Composite Index Research Articles

Composite dietary antioxidant index and obesity among U.S. adults in NHANES 2007-2018.

Antioxidant-rich diets serve as protective factors in preventing obesity. The composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) represents a novel, comprehensive metric for assessing the antioxidant capacity of diets. Our objective is to investigate the relationship between the CDAI and obesity prevalence among adults in the United States. Dietary and anthropometric information about adults aged 20 years and older were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2018. The CDAI was derived from six dietary antioxidants. Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) ≥ 30kg/m2, and abdominal obesity as a waist circumference (WC, cm) ≥ 102cm for men and ≥ 88cm for women. The relationship between CDAI and obesity, including abdominal obesity, was analyzed using logistic regression and subgroup analyses. A total of 25,553 participants were analyzed. With higher tertiles of the CDAI, both obesity (41.28% vs. 38.62 vs. 35.09%, P < 0.001) and abdominal obesity (63.75% vs. 59.54 vs. 52.09%, P < 0.001) prevalence notably declined. Adjusting for multiple confounders, the CDAI was found to be independently linked to obesity (OR = 0.980, 95%CI = 0.971-0.989, P < 0.001) and abdominal obesity (OR = 0.972, 95%CI = 0.963-0.982, P < 0.001) risks. Subgroup analyses revealed a stronger relationship between CDAI and obesity in non-hypertensive individuals and a more significant association with abdominal obesity in women and those without hypertension. Our findings reveal a negative relationship between CDAI levels and both general and abdominal obesity. Additional extensive research is necessary to investigate CDAI's contribution to obesity.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE COMPETITIVENESS OF UKRAINE'S ICT SECTOR: AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

The purpose of the paper is to examine the international competitiveness of Ukraine's ICT sector through a comparative analysis with 30 countries, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and provide actionable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders and investors to improve Ukraine's position in the global ICT market. Methodology. The research employs the composite index methodology to assess the international competitiveness of Ukraine's information and communication technology (ICT) sector. The original ITSIC comprises 35 indicators; however, this has been expanded to 58 in order to provide a comprehensive view of the competitive advantages and position of the ICT sector in the global ICT market. Results. The article presents the findings of a comparative study of the ICT sector of Ukraine with global and regional leaders in the global ICT market. In order to identify the factors influencing the formation of competitive advantages, the following groups of factors were taken into account: the state of ICT infrastructure, the availability of qualified and competent IT professionals, the state and favourability of the political and business environment, the innovative potential of the ICT sector and its involvement in international trade and cooperation. The calculations have yielded the ratings for each group of indicators and the composite index as a whole, which identify the leaders in both global and regional dimensions. Specific consideration is given to the positioning of Ukraine's ICT sector within the context of the surveyed countries, with a focus on the identification of its competitive advantages and disadvantages within the global ICT market. Consequently, it has been determined that the international competitiveness of the domestic ICT sector between 2018 and 2022 was most significantly influenced by the extent of its involvement in international trade and collaboration, the availability and proficiency of the talent pool, and the quality of the ICT infrastructure. In conclusion, this study has identified the factors and trends that have the potential to impede Ukraine's ascension as a global leader in the ICT sector. Practical implications. The findings of the study may prove beneficial to a number of parties, including public authorities, ICT companies, investors and venture capitalists, educational and research institutions, international organisations and development agencies, IT entrepreneurs and the general public. The value and originality of the study can be found in its comprehensive, data-driven, and context-specific analysis, which provides actionable insights and strategic recommendations to enhance the international competitiveness of Ukraine's ICT sector.

Financial inclusion and stability in Ethiopia using bank-level data: A two-step system GMM estimation

Background This paper examines the impact of financial inclusion on bank stability within Ethiopian context, using panel data from 17 commercial banks over the period 2015-2023. Given the scarcity of research focused on the relationship between financial inclusion and bank stability in Ethiopia, this paper seeks to address a crucial gap by analyzing both conventional and digital aspects of financial inclusion in relation with bank stability. Methods A two-stage principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to construct a composite financial inclusion index, integrating 10 conventional and 5 digital indicators. The study applied a two-step robust system generalized method of moments (GMM) to examine the effects of financial inclusion on bank stability, complemented by Granger causality testing to examine the directionality of this relationship. Results The result reveals a significant positive effect of financial inclusion on bank stability and Granger causality tests confirms a bi-directional relationship between financial inclusion and stability, indicating that improvements in financial inclusion foster greater stability and vice versa. Our results also highlight that while bank efficiency and GDP growth rate positively effect stability, total assets and income diversification exhibit detrimental effects. Conclusions It is essential to capitalize policy synergies to promote bank stability and to enhance financial inclusion through conventional and digital channels, while carefully managing the implications of risks associated with income diversification and asset distribution. Ensuring inclusive financial system is vital for maintaining bank stability, thus positioning it as a key priority for financial institutions.

Incorporating Limestone Powder and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag in Ultra-high Performance Concrete to Enhance Sustainability

Abstract While ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) offers numerous advantages, it also presents specific challenges, primarily due to its high cost and excessive cement content, which can pose sustainability concerns. To address this challenge, this study aims to develop cost-effective and sustainable UHPC mixtures by incorporating ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and limestone powder (LP) as partial replacements for portland cement. Eight fiber-reinforced UHPC mixtures were investigated, with a water-to-cementitious materials (w/cm) ratio of 0.15. In four of the UHPC mixtures, 25% of the cement was replaced with GGBFS, and further, LP was added as a mineral filler, partially substituting up to 20% of the cement. In the remaining four mixtures, cement was replaced with only LP up to 20% (without GGBFS). The 28-day compressive strength of the UHPC mixture with 25% GGBFS and 20% LP was 149 MPa, 3.50% lower than the mixture without GGBFS. Its 28-day flexural strength decreased by 30%. Increasing LP replacement reduced drying and autogenous shrinkage, with a 29% shrinkage reduction at 20% LP replacement. Moreover, UHPC mixtures with GGBFS exhibited lower shrinkage compared to those without GGBFS for all LP replacements up to 20%. For evaluating the sustainability of UHPC mixtures, the cement composition index (CCI) and clinker to cement ratio (CCR) were determined. For 20% LP replacement with 25% GGBFS, CCI was 3.6 and the CCR was 0.5, 38% decrease from the global clinker to cement ratio. Overall, 20% LP replacement UHPC mixtures with and without GGBFS can produce UHPC class performance and reduce the environmental impact.

Are area-level socioeconomic inequalities in obesity moderated by neighbourhood greenery?

Reducing socioeconomic inequalities in obesity is a public health priority. Limited research exists on the role of neighbourhood environmental attributes in mitigating these inequalities. However, it has been shown that neighbourhoods with more greenery tend to have lower levels of socioeconomic inequalities in non-obesity health outcomes. We examined whether neighbourhood greenery moderates the association of area-level socioeconomic status (SES) with waist circumference. Data from 3,261 middle-aged and older adults who participated in a national cohort study conducted in Australia (2011-12) were used. The outcome was objectively measured waist circumference. For area-level SES, a composite index of disadvantage based on census data was used. We used two measures of neighbourhood greenery: mean greenness and geographic size of greenspace. They were assessed using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within 0.5, 1, and 2km radius buffers around participants' homes. The mean NDVI value within each buffer area was used for the former, and the geographic size of the area with NDVI ≥ 0.6 (dense greenery) was used for the latter. There was a significant negative association between area-level SES and waist circumference: one standard deviation higher score in the area-level SES indicator (less disadvantage) was associated with 1.76cm (95% CI: -2.68, -0.83) lower waist circumference. Analyses stratified by greenery levels found similar significant associations in the areas with low and high levels of greenery but not in the areas with medium levels of greenery for both greenery measures within 1km and 2km buffers. Consistent with previous studies, our study found that participants living in disadvantaged suburbs were likely to have a larger waist circumference than those living in advantaged suburbs. However, we also found that such socioeconomic inequalities in obesity were mitigated in the areas with medium levels of greenery for this sample of Australian adults. Our findings suggest that there may be an optimum level of greenery where inequalities in obesity are alleviated. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying these findings.

Do Time-Dependent Repeated Measures of Anthropometric and Body Composition Indices Improve the Prediction of Incident Diabetes in the Cohort Study? Findings from a Community-Based Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study.

Cumulative evidence consistently shows that anthropometric and body composition measurements are strongly linked to the risk of incident diabetes, typically based on baseline measurements. This study aims to assess whether repeated measurements enhance the prediction of diabetes risk beyond baseline assessments alone. We utilized data from a 16-year population-based follow-up cohort within the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, comprising 6,030 individuals aged 40 to 69 years at baseline. We included eight indices: a body shape index (ABSI), body adiposity index (BAI), waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), weight-adjusted skeletal muscle index (SMI), percent body fat, and fat-to-muscle ratio. The effect of these measurements for incident diabetes was estimated using Harrell's C-indexes and hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals, employing time-dependent Cox proportional hazard models. Over the 16-year follow-up, 939 new diabetes cases were identified (cumulative incidence, 15.6%). The median number of indicator measurements per participant was eight. The basic model, including 10 features (sex, age, education levels, physical activity, alcohol intake, current smoking, total energy intake, dietary diversity score, and log-transformed C-reactive protein levels, and quartiles of unweighted genetic risk score at baseline), yielded a Harrell's C-index of 0.610. The highest C-index in repeated measurements was for WC (0.668) across the general population, weight-adjusted SMI in men, and WHR in women. However, except for ABSI and BAI, the diabetes predictive power of the other indicators was comparable. Additionally, repeated measurements of WC, BMI, and WHR in women were found to contribute to improved discrimination compared to baseline measurements, but not in men. Utilizing repeated measurements of general and central adiposity to predict diabetes may be helpful in predicting hidden risks, especially in women.

Correlations between Sociodemographic Status, Attitude, Cultural Belief, and Family Support towards Complementary Feeding Practices

Introduction: Proper nutrition is crucial during the first two years of life, as this period is a "critical window" for promoting optimal growth, health, and behavioral development. Complementary feeding refers to the introduction of additional foods and liquids when breast milk alone no longer meets an infant's nutritional needs. Providing adequate and appropriate complementary foods, along with proper feeding practices, can help prevent stunting and promote healthy eating habits. Objective: This study aimed to identify the factors correlated with complementary feeding practices (i.e., MDD, MMF, MAD, and SSSFs) among children aged 6–23 months in Surakarta City. Method: This cross-sectional study involved 110 mothers with children aged 6-23 months. Data were collected through questionnaires interviewed directly to the respondents. The variables in this study included the child’s age, the mother’s age, parity, maternal education level, maternal employment status, attitude, cultural beliefs, and family support. Complementary feeding practices were assessed using the composite indicators such as MDD, MMF, MAD, SSSFs as recommended by the WHO. Result: This study identified that child's age (0.012 (OR: 3.71, CI: 1.28-10.75)), mother's age (0.001 (OR: 9.35, CI: 2.06-42.37)), parity (0.003 (OR: 4.16, CI: 1.54-11.21)), mother's education (0.018 (OR: 3.06, CI: 1.18-7.90)), attitude (0.028 (OR: 4.93, CI: 1.05-23.0)), cultural belief (0.000 (OR: 9.00, CI: 2.52-32.0)), and family support (0.000 (OR: 5.39, CI: 2.17-13.35)) were determinant factors of complementary feeding practice. There was no statistically significant correlation between the mother’s employment status and complementary feeding practices. Conclusion: It is essential to educate mothers on the correct timing and process of transitioning to complementary feeding. Nutrition education should aim to enhance and correct knowledge and beliefs about these practices. Mothers should receive practical guidance on making informed decisions, considering factors such as affordability, availability, access, and the preparation of nutrient-dense foods

Effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on muscle mass, fat mass, and visceral fat of hemodialysis patients; A randomized clinical trial.

Several studies demonstrated the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in body composition, specifically on the lean body mass and fat mass in hemodialysis patients. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, a total of 120 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients were randomly allocated into two groups. The intervention group has taken three grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily while the placebo group received three grams of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) as a placebo for a total of 2months. The changes in the body mass index (BMI) and body composition (fat mass, muscle, and visceral fat) were assessed at baseline and following the intervention. No significant difference was found in the mean of BMI, FAT, muscle, and visceral fat in the intervention group compared to the control group after the intervention. After two months of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, the study found no statistically significant impact of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on various indices of body composition. The effect of ω-3 supplementation in reducing visceral fat was close to significant (p=0.08). This study suggests that there is currently inadequate evidence to support the effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in improving anthropometric measurements in patients with CKD, except a partial effect on visceral fat. Further large-scale and long-term clinical trials are needed to confirm the present results.

The association between dietary flavonoid intake and bone mineral density and osteoporosis in US adults: data from NHANES 2007-2008, 2009-2010 and 2017-2018.

Epidemiological studies investigating the association between flavonoid intake and bone mineral density (BMD) draw inconsistent conclusions. Our study aims to investigate the association between flavonoid intake and BMD and osteoporosis and the mediating role of composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) in their relationship using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The study assessed the relationship between flavonoid intake and femur BMD and osteoporosis in 10,225 individuals from NHANES 2007-2010 and 2017-2018. Multivariable linearregression analyses were used to detect the association between flavonoid intake and femur BMD in adult Americans. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to examine the nonlinear relationship between flavonoid intake and their subclasses and osteoporosis risk in individuals 20years or older. We explored the mediating role of CDAI in the association between flavonoid intake and BMD. In fully adjusted multivariable regression analyses, compared with people in the first quartile, people in the fourth quartile of total flavonoid intake have a higher BMD at total femur (0.013, 95% CI: 0.004, 0.022, P = 0.001), femur neck (0.010, 95% CI: 0.004, 0.017, P = 0.001), trochanter (0.010, 95% CI: 0.004, 0.017, P = 0.001), and intertrochanter (0.012, 95% CI: 0.003, 0.020, P = 0.006). The positive relationship between flavonoid intake and femur BMD was present in both sexes. Furthermore, we found that people in the fourth quartile of total flavonoid intake have a lower risk of osteoporosis compared with the first quartile (OR = 0.686, 95% CI: 0.528-0.890, P = 0.005). RCS found a linear inverse relationship between total flavonoid intake and osteoporosis in individuals ≥ 20years (Overall P = 0.015, nonlinear P = 0.086). Moreover, CDAI partially mediates the association of total flavonoid intake with femur BMD. Our findings suggest that higher flavonoid intake is associated with higher BMD and lower risk of osteoporosis in Americans. Furthermore, we found distinct associations between different flavonoid subclasses and osteoporosis risk. More studies with stronger evidence are needed to explore the causal association between flavonoid intake and bone health and their underlying mechanisms.

Different contributions of fat and lean indices to bone strength by sex.

Bone strength depends on both bone density and quality. However, the differences in how body composition indices affect bone strength between men and women remains unclear. This study investigated the associations of various fat and lean indices with bone strength by sex. In this cross-sectional study involving 1,419 participants, bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bone quality was assessed using the trabecular bone score (TBS). Fat indices included total fat mass, body fat percentage, and waist circumference, while lean indices included appendicular lean mass (ALM) and hand grip strength. All fat indices demonstrated a positive association with BMD and a negative association with the TBS in both men and women. Fat indices were more strongly associated with BMD in women than in men. Furthermore, lean indices contributed more to BMD in men than in women. In women, ALM contributed more to BMD than hand grip strength, whereas in men, hand grip strength had a greater impact on BMD than ALM. Hand grip strength was also positively associated with the TBS in men. Overall, fat indices had a greater influence on BMD in women, while lean indices were more positively associated with bone strength in men. Considering different fat indices, ALM was more strongly associated with BMD in women, whereas hand grip strength played a greater role in men. Thus, maintaining both muscle mass and strength is crucial for preserving bone mass.

Diagnosis and evaluation of small airway disease and COPD using impulse oscillometry.

Impulse oscillometry (IOS) is a sensitive tool for assessing small airway function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to differentiate between COPD, small airway disease (SAD), and normal groups using IOS, and to evaluate the clinical applicability of IOS. This retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2020 to February 2022. The eligible population comprised adult patients who simultaneously underwent IOS and pulmonary function tests. The diagnostic value of IOS in differentiating SAD and/or COPD from control was analyzed, and the correlations among IOS parameters, lung function, and radiological assessment results were determined. Among the enrolled 306 patients, 38 (12.4%) had SAD and 134 (43.8%) had COPD. The remainder comprised the control group without COPD and/or SAD. Abnormal airway resistance according to IOS parameters was detected in 17.2% of the patients in the control group, 47.2% of those in the SAD group, and 55.2% of those in the COPD group. Airway resistance estimated by IOS were significantly higher in the SAD and COPD groups than in the control group and correlated with lung function and radiological airway wall thickness. We developed a composite index called the IOS severity index (IOSsi) using IOS parameters that can predict SAD and COPD, and IOSsi showed significantly differentiation of SAD and/or COPD from control. Especially, IOSsi value ≥ 4 was associated with an increased risk of SAD and/or COPD and also with risk for moderate-to-severe exacerbation in patients with COPD. IOS may be a useful tool to differentiate disease status and evaluate disease severity and prognosis in patients with SAD and/or COPD, and a prognostic factor of COPD.

Influence of Chitosan/Lycopene on Myoglobin and Meat Quality of Beef During Storage

Myoglobin (Mb) is easily oxidized, which causes the discoloration of meat. In addition, various microorganisms are responsible for meat spoilage. Chitosan and lycopene can be used to protect the color and extend the shelf life of meat. In this study, a series of coatings with different ratios (1:0, 3:1, 1:1, 1:3, 0:1) of chitosan to lycopene were prepared. Beef was treated with different coatings. The changes in color, relative content of different Mb forms, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), sulfhydryl content, carbonyl content, microbial count, cooking loss, and sensory evaluation during storage were investigated. The results showed that after 8 days, compared to the control, the relative content of oxymyoglobin (OxyMb), the lightness (L*) value, the redness (a*) value, and the composite index (CI) value of beef treated with chitosan/lycopene of 1:3 (w:w, the concentration of lycopene was 0.75% (w:v)) increased by 6.34%, 34.73%, 67.25%, and 116.27%, respectively. Meanwhile, the relative content of metmyoglobin (MetMb) and the yellowness (b*) value decreased by 11.67% and 23.21%, respectively. Additionally, beef treated with chitosan/lycopene of 1:3 also performed well in protein oxidation, fat oxidation, microbial count, and cooking loss. Generally, the beef treated with chitosan/lycopene of 1:3 showed the best comprehensive quality. The coating was suitable for application in beef. These results are promising for food preservation.

Bleeding after tonsillectomy: search for additional risk factors

Introduction. Currently, the most common method of surgical treatment of patients suffering from chronic decompensated tonsillitis is bilateral extracapsular tonsillectomy (ТЕ). The most dangerous and common complication of this surgical method is postoperative bleeding from the area of the surgical wound, leading to repeated medical treatment and the development of hemodynamic disorders. The frequency of postoperative bleeding after TE is estimated by the authors in a different range depending on the research methodology and can reach 21.8%Aim. To search for additional factors determining the frequency and timing of bleeding after bilateral tonsillectomy performed for chronic decompensated tonsillitis.Materials and methods. The study was conducted in the format of a retrospective cohort analysis (over 3 years) with the participation of 51 patients, as well as two control groups: a group of patients who underwent bilateral tonsillectomy (404 patients), and a group of patients with nosebleeds of various etiologies (1548 patients). The article presents generalized data on the timing of bleeding, indicators of blood loss, gender and age composition of patients and other parameters.Results. The inverse dependence of bleeding time on age and body mass index (p &lt; 0.05) was revealed, a direct dependence on the number of tonsillectomies performed, the same distribution of bleeding frequencies after tonsillectomies and nosebleeds over the observed period, as well as a significant association of the frequency of nosebleeds with various atmospheric and geophysical phenomena (p &lt; 0.01).Conclusion. Summarizing the data from several centers where bleeding after TE was recorded by increasing the study sample may help identify additional risk factors for the development of this complication.

Assessing the Severity of Connective Tissue-Related Interstitial Lung Disease Using Computed Tomography Quantitative Analysis Parameters

Objectives The aims of the study are to predict lung function impairment in patients with connective tissue disease (CTD)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) through computed tomography (CT) quantitative analysis parameters based on CT deep learning model and density threshold method and to assess the severity of the disease in patients with CTD-ILD. Methods We retrospectively collected chest high-resolution CT images and pulmonary function test results from 105 patients with CTD-ILD between January 2021 and December 2023 (patients staged according to the gender-age-physiology [GAP] system), including 46 males and 59 females, with a median age of 64 years. Additionally, we selected 80 healthy controls (HCs) with matched sex and age, who showed no abnormalities in their chest high-resolution CT. Based on our previously developed RDNet analysis model, the proportion of the lung occupied by reticulation, honeycombing, and total interstitial abnormalities in CTD-ILD patients (ILD% = total interstitial abnormal volume/total lung volume) were calculated. Using the Pulmo-3D software with a threshold segmentation method of −260 to −600, the overall interstitial abnormal proportion (AA%) and mean lung density were obtained. The correlations between CT quantitative analysis parameters and pulmonary function indices were evaluated using Spearman or Pearson correlation coefficients. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the best CT quantitative predictors for different pulmonary function parameters. Independent risk factors for GAP staging were determined using multifactorial logistic regression. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) differentiated between the CTD-ILD groups and HCs, as well as among GAP stages. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the differences in pulmonary function indices and CT quantitative analysis parameters among CTD-ILD groups. Results Among 105 CTD-ILD patients (58 in GAP I, 36 in GAP II, and 11 in GAP III), results indicated that AA% distinguished between CTD-ILD patients and HCs with the highest AUC value of 0.974 (95% confidence interval: 0.955–0.993). With a threshold set at 9.7%, a sensitivity of 98.7% and a specificity of 89.5% were observed. Both honeycombing and ILD% showed statistically significant correlations with pulmonary function parameters, with honeycombing displaying the highest correlation coefficient with Composite Physiologic Index (CPI, r = 0.612). Multiple linear regression results indicated honeycombing was the best predictor for both the Dlco% and the CPI. Furthermore, multivariable logistic regression analysis identified honeycombing as an independent risk factor for GAP staging. Honeycombing differentiated between GAP I and GAP II + III with the highest AUC value of 0.729 (95% confidence interval: 0.634–0.811). With a threshold set at 8.0%, a sensitivity of 79.3% and a specificity of 57.4% were observed. Significant differences in honeycombing and ILD% were also noted among the disease groups (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions An AA% of 9.7% was the optimal threshold for differentiating CTD-ILD patients from HCs. Honeycombing can preliminarily predict lung function impairment and was an independent risk factor for GAP staging, offering significant clinical guidance for assessing the severity of the patient's disease.

A spatial assessment of agricultural vulnerability to climate change using multidimensional data in Maharashtra state of India

This study aims to examine district-level agricultural vulnerability in the semi-arid and drought-prone state of Maharashtra. Using a multidimensional approach, suitable indicators for 34 districts were selected under exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity, aligning with the IPCC 2007 framework for vulnerability assessment. The analysis used temperature and rainfall data spanning 50 years (1968–2017). It also incorporated area and yield data from 2011 to 2020, along with other indicators for the year 2019–20. The composite agricultural vulnerability index (CAVI) score was obtained using proper normalization and assigning weights. The study revealed that the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions reported higher potential crop losses. Among the districts, Sangali was the most exposed (0.57), while Jalgaon was the least exposed (0.31) to climate variations. Ahmednagar exhibited the highest sensitivity (0.70), while Nagpur showed the lowest sensitivity (0.34) to climate change. Regarding adaptive capacity, Pune demonstrated the highest resilience (0.57) and Sindhudurg displayed the lowest score (0.23). CAVI highlighted that the Konkan region, along with western Maharashtra and eastern parts of Vidarbha, exhibited relatively lower vulnerability to climate change, due to factors such as lower potential crop loss and better adaptive capacity. In contrast, Marathwada and western Vidarbha regions were more vulnerable, facing significant crop production losses and higher exposure to climate variability. Hence, to build resilience to climate change and reduce crop production losses, crop planning needs to be adjusted according to the climatic conditions in these regions.

Balloon Baseline Stratospheric Aerosol Profiles (B2SAP)—Perturbations in the Southern Hemisphere, 2019–2022

AbstractVolcanic and pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCB) injections into the stratosphere perturb the aerosol layer and can have important radiative and chemical impacts on timescales spanning from months to several years. Repeated in situ balloon‐borne measurements of aerosol size and number concentration (&gt;140 nm in diameter), ozone, water vapor, and atmospheric state variables made at midlatitudes in the southern hemisphere (SH) since 2019 enable us to better characterize such events. We use this record and coincident lidar extinction profiles to study several moderate to large stratospheric perturbations in the SH between 2019 and 2022 in detail, including the Australian New Year Super Outbreak (ANYSO) pyroCB in 2020. Median vertical profiles of aerosol number concentration, effective radius, and surface area in SH midlatitudes are also compared with those recorded in Northern Hemisphere midlatitudes under baseline conditions using an identical payload. These data depict the variability in stratospheric aerosol properties in the SH midlatitudes during this period and provide a benchmark for global sectional aerosol models. They reveal that sulfate particle size distributions under baseline conditions and in volcanic plumes are relatively well represented in the Community Earth System Model—Community Aerosol Radiation Model for Atmospheres (CESM‐CARMA), but more observations of biomass burning plumes are needed to improve model skill in simulating pyroCB. Comparisons between in situ and lidar observations also highlight a need for more observations of aerosol composition and refractive index in both fresh and aging biomass burning plumes.

Abstract B054: Using FRAGILE score to capture context-dependent cfDNA fragmentation patterns for inference on their tissues-of-origin

Abstract Cell-free nucleic acids circulating in blood and other body fluids are usually highly fragmented and derived from multiple different tissue types, which makes it challenging to obtain information about their cellular and contextual origin. Analyzing low coverage cell-free DNA whole genome sequencing data from 243 healthy individuals, we showed that cfDNA fragmentation and degradation patterns vary depending on their underlying genomic and epigenomic contexts. We developed a composite index called FRAGILE Score (FRagment of Atypical GC and Irregular Length Enrichment Score) to capture the structure, sequence, and fragmentation-related properties of cell-free, and showed that the score carried information about the epigenomic contexts of the cfDNA fragments. A deconvolution approach based on the score predicts the cell type contribution in serum cfDNA from healthy individuals and cancer patients. We collected blood and urine of a cohort of 30 bladder urothelial carcinoma patients, and found that cfDNA derived from blood and urine had very different fragmentation characteristics. An analysis of cfDNA from paired urine and blood samples from this showcased utility of the score in predicting clinical and pathological characteristics non-invasively for clinical management of the patients. Citation Format: Subhajyoti De. Using FRAGILE score to capture context-dependent cfDNA fragmentation patterns for inference on their tissues-of-origin [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Liquid Biopsy: From Discovery to Clinical Implementation; 2024 Nov 13-16; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(21_Suppl):Abstract nr B054.

Investigating the Influence of Gender Diversity and Management Practices on the Introduction of Innovation in CEE countries

The role of management in any organizational context is to identify and exploit positive influences and opportunities that lead to the achievement of business objectives and competitive advantage. Those involved in effective management should be able to define the factors that have a decisive influence on the innovative activity of the enterprise. The identification of these influences is a key source of knowledge for defining or adjusting corporate strategies, resulting in long-term benefits and effective business development. As the market is constantly evolving, businesses must adapt to it. In recent years, researchers and experts have paid considerable attention to the study of gender issues in various areas of management. Much of the existing research has shown a positive correlation between gender diversity and innovation in developed countries. However, empirical studies in transition or developing countries remain limited. Therefore, we focus on Central and Eastern European countries. Based on regression analysis of data from the large-scale WBES survey, the aim of the study is to identify the relationships between gender structure of management, management practices and innovation. Unlike previous studies, this study uses a management practices index that combines data from eight indicators of management practices and assesses how well they are structured. This study thus enriches the ongoing research on the impact of gender and the structure of management practices on innovation in the EU member states of Central and Eastern Europe. The contribution of this study lies in the analysis of several different types of gender diversity and a composite index of managerial practices in relation to firms' innovation performance, and the specific context of the analysis in Central and Eastern Europe countries may provide new insights, as different factors affect innovation performance in these countries than in their Western counterparts. The results of this research provide a deeper understanding of the dynamics between gender diversity in management and innovation, which could provide a basis for the development of policies and corporate strategies to promote diversity and innovation in the business environment of Central and Eastern Europe countries.

Political accountability and social equity in public budgeting: Examining the role of local institutions

AbstractThis paper examines how local institutions in U.S. municipalities can affect budget allocations for socially disadvantaged groups, specifically focusing on eight key institutions related to electoral rules, power dynamics, and bureaucratic authority. Additionally, we develop a composite index to assess the overall level of (de)politicization within the local institutional framework. Theoretically, local institutions can shape public officials’ political accountability and administrative discretion during policy processes, thereby influencing their decision‐making on budget allocations. Empirical analyses primarily use data from ICMA's multiround national surveys and employ the historical background of municipalities as an instrumental variable (IV) to address potential endogeneity problems associated with local institutions. We find that local institutions that strengthen politicians’ political accountability to citizens lead to greater budget allocations for redistributive social welfare, thereby fostering social equity in public budgeting. Conversely, the institutions that enhance the authority of senior bureaucrats negatively affect budget allocations for redistributive social welfare.

Do the Activity Indices Used in Axial Spondyloarthritis Capture the Relationships Between Obesity, Smoking and Disease Activity in the Same Way?

Background/Objectives: Obesity and smoking have been related to increased disease activity in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), but these associations might vary depending on the composite index chosen to assess disease activity. We aimed to check this possibility. Methods: Three hundred and thirty consecutive patients were recruited from the monographic axSpA unit of a university center. To assess disease activity, BASDAI and ASDAS-CRP measurements were collected. The factors associated with the different disease activity thresholds of these instruments were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Results: This study included 127 women and 203 men, with a mean age of 47.6 (SD 12.9) years, median disease duration of 8 years [IQR: 4–16], and 63% on biologic therapies. Most patients met the therapeutic goals, with a BASDAI &lt; 4 in 187 (56.7%) and ASDAS inactive/low category in 182 (55.2%). Being male was associated with BASDAI remission (OR 2.63), but smoking reduced this likelihood (OR 0.28). Similar findings were found for ASDAS inactive disease (male: OR 2.09; smoking: OR 0.39). The variables associated with BASDAI ≥ 4 in the multivariate logistic model were the male gender (OR 0.36), age (OR 1.02), smoking (OR 2.39), and obesity (OR 2.94), whereas those associated with active/very active ASDAS categories were the male gender (OR 0.49), age (OR 1.02), and smoking (OR 2.34). However, obesity was not associated with these higher ASDAS categories (p = 0.183). Conclusions: While the association between smoking and increased disease activity was consistent across all composite activity indices, the obesity–activity relationship was only apparent through the BASDAI.