Analysis Procedure Research Articles

An improved vector method for simultaneous analysis of removability and kinematics in block theory

Block theory is an important and commonly used method for addressing stability problems in rock engineering, and it is very meaningful to simplify its analysis procedure and improve its computational efficiency. In this paper, an improved vector method capable of simultaneously analyzing block removability and kinematics that works well for both convex and concave blocks is proposed. This improved approach is based on rigorously proven theorems. Compared to the original vector method in block theory, it is simpler and more efficient because it skips the removability analysis and simplifies some of the judgment conditions in kinematic analysis. With the results of kinematic analysis, the improved vector method can also determine the removability of the block. The validity of the improved vector method is verified by analyzing a series of individual convex or concave blocks with different removability and failure modes. Finally, the improved vector method is applied to the block progressive failure analysis of an engineering slope, which again validates the effectiveness of the improved vector method. The advantages of the improved vector method are highlighted through a comparison with existing methods, especially its high computational efficiency, ease of understanding and implementation.

Development of the First Patient-Reported Experience Measure (PREM) for Hearing Loss in Audiology Care-My Hearing PREM.

Patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) provide important insights into the challenges experienced when living with a chronic condition. Although patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) exist in audiology, there are no validated PREMs to help clinicians understand patient perspectives and identify areas where patients may need additional support or interventions. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate content for the new 'My Hearing PREM', which captures lived experiences of hearing loss from patients' perspectives. My Hearing PREM was developed and tested in two key phases. Phase 1 involved generating the PREM prototype in accordance with our conceptual model of the lived experience of hearing loss. In Phase 2, cognitive interviews were conducted with adults with hearing loss to appraise the content of the PREM (relevance, clarity, acceptability and comprehensiveness) and assess its respondent burden. Key stakeholders (e.g., adults with hearing loss, patient and public representatives, clinicians and researchers) were consulted throughout Phases 1 and 2 to review and refine the PREM. Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis. Sixteen participants (aged 16 years and over) with hearing loss took part in cognitive interviews, recruited from UK audiology departments and non-clinical settings (e.g., lip-reading classes, national charity links and social media). Most PREM items were found to be relevant, clear, acceptable and comprehensive. Several problems were identified, including items not working well with the response scale options, irrelevant questions and a lack of clarity about terms (e.g., healthcare professionals) and whether questions should be answered based on the use of hearing aids (or not). The PREM was amended accordingly. Currently, no hearing loss-specific PREMs exist in audiology. Involving multiple stakeholders in the development of the PREM helped to ensure that the items were relevant, clear, acceptable and comprehensive. The PREM is undergoing further evaluation and refinement in preparation for investigating the feasibility of implementing it into clinical practice. Ongoing Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) with key groups (South Asian Women's groups, young people's groups, learning disability networks and student populations) was integral to the study. PPIE members reviewed patient information sheets and consent forms, advised on recruitment, reviewed the interview schedule and checked coding and analysis procedures. PPIE members provided feedback on the PREM's comprehensibility. Members of the public, including adults attending lip-reading classes and hearing aid users from the South Asian community, provided feedback on iterative PREM drafts.

True cost estimation of common imaging procedures for cost-effectiveness analysis - insights from a Singapore hospital emergency department

ObjectivesThere is a lack of clear and consistent cost reporting for cost-effectiveness analysis in radiology. Estimates are often obtained using costing derived from hospital charge records. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of hospital charge records compared to a Singapore hospital's true diagnostic imaging costs. MethodsA seven-step process involving a bottom-up micro-costing approach was devised and followed to calculate the cost of imaging using actual data from a clinical setting. We retrieved electronic data from a random sample of 96 emergency department patients who had CT brain, CT and X-ray cervical spine, and X-ray lumbar spine performed to calculate the parameters required for cost estimation. We adjusted imaging duration and number of performing personnel to account for variations. ResultsOur approach determined the average cost for the following imaging procedures: CT brain (€154.00), CT and X-ray cervical spine (€177.14 and €68.22), and X-ray lumbar spine (€79.85). We found that the true cost of both conventional radiography procedures was marginally higher than the subsidized patient charge, and all costs were slightly lower than the private patient charge except for X-ray lumbar spine (€73.49 vs.€79.85). We identified larger differences in cost for both CT procedures and smaller differences in cost for conventional radiography procedures, depending on the patient's private or subsidized status. For private status, the differences were: CT brain (Min: €194.20; Max: €264.40), CT cervical spine (Min: €219.54; Max: €399.05), X-ray cervical spine (Min: €5.27; Max: €61.94), and X-ray lumbar spine (Min: €6.36; Max: €108.04), while for subsidized status, the differences were: CT brain (Min: €7.56; Max: €62.64), CT cervical spine (Min: €47.02; Max: €132.49), X-ray cervical spine (Min: €15.88; Max: €103.44), and X-ray lumbar spine (Min: €13.66; Max: €149.44). Considering examination duration and the number of personnel engaged in a procedure, there were significant variations in the minimum, average, and maximum imaging costs. ConclusionThere is a modest gap between hospital charges and actual costs, and we must therefore exercise caution and recognize the limitations of utilizing hospital charge records as absolute metrics for cost-effectiveness analysis. Our detailed approach can potentially enable more accurate imaging cost determination for future studies.

+Analytical Approach for Predicting the Moment-Curvature Response of Structural Lightweight Reinforced Concrete Beams

With the switch towards performance-based design procedures, the prediction of the flexural behavior of lightweight reinforced concrete, LWRC, members using advanced and reliable analytical tools has been of great interest to researchers. This paper proposes nonlinear analytical and numerical procedures based on sectional analysis and finite element methods for predicting the moment-curvature and load-deflection responses of structural LWRC beams subjected to pure bending. The proposed analytical and numerical models were validated experimentally by casting and testing a series of eight full-scale LWRC beams under four-points bending configuration. The effects of different compressive strengths of concrete and tensile reinforcement ratios on the flexural behavior of LWRC were examined. The analytical and numerical predictions of the load-deflection behavior and the moment-curvature and load-deflection responses of the LWRC beams investigated, compared very well with the corresponding responses measured from experiments, and test results of previous studies existing in the literature. Among the parameters evaluated using sensitivity analysis, the compressive strength had a significant influence on the flexural strength and stiffness of LWRC beams, whereas the compressive reinforcement ratio was the most important factors affecting the energy absorption and curvature ductility. Moreover, the theoretical models developed could serve as viable tools for simplifying the design process of structural lightweight reinforced concrete members and enhance their applications.

Microwave-aided sensitive and eco-friendly HPTLC method for estimation of mirabegron using NBD-Cl as bio-sensing fluorescent probe by Integration of principal component Analysis, response surface modelling and white analytical chemistry approach

A large number of analytical methods have been used in in-vivo pharmacokinetic investigations and assays of mirabegron, which is used to treat overactive bladder. Because mirabegron does not give fluorescence, there is no known chromatographic method that uses this property in conjunction with environmentally safe solvents. In order to develop and assess analytical procedures that are precise, sensitive, environmentally friendly, economical, and easy to use, white analytical chemistry was recently presented. Hence, a microwave-aided HPTLC method with fluorescence detection was developed and applied for mirabegron quantification; this method is both sensitive and environmentally acceptable, and it makes use of NBD-Cl, a bio-sensing fluorescent-probe. The analytical-QbD approach, which includes chemometric and response-surface modeling concepts, was used to design this targeted chromatographic method. Critical method variables and performance parameters were identified and optimized using principal component analysis and Box-Behnken design. The targeted method was used to estimate mirabegron through the development of method operable design range navigation and control strategy. A mobile phase consisting of ethyl-acetate and ethanol (8.0 + 2.0, v/v) was used to develop the chromatogram of NBD-Cl derivatised-mirabegron into 8.0 mm bands on a TLC-plate that was supported with aluminum and precoated with silica-gel G60 F254. In a mirabegron concentration range of 50–250 ng/band, the suggested method exhibited linearity. Results showed that the suggested method has a recovery rate of 98 % to 102 %. When estimating mirabegron, the %RSD for the precision and robustness study was determined to be less than 2.0. The mirabegron %assay in the commercially available formulations was determined to be between 98 % and 102 % of the labelled claimed value. Mirabegron had a limit of detection of 10 pg/band and a limit of quantification of 50 pg/band. Marketed tablet formulations of mirabegron had a maximum plasma concentration of 71.58 ng/mL in rats. Using metrics from green analytical chemistry and the RGB model scoring system, we compared the whiteness and greenness profiles of the published and suggested methods. The suggested method was found to be sensitive, eco-friendly, quick, cost-effective, and easy to use for estimation of mirabegron.

CFD Analysis Procedure and Genetic Algorithm Application for Evaluating Performance of Double Pipe Heat Exchanger

CFD Analysis Procedure and Genetic Algorithm Application for Evaluating Performance of Double Pipe Heat Exchanger

Hiding in plain sight: The prevalence and impact of trions and Fermi polarons in transient absorption spectroscopy experiments of 2D semiconductors.

Transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy is one of the most popular experimental methods to measure the excited state lifetimes and charge carrier recombination mechanisms in two dimensional (2D) semiconductors. This fundamental information is essential for designing and optimizing the next generation of ultrathin and lightweight 2D semiconductor-based optoelectronic devices. However, the interpretation of TA spectroscopy data varies across the community. The community lacks a unifying physical explanation for how and why experimental variables such as incident light intensity, sample-substrate interactions, and/or applied bias affect TA spectral data. This Perspective (1) compares the physical chemistry TA literature to nanomaterial physics literature from a historical perspective, (2) reviews multiple physical explanations that the TA community developed to explain spectral features and experimental trends, (3) provides a unifying explanation for how and why trions-and, more generally, Fermi polarons-contribute to TA spectra, and (4) quantifies the extent to which various physical interpretations and data analysis procedures yield different timescales and mechanisms for the same set of experimental results. We highlight the importance of considering trions/Fermi polarons in TA measurements and their implications for advancing our understanding of 2D material properties.

Comparison of clinical outcomes and cost-utility between unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy and percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy for single-level lumbar disc herniation: a retrospective matched controlled study.

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and cost-utility of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) versus percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) for the treatment of single-level lumbar disc herniation (LDH). A retrospective analysis was conducted on 99 patients who underwent either UBE (n = 33) or PEID (n = 66) between July 2022 and December 2023 at the Second Xiangya Hospital. Patients were matched 1:2 based on age, sex, and surgery level to ensure comparability. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, with quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) calculated for cost-utility analysis. Hospitalization costs were analyzed, and the incremental cost-utility ratio (ICER) was determined. Both UBE and PEID groups demonstrated significant postoperative improvements in VAS, EQ-5D, and ODI scores (p < 0.05). The operative time, blood loss and nursing cost were significantly higher for UBE compared to PEID (p < 0.05). UBE has higher gained QALY and overall costs, but the differences are not statistically significant (p = 0.643 for QALY, p = 0.327 for costs). The Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) for UBE compared to PEID was calculated to be $354.5 per QALY gained, indicating that for each additional QALY gained through UBE, an additional cost of $354.5 is incurred compared to PEID. In our single-center study conducted in China, both the UBE and PEID procedures have demonstrated comparable short-term efficacy in alleviating pain and improving functional ability in patients with single-level LDH. UBE procedure demonstrates greater cost-utility than the PEID procedure in cost-utility analysis, despite its longer operative time, higher nursing costs and greater blood loss.

The prognostic value of cystography-measured bladder capacity on very early continence rates after radical prostatectomy.

To assess the utility and reliability of cost-effective cystography-measured bladder capacity as a prognostic tool for predicting very early continence recovery following radical prostatectomy. Additionally, the study aims to discuss the clinical implications of the findings, including their potential impact on patient management, postoperative rehabilitation strategies, and the development of personalized care pathways for prostate cancer patients. In this prospective monocentric study, we analyzed 223 patients who underwent either robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) or open radical prostatectomy (ORP) between January 2022 and January 2024. Postoperative cystography was routinely performed 5 days after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and 7 days after open radical prostatectomy. Very early continence rates were determined using a standardized pad-test conducted on the first day following catheter removal. The bladder capacity during cystography was measured and documented for every patient. The correlation between the rate of continence recovery and the bladder capacity was then assessed. To determine other predictive factors for recovery of continence, several parameters were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis, including age, prostate volume, nerve-sparing technique and surgical procedure. Urinary continence rates at day 1 after catheter removal were 73.5% for patients who underwent RARP and 72.6% for patients who underwent ORP. A strong prognostic value of cystography-measured bladder capacity on very early continence rates was reported (p < 0.001), with a cut-off value calculated to be 140 ml of bladder capacity. After adjusting for additional variables such as age, surgical procedure, prostate volume and nerve-sparing technique, multivariate linear model analysis still found a strong correlation between cystography-measured bladder capacity and very early continence rates (p < 0.001). The cystography-measured bladder capacity may be a good predictor of the recovery of post-prostatectomy urinary continence.

GNSS TECHNOLOGY FOR RESEARCH OF DEFORMATIONS OF HYDROTECHNICAL INSTALLATIONS

Hydro technical installations are subject to a list of temporary and constant factors, such as Natural, Physical, Tectonic, Anthropogenic and other, which lead to their deformation and destruction. Study, exploration and forecast of deformations, can save us big. In this article has been researched the GNSS capability of obtaining the necessary data for building a model and reading or predicting deformations. GNSS has been used for monitoring structural deformation and deflection for more than a 30 years now. Detailed procedures for field data collection, data analysis and visualisation, generation of reliable analytical model, model updating and prediction for structural operational condition are also recommended.

KINEMATIC ANALYSIS OF OPENING AND CLOSING ROOF MECHANISM FOR LOADING FREIGHT WAGON

Input kinematic parameters during the movement of the mechanism for opening and closing the roof of Tagnpps 95 m3 wagon were analyzed. This included studying all components including the steering wheel, motion transmissions, and the roof of the wagon. The process of creating a 3D model of the mechanism for opening and closing the wagon roof in SolidWorks software is described, as well as the procedure of kinematic analysis of the mechanism in SolidWorks Motion. The manual force required to operate the mechanism for opening and closing the roof is calculated. To optimize the existing mechanism, the case of replacing the current reducer gear with a reducer of a smaller gear ratio is taken into consideration.

Abstract A072: Oncuria®-Monitor, a non-invasive test for the detection of recurrent bladder cancer: Cross sectional performance evaluation from a multicenter study

Abstract Up to 70% of patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) experience disease recurrence, making it one of the most prevalent cancers in the US. The purpose of this study was to test the performance of Oncuria®-Monitor, a multiplex urinary biomarker assay for the monitoring of voided urine for recurrent bladder cancer. This cross-sectional, multicenter study included a total of 283 subjects with a history of bladder cancer. Voided urine specimens were collected prior to any procedures for multiplex analysis. The diagnostic performance of the biomarker panel was assessed using receiver operator curves (ROC) and descriptive statistical values (e.g., sensitivity and specificity) and compared with the patients’ clinical data and final diagnosis as defined by the results of cystoscopy. Oncuria®-Monitor achieved an overall sensitivity of 94.3%, specificity of 83.6% and negative predictive valuer (NPV) of 96.2% for the detection of recurrent bladder cancer. Patient summary: We conducted a large cross-sectional clinical study for detecting recurrent bladder cancer with a novel, simple urine test (Oncuria®- Monitor), which measures 10 bladder cancer associated proteins in a single voided urine and can be used to detect recurrent bladder cancer. We analyzed urines from 283 patients and demonstrated that Oncuria®-Monitor can detect recurrent bladder cancer with a high degree of accuracy, specifically in patients with high grade or high stage disease. In conclusion, the novel Oncuria®-Monitor urine test can be used to surveil patients with a history of bladder cancer. Citation Format: Zhen Zhang, Florence Le Calvez-Kelm, Makito Miyake, Ian Pagano, Takuto Shimizu, Sergei Tikhonenkov, Sunao Tanaka, Charles J Rosser, Steve Goodison, Hideki Furuya. Oncuria®-Monitor, a non-invasive test for the detection of recurrent bladder cancer: Cross sectional performance evaluation from a multicenter study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Liquid Biopsy: From Discovery to Clinical Implementation; 2024 Nov 13-16; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(21_Suppl):Abstract nr A072.

Methodological guidelines for a rapid appraisal of agricultural innovation systems under agroecology (RAAIS-AE)

The agricultural innovation system (AIS) is an approach that considers agricultural innovation from a multidisciplinary perspective. The Rapid Appraisal of Agricultural Innovation Systems is one of the commonly used operational methods. It involves a series of structured and participatory activities, including interviews, focus group discussions, and stakeholder workshops, to identify the actors, institutions, and relationships involved in the AIS, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the system. This approach has been structured in such a manner that it adapts easily to different contexts where different stakeholders, such as developers, academicians, and policymakers are working with community members on innovation. A reflection on the concept -what to know (the requirements) and what to get (the outputs) is necessary for coming up with practical, reflective analysis and applicable procedures for a deeper understanding of the context where the innovations are introduced. Following this will enable us to fully understand the bottlenecks in transitioning from conventional systems to an agroecological model thus pinpointing potential entry points for promoting these systems’ dissemination and scaling.

Exploring Employee Experience: Millennial Human Resources Practitioners in the IT Sector

The labour market is going through a disruptive phase, characterised by changes in expectations about work. On the one hand, younger generations of employees value aspects such as purpose, personal development, and work-life balance, making these elements crucial to a positive experience at work. On the other hand, organisations recognise that employee satisfaction and well-being influence organisational success. Thus, the main objective of this study is to understand the employee experience of millennial human resources in the information technologies (IT) sector. As specific objectives, we intend to understand which (i) factors they consider influencing their personal and professional experience within organizations; (ii) organizational practices associated with the promotion of positive employee experience; (iii) organizational strategies adopted to promote a positive employee experience and, (iv) challenges linked with positive employee experience management. A qualitative research methodology was used to collect data, using a semi-structured interview with a group of 10 millennial human resources professionals joining the IT sector to answer the research question how is the experience of millennial human resources in the IT sector? The interviews were verbatim transcribed, and data were analysed according to thematic analysis procedures. Our findings show that human resources professionals belonging to the millennial generation express a greater interest in being part of organizations that offer a compensation and benefits system aligned with their performance, in addition to ensuring an effective work-life balance. Furthermore, they emphasize the influence of organizational behaviour on their job satisfaction, indicating that employee experience tends to be positive when the organization promotes a collaborative culture, fostering a work environment conducive to the development of strong interpersonal relationships, the creation of cohesive and dynamic teams, and a clear alignment between individual and organizational goals. Overall, the interviewees demonstrate satisfaction with their current employee experience, acknowledging that it meets their needs and interests comprehensively. Some conclusions for Human Resources Management are provided in the last part of the paper.

Objective analysis of orbital rim fracture CT images using curve and area measurement.

The orbital bone presents a closed curve, and fracture results in disfigurement. An image analysis procedure was developed to examine before and after corrective surgery. An ellipse and circumscribed contour embodied the closed curve. Three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) images were collected from 25 patients. Orbital rim data were generated, and binary images were created to facilitate closed curve analysis. Various indices, including the solidity value (closed curve area/convex hull area) and ellipse distance (discrepancy between the closed curve and the ellipse traversing the curve), were utilized. The ratios of various indices-including the number of vertices, solidity value, and ellipse distance-between the affected and unaffected sides showed postoperative values that were closer to 1, which would indicate perfect symmetry, than the preoperative measurements (P < 0.05). The solidity value increased, while both the ellipse distance and curvature values decreased, reflecting the transformation of bends into smooth contours following reduction surgery (P < 0.05). Significant correlations were observed between 1-solidity, ellipse distance, and curvature using the Pearson correlation test (P < 0.05). This study validated postoperative changes in various indices and established correlations among multiple values, specifically solidity, ellipse distance, and curvature. Employing multiple indices with mutual complements has provided objective information confidently.

Sustainability assessment in food analysis: the application of Green Analytical Chemistry tools to phthalate residue analysis in edible oils

Edible oils are essential in daily diet due to their high contribution of fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, and triglycerides. During the processes of growing, processing, storage, transport, or packaging, they can be contaminated by ubiquitous phthalate esters, considered endocrine disruptors. Thus, analytical methodologies to allow tight control of their presence are mandatory. Several sample treatments have been considered in this study: microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), dispersive solid phase extraction (DSPE), magnetic SPE (MSPE), solid phase microextraction (SPME), Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) or its combinations. However, the selection of an analytical procedure is usually performed from an Analytical Chemistry perspective, without considering factors such as the sustainability of the selected methodology and/or its impact on the environment. In this sense, the Green Analytical Chemistry strategy can play an important role. To demonstrate this fact, six different analytical procedures have been evaluated in terms of sustainability by using several greenness evaluation tools. Procedures from MAE-gel permeation chromatography (GPC)-SPE till SERS, showing adequate analytical characteristics, have been selected. The application of Analytical GREEnness calculator (AGREE), AGREE preparation (AGREE prep), and blue applicability grade index (BAGI) tools showed that MAE-GPC-SPE was the less green analytical procedure while SERS was the greener one. The BAGI evaluation showed that headspace (HS) and SERS were the most applicable procedures.

Health Promotion Activity in the Community -- Scoping Reviewed

Health promotion is a multidisciplinary field that aims to improve the health and well-being of people not only by treating diseases, but also by promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing diseases, and addressing social, economic, and environmental factors that affect health. However, the meaning may vary according to the perspective of different actors and professionals. Scoping review, using the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online – US National Library of Medicine’s, for the articles that were published between January 1, 2018 and September 1, 2023, following the analysis procedures: title, summary reading, and total readership. The most mentioned activity in the 24 articles is health promotion associated with prevention in the community, with the home being the most referenced context. Based on Joanna Briggs’ Hierarchy of Evidence model, Institute, Redenç ao, indicates 5 levels of studies, namely: experimental studies, quasi-experimental studies, observational analytical studies, observational descriptive studies, and expert opinion. Therefore, the scope consisted of 24 articles from States United States, Brazil, Australia, South Asia, South Africa, Indonesia, Thailand, Newfoundland, Iran, Japan, South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Norway. The activity carried out by nursing at home focuses on individualized care and disease monitoring. Keywords: nursing, community health nursing, health promotion, primary prevention

EXTH-38. EVALUATION OF STORAGE CONDITIONS ON SERUM-DERIVED EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES IN BRAIN TUMOR SAMPLES

Abstract Tumor-derived Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are emerging as potential liquid biopsy tool in the field of cancer diagnosis and therapeutic targets. The functionality of EVs depends on its diverse cargo, which is known to alter host-receipient cells. Nevertheless, extracting EVs while preserving its integrity and functionality of its contents is challenging, specifically in Low-middle Income countries (LMIC) countries. Our study focussed on extraction of serum derived EVs analysis from brain-tumor samples encompassing Oligodendrogliomas, Astrocytomas and Glioblastomas. The stability of EVs were examined in serum stored for 2 years at -80°C to understand the effect of preservation and storage in different conditions, that were left exposed to room temperature for variable periods of time before freezing. To explore the optimal suitable conditions, EVs were isolated from serum samples using IZON column size-exclusion based-method, and evaluated for structural integrity and stability through nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technology. Interestingly, the majority of isolated vesicles exhibited round, intact structure with bilayer membrane of size varying between 30 - 250nm. Moreover, protein content of EVs positive markers (CD63, CD81 and CD9) was also detected with minimal contaminations evidenced by weak bands for negative marker (ApoB), as determined by Western blot analysis. Further, column-based EV-derived RNA demonstrated optimal yield and purity was confirmed by RNA integrity number (RIN) using Qubit. While cryopreservation had minimum detrimental effects on mRNA sample quality, leaving it exposed to room temperature before freezing had a significant effect on EV isolation, as samples were often haemolyzed. This will provide insights in optimizing pre-analytical and analytical procedures for more effective outcomes in the clinical setting

Influence of Socio-Economic Indicators on the Volume of Foreign Trade in the Regions

The presented paper addresses the principles of forming foreign trade volume in the regions of Russia. During the study, based on open statistical data from reports of the Federal State Statistics Service and using a data analysis tool embedded in the Excel spreadsheet program, the authors developed a regression model that includes seven factor indicators describing socio-economic criteria that are presumed to significantly influence the foreign trade volume in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. In building and evaluating the regression model, standard econometric analysis procedures were applied, including the stage of model quality assessment, during which insignificant variables were excluded based on criteria such as P-value and standard error. After performing all necessary adjustments to the obtained model, the authors conclude that the foreign trade volume of a region directly depends on its attractiveness to international migrants, the level of education development, and the volume of natural resources. The paper also highlights the limitations of the proposed model, which lie in the limited consideration of the education factor, represented only in quantitative terms and through accessibility, without accounting for the quality of education. Thus, the proposed model identifies key drivers of regional foreign trade potential growth, perceived as foreign trade volume, but requires further refinement, especially in terms of incorporating the quality of education, which will allow for more accurate determination of priority areas in regional economic policy.

The Effect of Travel Constraints on Travel Intentions of People with Disabilities: The Mediating Role of Travel Motivation

According to WHO, 16% of the world's population are people with disabilities. Given this high number, disability-friendly tourism can be utilized as a special tourism market. This study aims to analyze the effect of travel constraints on travel intention through travel motivation for people with disabilities in Bandung. Over the past few years, Indonesia has begun to develop disability-friendly tourism infrastructure and services. The theory used in this study is the Theory of Planned Behavior, which has proven effective in shaping the behavioral intentions of tourists. This research was conducted using quantitative methods with structural equation modelling analysis procedures using CB SEM. The data collection technique used was non-probability sampling, targeting people with visual impairments, hearing impairments, physical disabilities, and mild mental disabilities. There are 200 pieces of data collected using a questionnaire. The results showed that travel constraints significantly positively affect travel intention through travel motivation among people with disabilities in Bandung. Existing literature finds a direct effect of travel constraints on travel intention in the tourism industry. This study contributes to the existing literature by including travel motivation as a mediating variable in mediating the effect of travel constraints on travel intention among people with disabilities in Bandung.