Actual Availability Research Articles

Using the predictive functional profiling of microbial communities to assess the ecological quality of reclaimed waters

The use of proxies for ecosystem function in biomonitoring is desirable to move towards more holistic strategies. Next-generation sequencing of environmental DNA can clearly contribute to these advances. This research is part of a project aimed to use constructed wetlands (CWs), managed by the company Global Omnium (https://www.globalomnium.com/Group/Home/) and having the University of Valencia in charge of the scientific research, in order to improve the ecological quality of already treated wastewaters before being poured into natural environments. The rationale is that, although wastewaters treated by classical methods can meet the standards required by law, transitional constructed ecosystems, as the CWs, can promote ancillary benefits that contribute to the maintenance of the ecological health of receiving natural ecosystems. We propose that some functional traits of the microbial community can be used to outline the process of water renaturation. To assess this, the prokaryotic communities of different types of CWs were profiled by the MiSeq sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA. Using the sequences obtained, a prediction of the functional capabilities of these communities was made with the bioinformatic package PICRUSt2 (Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States; https://github.com/picrust/picrust2), assuming that phylogeny and function are effectively related attributes. Predictions on the occurrence of functional marker genes, particularly those involved in the biogeochemical cycling of main nutrients (C, N, S, P), were then made. The PICRUSt2 predictions were based in the annotated genes catalog of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database (https://www.genome.jp/kegg/). In general, results indicated a decline in the CWs effluents of microbial functions typical from wastewater in favor of those more suited for the receiving environment. An enhancement of aerobic metabolism was predicted to occur based on the increase of the gene encoding the cytochrome-c oxidase compared to fermentation pathways. Accordingly, both the denitrification and the dissimilatory reduction of sulfate, that are predominant in the anaerobic environments, also decreased in the effluents of the CWs to lower levels more similar to those observed in natural environments, showing a shift towards reactions at higher redox potentials. On the other hand, a development of metabolic skills for degrading plant materials (e.g., xylose, vanillin, syringate, protocatechuate) was also predicted, which was likely related to a parallel transformation of the organic matter pool in the CWs (more unreactive and natural). Additionally, increases observed in pathways for the synthesis of some cell structural compounds (e.g., mycolic acids) and coenzymes (e.g., F420 cofactor, NAD+) can be related with an enhancement of colonization and competitive potentials of the natural microbial community, as well as with changes in the actual availability of nutrients in the environment. Based on these findings, we raise the possibility of considering these functional surveys made on marker genes as a complementary strategy on the biomonitoring procedures, not only for CWs, but for the general study of freshwater ecosystem potentially affected by wastewater pollution.

Does Habitat Diversity Modify the Dietary and Reproductive Response to Prey Fluctuations in a Generalist Raptor Predator, the Eurasian Buzzard Buteo buteo?

Predators can modify their diet and demography in response to changes in food availability and habitat quality. I tested the prediction that some species can change their predation pattern, between specialist type and generalist type, depending on the complexity of habitat structure. It was hypothesized that their dietary response is stronger in diversified habitats than in simplified ones, but the opposite tendency occurs in the case of reproductive response. The nestling diet and breeding success of the Eurasian Buzzard Buteo buteo, the abundance of its main prey (the common vole Microtus arvalis), and that of the most important alternative prey group (passerines) were estimated over ten years in two types of agricultural habitat in western Poland, i.e., in the diversified habitat of small fields and the simplified habitat of large fields. The vole abundance was higher in large fields, but the abundance of passerines was greater in small fields. The frequency of voles in the Eurasian Buzzard nestling diet was higher in large fields than in small fields and increased with the abundance of this prey in crop fields. However, no difference in the relationship between the vole frequency in the diet of Eurasian Buzzards and the abundance of voles was found between the two habitat types. The breeding success of Eurasian Buzzards was dependent on the vole abundance, but this relationship did not differ between the two field types. It seems that the pattern of dietary and reproductive response of Eurasian Buzzards depends on the actual availability of individual prey species, which can be modified by habitat quality, rather than on relative prey abundance.

Selective and scaled-up continuous flow synthesis of manganese oxide nanocatalysts for single electron transfer reactions

The application of high-quality nanomaterials in industrial products and processes is somewhat hindered by their actual market availability at a large scale, mostly due to preparation methods which can be hardly scalable for cost, reproducibility, sustainability or complexity issues. Herein, the application of the Continuous Flow Hydrothermal Synthesis (CFHS) is presented to prepare various nano Mn oxides in supercritical water with common and low-cost precursors and additives, yielding an outstanding production rate of 1 Kg day−1. Since Mn oxidation state spans from MnII to MnVII, the implemented process generates, with exquisite selectivity and consistency, nanosized MnO, α-MnO2, β-MnO2, λ-MnO2, Mn2O3, Mn3O4 and LiMn2O4 oxides with reproducible characteristics of the obtained phase under controlled synthetic conditions. As a case study, all our MnOx nanomaterials were tested as catalyst precursors in the Single Electron Transfer (SET) oxidation of olefins with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds, obtaining recyclable active materials whose respective activity depends on the particular oxide structure, therefore proving the importance of phase selectivity in the final application.

Mean spectral reflectance from bare soil pixels along a Landsat-TM time series to increase both the prediction accuracy of soil clay content and mapping coverage

Visible, near-infrared and short wave infrared (VNIR/SWIR, 400–2500 nm) remote sensing imagery is a useful tool for topsoil property mapping, but limited to bare soils pixels. With the increasing amount of freely available VNIR/SWIR satellite imagery (e.g. Landsat TM, ETM+, OLI and Sentinel-2A/B), extensive time series data can be exploited to increase the spatial coverage of bare soil derived information. The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefits of using a bare soil image created from the mean spectral reflectance from bare soil pixels along a time series, compared to a single-date image. The benefits were analyzed in term of (i) proportion of soil mapping and (ii) accuracy of clay content prediction. The study was conducted over the Cap-Bon region (Northern Tunisia) which is a pedologically contrasted and cultivated area. To this end, 262 topsoil samples and three Landsat-TM images acquired during the summer season were used. Multiple linear regression (MLR) models based on the multi-date and single-date Landsat-derived spectral dataset were performed to quantify clay soil content. Our results have shown that (1) a bare soil image created from only mean spectral reflectance from common bare soil pixels along a time series provided the best accuracy of clay content prediction (i.e., coefficient of determination of validation Rval2 of 0.75, a root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 88 g/kg) with a moderate bare soil coverage (i.e., 23% of the study area); (2) a bare soil image created from a mix of mean spectral reflectance from common bare soil pixels along a time series and of spectral reflectance from bare soil pixels of single-date images provided acceptable accuracy of clay content prediction (i.e., Rval2 = 0.64, RMSEP = 109 g/kg) with a relatively high bare soil coverage (i.e., 44% of the study area); and (3) all the bare soil images provided similar spatial structures of the clay content predictions. With the actual availability of the VNIR/SWIR satellite imagery for the entire globe, this study offer a simple and accurate method for delivering accurate soil property maps over large areas, to the geoscience community.

Impact of potential and actual evapotranspiration on drought phenomena over water and energy-limited regions

Understanding the relevance of potential (PET) and actual evapotranspiration (AET) in the drought characterization over energy and water-limited regions is unexplored. The present study tries to restructure the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) with AET to represent the anomalies of actual water availability in addition to precipitation over India. The AET is estimated using the Budyko hypothesis at annual scale which was validated with Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model (GLEAM) satellite-based AET data. AET-based drought index was in more agreement with remote sensing-based drought severity index (DSI) for major drought events compared to PET-based drought index for water-limited zone compared to energy-limited. For water-limited zones, the PET-based drought index has overestimated the drought intensities, while for energy-limited zones such effect is not significant. AET-based drought index has estimated lesser areal extents under extreme drought conditions compared to PET-based drought index for water-limited zones of India. The rate of increase of drought frequencies was noted to be higher with AET for extreme droughts when compared to other categories. Overall, considerable differences in drought characteristics based on PET and AET drought indices over water-limited zones of India stresses on the use of AET in the drought assessment instead of PET.

Rationing Evidence-Based Nursing Practice: Considering a Resource-Based Approach

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the United States and the global healthcare system. The lack of agency and national stockpiles of personal protection equipment led to rationing and alteration in best infection prevention practices. The lack of resources forced nurses to make decisions based on resources rather than evidence. This article offers a brief review of the tenants of evidence-based practice, and discusses EBP during the COVID-19 pandemic. Presented is information about the concepts important to a resource-based view, and a potential modification of an EBP model that adds the perspective of resource-based practice to include the actual availability of resources to inform clinical decision-making by nurses and other providers.

Evaluation of Data Sharing After Implementation of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors Data Sharing Statement Requirement

The benefits of responsible sharing of individual-participant data (IPD) from clinical studies are well recognized, but stakeholders often disagree on how to align those benefits with privacy risks, costs, and incentives for clinical trialists and sponsors. The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) required a data sharing statement (DSS) from submissions reporting clinical trials effective July 1, 2018. The required DSSs provide a window into current data sharing rates, practices, and norms among trialists and sponsors. To evaluate the implementation of the ICMJE DSS requirement in 3 leading medical journals: JAMA, Lancet, and New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). This is a cross-sectional study of clinical trial reports published as articles in JAMA, Lancet, and NEJM between July 1, 2018, and April 4, 2020. Articles not eligible for DSS, including observational studies and letters or correspondence, were excluded. A MEDLINE/PubMed search identified 487 eligible clinical trials in JAMA (112 trials), Lancet (147 trials), and NEJM (228 trials). Two reviewers evaluated each of the 487 articles independently. Publication of clinical trial reports in an ICMJE medical journal requiring a DSS. The primary outcomes of the study were declared data availability and actual data availability in repositories. Other captured outcomes were data type, access, and conditions and reasons for data availability or unavailability. Associations with funding sources were examined. A total of 334 of 487 articles (68.6%; 95% CI, 64%-73%) declared data sharing, with nonindustry NIH-funded trials exhibiting the highest rates of declared data sharing (89%; 95% CI, 80%-98%) and industry-funded trials the lowest (61%; 95% CI, 54%-68%). However, only 2 IPD sets (0.6%; 95% CI, 0.0%-1.5%) were actually deidentified and publicly available as of April 10, 2020. The remaining were supposedly accessible via request to authors (143 of 334 articles [42.8%]), repository (89 of 334 articles [26.6%]), and company (78 of 334 articles [23.4%]). Among the 89 articles declaring that IPD would be stored in repositories, only 17 (19.1%) deposited data, mostly because of embargo and regulatory approval. Embargo was set in 47.3% of data-sharing articles (158 of 334), and in half of them the period exceeded 1 year or was unspecified. Most trials published in JAMA, Lancet, and NEJM after the implementation of the ICMJE policy declared their intent to make clinical data available. However, a wide gap between declared and actual data sharing exists. To improve transparency and data reuse, journals should promote the use of unique pointers to data set location and standardized choices for embargo periods and access requirements.

Evaluation of modern equipment for automated control and maintenance systems for mine transport

The article presents the results of an analytical study of the equipment of production facilities for automatic control and maintenance of mining equipment. The analysis of the needs of enterprises in parameter control systems and the actual availability of these systems is carried out. Based on the list of parameters, conclusions are drawn about the development of modern automated control systems. The list of parameters was divided into groups to simplify data processing, as well as to be able to draw conclusions about each specific group. The solution of the problem is presented, which allows one to optimize the operation of the equipment and to avoid the occurrence of critical situations as much as possible.

Ключевой показатель нового бизнес-процесса организации эксплуатации и ремонта как инструмент контроля технического состояния локомотивов

The revision of the business process of operation and repair of locomotives also led to revision of the indicators that characterize the quality of repairs and maintenance performed. The article considers a new indicator that characterizes the quality of work of locomotive repair enterprises of service companies. The components of the equation are investigated and the procedure for calculating the technical readiness coefficient is analyzed. The analysis of the order regulating the procedure for accounting for the time when the locomotive section is in the condition was made. According to the results of the analysis, all accounting conditions are collected in groups in accordance with the calculation formula. The source of obtaining the initial data on the location of the locomotive section in the accounting condition is determined. The initial data is analyzed and the results are presented. The actual value of the technical readiness coefficient is calculated with and without taking into account administrative costs. The term «locomotive technical readiness corridor» is defined. The actual availability of serviceable locomotives at the disposal of the operational locomotive depot along the upper and lower boundaries of the corridor is calculated. It is revealed that the new indicator can be used to characterize the quality and completeness of the work performed by the service company, but it is not enough to assess the actual availability of serviceable traction rolling stock.

Development of process control and technical documentation for the construction of residential buildings and structures from monolithic reinforced concrete

One of the main tasks of the foreman at the construction site is the proper execution of technical and as-built documentation. As-built technical documentation is an integral part of construction production, which is necessary to confirm the quality and scope of work performed. In the event of accidents both during the construction of the facility and during its operation, as-built documentation is considered first to identify the reasons. It is also presented in the process of putting the object into operation. A foreman at a construction site needs to solve many problems: from ordering materials and controlling the production of construction and installation works to preparingas-built and reporting documentation for each completed stage of work. At the same time, as practice shows, a shortage of staffing to solve all the necessary tasks has been identified. In this regard, some companies resort to additional human resources for engineering and technical personnel from third parties. The task of the formation and functioning of the process of staffing mainly consists of creating a system for management regulation and providing this system with highly qualified professional personnel. This task is especially acute in the case of organizational coordination of construction management regulation. Based on this, there is a steady trend towards the growth of engineering corporations specializing in the complex provision of services for organizational coordination and management regulation. The selection of a professional construction organizer as an object of construction and investment activity imposes special requirements on the formation of an effective system of construction management regulation. The staffing level is expressed in accordance with the data on the composition of administrators, employees or the auxiliary personnel of a systematized configuration of management regulation with the number provided by the staffing table established in the process of organizational design or strategic planning process. The provisions considered in the paper make it possible to identify the actual availability of workers at all stages of management regulation, including the possibility of eliminating the shortage of engineering and technical personnel by rearranging company’s own personnel, namely, to form a reserve for promotion, provide for retraining or additional training of the relevant groups of workers. In this case, the basis for the interaction of construction organizers and owners of labor resources is the process control and technical documentation.

Identifying Gaps in Knowledge and Barriers to Utilization of Hospice and End-of-Life Care Services

Hospice and end-of-life (HEOL) services have traditionally been underutilized, especially in rural areas. A community assessment, performed in eastern Maine, sheds light on the extent to which public and health care professional attitudes and knowledge explain HEOL service access and utilization levels. Structured surveys were distributed in the fall of 2019 targeting community residents (18 years and older) and hospice/health care professionals. Residents (n=213) displayed significant levels of ignorance concerning the purpose and availability of HEOL services. Although a range of HEOL services were rated as highly important, residents were unable to confirm their actual availability. Overall, one in every two residents did not know if particular HEOL services existed locally (ranging from a low of 27% that were unsure whether grief support services were available to 67% unaware of the presence of a community hospice house). Hospice/health professionals (n=22) were aligned in their belief that the public did not have a clear understanding of the intent of HEOL services. Interestingly, community residents lacked equivalent measures of confidence in the HEOL knowledge levels of health care professionals. Significant barriers to the timely utilization of HEOL services included: stigma/fear, lack of education as to the purpose of these services, financial barriers to access, and scarcity of selected HEOL services. For both respondent groups, the top ranking suggestions for increasing HEOL services utilization were earlier discussions between providers and patients concerning the need for such services and increased public and professional education around death and dying.

Rule-Based Control Strategy to Increase Photovoltaic Self-Consumption of a Modulating Heat Pump Using Water Storages and Building Mass Activation

The use of photovoltaic (PV) energy in combination with heat pump systems for heating and cooling of residential buildings can lead to renewable energy self-consumption, reducing the energy required from the grid and the carbon footprint of the building uses. However, energy storage technologies and control strategies are essential to enhance the self-consumption level. This paper proposes and analyzes a new control strategy for the operation of a modulating air-source heat pump, based on the actual PV availability. The solar energy surplus is stored as thermal energy by the use of water tanks and the activation of the thermal capacitance of the building. The efficacy of the control strategy is evaluated considering different rule-based strategies, and different boundary conditions. The effect of climate data, building insulation level and thermal inertia are investigated and compared. The results show the efficacy of the proposed strategy to decrease up to 17% the amount of electricity purchased from the grid and to increase the self-consumption by 22%, considering a high-insulated building in Bolzano, Northern Italy. The thermal mass activation is found effective to increase the self-consumption of the system. Nonetheless, the achievable energy reduction depends largely on the building characteristics and the boundary conditions.

Updated Characterization of Outbreak Response Strategies for 2019-2029: Impacts of Using a Novel Type 2 Oral Poliovirus Vaccine Strain.

Delays in achieving the global eradication of wild poliovirus transmission continue to postpone subsequent cessation of all oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) use. Countries must stop OPV use to end all cases of poliomyelitis, including vaccine-associated paralytic polio (VAPP) and cases caused by vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPVs). The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) coordinated global cessation of all type 2 OPV (OPV2) use in routine immunization in 2016 but did not successfully end the transmission of type 2 VDPVs (VDPV2s), and consequently continues to use type 2 OPV (OPV2) for outbreak response activities. Using an updated global poliovirus transmission and OPV evolution model, we characterize outbreak response options for 2019-2029 related to responding to VDPV2 outbreaks with a genetically stabilized novel OPV (nOPV2) strain or with the currently licensed monovalent OPV2 (mOPV2). Given uncertainties about the properties of nOPV2, we model different assumptions that appear consistent with the evidence on nOPV2 to date. Using nOPV2 to respond to detected cases may reduce the expected VDPV and VAPP cases and the risk of needing to restart OPV2 use in routine immunization compared to mOPV2 use for outbreak response. The actual properties, availability, and use of nOPV2 will determine its effects on type 2 poliovirus transmission in populations. Even with optimal nOPV2 performance, countries and the GPEI would still likely need to restart OPV2 use in routine immunization in OPV-using countries if operational improvements in outbreak response to stop the transmission of cVDPV2s are not implemented effectively.

Understanding the factors limiting organic consumption: the effect of marketing channel on produce price, availability, and price fairness

Organic food consumption is increasing globally but still comprises a small share of the overall food market. Our understanding of organic consumption is primarily based on consumer surveys, while we lack robust data on the actual price and availability of organic products in most countries. To address this gap, we conducted a case study where we collected data directly from produce sellers in Seville, Spain, to evaluate the extent to which price, availability, and farmer price fairness potentially limit organic consumption in marketing channels with short food supply chains (SFSCs) and long food supply chains (LFSCs). Price of a family produce basket was not significantly different between conventional LFSC and organic SFSC channels. Organic produce was more available in SFSC than LFSC channels by an average of 14 weeks. Price fairness, measured as farmers’ share of the value added, was higher in organic SFSC than organic LFSC and conventional LFSC channels. These results suggest that consumers in Seville can avoid the higher prices and lower availability of organic produce in supermarkets and ensure farmers greater revenue share by switching to organic SFSC channels like farmer-consumer cooperatives and direct sellers. However, the scarcity of such information for most products and markets limits consumers’ ability to ascertain the economic and social benefits of different channels. This study highlights the need for systematic data collection and sharing from different marketing channels to better inform consumers about their food purchasing options and improve understanding of the factors limiting organic consumption.

Habitat structure and association with ungulates drive habitat selection and grouping behaviour of lesser rhea (Rhea pennatasubsp.pennata)

AbstractSocial prey species respond to predation risk by modifying habitat selection and grouping behaviour. These responses may depend on both actual predation risk (predator probability of occurrence) and/or on perceived predation risk associated with habitat structure. Other factors like food availability and co‐occurrence with other species may also affect habitat selection and group formation. We analyse habitat selection and grouping behaviour (group size and cohesion) of lesser rhea (Rhea pennatasubsp.pennata), a ratite endemic of South America inhabiting steppe shrublands and grasslands, in relation to actual (puma probability of occurrence) and perceived (habitat structure: openness, visibility) predation risk, co‐occurrence with other herbivore species and forage availability in the Chilean Patagonia. We used data from 9 sampling seasons in 5 years. Results show that habitat selection, group size and cohesion in lesser rhea were mainly driven by variables associated with perceived predation risk and by co‐occurrence with other herbivores both during breeding and non–breeding season. As expected, lesser rhea preferred open habitats (vegas and grasslands) that allow a behaviour of ‘watch and run’ to avoid predation and formed larger groups in them. Moreover, lesser rhea positively selected year‐round habitats where livestock occur, forming large groups during non–breeding season there. Group size and co‐occurrence with other herbivores significantly decreased group cohesion, suggesting a reduction of perceived predation risk. Therefore, lesser rhea seems to take advantage of forming mixed interspecific groups to reduce predation risk. These results suggest that lesser rhea habitat selection and grouping behaviour are preferentially driven by factors related to perceived predation risk than by actual predator occurrence or food availability.

The shading effects of Green Infrastructure in private residential areas: Building Performance Simulation to support urban planning

Over the past decades, intense urbanization processes have produced built environments with a low energy efficiency and a severe lack of green spaces, which represent the main providers of ecosystem services in cities and play a relevant role in regulating the local microclimate. Among the different natural processes involved in climate regulation, a fundamental role is played by the shading effects of urban vegetation on buildings and built environment.Consequently, urban planning strategies aimed at designing a Green Infrastructure (GI) can have significant impacts on reducing the summer-time energy demand of cities while providing new green spaces for the local community. This is particularly relevant in high density settlements, where urban morphology types such as multi-storey apartment buildings represent an important percentage of the entire built environment. For these morphology types, the implementation of the GI depends on the different possibilities and limitation offered by private open spaces around residential buildings. Despite its importance, the implementation of a GI from public administrations must often challenge the lack of economic resources to acquire and manage private land to be set as new urban green spaces.This article investigates the potential energy savings for multi-storey apartment buildings that can be achieved by shading effect of trees. Particularly, building performance simulations are carried out considering different configurations of key parameters, such as trees species, distance to buildings, orientations of buildings and actual room of open spaces beside buildings where to plant new trees. The simulations are run for a real urban case study located in the metropolitan area of Catania in southern Italy, characterized by different types of urban morphologies. Simulations of shading effect consider three species of trees and 41 different spatial configurations depending on actual availability of open spaces around buildings.Results show that relevant energy savings can be obtained when the entire façades of buildings are shaded. The range of reduction of cooling loads of buildings varies between 2% and 50%, depending on the species and configurations: for half of considered 41 configurations 15% of average reduction is obtained. From an urban design point of view, results also suggest that the distance of trees from buildings and the actual availability of room for trees are key aspects to consider when designing where and how to plant new trees. Not in all configurations simulated, planting trees can result in a significant reduction of cooling energy loads. Findings of this work support urban planning for the choice of different scenarios and alternatives of GI to better balance public and private costs and generate wider benefits for the local communities.

Difficulties in implementation of the National Health Map in Bulgaria

Abstract Background National Health Map (NHM) of Bulgaria determines the required minimum of healthcare facilities, hospital beds and specialists at different levels of Health System to meet population's needs of healthcare. Its main objective is to adapt structure of the healthcare network to the population health needs ensuring for every Bulgarian citizen an equal access to health services. Through it healthcare resources have been planned on a territorial basis and the national health policy has been implemented. The aim of this report is to analyze the actual availability of healthcare facilities and staff, and compare with the minimum necessary according to the NHM. Methods Content and critical analysis of statistical data of the Bulgarian Ministry of Health. Results Bulgaria is among countries with relatively low number of general practitioners (GPs) among countries of EU where the range is between 42 and 253 per 100 000 inhabitants. According to the NHM, taking into account administrative division, infrastructure and morbidity, optimum GPs/population ratio is about 67/100 000 while an actual availability is 55.9/100 000. The most serious deficiency is in remote areas where the ratio is between 26 and 32 per 100 000. Quality of primary health care is affected by the fact that 23.89% of GPs are without acquired specialty. Number of practicing nurses in Bulgarian health system is 30% lower than the recommended minimum. Nurses/population ratio is unsatisfactory. Physicians/nurses ratio is not consistent with European standards. Hospital beds are 6.3/1000 which range Bulgaria among five European countries with the highest availability of hospital beds but they are unevenly distributed both on a territorial basis and on specialties. Conclusions There is a lack of human resources in Bulgarian Health System and unequal availability and accessibility of health facilities in different regions of the country. Distribution of hospital beds on specialties also must be optimized. Key messages National Health Map of Bulgaria determines population needs of accessible outpatient and hospital care, distributes health institutions on territorial bases and implements National Health Policy. Difficulties in implementation of National Health Map are insufficient number general practitioners (GPs), a large proportion of GPs without acquired specialty, inadequate ratio physicians/nurses etc.

Progress in Organ Donation and Transplantation: A Critical Review of Literature

The majority of countries are battling with a high incidence of organ failure such as the kidneys, heart, lungs, pancreas, and liver. The only solution that can remedy the plight of patients facing the strong likelihood of death as a result of malfunctioning body organs is organ donation and transplantation. The intention of this literature study is to assess progress in organ donation and transplantation. This study has benefitted immeasurably from previous scientific investigations. Four hundred and thirty-one published papers were selected from different accredited journals. The study found that many of the countries that have implemented the opt-in system are struggling to close the gap between the high demand for and the actual availability of life-saving organs due to low rates of registered and committed organ donors. The majority of patients that are contending with end-stage diseases are added to the organ donation waiting lists, but have little hope of receiving life-prolonging organs. Among the factors that deter people from contributing to organ donation and transplantation are a lack of knowledge, the failure to obtain consent from family members or next-of-kin, social attitudes, socio-cultural aspects, and myths. This study recommends urgent measures that could be taken to increase organ transplants in public and private hospitals due to the chronic shortage of organs for transplantation and by introducing the opt-out system of organ donation.

Newly Grown Wool Mineral Content Response to Dietary Supplementation in Sheep.

Simple SummaryThe evaluation of the mineral status of grazing and group-housed animals is important, as the actual mineral intake is not fixed. The determination of the wool mineral content to assess the animals’ mineral status has a long history, but the results are controversial. We hypothesized that one of the contributing factors is that the sampling material in previous studies was collected from long fleece, a fact that could mask the response to recent differences in mineral intake. Therefore, in our trial, we applied different level of premix dietary inclusion (and as a result, mineral supplementation), and the wool samples were collected 28 days later from a 5 × 5 cm area that was shorn completely at the beginning of the trial (newly grown wool). In general, wool mineral content did not correspond to the increased intake, while it was sensitive enough to detect high Zn and low Se intake.Determination of wool mineral content to assess the animal’ mineral status has been extensively used, but the results are controversial. One of the possible contributing factors is that the sampling material in previous studies was collected from a long staple, a fact that could mask the response to recent differences in mineral intake. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to test the sensitiveness of newly grown wool to different dietary mineral intake. Twenty Tsigai ewes were allocated into five dietary treatments with similar hay and concentrate intake but different premix inclusion rates in the concentrate (3, 4, 5, 6, and 7%). Wool was sampled on the left side from a 5 × 5 cm area using bent scissors at the beginning of the trial and from the very same area 28 days later. Samples after cleaning and mineralization were analyzed with ICP-OES (Perkin-Elmer, Optima 3300 DV) for calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, selenium, zinc, copper, and sulfur content. Long fleeces had significantly lower Ca and Se content compared to the newly grown wool samples of the group at the premix manufacturer’s suggested level of supplementation (5%). Macrominerals in fresh wool did not respond to increased dietary supplementation. Se and Zn content of wool had a strong relationship with the daily intake (R2 = 0.95 and R2 = 0.97, respectively.) In conclusion, the mineral content of long fleeces can be different compared to recently developed wool fiber. This indicates that, in some cases, analyzing long staples for mineral status can be misleading. Our results showed that wool could be a sensitive indicator of low selenium and high zinc intake. Mineral interactions can significantly affect the actual availability of trace minerals; therefore, a more careful design of premixes is needed. The described method seems to be applicable in livestock farming, but the mineral interactions that may alter the results need to be further explored.

Do Jobs Still Attract People? Spatial and Temporal Changes in Job-Population Relationship in US Metropolitan Areas 1970-2017

Traditional perspectives on projecting metropolitan scale population growth rely on the expectation that people follow jobs. Changes in the nature and duration of employment have led to speculation that this relationship is weakening. Rapid population growth in some metro areas with high unemployment following the recession of 2008 lends support to suggestions that a paradigm shift has occurred in the process of urban growth. We test the equilibrium expectation that employment to population ratios will remain constant over both space and time. We use data on metropolitan area working-age population and employment from 1970 to 2017 to show that (1) there are significant spatial variations in employment to population ratios; (2) many metro areas consistently outperform and under-perform U.S. averages while few behave stochastically – indicating that the expectation of equilibrium may be misplaced. We conclude that persistent errors in the employment to population relationship indicate that the narrative associated with a metropolitan economy may influence population growth rates more than the actual availability of employment. Our data are consistent in showing that employment to population ratios consistently fail to predict population growth over 5- and 10-year periods. These findings have implications for those planning or projecting urban growth.