Relative Index Research Articles

Modifying effect of urban parks on socioeconomic inequalities in diabetes prevalence: a cross-sectional population study of Madrid City, Spain

BackgroundEvidence has shown contradicting results on how the density of urban green spaces may reduce socioeconomic inequalities in type 2 diabetes (equigenic hypothesis). The aim of this study is to...

Family functioning, family relationship problems, and psychological wellbeing among young adults

The study aims to examine the relationship between family functioning, family relationship problems, and psychological well-being among young adults in the southern region of India. The data was collected from a total 265 young adults aged 18 – 26 years old, through both online and offline means i.e. hybrid method was used. Using a quantitative non-experimental design, employing correlation analysis, data was analyzed. The measures that were used in the study were Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES III), the Index of Family Relations (IFR), and Ryff’s Psychological Well-being Scale (PWB) – 42items. The finding of the study show that there was indeed a significant relationship between family cohesion, a subdomain in family functioning and the domains of psychological wellbeing. However, no significant relationship was observed between family adaptability, another subdomain in family functioning and the domains psychological well-being. Conversely, family relationship problems showed a significant negative correlation with various aspects of psychological well-being, indicating that higher levels of family conflict were associated with lower levels of psychological well-being. In conclusion, the findings underscore the importance of addressing family dynamics and conflict resolution strategies to promote the psychological well-being of young adults.

ASSESSMENT OF INTRA-GROUP RELATIONSHIPS IN SERVICE TEAMS BY EMPLOYEES WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SOCIAL COMPLIANCE

The goal is to study intra-group relations as an indicator of the favorability of the socio-psychological climate in the service team among employees with diff erent levels of social regulation. The main methods in the study were the questionnaire “Subjective assessment of intra-group relationships” and the scale “Social normative personality.” primary statistical analysis, correlation and comparative analysis were used as statistical methods. The respondents were 151 employees of the internal aff airs bodies. It was established that the higher the level of social normality of the employee, the more the functional-positive characteristics of intra-group relations (understanding, emotional proximity, belonging to the team, and the ability to feel like a professional while in it) and the less the functional-negative characteristics (tension, confl ict, unfavorable sensual tone in the relationship) are expressed. Assessment of Intra-Group Relationships in Service Teams by Employees with Diff erent Levels of Social Compliance 51 It was established that the higher the social normative of the employee, the higher the general index of intra-group relations, which is an indicator of the socio-psychological climate in the service team. It is shown that the overall indicator of intra-group relations, as an indicator of the socio-psychological climate, is diff erent among socio-regulatory and non-normative employees. Assessments of intra-group relations by regulatory employees indicate a favorable socio-psychological climate in their service teams, while non-normative employees, based on assessments of intra-group relations, will have a moderately favorable climate.

Inflationary Krylov complexity

In this work, we have systematically investigated the Krylov complexity of curvature perturbation for the modified dispersion relation in inflation, using the algorithm in closed system and open system. Since many quantum gravitational frameworks could lead to this kind of modified dispersion relation, our analysis could be applied to the string cosmology, loop gravity, e.t.c. Following the Lanczos algorithm, we find the very early universe is an infinite, many-body, and maximal chaotic system. Our numerics shows that the Lanczos coefficient and Lyapunov index of the standard dispersion relation are mainly determined by the scale factor. As for the modified case, it is nearly determined by the momentum. In a method of the closed system, we discover that the Krylov complexity will show irregular oscillation before the horizon exits. The modified case will present faster growth after the horizon exists. Since the whole universe is an open system, the approach of an open system is more realistic and reliable. Then, we construct the exact wave function which is very robust only requiring the Lanczos coefficient proportional to n (main quantum number). Based on it, we find the Krylov complexity and Krylov entropy could nicely recover in the case of a closed system under the weak dissipative approximation, in which our analysis shows that the evolution of Krylov complexity will not be the same with the original situation. We also find the inflationary period is a strong dissipative system. Meanwhile, our numerics clearly shows the Krylov complexity will grow during the whole inflationary period. But for the small scales, there will be a peak after the horizon exits. Our analysis reveals that the dramatic change in background (inflation) will significantly impact the evolution of Krylov complexity. Since the curvature perturbation will transit from the quantum level to the classical level. We could expect that the decoherence will highly impact the Krylov complexity during inflation.

Analysis of Factors Affecting the Implementation of Sustainable Building Projects

Abstract: Sustainability concept can be defined as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future” [7]. Conventional buildings approximately consumes more than 30% of energy while utilising around 40% of resources while also simultaneously generating 40% of wastes and 35% of harmful green-house gases [8]. The sustainable building construction approach has the potential to make a significant contribution to sustainable development, especially considering the building industry’s considerable influence. Based on our literature assessment, we discovered that multiple research reveal a general lack of consistency across outcomes in different geographical locations regarding factors impacting the implementation of sustainable building projects. Therefore this study is based on the analysis of factors that impact the implementation of sustainable building projects and the effects of sustainable building projects on various critical factors. For the result of the research analysis, the Reliability analysis which was conducted based on Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient for the factors affecting the implementation of sustainable building projects were found to be 0.76658442 which can conclude that the reliability level of the questionnaires responses was good while based on Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis factors affecting the implementation of sustainable building projects were ranked, with material related factors being the most significant (RII 0.705) among other factors. Additionally, the impact of implementing sustainable building projects on different critical factors was determined, with RII analysis indicating that the most significant impact will occur in terms of economic benefits (RII 0.767). Overall, the study tried fulfilling all the objectives which were stated.

Revisiting the scattering regime map based on transport scattering coefficient for dielectric particulate medium

The independent scattering assumption is frequently employed in radiative transfer, as it is applicable to numerous scientific and practical scenarios involving sparsely distributed scatterers. However, dependent scattering effects must be considered if the particle distribution is not sparse, which requires a relatively more rigorous analysis. A scattering regime map that summarizes the conditions where the independent scattering assumption can be used safely was established in the 1980s. The validity of this regime map and corresponding transition criteria has been questioned due to revealed inaccuracies in certain portions of the map based on the recent experimental studies. This study aims to reevaluate the regime map for dielectric particulate medium through numerical simulations utilizing dense medium radiative transfer theory relying on static structure factor for incorporating the effects of dependent scattering. The transport scattering coefficient, encompassing both the scattering coefficient and the asymmetry parameter, is employed as the metric of evaluation as it accounts for both the quantitative and directional behavior of the scattering. Besides, it also reflects the behavior of reflectance/transmittance closely, which is presented by comparing the regime maps based on transport scattering coefficient and reflectance. While the resulting modified regime map agrees mostly with the established map, it corrects the parts where discrepancies were observed so that the modified map is in agreement with all available data. Moreover, the effects of particle size distribution and material properties are also investigated and it was found that a regime map for lower relative refractive index miss-match between particle and medium produces a demarcation line that is more conservative.

Berries Pomace Valorization: From Waste to Potent Antioxidants and Emerging Skin Prebiotics

ABSTRACT Fruit pomaces are agro-industrial by-products obtained in large quantities by the juice production industry, hence their reutilization is a suitable way to minimize environmental impact by transforming them into different value-added products. Considering the wide abundance and bioactive potential of berries pomaces, raspberry, strawberry, blackcurrant, and chokeberry pomace were chosen to examine and compare polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, and skin prebiotic capacity of their extracts. Extracts of 5.28 to 13.39 mg GAE ⋅ g−1 DM total polyphenol content were obtained, with significant differences in polyphenol abundance between classes. Relative antioxidant capacity index and global antioxidant score revealed that the blackcurrant pomace extract exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity. Staphylococcus epidermidis growth was promoted by lower extract concentrations, while higher concentrations showed inhibitory effects. On the other hand, Staphylococcus aureus was inhibited more strongly and no stimulation was detected in the tested concentration range (.025–.1 mg GAE ⋅ mL−1). In co-cultured experiments, a S. aureus/S. epidermidis rebalancing effect was proven for all tested extracts, whereas the best prebiotic capacity of 2.84 was achieved at .05 mg GAE⋅ mL−1 of raspberry pomace extract. In conclusion, berry pomace extracts could be valorized by extraction of their phytochemicals which are potent antioxidants and emerging prebiotics for topical application.

Identification of the Risk Factors Associated with Low Bone Density in Peri- and Early Postmenopausal Women

Evidence has shown that one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in postmenopausal women is osteoporosis. Despite the development of some medications, there are still safety and adherence concerns, and, thus, attention has been placed on understanding modifiable risk factors for bone loss. This study aimed to examine the differences in various sociodemographic and body composition factors, physical activity components, and nutrient and food group intake levels among peri- and early postmenopausal women with whole-body bone mineral density (BMD) Z-scores greater than and less than zero. This cross-sectional study utilized baseline data obtained from 45 peri- and early postmenopausal women aged 45–60 years old who participated in a 6-month three-arm, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that evaluated the effects of blackcurrant supplementation on bone metabolism. Anthropometric data, BMD values obtained via DXA scans, and self-reported demographic, health, dietary, and physical activity data were collected at baseline. Overall, participants with whole-body BMD Z-scores greater than zero had higher body mass indexes (BMIs), lean mass, fat mass, android fat percentages, ratios of trunk fat mass to limb fat mass, resting metabolic rates, relative skeletal muscle indexes, total and occupational physical activity, alcohol intakes, trans fatty acid intakes, and adequacy of potassium intake, but lower adequacy of vitamin E (p < 0.05). In addition, total calorie intake was positively correlated with added sugar, vitamin E, potassium, alcohol, trans fatty acids, calcium, and vitamin D intakes (p < 0.05); whole-body BMD was positively correlated with added sugars (p < 0.05); vitamin D intake was positively correlated with vitamin E, potassium, trans fatty acid, and calcium intakes (p < 0.05); and calcium intake was positively correlated with added sugar, vitamin E, potassium, and trans fatty acid intakes (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that numerous body composition factors, components of physical activity, and dietary factors are related to bone health in adult women in the menopause transition.

Heterogeneity in stakeholder's perceptions on delays in infrastructure projects: scenario of Bangladesh

PurposeIn Bangladesh (BD), delays in infrastructure are common. Many previous studies have explored the causes of infrastructure delays. However, this study investigated the causes of delays by taking responses from the stakeholders who are responsible for planning, design, funding, approval and implementation. There are few studies that have related infrastructure project delays to heterogeneity in stakeholders’ perceptions.Design/methodology/approachA structural equation (SE) model is developed with 350 normally distributed data points to understand the heterogeneity in stakeholders’ perceptions regarding delays in infrastructure projects in BD. Additionally, the relative importance index (RII) approach is used to assess the responses, validating the SE model.FindingsThe study finds that among the three latent variables, “Project itself related delay” has more influence on delays in infrastructure projects. Among the observed variables under the “project itself related delay” latent variable, “DPP approval process” has the most significance. From the heterogeneity analysis, the study found differences in responses among the stakeholders from “the Engineering Department,” “the Planning Office” and “the Construction Firm/Industry.” An important class of stakeholders believes that their stage is not being delayed and that other stages require attention.Research limitations/implicationsThe data sample is 350. More data can improve the accuracy of the findings. Most of the respondents are civil engineers (74%) and represent the owner of the project. Sample data from more stakeholders’ will enhance the accuracy of the result.Practical implicationsThis study addresses the requirements of Bangladeshi project stakeholders and how their interactions cause delays in projects. Furthermore, the opinions of other stakeholders are taken into consideration when determining the specific factors of individual stakeholders that are causing delays. Practically, the distance between stakeholders should be reduced. A project manager can play a role in this regard. Initiatives should be taken on how to complete the project quickly by eliminating the requirements discussed among the stakeholders and bureaucratic complications. Instead of placing blame on one another, stakeholders should take the initiative to figure out how to work together to finish the project on schedule. The Planning Commission’s approval of the Development Project Proposal (DPP) and Revised Development Project Proposal (RDPP) should be obtained as soon as possible by owner stakeholders. In order to avoid frequently changing the DPP, owners should also exercise greater caution when choosing contractors. Contractor stakeholders should use efficient and proper manpower and equipment so that unexpected delays are not created during the execution of work. Since the role of the contractor stakeholder is the most important among the three types of stakeholders, the contractor should raise awareness and urge the owners to get the RDPP approved quickly.Originality/valueThe findings from the study can help mitigate delays in infrastructure projects in BD, taking into account the perceptions of various stakeholders.

Diverse distribution patterns of segmental longitudinal strain are associated with different clinical features and outcomes in dilated cardiomyopathy.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) presents with diverse clinical courses, hardly predictable solely by the left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF). Longitudinal strain (LS) offers distinct information from LVEF and exhibits various distribution patterns. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of LS distribution patterns in DCM. We studied 139 patients with DCM (LVEF ≤ 35%) who were admitted for heart failure (HF). LS distribution was assessed using a bull's eye map and the relative apical LS index (RapLSI), calculated by dividing apical LS by the sum of basal and mid-LS values. We evaluated the associations of LS distribution with cardiac events (cardiac death, LV assist device implantation, or HF hospitalization) and LV reverse remodeling (LVRR), as indicated by subsequent LVEF changes. Twenty six (19%) and 29 (21%) patients exhibited a pattern of relatively apical impaired or preserved LS (defined by RapLSI < 0.25 or > 0.75, signifying a 50% decrease or increase in apical LS compared to other segments), and the remaining patients exhibited a scattered/homogeneously impaired LS pattern. The proportion of new-onset heart failure and LVEF differed between the three groups. During the median 595-day follow-up, patients with relatively-impaired apical LS had a higher rate of cardiac events (both log-rank p < 0.05) and a lower incidence of LVRR (both p < 0.01) compared to patients with other patterns. RapLSI was significantly associated with cardiac event rates after adjusting for age, sex, and new-onset HF or global LS. DCM patients with reduced EF and distinct distribution patterns of impaired LS experienced different outcomes.

A Review on Male Infertility and Herbal Medicine: Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Animal Models

Various factors contributing to male infertility include genetic determinants, hormonal/neurological imbalance, erectile/libido disorders, genital tract injuries, and toxic/ischemic testicular injuries. Herbs increase sperm count and quality parameters, as well as sexual performance in infertile men, through various mechanisms. For this purpose, efforts were made to investigate effective plants in treating infertility, focusing on those studied in animal research. In this review, we explored the latest findings from animal studies on the therapeutic applications of medicinal plants in male infertility. Based on MeSH keywords, 250 animal studies investigating the effects of herbs on male infertility were reviewed, 72 of which were selected after removing duplicated and unrelated articles. The search was conducted in the Scientific Information Database, the World Health Organization database, Web of Science, Science Direct, Iranmedex, Cochran Library, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of herbs on male infertility caused by hormonal disorders, oxidative stress, cytokines, inflammatory pathways, as well as erectile and libido disorders were discussed. Aphrodisiac, spermatogenesis-inducing compounds, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and androgenic compounds, including anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, ginsenosides, protodioscin, quassinoids, sesquiterpenes, diosgenin, phyto-oestrogens, thymoquinone, and bajijiasu, in these plants increase male fertility by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and improving sperm’s functional parameters and fertility indices in relation with seminiferous tubules.

Relative Mediastinal Displacement Index (RMDI): A Prenatal MRI Indicator of Adverse Events in Fetuses With Isolated Left Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), has partly improved congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) outcomes, yet the overall morbidity and mortality remain high. Existing prenatal indicators for CDH fetuses are operator-dependent, time-consuming, or less accurate, a new simple and accurate indicator to indicate adverse events in CDH patients is needed. To propose and assess the association of a new MRI parameter, the relative mediastinal displacement index (RMDI), with adverse events including in-hospital deaths or the need for ECMO in fetuses with isolated left CDH (iLCDH). Retrospective analysis. One hundred thirty-nine fetuses were included in the iLCDH group (24 with adverse events and 115 without) and 257 fetuses were included in the control group from two centers in Guangzhou. 3.0 T, T2WI-TRUFI; 1.5 T, T2WI-FIESTA. Three operators independently measured the , , and DH on the axial images. The calculation formula of the RMDI was ( + )/DH. The independent sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test, Chi-square test continuity correction, Fisher's test, linear regression analysis, logistic regression analysis, intraclass correlation coefficient, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and Delong test. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The RMDI did not change with gestational age in the iLCDH group (with [P = 0.189] and without [P = 0.567] adverse events) and the control group (P = 0.876). There were significant differences in RMDI between the iLCDH group (0.89 [0.65, 1.00]) and the control group (-0.23 [-0.34, -0.16]). In the iLCDH group, RMDI was the only indicator left for indicating adverse events, and the best cutoff value was 1.105. Moreover, there was a significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between the RMDI (AUC = 0.900) and MSA (AUC = 0.820), LHR (AUC = 0.753), o/e LHR (AUC = 0.709), and o/e TFLV (AUC = 0.728), respectively. The RMDI is expected to be a simple and accurate tool for indicating adverse events in fetuses with iLCDH. 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 1.

Comparison of macrozoobenthic communities and environmental variables in the subtidal zones between a nearly closed bay and an open bay

To compare the impact of human activities and geographical environment on macrozoobenthic communities in bays, four season surveys of macrozoobenthos and environmental variables in Kaozhou Bay (a nearly closed bay) and Honghai Bay (an open bay) were conducted. CLUSTER, non-metric multi-dimensional scaling (NMDS) and the relative importance index (IRI) showed that the macrozoobenthic communities were different between Kaozhou Bay and Honghai Bay. The top three dominant species in Kaozhou Bay are brackish species, including Dendronereis pinnaticirris, Euclymene annandalei and Neanthes glandicincta, while the top three dominant species in Honghai Bay are hyperhaline species, including Paraprionospio pinnata, Amphioplus laevis and Aglaophamus dibranchis. Two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that the species number, Shannon-Wiener diversity index, evenness index, richness index, AMBI, M-AMBI, water depth, salinity, and dissolved oxygen in Kaozhou Bay were significantly lower than those in Honghai Bay, while the concentrations of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, silicate, and mercury in Kaozhou Bay were significantly higher than those in Honghai Bay. Principal components analysis (PCA) showed that Kaozhou Bay was associated with higher concentration of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and silicate, and Honghai Bay was characterized by deeper water, higher salinity, and higher concentration of dissolved oxygen. BIO-ENV analysis showed that water depth was the most important environmental factor affecting macrozoobenthic community in two bays. The above results showed that the species diversity index and richness index of Kaozhou Bay were lower than those of Honghai Bay because of the geographical environment difference between the two bays.

Investigation of CaMV-host co-evolution through synonymous codon pattern.

Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) has a double-stranded DNA genome and is globally distributed. The phylogeny tree of 121 CaMV isolates was categorized into two primary groups, with Iranian isolates showing the greatest genetic variations. Nucleotide A demonstrated the highest percentage (36.95%) in the CaMV genome and the dinucleotide odds ratio analysis revealed that TC dinucleotide (1.34 ≥ 1.23) and CG dinucleotide (0.63 ≤ 0.78) are overrepresented and underrepresented, respectively. Relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) analysis confirmed codon usage bias in CaMV and its hosts. Brassica oleracea and Brassica rapa, among the susceptible hosts of CaMV, showed a codon adaptation index (CAI) value above 0.8. Additionally, relative codon deoptimization index (RCDI) results exhibited the highest degree of deoptimization in Raphanus sativus. These findings suggest that the genes of CaMV underwent codon adaptation with its hosts. Among the CaMV open reading frames (ORFs), genes that produce reverse transcriptase and virus coat proteins showed the highest CAI value of 0.83. These genes are crucial for the creation of new virion particles. The results confirm that CaMV co-evolved with its host to ensure the optimal expression of its genes in the hosts, allowing for easy infection and effective spread. To detect the force behind codon usage bias, an effective number of codons (ENC)-plot and neutrality plot were conducted. The results indicated that natural selection is the primary factor influencing CaMV codon usage bias.

Short-term impacts of Universal Basic Income on population mental health inequalities in the UK: A microsimulation modelling study.

Population mental health in the United Kingdom (UK) has deteriorated, alongside worsening socioeconomic conditions, over the last decade. Policies such as Universal Basic Income (UBI) have been suggested as an alternative economic approach to improve population mental health and reduce health inequalities. UBI may improve mental health (MH), but to our knowledge, no studies have trialled or modelled UBI in whole populations. We aimed to estimate the short-term effects of introducing UBI on mental health in the UK working-age population. Adults aged 25 to 64 years were simulated across a 4-year period from 2022 to 2026 with the SimPaths microsimulation model, which models the effects of UK tax/benefit policies on mental health via income, poverty, and employment transitions. Data from the nationally representative UK Household Longitudinal Study were used to generate the simulated population (n = 25,000) and causal effect estimates. Three counterfactual UBI scenarios were modelled from 2023: "Partial" (value equivalent to existing benefits), "Full" (equivalent to the UK Minimum Income Standard), and "Full+" (retaining means-tested benefits for disability, housing, and childcare). Likely common mental disorder (CMD) was measured using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12, score ≥4). Relative and slope indices of inequality were calculated, and outcomes stratified by gender, age, education, and household structure. Simulations were run 1,000 times to generate 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). Sensitivity analyses relaxed SimPaths assumptions about reduced employment resulting from Full/Full+ UBI. Partial UBI had little impact on poverty, employment, or mental health. Full UBI scenarios practically eradicated poverty but decreased employment (for Full+ from 78.9% [95% UI 77.9, 79.9] to 74.1% [95% UI 72.6, 75.4]). Full+ UBI increased absolute CMD prevalence by 0.38% (percentage points; 95% UI 0.13, 0.69) in 2023, equivalent to 157,951 additional CMD cases (95% UI 54,036, 286,805); effects were largest for men (0.63% [95% UI 0.31, 1.01]) and those with children (0.64% [95% UI 0.18, 1.14]). In our sensitivity analysis assuming minimal UBI-related employment impacts, CMD prevalence instead fell by 0.27% (95% UI -0.49, -0.05), a reduction of 112,228 cases (95% UI 20,783, 203,673); effects were largest for women (-0.32% [95% UI -0.65, 0.00]), those without children (-0.40% [95% UI -0.68, -0.15]), and those with least education (-0.42% [95% UI -0.97, 0.15]). There was no effect on educational mental health inequalities in any scenario, and effects waned by 2026. The main limitations of our methods are the model's short time horizon and focus on pathways from UBI to mental health solely via income, poverty, and employment, as well as the inability to integrate macroeconomic consequences of UBI; future iterations of the model will address these limitations. UBI has potential to improve short-term population mental health by reducing poverty, particularly for women, but impacts are highly dependent on whether individuals choose to remain in employment following its introduction. Future research modelling additional causal pathways between UBI and mental health would be beneficial.

Multiomic study of the protective mechanism of Persicaria capitata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) H.Gross against streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in Guizhou miniature pigs

BackgroundPersicaria capitata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) H.Gross (P. capitata, PCB), a traditional drug of the Miao people in China, is potential traditional drug used for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN). PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the function of P. capitata and clarify its protective mechanism against DN. MethodsWe induced DN in the Guizhou miniature pig with injections of streptozotocin, and P. capitata was added to the pigs’ diet to treat DN. In week 16, all the animals were slaughtered, samples were collected, and the relative DN indices were measured. 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomics, metabolomics, RNA sequencing, and proteomics were used to explore the protective mechanism of P. capitata against DN. ResultsDietary supplementation with P. capitata significantly reduced the extent of the disease, not only in term of the relative disease indices but also in hematoxylin-eosin-stained tissues. A multiomic analysis showed that two microbes (Clostridium baratii and Escherichia coli), five metabolites (oleic acid, linoleic acid, 4-phenylbutyric acid, 18-β-glycyrrhetinic acid, and ergosterol peroxide), four proteins (ENTPD5, EPHX1, ARVCF and TREH), four important mRNAs (encoding ENTPD5, EPHX1, ARVCF, and TREH), six lncRNAs (TCONS_00024194, TCONS_00085825, TCONS_00006937, TCONS_00070981, TCONS_00074099, and TCONS_00097913), and two circRNAs (novel_circ_0001514 and novel_circ_0017507) are all involved in the protective mechanism of P. capitata against DN. ConclusionsOur results provide multidimensional theoretical support for the study and application of P. capitata.

Comparative Analysis of Air Quality Index in Relation to Crop Residue Burning and Industrial Pollution in Punjab

The stubble burning is considered as the major air pollution contributor during the month of October and November, in Northern parts of India. Due to the fact that it corresponds with the burning seasons, the terrible haze seen over India in the winter has been connected to stubble burning (October-November). The situation is more critical in Punjab as the farmers have adopted extensive Rice-Wheat cropping system which leads to accumulation of stubble at large scale. The major gaseous pollutants generated due to stubble burning and industrial pollution are carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO2), sulfur oxides (SO2), and methane (CH4) as well as particulate matters (PM10 and PM2.5) causing serious issues to human health and the environment. Present study was planned to determine the impact of stubble burning on air quality parameter among industrial, moderately industrial and non-industrial area. It was reported that concentrations of particulate matters PM2.5 and PM10 in air was increasing with increasing in burning events in all the districts studied. Whereas increasing trend of NH3 and NO2 concentration in Ludhiana and NH3 in Bathinda district may be due the impact of crop residue burning along with industrial pollution. If managed properly, crop stubbles might offer farmers significant economic rewards and safeguard the environment from serious contamination. Present results showed that burning of rice crop residue significantly contributes to air pollution in Punjab.

Frailty predicts non-home discharge in anterior lumbar interbody fusion patients.

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a well-established surgical approach in the treatment of degenerative pathology, trauma, infection, and neoplasia of the spine. This study sought to assess the usefulness of frailty as a predictor of non-home discharge (NHD) for patients who undergo the procedure. Patient cases were extracted from the American College of Surgeons's National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2012 to 2020. Univariable and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to compare the 5-item Modified Frailty Index (mFI-5) to the Revised Risk Analysis Index (RAI-rev) in relation to NHD. Simple linear regression demonstrated that increasing frailty was associated with an increased likelihood of NHD among 25,317 patients (mFI-5 odds ratio: 2.13, 3.23, 8.4; RAI-rev odds ratio: 3.22, 9.6, 23.6 [P<0.001 for all]). In each instance, a Cochran-Armitage trend test was significant (P<0.001), indicating a linear association of increasing odds. The RAI-rev resulted in a C-statistic of 0.722, compared to 0.628 for the mFI-5, and was shown to have superior discriminative ability with a DeLong Test (P<0.001). Frailty, as measured by mFI-5 and RAI-rev, was associated with an increased likelihood of NHD in patients who underwent ALIF. This finding supports recent literature on the promising utility of these indices, especially the RAI-rev, in preoperative decision-making across multiple facets of neurosurgery.

The Development and Evaluation of Homogenously Weighted Moving Average Control Chart based on an Autoregressive Process

This research aims to investigate a Homogenously Weighted Moving Average (HWMA) control chart for detecting minor and moderate shifts in the process mean. A mathematical model for the explicit formulae of the average run length (ARL) of the HWMA control chart based on the autoregressive (AR) process is presented. The efficacy of the HWMA control chart is evaluated based on the average run length, the standard deviation of run length (SDRL), and the median run length (MRL). As illustrations of the design and implementation of the HWMA control chart, numerical examples are provided. In numerous instances, a comparative analysis of the HWMA control chart relative to the Extended Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (Extended EWMA) and cumulative sum (CUSUM) control charts with mean process shifts is performed in detail. Additionally, the relative mean index (RMI), the average extra quadratic loss (AEQL), and the performance comparison index (PCI) are utilized to evaluate the performance of control charts. For various shift sizes, the HWMA control chart is superior to the Extended EWMA and CUSUM control charts. This study applies empirical data from the area of economics to validate the explicit formula of ARL values for the HWMA control chart. Doi: 10.28991/HIJ-2024-05-01-02 Full Text: PDF

A quantitative approach to investigate factors contributing to social housing occupants’ challenges in the semi-arid climate of Nigeria

PurposeSocial housing offers occupants comfort, safety and protection against extreme weather conditions. However, social housing occupants in various regions of Nigeria face various challenges. This paper aims to use a quantitative approach to examine the factors that contribute to the challenges faced by occupants in social housing within a semi-arid climate of Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory cross-sectional survey was used to administer 1,032 copies of structured questionnaires to occupants of social housing in Maiduguri, one of the largest urban centers of the semi-arid climate in Nigeria. A total of 955 responses were retrieved, giving a response rate of 92.5%. The statistical model used in analyzing data was relative importance indices and factor analysis.FindingsThe results show that poor quality of FM services provided, poor maintenance of building components, damage to materials and valuables in the Harmattan period and housekeeping problems due to dust deposition in doors, while the poor response to occupants’ complaints/reports is the least among the occupants’ challenges in order of importance. Moreover, the results of the factor analysis further established that inadequate FM services and poor environmental conditions are the two factors contributing to the occupants’ challenges in social housing within the semi-arid climate of Nigeria.Originality/valueThis paper seeks to examine the factors contributing to social housing occupants’ challenges in the semi-arid climate of Nigeria. The paper should inform policymakers, academics and professionals.