Action Level Research Articles

Developing a Framework for Evaluating Student's Understanding at Figural Pattern Generalization

Figural patterns have a unique capacity to promote functional thinking. This study aimed to identify the mental constructs of 7th-grade students in Figural Pattern Generalization (FPG) by using the Action, Process, Object, Schema (APOS) theory in order to develop a framework for evaluating students' understanding of FPG. A sample of 220 students completed a test designed based on the APOS framework and 19 students participated in a semi-structured interview. Results showed that there are emergent and partial action levels before the action stage and pre-emergent, and partial process/object levels before the process/object stage.

Bilingual heritage language learning in China: Applying the Douglas Fir Group's transdisciplinary framework

AbstractThrough the application of the Douglas Fir Group's transdisciplinary framework, this study investigated how three levels of mutually dependent influence (i.e., the micro level of social action and interaction, meso level of sociocultural institutions and communities, and macro level of ideological structures) operate across time and space to shape a bilingual heritage language learner's study‐abroad (SA) experiences. Data were collected from standardized proficiency tests; language contact profiles; pre‐ and midprogram surveys; and interviews with the learner, classroom instructors, tutor–roommates, host family members, and the director of the SA program. The transdisciplinary framework enabled this study to expand its research focus and analytical scope, demonstrating that language learning was mediated by the three levels of mutually dependent influence in a dynamic and complex manner. This study has generated a richer understanding of multilayered complexity in heritage language development, advanced bilingual performance and proficiency, and bilingualism in language education and society.

Reasons for Optimism About Academic Medicine's Actions Against Climate Change.

Since the first mention of climate change in Academic Medicine in 2009, the pace of the climate crisis has accelerated, its impacts on every facet of planetary health have grown more severe, and the urgency for humans to act has become more dire. Medical schools, teaching hospitals and health systems, universities, affiliated organizations, and the millions of people who traverse the halls of these institutions as leaders, physicians, scientists, educators, learners, patients and families, and community members have an obligation to respond. In this commentary, the authors describe 3 reasons they are optimistic that academic medicine will continue to act against climate change. First, the mission of academic medicine, inherently aligned with climate action, propels teaching hospitals and health systems to address climate change to improve the health of patients, families, and communities. Second, younger generations of learners, faculty, and staff who populate the workforce increasingly desire, and often demand, to work at institutions that are aligned with their personal values for climate action. Third, broader forces are pushing academic medicine forward in action against climate change. Economic factors will continue to reduce the cost and increase the return on investment of climate-smart facilities, purchased goods and services, fuel, transportation, food systems, and waste management. The authors are optimistic but not complacent. Current levels of climate action in academic medicine are not nearly enough. Faculty, staff, learners, leaders, patients and families, and community partners can and must apply a "climate lens" to everything they do: weave climate solutions into education, patient care, research, community collaborations, operations, and supply chain and facility management; integrate climate actions into strategic thinking, planning, and doing; address health inequities and climate injustice; and leverage their trusted voices to press for climate action and climate justice in the health sector and in society.

Indoor radon concentration levels in some selected offices at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria and its attendant annual effective dose

Although radon concentrations in outdoor environments are generally low, the indoor concentrations can become appreciably high thereby affecting the indoor air quality and causing some severe health challenges. Thirty (30) offices from the ground floor and first floor of some buildings within Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) University campus, Lapai Nigeria, were randomly selected for indoor radon concentration (CRn) measurement using RAD7 continuous radon monitor. Annual effective dose was also computed to determine the level of public exposure. The results showed that radon concentration values for all the offices on the ground floor ranged between 9.6±2.7 Bqm−3 and 90.7±8.1 Bqm−3, with mean value of 28.5±4.8 Bqm−3 while the range of radon concentration at first floor was 2.5±1.4 Bqm−3 - 80.4±7.5 Bqm−3. All the measured indoor radon concentration levels were less than the 100 Bqm−3 action level proposed by World Health Organization (WHO). Average annual absorbed dose for both ground and first floors were 0.36±0.06 mSvy−1 and 0.24±0.05 mSvy−1 respectively, with corresponding mean annual effective dose of 0.86±0.15 mSvy−1 and 0.58±0.11 mSvy−1 in sequence. These values were below the 1.0 mSvy−1 safety limit set for public. Although the results did not suggest any immediate exposure threat to the public, it is important that the University staffs are adequately informed of indoor radon levels and its attendant health hazards. Improved and adequate ventilation of all the office buildings is highly encouraged in order to keep the radon levels as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).

Gambaran Tingkat Pengetahuan, Sikap Tindakan terhadap Tablet Fe, dan Status Gizi pada Remaja Putri Anemia

Background : Anemia is a body condition in which the level of hemoglobin in the blood is below normal or is experiencing a decrease. Based on the 2018 Riskesdas data, the prevalence of anemia in adolescents is 32%, meaning that 3-4 out of 10 adolescents suffer from anemia. The percentage of young women consuming iron tablets <52 was 98.6%, while young women consuming iron tablets > 52 was 1.4% (Ministry of Health, 2018). Research Methods: The research method used is analytic observational, with a cross-sectional research design. The sample used was 33 young women who had anemia. Research Results: Description of the level of knowledge is 10 (30.3%). Less than 13 people (39.4%) and 10 students who have a good level of knowledge (30.3%). The average attitude level is 14 (42.4%). The attitude level is less than 5 (15.2%) and 5 students have a good attitude level (15.2%). Description Action Level is being there are 9 people (27.3%). Less action rate as many as 19 students (57.6%). Good action as much as 5 students (15.2%). The nutritional status description of the sample is 27 female students who have a good nutritional status level (82%). There were 2 undernourished students (6%), 2 students who were in the overnutrition category (6%), 2 students who were in the Obesity category (6%). Conclusion: The highest level of knowledge is in the less category, 13 people with a percentage of 39%. The highest level of attitude in the medium category is 14 people with a percentage of 42.4%. and the highest level of action was in the less category, namely 57.6%, and the highest nutritional status was in the good category, namely 27 people with a percentage of 82%. Keywords: Level of Knowledge, Attitudes, Actions, Nutritional Status, Anemia, and Young Women.

Contextualizing the work-family experiences of women in the Nigerian banking industry

ABSTRACT At the intersection of culture, ethnicity, gender, and religion, this paper offers insights into the lived experiences of Nigerian women by adopting Nkomo and Ngambi’s multilevel framework on African women’s leadership to understand their work-family experiences in the Nigerian banking sector. Employing data from interviews with eleven Northern women and ten Southern women who live in the following states: Kano, Kaduna; Akure, Lagos, Ibadan; and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, the findings confirm the existence of patriarchal systems at the macro (social), meso (organizational), and micro (individual) levels of social action that shape Nigerian women’s work-family experiences. Nevertheless, as tradition and modernity interact to provide a hybrid social space within which these women negotiate the different levels, they demonstrated the ability to redefine femininity and womanhood and reject constraints that confine them. The women from both regions resisted conformity to the patriarchal systematic ideologies and cultural processes that placed them in a disadvantaged position. Despite social and cultural criticisms that restrict women’s movement and career options, their agency was evident in their narratives.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and postural analysis of beekeepers

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) lead to fatigue and decreased productivity in workers, resulting in the need for many affected individuals to seek medical treatment annually. Beekeepers, like other agricultural workers, are susceptible to WRMSDs due to the continuous demands of their work and the repetitive movements involved. Thus, the objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of WRMSDs and assess the level of risk associated with different postures among beekeepers to improve their musculoskeletal health. To achieve this, a cross-sectional study was conducted involving 33 beekeepers, consisting of two stages. Firstly, the Nordic Questionnaire was utilized to assess the prevalence of WRMSDs. Subsequently, the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) was employed to analyze and categorize the riskiest postures into four levels of corrective measures. The findings indicate that the most commonly affected areas were the back (51.5%) and waist (45.4%). The occurrence of WRMSDs in various body regions was significantly associated with the beekeepers’ years of experience and weekly working hours. Additionally, the prevalence of neck and back pain was significantly related to their body mass index (BMI). The OWAS postural analysis revealed that the back (36.75%) and arm (21.08%) regions required corrective measures as soon as possible (level III), while the back (26.47%) and legs (14.70%) fell under the category of corrective measures needed in the near future (level II). Combining the postural analysis results, 28.43% were classified as Action Levels (AL) II, 37.73% as level III, and 0.98% as level IV. This study demonstrates that WRMSDs are relatively common among beekeepers, primarily due to their extensive work experience and the adoption of awkward postures during their tasks. As a result, recommendations regarding ergonomics and physiotherapy are provided to alleviate pain and reduce the strain on critical postures.

Perceptions of older adults and generativity among older citizens in Japan: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

As the population ages worldwide, including in Japan, there is a growing expectation for older adults to remain active participants in society. The act of sharing one's experiences and knowledge with younger generations through social engagement not only enriches the lives of older individuals, but also holds significant value for our society. In this study, we examined both positive and negative perceptions of older adults and investigated the correlation between these perceptions and generativity among older citizens. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of life satisfaction on these factors. We conducted a survey of 100 older adults in Japan (mean age, 71.68 years) and utilized multiple regression analyses, using positive and negative perceptions of older adults, life satisfaction, and demographic factors as independent variables. The sub-categories of generativity-namely, generative action, concern, and accomplishment-were used as dependent variables. Participants who held a more positive perception of older adults demonstrated a higher level of generative actions and concerns. Additionally, participants who reported higher levels of life satisfaction also exhibited more generative actions, concerns, and accomplishments. Conversely, those who held a more negative perception of older adults were found to have higher levels of generative actions. Enhancing positive perceptions of older adults among them can boost the sub-categories of generativity. This study, which was conducted from an exploratory perspective, has several limitations, including a potential sampling bias. A more comprehensive examination of the relationship between perceptions of older adults and generativity is anticipated in future research.

Efficient coastal inundation early-warning system for low-lying atolls, dealing with lagoon and ocean side inundation in Tarawa, Kiribati

Tarawa is a low-lying atoll in the Gilbert Island group, capital of the Republic of Kiribati and home of nearly 70.000 inhabitants. With limited land area, rapid population growth and urbanization, strong interannual sea level variability induced by ENSO and sea level rise, Tarawa is highly vulnerable to coastal flooding. In this context, Early Warning Systems are a proven cost-effective climate adaptation measure to strengthen community resilience. In virtually enclosed atolls, the water level experienced at the shore is compounded by tides, sea level anomaly, storm surge and the contribution of waves. While wave setup and runup, are the primary components driving inundation along the ocean-facing shorelines, sea level anomaly, wind setup and wave pumping through the atoll rim contributes more inside lagoons. In this paper we present an efficient process-based approach to forecast flooding events along both, the ocean and lagoon coasts of atoll islands. With the intention of being highly scalable to other island countries, the system has been designed as a lightweight and accurate tool, that provides actionable and user-friendly water level predictions 7 days in advance. Publicly available global forecast products are ingested by a high-resolution wave model and tailor-made metamodels to translate ocean forcings to water levels at the shore. In absence of a comprehensive topography dataset, extreme value distributions of 27-year hourly water levels were evaluated every 500 m along the coast to define and communicate different levels of warnings according to the recurrence interval of the forecasted event. The long-term wave climate, nearshore wave transformation, and water levels produced under this work increase Tarawa's risk knowledge and support informed investments and future development strategies. While this system will significantly enhance ocean services in Kiribati, improving baseline data still remains a critical need for government and communities to support informed decision making to better cope with increased coastal hazards.

Relationship among serum levels of IL-6, sIL-6R, s gp130 and CD126 on T-cell in HIV-1 infected and uninfected men participating in the Los Angeles Multi-Center AIDS Cohort Study.

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) activates cells through its unique heterodimeric signaling complex of IL-6 receptor (IL6R) subunit and interleukin 6 signal transducer β-subunit glycoprotein 130 (gp130). The objective of this study was to investigate associations among serum levels of IL-6, sIL-6R, sgp130 and relative fluorescence intensity (RFI) of the α-subunit of the IL-6 receptor (CD126) on T-cells of HIV-1 infected and uninfected men. Blood samples were obtained from 69 HIV-1-infected men on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) with mean age of 49.1 and 52 HIV-1-uninfected with mean age of 54.3 years -. All men were participating in the Los Angeles Multi-Center AIDS Cohort Study (MACS). Serum levels of IL-6, sIL-6R, sgp130 were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassays and T-cell phenotypic analysis and RFI of CD126 on CD4+ and CD8+ by flow cytometry. Mean serum levels of IL-6, sIL6R, sgp130 and of CD126 RFI on CD4+ were 4.34 pg/mL, 39.3 ng/mL, 349 ng/mL and 526 RFI respectively for HIV-1-infected men and 2.74 pg/mL, 41.9 ng/mL, 318 ng/mL and 561 RFI respectively for HIV-1-uninfected men. The mean serum concentrations of IL-6, sIL-6R in HIV-1-infected and uninfected men were not significantly different (p>0.05). There was a positive correlation between plasma HIV-1 RNA and the levels of IL-6 (p<0.001), sIL6R (p = 0.002) but no correlation with sgp130 (p = 0.339). In addition, there was a negative correlation between serum levels of IL-6 with RFI of CD126 on CD4+ (p = 0.037) and a positive correlation between serum levels of sgp130 (p = 0.021) and sIL-6R in HIV-1-infected men. Knowledge of biological variation, differences in the blood levels of biomarkers among healthy individuals and individuals experiencing illness, are very important for selection of appropriate tests for stage and progression of disease. Our data suggest no correlation among IL-6, and sIL-R6, in the treated phase of HIV-1 infection. The action and blood level of IL-6 and its receptors may be different at each stage of a disease progression.

Sensitivity and specificity of Monte Carlo based independent secondary dose computation for detecting modulation-related dose errors in intensity modulated radiotherapy

BackgroundThe recent availability of Monte Carlo based independent secondary dose calculation (ISDC) for patient-specific quality assurance (QA) of modulated radiotherapy requires the definition of appropriate, more sensitive action levels, since contemporary recommendations were defined for less accurate ISDC dose algorithms. PurposeThe objective is to establish an optimum action level and measure the efficacy of a Monte Carlo ISDC software for pre-treatment QA of intensity modulated radiotherapy treatments. MethodsThe treatment planning system and the ISDC were commissioned by their vendors from independent base data sets, replicating a typical real-world scenario. In order to apply Receiver-Operator-Characteristics (ROC), a set of treatment plans for various case classes was created that consisted of 190 clinical treatment plans and 190 manipulated treatment plans with dose errors in the range of 1.5–2.5%. All 380 treatment plans were evaluated with ISDC in the patient geometry. ROC analysis was performed for a number of Gamma (dose-difference/distance-to-agreement) criteria. QA methods were ranked according to Area under the ROC curve (AUC) and optimum action levels were derived via Youden’s J statistics. ResultsOverall, for original treatment plans, the mean Gamma pass rate (GPR) for Gamma(1%, 1 mm) was close to 90%, although with some variation across case classes. The best QA criterion was Gamma(2%, 1 mm) with GPR > 90% and an AUC of 0.928. Gamma criteria with small distance-to-agreement had consistently higher AUC. GPR of original treatment plans depended on their modulation degree. An action level in terms of Gamma(1%, 1 mm) GPR that decreases with modulation degree was the most efficient criterion with sensitivity = 0.91 and specificity = 0.95, compared with Gamma(3%, 3 mm) GPR > 99%, sensitivity = 0.73 and specificity = 0.91 as a commonly used action level. ConclusionsISDC with Monte Carlo proves highly efficient to catch errors in the treatment planning process. For a Monte Carlo based TPS, dose-difference criteria of 2% or less, and distance-to-agreement criteria of 1 mm, achieve the largest AUC in ROC analysis

Changes in students’ mental constructions of function transformations through the APOS framework

This study aims to examine the changes in students’ mental constructions of function transformation based on the designed activities, classroom discussions, exercises (ACE) teaching cycle in the light of the action, process, object, schema (APOS) theoretical framework. The study was conducted by seven volunteer students who were enrolled in mathematics teacher education program. The data consisted of video records of the designed teaching sessions, students’ worksheets and the researcher’s field notes. The results indicated that ACE teaching cycle was effective in developing students’ mental constructions of function transformation through sequential activities. Even though all the students initially did not reveal evidence for sufficient theoretical or practical knowledge on function transformation, which was evidence of their action level, through the process, it became evident that all the students provided evidence regarding at least their process level of function transformations. Some of the students also showed evidence related to their object levels of function transformations.

Uncovering student errors in measures of dispersion: An APOS theory analysis in high school statistics education

Despite statistics learning becoming more important during this information explosion era, many students still deem the subject complex and challenging. Measures of dispersion, a critical component of statistical knowledge that students often struggle with, have received little attention in research on statistics education. The goal of this study was to uncover students' errors in solving problems involving measures of dispersion by examining students’ response in the diagnostic test through the lens of APOS theory. The participants consisted of 85 grade 11 high school students and were then divided into three groups according to their performance to better understand the difficulties and errors made by students from different cognitive levels. The findings revealed that majority of low achievers operate at the action level, as indicated by the numerous conceptual errors discovered during the test. These students have limited conceptual understanding on the topic which required proper remedial from the educators. The study's results are discussed, as well as potential implications for education.

Personality Factors and Health Beliefs Related to Attitudes Toward Wearing Face Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract: Background: The COVID-19 virus is a worldwide pandemic health emergency. Although preventative measures have been put in place in an attempt to control its spread, their implementation has been met with resistance. Aims: To verify the nature of the health belief and personality factors associated with favorable attitudes toward face-mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Methods: A sample of N = 680 completed an online survey that included attitudes toward wearing face masks, measures of both malevolent (Machiavellianism, grandiose narcissism, and psychopathy) and benevolent (socially responsible) personality traits, along with a set of health beliefs surrounding COVID-19 (perceived severity and susceptibility, etc.) and the use of face masks (perceived benefits and barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy). Results: Lower perceived susceptibility, lower perceived benefits, and higher perceived barriers to face-mask use, being more motivated by cues to action, being female, and lower levels of grandiose narcissism were uniquely related to more favorable attitudes toward wearing face masks. The relation between socially responsible personality and mask-wearing attitudes was moderated by perceived severity. Namely, higher levels of socially responsible personality predicted more favorable attitudes but only when perceived severity was also high (with the reverse being evident for those who perceived the severity as being low). Limitations: The data relies on self-reports obtained cross-sectionally from a sample of university students. Conclusions: This study sheds light on the link between pro-mask attitudes and both benevolent/malevolent personality traits and the social-contextual factors related to the enactment of preventative health behaviors.

Data Driven Approach to Exactrac Setup Parameters after CBCT for Cranial Radiotherapy

The purpose of this study is to 1) Determine the congruence of shifts derived from Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) and from Exactrac dynamic KV X-rays 2) To setup action levels for Exactrac imaging to determine if patient potentially moved between CBCT and Exactrac acquisition and 3) To analyze if Exactrac alone can be reliably used for cranial setup forgoing the CBCT step MATERIALS/METHODS: Exactrac dynamic, uses in-room KV X-ray imaging that is mounted on the floor to monitor patient positioning during treatment. The congruence of imaging and radiation isocenter for the LINAC and Exactrac system was verified using the Winston-Lutz (WL) test over a period of one year. The WL pointer was set up and its coincidence with imaging and radiation isocenter was confirmed. Exactrac images were then acquired at various couch angles and the pointer deviation from Exactrac imaging isocenter is noted. Secondly, translation and rotation shifts for 175 consecutive cranial cases were examined to determine the deviation between shifts as denoted by CBCT and Exactrac. These patients were initially set up using CBCT and then once in treatment position, Exactrac KV images were acquired to check for any deviation. The deviation between the two systems was collected and a Kolomogorov-Smirnov (KS) test was performed on the data to check for the normality of the distribution. Statistical Process Control (SPC) was performed to derive action levels for Exactrac based shifts after CBCT. Based on repeated Winston-Lutz tests over a period of one year, the maximum deviation between radiation and imaging isocenters and Exactrac isocenter was 0.3mm and 0.3 deg over all couch angles. This number remained stable over the entire time period without necessitating any recalibration of Exactrac isocenter. Based on patient data for cranial cases, the mean and standard deviations for the largest shifts were (0.45 mm, 0.40 mm) for translations (range 0 - 2.03mm) and (0.44 deg and 0.32 deg) for rotations (range 0 - 2.21 degree). Using SPC, it was decided that the action level for translations and rotations could be set to 0.8mm and 0.5 deg respectively. Any deviation beyond this action level necessitates re-imaging to verify that the patient did not move in between the CBCT and Exactrac imaging acquisitions CONCLUSION: Exactrac system derived shifts show excellent agreement with CBCT. The isocentricity of the systems is maintained over a long period of time and shows no drift. Either system can be reliably used to set up cranial patients. With the added advantage of speed of acquisition, matching and shifts, the Exactrac system could replace CBCT for daily setup of patients undergoing cranial radiotherapy.

ERGONOMIC ANALYSIS OF PRUNING TREES IN CONFLICT WITH POWER LINES

Ergonomic analysis of pruning trees in conflict with power lines. Pruning trees in conflict with power lines is associated with several ergonomic risks due to postural issues and exposure to environmental conditions, such as noise and vibration in work activities. Additionally, there are life-threatening risks from falls or contact with power lines. The objective of this work was to apply the Ergonomic Workplace Analysis (EWA) method and assess the exposure of workers involved in pruning of trees conflicting with power lines to noise and vibration. The survey was conducted considering outsourced employees that provide services to an electric utility company in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The results obtained through EWA showed a regular risk rate, with concerning aspects, such as verbal communication (dialogue among workers regarding technical/operational issues), irregular posture of back, arms, and shoulders, high attention demand, and activity limitations. Quantitative analysis showed 84.9 dB (A-weighted) for noise and 2.440 m s-2 for vibration, both close to the action level. The pole saw vibration reached 3.703 m s-2, exceeding the tolerance limit. The importance of breaks, at-work exercises, and training is emphasized as ergonomic measures. A rotation system should be implemented in tree pruning activities to reduce exposure to vibration.

Synthetic Chemicals: What We Have Learned and Still Need to Learn About Their Associations with Childhood Allergy and Asthma.

Prenatal and childhood exposure to synthetic chemicals, such as phenols and phthalates, have been linked to asthma and allergy, but the extent of this association and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here we provide an up-to-date review of the evidence linking phenol and phthalate exposure with childhood asthma and allergy and of proposed mechanistic pathways. Five experimental and 12 epidemiological studies that examined associations between exposures to synthetic chemicals to asthma and allergic diseases were included. An additional 14 studies provided mechanistic support for the importance of immune modification through epigenetic regulation, induction of pro-allergic T2 expression, and endocrine disruption. While recent studies have provided further experimental and epidemiological evidence for how these chemical exposures may induce childhood asthma and allergy, the recent literature remains limited. However, emerging mechanistic studies have identified chemical-induced alterations in DNA methylation of genes implicated in allergic inflammation and endocrine disruption as potential pathways. In addition, barriers to decrease exposure to synthetic chemicals at the individual level (facilitated through education) and areas for further action at the organizational and governmental levels are suggested. The latter includes transferring some of the onus from the individual to organizations and legislation to restrict marketing and access to products containing potentially harmful chemicals and provide alternative products. We also suggest future research that focuses on further elucidating pathways between exposure to disease development and identifying strategies to reduce exposure at the population level.

THE MAIN FACTORS OF INFLUENCE ON THE COMPETITIVENESS OF PRODUCTS OF ENTERPRISES OF THE FLOUR INDUSTRY

Introduction. The resource potential of agri-food production of the economy of Ukraine determines the expediency of its orientation towards the strategy of self-sufficiency in solving the problem of food security at the national level, as well as the important role of the export of agri-food products for the development of the agrarian sector. World trends associated with globalization, increasing degree of openness of economies and increasing their interdependencies lead to increased requirements for national production from the point of view of their competitiveness.&#x0D; The formation of the competitiveness of products of enterprises of the flour milling industry depends on a number of factors, which objectively complicates the process of its management. Depending on the level and scope of action, such factors are proposed to be combined into 10 groups in order to systematize the analysis of the competitiveness of enterprises in the flour milling industry: 1) resource; 2) innovative; 3) microeconomic; 4) sectoral; 5) infrastructure and logistics; 6) macroeconomic; 7) institutional and regulatory; 8) foreign trade; 9) social; 10) ecological.&#x0D; The hypothesis of the scientific research consists in the study of the influence of external and internal factors on the competitiveness of products of enterprises of the flour industry. &#x0D; The purpose of the study is to analyze and justify the impact of factors on the competitiveness of the products of the enterprises under study.&#x0D; The methodology of scientific research is general scientific research methods, in particular: induction and deduction, comparison, expert analysis, grouping method.&#x0D; Conclusions and prospects for further research. It has been proven that competitiveness is a multi-component characteristic of products, business entity, region, industry, country, and also depends on factors of time and place, which lead to certain difficulties in its assessment. There is a close relationship between the formation of competitiveness at all its levels. Factors of competitiveness of the enterprise, industry, country will affect the competitiveness of products, which in turn affects the competitiveness of subjects at different levels. But in different groups of factors there are those that have a positive influence on the formation of competitiveness, and those that exert a negative influence.&#x0D; Keywords: European integration; innovative development; competitiveness; competitive advantages; influencing factors; products of enterprises of the flour industry.

Cilostazol induces vasorelaxation through the activation of the eNOS/NO/cGMP pathway, prostanoids, AMPK, PKC, potassium channels, and calcium channels

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate vasoactive effect mechanisms of cilostazol in rat thoracic aorta. Materials and methodsThe vessel rings prepared from the thoracic aortas of the male rats were placed in the chambers of the isolated tissue bath system. The resting tone was adjusted to 1 g. Following the equilibration phase, potassium chloride or phenylephrine was used to contract the vessel rings. When achieving a steady contraction, cilostazol was applied cumulatively (10−8–10−4 M). In the presence of potassium channel blockers or signaling pathway inhibitors, the same experimental procedure was performed. ResultsCilostazol exhibited a significant vasorelaxant effect in a concentration-dependent manner (pD2: 5.94 ± 0.94) (p < .001). The vasorelaxant effect level of cilostazol was significantly reduced by the endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME (10−4 M), soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor methylene blue (10 µM), cyclooxygenase 1/2 inhibitor indomethacin (5 µM), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibitor compound C (10 µM), non-selective potassium channel blocker tetraethylammonium chloride (10 mM), large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel blocker iberiotoxin (20 nM), voltage-gated potassium channel blocker 4-Aminopyridine (1 mM), and inward-rectifier potassium channel blocker BaCl2 (30 µM) (p < .001). Moreover, incubation of cilostazol (10−4 M) significantly reduced caffeine (10 mM), cyclopiazonic acid (10 µM), and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced (100 µM) vascular contractions (p < .001). ConclusionsIn the rat thoracic aorta, the vasodilator action level of cilostazol is quite noticeable. The vasorelaxant effects of cilostazol are mediated by the eNOS/NO/cGMP pathway, prostanoids, AMPK pathway, PKC, potassium channels, and calcium channels.

Prioritising key variables for assessing food system resilience in Finland

ABSTRACT Building food system resilience enables the system to buffer, adapt and transform in response to changes. Identification of key variables of resilience support actors and policymakers managing the food systems. The objective of this study was to identify the most important variables to assess food system resilience and actors with the best opportunities to take responsibility for preparing for disruptions. We operationalised the key variables of resilience in the Finnish food system and evaluated them using a Delphi expert method. We produced a framework for food system resilience, including three indispensable interacting levels of action and good practices within each supporting resilience building. In the prioritisation of key variables, diversity in production, versatile cooperation between actors based on trust, independence of external inputs, system understanding, and renewable domestic energy were considered the most important. Research and administration play a key role in producing information and implementing actions targeted especially at agriculture, where actions are expected to be the most efficient and impactful. In the whole food system, increasing transparency would help create trust and thus promote co-creation of sustainable practices. Platforms to obtain information about future risks and for co-creating solutions for building food system resilience are needed.