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Wheat yield is not only affected by three components of yield, but also affected by plant height (PH). Identification and utilization of the quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling these four traits is vitally important for breeding high-yielding wheat varieties. In this work, we conducted a QTL analysis using the recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between two winter wheat varieties of China, “Nongda981” (ND981) and “Nongda3097” (ND3097), exhibiting significant differences in spike number per unit area (SN), grain number per spike (GNS), thousand grain weight (TGW), and PH. A total of 11 environmentally stable QTL for these four traits were detected. Among them, four major and stable QTLs (QSn.cau-4B-1.1, QGns.cau-4B-1, QTgw.cau-4B-1.1, and QPh.cau-4B-1.2) explaining the highest phenotypic variance for SN, GNS, TGW, and PH, respectively, were mapped on the same genomic region of chromosome 4B and were considered a QTL cluster. The QTL cluster spanned a genetic distance of about 12.3 cM, corresponding to a physical distance of about 8.7 Mb. Then, the residual heterozygous line (RHL) was used for fine mapping of the QTL cluster. Finally, QSn.cau-4B-1.1, QGns.cau-4B-1, and QPh.cau-4B-1.2 were colocated to the physical interval of about 1.4 Mb containing 31 annotated high confidence genes. QTgw.cau-4B-1.1 was divided into two linked QTL with opposite effects. The elite NILs of the QTL cluster increased SN and PH by 55.71–74.82% and 14.73–23.54%, respectively, and increased GNS and TGW by 29.72–37.26% and 5.81–11.24% in two environments. Collectively, the QTL cluster for SN, GNS, TGW, and PH provides a theoretical basis for improving wheat yield, and the fine-mapping result will be beneficial for marker-assisted selection and candidate genes cloning.

Sodium dodecyl sulfate-sedimentation volume is an important index to evaluate the gluten strength of common wheat and is closely related to baking quality. In this study, a total of 15 quantitative trait locus (QTL) for sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-sedimentation volume (SSV) were identified by using a high-density genetic map including 2,474 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, which was constructed with a doubled haploid (DH) population derived from the cross between Non-gda3753 (ND3753) and Liangxing99 (LX99). Importantly, four environmentally stable QTLs were detected on chromosomes 1A, 2D, and 5D, respectively. Among them, the one with the largest effect was identified on chromosome 1A (designated as QSsv.cau-1A.1) explaining up to 39.67% of the phenotypic variance. Subsequently, QSsv.cau-1A.1 was dissected into two QTLs named as QSsv.cau-1A.1.1 and QSsv.cau-1A.1.2 by saturating the genetic linkage map of the chromosome 1A. Interestedly, favorable alleles of these two loci were from different parents. Due to the favorable allele of QSsv.cau-1A.1.1 was from the high-value parents ND3753 and revealed higher genetic effect, which explained 25.07% of the phenotypic variation, mapping of this locus was conducted by using BC3F1 and BC3F2 populations. By comparing the CS reference sequence, the physical interval of QSsv.cau-1A.1.1 was delimited into 14.9 Mb, with 89 putative high-confidence annotated genes. SSVs of different recombinants between QSsv.cau-1A.1.1 and QSsv.cau-1A.1 detected from DH and BC3F2 populations showed that these two loci had an obvious additive effect, of which the combination of two favorable loci had the high SSV, whereas recombinants with unfavorable loci had the lowest. These results provide further insight into the genetic basis of SSV and QSsv.cau-1A.1.1 will be an ideal target for positional cloning and wheat breeding programs.

Abstract We investigated the effect of specific surface area on the electrochemical properties of NiCo2O4 (NCO) for glucose detection. NCO nanomaterials with controlled specific surface areas were prepared by additive-assisted hydrothermal synthesis, and self-assembled nanostructures with urchin-, pine-needle-, tremella-, and flower-like morphologies were obtained. The novelty of this method is the systematic control of chemical reaction routes assisted by the addition of different additives during synthesis, which results in the spontaneous formation of various morphologies without any difference in the crystal structure and chemical states of the constituent elements. Such morphological control of NCO nanomaterials leads to considerable changes in the electrochemical performance for glucose detection. Combined with materials characterization, the relationship between the specific surface area and the electrochemical performance is discussed for glucose detection. This work can provide scientific insights for tailoring the surface area of nanostructures, which determines their functionality for potential applications in glucose biosensors.

The thermal expansion of single crystals of solid solutions (MnIn2S4)1–х•(AgIn5S8)х was measured by the dilatometric method in the temperature range 80–450 K. The coefficients of thermal expansion are determined and their concentration dependences at different temperatures are constructed. It is established that the indicated quantities with composition x vary linearly. From the obtained values of the coefficients of thermal expansion, the Debye temperatures and the mean-square dynamic displacements of the atoms are calculated. It is shown that as the temperature is raised, the Debye temperature decreases, and the mean square dynamic displacements of the atoms increase.

This study has investigated the impact of gender inequality and environmental degradation on human well-being in the case of Pakistan from 1980 to 2019. Augmented Dickey-Fuller unit root test is used for stationarity of the variables. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL) is used for co-integration among the variables of the model. The results show that gender inequality has a negative and significant impact on human well-being in Pakistan, while gender equality encourages human well-being. The calculated results show that there is a positive, but insignificant relationship between environmental degradation and human well-being in the case of Pakistan. The estimated results show that economic misery has a negative and significant impact on human well-being in the case of Pakistan. The estimated results show that economic growth has a positive and significant relationship with human well-being in Pakistan. Based on estimated results, it is concluded that gender equality, economic misery, and economic growth are playing an important role in determining human well-being in Pakistan. Therefore, to improve human well-being, the government must reduce gender inequality and economic misery while enhancing in parallel economic growth. Keywords: gender inequality, environmental degradation, human well-being JEL Classifications: J1, O10, Q0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijefi.8415

Abstract Background This paper examines the opportunity and need for lifestyle interventions for patients attending generalist community nursing services in Australia. This will help determine the scope for risk factor management within community health care by generalist community nurses (GCNs). Methods This was a quasi-experimental study conducted in four generalist community nursing services in NSW, Australia. Prior to service contacts, clients were offered a computer-assisted telephone interview to collect baseline data on socio-demographics, health conditions, smoking status, physical activity levels, alcohol consumption, height and weight, fruit and vegetable intake and 'readiness-to-change' for lifestyle risk factors. Results 804 clients participated (a response rate of 34.1%). Participants had higher rates of obesity (40.5% vs 32.1%) and higher prevalence of multiple risk factors (40.4% vs 29.5%) than in the general population. Few with a SNAPW (Smoking-Nutrition-Alcohol-Physical-Activity-Weight) risk factor had received advice or referral in the previous 3 months. The proportion of clients identified as at risk and who were open to change (i.e. contemplative, in preparation or in action phase) were 65.0% for obese/overweight; 73.8% for smokers; 48.2% for individuals with high alcohol intake; 83.5% for the physically inactive and 59.0% for those with poor nutrition. Conclusions There was high prevalence of lifestyle risk factors. Although most were ready to change, few clients recalled having received any recent lifestyle advice. This suggests that there is considerable scope for intervention by GCNs. The results of this trial will shed light on how best to implement the lifestyle risk factor management in routine practice.

Abstract Background Coronary heart disease (CHD) and depression are leading causes of disease burden globally and the two often co-exist. Depression is common after Myocardial Infarction (MI) and it has been estimated that 15-35% of patients experience depressive symptoms. Co-morbid depression can impair health related quality of life (HRQOL), decrease medication adherence and appropriate utilisation of health services, lead to increased morbidity and suicide risk, and is associated with poorer CHD risk factor profiles and reduced survival. We aim to determine the feasibility of conducting a randomised, multi-centre trial designed to compare a tele-health program (MoodCare) for depression and CHD secondary prevention, with Usual Care (UC). Methods Over 1600 patients admitted after index admission for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) are being screened for depression at six metropolitan hospitals in the Australian states of Victoria and Queensland. Consenting participants are then contacted at two weeks post-discharge for baseline assessment. One hundred eligible participants are to be randomised to an intervention or a usual medical care control group (50 per group). The intervention consists of up to 10 × 30-40 minute structured telephone sessions, delivered by registered psychologists, commencing within two weeks of baseline screening. The intervention focuses on depression management, lifestyle factors (physical activity, healthy eating, smoking cessation, alcohol intake), medication adherence and managing co-morbidities. Data collection occurs at baseline (Time 1), 6 months (post-intervention) (Time 2), 12 months (Time 3) and 24 months follow-up for longer term effects (Time 4). We are comparing depression (Cardiac Depression Scale [CDS]) and HRQOL (Short Form-12 [SF-12]) scores between treatment and UC groups, assessing the feasibility of the program through patient acceptability and exploring long term maintenance effects. A cost-effectiveness analysis of the costs and outcomes for patients in the intervention and control groups is being conducted from the perspective of health care costs to the government. Discussion This manuscript presents the protocol for a randomised, multi-centre trial to evaluate the feasibility of a tele-based depression management and CHD secondary prevention program for ACS patients. The results of this trial will provide valuable new information about potential psychological and wellbeing benefits, cost-effectiveness and acceptability of an innovative tele-based depression management and secondary prevention program for CHD patients experiencing depression. Trial Registration Number Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12609000386235

Abstract Background This paper describes the development and implementation of an intervention to facilitate teamwork between general practice and outside allied and community health services and providers. Methods A review of organizational theory and a qualitative study of 9 practices was used to design an intervention which was applied in four Divisions of General Practice and 26 urban practices. Clinical record review and qualitative interviews with participants were used to determine the key lessons from its implementation. Results Facilitating teamwork across organizational boundaries was very challenging. The quality of the relationship between professionals was of key importance. This was enabled by joint education and direct communication between providers. Practice nurses were key links between general practices and allied and community health services. Conclusions Current arrangements for Team Care planning provide increased opportunities for access to allied health. However the current paper based system is insufficient to build relationships or effectively share roles as part of a patient care team. Facilitation is feasible but constrained by barriers to communication and trust.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to examine the usability of a newly designed virtual reality (VR) environment simulating the operation of an automated teller machine (ATM) for assessment and training. Design Part I involved evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity of a non-immersive VR program simulating an ATM (VR-ATM). Part II consisted of a clinical trial providing baseline and post-intervention outcome assessments. Setting A rehabilitation hospital and university-based teaching facilities were used as the setting. Participants A total of 24 persons in the community with acquired brain injury (ABI) - 14 in Part I and 10 in Part II - made up the participants in the study. Interventions In Part I, participants were randomized to receive instruction in either an "early" or a "late" VR-ATM program and were assessed using both the VR program and a real ATM. In Part II, participants were assigned in matched pairs to either VR training or computer-assisted instruction (CAI) teaching programs for six 1-hour sessions over a three-week period. Outcome Measures Two behavioral checklists based on activity analysis of cash withdrawals and money transfers using a real ATM were used to measure average reaction time, percentage of incorrect responses, level of cues required, and time spent as generated by the VR system; also used was the Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination. Results The sensitivity of the VR-ATM was 100% for cash withdrawals and 83.3% for money transfers, and the specificity was 83% and 75%, respectively. For cash withdrawals, the average reaction time of the VR group was significantly shorter than that of the CAI group (p = 0.021). We found no significant differences in average reaction time or accuracy between groups for money transfers, although we did note positive improvement for the VR-ATM group. Conclusion We found the VR-ATM to be usable as a valid assessment and training tool for relearning the use of ATMs prior to real-life practice in persons with ABI.

Abstract Background Lifestyle risk factors, in particular smoking, nutrition, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity (SNAP) are the main behavioural risk factors for chronic disease. Primary health care (PHC) has been shown to be an effective setting to address lifestyle risk factors at the individual level. However much of the focus of research to date has been in general practice. Relatively little attention has been paid to the role of nurses working in the PHC setting. Community health nurses are well placed to provide lifestyle intervention as they often see clients in their own homes over an extended period of time, providing the opportunity to offer intervention and enhance motivation through repeated contacts. The overall aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of a brief lifestyle intervention delivered by community nurses in routine practice on changes in clients' SNAP risk factors. Methods/Design The trial uses a quasi-experimental design involving four generalist community nursing services in NSW Australia. Services have been randomly allocated to an 'early intervention' group or 'late intervention' (comparison) group. 'Early intervention' sites are provided with training and support for nurses in identifying and offering brief lifestyle intervention for clients during routine consultations. 'Late intervention site' provide usual care and will be offered the study intervention following the final data collection point. A total of 720 generalist community nursing clients will be recruited at the time of referral from participating sites. Data collection consists of 1) telephone surveys with clients at baseline, three months and six months to examine change in SNAP risk factors and readiness to change 2) nurse survey at baseline, six and 12 months to examine changes in nurse confidence, attitudes and practices in the assessment and management of SNAP risk factors 3) semi-structured interviews/focus with nurses, managers and clients in 'early intervention' sites to explore the feasibility, acceptability and sustainability of the intervention. Discussion The study will provide evidence about the effectiveness and feasibility of brief lifestyle interventions delivered by generalist community nurses as part of routine practice. This will inform future community nursing practice and PHC policy. Trial Registration ACTRN12609001081202