Terminal Conditions Research Articles

Phenotypic variability for early drought stress resistance in tetraploid wheat accessions correlates with terminal drought performance

AbstractDurum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) is a fundamental staple food for the countries of the Mediterranean basin. Climate change is predicted to cause a trend of increasing drought severity in this region in the near future, necessitating the improvement of durum wheat's resilience to drought stress. Using polyethylene glycol to simulate water scarcity, early vigour parameters in germinating seeds are quickly, easily and affordably assessed. Many screenings, however, only consider the seedling stage; consequently, genotypes identified as promising for cultivation in drought scenarios, may not show such features if drought appears in later phenological phases, as happens in Mediterranean climatic areas, generally prone to terminal drought. The correlation between drought stress resistance during the seedling stage (early vigour) and later stages in the life cycle is elusive due to the lack of scientific efforts. Here we used polyethylene glycol screening to classify fifty‐five tetraploid wheat accessions into three clusters (susceptible, medium resistant and highly resistant to drought), based on morpho‐physiological traits. These accessions included durum wheat cultivars and landraces, as well as ancestors like durum emmer wheat and wild emmer wheat. The results of the screenings were combined with subsequent pot experiments using nine randomly selected accessions, imposing terminal drought, and evaluating their performance. Principal component analysis was performed on data for net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration and grain yield. Notably, the genotypes that performed best in the pot experiments were also those that performed well in the screening. Highly resistant candidates had in fact higher physiological and performance parameters than susceptible candidates. In summary, polyethylene glycol screening of germinating seeds resulted to be suitable to predictively evaluate drought resistance in tetraploid wheat accessions under terminal drought conditions, typical of Mediterranean climate zones. The reported data, thus evidence of how this inexpensive and simple method might be efficiently applied for large‐scale phenotyping.

A Lightweight, Effective, and Efficient Model for Label Aggregation in Crowdsourcing

Due to the presence of noise in crowdsourced labels, label aggregation (LA) has become a standard procedure for post-processing these labels. LA methods estimate true labels from crowdsourced labels by modeling worker quality. However, most existing LA methods are iterative in nature. They require multiple passes through all crowdsourced labels, jointly and iteratively updating true labels and worker qualities until a termination condition is met. As a result, these methods are burdened with high space and time complexities, which restrict their applicability in scenarios where scalability and online aggregation are essential. Furthermore, defining a suitable termination condition for iterative algorithms can be challenging. In this article, we view LA as a dynamic system and represent it as a Dynamic Bayesian Network. From this dynamic model, we derive two lightweight and scalable algorithms: LA onepass and LA twopass . These algorithms can efficiently and effectively estimate worker qualities and true labels by traversing all labels at most twice, thereby eliminating the need for explicit termination conditions and multiple traversals over the crowdsourced labels. Due to their dynamic nature, the proposed algorithms are also capable of performing label aggregation online. We provide theoretical proof of the convergence property of the proposed algorithms and bound the error of the estimated worker qualities. Furthermore, we analyze the space and time complexities of our proposed algorithms, demonstrating their equivalence to those of majority voting. Through experiments conducted on 20 real-world datasets, we demonstrate that our proposed algorithms can effectively and efficiently aggregate labels in both offline and online settings, even though they traverse all labels at most twice. The code is on https://github.com/yyang318/LA_onepass .

Selection of superior bread wheat genotypes based on grain yield, protein, iron and zinc contents under normal irrigation and terminal drought stress conditions

The selection of high-yielding genotypes with high micronutrient and protein contents can play a major role in reducing protein-energy and micronutrient malnutrition. In this study, 20 bread wheat genotypes were examined under normal irrigation and end-season water deficit stress conditions. The grain yield (GY), thousand-kernel weight (TKW), protein (PR), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) contents were determined. The data were analyzed using the genotype by yield*trait (GYT) biplot method, and the superiority index was calculated from the integration of all yield-trait combinations. According to the results, the polygon view of GYT biplot under normal irrigation conditions showed that G20 was the best genotype in combining GY with TKW and PR contents. The G19 was the best genotype in combining GY with Fe and Zn contents. Under end-season water deficit stress, G20 was the best genotype in combining GY with TKW and Fe content. In addition, the G6 was the best genotype in combining GY with PR and Zn. The average tester coordinate (ATC) view of GYT biplot showed that there is not any genotype that was higher than the average yield-trait combination. However, G20 and G19 were relatively superior to other genotypes in this study. According to the superiority index, G20 and G19 genotypes were superior. Based on our results, G20, G19, and G6 genotypes were the best genotypes in combining GY with all or some evaluated traits, in two conditions. Therefore, they can be considered in genetic biofortification programs or variety introduction.

Medical aid in dying to avoid late-stage dementia.

Many patients with dementia want the option of using medical aid in dying (MAID) to end their lives before losing decision-making capacity and other abilities that impact their desired quality of life. But, for over two decades, it has been widely understood that these patients cannot (solely because of their dementia diagnosis) satisfy three statutory eligibility requirements in all U.S. MAID laws: (1) decisional capacity, (2) the ability to self-administer the life-ending medications, and (3) a terminal condition with 6 months or less to live. Now, because of recent statutory amendments together with the use of voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED) to quickly advance to a terminal condition, this dementia exclusion from MAID might no longer apply. If combining VSED and MAID is now a possibility for patients with dementia, then clinicians need more guidance on whether and when to support patients seeking to take this path. In this article, we begin to provide this guidance. First, we describe the recent case of an Oregon patient with early-stage Alzheimer's dementia who successfully used VSED to qualify for and use MAID. Second, we discuss prior barriers to using VSED as a bridge to MAID for people with dementia. Third, we describe recent legal changes that might make this path now possible.

Teamwork and Nurse Care Coordination in Home Healthcare.

Home healthcare agencies provide interdisciplinary care to millions of individuals annually. Care is typically led by registered nurses who often determine additional disciplines need to be included in the plan of care. We found that, although persons living with dementia represent about 30% of the home healthcare population, data from our home healthcare system showed that over a 1-year period with 36,443 home care episodes, only 29.6% had one or more social worker visits. Recognizing Alzheimer's disease-related dementia as a terminal condition and shifting toward a palliative care approach can be a challenge in home healthcare where care is focused on restorative care or rehabilitative goals with a primary focus on improvement in condition. The goal of this article is to present insights into nurse-led care coordination and teamwork and provide implications for practice.

Review of Euthanasia as a Therapy in Terminal Condition from Health and Law Perspective

Introduction: Terminal conditions and their treatment processes initiate actions that can be taken to relieve patients of the pain they suffer. This action is carried out by accelerating the death of patients with terminal conditions, known as euthanasia. Euthanasia is still being debated regarding the legal aspects and purpose of the act as part of the patient's treatment. This study aims to determine the perspective of euthanasia as part of the treatment or therapy of terminal conditions.
 Methods: This research is a literature study from several databases, including Proquest, Science Direct, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. The article search used keywords combined with booleans. 755 articles were found according to the keywords, and 12 articles were selected using Prism analysis.
 Results: Euthanasia is seen as a way for terminal patients who have been resistant to treatment to be free from the misery of their illness. Euthanasia in health can be carried out if it is the patient's conscious choice without coercion and has met the medical requirements. Euthanasia can be carried out in areas, regions, or countries where there are regulations, laws, or similar regulations governing the implementation of euthanasia.
 Conclution: With the existence of clear rules for the implementation of euthanasia, health workers or families involved in euthanasia can provide a clear understanding of how to implement euthanasia.

Health care for women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period as well as for newborns financed from public funds

Purpose – the aim of the article is to describe health care services for women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, including newborn care, provided in the period 2017–2021.Method – the analyses included data from the Council of Ministers’ reports on the implementation and effects of the application of the Act on Family Planning, Protection of the Human Foetus and Conditions for Termination of Pregnancy, as well as demographic data published by the Statistics Poland.Results – it was shown that in the period 2017– 2021, the number of women who received the service specified in the advice given during pregnancy decreased. However, the share of births registered as coordinated care for pregnant women I (KOC I) [pl. Koordynowana Opieka nad Ciężarną] in the total number of births increased, although ultimately they constituted a small percentage of the number of births in the country. Births carried out as KOC II/III had a higher and growing share in the number of births each year. The number of patients receiving coordinated children's care, perinatal palliative care services, and the number of pregnant participants in the Prenatal Testing Program also increased. At the same time, access to the above-mentioned services depended on the place of residence of the potential patient, since relevant service providers were available only in some voivodships, or, as in the Prenatal Testing Program, obtaining the service depended on meeting strict conditions.Conclusion – it is necessary to increase the availability of the analysed services by introducing service providers in voivodeships where they are lacking. It is also necessary to enable all interested pregnant women to participate in the Prenatal Testing Program without having to meet additional conditions.

KESESUAIAN PENERAPAN EUTHANASIA TERHADAP PASIEN KONDISI TERMINAL ATAS PERSETUJUAN KELUARGA DALAM HUKUM POSITIF INDONESIA

Normatively, the act of euthanasia in Indonesia is prohibited because in the Criminal Code it’s classified as a criminal offence as it means deprivation of the patient's life. The Indonesian medical code of ethics confirms the same thing that doctors are not allowed to perform euthanasia because it’s very contrary to their morality, which should protect the patient's life. However, Permenkes No. 37/2014 confirms that doctors can actually perform euthanasia on patients with certain procedures. The purpose of this study is to determine the suitability of the application of euthanasia to terminal condition patients with family consent in Indonesian positive law. The type of research used is normative legal research using a statute approach; conceptual approach; and comparative approach. The results obtained in this study are that the act of euthanasia cannot be classified as a criminal offence if the doctor does it for patients with certain conditions and according to procedures. Thus, if reviewed in positive law, the application of euthanasia in terminal patients with family consent is considered appropriate. Belgium and Luxembourg have legitimised euthanasia in their respective laws and regulations. Indonesia should be able to follow in the footsteps of Belgium and Luxembourg in legitimising euthanasia. The contradiction between the Indonesian Criminal Code and Code of Medical Ethics with Permenkes No. 37/2014 should be harmonised by updating the legislation that more specifically and firmly regulates euthanasia by including the determination of the patient's condition and certain possible procedures in applying for euthanasia, and providing criminal sanctions for doctors who perform euthanasia not in accordance with procedures. This aims to provide legal certainty for doctors and the patient's family when performing euthanasia, and minimise misinterpretation of euthanasia as in the Indonesian Criminal Code.

The Augmented Weak Sharpness of Solution Sets in Equilibrium Problems

This study considers equilibrium problems, focusing on identifying finite solutions for feasible solution sequences. We introduce an innovative extension of the weak sharp minimum concept from convex programming to equilibrium problems, coining this as weak sharpness for solution sets. Recognizing situations where the solution set may not exhibit weak sharpness, we propose an augmented mapping approach to mitigate this limitation. The core of our research is the formulation of augmented weak sharpness for the solution set. This comprehensive concept encapsulates both weak sharpness and strong non-degeneracy within feasible solution sequences. Crucially, we identify a necessary and sufficient condition for the finite termination of these sequences under the premise of augmented weak sharpness for the solution set in equilibrium problems. This condition significantly broadens the scope of the existing literature, which often assumes the solution set to be weakly sharp or strongly non-degenerate, especially in mathematical programming and variational inequality problems. Our findings not only shed light on the termination conditions in equilibrium problems but also introduce a less stringent sufficient condition for the finite termination of various optimization algorithms. This research, therefore, makes a substantial contribution to the field by enhancing our understanding of termination conditions in equilibrium problems and expanding the applicability of established theories to a wider range of optimization scenarios.

Mean‐field liquidation games with market drop‐out

AbstractWe consider a novel class of portfolio liquidation games with market drop‐out (“absorption”). More precisely, we consider mean‐field and finite player liquidation games where a player drops out of the market when her position hits zero. In particular, round‐trips are not admissible. This can be viewed as a no statistical arbitrage condition. In a model with only sellers, we prove that the absorption condition is equivalent to a short selling constraint. We prove that equilibria (both in the mean‐field and the finite player game) are given as solutions to a nonlinear higher‐order integral equation with endogenous terminal condition. We prove the existence of a unique solution to the integral equation from which we obtain the existence of a unique equilibrium in the MFG and the existence of a unique equilibrium in the N‐player game. We establish the convergence of the equilibria in the finite player games to the obtained mean‐field equilibrium and illustrate the impact of the drop‐out constraint on equilibrium trading rates.

A kernel-based approximate dynamic programming approach: Theory and application

This article proposes a novel kernel-based Dynamic Programming (DP) approximation method to tackle the typical curse of dimensionality of stochastic DP problems over the finite time horizon. Such a method utilizes kernel functions in combination with Support Vector Machine (SVM) regression to determine an approximate cost function for the entire state space of the underlying Markov Decision Process (MDP), by leveraging cost function computed for selected representative states. Kernel functions are used to define the so-called kernel matrix, while the parameter vector of the given kernel-based cost function approximation is computed by moving backwards in time from the terminal condition and by applying SVM regression. This way, the difficulty of selecting a proper set of features is also tackled. The proposed method is then extended to the infinite time horizon case. To show the effectiveness of the proposed approach, the resulting Recursive Residual Approximate Dynamic Programming (RR-ADP) algorithm is applied to the sensor scheduling design in multi-process remote state estimation problems.

Unmet needs in end-of-life care for heart failure patients

ObjectiveTo investigate end-of-life (EoL) care for heart failure (HF) in Tuscany (Italy) from healthcare professionals' perspective and identify areas for intervention. MethodsAll the directors of Cardiology units (n = 29) and palliative care (PC) units (n = 14) in Tuscany were surveyed on the practices of EoL care. ResultsForty-five percent of cardiologists reported that their hospital had some EoL care services for HF patients. However, 75% did not have a multidisciplinary team providing EoL care for HF patients. Sixty-four percent stated that <25% of patients who might benefit from PC did receive it, and 18% stated that no patient received PC. For most of PC specialists, HF patients accounted for <25% of their patients. PC specialists believed that patients with cancer diseases were much more likely to receive PC than HF patients at EoL, and 36% judged that almost no HF patients were timely referred to hospice care. The majority of PC specialists reported that almost no HF patient prepared advance healthcare directives, as opposite to 57% for cancer patients, suggesting poor understanding or acceptance of their terminal condition. ConclusionsThe management of HF patients in the EoL stage in Tuscany is often suboptimal. EoL care should be implemented to ensure an adequate quality of life to these patients.

Training perinatal nurses in palliative communication by using scenario-based simulation: A quasi-experimental study

AimThis study aimed to assess the impact of two educational modules on enhancing the communication confidence, competence and performance of perinatal nurses in the context of palliative care. BackgroundConcerns have arisen regarding the preparedness of perinatal nurses in delivering palliative care, especially in terms of deficiencies in communication skills and negative attitudes toward making life-support decisions for parents facing neonates with terminal conditions. Bridging this gap necessitates improved perinatal palliative care education for healthcare providers. Research has shown that simulation-based teaching effectively enhances procedural competence, communication skills and confidence among healthcare professionals. However, comprehensive curricula focusing on perinatal palliative communication remain limited. DesignThis study used a quasi-experimental design employing a two-group repeated measure approach. It involved a purposive sample of 79 perinatal nurses from a hospital in northern Taiwan. MethodsA palliative communication course specifically designed for registered nurses in perinatal units was developed. Participants were allocated to either the experimental group (Scenario-Based Simulation, SBS) or the control group (traditional didactic lecture). Communication confidence and competence were assessed before and immediately after the course through structured questionnaires. Learning satisfaction was collected post-intervention and participants underwent performance evaluation by standardized parents one week later. ResultsA significant training gap in palliative care exists among nurses in OB/GYN wards, delivery rooms and neonatal critical care units, highlighting the need for continuing education. All 79 participants completed the training course. Following the intervention, nurses in the SBS group (n=39) exhibited significant improvements in self-reported confidence (p <0.05), competence (p <0.01) and performance (p <0.001) in neonatal palliative communication compared with the traditional didactic lecture group (n=40). The SBS group also received higher satisfaction ratings from nurse learners (p <0.001). ConclusionsThe research findings support scenario-based simulation as a more effective educational approach compared with traditional didactic lectures for enhancing communication confidence and competence. These results were further reinforced by evaluation from standardized patients, highlighting the value of direct feedback in enhancing nurses' performance. Tailoring SBS designs to diverse nursing contexts and incorporating a flipped approach can further enrich the overall learning experience. Given its high effectiveness and positive reception, we recommend integrating this educational module into palliative care training programs for perinatal nurses.

Solving coupled non-linear higher order BVPs using improved shooting method

Abstract The purpose of this work is to propose a new efficient initial guess algorithm rather than the conventional Newton method to meet the adjoint terminal conditions, rapidly. Thus, the focus of this paper is to use better algorithms for obtaining refined initial guesses with shooting method to solve the coupled boundary value problems. The boundary value problem is formulated as a system of equations i.e. initial value problems with one unknown initial condition. The efficiency and accuracy of the Shooting method is enhanced by improving the initial guess and then solving the problem iteratively.

New Approach to Solving Fuzzy Multiobjective Linear Fractional Optimization Problems

In this paper, an iterative approach based on the use of fuzzy parametric functions is proposed to find the best preferred optimal solution to a fuzzy multiobjective linear fractional optimization problem. From this approach, the decision-maker imposes tolerance values or termination conditions for each parametric objective function. Indeed, the fuzzy parametric values are computed iteratively, and each fuzzy fractional objective is transformed into a fuzzy non-fractional parametric function using these values of parameters. The core value of fuzzy numbers is used to transform the fuzzy multiobjective non-fractional problem into a deterministic multiobjective non-fractional problem, and the ε-constraint approach is employed to obtain a linear single objective optimization problem. Finally, by setting the value of parameter ε, the Dangtzig simplex method is used to obtain an optimal solution. Therefore, the number of solutions is equal to the number of used values, and the optimal solution is chosen according to the preference of the decision-maker. We have provided a didactic example to highlight the step of our approach and its numerical performances.

Locally risk minimizing pricing of Asian option in a semi-Markov modulated market

We consider a regime-switching model where the stock volatility dynamics is a semi-Markov process. Under this model assumption, we find the locally risk-minimizing price of some Asian options with European-style exercise. The price function is shown to satisfy a non-local degenerate system of parabolic PDEs in dimension two with a terminal condition. We show this by deriving the F-S decomposition of the discounted contingent claim. The related Cauchy problem involving the PDE is shown to be equivalent to an integral equation (IE). The existence and uniqueness of the classical solution to the PDE are determined by studying the IE and using semigroup theory. To be more precise, we first obtain the mild solution of the PDE and then we show that the mild solution has sufficient regularity. The locally risk-minimizing hedging for the option has also been identified in this work. Finally, the computational aspects of Asian option prices have been discussed by solving the equation numerically.

Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis of yield and yield contributing characters in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under normal and terminal heat stress condition

Genetic variability and characters association studies play a pivotal role in enhancing selection efficiency under stress condition in plants. Therefore, the study was aimed at assessing the impact of terminal heat stress on various morpho-physiological traits and their association in wheat under control and terminal heat stress condition. The experiment was conducted using thirty-five wheat genotypes in a Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD) plots on three different sowing dates to induce terminal heat stress. A range of 11 morpho-physiological parameters were assessed. All of the traits showed significant variations under studied conditions. Estimates of the genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation (GCV and PCV) showed that PCV was higher than GCV indicating large environmental influence on the expression of the traits under study. High GCV and PCV were observed in grain per plant and yield per plant in both normal and heat stress conditions. Chlorophyll content, grain per plant and yield per plant showed highest heritability with high genetic advance (GA) under both normal and terminal heat stress condition. According to the results of the path co-efficient analysis, grain per plant had a strong positive connection with grain yield and plant height and days to 50% flowering had a negative correlation with grain yield per plant under both normal and stress condition. Canopy temperature has direct negative effect on yield in stress condition. The identified traits can be used as effective selection criteria under terminal heat stress condition to develop high yielding heat tolerant wheat variety.

A progressive approach to solving a generalized CEV-type model by applying symmetry-invariant surface conditions

&lt;abstract&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this paper, we examine a type of constant elasticity of variance model that is subject to its terminal condition. We prove that certain transformations may be applied to obtain a simpler equation that has known solution processes. Four cases are obtained that play a role in specifying the many unknown parameters of the model. The corresponding terminal condition is transformed into an initial condition, and we then demonstrate how to solve this Cauchy problem by using Lie symmetries and Poisson's formula. Finally, we examine the behaviour of the obtained solutions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/abstract&gt;

АДМІНІСТРАТИВНИЙ МЕНЕДЖМЕНТ В УПРАВЛІННІ ІНВЕСТИЦІЙНИМИ ПРОЄКТАМИ

The purpose of the article is to study the impact of administrative management on the implementation of projects in investment activity. Administrative management acts as an organiser of project activities in the investment sphere. The authors have analysed the algorithm of administrative management and identified its components that should be applied in the practice of investment activity. The research methodology used was a systematic approach and a structural analysis, as well as the method of comparison. The process of administrative management of an investment project has been presented as a sequence of steps or stages, which include planning, organisation, execution and control. A general outline of this process is provided hereunder. This process can be iterative, with changes and adjustments made at different stages of the project depending on changes in internal and external conditions. The main goal of investment project administration is to ensure the efficient use of resources and the achievement of project goals. Developing an investment project charter is an important step in the process of project preparation and implementation. The charter is a document that formalises the main aspects of the project, its goals, terms and conditions, and the procedure for its implementation. Here are some key elements that are usually included in an investment project charter: project name and description; goals and objectives; management structure; budget and financial terms; implementation schedule; implementation conditions; reporting and monitoring system; termination conditions. An analysis of the investment project and business plan is provided in the article. Administrative management in the investment projects management includes the use of various tools and methods to ensure effective planning, organisation, control and implementation of projects. Key administrative management tools that can be used to manage investment projects are as follows: SWOT analysis; PESTLE analysis; Gantt chart; RACI responsibility matrix; project management methodologies are: Methodologies such as PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge), PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments), Agile, Scrum; customer relationship management systems (CRM); financial analysis and control.

Struktura i ratio legis retencije u savremenom građanskom pravu

The subject of this work is critical analysis of key segments of the civil law institute of retention, i.e., the right to retain the debtor's property - primarily in positive Serbian law, but also in European regulations with the longest tradition of civil codes. Through the application of various scientific methods, particularly axiological and comparative law, the author analyzes and evaluates the following segments of Ius retentionis: definition, content and effect, forms, conditions for establishment, protection, and termination, with demarcation from related institutes. Commenting on various positive legislative solutions, the author also reflects on: the solutions of two previously drafted drafts that embody potential proposals for future Serbian civil law; as well as the model-rule DCFR, which constitutes part of the "soft" law of the EU, with which the domestic solution is useful to harmonize in the future, with the aim of determining the direction of further development of this institute. By providing explanation of some doctrinal and disputed retention issues (such as: permitted object, scope, legal nature), the author provides an authentic picture of this useful, but controversial institute. The author concludes that retention can be described as unfinished real right sui generis, an atypical legal real guarantee authentically exercised by self-protection technique, whose ratio legis is threefold: social, material and procedural justification. All of this finally outlines the direction of its further affirmation, i.e., the strengthening of retention in all segments of the institute, regarding: effect, content, expansion of the object, simplified conditions for establishment, as well as an increasing number of modalities.