Protective Measures Research Articles

Chemical contamination affecting filter-feeding bivalves in no-take marine protected areas from Brazil

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are zones geographically delimited under pre-defined management goals, seeking to reduce anthropogenic threats to biodiversity. Despite this, in recent years reports of MPAs affected by chemical contamination has grown. Therefore, this study addresses this critical issue assessing legacy and current chemical contamination in filter-feeder bivalves obtained in very restrictive no-take MPAs from Brazil. The detected pollutants encompass polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), linear alkylbenzenes (LABs), and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Despite protective measures, bivalves from nine MPAs exhibited high LABs (13.2–1139.0 ng g−1) and DDTs levels (0.1–62.3 ng g−1). PAHs were present in low concentrations (3.1–29.03 ng g−1), as PCBs (0.7–6.4 ng g−1), hexachlorobenzene (0.1–0.2 ng g−1), and Mirex (0.1–0.3 ng g−1). Regardless of the sentinel species, MPAs and management categories, similar accumulation patterns were observed for LABs, DDTs, PAHs, and PCBs. Based on the limits proposed by Oslo Paris Commission, the measured levels of PAHs, PCBs and were below the environmental assessment criteria. Such findings indicate the no biological effects are expected to occur. However, they are higher considering background conditions typically measured in remote or pristine areas and potential simultaneous exposure. Such findings indicate an influence of anthropogenic sources, emphasizing the urgency for monitoring programs guiding strategic management efforts to safeguard these areas.

Study on the habitat evolution after dam removal in a habitat-alternative tributary of large hydropower station

The establishment of large hydropower stations in the main stream poses a threat to fish habitats. Selecting suitable tributaries as alternative habitats is a practical measure for ecological environment protection during large hydropower station's construction. The small dams constructed on certain tributaries need to be removed in order to restore river connectivity. The removal of dams will activate hydro-sedimentary dynamics and change the original habitat in terms of topography and hydrodynamics. To explore the evolution of fish habitats following the removal of small dams, a dam-removed reach of a habitat-alternative tributary was selected as the research object, and the model of water-sediment transport and riverbed evolution in strongly disturbed dam-removed reaches and the model of fish habitat suitability evaluation were established. The key parameters calibration and model verification were completed by field monitoring results. The simulation results showed dramatic evolution in the reservoir riverbed in the initial stage after dam removal and during the high discharge period. One year after dam removal, there was a noticeable 4.0 m incision in front of the dam, along with a decrease in channel slope at the dam site from about 4.8% to approximately 1.5%. Downstream of the dam, alterations to the riverbed were mainly concentrated near the dam, and sedimentary bodies with a height of around 2.0 m have formed on the left bank following the high discharge period. The fish habitat in most areas of the dam-removed reach was suitable, except for the downstream high-velocity area. To compare the evolution process of fish habitat under two dam removal periods in wet and dry seasons, two dam removal schemes were implemented in March and June. The results showed that the riverbed evolved more gradually in the March scheme, creating a larger and continuous suitable habitat for fish. Therefore, the March scheme was recommended. By revealing the evolutionary pattern of fish habitat after dam removal, this research provides a reliable model for assessing and restoring habitats in dam-removed reaches, and enjoys significant implications for protecting river ecology in hydropower development reaches.

Guardians of wheat: Unleashing transgenerational immune priming with Trichoderma against spot blotch

Plants encounter various biotic stresses in their natural habitat, prompting the exploration of innovative protective measures to bolster their immune defences against pathogens. An effective strategy involves priming plant immunity, conferring enduring and comprehensive protection. Defence priming, characterized by heightened responsiveness to attackers following prior stress exposure, intriguingly manifests transgenerationally, transmitting the memory of priming to subsequent plant generations. In our investigation, we delved into the phenomenon of transgenerational immune priming (TGIP) in wheat facilitated by Trichoderma, spanning from the parental generation (G0) to the grand progeny (G2) generation. Successful establishment of transgenerational priming in the G2 generation was achieved by initially priming the G0 generation of wheat with Trichoderma. To assess priming inheritance, seeds from the G1 generation were collected, and both primed and non-primed wheat plants' grand progeny (G2 generation) were cultivated in soil. Subsequent evaluation encompassed the disease phenotype, biochemical parameters, and yield-related traits of the G2 generation wheat when confronted with Bipolaris sorokiniana, the causal agent of spot blotch disease. Our analysis revealed that the G2 generation of primed wheat displayed superior protection against spot blotch compared to non-primed wheat. Biochemical studies indicated no activation of defensive responses in the absence of disease pressure in G2 wheat plants. However, upon pathogen challenge, the grand progeny of primed wheat exhibited a robust defence response, surpassing that of non-primed wheat. This targeted defence response enabled efficient resource utilization and mitigated yield penalties. Furthermore, under biotic stress conditions, the grand progeny of primed wheat exhibited enhanced yield parameters compared to non-primed wheat. Our findings provide conclusive evidence that Trichoderma-mediated priming against B. sorokiniana can be inherited successfully from the parental (G0) generation to the grand progeny (G2) generation of wheat. This study represents the initial documentation of Trichoderma-mediated TGIP in wheat against B. sorokiniana, holding significant promise for sustainable agriculture by offering an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.

The role of asymptomatic carriers on the dynamics of a lymphatic filariasis model incorporating control strategies

This study presents a mathematical model to investigate the patterns of transmission in lymphatic filariasis. The model considers chronic, acute, and asymptomatic individuals and integrates key control strategies. Random synthetic data is generated robustly through numerical solutions to closely replicate real-world scenarios and encompass uncertainties. The synthetic data adheres to a Gaussian distribution to ensure validity and reliability. Following the derivation of the basic and effective reproduction number using the next generation matrix approach, Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) and the Partial Rank Correlation Coefficient (PRCC) algorithm is utilized to assess the parameters that significantly influence the model outputs. The study examine the trajectories of different population compartments through numerical simulations over time, with particular emphasis on the role played by asymptomatic individuals in the transmission of the disease. To assess the potential for disease elimination, the study introduces a range of strategies involving protective measures, treatment interventions, and mosquito control. These strategies are determined through sensitivity analysis. The findings demonstrate that the simultaneous implementation of all control measures has a noteworthy effect in managing lymphatic filariasis. In conclusion, the proposed model enhances understanding of lymphatic filariasis dynamics and informs effective control strategies.

The Future of Patient Data Security: Exploring Emerging Technologies and Collaborative Approaches

Abstract: The protection of sensitive patient data has become a paramount concern in the increasingly digital landscape of the healthcare industry. As healthcare organizations adopt electronic health records and face a growing array of cyber threats, they must navigate a complex regulatory environment, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), while implementing robust strategies to safeguard personal health information (PHI). This article provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and best practices in healthcare data protection, examining the current regulatory framework, the various threats to patient data—such as cyber-attacks, insider threats, and human error—and the key strategies and technologies for enhancing security, including encryption, access controls, and employee training. The article also explores the potential of emerging technologies, such as block chain and artificial intelligence, in revolutionizing healthcare data management and security, and emphasizes the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including healthcare providers, technology vendors, policymakers, and patients. By recapping the main challenges and strategies discussed, offering insights into the future of data protection in healthcare, and issuing a call to action for prioritizing patient data security, this article serves as a valuable resource for healthcare organizations seeking to strengthen their data protection measures and maintain patient trust in the digital age.

Ethical Considerations of Including Minors in Clinical Trials Using the Example of the Indicated Prevention of Psychotic Disorders

Ethical Considerations of Including Minors in Clinical Trials Using the Example of the Indicated Prevention of Psychotic Disorders Abstract: As a vulnerable group, minors require special protection in studies. For this reason, researchers are often reluctant to initiate studies, and ethics committees are reluctant to authorize such studies. This often excludes minors from participating in clinical studies. This exclusion can lead to researchers and clinicians receiving only incomplete data or having to rely on adult-based findings in the treatment of minors. Using the example of the study "Computer-Assisted Risk Evaluation in the Early Detection of Psychotic Disorders" (CARE), which was conducted as an 'other clinical investigation' according to the Medical Device Regulation, we present a line of argumentation for the inclusion of minors which weighs the ethical principles of nonmaleficence (especially regarding possible stigmatization), beneficence, autonomy, and fairness. We show the necessity of including minors based on the development-specific differences in diagnostics and early intervention. Further, we present specific protective measures. This argumentation can also be transferred to other disorders with the onset in childhood and adolescence and thus help to avoid excluding minors from appropriate evidence-based care because of insufficient studies.

Numerical Analysis of Harmful Environmental Impact of Accidental Explosion at a Hydrogen Filling Station Environmental Impact of an Accident Hydrogen Explosion at a Gas Station

The purpose of this study is to evaluate numerically the consequences of a hydrogen-air mixture explosion at a vehicle hydrogen filling station. The physical process of the explosion, which takes place after the hydrogen gas release into the air due to the accidental destruction of a number of high-pressure storage cylinders, is considered. The blast pressure wave moves in all directions from the epicenter of the accident, gradually losing its intensity and having a negative shock impact on the service personnel of the filling station and the structures of the surrounding buildings. The scale of the accident depends on the number of destroyed cylinders, which determines the size of the hydrogen-air cloud and the power of the explosion. The degree of negative consequences for the environment depends on the maximum overpressure in the blast wave front. Numerical obtaining of spatial pressure distributions in the area of the accident based on a hydrogen explosion mathematical modeling makes it possible to separate zones that are dangerous to human health and building structures strength. The direct problem of gas dynamics of combustion products of a hemispherical cloud of a stoichiometric hydrogen-air mixture in the surface layer of the atmosphere is considered. The mathematical model of an instantaneous hydrogen explosion takes into account the three-dimensional and non-stationary nature of the propagation of the explosion wave, the compressibility of the gas flow, the complex terrain, the shape and initial concentration of the cloud of hydrogen combustion products, and their thermodynamic parameters. The model makes it possible to obtain three-dimensional fields of maximum overpressure, which are the basis for deterministic assessment of the consequences of an accident for human health and the integrity of structures in the area of the explosion. The presented computer technology allows security experts to identify potential dangerous zones by means of mathematical modeling, recommend effective protective measures to mitigate or even eliminate the negative consequences of the blast wave environmental impact.

Entomological assessment of hessian fabric transfluthrin vapour emanators as a means to protect against outdoor-biting Aedes after providing them to households for routine use in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

A simple treated fabric device for passively emanating the volatile pyrethroid transfluthrin was recently developed in Tanzania that protected against nocturnal Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes for several months. Here these transfluthrin emanators were assessed in Port-au-Prince, Haiti against outdoor-biting Aedes. Transfluthrin emanators were distributed to participating households in poor-to-middle class urban neighbourhoods and evaluated once every two months in terms of their effects on human landing rates of wild Aedes populations. A series of three such entomological assessment experiments were conducted, to examine the influence of changing weather conditions, various transfluthrin formulations and emanator placement on protective efficacy measurements. Laboratory experiments assessed resistance of local Aedes aegypti to transfluthrin and deltamethrin, and the irritancy and repellency of the transfluthrin-treated fabric used in the field. Across all three entomological field assessments, little evidence of protection against wild Ae. aegypti was observed, regardless of weather conditions, transfluthrin formulation or emanator placement: A generalized linear mixed model fitted to the pooled data from all three assessment rounds (921 females caught over 5129 hours) estimated a relative landing rate [95% Confidence interval] of 0.87 [0.73, 1.04] for users of treated versus untreated emanators (P = 0.1241). Wild Ae. aegypti in this setting were clearly resistant to transfluthrin when compared to a fully susceptible colony. Transfluthrin emanators had little if any apparent effect upon Aedes landing rates by wild Ae. aegypti in urban Haiti, and similar results have been obtained by comparable studies in Tanzania, Brazil and Peru. In stark contrast, however, parallel sociological assessments of perspectives among these same end-users in urban Haitian communities indicate strong satisfaction in terms of perceived protection against mosquitoes. It remains unclear why the results obtained from these complementary entomological and sociological assessments in Haiti differ so much, as do those from a similar set of studies in Brazil. It is encouraging, however, that similar contrasts between the entomological and epidemiological results of a recent large-scale assessment of another transfluthrin emanator product in Peru, which indicate they provide useful protection against Aedes-borne arboviral infections, despite apparently providing only modest protection against Aedes mosquito bites.

The Mechanical Properties and Chlorine Resistance of Concrete Based on the Effects of Pouring Interval Time

In practical engineering construction, differences in time intervals during concrete pouring arise due to issues in concrete quality control and construction procedures, thereby affecting the mechanical and durability properties of concrete. This study conducted compressive strength tests, splitting tensile strength tests, and natural immersion tests to investigate the influence of time intervals in layered pouring on the mechanical strength and chloride ion concentration distribution of staged pouring concrete. Additionally, the study elucidated the mechanism by which pouring interval time affects the mechanical properties and resistance to chloride ion erosion of staged pouring concrete at the microstructure level. The results indicate that compared to ordinary concrete specimens, the splitting tensile strength of staged pouring concrete demonstrates a continuous decrease with increasing pouring interval time. The most significant splitting tensile strength decrease occurred at a 24 h interval. The compressive strength of staged pouring concrete initially decreases and then increases with increasing pouring interval time. At a pouring interval time of 12 h, the compressive strength of staged pouring concrete decreased the most. Results from the natural immersion tests demonstrate that chloride ion concentrations at the bonding interface and on both sides of staged pouring concrete increase continuously with the extension of pouring interval time. The chloride ion concentration at the bonding interface is consistently higher than that on both sides, and the difference between them decreases with increasing diffusion depth. The chloride ion concentration difference ΔC was proposed to evaluate the influence of bonding interface performance on chloride ion concentration, which decreases to varying degrees with increasing depth. The findings of this study can provide guidance for the research on the mechanical properties and durability of staged pouring concrete in practical engineering construction, as well as for engineering protective measures.

Determinants of radiation exposure during mobile cone-beam CT-guided robotic-assisted bronchoscopy.

Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) is an emerging modality to sample pulmonary lesions. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) can be incorporated into RAB. We investigated the magnitude and predictors of patient and staff radiation exposure during mobile CBCT-guided shape-sensing RAB. Patient radiation dose was estimated by cumulative dose area product (cDAP) and cumulative reference air kerma (cRAK). Staff equivalent dose was calculated based on isokerma maps and a phantom simulation. Patient, lesion and procedure-related factors associated with higher radiation doses were identified by logistic regression models. A total of 198 RAB cases were included in the analysis. The median patient cDAP and cRAK were 10.86 Gy cm2 (IQR: 4.62-20.84) and 76.20 mGy (IQR: 38.96-148.38), respectively. Among staff members, the bronchoscopist was exposed to the highest median equivalent dose of 1.48 μSv (IQR: 0.85-2.69). Both patient and staff radiation doses increased with the number of CBCT spins and targeted lesions (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Patient obesity, negative bronchus sign, lesion size <2.0 cm and inadequate sampling by on-site evaluation were associated with a higher patient dose, while patient obesity and inadequate sampling by on-site evaluation were associated with a higher bronchoscopist equivalent dose. The magnitude of patient and staff radiation exposure during CBCT-RAB is aligned with safety thresholds recommended by regulatory authorities. Factors associated with a higher radiation exposure during CBCT-RAB can be identified pre-operatively and solicit procedural optimization by reinforcing radiation protective measures. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings across multiple institutions and practices.

Protection motivation theory in predicting intentional behaviors regards schistosomiasis: a WeChat-based qualitative study

BackgroundModifications of behavior can help reduce the risk of transmission by disrupting the parasite life cycle. Behavior intension is a necessary intermediate step in behavior change. This study aimed to explore protection motivation theory (PMT) in predicting likelihood of engagement in protective behavior against infection with Schistosoma.MethodsIn China, a questionnaire for data collection was sent to users who followed the WeChat public account from June 2 to 6, 2023. Factors affecting intentional behavior of participants were analyzed using stepwise regression analysis and structural equation modeling.ResultsA total of 2,243 valid questionnaires were collected, with a mean age of 30 ± 8.4 years. Approximately 1,395 (62.2%) participants reported that they had been exposed to wild waters in daily work and life. About 51.0 and 50.7% of respondents reported never having been exposed to wild water in the last 3 and 6 months, respectively. Results indicated that prior knowledge of schistosomiasis was associated with the 7 PMT subconstructs, which then influenced future preventative behaviors.ConclusionBehavior intentionis a complicated and indispensable part of behavior change that is influenced by professional knowledge, socio-economic status, and personal characteristics. The effective dissemination of knowledge regards schistosomiasis should be strengthened to emphasize the effectiveness of protective measures against infection and severe disease.

Serosurvey for Japanese encephalitis virus antibodies following an outbreak in an immunologically naïve population, Victoria, 2022: a cross-sectional study.

To investigate the distribution and prevalence of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) antibody (as evidence of past infection) in northern Victoria following the 2022 Japanese encephalitis outbreak, seeking to identify groups of people at particular risk of infection; to investigate the distribution and prevalence of antibodies to two related flaviviruses, Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) and West Nile virus Kunjin subtype (KUNV). Cross-sectional serosurvey (part of a national JEV serosurveillance program). Three northern Victorian local public health units (Ovens Murray, Goulburn Valley, Loddon Mallee), 8 August - 1 December 2022. People opportunistically recruited at pathology collection centres and by targeted recruitment through community outreach and advertisements. People vaccinated against or who had been diagnosed with Japanese encephalitis were ineligible for participation, as were those born in countries where JEV is endemic. Seroprevalence of JEV IgG antibody, overall and by selected factors of interest (occupations, water body exposure, recreational activities and locations, exposure to animals, protective measures). 813 participants were recruited (median age, 59 years [interquartile range, 42-69 years]; 496 female [61%]); 27 were JEV IgG-seropositive (3.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-4.8%) (median age, 73 years [interquartile range, 63-78 years]; 13 female [48%]); none were IgM-seropositive. JEV IgG-seropositive participants were identified at all recruitment locations, including those without identified cases of Japanese encephalitis. The only risk factors associated with JEV IgG-seropositivity were age (per year: prevalence odds ratio [POR], 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.10) and exposure to feral pigs (POR, 21; 95% CI, 1.7-190). The seroprevalence of antibody to MVEV was 3.0% (95% CI, 1.9-4.5%; 23 of 760 participants), and of KUNV antibody 3.3% (95% CI, 2.1-4.8%; 25 of 761). People living in northern Victoria are vulnerable to future JEV infection, but few risk factors are consistently associated with infection. Additional prevention strategies, including expanding vaccine eligibility, may be required to protect people in this region from Japanese encephalitis.

Mental health among centenarians living in Switzerland.

Given the increasing number of people achieving exceptionally long lifespans, there is an urgent need for a better understanding of mental health in centenarians. This study aimed to understand the prevalence of mental health conditions-depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep disturbances, disinhibition, and aberrant motor behaviour-among centenarians in Switzerland. Data were collected from N = 169 participants via telephone interviews or paper questionnaires, either directly from centenarians or through proxy informants. Half the data were collected during a period when protective measures were imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and half were collected after the measures were lifted. Mental health conditions were prevalent in our sample, particularly depressive symptoms (44.51%) and anxiety (42.17%). Significant positive associations were found between depressive symptoms and anxiety, and between disinhibition and aberrant motor behaviour. Furthermore, we identified statistical predictors for the occurrence of mental health conditions. Notably, institutionalised living increased the odds of depressive symptomatology, while those with higher education levels or an absence of cognitive impairment experienced more sleep disturbances. Finally, cognitive impairment was linked to increased disinhibition and aberrant motor behaviour. The high prevalence of mental health conditions underscores the need for proactive mental health care strategies in advanced old age. Moreover, it is vital to consider the interconnected nature of mental health conditions and to prioritise vulnerable groups, such as centenarians in institutional settings.

Land use-land cover dynamics in Boyo wetland using remote sensing and GIS for the period 1992–2022

ABSTRACT Land use changes are one of the main factors contributing to the degradation of wetland ecosystems. The objective of this study was to describe land use and land cover (LULC) change in the Boyo Wetland from 1992–2022. We employed remote sensing and GIS to obtain data for this study. As the main data source, Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM), Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+) and Operational Land Imager (OLI) images were used. We downloaded Landsat images from the USGS website that were cloud-free. A supervised maximum likelihood classifier algorithm was used for the classification process. Five LULCs are identified, which include farmland, built-up areas, bare land, grazing land, and wetland. For the duration of the research period, the rate of increase in the percent of farmland, built-up, and barren land was observed to be 18.24%, 9.48%, and 4.52%, respectively, while a decreasing pattern was observed in grazing land and wetland by − 19.44% and − 12.79%, respectively. The expansion of agriculture and built-up areas owing to population growth are the primary factors influencing change in the study area. Therefore, a rapid protective measure should be taken to rehabilitate the study wetland.

Traditional healers’ knowledge and infection control practices related to HIV in Bukavu City, Democratic Republic of the Congo

BackgroundPatients with HIV consult traditional healers (THs). These THs can both delay care for people living with HIV (PLHIV) and transmit HIV through poor infection control practices. The main objective of this study was to evaluate knowledge and practices of THs regarding HIV in Bukavu.MethodsA cross-sectional study using quantitative approach was carried out among 71 THs in Bukavu City. The collected data included the following topics: personal and socio-demographic characteristics, HIV knowledge, and infection control practices. Descriptive statistics, independent-samples T-test or F-test, and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data with a p-value < 0.05.ResultsThe THs’ mean age was 49.2 ± 11.2 years, and the majority were aged 40 to < 60 years. Males constituted 88.7% of THs with a male-to-female ratio of 7.9. In general, 47.9% of study participants had poor knowledge about HIV/AIDS infection, 45.1% of them had fair knowledge, and only 7.0% had good knowledge. Overall, 43.7% of THs had poor infection control practices, 52.1% of THs had fair practices, and only 4.2% of participants had good practices. Results of multiple linear regression analysis revealed that none of the personal and demographic variables studied were significant predictors of their knowledge about HIV/AIDS (p > 0.05). In terms of practices, two variables were significant predictors of infection control practices: living in Ibanda and receiving training in taking care of HIV/AIDS.Conclusion and recommendations: The study revealed that THs’ knowledge about HIV infection was insufficient and that they had poor infection control practices. Formal standardized training on HIV infection should be organized for all THs so that they can always refer their patients to modern, reliable antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics and reduce the risk of occupational exposure in their practices. Although PPE’s assistance for THs is required in terms of protective measures, the province health authority must also oversee infection control procedures at THs’ offices.

Reassessment of the Emission Reduction Responsibilities of Wealthy Individuals and Corporations: Considerations based on the Perspective of Resource Availability

Minimizing emissions has become a crucial element in the fight against global climate change. This study will employ resource dependence theory to assess the participation of wealthy individuals and corporations in the worldwide effort to decrease emissions, particularly with regards to natural, human, and capital resources. The objective is to demonstrate the crucial role that affluent individuals and major corporations play in promoting climate action. In conclusion, we recommend enhancing the management of these organizations' resource utilization and implementing stronger environmental protection measures to prevent their economic activities from undermining the attainment of global climate objectives. This study offers fresh insights into comprehending and advancing more efficient worldwide strategies for reducing emissions, emphasizing the substantial influence of affluent individuals and major corporations who exploit resources in global emissions reduction endeavors.

Enhancing Big Data Security through Comprehensive Data Protection Measures: A Focus on Securing Data at Rest and In-Transit

Purpose: This research paper aims to enhance Big Data security by implementing comprehensive data protection measures, focusing on securing data at rest and in transit. In the era of Big Data, organizations handle vast quantities of data characterized by high velocity, volume, and variety, which complicates management and increases security risks. Methodology: The study examines various data protection strategies, including encryption, access control, data masking, immutable storage, tokenization, and physical security for data at rest. For data in transit, it explores encryption protocols, secure transfer methods like SSH and TLS, VPNs, Zero Trust architecture, and secure APIs. These methods are crucial for safeguarding sensitive information and preventing unauthorized access. Findings: The findings highlight common security challenges in Big Data, such as data breaches, unauthorized access, and integrity issues. The study emphasizes the need for robust protection measures and offers a comprehensive view of the data security landscape. Implementing these strategies helps organizations safeguard sensitive information and ensure compliance with international data protection regulations, enhancing their overall security posture. Unique contribution to theory policy and practice: This paper contributes to theory, policy, and practice by advocating comprehensive data protection strategies. It stresses the importance of continuous monitoring and regulatory compliance, providing practical insights into best practices and technologies that protect Big Data. The research supports developing robust data protection policies and practices, advancing knowledge in Big Data security.

Electromagnetic Impact of Overhead High-Voltage Lines during Power Transmission on Buried Signaling Cables of the Traffic Control Systems in Modernized Railway Lines

The railway transport system is a key factor supporting industrialization in all aspects of human activity. However, in order not to lose its importance, it must meet the challenge of modern civilization. The safety, reliability, and efficiency of railway transport, to a large degree, depend on using highly integrated electronics, which are very sensitive to various disturbances generated in the electric traction system and train or coming from the environment. One of the sources of electromagnetic disturbances are high-voltage (HV) power lines running close to the railway infrastructure. The purpose was to assess the electromagnetic impact of overhead HV transmission lines on buried signaling cables of the railway traffic control system crossbreeding with them. The levels of voltage induced in the cable under steady state and the earth fault in the HV line at various soil resistivity were estimated. A software tool based on a hybrid numerical method that combines circuit theory and electromagnetic field theory was used for computations. It was found that very high voltages may be induced in the signaling cables during earth faults in the HV lines, which may lead to serious interference or damage to the equipment. The results provide useful knowledge for implementing modern railway traffic control systems and protection measures.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Its Effect on the Flow of Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions (M&amp;As)

Extant research finds effective intellectual property rights (IPR) protection encourages firms to initiate mergers and acquisitions (M&amp;A) deals. IPR strengthening positively affects firms’ research and development activities and thus their innovative ability. Consequently, acquirer firms can improve their innovation quotient by pursuing target firms in regions undertaking IPR protection and enforcement measures. The present study examines the impact of IPR protection on 20,363 inbound M&amp;A deals engaged in 42 countries between the years 2014 to 2019. Differing from the use of conventionally employed, Ginarte and Park index available in a five-yearly interval, which evaluates only Patents, this paper proxies IPR strengthening through a more comprehensive annual intellectual property (IP) index (covering other intellectual assets like copyrights, trademarks, etc. besides patents) constructed by Global Innovation Policy Center, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Estimates from panel regression, including country and year-fixed effects, indicate that reforms that improve IP protection in a target country are positively and, to a more considerable extent, significantly associated with an increase in inbound cross-border M&amp;As. In addition, the impact is weakly significant when target firms belong to emerging countries. This study sheds light on whether IPR protection influences corporate decision-making. The results suggest that acquirers look forward to regions undertaking efforts to improve their IP ecosystem, either to protect their intellectual capital transmitted through technology transfer or to acquire targets high on innovative quotient.

#2368 GHRH levels and AhR expression in CKD patients before and after kidney transplantation

Abstract Background and Aims Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an irreversible decline in renal function where kidney transplantation (KT) is the optimal therapeutic intervention. We aim to investigate the role and activation of the uremic toxin receptor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in the microvasculature, particularly its implication in the blood-brain barrier impairment. We will also explore the potential role of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) as a biomarker reflecting the resolution of uremia-induced inflammation, early vascular ageing (EVA) phenotype, and potential enhancement in central nervous system (CNS) function post-KT. Method Resistance arteries from KT patients and non-CKD controls were isolated and expression of AhR was analysed by immunohistochemistry. The study used plasma samples from 60 KT patients, and levels of GHRH were measured at baseline and two years after transplantation using ELISA. Results Following KT, our initial findings indicate a decrease in levels of DBP, Lp(a), creatinine, homocysteine, phosphate, and troponin T among KT patients. Conversely, there was an increase in albumin, HBA1c, calcium and NfL post-transplantation. The expression of AhR in the resistance arteries of KT patients (2.6%) was notably lower compared to non-CKD controls (9.7%). Plasma concentrations of GHRH were significantly higher (p &amp;lt; 0.0001) in CKD-5 patients two years post-KT (2.94 ng/mL, IQR 2.60-3.43) compared to baseline (2.32 mg/L, IQR 1.84-3.24). This elevated trend in GHRH levels post-KT was observed in both sexes, with males (p &amp;lt; 0.0001) and females (p 0.0084) showing higher levels—males (3.0 ng/mL, IQR 2.6-3.5) and females (2.8 ng/mL, IQR 2.4-3.5)—compared to baseline level of males (2.4 ng/mL, IQR 1.8-3.2) and females (2.2 ng/mL, 1.9-3.3). No significant difference in GHRH levels was observed when assessing extreme EVA phenotypes based on the presence or absence of calcification or fibrosis. Conclusion Contrary to our initial expectation, the preliminary results indicate a downregulation in AhR expression within resistance vessels of CKD patients, implying modifications in AhR signaling within the uremic environment. The observed alteration in GHRH levels presents a promising avenue for further investigation focusing on its possible application as a biomarker for assessing CNS status in CKD patients undergoing KT. Prospective clinical application could involve the administration of GHRH agonists as a protective measure against cognitive impairment, considering its deficiency in CKD. Such supplementation holds promise to prevent further cognitive morbidity. The modulation in the levels of this hormone has the potential to significantly influence the treatment trajectory of CKD patients and enhance clinical outcomes.