Average Amount Research Articles

Characteristics of wind-sand transportation along railways in the eastern fringe of the Taklimakan Desert and sand control system

Abstract This paper focuses on the Korla-Ruoqiang desert railway line, utilizing ERA5 (ERA5 is the fifth generation of ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts) atmospheric reanalysis global climate data) wind data to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the wind energy environment along the line in all aspects, reveals the characteristics of wind-sand transport, and puts forward the countermeasures to prevent and control wind-sand disasters. The results of the study indicate that: (1) the wind-sand along the line mainly occurs in the spring and summer seasons, and the dominant sand-moving directions are easterly (ENE, E and NNE) and northeasterly (NE). (2) The average annual sand-moving wind speed ranges from 5.80 m/s to 7.25 m/s, and the annual frequency of sand-moving ranges from 11.99% to 37.26%. (3) The annual sand drift potential (DP) along the line ranges from 69.20 VU to 607.24 VU, with three types of wind energy environments: low, medium and high. The resultant drift potential (RDP) ranges from 45.52 VU to 547.49 VU, and the wind variability index (RDP/DP) is between 0.54 and 0.90. (4) The average sand transport quantity along the line ranges from 2.92 m³/m/a to 9.09 m³/m/a. Based on these results, we optimize the sand blocking, sand fixing and wind erosion prevention measures for different types of wind-sand environments, establish a scientific and efficient wind-sand protection and control system to solve the wind-sand problems and provide a scientific foundation for the prevention and control of wind-sand disasters along the line.

Exploring chlorination as a removal process for antiretroviral drugs (Nevirapine and Efavirenz) from water: Effect of operational parameters, kinetics, and trihalomethane formation

This study investigates the removal of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), Nevirapine (NVP) and Efavirenz (EFV), from drinking water through chlorination, focusing on the influence of pH, temperature, chlorine concentration, and ARV initial concentration on the degradation kinetics and trihalomethane (THM) formation. At 25 °C and an initial concentration of 100 μg/L, the degradation trends for both ARVs were examined across varying pH levels. EFV exhibited greater pH sensitivity, with removal increasing from 37 % at pH 5.5 to 68 % at pH 8, while NVP removal increased only from 40 % at pH 5.5 to 48 % at pH 8. Temperature also played an essential role, as the removal of both ARVs increased with rising temperature, indicating an endothermic reaction. Higher chlorine concentrations resulted in increased removal, >90 % at 5 mg/L for both ARVs. Kinetic analysis revealed second-order behaviour, with higher rate constants observed at pH 5.5–7 for NVP and pH 7–8 for EFV. The intrinsic chlorination rate constants for both ARVs were estimated. The calculated half-lives indicated slow removal. The study also assessed contact time for NVP and EFV in a plug-flow reactor (PFR) and continuous stirred tank reactor model (CSTR). Also considering hydraulic residence time (HRT) rather than reaction time to assess the average amount of time that the ARVs spent in the selected reactors. The HRT for a CSTR was lower than the PFR, and the estimated HRT for a CSTR was a feasible value. The minimum HRT came out to 1.56 h (pH 7.5 and a temperature of 25 °C) for NVP and 1.07 h (pH 7 and a temperature of 25 °C) for EFV. Finally, THM formation was observed, with chloroform, dibromochloromethane and bromoform detected. Among the three THMs, the most significant change occurred between 4 and 6 h, with chloroform levels increasing from 31.59 μg/L to 63.49 μg/L. This study underscores the influence of operational parameters on ARV removal via chlorination. Highlighting pH sensitivity, temperature control, precise chlorine dosage, and environmental concerns such as trihalomethane formation ensures effective disinfection while minimizing negative impacts on both water quality and the environment. Emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to ARV removal in water treatment processes is a proactive measure that integrates considerations of environmental impact, public health, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability into the design and operation of water treatment facilities.

Therapy Related Multiple Myeloma: A Distinct Entity

Background The development of therapy-related multiple myeloma (t-MM) is a poorly described entity. Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy. Despite significant strides in MM treatment over recent decades, identifying modifiable risk factors, optimizing screening methodologies, and identifying potential treatment strategies or targets to address t-MM remains of utmost importance, as this disease continues to pose a significant therapeutic challenge and remains incurable. This retrospective review seeks to explore the incidence and characteristics of t-MM at a medium-sized, academic center. Methods We performed a single institution retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma between 2008-2023 and evaluated for prior diagnosis of solid malignancy, excluding all skin cancers, lymphomas or myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). We collected data for the following: prior treatment for solid malignancy, lymphoma or MPN, lapsed time between prior therapy and development of MM, cytogenetics, prominent subtype present, renal failure and hypercalcemia if present at time of diagnosis, management of t-MM including transplant data, disease progression including relapse status, and survival data. Results In our study, we identified a subgroup of 17 individuals who had a previous history of solid malignancy, 1 patient with unknown prior solid tumor, 1 patient with history of Hodgkin's lymphoma, and 1 additional patient with history of MPN who received chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, with 3 patients having MGUS prior to development of MM. Notably, among this population, 70% were male. All patients developed MM following the treatment for a solid malignancy, lymphoma or MPN. The average amount of time from diagnosis of solid tumor, lymphoma or MPN to development of MM was 9.53 years (1-25 years). 50% of the individuals were White Americans, while the remaining 50% were African Americans. A significant majority (85%) of the population had a single primary solid tumor. Among the primary solid tumors, 45% were prostate cancer, 15% were breast cancer, and 10% were renal cell carcinoma (Figure 1). 5 patients received chemotherapy alone without documented prior radiation exposure while 13 had prior radiation exposure for prior solid malignancy. At time of diagnosis, 45% of patients had renal failure with 10% of patients having both renal failure and hypercalcemia. Within the t-MM subtypes, we discovered that 50% had IgA type, with 70% of these individuals exhibiting the IgA Kappa subtype. 45% of the individuals who developed t-MM had the IgG type, with 78% of them with IgG Kappa subtype. 15 (75%) of the patients received transplant and only 2 patients had confirmed relapse with 2 patients unknown and 2 additional patients who passed away prior to starting maintenance therapy following transplant. 4 patients are very early in their disease process and as of yet have not undergo transplant. 55% of our patients are presumed living. The OS for patients with t-MM was 1190 days compared to the average OS of 2326 days in our institutional MM database without t-MM. Conclusion Our analysis focused on patients diagnosed with MM who had a prior history of solid primary tumors, lymphoma or MPN treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in hopes of providing valuable insights into the characteristics and outcomes of individuals who developed MM following treatment for solid tumors, lymphoma or MPN. Our findings highlighted specific risk factors associated with t-MM in this population. Being male and having a history of prostate cancer was associated with higher incidence of development of t-MM. This is likely related to the radiation therapy associated with prostate cancer, as radiation exposure has been a known risk factor for the development of MM. We observed that the predominant subtype of MM among these individuals was IgA kappa, which diverges from the prevalent subtype, IgG kappa, observed in the general population. IgA is known to typically have more cytogenetic abnormalities and overall poorer prognosis, likely contributing to the difference in OS compared to patients with t-MM and MM not associated with prior malignancy. These insights shed light on the unique characteristics and potential influences of treatment-related MM in patients with prior malignancies or MPN.

Metal and pesticide residues levels accumulated in leafy vegetables and several fragrant medicinal plants in Baghdad Governorate / Iraq

The levels of some heavy metals (cadmium, lead, chromium) and pesticide residues (Malathion, Dimethoate, Profernofoes, PrimiohosMe) were estimated in some aromatic medicinal plants (chamomile, anise seeds, coriander, fennel) and leafy vegetables (cabbage, celery, grape leaves, and coriander, Mint, lettuce, spinach, and watercress) are commonly used and collected frm various markets. Organophosphorus pesticides have also been detected in some aromatic medicinal plants and leafy vegetables. Where, chamomile samples showed only Malathion, while in coriander malathion is 0.86 and Dimethoate have been detected in Anise seeds, profernofoes in chamomile were predominant, and leafy vegetables have also been detected some Organophosphorus pesticides in green mint Malathion, profernofoes is dominant, the findings showed that some heavy metals were present in some of the samples that were collected. Lead and chromium levels, as well as varying amounts of cadmium and chromium, were found in grape leaves in the majority of the samples that were examined. Samples of chamomile flowers had the greatest average amounts of cadmium and chromium, whereas samples of anise seeds had the highest levels of lead.

Nutrient Loadings and Exchange between the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea: Changes over the Past Two Decades (2001–2020)

The Baltic Sea faces prolonged eutrophication due to nutrient pollution, with the Nemunas River regulating nutrient input via the Curonian Lagoon. In this study, we aimed to assess the seasonal variations and changes over the past two decades in nutrient concentrations within the Curonian Lagoon–Baltic Sea transitional zone, and to identify the main factors affecting these trends. We observed slightly reduced nutrient levels in the lagoon and the Klaipėda Strait and increased nitrogen loadings in the Baltic Sea nearshore over time. Between 2007 and 2009, the average total nitrogen (TN) concentrations in the Klaipeda Strait and the Baltic Sea were 1.60 ± 0.25 and 0.54 ± 0.04 mg/L, respectively, while the average total phosphorus (TP) concentrations in the Klaipeda Strait and the Baltic Sea were 0.061 ± 0.04 and 0.03 ± 0.01 mg/L, respectively. Between 2018 and 2020, TN concentrations in the Strait and the Sea were 1.2 ± 0.36 and 0.65 ± 0.32 mg/L, respectively, while the average TP concentrations in the Klaipeda Strait and the Baltic Sea were 0.025 ± 0.002 and 0.021 ± 0.002 mg/L, respectively. The average annual amount of TN and TP entering the Curonian Lagoon from the sea was 2736 t and 162 t, respectively. Significantly higher nutrient influx to the Baltic Sea was recorded reaching 32,302 t for TN and 1278 t for TP. Nutrient concentrations correlated with water temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen, influenced by seasonal runoff patterns and climate change. Over time, there have been noticeable shifts in environmental conditions, including rising temperatures, decreasing oxygen levels, salinity changes, increased evaporation, and reduced precipitation.

Assessment of Aflatoxin M1 in human breast and powdered milk in Tehran, Iran

Aim and backgroundAflatoxins, produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, are among the most toxic mycotoxins. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a hydroxylated metabolite of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), found in milk and dairy products from animals fed AFB1-contaminated feed. Consumption of AFM1 has related adverse effects on human health. Breast milk can be a source of contamination for infants due to the presence of AFM. AFM1 can also contaminate powdered milk, a significant product of the milk industry. Consequently, monitoring dairy products for these toxins is imperative. Study methodA total of 50 samples (25 samples of breast milk and 25 samples of powdered infant milk formula) were collected in Tehran from December 2021 to February 2022. HPLC method was used for the determination of AFM1 in samples. Resultsand Discussion: AFM1 was detected in 72% of breast milk samples and 96% of powdered milk samples. AFM1 levels varied significantly between the two sample types (p < 0.05). The average amount of AFM1 in breast milk samples was 25.82 ± 4.72 ng/kg, while the average amount in powdered milk samples was 40.59 ± 7.76 ng/kg. Moreover, 44% of the breast and 68% of powdered milk samples exceeded the AFM1 content limit of the European Union and the Iranian national standard. This study concludes that given the importance of breast milk and formula to maternal and infant health, monitoring and regulating the toxin levels in these products in Tehran is crucial.

Fat Grafting to the Breast for Aesthetic Indications: Techniques and Outcomes in 165 Consecutive Patients.

Fat grafting to the breast for aesthetic indications has become increasingly popular. Herein, methods, aesthetic outcomes, and complications are reviewed in a retrospective case series. Female patients (n=165) with an average age of 45years (range: 17-78years) who underwent fat grafting to breast were evaluated. Demographic parameters, the type of procedure, the amount of fat transferred, the site(s) of fat harvest, operative times, and the patient's postoperative recovery and outcomes were recorded. Of the 165 patients, 105 had breast augmentation with fat only. Of these 105 patients, 14(8%) had implant removal with and without capsulectomy, and 61(37%) had mastopexies. Composite augmentation was performed in the remaining 60 patients. The average amount of fat used was 208 cc (range: 10 to 945cc) per breast. Forty-five patients (27%) underwent a second procedure. Of the 165 patients, 37(22%) had adverse events unrelated to the fat graft, including suture abscesses, scarring, and minor incision cite skin breakdown. Four patients (2.4%) had a complication related to fat grafting including 'lump' formation between the breast, abnormal mammograms, and the need for simple aspiration of a lipid cyst. Autologous fat grafting should be considered for both primary and secondary aesthetic breast surgery to enhance outcomes. Complications related to fat grafting are uncommon. Revisional and secondary surgeries may be needed to achieve the desired outcome. Power-assisted liposuction, with vibratory infiltration of the tumescent solution, auto-infusion of fat, and Expansion Vibration Lipofilling using a closed system has become our preferred technique. Fat grafting to breast can be considered for both primary and secondary aesthetic breast surgery Complications related to fat grafting are uncommon There does not appear to be an overall increase in complications of associated mastopexy and composite augmentation LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Literature Review: High Volume Fly Ash Concrete

The construction industry is experiencing immense pressure for substitutes for traditional building materials in the modern world. In the first half of 2020–2021, just under 57.93 percent of the total amount of fly ash generated in the nation was reused. The remaining material was thrown away of in landfills, spewing toxic substances into the immediate vicinity. Numerous creative proposals have been put forward all around the world that aim to increase the average amount of fly ash utilized during constructing. The most promising domains are geo polymer and high volume fly ash concrete construction. This study encompasses the research undertaken on each of these areas by an assortment of professionals internationally. Their attempts paid off, yielding concrete that exhibited barely any heat accumulation during its hydration process negligible sagging, enhanced versatility, and a modest dense utilizing a a great deal of ash from fly ashes. The outcomes derived from geo polymer concrete construction comprised outstanding durability, acidic obstructions, plus an elevated fly ash content, with characteristics analogous with that from Rcc constituents. Furthermore, the a project-specific strategy prescription is anticipated to be generated

Agricultural soil contamination and degradation near a mining area in an arid region

Industrial and mining activities release toxic substances and heavy metals into the soil of the surrounding environment and result in soil degradation and desertification. The contaminated residential areas near mines can endanger the health of residents, and the agricultural lands at the fringes of mines contaminate agricultural products with heavy metals. In this study, in order to determine the rate of soil degradation and its contamination at the margins of Koushk Pb-Zn mine, the surface of the agricultural soil adjacent to the mine was sampled. Surface soil samples were also prepared from around two villages in the vicinity of the mine and along the roadside. The samples were digested using four acid methods and analyzed by ICP-OES, and the concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cr, Co, Sb, and Ba were measured in the samples. The difference between the concentrations of heavy metals in the agricultural and rangeland soil samples was assessed with a t-test, and the corresponding contamination maps were plotted. The results showed that the agricultural soil in both villages was more polluted than the rangeland soil around the villages. Indeed, the lead and zinc concentrations in the agricultural soil of Koushk were several times higher than environmental standards. Also, despite the equal distance of the villages from the mine, the average amounts of barium, lead, and zinc in Koushk soil were 1.5, 26, and 11 times higher than those in Seyyedabad, respectively. As a result, the parent materials geochemistry is a major source of variation in soil pollution in two villages. In addition the agriculture management style can play a role in elemental content of the samples.

Telehealth for Equitable Obstetric Care: Addressing Gaps for Patients, Providers, and Payers

In June 2022, President Biden and Vice President Harris released their blueprint for addressing the maternal health crisis, stating their “vision for the future is that the United States will be considered the best country in the world to have a baby.” Currently, it is one of the worst among industrialized countries despite the US spending nearly double the average amount on healthcare per capita. The US is amidst a maternal mortality crisis, particularly for Black and American Indian/Alaska Native pregnant people, with more than 80% of the deaths preventable. Telehealth in obstetrics has the potential to reach pregnant people who are not currently being served by the medical system and to improve rates of severe maternal morbidity and mortality; however, more research is needed to understand and monitor its equity, costs, and optimal usage. Extant research shows that telehealth can produce a small positive effect for certain obstetric health outcomes, but these research findings are rarely stratified by pregnant patients’ demographics. To prevent the perpetuation of existing health inequities, gaps in obstetric telehealth research will need to be addressed. Key knowledge gaps for researchers and policy makers include outcomes, access, satisfaction by patients and providers, potential time savings for patients, and health system cost savings. Im​plementation of equitable obstetric coverage of telehealth services requires clarity from private and public payers for inter-state provisions of care, liability and risk, and service and payment parity.Note: While we use pregnant and postpartum people where possible here to recognize that not all pregnant people identify as women, we occasionally use maternal to reflect terminology used in federal, state, and local data.

Selected Parameters Affecting the Electricity Consumption of Automatic Milking Systems

Abstract The paper presented is aimed at the determination of electricity consumption at selected dairy farms during milking employing automatic milking systems (AMS). The research was focused on the determination of electricity consumption during the performance of essential activities that are related to the AMS utilization, i.e., electricity consumption by a single AMS unit per day, by a single assembly compressor per day, by a single AMS unit and a single assembly compressor per day, per milking, and per 1 litre of milk. Measurements were conducted at eight dairy farms in Central Europe that house dairy cows of the black-spotted Holstein cattle breed. The cattle groups assessed comprised 95 to 105 animals subjected to milking over the entire observed period. On the basis of the measurements conducted, it was observed that the average amount of energy consumed per 1 litre of milked milk was 0.0232 kWh over the entire observed period. Regarding the essential activities, the results obtained indicate that the energy consumption throughout the year is relatively balanced, despite the fact that it is affected by a wide range of factors, including chiefly the herd management, as well as overall organization of entire farm, milk yield, health status of cattle, current climatic conditions, fodder quality, etc.

The impact of subsidies on house prices in Mexico's mortgage market for low-income households 2008–2019

We estimate the effect of Mexico's primary house-purchase subsidy program for low-income individuals on house prices between 2008 and 2019, using administrative records from Infonavit, the nation's largest mortgage originator. We employ a fuzzy regression discontinuity design that leverages the existence of a threshold on the borrower's income that determined access to the subsidy program to identify the effect on house prices. Our estimations yield statistically significant evidence that the subsidy led to an average increase in house prices of 863 US dollars for the program participants at the threshold during those years. This effect represents 28.9 % of the average subsidy amount and 5.4 % of the average house price. The estimations control for individual, house, and location characteristics. Furthermore, we find evidence that when an intermediary is involved in the mortgage application process, there is a statistically significant price difference of 867 dollars for subsidy recipients. On the contrary, this impact disappears when no external broker is involved. These intermediaries are primarily real estate developers that build and sell the houses associated with the mortgages. These findings shed light on how market structure could have nonnegligible impacts on equilibrium outcomes and on the welfare effects of economic policy.

A Clinical Study to Assess the Role of Vasantika Vamana on Lipid Profile and Weight in Healthy Individuals

Panchkarma is the most integral part of Ayurvedic management. It is precautionary, promotive, conservative, therapeutic and reconstructive therapy. As per Ayurveda, the seasonal variations have an impact on the biological systems eliciting into the accumulation and aggravation of specific Doshas in a particular season like Kapha accumulation in Hemanta Ritu and aggravation in Vasanta Ritu, Pitta accumulation in Varsha ritu and aggravation in Sharada ritu and Vata accumulation in Grishma Ritu and aggravation in Pravrita Ritu. Vasantika Vamana is carried out approximately in the month of Chaitra -Vaishakha for the expulsion of vitiated Kapha dosha for forbidding the impending ailments like allergic bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, allergic sinusitis, bronchial asthma, migraine, psoriasis, indigestion, anorexia, lethargy, hyperacidity, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, obesity, acne vulgaris, eczema, urticaria, etc. Total of 57 volunteers were registered in this study out of which 45 were coped with classical Vamana Karma. The study was accomplished on 45 evidently healthy volunteers, between the age group of 18 and 60 years to observe the changes in lipid profile and weight before and after Vamana procedure. The outcome of the study was significant.There was also an improvement in appetite (Agni) of the volunteers after Vamana. Volunteers with irregular bowel habits showed significant improvement. On an average the minimum, maximum, total dose and total days of Snehapana were 36.40ml, 187.21ml, 578.59ml and 5.01 days respectively. Average quantity of Madanaphala, Ksheera, Yashtimadhu Phanta and Lavanodaka was 5.81g, 1130.29ml, 3202.9ml and 2489.13 ml respectively.

Hybrid convergent ablation: an evaluation of left atrial electroanatomical voltage maps

Abstract Background Hybrid convergent ablation is an effective, emerging treatment for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) (1). Minimally invasive surgical epicardial left atrial (LA) ablation is performed via a subxiphoid incision to ablate the posterior wall, within the limits of the pericardial reflections, before endocardial catheter ablation is performed primarily to complete pulmonary vein isolation. The overall aim is to create durable, transmural posterior wall ablation to target potential drivers that may sustain persistent AF. Purpose We evaluated electroanatomical maps obtained during endocardial ablation to determine the site and extent of LA posterior wall scar following epicardial ablation and whether this determines outcome in patients undergoing convergent ablation. Methods Patients who underwent Convergent ablation at a single UK cardiac centre (2012-2019) using CARTO-3 mapping system for endocardial ablation were included. Patients who had previous AF ablation were excluded. Low-voltage areas (LVAs) were manually measured using the CARTO-3 system and defined as areas &amp;lt;0.5mV on bipolar voltage maps (pulmonary veins were excluded). Scar location was classified by evaluating for presence and amount of LVA in each quadrant of the posterior LA wall. AF recurrence was evaluated at 12 months post-procedure. SPSS (v. 27) was used for statistical analysis. Results Of the 32 patients included, 7 patients experienced AF recurrence within 12 months post-procedure (21.9%). The average amount of posterior wall LVA following convergent ablation was 54.1% of posterior wall area and 5.8% of total left atrial area, neither of which were associated with 12-month AF recurrence (see Table 1). The presence and extent of LVAs in the upper quadrants were heterogeneous amongst patients and did not relate to AF recurrence. All patients displayed LVAs in the lower quadrants post-epicardial ablation, with the majority having LVAs occupying more than 50% of these quadrants. 96.8% had LVA on the inferior LA surface. In total, 75% of patients had a significant amount of LVA (defined as LVA occupying &amp;gt;50% of the quadrant area) in both lower posterior wall quadrants (see Figure 1) and this feature was associated with lower AF recurrence on multivariable Cox regression analysis (see Table 1). Conclusions Extensive scar was observed in the LA posterior wall in patients following epicardial convergent ablation. The presence of such scar, particularly in the lower regions of the posterior wall, may influence outcomes and be associated with reduced AF recurrence.Table 1Figure 1

PSI-25 Associations Between Feeding Behavior, Residual Feed Intake, and Residual Average Daily Gain in Performance Tested Yearling Angus Bulls and Heifers

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate relationships among feeding behaviors, off-test residual feed intake (RFI), and residual average daily gain (RADG) EPD for performance tested cattle. Eighty-seven angus bulls and thirty-two angus heifers (n = 119) were fed a high forage diet consisting mainly of ground hay and corn silage for 57 days using the Vytelle feed system. The variables evaluated were time spent visiting the bunk, time with head down, number of visits, RFI, average DMI, DMI, RADG, ADG, and quadrant location of RFI and ADG. RFI and ADG are plotted for each individual animal, which places that individual into one of four quadrants (1 = Favorable RFI/ Below average ADG, 2 = Favorable RFI/ Above average ADG, 3 = Unfavorable RFI/ Below average ADG, 4 = Unfavorable RFI/ Above average ADG). The data were analyzed by gender, using non-parametric Spearman’s Rho in JMP to determine variable relationships. A very strong positive correlation was observed in yearling bulls for the time spent with head down and the length of time spent at the bunk (0.8331, P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Also, a moderate correlation for the animals individual RFI and total number of visits (0.4924, P &amp;lt; 0.0001). A very strong negative correlation was observed for yearling bulls in the average amount consumed and the total number of visits to the bunk (-0.8380, P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Also, a weak negative correlation was observed in the animals individual RADG and RFI (-0.2777, P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Similarly, a strong positive correlation in yearling heifers was observed in head down and length of time spent at the bunk (0.9457, P &amp;lt; 0.0001). A strong negative correlation was observed in yearling heifers for the total number of visits and the average amount of feed consumed per each visit (-0.5293, P &amp;lt; 0.0018). Also, a moderate negative correlation in each animals individual RADG and RFI (-0.4822, 0.0052*). While a moderate positive correlation of individual animal RFI and the total number of visits was observed for the yearling bulls, the yearling heifers showed no significant correlation between the two. Our studies show that feeding behavior on a high forage diet is similar to that of behaviors shown on a high concentrate diet by others. Although there was a significant, but weak relationship between RFI and RADG, the strength of the relationship is such that one cannot be used predict the other and they are measuring different components of the animal’s efficiency.

Assessing the impact of the sustainable development goals on corporate philanthropy: A study of Canada's leading private sector companies

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) on community investment (CI), otherwise known as corporate philanthropic expenditures, among Canada's leading private sector companies. The study investigates whether there have been discernible shifts in CI relative to net profit after tax (NPAT) before and after the introduction of the SDGs in 2015, and whether corporations' commitment to the SDGs and/or membership in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) have resulted in material increases to CI expenditures. The analysis is based on descriptive statistics, comparing the mean and standard deviation of CI as a percentage of NPAT across 58 firms included in our study. The findings reveal a minor decrease in CI as a percentage of NPAT following the introduction of the SDGs and lower average CI amounts among corporations committed to the SDGs and firms with UNGC membership. This paper offers an interpretive analysis of the results, highlighting the implications of potential greenwashing and the importance of corporate transparency. Further, we emphasize the need for policies to ensure genuine corporate financial commitment to socioeconomic and environmental causes.

The Impact of Dam Construction on Downstream Vegetation Area in Dry Areas Using Satellite Remote Sensing: A Case Study

The assessment of ecosystem quality and the maintenance of optimal ecosystem function require understanding vegetation area dynamics and their relationship with climate variables. This study aims to detect vegetation area changes downstream of the Hali dam, which was built in 2009, and to understand the influence of the dam as well as climatic variables on the region’s vegetation areas from 2000 to 2020. The case study is located in an arid area with an average rainfall amount from 50 to 100 mm/year. An analysis of seasonal changes in vegetation areas was conducted using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and supervised image classification was used to evaluate changes in vegetation areas using Landsat imagery. Pearson correlation and multivariate linear regression were used to assess the response of local vegetation areas to both hydrologic changes due to dam construction and climate variability. The NDVI analysis revealed a considerable vegetation decline after the dam construction in the dry season. This is primarily associated with the impoundment of seasonal water by the dam and the increase in cropland areas due to dam irrigation. A significantly stronger correlation between vegetation changes and precipitation and temperature variations was observed before the dam construction. Furthermore, multivariant linear regression was used to evaluate the variations in equivalent water thickness (EWT), climate data, and NDVI before and after the dam construction. The results suggested that 85 percent of the variability in the mean NDVI was driven by climate variables and EWT before the dam construction. On the other hand, it was found that only 42 percent of the variations in the NDVI were driven by climate variables and EWT from 2010 to 2020 for both dry and wet seasons.

Improved perioperative narcotic usage patterns in patients undergoing robotic-assisted compared to manual total hip arthroplasty

BackgroundRobot-assisted total hip arthroplasty (RA-THA) improves accuracy in achieving the planned acetabular cup positioning compared to conventional manual THA (mTHA), but optimal dosage for peri-RA-THA and mTHA pain relief remains unclear. This study aimed to compare pain control with opioids between patients undergoing direct anterior approach THA with the use of a novel, fluoroscopic-assisted RA-THA system compared to opioid consumption associated with fluoroscopic-assisted, manual technique.MethodsRetrospective cohort analysis was performed on a consecutive series of patients who received mTHA and fluoroscopy-based RA-THA. The average amount of postoperative narcotics in morphine milligram equivalents (MME) given to each cohort was compared, including during the in-hospital and post-discharge periods. Analyses were performed on the overall cohort, as well as stratified by opioid-naïve and opioid-tolerant patients.ResultsThe RA-THA cohort had significantly lower total postoperative narcotic use compared to the mTHA cohort (103.7 vs. 127.8 MME; P < 0.05). This difference was similarly seen amongst opioid-tolerant patients (123.6 vs. 181.3 MME; P < 0.05). The RA-THA cohort had lower total in-hospital narcotics use compared to the mTHA cohort (42.3 vs. 66.4 MME; P < 0.05), consistent across opioid-naïve and opioid-tolerant patients. No differences were seen in post-discharge opioid use between groups.ConclusionsFluoroscopy-based RA-THA is associated with lower postoperative opioid use, including during the immediate perioperative period, when compared to manual techniques. This may have importance in rapid recovery protocols and mitigating episode burden of care.

Paying for forest carbon: Cost‐effectiveness of the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) remuneration scheme

AbstractForests play an essential role in climate change mitigation by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing carbon in biomass. Carbon sequestration can be increased by the extension of rotation cycles in existing plantation forests. This study examines the cost‐effectiveness of the remuneration scheme employed by Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), a commonly used carbon accounting method based on the average amount of carbon stored in the forest. We compare the net present value of carbon remuneration under VCS with that of a scheme that remunerates actual carbon storage in each year which we call “current carbon accounting.” We use data for an Acacia mangium plantation in Indonesia where the forestry sector is expected to contribute more than half of the reductions of carbon emissions according to Indonesia's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. For our baseline scenario, we find, first, that the payments needed to incentivise additional carbon storage under VCS are considerably higher than under current carbon accounting. Second, the inefficiency is more pronounced at lower discount rates. Third, recent prices reported for VCS forest credits are not sufficient to incentivise forest managers to lengthen the forest rotation in Indonesian plantation forests.

Kinetic analysis, mathematical modeling and quality evaluation of mint drying in greenhouse solar dryer

The goal of this study is to evaluate the potential of the Greenhouse Solar Dryer (GSD) for drying the mint leaves and compare it with other traditional drying methods. The top 10 mathematical models introduced by literatures were selected to describe the drying kinetics of mint leaves. The results showed that the average drying time in the GSD is 32 % and 50 % less than the open sun and shade place drying, respectively. Wang and Singh model with R2 = 0.9944, RMSE = 0.02021 and χ2 = 0.00052, logarithmic model with R2 = 0.9918, RMSE = 0.02556 and χ2 = 0.00078, and Henderson-Dabbie with model with R2 = 0.9774, RMSE = 0.04189 and χ2 = 0.00175 were determined as the best models for GSD, sun and shade place drying, respectively. The amount of changes in the color of the dried mint according to the index of total changes (ΔE) was recorded as 0.53 in the shade place, 0.60 in the GSD, and 0.89 in the open sun drying, respectively. The average of dried mint essential oil that was extracted by hydro-distillation method was 0.0254, 0.0237 and 0.0101 for shade place, GSD and open sun drying, respectively. Comparison of the average amount of extracted dried mint essential oil using ANOVA test, two LSD and Tukey HSD (Honestly Significant Difference) tests showed that there is no significant difference between the two treatments of drying in the shade place and GSD, while both of them have a significant difference with the open sun.