Efficiency In Relation Research Articles

Asymptotic estimated digestibility, a new indicator of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) conversion efficiency in relation to larval density

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are highly efficient at converting organic substrates into insect biomass suitable for livestock nutrition. BSFL conversion efficiency depends on the nature of their feed, and formulation approaches use macronutrient contents to reach a targeted performance. However, digestibility varies between ingredients and BSFL digestibility data is lacking due to methods unsuitable for insects living in their feed. This study proposes to work under a range of larval densities to reach total ingestion of the feed, and defines Estimated Digestibility (ED) as the difference between distributed feed and frass macronutrient weight, divided by macronutrient weight in distributed feed. Using the same amount of chicken feed, same feeding time and 0 to 29 larvae/cm2, ED of dry mass (DM), starch, nitrogen, ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin, ash and energy were evaluated, along with survival rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and larval individual mass gain on a fresh and dry basis. ED of DM, starch, nitrogen, EE and energy increased with larval density following an asymptotic trend. ED of ash increased between 0 and 11.4 larvae/cm2 but decreased for higher densities. Using a logistic model, asymptotic ED of DM (80.3±1.3%), starch (99.0±2.3%), nitrogen (78.6±1.1%), EE (95.3±1.5%), ash (58.4±1.0%) and energy (80.6±1.2%) were determined. No effect of areal density on ED of fibre fractions was detected. Survival rate and individual mass gain peaked at densities below 5 larvae/cm2, FCR (dry to fresh) was improved with increasing density, while FCR (dry to dry) was optimised at 11.4 larvae/cm2. Asymptotic ED is a new indicator corresponding to the maximal fraction of macronutrients potentially digestible by BSFL. It should be used to develop a diet formulation approach based on digestible rather than crude macronutrient contents. Further studies should focus on evaluating asymptotic ED in different ingredients.

Совместное воздействие УФ излучения и ультразвуковой кавитации на сапрофитную и условно-патогенную микрофлору холодноводных УЗВ

The paper considers the combined effect of ultraviolet radiation (UV) and ultrasonic cavitation (ultrasonic) as part of ultrasonic filtration systems on representatives of saprophytic and conditionally pathogenic microflora of water. Ultrasound examination (25 kHz) is a promising method of purification in aquaculture due to the possibility of inactivation of microorganisms in agglomerates that are not exposed to UV. As a result of the study of the cultivated microflora, it was found that ultraviolet radiation and the combined effect of UV and ULTRASOUND have a significant effect on the quantity and quality of saprophytic microflora of water. It is shown that the studied modes of operation led to a significant decrease (at p <0.05) in the occurrence of the genus Escherchia relative to the control (without exposure to ultrasound and UV). The total contamination of UV water decreased to 1.2×102 CFU/ml with UV operation and to 1.1×102 CFU/ml with the combined action of UV and ultrasound. The UV sterilizer showed low efficiency in relation to Enterobacter cloacae, while the combined effect of UV and ultrasound led to a significant decrease in CFU to 0.94 ± 0.05 Log10.

Clustering and analysis of air source heat pump air heater usage patterns of inhabitants in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau areas

Occupant behavior is one of the most important factors influencing the level of energy consumption in the operational phase of buildings. The unique climatic conditions of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau differ from those of lower altitude areas. Therefore, to specifically investigate the characteristics of the active heating behavior of the inhabitants of these areas, four households are selected for this study. Each is equipped with a corresponding Air Source Heat Pump Air Heater (ASHP-AH) as their only heating equipment. The occupants' usage patterns and active regulating patterns are analyzed explicitly by clustering the ASHP-AH operational data of four households during the heating season using the K-means algorithm. The use of different time steps to reduce the dimensionality of the data and reduce the time and space complexity of the K-means algorithm in clustering is also discussed, and the Preference Cumulative Value (PCV) and Change Direction Frequency (CDF) are proposed to evaluate changes in the clustering results. These results are potentially relevant to improving energy efficiency in relation to occupant behavior.

Variability in objective sleep is associated with Alzheimer's pathology and cognition.

Both sleep duration and sleep efficiency have been associated with risk of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that interventions to promote optimal sleep may be a way to reduce Alzheimer's disease risk. However, studies often focus on average sleep measures, usually from self-report questionnaires, ignoring the role of intra-individual variability in sleep across nights quantified from objective sleep measures. The current cross-sectional study sought to investigate the role of intra-individual variability in accelerometer-based objective sleep duration and sleep efficiency in relation to in vivo Alzheimer's disease pathology (β-amyloid and tau) using positron emission tomography imaging and cognition (working memory, inhibitory control, verbal memory, visual memory and global cognition). To examine these relationships, we evaluated 52 older adults (age = 66.4 ± 6.89, 67% female, 27% apolipoprotein E4 carriers) with objective early mild cognitive impairment. Modifying effects of apolipoprotein E4 status were also explored. Less intra-individual variability in sleep duration was associated with lower β-amyloid burden, higher global cognition and better inhibitory control, with a trend for lower tau burden. Less intra-individual variability in sleep efficiency was associated with lower β-amyloid burden, higher global cognition and better inhibitory control, but not with tau burden. Longer sleep duration was associated with better visual memory and inhibitory control. Apolipoprotein E4 status significantly modified the association between intra-individual variability in sleep efficiency and β-amyloid burden, such that less sleep efficiency variability was associated with lower β-amyloid burden in apolipoprotein E4 carriers only. There was a significant interaction between sleep duration and apolipoprotein E4 status, suggesting that longer sleep duration is more strongly associated with lower β-amyloid burden in apolipoprotein E4 carriers relative to non-carriers. These results provide evidence that lower intra-individual variability in both sleep duration and sleep efficiency and longer mean sleep duration are associated with lower levels of β-amyloid pathology and better cognition. The relationships between sleep duration and intra-individual variability in sleep efficiency with β-amyloid burden differ by apolipoprotein E4 status, indicating that longer sleep duration and more consistent sleep efficiency may be protective against β-amyloid burden in apolipoprotein E4 carriers. Longitudinal and causal studies are needed to better understand these relationships. Future work should investigate factors contributing to intra-individual variability in sleep duration and sleep efficiency in order to inform intervention studies.

ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ ЭНДООССАЛЬНОГО ЦЕЛЬНОКЕРАМИЧЕСКОГО ВИНТОВОГО ОДНОЭТАПНОГО ИММЕДИАТ-ИМПЛАНТАТА В ОРТОПЕДИЧЕСКОЙ РЕАБИЛИТАЦИИ ПАЦИЕНТОВ С АДЕНТИЕЙ

The subject of the study is the prospects for the introduction of an endosseous all-ceramic screw one-stage immediate implant in the clinical practice of orthopedic rehabilitation.
 The objectives analysis of the prospects for the use of the developed dental implant (endossal all-ceramic screw single-stage implant) in dental practice during orthopedic rehabilitation of patients with adentia.
 Methodology. The study was performed on the basis of an analysis of orthopedic rehabilitation means and their effectiveness in patients of dental clinics in the cities of Kemerovo for 2018–2022.
 Results.The results of rehabilitation of patients with adentia using dental implants based on zirconium dioxide (both imported and patented bio-implants) and implants based on titanium alloys are presented.
 The new endosseous all-ceramic screw one-stage implant developed by the author of the study (RF Patent for Invention No. 2651052; Eurasian Patent No. 035482) is distinguished by its design (rough active two-component thread passing into a polished neck by switching the platform and then into a suprastructure with the possibility of its individualization in the cavity mouth) and the method of treating the surface of the exclusively threaded part of the implant with calcium hydroxyapatite.
 The possibility of using the developed implant will satisfy the needs of patients for a minimally invasive implantation procedure, ensuring its economic efficiency in relation to an analogue imported ceramic implant. In addition, due to the specialized surface treatment, the developed implant does not require the use of bone substitutes, and the presence of a biocoating allows expanding its use in groups of patients with somatic pathologies.
 Conclusions. The performed study allows us to recommend the use of the developed bio-implant in clinical dentistry in order to study the possibilities of its use in the near and long term.

Contribution of Accessibility to Urban Resilience and Evacuation Planning Using Spatial Analysis.

Cities evolve and change with economic development and population growth, and urban planning laws in Taiwan have regulations that should be comprehensively reviewed every six years. Most current government policies aim to add new disaster prevention shelters or rescue stations. An economical way to improve the disaster prevention capabilities of urban planning is through examining or reviewing spatial structures and disaster prevention plans from the perspective of citizens or residents. The UN Office of Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) launched the Making Cities Resilient Campaign policy to enhance disaster-resistant and sustainable urban environments through integrated disaster mitigation, reduction, response, and evacuation plans. This study used space syntax to ascertain evacuation route features using geometric distance analysis. There was 31.61% efficiency in relation to accessible roads on a comprehensive map. We could clearly see that since the areas in the first quadrant were relatively close to accessible roads, and there was an area that was not connected to the existing evacuation channels. The increased number of channels was more accessible and extensive. Such suggestions are helpful for government departments to prepare for disaster management. The spatial characteristics of the physical environment are explained by the accessibility and efficiency of axial maps and visibility analyzed by space syntax. Our findings reveal that space syntax is an important application when examining evacuation maps.

Učinkovitost hrvatskog zdravstvenog sustava - usporedba sa zemljama Europske unije

The aim of the paper is to analyse the indicators of the healthcare system efficiency in Croatia and to assess its effectiveness based on a comparison with other EU countries. The analysis of the efficiency of the healthcare system in Croatia and 21 selected EU countries in the period from 2013 to 2018 was conducted by the application of the dynamic DEA window analysis (WDEA). According to the results of the analysis, the overall efficiency of expenditure on healthcare in relation to average life expectancy is on the lowest level in Croatia, amounting to 57% in 2018. While cost-effectiveness of the Croatian healthcare system is on the maximum level of 100%, systemic effectiveness amounts to only 48%. According to the aforementioned indicator, Croatia has recorded the lowest efficiency in relation to the selected EU countries, the efficiency of which amounted to 88% in 2018. Therefore, inefficiencies of the healthcare system are generated during the transformation of intermediary inputs into treatment outcomes, which means that Croatia could achieve the same health outcomes with a lesser engagement of intermediary resources. According to the results of the panel analysis, smoking and alcohol consumption are the key determinants of the efficiency of healthcare protection in EU countries. Croatia does not invest enough into health promotion measures and prevention of diseases, for which it spends only 3% of the overall expenditure on healthcare. Strengthening of public healthcare policies against smoking and alcohol consumption and the increase of excise duties on tobacco products and alcoholic beverages could indirectly influence the improvement of health outcomes, while maintaining the existing levels of expenditure on healthcare. Key words: healthcare system efficiency, financial sustainability of healthcare system, DEA method.

The Relationship between Ectomycorrhizal Fungi, Nitrogen Deposition, and Pinus massoniana Seedling Nitrogen Transporter Gene Expression and Nitrogen Uptake Kinetics.

Analyzing the molecular and physiological processes that govern the uptake and transport of nitrogen (N) in plants is central to efforts to fully understand the optimization of plant N use and the changes in the N-use efficiency in relation to changes in atmospheric N deposition changes. Here, a field experiment was conducted using the ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF), Pisolithus tinctorius (Pt) and Suillus grevillei (Sg). The effects of N deposition were investigated using concentrations of 0 kg·N·hm-2a-1 (N0), a normal N deposition of 30 kg·N·hm-2a-1 (N30), a moderate N deposition of 60 kg·N·hm-2a-1 (N60), and a severe N deposition of 90 kg·N·hm-2a-1 (N90), with the goal of examining how these factors impacted root activity, root absorbing area, NH4+ and NO3- uptake kinetics, and the expression of ammonium and nitrate transporter genes in Pinus massoniana seedlings under different levels of N deposition. These data revealed that EMF inoculation led to increased root dry weight, activity, and absorbing area. The NH4+ and NO3- uptake kinetics in seedlings conformed to the Michaelis-Menten equation, and uptake rates declined with increasing levels of N addition, with NH4+ uptake rates remaining higher than NO3- uptake rates for all tested concentrations. EMF inoculation was associated with higher Vmax values than were observed for non-mycorrhizal plants. Nitrogen addition resulted in the upregulation of genes in the AMT1 family and the downregulation of genes in the NRT family. EMF inoculation under the N60 and N90 treatment conditions resulted in the increased expression of each of both these gene families. NH4+ and NO3- uptake kinetics were also positively correlated with associated transporter gene expression in P. massoniana roots. Together, these data offer a theoretical foundation for EMF inoculation under conditions of increased N deposition associated with climate change in an effort to improve N absorption and transport rates through the regulation of key nitrogen transporter genes, thereby enhancing N utilization efficiency and promoting plant growth. Synopsis: EMF could enhance the efficiency of N utilization and promote the growth of Pinus massoniana under conditions of increased N deposition.

Effectiveness of the stabilization fiscal rule for resource-rich countries

This paper explores the efficacy of the fiscal rule enacted by regulators in exporting countries, which implies the smoothing of tax revenue from the sale of natural resources. Under “efficacy” we understand its stabilization effect that is lowering volatility (countercyclicality) of key macroeconomic variables following its imposition. The approach to the operation of the fiscal rule is based on two types of assumptions: those about the type of the fiscal rule and about the structure of the economy. The first ones take into account imperfections in the workings of the revenue smoothing mechanism; the second relate to the duration of price and wage contracts, the cost of investing in foreign assets, government demand structures, household habits and the share of Ricardian households. We use a DSGE model of a small open economy with a strong reliance on commodity exports. The paper analyzes the assumptions under which various modifications of the fiscal rule lose their efficiency in relation to inflation, output and the exchange rate. The study emphasizes the importance of accurate identifying of fiscal rule workings, as well as the need for correct measurement of economic indicators in order to determine the nature of the fiscal rule effect related to revenue smoothing. The conclusion is made regarding the effectiveness of the future fiscal rule in Russia in the absence of an external wealth fund and a closed financial account.

The influence of biomass species and pyrolysis temperature on carbon-retention ability and heavy metal adsorption property during biochar aging

The variation of heavy metals (HMs) adsorption characteristics and carbon retention efficiency during aging are indispensable for evaluating the effectiveness of biochar during the remediation of HMs contaminated soil, but the effect of aging on retention efficiency in multiple systems and correlation relation between preparation process and biochar characteristics are still not clear. In this study, the influence and correlation characteristic of biomass species, pyrolysis temperature on the carbon-retention ability and HMs adsorption property in both single and binary systems of lead and copper during aging were investigated. The results illustrated that the content of oxygen-containing functional groups increased by 21.90% for bamboo biochar (BBC), 39.65% for rice husk biochar (RHC) and 16.99% for corncob biochar (CSC) after aging, as well as the ratio of O/C and (O + N/C), whereas the ratio of H/C and pH decreased. RHC500 exhibited the best anti-aging and carbon-retention ability due to the high pyrolysis temperature and SiC coating layer formed. Furthermore, the functional group complexation and π bond interaction increased after aging, whereas the inorganic precipitation and ion exchange decreased, increasing the competitive adsorption capacity of Cu and decreasing the adsorption stability of HMs.

ASSYMETRIC PRICE TRANSMISSION IN THE PORK MEAT MARKET: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the transmission of prices, in relation to asymmetry, between the producer, wholesale and retail levels of the most relevant pork meat consumption market in Brazil, the state of São Paulo. In order to attain the proposed objective, the Asymmetric Error Correction Model (ECM) was used. The importance of this subject is due to the relevance of the domestic pork meat market given the increase in production and the subsequent generation of employment and income, and in the unprecedented application of said model on this sector in the country. Results show that the transmission of prices in the São Paulo pork meat market takes place in an symmetric manner, indicating market efficiency in relation to the transmission of prices.

Biodiesel Production from Transesterification with Lipase from Pseudomonas cepacia Immobilized on Modified Structured Metal Organic Materials.

This research presents the modification of MOF-199 and ZIF-8 using furfuryl alcohol (FA) as a carbon source to subsequently fix lipase from Pseudomonas cepacia and use these biocatalysts in the transesterification of African palm oil (APO). The need to overcome the disadvantages of free lipases in the biodiesel production process led to the use of metal organic framework (MOF)-type supports because they provide greater thermal stability and separation of the catalytic phase, thus improving the activity and efficiency in relation to the use of free lipase, disadvantages that could not be overcome with the use of other types of catalysts used in transesterification/esterification reactions for the production of biodiesel. The modification of MOFs ZIF-8 and MOF-199 with FA increases the pore volume which allows better immobilization of Pseudomonas cepacia lipase (PCL). The results show that these biocatalysts undergo transesterification with biodiesel yields above 90%. Additionally, studies were carried out on the effect of (1) enzyme loading, 2) enzyme immobilization time, (3) enzyme immobilization temperature, and (4) pH on the % immobilization of the enzyme and the specific activity. The results show that the highest immobilization efficiency for the FA@ZIF-8 support has a value of 91.2% when the load of this support was 3.5 mg/mg and has a specific activity of 142.5 U/g protein. The FA@MOF-199 support presented 80.3% enzyme immobilization and 125% U/g specific activity protein. We established that the specific activity increases in the period from 0.5 to 5.0 h for the systems under investigation. After this time, both the specific activity and the % efficiency of enzyme immobilization decrease. Therefore, 5.0 h (immobilization efficiency of 95 and 85% for FA@MOF-199, respectively) was chosen as the most appropriate time for PCL immobilization. Methods of adding methanol, with three and four steps, were tested, where biodiesel yields greater than 90% were obtained for the biocatalysts synthesized in this work (FA@ZIF-8-PCL and FA@MOF-199-PCL) and above 70% for free PCL, and the maximum yield was reached at a molar ratio between methanol and APO of 4:1 when using the one-step method under the same reaction conditions (as mentioned above). Only the results of FA@ZIF-8-PCL are presented here; however, it should be noted that the results for biocatalyst FA@MOF-199-PCL and lipase-free PCL presented the same behavior. The order of biocatalyst performance was FA@ZIF-8-PCL > FA@MOF-199-PCL > PCL-Free, which demonstrates that the use of FA as a modifier is a novel aspect in the conversion of palm oil into biodiesel components.

Measuring environmental efficiency in relation to socio-economic factors: A two stage analysis

The purpose of this study is to estimate the efficiency exemplified by a production function of EU-28 countries from 1995 to 2019. We explore the capability of these countries to convert in an environmentally efficient way, the typical inputs of labor force, capital stock together with energy and land use into desirable (GDP) and undesirable (CO2, CH4) outputs. The countries in question are divided into groups that allow scientific comparison between static and dynamic specifications. The estimation results of the static frontiers when compared to the dynamic ones indicate an underestimation for some groups during the period under consideration. In the second stage the main determinants necessary to be considered for benchmarking of static and dynamic efficiency scores are explored using static specifications of the Simar–Wilson regression and FEs panel data analysis and the dynamic effects of the generalized method of moments (GMM). The findings may help policy makers to plan efficient strategies taking into consideration the effects of economic growth, industrialization, urbanization and the population density.

Changes in High Temperature Deformation Behavior by Differences in Energy Dissipation Efficiency of Ti–6Al–4V Alloy

Ti–6Al–4V alloy is widely used as a system material in high temperature and high pressure environments in various industrial fields and is difficult to mechanically machine. Thus, high temperature processing methods such as hot forging, rolling, and hot forming are usually applied. Among various methods for deriving optimal molding conditions during high-temperature processing, the dynamic material model suggests energy dissipation efficiency according to the flow stress of the material. However, the energy dissipation efficiency merely numerically represents the change in flow stress, not the metallurgical behavior of the material. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the difference in energy dissipation efficiency in relation to the high-temperature deformation mechanism. In this study, high temperature compression tests were performed on the Ti–6Al–4V alloy. The temperature range was set at 800°C∼1200°C at intervals of 50°C, and the strain rate was set at 1 × 100/sec∼1 × 10−3/sec at intervals of 10−1/sec. Based on the results of the experiments, flow stress and processing maps were derived, and the high temperature plastic deformation behaviors of Ti–6Al–4V alloy were analyzed in correlation with the microstructural changes and mechanical properties according to temperature and strain rate. And the prior beta grain size according to the difference in energy dissipation efficiency was explained for each condition.

Prediction of Mechanical Properties of Highly Functional Lightweight Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Based on Deep Neural Network and Ensemble Regression Trees Methods.

Currently, one of the topical areas of application of artificial intelligence methods in industrial production is neural networks, which allow for predicting the performance properties of products and structures that depend on the characteristics of the initial components and process parameters. The purpose of the study was to develop and train a neural network and an ensemble model to predict the mechanical properties of lightweight fiber-reinforced concrete using the accumulated empirical database and data from construction industry enterprises, and to improve production processes in the construction industry. The study applied deep learning and an ensemble of regression trees. The empirical base is the result of testing a series of experimental compositions of fiber-reinforced concrete. The predicted properties are cubic compressive strength, prismatic compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, and axial tensile strength. The quantitative picture of the accuracy of the applied methods for strength characteristics varies for the deep neural network method from 0.15 to 0.73 (MAE), from 0.17 to 0.89 (RMSE), and from 0.98% to 6.62% (MAPE), and for the ensemble of regression trees, from 0.11 to 0.62 (MAE), from 0.15 to 0.80 (RMSE), and from 1.30% to 3.4% (MAPE). Both methods have shown high efficiency in relation to such a hard-to-predict material as concrete, which is so heterogeneous in structure and depends on many factors. The value of the developed models lies in the possibility of obtaining additional useful information in the process of preparing highly functional lightweight fiber-reinforced concrete without additional experiments.

Study on Hydrogen Production by Supercritical Water Gasification of Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine under Multi-Parameters

Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) is very toxic and hard to decompose in traditional ways. In this paper, the gasification of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) in supercritical water was studied in a batch reactor under different conditions. The hydrogen production process of supercritical water gasification of UDMH in metal containers is a multiphase reaction process. The effects of reaction temperature, alkaline catalysts, residence time, and oxidation on gasification were systematically studied. COD and ammonia nitrogen of the residual liquid were tested. Results showed that the maximum molar fraction and yield of hydrogen were 87.0% and 97.9 mol/kg, respectively, with KOH at 600 °C, 23 MPa. The COD removal efficiency in relation to alkaline catalysts was in the following order: NaOH > Na2CO3 > KOH > K2CO3. The highest COD removal efficiency (up to 95%) can be obtained at the temperature of 600 °C, 23 MPa with NaOH as the catalyst, and a residence time of 20 min. Ammonia nitrogen can be decreased by adding an oxidant. The COD and ammonia nitrogen of the residual liquid can meet the requirement of the Chinese emission standard of water pollution for space propellants. In addition, the organic compounds formed under different conditions were also identified.

The influence of communication adequacy on resistance to change: Case study of selected dealership companies in the Durban metropolitan region

This study aims to assess the impact of communication adequacy on resistance to change at selected dealership companies in the Durban Metropolitan Region. Recent studies suggest that there could be various other factors that influence resistance including leadership skills, demographic factors and theoretical components of resistance to change. The study uses the non-random purposive sampling collected from 270 staff at selected dealership companies in the Durban Metropolitan Region using questionnaires administered to employees. The structural equation model was also applied in analyzing the data. The findings of the study show that there is a significant relationship between communication adequacy based on structure and channel efficiency in relation to resistance communication based on channel efficiency positively influencing resistance to change. The study further provides practical implications for the employees at the selected dealership companies to consider more strategic and appropriate communication tools.

Circulating Ageing Neutrophils as a Marker of Asymptomatic Polyvascular Atherosclerosis in Statin-Naïve Patients without Established Cardiovascular Disease.

Background: Current data on the possible involvement of aging neutrophils in atherogenesis are limited. This study aimed to research the diagnostic value of aging neutrophils in their relation to subclinical atherosclerosis in statin-naïve patients without established atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). Methods: The study was carried out on 151 statin-naïve patients aged 40–64 years old without ASCVD. All patients underwent duplex scanning of the carotid arteries, lower limb arteries and abdominal aorta. Phenotyping and differentiation of neutrophil subpopulations were performed through flow cytometry (Navios 6/2, Beckman Coulter, USA). Results: The number of CD62LloCXCR4hi-neutrophils is known to be significantly higher in patients with subclinical atherosclerosis compared with patients without atherosclerosis (p = 0.006). An increase in the number of CD62LloCXCR4hi-neutrophils above cut-off values makes it possible to predict atherosclerosis in at least one vascular bed with sensitivity of 35.4–50.5% and specificity of 80.0–92.1%, in two vascular beds with sensitivity of 44.7–84.4% and specificity of 80.8–33.3%. Conclusion: In statin-naïve patients 40–64 years old without established ASCVD with subclinical atherosclerosis, there is an increase in circulating CD62LloCXCR4hi-neutrophils. It was also concluded that the increase in the number of circulating CD62LloCXCR4hi-neutrophils demonstrated moderate diagnostic efficiency (AUC 0.617–0.656) in relation to the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis, including polyvascular atherosclerosis.

An empirical study on measuring operating efficiency and revenue of real estate assets in the UAE using data envelopment analysis

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the performance efficiency of 56 real estate assets within the rental sector in the UAE to evaluate the relative operation efficiency in relation to revenue generation.Design/methodology/approachThe data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach was used to measure the relative operational efficiency of the studied assets in relation to the revenue performance. This method could produce a more informed and balanced approach to performance measurement.FindingsThe outcomes show that scores of efficiencies ranging from 7% to 99% in some of the models. The results showed that on average buildings are 75% relatively less efficient in maintenance, in term of revenue generation, than the benchmark set. Likewise, on average, the inefficient buildings are 60% relatively less efficient in insurance. Result also shows that 95% of the building assets in the sample are by and large operating at decreasing returns to scale. This implies that managers need to considerably reduce the operational resources (input) to improve the levels of revenue.Research limitations/implicationsThis study recommends that the FM operational variables that were found to inefficiently contribute to the revenue should be re-examined to test the validity of the findings. This is necessary before generalising or interpolating the results that are presented in this study.Practical implicationsThe information obtained about operational performance can help FM managers to understand which improvements in the productivity of inefficient FM resources are required, providing insight into how to reduce operating costs and increase revenue.Originality/valueThis paper adds value in using new FM operational parameters to evaluate the efficiency of the performance of built assets.

Genetic variation and parameters for growth and feed efficiency traits in Boran beef cattle in Kenya

A major drawback of improving feed efficiency in beef cattle enterprises is to identify measures of feed efficiency which do not require feed intake information on an individual animal basis. Kleiber Index, (KI) and relative growth rate (RGR) are alternative measures which do not need individual measurement of intake and can be used select for improved feed and growth efficiency in relation to their body size. The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for measures of feed efficiency and growth traits for the Boran beef cattle in Kenya. A total of 1348, 2209, 2183 and 2184 weight records were available for birth, weaning, yearling and 550-day weight records, respectively, were available for animals born between 1973 and 2019. The traits derived were growth rates (ADG), adjusted weights (WA), KI and RGR at weaning (205 days), yearling (365 days) and 550 days. Genetic parameters were estimated using a maternal genetic effects model. Direct heritability estimates for direct heritability estimates for ADG ranged from 0.12±0.04 for ADG205-365 to 0.27±0.02 for ADGB-205. Estimates for WA were in range of 0.05±0.05 at to 0.10±0.05 at 550 days. Estimates for KI were 0.13±0.05 at 205 to 0.29±0.05 at 550 days. For RGR estimate direct heritability at 205 was 0.21±0.05, 0.19±0.04 at 365 and 0.33±0.05 at 550 days. The direct-maternal genetic correlations for WA, ADG, KI and RGR at 205 days were -0.30±0.05, -0.30±0.04, 0.90±0.05 and -0.72±0.04, respectively. Alongside growth traits, Kleiber Index and residual growth rate had substantial heritability estimates, implying potential for improvement through selection.