Moderate Changes Research Articles

Performance Measurement of a DMEWMA Control Chart on an AR(p) Model with Exponential White Noise

The double-modified exponentially weighted moving average (DMEWMA) control chart running an autoregressive (AR) process is proposed to detect unusual events. The AR equation and the DMEWMA statistic are combined to evaluate the control limit of the exponential residual term to obtain the explicit formula for the average run length (ARL). The ARLs computed using the explicit formula approach and the well-established numerical integral equation method were compared to validate the former. The efficiencies of the original EWMA, MEWMA, and DMEWMA control charts running AR processes based on simulation and real data were compared by using the results of ARL and relative mean index calculations. The results indicate that the explicit formula for the ARL of an AR process running on a double-modified EWMA control chart detected changes more quickly than on either of the other two control charts for small and moderate changes. Finally, real data on COVID-19 is provided to demonstrate the application of this explicit formula.

Exploring the Impact of Social Exchange Factors on Organizational Commitment: A Study of Development Bank of Ethiopian Amhara Region Branches

Despite the extensive research on organizational commitment, studies that specifically examine the impact of social exchange factors on organizational commitment are needed. More empirical evidence of the effects of social exchange is necessary because most studies have been conducted in developed countries, and less is done in the context of development banks in Ethiopia. Consequently, this research aims to examine the impact of social exchange factors on organizational commitment among Bank employees by investigating the association between work environment, job security, pay satisfaction, and involvement in decision-making with employees' organizational commitment. Using a census sampling technique, 208 employees filled out Likert-scale questionnaires to collect cross-sectional data and utilized multiple linear regression to test the hypothesis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to examine the data using STATA 17. The findings indicate that the mean value for job security, pay satisfaction, Participation in decision-making, and organizational Commitment was above average. Weighted least square estimation was fitted where Payment satisfaction (B=0.202, P_value<0.06), job security (B=0.25, P_value<0.001), Participation in decision making (B=0.28, P_value<0.001) were significant and had a positive effect however work environment (B=0.05, P_value<0.48) is not effective at a 5% level of significance. This W.L.S. result suggests that employees are committed to D.B.E. However, the work environment was insignificantly related to organizational commitment.In conclusion, the results indicate that job security, pay satisfaction, and Participation in decision-making are significant determinants of organizational commitment. However, the work environment has little impact on employees' commitment to the organization; these help the Bank continue its strategy with moderate changes for the best outcome above average, develop strategies to enhance employee commitment and improve organizational performance. The study highlights the importance of job security, fair compensation, and the opportunity for employees to participate in decision-making processes to increase commitments.

Drought-related mortality modifies mixing effects on light absorption and growth in mono-specific and mixed stands of Fagus sylvatica, Alnus glutinosa, and Betula pendula

Abstract Little is known about how drought-related mortality influences light absorption of surviving trees and consequent changes in tree species interactions. Here, we used the detailed tree-level light model (Maestra) in combination with measurements of tree dimensions, crown architectures, and stand structures to examine experimental mixing effects of Fagus sylvatica, Alnus glutinosa, and Betula pendula on light dynamics following a drought in Bangor, Wales. The experimental stands, planted in 2004, were composed of clusters with one to three species in different combinations. Droughts occurred in 2011 and 2014 during the growing seasons, and trees were measured in 2014 and 2015. Species mixing resulted, on average, in higher tree growth, absorption of photosynthetically active radiation (APAR), and light-use efficiency (LUE) compared with the mean of the monocultures. An exception was the monoculture of B. pendula, which was the most productive species and had higher growth, APAR, or LUE than some mixtures. Drought-related mortality reduced the stand basal area across all plots by an average of 8.3% and tree density by 11%. This moderate change in the structure did not result in significant increases in individual tree APAR, LUE, or growth. From a management perspective, mortality might need to reduce stand density more strongly than it did in this study before light absorption or LUE is altered.

Unlocking the Origins of Highly Reversible Lithium Storage and Stable Cycling in a Spinel High‐Entropy Oxide Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractDeveloping high‐capacity conversion‐type anodes with superior durability substituting conventional graphite anodes is urgently desired to improve the energy density of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, fatal capacity decay during cycling of the conversion‐type anodes, which is primarily due to their inevitable structural degradation and continuous solid‐electrolyte interphase reformation induced by drastic volume change, has highly restricted their commercialization. And, the interrelated effects of phase transformation, structural evolution, and electrochemical characteristics of the conversion‐type anodes during cycling remain poorly understood. Herein, the findings on the fabrication and understanding of a previously unexplored entropy‐stabilized spinel oxide, (Co0.2Mn0.2V0.2Fe0.2Zn0.2)3O4 as a promising conversion anode for LIBs, exhibiting not only moderate volume change character but also highly reversible capacities of ≈900 mAh g−1 for 500 cycles at 0.2 A g−1 and ≈500 mAh g−1 for 2000 cycles at 3 A g−1, respectively, are reported. Evidenced by in situ transmission electron microscopy coupled with theoretical calculations, its underlying mechanism underpinning highly reversible Li storage is explicitly revealed, which originates from reversible phase transformation and domain reconstruction during cycling. Moreover, the origin of small volume change is also clearly clarified. This work provides renewed mechanistic insights into designing high‐capacity and durable conversion‐type electrode materials for high‐performance LIBs.

Uzbekistan’s cotton clusters in the context of the industrial policy debate

ABSTRACT In 2018, Uzbekistan initiated a clustering policy in the national cotton sector. Based on case studies, this paper investigates the recent changes in cotton production under the emerging clusters. Our findings show a mismatch between the meaning of clusters in the industrial policy literature and practice in Uzbekistan. The supervision of cotton growing passed from the state to private enterprises (clusters). This transformation has perpetuated monopsony conditions under which farmers have no alternative marketing channels. The input markets have been disconnected from state agencies, however farms lack access to private input markets, since clusters supervise the input use. Our analyses show that forced and child labor has receded. In general, the cluster reform hardly took into account the principles of industrial policy. For example, the establishment of clusters among farmers widely lacked transparency. Instead of a hastened establishment of clusters in large scales, an institutional environment that enables bottom-up initiatives should be promoted. Overall, from the farmers’ perspective, recent reform steps led to moderate changes at best, while clusters started to play a dominant role in the cotton sector.

North American open-label 16-week trial of the MindShift smartphone app for adult anxiety

BackgroundEvidence-based treatments can effectively address anxiety and related conditions. However, new resources are needed to make psychological interventions accessible to the substantial and increasing North American population affected by anxiety and related psychopathology. ObjectiveThe present study evaluated whether use of the MindShift app (Anxiety Canada) may help reduce anxiety symptoms and related depressive symptoms, quality-of-life, and functional impairment among adults 18 years of age and older. MethodsAdults ages 18–80 (N = 380) participated in an online open-label trial to evaluate change in anxiety and related distress while using the MindShift smartphone app. Inclusion criteria: residence in Canada or the USA and self-identification of anxiety or anxious distress to address during the study. Participants reported the severity of four primary outcomes at baseline and 2-, 4-, 8-, 12-, and 16-weeks after they began using the MindShift app. ResultsAll four primary outcomes improved over the 16-week period: participants reported reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms; reduced functional impairment; and improved quality-of-life. Improvements were unrelated to the frequency with which participants used the MindShift app. Effect sizes indicated moderate change in anxiety symptoms (d=0.61, p < 0.0001), depressive symptoms (d=0.50, p < 0.0001), functional impairment (d=0.55, p < 0.0001), and quality-of-life (d=0.31, p < 0.0001) at the end of the 16-week intervention; improvements were consistent with response to treatment but not remission. ConclusionsOverall, the MindShift app may provide a ready to scale low-cost resource to assist in meeting the mental health needs of adults across North America, particularly those who report mild or moderate symptom severity.

Adaptive EWMA control chart for monitoring the coefficient of variation under ranked set sampling schemes

In this study, we introduce an Adaptive Exponentially Weighted Moving based Coefficient of Variation (AEWMCV) control chart, designed to address situations where the process mean fluctuates over time and the standard deviation of the process changes linearly with the process mean. To enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the control chart, we integrate the ranked set sampling method and its modified schemes, such as Simple Random Sampling, Quartile RSS, Median RSS, and Extreme RSS. The performance of the proposed AEWMCV control chart and the studied CV control charts are evaluated using the Average Run Length and Standard Deviation of Run Length metrics. Our findings reveal that the proposed control chart outperforms the existing CV control charts, especially in detecting slight to moderate changes in the process CV. To illustrate the practical applicability of the suggested control chart, we present an example demonstrating its use on a real dataset. The results highlight the superior performance of the AEWMCV control chart in accurately detecting and responding to changes in the process CV. In conclusion, our study introduces an innovative AEWMCV control chart that combines ranked set sampling and its modified schemes to enhance performance in scenarios with fluctuating process means and changing standard deviations. The proposed control chart proves to be more effective in detecting subtle variations in the process CV compared to traditional CV control charts. This research provides a valuable contribution to the field of control chart methodology, especially when dealing with challenging or costly data collection scenarios.

Hypertension and COVID-19 in the conditions of the Arctic watch (according to the data of the medical unit in Yamburg)

Objective. To study the peculiarities of COVID-19 course and gender differences in patients with arterial hypertension (HTN) in the conditions of the Arctic watch.Design and methods. In the settlement of Yamburg (Nadym district), 517 case histories were retrospectively analyzed by random sampling: 359 men (M) and 158 females (F) treated as inpatients at the medical unit of GAZPROM DOBYCHA YAMBURG LLC in the period 2019–2021. Of these, a diagnosis of COVID-19 was verified in 233 M (with HTN — 150 M (64 %) and 77 F (with HTN — 51 F (66 %)); and those without COVID-19: 126 M (with HTN — 77 M (61 %) and 81 F (with HTN — 38 F (47 %)). The diagnosis of COVID-19 was based on the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by polymerase chain reaction. Retrospective analysis was performed as part of routine clinical practice; patients gave written informed consent for data processing according to the order No. 36/1 dated 29.01.2020 and the approved informed consent form.Results. M and F groups who survived after COVID-19 were significantly older than those who did not. The largest number of COVID-19 patients among M and F were from the group of interregional watch — rotations from temperate regions without crossing the time zone (Tyumen, Ufa, Tobolsk), the smallest — from the group of intraregional watch (coming on a rotation from the Far North — cities Nadym, Novy Urengoy). Correlation analysis showed direct significant relationships between COVID-19 and age (p = 0,009), northern experience (p = 0,006), and history of HTN (p = 0,002). Patients with HTN who survived after COVID-19 were significantly more likely to have grade II obesity. M with HTN compared to F and M with normal blood pressure (BP), had a significant decrease in saturation (94,8 (5,0) % vs 95,9 (3,0) %, p = 0,038) and had an increase in the number of individuals with a severe course (11 % vs 4 %, p = 0,041). In 6 M with HTN who survived after COVID-19, atrial fibrillation was registered for the first time. Myocardial repolarization disorders, blockade changes (incomplete right bundle branch block), sinus tachycardia were registered more often in HTN subjects.Conclusions. Thus, our analysis showed that patients with HTN, overweight or obesity were more likely to be infected with COVID-19 under the conditions of the Arctic watch. In 65 % of cases, COVID-19 was accompanied by moderate changes in the lungs of the CT1 type, due to the timely hospitalization of patients. M compared to F more often had a severe course of COVID-19 with a significant decrease in saturation and more frequent electrocardiography changes. Observation and being on a 2-week quarantine before the watch had no significant success in limiting the incidence of COVID-19.

Effects of digital chatbot on gender attitudes and exposure to intimate partner violence among young women in South Africa.

South Africa has among the highest rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) globally, with young women at heightened risk due to inequitable gender roles, limited relationship skills, and inadequate social support. Despite an urgent need for violence prevention in low- and middle-income settings, most efficacious approaches are time-intensive and costly to deliver. Digital, interactive chatbots may help young women navigate safer relationships and develop healthier gender beliefs and skills. Young women (18-24 years old) across South Africa were recruited via Facebook for participation in an individually randomised controlled trial (n = 19,643) during the period of June 2021-September 2021. Users were randomly allocated, using a pipeline algorithm, to one of four trial arms: Pure Control (PC) had no user engagement outside of study measures; Attention Treatment (T0) provided didactic information about sexual health through a text-based chatbot; Gamified Treatment (T1) was a behaviourally-informed gamified text-based chatbot; Narrative Treatment (T2) was a behaviourally-informed drama delivered through pre-recorded voice notes. All chatbots were delivered in WhatsApp, through which users were invited to complete brief "quizzes" comprising adapted versions of validated scales. Primary outcomes were short-form adaptations of scales for gender attitudes (Gender Relations Scale) and past-month IPV (WHO Multi-country Study Instrument). Secondary outcomes were identification of unhealthy relationship behaviours (Intimate Partner Violence Attitudes Scale) and brief screener for depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire). A direct chat link to a trained counsellor was a safety measure (accessed by 4.5% of the sample). We estimated treatment effects using ordinary least squares and heteroskedasticity robust standard errors. The trial retained 11,630 (59.2%) to the primary endpoint of gender attitudes. Compared to control, all treatments led to moderate and significant changes in attitudes towards greater gender equity (Cohen's D = 0.10, 0.29, 0.20 for T0, T1, and T2, respectively). The gamified chatbot (T1) had modest but significant effects on IPV: 56% of young women reported past-month IPV, compared to 62% among those without treatment (marginal effects = -0.07, 95%CI = -0.09to-0.05). The narrative treatment (T2) had no effect on IPV exposure. T1 increased identification of unhealthy relationship behaviours at a moderate and significant level (Cohen's D = 0.25). Neither T1 nor T2 had a measurable effect on depressive symptoms as measured by the brief screener. Interpretation: A behaviourally-informed, gamified chatbot increased gender equitable attitudes and was protective for IPV exposure among young women in South Africa. These effects, while modest in magnitude, could represent a meaningful impact given potential to scale the low-cost intervention.

Recovery from Upper Eyelid Sulcus Deepening Following Switch from Prostaglandin Analogues to EP2 Receptor Agonist

Purpose: To report a case of recovery from deepening of the upper eyelid sulcus after switching from prostaglandin FP receptor agonists to an EP2 receptor agonist.Case summary: A 65-year-old male patient with suspicion of glaucoma presented for detailed examinations. At the initial visit, his best-corrected visual acuity was 1.0 in both eyes, and the intraocular pressure (IOP) was 14/14 mmHg. Examination revealed no specific findings in the anterior segment, mild early cataracts bilaterally, and moderate glaucomatous changes. Therefore, bimatoprost/timolol fixed-combination eye drops were administered in both eyes. After 1 month, the IOP was 11/11 mmHg and no evidence of glaucoma progression was found. After 10 months, the IOP was 17/18 mmHg and there was deepening of the upper eyelid sulcus bilaterally. Consequently, bimatoprost/timolol fixed combination eye drops were switched to omidenepag isopropyl. Within 2 months of the switch, the deepening of the upper eyelid sulcus recovered completely and the IOP was 14/13 mmHg.Conclusions: Patients with prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy should be switched to non-prostaglandin drugs or EP2 receptor agonists. Our patient exhibited complete recovery of the upper eyelid sulcus deepening after switching to an EP2 agonist.

Clinical manifestations and mechanisms of formation of neurological disorders in patients with vibration disease

The review presents an analysis of literature sources devoted to the study of changes in the nervous system in patients with vibration disease. Vibration-mediated cellular hypoxia, which occurs as a result of spastic changes in blood vessels, phase fluctuations in intravascular pressure, impaired blood and lymph outflow, causes suppression of energy metabolism, contributes to disorders at the level of receptor (glutamate, GABA-ergic, dopamine and cholinergic) and synaptic structures, conductors of pain and temperature sensitivity (demyelinization), analyzing neurons in the parietal region of the brain, regulatory proteins of the nervous tissue (NF-200, GFAP S-100). A low-amplitude, irregular, disorganized and sometimes deformed EEG spectrum with a predominance of the alpha wave and a shift of the alpha rhythm to the left reflects changes in the spontaneous electrical activity of brain structures in patients. With an increase in the experience dose of vibration-noise exposure, the dominant alpha activity changes to slow-wave or polyrhythmic. Mild and moderate diffuse changes in the brain become focal in nature, cortical-subcortical relationships are disrupted at the diencephalic level, creating a pathophysiological basis for sensorineural (sensory-neural) hearing loss, especially in patients with a genetic predisposition mediated by genes encoding proteins of the heat shock system. The psycho-emotional status of patients is characterized by a hypochondriacal focus on the state of health, mental disadaptation, psycho-emotional disorders in the form of anxiety, depressive mood. The analysis of literature sources on the mechanisms of the formation of neurological disorders in patients with vibration disease revealed the lack of data on the state of the multicomponent ghrelin system interacting with GHSR-1A and GHSR-1B receptors, which determines a new vector in further experimental and clinical studies.

New Method for Modelling Seasonal Variation in Resistance and Performance of Earthing Systems

The current techniques utilized for estimating seasonal fluctuations in earthing system resistance, including artificial neural networks (ANNs) and correlation/correction factors, rely on resistance records, soil resistivity measurements, and meteorological data collected across broad areas. However, they frequently fail to consider the impact of soil conditions and properties at the actual earthing location. As a solution, this research introduces a new method that models atmospheric conditions as soil suction and incorporates hydraulic soil properties (soil water retention characteristics and hydraulic conductivity) to estimate the seasonal changes in earthing resistance and performance. To illustrate this approach, this study constructs geometric models of vertical earthing rods for three homogeneous soil textures (clayey, silty, and sandy) utilizing COMSOL Multiphysics software. By coupling the differential equations governing electric current and water flow using Archie’s formula and solving numerically with the finite element method (FEM) for various soil suctions, this research reveals that soil water retention and resistivity variations are notably influenced by soil texture. Sandy soil displays higher variability, silt soil demonstrates moderate changes, while clayey soil exhibits lower fluctuation. By linking soil resistivity changes to soil suction and hydraulic properties, this innovative method predicts seasonal trends in earthing resistance and performance.

European Beech Forests in Austria—Current Distribution and Possible Future Habitat

A change in tree species composition in Central Europe to increase the resilience of forests when coping with climate change effects is imminent. We evaluated the present and expected future role of the European beech, (Fagus sylvatica L.), with respect to the expansion of its habitat and its stem. We assessed the current relevance of beech from data of the Austrian Forest Inventory 2007/09, and analyzed forest policies promoting the establishment of beech forests. We simulated forest growth with the model CALDIS, linked with the timber-market model FOHOW2. We used a business-as-usual (BAU) forest management strategy under moderate (RCP 4.5 BAU) or extreme (RCP 8.5 BAU) climate change. We also simulated an extreme climate change scenario with a forced change in the tree species composition (RCP 8.5 Change Species). Beech occurs in Austrian forests over the elevational gradient of 250 to 1600 m a.s.l. In low elevation, it forms beech-dominated forests, often for the supply of the domestic fuelwood demand. In mountain regions, beech enriches the diversity of Norway spruce, (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.)-dominated forests. In a BAU setting, the habitat of beech increases only slightly in both climate scenarios. The scenario ‘RCP 8.5 Change Species’ increases the habitat of beech in the next 60 years considerably. With progressing warming, other broadleaved tree species gain relevance. The vulnerability to drought and pathogens are limiting factors for Austrian beech forests. The future habitat depends on many factors such as the ability of forests to cope with climate change, the confidence to arising market opportunities of beech timber in the wake of technological progress, and financial and non-financial incentives for the implementation of adaptive forest management.

Multicriteria assessment of alternative cropping systems at farm level. A case with maize on family farms of South East Asia

CONTEXTIntegration of farms into markets with adoption of maize as a cash crop can significantly increase income of farms of the developing world. However, in some cases, the income generated may still be very low and maize production may also have strong negative environmental and social impacts. OBJECTIVEMaize production in northern Laos is taken as a case to study how far can farms' performance be improved with improved crop management of maize with the following changes at field level: good timing and optimal soil preparation and sowing, allowing optimal crop establishment and low weed infestation. METHODSWe compared different farm types' performance on locally relevant criteria and indicators embodying the three pillars of sustainability (environmental, economic and social). An integrated assessment approach was combined with direct measurement of indicators in farmers' fields to assess eleven criteria of local farm sustainability. A bio-economic farm model was used for scenario assessment in which changes in crop management and the economic environment of farms were compared to present situation. The farm model was based on mathematical programming maximizing income under constraints related to i) household composition, initial cash and rice stocks and land type, and ii) seasonal balances of cash, labour and food. The crop management scenarios were built based on a diagnosis of the causes of variations in the agronomic and environmental performances of cropping systems, carried out in farmers' fields. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOur study showed that moderate changes in crop management on maize would improve substantially farm performance on 4 to 6 criteria out of the 11 assessed, depending on farm types. The improved crop management of maize had a high economic attractiveness for every farm type simulated (low, medium and high resource endowed farms) even at simulated production costs more than doubling current costs of farmers' practices. However, while an improvement of the systems performance was attained in terms of agricultural productivity, income generation, work and ease of work, herbicide leaching, improved soil quality and nitrogen balance, trade-offs were identified with other indicators such as erosion control and cash outflow needed at the beginning of the cropping season. SIGNIFICANCEUsing farm modelling for multicriteria assessment of current and improved maize cropping systems for contrasted farm types helped capture main opportunities and constraints on local farm sustainability, and assess the trade-offs that new options at field level may generate at farm level.

Stab lesion of the L4/L5 intervertebral disc in the rat causes acute changes in disc bending mechanics

Low-back pain often coincides with altered neuromuscular control, possibly due to changes in spine stability resulting from injury or degeneration, or due to effects of nociception. The relative importance of these mechanisms, and their possible interaction, are unknown. In spine bending, the bulk of the load is borne by the IVD, yet the acute effects of intervertebral disc (IVD) injury on bending mechanics have not been investigated. In the present study, we aimed to quantify the acute effects of a stab lesion of the disc on its mechanical properties, because such changes can be expected to elicit compensatory changes in neuromuscular control. L4/L5 spinal segments were collected from 27 Wistar rats within two hours after sacrifice and stored at −20℃. Following thawing, bending tests were performed to assess the intersegmental angle-moment characteristics. Specimens were loaded in right bending, left bending and flexion, before and after a stab lesion of the IVD fully penetrating the nucleus pulposus. In the angle-moment curves, we found reduced moments at equal bending angles after IVD lesion in left bending, right bending and flexion. Peak stiffness, peak moment, and hysteresis were significantly decreased (by 7.8–27.7 %) after IVD lesion in all directions. In conclusion, L4/L5 IVD lesion in the rat caused small to moderate acute changes in IVD mechanical properties. Our next steps will be to evaluate the longer term effects of IVD lesion on spine mechanics and the neural control of trunk muscles.

Rice Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase regulates serotonin accumulation and interacts with cell cycle regulators under prolonged UV-B exposure

Stress conditions such as UV-B exposure activates MAPKs in Arabidopsis and rice. UV-B radiation is hazardous to plant as it causes photosystem disruption, DNA damage and ROS generation. Here we report its effect on biological pathways by studying the global changes in transcript profile in rice seedling exposed to UV-B radiation for 1 h and 16 h. Short UV-B exposure (1 h) led to moderate changes, while a drastic change in transcript landscape was observed after long term UV-B exposure (16 h) in rice seedlings. Prolonged UV-B exposure negatively impacts the expression of cell cycle regulating genes and several other metabolic pathways in developing seedlings. MAP kinase signaling cascade gets activated upon UV-B exposure similar to reports in Arabidopsis indicating conservation of its function in both dicot and monocot. Expression analysis in inducible overexpression transgenic lines of MPK3 and MPK6 shows higher transcript abundance of phytoalexin biosynthesis gene like Oryzalexin D synthase and Momilactone A synthase, along with serotonin biosynthesis genes. An accumulation of serotonin was observed upon UV-B exposure and its abundance positively correlates with the MPK3 and MPK6 transcript level in the respective over-expression lines. Interestingly, multiple cell cycle inhibitor proteins including WEE1 and SMR1 interact with MPK3 and MPK6 thus, implying a major role of this pathway in cell cycle regulation under stress condition. Overall overexpression of MPK3 and MPK6 found to be detrimental for rice as overexpression lines shows higher cell death and compromised tolerance to UV-B.

Insight into the negative effect and lipid profile alterations in liver of mice exposed to methylimidazolium ionic liquids, a novel "green" solvent.

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been recognized as potential environmentally friendly solvents; however, their potential toxicity to living organisms warrants thorough investigation, particularly for novel-generation ILs in mammalian models. In this study, we examined the hepatic effects and disruption of lipid metabolism in mice exposed to 1-heptyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (C7[MIM]Cl), a novel ILs. After four weeks of oral administration at different dosages (2.38, 5.95, and 11.9mg/kg b.w.), we conducted clinical chemistry analysis and histopathological examination of the liver to assess biochemical and structural changes. The low-dose C7[MIM]Cl group exhibited a significant increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, while aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were elevated in both low-dose and high-dose groups without statistical significance. Histopathological examination showed inflammatory cell infiltration and red blood cell aggregation in the livers of mice exposed to C7[MIM]Cl, particularly in the high-dose group. Oxidative stress levels showed moderate changes in response to C7[MIM]Cl exposure. Notably, hepatic biochemical parameters revealed a dose-dependent increase in triglycerides (TG) levels with statistically significant differences compared to the control group (P≤0.01). Targeted lipidomic analysis revealed notable alterations in liver lipids of mice exposed to C7[MIM]Cl, with lysophosphatidylethanolamine (18:0), phosphatidylcholines (18:0), and phosphatidylcholines (19:0) identified as critical lipids associated with C7[MIM]Cl exposure. Furthermore, metabolic pathway analyses demonstrated significant disturbances in the glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway. These findings provide valuable insights into the hepatic effects of C7[MIM]Cl exposure and novel perspectives on the disruption of lipid metabolism underlying ILs toxicity.

Assessing Global Landslide Casualty Risk Under Moderate Climate Change Based on Multiple GCM Projections

Extreme precipitation-induced landslide events are projected to increase under climate change, which poses a serious threat to human lives and property. In this study, a global-scale landslide risk assessment model was established using global landslide data, by considering landslide hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. The global climate model data were then employed to drive the established global landslide risk model to explore the spatial and temporal variations in future landslide risk across the globe as a result of extreme precipitation changes. The results show that compared to the 30-year period from 1971 to 2000, the average annual frequency of landslides triggered by extreme precipitation is projected to increase by 7% and 10%, respectively, in the future 30-year periods of 2031–2060 and 2066–2095. The global average annual casualty risk of landslides is projected to increase from about 3240 to 7670 and 8380, respectively (with growth rates of 140% and 160%), during the 2031–2060 and 2066–2095 periods under the SSP2-4.5 scenario. The top 10 countries with the highest casualty risk of landslides are China, Afghanistan, India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Rwanda, Turkey, Nepal, Guatemala, and Brazil, 60% of which are located in Asia. The frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation will increase under climate change, which will lead to an increase in casualties from landslides in mountainous areas globally, and this risk should be taken seriously. The present study was an attempt to investigate and quantify the impact of global landslide casualty risk under climate change, which still has uncertainty in terms of outcomes, and there remains a need for further understanding in the future of the propagation of uncertainty between the factors that affect the risk.

Влияние сухого созревания на белки мышечной ткани говядины

Meat is an inherent part of human diet. Its quality develops at different stages of production, storage, and processing. In this respect, the stage of aging is especially important. This technology makes it possible to regulate biochemical processes in meat raw materials. Long-term dry aging is a promising method that presupposes conditions that limit the growth of microorganisms. The transformations in the protein component are an important but understudied aspect of meat quality formation during dry aging.&#x0D; The research featured Hereford beef carcasses of Siberian breeding. The samples were isolated from the inner part of bone spinal-lumbar cuts after 21, 35, and 42 days of dry aging under the following conditions: 0–1°C, 74–75% relative humidity, 0.5 m/s air velocity. The samples were subjected to dry aging after 24 h at 4°C. The fractional composition of proteins was controlled by vertical electrophoresis in a Mini-Protean Tetra System chamber. The amino acid composition was defined by high-performance liquid chromatography in a Shimadzu LC-20 Prominence liquid chromatograph with a Shimadzu SPD20MA diode-matrix detector and a Kromasil C-18 separation column. The protein digestibility was measured by sequential exposure to pepsin-trypsin proteinase system under simulated gastric digestion.&#x0D; Long-time dry aging triggered proteolysis under the action of endogenous enzymes. The electropherogram analysis showed that the proteolytic changes in high-molecular myofibrillar proteins of high-quality beef became more pronounced after a longer maturation period. The distribution of protein fractions by dry aging stages indicated a different rate of degradation of contractile, regulatory, and cytoskeletal proteins. As a result, the structural integrity of muscle fibers degraded, the meat grew tender, and the proteins became more available to digestive enzymes. The amino acid and protein digestibility analyses in vitro demonstrated an increase in the nutritional value of beef and the availability of proteins to the action of proteinases after 42 days of dry aging.&#x0D; Long-term dry aging of high-quality beef increased the digestibility of muscle proteins as a result of proteolysis that accompanied the accumulation of low-molecular fractions. According to the amino acid analysis, the optimal result was most pronounced on day 42 as proven by the moderate oxidative changes in proteins.

Cannabis Use Frequency and Cannabis-Related Consequences in High-Risk Young Adults Across Cannabis Legalization

A key concern about recreational cannabis legalization is increases in use and adverse consequences, particularly among young adults (aged 18-29 years) who have the highest prevalence of cannabis use, and especially in higher-risk, more vulnerable young adults. However, few longitudinal studies have examined patterns of cannabis consumption in high-risk young adults over the course of legalization. To examine changes in cannabis use frequency and cannabis-related consequences over recreational cannabis legalization in Canada in a longitudinal sample of high-risk young adults. Longitudinal observational cohort study following young adults in Ontario, Canada, aged 19.5 to 23.0 years who reported regular heavy episodic drinking (65% past-month cannabis use) at enrollment. Participants were surveyed every 4 months for 3 years between February 2017 and February 2020 (3 prelegalization waves, 4 postlegalization waves). Data were analyzed from March to May 2023. Recreational cannabis legalization in Canada and 4 potential moderators of change: sex, income, education, and prelegalization cannabis use frequency. Cannabis use frequency and cannabis-related adverse consequences. In a cohort of 619 high-risk young adults (baseline mean [SD] age, 21.0 [1.2] years; 346 female participants [55.9%]), omnibus model testing revealed significant overall decreases in both cannabis use frequency (F = 2.276, 3000.96; P = .03) and cannabis-related consequences (F = 10.436, 3002.21; P < .001) over time, but these changes were substantially moderated by prelegalization frequency (frequency: F = 7.5224, 3021.88; P < .001; consequences: F = 7.2424, 2986.98; P < .001). Follow-up tests showed individuals who used cannabis more frequently prelegalization significantly decreased their use and cannabis-related consequences postlegalization. In contrast, individuals who did not use cannabis prelegalization exhibited a small magnitude increase in frequency over time but nonsignificant changes in cannabis-related consequences. Sex, income, and education did not moderate changes over time. In this cohort study of high-risk young adults, individuals using cannabis frequently prelegalization showed significant reductions in use and consequences over time, reflecting an aging out pattern. Small increases in use among participants with no prelegalization use were observed over time, but without parallel changes in cannabis-related consequences. The results did not reveal substantive adverse near-term outcomes across the legalization period, although a within-participants design cannot rule out the possibility of alternative trajectories in the absence of legalization.