Common Indicator Research Articles

도시재생사업의 성과측정에 관한 연구

The urban regeneration project started under the Park Geun-hye administration and was promoted more heavily as a New Deal project under the Moon Jae-in administration. However, as the urban regeneration project progressed, problems arose that residents could not feel due to poor implementation performance and low execution ability. Accordingly, in this study, in order to establish and achieve the goals of the urban regeneration revitalization plan, a management system and performance indicators for monitoring, evaluation, and feedback are presented to systematically and comprehensively manage everything from plan establishment to performance and effect derivation, and a resident satisfaction survey to measure performance. We conducted an investigation. In order to accurately measure performance, the ‘Comprehensive Performance Index’ presented by the central government was used as a common indicator, and the ‘Local Government Performance Index’ was comprehensively analyzed and used as an auxiliary indicator. In this study, research was conducted targeting the ‘Jeonju Station Area Urban Regeneration Area’, which is currently under construction, to select indicators for performance measurement, and practical data was presented in relation to the research method.

Genetic evidence suggests a genetic association between major depressive disorder and reduced cortical gray matter volume: A Mendelian randomization study and mediation analysis

BackgroundSeveral studies have suggested an association between major depressive disorder (MDD) and abnormal brain structure. However, it is unclear whether MDD affects cortical gray matter volume, a common indicator of cognitive function. We aimed to determine whether MDD was associated with decreased cortical gray matter volume (GMV) through a Mendelian randomization (MR) study. MethodsWe obtained summary genetic data from a study conducted by the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, which recruited a total of 480,359 participants (135,458 cases and 344,901 controls). Genetic tools—single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)—of MDD were extracted from the study and their effects on gray matter volumes of the cortex and total brain were evaluated in a large cohort from the UK Biobank (n = 8427). The effects of the SNPs were pooled using inverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis and further tested in several sensitivity analyses. We tested whether C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and interleukin-6 signaling were the mediators of the effects using a multivariate MR model. ResultsThirty-three SNPs were identified and adopted as genetic tools for predicting MDD. IVW analysis showed that MDD was associated with lower overall GMV (beta value −0.106, 95%CI -0.188 to −0.023, p = 0.011) in the frontal pole (left frontal pole, −0.152, 95%CI -0.177 to −0.127, p = 0.013; right frontal pole, −0.133, 95%CI -0.253 to −0.013, p = 0.028). Multivariate and mediation analysis showed that interleukin-6 was an important mediator of GMV reduction. Reverse causality analysis found no evidence that total GMV affected the risk of MDD, but showed that increased left precuneus cortex volume and left posterior cingulate cortex volume were associated with increased risk of MDD. LimitationsPotential pleiotropic effects and overestimation of real-world effects. Key assumptions for MR analysis may not be satisfactorily met. ConclusionMDD was associated with a reduced GMV, and interleukin-6 might be a mediator of GMV reduction.

Real-Time Lithium Battery Aging Prediction Based on Capacity Estimation and Deep Learning Methods

Lithium-ion batteries are key elements in the development of electrical energy storage solutions. However, due to cycling, environmental, and operating conditions, battery capacity tends to degrade over time. Capacity fade is a common indicator of battery state of health (SOH) because it is an indication of how the capacity has been degraded. However, battery capacity cannot be measured directly, and thus, there is an urgent need to develop methods for estimating battery capacity in real time. By analyzing the historical data of a battery in detail, it is possible to predict the future state of a battery and forecast its remaining useful life. This study developed a real-time, simple, and fast method to estimate the cycle capacity of a battery during the charge cycle using only data from a short period of each charge cycle. This proposal is attractive because it does not require data from the entire charge period since batteries are rarely charged from zero to full. The proposed method allows for simultaneous and accurate real-time prediction of the health and remaining useful life of the battery over its lifetime. The accuracy of the proposed method was tested using experimental data from several lithium-ion batteries with different cathode chemistries under various test conditions.

A general spammer indicator of rating systems uncovering rating preferences and bias

With the rapid development of e-commerce recently, massive spammers purposely distort the ranking of goods, which affects the market order and the fair competition of businesses seriously. Therefore, identifying such spammers is significant to rational decision making of customers. However, it is difficult to discriminate between normal users and malicious spammers on extremely large rating networks. In this paper, we propose a common indicator based on the historic rating records from spammers and normal users, which is widely applied to many existing methods. It is inspired by the idea that normal users have their preferences and rating bias shown in rating ladder, while spammers do not have such rating ladders in practice. Such an indicator is complement with other existing methods including Deviation-based Ranking (DR), Iterative Group-based Ranking (IGR) and Iterative Balance Ranking (IBR). Experimental study on three real rating networks shows that this indicator can significantly improve the accuracy of DR, IGR and IBR. To deal with malicious spammers, DR, IGR and IBR are improved by at least 9.38%, 2.90% and 2.53%, respectively. To deal with random spammers, DR, IGR and IBR are improved by at least by 5.52%, 17.12% and 32.24%, respectively.

The differential pattern of associations between nighttime sleep disturbances with dimensions of daytime sleepiness in community-dwelling older adults, the Yilan study, Taiwan.

The association between nighttime sleep disturbance and daytime sleepiness remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationships between various domains of nighttime sleep disturbance, daytime sleepiness, and their specific dimensions. This was a community-based cross-sectional study. The participants were adults aged 65 years and older from Yilan City, Taiwan. Daytime sleepiness (DS) was defined using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) with scores ≥ 11. The ESS dimensions were further examined using exploratory factor analysis. The highest 15% factor scores for each factor were defined as factor-specific DS. Various domains of nighttime sleep disturbance were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the independent relationships among various nighttime sleep disturbances, ESS, and its dimensions. Of the 2585 participants, a total of 59.0% were women. Two factors were identified by exploratory factor analysis and were designated as 'passive factor' and 'active factor'. Multiple logistic regression analyses elucidated that short sleep duration was a common risk indicator for ESS-defined (odds ratio (OR): 2.01; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.43-2.83), passive factor-defined (OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.65-3.00), and active factor-defined DS (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.07-2.00). Hypnotic use was associated with a lower risk of both ESS-defined (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.47-0.92) and passive factor-defined DS (OR:0.69, 95% CI: 0.52-0.92). Bathroom use (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.04-1.91), coughing or snoring (OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.01-4.56), and sleep efficiency (OR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.31-0.57) were uniquely associated with active factor-defined DS. Two factors were identified in the ESS, revealing factor-specific correlates of DS. Specifically, ESS- and passive factor-defined DS shared similar correlates. In contrast, some correlates seem unique to active-factor-defined DS.

Conservation tillage impacts on soil biodiversity: Additional insights from the Collembola-associated bacteria

The effects of conservation tillage on soil biodiversity are crucial for maintaining the balance and stability of agroecosystems, but research on soil animal-associated microbiota, an important compartment of soil biodiversity in addition to soil microbiota and soil animals, is still lacking. Here, we used 16 S rRNA amplicon sequencing to investigate the diversity and composition of bacteria associated with two Collembola species (Entomobrya sibirica and Ceratophysella sp.) of different life forms under four different tillage practices: (1) conventional moldboard plow tillage with no straw mulch (CT), (2) moldboard plow tillage with straw mulch (MT), (3) no-tillage with straw cover (NT) and (4) no-tillage with straw cover and crop rotation (NTR). We found that conservation tillage increased Collembola abundance and Collembola-associated bacterial diversity, with no significant effect on soil bacteria. Ceratophysella sp. seemed to be more adapted to NTR, whereas E. sibirica was more adapted to MT. Interestingly, Collembola abundance was positively correlated with its associated bacterial diversity, with the relative abundance of Sphingomonas and Pelomonas being positively correlated, but Pseudomonas and Rhodococcus being negatively correlated with Collembola abundance. We identified Methylobacterium-Methtylorubrum and Streptomyces as indicator bacteria for the MT treatment, but no common indicator between the two Collembola species in the NTR treatment. Conservation tillage significantly affected the composition and network structure of Collembola-associated bacteria, particularly in the MT and NTR treatments. Our study suggests that conservation tillage practices affect at least two of the three compartments of soil biodiversity – soil microbiota, soil animals and soil-animal associated microbiota. If only one tillage practice is preferred, we recommend the no-tillage with straw mulch and rotation (NTR) as the most optimal strategy for conserving soil biodiversity.

Association of resting heart rate with cognitive decline and brain age in older adults: a large‐scale cohort study in the UK Biobank

AbstractBackgroundThe relationship of resting heart rate (RHR), a common indicator of cardiovascular health, with cognitive decline is unclear. We aimed to investigate the association of RHR with cognitive trajectory and brain age assessed by brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the UK Biobank.MethodWithin the UK Biobank 18,210 chronic brain disorders‐free participants aged 60+ were followed for up to 16 years. RHR was assessed by blood pressure monitor and categorized into <60, 60‐69 (reference), 70‐79, and ≥80 beats per minute (bpm). Cognitive function including global cognition, numeric memory, prospective memory, pairs matching, fluid intelligence, and reaction time was collected at baseline and each follow‐up wave. A subsample of 10,458 participants underwent brain MRI (T1‐weighted MRI, T2‐FLAIR, T2∗, diffusion‐MRI, task fMRI, and resting‐state fMRI) to detect brain age and brain predicted age difference (PAD) using Lasso regression. Data were analyzed using mixed‐effects model and linear regression model.ResultCompared to reference group, RHR≥80 bpm was associated with faster decline in global cognition (β: ‐0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: ‐0.05, ‐0.01) and reaction time (β: ‐0.03, 95% CI: ‐0.07, ‐0.01). In the MRI data analysis, RHR≥80 bpm was associated with older brain age (β [95% CI]: 0.50 [0.25, 0.76]) and bigger brain PAD (β [95% CI]: 0.50 [0.26, 0.74]).ConclusionHigher RHR is associated with faster cognitive decline and older brain age. Monitoring and controlling elevated RHR could be a promising interventional target in preserving cognitive function.

Understory plant assemblage variations at different spatial scales: The case of Nothofagus forests in Tierra del Fuego

Understory vegetation is essential to forest functioning, integrity and provision of ecosystem services, but forest management often overlook understory conservation. As species distribution depends on many drivers, and diversity indicators varied with scales, it is difficult to define appropriate strategies for conservation, even in a single forest type. Moreover, many understory plant species occurred at both forests and non-forest ecosystems, and the assemblage could vary at sub-regional scales. Then, forest specialist species may not be similarly threatened in different ecosystem types or sub-regions. Therefore, we wonder if the variation of the understory plant assemblage of a single forest type at a sub-regional scale occurs in different forest types; how do vary the understory species assemblages compared to non-forest ecosystems at each sub-region; and how do vary the management effects on different forest types in a local scale within different sub-regions. For this, we studied understory vegetation richness and cover in three Nothofagus forest types and three non-forest ecosystems across four sub-regions of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. We evaluated correlations, nestedness, relational patterns (by Non-metrical multidimensional scaling-NMS and Multi-response permutational procedure-MRPP) and Indicator Species Analysis-ISA, for 229 vascular plants distributed in 554 plots. Regarding local scale, we asssesed two main productive managements: timber harvesting in N. pumilio and livestock use in N. antarctica forests. Understory assemblages varied within each single forest type among different sub-regions (p < 0.033 for all MRPP), and different indicator plant species occurred at different geographic zones for two forest types (e.g., Adenocaulon chilensis in SE for N. pumilio forests, and Cotula scariosa in NW for N. antarctica forests), but not in forests with a nested understory distribution pattern (N. betuloides). Ecosystem types shared a high quantity of species (>40 %), except in SE zone. However, all ecosystem types significantly differed in every zone (p < 0.025), except grasslands and shrublands in NW (p = 0.165). Grasslands stand out as the species richest ecosystem in NW, SW and SE zones (between 62 and 123 spp.), highlighting their importance for conservation. Landscape heterogeneity emerged as an important mechanisms enriching species richness from neighbouring habitats, while in managed stands, resource availability seemed the main driver. Regarding the local scale, higher impacted by harvested condition in N. pumilio forests showed differences with less impacted conditions despite the zone, with some common indicator species (e.g., Taraxacum officinale). However, differences between aggregate retention and primary forests depends on the locality. Concerning N. antarctica forests, livestock homogeneizes the assemblages between zones, although indicator species remains different across zones, with dominance of exotics introduced for forage in NE (e.g., Poa pratensis). The presence of the same species in forests and non-forest ecosystems reduce the local extinction hazards in Tierra del Fuego. However, conservation strategies should be implemented at every sub-region. New natural reserves could be an alternative for conservation in zones without natural reserves, but complemented with land-sharing in managed forests. The consideration of potential differences among geographic zones could bring a more clear alternative to improve conservation at sub-regional scales where the same forest type cover large regions.

A novel multi-resolution network for the open-circuit faults diagnosis of automatic ramming drive system

The open-circuit fault is one of the most common faults of the automatic ramming drive system (ARDS), and it can be categorized into the open-phase faults of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) and the open-circuit faults of Voltage Source Inverter (VSI). The stator current serves as a common indicator for detecting open-circuit faults. Due to the identical changes of the stator current between the open-phase faults in the PMSM and failures of double switches within the same leg of the VSI, this paper utilizes the zero-sequence voltage component as an additional diagnostic criterion to differentiate them. Considering the variable conditions and substantial noise of the ARDS, a novel Multi-resolution Network (MrNet) is proposed, which can extract multi-resolution perceptual information and enhance robustness to the noise. Meanwhile, a feature weighted layer is introduced to allocate higher weights to characteristics situated near the feature frequency. Both simulation and experiment results validate that the proposed fault diagnosis method can diagnose 25 types of open-circuit faults and achieve more than 98.28% diagnostic accuracy. In addition, the experiment results also demonstrate that MrNet has the capability of diagnosing the fault types accurately under the interference of noise signals (Laplace noise and Gaussian noise).

Проблемы нормы и патологии в социологии здоровья

Currently, the norm is usually understood as a certain average, the most common indicator in society. The concept of norm changed and as a result, different standards of health (ancient, adaptive, anthropocentric) were distinguished in different time pe-riods. In the modern postmodern world, there is an intensive reassessment of norms, individual and social consciousness is changing, the concepts of good and evil, norms and pathology are blurring, where the old norm, which contradicts the new views on success, can be canceled and introduced into the status of pathology.The changes also affected medical practice. So, the reforms of F. Pinel (1793) imbues insanity with a certain medical meaning,the condition or behavior begins to be defined as a medical problem requiring medical intervention. Psychiatry gains professionalpower over the patient, and the psychiatrist gains control over the soul and body of the patient. A psychiatrist, remaining the ultimate truth, de-termines a person's place in the structure of society through diagnosis and stigmatization mechanisms. In addition, new risksare being created in the company. Biomedical technologies regulating the processes of birth, prolongation of human life and death are being de-veloped.

Rapid Determination of Escherichia coli Concentration in Water Using Multiwavelength Transmission Spectroscopy

Bacterial concentration is an important indicator to measure the degree of water pollution. Realizing rapid and accurate quantification of bacterial concentration in water is of great significance for ensuring water safety and maintaining human health. This paper proposes a method for rapid determination of bacterial concentration by multiwavelength transmission spectroscopy combined with partial least squares regression. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is selected because it is a common indicator microorganism for assessing water pollution status, and it is easy to handle. First, we measure the transmission spectra for E. coli suspensions in the region from 200 to 900 nm and analyze the differences in the spectral characteristics at different concentrations; subsequently, considering that the concentration is affected by the instrument linearity and other factors, the sensitivity, correlation, and detection ability of the spectra at different wavelengths with the change of concentration are analyzed, and the optimal characteristic band is selected according to its wavelength variation characteristics; finally, the determination of E. coli concentrations are completed by using the optimal characteristic band spectra combined with partial least squares regression. We calculate the bacterial concentration, compared with the plate counting, the maximum relative error is 4.500%, the average relative error is 0.677%, respectively, which is less than 5%, and their accuracy and stability are all better than those calculated by the single-wavelength method. This study provides a reference for the rapid and accurate detection of bacterial concentration in water.

Near-infrared spectroscopy analysis of blood plasma for predicting nonesterified fatty acid concentrations in dairy cows

During the transition period, dairy cows are often exposed to negative energy balance (NEB), leading to lipid mobilization from adipose tissue into nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), a common indicator of heightened illness risk. This study aimed to use blood near-infrared (NIR) spectra data to classify NEB into high or low categories, based on early-lactation cow NEFA thresholds. We collected a total of 186 plasma samples from 100 Holstein cows. The samples were categorized into critical thresholds, based on previous literature, of ≥0.60 and ≥0.70 mEq/L for identifying high NEB. Spectral data were preprocessed before the development of the predictive modes, which included the implementation of multiplicative scatter correction, standard normal variate (SNV), and first and second derivatives. The classification was performed using partial least square discriminant analyses (PLS-DA), and predictive performance was assessed using leave-one-out cross-validation. Predictive quality for each class was evaluated through specificity, precision, sensitivity, and F1 score. The study showed promising results, with the SNV technique achieving higher F1 scores. The model found 72.7% specificity, 78.9% precision, 80.8% sensitivity, and 79.8% F1 score to classify animals with NEFA levels of ≥0.60 mEq/L, and 82.1% specificity, 78.7% precision, 80.8% sensitivity, and 79.7% F1 score to classify animals with NEFA levels ≥0.70 mEq/L. These results indicate that NIR spectroscopy could serve as a tool for detecting cows under severe NEB, also showing potential for broader application across the entire transition period, as the spectral signal carried relevant information regarding cow metabolism. Furthermore, the combination of predictors derived from plasma spectra and other cow-level information can lead to more accurate disease alerts, given their relationship with the NEB.

Predictive value of combined serum IL-6 with UREA on severity of neonatal pneumonia: an observational study

Abstract Objectives IL-6 is an inflammatory marker and urea nitrogen (UREA) is a common indicator of glomerular filtration function. Their combined detection has predictive value for the severity of neonatal pneumonia. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the clinical and laboratory data, collected from 105 neonatal patients (including 76 mild to moderate pneumonia patients and 29 severe pneumonia patients). Results Mann–Whitney U-test showed serum IL-6 and UREA levels were significantly increased in severe pneumonia, compared with that in mild to moderate pneumonia (p&lt;0.05). Correlation analysis showed the severity of neonatal pneumonia was positively correlated with serum IL-6 (r=0.284, p&lt;0.05) and UREA (r=0.303, p&lt;0.05) levels. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the increased levels of IL-6 (OR=1.002, 95 % CI 1.001–1.004) and UREA (OR=1.420, 95 % CI 1.046–1.926) were independent risk factors for the severity of neonatal pneumonia. ROC curve analysis showed that the predictive value of combined detection of serum IL-6 and UREA in the severity of neonatal pneumonia was better than that of either detection alone (area under curve [AUC] = 0.809, 95 % CI 0.711–0.894, p&lt;0.001). Conclusions Combined detection of IL-6 and UREA had a good predictive value for evaluating the severity of neonatal pneumonia.

SUSTAINABILITY INDICATOR SYSTEMS APPLIED TO TOURISM

This article presents an analysis of sustainability indicator systems used in studies on the development of sustainable tourism at the global and national level. The methodological procedures, of an exploratory nature, had a mixed approach combining statistical and quantitative data with a narrative review and bibliographical research. This led to an overview of publications that address sustainability indicators in tourism, as well as the most common indicator systems used nationally and internationally. It was possible to conclude that, even though they are important tools for tourism planning, sustainability indicators should not be unquestionable in their relevance in this process. This is because they are instruments that have flaws, either in their design or application. As practical implications of this research, the survey and analysis of indicators used for sustainable tourism planning may help in the creation and revision of sustainability indicators suitable for regional contexts. Furthermore, as a result of the present study, it was also observed that there is a gap regarding the contribution of Latin American studies on this topic.

Enhanced harvest performance predictability through advanced multivariate data analysis of mammalian cell culture particle size distribution.

The industry's pursuit for higher antibody production has led to increased cell density cultures that impact the performance of subsequent product recovery steps. This increase in cell concentration has highlighted the critical role of solids concentration in centrifugation yield, while recent product degradation cases have shed light on the impact of cell lysis on product quality. Current methods for measuring solids concentration and cell lysis are not suited for early-stage high-throughput experimentation, which means that these cell culture outputs are not well characterized in early process development. This article describes a novel approach that leveraged the data from a widely-used automated cell counter (Vi-CELL™ XR) to accurately predict solids concentration and a common cell lysis indicator represented as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. For this purpose, partial least squares (PLS) models were derived with k-fold cross-validation from the particle size distribution data generated by the cell counter. The PLS models showed good predictive potential for both LDH release and solids concentration. This novel approach reduced the time required for evaluating the solids concentration and LDH for a typical high-throughput cell culture system (with 48 bioreactors in parallel) from around 7 h down to a few minutes.

The Effect of Microcystis on the Monitoring of Faecal Indicator Bacteria.

The survival of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, the most common faecal indicator bacteria (FIB), may be significantly affected by cyanobacteria present during a harmful algal bloom (HAB). Therefore, the effect of Microcystis on the survival of FIB E.coli and coliforms was investigated. Microcosms containing two species of Microcystis (M. aeruginosa and M. smithii) were established and then inoculated with four reference strains of E. coli (ATCC 25922, 8739, 51813, and 11775) to explore the cyanobacteria-bacteria dynamics at a laboratory setting. Monitoring over several days showed normal growth of Microcystis, with or without the presence of E. coli. However, Microcystis was shown to dramatically decrease the survival of E. coli over time. Analysis of microcystin production by Microcystis was found to correlate with loss of E. coli, suggesting a toxic effect of microcystins on E. coli bacteria. This phenomenon was also demonstrated for a natural consortium of E. coli and coliform bacteria by inoculating with contaminated lake water. The results indicate that the use of E. coli as FIB may be greatly compromised in the presence of Microcystis spp. such as during a HAB when associated toxins are produced.

What's Next and the Quest for 2030 SDG Attainment

Abstract Time is running out to achieve the 2030 SDGs. Data are lacking for many SDG indicators, and data are often outdated or presented with a time lag. The WHO European Region is comprised of 53 countries whose health systems and priorities differ; devising a perfect common indicator framework is difficult. The European Programme of Work Measurement Framework is a set of 26 indicators chosen for data availability. The EPWMF reports on the SDG indicators most relevant to the Region. All indicators can be sourced from existing data collections, presenting no extra burden to Member States (MS). WHO proposes two key processes: 1) develop a European Region Health Information Network with membership from all MS and WHO collaborating centers, research institutions, and international organizations. This will improve the quality of health information through international cooperation and knowledge exchange. As the three country stories have shown, we have much to learn from each other. 2) develop a list of SDG indicator areas for which limited data exist across the Region. Main principles: (1) Organize development work as a long-term, institutionalized activity embedded in regular structures and processes of WHO/Europe; (2) Ensure strong involvement of MS so indicators reflect their priorities and any adaptations to data collections are feasible and agreed upon; (3) Ensure strong involvement of international organizations to prevent duplication of work and increased reporting burden; (4) Align development with policy processes to ensure coherence between WHO policy, monitoring and evaluation frameworks and (5) Create flexible structures bringing together relevant experience through working in topic-specific expert groups, utilizing lessons learned from HIS assessments to create realistic indicators that can measure progress. Thus, we will move towards 2030 with a clear plan for developing concrete indicators to ensure all MS can report on the SDGs. Speakers/Panelists Heidi Lyshol Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway

Decomposition and dipteran succession on buried rabbits carcasses

The rabbit carcasses used in this study were buried at depths of 20 and 40 cm, were examined to construct a fly succession database on buried carrion in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Twenty-four rabbits were buried, 12 at 20 cm and 12 at 40 cm. One carcass at each depth was exhumed at 10-day intervals up to 120 days. The degradation rate varied among the carcasses. Differences in species and their colonization were also found in the superficial and exhumed carcasses. Eleven species of flies were recorded on carcasses interred at a depth of 20 cm and seven species at 40 cm, while 13 species were recorded on the carcasses over the top of the soil. Species Rhyncomya sp (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Sarcophaga dux Thomson, and Dolichotachina marginella (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) were dominant at both depths, while Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedeman), Chrysomya rufifaces (Macquart) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Musca domestica Linnaeus, and Musca sorbens Wiedemann (Diptera: Muscidae) were dominant in surface carcasses. Megaselia scalaris (Loew) ((Diptera: Phoridae) is a common and typical forensic indicator that was found in the decay/advanced decay and dry stages at a depth of 20 cm. These findings are possibly useful in forensic investigations involving buried bodies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Independent Value of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio in Gouty Arthritis: A Narrative Review.

Since the incidence of gouty arthritis (GA) exhibits yearly increases, accurate assessment and early treatment have significant values for improving disease conditions and monitoring prognosis. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a common indicator in blood routine, which has the characteristics of easy access and low cost. In recent years, NLR has been proven to be an effective indicator for guiding the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of various diseases. Moreover, NLR has varying degrees of relationship with various inflammatory biomarkers, which can affect and reflect the inflammatory response in the body. This paper reviews the independent value of NLR for GA and its underlying molecular pathological mechanisms, intending to contribute to the further application of NLR.

Freeze-Thaw resistance and mechanical properties of UHPC reinforced with a lower amount of hybrid fibers

Sustainable development is becoming critical in many industrial fields, including building materials. The rapid development of the construction industry in Kazakhstan requires construction materials having high-quality, low maintenance, and good durability. The main durability issue of construction material associated with Kazakhstan’s severe climate is the volume change of water in concrete caused by the freezing and thawing (F-T) cycles, which threatens the material’s strength and microstructure. Therefore, ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), a relatively new material with high compressive and tensile strength and improved microstructural properties, is suggested. Nevertheless, a limited number of researches have been done regarding the F-T resistance of UHPC. This research focuses on the effect of combining two types of fibers (steel and polypropylene (PP) fibers) on the compressive, flexural, and direct tensile strength and F-T resistance of UHPC. Test results indicated higher dosages of PP fiber in UHPC increased strength before exposure to F-T cycles. Adding PP fiber to UHPC led to more prolonged strains for each UHPC mixture. However, adding more steel fibers was beneficial for UHPC exposed to F-T cycles. Although mixtures with high steel fiber dosage presented a more brittle type of failure and lower strain values than mixtures with higher PP fiber dosage, the compressive, flexural, and tensile strength of UHPC mixtures containing higher steel fiber dosages increased after 90F-T cycles. Relative dynamic modulus of elasticity (RDME), which is a common indicator of F-T resistance of concrete, tends to increase for all tested mixtures, with the highest values belonging to ones with higher steel fiber dosage. Hence, it is suggested that UHPC with higher steel fiber dosage is more beneficial in terms of the F-T resistance of UHPC.