Changes In System Research Articles

Navigating Political System Change in a Transitional Economy

Navigating Political System Change in a Transitional Economy

EPMITS: An Efficient Prediction Method Incorporating Trends and Shapes Features for Chemical Process Variables

With the transformation of industrial production digitization and automation, process monitoring has been an indispensable technical method to realize the safe and efficient production of chemical process. Accurate prediction of process variables in chemical process can indicate the possible system change to reduce the probability of abnormal conditions. Current popular deep learning prediction methods trained with MSE or its variants may exhibit limitations in extracting shape features of chemical process data. In this paper, we proposed an efficient prediction method incorporating trends and shapes features (EPMITS) for chemical process variables. Specifically, we introduced a novel differentiable loss function Efficient Shape Error (ESE) to quantify shape differences between two time series of equal length in chemical process data. Then we trained deep learning models with MSE and ESE as loss function by two steps in training stage, to effectively acquire both trend and shape features of chemical process data. The proposed method was evaluated by the Tennessee Eastman process datasets and a real fluid catalytic cracking dataset from a petrochemical company. The results indicate that EPMITS models exhibit high prediction accuracy and short model training time across various time scales. These findings demonstrate the considerable feasibility and significant potential of EPMITS for future fault prognosis applications.

Highly Sensitized Kidney Transplant Outcomes After the 2014 Kidney Allocation System Change.

Introduction: Kidney Allocation System (KAS) was implemented by United Network for Organ Sharing in 2014 to reduce allocation disparities. Research Questions: Outcomes of highly sensitized patients (calculated panel reactive antibody (cPRA) ≥ 97%) before and after KAS were compared to low-risk recipients (cPRA <10%) in the post-KAS era were examined. The impact on racial disparities was determined. Design: This was a retrospective study of national registry data. Two cohorts of adult candidates waitlisted for deceased donor transplantation during 3-year periods before and after KAS were identified. Results: Highly sensitized patients (N = 1238 and 4687) received a deceased donor kidney transplant between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2013 and between January 1, 2015 and December, 31, 2017. Racial disparity for highly sensitized patients improved, yet remained significant (P < 0.001), with Black patients comprising 40% and 41% of the highly sensitized candidates and 28% and 34% of the recipients pre- and post-KAS. While posttransplant death-censored graft failure for highly sensitized recipients was similar overall, post-KAS was associated with improved graft survival in the first year after transplant (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.40-0.78). When compared to contemporaneous lowrisk recipients, both death-censored and all-cause graft failure were similar for highly sensitized recipients and was associated with increased risk for death-censored graft failure beyond the first year (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.11-1.73). Conclusion: The allocation system led to an increase in transplantation in highly sensitized candidates without compromising outcomes. Although KAS has led to more balanced transplant rates between highly sensitized Black and White patients, racial inequalities persist.

Navigating Challenges in Implementing Response to Intervention in Schools: A Qualitative Survey

Abstract Date Presented 03/21/24 This qualitative study identified barriers to response-to-intervention (RtI) implementation in schools, highlighting the need for systemic change in education. OT practitioners can address these barriers by fostering inclusivity and supporting diverse learners. Primary Author and Speaker: Chavae Peters-White Additional Authors and Speakers: Dr. Rae Ann Smith Contributing Authors: Julie L. Watson

Scaling as Organized System Change: The Case of Homelessness (WITHDRAWN)

Scaling as Organized System Change: The Case of Homelessness (WITHDRAWN)

Perspectives of Transition-Aged Youth with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities about Self-Advocacy and Civic Engagement

AbstractIn alignment with the rallying cry of the self-advocacy movement, it is critical to center the perspectives of people with disabilities about their lived experiences. Yet, little is known about how youth with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) engage in self-advocacy and civic engagement in special education. We conducted focus groups with 15 transition-aged youth with IDD across four states about self-advocacy and civic engagement. Youth with IDD reported engaging in self-advocacy at school, but outside of their individualized education program meetings. Parent advocacy and positive partnerships with educators promoted youth self-advocacy. Youth reported minimal involvement in civic engagement, but they had suggestions for systemic changes to special education. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Carbon Sequestration in Agricultural Soil: Technique and their Efficiency

Developing technologies to slow the rate of increase in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) from annual emissions, such as energy, process industries, land-use change, and soil cultivation, is a major challenge of the twenty-first century. Severe ecological and economic disruptions result from the erratic changes in climate systems caused by the skyrocketing amounts of atmospheric CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHGs). Through the process of carbon sequestration, net greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced, hence mitigating climate change. Both biotic and abiotic variables can contribute to the long-term sequestration of carbon, or carbon stabilisation. The compilation of past and present methods for sequestering soil organic carbon is crucial, considering the need of measuring and tracking soil carbon at the point, field, regional, and ecosystem levels. This study attempts to provide an overview of the literature about the function of various agricultural management techniques for sequestering carbon and the ways in which they help to stabilize atmospheric carbon.

Impacts of China's Stock Market Registration System and Future Insights

This study will explore the impact of the registration system on the stock market after China changed from the approval system to the registration system. Under the approval system, the government monopolizes the right to review stock listings in the approval system. Therefore, this situation not only easily creates the government's monopoly power but may also lead to companies over-packaging IPO application materials to increase the possibility of passing the review. This will cause the government to spend too much time and energy conducting substantive studies of corporate application materials, reducing work efficiency. Therefore, the registration system will be officially implemented in March 2023. The proposed research will investigate the issuance and distribution of new shares, changes in the price-earnings ratio, and changes in the latest lottery rate and yield, as well as the changes in the hairstyle system and how it performed after listing (industry, valuation, and average growth rate) to conduct a comprehensive analysis. Thus, the existing research results are used to propose the impact of the registration system on the Chinese stock market.

Non invasive techniques for direct muscle quality assessment after exercise intervention in older adults: a systematic review

BackgroundThe aging process induces neural and morphological changes in the human musculoskeletal system, leading to a decline in muscle mass, strength and quality. These alterations, coupled with shifts in muscle metabolism, underscore the essential role of physical exercise in maintaining and improving muscle quality in older adults. Muscle quality's morphological domain encompasses direct assessments of muscle microscopic and macroscopic aspects of muscle architecture and composition. Various tools exist to estimate muscle quality, each with specific technical requirements. However, due to the heterogeneity in both the studied population and study methodologies, there is a gap in the establishment of reference standards to determine which are the non-invasive and direct tools to assess muscle quality after exercise interventions. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to obtain an overview of the non-invasive tools used to measure muscle quality directly after exercise interventions in healthy older adults, as well as to assess the effects of exercise on muscle quality.Main textTo address the imperative of understanding and optimizing muscle quality in aging individuals, this review provides an overview of non-invasive tools employed to measure muscle quality directly after exercise interventions in healthy older adults, along with an assessment of the effects of exercise on muscle quality.ResultsThirty four studies were included. Several methods of direct muscle quality assessment were identified. Notably, 2 studies harnessed CT, 20 utilized US, 9 employed MRI, 2 opted for TMG, 2 adopted myotonometry, and 1 incorporated BIA, with several studies employing multiple tests. Exploring interventions, 26 studies focus on resistance exercise, 4 on aerobic training, and 5 on concurrent training.ConclusionsThere is significant diversity in the methods of direct assessment of muscle quality, mainly using ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging; and a consistent positive trend in exercise interventions, indicating their efficacy in improving or preserving muscle quality. However, the lack of standardized assessment criteria poses a challenge given the diversity within the studied population and variations in methodologies.. These data emphasize the need to standardize assessment criteria and underscore the potential benefits of exercise interventions aimed at optimizing muscle quality.

Contextualization of Polygamy Law; Justification of Islamic Legal Principles against Positive Regulations in Indonesia

Ideally, polygamy law in Islam sets a maximum limit of four wives, requires the husband to act justly, and considers material and emotional factors, as stipulated in the Qur'an. However, in reality, there are differences in the implementation of the law in Indonesia. Law No. 1 of 1974 does not limit the number of wives, while the Compilation of Islamic Law (KHI) limits it to four wives and requires the wife's consent, which must be proven in court. These differences reflect a discrepancy between Islamic legal principles and current positive regulations. This article aims to provide a deeper understanding of the differences between polygamy law in Islam and positive regulations in Indonesia. This research uses a comparative approach with a literature study method to analyze and compare Islamic legal principles with positive regulations in Indonesia related to polygyny. The results show that over time and with changes in the state system, the contextualization of polygamy law has undergone justification and rationalization, leading to significant changes in its application.

Diagnosis of hemostatic system disorders in patients with chronic heart failure using classical and integral methods

BACKGROUND: The state of the hemostatic system in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) remains an insufficiently studied problem. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: to present the results of an original study of the coagulation system of patients with CHF using an integral technique — low-frequency piеzothromboelastography (LPTEG). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 90 patients with CHF due to hypertension and coronary artery disease aged 50–75 years. The subjects were divided into groups with CHF I–IIa (n = 30), CHF stages IIb–III (n = 60). All patients underwent a study of the hemostasis system using classical (coagulogram) and integral (NPTEG) methods before prescribing antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy. The comparison group consisted of healthy patients of the same age group without CHF (n = 30). RESULTS: In patients with CHF, a general blood test revealed a statistically significant decrease in the number of platelets (group 1 — 215; group 2 — 185) compared to the control group — 241. When analyzing the coagulogram, a decrease in the levels of prothrombin (group 1 — 89; group 2 — 86; control group 105), antithrombin-III (group — 76.5; group 2 — 73; control group — 91) and increased INR (group 1 — 1.03; group 2 — 1.12; control group 1.01) in patients in groups with CHF compared to the control group (p 0.05). When using the NPTEG method in patients with CHF, a decrease in indicators characterizing the rate of clot polymerization (intensity of clot polymerization) and clot density (maximum amplitude) was determined when compared with the control group (p 0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients with CHF, changes in the hemostatic system are determined, characterized by a tendency to hypocoagulation, the frequency a severity of which increases with the progression of the stage of the disease.

МЕНЕДЖМЕНТ В ОХОРОНІ ЗДОРОВ'Я. ОКРЕМІ ПРАВОВІ ТА ОРГАНІЗАЦІЙНІ АСПЕКТИ В ПОЛЬСЬКІЙ СИСТЕМІ ОХОРОНИ ЗДОРОВ'Я

In every democratic country that respects and protects human rights, human dignity and the functioning of the health care system are an extremely important element of society's development. In turn, the condition of the health care system should be one of the measures or factors proving the authorities' respect for society. Social changes, such as the increase in the wealth of citizens but also the aging of societies, cause debates and discussions on the functioning of the health care system, universality and access to medical services to become widespread. This is discussed by representatives of the medical community, representatives of groups currently «in power» and, above all, patients themselves. The structure of the health care system and the number of legal regulations creating this system in the Republic of Poland raise many problems. Their perception and analysis depend to a large extent on the nature of the evaluator, but one common element of such analyzes is the conclusion that the system is inefficient and requires changes. However, the scope of these changes is problematic. The medical community and management specialists see the need for changes in the management system combined with subsidizing the system. Patients, but also representatives of many communities, recognize the need for changes, but without incurring additional costs. Undoubtedly, the management system itself in facilities providing health services requires urgent changes. However, the complex structure of the system and its subjective and objective scope (including the multiplicity and diversity of facilities, various remuneration and employment systems) make it impossible to standardize activities. It should also be remembered that any changes must be made with the patient and his safety in mind.

Climate Change, Biased Technological Advances and Agricultural TFP: Empirical Evidence from China

The impact of climate change on agricultural quality development under the constraint of China’s “Double Carbon” target has been widely discussed by policy practitioners and academic theorists. This paper attempts to deconstruct the logic of how climate change affects agricultural total factor productivity (TFP) in three dimensions—the structure of agricultural input factors, the change in the cropping system, and the stability of crop supply. This paper also reveals the mechanism through which biased technological progress increases agricultural TFP by weakening the magnitude of climate change and empirically tests it by using China’s provincial-level data from 2000 to 2021. This study showed that average annual temperature and annual precipitation had significant negative effects on agricultural TFP, that the number of sunshine hours had a significant positive effect on agricultural TFP, and that obvious regional differences existed in the effect of climate change on agricultural TFP. Further mechanism tests revealed that biased technological progress positively moderated the effect of climate change on agricultural TFP. Based on these findings, the appropriate countermeasures for improving climate early warning mechanisms, promoting the progress of appropriate technology, and fostering new agricultural management bodies.

Determine SST and SSS distribution and tendency of variation in the northern Atlantic Ocean using k-means clustering

Sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface salinity (SSS) are crucial parameters in oceanographic research and have important implications for understanding the Earths climate system, ecosystems, and global change. This paper will ascertain SSS and SST in the North Atlantic Ocean. Besides, K-means clustering was utilized to separate the data into several clusters once the data were installed in Matlab. According to the research results, the temperature dropped from the equator to the high northern latitudes. In contrast, salinity showed an initial increase and then a following reduction in trend. Despite rising temperatures and salinity, the region distribution of high SST and high SSS throughout the year remained mostly stable, but the area became larger. One of the regions with high salinity in North Africa has a strong connection to that is adjacent to the Mediterranean. The Earths climate system includes essential elements, including SST and SSS, which are essential to the development and control of the climate. Its better to comprehend seasonal changes in climate patterns and long-term climate trends by investigating temperature and salinity.

EXPLORING THE INTERWOVEN THEMES OF GENDER DYNAMICS AND SOCIETAL CHALLENGES IN KHALED HOSSEINI'S A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Background and Purpose: This study delves into the portrayal of gender equality and women's empowerment in Khaled Hosseini's novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, within the context of Afghan society. Recognizing the significance of literature as a mirror reflecting societal realities, this research aims to explore the multifaceted experiences of female protagonists navigating oppressive patriarchal structures and uncover the complexities of gender inequality and women's agency depicted in the novel. Methodology: Employing thematic analysis, I conducted an in-depth examination of character dynamics, societal norms, and narrative elements present in A Thousand Splendid Suns. Through a systematic exploration of themes and patterns within the text, the study elucidates the nuanced complexities of gender discrimination and women's resilience in the face of adversity. Data collection involves close reading and interpretation of the novel, supplemented by theoretical engagement with relevant literature on gender studies and Afghan society. The qualitative approach allows for a rich exploration of the experiences and perspectives of female characters within the narrative context. Findings: The findings of the analysis illuminate the pervasive discrimination, violence, and systemic oppression faced by Afghan women as depicted in the novel. Characters like Mariam and Laila exemplify the intersectionality of gender with other axes of oppression, such as class and ethnicity, highlighting the interconnected nature of social hierarchies. Despite the challenges they face, female characters demonstrate resilience and determination in challenging societal norms and asserting their autonomy. The narrative underscores the transformative power of education as a catalyst for women's empowerment, inspiring others to advocate for systemic change and justice. Contributions: This study contributes to a deeper understanding of gender dynamics and societal challenges prevalent in Afghan culture by scrutinizing the complexities of gender portrayal in literature. By shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of female characters, the research underscores the importance of promoting gender equality and women's empowerment as fundamental principles of social justice and human rights. Ultimately, A Thousand Splendid Suns serves as a powerful testament to the enduring human spirit and the transformative potential of solidarity in the face of oppression and adversity. Keywords: Oppressive male dominance, Khaled Hosseini, gender equality, women’s empowerment, A Thousand Splendid Sun. Cite as: Alqaryouti, M. H. (2024). Gender equality and women’s empowerment in A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 9(2), 490-513. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol9iss2pp490-513

Decision Support System for the Assessment and Enhancement of Agrobiodiversity Performance

The industrialisation of agriculture and changes in production systems have contributed to a biodiversity decline worldwide. Developing accurate and adequate assessment methods can encourage farmers to support more sustainable agricultural management. This study presents a decision support system to promote agrobiodiversity that incorporates not only a quantitative assessment of relevant indicators of agrobiodiversity performance but also provides enhancement practice recommendations and associated benefits, presenting an action plan in order of priority. Additionally, the decision support system allows a visual comparison between biodiversity composite indicators and indicators representing pest control and crop yield. Since grape cultivation is considered one of the most intensive agricultural systems, thus significantly impacting biodiversity, the elaborated decision support system was tested on a viticultural agroecosystem in the demarcated Douro region in Portugal. The results demonstrated the decision support system functioning according to the selected methodology and allowed the identification of future lines for investigation. During the analysed period, the following were verified: an increase of 2% in the biodiversity indicator, 130% in harvest yield, and 2077% in the enemy-to-pest ratio. It is expected that the elaborated DSS will offer a significant contribution by bridging communication gaps on alternative management options to improve biodiversity performance in agricultural systems.

Evaluation of the Impacts of Pesticides Exposure in Different Durations on the Neural System and Antioxidants in Iraqi Farmers

The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of pesticides in different durations on some neurotransmitters and oxidative parameters compared to controls. A total of 120 male farmers participated in this study, 30 not exposed to pesticides served as control group and 90 exposed to pesticides and were split into two groups based on their exposure durations (˂5 &amp; ≥5 years) and three age-groups (˂20, 20-40 and ≥41 years). Blood was collected to determine acetylcholinesterase (ACHE), serotonin (5-TH), dopamine (DA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels using ELISA kits. The results of ACHE, serotonin, dopamine and TAC levels increased, whereas MDA and ROS levels decreased among farmers exposed to the pesticides. According to the exposure duration and farmers age, only 5-TH, DA and TAC levels were affected. It can be concluded that pesticides exposure may have an acute effect on acetylcholine and a chronic effect on the serotonin and dopamine via change in the antioxidant system which may play an important role in the neural diseases.

Trajectories of socio-ecological systems: Does social capital matter? A case study in the tropical Andes

Between natural and social systems there are two-way interactions, which determine the path of change in the Socio-Ecological System. For example, the type of land use decisions that society makes could lead to the deterioration of the biophysical system and its ecological functioning, causing effects on social well-being. Conceptual and simulation models of socio-ecological systems allow an understanding of such interactions and the development of trajectories. In this manuscript we explore the link between three lines of research that overlap but have been studied separately (i) Governance, (ii) Socio-ecological systems, and (iii) social capital. This paper analyzes the dynamics of social capital and its influence on governance and Land Use and Land Cover Changes in a basin of the Colombian Andes. To this end, we develop a Systems Dynamics model (SD). This research contributes to the (i) understanding of how the institutions, their policies, the actors, and the interactions generated between them in a territory influence the management of natural resources, which is indispensable to supporting the decision-making process; and (ii) operationalization of the social capital elements on the SES model through an integrated analysis with consideration of feedback mechanisms between natural and social system. With this model, a scenario evaluation is developed to analyze the effect of different approaches of the social capital organization on land cover in the basin case study.

Morphometric, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural examination of age-related structural alterations in optic nerve

Aims: As individuals age, there is a known decline in visual function attributed to a reduction in the optic nerve fibers and myelin sheath degeneration. Studies present conflicting findings on whether aging affects axonal integrity in the human optic nerve. This study aims to investigate degenerative changes in the aging rat optic nerve. Methods: The investigation involved 36 Wistar albino rats. The rats were divided into six groups: the newborn, prepubertal, pubertal, junior, adult, and elderly groups. This study investigated optic nerve axon counts, axon diameters, levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity (GFAP-IR) and nerve growth factor immunoreactivity (NGF-IR), as well as findings from light microscopy (LM) and electron microscopy (EM) in these groups. Results: This study observed age-related alterations in rat optic nerves, including increased diameter, irregular axon count fluctuations (both increases and decreases), elevated astrocyte count, and a simultaneous decline in oligodendrocyte count. Additionally, it was observed that NGF-IR was predominantly at the membrane level in newborns and moderately in the cytoplasm, whereas in older ages, it was evident at both cellular and axonal levels furthermore, it was observed that GFAP-IR increased with age. However, in LM and EM examinations, axonal loss and rarefaction, accumulation of osmiophilic substances, splitting of the myelin sheath, vacuolization, axonal retraction were observed. Conclusion: In this study, it was found that one of the causes of age-related vision loss is the advanced degenerative changes in the optic nerve and it was concluded that the remaining small-diameter myelinated nerve fibers may partially compensate for the sense of vision. Our study reveals that age-related degenerative changes in the central nervous system resemble those in multiple sclerosis (MS), suggesting a potential contribution to MS pathogenesis.

Application of blood parameters for the early diagnosis of natural ascending placentitis in pregnant mares

Placental infection is an important cause of late-term pregnancy loss and neonatal diseases in horses. Detection of changes in blood parameters especially during early placentitis could improve the diagnostic accuracy, treatment decision, and potential outcomes. The objectives of this 2-part study were to identify differences in circulating immunological, inflammatory, and hormonal parameters between mares with natural ascending placentitis and control mares; evaluate each and combination of parameters as predictors of placentitis; and determine how these parameters indicate severity of placentitis. Reproductive examination and blood sampling were prospectively performed on pregnant mares in a natural setting. Study 1 enrolled mares diagnosed with early stage of ascending placentitis based on ultrasonographic findings (n = 12), and gestationally age-matched mares with healthy pregnancies as controls (n = 12). Blood samples were classified as pre-onset (before) and early onset (at the time of ultrasonographic changes) of placentitis. There were no detected statistically significant differences between groups and timepoints in immunological and inflammatory parameters, including peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations, cytokine, and serum amyloid A concentrations. The placentitis group showed a reduced (P = 0.01) DHP/20α-DHP ratio when compared to the control group at the early onset timepoint. Plasma estradiol-17β concentration <359 pg/mL predicted ascending placentitis with acceptable accuracy (area under the curve, AUC = 0.71). Combined albumin <3.7 g/dL, estradiol-17β < 499 ng/mL, and DHP <33 ng/mL predicted 100 % of cases of ascending placentitis. In study 2, samples were classified according to the presence and severity of the abnormal ultrasonographic findings as mild (n = 11) and moderate-severe (n = 23), and gestationally age-matched with samples from control mares (n = 34). Mares with moderate-severe ascending placentitis had increased (P = 0.03) plasma 20α-DHP concentration and reduced (P = 0.03) DHP/20α-DHP ratio when compared to control mares. Our results suggest that the early events of ascending placentitis detected by ultrasonographic findings include hormonal alterations of feto-placental metabolism measurable in the mare's circulation, yet without obvious systemic immunological and inflammatory changes. Additional studies are warranted to further assess how hormonal markers and cutoff values could guide decisions for timely therapeutic intervention.