Bioscience Horizons

Bioscience Horizons 2008 1(1):75-84; doi:10.1093/biohorizons/hzn010

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© Oxford University Press 2008

A dynamic website for a government/industry-funded project exploring biofortification of wheat with selenium

Elizabeth J. Adams^*

University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK

^* Corresponding author: 4 Daska House, 234 Kings Road, London SW3 5UA. Email: lizjadams{at}gmail.com

Supervisor: Martin Broadley, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.

The website can be viewed at http://bagels.ukcrop.net/

	Abstract

Top Abstract Introduction Introduction to selenium Dietary intakes of selenium Selenium and human health The purpose and aims... Considerations when developing... Development of the BAGELS... Funding References

 
In 2005, scientists within several UK-based academic and industrial organizations came together to work on a research project, funded jointly by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and several industry partners. The project was entitled Biofortification through Agronomy and Genotypes to Elevate the Levels of Selenium (BAGELS). The aim of the BAGELS project, which will report in 2009, is to determine if it is possible to increase safely the selenium (Se) content of bread, through the use of Se-containing fertilizers (i.e. agronomic biofortification). The BAGELS project is also seeking to study the natural genetic variation in grain Se concentration to determine if it might be possible to breed for Se-enriched wheat (i.e. genetic biofortification). The underlying rationale for the BAGELS project is that Se-biofortified wheat is a potential strategy for increasing the dietary intakes of Se and thereby improve human health for most of the population. It was recognized that an official website for the BAGELS project could be used to communicate the importance of Se to human health in addition to providing a simple means to exchange results between scientists. Therefore, the aim of my research project was to create a BAGELS project website, which delivered specific objectives to meet the needs of the project manager and project consortium members. After investigation into website design and construction, accessibility and web-authoring tools, a final dynamic website was created using the free open source software Joomla!. A review of the recent scientific studies on Se and health, and the options for increasing Se intake were included as a first step towards developing a source of public information. There is strong evidence linking low Se intake and status in humans and adverse health effects, including immune disfunction and cancer.

Key words: biofortification, website, selenium, ethics, internet, cancer

	Introduction

Top Abstract Introduction Introduction to selenium Dietary intakes of selenium Selenium and human health The purpose and aims... Considerations when developing... Development of the BAGELS... Funding References

 
In 2005, scientists within several UK-based academic and industrial organizations came together to work on a research project, funded jointly by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and several industry partners. The project was entitled Biofortification through agronomy and genotypes to elevate the levels of selenium (BAGELS). The aim of the BAGELS project, which will report in 2009, is to determine if it possible to increase safely the selenium (Se) content of bread, through the use of Se-containing fertilizers (i.e. through agronomic biofortification).¹ The BAGELS project is also seeking to quantify natural genetic variation in grain Se concentration to determine if it might be possible to breed for Se-enriched wheat. The underlying rationale for the BAGELS project is that Se-biofortified wheat could increase dietary intakes of Se and thereby improve human health for the majority of the population and add significant value to the UK grain sector.¹

It was recognized that an official website for the BAGELS project could be used to communicate the importance of Se to human health as well as provide a simple means to exchange results between the scientists. Therefore, the aim of my research project was to create a BAGELS project website, which delivered three major objectives. First, the website had to be dynamic, by incorporating a database, to allow the simple and secure communication of results between BAGELS project members. Second, the website had to be easily updatable by the project manager (and my project supervisor) until completion of the scientific project. Third, the website had to be informative, by providing a section which would provide relevant information about Se and health that would ultimately be developed as a source of public information as the BAGELS project progressed.

	Introduction to selenium

Top Abstract Introduction Introduction to selenium Dietary intakes of selenium Selenium and human health The purpose and aims... Considerations when developing... Development of the BAGELS... Funding References

 
In the 1930s, Se was linked with toxicity in livestock that were consuming plants with high levels of Se.² Subsequently, in 1957, Se was identified as essential trace element for mammals, when Schwarz and Foltz showed Se deficiency to result in necrotic damage to the liver, pancreas, kidney and heart.² It is now understood that Se has a relatively narrow safe intake margin for humans, below which can cause deficiency symptoms, and above which can be toxic.²

Selenium is incorporated as an essential component in a wide range of functional proteins called selenoproteins.³ In humans, approximately 25 selenoproteins have been characterized which are involved in a wide range of biochemical pathways.⁴ Although the precise function of all selenoproteins has yet to be identified, it is understood that a low-dietary intake of Se prevents the cell's ability to synthesize selenoproteins sufficiently and can therefore result in abnormal cell function and diseases.^{4, 5}

	Dietary intakes of selenium

Top Abstract Introduction Introduction to selenium Dietary intakes of selenium Selenium and human health The purpose and aims... Considerations when developing... Development of the BAGELS... Funding References

 
Most Se intake in humans is through food products and very little Se is ingested from drinking water or from environmental exposure.⁶ There is no international consensus for recommended dietary Se intake and the average Se intake varies greatly between countries.⁷ Required Se intake also varies due to age, sex, genetic variation in the metabolism of Se, and the source of dietary Se. However, since Se intake correlates with plasma Se concentration and the activity of the most abundant selenoprotein, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), some countries have established recommended Se intake levels which are adequate to meet the nutritional needs for the majority of healthy people, based on maximal plasma GPx activities. In the UK, this level is called the Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI). In 1991, the Committee on Medical Aspects (COMA) of Food Policy set the RNI for Se at 75 µg Se d^–1 for men and 60 µg Se d^–1 for women.⁸ Rayman⁹ has proposed that RNI should be based on the saturation of platelet GPx activity rather than the plasma GPx, which would increase RNI to 80–100 µg Se d^–1. A Se intake of less than 11 µg Se d^–1 is considered to cause overt deficiency.¹⁰ However, Se deficiency has also been observed at Se intakes of less than 20 µg Se d^–1.¹¹

In the UK, the recommended maximum safe upper level for daily consumption of Se is 450 µg Se d^–1, based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.¹² However, it is likely that this figure is conservative. Nevertheless, an intake as low as 900 µg Se d^–1 may cause Se toxicity, a condition known as selenosis.¹¹ An intake of 1540–1600 µg Se d^–1 is linked to a high risk of selenosis.¹¹ Symptoms of selenosis included hair and nail loss, skin lesions, liver enlargement, various gastrointestinal and neurological complaints.

The average Se intake in the UK has decreased by 50% in the past 30 years, from 60 µg Se d^–1 in the late 1970s to 43 µg Se d^– in 1994, and 29–39 µg Se d^–1 in 1995.^{9, 13, 14} Thus, UK dietary Se intakes are probably greater than the threshold for deficiency (11 µg Se d^–1 ), but below the RNI for the majority of the population.⁷ It is thought that dietary intake of Se in the UK has declined due to the increased consumption of ‘home-grown’ wheat, grown on UK soils which contain low concentrations of Se for geological reasons, and the decreased use of North American bread making-wheats, which conversely have been grown of soils which contain high concentrations of Se for geological reasons.¹⁵

	Selenium and human health

Top Abstract Introduction Introduction to selenium Dietary intakes of selenium Selenium and human health The purpose and aims... Considerations when developing... Development of the BAGELS... Funding References

 
Scientific studies suggest marginal Se deficiency can affect the maintenance of optimal health and increase susceptibility to disease.¹⁴ Marginal Se deficiency has been linked with immunosuppression, viral pathology, reproductive disorders and increased risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.^{14, 16, 17} There is also evidence that supranutritional Se intakes, or doses that are greater than required to support maximal expression of GPx and other selenoproteins, may also stimulate the immune system and decrease cancer risks.^{14, 16}

Almost 30 years ago, Shamberger and coworkers^{18, 19} first suggested that Se had protective effects against human cancer. He discovered an inverse correlation between mortality due to cancers of gastrointestinal tract, peritoneum, lung and breast and concentration of Se in forage crops of the US. Schrauzer et al.²⁰ then compared cancer mortality rates in 27 countries with regional variation in dietary Se intake. This study suggested that doubling the Se dietary intake, to 200–300 µg Se d^–1, would result in a significant decline in mortality from major forms of cancer.²⁰

There have been numerous further studies which have attempted to determine links between Se status and cancer, including those seeking to determine which selenoprotein is involved in the reduction of tumours and cancer risk^{4, 21} (Table 1). Several of these studies have shown that low tissue Se is associated with increased risk of various cancers. Some studies have found that both inorganic and organic Se-compounds can reduce the risk of cancer by 50% at supranutritional intakes of 100–200 µg Se d^–1.^{4, 21} Some results suggest the reduction in tumour formation is a result of Se simultaneously increasing apoptosis and DNA repair, as well as acting as an anti-angiogenic agent, thus preventing the formation on new blood vessels.¹⁰

View this table: [in this window] [in a new window]   Table 1. Studies which have explored Se tissue levels and cancer-risk

 
Other studies have been inconclusive or found no significant associations between Se levels and cancer (Table 1). It has been argued that these studies do not find an association between Se levels and cancer risk because the subjects have been below the necessary supranutritional intake required for protection.¹⁰ Other studies are possibly inconclusive due to inappropriate statistical methods, have not been subject to peer-review and/or used mixed-treatments of biologically active ingredients.²²

It has also been suggested that while an association is often found in general population where initial Se status is low, additional Se supplementation may not produce an association when initial Se status is already high.^{4, 21} This theory presupposes there is a threshold in plasma level, and when surpassed produces no additional benefits. Further studies are required to find a beneficial and safe level of supplementation. While the clinical data is not extensive, the majority of more recent studies conclude Se status influences cancer risk and prevention.

The mounting evidence of the adverse health effects due to marginal Se deficiency and the increasing understanding of the health benefits associated with supranutritional Se intakes creates a sufficient case for exploring strategies to increase Se intake among the UK population.³ There are four main options for increasing human Se intake in the UK.

1. Encouraging dietary diversification.
   
2. Se supplementation in tablet form, either for humans directly or for livestock.
   
3. Se fortification of foods during processing
   
4. Se biofortification of crops through fertilizer- (agronomic biofortification) and crop-improvement-based (genetic biofortification) strategies.¹⁵
   

There are pros and cons to all of these strategies. A major drawback for all is the lack of experimental data to support intervention. Therefore, there must be increased public awareness of Se and health, and increased understanding of the health benefits of Se before such options can move effectively beyond experimental exploration into widespread implementation.

	The purpose and aims of the project

Top Abstract Introduction Introduction to selenium Dietary intakes of selenium Selenium and human health The purpose and aims... Considerations when developing... Development of the BAGELS... Funding References

 
According to PR Newswire, a Gallup Survey found that in 1999, almost 60% of the UK population did not know what Se was.²³ It can therefore be assumed that most of the UK population has no knowledge of the scientific studies that have shown an association between low Se intake and adverse health, including increased cancer risk. Therefore, there is need for greater consumer education regarding the scientific understanding of the significant role of Se in human health and its possible reduction in the risk of certain diseases. Policy makers, scientists and industry have a primary role and an ethical and professional responsibility—to educate the public about the possible health benefits associated with increased Se intake. Similarly, these groups also have a responsibility to disclose any potential risks to human health and/or the environment associated with implementation of a particular strategy to increase Se intake, or indeed of the potential risks of not doing so. Scientists also have an ethical and professional responsibility to submit their findings for thorough peer review.²⁴

The internet, the World Wide Web in particular, has revolutionized the speed and simplicity with which scientific results can be shared. As this Web continues to evolve, new technologies offer even-more innovative applications for distributing information and sharing results between scientists. Through applications such as website authoring tools, those without any knowledge of computer languages can build websites and web database applications which can be used to securely store and share results, as well publicly provide selected information.²⁵

Since it was recognized that an official website for the BAGELS project could potentially communicate the importance of Se to the public, in addition to providing a means of simplistic exchange of results between the scientists involved in the project, the aim of my research project was to create a BAGELS project website, which delivered three major objectives.

• The website had to be dynamic, by incorporating a database, to allow the simple and secure communication of results between BAGELS project members.
  
• The website had to be easily updatable by the project manager (and my project supervisor) until completion of the scientific project.
  
• The website had to be informative, by providing a section which would provide relevant information about Se and health that would ultimately be developed as a source of public information as the BAGELS project progressed.
  

	Considerations when developing websites

Top Abstract Introduction Introduction to selenium Dietary intakes of selenium Selenium and human health The purpose and aims... Considerations when developing... Development of the BAGELS... Funding References

 
To fulfil the aims of the BAGELS websites, a comprehensive understanding of design and construction of websites was required before design of the BAGELS website could begin (Fig. 1). A website should be fast-loading, flexible and functional, and it should present the information in a way that can be viewed by as many potential users as possible.²⁵ Therefore, a web designer must take into account the layout in which to present the information, including paragraph structure, fonts and images in a manner that ensures, for example, ease of use by disabled and the elderly. The web-designer should also consider the needs of those with low bandwidth connections and older technologies so that they can use, interact, understand, navigate and fully perceive the website.²⁶

View larger version (22K): [in this window] [in a new window] [Download PowerPoint slide]   Figure 1. Flow chart of the method for the development, continual evaluation and additional knowledge required for creating the BAGELS website.

 
Under the Special Education Needs and Disability Act (SENDA), a website must comply with the W3C Accessibility guidelines which provide equal access and equal opportunity for disadvantaged or disabled users.²⁷ The W3C is the governing body for developing protocols and guidelines for the web, including the standards that drive Hypertext Markup Languages and stylesheets.²⁶ The W3C Accessibility guidelines mean that more websites and software are available for people with disabilities to use the web more effectively.²⁷ Physical, visual, hearing, mobility and cognitive impairments, and neurological disabilities including seizure disorders all need to be considered. Users may have difficulty reading or comprehending text correctly, are unable to use a mouse or a keyboard and/or have a text only screen.

A website can be enhanced with the use of small software additions, know as plug-ins and add-ons, which interact with the host web-browser to provide a specific function. For example, QuickTime and Adobe Flash Player plug-ins can add features, such as video, to a website. However, the use of non-W3C formats, including Flash images, do not necessarily adhere to SENDA.²⁸ Furthermore, since the use of plug-ins and add-ons might also require the user to download and install the appropriate software before they are able to view the website contents, those with low bandwith connections would have restricted accessibility to the website. Other factors, such as impatience from casual users, might also prevent correct viewing of the site.

The W3C accessibility guidelines suggest that the content of a website must be written in a clear and simple language.²⁷ Red and green colours should not be used in conjunction with each other. Text equivalent to all images must be provided for those with visual disabilities who use speech- and audio-based browsers and those users that turn off image downloads to speed-up web downloads.

Variations also occur between the amount of website content which can be displayed on a users' screen without scrolling,²⁸ which is dependent on the display resolution. Resolution is often measured by the number of pixels displayed horizontally by pixels displayed vertically, for example 800 x 600.²⁹ Higher number means more content from the website can be displayed on the screen. Global display resolution statistics show the majority of users use a display with 1024 x 768 pixels or more.²⁸

To ensure the website is viewed properly in different browsers and various screen resolutions, a web developer should make all the appropriate size units in relative units (%), rather than absolute units (pt or px).²⁹ Relative units allow the pages and its contents to expand or contract according to the needs and resources of the user.

Users read from the screen at approximately a 25% slower rate than from printed material, and usually read in a more impatient manner.³⁰ Often, online readers do not even scroll down to the secondary level of information. Therefore, information can often be presented most effectively in a front-loading style, called the inverted-pyramid. This style ensures paragraphs are kept short, presenting one main point at a time. Each paragraph begins with the conclusion, and then presents supporting details.

Additional related information can be linked.³⁰ This allows the interested readers to read additional material, but it does not prevent a casual browser from scanning the site. When presenting scientific material, it is also important a website appears credible, thus all text should adhere to correct spelling and grammar. Credibility can also be achieved by providing external links to appropriate (and credible) additional information and resources.

It is important the text web content can be easily read on a website.³⁰ Sans-serif fonts are the most appropriate family of fonts to be used on online, as their simple form makes them more readable at low resolutions and from a distance. Normal body text should also be formatted in a relative unit which appears equivalent to 10–12 point. Text should never be embedded as graphics, as the size cannot change with different resolution settings, nor can it be read by audio-based browsers.

To ensure a fast download speed, all images need to be optimized to a file size between 30 and 100 kB, while still maintaining adequate quality.²⁹ To optimize a graphic image file size, the number of colours, called ‘bit depth’, as well as the resolution and dimension can be reduced by saving graphics in the Graphical Interchange Format (GIF). Photographs should be saved as Joint Photography Experts Group (JPEG) format. The resolution should be about 72 ppi (pixels per inch) for screen display.

Originally, websites were all constructed using the formatting language Hypertext Markup Language (HTML).²⁵ The ‘markup’ part of HTML refers to the tags which are bracketed commands which instruct the web browser on how to display the website. Writing code in HTML is not only tedious but extremely error prone. One typing mistake can result in a dysfunctional website. While some computer programmers understand and write these commands, many web authoring tools can generate these tags automatically.

Advances in programming technology have lead to the creation of numerous new authoring tools, which use the What You See is What You Get (WYSIWYG) editor model for writing HTML and Extensible Markup Language (XML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).²⁵ This type of editing tool was originally used in word processors and does not require extensive knowledge of writing code. The content during editing appears very similar to the final product which will be published on the web as the editor tool automatically manipulates the markup codes.

Commercial authoring tools, such as Dreamweaver and Microsoft FrontPage (replaced by Microsoft Expression Web Design) use a WYSIWYG model. Provided the economic cost of purchasing the software is not prohibitive, these authoring tools are extremely useful for anyone creating and publishing static sites in which information on the website is presented in a manner that does not need any interaction from the user. However, if knowledge about HTML coding is limited, website developers can find that developing dynamic websites is difficult using these tools, and may also inadvertently create websites with large file sizes that require long download times. Also, creating websites with commercial authoring tools does not automatically ensure W3C compliance. Notably, the Dreamweaver add-on, LIFT, can be purchased to highlight accessibility issues as the website is being created.²⁷

Using Dreamweaver, I created a first draft of the BAGELS website as a static website, which presented information but which did not allow user interaction. While the project manager evaluated the basic website design and content, I began a second draft which attempted to create a dynamic site that would allow for users to upload and download documents. However, even after studying coding, and after several meetings with computer programmers, I found the creation of dynamic site with Dreamweaver to be beyond my programming ability and thus it became a prohibitively daunting task.

With an increased personal knowledge of coding, Dreamweaver could have been utilized to create a web database that allows for the simple and secure communication of results between BAGELS project members, and which would thus meet the first objective of the website. However, the necessary extensive understanding of Dreamweaver, and coding, meant that this approach would not fulfil the aim of creating a website that could be easily updated by the project leader, who had limited programming expertise.

Following the decision not to use Dreamweaver, I engaged in extensive discussions with several experienced computer programmers, who provided a consensus view that another web authoring tool, Joomla! (www.joomla.org), could fulfil all the aims of the BAGELS project website. Joomla! is a flexible open source Content Management System (CMS) authoring tool first developed in 2005 to build websites and other online applications.³¹

A CMS is a computer software system that is often used as a web application for managing websites and their content.³¹ It creates a data entry system where users and administrators can manage and edit the content of a website without any knowledge of coding.³² For example, the University of Nottingham has recently adopted a unified CMS for their entire website. Within the University of Nottingham, the use of CMS ensures a uniform appearance, but allows each head of the department to alter text and image content appropriate for their Division.³³

Open-source software (OSS) such as Linux, Ubuntu and Mozilla are free software which any one can download, use and modify the source code for specific needs.³⁴ These OSS systems comply with a GNU General Public Licence to guarantee the freedom to share and modify the software for development.³¹ There are no overhead costs associated with OSS, since the community of users contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the program. For example, in the case of Joomla!, developers that use Joomla! have created powerful plug-ins, add-ons and templates which provide different functions and layouts for a dynamic website.³¹ While OSS offers no warranty, the community of users make enhancements for the benefit of all without the commercial interests which are usually based on market demands. The new releases and updates for Joomla! can be found easily on www.joomla.org. Support and help for OSS is provided in forums in which the community of users assist each other.³⁴

Joomla! is designed to be easily installed, even for non-programmers.³¹ However, as Joomla! requires the use of other open-source software applications PHP, MYSQL, and Apache, some further research of these applications was necessary.

PHP: HyperText Preprocessor, stands for Personal Home Page tools and is a scripting language designed to be embedded in HTML code.³⁵ When a user requests to see a HTML static website, the web server sends the HTML code as-is which is then read by the web browser. In contrast, code containing PHP on a dynamic site is processed by PHP software such as Apache, before it is returned to the web browser. It is this processing which allows for complicated tasks such as data entry on a dynamic site. The processed data can be stored with MySQL, a small, efficient, easy-to-use and secure open source database popular with Web developers. A database acts as a long-term memory that stores information for an application, similar to an electronic filing cabinet.

Naramore et al.³² made a creative analogy for an explanation of how Apache, MySQL and PHP work together in a dynamic website. They represent the website as a fancy restaurant. The customers, or users of the site, want their food to appear attractive, but do not care how the food is prepared. The customer does not want a buffet-style meal where they make their own meal (or develop the website themselves). This restaurant encourages an interaction between the customers and waiter, thereby ensuring complete customization of food according to dietary needs. In this analogy, the waiter, PHP, goes to the kitchen with specific instructions for the food preparation. The chef in the kitchen is Apache, preparing different types of food (or files) in a quick and flexible manner. MySQL is the stockroom containing all the ingredients (or the database of information).

After installation, I explored the Joomla! menu and found Joomla! simple to use. Within a few days and with the help of the Joomla! community forums I felt comfortable enough to demonstrate to my project manager how to use Joomla!. With Joomla!, anyone with a basic understanding of word processing programmes can thus easily learn to manage a website, for example, by adding or editing content, images and any other critical data which is required for the website.³¹ Through a simple browser-based interface, Joomla! is simple for non-expert user to create informative static text pages, or more complicated dynamic sites with varying news items and links. It is also easy to restrict access to sections of the website for particular users. After experimenting with Joomla! on a personal server, I decided Joomla! to be a suitable authoring tool to fulfil all the aims of the BAGELS project website.

	Development of the BAGELS website

Top Abstract Introduction Introduction to selenium Dietary intakes of selenium Selenium and human health The purpose and aims... Considerations when developing... Development of the BAGELS... Funding References

 
The third draft of the BAGELS project website taught me how to install and use Joomla!. However, since a website on a personal server cannot be considered secure, nor can it be easily updated by the project manager, it still did not fulfil aspects of the first two objectives of the project, namely, that the website must allow the simple and secure communication of results between BAGELS project members, and that the website had to be easily updatable by the project manager. Therefore, after further discussion with the BAGELS project manager, it was agreed that (1) Joomla! was the appropriate web authoring software to use for the BAGELS website and (2) that Joomla! should be hosted on the University of Nottingham server.

Following successful installation of MySQL and creation of a database on the appropriate section of the University's server, the Joomla! installation package was downloaded. The files were then transferred to the web server root under a sub directory via File transfer Protocol (FTP). Through the web browser, I went to the specified Joomla! pre-installation check page and followed the easy installation steps, which include configuring the MySQL database, creating a name and directory for the website. During installation, Joomla! automatically creates a Super Administrator (SA) account which can log into the ‘back-end’ of the website to manage, update and edit its contents³¹ (Fig. 2).

View larger version (31K): [in this window] [in a new window] [Download PowerPoint slide]   Figure 2. Back-end user view of BAGELS website when logged in as the Super Administrator.

 
The next step involved is designing the visual layout of the BAGELS website to provide function and visual appeal. Joomla! offers default templates which create the visual layout of the site.³¹ However, as a unique project the site needed a template which would not only create a unique professional design, but also be flexible to comply with needs of all users. Communication with the University of Nottingham's Web Team confirmed that research websites on the University's system do not have to adhere to any specific standards for the website structure (Gemma Wilks, email communication).

As an OSS, the Joomla! community has numerous coders who develop ready-made templates for free. After searching the web, an appropriate template was found at http://www.joomlaya.com/. The files were downloaded and installed through the back-end of Joomla!. This function automatically stores the template files onto the MySQL database. Joomla! offers many components, which are content elements and applications that can be displayed in the content area of a template.³¹ Components with functionality are called modules. By default, Joomla! basic layout displays many components and modules including, Banners, Contacts, News Feeds, Polls and Web Links. Personalization of a site requires specification of which components and modules are visible. As the BAGELS website did not require the banners or newsfeed initially, these components were switched off (Fig. 3).

View larger version (78K): [in this window] [in a new window] [Download PowerPoint slide]   Figure 3. Front-end view of BAGELS homepage.

 
To assist in achieving the first major objective of the BAGELS website, i.e. allowing the simple and secure communication of results between BAGELS project members, part of the BAGELS website had to be password protected and accessible only to the project members. The SA can control what information is available to the different categories of users: guests and registered users. Guests are the casual visitors to the site and can only view the content the SA designates as ‘public’. The SA can create four levels of control for registered users: Registered, Author, Editor and Publisher.³¹ These front-end registered users cannot access the back-end control. Registered users with no ability to create, edit or publish content were created for each member of the BAGELS project.

An additional module was necessary to enable the simple and secure communication of results between BAGELS project members. Members of the Joomla! community create third party Joomla! extensions, such as DOCMan, which can be added to added to a website to give it functionality. The DOCMan extension enables the SA to upload and manage files in multiple categories (Fig. 4). These files are then available for download to the website's registered users through the front-end of the website. Installing DOCMan required assistance from other Joomla! users. Appropriate support was found on the Joomla! forum.

View larger version (60K): [in this window] [in a new window] [Download PowerPoint slide]   Figure 4. Front-end view of DOCMan extension, which allows registered users to download files.

 
The third major objective of the website was to create a section which provides relevant information about Se and health. Thus, additional static pages were created. Certain words were made bold and linked to other pages on the BAGELS website which provided additional information. A menu at the left also provided links to the more informative pages. My own personal analysis of the recent scientific literature has shown there is mounting evidence that marginal Se-deficiency can cause adverse health effects, and that supranutritional Se-intakes can provide protection against certain diseases, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Therefore, the fourth draft of the website initially also provided a list all the possible diseases and conditions that have been associated with Se deficiency, with links to the appropriate online journals. However, after receiving evaluation from BAGELS project members, it was decided that such a list could potentially misrepresent current scientific opinion, since many studies have only reported associations between Se and health, and not causal, or definitive links. Such a list might also be misunderstood and lead to overconsumption of Se. Therefore, the content was edited to provide a more balanced review. These pages are currently restricted to the project consortium, but they will now be developed as a source of public information as the BAGELS project progresses.

Once the appropriate content was added, each page had to be designed with appropriate images. To maintain a minimalist design, only one image (excluding the header) was used to illustrate a page. Appropriate images were collected from BAGELS project consortium members and from http://www.flickr.com. Most photos on flickr.com are deposited under the creative commons licence, which means they are available for use on other websites for free, provided the image used links back to its original photo page. The images were altered and optimized to small file sizes using Adobe Photoshop CS2. Using SA access I loaded the images onto the BAGELS database, and then input them on the appropriate page. Joomla! ensures alternative text is provided for disabled users using screen audio and visual based browsers.

Using various online tools for evaluation, such as EvalAccess 2.0, WebXact and the Screen Size Tester and Web Site Viewer from http://www.anybrowser.com/, it was concluded the BAGELS website was accessible to various types of users. The content, layout and scientific information were approved by the BAGELS project members through an online feedback questionnaire, created with the perForms Joomla! extension and also via continual evaluation from the project manager.

Through the use of Joomla!, the BAGELS website can now be continually evaluated and easily updated according to the needs of the project members (Fig. 1). At the request of the BAGELS project consortium, much of the website is currently restricted to the BAGELS project consortium as the project is still in progress and will not report its findings until 2009. While the results of the BAGELS project will be submitted for peer review once all of the experimental data have been collected and analysed, it would be professionally irresponsible and unethical, to report information based on incomplete experiments, which could be misinterpreted, via a website. It is an intriguing irony that while professional and ethical responsibilities create the need for scientific project websites, professional and ethical responsibilities also constrain their interim utility as a tool of mass communication during the early stages of a project.

	Funding

Top Abstract Introduction Introduction to selenium Dietary intakes of selenium Selenium and human health The purpose and aims... Considerations when developing... Development of the BAGELS... Funding References

 
The funding source for the project was DEFRA Sustainable Arable Link Project LK0974 (2005–2009).

	Acknowledgements

 
The author is grateful for the support of the DEFRA project consortium during the construction of the website.

	References

Top Abstract Introduction Introduction to selenium Dietary intakes of selenium Selenium and human health The purpose and aims... Considerations when developing... Development of the BAGELS... Funding References

 

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Submitted on 22 October 2007; accepted on 21 December 2007

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