Complex Factors Research Articles

Predicting thermal transport properties in phononic crystals via machine learning

Although anisotropic phononic crystals (PnCs) could be utilized to control the phonon dispersions and thermal transports, rapidly discovering their properties presents a significant challenge due to the enormous consumption of traditional computational methods. In this study, we have developed machine learning techniques to forecast the thermal conductance of anisotropic PnCs (GPnC and GPnC/Gmem) based on the elastic constants, taking conventional inorganic and halide perovskites as examples for their thermoelectric applications. Our findings suggest that predicting GPnC/Gmem is more challenging than predicting GPnC attribute to the complex influence factors and spatial distribution patterns of the former. The GPnC and GPnC/Gmem of the weakest thermal anisotropic materials—all hexagonals are invariants in the (0 0 1) plane, because the velocities in this plane are direction-independent. The GPnC and GPnC/Gmem of the strongest thermal anisotropic material FAPbI3 reaches the minimum and maximum values in [1 1 0] and [1 0 0] directions, respectively. Ultimately, our machine learning models can map the hidden complex nonlinear relationships between target thermal properties and mechanical features to provide valuable insight for accurate and efficient prediction and analysis of the thermal behaviors of PnCs at a mesoscopic level under low temperatures.

Strategic Priorities for the Development of Food Security of the State Taking into Account Hybrid Threats and Challenges

Relevance. Food security is one of the most urgent and complex problems of the modern world. In the context of globalization, climate change, economic fluctuations and other factors, ensuring the stability and reliability of food security is becoming a complex task that requires effective strategies.The purpose is to analyze and evaluate strategic priorities in the field of food security, taking into account complex hybrid threats and challenges. Objectives: identification of strategic alternatives; development of a mathematical model with fuzzy variables and rules for evaluating strategic alternatives; analysis of evaluation results to identify the most effective strategic directions.Methodology. The research methodology included the use of fuzzy logic methods to build a mathematical model for evaluating strategic alternatives.Results. As a result of the study, it was revealed that the strategic alternative S1 received the highest rating, emphasizing its key importance for the sustainability of the food system. Alternatives S7, S9, S4 and S3 also have high ratings, which makes them potentially effective for ensuring food security. Alternatives S10, S8, S2, S6 and S5 are less of a priority, but are important for reducing various risks associated with food security, such as lack of food and vulnerability of supplies.Conclusions. The results of the study allowed us to conclude that the use of the fuzzy logic tool provides an opportunity to conduct a deeper and more comprehensive analysis of complex factors affecting food security. This approach allows us to take into account the uncertainty and multidimensionality of data related to the food system and introduce more accurate modeling of this dynamic area. Such a method enriches the decision-making process in the field of food security, contributing to the development of more effective strategic decisions and management approaches that take into account a variety of factors and their interaction. This contributes to improving the quality of research and helps to form more rational and informed strategies that contribute to ensuring the stability and reliability of food security.

A network of transcription factors in complex with a regulating cell cycle cyclin orchestrates fungal oxidative stress responses

BackgroundResponse to oxidative stress is universal in almost all organisms and the mitochondrial membrane protein, BbOhmm, negatively affects oxidative stress responses and virulence in the insect fungal pathogen, Beauveria bassiana. Nothing further, however, is known concerning how BbOhmm and this phenomenon is regulated.ResultsThree oxidative stress response regulating Zn2Cys6 transcription factors (BbOsrR1, 2, and 3) were identified and verified via chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR analysis as binding to the BbOhmm promoter region, with BbOsrR2 showing the strongest binding. Targeted gene knockout of BbOsrR1 or BbOsrR3 led to decreased BbOhmm expression and consequently increased tolerances to free radical generating compounds (H2O2 and menadione), whereas the ΔBbOsrR2 strain showed increased BbOhmm expression with concomitant decreased tolerances to these compounds. RNA and ChIP sequencing analysis revealed that BbOsrR1 directly regulated a wide range of antioxidation and transcription-associated genes, negatively affecting the expression of the BbClp1 cyclin and BbOsrR2. BbClp1 was shown to localize to the cell nucleus and negatively mediate oxidative stress responses. BbOsrR2 and BbOsrR3 were shown to feed into the Fus3-MAPK pathway in addition to regulating antioxidation and detoxification genes. Binding motifs for the three transcription factors were found to partially overlap in the promoter region of BbOhmm and other target genes. Whereas BbOsrR1 appeared to function independently, co-immunoprecipitation revealed complex formation between BbClp1, BbOsrR2, and BbOsrR3, with BbClp1 partially regulating BbOsrR2 phosphorylation.ConclusionsThese findings reveal a regulatory network mediated by BbOsrR1 and the formation of a BbClp1-BbOsrR2-BbOsrR3 complex that orchestrates fungal oxidative stress responses.

Longevity, Chronic Conditions and Ageing Dynamics: A Mathematical Reliability Perspective. Review

Background: Understanding the relationship between ageing and chronic diseases becomes crucial as global demographics shift towards an increasingly aged population. Aim: The primary objective of this review is to explore various theories of ageing and their implications for chronic disease prevalence in ageing populations. Methods: The study design entailed a comprehensive literature search to collect pertinent papers and theories on ageing, chronic diseases, and dependability theory. Various databases were employed to ascertain crucial insights and discoveries in this domain. Results: The review emphasises the complex and diverse factors involved in the ageing process and its connection to chronic diseases. We highlight the harmful effects of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour on the health of older individuals. Moreover, we emphasise the importance of dependability theory in comprehending the development and progression of chronic health conditions among ageing populations. Conclusion: Increasing chronic illness prevalence in the ageing population is both a problem and a possibility for adequate care. Integrating reliability theory into comprehensive approaches may help us understand age-related chronic illnesses and create effective preventative measures. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Keywords: Ageing; Chronic diseases; Health span; Mathematical reliability theory; Population ageing; Preventive strategies

Beyond phase-in: assessing impacts on disinformation of the EU Digital Services Act

AbstractThis work proposes a comprehensive research agenda to empirically evaluate the real-world impacts of the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) on combating online disinformation. It provides background on the DSA’s context, mechanisms, timeline, and expected effects on platforms to situate the need for rigorous impact assessment. A detailed legal, technical, psychological, behavioral and ethical critique reveals meaningful gaps in the DSA requiring ongoing regulatory refinement and oversight. Most critically, the paper puts forth an encompassing framework spanning computational analytics, interviews, ethnography, surveys, discourse analysis and mixed methods to rigorously assess the DSA’s multi-dimensional effects on complex factors enabling disinformation proliferation. Priorities include evaluating notice-and-takedown efficacy, advertising transparency improvements, risk assessment outcomes, oversight integration, and procedural shifts in platform governance. Coordinated efforts between researchers, regulators and platforms are needed to address methodological challenges around isolating DSA impacts amidst an evolving EU regulatory landscape, constrained data access from platforms, and difficulties generalizing findings across the sociotechnical diversity of platforms and national contexts in EU Member States.

Research Paper on the Adoption and Use of Financial Technology

Financial technology (fintech) has the potential to bring about significant changes in the financial sector, including increased access to financial services and greater financial inclusion for underserved populations. This paper investigates the adoption and use of fintech in developing countries, with a focus on the factors that influence its uptake and the potential benefits and challenges it presents. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study analyzes data from a variety of sources, including surveys, interviews, and case studies, to provide an in-depth understanding of the current state of fintech in developing countries. The results of the study show that fintech adoption in developing countries is driven by a combination of factors, including economic conditions, technological infrastructure, and regulatory environment. While fintech has the potential to bring about significant benefits, including increased access to financial services, improved financial literacy, and greater economic opportunity, it also presents challenges, including security and privacy concerns and the risk of further exclusion of vulnerable groups. Overall, the study highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of the complex factors that influence the adoption and use of fintech in developing countries and the importance of carefully addressing the potential challenges in order to maximize its benefits

Moving toward Narrowing the United States Gap in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Next Decade

The Disparities in Assisted Reproductive Technology (DART) hypothesis, initially described in 2013 and further modified in 2022, is a conceptual framework to examine the scope and depth of underlying contributing factors to the differences in access and treatment outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities undergoing ART in the United States. In 2009, the World Health Organization defined infertility as a disease of the reproductive system, thus recognizing it as a medical problem warranting treatment. Now, infertility care is largely recognized as a human right. However, disparities in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) care in the US persist today. While several studies and review articles have suggested possible solutions to racial and ethnic disparities in access and outcomes in ART, few have accounted for and addressed the multiple complex factors contributing to these disparities on a systemic level. This review aims to acknowledge and address the myriad of contributing factors through the DART hypothesis which converge in racial/ethnic disparities in ART and considers possible solutions to effect large scale societal change by narrowing these gaps within the next decade.

FDI in India: Analyzing Financial Flows and Economic Impacts

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plays a crucial role in shaping the economic landscape of India, attracting significant attention from investors, policymakers, and economists alike. As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, India has been successful in improving its attractiveness to foreign investors through various policy reforms and liberalization measures. The study finds important patterns and connections in the dynamics of FDI inflow by applying quantitative analytical techniques such a regression analysis and correlation analysis. The results of regression analysis highlight the impact of the GDP on FDI inflow, showing a robust positive connection between GDP and FDI inflow. In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in FDI inflows into India across different sectors, such as telecommunications, manufacturing, and services. This surge in FDI can be attributed to the country's large and growing market, skilled workforce, improving infrastructure, and stable political environment. Analyzing the financial flows of FDI into India reveals that a significant portion of inflows comes from countries such as the United States, Singapore, and Mauritius. This diversification of funding sources indicates the global interest in investing in India and leveraging its potential as a key market in the region. The economic impacts of FDI in India are multifaceted and go beyond simply bringing capital into the country. FDI inflows contribute to job creation, technology transfer, skill development, and overall economic growth. Foreign investors bring in expertise, best practices, and access to new markets, which can benefit local industries and enhance competitiveness. Moreover, FDI inflows can also lead to improvements in productivity, efficiency, and innovation within domestic firms through spillover effects. However, it is essential to recognize the challenges associated with FDI in India, such as regulatory complexity, infrastructure bottlenecks, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and socio-political factors. Addressing these challenges requires continuous efforts from the government to further streamline regulations, improve infrastructure, enhance the ease of doing business, and foster a more investor-friendly environment. Keywords: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Regression, Correlation, GDP, Telecommunications.

Gas-Flow-Rate Inversion Based on Experiments and Simulation of Flame Combustion Characteristics in a Drilling Blowout

Accurately estimating the gas-flow rate at a wellhead to invert the formation pressure and production capacity information can be the basis for subsequent well-killing parameter design following oil and gas-well drilling blowout and ignition. Based on the multicomponent characteristics of the blowout gas and the turbulence intensity of the blowout flame, as well as the effects of complex factors such as environmental wind direction, wind speed, and wellhead structure, a numerical model for actual drilling blowout ignition is established. Jet-flame experiments are conducted under blowout conditions to verify the accuracy of the model. The temperature and radiation fields and flame morphologies of the well jet flow flame under different lateral wind speeds, well jet flow rates, and wellhead diameters are analyzed. Previous studies have found that as the lateral wind speed increases, the maximum temperature and maximum thermal radiation intensity of the blowout flame first decrease and then increase. However, as the amount of well jet increases, although the flame influence area increases, the maximum temperature does not increase significantly, and the maximum thermal radiation intensity actually decreases. Based on experimental and numerical simulation datasets, a high-yield gas-well jet volume prediction method based on the flame height and thermal radiation intensity of the well jet flow is constructed, which has important engineering application value for achieving successful well killing following well jet ignition.

Virtual reality-based online learning system adoption: a research framework and empirical study

PurposeVirtual reality (VR) offers unprecedented immersion and interactivity in education, and working and learning from home have become the norm during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study empirically investigated the factors affecting the use of a VR online learning system (VROLS).Design/methodology/approachTo explore factors affecting users’ continuance behavioral intentions toward using VROLSs, a research framework was formed comprising factors that constitute benefits (i.e. pull factors) and costs (i.e. push factors); these factors included perceived value, flow and social influence. The data for this study were collected via online survey questionnaires. A total of 307 valid responses were used to examine the hypotheses in the research model, employing structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques.FindingsPerceived value, flow experience and the number of peers using VR primarily affect the decision to adopt a VROLS. The pull factors of spatial presence, entertainment and service compatibility, along with the push factors of complexity and visual fatigue, affect perceived value. Therefore, we conclude that perceived value is a primary factor positively influencing both flow experience and the decision to adopt the service.Originality/valueThis study contributes to a theoretical understanding of factors that explain users’ intention to use VROLSs.

Complexity-free charged anisotropic Finch-Skea model satisfying Karmarkar condition

By making use of the extended geometric deformation (EGD) approach, this work explores the charged anisotropic Finch-Skea solution satisfying the Karmarkar condition. The implementation of EGD-approach splits the original gravitational source into perfect and anisotropic fluid configurations. We employ Herrera’s complexity factor Herrera L (2018 Phys. Rev. D 97 044010) formalism to develop theoretical models characterizing the role of complexity in the Finch-Skea solution. The use of the Karmarkar condition enables us to derive a solution for the isotropic, charged spherical configuration by defining a Finch-Skea metric that evaluates the deformation functions. The Finch-Skea ansatz serves as a valuable seed model for solving the seed-gravitational source, however, the zero-complexity constraint is employed to solve the remaining set of anisotropic equations. We match the interior metric manifold attributed to the spherically symmetric ansatz with the classical Reissner-Nordström metric. We examined the influence of gravitational decoupling on the anisotropic Finch-Skea solution. We also analyzed the physical viability of the presented results using graphical representations for the thermodynamic variables.

MetaboAnalyst 6.0: towards a unified platform for metabolomics data processing, analysis and interpretation.

We introduce MetaboAnalyst version 6.0 as a unified platform for processing, analyzing, and interpreting data from targeted as well as untargeted metabolomics studies using liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The two main objectives in developing version 6.0 are to support tandem MS (MS2) data processing and annotation, as well as to support the analysis of data from exposomics studies and related experiments. Key features of MetaboAnalyst 6.0 include: (i) a significantly enhanced Spectra Processing module with support for MS2 data and the asari algorithm; (ii) a MS2 Peak Annotation module based on comprehensive MS2 reference databases with fragment-level annotation; (iii) a new Statistical Analysis module dedicated for handling complex study design withmultiple factors orphenotypic descriptors; (iv) a Causal Analysis module for estimating metabolite - phenotype causal relations based on two-sample Mendelian randomization,and (v) a Dose-Response Analysis module for benchmark dose calculations. In addition, we have also improved MetaboAnalyst's visualization functions, updated its compound database and metabolite sets, and significantly expanded its pathway analysis support to around 130 species. MetaboAnalyst 6.0 is freely available at https://www.metaboanalyst.ca.

How to Integrate Strategy and Culture for Transformative Change

Purpose: This paper demonstrates that strategy and culture are important collaborators in the successful design and implementation of transformative change for sustainable corporate transformation and ethical institutional development.
 Materials and Methods: The researcher explores select, classic, contemporary and current scholarly literature on the theory of change. The research reviews theory articulated by Kurt Lewin on change management, systems theory, theory U and complexity in relation to their efficacy in facilitating organization change in global and local contexts. The study draws from ubuntu philosophy and the African business experience to propose a conceptual framework for the integration of strategy and culture to establish transformative change. 
 Findings: The study finds a distinction in the context in which the theory of change is applied at the global and local levels. Business leaders need to use different approaches to change initiatives in the two contexts. The study also shows why culture has the power to frustrate transformative change and the implementation of new strategy. Subsequently, the paper proposes that sensitivities to culture should be built into strategy design in order to mitigate its inertial power during strategy implementation. The study submits that global change theory presumes the stability of the macro-operating environments in which strategy is developed. It also assumes the existence of supportive institutional culture, predictable environmental forces and the availability of well-developed macroeconomic infrastructure to underwrite desirable change initiatives. Conventional models suggest that the only intervening agency to establish change is the design and implementation of a new strategy. However, continental business microenvironments are made up of unstable, diverse, complex and volatile microeconomic disparities and cultural undercurrents that resist the implementation of change. In other words, the outcomes of strategy implementation in microenvironments, do not always mirror the predictive designs of global change theory. The study suggests that while global contexts may also benefit from the proposed model, culture should be integrated into the design and implementation of corporate strategy, in local contexts, to facilitate sustainable change.  
 Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: This paper recommends that; 1) Business and institutional leaders should carefully evaluate the strategic initiatives and development models they adopt and establish whether they indeed have the capacity to create and sustain transformative change within their operating environment, 2) Because proposed change always invites a response from culture, businesses must put in place mitigating measures to ensure that undue cultural inertia does not hinder ethical institutional advance, 3) Business leaders must remain alive to the fact that strategists, however brilliant, are not in control of the environmental forces in the ecosystem they seek to navigate. Hence the need to take pre-emptive measures, design strategic alternatives and employ dynamic approaches to successfully implement strategic plans, 4) Successful strategy implementation depends on the supportive confluence of multiple, complex and dynamic environmental factors beyond the designers of a good strategic plan. Thus, business leaders need to protect good strategy from being disoriented by fluctuating environmental change, 5) The perceived conflict of culture and strategy can be resolved by incorporating the ends of both in the design of crafting transformative change, 6) Ubuntu provides a powerful ethical lens to evaluate the acceptability, suitability and sustainability of strategic business initiatives in the continental business experience.   

Abstract LB138: Quality of life impact on cancer screening in Black subgroups

Abstract Introduction Blacks have the poorest cancer outcomes with the highest incidence and mortality. Preliminary studies led by the African Caribbean Consortium (AC3) show that Blacks are diverse with distinct cancer risks and outcomes. It is clear that cancer screening is critical to prevention, and population patterns of screening are dictated by complex and multilevel factors including cost, access and health system as well as personal factors. These personal characteristics, especially considering Black diversity, are particularly understudied. Hence, this study seeks to describe cancer screening patterns in Black subgroups, especially considering the influence of quality of life (QOL). Methods This study drew data from the community-engaged AC3-Cancer Prevention Project (CAP3) targeting diverse Blacks. Specifically, we sought to identify associations between QOL measured by CDC Physical and Mental Health; Perceived Stress, and self-reported cancer screenings breast, prostate, cervical and colon cancers. Cancer screening rates were stratified by African Americans (AfA) and African (AfI) and African-Caribbean (AfC) immigrants. Descriptive analyses and Fisher’s Exact test were conducted. Results There were 263 AfA, 103 AfI, and 174 AfC. Overall, cancer screening rates were consistently above 50%. Distinct QOL variables were associated with cancer screening patterns with some variability by Black sub-group. Better Mental Health e.g., wellbeing (p=0.01) and energy (p=0.04) are related to mammogram uptake for all subgroups. Better energy (p=0.03) and lower life-burden (p=0.01) showed significant associations with mammogram for AfAs. For AfCs, Mental Health- depressive symptomatology was significantly related to breast- (p=0.04), prostate- (p=0.03), and colorectal- cancer screening (p=0.03). For AfI, Stress was significantly related to colorectal cancer screening (p=0.01). Discussion Results demonstrated QOL variables, especially those related to mental health e.g., depressive symptomatology and lack of life control influenced cancer screening among AfC and AfI, respectively than other subgroups. While among AfA screening patterns were more heavily influenced by mental health aspects on the empowerment domain e.g., energy and burden. This novel, discovery science study suggests the importance of interaction between QOL, in particular mental wellbeing, self-and health efficacy and life-burden, and cancer screening. Findings highlight Black heterogeneity–encompassing diverse ethnic and cultural subgroups–with distinct influencers of cancer screening patterns; all requiring urgent scientific attention and research prioritization to address pressing Black cancer vulnerability and disparities, particularly qualitative exploration of these relationships among the Black diasporas. Citation Format: Camille Ragin, Kimlin T. Ashing, Gaole Song, Elizabeth Blackman, Denise Gibbs, Zhongxuan He, Sharon Harrison, Jomel Meeko Manzano, Olivia Theard, Marshall Tulloch-Reid. Quality of life impact on cancer screening in Black subgroups [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr LB138.

STRATEGIC CONTROLLING TOOLS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF UKRAINIAN AGRICULTURAL COMPANIES

The subject of the study is the system of strategic control in an organisation, which is necessary for agri-food companies in the context of implementing the principles of sustainable development. Methodology. The following economic research methods were used in the study: monographic method (when studying scientific sources and reviewing thematic literature; studying the directions of sustainable development of business entities in the agri-food sector of Ukraine); scientific abstraction and generalisation (when studying various methodological approaches to determining the content of controlling); abstract and logical method (when determining the role and place of strategic controlling in the management system of agri-food companies, formulating conclusions based on the results of the study); methods of analysis and synthesis (when substantiating a set of tools for strategic controlling by elements of its system). The aim of the study is to supplement the methodological framework of the strategic controlling system for managing companies in the agri-food sector. Results. Controlling is an important management function, and its effectiveness determines the success of an organisation in achieving its goals and objectives. In modern conditions, strategic controlling can be combined with two main approaches – as a management philosophy and as a management function and mechanism. The system of strategic controlling is determined by a set of complex factors of the external and internal environment that determine the possibility of achieving the long-term goals and objectives. The implementation of sustainable development goals and objectives by agri-food companies creates new requirements for the strategic controlling system, the main of which are transparency, flexibility, inclusiveness, openness and efficiency. In order to successfully achieve the planned targets of sustainable development, the strategic controlling system should use a set of tools that is determined by the nature and effect of the relevant elements. It is proposed to use benchmarking, ABC-analysis, SWOT-analysis, PESTEL-analysis, methods of expert evaluation, CVP-analysis, financial analysis, network graphs and methods of expert forecasting as the main tools for strategic controlling of agri-food companies.

Transcriptional elongation control of hypoxic response

The release of paused RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) from promoter-proximal regions is tightly controlled to ensure proper regulation of gene expression. The elongation factor PTEF-b is known to release paused RNAPII via phosphorylation of the RNAPII C-terminal domain by its cyclin-dependent kinase component, CDK9. However, the signal and stress-specific roles of the various RNAPII-associated macromolecular complexes containing PTEF-b/CDK9 are not yet clear. Here, we identify and characterize the CDK9 complex required for transcriptional response to hypoxia. Contrary to previous reports, our data indicate that a CDK9 complex containing BRD4 but not AFF1/4 is essential for this hypoxic stress response. We demonstrate that BRD4 bromodomains (BET) are dispensable for the release of paused RNAPII at hypoxia-activated genes and that BET inhibition by JQ1 is insufficient to impair hypoxic gene response. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that the C-terminal region of BRD4 is required for Polymerase-Associated Factor-1 Complex (PAF1C) recruitment to establish an elongation-competent RNAPII complex at hypoxia-responsive genes. PAF1C disruption using a small-molecule inhibitor (iPAF1C) impairs hypoxia-induced, BRD4-mediated RNAPII release. Together, our results provide insight into potentially targetable mechanisms that control the hypoxia-responsive transcriptional elongation.

Are Technologies Useful and Easy to Use: Results of A Cross-Sectional Survey

Tools and technologies have strengths and weaknesses and can either reduce or increase complexity and make work easier or harder. This article aims to report the results of a survey that assessed the usefulness and ease of use of tools and technologies, and perceptions of participants about tools and technologies as a factor in complexity and project failure. A cross-sectional survey of 114 project managers, researchers, and decision-makers was conducted to assess if tools and technologies that participants use in their work are useful and easy to use by asking two questions based on a validated tool of user acceptance of technologies. Additionally, two questions asked participants which tools and technologies were most helpful in their work – one was an open question, and the other provided pre-selected choices of tools and technologies. Few participants chose tools and technologies as a factor that contributes to complexity and project failure, and most participants rated tools and technologies as useful and easy to use. However, the tools and technologies that were chosen by most as helpful for work, tend to be older and simpler and include tools such as checklists. In conclusion, even though tools and technologies are advancing rapidly, most participants in the current survey chose older tools and technologies as helpful in their work. The relevance of these findings is that there appears to be barriers to the adoption of newer technologies such as artificial intelligence and algorithms. The barriers to the adoption of new tools and technologies should be explored further.

The relationship of health with the sustainable development goals

By 2050 the planet will face several and complex challenges: feeding 9 billion people, creating homes for 2 billion new urban residents, providing universal access to health services, clean water, affordable and renewable energy, basic sanitation, reducing poverty, reducing the consumption of goods and natural resources, reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases, so that the future becomes sustainable. Human health and disease are determined by multiple and complex factors. Threats to health are at the human-animal-ecosystems interface. Zoonoses pose risks and costs to public health and if the environment is contaminated, degraded and polluted, more diseases will be transmitted. This article specifically illustrates the importance of diverse paradigms to actual and potential threats to health. More specifically, it intends to discuss the specific aspects of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No 3 (Health and Well-Being) and its correlations with the other SDG`s and implications with the multiple dimensions of sustainability. For this, a search was carried out in the databases, SciELO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science; and websites with magazines, ScienceDirect, CAPES Journal Portal. The importance of health is highlighted in the Magna Cartas of the countries, being considered a priority for human dignity. All areas of health are somehow linked to all SDGs, but in this text SDGs 1, 2, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 13 were highlighted. Health is an SDG that is intensive in scientific research and that it needs public policies. Poor quality in health directly affects the sustainability of the environment.

Modeling of self-gravitating compact configurations using radial metric deformation approach

This study analyzes new analytical solution types that explore the influence of complexity on time-independent, spherically symmetric astrophysical configurations, based on a radial metric deformation scheme also known as minimal geometric deformation. We demonstrate that the complexity factor, a scalar function obtained via splitting the Riemann tensor orthogonally, exhibits an additive property. This implies that the overall complexity of a system containing two interacting fluid distributions (represented by Tμν and Φμν) is simply the sum of the individual complexities of each fluid. This work employs the radial metric deformation approach, a powerful tool for constructing astrophysically viable models of anisotropic matter, by building upon the Vaidya-Tikekar and Finch-Skea relativistic spacetimes. We observe that both the metric ansatzes produce qualitatively similar features, though the magnitudes may vary slightly, for any non-zero value of the decoupling parameter (0≤α<1). Interestingly, both models preserve their anisotropic nature despite reaching the zero-complexity limit (α=1). Finally,we delve into the physical implications of these novel solution types, examining their potential to accurately represent real compact configurations.

The clinical complexity among patients with systemic, chronic diseases

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the clinical complexity of patients with chronic systemic diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] and ANCA-associated vasculitis [AAV]) using the INTERMED Self-Assessment questionnaire (IMSA) to determine the most important factors responsible for this phenomenon in these patients. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, observational study. Questionnaires were used to evaluate biopsychosocial complexity (IMSA), quality of life (Short Form Survey [SF-36]), mental state (General Health Questionnaire – 28 [GHQ-28] and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]), and acceptance of illness (Acceptance of Illness Scale [AIS]). ResultsThe final analysis included 81 patients. There was a moderate correlation between clinical complexity (total IMSA score) and quality of life related to mental health (SF-36) and mental state (GHQ-28) in patients with SLE. However, in patients with AAV, clinical complexity had a strong relationship with physical health-related quality of life and a moderate relationship with mental health-related quality of life. Stepwise regression analysis showed that low mental health-related quality of life is a predictor of higher complexity in SLE. The predictors of high clinical complexity in AAV were low physical and mental health-related quality of life and aggravated depressive symptoms (HADS). Other principal factors of clinical complexity were employment status, place of residence, social functioning, and illness duration. ConclusionThis study confirmed the importance of holistic attitudes and complex healthcare among patients with chronic diseases.