Developed Model Research Articles

Supporting equitable access to kidney transplant in remote Western Australia using continuous quality improvement.

Despite an epidemic of End-Stage Kidney Disease in the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, disparities in access to kidney transplantation persist. The journey to successful kidney transplant is long, with an initial suitability assessment required before waitlist-specific activities begin. In an Aboriginal Community Controlled renal service, we aimed to: 1.) Design and implement a continuous quality improvement (CQI) approach to transplant suitability assessment2.) Provide transplant suitability assessments for all patients of the service3.) Describe what temporary contraindications to kidney transplantation should be the focus of health service improvements4.) Explore participant experiences with the suitability assessment process and:5.) Use our findings to inform pre-and post-transplant model of care development within Kimberley Renal Services. Mixed methods design with file review. Transplant suitability assessment results with descriptive analysis, semi-structured interview with thematic analysis. Of completed assessments, 20/66 (30%) had no contraindications and were cleared for workup with median time on dialysis prior to assessment of 2.9 years, 42/66 (64%) had temporary contraindications, and 4/66 (6%) had permanent contraindications. Eighty-five temporary contraindications were identified in 46 individuals: 17/46 had both medical and non-medical contraindications, 5/46 had medical contraindications only, and 24/46 had non-medical contraindications only. The most common temporary contraindications were smoking (23/46), treatment adherence (17/46) and high body mass index (BMI) (11/46). Patients wanted more information on the transplant process, and interviewers noted the importance of providing information in an appropriate way. Patients wanted more support to address modifiable health risk factors to improve their chances of future transplantation. In the first stages of our CQI approach to improving access to kidney transplants for Kimberley Aboriginal people we achieved substantial catch-up in suitability assessments, and a comprehensive summary of factors impacting successful waitlisting. Our results are consistent with, and build upon other work in this space, highlighting the importance of involving Aboriginal staff and patients in education and support for prospective recipients.

Transcriptome-wide alternative mRNA splicing analysis reveals post-transcriptional regulation of neuronal differentiation.

Alternative splicing (AS) plays an important role in neuronal development, function, and disease. Efforts to analyze the transcriptome of AS inneurons on a wide scale are currently limited. We characterized the transcriptome-wide AS changes in SH-SY5Y neuronal differentiation model, which is widely used to study neuronal function and disorders. Our analysis revealed global changes in five AS programs that drive neuronal differentiation. Motif analysis revealed the contribution of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) to the regulation of AS during neuronal development. We concentrated on the primary alternative splicing program that occurs during differentiation, specifically on events involving exon skipping (SE). Motif analysis revealed motifs for polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTB) and ELAV-like RNA binding protein 1 (HuR/ELAVL1) to be the top enriched in SE events, and their protein levels were downregulated after differentiation. shRNA knockdown of either PTB and HuR was associated with enhanced neuronal differentiation and transcriptome-wide exon skipping events that drive the process of differentiation. At the level of gene expression, we observed only modest changes, indicating predominant post-transcriptional effects of PTB and HuR. We also observed that both RBPs altered cellular responses to oxidative stress, in line with the differentiated phenotype observed after either gene knockdown. Our work characterizes the AS changes in a widely used and important model of neuronal development and neuroscience research and reveals intricate post-transcriptional regulation of neuronal differentiation.

Green finance and “greenization” of enterprise’s technology: based on evolutionary game theory and empirical test in China

ABSTRACT Green innovation emerges as a pivotal breakthrough for expediting the shift towards a sustainable green development model. Green Finance Reform and Innovation Pilot Zones (GFRIPZ), functioning as a comprehensive policy initiative, harness diverse policy instruments to catalyse the green transformation of enterprises. Constructing a tripartite game model (government, banks, enterprises), this study sheds light on the green evolution of enterprises’ strategic behaviour with the incentive of GFRIPZ, and explains the underlying mechanism of green finance for green innovation. Data of Chinese listed companies (2007–2019) are used to test the mechanism and specific effect of green finance with the difference-in-differences method. The findings reveal that green finance effectively promotes enterprises’ adoption of green innovation strategies. The mechanism appears to be that green finance promotes green innovation by increasing environmental protection investment, reducing financing constraints and improving total factor productivity. Meanwhile, enterprise digitization and industry-finance integration play a positive synergistic role in connecting green finance and green innovation. Besides, the promoting effect of green finance on green innovation in large, non-polluting and mature enterprises is more prominent relative to that in others. This study elucidates the micro-mechanisms underlying green finance system design that foster green innovation and achieve high-quality economic development.

Preservation and path dependencies: a historical institutionalist analysis of the development of national parks in Brazil

ABSTRACT National parks and other protected areas have evolved in most nations, and often reflect idiosyncratic histories and characteristics of each nation. Adopting a historical institutionalist approach, this paper aims to understand the contextual aspects that led to the creation and development of the Brazilian national park system, focusing on political, economic, social and cultural conditions. The analysis identifies the periods of stability in national park management and the internal and external factors that led to institutional change in Brazil. The key findings highlight eight critical path dependencies that have emerged throughout the history of Brazil’s national park creation and management. The path dependencies are related to the original extractivist development model and colonial nature of the country, undefined land tenure, the preservationist perspective, the lack of a relationship between society and protected areas, limited participation, underfunding and understaffing, dependence on external funding and the new focus on concessions. We argue these key path dependencies continue to shape the management of national parks in Brazil.

Model of advanced recording system for application in heat-assisted magnetic recording

Heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) technology is considered a solution to overcome the limitations of perpendicular magnetic recording and enable higher storage densities. To improve and understand the performance of magnetic writers in HAMR technology, it is crucial to possess a comprehensive understanding of both the magnetic field generated during the writing process and the thermal effects induced by the laser. In this work, we have developed a micromagnetic HAMR model with atomistic parameterization. To demonstrate the applicability of the developed model, it is employed to investigate the Write Current Assisted Percentage (WCAP) measurement which is characterized by the difference in laser current needed to erase a narrow data track with and without assistance of the magnetic field generated by the writer. This value allows us to subsequently consider the strength of the magnetic field from the writer, which is difficult to evaluate experimentally. We study the effect of crucial factors such as the laser current, the frequency of the writing field and the grain size distribution of the recording media on the WCAP. The results reveal that, under a high applied field, a correspondingly elevated WCAP is generated. This observation suggests that the track undergoes erasure to approximately half of its amplitude, achieved through the utilization of a low peak temperature. The comparison between simulation and experimental data demonstrates excellent agreement and acts as a validation of the underlying principle of WCAP. Additionally, we explore theoretically the impact of the writer frequency, and the results suggest that lower frequencies give rise to an increase in WCAP. This implies that lower frequencies allow for a reduction in temperature required to erase the track. The technique is valuable in evaluating and contrasting the magnetic behavior of various write pole configurations, examining the frequency responses of different designs, and comparing different media.

Non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway activated NFATC3 promotes GDF15 expression in MASH: prospective analyses of UK biobank proteomic data.

Our previous research demonstrated that growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) exhibited superior predictive capability for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) development with an AUC of0.86 at 10years before disease diagnosis. However, the specific pathways and molecular mechanisms associated with GDF15 expression during MASH development remain to be fully investigated in humans. A nested case-control study comprising a MASH group of 78 individuals and three age- and sex-matched control groups (156 metabolic dysfunction-associated steatosis, 78 viral hepatitis, and 156 normal liver controls) was conducted. The baseline levels of GDF15-related transcription factors and upstream signaling pathways associated with the identified transcription factors were analysed prospectively. Thesignificantly higher level of nuclear factor of activated T cells 3 (NFATC3), a transcription factor for GDF15, was identified in the circulation in MASH patients compared tocontrols. Expression of the non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway that is upstream of NFATC3, and its related proteins CTHRC1, FRZB, SFRP1, and SFRP4, were highest in the MASH group, suggesting a non-canonical Wnt signaling/NFATC3/GDF-15 cascade in MASH disease pathogenesis. A predictive model for MASH development based on four biomarkers (CTHRC1, FRZB, NFATC3, and GDF15) showed an AUC of 0.90 at 10years. A protein-clinical model that included these four circulating proteins and BMI yielded an AUC of 0.93 at 10years. Non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway may activate NFATC3 to promote GDF15 expression in MASH disease pathogenesis. These molecular mechanisms provide novel insights for developing targeted therapies that could modulate the non-canonical Wnt/NFATC3/GDF15 cascade to prevent/treat MASH.

Postpartum haemorrhage following vaginal delivery: a comprehensive analysis and development of predictive models for aetiological subgroups in Chinese women

ObjectivesThis study aimed to dissect the aetiological subgroups of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) that occur after vaginal delivery in women with full-term singleton pregnancies. Our goal was to craft and validate...

The expression of transcription factors in the human fetal subthalamic nucleus suggests its origin from the first hypothalamic prosomere.

In this study, we analyzed the spatio-temporal pattern of expression of specific transcription factors (PITX2, FOXA1, BARHL1, FOXP1, FOXP2) in the human fetal subthalamic nucleus and its neighboring structures from 11 postconceptional weeks (PCW) to 3 postnatal months. We found that all analyzed transcription factors are expressed already during the early fetal period (at 11 PCW). Both FOXP1- and FOXP2-immunoreactive cells were found in the subthalamic nucleus as well as in the striatum, thalamus, reticular nucleus, but not in the zona incerta. FOXP2-ir cells were also found in the lateral hypothalamic-supramamillary area (LHA-SMA) and internal pallidal segment.On the other hand, PITX2, FOXA1 and BARHL1 were expressed exclusively in the subthalamic nucleus and LHA-SMA, from 11 PCW until the birth, the only exception being gradual loss of BARHL1 expression in the LHA-SMA during the late fetal period.Our findings present the first evidence in the human fetal brain that neurons of the subthalamic nucleus do not originate in the diencephalon, as was proposed by classical histological studies, but instead share a common hypothalamic (hp1 prosomere) origin with neurons of the LHA-SMA group, as proposed by the prosomeric model of brain development.

Predictive Model for Histological Chorioamnionitis Risk in Parturients with Intrapartum Fever.

This study aimed to analyze the causative factors of histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) in parturients with intrapartum fever, assess the implications for maternal and neonatal outcomes, and develop a predictive model to enhance clinical decision-making. A retrospective analysis was performed on 408 parturients with intrapartum fever at Fujian Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2022 to June 2023. Based on post-delivery placental pathology, the data were categorized into HCA (249 cases) and non-HCA groups (159 cases). Variables were first screened using univariate analysis, followed by multivariate logistic regression to identify high-risk factors and develop a predictive model. The model's accuracy was validated using Bootstrap resampling and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Significant differences were found between the HCA and non-HCA groups in terms of duration of premature rupture of membranes (≥24 hours), peak body temperature during labor (≥38°C), and levels of white blood cell count and C-reactive protein (CRP) at the onset of fever (p < 0.05). The predictive model showed strong accuracy, with an ROC area under the curve of 0.715. Intrapartum fever linked with HCA markedly exacerbates maternal and neonatal outcomes. Key risk factors for HCA include a peak labor temperature ≥38°C, CRP levels at fever onset, and grade III contamination of amniotic fluid. The developed model accurately predicts the HCA risk, enabling enhanced clinical interventions.

Computer-Aided Supporting Models of Customized Crack Propagation Sensors for Analysis and Prototyping.

The range of sensor technologies for structural health monitoring (SHM) systems is expanding as the need for ongoing structural monitoring increases. In such a case, damage to the monitored structure elements is detected using an integrated network of sensors operating in real-time or periodically in frequent time stamps. This paper briefly introduces a new type of sensor, called a Customized Crack Propagation Sensor (CCPS), which is an alternative for crack gauges, but with enhanced functional features and customizability. Due to those characteristics, it is necessary to develop a family of computer-aided supporting models for rapid prototyping and analysis of the new designs of sensors of various shapes and configurations, which this paper presents by use of simulation tools. For a prototyping of the sensor lay out, an algorithm is elaborated, based on an application created in LabVIEW 2022 software, which generates two spreadsheets formatted by the requirements of Autodesk Inventor 2014 and COMSOL Multiphysics 5.6 software, based on data entered by the user. As a result, a tailored-in-shape CCPS layout is prepared. A parametric model of the sensor is prepared in Autodesk Inventor software, which automatically changes its geometric dimensions after changing data in an MS Excel spreadsheet. Then, the generated layout is analyzed to obtain electromechanical characteristics for defined CCPS geometry and materials used in the COMSOL Multiphysics software. Another application is devoted to purely mechanical analysis. The graphical user interface (GUI) add-on based on the Abaqus 2018 software engine is prepared for advanced mechanical analysis simulations of sensor materials in selected loading scenarios. The GUI is used for entering material libraries and the selection of loading conditions and a type of specimen, while the results of the numerical analysis are delivered through Abaqus. The main advantage of the developed GUI is the capacity for personnel inexperienced in using the Abaqus environment to perform analysis. Some results of simulation tests carried out in both COMSOL Multiphysics as well as Abaqus software are delivered in this paper, using a predefined parametric sensor model. For example, using a rigid epoxy resin for an insulating layer shows a negligible difference in the level of strain compared to the structure during a simulated tensile test, specifically in the tested layer thickness range of up to 0.3 mm. However, during bending tests, an approx. 17% change in principal strain level can be observed through the top to bottom edge of the epoxy resin layer. The adopted methodology for carrying out simulation studies assumes the parallel use of a set of various computer-aided tools. This approach allows for taking advantage of individual software environments, which allows for expanding the scope of analyses and using the developed models and applications in further research activities.

Pilot Study on Using Large Language Models for Educational Resource Development in Japanese Radiological Technologist Exams

Pilot Study on Using Large Language Models for Educational Resource Development in Japanese Radiological Technologist Exams

Sonic hedgehog and fibroblast growth factor 8 regulate the evolution of amniote facial proportions

Amniote skulls are diverse in shape and skeletal composition, which is the basis of much adaptive diversification within this clade. Major differences in skull shape are established early in development, at a critical developmental interval spanning the initial outgrowth and fusion of the facial processes. In birds, this is orchestrated by domains of Shh and Fgf8 expression, known as the frontonasal ectodermal zone (FEZ). It is unclear whether this model of facial development applies to species with diverse facial skeletons, especially species possessing a skull morphology representative of early amniotes. By investigating facial morphogenesis in the lizard, Anolis sagrei, we show that reptilian skull development is driven by the same genes as mammals and birds, but the manner in which those genes regulate facial development is clade-specific. These genes are not expressed in the frontal-nasal prominence, the region of the avian FEZ. Downregulating Shh and Fgf8 signaling disrupts normal facial development, but in pathway-specific ways. Our results demonstrate that early facial morphogenesis in lizards does not conform to the FEZ model. Lizard skull development may be more representative of the ancestral amniote than other model species with highly derived facial skeletons suggesting that the FEZ may be an avian-specific novelty.

Developing a Simple Conceptual Causal Model for Predicting Early Recurrence and Mortality after Curative Surgery for Colorectal Cancer Patients

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. This study focused on the development of a robust conceptual causal model designed to predict early recurrence and mortality following curative surgery in colorectal cancer patients. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we included 284 patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) who underwent surgery at the Imam Khomeini (RA) Clinic in Hamadan, Iran, between 2001 and 2017. Demographic characteristics, treatment modalities, and other relevant data were extracted from patient records. Predictors were analyzed using Generalized Structural Equation Modeling (GSEM) for survival analysis, employing an accelerated failure time (AFT) approach. Both unadjusted and adjusted time ratios (TRs) were calculated using STATA software. Results: The results of our developed causal model indicated that receiving chemotherapy was significantly associated with a shorter survival time ratio (TR = 0.415, 95% CI: 0.290-0.593), and recurrence time (TR = 0.363, 95% CI: 0.190-0.696). Conversely, patients who underwent multiple chemotherapy sessions exhibited a longer survival time (TR = 2.130, 95% CI: 1.790-2.534) and recurrence time (TR = 2.206, 95% CI: 1.609- 3.023). Age had a direct impact on the recurrence time (TR = 0.758, 95% CI: 0.602-0.955). Additionally, age had a significant direct effect on the receipt of chemotherapy, the cancer site, and the receipt of radiotherapy. Conclusion: In summary, our study's causal model reveals that chemotherapy shortens survival time but multiple sessions can extend both survival and recurrence times. Age significantly affects recurrence time and chemotherapy receipt. These findings highlight the importance of personalized treatment strategies in colorectal cancer management

Identification of correlation relationships and establishment of regression models among multiple microbial indicators in reclaimed waters.

Monitoring and controlling microbial water quality is crucial for ensuring water reuse safety. In particular, existing water reuse guidelines and regulations normally prescribed coliform bacteria as microbial indicators. However, the use of non-unified coliform groups may bring difficulties to compare and optimize the conformity efforts on microbial surveillance. This study has identified the correlation relationships in each pair of four microbial indicators in reclaimed waters, namely the heterotrophic plate counts (HPCs), total coliforms (TC), fecal coliforms (FC) and E. coli (r=0.861-0.987). Ultimately, the built regression model for internal conversion is expressed as: log10HPC (MPN/mL)=0.737×log10TC (MPN/L)=0.830×log10FC (MPN/L)=0.872×log10E. coli (MPN/L) with further verification and validation. The developed model can be used to help water reuse regulators and practitioners improve the efficiency in universal microbial risk detection and management. Besides, the resistant microbes in HPCs (e.g. disinfection resistant bacteria and pathogens) after reclaimed water treatment and disinfection also call for future attention.

Machine learning approach for prediction of hole oversize using acoustic emission signal features in ultrasonic machining of inconel 718

ABSTRACT The material removal in the ultrasonic machining process is due to the fracture of the workpiece material. The fracture is owing to the energy transfer by vibrating abrasive particles. The vibrating particles impact the workpiece surface and machining takes place, leading to the size of the machining hole, which is of interest to understand to guarantee efficient machining with accuracy and precision. In the current investigation, the hole oversize (HOS) during the ultrasonic machining of Inconel 718 super alloy is attempted. An acoustic emission sensor is integrated with the machining setup, and signal information is extracted in the time and time-frequency domain. The features and process parameters are input to a support vector regression model to estimate HOS. The model developed for HOS prediction yields an accuracy of 97.87%. The developed model can be beneficial for the real-time monitoring of HOS during the ultrasonic machining process for industrial and remote applications.

A decision support system to evaluate product recovery strategies and performance

Purpose An important consideration in the recovery strategies and performance of any given returned product is to make appropriate decisions for post-use. This paper aims to examine how the small and medium manufacturing enterprises can utilise a model-driven collaborative decision support system to evaluate product recovery strategies and performance. Design/methodology/approach An optimisation model using a genetic algorithm (GA) approach is developed to assess product recovery plans for any returned products based on the decisions of component reuse, remanufacture and recycle potentials. The model evaluates the key decisions of cost, time, quality and waste, and proposes an optimal recovery plan for manufacturer. A case study was also conducted using the proposed model to evaluate and examine different air compressor piston-types with recovery strategies. Findings Assessing a product recovery plan for any product is a challenge to the manufacturer due to higher operating costs associated with recovery. The nature of this challenge is complex. In this study, the results indicate that a developed optimisation model using a GA can assess the utilisation value of used products by considering suitable recovery strategies for the components and/or parts to be appropriately reused, remanufactured and recycled upon return. Research limitations/implications The developed model assesses utilisation values of returns by considering both key decisions associated with returned products, and aspects of complexity of operational processes. Originality/value This research contributes to the practical understanding of product recovery strategies and extended producer responsibility using a case study. Also, the significance of this research is to provide a simple method of proposing an optimal recovery plan for any given returned product within a decision support system. Another innovation of the developed model is that an optimal recovery plan considers the trade-off decisions of cost, time, quality and waste aspects.

In Situ – Leadership as Practice Development and Improvisational Theatre: Practicing Interpersonal and Social Dynamics through Improv to Develop Collective Leadership Capacity

ABSTRACT Cultivating the type of leadership necessary in today's world necessitates innovative methods that broaden our perspective on leadership development. The question becomes how do organizations develop collective leadership capacity? Modern leadership has moved away from the idea of a singular, ‘strong person’ leader and has embraced an approach that focuses on situational, multi-individual leadership born from the needs of an organization at any given moment. The following paper proposes a model of contemporary leadership development in line with this new view through the combination of Leadership-as-Practice Development (LaPD) and Improvisational Theatre (improv). This view reveals how particular skills cultivated in improv can help participants learn to adapt their practices as a basis for collective leadership which, in turn, can improve their projects and activities. The history of, methodology, benefits, and real-world examples of this new approach are discussed. MAD statement The connection between Leadership-as-Practice Development (LaPD) and the development of collective in situ leadership through Improvisational Theatre exercises is dynamic. Improv exercises bring people together with a method to live out and examine real social, political, and organizational issues. Situating improv on a spectrum of practice adds to the understanding of LaPD by opening the liminal space of practice to dynamic learning. Collective learning from these situations elevates the entire organization and its ability to adapt to a changing world.

Sustainable Business Models in Agritourism: an Opportunity For Achieving SDGS and Circular Economy

Introduction: Agritourism, combining agricultural with tourism, presents a unique opportunity for sustainable development. The business with its sustainable practices can raise awareness and impact the customer behaviour. Objective: This study explores sustanable business models (SBMs) in agritourism, focusing on their alignment with circular economy and sustanable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12, which focuses on responsible consumption and production. Theoretical Framework: Main concepts and theories support the importance of the system and how things are connected speaking about sustainability, providing a solid basis for supporting the investigation. Method: Analizing two case studies in the country (Albania), the agritourism “Mrizi i Zanave” (Mrizi) and the village Thethi, the research highlights the agritourism’s role in fostering local economic growth, conserving cultural heritage, and promoting community resilience. Results and discussions: By promoting resource efficiency, reducing waste, and enhancing local engagement, agritourism embodies SDG 12’s call for sustainability in production processes and consumption patterns. Key challenges, including infrastructure, are evaluated alongside opportunities such as fiscal incentives and the integration of local food systems. Findings emphasize the importance of tailored strategies, community engagement, and policy support to balance increasing tourist demands with environmental and cultural preservation. Research implication: This research underscores the transformative potential of agritourism as a model for sustainable development, offering valuable insights for similar regions worldwide. Originality/Value: Being Albania a small country, there is not much interest on narrowing research on it, but as SDGs imply, the system thinking is very important, no country, no place behind, there is just one Earth. The study can be interesting for other small regions, going on the same specifics as Albania, like other developing countries in the world.

A Comparative Study on the Promoting Effects of Different Tourism Development Models on Rural Revitalization: Case Studies from Two Typical Villages in China

A Comparative Study on the Promoting Effects of Different Tourism Development Models on Rural Revitalization: Case Studies from Two Typical Villages in China

Water Reuse: Contribution of a Decision Support Model

Sustainability seeks to strike a balance between preserving the environment and meeting human needs without compromising future generations. In this context, and considering the effects of climate change on water availability, water reuse is emerging as an alternative to conventional water sources for various purposes, contributing to sustainability. Water reuse projects are, in general, not simple to implement due to different technical, environmental, social and economic aspects. In this paper, a support decision model for water reuse projects is presented, identifying relevant indicators and parameters. Based on a literature review, four indicators or dimensions (technical, social, environmental and economic) and twelve parameters (e.g., WWTP safety, transport complexity, existence of legislation, risk to health and environment, energy consumption, degree of acceptance and required investment and operation and maintenance costs) are proposed. The Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method is used as a component of the model to determine the weights of the indicators and parameters in order to allow the calculation of a reuse feasibility index (RFI). The developed model was applied to the city of Aquiraz, Ceará, Brazil, and the RFI found was 82%, which means that the water reuse project had very high viability. The results underwent a sensitivity analysis, which confirms the consistency of the conclusions.