patients die in hospital following discharge from ICU, with higher mortality in patients with limitations of life-sustaining treatments in place. Non-survivors had higher systemic illness severity scores at ICU discharge than survivors. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02010073

Identifying associations between diabetes and acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure : an analysis of the LUNG SAFE database

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a common co-existing disease in the critically ill. Diabetes mellitus may reduce the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but data from previous studies are conflicting. The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between pre-existing diabetes mellitus and ARDS in critically ill patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF). Methods: An ancillary analysis of a global, multi-centre prospective observational study (LUNG SAFE) was undertaken. LUNG SAFE evaluated all patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) over a 4-week period, that required mechanical ventilation and met AHRF criteria. Patients who had their AHRF fully explained by cardiac failure were excluded. Important clinical characteristics were included in a stepwise selection approach (forward and backward selection combined with a significance level of 0.05) to identify a set of independent variables associated with having ARDS at any time, developing ARDS (defined as ARDS occurring after day 2 from meeting AHRF criteria) and with hospital mortality. Furthermore, propensity score analysis was undertaken to account for the differences in baseline characteristics between patients with and without diabetes mellitus, and the association between diabetes mellitus and outcomes of interest was assessed on matched samples. Results: Of the 4107 patients with AHRF included in this study, 3022 (73.6%) patients fulfilled ARDS criteria at admission or developed ARDS during their ICU stay. Diabetes mellitus was a pre-existing co-morbidity in 913 patients (22.2% of patients with AHRF). In multivariable analysis, there was no association between diabetes mellitus and having ARDS (OR 0.93 (0.78-1.11); p = 0.39), developing ARDS late (OR 0.79 (0.54-1.15); p = 0.22), or hospital mortality in patients with ARDS (1.15 (0.93-1.42); p = 0.19). In a matched sample of patients, there was no association between diabetes mellitus and outcomes of interest. Conclusions: In a large, global observational study of patients with AHRF, no association was found between diabetes mellitus and having ARDS, developing ARDS, or outcomes from ARDS. Trial registration: NCT02010073. Registered on 12 December 2013