Specific Index Research Articles

A complex network analysis of groundwater wells in and around the Doñana Natural Space, Spain

This paper proposes the use of Complex Network Analysis tools to study the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of groundwater abstraction wells within a region of interest. To that end a weighted undirected network connecting wells within a certain distance was built. The edge weights take into account the distance between the wells as well as their corresponding abstraction volumes. In addition to the conventional complex network metrics, two specific abstraction-based centrality indexes are proposed, based on the total impact of a groundwater abstraction well on its surrounding wells and on the total impact of surrounding wells on a specific location. The proposed approach has been applied to the area of the Doñana Natural Space, one of the most important wetlands in Europe. The topology of the network reveals a large number of small, disconnected components and a few large components. This is reflected also in the degree distribution, which follows a Power Law distribution. The network has a large average clustering coefficient, a small average path length and a low level of centralisation. Global and average local network efficiency are also high. The network is assortative in terms of degree-degree and strength-strength correlations. Eigenvector centrality of the nodes reveals the location of influential wells.

Systematic profiling and analysis of growth and development responsive DE-lncRNAs in cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba)

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial role in regulating genes involved in various processes including growth & development, flowering, and stress response in plants. The study aims to identify and characterize tissue-specific, growth & development and floral responsive differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs) in cluster bean from a high-throughput RNA sequencing data. We have identified 3309 DE-lncRNAs, with an average length of 818 bp. Merely, around 4 % of DE-lncRNAs across the tissues were found to be conserved as rate of evolution of lncRNAs is high. Among the identified DE-lncRNAs, 204 were common in leaf vs. shoot, leaf vs. flower and flower vs. shoot. A total of 60 DE-lncRNAs targeted 10 protein-coding genes involved in flower development and initiation processes. We investigated 179 tissue-specific DE-lncRNAs based on tissue specificity index. Three DE-lncRNAs: Cb_lnc_0820, Cb_lnc_0430, Cb_lnc_0260 and their targeted genes shown their involvement in floral development and stress mechanisms, which were validated by Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The identified DE-lncRNAs were expressed higher in flower bud than in leaf and similar expression pattern was observed in both RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR analyses. Notably, 362 DE-lncRNAs were predicted as eTM-lncRNAs with the participation of 84 miRNAs. Whereas 46 DE-lncRNAs were predicted to possess the internal ribosomal entry sites (IRES) and can encode for small peptides. The regulatory networks established between DE-lncRNAs, mRNAs and miRNAs have provided an insight into their association with plant growth & development, flowering, and stress mechanisms. Comprehensively, the characterization of DE-lncRNAs in various tissues of cluster bean shed a light on interactions among lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs and help understand their involvement in growth & development and floral initiation processes. The information retrieved from the analyses was shared in the public domain in the form of a database: Cb-DElncRNAdb, and made available at http://backlin.cabgrid.res.in/Cb-DElncRNA/index.php, which may be useful for the scientific community engaged in future breeding programs of cluster bean.

Evaluation of the Structure of Dry Soil, Subjected to Dynamic Load in Different Managements

The structural evaluation of agricultural soil is essential for the performance and quality of production. Soils suffer surface consolidation when subjected to agricultural machinery traffic and alter their physical characteristics according to the management to which it is subjected. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the physical indices and surface consolidation of a red oxisol subjected to different loads and types of management. Undeformed soil samples were collected from three areas with different management systems: no-tillage, crop-livestock--forest integrated system (CLFI), and pasture area. Traffic simulations were conducted with application of dynamic loads, using 0 pass, 1 pass, and 2 passes (0, 108, and 216 kpa), evaluating the physical indices of the soil's natural specific weight (yn), dry apparent specific weight (yd), void index (n), and porosity (e). Subsequently, the samples were subjected to uniaxial compression tests using loads (108, 216, 432, 864, and 1500 Kpa) to verify the surface consolidation. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with a 3x3x5 factorial scheme in sub-subdivided plots. Thus, we verified that the no-tillage management system has a more porous soil due to its characteristics, presenting lower resistance and being better for planting. CLFI was characterized as a management that allowed the soil to be more resistant to the application of loads and, therefore, less porous. Pasture has an intermediate behavior.

Prediction of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia development by the analysis of premature ventricular complex-related intervals on 24-hour rhythm monitoring and testing a novel index

Abstract Introduction Ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) are life- threatening arrhythmias, with non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) serving as a potential precursor. Identifying individuals at risk of NSVT is crucial for effective management and prevention of sudden cardiac death in high-risk patients. In daily clinical practice, premature ventricular complex (PVC) and sometimes NSVT are frequently detected on 24-hour ambulatory rhythm monitoring. Purpose In this study, we aimed to predict the development of NSVT by analyzing PVC morphology and intervals in 24- hour ambulatory rhythm monitorings. Methods A retrospective analysis of 24-hour ambulatory rhythm monitoring recordings from 2018 to 2023 was conducted. Inclusion criteria required clear measurement of PVC intervals, at least 100 PVC in the recording, and two preceding normal QRS beats. NSVT diagnosis was based on four consecutive PVC lasting <30 s and a rate >100/min. Various PVC-related parameters were analyzed, and new variables were derived. Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney U tests and ROC analysis. Results The study included 202 patients, revealing significant differences in several VES temporal variables between groups with only PVC (Group I) and PVC with NSVT (Group II). Notably, Age-Adjusted Sum of Intervals Index (AASI Index-(100 x [(Tp-to- QRSvpa)+(coupling time)+(Qtc1)]/age), long coupling times, extended Tp-to-QRSvpaintervals, and prolonged Tpe-vpa intervals were associated with NSVT development. Age played a pivotal role in predicting NSVT when integrated into a specific variable AASI index. The optimal cut-off value was 4.21, with 84% sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion The study suggests that ventricular arrhythmias may be predicted using temporal parameters of PVC, especially when age is included as a modifier. The AASI index calculated on a PVC and preceeding two normal beats on 24-hour ambulatory rhythm monitoring seems to be promising parameter. These findings hold potential for future development of artificial intelligence-based algorithms for use in any PVC to identify at-risk patient groups, provided larger datasets are utilized to refine predictive models.Variables included in the analysis for cDefinitions of variables and ROC curve

Automated non-invasive quantification of myocardial work using 3D echocardiography and validation with invasive catheter measurements

Abstract Background Myocardial work is an emerging technique for the assessment of left ventricular (LV) performance. Using blood pressure as an afterload determinate offers further insight into LV mechanics than can be detected with load-sensitive parameters of ejection fraction or global longitudinal strain (GLS). Observational studies have signalled benefit in identifying vulnerable ventricles in cardiomyopathy, valvular, and coronary disease. While the reference standard for calculating myocardial work is through catheterisation, this is impractical for routine assessment. Currently, a vendor specific non-invasive index of myocardial work is commercially available, but requires subjective manual analysis and identification of valvular events. With increasing availability of 3D echocardiography (3DE) and automated analysis techniques, there is potential to derive more reproducible estimates of myocardial work. Purpose We sought to test whether global myocardial work could be accurately, non-invasively, and automatically estimated using 3DE, in combination with standard non-invasive clinical measurements. Methods Patients undergoing left heart catheterisation as part of routine care were prospectively recruited, and 3DE was performed within one hour of invasive LV pressure measurement. A validated deep learning model was used to automatically analyse the 3DE image volumes to produce GLS curves, from which a smaller number of features (principal components) were extracted. The invasive pressure traces were separated into cycles, which were each paired with the strain trace that had the minimal difference in R-R interval (and excluded if the relative R-R interval difference exceeded 25%). For each patient, an invasively-derived estimate of myocardial work was calculated as the area enclosed by the median pressure-strain (PS) loop. A multivariate regression model was used to relate a set of routine clinical parameters to the invasively-derived myocardial work, and subsequently assessed using leave-one-out cross-validation. Results A total of 131 out of 153 patients were included for analysis (2 excluded due to R-R interval mismatch, 20 excluded due to poor image or pressure trace quality), with basic demographics presented in Table I. The final parameter set consisted of 6 variables: systolic and diastolic brachial cuff pressures, peak GLS, R-R interval, and two strain curve principal components. When fit into a leave-one-out model, this resulted in a Pearson r-value of 0.86, demonstrating a very high correlation between predicted and invasively-derived myocardial work estimates, with a bias of 0 mmHg% and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) of ± 423 mmHg% (Figure 1). Conclusion This study demonstrates that fully automated and reliable estimates of myocardial work can be derived using 3DE and deep learning combined with routine clinical parameters. Automated and non-invasive approaches may facilitate increased clinical uptake of myocardial work assessment.

The influence of epicardial resistance on Microvascular Resistance Reserve (MRR)

Abstract Background The optimal index of microvascular function should be specific for the microvascular compartment. Yet, coronary flow reserve (CFR), despite being widely used to diagnose coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), is influenced by both epicardial and microvascular resistance. Conversely, microvascular resistance reserve (MRR) adjusts for fractional flow reserve (FFR), and thus is theoretically independent of epicardial resistance. Purpose We tested the hypothesis that MRR, unlike CFR, is not influenced by increasing epicardial resistance, and thus is a more specific index of microvascular function. Methods In a cohort of 16 patients that had undergone proximal left anterior descending artery stenting, we created four grades of artificial stenosis (no stenosis, mild, moderate, and severe) using a coronary angioplasty balloon inflated to different degrees within the stent. For each stenosis grade, we calculated CFR and MRR using continuous thermodilution (64 measurements of each) in order to assess their response to changing epicardial resistance. Results Graded balloon inflation resulted in a significant sequential decrease in mean FFR (no stenosis: 0.82 ±0.05; mild: 0.72 ±0.04; moderate: 0.61 ±0.05; severe: 0.48 ±0.09, p<0.001). This translated into a linear decrease in mean hyperaemic coronary flow (no stenosis: 170.5 ±66.8 ml/min; mild: 149.8 ±58.8 ml/min; moderate: 124.4 ±53.0 ml/min; severe: 94.0 ±45.2 ml/min, p<0.001) (Figure 1). CFR exhibited a marked linear decrease with increasing stenosis (no stenosis: 2.5 ±0.9; mild: 2.2 ±0.8; moderate: 1.8 ±0.7; severe: 1.4 ±0.6), corresponding to a decrease of 0.3 for a decrease in FFR of 0.1 (p<0.001). Conversely, MRR exhibited a minimal decrease across all stenosis grades (no stenosis: 3.0 ±1.0; mild: 3.0 ±1.0; moderate: 2.9 ±1.0; severe: 2.8 ±1.0), corresponding to a decrease of just 0.05 for a decrease in FFR of 0.1 (p<0.001) (Figure 1). Conclusion MRR, unlike CFR, is minimally influenced by epicardial resistance, and thus should be considered the most specific index of microvascular function.Figure 1.Absolute blood flow (Q) vs FFRFigure 2.MRR/CFR vs FFR

Validity of specific CPT indices in differentiating school-aged children previously diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder from school-aged children with non-attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in general education classrooms: a case control study

BackgroundContinuous performance tests (CPTs) are a popular tool for evaluating the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Performance measurements are typically linked to the biological features and cognitive functions of individuals. To determine the validity of specific CPT indices in differentiating between school-aged children with ADHD from with non-ADHD, each student’s sex, chronological age, and cognitive abilities should be considered.MethodsIn this prospective case–control study, a total of 30 non-ADHD students and 26 with ADHD who were aged 6 to 12 years were from general education classrooms. All students completed the Continuous Performance Tests (CPTs) and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-revised (Mandarin-Chinese version). Demographic data were collected from the students’ parents.ResultsDetectability, Omissions, Commissions, and Hit Reaction Time Standard Deviation (HRT SD) yielded higher T-scores in children with ADHD than those without. Compared with non-ADHD students, those with ADHD had higher classification scores for Detectability, Omissions, Perseverations, and HRT SD. For each CPT index, after individual factors were controlled for, logistic regression revealed that only students with positive scores for Detectability, Omission, and HRT SD (adjusted odds ratios = 4.627, 9.977, and 3.908, Ps < 0.05) were likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD. Furthermore, after individual characteristics were controlled for, Logistic regression also revealed that the cumulative positive scores of the Detectability, Omission, or and HRT SD remained associated with an increased risk of ADHD (adjusted odds ratio = 3.116, P < 0.01).ConclusionsCompared with school-aged children with non-ADHD in general education classrooms, those with ADHD exhibited significantly lower performance in inattention-related CPT indices. To reach an accurate diagnosis through CPTs, clinicians should pay attention to Detectability, Omission, and HRT SD. Compared with other CPT indices, Detectability, Omission, and HRT SD may function as more suitable indicators for distinguishing between school-aged children with and non-ADHD in general education classrooms. These indicators are robust and unobscured by individual characteristics.

Usefulness of Atherogenic Indices for Predicting High Values of Avoidable Lost Life Years Heart Age in 139,634 Spanish Workers

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for one-third of all global deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) asserts that prevention is the most effective strategy to combat CVD, emphasizing the need for non-invasive, low-cost tools to identify individuals at high risk of CVD. Atherogenic indices and heart age (HA) are valuable tools for assessing cardiovascular risk (CVR). The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between atherogenic indices and HA. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 139,634 Spanish workers to determine the association between three atherogenic indices and HA. ROC curves were employed to identify the cut-off values for the various atherogenic indices used to estimate high HA. The cut-off points, along with their sensitivity, specificity, and Youden index, were determined, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Results: As the values of the atherogenic indices increased, so did the risk of having elevated avoidable lost life years (ALLY) HA. In the ROC curve analysis, the AUC with the best results corresponded to the total cholesterol/HDL-c atherogenic index, with an AUC of 0.803 in females and 0.790 in males. The LDL-c/HDL-c atherogenic index showed an AUC of 0.780 in women and 0.750 in men, with Youden indices around 0.4. When analyzing the AUC of the atherogenic index for triglycerides/HDL-c, the results were 0.760 in women and 0.746 in men. Conclusions: Atherogenic indices and HA show a close relationship, with an increase in these indices leading to a rise in HA values. Raising patient awareness that as their CVR levels increase, so does their HA may be useful in achieving some benefit in reducing CVR.

A comparative analysis of the evaluation system for comprehensive reform of agricultural water prices in China

Water is a fundamental natural resource that affects human and social development, and also plays an important role in modern agricultural production and food security. In China, agricultural water consumption accounts for the majority of the total water consumption. For a long time, China has not fully implemented water pricing and payment for agricultural water, and the lower agricultural water cost have led to the waste of water resource and the rapid conversion of agricultural water to other industries. In order to avoid agricultural water waste and achieve the goal of agricultural sustainable development, the Chinese government has launched a comprehensive reform of agricultural water prices nationwide since 2016. According to the plan, nowadays, the reform will faces overall evaluation and acceptance in 2024 and 2025. However, there is a lack of a relatively unified and flexible nationwide evaluation index system and acceptance measures. In this study, a comparative research of the evaluation system for comprehensive reform of agricultural water prices was developed. Based on existing evaluation and acceptance measures issued by four typical provincial regions, this study compared and analyzed the compliance and similarities and differences of these acceptance measures with national reform policies and requirements. From the aspects of evaluation procedure and index system, a systematic comparative analysis was conducted on the integrity and differences in the four regions. At the same time, suggestions were given for policy-making of national evaluation process and standard. The comparative analysis results showed that the evaluation indices in the four provincial regions have met all the key points of national reform policies and have a complete system, but there were significant differences in the structure of the evaluation index system in different provincial regions. It is recommended to establish a simple, relatively unified and practical national evaluation and acceptance system as soon as possible. In addition, evaluation criteria for individual specific indices should be determined by region based on the differences in economic capacity and agricultural water conservancy facilities conditions.

Preparation of bimetallic calcium chromatite nanocomposite using Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract for inducing apoptosis in human cancer cell lines

Abstract Despite the widespread industrial use of chromium-based compounds, there are concerns regarding their toxicity in biomedical applications. Herein, bimetallic calcium chromatite nanocomposite (CC) was prepared through green synthesis using Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract. A porous nanorod of CC was obtained through calcinations at 800oC. The formation of CC was confirmed by SEM (scanning electron microscopy), EDAX (Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy), HRTEM (High-resolution transmission electron microscopy), TGA (Thermal gravimetric analysis), and BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller). The cytotoxicity of the CC was evaluated by the MTT method against cancer lines (HeLa, U87, A549) and primary cell line (HUVEC). The IC50 value of CC against cancer cell lines was lower than the primary cell lines. The calculated specificity index was greater than one, indicating that this CC might target cancer cells without the use of a targeting moiety. Gene expression studies revealed that CC upregulated the proapoptotic gene, BAX and downregulated the anti-apoptotic gene, Bcl-2, to induce apoptosis. The KDR and VEGF genes responsible for angiogenesis were down-regulated, indicating that CC decreases angiogenesis to promote apoptosis. The findings suggest CC prepared using phytoextract could be considered an adjuvant cancer therapy treatment.

Model for estimating red mulberry leaf area using a genetic algorithm

The success of sericulture depends directly on the quality and quantity of mulberry leaves, as it is essential for the feeding and development of silkworm caterpillars and, consequently, influences the quality of the silk thread manufactured. The estimation of mulberry leaf area is important to have plant development and growth indicators, such as transpiration intensity, net assimilation rate, leaf area ratio, specific leaf area and leaf area index, which allow predicting crop productivity. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop and test a model capable of estimating the red mulberry leaf area using a genetic algorithm. The model was adjusted with the proposed stochastic optimization method. The mean error found for the tested dataset was approximately 228.17 mm2 in sample space with mean leaf area of 6515.55 mm2. The information generated allows applying the model to estimate red mulberry leaf area in future studies.

Effects of Substituting Fishmeal with Soy Protein Concentrate Supplemented with Essential Amino Acids in the Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) Diet on the Expression of Genes Related to Growth, Stress, Immunity, and Digestive Enzyme.

This study identified the effects of substituting fishmeal (FM) with soy protein concentrate (SPC) supplemented with lysine and methionine in the olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) diet on the expression of genes related to growth, stress, immunity, and digestion. Three experimental diets were prepared; the control diet (Con) contained 60% FM, and the experimental diets contained 25% (SPC25) and 50% (SPC50) FM replaced by SPC. After the 140-day feeding period, weight gain, specific growth rate, feed availability, biological indices, and chemical composition of the muscle were not significantly affected by the dietary treatments. The gene expression levels of growth-related genes (IGF, GFB-3), immune-related genes (IL-8 and caspase), and stress-related genes (SOD, GPX, PRX, TRX) were higher in Con fish than in those fed the SPC25 and SPC50 diets. Chymo-TRY2, TRY2, and TRY3 in the stomach of fish fed the SPC25 diet were higher than fish fed the Con or SPC50 diets. TRY2 and lipase of fish fed the SPC25 diet were higher than those of fish fed the other diets but TRY3 was not significantly affected by the treatments in the intestine. In conclusion, substituting 25% FM with SPC was the most effective diet for the expression of growth, immune, stress, and digestive enzyme genes.

Assessing the development of a human-centered economy in Russia: A methodological approach

Aim. To build and sub stantiate the author’s methodology for assessing the development of human-centered economy. In view of the insufficiency of theoretical and empirical research in the field of formation and development of economy for human beings, the demand for this scientific research is actualized in order to better meet human needs.Objectives. To develop a methodology for assessing the development of human-centered economy; to test it on the example of the Russian Federation (RF), including Russian regions.Methodology. The methodological basis of the study was formed by the provisions of the theory of human-centered economy. The methods used include normalization, linear scaling, and “series of information criteria” methods. Visualization of the obtained results was carried out on the basis of spatial modeling software package GeoDA. The information base was the data of the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat), the Unified Interdepartmental Information and Statistical System, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation, Rospatent for 2018-2022.Results. The methodology for calculating the integral index of human-centered economy development has been developed. It was calculated by integrating 87 specific indices and eight subindices. The process of research revealed that this economic system is at the initial stages of development with isogressive-regressive trajectory, has insignificantly developed constituent components in the form of creative and cognitive spheres.Conclusions. The proposed methodology provides a basis for further scientific research in similar studies, as well as for the formation of targeted measures to support the challenging spheres of human activity and human-centered economy as a whole.

Integrating Surface-related Indicators of Coverage, Distance and Distribution for Quantifying Scan-to-BIM Confidence Level

Abstract. Scan-to-BIM is a widely-used approach to generate Building Information Modelling and by extension Digital Twin models in the architecture, engineering, and construction sector. The resulting models need to be as accurate as possible to ensure subsequent activities that make use of them can do so effectively. Quality assessment of point clouds and occlusion assessment of BIM outputted from Scan-to-BIM has been investigated. However, Scan-to-BIM systems currently do not provide proper metrics as to the confidence the user can have in the quality, in particular geometric quality of the outputted model. This paper addresses this gap by introducing a confidence index, for analysing the reliability of the generated 3D models and thereby quantifying the confidence the user can have in them. Index of confidence is itself derived from three more specific indices: index of coverage estimates the portion of the surface of the modelled element that is explained by the input point cloud. Index of distribution estimates how well the points explaining the modelled surfaces are distributed around the overall object’s surface. Index of distance defines the closeness of the generated element models to the input point cloud. The proposed indices are assessed using three real examples, demonstrating their adequacy.

Addition of Tilburg frailty indicator to the classic Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk score improves its prognostic value in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Since the proper risk stratification in the growing population of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is challenging, the potential advantage of adding the elements of geriatric assessment to the commonly used Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) scale in predicting the risk of 6-month death requires investigation. The study group included 196 patients aged ≥65 years (mean age 74.4 years), hospitalized for ACS. The risk of 6-months mortality was assessed with the GRACE scale, the frailty syndrome (FS) using the Tilburg Frailty Indicator questionnaire, the cognitive impairment (CI) using the Polish adaptation of the Mini Mental State Examination and multimorbidity with the CAD specific index. After 6 months, a follow-up telephone call was performed. To enable the assessment of whether adding TFI, MMSE, CAD specific index to the GRACE scale improves its prognostic value, normalization was carried out. In relation to GRACE (AUC 0.713), combination of GRACE (norms) and TFI (norms) had higher predictive power for 6 months mortality (AUC = 0.737). The risk of death was seven times greater [RR = 7.02] in patients with >55.8 points in the test based on GRACE and TFI score. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis the model based on GRACE 2.0, TFI and MMSE (the lowest AIC value) was best-performing in risk of death prediction. Adding the FS assessment to the traditional GRACE scale improves its prognostic value in elderly with ACS.

Assessment of Student Quality of Life in Relation to University Campus

Background: There exists a scarcity of comprehensive studies on educational campuses, which integrate the effects of built environment satisfaction, university life experiences, and personal characteristics on QoL. The study’s main research problem is to investigate the extent, direction, and sequence of the influence of university life satisfaction (encompassing academic, social, and administrative perception)—as well as the university’s built environment of university (including both indoor and outdoor attributes of educational, social, recreational, and residential settings), in conjunction with student characteristics—on students’ QoL and the interactions among these factors. Aim: The main objective is to comprehensively analyze the impact and dominance of the built environment and various dimensions of university life, in addition to personal variables on student QoL, and explore the interaction between them. The sub-aims are to determine the dimensions that have the greatest effect on QoL and to make comparisons between them. Methodology: In line with the aim, a specific index for measuring student QoL on a university campus was developed, and a survey was conducted using a questionnaire developed based on the index. The case study is made in Bursa Uludag University, one of the oldest universities in Bursa, Turkey, which is known for being included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Data were recorded and analyzed by utilizing statistical analyses via SPSS (statistical package for social sciences) for Windows 22 and IBM AMOS 24.0 programs. Results: The data collected from the evaluation of questionnaires administered to 685 participants reveal that the sub-dimensions with the most-to-least impact on students’ QoL are satisfaction with campus life, education spaces, academic development, socio-physical amenities, social perception, administrative management, accessibility, transportation, and accommodation. Conclusions: QoL is a multidimensional judgment through which university students’ QOL perceptions are affected through the interaction between the university’s built environment, university life, individual characteristics, as well as administrative management.

Modulation of Brain Activities in Healthy Individuals by Acupuncture at Quchi (LI11).

This research investigated the modulation of acupuncture at Quchi (LI11) on the brain activities in healthy individuals. Sub-bands power and EEG microstate analysis were carried out at pre-acupuncture, acupuncture, needle retaining and post-acupuncture periods in both the acupuncture group (n = 16) and control group (n = 18). Four microstate classes (A-D) were derived from the clustering procedure. Regression analysis was conducted, together with a two-way repeated measures ANOVA, which was then followed by Bonferroni correction. In the acupuncture group, we found the beta power during the acupuncture periods was significantly reduced. The channel-by-channel analysis revealed that acupuncture at LI11 mainly altered the power of delta, theta, and alpha waves in specific brain regions. The delta power increased predominantly in parietal, occipital, and central lobes, while theta and alpha power decreased predominantly in temporal, frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes. During the acupuncture period, participants in the acupuncture group showed a significant increase in both duration and contribution of microstate A, as well as the bidirectional transition probabilities A and B/D. Microstate analysis showed that acupuncture at LI11 significantly enhances the activity of microstate A and potentially strengthens the functional connectivity between the auditory network and either the visual network or the dorsal attention network. These correlational results indicate that acupuncture at LI11 mainly affects activities of the frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes. These findings highlight the potential of microstate as neuroimaging evidence and a specific index for elucidating the neuromodulatory effects of acupuncture at LI11.

Association between obesogenic environments and childhood overweight/obesity across the United States: Differences by rurality.

Childhood obesity is more prevalent in rural compared to urban communities and may be related to urban-rural differences in environmental factors known to affect obesity. However, understanding of how environmental factors impact childhood obesity in rural settings remains limited. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring the relationship between obesogenic environments and childhood overweight/obesity rates, including variations across the urban-rural continuum. This study analyzed data for counties in the United States (N = 3140). Linear regression models were employed to examine the relationship between the Childhood Obesogenic Environment Index, which consisted of ten variables from a variety of sources associated with physical activity and healthy eating, and childhood overweight/obesity rates estimates derived from the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health. County rurality was categorized using Rural-Urban Continuum Codes and a moderation analysis was conducted to identify potential variations by rurality. There was a significant positive association between the COEI and childhood overweight/obesity rates nationally, with notable variations across the urban-rural continuum for specific index components. Neighborhood walkability showed a significant positive association across rurality, indicating that childhood overweight/obesity rates were higher in less walkable communities. Full-service restaurants exhibited an inverse relationship with childhood overweight/obesity rates across all RUCC levels. These results underscore the obesogenic environmental factors associated with childhood overweight/obesity rates nationally and how they vary across the urban-rural continuum. This study highlights the importance of considering these variations when designing interventions to address childhood obesity.

Fluorescence and Hyperspectral Sensors for Nondestructive Analysis and Prediction of Biophysical Compounds in the Green and Purple Leaves of Tradescantia Plants

The application of non-imaging hyperspectral sensors has significantly enhanced the study of leaf optical properties across different plant species. In this study, chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) and hyperspectral non-imaging sensors using ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared shortwave infrared (UV-VIS-NIR-SWIR) bands were used to evaluate leaf biophysical parameters. For analyses, principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) were used to predict eight structural and ultrastructural (biophysical) traits in green and purple Tradescantia leaves. The main results demonstrate that specific hyperspectral vegetation indices (HVIs) markedly improve the precision of partial least squares regression (PLSR) models, enabling reliable and nondestructive evaluations of plant biophysical attributes. PCA revealed unique spectral signatures, with the first principal component accounting for more than 90% of the variation in sensor data. High predictive accuracy was achieved for variables such as the thickness of the adaxial and abaxial hypodermis layers (R2 = 0.94) and total leaf thickness, although challenges remain in predicting parameters such as the thickness of the parenchyma and granum layers within the thylakoid membrane. The effectiveness of integrating ChlF and hyperspectral technologies, along with spectroradiometers and fluorescence sensors, in advancing plant physiological research and improving optical spectroscopy for environmental monitoring and assessment. These methods offer a good strategy for promoting sustainability in future agricultural practices across a broad range of plant species, supporting cell biology and material analyses.

Assessment of the Position of North Adriatic Terminals in Container Market Based on Different Indices

Background: This paper addresses the common question of how service providers compare to their competitors and what their competitive advantages are. It focuses on the North Adriatic ports of Trieste, Koper, Rijeka, Venice, and Ravenna, all members of the North Adriatic Ports Association, analyzing their position, size, competitiveness, and role in the container market. Methods: The research employs three distinct methods: market structure analysis using several concentration indices, the R method for ranking terminals, and aggregation of these indices to create a combined index for port performance. Results: Based on the rankings, indicators, the BCG matrix, and future development plans for each terminal, the ports are ranked as follows: Koper, Rijeka, Trieste, Venice, and Ravenna. Koper emerges as the leader, positioned in the high market share and strong growth category. This advantageous position allows Koper to efficiently attract traffic without requiring substantial investments. Conclusions: The contribution of the work is that the specific measure indices were applied, which were not used in the analysis of the North Adriatic container terminals until now. The research provides both a broad and detailed understanding of the position, role, and condition of each terminal. This insight enables stakeholders to take timely, strategic actions aimed at boosting productivity and traffic, ultimately improving their competitive standing.