Age Period Research Articles

Associations of body composition at birth and accretion from 0 to 5 years with kidney function and volume at the 10-year follow-up: the Ethiopian Infant Anthropometry and Body Composition birth cohort.

Fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) in early life are associated with later obesity and cardiometabolic disease. This study aimed to assess the associations of FM and FFM at birth and conditional FM and FFM accretion from 0 to 5 y with kidney outcomes at the 10-y follow-up. The Ethiopian Infant Anthropometry and Body Composition birth cohort included term infants born in Jimma town, with a birth weight ≥1500 g, and having no congenital malformations. Air-displacement plethysmography was used to measure body composition. Serum cystatin C was determined and kidney dimensions were assessed by ultrasound when children were aged ∼10 y. Conditional growth modeling was used to compute FM and FFM accretion between different time points over 0-5 y. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine associations of birth FM and FFM and conditional FM and FFM accretion in selected age periods with serum cystatin C and total kidney volume at the 10-y follow-up. A total of 350 children were followed up at a mean age of 9.8 (±1.0) y. A 1 standard deviation (SD) higher conditional FFM accretion from 3 to 6 mo was associated with 7.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9%, 13.0%) lower serum cystatin C but higher conditional FFM accretion 48-60 mo was associated with 5.3% (95% CI: 1.9%, 9.0%) higher serum cystatin C. A 1 SD higher conditional FM accretion in the periods 6-48 mo and 48-60 mo was associated with β = 7.7 (95% CI: 4.8, 10.7) and β = 6.4 (95% CI: 1.6, 11.1) cm3 greater kidney volume, respectively. A 1 SD higher birth FFM and FFM accretion in the periods 3-6 mo, 6-48 mo, and 48-60 mo was associated with β = 4.7 (95% CI: 2.1, 7.2), 14.1 (95% CI: 6.3, 22.0), 4.2 (95% CI: 0.9, 7.4), and 7.1 (95% CI: 2.5, 11.7) cm3 greater kidney volume, respectively. A higher conditional FFM gain in age from 3 to 6 mo results in better kidney function at the 10-y follow-up, whereas a higher conditional FFM gain in age from 4 to 5 y results in a lower kidney function. Kidney volume at the 10-y follow-up is associated with higher birth FFM and higher conditional FM or FFM growth in most growth periods.

Self-healing and mechanical properties of a designed Zn2 + ionic clusters rubber engineered cementitious composites with tight bonding

In this study, a hydrophilic Carboxylated styrene butadiene rubber/ Zinc dimethacrylate (XSBR/ZDMA) rubber with a surface rich in ionic clusters was developed and introduced into engineered cementitious composites (ECC), focusing on the effect of the interfacial bonding between aggregate-matrix on the mechanical properties of ECC. As part of this study, the hydrophilicity of rubber was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and DSA100E tests. And the effects of matrix-aggregate bonding on the mechanical properties of ECC were assessed by uniaxial tensile tests, compared to normal rubber-ECC with the same 40 % replacement of silica sand, XSBR/ZDMA-ECC has 32.73 % higher tensile strength and 27.11 % higher ductility. In addition, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests were conducted on the self-healing properties of ECC at different pre-loading levels. The test results indicate a high consistency between the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the conclusions drawn from the second tensile experiment following self-healing, along with the digital microscope measurement of crack number and width. The results showed that the XSBR/ZDMA rubber established more chemical bonding connections with the cement matrix, resulting in finer cracks in the ECC, with a 20 % increase in the number of crack bars and a 36.8 % decrease in crack width compared to the same level of normal rubber-ECC. Moreover, under the conditions of dry and wet cycles, the fine cracks in the ECC exhibit a more effective self-healing effect. At 2 % preload, XSBR/ZDMA-ECC maintains strain hardening and high strength, exceeding normal rubber-ECC's ultimate load by 67.7 %. Characterization of ECC self-healing using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed a 66 % increase in real impedance values for XSBR/ZDMA-ECC and a 93.2 % increase in real impedance values for normal rubber-ECC over a 28-day self-healing age period at a 2 % preloading level, and the real impedance of XSBR/ZDMA-ECC was 56 % lower than that of normal rubber-ECC at 0 days of self-healing curing age, and the impedance value reached a flat state earlier. It is recognized in the field of ECC that aggregate-matrix interfaces are a gap in the literature, and the results of this study can contribute in some way to exploring this direction.

Electro-optical and thermal characterization of copper tartrate crystals grown in silica gel

Copper Tartrate crystals were grown by Gel Growth technique by single diffusion method. Silica gel of Optimum specific gravity was set with tartaric acid at optimum pH and aging period. Band gap of copper tartrate crystal is determined using to be 5.24 eV. In PL spectra broad peak is observed at nearly 367.44186 nm in the range 287 nm to 458 nm along with the sharp, intense transmission maxima peak at wavelength nearly 505.03876 nm which is characteristic of a material composition and electronic band structure. This shows the transparency of it in UV-Visible region and it as a filter in this range TGA analysis concludes that Copper tartrate has loss of one-half water molecule as crystalline water and is stable up to 85.02 ℃DSC analysis assigns the temperature value 314.5 ℃ as melting point and apparent enthalpy of fusion determined is 10.18 mW.

Predicting and Explaining Customer Response to Upselling in Telecommunications: A Malaysian Case Study

This research explores the predictive capabilities of XGBoost (XGB) and Random Forest (RF) models for customer upsell responses, emphasizing the use of Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) techniques to gain insights. Initially trained without hyperparameter tuning, both models were later optimized using 5-fold cross-validation. While RF consistently achieved high accuracy (0.99), XGB exhibited lower accuracy (0.85) yet demonstrated superior precision and recall. Post-tuning, XGB maintained its competitive edge despite a slight decrease in ROC-AUC scores (0.76 and 0.75 versus RF's 0.67 and 0.72), indicating proficiency in classifying positive cases. XAI techniques complemented XGB’s prediction, revealing significant predictors such as inactive duration in days, race (Chinese), total communication count, age, and active period in days. Lesser predictive value was attributed to factors such as race (Indian), gender (female), and region (northern). While the feature importance plot provided a broad overview, it did not detail specific attribute relationships to predictions. To address this, a summary violin plot was employed to illustrate how feature importance varies with actual values, enhancing the understanding of each feature's impact. Results indicated that longer inactivity periods negatively influenced predictions, while non-Chinese ethnicity, higher communication frequency, and younger age were associated with positive outcomes. Dependence plots further elucidated these relationships, highlighting how older non-Chinese customers and those with shorter inactive periods and frequent communication were more likely to accept offers. Local explanations using Shapley's force plot and LIME offered deeper insights into specific instances. Overall, the study underscores the complementary use of XAI techniques to understand a model’s predictions.

Estimating the probability of multiple incidences of the same cancer type in a single workplace

This study aimed to estimate the probability of observing 2 cases of the same cancer type in a workplace with 300 employees, to help investigation of occupational cancer. We assumed a workplace where chemicals are handled, employing 300 males aged 15 to 64, with an age distribution standardized to Japan's population from 2016 to 2019. Using national cancer statistics for newly diagnosed cases among males in this age range and period, we calculated the expected number of cancer cases for the workplace over a 1- and 10-year period. We computed standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for 2 instances of the same cancer type within these time frames and estimated the time required for the SIR to reach 2.0 and its lower 95% CI limit (LL) to reach 1.0. The SIR for any cancer type exceeded 10 and was significantly high when 2 cases occurred within 1year. Over 10years, the SIR remained significantly high in some cancer types. The observation periods required for SIR to reach 2.0 and LL to reach 1.0 for any cancer type were at least 5.4 and at least 1.7years, respectively. Considering that over 99% of Japanese workplaces employ fewer than 300 people, the likelihood of observing the same cancer type within 1year is low. This study enhances our understanding of occupational cancer incidence and supports the integration of such data into prevention strategies.

Long-term outcomes of active surveillance for low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma: Progression patterns and tumor calcification.

Active surveillance (AS) for low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is acknowledged as a valid management strategy. While older age is identified as a favorable factor for progression, long-term evidence is scarce and lifelong monitoring has been deemed essential. This study investigated progression patterns and tumor calcification under long-term AS and explored the possibility of ending follow-up. A total of 650 patients with low-risk PTC who chose AS were enrolled. Progression was defined as either tumor enlargement (≥3mm from initiation) or development of clinically apparent lymph node metastasis. The median observation period was 8years; 45.2% were under surveillance for ≥10years. Overall, 80 patients (12.3%) exhibited progression. Median age and observation period at the time of progression were 55 and 4years, respectively. Only 2 patients showed progression after 15years of follow-up and 5 patients showed progression after reaching 80years old. Among 71 patients experiencing tumor enlargement, surgery was performed immediately in 32 patients. The remaining 39 patients continued surveillance, but only 5 demonstrated ongoing enlargement thereafter. Of 40 surgeries due to progression, 36 were conducted within the first 10years. The degree of calcification correlated with age and observation periods. No progression occurred after the development of rim calcification. Progression during AS was extremely rare in older patients with long-term surveillance and in tumors with rim calcification. It may be feasible to consider ending scheduled surveillance visits for these patients. Instances of progression halting after enlargement are not uncommon.

Predicting long-term tensile degradation of GFRP rebars embedded in concrete with a reconsidered environmental reduction factor [formula omitted]

Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) has been considered as an advanced material to replace conventional steel reinforcements in concrete structures to address the corrosion issue. The degradation of GFRP rebars, which may threaten both the durability and safety of infrastructures, is a major concern. To predict the 100-year strength retention of GFRP under various temperature and relative humidity conditions, the environmental reduction factor (CE) is applied in engineering. The conventional CE based on the assumption of logarithmic degradation model is commonly utilized during the degradation phase spanning from a few years to decades; however, it is not applicable to the initial and perpetual degradation phases. To address this issue, a novel environmental reduction factor (CE′) based on the exponential degradation model considering temperature and relative humidity is proposed in this study. Both CE and CE′ are mathematically deduced from empirical degradation data and then evaluated in a case study involving GFRP-concrete samples soaked in water at 23, 40 or 60 °C for up to 12 months within the authors’ dataset. Experimental results show that the GFRP tensile strength degradation is closer to the exponential model, reaching a plateau (47.4%) after 12-month exposure to 60 °C water. Moreover, the tensile strength retention of GFRP rebars in Vancouver (10 °C), Shanghai (16 °C) and Houston (22 °C) is predicted considering various scenarios of relative humidities (0–90%). Further research indicates that CE′ (0.65–0.78) exhibits a smaller value compared to CE (0.81) at a temperature of 22 °C and a relative humidity of 90% following a 100-year exposure period, thereby providing engineers with a more conservative design approach for GFRP in real-world scenarios. Nevertheless, this exponential degradation model requires a thorough consideration of severe degradation state during the extended aging period, which may not be applicable to GFRP structures exhibiting exceptional durability.

About the evolution of the concept of «prisoner of war» and the rules of treatment of prisoners of war: a historical and legal research

The article examines the issues related to the historical evolution of the concept of «prisoner of war» and the rules of detention, treatment and internment of such persons. It is stated that the precedent of discrepancies between legal acts providing for legal regulation of the status of prisoners of war is retrospective. The author analyses the customs of the ancient world and early civilisations for compliance with moral norms in the context of treatment of prisoners of war. Early states did not actually know what a system of «humane» treatment of prisoners of war was, but such countries and states as Ancient Greece and India were the driving force for fundamental changes in the vector of humane treatment of persons held in captivity. Using the method of comparative legal analysis, the author concludes that the periods of the Middle Ages and Modern times in terms of treatment of prisoners of war have both a close correlation and direct inconsistency. The author identifies the legislative acts that served as the basis for the regulatory settlement of the problem, such as the Special Prisoners’ Decree or the Hague Convention of 1899. The author analyses the historical changes in international approaches to understanding the concept of «prisoner of war» and the rules for the treatment of such persons from early armed conflicts to modern norms of international humanitarian law. Attention is drawn to the national framework of Ukrainian legislation in the context of the customs of Kyivan Rus, the late Middle Ages, the Ukrainian SSR and the period of independence. The treatment of prisoners of war on the territory of Ukraine has always been historically consistent with moral values, even those which can be compared with modern international humanitarian law. The author concludes that the conflict between theory, legislation and practice has been present throughout human history due to the destructive nature of war and hostilities. The author emphasises the need to find new practical approaches to improve the level of legal regulation of the status of prisoners of war in international humanitarian law and national legislation of Ukraine (in particular, criminal procedure law).

Effect of bottle storage on the color, chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and physicochemical parameters of wild Andean blueberry (mortiño) wine

Andean blueberry (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth) wine, produced in the high Andean regions of Ecuador, presents a novel and promising alternative to traditional grape wines. This study aimed to characterize its physicochemical properties and chemical composition, as well as the effect of bottle storage aging on these characteristics. Results showed color shifted from deep red to yellow, over 24 months of bottle storage, reflecting changes in phenolic compounds. During storage, pH, titratable acidity, and sugar content decreased. Total phenolic content and anthocyanins decreased initially but stabilized after the first year. Antioxidant activity, measured by FRAP, increased over time, indicating potential health benefits. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed a complex phenolic profile, including anthocyanins, procyanidins, quercetin derivatives, and chlorogenic acid. This study provides new insights into the evolution of Andean blueberry wine during bottling, demonstrating that its chemical evolution is similar to that observed in blueberry wines from other varieties and geographical regions. Notably, this investigation extends beyond the previously reported 12-month stability studies for these wines, analyzing physicochemical properties and stability for up to 24 months of bottle storage. Future research could explore the effects of longer aging periods and various winemaking techniques to further enhance the wine's quality and appeal.

Effect of Crude protein and Metabolizable energy Levels on Growth Performance and carcass Quality of Crossbred Native Chicken (Pradu Hangdum) Capons

The objective of the present research is to evaluate the effect of different levels of crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) on the growth performance and meat quality of Crossbred Native Chicken (Pradu Hangdum). A total of 360 capons with 4 weeks of age were used in 2 x 2 factorial design arrangements. This experiment was divided into 3 age periods: during 5-12, 13-16, and 17-20 weeks of age. During 5-12 weeks of age, there are two main factors: 2 CP levels (19 and 21%) and 2 ME levels (3.0 and 3.3 Kcal/g). During 13-16 and 17-20 weeks of age, there are two main factors: 2 CP levels (17 and 19%) and 2 ME levels (3.0 and 3.3 Kcal/g). A results, during 5-12 and 13-16 weeks of age, there was no interaction between CP and ME levels on growth performance. However, during 17-20 weeks of age, body weight gain (273.02 vs. 471.17 g; P<0.05) and average daily gain (9.75 vs. 14.89 g; P<0.05) were greater and feed conversion ratio (7.63 vs. 4.70; P<0.05) and feed cost per gain (110.70 vs. 71.59 Baht/Kg; P<0.05) were lower in capons receiving diet with 3.3 Kcal ME/g than diet with 3.0 Kcal ME/g. Meat quality of capons 16 weeks, CP 21%, (5-12 weeks) and CP 19%, (13-16 weeks), and with ME 3.0 Kcal/g had the lowest shear force of breast meat (4,018.69 N) and thigh meat of 20 weeks, the low ME group had shear force lower than significantly the high ME group (1,539.28 vs. 1,725.77 N; P<0.05). Ether extract of capons 20 weeks of age, 5-12 weeks of CP 19%, and 13-20 weeks of CP 17% ME 3.3 Kcal/g had breast meat fat to excellent (5.06%; P < 0.05). Capons slaughtered 12 and 20 weeks of age, CP19% (5-12 weeks) and CP 17% (13-20 weeks) and with ME 3.0 Kcal/g had the highest amount of thigh meat fat (17.32% and 19.99%; P< 0.05). Experimental study recommended nutrients of native hybrid capons age of 5-12 weeks, CP 21% and 3.30 kcal ME/g, at the age of 13-20 weeks, CP 17% and ME 3.0 kcal ME/g. Recommended to slaughter at the age of 20 weeks because of the highest fat in meat.

Neolithic formation of chernozem in south-eastern Germany?

The polygenetic development and age of black soils and Chernozems in Central Europe are widely discussed. The development and age of these soils in Germany is still not fully understood. While a significant share of Chernozems in Central Germany is assumed to have formed naturally during the early Holocene, such a natural formation can be excluded for all of southern Germany for paleoclimatic and –vegetative reasons. Therefore, soils with chernic horizons of natural origin are not to be expected south of the central German uplands. Active soil alteration by the human population in the Neolithic has also been observed to lead to Chernozem-like soils in other regions of Germany, like Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. The unexpected black horizon investigated in this study is located close to Straubing in Bavaria, southeast Germany. The prevailing natural soil type in the area is a calcic Luvisol on loess substrate. The black horizon is located in close proximity to a neolithic settlement and its graveyard. We hypothesise that the inhabitants of the nearby neolithic settlement used the area with the black horizon as an agricultural field and were managing it actively. The core area with the most pronounced black horizon is rectangular and comprises within the excavation a surface of ca. 0.83 ha. Several decimetres of Holocene colluvium buried the black horizon in the Late Bronze Age and subsequent periods (OSL and 14C-Dating). Dating results from the black horizon prove human impact on the soil starting in the Linearbandkeramik (LBK) period (cal BC 5,209–4,911, 14C-Dating). NMR- and FTIR-DRIFT-analysis show high contents of pyrogenic carbon in the black horizon, which is responsible for its dark colour, even though the mean share of carbon is not higher than 0.50 ± 0.03 % (mean ± se). These results match those of recent literature and, therefore, indicate that neolithic farmers also applied their targeted soil amendment practices in southern Germany. This follows archaeological findings on the colonization of the area by the neolithic settlers: Primordially coming from the Fertile Crescent (northern Middle East), they followed the Danube through the Pannonian Region and brought their agronomic knowledge from the prior settlement area, where their active soil management is archaeologically proven.

Decreased expression of Syndecan- 1 (CD138) in the endometrium of adenomyosis patients suggests a potential pathogenetic role.

Adenomyosis is a special subtype of endometriosis, affecting the myometrium, affecting about 20% of women in the reproductive age period. Clinical symptoms and intensity are diverse and can vary from heavy menstrual bleeding and dysmenorrhea to infertility and repeated pregnancy losses. Thus, patients often present with a long history of illness pending presumptive clinical or surgical diagnosis. A definitive diagnosis of adenomyosis is made upon histopathological examination verifying ectopic endometrial tissue (endometrial glands and/or stroma) within the myometrium, surrounded by hyperplastic and hypertrophic smooth muscles. However, nowadays ultrasonographic and/or MRI signs can precisely detect it as well. The precise etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear. One theory assumes that adenomyosis occurs through metaplastic transformation or migration of stem cell-like cells. Our study examined the immunohistochemical expression of the transmembrane proteoglycan Syndecan-1 (CD 138), a multifunctional matrix receptor and signaling co-receptor, in the endometrium of 35 patients (n = 21 with adenomyosis and n = 14 as a control group) in the period 2016-2017. As a pilot study, we concluded that Syndecan-1 is downregulated in adenomyosis patients compared to the control group, supporting its potential role in the development of adenomyosis. Our study did not find a correlation between the immune-expression of Syndecan-1 and the menstrual cycle phase. For clinical significance in relation to our results, the investigated data showed that the downregulation of Syndecan-1 in adenomyotic patients in our study may suggest a role in promoting the invasiveness of endometriotic islands within the myometrium. However, further studies are still needed to understand the mechanistic contribution of Syndecan-1 to the pathogenesis of adenomyosis.

Influence of palmar tilt on wrist palmar flexion range-of-motion limitation after conservative treatment of distal radial fractures

Background Distal radial fractures are common forearm injuries. A key rehabilitation objective is achieving adequate wrist palmar and dorsal flexion range-of-motion (ROM). However, few studies have explored this relationship, with even lesser number of studies investigating the impact of distal radius alignment on wrist ROM limitation due to fractures. We aimed to determine the effect of radial alignment on wrist palmar and dorsal flexion ROM after conservative treatment for distal radial fractures. Patients and methods This retrospective, cohort study, included 82 patients with distal radial fractures (11 men, 71 women, mean age: 65.9 ± 16.6 years) who underwent examination at an orthopedic clinic. Wrist ROM limitation was defined as ˂60° of dorsal flexion and ˂55° of palmar flexion. The palmar tilt (PT), radial length (RL), and radial inclination (RI) were radiographically measured. The patient’s age, residual symptoms, and rehabilitation period were extracted from medical records. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted with the presence/absence of wrist ROM limitation as the objective variable, with the PT, RL, and RI as explanatory variables. A comparison of age, and rehabilitation period between the groups with and without wrist ROM limitation was performed using the Mann–Whitney U test. The presence/absence of residual symptoms were compared between two groups using the chi-squared test. Results Univariate analysis revealed that PT, RL and RI were associated with palmar flexion ROM limitation. Multivariate analysis showed that PT was the only factor associated with palmar flexion ROM limitation (odds ratio: 0.85, 95% confidence interval: 0.78–0.91, p < 0.001), while dorsal flexion ROM limitation was not associated with any of the three measurements. The group with palmar flexion ROM limitation presented older age (73.1 vs. 59.6 years), higher residual symptom frequency (23 vs. 12 patients), and longer rehabilitation period (159.2 vs. 73.9 days) compared to the group without the limitation (p < 0.01). Conclusion Dorsal displacement of the distal radius induces alterations in the wrist joint motion axis, potentially affecting limitation in palmar flexion ROM. Patients with palmar flexion ROM limitation had more residual symptoms and longer rehabilitation period than those without. These findings may contribute to the development of evidence-based joint ROM exercises, risk management, goal setting, and rehabilitation programs for patients with distal radial fractures.

GINGIVAL STATUS AND ORAL HYGIENE HABITS IN CHILDREN BETWEEN 10-12 YEARS

Introduction: Children's adolescence is characterized by dynamically changing indicators of periodontal and oral health, related mainly to the eruption of the permanent dentition and stabilization of the periodontal space. This age period is also characterized by an increased incidence of gingival diseases, with the dental biofilm being the main risk factor for the inflammatory process. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between gingival status, oral hygiene habits and knowledge on topics related to oral health in children aged 11-13. Material and methods: The subject of the study was 106 children aged 11-13 years. All children overwent a clinical periodontal examination and periodontal risk assessment at 4 levels. An electronic periodontal probe PA ON (Orangedental) with specially designed software was used to assess periodontal and oral hygiene status. The study included a survey method for assessing children's knowledge on topics related to oral health with periodontal focus. The survey consists of 38 questions divided into eight topics. Results: All the children aged 11-13 years had an initial form of gingival inflammation, against the background of plaque accumulation affecting more than 69% of tooth surfaces, unstable and irregular oral hygiene habits, as well as insufficient knowledge of oral/periodontal health. Through appropriate preventive programs, this age is best suited to create consciously motivated behavior for proper oral hygiene and oral health.

Quality Change of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Pericarps of Citrus reticulata 'Chachi') During Storage and Its Sex-Based In Vitro Digestive Performance.

Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP), particularly including the pericarp of Citrus reticulata 'Chachi' (GCP), has been widely used as a food, a dietary supplement, and traditional Chinese medicine. Despite the widespread use of traditional foods, there is limited evidence regarding the precise relationships between storage conditions, aging duration, and the digestive performance of CRP. In this study, the aim was to investigate the impact of the storage conditions on the quality of aged GCP during shelf life and to evaluate the subsequent digestive performance of corresponding GCP decoctions. Respiration in GCP was monitored by measuring oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) gases throughout the storage simulation, with O2 and CO2 validated as prospective safety measures. Five flavonoids (hesperidin, didymin, nobiletin, tangeretin, and 3,5,6,7,8,3',4'-heptamethoxyflavone) were determined as quality indicators, and their contents were significantly affected by the duration of the storage simulation and the aging periods of GCP. Our study also found that temperature and humidity significantly affected the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emission from GCP. Eighteen compounds were proposed to show potential as descriptive measures of aging periods while eight compounds were proposed as potential indicators to discriminate among the spoilage level. Furthermore, the bioaccessibility of hesperidin ranged from ~30% to ~50% and was not significantly affected by the GCP's aging time nor the consumer's sex (p < 0.05). This study presents evidence for the future control of the quality of GCP and its digestive performance in males and females.

The Constitutional Foundations of the Russian State Policy in the Field of Family Protection and Traditional Family Values

The paper presents an analysis of constitutional provisions aimed at protecting the family in various periods of Russian statehood, shows the multi-vector nature of state policy in the field of family relations in the Soviet period, characterizes the family and demographic policy of the post-Soviet period, analyzes the constitutional novelties of 2020 aimed at strengthening the family and the spiritual and moral values of Russian society. An analysis of the constitutional category of «traditional family values» is carried out from the perspective of the needs of the individual, family as a social group and the importance of family for society and the state. The institution of family is considered as an intrinsic value and a basic determinant of the formation of the spiritual and moral heritage of Russian society, the preservation of the cultural identity of the Russian nation. The author provides the data from an official survey involving Russians that testifies to the attitude towards the family. The article also outlines the results of a research conducted by domestic scientists stating the unfavorable transformational processes taking place with the institution of family in the past 30 years. These include voluntary childlessness and celibacy; postponing the birth of children to later age periods; reducing the value of a family with several children; preference among young people for actual marital relations (common-law marriage) to a registered marriage. The author considers the protection of the family and family values as a task for ensuring the national security of Russia, the solution of which is aimed at preserving the all-Russian identity, sustainable development of the state, preservation of socially significant spiritual and moral values. The author substantiates the proposal on the need to form in society the idea of the importance of the family as a value in itself, which implies a responsible attitude to marriage, birth and upbringing of children, encouragement and support of a multigenerational and large family, respect for the elderly, disapproval of the rejection of the birth and upbringing of children.

Isothermal aging effect on SAC interconnects of various Ag contents: Nonlinear simulations

Abstract The mechanical behavior of the tin (Sn)–silver (Ag)–copper (Cu) (SAC) lead-free solders is strongly influenced by the isothermal aging due to the evolution of the microstructure and mechanical properties. This study aims to examine the influence of pre-isothermal aging at 100°C on the mechanical behavior of different SACN05 alloys with different silver content including N = 1 , 2 , 3 N=1,\hspace{.25em}2,\hspace{.25em}3 and 4% by applying nonlinear finite element analysis. The mechanical properties, including elastic and inelastic properties, of the SAC systems with various Ag percentages are gathered from the literature and incorporated in thorough thermomechanical simulations. In addition to the unaged solders condition, two aging periods, 6 and 12 months, are studied. The computational results showed that the mechanical response of pre-aged SACN05 solders is significantly influenced by the aging duration and silver content. Specifically, interconnects with higher Ag percentage are shown to be more resistive to aging and expected to have lower thermally induced inelastic deformations, strains, and strain energies. Therefore, better thermal fatigue performance and improved failure resistance is potentially expected. However, the pre-isothermally aged SACN05 solders generally exhibit lower resistance to the accumulations of inelastic strains and strain energies. Thus, it is probable that pre-aged SACN05 solders will demonstrate deterioration in thermal fatigue performance compared to unaged interconnects. Nonetheless, the aged SAC solder systems could be an innovative solution for designing electronic devices regularly exposed to shock and impact loading as the aging process significantly reduces the brittleness of the SnAgCu alloys.

Temporal dynamics of unmet long-term care needs in China: an age period cohort analysis

Abstract Rapid demographic changes and heavy reliance on informal care pose significant challenges to meeting long-term care (LTC) needs in China. Understanding changes in unmet LTC needs across different times and places can inform future LTC system planning and care resource allocation, identifying emerging care needs and services gaps in different regions. Drawing on data from 6,030 urban and 5,070 rural residents in the Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey 2005–2017/18, this study investigates variations in unmet LTC needs across different age groups, periods and birth cohorts among Chinese older adults and their place-based rural–urban differences. We applied the age-period-cohort interaction model to disentangle the three temporal processes, and found that, overall, rural older adults experienced higher risk of unmet LTC needs and had larger variation in age effects, yet the age, period and cohort effects on unmet needs among rural older people differed from their urban counterparts. Although ‘younger’ older adults (aged below 85) had fewer care needs than older adults, they had a higher risk of experiencing unmet needs. The risk of having unmet needs did not change significantly over the 12 years, though unmet LTC needs were more pronounced among more-recent cohorts than previous generations, especially in urban areas. The findings contribute to the social gerontology debate regarding changing patterns in unmet LTC needs, and provide crucial policy insights, underscoring the necessity of targeted interventions to address ‘younger’ older adults’ care needs and increased investmed in the formal LTC system to tackle the escalating care gap.

Trends in the practice environment of Chinese healthcare professionals from 2008 to 2023: an age period cohort analysis

BackgroundHealthcare practice environment plays a vital role in evaluation and the development of health sector in China. However, there are few comprehensive reviews and studies focusing on its state and changing trends. This study aimed to examine the dynamic trends in Chinese healthcare professionals’ perceptions of their practice environment from 2008 to 2023 using age period cohort (APC) analysis.MethodsFour national cross-sectional surveys of healthcare professionals were conducted in 2008, 2013, 2018, and 2023. APC analysis was performed to distinguish effects of age, period and cohort. Covariates like gender, department, job satisfaction, and doctor–patient relationships were also analyzed.ResultsBetween 2008 and 2023, healthcare professionals' perceptions of their practice environment first declined and then improved. Those aged 28–38 during 2013–2018 and born between 1978 and 1988 had the most negative perceptions. After 2018, perceptions improved, peaking in 2023. Those under 23 and over 43 exhibited larger age effects. Birth cohorts after 1993 also had more positive effects. Controlling for covariates attenuated APC effects. Females, those in obstetrics and emergency medicine, nurses, technicians, and administrators perceived better environments. Higher job satisfaction and doctor–patient relationship harmony are also associated with more positive perceptions. Income matching efforts and perceptions of promotion fairness had positive impacts, while increasing severity of physical fatigue and psychological anxiety negatively influenced perceptions of the practice environment.ConclusionsThe APC analysis provided nuanced insights into evolving practitioner perceptions amid healthcare reforms in China. Tailored policies focused on career stage and generation are needed to address disruptions and sustain improvements. Monitoring feedback on reforms and changes is essential for optimizing the practice environment over time.

Evaluation of nutrition of young children in Odesa district

Background. The main factor that ensures the health and harmonious development of a child, both in the early stages and in the later periods of his life, is rational nutrition. The widespread prevalence of food-dependent forms of pathology among children, insufficient awareness of doctors and parents, as well as violations in the organization of nutrition of young children determine the relevance of this work and the need for a comprehensive analysis of the actual nutrition of children aged 1 to 2 years for its improvement. Purpose – to purpose of the work is to establish the nutritional characteristics of children aged from 1 to 2 years in order to optimize their diets. Materials and Methods. 42 healthy children aged 1 to 2 years who lived in Odesa district took part in the study. In work were used such methods: clinical and anamnestic; dietary; anthropometric – height, weight; sociological – questionnaires; statistical. Results. The patterns of food organization and consumption of the main macronutrients by children aged 1 to 2 years are formulated, which are characterized by adequate consumption of basic food products, with the exception of excessive consumption of cheese, fruit juices and hard cheese and insufficient use of enriched industrial products. It is shown that excessive amounts of food, inadequate nutrition in the form of multiple snacks and sometimes night feedings, as well as unreasonable use of products not intended for children aged 1 to 2 years, are significant violations of the organization of nutrition of children of this age group. It was established that the diets of children aged 1 to 2 years are unbalanced in terms of the content of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Identified violations of the nutrition structure of young children, its imbalance in terms of macronutrient composition dictate the need for regular control by pediatricians and family doctors over the organization of nutrition for children of this age period. Conclusions. The nutrition structure of children aged 1 to 2 years is characterized by an imbalance of rations in terms of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, which is due to violations of the feeding regime, overeating, and early transition to the «family» food-table. Young children consume excessive amounts of protein and fat compared to recommended physiological norms and insufficient amounts of carbohydrates according to their age.