Levels Of Individual Factors Research Articles

What are the dominant drivers and optimal thresholds for a healthy ecosystem in the Yellow River Basin, China? from a perspective of nonlinear nexus

Identifying the dominant factors influencing ecosystem health and their optimal thresholds is essential for the management and restoration of ecosystems. Most of the works, however, have less detected the importance level of individual factors, especially their changes over time and scale, and rarely determined their threshold effects on ecosystem health (EH), which seriously hinders the formulation of targeted policies for sustainable ecosystem management. To address these research gaps, we present an innovative visualization approach to reveal importance changes in natural and anthropogenic variables and their nonlinear coupling process with EH in the China’s Yellow River Basin (YRB) in the last two decades. Results show that (i) Although the EH in the YRB has improved slightly in the past 20 years, it is still not optimistic and shows distinct spatial heterogeneity. (ii) The impact of human activities on the ecosystem health of the YRB has increased and increasingly plays a decisive role, while that of the natural aspect has decreased recently. Specifically, environmental factors (slope, NDVI, and annual temperature) are the dominant factors affecting the upstream EH. Midstream EH is significantly affected by the synergistic effect of natural and anthropogenic factors, but the importance of the proportion of built-up land is intensified (ranked from 8th to 4th). Anthropogenic factors exert the greatest influence on downstream EH variation, especially for population density whose importance order rising from 7th to 2nd. (iii) By illustrating the nonlinear response curves of EH at multi-scale, the tipping point caused ecosystem deterioration in the YRB is explored and the optimal thresholds of leading factors oriented towards the most effective ecosystem conservation goal are obtained. These results help precisely identify the current health status of YRB's ecosystem, as well as providing a valuable reference for moderate restoration standards and sustainable ecosystem management.

Using the TPB and 24Model to understand workers’ unintentional and intentional unsafe behaviour: A case study

Much of the prior research on unsafe behaviour has not fully considered the subjective intentionality of behaviour. We attempted to challenge this practice by distinguishing between two forms of unsafe behaviour: unintentional unsafe behaviour and intentional unsafe behaviour. In incorporating these new conceptualizations into the theory of planned behaviour and 24Model, an integrative model was developed to explain how different levels of individual factors, namely, human safety ability and psychological drivers, influence these two forms of unsafe behaviour. Hypotheses were quantitatively tested by employing a meta-analysis of the Chinese coal mining industry. A total of 1057 studies were reviewed, and 79 mutually independent empirical studies remained, covering 28,445 miners from 320 coal mines. The results support our presumptions that unintentional unsafe behaviour is predicted by human safety ability, whereas intentional unsafe behaviour should be mainly predicted by psychological drivers. Additionally, human safety ability has negative effects on psychological drivers. Theoretical contributions to the literature and practical implications for promoting safety in the workplace are discussed.

Relationship between Poverty and Food Security: Empirical Evidence from the Enclave Area of Rural Bangladesh

The article examines the relationship between poverty and food insecurity using a primary sample ( n = 319) collected from the enclave areas of Bangladesh. The study reveals that among the poor respondents, 80% are food insecure and among the non-poor respondents 30.8% are food insecure. Uni-variate probit regressions find that per capita income, household size, number of earners, household’s head education, improved communication, suffering from disease, livestock rearing, fishing, improved crop variety, micro-credit, social safety net programme and income shock cause differential influence on poverty and food insecurity simultaneously. Marginal probability of bi-variate probit model illustrates that per capita income, household size and suffering from disease are the three most prominent factors of poverty and food insecurity concurrently that varies at individual factor level from composite factor level. The average predicted probability indicates that majority of the households are more likely to stay poor and food insecure. There is a strong and complex link between poverty and food insecurity, while some poor are food insecure and some are not. Hence, policies devised based on only one indicator may not achieve the development targets fully and resource allocation may be inefficient. The study recommends that there should be synergies between policies which should address both the social indicators jointly.

Employee engagement and open service innovation: The roles of creative self-efficacy and employee innovative behaviour.

Improving the innovation ability of organizations is the focal point of management study. This paper puts forward that innovative self-efficacy and employees’ innovative behaviour are continuous mediating variables, and discusses the influence mechanism of employees’ involvement and open service innovation from the individual factor level. In this study, a sample of 103 employees from travel companies was used to examine the hypothesis. The results show that employee engagement is positively related to open service innovation. Innovative self-efficacy plays a completely intermediary role between employee engagement and employee innovative behaviour; Creative self-efficacy and employees’ innovative behaviour play a continuous intermediary role between employees’ engagement and open service innovation. The results of this study will eventually help enterprises to carry out service innovation behaviour.

Adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system modeling of Synsepalum dulcificum L. drying characteristics and sensitivity analysis of the drying factors

The requirement for easily adoptable technology for fruit preservation in developing countries is paramount. This study investigated the effect of pre-treatment (warm water blanching time—3, 5 and 10 min at 60 °C) and drying temperature (50, 60 and 70 °C) on drying mechanisms of convectively dried Synsepalum dulcificum (miracle berry fruit—MBF) fruit. Refined Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) was utilized to model the effect and establish the sensitivity of drying factors on the moisture ratio variability of MBF. Unblanched MBF had the longest drying time, lowest effective moisture diffusivity (EMD), highest total and specific energy consumption of 530 min, 5.1052 E−09 m2/s, 22.73 kWh and 113.64 kWh/kg, respectively at 50 °C drying time, with lowest activation energy of 28.8589 kJ/mol. The 3 min blanched MBF had the lowest drying time, highest EMD, lowest total and specific energy consumption of 130 min, 2.5607 E−08 m2/s, 7.47 kWh and 37 kWh/kg, respectively at 70 °C drying temperature. The 5 min blanched MBF had the highest activation energy of 37.4808 kJ/mol. Amongst others, 3—gbellmf—38 epoch ANFIS structure had the highest modeling and prediction efficiency (R2 = 0.9931). The moisture ratio variability was most sensitive to drying time at individual factor level, and drying time cum pretreatment at interactive factors level. In conclusion, pretreatment significantly reduced the drying time and energy consumption of MBF. Refined ANFIS structure modeled and predicted the drying process efficiently, and drying time contributed most significantly to the moisture ratio variability of MBF.

A reexamination of factor momentum: How strong is it?

AbstractRecent studies show that most financial market anomalies exhibit a momentum effect. Based on two datasets, (i) an original 22‐factor sample and (ii) a more comprehensive 187‐factor sample, we find that factor momentum effect is weak at the individual factor level. In both samples, only about 22%– 27% of the factors exhibit strong return continuation and dominate the factor momentum portfolio while the remaining factors do not. The factor momentum strategies do not outperform the corresponding long‐only strategies in either sample. The choice of factors affects the ability of factor momentum to explain individual stock momentum.

Key Success Factors of Enterprise Risk Management Systems: Listed Polish Companies

Purpose: The main purpose of the article is to determine the key success factors of enterprise risk management systems, understood as the characteristics of these systems that have the greatest impact on the effectiveness of their functioning. Methodology: Bearing in mind the most accurate determination of key success factors of enterprise risk management systems, I used several research methods. The conducted research was divided into four stages: (1) literature review, (2) financial statements analysis, (3) individual in-depth interviews, and (4) anonymous surveys. The research embraced enterprises operating in Poland. Findings: Based on the literature analysis, in-depth interviews, and conducted surveys, a list of risk management systems’ success factors was created and sorted in the order from the most important ones – that have the greatest impact on the success of risk management – to the least important ones. Additional analysis of financial statements of all WSE-listed companies allowed me to discern that few of the surveyed companies use mature modern ERM systems, and it enabled me to identify a group of companies that qualified to participate in the survey. Moreover, a statistically significant positive correlation appeared between the degree of key success factors’ implementation and the overall ERM implementation’s impact on the organization, while a statistically significant negative correlation emerged between the overall impact of ERM implementation on the organization and the degree of ERM implementation goals’ achievement, but also between the degree of the implementation of key success factors and the degree of the ERM implementation objectives’ implementation. Moreover, I noted that the fact of using individual features has no significant impact on the assessment of a given feature by respondents. Implications: All factors included in the study are success factors of risk management systems. However, the surveys’ results suggest a different level of individual factors’ significance, thus a different degree of these factors impact on risk management success. Originality/Value: The article presents an original set of key success factors in risk management systems, created based on my own research. The obtained research results can be used by managers willing to implement or develop risk management systems in their organizations.

Effectiveness of Quaternary Ammonium in Reducing Microbial Load on Eggs.

Table eggs are an affordable yet nutritious protein source for humans. Unfortunately, eggs are a vector for bacteria that could cause foodborne illness. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a quaternary ammonium compound (quat) sanitizer against aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeast, and mold load on the eggshell surface of free-range and commercial farms and the post-treatment effect on microbial load during storage. Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeast, and molds were enumerated using plate count techniques. The efficacy of the quaternary ammonium sanitizer (quat) was tested using two levels: full factorial with two replicates for corner points, factor A (maximum: 200 ppm, minimum: 100 ppm) and factor B (maximum: 15 min, minimum: 5 min). Quat sanitizer significantly (p < 0.05) reduced approximately 4 log10 CFU/cm2 of the aerobic mesophilic bacteria, 1.5 to 2.5 log10 CFU/cm2 of the mold population, and 1.5 to 2 log10 CFU/cm2 of the yeast population. However, there was no significant (p ≥ 0.05) response observed between individual factor levels (maximum and minimum), and two-way interaction terms were also not statistically significant (p ≥ 0.05). A low (<1 log10 CFU/cm2) aerobic mesophilic bacteria trend was observed when shell eggs were stored in a cold environment up to the production expiry date. No internal microbial load was observed; thus, it was postulated that washing with quat sanitizer discreetly (without physically damaging the eggshell) does not facilitate microbial penetration during storage at either room temperature or cold storage. Current study findings demonstrated that the quat sanitizer effectively reduced the microbial population on eggshells without promoting internal microbial growth.

Dwellers' perception on challenges and motivators of greening existing buildings in Brunei Darussalam

PurposeGreening existing buildings (GEB) considerably improves energy efficiency of old buildings, along with other benefits, but it is not widely practiced. As a part of a wider study, this paper aims to evaluate the perception of building dwellers/owners on the challenges and motivators to GEB in Brunei Darussalam.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire survey collected 109 responses from building owners/dwellers. Cronbach's alpha tested the reliability of the data collected. One-sample t-test examined if sample means are consistent with population means. ANOVA examined if different respondent groups significantly agreed on the importance levels of individual factors. Moreover, factor analysis narrowed down the long list of factors in to a smaller number of components.FindingsA set of 30 challenges and 19 motivators of GEB was identified. “Lack of a GEB infrastructure” was identified as the collective key challenge, leading dwellers to recognize lack of support and knowledge and develop wrong perception on GEB. However, “framework of supports,” as a summative motivator, improves knowledge and awareness on GEB, which allows recognizing other benefits and developing a momentum of practicing GEB. Factor analysis suggested a consolidated approach for challenges through six interrelated components, but for motivators to focus on somewhat four independent areas.Originality/valueHouse/building dweller/owners' decision is the key to undertake GEB. This study, apparently for the first time, contributes to identifying the challenges and motivators that influence their decision-making.

The Career Model of 21st Century Adopted By Higher Education Graduates

Abstract The present paper has identified two career models, the Protean Career and the Boundaryless Career, that can be considered to accommodate higher education graduates’ personal and professional needs, as well as the flexibility and adaptability requirements of the current labor market. The research used the data from a tracer study applied online to the graduates of the West University of Timisoara, with a response rate of 25% (which falls within the response rate for similar studies at the European level). There has been an increased dynamic of the number of jobs compared to the short period since they have been active on the labor market, especially among male graduates. At the level of individual factors that can influence career success, the importance given to both objective and subjective values is observed. The results have shown that for graduates, income, job security, the possibility of promotion, the use of knowledge, but especially leisure time, are equal priorities, with consistent values in time for both stages of the study. Moreover, there has been a significant negative association between the variables of leisure time and job satisfaction (r (522) = -.17, p &lt;.001). Given the mode of action, the high dynamics of jobs, which reflect the much-needed flexibility in the dynamic context of the labor market, and the values that have guided job search, often working and studying at the same time, the pattern of employment career that most accurately describes the career profile of graduates seems to be that of the Protean career (the path with a heart), also called the career of the 21st century.

Trends in Female Workers' Childbearing Intentions in South Korea.

This study aimed to analyze trends of South Korean working women's childbearing intentions to provide directions for strategies to increase South Korea's birth rate. This study used the data generated by the Korean Longitudinal Panel Survey of Women and Families in South Korea from 2007 to 2016, and included 2,341 working women. This study showed that female workers' intention to bear children is decreasing. In 2007, age and the number of children were considered in predicting the characteristics of those with childbearing intentions. In 2016, the provision of maternity leave at work, job satisfaction regarding relationships and communication, and work-family conflicts were added. When identifying the factors by category, the impact level of occupational factors increased, although the impact level of individual factors decreased. There should be a balance between work and family roles, and employers should provide ample maternity leave and promote an organizational culture that supports job satisfaction.

Mediating effect of emotional labor between professional values and job burnout among ICU nurses

Objective To explore the mediating effect of emotional labor between professional values and job burnout among ICU nurses, and to provide a reference for reducing ICU nurses' job burnout and motivating their work enthusiasm. Methods From June to July 2017, 276 ICU nurses from 3 comprehensive ClassⅢ Grade A hospitals in Nanchang were selected as the subjects by convenience sampling. The General Information Questionnaire and Nurses' Emotional Labor Scale, Professional Values Scale and Job Burnout Scale were used to investigate. Structural equation model was used to explore the mediating effect of emotional labor between professional values and job burnout. Results A total of 276 questionnaires were issued and 249 valid questionnaires. The average score of the Nurses' Emotional Labor Scale of 249 ICU nurses was (3.55±0.45) , the average score of the Professional Values Scale was (3.63±0.41) , and the dimensions scores of the emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment of the Job Burnout Scale were (2.77±1.07) , (1.54±1.26) , and (3.78±1.16) . The structural equation fitting indexes were as follows: χ2/df=1.155, GFI=0.976, AGFI=0.942, RMSEA=0.027. Professional values and emotional labor of ICU nurses had direct predictive effect on job burnout. Professional values also used emotional labor as an intermediary variable, which indirectly affected job burnout. Conclusions Nursing managers should pay attention to reducing the job burnout of ICU nurses by improving the level of ICU nurses' professional values and optimizing their emotional labor strategies from the individual factor level. Key words: Intensive Care Unit; Nurse; Emotional labor; Professional values; Job burnout; Mediating effect

Snow Load Modeling on Different Surfaces

The snow load distribution model on the buildings and structures coatings is considered. The main factors affecting the snow load formation on the coatings of random shape are revealed. The dependence of the snow thickness on the coating on the angle of the roof inclination, the coating curvature radius, and the snow friction coefficient on the surface of the roof is determined. The level of individual factors influence on the snow load distribution is revealed. Recommendations on the coating structures calculation are given. These allow taking into account possible unfavorable loading options during the highest snowfall period.

The effects of manipulating levels of replication initiation factors on origin firing efficiency in yeast.

Chromosome replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is initiated from ~300 origins that are regulated by DNA sequence and by the limited abundance of six trans-acting initiation proteins (Sld2, Sld3, Dpb11, Dbf4, Sld7 and Cdc45). We set out to determine how the levels of individual factors contribute to time of origin activation and/or origin efficiency using induced depletion of single factors and overexpression of sets of multiple factors. Depletion of Sld2 or Sld3 slows growth and S phase progression, decreases origin efficiency across the genome and impairs viability as a result of incomplete replication of the rDNA. We find that the most efficient early origins are relatively unaffected by depletion of either Sld2 or Sld3. However, Sld3 levels, and to a lesser extent Sld2 levels, are critical for firing of the less efficient early origins. Overexpression of Sld3 simultaneously with Sld2, Dpb11 and Dbf4 preserves the relative efficiency of origins. Only when Cdc45 and Sld7 are also overexpressed is origin efficiency equalized between early- and late-firing origins. Our data support a model in which Sld3 together with Cdc45 (and/or Sld7) is responsible for the differential efficiencies of origins across the yeast genome.

Role of vascular growth factors as a regulator of angiogenesis processes at the stage of implantation potential formation in women with uterine factor infertility

Despite the broad discussion of clinical significance, the features of the etiopathogenesis of impaired implantation potential in women with uterine sinechias are described in individual works, there is no unanimous opinion on this issue among researchers. The objective: to find out the diagnostic value of a number of markers of the functional state of the endothelium and the level of individual induction angiogenesis in the formation of implantation potential in women with uterine infertility. Materials and methods. The evaluation of the endometrium was performed in 36 women with uterine senechias (first group) and 30 patients with long-term infertility and reproductive loss in history (second group). The control group included 20 healthy patients. This stage of scientific research was conducted taking into account the complex of instrumental methods – ultrasound, histological examination of endometrial biopsies obtained by hysteroscopy intervention, and/or fractional scissors in the dynamics of the menstrual cycle. The design of the study envisaged the study and evaluation of the level of individual factors of angiogenesis, in particular: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-1), as well as antiangiogenic growth factor sFlt-1 and their fluctuations in the preconception phase in serum and cervical mucus. Results. The conducted researches allow to assert, that practically in all patients with uterine sinechia in the complex examination the predominance of the morphological picture of chronic endometritis, hyperplasia and endometrial polyposis, as well as inferior secretory transformation of the endometrium is established. The evaluation of the results of the histological study made it possible to diagnose the presence of hyperplastic processes in 36.1%, the so-called thin endometrium was verified at 19.4%, and the endometrium atrophy was found in 13.9% of the histological findings. The results obtained were demonstrated at the preconception stage in the reduction of VEGF-1 and the high anti-angiogenic growth factor sFlt-1: the level of said transmitter in the group of women with uterine senechias was 63% higher in controls than controls (2.8-fold) (p&lt;0,05). Thus, in the case of deep pathomorphological lesions of the endometrium, at the stage of preconception preparation, there is a marked shift in the balance of vascular growth factors towards the increase in the concentration of antiangiogenic markers – sFlt-1, which is evidence of more severe impingement potential impairment in this category of patients. Conclusions. The level of vascular-endothelial growth factor in serum and cervical secretion as well as the estimation of the angiogenic factor may be early prognostic markers that characterize the initial signs of trophoblast invasion, occurring long before implantation impairment and clinical manifestation of non-compliance. It provides an opportunity to predict damage to the endometrium and its vascular network and can be used to control the effectiveness of preventive measures and the effectiveness of preconception training in women at risk for the implementation of possible underdeveloped pregnancy. Key words: uterine senechia, chronic endometritis, growth factors, angiogenic coefficient.

Journalism as a synergistic object

The study highlights the latest mass-media trends and constructs in the context of the synergetic paradigm. Journalism is described as an open, non-linear, unbalanced, dynamic system which is capable of self-organization. The components of the synergetic cycle of the presented system are identified. Its actual phase of development is defined as post-journalism. The most typical phenomena with fractal features are determined. They include participative and amateur journalism. Manifestations of the holistic principle in the functioning of the system are also traced at the level of individual factors of the communication system - sender, recipient, message and code. Powerful influence of fluctuations of the external for journalism systems is outlined. &#x0D; Media picture of the world, which integrates not only information, but also pseudo-information elements that are also part of the functional field of journalistic influence, is defined as a systematic result of the «work» of the given system. The author outlines the transformation of the two-stage communication model, the complementation of the communication system with such factors as «bubble filter» and «content aggregators», expansion of the functional and role position of the sender.It is stated that the increase in the level of entropy in the journalism system is due to the non-compliance with professional standards, ethical norms, and accepted functional roles from the fractal phenomena that are currently only beginning to be formed within the system. From the standpoint of synergetics, the phenomenon of mediatization, which is the result of self-organization of the journalism system in interaction with the actors of the environment, is disclosed.Methodological features of the synergetic approach to the study of journalism are also revealed. They include metaphorization of the synergetic terminology; discreteness in the application of the synergetic paradigm, which foresees emphasis on some regularities in the development of the system while levelling the others; implementation of the synergetic approach in a simplified version through the analysis of the objects as a set of the system features.

Three- versus four-factor prothrombin complex concentrates for "factor-based" resuscitation in a porcine hemorrhagic shock model.

Bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death after severe injury. Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) treat inborn coagulation disorders and reverse oral anticoagulants, but are proposed for use in "factor-based" resuscitation strategies. Few studies exist for this indication in acidosis, or that compare 3-factor PCC (3PCC) versus 4-factor PCC (4PCC) products. We aimed to assess and compare their safety and efficacy in a porcine model of severe hemorrhagic shock and coagulopathy. Twenty-five adult Yorkshire swine underwent 35% volume hemorrhage, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and protocolized crystalloid resuscitation. Seventeen animals were randomized at 4 hours after model creation to receive a 45-IU/kg dose of either 3PCC or 4PCC. An additional eight animals received autologous plasma transfusion before 4PCC to better characterize response to PCC. Individual factor levels were drawn at 4 hours and 6 hours. The model created significant acidosis with mean pH of 7.21 and lactate of 9.6 mmol/L. After PCC, 66.7% of 3PCC animals and 25% of 4PCC animals (regardless of plasma administration) developed consumptive coagulopathy. The animals that developed consumptive coagulopathy had manifested the "lethal triad" with lower temperatures (36.3°C vs. 37.8°C), increased acidosis (pH, 7.14 vs. 7.27; base excess, -12.1 vs. -6.5 mEq/L), and worse coagulopathy (prothrombin time, 17.1 vs. 14.6 seconds; fibrinogen, 87.9 vs. 124.1 mg/dL) (all p < 0.05). In the absence of a consumptive coagulopathy, 3PCC and 4PCC improved individual clotting factors with transient improvement of prothrombin time, but there was significant depletion of fibrinogen and platelets with no lasting improvement of coagulopathy. PCC failed to correct coagulopathy and was associated with fibrinogen and platelet depletion. Of greater concern, PCC administration resulted in consumptive coagulopathy in the more severely ill animals. The incidence of consumptive coagulopathy was markedly increased with 3PCC versus 4PCC, and these products should be used with caution in this setting.

Constructing Long-Only Multi-Factor Strategies: Portfolio Blending versus Signal Blending

We propose a framework for comparing and contrasting the portfolio blending and signal blending approaches for constructing long-only multi-factor strategies, based on exposure-matched portfolios. According to this framework, we expect the two approaches to perform similarly at low-to-moderate levels of factor exposures, due to a high degree of overlap between the two approaches. At high levels of factor exposures, due to better diversification, we expect signal blending to outperform portfolio blending. In empirical tests, which consider value, momentum, quality, and volatility factors across global equity markets, the expectation is validated for high levels of factor exposures. For low-to-moderate levels of factor exposures, however, we find that portfolio blending generates generally higher information ratios. This finding is largely driven by the interaction effects between the considered factors. Such interaction effects are overwhelmed by the high concentration and stock-specific risk in the portfolio blend at high levels of factor exposures. Furthermore, in the context of smart beta investing, portfolio blending may be better suited to achieve additional portfolio objectives, such as transparency in performance attribution, ability to time factors, ability to better control turnover and unrewarded risks at the individual factor level, and catering to certain asset owner governance considerations. However, the analysis and results reported in this article notwithstanding, it is also our view that an assessment of the relative merits of the two approaches needs to be conducted in the context of a manager’s specific investment process and key portfolio objectives pursued by an asset owner.

The combination of serum insulin, osteopontin, and hepatocyte growth factor predicts time to castration-resistant progression in androgen dependent metastatic prostate cancer- an exploratory study.

BackgroundWe hypothesized that pretreatment serum levels of insulin and other serum markers would predict Progression-free survival (PFS), defined as time to castration-resistant progression or death, in metastatic androgen-dependent prostate cancer (mADPC).MethodsSerum samples from treatment-naïve men participating in a randomized phase 3 trial of ADT +/- chemotherapy were retrospectively analyzed using multiplex assays for insulin and multiple other soluble factors. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify associations between individual factor levels and PFS.ResultsSixty six patients were evaluable (median age = 72 years; median prostate surface antigen [PSA] = 31.5 ng/mL; Caucasian = 86 %; Gleason score ≥8 = 77 %). In the univariable analysis, higher insulin (HR = 0.81 [0.67, 0.98] p = 0.03) and C-peptide (HR = 0.62 [0.39, 1.00]; p = 0.05) levels were associated with a longer PFS, while higher Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF; HR = 1.63 [1.06, 2.51] p = 0.03) and Osteopontin (OPN; HR = 1.56 [1.13, 2.15]; p = 0.01) levels were associated with a shorter PFS. In multivariable analysis, insulin below 2.1 (ln scale; HR = 2.55 [1.24, 5.23]; p = 0.011) and HGF above 8.9 (ln scale; HR = 2.67 [1.08, 3.70]; p = 0.027) levels were associated with longer PFS, while adjusted by OPN, C-peptide, trial therapy and metastatic volume. Four distinct risk groups were identified by counting the number of risk factors (RF) including low insulin, high HGF, high OPN levels, and low C-peptide levels (0, 1, 2, and 3). Median PFS was 9.8, 2.0, 1.6, and 0.7 years for each, respectively (p < 0.001).ConclusionPretreatment serum insulin, HGF, OPN, and C-peptide levels can predict PFS in men with mADPC treated with ADT. Risk groups based on these factors are superior predictors of PFS than each marker alone.

Statistical optimization of cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase) production from Bacillus macerans in batch cultivation and its purification

Cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase) catalyzes the formation of Cyclodextrins from starch by an intramolecular transglycosylation reaction. In the present study, the CGTase enzyme was produced from Bacillus macerans NCIM 2131, using shake flask fermentation. Soluble starch and yeast extract were screened as the best carbon and nitrogen source at an individual factor level for enhancing CGTase activity. Similarly, ferrous ion and arginine were found to activate CGTase production in comparison to various other trace metals and amino acids tested. The synergistic effect of individual parameters of CGTase activity and process optimization of cultural condition was performed by response surface methodology (RSM). The optimized media comprised 24 g/L soluble starch; 32.5 g/L ferrous ion, and 15.0 g/L arginine with CGTase activity of 24.23 IU/mL. The final CGTase activity was very close to the predicted value of 24.82 IU/mL with 97.0% validation. Shake flask optimized conditions were further scaled up to 7.5 L fermenter (working volume: 3.0 L) which gave 2.6 folds (64.3 IU/mL) increase in enzyme activity. The enzyme was partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) was used to study the qualitative properties of produced enzyme.