Average Growth Research Articles

Changes in Vegetation Greenness and Responses to Land Use Changes in the Yongding River Basin (in North China) from 2002 to 2022

Vegetation is an important component of an ecosystem, fulfilling various ecological functions in areas such as soil and water conservation, climate regulation, and water source maintenance. This study focuses on the Yongding River Basin as a research area. This study used vegetation indices with long time series as a data source in combination with Landsat land use data. This study applied linear trend estimation to analyze the interannual variation trend in vegetation greenness from 2002 to 2022 in the Yongding River Basin and quantitatively analyzed the impact of land use changes on vegetation greenness. The results show that, from 2002 to 2022, the vegetation greenness in the Yongding River Basin has shown an overall increasing trend. The average growth season and the maximum annual normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) growth rates were 0.006/10a and 0.008/10a, respectively, and the area of increased vegetation greenness accounted for 90% of the total area. During the main growth season (April to October) in the Yongding River Basin, the NDVI generally showed a spatial pattern of being higher in mountainous areas and lower in water areas, with the largest coefficient of variation in vegetation in the river water areas, and the most stable vegetation in forest land. In terms of the changes in vegetation greenness, the contribution rate of arable land was between 36.73% and 38.63%, followed by grassland and forest land, with contribution rates of 26.86% to 27.11% and 23.94% to 26.43%, respectively. The total contribution rate of water areas, construction land, and unused land was around 10.18%. This study can provide a theoretical basis for environmental protection and rational land use in the Yongding River Basin.

7673 Genetic Analysis and Clinical Characterization of Patients with Congenital Hypopituitarism Due to Gene Defects

Abstract Disclosure: T.M. Sasson: None. I.J. Arnhold: None. B.B. Mendonca: None. L.R. Carvalho: None. Introduction: Congenital hypopituitarism is characterized by the deficiency of one or more hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. The genetics of this pathology is complex, and the molecular diagnosis is established in approximately 13% of cases. Objectives: The aim of the present study is to characterize the phenotype harboring pathogenic variants causing congenital hypopituitarism. Methods: Among 393 subjects with congenital hypopituitarism followed up at a tertiary health center, 57 subjects (14,5%) were selected due to a confirmed molecular diagnosis by exome in 9 subjects or by gene panel or Sanger sequencing in 48 subjects. This was a retrospective study where data from medical records, clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics were analyzed. Results: The most frequent variants identified by sequencing analyzes were in the following genes: PROP1 (29.8%), GH1 (22.8%), GHRHR (15.7%), followed by GLI2, OTX2, HESX1, POU1F1, TGIF1, GHRS, CDH2, SATB1, SOX3 e LZTR1. Consanguinity was reported in 50% of cases, and there was the presence of familial cases of short stature in 60%. The average age at the start of follow-up was 11.1 years (11 SD), 40% of them were male and 52.3% had physical stigmata typical of GH deficiency. Regarding hormonal deficiencies, 27 (47%) had isolated Growth Hormone Deficiency (DGHI) and the others, multiple deficiencies. MRI study of the pituitary gland showed some alteration in 66%, 54% of whom had adenohypophysis hypoplasia and 31% had an ectopic or non-visualized neurohypophysis. From 29 patients with IGF-1 levels available, 28 were below the reference range for sex and age. The serum GH peak after the stimulus test was on average 1.28 ng/mL (1.4SD), of these, only 4 cases had GH peak between 3.3 and 5.0 ng/mL and 1 patient with low IGF-1 and an ectopic neurohypophysis had GH peak of 6.0 ng/mL in a glucagon test. Regarding growth, the initial height in z-score was -4.8 and the average growth at the end of the first year of treatment was 10.7cm, with the average height after this period of Z-3.35. The average of final delta target height (final height Z-score minus the target height Z-score) of patients who underwent hormonal treatment was -0,53 (good response = delta <-1.5). Conclusion: In subjects with congenital hypopituitarism and an established molecular diagnosis, the most frequently affected genes were PROP1 and GH1, the great majority presented a stimulated GH peak < 3.3 ng/mL (only one patient had GH > 5), low basal serum IGF-1 and good increase in growth speed at the end of the first year of treatment with recovery of final height at the end of GH therapy. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Integrated resource strategic planning considering inter-regional flexibility supply–demand balance: A case study for the Northwest and Central Grid in China

China’s rapid advancement in renewable energy and regional power grid interconnection has highlighted the need for enhanced system flexibility to ensure the security and stability of regional power systems. To address this issue, this study presents a new framework for integrated resource strategic planning for inter-regional flexibility (IRSP-IF). This framework evaluates inter-regional flexibility demand and optimizes power resource allocation across regions. The northwest and central grids in China are used as case studies to evaluate inter-regional power resource allocation from 2022 to 2035. This analysis considers key factors including flexibility supply–demand balance constraints, regional power grid interconnections, and time scales for assessing flexibility demand. The results show that incorporating these constraints and interconnections into the strategic power plan enables greater integration of renewable energy while reducing both installed capacity and the overall cost of regional power resources. In the S3 scenario, which includes inter-regional flexibility supply–demand balance, the total integration of wind and solar power increases by 1.54%. Additionally, the combined average annual fixed and operating costs decrease by 1.44 billion yuan compared to the S2 scenario, which only considers single-region flexibility supply–demand balance. Furthermore, evaluating flexibility demand at a shorter time scale results in a higher proportion of flexible resources, with an average annual growth of 24.43%.

Analysis of the Impact of Monetary Policy Instruments on Economic Growth in Indonesia by 2013 to 2023

Based on quarterly data by 2001Q1 to 2017Q2, this research and study covers theoretical debates and empirical studies on the factors that affect economic stability and their effect on the financial sector's performance. This study applies the Ordinary Least Square (O.L.S.) method to the Cointegration and Engle Granger-Error Correction Model (E.C.M.) methods. E.C.M. is done to assess the long-term validity and balance of the research model and foresee potential flaws and discrepancies among the theoretical and statistical models. Even while the M2 variable has no discernible effect on G.D.P. during the observation period, the research findings demonstrate that, over the long run, there is a balance among changes in G.D.P. and monetary variables, such as interest rates, Inflation, M2, and the rupiah value. On the other hand, the E.C.T. variable has a significant short-term effect on fluctuations in G.D.P. Interest rates, Inflation, M2, and exchange rates had no discernible effect on G.D.P. throughout this time. Thus, changes in monetary variables, particularly interest rates, Inflation, and M2, tend to effect G.D.P. The average quarterly financial deepening in Indonesia for the observation period was 3.80 per cent, according to the outcomes of the financial performance study. Furthermore, M2 growth during the same period was 3.03 per cent, compared to Indonesia's average quarterly economic growth of 1.36 per cent.

Spatial national multi-period long-term energy and carbon planning scenarios in Ecuador’s electric system

The Republic of Ecuador is developing a comprehensive plan to meet the increasing residential, industrial, and commercial energy demands. With a population of 17.08 million in 2018, the country is experiencing an annual average energy growth of approximately 7.13% until 2027. This research aims to model the incorporation of new and proposed power plants strategically planned to cater to the expanding demand needs. Ensuring that our existing energy infrastructure can adequately meet the current and growing needs of the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors should be made possible. In this paper, we present several hypotheses that need to be made to identify the potential demands for residential, industrial, and commercial requirements, making it more accessible to build new facilities that use renewable energy. Traditional and unconventional renewable energy sources, such as hydro-power, wind, and solar power, are being explored to generate electricity. The research employs quantitative methodology, beginning with gathering information and a detailed data analysis. Subsequently, a scenario-based model will examine the impact on energy demand and supply from 2020 to 2035. The results show that the Santiago hydroelectric project is becoming essential for the country’s energy development and that the current national power system will only be able to supply the electricity demand when the industrial city of Posorja is being developed. We suggest that to maintain Ecuador’s electricity trade balance as an electricity exporter, we continue with the energy investment plans currently issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mines. This study is relevant for establishing global financing arrangements involving the public and private sectors. In doing so, we can meet our hypothetical scenarios, ensuring that all energy needs are met by 2035. This will involve developing a robust national grid system with sufficient reserve capacity, meeting residential and projected commercial and industrial demand.

Coupling of cell growth modulation to asymmetric division and cell cycle regulation in Caulobacter crescentus

In proliferating bacteria, growth rate is often assumed to be similar between daughter cells. However, most of our knowledge of cell growth derives from studies on symmetrically dividing bacteria. In many α-proteobacteria, asymmetric division is a normal part of the life cycle, with each division producing daughter cells with different sizes and fates. Here, we demonstrate that the functionally distinct swarmer and stalked daughter cells produced by the model α-proteobacterium Caulobacter crescentus can have different average growth rates under nutrient-replete conditions despite sharing an identical genome and environment. The discrepancy in growth rate is due to a growth slowdown associated with the cell cycle stage preceding DNA replication (the G1 phase), which initiates in the late predivisional mother cell before daughter cell separation. Both progenies experience a G1-associated growth slowdown, but the effect is more severe in swarmer cells because they have a longer G1 phase. Activity of SpoT, which produces the (p)ppGpp alarmone and extends the G1 phase, accentuates the cell cycle-dependent growth slowdown. Collectively, our data identify a coupling between cell growth, the G1 phase, and asymmetric division that C. crescentus may exploit for environmental adaptation through SpoT activity. This coupling differentially modulates the growth rate of functionally distinct daughter cells, thereby altering the relative abundance of ecologically important G1-specific traits within the population.

Spatiotemporal coupling dynamics and factors influencing soil organic carbon and crop yield in Chinese farmlands

Clarifying the correlation between soil organic carbon (SOC) and crop yield is key to achieving carbon neutrality and ensuring food security. However, owing to the lack of analysis based on large-scale farmland monitoring data and research on deep soil, relevant research has not yet reached a consensus. Here, we based on the monitoring data of 118 sample plots from 21 typical farmland and farmland compound ecosystem stations of the China Ecosystem Research Network (CERN) between 2004 and 2020, the temporal and spatial coupling associations between SOC content and crop yield in 0–20 cm and 0–100 cm soil layers and its factors influencing were determined. The findings revealed that between 2004 and 2020, SOC content in 0–20 cm soil layer, SOC content in 0–100 cm soil layer, and crop yield in typical farmland in China showed a fluctuating upward trend, the average annual growth rates were 0.59 %, 0.27 % and 1.07 %, respectively. The coupling relationship between SOC content and crop yield was not always good in different periods, which varies largely in different geographical divisions. Among the anthropogenic factors, exogenous carbon input can improve the coupling relationship between them by increasing the soil organic carbon content and crop yield, while the effect of less tillage and no tillage is limited. Among the natural factors, temperature, soil bulk density, and farmland type all have an impact on farmland SOC content and crop yield at different significance levels. Each variable had different effects on SOC content and crop yield in typical farmlands in different geographical regions. With deepening soil layer, influence of anthropogenic factors such as exogenous carbon input on SOC content decreases, but it still cannot be ignored. Based on these findings, the study recommends that exogenous carbon input play an important role in soil carbon sequestration and improving crop yield.

Asymptotic decoupling of population growth rate and cell size distribution

The rate at which individual bacterial cells grow depends on the concentrations of cellular components such as ribosomes and proteins. These concentrations continuously fluctuate over time and are inherited from mother to daughter cells, leading to correlations between the growth rates of cells across generations. Division sizes of cells are also stochastic and correlated across generations due to a phenomenon known as cell size regulation. Fluctuations and correlations from both growth and division processes affect the population dynamics of an exponentially growing culture. Here, we provide analytic solutions for the population dynamics of cells with continuously fluctuating growth rates coupled with a generic model of cell-size regulation. We show that in balanced growth, the effects of growth and division processes decouple; the population growth rate only depends on the single-cell growth rate process, and the population cell size distribution only depends on the model of division and cell size regulation. The population growth rate is always higher than the average single-cell growth rate and the difference increases with growth rate variability and its correlation time. This difference also sets the timescale for the population to reach its steady state. We provide analytical solutions for oscillations in population growth rate and traveling waves in size distribution during this approach to the steady state. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Dietary supplementation of Astragalus flavonoids regulates intestinal immunology and the gut microbiota to improve growth performance and intestinal health in weaned piglets.

Astragali Radix (AS) is a widely used herb in traditional Chinese medicine, with calycosin as its main isoflavonoid. Our previous study discovered that calycosin triggers host defense peptide (HDP) production in IPEC-J2 cells. The aim of this study is to investigate the alleviation effects of AS total flavone and AS calycosin on growth performance, intestinal immunity, and microflora in weaned piglets. Sixty-four piglets were assigned randomly to 4 treatment groups, (1) CON: the basal diet, (2) P-CON: the basal diet plus antibiotics (1 g/kg), (3) AS-TF: the basal diet plus AS total flavone at 60 mg/day per piglet, (4) AS-CA: the basal diet plus AS calycosin at 30 mg/day per piglet. Each treatment consists of 4 replicates with 4 piglets per replicate. Results showed that treatment with AS-TF and AS-CA enhanced average daily growth and average daily feed intake compared to the CON group (P < 0.01), while AS-CA significantly reduced the diarrhea rate (P < 0.05). Both AS-TF and AS-CA significantly increased serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgG levels, with AS-CA further boosting intestinal mucosal secretory IgA levels (P < 0.05). Histological analysis revealed improvements in the morphology of the jejunum and ileum and goblet cell count by AS-TF and AS-CA (P < 0.05). Supplementation of AS-TF and AS-CA promoted the expression of several intestinal HDPs (P < 0.05), and the effect of AS-CA was better than that of AS-TF. In addition, the AS-TF and AS-CA regulated jejunal microbial diversity and composition, with certain differential bacteria genera were showing high correlation with serum cytokines and immunoglobulin levels, suggesting that the intestinal flora affected by AS-TF and AS-CA may contribute to host immunity. Overall, AS CA and AS TF all improved growth performance and health, likely by enhancing nutrition digestibility, serum and intestinal immunity, and intestinal microbial composition. They showed the similar beneficial effect, indicating AS CA appears to be a major compound contributing to the effects of AS TF. This study demonstrated the positive effect of AS flavonoids on weaned piglets and provided a scientific reference for the efficient use of AS products.

Enhancing environmental quality and economic growth through potential effects of energy efficiency and renewable energy in Asian economies

This study examines the potential impacts of energy efficiency and renewable energy on economic growth proxies by gross domestic product and environmental quality proxies by carbon dioxide emissions across eight selected Asian countries from 2000 to 2020. This study contributes by calculating green total factor productivity and carbon total factor productivity based on the famous Solow’s residual via employing a modified extensive growth accounting model that internalized ignored factors such as energy efficiency and renewable energy. The employed panel cointegration techniques confirm that all variables are co-integrated with carbon dioxide emissions and economic growth. The pooled mean group/autoregressive distributed lag model analysis results indicate that energy efficiency is positively associated with both environmental quality and economic growth. Renewable energy hurts economic growth but has a positive effect on environmental quality which suggests the necessity of implementing an effective strategy for renewable energy alongside energy efficiency measures to enhance economic growth and environmental quality in the selected Asian countries. The findings from the fully modified ordinary least squares estimator are consistent with the environmental quality model. The average growth rate of green total factor productivity is positive despite negative contributions from energy efficiency and renewable energy. Similarly, the average growth rate of carbon total factor productivity is negative despite positive contributions from labor and capital. This discrepancy may be attributed to the beneficial effects of labor and capital as input productivity-driven. Embracing renewable energy sources can take significant steps toward improving environmental quality for future generations. Focusing on green technologies that enhance energy efficiency can substantially promote environmental quality and stimulate sustainable economic growth through innovation and climate change integration to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.

Trends of Aged Population in Nepal

Population ageing is the dynamic process of demographic &amp; socio-economic transformation which reflects the increase in the share of the elderly on the total population, which is considered as natural phenomenon. There are 2.97 million older people in Nepal as of the 2021 census older population reached 10.21 percent population of Nepal. Average growth rate is 0.92 percent and the older population growth rate is 3.29 percent per year. Nepal’s total fertility is 1 percent below replacement level, infant mortality is around 23 per thousand live births and average life expectancy is now around 71 years. These indicators show ageing is increasing rapidly and the care giving burden may increase rapidly in the future due to the tendency of migration of the young population to foreign countries. In this context, the Nepal government needs to focus on how to manage the ageing population and provide quality services and social security for the growing older people of Nepal.

Growth, Instability in Production and Price Forecasting of Onion in Bangladesh

Onion is an essential and popular spice crop which is widely cultivated and consumed in Bangladesh. Every year the country needed to import onion for fulfilling the domestic demand. Onion price has been largely influenced by import price and frequent fluctuation. The objectives of the research were to analyze the onion production behavior, instability, and forecasting of price using secondary data. The study used deterministic growth models and coefficient of variation for analyzing the growth rate and instability. Among different growth models, cubic model was identified as the best-fitted model. The average growth rate was 7.85%, and in instability analysis the coefficient of variation was 71.10%, which implies that onion production was unstable during the period of 1970-2022. Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model was used to forecast onion price. The finding reveals that SARIMA (1, 0, 2) (1, 1, 1)12 model identified as the best model to forecast the onion price in Bangladesh. The results show that onion price followed seasonal trend, and the highest price was in October and November. These findings will support to develop appropriate policies regarding the increase of domestic supply through increased production and storage facilities, reducing post-harvest losses, and price stabilization. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 22(3): 377-385, 2024

A novel dynamic structural adaptive multivariable grey model and its application in China's solar energy generation forecasting

Accurately predicting China's solar energy generation is crucial for energy planning and environmental protection. However, the nonlinearity and complexity of the data pose challenges to prediction. This article proposes a dynamic structural adaptive multivariate grey model to overcome these challenges. The model constructs a dynamic nonlinear correction function with an uncertain structure that can adaptively adjust to the data characteristics. Additionally, the Gaussian function is utilized to derive the time response function, overcoming the mechanism defects present in traditional multivariate grey models. The whale optimization algorithm is applied to optimize the background value of the model, improving accuracy. The model is compatible with 14 classical models via parameter changes and has strong compatibility. The results show that the fitting error and test error of the model are 0.23 % and 1.95 % respectively, which is significantly better than the other 11 methods, indicative of strong robustness and accuracy. The forecast indicates that China's solar energy generation will experience a consistent upward trajectory from 2023 to 2030, with an average annual growth rate of 12.11 %. This study significantly contributes to the advancement of the theory of multivariate grey dynamic prediction and provides essential data support for strategic planning within China's solar power industry.

RATE OF ASCENDING AORTIC ENLARGEMENT IN A LARGE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC COHORT: ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AND ADVERSE AORTIC EVENTS

BackgroundUnderstanding ascending aortic aneurysm growth and associated risk factors is critical to advising appropriate echocardiographic follow-up intervals for patients. This study aimed to identify aortic aneurysm growth rate on serial echocardiograms as well as the clinical and demographic variables that contribute to baseline aortic size and subsequent aortic growth. MethodsPatients identified with ascending aortic aneurysm and undergoing serial echocardiograms within five years were evaluated. Ascending aortic size was measured as part of routine echocardiogram exams. Clinical and demographic variables including aortic valve type (trileaflet, bicuspid or prosthetic) were evaluated for association with baseline aortic size as well as with aortic progression rate. Clinical events including aortic dissection, elective or emergent surgical repair were recorded. Results3639 patients were identified, (78% males, median age of 69 years, 175 (4.8%) with bicuspid valve, and 206 (5.6%) with prior aortic valve replacement (AVR). Patients with larger aorta at baseline were older with higher tobacco use and prior prosthetic valves. Over a mean of 2.4 years, aortic growth was observed and differed by valve type (trileaflet valve: 0.08 mm/year , bicuspid valve: 0.4 mm/year , p<0.001). In six patients who developed aortic dissection the estimated average annual growth rate was 0.98 mm/year. ConclusionsIn a large echo cohort, aortic aneurysm growth rate was 0.08 mm/year though higher in those with bicuspid valves ( 0.4 mm/ year), but initial aortic size did not correlate with change in the aortic progression rate. This data may help inform recommended echocardiographic surveillance intervals.

Mineralization characteristics of Lead-Zinc-Copper deposits in Akdağmadeni Region (Northern Central Anatolia, Türkiye): Integration of field study, geochemical, isotope, and geophysical data

The Akdağmadeni region is one of the important Pb-Zn-Cu metallogenic provinces in Türkiye. Most of the Pb-Zn-Cu deposits in the region are located near granitoid intrusions within metamorphic rocks, and they are typically classified as skarn-type ores associated with granitoids. However, no relationship has been determined between the Başçatak prospect and any granitoid outcrop. This raises the question of whether the Pb-Zn-Cu mineralization in the region is related to granitoids or if magmatic processes remobilized pre-existing mineralization. Observations from field studies suggest that mineralization in the Başçatak prospect is a stratiform type, metamorphosed occurrence that might have occurred earlier than the granitic intrusions. The geochemical data indicated that the granitoids have low-grade, subeconomic Cu potential and no Zn productivity potential, supporting these observations. Geophysical data also show that there is no intrusive body beneath this prospect. Granitoid-related deposits (Karapir - Ortaköy and Akçakışla) exhibit two distinct occurrences around the contact between the granite and the surrounding metamorphic rocks. The first type of occurrence (O-1) is formed at the contact and contains magnetite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite. The second type of occurrence (O-2) is located outside the contact and is rich in sphalerite and galena. Both O-1 and O-2 contain skarn minerals along with ore minerals. The δ34S values of sulfide minerals from the deposits range from −0,7 to 7,5 ‰ (V-CDT). These values overlap with those of both magmatic sulfur and reduced sulfur from seawater-dissolved sulfate, making it difficult to suggest a sulfur source without additional data. Lead isotope compositions of the galenas from all deposits plot above the average crustal growth curve, suggesting an upper crustal and orogenic source similar to Western Mediterranean and Türkiye type materials described in the literature for the lead, source in different time intervals. Furthermore, Pb isotope geochemistry suggests a contemporaneous age with the host metamorphic rocks (Carboniferous – Lower Permian) for the Başçatak prospect. These results support observations indicating a syn-genetic formation for the Başçatak prospect. The age range of granite-related deposits forms two sub-groups:105–77 Ma and 61–50 Ma corresponding to the Upper Cretaceous and Paleocene transition. These data indicate that that the galenas were formed in two different stages in these mineralizations. Stratiform mineralization in the Başçatak prospect likely formed either through exhalative sedimentary processes by hydrothermal fluids or through chemical sedimentary processes under reductive conditions in a marine environment during metamorphism. O-1 appears to have been formed by hydrothermal fluids developed during granitic magmatism. A plausible formation process for O-2 involves the leaching of sulfur, lead and other metals from Başçatak type enrichments in metamorphics, with transportation and deposition within the epidotized calc-schist and marbles outside the granitoid contacts. The uplift of granitic intrusions prepared the channels and depositional environment for O-2 and caused heating of the hydrothermal fluids during this mineralization period.

Characterization of Research Support of Genome Editing Technologies and Transition to Clinical Trials.

Genome editing technologies have become widely used research tools. To assess the rate of growth with respect to federal funding of gene editing projects, we analyzed publicly available data retrieved from the NIH RePORTER and Clinicaltrials.gov databases. We identified 6,111 awards between 1977 and 2023, the majority being extramural, investigator-driven R (noneducational) awards (66.7%). There was an average growth rate of 40% between 2008 and 2022, and the biggest increase in awards was observed between 2017 and 2018 (doubling from 140 to 280). Five administering institutes/centers accounted for more than 60% of awards with the highest number of awards from the National Cancer Institute (20.0%). The majority of clinical trials involving some type of genome editing (75%) started in or after 2020. This analysis illuminates the rapid and widespread growth of gene editing research across disciplines and the eventual launch of clinical trials using gene editing tools.

Growth of and Fluctuations in India’s GDP and GDP Accruing from Agriculture During 1970-71 to 2019-20

In India, agricultural sector output plays a significant role in the beginning phase of the growth of the economy because it absorbs the majority of employment. The agriculture sector includes crop production, livestock rearing, forestry, and fishing. However, the agricultural sector has experienced several fluctuations due to various factors, such as monsoon variability, natural disasters, government policies, and market conditions. These fluctuations have had a substantial influence on the overall economic growth of the nation. In this present paper, we try to find the linear growth and fluctuations around the linear of India's GDP and the agricultural sector output for 50 years long period from 1970-71 to 2019-20. The outcome of this study reveals that the annual average growth rate is 5.52% for GDP and 2.89% for the agricultural sector. The Coppock based year-to-year fluctuation around the trend is 0.00089 for gross domestic product and 0.00191 for the agricultural sector output. The overall fluctuation using the RSS-based method is 0.00520 for GDP and 0.00309 for GDPA.

Overexpression of Gossypium arboreum 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthase 6 (GaKCS6) gene enhanced leaf epicuticle wax in Gossypium hirsutum L. and improved tolerance against whitefly

Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCuV) is a significant threat to cotton production, as it causes Cotton Leaf Curl Disease (CLCuD). Whitefly serves as a vector for the transmission of this virus. It can be controlled by developing barriers against whitefly infestation. The leaf epicuticle wax acts as a protective barrier against whitefly attacks. Research into wax biosynthesis and the fatty acid elongation pathway has highlighted the role of the 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthase (KCS) gene family in producing very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in plants. The 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthase 6 (GaKCS6) gene, isolated from the CLCuV-resistant FDH-170 variety of Gossypium arboreum, was cloned under the control of the CaMV35S constitutive promoter and transformed into the CLCuV-susceptible Gossypium hirsutum variety CKC-3 resulting in significantly higher leaf epicuticle wax deposition. Overexpression of GaKCS6 in the transgenic cotton plants was confirmed through quantitative real-time PCR. The transgenic plants not only exhibited average growth but also showed improvements in agronomic traits. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis further validated the enhanced leaf epicuticle wax deposition in transgenic plants compared to non-transgenic (control). A free-choice bioassay against whiteflies demonstrated that the transgenic plants remained free of viral infection, as confirmed by real-time PCR. These findings indicate that increased leaf epicuticle wax deposition in transgenic cotton effectively prevents whitefly attacks and the transmission of CLCuV. It suggests that the GaKCS6 gene plays a crucial role in producing leaf epicuticle wax through the VLCFAs biosynthesis pathway.

Features of the Development of International Trade in Tourist Services

Introduction. The relevance of studying the peculiarities of the development of international trade in tourist services is determined by the significant role of world tourism in the structure of the global economy. In the conditions of a complex international political situation, which is dynamically changing, it is crucial to identify the vectors of the development of the tourism industry to determine the future structure of the macro-regional distribution of tourist flows. Aim and tasks. The purpose of this study is to identify the dominant factors and prospects for the development of international tourism business in the conditions of modern global economic and political instability to determine the most favourable marketing strategies for interaction in the international market of tourist services by extrapolating the results to the possibilities of post-war recovery of the tourism industry in Ukraine. Results. An analysis of international tourism arrivals showed that the average annual growth rate of the industry from 1995 to 2020 average annual growth of international tourist arrivals was more than 4 per cent. Over the estimated period from 1995 to 2023, the average arrival rate decreased to 2.46 per cent. Macro-regions are considered the most promising for the scaling of international tourism, as well as the factors that will contribute to this and can inhibit economic processes. Special attention is paid to the positioning of Ukraine during the post-war recovery of the tourism industry. Forecast indicators indicate that international tourist arrivals to Ukraine could reach 61 million people in the tenth year of the post-war period. An alternative strategy for promoting national tourist products and brands in the target markets of Central and Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Middle East was proposed, and the feasibility of continuing the promotion of Ukraine as a tourist brand was substantiated. Conclusions. This study confirms the vector of the shift in global tourist flows under the influence of a number of factors that deepen the contradictions between the Global South and the North, revealing key trends in the growth and displacement of international tourist flows among countries belonging to two opposite camps. The directions of institutional and structural changes required to restore international tourism in Ukraine in the post-war period to strengthen Ukraine's position in the global tourism market are proposed.

The Effect of Water Quality on the Performance Growth of Vannamei Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) at the Center for Brackish Aquaculture Fisheries

Vaname shrimp is one of the leading commodities of the aquaculture sector, with high production rates influenced by the rapid growth period and relatively short maintenance time, high stocking density production system, has a high appetite for food and has good resistance to disease. This study aims to assess the effect of water quality on the growth of vaname shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in ponds. Water quality measured includes temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), and pH, all of which play an important role in the growth and health of shrimp. The methods used in this study included periodic measurements of water quality parameters in the morning and evening in four ponds (A5.1, A5.2, A6.1, and A6.2), as well as observations of Average Body Weight (ABW), Average Daily Growth (ADG), and Survival Rate (SR) of shrimp. The results showed that ponds A5.1, A5.2, and A6.1 showed an increase in SR and biomass values, while A6.2 experienced a decrease in SR and biomass values caused by the outbreak of White Feces Disease. This is influenced by temperature, salinity, and DO parameters that are not in the optimal range for shrimp growth. Fluctuations in water quality parameters can significantly affect shrimp metabolism and health. Therefore, good water quality management, including water change cycles and sterilisation, is essential to prevent health problems and improve the growth of vaname shrimp. This study emphasises the need for attention to water quality in vaname shrimp farming to achieve optimal results.