An Overview on Biological Markers in Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology: Concepts, Definitions and Use in Risk Assessment

Reproduction and development are complex couple-dependent processes. Risk assessment for these health outcomes requires the use of biomarkers to link exposures to disease. Biological markers of susceptability, external dose, internal dose, biologically effective dose, early or late biological responses, altered reproductive or developmental function, and reproductive or developmental disease are introduced. Using these biomarkers it is possible to define a biologically based risk assessment methodology for reproductive and developmental toxicity. Risk assessment for reproductive toxicity requires definition of male and female fecundity, couple-specific factors, spontaneous abortion, rate, and other factors. Using using sperm count as a biomarker for male fecundity, an example of a reproductive risk assessment using biomarkers is performed.

Current Situations of Development and Use of Wild Vegetables in Yichun Area and Recommendations

Based on the survey on wild plants in 21 counties( cities) in Yichun Area,89 species of 32 families of wild vegetables were collected. The species,parts,edible parts,distribution and current development and use of wild vegetables in Yichun Area were expounded. Then,existing problems of wild vegetables in Yichun Area were discussed. Finally,pertinent recommendations were put forward.

First standard released to regulate the study and use of stem cells

China’s first general standard for stem cells officially released on November 22,2017 is expected to lay a foundation for regulating the application of stem cells technology.Stem cells are a group of self-renewal cells that can differentiate into specialized cells.They are now used for the treatment of many diseases.Despite a series of documents for regulating basic research and achievement transformation of stem cells,

Outlook for Global Cotton Supply and Use

On December 16th, 2010, the Meeting of the Standing Committee of ICAC was held in Washington DC. During the Meeting, the Secretariat from the ICAC gave a report on the World Cotton Situation: Shortage of Cotton Causes Record Prices, generally summarizing the supply and use of cotton around the global market.

Understanding Technology Acceptance and Use in Social Media Platforms:A Systematic Literature Review and the Development of Research Framework

The Systematic Literature Review(SLR)presented in the document focuses on the acceptance of social media(SM)platforms,particularly through the lens of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology(UTAUT),Technology Acceptance Model(TAM),Theory of Planned Behavior(TPB)and other relevant theories.The review involves a comprehensive analysis of the most used theories of acceptance models,the methods for selecting studies,and the results and findings from the reviewed studies.The study also discusses the accomplishment of research goals and creates a research framework to guide future research.The geographic scope of the studies is also examined,providing insights into the distribution of studies across different countries.The review adheres to the PRISMA(Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and meta-Analyses)guidelines for reporting systematic reviews and employs a theory-based approach,categorizing selected articles based on their theoretical foundations.The review’s methodology involves the use of empirical evidence that meets predetermined inclusion criteria and addresses specific research questions.The document provides a detailed account of the steps involved in the systematic review,including the identification,screening,eligibility determination,and selection of studies.The review also offers implications for theory and practice,addresses limitations,and suggests areas for future research.

Understanding factors affecting non-participants’interest in community-supported agriculture

Community-supported agriculture(CSA)has emerged as a viable solution for addressing the agricultural challenges faced by countries like Indonesia.This study uses the wellestablished unified theory of acceptance and use of technology(UTAUT2)model to examine the interest in CSA of potential customers in Indonesia.A standardized questionnaire was distributed to 1200 respondents,and the data were analyzed using structural equation model-partial least square(SEM-PLS)in SmartPLS 4.0 software.The results capture potential CSA consumer interest and will help to improve CSA development strategies in Indonesia.The model explains 44.4%of customers’intentions,and identifies performance expectancy as the decisive factor in customers’willingness to participate in CSA.Performance expectancy(0.292),hedonic motivation(0.262),social influence(0.259),and facilitating conditions(0.086)positively influence customers’interest in participating in a CSA program.The adoption of CSA programs by both farmers and customers could be increased by implementing regulations that provide tax incentives and subsidies,offering training on sustainable farming practices,facilitating the establishment of distribution channels,and establishing guidelines for fair price and quality standards.This study shows the high potential for the implementation of CSA in Indonesia.It could also be used as a foundation for the development of new policies regarding sustainable agriculture markets in Indonesia.

Knowledge, attitude and use of complementary and integrative health strategies: a preliminary survey of Iranian nurses

BACKGROUND： Disagreement exists regarding the need for knowledge about complementary and integrative health（CIH） strategies, as well as for the need to consider such strategies in clinical nursing practice. OBJECTIVE： This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and use of CIH strategies among nurses in Iran. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS： A cross-sectional study of nurses working in two hospitals of Zabol University of Medical Sciences, in southeast Iran, was conducted from October 2014 to April 2015. The questionnaire, developed specifically for this research, was used to assess the knowledge, attitude and use of CIH by nurses. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to interpret the survey responses.RESULTS： Most nurses（n=95, 60.5%） have average knowledge about CIH strategies with most holding a positive attitude about use（n=81, 51.6%）. The majority（n=90, 57.3%） of nurses, however, never applied CIH methods. Where CIH was used, massage was most often clinically applied（n=129, 82.2%） and a large percentage believed it useful for treating illness（n=136, 87.9%）. Other CIH methods commonly used included prayer and herbal medicine.CONCLUSION： Nurses have positive attitudes about CIH though knowledge was typically weak. Educational programs should carefully consider how knowledge about CIH methods could be strengthened within curricula.

Manual on the management, maintenance and use of blood cold chain equipment

The blood cold chain is a series of interconnected activities involving equipment, personnel and processes that are critical for the safe storage and transportation of blood form collection to transfusion. Breaks in the cold chain happen for many reasons, such as equipment that does not meet standards of quality and safety, is unsuitable for blood storage, or is not properly maintained or repaired.

Snakes that Snack on Poison Predators take venom from prey and use it themselves

动物学家发现,虎斑颈槽蛇通过吃一种分泌二烯羟酸内脂毒素的蟾蜍将毒素储存在身体内以抵御捕食者的危害。它会将毒素储存在颈背部,当遇到天敌鹰时通常拱起颈部,如受到威胁便会释放储存的毒素。但目前专家还没有研究出到底虎斑颈槽蛇是如何在不消化毒素的前提下将毒素储存起来并转移到毒腺里的,而毒素在其体内又经过了怎样的化学转变。

桂林中老年群体智慧医疗服务使用意愿调查:基于技术采纳与应用整合理论模型

目的对中老年群体智慧医疗服务使用情况及其影响因素进行调查分析,为医疗机构优化智慧医疗服务、推动中老年群体数字鸿沟治理提供参考。方法在广西壮族自治区桂林市采用线下问卷调查、访谈等方法收集数据,结合技术采纳与应用整合理论模型,使用SPSS 26.0和AMOS 24.0进行不同变量描述统计、单因素分析、不同维度相关分析和结构方程模型路径分析,研究中老年群体在使用智慧医疗服务过程中的影响因素。结果桂林市中老年群体对智慧医疗服务的使用意愿得分为(3.14±0.76)分,除了性别,不同变量对中老年群体的使用意愿差异分别有统计学意义(P<0.05)。中老年群体的绩效期望、社群影响、配合情况对中老年群体使用智慧医疗服务意愿有正向影响,努力期望对于使用意愿的影响不明显。结论桂林市中老年群体智慧医疗服务使用意愿还有很大的提升空间,要从各维度入手提高中老年群体的使用意愿,多方共同努力推进智慧医疗服务的使用。

An empirical study on continuance intention of mobile reading

Purpose： This study aims to explore factors affecting continuance intention of mobile reading. Design/methodology/approach： Drawing on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology （UTAUT）, and integrating perceived enjoyment, we put forward a theoretical research model of factors affecting continuance intention of mobile reading. Using 186 valid data collected through a questionnaire survey, we conducted data analysis with the partial least squares structural equation modeling （PLS-SEM）. Findings： The results show that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and perceived enjoyment all have positive impacts on continuance intention. Among them, perceived enjoyment has the most significant effect on continuance intention, followed by performance expectancy. In addition, effort expectancy significantly influences perceived enjoyment. Contrary to our expectation, facilitating conditions have no impact on continuance intention. Practical implications： This study could help mobile data service providers to foster users＇ continuous usage of mobile reading. Research limitations： This study focused only on the effect of perceived enjoyment as an internal motivation on continuance intention of mobile reading, and other possible factors were not considered. Also, continuance intention may be different from the actual behavior. Furthermore, data of student users was collected from one university in China, and was cross-sectional, while working samples were not considered. Originality value： This study considers the effects of both external and internal motivation on continuance intention of mobile reading. The results highlight the role of perceived enjoyment in building users＇ continuance intention of mobile reading.

Asbestos Tailings as Aggregates for Asphalt Mixture

To use many asbestos tailings collected in Ya-Lu highway,and to explore the feasibility of using asbestos tailings as aggregates in common asphalt mixtures,and properties of some asphalt mixtures were evaluated as well.X-ray diffraction （XRD）,X-ray fluorescent （XRF）,and atomic absorption spectrophotometry （AAS） were employed to determine the solid waste content of copper,zinc,lead,and cadmium.Volume properties and pavement performances of AC-25 asphalt mixture with asbestos tailings were also evaluated compared with those with basalt as aggregates.XRD and XRF measurement results infer that asbestos tailing is an excellent road material.Volume properties of AC-25 asphalt mixture with asbestos tailings satisfied the related specifications.No heavy metals and toxic pollution were detected in AAS test and the value of pH test is 8.23,which is help to the adhesion with asphalt in the asphalt concrete.When compared with basalt,high temperature property and the resistance to low temperature cracking of AC-25 asphalt mixture was improved by using asbestos tailings as aggregates.In-service AC-25 asphalt pavement with asbestos tailings also presented excellent performance and British Pendulum Number （BPN） coefficient of surface.

Research on the special lifting devices for steel box girders of Sutong Bridge

Sutong Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge with a steel box girder and a main span of 1 088 m.The steel box girder of main span includes five portions:back span large unit,large block of pylon,standard girder,back span closure girder and middle span closure girder.Each back span large unit is fabricated by welding several deck segments together in factory,and is erected by floating crane.As navigational clearance of the main bridge is high,the traditional truss lifting device can't satisfy the requirement of domestic lifting cranes for this kind of lifting height and weight.Hence,a kind of lighter lifting device for the erection of back span large units was accepted for this bridge.In this paper,the design and use of this lifting device is introduced.The upper structure used lifting gantry to install the standard girder segment by cantilever method.Because the bridge's navigation clearance is high,and the girder segment is wide and heavy,the meteorology and hydrology condition of the bridge district is abominable,and the requirements of long cable girder side pull-in,structure and performance propose high request to the lifting gantry.In this paper,the design and use key point of long cable pull-in angle adjustment device integrate into lifting gantry is introduced.

Heritage Corridor Construction:New Idea for Protection of Heritage along the Right Bank of the Yalu River

This paper analyzed feasibility,mode,and significance of heritage corridor construction along the right bank of the Yalu River.It stated that the region along the right bank of the Yalu River conforms to characteristics of heritage corridor and is suitable for heritage corridor theory.For Liaoning and Jilin provinces integrating their tourism into the One Belt and One Road strategy,and promoting harmonious use of regional tourist resources,vigorous development of tourism,and targeted poverty alleviation through tourism,the heritage corridor construction is of profound significance.

Behavioral Analysis of E-commerce Acceptance in Micro-enterprises

E-commerce present opportunities and challenges for businesses, especially for micro-enterprises. This paper proposed a theoretical framework that in line with the unique characteristics of E-commerce acceptance in micro-enterprises in Chengdu, which is based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology （UTAUT） model. The extending UTAUT model includes key constructs of performance expectation, perceived behavioral control and the characteristics of owner-managers.

Technology Acceptance Factors for Implementing the E-Government Systems in Saudi Arabia

Governments are implementing E-Government systems to match the other services due to the rapid worldwide development. Therefore, public sectors interact with many individuals;utilizing this technology lowers costs, enhances services, boosts efficiency, and saves time. The Government of Saudi Arabia has had various obstacles in serving its populace. Poor service delivery and excessive Government operating costs resulted from this manual service delivery. As a result, the Government launched the E-Government systems, which provide services more quickly. As a result, the report covered Saudi Arabia’s efforts to adopt E-Government, its difficulties, and its objectives to advance the 2030 vision. This study examined the adoption of E-Government systems using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) in Saudi Arabia. A sample size of 200 was estimated using the Convenience approach and received 58% of the response from employees and end-users of the E-Government systems. Data were analyzed using MS-Excel and SMART PLS for testing the hypothesis and applying the Partial Least Square approach. The results of the hypothesis testing reveal several meaningful relationships, including relative benefits, compatibility, security, management support, performance expectations, perceived Usefulness of E-Government, ease of use by reducing uncertainty to E-Government, and IT infrastructure by reducing language on E-Government adoption.

Plant adaptation to low phosphorus availability:Core signaling,crosstalks,and applied implications

Phosphorus(P)is an essential nutrient for plant growth and reproduction.Plants preferentially absorb P as orthophosphate(Pi),an ion that displays low solubility and that is readily fixed in the soil,making P limita-tion a condition common to many soils and Pi fertilization an inefficient practice.To cope with Pi limitation,plants have evolved a series of developmental and physiological responses,collectively known as the Pi starvation rescue system(PSR),aimed to improve Pi acquisition and use efficiency(PUE)and protect from Pi-starvation-induced stress.Intensive research has been carried out during the last 20 years to un-ravel the mechanisms underlying the control of the PSR in plants.Here we review the results of this research effort that have led to the identification and characterization of several core Pi starvation signaling components,including sensors,transcription factors,microRNAs(miRNAs)and miRNA inhibitors,kinases,phosphatases,and components of the proteostasis machinery.We also refer to recent results revealing the existence of intricate signaling interplays between Pi and other nutrients and antagonists,N,Fe,Zn,and As,that have changed the initial single-nutrient-centric view to a more integrated view of nutrient homeostasis.Finally,we discuss advances toward improving PUE and future research priorities.

Mobile Commerce User Acceptance Study in China: A Revised UTAUT Model

User acceptance is one of the key fundamentals for development and success of mobile commerce （m-commerce）. Based on the revised unified theory of acceptance and use of technology （UTAUT） model, we described a theoretical framework that incorporates the unique characteristics of m-commerce to enhance our understanding of m-commerce acceptance and usage in China. The revised UTAUT includes the characteristics of m-commerce, inclusion and consideration of information system user satisfaction theory, and Chinese culture and context.

Empirical Research on User Acceptance of Mobile Searches

The mobile search, a combination of a web search engine and a mobile communication system, is viewed as the most influential application in the 3G era. Therefore, mobile search service providers are eager to know which factors most influence user acceptance of mobile searches. Based on the characteristics of mobile searches and a review of previous information technology acceptance research, this study integrates the task technology fit model and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model to develop a mobile search acceptance model and empirically tests this model. This study finds that, for mobile searches, the performance expectancy, social influence, and perceived cost all significantly influence use intention and the performance expectancy increases with the increasing user＇s experience and higher tasktechnology fit degree. The effort expectancy is found to not affect the use intention of mobile searches and the users＇ gender does not have a significant moderating effect on the use intention. The results are then used to develop suggestions for mobile search providers to promote their application and development.