Multiple Factor Analysis Research Articles

Tailored learning paths: faculty training preferences for professional development

ABSTRACT The professional development of teachers is essential to improving the quality of university education. This article analyzes the preferences of Spanish university teachers regarding the training activities that contribute to their professional development. The main objective is to identify which activities are most valued by teachers and to analyse whether there are differences based on variables such as age, gender, professional category, and field of knowledge. To conduct this analysis, a questionnaire was designed and answered by 523 teachers from 42 public universities in Spain. The questionnaire includes a wide range of training activities. The data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, as well as a multiple correspondence factor analysis. The results show a great diversity of training activities perceived as valuable by teachers. Activities such as the creation of teaching materials, reflection on teaching, and dialogue with colleagues about teaching issues are highly valued. Differences were also identified based on the characteristics of the teachers: younger teachers prefer activities related to social networks, while more experienced teachers opt for those involving management and organisation. We conclude that teacher professional development is not a uniform process, but rather varies according to each teacher’s needs and preferences. Educational institutions should adapt their training programmes to these differences, promoting a balance between autonomy, collaboration, and teacher reflection to foster effective learning in educators.

Drying Methods of Duck Blood: Changes in Volatile Components and Physicochemical Properties

This study investigated the physicochemical properties and volatile components of duck blood powder to determine its quality characteristics based on drying methods. The drying methods of duck blood samples used were freeze drying (FD), hot air drying (HD), spray drying (SD), and vacuum drying (VD). Duck blood powder treated with HD presented the lowest lightness and the highest carbonyl content. The VD-treated powder exhibited the highest water activity and redness. The composition of volatile compounds in duck blood varied based on the drying method, with VD presenting the highest total relative concentration but the least number of identified compounds. The most abundant compound was d-limonene, which was found in all the samples, followed by hexanal in VD and SD, p-xylene in FD, and trimethylamine in HD. Principal component analysis and heatmap analysis demonstrated that duck blood samples processed using different drying methods exhibited distinct volatile compound profiles, with HD, FD, SD, and VD samples associated with specific chemical groups. Multiple factor analysis revealed distinct correlations between drying methods and the physicochemical properties of duck blood, with VD samples showing higher water activity, aldehydes, and ketones, whereas HD samples exhibited increased carbonyl content and acids, highlighting the influence of heat on protein oxidation. VD method, therefore, presents excellent characteristics in terms of time and quality during the powdering process to increase the industrial utilization of duck blood. These findings provide valuable insights for the food industry, enabling the selection of appropriate drying methods that preserve the desired qualities of duck blood, thereby enhancing its commercial viability and potential application in a variety of food products.

A Multi‐Center Study of Ossiculoplasty Hearing Outcomes and a Grading Scale of Ear Environment Risk

ObjectiveTo determine which ear environment risk factors impact ossiculoplasty hearing outcomes and to generate a statistically‐valid grading system for ossiculoplasty outcome reporting.Study TypeRetrospective case series.MethodsA multi‐institutional database was generated from cases performed between 2011 and 2019. Preoperative and postoperative hearing thresholds were recorded alongside potential ear environment risk factors. Multiple variable linear regression statistical analyses of risk factors were applied to determine independent association with postoperative pure tone average air‐bone gap (PTA‐ABG). Significant factors were used to generate a statistically‐weighted grading scale of Ear Environment Risk (EER).Results1679 cases had a mean follow‐up time of 33.6 months (SD 36.3) and a mean postoperative PTA‐ABG of 21.2 (SD 12.8). Multiple revision status (p < 0.001), presence of canal wall down mastoidectomy cavity (p = 0.020), absent malleus (p < 0.001), absent stapes superstructure (p = 0.016), frequent otorrhea (p = 0.008), pediatric age (p < 0.001), and blunted/lateralized tympanic membrane (p = 0.003) were independently correlated with PTA‐ABG. These factors were incorporated into an EER Scoring System with four distinct risk groups wherein each risk group was significantly correlated with PTA‐ABG, and this grading system was better correlated with PTA‐ABG (Kendall's τ = 0.193) than other existing published grading scales.ConclusionGrading environment risk according to a novel EER scoring system generates meaningful risk groupings that correlate with ossiculoplasty postoperative PTA‐ABG, and this holds potential to frame reporting of hearing outcomes for future ossiculoplasty research.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 2024

Effect of Extreme Environments on Adhesive Joint Performance

The presented research on adhesives was conducted with the aim of supporting the design of composite repairs for composite aircraft structures that can withstand specific environmental conditions. Double-sided strap joint specimens of epoxy-based CFRP adherents and straps were bonded by two types of adhesives. Room-temperature curing epoxy adhesives EC-9323 and EA-9395 were used for bonding. The specimens’ shear strength and failure modes were evaluated under four different environmental conditions from −72 °C up to 70 °C unconditioned and at 70 °C after humidity conditioning. The results show that EC-9323 performed excellently at room temperature, but very poorly at elevated temperatures after hot–wet conditioning. Adhesive EA-9395 performed consistently well across all tested conditions. The failure mode analysis explained the performance trends and the effect of the environment on the fractured surface. This study will support proper repair design and verification of numerical simulations. The novelty of this article lies in its combined analysis of multiple environmental factors, providing a more realistic assessment of joint performance.

Corrigendum to: Multiple Risk Factors Analysis of Post-dural Puncture Headache (PDPH) among Parturient Patients Underwent Caesarean Section at Obstetric Hospitals in Somaliland

Corrigendum to: Multiple Risk Factors Analysis of Post-dural Puncture Headache (PDPH) among Parturient Patients Underwent Caesarean Section at Obstetric Hospitals in Somaliland

Age and clinical spectrum of COVID-19 are associated with safety of transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective cohort study.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) undergoing open surgery show increased adverse events (AEs) and mortality, while the safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in coinfected patients remains understudied, limiting available evidence. This study aims to investigate the safety of TACE in HCC patients coinfected with COVID-19, and to explore the potential risk factors affecting the occurrence of serious AEs (SAEs), thus providing evidence for clinical treatment strategies in such patients. This retrospective study involved HCC patients who underwent TACE with or without COVID-19 infection at our institution from November 2022 to February 2023. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used for the diagnosis of COVID-19. Patients were divided into an infected group (diagnosed with COVID-19 within 2 weeks before or after the procedure) and an uninfected group (tested negative for COVID-19). SAEs were ascertained according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE) version 5.0. Logistic regression analysis of multiple clinical factors in preoperative baseline characteristics was performed to identify risk factors that might predict the occurrence of SAEs. A total of 118 patients (73 in the infected group, 45 in the uninfected group) were included, of whom 83.9% were male (86.3% in the infected group vs. 80.0% in the uninfected group) and the median age was 55.9±12.4 years (56.8±12.3 vs. 54.5±12.7 years). The clinical spectrum of COVID-19 in the infected group were 80.8% mild, 13.7% moderate, 1.4% severe and 4.1% critical. Sixteen of the 118 patients experienced SAEs (19.2% vs. 4.4%, P=0.046). The predominant SAEs were respiratory system diseases (9.6% vs. 0.0%) and liver damage (2.7% vs. 2.2%). In the univariate analysis, infection status [odds ratio (OR): 5.102, P=0.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.102-23.627], gender (OR: 2.857, P=0.09, 95% CI: 0.862-9.468), age (OR: 1.061, P=0.03, 95% CI: 1.007-1.118) and clinical spectrum of COVID-19 (OR: 4.259, P<0.001, 1.943-9.336) were considered as the potential risk factors of grade ≥3 AEs. In multivariate analysis, younger age (OR: 1.064, P=0.044, 95% CI: 1.002-1.131) and a milder clinical spectrum of COVID-19 (OR: 5.736, P=0.004, 95% CI: 1.772-18.568) were independent factors associated with a lower occurrence of SAEs. TACE in HCC patients co-infected with COVID-19 was considered relatively safe. Age and clinical spectrum of COVID-19 were associated with SAEs in HCC patients treated with TACE.

Geothermal system lifetime with fracture heterogeneity and thermal nonequilibrium impact

Geothermal energy is a clean and sustainable alternative energy, and enhanced geothermal systems are an essential technology offering an industrial-scale method to tap geothermal energy. This technology stimulates numerous reservoir fractures, creating primary flow channels for fluids to extract heat. The important question of how the permeability of fracture swarm evolves during fluid circulation and how this evolution potentially affects the geothermal system life remains to be further answered. To address this, we develop and validate a fully coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical model based on the discrete fracture network. Results show a positive feedback mechanism between pore pressure/temperature changes and fracture permeability evolution, leading to monotone permeability-increasing in a limited number of specific fractures, indicating uneven permeability evolution of fracture swarm is crucial in shortening reservoir lifetime. Furthermore, we conduct a comparative analysis of multiple factors to determine what most significantly affects reservoir lifetime, including fracture heterogeneity, the local thermal non-equilibrium effect, and layout strategies. Results indicate the strong heterogeneity of the fracture network is dominant, and the inherent heterogeneity of hydraulic fractures is further exacerbated during geothermal production. Neglecting fractures’ mechanical response leads to an overestimated outcome. A simplified thermal-hydraulic analysis indicates a 34 % higher temperature and a 6 % higher heat extraction rate than the coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical modeling. In contrast, the impact of the local thermal non-equilibrium effect is negligible, with comparable results between equilibrium and non-equilibrium models. We further find the multi-well layout can effectively suppress the heterogeneity impact and prevent preferential flow paths. Compared to dual-well systems, the multi-well scheme has a 24 % higher temperature and a 6 % higher heat extraction rate.

What Is the Relationship Between Sensory Attributes Identified Using CATA (Check-All-That-Apply) Questionnaire and Consumer Acceptance of Cookies Using Plant-Based Oils?

The purpose of this study was to investigate sensory attributes identified using a CATA questionnaire and consumer acceptance of cookies using plant-based oils and to determine which sensory attributes influence and improve purchase intention of cookies using plant-based oils. Frequency analysis, one-way analysis of variance, correspondence analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple factor analysis were used for statistical evaluation. Six cookie samples, five with types of vegetable oil (canola, brown rice, coconut, soybean, olive) and one with butter, were evaluated by 112 consumers. Of the 28 sensory attributes, the 11 sensory terms of milk, savory, sweet aroma/odor, sweet, roasted grain, milk taste/flavor, hardness, "crispy", "stuffy", roughness, and "crumble" were significantly different among samples (p < 0.001). In the consumer acceptance and purchase intention tests, participants evaluated 12 attributes, namely, overall liking, appearance, color, aroma/smell, overall taste, savory flavor, flavor, sweet taste, aftertaste, texture, "smooth", "crispy", "try again", recommendations, and familiarity, on a 9-point structured hedonic scale. All attributes except "smooth" were significantly different among the six cookie samples tested (p < 0.001). Samples with coconut oil and butter had the highest consumer acceptance. In particular, in a correspondence analysis, the samples with butter and coconut oil positioned in the positive direction (+) of Dimension (Component) 1 were closely related with mouthfeel, sweet aroma, sweet taste, "crispy", "try again", recommendation, familiarity, and overall liking. Our results suggest that cookies with coconut oil could be a substitute for animal-fat-based cookies with butter. We hope that our research will provide fundamental data for the development of vegan bakery products that meet the needs of consumers and food companies.

The influence of tree species on small scale spatial soil properties and microbial activities in a mixed bamboo and broad-leaved forest

Soil enzyme activity and microbial biomass play a critical role in myriad ecological processes. Bamboo and broad-leaved mixed forests have received widespread attention as important forestry models for ecological restoration and sustainable development; however, our understanding the influences of broad-leaved tree species in mixed bamboo forests on soil properties and microbial activity remains unclear. Here we sampled twenty-seven spatially interspersed stands of bamboo-Castanopsis chinensis Hance mixed forest (CCB), bamboo-Alniphyllum fortune (Hemsl.) Makino mixed forest (AFB), and bamboo-Choerospondias axillaris mixed forest (CAB), with different mixing ratios (0–10 %, 10–20 %, 20–40 % canopy proportions) in subtropical China, to examine the effects of tree species and mixed ratio on soil nutrients, microbial biomass, and enzyme activity. We found that the different forests exhibited variations in soil nutrient levels. CAB forests exhibit notably higher mean C, N, and P contents than AFB and CCB, particularly at a 10–20 % mixing ratio where SOC concentration reached 46.50 g/kg. CAB forests demonstrated significantly higher activities of invertase (mean 701.83U/g), urease (8393.44U/g), and catalase (501.73U/g) compared to AFB and CCB forests, with peak enzyme activities observed at a 10–20 % mixing ratio. Soil microbial biomass C and N were notably greater in CAB and CCB forests than in AFB forests. CAB forests also exhibited the highest soil microbial biomass P (mean 48.68 mg/kg), which rose consistently with an increased mixing ratio. Multiple factor analysis revealed that the enzyme activities were significantly correlated with the annual growth of fine roots in the forest and were positively correlated with resident C, total N, total P, C: N, and C: P. Overall, the results provide insights into the importance of tree species and crown size in bamboo and broadleaved tree mixed forest in soil features and the microbial activity while providing management guidance for the selection of mixed tree species for sustainable management of bamboo forest soil microenvironment.

What do the sustainable development goals reveal, and are they sufficient for sustainable development?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015 represent the current perceptions of humans regarding understanding and monitoring development. Achieving all 17 goals simultaneously is unrealistic. Considering the interconnected nature of SDGs, identifying their critical dimensions, goals, indicators, and mutual relationships is necessary. In addition, with increasing reservations about the sustainability of SDGs, it is crucial to explore consistency across different dimensions to ensure policy coherence in maximizing synergies and minimizing trade-offs. Our study employed multiple factor analysis (MFA) and hierarchical clustering on principal components (HCPC) to investigate these issues and analyze the results based on the public value (PV) theory. The results indicated that the Human Development Index (HDI) and gross domestic product per capita (GDPP) constitute the first principal component (PC) and are determinants in differentiating country clusters. However, they contradict environmental indicators such as CO2 emissions per capita and ecological footprint gha per person (EFP) and have low synergy with the Happy Planet Index (HPI). Additionally, the relationships between income level, inequality, and environmental quality correspond to a combined Kuznets curve and an environmental Kuznets curve (EKC). Moreover, governance capacity has become increasingly crucial in sustainable development, particularly in the capability to prioritize different PVs in a timely and strategic manner. Finally, despite the novelty of EFP and HPI, they cannot reveal the entire development story. SDGs require embracing more such indicators to enrich the value bases of development and achieve a sustainable future.

A short-term load forecasting method based on QRLSTM considering multiple factors analysis

Abstract Complex characteristics of power loads terribly affect the safety of the power grid. Thus, accurate short-term load forecasting is regarded as a solution to mitigate the effect of load complications. In this regard, this work is putting forward a Long Short-Term Memory Network Quantile Regression (LSTMQR) for power load, obtaining the probability density function (PDF). Firstly, the quantile of future power load was obtained using the LSTMQR model. The conditional quantile obtained by the LSTMQR model is used as the input of the Kernel Density Estimation model (KDE) to predict the future probability density distribution of short-term power load at different prediction times. Furthermore, an assessment method is proposed to quantify the effect of different factors on power load to improve prediction accuracy. Finally, a numerical simulation based on actual data in China is established to validate the effectiveness of the proposed forecasting algorithm, indicating the proposed forecasting algorithm can effectively evaluate the relationship between different factors and power load, and probability density prediction can accurately quantify the uncertainty of load information. The proposed algorithm results in a reduction of 37.6% in forecast error compared to the traditional forecasting algorithm.

How to combine soil and plant indicators to manage nitrogen fertilisation in vineyards?

ContextAlthough grapevine nitrogen (N) needs are moderate, N fertilisation in vineyards requires carefully management because berry development, aromatic composition and hence winemaking are largely influenced by N nutrition. Our objective was to develop a method for reasoned N fertilisation between and during the seasons. MethodsSpecific sensitivities of soil and plant indicators to N supply and availability were estimated and indicator robustness was quantified using contrasted environmental conditions, crop management and N fertilisation in an experimental network comprising five vineyards in southern France over four successive years. The effects of four N fertilisation treatments combining contrasted amounts, forms and timing on the indicators were tested using linear models. Multiple factorial multiple analysis was used to study the effect of environmental and management factors on indicator sensitivity to mineral N fertilisation at budburst. ResultsYield, soil mineral nitrogen at budburst, chlorophyll concentration (SPAD) at veraison, leaf nitrogen content and yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) at harvest, were all sensitive to N fertilisation after four years. Different effects of the N treatments were observed from year three for SPAD and from year one for YAN. Additionally, SPAD and YAN indicators distinguished contrasted strategies based on different timings of N supply or the form of N fertiliser. Lastly, the response of the SPAD and YAN indicators was only slightly influenced by pedoclimatic conditions or cultural practices, at least for the variables tested here. ConclusionTwo N indicators measured from veraison (SPAD) to harvest (YAN), can provide valuable information for tactical and long-term fertilisation decisions. Notably, early SPAD information may improve technical vineyard management of interactions between fertilisation and other practices (e.g. weed control or tillage) that interfere with plant N nutrition and enable later correction of YAN values. Combining these indicators with non-destructive imaging techniques should improve N and mineral monitoring in general.

Agroecological Aptitude of the Northeast of Formosa (Argentinean Subtropical Region) for Banana Production Assessed by Multiple Factor Analysis

Banana (Musa spp.) is an important crop in the economies of many developing countries. In the north of Argentina, a subtropical region, banana plants grow in a suboptimal environment that limits yield because only one harvest per year is achieved. The objective of this work was to characterize the agroecological aptitude of Formosa, Argentina, for banana production through the behavior of three varieties of international use: Williams, Jaffa and Grand Naine, evaluated over five consecutive years. The three-way data analysis technique called Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA) was used for evaluating the varieties’ performances across cycles of production. The results allowed for inferring the existence of a genotype x environment interaction (GEI), corroborated by two-way factorial ANOVA. In order to determine how this suboptimal environment affected the development of each genotype of this perennial crop, Dual Multiple Factor Analysis (DMFA) was applied to jointly analyze the correlation structure between the traits that contributed to the performance of each variety in each year. The correlation structures between variables were different in each population and varied between years. All traits showed great variation between the years and genotypes, with the fruit peel thickness being the most discrepant throughout the years. However, Formosa appeared as a promising subtropical agroecological environment to produce banana because the varieties’ performances were acceptable for large-scale production systems. In addition to evaluating the adequate aptitude for cultivating banana in Formosa considering the significant effect of the GEIs, this research made a methodological contribution by proposing the use of three-way data analysis in Agronomy Science via MFA and DMFA.

Risk factors of pediatric steroid-induced ocular hypertension.

Steroid-induced ocular hypertension (SIOH) is a significant ocular complication of pediatric steroid administration. In this study, we analyzed the risk factors associated with pediatric SIOH. We retrospectively collected data from 78 children under 20 years of age who received systemic steroids during hospitalization. The data included age, gender, primary disease, intraocular pressure (IOP) before and one month after administration, total monthly steroid dose adjusted for body weight (BW), and one-month changes in red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet counts. A multivariate analysis was used to identify risk factors related to steroid responsiveness. Thirty patients (38.5%) were classified as steroid responders, and 48 as non-responders. The median IOP during the first month of steroid treatment was 24.0 mmHg (IQR; 23.0-28.3) for responders and 15.0 mmHg (IQR; 12.3-18.0) for non-responders. The Generalized Estimating Equations analysis revealed that younger age, male sex, primary disease, increase the amount of white blood cell (WBC) and total steroid dose per BW in one month were independently associated variables. The receiver operating characteristic analysis also revealed that the cutoff values for age, total monthly steroid dose, the increase amount of WBC were 11.0 years, 40.7mg/kg and 3.40 × 10²/µl respectively. High-dose steroid administration, especially in male, younger patients, necessitates careful monitoring for IOP changes during treatment. WBC count also needs to be monitored during IOP follow-ups. What is known Steroid-induced ocular hypertension (SIOH) is one of the essential complicationsduring steroid administration,but onlylimited analyses have been performed in children. What is new A comprehensive analysis of multiple factors was performed that are predicted to be associated with pediatric SIOH from previous literature. Younger age, male sex, primary disease, increase the amount of WBC, and highertotal monthly steroid dose were extracted as risk factors of SIOH. This study can contribute to the prediction of cases in which ophthalmologic examinations are particularly important during systemic steroid administration in children.

Identification of flavonol derivatives inhibiting MDR1: a strategy to overcome multidrug resistance in cancer

Multidrug resistance is a crucial factor contributing to the failure of cancer treatment. Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) is the most relevant efflux transporter associated with multidrug resistance. The objective of this study was to identify potent MDR1 inhibitors from flavonols. Fifteen flavonols were identified as inhibitors of MDR1 in vitro, with four compounds exhibiting strong inhibitory activity, having IC50 values below 5 μM. These potent MDR1 inhibitors were found to enhance chemosensitivity to doxorubicin in MDR1-overexpressing cells. The results of the multiple-factor analysis indicated that the 3, 5, and 6-methoxy groups were crucial for enhancing the inhibitory effects on MDR1. Furthermore, the total number of methoxy groups in the flavonol backbone was found to be a significant factor in determining the potency of MDR1 inhibition. These observations provide fundamental insights into the structure–activity relationship between flavonol derivatives and MDR1 inhibition, potentially aiding in overcoming drug resistance in cancer.

Integration of indigenous and formal knowledge in the assessment of soil quality performance assessment using multiple factor analysis in Alborz central mountains

Despite the data gap between researchers and farmers in soil fertility assessment, there are similarities and coincidences between the achievements of scientific versus local assessments. Farmers’ land management practices are a function of perceived soil fertility assessment in day-to-day management decisions. Despite the efforts made, studies have yielded different results when comparing soil fertility assessments in terms of indigenous and scientific knowledge, thus calling for closer assessments using extensive creative and systematic approaches. The current study uses Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA) to propose efficiency indicators based on the weighting of familiar, organizational, or productive variables in groups evaluating indigenous, scientific, and data variability. The end goal is to help identify the decision-makers’ training needs and decide on future institutional endeavors for developing productive skills and adopting better measures to evaluate soil fertility. By combining indigenous knowledge with innovations and improving the relationship between scientists and indigenous peoples and also promoting collaboration, thinking, and knowledge acquisition of farmers on how to maintain soil fertility and health, we hope to move towards sustainable agriculture as an institutional reform.

Riverine connectivity modulates elemental fluxes through a 200- year period of intensive anthropic change in the Magdalena River floodplains, Colombia

Tropical floodplain lakes are increasingly impacted by human activities, yet their pathways of spatial and temporal degradation, particularly under varying hydrological connectivity regimes and climate change, remain poorly understood. This study examines surface-sediment samples and 210Pb-dated sediment cores from six floodplain lakes, representing a gradient in hydrological connectivity in the lower Magdalena River Basin, Colombia. We analysed temporal and spatial variations in several sediment biogeochemical indicators: the concentration and flux of nutrients, heavy metals, and organic matter (OM), and redox conditions, flooding and erosion. Multiple factor analysis (MFA) of surface-sediments identified redox conditions, OM, flooding, heavy metals and lake connectivity as the main contributors to spatial variability within- and between-lakes sediments, accounting for 48 % of the total variation. Additionally, no clear distinction was found between littoral and open-water sediment characteristics. Isolated lakes sediments exhibited reductive conditions rich in OM and nutrients, whereas connected lakes sediments showed greater heavy metal enrichment and higher concentrations of coarse river-fed material. Generalised additive models identified significant changes in the biogeochemical indicators since the late 1800s, that accelerated post-1980s. Shifts in OM, erosion, flooding, redox conditions, land-cover change, heavy metals and climate were identified by MFA as the main drivers of change, explaining 60 %-71 % of the variation in the connected lakes and 53 %-72 % in the isolated lakes. Post-1980s, connected lakes transitioned from conditions of higher accumulation of OM and little erosion to higher accumulation of heavy metals and river-fed material. Conversely, isolated lakes, shifted from detrital-heavy metal-rich sediments to OM-, and nutrient-rich, reductive sediments. Sedimentation rates also surged post-1980s, particularly in highly connected lakes, from 0.14 ± 0.07 g cm² yr⁻¹ to 0.5 ± 0.5 g cm² yr⁻¹, with elevated fluxes of metals, OM and nutrients. These changes in sediment biogeochemistry align with deforestation, river regulation and prolonged dry periods, highlighting the complexities behind establishing reliable reference conditions for pollution assessments in large, human-impacted tropical river systems.

Shifting distribution patterns of an endemic conifer species in the Himalayan region under climate change: Past, present, and future

Species with narrow ranges, particularly rare and endangered ones, are more vulnerable to rapid climate change. The endangered Pinaceae species Picea smithiana (Wall.) Boiss. (P. smithiana), endemic to the Himalayan region, is of significant economic and ecological importance. Understanding how its distribution responds to climate change is crucial for effective biodiversity conservation. Our research integrates three species distribution models, i.e. MaxEnt, Random Forest, and Support Vector Machine, to predict the suitable habitat of P. smithiana in the past, present, and future, and to analyze changes in their spatial distribution patterns. Our study also interprets its geographical distribution patterns through an analysis of multiple environmental factors within its suitable habitat. Our results indicate that, since the last glacial maximum, the suitable habitat of P. smithiana has been shifting towards high latitudes and altitudes, corresponding with its cold tolerance traits. Besides the Himalayan region, suitable habitat of P. smithiana were also predicted in Southwest China, despite a lack of observed occurrences, suggesting possible speciation events linked to the uplift of the Qinghai−Tibetan Plateau. Our study warns that the actual distribution of P. smithiana might be more pessimistic than predictions indicate, with protected areas encompassing less than 27 % of its suitable habitat. This highlights the critical need for intensified conservation and management measures to secure the long-term persistence of P. smithiana.

Phytochemical Profiles and Biological Activities of Five Wild Camellia Species from Ta Dung, Vietnam.

The C. luuana Orel & Curry (TD3), C. furfuracea (Merr.) Cohen-Stuard (TD4), C. bidoupensis Truong, Luong & Tran (TD6), C. sinensis (L.) Kuntze (TD7), and C. kissii var. spp (TD8), have been traditionally used as a health-promoting beverage by local people in Ta Dung, Dak Nong. Despite their potential health benefits, further scientific data on biological and phytochemical properties of these plants is needed. To address this issue, this study was conducted to investigate phytochemical and biological properties of five Camellia species extracts, using DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging, copper chelating (Cu-chelator), and tyrosinase inhibition (TI), α-amylase (Al-AI), and α-glucosidase (Al-GI) analyses. As results, ten compounds were identified using UPLC method, in which catechins (mainly EGCG and catechin (Cat)), were the most prevalent, and followed by chlorogenic acid (ChlA), quercitrin (Querci), rutin, and quercetin (Querce). Additionally, multiple factor analysis (MFA) also revealed that TD7, TD3, and TD4 containing high TPC, TFC, high concentrations of EGCG, ChlA, and caffeine were responsible for their high DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging activities, as well asTI, Al-AI and Al-GI. Furthemore, TD6 and TD8, possessing elevated levels of Apig, Querci, Rutin, Querce, Cat, and EA, exhibited a high Cu-chelator property, but a weak enzyme inhibition. From all above-mentioned results, the antioxidative and enzyme inhibitory potentials of Camellia species extracts collected in Dak Nong province in Vietnam were scientifically demonstrated paving a pathway to develop health supplement in further studies.

The development of intrinsic capacity measures for longitudinal research: The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam

BackgroundThe World Health Organization has introduced the construct of intrinsic capacity (IC) as an important component of healthy ageing and overall well-being in older adults The present study aimed to develop domain-specific and composite IC scores and to validate these scores by examining their longitudinal relation with functioning. MethodsWe used prospective data on participants aged 57 to over 90 years, with a 10-year follow-up, from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, an ongoing cohort study of older Dutch men and women Using a formative, stepwise approach, we identified indicators across the different domains of IC, i.e. vitality, sensory, cognition, psychology, and locomotion, using a combination of unidimensional factor analyses and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Next, domain-specific and composite IC scores were generated, and the construct validity (score across age groups) and criterion validity (relationship with change in functional limitations) were assessed. ResultsThe multiple unidimensional factor analyses and PLS-SEM identified a total of 18 indicators, covering the five domains of IC. The mean composite IC score was 70.9 (SD = 0.9) in men and 69.7 (0.8) in women. The domain-specific and composite IC scores all showed good construct validity, with known-group validation results indicating age-related declines. A higher composite IC score was associated with less functional limitations over time (B = 0.20, 95%CI [0.19, 0.22]). ConclusionThe developed domain-specific IC scores and the composite IC score effectively discriminated age-related declines in IC. Additionally, the composite IC score was longitudinally associated with functional limitations. By creating this comprehensive and reliable tool for tracking IC, we aim to provide valuable insights into the dynamics of ageing and support more effective strategies for promoting health and well-being throughout later life. These scores establish a foundation for future research to track longitudinal changes across various IC domains and relate these changes to key age-related outcomes.