Comprehensive Assessment Research Articles

Quality Assessment of Gegen Zhitong Mixture Based on Chemical Fingerprints Combined with Quantitative Analysis of Multi‐Components with a Single‐Marker

ABSTRACTTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas were one of the most important treasures in TCMs. Gegen Zhitong mixture (GGZTM) was a Chinese medicine preparation (CMP) developed by Wuhan No.1 Hospital according to a TCM formula. The comprehensive quality assessment of CMPs is necessary to ensure their safe and effective use for medical purposes. However, the existing quality evaluation of GGZTM was limited to the content determination of a single marker compound, making it difficult to fully monitor its overall quality. Therefore, an approach that profiled a comprehensive chemical description of GGZTM based on high‐performance liquid chromatography was developed for the first time, and the characteristic common peaks of GGZTM were identified in the present study. Secondly, a quantitative analysis of multi‐components with a single‐marker (QASM) was developed, which could be employed to simultaneously determine the content of three components in GGZTM. Finally, the laboratory prepared a self‐made GGZTM according to the prescription composition and systematically compared it with the GGZTM through similarity analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis based on chemical fingerprints and the content of intrinsic marker components. In conclusion, the developed method is accurate and stable and can be applied to quality control in the production process of GGZTM.

Case report: High-grade hidradenocarcinoma of the chest wall with insights from 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging and a review of the literature

Hidradenocarcinoma (HAC) is a rare neoplasm that typically occurs in the head and neck region but seldom affects the chest wall. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry remain essential for diagnosing HAC, although their clinical utility in determining metastasis can be limited. Given the pathological rarity and histopathological heterogeneity of HAC, we report a case demonstrating the utility of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) combined with immunohistochemical examination for the accurate diagnosis and staging of HAC. An 84-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a right chest wall and axillary mass. A pathological examination was performed, which revealed a malignancy of epithelial origin. The immunohistochemical examination confirmed a high-grade hidradenocarcinoma. Subsequently, PET/CT examination showed significant hypermetabolism in the right chest wall and its ipsilateral axillary and subclavian lymph nodes. Combined with pathological findings, these results confirmed metastatic hidradenocarcinoma, leading to a TNM classification of T2N3M (stage IV). A literature review revealed that HAC rarely occurs in the chest wall but tends to metastasize. However, the prognosis is favorable, especially with early diagnosis and surgical intervention. 18F-FDG PET/CT examination is a valuable staging tool in the comprehensive assessment of systemic tumor metastasis. Combining PET/CT with pathological examination enhances diagnostic and staging accuracy, enabling timely treatment and improving outcomes.

Clinical, psychopathological and neurobiological aspects of affective disorders in children and adolescents with epilepsy

In order to study the clinical and psychopathological characteristics of affective disorders in childhood and adolescence and their relationship to neurophysiological and neuroimaging studies, clinical and psychopathological (using scales of comprehensive assessment of mental state and the Kovach M child depression questionnaire) and instrumental methods (MRI, VEM) examined 134 children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years, diagnosed with epilepsy. Differences in the frequency of affective symptoms according to the SWAPS data were revealed, depending on the gender of patients and the form of epilepsy, as well as neurophysiological and neuromorphological changes that increase the likelihood of developing comorbid epilepsy affective disorders in childhood and adolescence.

Brentuximab Vedotin (Adcetris)

Reimbursement reviews are comprehensive assessments of the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, as well as patient and clinician perspectives, of a drug or drug class. The assessments inform nonbinding recommendations that help guide the reimbursement decisions of Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial governments, with the exception of Quebec. This review assesses brentuximab vedotin for injection (Adcetris), 50 mg per vial, lyophilized powder for reconstitution, IV infusion. Indication: For the treatment of previously untreated patients with stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma, in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine.

Physiological Evaluation of Salt Tolerance in Sunflower Seedlings Across Different Genotypes

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an important oilseed crop cultivated extensively across the globe. High salinity adversely impacts plant growth and physiological processes. In this study, the data on the phenotypes, physiological indices, and expression of relevant genes from different pathways responding to the stress were collected to clarify the physiological mechanisms underlying sunflower’s salt tolerance with the seedlings of two salt-tolerant (182265 and 182283) and two salt-sensitive (182093 and 186096) genotypes, which were exposed to 350 mM NaCl for 5 days. The findings revealed that, during the seedling stage, salt-tolerant sunflowers accumulated less Na+ and more K+, resulting in a higher K+/Na+ ratio that mitigated ionic toxicity throughout the plants, compared to the salt-sensitive resources. Furthermore, the salt-tolerant germplasms also exerted salt tolerance through the following several pathways: they maintained robust osmotic regulation by accumulating higher levels of proline, soluble sugars, and other osmolytes; they neutralized reactive oxygen species (ROS) by elevating the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as POD, SOD, CAT, APX, and GR; and they sustained optimal growth by boosting photosynthesis. Taken together, this study provided a more comprehensive assessment of the sunflower’s physiological salt tolerance, providing insights that will inform further molecular studies on salt tolerance and accelerating the breeding process for sunflower varieties with improved salt resilience.

Reading Speed and Reading Comprehension in Adolescents

Reading is a complex skill that is acquired through learning. Although most children with typical development master the skill of reading in due time, it is known that a smaller number of children show difficulties in reading. The aim of this thesis is to examine the reading speed and reading comprehension of primary school-aged adolescents. We also tried to determine the number of adolescents with reading difficulties, through analysis of reading speed and accuracy of comprehension of the read text. The research sample consisted of 200 pupils of sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth grade of the "Milorad Musa Burzan" elementary school in Podgorica. Assessment of reading speed and reading comprehension was performed using the Three-Dimensional Reading Test. The results showed that reading speed increases with age, so ninth grade pupils read the fastest, whereas seventh grade pupils read the slowest. In terms of comprehending what was read, the pupils of the eighth grade were the most successful, and the pupils of the seventh grade were the worst. Moreover, the results showed that there are no differences in reading speed and reading comprehension between boys and girls. It was concluded that in this sample there were a total of nine (4.5%) pupils with reading difficulties.

Assessing the combined effects of chemical and mechanical parameters on silar-grown nanostructured ZnO thin films

In the literature, a comprehensive assessment of the combined impacts of chemical and mechanical parameters on the properties of thin films grown by SILAR is missing. In this work, ZnO film formation is investigated under variable precursor concentration, pH, withdrawal speed and number of cycles. Interestingly, the produced ZnO films displayed remarkable aspect ratio and morphological variability, ranging from the commonly obtained nanograins shape towards hexagonal nanorods, flower- like rods and nanoneedles, which to our knowledge have not yet been achieved by using single step SILAR process. More particularly, low concentration and intermediate pH and withdrawal rates were favorable for nanorods formation. In addition, increasing the withdrawal speed from 26 to 30 cm·min-1 resulted in a thinner film with improved rod uniformity and reduced crystallite size. This is the first study on the impact of substrate withdrawal speed on SILAR films. Among all studied parameters, the number of cycles was particularly useful for tuning film thickness, while preserving its target shape. In addition, the films grown under a higher number of cycles showed improved film crystallinity and rod orientation with reduced dislocation density, microstrain and bandgap energy. In our conditions, the most suitable combination of parameters required for exhibiting optimized nanorod-shaped coating are: a concentration of 0.07 M, pH of 10.5, speed of 30 cm·min-1 and 40 cycles. In this case, XRD, XPS, Raman and FTIR spectra displayed typical features of hexagonal Wurtzite structure of ZnO with no impurities within the film surface, whereas AFM measured a thickness of 1.4 μm with 243 nm surface roughness.

NATO Public Diplomacy in the Mediterranean‒Black Sea Region

The article analyzes the main forms and methods of NATO’s public diplomacy in the Mediterranean-Black Sea region in the context of significant geopolitical processes taking place in this regional space. The aim of the study is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the policy of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in the field of public diplomacy in one of the most strategically important regions of the world. The main objectives include the consideration of the key areas of the NATO Public Diplomacy Division’s work, the analysis of the projects implemented by the Alliance in the sphere of public diplomacy, as well as determining their impact on the geopolitical processes in the Mediterranean-Black Sea region. In order to achieve the overall goal general scientific theoretical methods such as analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction and comparison are used. The conclusion is made that in recent decades the North Atlantic Alliance has been trying to strengthen its potential in the sphere of public diplomacy in the Mediterranean-Black Sea region by various methods because of its strategic importance. Moreover, in the near future NATO will increase its activity in this regional area. Special attention will be paid to developing relations with potential candidates for membership, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and Ukraine. Besides, in the medium term, NATO will continue to actively cooperate with Moldova and Serbia, which, despite their officially declared neutral status, are gradually moving closer to the Alliance. Most of the ongoing public diplomacy projects will be openly anti-Russian, because NATO initiatives will be aimed at ousting Russia from the humanitarian sphere of the Mediterranean-Black Sea region’s states.

Cultivating "non-technical skills" in surgeons

Surgical operations are one of the high-risk activities in modern society, and surgeons in this high-pressure environment require not only excellent technical skills but also well-rounded non-technical skills. Non-technical skills encompass key abilities such as situational awareness, decision-making, communication and teamwork, leadership, and stress management, as well as the capacity for error correction feedback loops, emotional intelligence, and adaptability to complex environments. These "soft skills" help surgeons to more effectively handle emergencies during surgery, optimize team collaboration, ensure patient safety, and increase the success rate of operations. Western countries have systematized non-technical skills into physicians' training programs, while in China, further attention and promotion are still needed. By establishing comprehensive non-technical skill assessment standards and systematic training programs, the overall quality of surgeons can be enhanced, thereby ensuring patient safety, improving clinical outcomes, and fulfilling the professional mission of surgeons.

Challenges in Observation of Ultrafine Particles: Addressing Estimation Miscalculations and the Necessity of Temporal Trends.

Ultrafine particles (UFPs) pose a significant health risk, making comprehensive assessment essential. The influence of emission sources on particle concentrations is not only constrained by meteorological conditions but often intertwined with them, making it challenging to separate these effects. This study utilized valuable long-term particle number and size distribution (PNSD) data from 2018 to 2023 to develop a tree-based machine learning model enhanced with an interpretable component, incorporating temporal markers to characterize background or time series residuals. Our results demonstrated that, differing from PM2.5, which is significantly shaped by planetary boundary layer height, wind speed plays a crucial role in determining the particle number concentration (PNC), showing strong regional specificity. Furthermore, we systematically identified and analyzed anthropogenically influenced periodic trends. Notably, while Aitken mode observations are initially linked to traffic-related peaks, both Aitken and nucleation modes contribute to concentration peaks during rush hour periods on short-term impacts after deweather adjustment. Pollutant baseline concentrations are largely driven by human activities, with meteorological factors modulating their variability, and the secondary formation of UFPs is likely reflected in temporal residuals. This study provides a flexible framework for isolating meteorological effects, allowing more accurate assessment of anthropogenic impacts and targeted management strategies for UFP and PNC.

Bayesian-based multi-class damage identification on prestressed reinforced concrete bridges

Model-driven structural system identification techniques are effective for comprehensive damage assessment but relying on a single model for structural identification (St-Id) can lead to unreliable results due to the ill-posed nature of the inverse calibration problem. To address this issue, this work explores the potential of multi-class digital twins, derived from sets of competing model classes, each one characterised by a distinct failure mechanism. To accelerate the calibration process, Kriging metamodels are employed, facilitating the fusion of diverse data types, such as modal displacements, frequencies, and static rotations. The Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) is utilised to identify the most suitable model class. This research specifically targets the damage assessment of prestressed reinforced concrete girder bridges, which represent a significant portion of the global bridge stock. To this end, a numerical model of a representative span is developed, followed by a parametric analysis to evaluate the proposed approach’s effectiveness. Various damage scenarios including stiffness reduction and tendon prestress losses are considered, demonstrating the method’s capability for quasi-real-time multi-class damage identification. The study emphasizes the combined use of modal features and static rotations within a Bayesian framework, underscoring the importance of data fusion in achieving effective damage identification for these structures.

Reimagining the future through the co-creation of social entrepreneurship in higher education: a multivariate prediction model approach

PurposeThis remastered analysis focuses on the impact of entrepreneurial interventions in higher education institutions (HEI), particularly in social entrepreneurship. The study evaluated the effectiveness of such interventions through a pre-and post-test approach, examining various skill sets in students. The primary goal was to analyze the influence of entrepreneurial training programs on students' competencies in social entrepreneurship by analyzing changes in personal behavior, leadership, innovation, social value and management skills before and after the educational interventions.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a quasi-experimental design, analyzing pre-and post-test results in three distinct social entrepreneurship training experiences. The sample consisted of 304 participants, providing a comprehensive view of the impact of these interventions.FindingsThe main findings were: (1) Educational interventions in social entrepreneurship must emphasize strategies for self-awareness, emotional intelligence and personal development improvement. The analysis revealed significant improvements in these areas, indicating that targeted strategies in these domains are essential for enhancing the effectiveness of social entrepreneurship education. (2) The impact of educational interventions on these capabilities can be effectively evaluated using machine learning methods such as ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. This approach allows for the inclusion of variables such as gender, age or location, providing a comprehensive assessment of the interventions' impact. (3) The interventions were particularly effective in improving students' innovation and leadership competencies. The analysis demonstrated substantial enhancements in these areas, underscoring the success of the interventions in developing these critical skills. (4) The study highlighted the need for a more focused approach in future interventions, emphasizing the importance of management, social value and personal skills. Additionally, it pointed out the necessity of developing and utilizing appropriate tools to create and evaluate these interventions effectively.Practical implicationsThe study provides insights into improving educational interventions in social entrepreneurship to better develop essential skills in students.Originality/valueThis research introduces a significant approach to educational interventions for educational communities and decision-makers by demonstrating the effectiveness of entrepreneurial training for competencies in innovation and leadership, which are crucial for societal and economic development.

Core elements of the perioperative medicine for older people undergoing surgery (POPS) model of care.

Hospital surgical services that utilise the approach of the perioperative medicine for older people undergoing surgery (POPS) model of care improve outcomes for older people contemplating and undergoing surgery. Complex models of care like POPS may be difficult to implement without understanding the elements that comprise that model of care. Logic models can be used to aid implementation by visually depicting theoretical relationships between the elements of the model of care. Our objective was to understand the core elements of the POPS model of care at health services other than where it was first developed. A qualitative case study at three contextually different health services in England with POPS models of care of varying implementation maturity was undertaken. We conducted semi-structured interviews with clinicians and managers involved in POPS (n = 56). The interviews were analysed using inductive and deductive methods. We developed a logic model with seven domains and themes that described the core elements of the POPS model of care compared and contrasted across the three health services. We found POPS could be adapted to 'fit' the local contexts of our study and still achieve its desired outcomes if it remained true to the principles of comprehensive geriatric assessment and optimisation and was delivered by staff with expert skills and attitudes. Our logic model provides potentially generalisable information about the core elements of the POPS service in three health services. This information can be used to aid the implementation of the POPS model of care in healthcare settings similar to our study. Further research may be required to test the logic model in other healthcare contexts.

Quantitative risk assessment: methodology and application in an automaker body-in-white production line project

Purpose: this research aims to introduce a novel methodology, termed Quantitative Risk Assessment for body-in-white projects, to forecast the expected project completion time and total project cost. This methodology is demonstrated through application to a real project within an automotive manufacturer in Brazil. Theoretical framework: the study employs established risk analysis methods (e.g., program evaluation and review technique, preliminary hazard analysis, Gaussian curve, Monte Carlo simulation) alongside project management tools for problem characterization (e.g., project requirements, assumptions, work breakdown structure). Methodology/Approach: the methodology presented in this paper follows a sequence of methods that: (i) identify the hazards; (ii) evaluate the probability of risks associated with each project task; (iii) assess their consequences and impact on project costs; and, finally, (iv) quantify the risks to predict a probability spectrum for the project’s total cost. This allows estimating an emergency reserve and categorizing the risk level to inform stakeholders. Findings: The paper reveals that, among the 66 identified hazards, there is a 37% probability of the project duration exceeding 200 days, and the project has been categorized as high risk (i.e., more than a 20% probability that additional costs will exceed 20% of the estimated project budget). Research, practical & social implications: this study enables organizations to forecast the potential impacts of risks on project schedules and costs through comprehensive risk assessments, providing valuable input for project risk management. Originality/ Value: the study’s value lies in the originality of its risk assessment methodology applied to automakers’ body-in-white projects. Keywords: Automaker. Body-in-White. Monte Carlo Simulation. Probabilistic modeling. Quantitative risk assessment.

Utilising factor analysis on political risks including strategies of managing firm-specific risk factors for multinational construction projects in Pakistan

Purpose The purpose of this article is to investigate the influence that firm-specific characteristics, such as organisational capabilities, risk management methods and stakeholder relationships, have on political risks (PRs) that are associated with multinational construction projects in Pakistan.Design/methodology/approach The methodology employed in this investigation involved the acquisition of data through the use of questionnaires administered to experts in the construction industry. The research applied a quantitative method, and the sources of the data are from the Pakistani stakeholders. One hundred questionnaires were used for the data collection during field visits. Based on the data, it has been ensured that the valid questionnaires were utilised, and the data were tested for validity and reliability. The analysis tool utilised was SPSS software. For the questionnaire, a total of 15 firm-specific factors were considered in order to design the survey, which specifically targeted the identified features. The factors identified as risks were investigated using quantitative method to determine firm-specific risks.FindingsIt was found that when stakeholders have a better grasp of these dynamics, they are better able to strengthen their resilience and efficacy in managing PRs, which ultimately increases the likelihood that the project will be successful.Research limitations/implications International construction projects (ICPs) in emerging countries are substantially impacted by PRs, which can have a considerable impact on their success and sustainability. The study is localised and not generic as it is limited to Pakistan, and the risk factors considered are firm-specific but related to PRs.Practical implications By identifying key risk factors, these firms can develop targeted risk management strategies, leading to enhanced decision-making and more efficient resource allocation. Effective strategies include diversification, local partnerships and comprehensive risk assessments tailored to the unique challenges faced by international contracting firms in Pakistan.Social implications ICPs in emerging countries like Pakistan face critical problems, which include the presence of PRs. Although the larger political environment plays a significant part, the manner in which businesses navigate and mitigate PRs is also influenced by firm-specific elements.Originality/value The study is novel in terms of the factors looked at, the data, the conceptual framework and the findings of the study. The dynamic political scene, which is characterised by instability, policy changes, corruption and geopolitical conflicts, poses significant dangers to the timeliness of projects, the expenses of such projects and the investments that are made in those projects.

Neuropsychological Outcomes After Stereo-EEG Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation.

Stereo-EEG-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTHC) has been proposed as relatively safe from a cognitive perspective; however, there is a lack of evidence based on neuropsychological assessments supporting this. This study is the first prospective evaluation of neuropsychological outcomes associated with stereo-EEG-guided RFTHC in patients with focal drug-resistant epilepsy. This cohort study involved prospective recruitment of consecutive patients undergoing stereo-EEG from 2 Australian centers. A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment was administered before implantation and 3 months after RFTHC (M = 104.51 days, SD = 29.25). Outcomes across cognitive domains were assessed at a group level with repeated measures t tests. Factorial repeated measures analyses of variance compared memory and language outcomes according to whether dominant mesial temporal lobe (mTL) structures were coagulated. Reliable change indices (RCIs) were computed to explore psychometrically reliable changes at an individual level. The sample comprised 39 patients who underwent stereo-EEG (M = 37.08 ± 9.67 years, range = 17-56 years, 54% female). Nineteen (49%) had a language dominant epileptogenic zone (EZ), 16 (41%) a nondominant EZ, and 4 (10%) a bilateral EZ. All patients underwent RFTHC with a mean of 11.87 (SD = 6.82, range = 2-29) coagulation sites. Ten patients (26%) had RFTHC within the dominant mTL. At a group level, RFTHC was not associated with a significant decline on any neuropsychological measures (all comparisons p > 0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed a decline in delayed verbal recall after RFTHC of dominant mTL structures (F(1,37) = 4.46, p = 0.04, ηp2 = 0.11, 95% CI [0-0.30]; medium to large effect), although it did not remain statistically significant after correction for false discovery rate. No statistically significant group differences were observed on visual memory or language measures post-RFTHC (all comparisons p > 0.05). RCI revealed that after RFTHC within the dominant mTL, 20% of patients experienced a decline in verbal memory and 10% in visual memory. By contrast, 7% declined in verbal memory and 10% in visual memory post-RFTHC outside the dominant mTL. While these findings support the current view that RFTHC is cognitively benign for most cases, the results raise the question of a verbal memory decline after coagulation of the dominant mTL. Individualized neuropsychological counseling before stereo-EEG is essential to avoid unanticipated deficits.

Risk prediction of computer investment database information management system based on machine learning algorithms

In recent years, with the continuous development of the financial market, the risk prediction of computer investment database information management systems (IMS) has high practical value. At present, there are risk issues in the information management system, which may cause drawbacks to investment data processing. To address these issues, this article used Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to analyze the risk prediction of computer investment database IMS. This article introduced and utilized typical Self-Organizing Map (SOM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) combination algorithms, regression algorithms, and Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) algorithms to compare and analyze the prediction accuracy of these three algorithms. This article found that the GBDT algorithm has the highest prediction accuracy. Through a large amount of experimental data, it has been proven that the average testing accuracy using regression algorithms was 3.5% higher than that using neural network algorithms. It was found that the average test accuracy using the GBDT algorithm was 7.2% higher than the average test accuracy using the regression algorithm. The study also explores the combination of physiological and behavioral data collected by wearable devices to provide more comprehensive risk assessment and decision support, which provides an important reference for the optimization of enterprise risk management. Through this innovative data source integration, this paper provides a new perspective for the application and development of machine learning algorithms in computer investment database IMS.

Risk assessment of poverty-returning based on hybrid q-rung orthopair fuzzy EDAS and prospect theory

PurposeAccurately identifying the risk of poverty-returning is a complex and critical challenge in current poverty alleviation efforts. However, there is currently no study on evaluation methods for the risk of poverty-returning. This study aims to establish a robust and systematic approach for an evaluation framework for the risk of poverty-returning.Design/methodology/approachBased on relevant assessment criteria, a maximum deviation method was established to identify the weights of the indicators. A complex evaluation methodology using prospect theory (PT), a q-rung orthopair fuzzy set (QrOFS) and evaluation relying on distance from average solution [EDAS] (QrOFS-PT-EDAS) was developed to evaluate the poverty-returning risks. Some policy recommendations to reduce the risk of poverty-returning have also been put forward.FindingsHis study identifies the risk factors of poverty relapse from nine aspects, including natural disasters, accidents and policy-driven poverty relapse. In addressing the evaluation challenge arising from uncertain decision-making, the QrOFS aligns more with people’s thinking habits and expression methods in complex environments. The proposed hybrid evaluation framework accurately measures the poverty-returning risk, which is beneficial for the formulation of policy recommendations.Originality/valueA scientific and comprehensive assessment system index for poverty-returning is constructed. A hybrid QrOFS-PT-EDAS framework is presented to make the evaluation results more scientific and objective. Several strategic recommendations for reducing the poverty-returning risk are presented. This study offers a novel framework for assessing poverty-returning issues that can be extended to many other areas.

Life Cycle Assessment of Microalgae-Based Products for Carbon Dioxide Utilization in Thailand: Biofertilizer, Fish Feed, and Biodiesel

Background Microalgae-based products offer a sustainable solution for food, fuel, and agricultural inputs, presenting environmental benefits and economic opportunities. A comprehensive assessment is needed to understand their potential in supporting sustainability goals, considering the complex interplay between production methods, energy sources, and environmental impacts. Methods This study evaluated the environmental impacts of three microalgae-derived products – biodiesel, fish feed, and biofertilizer – through a comprehensive life cycle assessment. Nine scenarios were explored comparing three electricity profiles (current Thai mix, 50% renewable/50% current mix hybrid, 100% renewable) across the three products. The assessment evaluated environmental impacts and potential economic benefits of transitioning to these microalgae-based alternatives. Results and discussion All products demonstrated potential for significant environmental benefits under increased renewable energy scenarios. Fish feed consistently exhibited the lowest environmental impacts across all categories examined, showing substantial improvements with increased renewable energy use. With an annual demand of 0.4 million tonnes, fish feed could generate USD 560 million in revenue and reduce CO2 emissions by 1.1 million tonnes. Fulfilling the projected biodiesel demand of 4,015 million liters per year through microalgae production could yield approximately USD 3.5 billion in revenue and reduce CO2 emissions by 30 million tonnes compared to conventional fossil-based diesel. Additionally, algal biofertilizer production could meet a 5 million tonnes annual demand, offering USD 2 billion in revenue while reducing CO2 emissions by 6 million tonnes yearly. Collectively, these products could offset 37 million tonnes of CO2, representing about 14% of Thailand’s total CO2 emissions, contributing significantly to the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target of 20-30% greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Conclusion Transitioning to microalgae-based products could transform the aquaculture, energy, and agricultural sectors, potentially supporting the national climate change mitigation goals, if implemented.

Mental health and attitudes toward suicide amongst individuals with gender dysphoria in Iran

IntroductionGender dysphoria (GD) is associated with profound mental health challenges, including heightened suicide risk. This study aimed to explore the mental health status and attitudes toward suicide among individuals with GD in Iran.MethodsA comprehensive assessment was conducted using three validated tools: the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) to gauge emotional distress and psychological well-being, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) to evaluate the severity of depressive symptoms, and the Predicament Questionnaire (PQ) to measure attitudes toward suicide in the context of social crises.ResultsAmong the 78 participants, 43 (55.1%) were identified as experiencing significant mental health issues, while 21 (26.9%) were found to suffer from severe depression. The average PQ score was 57.92, which aligns with findings from similar populations in previous studies, highlighting a concerning trend in suicide-related attitudes. Further statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between psychological distress (GHQ-28 scores) and attitudes toward suicide (PQ scores), as well as between depressive symptoms (BDI-II scores) and suicide-related attitudes.ConclusionsThese findings indicate a pervasive prevalence of psychological disorders, particularly depression, within this group, and underscore the strong association between depressive states and suicidal ideation. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions and comprehensive healthcare policies tailored to the specific needs of individuals with GD in Iran. Given the substantial mental health burden observed, particularly the risk of suicide, this research highlights the critical importance of integrating mental health care into broader support systems for this population.