Effect Relationship Research Articles

Prediction of natural gas demand by considering implications of energy-related policies: The case of Türkiye

ABSTRACT The most important key to determining sustainable energy policies is reliable and accurate energy demand forecasting. Grey prediction, one of the demand forecasting methods, makes successful forecasts with limited data and without the need for any prior knowledge. In this study, GM (1,1) and Grey Verhulst from time series models and GM (1, N) model based on cause–effect relationship were used to forecast Türkiye’s natural gas demand. Dynamic grey forecasting models have been developed in order to obtain robust and reliable predictions. All developed models were evaluated according to performance criteria, and the superior model was obtained to be GM (1,5). Within the scope of the study, it was determined that models based on cause–effect relationship should be preferred instead of time series models. For this, population, the amount of electricity generated from natural gas, industrial production index, and building area are determined as independent variables. Three different scenarios were created taking into account the specified independent variables, and natural gas demand until 2025 was obtained. According to the forecasting results, Türkiye’s natural gas demand for 2025 will happen as an interval between 29.61 and 53.62 mtoe based on the low and high scenarios, respectively. According to the expected scenario, this demand would be realized around 40 mtoe for Türkiye in the year 2025. Finally, Grey Dynamic Decision Support System was designed and introduced to easily apply the dynamic grey models by end-users.

Airborne bacteria viability and air quality: a protocol to quantitatively investigate the possible correlation by an atmospheric simulation chamber

Abstract. Biological particulate matter or bioaerosol are a subset of atmospheric aerosol. They influence climate, air quality, and health via several mechanisms which often are poorly understood. In particular, the quantitative study of possible relationship between bioaerosol viability and air quality or meteorological conditions is an open and relevant issue. The difficulty of retrieving such possible correlations by analyses of data collected during in-field campaigns can benefit of targeted experiments conducted in well-controlled conditions inside atmospheric simulation chambers (ASCs). ChAMBRe (Chamber for Aerosol Modelling and Bio-aerosol Research) is an ASC in Genoa (Italy) designed and built to perform experimental research on bioaerosol. In this article, we focus on bacteria viability. A multi-step protocol was developed and thoroughly tested to cultivate a suitable bacteria population (E. coli), nebulize and inject in a chamber of viable cells, expose and monitor the viability variation inside ChAMBRe, hold at selected conditions, and finally incubate and count the concentration of viable bacteria. The whole procedure showed an estimated lifetime of total (T) and viable (V) E. coli of about 153 and 32 min, respectively and a V : T lifetime ratio of 40±5 min when ChAMBRe is held in a reference baseline condition. The coefficient of variation of 13 % shows how sensitive the protocol is also to changes in viability when the bacteria are exposed to other (e.g. polluted) conditions. First results showing a viability reduction observed exposing the E. coli strain to NOx concentrations and solar irradiation are presented and discussed. The present results pave the way for systematic studies aimed at the definition of dose–effect relationship for several bacteria strains under different conditions of atmospheric pollutants.

The Role of Lecturers and Support of Educational Personnel and Student Understanding of Program Governance the Study Will Improve the Quality of the Study Program Services

The role of lecturers and support from educational staff as well as student understanding in improving study program services. The location of the activity is in the Informatics Study Program, Faculty of Computer Science, Bhayangkara University. The research method used is a quantitative method with a cause and effect relationship approach with a sample of respondents from 3 independent variables and 1 dependent variable. The sampling technique uses Proportionate Stratified Random Sampling so that it can be used proportionally according to groups or strata of the population or respondents. Analysis of the role of lecturers and support from educational staff as well as students' understanding of study program governance can improve the quality of study program services and have an impact on increasing accreditation scores. Research regarding the role of 3 (three) independent variables as discussion material is still rarely discussed in Study Program Governance. So it is necessary to consider whether students' understanding of the existence of study program services can improve the quality of study program services and will have an impact on increasing the value of study program accreditation.

Multiplex screening for biomarkers associated with subsequent heart failure hospitalisation in patients with atrial fibrillation: insights from the ARISTOTLE trial

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with heart failure (HF) with a complex cause and effect relationship. We performed multiplex screening of plasma proteins in order to identify biomarkers and pathways associated with subsequent HF hospitalisation in patients with AF. Methods Using a case-cohort design of patients with AF from the ARISTOTLE trial, the study cohort consisted of 596 cases of HF hospitalisations during follow-up and 4029 randomly selected controls without HF hospitalization. The median follow-up time was 1.9 years. Plasma obtained at randomisation was analysed with conventional immunoassays and three OLINK proximity extension assay panels; CVDII, CVDIII and the inflammation panel. Biomarker associations with subsequent HF hospitalisation was evaluated using Random Survival Forest (RF), Boruta and Cox-regression analyses adjusted for baseline characteristics, renal function, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) as well as cardiac troponin-T (cTnT-hs). Results The biomarkers most associated with HF hospitalisation, using all three statistical methods (Table), were (hazard ratio for inter-quartile comparison [95% CI]), NT-proBNP (2.07 [1.76 - 2.4]), cTnT-hs (1.35 [1.15 - 1.58]), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23; 1.26 [1.15 - 1.39]), spondin-1 (SPON-1; 1.21 [1.10, 1.33]), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 2 (TRAILR2; 1.19 [1.07 - 1.32]), insulin Growth Factor Binding Protein 7 (IGFBP7; 1.25 [1.13 - 1.39]), urokinase receptor (uPAR) 1.4 [1.19 - 1.66]), vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D (VEGF-D; 1.28 [1.08 - 1.53]), pro-adrenomedullin (ADM; 1.20 [1.03 - 1.40]), and C-C motif chemokine 3 (CCL3; 1.15 [1.06 - 1.24]). Conclusions Out of 269 evaluated biomarkers, this comprehensive screening study identified biomarkers representing cardiorenal dysfunction (NT-proBNP, cTnT-hs, FGF-23), cell adhesion (SPON-1), apoptosis (TRAILR2), growth factors (IGFBP7, VEGF-D), fibrinolysis (uPAR), vasodilation (ADM) and inflammation (CCL3) as being the most strongly associated with subsequent HF hospitalisation in patients with AF. These findings highlight the most important pathophysiological pathways involved in new or worsening HF in patients with AF.Biomarkers associated with HF hospitalis

Research on the Improvement Path of Prefabricated Buildings’ Supply Chain Resilience Based on Structural Equation Modeling: A Case Study of Shenyang and Hangzhou, China

Due to increasing cost and decreasing labor, prefabricated buildings have developed rapidly. With the prolongation of prefabricated buildings’ supply chain (PBSC) and an increase in risk factors, project delays and even interruptions occur occasionally. The difficulty of supply chain management is increasing. Supply chain resilience (SCR) as a risk management tool has gradually attracted the attention of scholars. This paper uses the grounded theory to identify the influencing factors of prefabricated buildings’ supply chain resilience (PBSCR) based on the dynamic capacity theory. By collecting questionnaires from relevant stakeholders in Shenyang and Hangzhou, a structural equation model (SEM) was used to test the research hypothesis. The capacity effect relationship of the PBSC was constructed. The results show that resilient capability has the highest direct effect on the improvement in PBSCR, and collaborative capability has the highest total and indirect effect on the improvement in PBSCR. The critical paths to improving PBSCR were then identified. Suggestions were made based on the calculated effect relationships. This paper is expected to improve PBSCR, enrich the research on supply chains in the construction field, and help better realize the stable development of prefabricated buildings.

Specific features of Ukraine’s public debt management in conditions of war

Introduction. The debt policy of the state is essential for ensuring economic sustainability and development of the country. Effective public debt management helps to prevent crises and ensure financial stability, and gives the government more leverage to respond to economic challenges, which is especially important for the Ukrainian economy that is operating in a war time.Purpose. The purpose of the article is to study the peculiarities of public debt management, directly in the context of war, based on a comprehensive analysis of the debt policy instruments used by Ukraine’s government in the current circumstances.Methods. The analysis of cause and effect relationships was used to identify the features that determine the debt policy of our country in the conditions of war. Methods of economic and statistical analysis, such as dynamic analysis, structural analysis, comparison and correlation, were used to analyze and evaluate the main trends related to the public debt management in Ukraine.Results. The article examines the impact of the main factors that have impact on the formation of the state’s debt policy and, accordingly, determine the peculiarities of public debt management in modern conditions. The tendency of Ukraine’s debt obligations growth in the period of 2022-2023 is revealed. It is established that in the structure of debt, external public borrowings prevail over internal ones. It is found that the main debt instrument in the domestic market is government bonds, and in the external market - loans received from international financial organizations. The author substantiates the expediency of using specific instruments in the process of public debt management at the current stage of functioning of the Ukrainian economy, as well as in the post-war period, based on international experience.Prospects for further research include the need to develop an effective strategy for managing public debt in the postwar period in order to create favorable conditions for the reconstruction of the country and further sustainable economic growth.

29 The Role of Leptin and Its Regulation in the Hypothalamus of Neonatal Calves

Abstract The constant occurrence of increased feed intake in offspring exposed to intrauterine growth restriction has been noted across multiple species including ruminants. In ruminants, reduced circulating leptin concentrations from birth through the first week or two of life may influence the development of the appetite center of the hypothalamus. It should able be noted that increased circulating cortisol at birth has been associated with this decreased circulating leptin in the perinatal ruminants, yet information is limited as to any cause and effect relationship between the two hormones. The objectives of these studies were to test directly the effects of exogenous cortisol on leptin concentrations relative to development of the hypothalamus in perinatal calves and voluntary feed intake as yearling. In two experiments, Holstein bulls (n = 27) and calves (n = 32 males; n = 30 females) from commercial Angus cows were assigned to treatments at parturition (day 0). Calves were intravenously infused with either a low cortisol [LC; n = 9, 3.5 ug/kg of body weight (BW)], high cortisol (HC; n = 9, 7.0 ug/kg BW), or a control (CON; n = 9, saline). Calves were administered a half dose of their respective treatment 24h postpartum. Jugular vein blood samples were collected before infusion and daily until d 17 or necropsy. At 5 days of age Holstein bull calves were euthanized where cerebral-spinal fluid (CSF) and hypothalamic tissue were collected. Serum and CSF leptin concentrations were analyzed via RIA. Neuronal growth factors were analyzed in hypothalamus samples via qRT-PCR. In experiment 2, yearling calves entered a GROWSAFE System and daily feed intake (FI) measured. Animals were allowed a two-week adjustment period to a growing ration for heifers and a finishing ration for steers. Heifer body condition scores (BCS) were collected at the beginning and end of the trial. Heifers underwent the feeding trial for 70 days and steers until they obtained a back fat (BF) thickness of 1.15 cm. Blood samples were analyzed similar to experiment 1. All data were analyzed via repeated measures using appropriate models of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Perinatal dairy bull calves had decreased (P < 0.013) serum and CSF leptin concentrations of HC and LC calves compared with CON. Hypothalamic expression of BDNF, FGF1 and FGF2 were decreased (P < 0.006) in HC and LC compared with CON. During the feeding trial: BW gain, BCS change, and number of feed events were increased (P = 0.001) in LC compared with HC and CON heifers. However, LC observed greater daily FI (P = 0.047) and tended to have greater final BW (P = 0.080) compared with HC and CON steers. In summary, these data support that exogenous cortisol administered to perinatal calves affects leptin production and the appetite center of the hypothalamus when administered during the neonatal period.

Analysis of the Effect Spin-Off Increasing Shariah Compliance in Indonesian Islamic Bank

Sharia banks are committed to growing with the potential and sharia market. But sharia banks also want to be pure sharia everywhere. One way is by spin off, but it turned out to be stagnant and not in accordance with the percentage of the sharia market in Indonesia. Sharia bank efficiency does not grow rapidly and profits are minimal when spin off. The aim of this research is to analyze the impact of bank spin-offs on Sharia bank compliance. This research method uses a causative qualitative method, based on qualitative data looking at the cause and effect relationship of a policy. To strengthen the results, deep structured open interviews were used from policy makers (BI), academics and Islamic bank spin-off actors. The results show that Spin off is a necessity as mandated by Law No. 21 of 2008, because on the one hand it wants to be a goal for halal Islamic banks in a big way. The impact is that banks that have been spun off will increase their sharia compliance more than UUS, even though the growth is not very significant and their business is not very efficient.

Concentration–effect relationship for tranexamic acid inhibition of tissue plasminogen activator-induced fibrinolysis in vitro using the viscoelastic ClotPro® TPA-test

BackgroundTranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic drug that is commonly administered for obstetric haemorrhage. Conventional viscoelastic tests are not sensitive to tranexamic acid, but the novel ClotPro® TPA-test can measure tranexamic acid-induced inhibition of fibrinolysis. We aimed to evaluate the TPA-test in pregnant and non-pregnant women. MethodsWe performed an in vitro study of whole blood samples spiked with tranexamic acid from pregnant women in the first, second, and third trimester (n=20 per group) and from non-pregnant women (n=20). We performed ClotPro TPA-tests of whole blood sample and ClotPro EX-tests, FIB-tests, and TPA-tests. ResultsClot lysis was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner up to a tranexamic acid concentration of 6.25 mg L−1. At tranexamic acid concentrations of 12.5 mg L−1 and above, clot lysis was completely inhibited. The concentration–effect relationship of tranexamic acid did not differ in a clinically important manner in blood from pregnant women across all three trimesters or from non-pregnant controls. A median maximum lysis cut-off value of at9 least 16% (25–75th percentiles 15–18), a median clot lysis time of 3600 s (25–75th percentiles 3600–3600), or both was associated with a tranexamic acid concentration of least 12.5 mg L−1. ConclusionsThe ClotPro® TPA-test is sensitive in detecting inhibition of fibrinolysis by tranexamic acid in whole blood samples of pregnant and non-pregnant women. The concentration–effect relationship of tranexamic acid to inhibit fibrinolysis in whole blood did not differ for women in the first, second, and third trimester or for non-pregnant women.

Spreading Factor and Coding Rate Allocation Method for LoRa Network

Aiming at the problems of frequent packet loss and high energy consumption in large-scale LoRa networks, this paper proposes a joint allocation method of Spreading Factor (SF) and Coding Rate (CR). Firstly, we establish the effect relationship of SF and CR on Frame Error Rate(FER), and pre-allocate SF and CR based on the node position to minimize the energy consumption of the node while meeting the FER requirement. Then, according to the collision model, the collision probability of each SF group is calculated, and the sequential water injection method is used to equalize the collision probability within each SF group, to improve the average packet arrival rate of the entire network. The simulation results show that compared to mainstream algorithms, the proposed algorithm obtains a 13% increment in terms of the network average packet success probability, and a 104% one in terms of the average energy efficiency. The proposed algorithm has high application value in many application scenarios such as smart agriculture and smart cities.

Impact of Grain Size and Grain Nature in Thin‐Film Solar Cells

Herein, a theoretical investigation is conducted on grain‐size inhomogeneity's impact and grain boundaries’ (GBs’) electrical nature in thin‐film solar cells. Using the Matthiessen rule, grain‐size‐dependent mobility is derived in polycrystalline material. The obtained grain‐size‐dependent mobility values are fed into the Poisson solver to calculate device performance. The severity of grain sizes in the lower region determines how grain size affects the photovoltaic performance by grain‐size‐dependent efficiency simulation. Low grain sizes become critical, especially for low‐thickness absorbers. The second aspect of the study assesses potential variation at GBs to reveal the impact of the electrical properties of GBs. Evidence shows that the acceptor defects at GB are benign for device performance, causing upward band bending at the GB and acting as electron barriers. Device performance is adversely affected by donor defects at GBs due to downward band bending. As summarized in the findings, the polycrystallinity‐induced cause–effect relationships of grains are likely to interest solar cell researchers.

Dose-effect relationship of linear accelerator based stereotactic radiotherapy for brain metastases

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to reveal the dose-effect relationship of linear accelerator (LINAC)-based stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) in patients with brain metastases (BM).Materials and methodsThe PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were used to identify studies that reported local tumour control after LINAC-based SRT in patients with BMs. Studies of other approaches that could affect local tumour control, such as whole brain radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, were excluded from the dose-effect relationship analysis. Data extracted included patient and treatment characteristics and tumour local control. Probit model in XLSTAT 2016 was used for regression analysis, and P < 0.05 was set as the statistically significant level.ResultsAfter literature screening, 19 eligible studies involving 1523 patients were included in the probit model regression analysis. There was no significant dose-effect relationship between nominal BED10 and peripheral BED10 versus 12-month local control probability. There were significant dose effect relationships between the centre BED10 and the average BED10 versus the 12-month local control probability, with P values of 0.015 and 0.011, respectively. According to the model, the central BED10 and the average BED10 corresponding to probabilities of 90% 12-month local control were 109.2 GyBED10 (95% confidence interval (CI): 88.7–245.9 GyBED10) and 87.8 GyBED10 (95% CI: 74.3–161.5 GyBED10), respectively. A 12-month local control rate of 86.9% (95% CI: 81.7–89.7%) and 85.5% (95% CI: 81.2–89.2%) can be expected at a centre BED10 of 80 Gy and an average BED10 of 60 Gy, respectively.ConclusionFor patients with BM treated with LINAC-based SRT, more attention should be given to the central and average doses of PTV. A clear definition of the dose prescription should be established to ensure the effectiveness and comparability of treatment.

Interleukin-8 and neutrophil extracellular traps in children with lupus nephritis and vitamin C deficiency.

Vitamin C is a potent scavenger of reactive oxygen species, which induce neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. NETs are a major source of autoantigens and are involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis. We determined vitamin C status and evaluated NET formation and inflammatory cytokines in children with lupus nephritis. Serum vitamin C was measured in 46 patients (82.6% females, mean age 14.5 ± 0.3years). Vitamin C levels < 0.3mg/dL indicated vitamin C deficiency. Patients were divided into two groups according to serum vitamin C levels: normal and low (< 0.3mg/dL). We compared NET formation and levels of SLE-related cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), between groups. NET formation was determined through measurement of serum citrullinated histone 3 levels and mRNA expression of peptidyl arginine deiminase-4 and assessment of the percentage of neutrophils with NETs by immunofluorescence. Nine patients (19.6%) had vitamin C deficiency. Kidney pathology assessment at disease onset revealed that histological activity index and number of kidney biopsies containing crescentic glomeruli were higher in vitamin C-deficient patients, but chronicity index was not. NET formation and serum IL-8 were more prominent in vitamin C-deficient patients. Serum IL-8 levels were 12.9 ± 5.2pg/mL in low vitamin C group and 5.2 ± 0.9pg/mL in normal vitamin C group (p = 0.03). Serum IL-10 and TNF-α were similar between groups. Our study demonstrated correlation among vitamin C deficiency, increased NET formation, and IL-8 upregulation in children with lupus nephritis. A prospective study is required to evaluate cause‒effect relationships of vitamin C status, NET formation and IL-8 expression.

Modelling the factors impacting customer engagement for branded content in healthcare

PurposeIn this global digital era, health-care companies are increasing their presence on the internet through branded content that serves as a connecting link between customers and brands. However, there is a limited understanding of branded content’s impact on customers. Thus, this paper aims to empirically analyse customer engagement for branded content in the health-care sector.Design/methodology/approachThe factors impacting customer engagement for branded content were identified and analysed using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory approach to get their significance and the cause and effect relationship.FindingsIt emerged that co-creation is the most significant factor, having a substantial relationship with all other factors. It is substantiated that health-care companies can increase the intensity of customer engagement by delivering more authentic and relevant content and having an appealing look in a time-bound manner. This will increase the usefulness and entertaining value of the content.Originality/valueThe research findings contribute to the customer engagement dimension in the health-care sector and help the companies construct effective branded content leading towards higher customer engagement.

Development of an optical particle number sensor based on continuous wave laser-induced incandescence

In this work, the development of a new particle counting sensor based on continuous-wave laser-induced incandescence is described. We demonstrate the sensor, which makes use of a focussed laser beam emitted by a compact laser diode, as an alternative device to established laboratory techniques to count soot particles. Simulations help understanding the cause–effect relationships based on known theory with the implementation of specific laser beam characteristics that influence the absorption process. The main goal of this work was to demonstrate the sensor’s ability to determine the soot particle number concentration of a test aerosol. This has been confirmed through a comparison with established laboratory instruments, like scanning mobility particle sizer or condensation particle counter. The observed size dependency of the laser induced incandescence sensor’s detection efficiency was successfully corrected with prior knowledge of the investigated particle size distribution. Furthermore, the sensor’s detection limit with respect to the particle diameter was determined to be well below 100 nm with a dependency on the applied laser power.

Effect of pachymaran on oxidative stress and DNA damage induced by formaldehyde

To further explore the pharmacological effect of pachymaran, this article studied the inhibition of pachymaran on oxidative stress and genetic damage induced by formaldehyde. 40 adult Kunming male mice were randomly divided into four groups with different interventions. One week later, the contents of serum SOD, GR, MDA, DNA–protein crosslink (DPC), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHDG) and DNA adduct were determined by ELISA. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the contents of SOD, GR and MDA among the four groups (P < 0.01). The activity of SOD and GR increased along with the increase of pachymaran dosage (SOD: rs = 0.912, P < 0.01; GR: rs = 0.857, P < 0.01), while the content of MDA showing a significant negative correlation (rs = − 0.893, P < 0.01). There were statistically significant differences in the levels of DPC, 8-OHDG and DNA adduct among the four groups (DPC and DNA adduct: P < 0.01, 8-OHDG: P < 0.05), the concentration decreased along with the increase of pachymaran dosage (DPC: rs = − 0.855, P < 0.01; 8-OHDG:rs = − 0.412, P < 0.05, DNA adduct: γs = − 0.869, P < 0.01). It can be inferred that pachymaran can inhibit oxidative stress and DNA damage induced by formaldehyde with the dose–effect relationship.

Non-Abelian Constructivist Lagrangian

A whole Yang-Mills symmetry is proposed. A grouping physics is constituted. It consists in inserting a given Yang-Mills field Aaμ in a fields set {Aa μI } constituted by other fields families, I = 1, . . . , N. Each field becomes part of a whole. A set action physics happens preserving the Yang-Mills symmetry. However the usual properties of an isolated field are extended to antireductionist properties. An associative physics is formed. A Yang-Mills whole quantum system is constituted. A whole Yang-Mills physics isobtained. The quantum corresponding to a specific Aa μI field inserted in a whole develops features depending on thefields set {Aa μI } associativity. Properties established from a so-called constructivist gauge theory are identified. Usual YM interactions are enlarged to YM interrelationships. Classical equations are studied under set action. A Yang-Mills whole unity is constituted by a constructivist Lagrangian. The reductionist approach substituted by constructivism. Physics under set transformations. A cause and effect relationship is expressed based on whole unity. The whole is that moves to future. Minimal action principle, Noether theorem, Bianchi identities are derived. A fields set with diversity, interdependence, nonlinearity, chance is expressed.

Systematic review and model-based analysis to identify whether renal safety risks of URAT1 inhibitors are fully determined by uric acid-lowering efficacies

ObjectiveRenal safety risk is currently an important factor that hinders the development of uric acid transporter 1 (URAT1) inhibitors. This study aimed to compare the renal safety and uric acid-lowering efficacy of different URAT1 inhibitors and clarify the association between them. MethodsA systematic review of published randomized controlled trials on URAT1 inhibitors was conducted to investigate the incidence of renal safety events. A model-based analysis was performed to predict the uric acid-lowering efficacy of representative URAT1 inhibitors. ResultsThe overall renal safety event incidences of lesinurad, verinurad, dotinurad, SHR4640, and benzbromarone in patients with hyperuricemia were 11.2 % (142/1264), 12.0 % (34/284), 0.5 % (2/421), 2.3 % (5/213), and 1.3 % (5/393), respectively. A semi-mechanistic pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model was used to establish the dose–exposure–effect relationship of lesinurad, verinurad, dotinurad, and SHR4640 with or without the combination of xanthine oxidase inhibitors (XOIs). The efficacy ranking of the intermediate dose of URAT1 inhibitors with once-daily dosing was 2 mg dotinurad > 10 mg verinurad > 5 mg SHR4640 > 400 mg lesinurad. The combination of 80 mg febuxostat and 600 mg allopurinol reduced the 24-h cumulative renal uric acid excretion by 48.4 % and 48.3 %, respectively. ConclusionUric acid-lowering efficacy is not an independent factor for the renal safety risk of different URAT1 inhibitors, and structural differences could be responsible for the difference. The adverse renal effects of URAT1 inhibitors are dose-dependent, and the combination with high doses of XOIs can significantly reduce the renal safety risk by reducing uric acid excretion by the kidneys.

Analysis of Economic Resource Ecological Environment Coupling Coordination in Qinghai Province

Qinghai Province is the birthplace of the Yellow River, Yangtze River and Lancang River, which is an important water source and ecological sensitive area in China. Analyzing the coupling and coordination of economy, resources and ecological environment in Qinghai Province is of great significance for promoting the sustainable development of Qinghai Province and exploring the path of coordinated development of ecology and economy. The comprehensive evaluation index system of economic development, resource conditions and ecological environment was constructed. Based on the relevant data from 2011 to 2021, the entropy method and coupling coordination degree model were used to analyze the coordination relationship among the three systems. The results show that the coupling effect and coordination relationship among economic development, resource conditions and ecological environment in Qinghai Province have been improved, but the overall coordination degree is still not strong. Therefore, Qinghai province needs to continuously promote ecological economy and economic ecology, and actively explore a new path of coordinated development between ecology and economy.

The relationship between the use of technologies and digitalization strategies for digital transformation in family businesses

PurposeAnalyzing the effect of digitalization strategies and barriers to digital transformation (DT) on the use of technologies, in the Brazilian context, is necessary to broaden the understanding of topics in emerging economies. Thus, empirical research to evaluate and analyze aspects related to DT in small and medium-sized family businesses in an emerging economy is necessary, as it is a necessary strategic alternative in the current context.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from a survey conducted with 210 managers of Brazilian family businesses, the authors analyzed the positive cause and effect relationship between digitalization strategy and technology use. In addition, the authors seek to explore the moderating effect of barriers to digital development on the relationship between digitalization strategy and technology use. This analysis was conducted using the structural equation modeling technique, with the help of SmartPLS 4.0 software.FindingsThe findings confirm the positive relationship between the implementation of digitalization strategies and technology usage in small family businesses, thereby contributing to the broader analysis of how small family businesses employ and define their digitalization strategies. Furthermore, the authors identified barriers that hinder the development and utilization of technology for digitalization purposes.Originality/valueThis study fills gaps in empirical research by explaining the factors that drive barriers to DT in small family businesses. It contributes to advancing the understanding of digitalization strategies used by family SMEs and identifies the real strategic value opportunities that DT represents for businesses.