Critical Level Research Articles

Low Socioeconomic Indicators Correlate with Critical Pre-Operative Glenoid Bone Loss and Care Delays

BackgroundChronic and recurrent shoulder dislocations prior to stabilization can increase the risk of glenoid bone loss. Glenoid bone loss exceeding critical levels can lead to further instability and decreased outcomes following arthroscopic labral repair. Indicators of low socioeconomic status (SES), such as high Area Deprivation Index (ADI) and non-commercial insurance, are related to generalized delays to orthopedic care, which can cause recurrent instability and increase glenoid bone loss. Hypothesis/PurposeHigher national ADI and non-commercial insurance would be associated with greater levels of radiographic glenoid bone loss after glenoid instability. MethodsA retrospective study was performed with patients who underwent anterior labral repair. Chart review included demographics, course of care data, preoperative instability data, national ADI, and insurance status. The Neighborhood Atlas Website and patients’ home addresses were used to obtain national ADI. Glenoid bone loss was measured using the Best-fit circle Pico method on three-dimensionally aligned magnetic resonance images (MRIs). Researchers were blinded to SES indicators during radiographic analysis. Glenoid bone loss was compared between SES indicators using one-way ANOVAs. Results146 patients met inclusion criteria and had complete datasets (23.3% female; 22.4±7.0-years-old; national ADI=16.1±15.3). Patients experienced on average 9.12±6.63% glenoid bone loss. A curve fitting tool determined a quadratic non-linear regression best characterized the association of glenoid bone loss and ADI (R2 = 0.392, p < 0.001). Individuals with commercial insurance experienced 8.58%±6.69% glenoid bone loss as compared to 11.78%±6.30% in individuals with Medicaid insurance (p=0.03). Critical bone loss at a threshold of 13.5% was more likely with higher national ADI (p<0.001) and Medicaid insurance (OR=2.49, CI=1.02-6.09). However, only national ADI was predictive of subcritical bone loss at a threshold of 10% (p<0.001). ConclusionPatients with greater national ADI and Medicaid insurance status had greater rates of critical preoperative glenoid bone loss at a threshold of 13.5%. Greater national ADI is also predictive of subcritical glenoid bone loss at a threshold of 10% and overall glenoid bone loss. Further study is needed to assess the postoperative implications of these findings in this population.

Extension of the GISSMO fracture model for thin-walled structures under combined tensile and bending loads

Ductile fracture prediction for thin-walled structures requires computationally efficient simulation tools able to approximately represent the key effects that occur on the sub-thickness scale. Unfortunately, classical shell elements, typically used to model deformation and failure of thin components, are inherently in a state of plane stress and therefore unable to capture the through-thickness stress distribution. This is consequential considering recent studies that demonstrated the differences between fracture in bending vs. in-plane tension. A laterally constrained thin metal plate under in-plane tension is likely to fracture under significantly lower plastic strain than the same plate under bending (with fracture initiating on the tensile side), even though both these conditions are examples of plane strain tension. Under in-plane tension fracture is preceded by a through-thickness neck, and therefore higher stress triaxiality than in the case of plane strain bending, where necking is absent. To account for these differences, we propose an extension of the GISSMO model, which relies on a simple fracture criterion based on stress-dependent fracture strain defined by the user (i.e. fracture locus). The fracture strain is typically determined experimentally using a combination of in-plane tensile tests under varying degree of lateral constraint and shear tests. The proposed extension involves defining a separate fracture locus for bending, also determined experimentally using bending tests. Fracture occurs when the equivalent plastic strain reaches its critical level represented by interpolation between the two bounding cases, i.e. bending and in-plane tension, with a bending index Ω used as an interpolation parameter.

Estimation of Blood Calcium and Potassium Values from ECG Records

Abstract The identification of diseases caused by changes in ion concentration is quite difficult and yet plays a decisive role in the success of clinical care, diagnosis and treatment. The clinically proven approach to diagnosing electrolyte concentration imbalance is blood tests. There is a need to provide a non-invasive diagnostic method that is not of a temporary nature. Bio-signals such as the electrocardiogram (ECG) can be used to meet this demand and become diagnostic tools that facilitate home monitoring of electrolyte concentration on a permanent basis. This study investigates the feasibility and efficiency of methods based on machine learning (ML) and ECG recordings in monitoring critical levels of existing potassium and calcium concentration. Morphological, frequency and frequency-time domain features were extracted to automatically estimate calcium and potassium levels. Furthermore, the potential of estimates based on modeling approaches will be demonstrated to gain insights into relevant clinical findings and improve the performance of monitoring approaches. Using the hold-out validation method, the best results in terms of mean square error (MSE) and R for estimating the calcium value are 0.7157 and 0.57347, using fuzzy inference systems (FIS). Here, R represents the proportion of the variance in the calcium value that is explained by the model.

Global existence and blow-up of solutions for mixed local and nonlocal hyperbolic equations

In this paper, we consider the following mixed local and nonlocal hyperbolic equation: u t t − Δ u + μ ( − Δ ) s u = | u | p − 2 u , in Ω × R + , u ( x , 0 ) = u 0 ( x ) , u t ( x , 0 ) = u 1 ( x ) , in Ω , u ( x , t ) = 0 , in ( R N ∖ Ω ) × R 0 + , where s ∈ ( 0 , 1 ), N &gt; 2, p ∈ ( 2 , 2 s ∗ ], μ is a nonnegative real parameter, Ω ⊂ R N is a bounded domain with Lipschitz boundary ∂ Ω, Δ is the Laplace operator, ( − Δ ) s is the fractional Laplace operator. By combining the Galerkin approach with the modified potential well method, we obtain the global existence, vacuum isolating, and blow-up of solutions for the aforementioned problem, provided certain assumptions are fulfilled. Specifically, we study the existence of global solutions for the above problem in the cases of subcritical and critical initial energy levels, as well as the finite time blow-up of solutions. Then, we investigate the blow-up of solutions for the above problem in the case of supercritical initial energy level, as well as upper and lower bounds of blow-up time of solutions.

Quantum Interference Effects on Josephson Current through Quadruple-Quantum-Dot Molecular Inserted between Superconductors.

We study theoretically the Josephson current through a junction composed of quadruple quantum dots (QDs), of which only one is coupled directly to the left and right superconductor leads (denoted by QD1). The other three QDs are side-coupled to QD1 and free from coupling to the leads. It is found that when the energy levels of all the four QDs are identical, the Josephson current varying with energy level of QD1 develops three peaks with two narrow and one wide, showing the typical Dicke lineshape. With increasing inter-dot coupling strength, the triple-peak configuration is well retained and accompanied by an obviously increased current amplitude. The critical current as a function of the energy level of QD1 shows a single resonance peak whose position and height depend on the energy levels of the side-coupled QDs and the inter-dot coupling strengths. We also find that the curve of the critical current versus energy levels of the side-coupled QDs shows a pair of Fano resonances and the same number Fano antiresonances (valleys). When the energy levels of the side-coupled QDs are different from each other, another Fano resonance and antiresonance are induced due to the quantum interference effect. The present results are compared with those in double and triple QDs systems, and may serve as unique means, such as the combination of quantum Dicke and Fano effects, to manipulate the Josehpson currents.

Road and Bridge Blocking System in Flood Situation

Abstract: The system uses hydraulic or mechanical barriers that can be quickly opened in response to rising water levels, preventing access to barriers and bridges. Up to date data from weather forecasters and water gauges provide effective protection to ensure closure times before flooding reaches critical levels. In addition, the central control centre provides timely updates to the public via mobile and digital signage applications, encouraging collaboration with emergency services and local authorities. The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to highway authorities and other relevant organisations on road drainage. One problem that arises during floods is the closure of roads due to flooding, especially on roads located near rivers and canals. Most brides give the height above the highest water level, but the approach to the bridges often does not give the required height. As a result, the road was flooded while the bridge was standing

Tailoring Crystallization Kinetics in Thin Sucrose Films during Convective Drying: Impact of Temperature and Humidity on Onset, Growth, and Nucleation Rate.

Drying experiments with varying air temperature and humidity were conducted to investigate the influence of the drying process on the crystallization of thin sucrose films. For the first time, the effects of the nucleation onset, nucleation rate, and growth rate were investigated in situ and their differentiated influence on product crystallinity could be assessed. The growth rate was not influenced by air humidity but showed a strong dependence on temperature. It increased with drying temperature; however, at high temperatures, growth was inhibited when the water content falls below a critical level. Noticeable differences in nucleation behavior could be observed with regard to air humidity. Dry air led to crystallization onsets at lower levels of supersaturation, while moderately humid air retarded it. At higher temperatures, nucleation onset commenced at lower water contents but at a constant supersaturation level. The nucleation rate doubled in experiments with moderately humid air (15% RH), while an elevated drying temperature showed generally lower nucleation rates. The observed differences in the nucleation onset and rate could be explained by the film-internal concentration profile, which is strongly influenced by drying parameters. The insights therefore provide a differentiated understanding of the formation of the physical state and how it can be influenced during convective drying.

Monoamine alterations in Alzheimer's disease and their implications in comorbid neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by relentless cognitive decline and the emergence of profoundly disruptive neuropsychiatric symptoms. As the disease progresses, it unveils a formidable array of neuropsychiatric manifestations, including debilitating depression, anxiety, agitation, and distressing episodes of psychosis. The intricate web of the monoaminergic system, governed by serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, significantly influences our mood, cognition, and behavior. Emerging evidence suggests that dysregulation and degeneration of this system occur early in AD, leading to notable alterations in these critical neurotransmitters' levels, metabolism, and receptor function. However, how the degeneration of monoaminergic neurons and subsequent compensatory changes contribute to the presentation of neuropsychiatric symptoms observed in Alzheimer's disease remains elusive. This review synthesizes current findings on monoamine alterations in AD and explores how these changes contribute to the neuropsychiatric symptomatology of the disease. By elucidating the biological underpinnings of AD-related psychiatric symptoms, we aim to underscore the complexity and inform innovative approaches for treating neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder from a cognitive-behavioural point of view

The prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder in the adult population is estimated at about 2–3%, while in children the prevalence of this disorder is higher, and it is considered to be one of the most common neuropsychiatric diseases in paediatric populations. Symptoms from the obsessive-compulsive disorder spectrum can vary in severity or occur with varying frequency. In severe cases, they are time-consuming and disorganise functioning, causing psychological stress not only to patients but often to those around them. The level of insight differentiates individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder, affecting the course of treatment. Low insight often accompanies poor susceptibility to pharmacotherapeutic and psychotherapeutic interactions, while high levels of criticism may inhibit the motivation to seek help, out of fear of social judgement. Obsessive-compulsive disorder deserves the attention of clinicians because, without appropriate treatment, the disorder can take a chronic form, often becoming a trigger for depression, social phobia, or addiction. American data show that 90% of respondents meeting the criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder also suffer from another Axis I disorder. Cognitive-behavioural therapy is a method with proven effectiveness in the treatment of Axis I disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder. The first goal of this paper is to present cognitive models of obsessive-compulsive disorder that will allow clinicians to understand the nature of this condition. The second goal is to describe the possibilities and tools used in cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy of patients.

RNA-Binding Proteins as Novel Effectors in Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts: A Systems Biology Approach to Dissect the Transcriptional Landscape.

Bone health is ensured by the coordinated action of two types of cells-the osteoblasts that build up bone structure and the osteoclasts that resorb the bone. The loss of balance in their action results in pathological conditions such as osteoporosis. Central to this study is a class of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that regulates the biogenesis of miRNAs. In turn, miRNAs represent a critical level of regulation of gene expression and thus control multiple cellular and biological processes. The impact of miRNAs on the pathobiology of various multifactorial diseases, including osteoporosis, has been demonstrated. However, the role of RBPs in bone remodeling is yet to be elucidated. The aim of this study is to dissect the transcriptional landscape of genes encoding the compendium of 180 RBPs in bone cells. We developed and applied a multi-modular integrative analysis algorithm. The core methodology is gene expression analysis using the GENEVESTIGATOR platform, which is a database and analysis tool for manually curated and publicly available transcriptomic data sets, and gene network reconstruction using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis platform. In this work, comparative insights into gene expression patterns of RBPs in osteoblasts and osteoclasts were obtained, resulting in the identification of 24 differentially expressed genes. Furthermore, the regulation patterns upon different treatment conditions revealed 20 genes as being significantly up- or down-regulated. Next, novel gene-gene associations were dissected and gene networks were reconstructed. Additively, a set of osteoblast- and osteoclast-specific gene signatures were identified. The consolidation of data and information gained from each individual analytical module allowed nominating novel promising candidate genes encoding RBPs in osteoblasts and osteoclasts and will significantly enhance the understanding of potential regulatory mechanisms directing intracellular processes in the course of (patho)physiological bone turnover.

Rescuing the Planet: Role of the United Nations+

Since its inception, the United Nations (UN) system has been instrumental in fulfilling the objectives of the UN Charter. Despite these successes, environmental degradation has escalated to critical levels especially in the last six decades. The prevailing development model, reliant on infinite natural resource extraction, is unjust and unsustainable. Growing scientific evidence on planetary boundary warns that this unbalanced developmental model is driving the humanity toward irreversible damage to essential ecological processes. Radical transformations and extraordinary cooperation among nations are required to reverse these. This paper argues that the UN system is critical in facilitating this extraordinary cooperation and charting pathways to a sustainable planetary future by harnessing its convening power, scientific &amp; technical expertise and global presence. To achieve this, the UN must strive for stable and sustainable pathways as a common good by all the 193 member states. This commitment will require structural reforms, robust governance architecture, strengthened multilateralism, and, above all, moving away from artificial geographical boundaries while recognizing the critical role of the UN member states. As a corollary, the UN needs to build capacity and assist sovereign states in translating the ambitious action plans for our planetary future.

The role of microenvironmental factors in the pre-ovulatory oocyte in the pathogenesis of “poor” ovarian response to in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs

Background. The “poor” response to ovarian stimulation during IVF (in vitro fertilization) cycles depends on various factors, including the biochemical composition of the follicle microenvironment. Recent studies have focused on the relationship between vascular tone regulators, angiogenic factors, oxidative stress, and the quality of oocytes. Despite this, there is still no consensus on the exact effect of these factors on folliculogenesis or their role in “poor” responses.Objective. To evaluate the content of biochemical factors and regulators of vascular tone and angiogenesis in follicular fluid in patients with a “poor” ovarian response to stimulation in IVF programs, compared to similar indicators in women with a normal ovarian response.Materials and methods. An open prospective cohort study was conducted, including 56 patients who were part of the IVF program. The criterion for separating the cohort of women was their response to controlled ovarian stimulation during the IVF cycle. Women with a “poor” response (n=32) were placed in the main group, while those with a normal response (n=24) were in the comparison group. Follicular fluid samples from women with a “poor” response were divided into two subgroups based on the presence or absence of an oocyte-cumulus complex in the follicle. The biochemical and soluble regulatory factors in follicular fluid were analyzed in both groups after controlled ovarian stimulation was completed. Statistical analysis of the data was done using methods from variation statistics. A critical level of significance for the differences was set at p ≤0.05.Result. The levels of urea, glucose, high-density lipoprotein, and total antioxidant status (TAOS) in follicular fluid (FF) from patients with a “poor” ovarian response were statistically significantly higher compared to those in the control group. The levels of bilirubin, low-density lipoprotein, and uric acid were also significantly lower in VF from patients in the main group compared to the control group, p&lt;0.05. The indices of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and vascular endothelial growth receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) in FF from women with a “poor” response were significantly lower than those from patients with a normal response, while the levels of endogenous nitric oxide were significantly higher in the former group compared to the latter, p&lt;0.05.Conclusion. The absence of an oocyte-cumulus complex in the pre-ovulatory follicle, which is associated with a “poor” response of the ovary to stimulation, is likely due to a disruption in vascularization processes. This is supported by a decrease in the levels of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors, such as VEGF-A and VEGFR-2.

Evolution of water wave packets by wind in shallow water

We use the Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation, supplemented with several forcing/friction terms, to describe the evolution of wind-driven water wave packets in shallow water. The forcing/friction terms describe wind-wave growth due to critical level instability in the air, wave decay due to laminar friction in the water at the air–water interface, wave stress in the air near the interface induced by a turbulent wind and wave decay due to a turbulent bottom boundary layer. The outcome is a modified KdV–Burgers equation that can be a stable or unstable model depending on the forcing/friction parameters. To analyse the evolution of water wave packets, we adapt the Whitham modulation theory for a slowly varying periodic wave train with an emphasis on the solitary wave train limit. The main outcome is the predicted growth and decay rates due to the forcing/friction terms. Numerical simulations using a Fourier spectral method are performed to validate the theory for various cases of initial wave amplitudes and growth and/or decay parameter ranges. The results from the modulation theory agree well with these simulations. In most cases we examined, many solitary waves are generated, suggesting the formation of a soliton gas.

The Developing of English Debate E-Flipook for English Club

This research was conducted to overcome the obstacles encountered by students in debating in English Education Department of Universitas Muhammadiyah Muara Bungo. Based on the pre-observation, do the interview of some students and teachers that this English club need guidance book for students to practicing in English debate, based on pre-observation result the students interest to conduct this research to develop debate guidance book. Based on the problem analysis, it was found that many students have lack of vocabulary and pronunciation errors. Besides that, they still have lack of students' level of criticality in mastering the material when debating. This research used Research and Development methods (R&amp;D) with 4D model. The data collection techniques used include interview and questionnaire. The research subjects were students of the English Club at Muara Bungo University. The instrument used in this research is the E-Flipbook design process, after that Expert Validation consisting of material experts and media experts, and the last is the Practicality questionnaire.The results of this study are 1). the score obtained for material validation was 84% with a valid category, and media validation was 89% with a very valid category, 2). the student's practicality score was 87% with a very valid category, and the lecturer's practicality score was 87% with a very valid category. then this study shows that the E-Flipbook English debate guidebook is very valid to be used especially for English club students.

The relationship between Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), and Monocyte to Lymphocyte Ratio (MLR) with the clinical severity level of COVID-19 patients at Udayana University Hospital

Background: COVID-19 is an pandemic with a high transmission rate. Due to its widespread availability, complete blood count has the potential to be used as an initial screening for clinical severity. Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between NLR, PLR, and MLR with the clinical severity level of patients with COVID-19. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Udayana University Hospital on COVID-19 patients hospitalized from March 2020 to March 2021. Subjects were divided into critical and non-critical groups and analyzed for their relationship with the components of the complete blood count on the first day of hospitalization. Result: The analysis found that the study subjects had a mean (± standard deviation) age of 54.20 (± 15.57) years. The mean (± SD) hemoglobin level was found to be 13.44 (± 4.05) g/dL, and the platelet count was 245.75 (± 107.36) x 103/μL. The median (interquartile range) leukocyte count was found to be 7.78 (4.91) x 103/μL, neutrophils 5.72 (4.91) x 103/μL, basophils 0.01 (0.01) x 103/μL, eosinophils 0.01 (0.01) x 103/μL, monocytes 0.53 (0.41) x 103/μL, lymphocytes 1.10 (0.89) x 103/μL, NLR 5.21 (7.77), PLR 193.34 (153.54), and MLR 0.51 (0.42). Conclusion: NLR, PLR, and MLR are significantly associated with the clinical severity level in COVID-19 patients at Udayana University Hospital. These findings can assist clinicians in assessing the potential for worsening clinical severity from mild to severe or critical levels in COVID-19 patients.

CO2 Hydrogenation on Ru Single-Atom Catalyst Encapsulated in Silicalite: a DFT and Microkinetic Modeling Study.

The critical levels of CO2 emissions reached in the past decade have encouraged researchers into finding techniques to reduce the amount of anthropogenic CO2 expelled to the atmosphere. One possibility is to capture the produced CO2 from the source of emission or even from air (i.e., direct air capture) by porous materials (e.g., zeolites and MOFs). Among the different usages of captured CO2, its conversion into light fuels such as methane, methanol, and formic acid is essential for ensuring the long-awaited circular economy. In the last years, single-atom catalysts encapsulated in zeolites have been considered to this purpose since they exhibit a high selectivity and activity with the minimum expression of catalytic species. In this study, a detailed mechanism composed by 47 elementary reactions, 42 of them in both forward and reverse directions and 5 of them that correspond to the desorption of gas products just forwardly studied), has been proposed for catalytic CO2 hydrogenation over Ru SAC encapsulated in silicate (Ru1@S-1). Periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations along with microkinetic modeling simulations at different temperatures and pressures were performed to evaluate the evolution of species over time. The analysis of the results shows that carbon monoxide is the main gas produced, followed by formic acid and formaldehyde. The rate analysis shows that CO(g) is formed mainly through direct dissociation of CO2 (i.e., redox mechanism), whereas COOH formation is assisted by OH. Moreover, the Campbell's degree of rate control analysis suggests that the determining steps for the formation of CO(g) and CH2O(g) gas species are their own desorption processes. The results obtained are in line with recent experimental and theoretical results showing that Ru1 SACs are highly selective to CO(g), whereas few atom clusters as Ru4 increase selectivity toward methane formation.

Genome-wide association analysis of grain yield and Striga hermonthica and S. asiatica resistance in tropical and sub-tropical maize populations

BackgroundGenetic improvement for Striga hermonthica (Sh) and S. asiatica (Sa) resistance is the most economical and effective control method to enhance the productivity of maize and other major cereal crops. Hence, identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with Striga resistance and economic traits will guide the pace and precision of resistance breeding in maize. The objective of this study was to undertake a genome-wide association analysis of grain yield and Sh and Sa resistance among tropical and sub-tropical maize populations to identify putative genetic markers and genes for resistance breeding. 126 maize genotypes were evaluated under controlled environment conditions using artificial infestation of Sh and Sa. The test genotypes were profiled for grain yield (GY), Striga emergence counts at 8 (SEC8) and 10 (SEC10) weeks after planting, and Striga damage rate scores at 8 (SDR8) and 10 (SDR10) weeks after planting. Population structure analysis and genome-wide association mapping were undertaken based on 16,000 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers.ResultsA linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis in 798,675 marker pairs revealed that 21.52% of pairs were in significant linkage (P < 0.001). Across the chromosomes, the LD between SNPs decayed below a critical level (r2 = 0.1) at a map distance of 0.19 Mbp. The genome-wide association study identified 50 significant loci associated with Sh resistance and 22 significant loci linked to Sa resistance, corresponding to 39 and 19 candidate genes, respectively.ConclusionThe study found non-significant QTL associated with dual resistance to the two examined Striga species Some of the detected genes reportedly conditioned insect and pathogen resistance, plant cell development, variable senescence, and pollen fertility. The markers detected in the present study for Sa resistance were reported for the first time. The gene Zm00001eb219710 was pleiotropic, and conditioned GY and SEC10, while Zm00001eb165170 affected SDR8 and SDR10, and Zm00001eb112030 conditioned SDR8 and SDR10 associated with Sh resistance. The candidate genes may facilitate simultaneous selection for Sh and Sa resistance and grain yield in maize after further validation and introgression in breeding pipelines. Overall, we recommend breeding maize specifically for resistance to each Striga species using germplasm adapted to the endemic region of each parasite.

Deep learning architectures for data-driven damage detection in nonlinear dynamic systems under random vibrations

The primary goal of structural health monitoring is to detect damage at its onset before it reaches a critical level. In the present work an in-depth investigation addresses deep learning applied to data-driven damage detection in nonlinear dynamic systems. In particular, autoencoders and generative adversarial networks are implemented leveraging on 1D convolutional neural networks. The onset of damage is detected in the investigated nonlinear dynamic systems by exciting random vibrations of varying intensity, without prior knowledge of the system or the excitation and in unsupervised manner. The comprehensive numerical study is conducted on dynamic systems exhibiting different types of nonlinear behavior. An experimental application related to a magneto-elastic nonlinear system is also presented to corroborate the conclusions.

Implementing Real Options Valuation under Macroeconomic Risk and Normally Distributed Cash Flows

The paper highlights the encountered problems in implementing real options under more realistic assumptions such as business cycle risk and normally distributed cash flows. The problems considered include (i) estimating empirical distribution of cash flows from real option investments; (ii) investment decisions across business cycles, and (iii) calculating the probability of investing with the above stated rich features. To this end, we estimate operating cash flows of US corporate firms using a Markov chain model under both geometric and arithmetic Brownian motions assumptions for cash flows and develop a valuation model of real option with normally distributed cash flows. Associated investment valuation models incorporating these estimates reveal that critical cash flow levels significantly differ across models and regimes.

Genetic rescue often leads to higher fitness as a result of increased heterozygosity across animal taxa.

Biodiversity loss has reached critical levels partly due to anthropogenic habitat loss and degradation. These landscape changes are damaging as they can fragment species distributions into small, isolated populations, resulting in limited gene flow, population declines and reduced adaptive potential. Genetic rescue, the translocation of individuals to increase genetic diversity and ultimately fitness, has produced promising results for fragmented populations but remains underutilized due to a lack of long-term data and monitoring. To promote a better understanding of genetic rescue and its potential risks and benefits over the short-term, we reviewed and analysed published genetic rescue attempts to identify whether genetic diversity increases following translocation, and if this change is associated with increased fitness. Our review identified 19 studies that provided genetic and fitness data from before and after the translocation; the majority of these were on mammals, and included experimental, natural and conservation-motivated translocations. Using a Bayesian meta-analytical approach, we found that on average, genetic diversity and fitness increased in populations post translocations, although there were some exceptions to this trend. Overall, genetic diversity was a positive predictor of population fitness, and in some cases this relationship extended three generations post-rescue. These data suggest a single translocation can have lasting fitness benefits, and support translocation as another tool to facilitate conservation success. Given the limited number of studies with long-term data, we echo the need for genetic monitoring of populations post-translocation to understand whether genetic rescue can also limit the loss of adaptive potential in the long-term.