Method Of Choice Research Articles

Benchmarking South African water utilities using three efficiency analysis methods

ABSTRACT This paper compares efficiency scores from the data envelopment analysis (DEA), stochastic frontier analysis (SFA), and stochastic non-parametric envelopment of data (StoNED) methods in the context of regulating South African water utilities. We estimate cost efficiency based on cross-sectional data from 102 South African water utilities in the period 2013/14. We compare the impact of methodological choices on the efficiency scores. For StoNED, we compare scores from two different estimation techniques (method of moments and pseudolikelihood). We also use the naïve method of averaging (NMA) and compare its results to those generated by the other methods. Results show that the choice of method has an impact on efficiency estimates and monetary cost reduction targets. When water sector regulators in the developing countries intend to benchmark utilities based on each of these methods, heterogeneity and the operating environments of utilities should be considered before deciding on the estimation method.

Pengaruh Strategi Marketing Mix 7P terhadap Tingkat Penjualan di Mini Kopi Green Ville

Business people today face great pressure to increase creativity in product marketing strategies to remain competitive in a dynamic market. The company's main goal is to achieve maximum profits, so understanding and implementing marketing strategies is very important. One business that is currently trending is a café. In Jakarta, many entrepreneurs are developing culinary businesses, especially cafes. However, with so many cafes, entrepreneurs face various conflicts such as declining sales and lack of visitor interest. Quantitative research is the method of choice. Utilizing a purposive testing technique and a non-likelihood examining methodology, 100 respondents were chosen for the example. This study utilizes numerous straight relapse examination. The consequences of the t test show that the factors item (X1), advancement (X3), and actual proof (X7) meaningfully affect the degree of deals (Y). This is known. However, deals level (Y) is significantly influenced by the factors value (X2), location (X4), individuals (X5), and process (X6). The consequences of the F test showed that the promoting blend factors (7P) at the same time affected where to go. As needs be, the goal of this study is to conclude the 7P publicizing mix strategy (X1) for More modest than ordinary Kopi, Green Ville's arrangements level (Y). This study's methodology is based on quantitative research techniques. The study's primary objective is to learn more about how Green Ville's Mini Kopi marketing strategy affects sales. The use of contextual analysis strategies is the essential focal point of this quantitative review. Meeting, noticing, and recording are a portion of the techniques utilized in this review to gather information.

Novel TiO2-Supported Gold Nanoflowers for Efficient Photocatalytic NOx Abatement

In this study, we pioneered the synthesis of nanoflower-shaped TiO2-supported Au photocatalysts and investigated their properties. Au nanoflowers (Au NFs) were prepared by a Na-citrate and hydroquinone-based preparation method, followed by wet impregnation of the derived Au NFs on the surface of TiO2 nanorods (TNR). A uniform and homogeneous distribution of Au NFs was observed in the TNR + NF(0.7) sample (lower Na-citrate concentration), while their distribution was heterogeneous in the TNR + NF(1.4) sample (higher Na-citrate concentration). The UV-Vis DR spectra revealed the size- and shape-dependent optical properties of the Au NFs, with the LSPR effect observed in the visible region. The solid-state EPR spectra showed the presence of Ti3+, oxygen vacancies and electron interactions with organic compounds on the catalyst surface. In the case of the TNR + NF(0.7) sample, high photocatalytic activity was observed in the H2-assisted reduction of NO2 to N2 at room temperature under visible-light illumination. In contrast, the TNR + NF(1.4) catalyst as well as the heat-treated samples showed no ability to reduce NO2 under visible light, indicating the presence of deformed Au NFs limiting the LSPR effect. These results emphasized the importance of the choice of synthesis method, as this could strongly influence the photocatalytic activity of the Au NFs.

A molecular method to assess viability of Phytophthora in infected wood following heat treatment

International trade in wood products is an important component of the global economy. However, wood and wood products may have pests associated with them that could be introduced into importing countries, posing phytosanitary risks, and leading to the implementation of regulatory restrictions that affect wood trade. The application of heat to kill wood-associated pests has been a successful phytosanitary method to reduce their spread. To evaluate the efficacy of wood heat treatment to kill fungal and fungus-like pathogens, the method of choice has been to grow organisms in cultures for subsequent identification. However, some plant pathogens can be difficult or impossible to grow in axenic cultures and a molecular method can still be useful for assessing pathogen viability after heat-treatment. RNA is a single stranded molecule that is responsible for the transcription of genes. Since it becomes rapidly unstable after cell death, it provides a measure of viability. We therefore designed and tested RNA-based molecular diagnostic assays targeting essential genes and assessed their presence after heat treatment in wood colonized by four Phytophthora species of phytosanitary concern (P. xmultiformis, P. cinnamomi, P. lateralis and P. ramorum) through reverse transcription and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Our assays differentiate between genomic and mRNA as the TaqMan probes span exon-intron junctions. We validated these RT-qPCR assays to assess heat treatment efficacy of Phytophthora-inoculated wood. These assays can be very useful tools to assess effectiveness of current and emerging phytosanitary wood treatments.

Multi-Parameter Complex Control of Metal Coatings on Ball Plugs of Pipeline Shut-Off Valves

The greatest losses during gas transportation occur in the elements of shut-off valves, the operating parameters of which, among other things, depend on the thickness and hardness of the protective coating of the ball plugs. The study of the parameters of nickel–phosphorus and chrome coatings on ball plugs of serially produced shut-off valves, including control of their thickness and hardness, was carried out. Based on the test results, deviations in the actual parameters of coatings from the requirements of technological documentation were revealed, the necessity of their complex control was substantiated, recommendations on the choice of methods and equipment were formulated, and the main provisions of the test methodology were developed.

Formation of students’ value attitude towards health in physical education classes

The article poses the problem of educating students focused on preserving and strengthening health. The specificity of value as a relationship and as a value is revealed and the relationship between the concepts of «value» and «attitude» is revealed. It is substantiated that health, acquiring significance for the student, is thereby endowed with personal meaning, acquiring the status of value. The features of the value attitude towards health as a structural formation, the components of which have specific content, are revealed. The structure of students’ value attitude towards health is determined, including cognitive, motivational-value and behavioral components. The content of the components of students’ value attitude towards health is revealed: knowledge about human health, about a healthy lifestyle (cognitive component); the values of «health», «healthy lifestyle», «responsibility», «independence», which take the form of motives for the student’s activities to preserve and strengthen his own health (motivational-value component); actions and actions aimed at preserving and strengthening health – physical activity, proper nutrition, etc. (behavioral component). The possibilities of physical education classes at a university in forming a value-based attitude towards health among students are revealed. The choice of methods is substantiated to effectively form the cognitive component of students’ value attitude towards health (methods such as story, explanation, clarification), the motivational-value component (ethical dialogue, discussion, example, situation of value choice), and the behavioral component (exercise and training). Examples are given of the use of explanation, ethical dialogue, and situations of value choice in physical education classes at a university in order to form students’ value-based attitude to health.

“First was to sit down and bring our minds together”. A qualitative study on safer conception decision-making among HIV sero-different couples in Zimbabwe

Decision-making on childbearing and safer conception use in HIV sero-different couples involves an intricate balance of individual desires and perceived HIV acquisition risk. This paper addresses an important knowledge gap regarding HIV sero-different couples’ considerations and the relationship and power dynamics involved when deciding to use a safer conception method. Between February and June 2019, we conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews among 14 men and 17 women, representing 17 couples, who exited the SAFER study – a pilot study assessing the feasibility, acceptability and cost-effectiveness of a safer conception programme for HIV sero-different couples in Zimbabwe. All couples in SAFER were provided with a choice of safer conception methods and were followed for up to 12 months of pregnancy attempts and 3 months following pregnancy. While couples generally perceived their safer conception discussions to be easy and consensus-driven, the decision-making process also involved complex gender dynamics and trade-offs in relationship power, which resulted in differing interpretations of what constituted a joint or shared couple decision. Participants regarded effective couple communication as an essential component of and precursor to good safer conception conversations and requested additional training in couple communication. Couples relied on information from healthcare providers to kickstart their safer conception discussions. Safer conception programmes should address relationship power imbalances, promote effective couple communication and offer healthcare provider support to enable HIV sero-different couples to make informed choices about conception in a manner that upholds their safety and reproductive autonomy.

Digital agricultural technology services and farmers’ willingness to choose digital production technology in Sichuan province, China

IntroductionDigital agricultural technology service has the characteristics of high efficiency, convenience and flexibility, and plays an important role in the process of Chinese agricultural digitalization, which is of great significance for realizing the modernization and intelligent development of agricultural production.MethodsBased on micro-survey data of small-scale farmers in Sichuan Province, this study utilizes the OLS method and the mediation effect model to investigate the impact of digital agricultural technology services on farmers’ willingness to adopt digital production technologies and its underlying mechanisms.ResultsThe results indicate that digital agricultural technology services effectively enhance farmers’ willingness to adopt digital production technologies, especially among those engaged in cooperative. Further analysis of mechanisms suggests that digital agricultural technology services influence farmers’ choices of household production and management methods by expanding their information channels, enhancing their cognition of digital production technologies, and facilitating access to technology. Moreover, heterogeneous analysis reveals significant differences in the willingness of farmers with varying levels of digital literacy to adopt digital production technologies. Digital agricultural technology services have a more pronounced impact on the willingness of highly digitally literate farmers.DiscussionThe findings of this paper deepen our comprehension of the operational mechanisms of digital agricultural technology services in the context of agricultural development, and advocate for policy recommendations such as enhancing the supply of digital agricultural technology services, strengthening the role of new agricultural entities, improving farmers’ digital literacy training, and enhancing policy support systems.

Spinal Lesions in Axial Psoriatic Disease: How Should They Be Identified and Quantified by Magnetic Resonance Imaging?

Proper assessment of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) requires assessment of all disease domains, including axial disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the method of choice for evaluating axial involvement in PsA. When assessing patients with PsA for spinal involvement, it is important to assess both vertebral body lesions and posterolateral lesions, such as inflammation in facet joints and costovertebral joints, and enthesitis at spinous and transverse processes. The Canada-Denmark (CanDen) assessment system for spine MRIs is the preferred method for detailed evaluation of inflammation and structural damage at various anatomical locations in the spine, and it is reproducible and sensitive to change. The Assessment of Spondyloarthritis international Society (ASAS) has recently published MRI definitions of inflammatory and structural lesions in the spine, incorporating the CanDen definitions of spinal lesions on MRI. Applying the ASAS definitions and the CanDen assessment system in clinical practice and trials is recommended. Ongoing research/studies, not least the Axial Involvement in Psoriatic Arthritis (AXIS) study, may provide a data-driven definition of axial involvement in PsA. Ongoing research is expected to further improve and validate assessment tools for axial PsA and to provide a much-needed data-driven consensus-based definition of axial involvement in PsA.

Present and future of whole-body MRI in metastatic disease and myeloma: how and why you will do it.

Metastatic disease and myeloma present unique diagnostic challenges due to their multifocal nature. Accurate detection and staging are critical for determining appropriate treatment. Bone scintigraphy, skeletal radiographs and CT have long been the mainstay for the assessment of these diseases, but have limitations, including reduced sensitivity and radiation exposure. Whole-body MRI has emerged as a highly sensitive and radiation-free alternative imaging modality. Initially developed for skeletal screening, it has extended tumor screening to all organs, providing morphological and physiological information on tumor tissue. Along with PET/CT, whole-body MRI is now accepted for staging and response assessment in many malignancies. It is the first choice in an ever increasing number of cancers (such as myeloma, lobular breast cancer, advanced prostate cancer, myxoid liposarcoma, bone sarcoma, …). It has also been validated as the method of choice for cancer screening in patients with a predisposition to cancer and for staging cancers observed during pregnancy. The current and future challenges for WB-MRI are its availability facing this number of indications, and its acceptance by patients, radiologists and health authorities. Guidelines have been developed to optimize image acquisition and reading, assessment of lesion response to treatment, and to adapt examination designs to specific cancers. The implementation of 3D acquisition, Dixon method, and deep learning-based image optimization further improve the diagnostic performance of the technique and reduce examination durations. Whole-body MRI screening is feasible in less than 30min. This article reviews validated indications, recent developments, growing acceptance, and future perspectives of whole-body MRI.

XARİCİ DİLİN TƏDRİSİNDƏ İNNOVATİV METODLARIN İSTİFADƏSİ

The Role of Innovative Methods in Teaching Foreign Languge Summary The article is devoted to description of innovative methods. Innovative methods and technologies of teaching today are gaining increasing recognition and new opportunities associated with the establishment of interpersonal interaction. In this article is paid attention to choices of methods which should vary with different purposes, ages groups, and stages of mental development. A structure of modern process of teaching and its results is presented in this receaerch. Some of the common learning characteristics of adult language and literacy learners as well as four guiding principles to teaching adults foreign languages are given in the article. Key words: innovative method, project, active learning, traditional learning, creative tasks

Benchmarking various nonadiabatic semiclassical mapping dynamics methods with tensor-train thermo-field dynamics.

Accurate quantum dynamics simulations of nonadiabatic processes are important for studies of electron transfer, energy transfer, and photochemical reactions in complex systems. In this comparative study, we benchmark various approximate nonadiabatic dynamics methods with mapping variables against numerically exact calculations based on the tensor-train (TT) representation of high-dimensional arrays, including TT-KSL for zero-temperature dynamics and TT-thermofield dynamics for finite-temperature dynamics. The approximate nonadiabatic dynamics methods investigated include mixed quantum-classical Ehrenfest mean-field and fewest-switches surface hopping, linearized semiclassical mapping dynamics, symmetrized quasiclassical dynamics, the spin-mapping method, and extended classical mapping models. Different model systems were evaluated, including the spin-boson model for nonadiabatic dynamics in the condensed phase, the linear vibronic coupling model for electronic transition through conical intersections, the photoisomerization model of retinal, and Tully's one-dimensional scattering models. Our calculations show that the optimal choice of approximate dynamical method is system-specific, and the accuracy is sensitively dependent on the zero-point-energy parameter and the initial sampling strategy for the mapping variables.

Treatment of children with fractures of the distal metaepiphysis of the radius: A literature review

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the distal metaepiphysis of the radius are among the most common injuries in pediatric patients. This results from the peculiarities of the anatomical structure and structure of the radial tissue in this area. AIM: This study aimed to analyze the literature on the treatment of children with fractures of the distal metaepiphysis of the radius. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literatures on the treatment of children with fractures of the distal metaepiphysis of the radius were extracted from PubMed, eLibrary, and Google Scholar without language restrictions for the period from 1990 to 2024. RESULTS: In fractures of the distal metaepiphysis of the radius without displacement, the limb is immobilized. Displaced fractures require closed reduction and/or surgical treatment. For the treatment of stable fractures, specialists adhere to conservative techniques. The method of choice for the surgical treatment of unstable fractures should be minimally invasive osteosynthesis. The current gold standard for the surgical treatment of fractures of the distal metaepiphysis of the radius in children is closed reduction and intramedullary metal osteosynthesis with Kirschner wires, followed by plaster cast application. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, no consensus has been reached on the method of choice for the surgical treatment of fractures of the distal metaepiphysis of the radius in children. The results of treating children using the presented surgical techniques are contradictory, and high risks of developing intra- and postoperative complications are noted. Thus, conducting more research in this area and developing new and most effective surgical methods that can reduce the risk of complications and optimize the rehabilitation process for these patients remain relevant.

Environment Risk Assessment of Healthcare Waste Using Ensemble Learning Technique-Based EFMEA

Healthcare waste (HCW) affects the sustainable development of the environment greatly. The choice of medical waste treatment methods has become a significant concern for public health and safety due to the rapid surge in the volume and diversity of medical waste. As an important aspect of environmental risk assessment (ERA), HCW risk assessment plays a crucial role in environmental protection to develop sustainability strategies. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) has been extensively utilized in HCW risk assessment in the past few decades. In this paper, we aimed to address the limitations of traditional FMEA while incorporating the benefits of diverse FMEA methods and employ a novel ensemble learning technique-based FMEA method to perform risk assessment of HCW. A real-world case of HCW risk assessment is investigated for the verification of the performance and effectiveness of the ensemble learning technique-based Environment FMEA (EFMEA). Result of the case study shows that this ensemble learning technique-based EFMEA can provide a more reliable assessment result for HCW risk management.

The timing of pronuclear transfer critically affects the developmental competence and quality of embryos.

Pronuclear transfer has been successfully used in human assisted reproduction to suppress the adverse effects of a defective oocyte cytoplasm or to bypass an idiopathic developmental arrest. However, the effects of the initial parental genome remodelling in a defective cytoplasm on the subsequent development after pronucleus transfer have not been systematically studied. By performing pronuclear transfer in pre-replication and post-replication mouse embryos, we show that the timing of the procedure plays a critical role. Although apparently morphologically normal blastocysts were obtained in both pre- and post-replication pronuclear transfer groups, post-replication pronuclear transfer led to a decrease in developmental competence and profound changes in embryonic gene expression. By inhibiting the replication in the abnormal cytoplasm before pronuclear transfer into a healthy cytoplasm, the developmental potential of embryos could be largely be restored. This shows that the conditions under which the first embryonic replication occurs strongly influence developmental potential. Although pronuclear transfer is the method of choice for mitigating the impact of a faulty oocyte cytoplasm on early development, our results show that the timing of this intervention should be restricted to the pre-replication phase.

A Facile LC-MS Method for Profiling Cholesterol and Cholesteryl Esters in Mammalian Cells and Tissues.

Cholesterol is central to mammalian lipid metabolism and serves many critical functions in the regulation of diverse physiological processes. Dysregulation in cholesterol metabolism is causally linked to numerous human diseases, and therefore, in vivo, the concentrations and flux of cholesterol and cholesteryl esters (fatty acid esters of cholesterol) are tightly regulated. While mass spectrometry has been an analytical method of choice for detecting cholesterol and cholesteryl esters in biological samples, the hydrophobicity, chemically inert nature, and poor ionization of these neutral lipids have often proved a challenge in developing lipidomics compatible liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods to study them. To overcome this problem, here, we report a reverse-phase LC-MS method that is compatible with existing high-throughput lipidomics strategies and capable of identifying and quantifying cholesterol and cholesteryl esters from mammalian cells and tissues. Using this sensitive yet robust LC-MS method, we profiled different mammalian cell lines and tissues and provide a comprehensive picture of cholesterol and cholesteryl esters content in them. Specifically, among cholesteryl esters, we find that mammalian cells and tissues largely possess monounsaturated and polyunsaturated variants. Taken together, our lipidomics compatible LC-MS method to study this lipid class opens new avenues in understanding systemic and tissue-level cholesterol metabolism under various physiological conditions.

A Facile LC-MS Method for Profiling Cholesterol and Cholesteryl Esters in Mammalian Cells and Tissues.

Cholesterol is central to mammalian lipid metabolism and serves many critical functions in the regulation of diverse physiological processes. Dysregulation in cholesterol metabolism is causally linked to numerous human diseases, and therefore, in vivo, the concentrations and flux of cholesterol and cholesteryl esters (fatty acid esters of cholesterol) are tightly regulated. While mass spectrometry has been an analytical method of choice for detecting cholesterol and cholesteryl esters in biological samples, the hydrophobicity, chemically inert nature, and poor ionization of these neutral lipids have often proved a challenge in developing lipidomics compatible liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods to study them. To overcome this problem, here, we report a reverse-phase LC-MS method that is compatible with existing high-throughput lipidomics strategies and capable of identifying and quantifying cholesterol and cholesteryl esters from mammalian cells and tissues. Using this sensitive yet robust LC-MS method, we profiled different mammalian cell lines and tissues and provide a comprehensive picture of cholesterol and cholesteryl esters content in them. Specifically, among cholesteryl esters, we find that mammalian cells and tissues largely possess monounsaturated and polyunsaturated variants. Taken together, our lipidomics compatible LC-MS method to study this lipid class opens new avenues in understanding systemic and tissue-level cholesterol metabolism under various physiological conditions.

Postoperative hemorrhages in vestibular schwannoma surgery pontine hemorrhage. Clinical case report

Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) is a benign tumor that develops from Schwann cells and can be life-threatening. Nowadays, surgical treatment is the method of choice in the management of patients with this type of tumor. We present a clinical case report of 71 y.o. patient with vestibular schwannoma (Koos grade IV, Samii grade 4B) with severe compression of the pons and the left cerebellar hemisphere. Microsurgical removal of the tumor was performed via the retrosigmoid approach. Starting from postoperative day 1, signs of respiratory distress developed. Control multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) of the brain revealed the area of hemorrhage in the left regions of the pons. On postoperative day 24 the patient's condition rapidly worsened progressing to coma with pronounced arterial hypotonia and cardiac arrest. Hemorrhage in the brain stem structures is a rare and life-threatening postoperative complication in vestibular schwannoma surgery. The incidence of postoperative hemorrhage is 2–11% of cases. Vascular complications are the leading cause of mortality. The key predisposing factors are older age, large and giant size of the tumor, tumor invasion into the pia mater of the brainstem, and vascularization of the tumor stroma. Comprehensive assessment of the tumor blood supply status, the state of the brainstem, intra- and postoperative clinical and neurophysiological monitoring, careful and thorough dissection of the tumor capsule and strict control of blood pressure in the postoperative period are the basis for the prevention of these complications.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPETENCE-BASED APPROACH: METHODOLOGICAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN UKRAINE

The article is devoted to the analysis and development of methodological recommendations for the successful implementation of the competence-based approach in the higher education system of Ukraine. The authors describe the main aspects of the competency-based approach, its advantages, features of implementation, as well as possible obstacles and challenges that may arise during its implementation. The article discusses the key principles of the competency-based approach, such as the active role of the learner, focus on competence development, integrated, individualised learning and assessment of acquired skills. Methodological advice is provided on the organisation of the educational process, the choice of methods and techniques, as well as the assessment of learning outcomes. It is established that the transition to learning with a focus on key competencies is an important step in preparing students for life in the modern information and globalised world, where the ability to adapt, analyse and solve problems is critical. 'Based on the author's analysis, recommendations for the practical application of the competence-based approach in the educational process of higher education institutions in Ukraine are given. The study is an important source of information for teachers, educators, researchers, administrators of educational institutions and other participants in the educational process who are interested in modernising and improving the quality of higher education in Ukraine through the implementation of a competency-based approach. The practical value of this study lies in the possibility of practical application of its results to form an objective view of the implementation of the competence approach in modern higher education.

Spray pyrolysis synthesis of Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+ nanoparticles for light conversion film enhancing photosynthesis in greenhouses

This study presents a comparative analysis of Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+ nanoparticles synthesized using Spray Pyrolysis (SP) and Solid-State Synthesis (SSS). Through meticulous characterization, we found that the SP method significantly enhanced the morphological and optical properties of the nanoparticles. SP-produced nanoparticles demonstrated a 30% higher crystallinity and a 25% increase in luminescence intensity compared to their SSS counterparts. Additionally, the mesoporous structure characteristic of SP-synthesized particles exhibited a 15% greater surface area, measured at 124.7 m2 g−1, which contributed to improved light absorption capabilities. These attributes are crucial for the intended application of enhancing photosynthesis in greenhouse environments. The UV–Visible spectra confirmed that SP nanoparticles possess superior light conversion capabilities, with notable implications for optimizing light distribution to facilitate plant growth. This research highlighted the advantages of SP, including ease of scalability and enhanced optical performance, which are pivotal for agricultural applications. The study emphasized that the choice of synthesis method played a critical role in tailoring the properties of Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+ nanoparticles for specific functional requirements in optical and agricultural technologies.