Potential Determinants Research Articles

Identifying key determinants of rice yield potential through multiple statistical techniques

Grain yield is complex traits, influenced by genetics and the environment, posing challenges for prediction. The goal of the present study was to identify key traits that contribute to rice yield by applying seven statistical techniques. The study examined twenty-four rice genotypes following a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed several traits exhibiting significant positive correlations with grain yield (r≥0.60), including thousand-seed weight (r = 0.63), filled seeds/panicle (r = 0.74), and number of panicles/m2 (r = 0.70). Multiple linear regression identified significant predictors as the number of panicles/m2 (R=0.01) and thousand-seed weight (Coefficient=0.12). Stepwise linear regression suggested key yield indicators viz. the number of panicles/m2 (R=0.01), filled seeds/panicle (R=0.02), thousand-seed weight (R=0.11), and panicle length (R=0.13). Bayesian linear regression found similar traits with a Bayes factor of 995.2 and an R-squared value of 0.77. Exploratory factor analysis showed grain number/panicle, filled seeds percentage, filled seeds/panicle, thousand-seed weight, grain width, and panicles/m2 are highly influenced grain yield and explained 61.9% total variance. Principal components analysis revealed the first three components explaining 79.1% of yield variation, with thousand-seed weight, grain width, and panicle number/m2. Path analysis demonstrated the number of panicles/m2, filled seeds/panicle, thousand-seed weight, and panicle length have large and significant positive direct effects on grain yield. These findings strongly suggest that selecting breeding materials with traits like high panicle density/m2, larger panicle size, more filled seeds/panicle, and higher thousand-seed weight, can significantly increase the rice yield.

Antitumoral Potential of Artepillin C, a Compound Derived from Brazilian Propolis, against Breast Cancer Cell Lines.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide with limited treatment options. Artepillin C (3,5-diprenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid) is one of the main constituents of Brazilian propolis presenting different activities, including antitumoral effects against various types of cancer. We evaluated the antitumoral potential and mechanisms of action of artepillin C against two distinct human breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, to explore a new therapeutic candidate. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay and the long-term cytotoxicity was performed by clonogenic assay. The morphological changes were observed by light microscopy, analysis of cell death pathway by Annexin V FITC/propidium iodide (PI), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) by colorimetry, DNA fragmentation by agarose gel and senescence by β-galactosidase. Detection of total reactive oxygen species (ROS) by fluorescence microscopy and determination of mitochondrial transmembrane potential by flow cytometry were also performed. Artepillin C presented a strong and dose-time-dependent cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, with cytotoxicity more evident in MCF-7. In both cancer cell lines, the clonogenic potential was significantly reduced and the morphology of the cells was changed. The treatment also induced death by necrosis and late apoptosis in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 and induced cell senescence in MCF-7. Also, artepillin C increased total ROS in both cancer cells and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in MDA-MB-231 cells. Artepillin C presented antitumoral potential in two human breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231, suggesting a new promising option for the treatment and/or chemopreventive strategy for breast cancer.

Decoding lymphangiogenesis in oral squamous cell carcinoma: Emphasis on clinical and histopathological determinants of regional metastasis.

The growth and metastasis of solid epithelial tumors is lymphangiogenesis dependent. The most important lymphangiogenic inducers facilitating this progression is Vascular endothelial Growth Factor C (VEGF-C). The recent D2-40 (Podoplanin) antibody is specific for lymphatic epithelium and allows its objective assessment. Also, lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is a risk factor for lymph node metastases (LNM) and indicates a significant influx of tumor cells into the lymphatics, causing regional metastasis. Thus, the following study was conducted to assess and correlate VEGF-C and D2-40 immunoexpressions with clinical and histopathologic lymph node status in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) cases and also to estimate the impact of intratumoral (ILVD) and peritumoral lymphatic vessel density (PLVD) in such cases. A total of 128 OSCC cases, divided as Group I: Cases with clinically and histopathologically negative lymph nodes (n = 64) and Group II: Cases with clinically negative but histopathologically positive lymph nodes (n = 64) were immunoscored for VEGF-C (Anti VEGF-C antibody) (PA5-29772, Invitrogen) and D2-40 (Anti D2-40 antibody) (IR072/8072, Dako) using standard protocols. The data was statistically evaluated using STATA 18.0 with p≤0.05 considered statistically significant throughout the study. 21.88% Group I cases and 40.62% Group II cases showed highest immuno-positivity for VEGF-C (p = 0.00). The mean D2-40 score for Intratumoral Lymphatic Vessel Density (ILVD) and Peritumoral Lymphatic Vessel Density (PLVD) was higher for group II cases (i.e., 41.5±13.73 and 35.95±8.27 respectively at 95% CI, p = 0.00) suggesting a direct correlation between Lymphatic Vessel Density (LVD) and LNM. Lymphangiogenesis is a true determinant of the biologic potential of OSCC and obtaining an objective data in terms of LVD through D2-40 could be impactful in OSSC diagnosis and guiding treatment decisions by clinicians.

A Refinement of the Relationship Between Central Bank Independence, Inflation, and Income Inequality in Developing Countries

Abstract This paper analyzes the impact on income inequality of a set of variables usually considered in the growth literature as potential growth determinants. There is evidence to suggest that unemployment and inflation are positively associated with income inequality; except for countries with central bank independence where a negative association exists between inflation and income inequality. The empirical evidence shows that income inequality increases when unemployment increases.

In‐depth study of the mucoadhesive and lubricating properties of Hyalistil SYNFO and other sodium hyaluronate‐based eye drops

Purpose: Several sodium hyaluronate (SH) eye drops formulations are widely used for the management of dry eye disease (DED). Hyalistil SYNFO is an eye drops based on SH and xanthan gum and osmoprotectants (glycine and betaine). The aim of our study was to evaluate viscosity and mucoadhesion profiles of Hyalistil SYNFO with respect to other SH‐based eye drops, and to investigate their ability to protect the corneal surface from dehydration.Methods: The physicochemical properties, in term of viscoelastic and mucoadhesive behaviour, were evaluated by means of a rheometer, TA‐XT2 texture analyzer and zeta potential determination. An in vitro dehydration model was used to demonstrate the lubricant effect of Hyalistil SYNFO compared to other commercially available SH‐based eye drops on human corneal epithelial cells (HCE).Results: The rheological profiles indicated that Hyalistil SYNFO exhibits a viscoelastic behaviour under shear strain showing a characteristic curve owing to its specific molecular properties. Evaluations of detachment force of tested formulations resulting in a strengthening of the mucin‐formulation interface showed that Hyalistil SYNFO exhibited a stronger and significant mucoadhesion calculated as percentage compared to mucin and other SH‐based products. The occurring interaction between formulation and mucin was also demonstrated by the variations in zeta potential measured by the mucin‐eye drops mixture compared to mucin or product alone. The in vitro study on HCE cells demonstrated that Hyalistil SYNFO, compared to others formulation, was able to protect corneal epithelial cells from dehydration.Conclusions: The pseudoplastic profile and increased mucoadhesive strength, due to the presence of both SH and xanthan gum, may lead to an improved residence time of Hyalistil SYNFO on the corneal epithelium ensuring relief during the treatment of DED. Moreover, the effect against dehydration improves eye lubrication and corneal cell protection.

Capital flight from BRICS nations: Does every cloud have a silver lining?

This study investigates the potential determinants of capital flight from BRICS countries. We use the residual method to estimate capital flight and employ GMM testing approach. We find a surge in the volume of capital flight from BRICS especially in the aftermath of global financial crisis. The empirical results suggest that, past values of the capital flight, real GDP growth rates, exchange rate depreciation, unemployment rate, business confidence index and financial stability indicator as significant factors causing resident capital outflows from BRICS nations. These findings call for an effective policy framework by the fiscal and monetary authorities.

Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine-induced myocarditis.

Following the roll-out of the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2, Moderna mRNA-1273, and Janssen Ad26.COV2.S coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) injections in the United States, millions of individuals have reported adverse events (AEs) using the vaccine adverse events reports system (VAERS). The objective of this analysis is to describe the myocarditis data in VAERS and the COVID-19 vaccines as potential determinants of myocarditis. We used VAERS data to examine the frequency of reporting myocarditis since the beginning of the mass vaccination campaign and compared this with historical values in VAERS and COVID-19 vaccine administration data from the Our World in Data database. We examined myocarditis reports in VAERS in the context of sex, age, and dose. Statistical analysis was done using the Student's t-test to determine statistically significant differences between ages among myocarditis adverse events (AEs) and the chi-square test to determine relationships between categorical variables with statistical significance. We found the number of myocarditis reports in VAERS after COVID-19 vaccination in 2021 was 223 times higher than the average of all vaccines combined for the past 30 years. This represented a 2500% increase in the absolute number of reports in the first year of the campaign when comparing historical values prior to 2021. Demographic data revealed that myocarditis occurred most in youths (50%) and males (69%). A total of 76% of cases resulted in emergency care and hospitalization. Of the total myocarditis reports, 92 individuals died (3%). Myocarditis was more likely after dose 2 (p < 0.00001) and individuals less than 30 years of age were more likely than individuals older than 30 to acquire myocarditis (p < 0.00001). COVID-19 vaccination is strongly associated with a serious adverse safety signal of myocarditis, particularly in children and young adults resulting in hospitalization and death. Further investigation into the underlying mechanisms of COVID-19 vaccine-induced myocarditis is imperative to create effective mitigation strategies and ensure the safety of COVID-19 vaccination programs across populations.

Gait asymmetry in spatiotemporal and kinetic variables does not increase running-related injury risk in lower limbs: a secondary analysis of a randomised trial including 800+ recreational runners

ObjectiveTo investigate asymmetry in spatiotemporal and kinetic variables in 800+ recreational runners, identify determinants of asymmetry, investigate if asymmetry is related to greater running injury risk and compare spatiotemporal and...

Regularly spaced tyrosines in EBF1 mediate BRG1 recruitment and formation of nuclear subdiffractive clusters.

B lineage priming by pioneer transcription factor EBF1 requires the function of an intrinsically disordered region (IDR). Here, we examine the role of regularly spaced tyrosines in the IDR as potential determinants of IDR function and activity of EBF1. We found that four Y > A mutations in EBF1 reduced the formation of condensates in vitro and subdiffractive clusters in vivo. Notably, Y > A mutant EBF1 was inefficient in promoting B cell differentiation and showed impaired chromatin binding, recruitment of BRG1, and activation of specific target genes. Thus, regularly spaced tyrosines in the IDR contribute to the biophysical and functional properties of EBF1.

Genome-wide SNP analysis provides insights into the XX/XY sex-determination system in silver barb (Barbonymus gonionotus).

Silver barb (Barbonymus gonionotus) is among the most economically important freshwater fish species in Thailand. It ranks fourth in economic value and third in production weight for fisheries and culture in Thailand. An XX/XY sex-determination system based on gynogenesis was previously reported for this fish. In this study, the molecular basis underlying the sex-determination system was further investigated. Genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism data were generated for 32 captive-bred silver barb individuals, previously scored by phenotypic sex, to identify sex-linked regions associated with sex determination. Sixty-three male-linked loci, indicating putative XY chromosomes, were identified. Male-specific loci were not observed, which indicates that the putative Y chromosome is young and the sex determination region is cryptic. A homology search revealed that most male-linked loci were homologous to the Mariner/Tc1 and Gypsy transposable elements and are probably the remnants of an initial accumulation of repeats on the Y chromosome from the early stages of sex chromosome differentiation. This research provides convincing insights into the mechanism of sex determination and reveals the potential sex determination regions in silver barb. The study provides the basic data necessary for increasing the commercial value of silver barbs through genetic improvements.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of oat core flour improves physiochemical and sensory behaviors for oat milk

The aim of this study was to develop a novel plant-based milk using oat core flour (OCF) as the raw material. OCF was firstly treated with deep liquefaction and saccharification. After that, multienzyme treatments, including protease, lipase, and cellulase hydrolyzations, were optimized and applied. The physicochemical properties of the oat milk were characterized. Particle size distribution and zeta potential determinations showed that neutral protease and lipase could effectively prevent the phase separation of oat milk. The highest absolute zeta potential value and narrower particle distribution were obtained at pH 7. Microstructure analysis showed that neutral protease treatment prevented protein aggregations, whereas the cellulase treatment destroyed the network structures formed by the fibers. Multienzyme treatments decreased the centrifugal sedimentation rate (SR) of OCF and increased the water absorption index (WSI) and the denaturation temperature. Furthermore, multienzyme treatments improved the sensory acceptance of color and apparent viscosity. Above all, this research was of specific significance to the development, application, and industrialization of OCF.

Serum Levels of IL-21, IL-23 and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine in Pediatric Severe Pneumonia Cases

Background: Pneumonia causes the majority of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) cases. The microbes that cause pneumonia are very diverse. In addition to DNA, RNA viruses, Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria cause two types of cytokine imbalances, anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory. It can also influence the progno-sis of sepsis and other infectious diseases. This study aims to search for 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), IL-21, IL-23, and c-reactive protein (CRP) and compare cytokine levels. It is also to determine if Pediatric pneumonia patients CRP and cytokine levels correlate with results. Materials and Methods: In the study, blood was drawn from approximately 43 pediatric pneumonia patients and 43 healthy controls who came to the pediatric clinic to investigate serum IL-21, IL-23, 8-OHdG, and CRP levels. The levels of biomarkers were determined by ELISA method. Serum CRP levels were measured using the ATELLICA IM Analyzer. Results: Serum CRP, 8-OHdG, IL-21 and IL-23 levels were significantly higher in the pediatric pneumonia patient group than in the control group. Conclusions: Increased serum IL-21, IL-23, 8-OHdG and CRP expression in pediatric pneumonia patients is a poten-tial determinant suggesting that IL-21, IL-23-related cytokines may play a role in endothelial cell activation reported in patients. Increased 8-OHdG oxidative stress is more pronounced in patients without pediatric pneumonia while pro inflammatory cytokines are higher in pediatric pneumonia patients. However, it is used as a possible therapeu-tic target to reduce inflammation. Further study on the impact of these findings on comorbidities with larger num-ber test size is needed

Pakistan’s Trade Insight in Terms of Gravity Model: An Empirical Evidence

This study is intended to analyze the determinants of the trade potential of Pakistan. For the said purpose, the study employed an augmented gravity model over the data of 12 trading partner countries of Pakistan for the period of 20 years from 2002 to 2022. The dependent variable is merchandise trade, while the independent variables consist of core variables i.e., GDP &amp; bilateral distance, and explanatory variables like population, common border, and preferential trade agreement. Breusch-Pegan and Hausman's tests were used for model selection, which proposes that the Random effect model is appropriate for estimation. The results confirm that distance among trading states hurts trade between them. Although the GDP of Pakistan shows a positive effect on trade the relation is inconsequential. However, the impact of GDP on trading associates of Pakistan is positive and highly substantial. The population of trading allies of Pakistan is showing a significant positive impact on trade. Common border and preferential trade agreements between the trading partners have a significant negative influence on trade. The study concludes that for Pakistan, the larger the distance with its trading associate country the smaller the trade among them and Pakistan has greater trading potential with larger economies as compared to smaller ones.

Biosynthesis of Zinc Oxide-Zerumbone (ZnO-Zer) Nanoflakes Towards Evaluating Its Antibacterial and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-Dependent Cytotoxic Activity.

Being the second most prevalent metal oxide, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials have been widely studied and found to exhibit promising applications in various domains of biomedicine and agriculture. Considering the enhanced bioactivities displayed by secondary metabolite (SM) derived ZnO nanomaterials, present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of ZnO nanoflake (NF) derived from Zerumbone (Zer), a sesquiterpenoid from Zingiber zerumbet rhizome with diverse pharmacological properties. ZnO NF prepared by homogeneous precipitation method using ZnSO4.7H2O (0.1M) and NaOH (0.2M) as precursors with and without the addition of Zer (0.38 mM) were characterized by powder UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), FT-IR spectroscopy and Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) analysis. Optical and physical properties of ZnO-Zer NF were found to match with the typical ZnO nanomaterial properties. XRD analysis revealed reduction in size (15nm) of the green synthesized ZnO-Zer NF compared to ZnO NF (21nm). ZnO-Zer NF displayed linear correlation between concentration and antimicrobial activity to Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Determination of cytotoxic potential of the synthesized ZnO-Zer NF in cervical cancer cells (HeLa) showed higher cytotoxicity of ZnO-Zer NF (39.32 ± 3.01%) compared to Zer alone (27.02 ± 1.22%). Present study revealing improvement in bioactivity of Zer following conjugation with ZnO NF signifies potential of NF formation in improving therapeutic application of Zer that otherwise displays low solubility limiting its bioavailability.

Variations of Self-Employed in Eurozone Countries: The Role of Corruption and Wage Rate Growth

This study emphasizes two variables as significant determinants of the number of individuals who choose self-employment. First, it is assumed that the opportunity cost of self-employment has a negative effect. This cost is measured as the income that would be earned in wage employment. Second, self-employment provides more opportunities for tax evasion and tax avoidance. The higher the corruption rate, the higher the self-employment rate. These two variables—wages and corruption scores—are used as potential determinants of the ratio of self-employed persons to the total labor force. Data from the twenty Eurozone countries are employed to test these hypotheses. Both hypotheses cannot be rejected based on the empirical evidence. Keywords: Eurozone countries, wage growth, self-employment corruption, labor force, unemployment

Liposomes as a carrier for 4–hydroxycoumarin: characterisation, stability and antioxidant potential

&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The aims of the present research were to develop and characterize 4-hydroxycoumarin-loaded liposomes &amp;lt;em&amp;gt;via &amp;lt;/em&amp;gt;the determination of encapsulation efficiency, antioxidant capacity, vesicle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, conductivity, mobility, density, surface tension, viscosity, and 60-day storage stability. The encapsulation efficiency of 4-hydroxycoumarin in liposomal particles was 96.7 &amp;amp;plusmn; 1.2%. The ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging capacity of the prepared liposomes was 89.76 &amp;amp;plusmn; 0.56% and 93.18 &amp;amp;plusmn; 0.23%, respectively, whereas cupric ion-reducing antioxidant capacity amounted to 0.367 &amp;amp;plusmn; 0.003 mmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/L. The density of liposomes with 4-hydroxycoumarin was 1.007 &amp;amp;plusmn; 0.002 g/cm&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;3&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;, surface tension was 22.7 &amp;amp;plusmn; 0.2 mN/m, and viscosity was 14.3 &amp;amp;plusmn; 0.2 mPa&amp;amp;middot;s. Vesicle size and PDI of 4-hydroxycoumarin-loaded liposomes were changed from 1286.3 &amp;amp;plusmn; 73.8 nm to 2077.3 &amp;amp;plusmn; 63.2 nm and from 0.409 &amp;amp;plusmn; 0.050 to 0.676 &amp;amp;plusmn; 0.064, respectively, during the 60-day stability study. The zeta potential of the obtained liposomes was changed from -16.73 &amp;amp;plusmn; 0.47 mV to -10.31 &amp;amp;plusmn; 0.42 mV, while mobility varied from -1.311 &amp;amp;plusmn; 0.036 &amp;amp;micro;mcm/Vs to -0.806 &amp;amp;plusmn; 0.031 &amp;amp;micro;mcm/Vs. The conductivity did not change during 60 days and amounted to approximately 0.020 mS/cm. Overall, due to the high encapsulation efficiency and antioxidant capacity, the obtained results qualify liposomes to be used as 4-hydroxycoumarin carriers for future examination of its biological activities and potential application in medicine and pharmaceutical products. However, future experiments should include the optimization of the liposomal composition with the aim of improving 4-hydroxycoumarin-loaded liposome stability.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;

Determination of Bioremediation Potentials and Plant Growth-Promoting Properties of Bacillus Species Isolated from The Rhizosphere of Dactylorhiza urvilleana

Industrial activities have been one of the biggest factors of environmental destruction by affecting natural resources for decades. Heavy metals, which are one of the greatest dangers especially for the biosphere, can be found in industrial waste. Heavy metals that enter agricultural areas through industrial wastewater cause heavy metals to accumulate in the soil after a certain period. These accumulated heavy metals become an important environmental problem, threatening the life of living beings due to their toxic properties. In soils contaminated with wastewater containing heavy metals, microorganism populations are severely damaged in terms of both number and diversity. This heavy metal accumulation in water and soil has become a global health threat. Alternative processes are needed in the fight against heavy metal pollution. Bioremediation activity, defined as the removal process of environmental pollutants through microorganisms and plants, has gained significant importance in recent years. In our study, the tolerance potentials of Bacillus species isolated from the rhizosphere of Dactylorhiza urvilleana (Steudel) Bauman in the Ovit plateau of Rize province to metals (such as copper, lead, zinc, iron and silver) were investigated. In addition, plant growth promoting Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) production, phosphate dissolution, and ACC (1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylic acid) deaminase production were determined. It was determined that the isolated Bacillus species had a wide pH growth range and some Bacillus species were salt tolerant. The results showed that Bacillus species have bioremediation potential and plant growth promoting properties. It is thought that the bacteria isolated from the study can be used to make areas with heavy metal pollution suitable for plant cultivation and act as plant growth promoters in these areas. These bacteria strains are planned to be used as cheaper and more effective methods in studies in agriculture or areas with heavy metal pollution.

Determinant factors for berry derived anthocyanin persistency in stirred yoghurts

The development of healthy and functional ingredients has been limited because of their low stability under given environmental and processing conditions, anyhow the use of anthocyanin as a natural food colorant has been recognized through the last decades. Therefore, the main objective of this study is stabilizing the natural colour of stirred yogurts fortified with berry fruit pulps during the entire shelf life of the product by evaluating the factors that affect the stability of anthocyanins. Initially the effect of time-temperature combinations applied in processing fruit pulps was analyzed through 6 different treatments; 85 °C for 1 second, 85 °C for 20 minutes, 90 °C for 2 seconds, 90 °C for 20 minutes, 95 °C for 2 seconds, and 95 °C for 20 minutes. Besides, varying sugar levels (0 %, 20 %, 40 %, 60 %) incorporated fruit pulps, and six yoghurt bases composed with different ratios of Skimmed Milk Powder (SMP), modified starch and gelatin were tested against the color stability of the stirred yoghurt fortified with berry fruit pulps. The color variations in the stirred yoghurts were evaluated in terms of “L, a, b” values represented by the colorimeter. There was a significant (p<0.05) effect of berry fruit pulp processing time and temperature on the colour of the stirred yogurt and processing berry fruits at 95 °C for 20 minutes was identified as the most appropriate treatment to get an optimum colour in stirred yoghurt. Further analysis with varying sugar levels and different yoghurt bases revealed that, both factors are potential determinants that exert a significant effect on the color stability in stirred yoghurts throughout the shelf life. Interestingly, the L color value was greatly affected with varying quantities of sugar and there was no considerable effect of SMP level on the color properties of the yoghurt. However, the modified starch level emphasized an increase in all the three-color properties. Conclusively, the relationship between these determinant factors and the anthocyanin biochemistry should be further studied to obtain the therapeutic as well as industrial advantage of anthocyanin.

Electrochemical Frequency Modulation: Investigation of Double Layer Capacitance and Solution Resistance

Electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM) is increasingly finding acceptance for the estimation of corrosion current and the Tafel parameters due to the fact that it does not cause damage to the specimen under examination. In addition, EFM assumes the open-circuit potential corresponds to the corrosion potential of the specimen. However, the current methods do not consider the influence of the double layer capacitance and solution resistance in determining the corrosion parameters. In this study we have thoroughly investigated the effect of these variables in determination of the corrosion characteristics. Two approaches involving determination of the current vs time and harmonics using a semi-analytical and numerical approach were investigated. The data show a high degree of agreement between the two approaches. In addition, our method also allows for the determination of the corrosion potential.

CORRELATES OF SLEEP HEALTH AMONG OLDER PEOPLE WITH AND WITHOUT HIV IN UGANDA

Abstract The proportion of older people in Uganda is expected to grow rapidly. Sleep issues disproportionately affect older people and people with HIV (PWH). Identifying determinants of sleep health is essential in the development of interventions. Thus, we assessed sleep-related factors in older Ugandans (aged ≥50 years) using cross-sectional data from the Quality of Life and Aging with HIV in Rural Uganda study. Sleep outcomes were measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (quality, duration, efficiency). The associations between sleep outcomes and potential determinants (loneliness, urban/rural setting, depression, anxiety, alcohol use, physical activity) were evaluated using multivariable linear regressions. Of 556 participants, 271 were PWH and 285 were people without HIV (PWoH). The two groups were similar in age, sex, and education. Depression screening via the 13-item Hopkins Symptoms Checklist was positive in 131 participants (PWH: 28.2%; PWoH: 21.6%; p=.05). There were no differences in sleep outcomes by HIV serostatus. Mean sleep quality was 0.89 (SD=0.78; range=0-3, 0=very good to 3=very bad), mean sleep duration was 6.5 hours (SD=1.7), and mean sleep efficiency was 74% (SD=19.5%; &amp;gt;85% is optimal). Depressive symptoms were associated with worse sleep quality (b=0.58; p&amp;lt;.001), reduced sleep duration (b=-0.94; p&amp;lt;.001), and worse sleep efficiency (b=-0.12; p&amp;lt;.001) regardless of HIV serostatus. Interestingly, older age was related to increased sleep duration (B=0.04, p=.001). Interventions targeting depression among older Ugandans may help with sleep. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine the bi-directionality of this relationship and further elicit potential pathways to support sleep health among older Ugandans.