Individual Selection Research Articles

Deconstructing the nature of emotion regulation impairments at the identification, selection, and implementation stages in individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis.

Psychotic disorders are characterized by emotion regulation abnormalities that predict greater symptom severity and poor functional outcomes. However, it is unclear whether these abnormalities also occur in individuals at clinically high risk for psychosis (CHR). The current study used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to address this question and examined the nature of abnormalities at three stages of emotion regulation (identification, selection, implementation). Participants included 120 CHR and 59 CN who completed 1week of EMA surveys evaluating emotional experience, emotion regulation, context, and symptoms. Multi-level models examined concurrent and time-lagged effects. CHR evidenced elevated state negative affect and abnormalities at all three stages of emotion regulation. At the identification stage (i.e., determining the need to regulate), regulatory attempts were made too frequently and with too much effort at low levels of negative affect and not frequently enough and with insufficient effort at high levels of negative affect. Selection stage abnormalities (i.e., choosing the exact strategy to attempt based on context) were characterized by increased frequency of selecting individual strategies and greater polyregulation (i.e., use of multiple strategies concurrently). Implementation stage (i.e., executing the selected strategy) abnormalities were indicated by being less effective at decreasing the intensity of negative affect from time t to t+1. It is not only heightened stress reactivity that confers risk for psychosis, but also abnormalities in applying emotion regulation strategies to control the stress response. The profile of abnormalities observed in CHR is similar to schizophrenia, suggesting treatment targets that transcend phases of psychotic illness.

Diagnosis and treatment of somatoform disorder with gastroenterological symptoms

Somatic symptoms, under the guise of which mental disorders can be hidden, are a problem for patients, psychiatrists and doctors of other specialties who are faced with this in the first place. Anxiety for one’s health and subjectively experienced bodily sensations force the patient to repeatedly seek medical help, which can aggravate maladjustment and cause significant damage to resources, causing additional stress, closing a vicious circle. Purpose of the study: to analyze the clinical manifestations, problems of diagnosis and treatment of psychopathological disorders using the example of clinical observation of somatoform disorder in a young man with gastroenterological symptoms. Materials and methods: the patient’s diagnosis corresponded to ICD-10 code F45.3 Somatoform dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Clinical-anamnestic, clinical-psychopathological, laboratory and instrumental methods were used. This clinical case demonstrates certain difficulties in diagnosing and treating somatoform disorders due to the need to exclude somatic pathology, nonspecific and difficult to differentiate symptoms that are not subjectively realized by the patient, individual selection of therapy and low compliance with it, and the need for psychotherapeutic assistance.

Eligibility for faricimab in a real-world diabetic macular oedema population: a cross-sectional study

PurposeTo investigate the eligibility for faricimab in a real-world diabetic macular oedema (DMO) population to the YOSEMITE and RHINE trials, and to compare the eligible DMO populations to the trial populations.Design, settings and participantsThis retrospective cross-sectional analysis used data from the Swedish Macula Registry (SMR) between 1 January 2019 and 31 August 2023. Eligibility criteria mirrored the main criteria of the YOSEMITE and RHINE trials: (1) DMO diagnosis, (2) treatment-naïve, (3) 18 years or older, (4) central retinal thickness (CRT) 325 µm or higher and (5) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ranging from 25 to 73 letters. Individuals with registered proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR) at the start of treatment were excluded. A secondary selection of eligible individuals was conducted using the same criteria, except for BCVA, which ranged from 25 to 77 letters according to national guidelines (treatment practice).Main outcome measuresCharacteristics at the initial visit of the two eligible SMR populations were compared with baseline data from the clinical trials, respectively.ResultsIn total, 3777 individuals with DMO were selected from SMR. Of these, 2357 (62.4%) individuals were treatment-naïve, all were 18 years or older, 1928 (51.0%) exhibited CRT≥325 µm, 1175 (31.1%) had 25–73 letters based on phase III studies, while 1528 (40.5%) had 25–77 letters according to treatment practice. After excluding individuals with registered proliferative DR 1171 (31.0%) individuals in the SMR met all criteria based on phase III studies, while 1522 (40.3%) individuals fulfilled the criteria according to treatment practice. The SMR and treatment practice populations were older (YOSEMITE 67.5±11.6 vs 62.8±10.0 years, p<0.001 and RHINE 67.5±11.6 vs 61.6±10.1 years, p<0.001) than those in the phase III studies and had lower CRT (YOSEMITE 446±96 vs 486±131 µm, p<0.001 and RHINE 446±96 vs 471±127 µm, p=0.001).ConclusionApproximately 30% of DMO patients in the SMR met the main trial criteria from YOSEMITE and RHINE, while around 40% met the criteria based on treatment practice. The SMR and treatment practice cohorts were older and had less severe DMO than the trial cohorts. Further research into the safety profile of faricimab in clinical settings is necessary, along with the consideration of additional eligibility criteria when implementing faricimab in ophthalmology practice.

Clinical predictors of surgical selection for individuals with neck pain

BackgroundNeck pain is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. However, the nature of cervical spine surgery is multi-factorial and often based upon clinical opinions, leaving clinical indications still to be clearly defined. ObjectiveTo predict which clinical variables most influenced trends toward surgical or conservative management for individuals with neck pain. DesignRetrospective analysis on prospectively collected data. MethodsTwo-hundred seventy individuals participated in the study. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify qualifying participants. Variables captured during data collection included the following: patient demographic information, physical examination (e.g., neurologic examination), physical performance measures, patient-reported outcome measures (Numeric Pain Rating Scale and Neck Disability Index), and chronicity of symptoms. Group allocation was determined by referring physician’s medical diagnosis. A forward step-wise multiple logistic regression analysis was used to develop a final predictor model with p<0.05 considered significant. ResultsThe model showed older age (beta=0.022; Exp(beta)=1.022; p=0.037), longer chronicity of symptoms (beta=0.000; Exp(beta)=1.000; p=0.012), and greater neck disability (beta=0.027; Exp(beta)=1.028; p<0.001) were significant predictors of the operative group. Most notably, patients with a positive neurologic examination were almost four times more likely to be referred to surgery (beta=1.368; Exp(beta)=3.927; p<0.001). ConclusionIn general neck pain patients, older age, longer chronicity of symptoms, greater disability, and a positive neuro exam are clinical predictors of surgical selection, with positive neuro exam increasing the likelihood of surgery four-fold.

НОВЫЙ СОРТ ЗЕРНОВОГО ГОРОХА ПАМЯТИ ПОПОВА, АДАПТИВНЫЙ К УСЛОВИЯМ ЮЖНОГО УРАЛА

The aim of the study is to create a new highly productive variety of field pea (Pisum sativum L.) adaptable to the agroclimatic conditions of the Southern Urals. The experiments were conducted in 2009–2023 in the conditions of the Cis-Ural steppe zone of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The soils of the experimental plot are represented by medium-deep carbonate chernozem with a humus content in the arable layer of 8.0 %. Weather conditions during the years of the study varied significantly in temperature (the sum of active temperatures above 10 °C is 2,000–2,250 °C) and moisture supply (the average annual precipitation is 355–495 mm), which made it possible to comprehensively evaluate the breeding material. The new pea variety Pamyati Popova was created by the method of multiple individual selection from a hybrid combination obtained by crossing the varieties K-7992 (Korea) and Usach. As a result, it was possible to combine the semi-leafless morphotype with the determinate type of stem growth, which ensures high resistance of the new variety to lodging. The Pamyati Popova variety is mid-season; the growing season lasts 60–78 days. The weight of 1,000 seeds is 190–220 g. The protein content in the seeds is 20.7–22.4 %. The average yield increase in the control nursery compared to the standard variety Pamyati Khangildina was 2.5 c/ha; in preliminary variety testing – 2.2; in competitive variety testing – 1.8 c/ha. In 2022, the Pamyati Popova pea variety was included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements in the Volga-Vyatka, Middle Volga and Ural Regions of the Russian Federation. The potential yield of the new variety is 42–43 c/ha. The economic efficiency of its introduction into production is 165–175 million rubles per year.

P-479. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on HIV Testing in Peru: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis from 2014 to 2022

Abstract Background HIV testing is crucial for early treatment and mortality reduction. In Latin America and the Caribbean, 18% of individuals are unaware of their HIV status, which leads to a late diagnosis. Furthermore, COVID-19 lockdowns had a negative impact on HIV testing rates. This study focused on comparing pre-pandemic (January 2014-February 2020) and post-lockdown (August 2020-December 2022) testing rates to support effective HIV screening and public health strategies.Figure 1.Interrupted time series analysis for the frequency of HIV testing per quarter. Methods We performed an interrupted time series analysis with cross-sectional data from Peru's National Demographic and Health Survey (ENDES), covering 2014 to 2022. ENDES follows a complex, three-stage sampling method: proportional cluster selection, random household selection within clusters, and individual selection aged 15 or older for the health survey. A segmented regression analysis adjusted for age and gender evaluated changes in testing rates, with an ARIMA model providing counterfactual predictions against actual pandemic-period rates.Figure 2.Interrupted time series analysis for HIV testing. Results The study included 211,359 participants aged 15 to 49 years. There was a significant drop in HIV testing by 8.33% (95% CI: -10.73% to -5.93%, p&amp;lt; 0.001) post-lockdown. Before the lockdown, HIV testing rates trend was increasing by 0.30% per quarter (95% CI: 0.21% to 0.40%, p&amp;lt; 0.001); however, after the lockdown, they declined by -0.24% per quarter (95% CI: -0.56% to 0.09%, p=0.125) (Figure 1), with the most pronounced decrease among adolescents (15-17 years), the economically disadvantaged, those who lived in rural areas, and non-capital residents. The ARIMA model indicated a potential non-pandemic decline of -9.20% in testing proportions (95% CI: -13.70% to -4.80%) in comparison with the forecasted values (Figure 2). Conclusion COVID-19 lockdown policies markedly decreased HIV testing in Peru, especially affecting high-risk groups. Although limited by potential recall bias and self-reporting, this research, focusing primarily on individuals aged 15 to 49, provides essential data for targeted interventions to restore and ensure HIV testing accessibility post-pandemic. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

How To Improve Patient Selection in Individuals With Lower Extremity Amputation Using a Bone-anchored Prosthesis.

How To Improve Patient Selection in Individuals With Lower Extremity Amputation Using a Bone-anchored Prosthesis.

Genomic Rewilding of Domestic Animals: The Role of Hybridization and Selection in Wolfdog Breeds.

Background/Objectives: The domestication of the grey wolf (Canis lupus) and subsequent creation of modern dog breeds have significantly shaped the genetic landscape of domestic canines. This study investigates the genomic effects of hybridization and breeding management practices in two hybrid wolfdog breeds: the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog (CSW) and the Saarloos Wolfdog (SAW). Methods: We analyzed the genomes of 46 CSWs and 20 SAWs, comparing them to 12 German Shepherds (GSHs) and 20 wolves (WLFs), which served as their ancestral populations approximately 70-90 years ago. Results: Our findings highlight that hybridization can increase genetic variability and mitigate the effects of inbreeding, as evidenced by the observed heterozygosity levels in both wolfdog breeds. However, the SAW genome revealed a higher coefficient of inbreeding and longer runs of homozygosity compared to the CSW, reflecting significant inbreeding during its development. Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components and fixation index analyses demonstrate that the CSW exhibits closer genetic proximity to the GSH than the SAW, likely due to differences in the numbers of GSHs used during their creation. Maximum likelihood clustering further confirmed clear genetic differentiation between these hybrid breeds and their respective ancestors, while shared ancestral polymorphism was detectable in all populations. Conclusions: These results highlight the role of controlled hybridization with captive-bred wolves and peculiar breeding strategies in shaping the genetic structure of wolfdog breeds. To ensure the long-term genetic health of these breeds, it is recommended to promote adequate and sustainable breeding practices to maintain genetic diversity, minimize inbreeding, and incorporate the careful selection of unrelated individuals from diverse lineages, while avoiding additional, uncontrolled crossings with wild wolves.

Achievements and current trends in tomato breeding at the Primorskaya Vegetable Experimental Station – branch of the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center

Relevance. The climatic conditions of the Primorsky Territory, the determining factors of which are its geographical location at the junction of the continent of Eurasia and the Pacific Ocean, are unique, which determines the main directions of breeding vegetable crops at the Primorskaya Vegetable Experimental Station – branch of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution «Federal Scientific Vegetable Center» (PVES – branch of the FSBSI FSVC). The article provides an overview of the main achievements of the station's scientists' long-term work on tomato breeding for open ground and identifies the main tasks for further development of this area in the conditions of the south of the Russian Far East.Results. Based on the results of many years of research, the model of tomato variety of universal type for open ground was specified taking into account the requirements of the modern market of Primorsky Krai: ripeness group – medium-early or medium-ripening, short sprouting-flowering period; determinant plant, compact with medium or high foliage and medium-sized leaves (important for mechanized cultivation); brush – simple or intermediate; stalk – without articulation or with thickening (easy fruit detachment); fruit – of different shape, weight 60-100 g dry matter content not less than 5%, with uniform coloring without a spot at the stalk in milk ripeness and different coloring in biological ripeness, resistant to cracking, vertex rot, with high storability and transportability; resistance – to sudden temperature changes, soil overwatering, high temperatures and air humidity during the fruiting period, to diseases of various etiologies, primarily to Alternaria and Phytophthora. Since a significant factor in reducing the productivity of varieties are diseases (as a result of increasing aggressiveness and expansion of the species composition of pathogens), the priority at present is breeding for immunity. Within this framework, intensive search for valuable sources and creation of new source material based on hybridization, individual and family selection from the best varietal and hybrid populations is carried out. Among the achievements of breeding of PVES promising are varieties Fitilek and Echo (tolerant to Alternaria), varieties Odyssey, Patrokl and Summit (tolerant to Phytophthora), on the basis of which parental lines are created. The breeding process also involves the most adaptive open field varieties of FSVC selection and the source of group resistance to Alternaria and Phytophthora - variety Ottava 30.Conclusion. Creation of targeted breeding achievements will allow to expand the variety range and saturate the vegetable market of this economically important region of the south of the Far East Primorye with domestic varieties within the framework of the import substitution program.

Morphometric Characterization of Economically Important Populations of Black Tiger Shrimp (&lt;em&gt;Penaeus monodon&lt;/em&gt;) Natural Broodstocks in Sri Lanka

Purpose: Presence of morphological heterogeneity and economically superior traits in naturally available brood stock greatly supports yield improvement programs characterizing sub-populations with such traits will provide leverage in doing so. The present study was an attempt to characterise giant tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon brood stock from Sri Lankan waters to identify whether or not commercially important sub-populations exist based on morphological traits, which can be used for the yield improving P. monodon farming industry in Sri Lanka.Research Method: A total of 495 P. monodon samples were randomly collected from nine areas around the country. Ten selected morphometric traits and the Body Weight (BW) were measured from each. Morphometric measurements were standardized and subjected to multivariate analysis with equation LTs (i)=log10LT(i)[log10 TL(m)/log10 TL(i)]b.Findings: Selected morphological traits were highly correlated with BW showing the highest correlation from hepatic spine width and the lowest correlation by width at the midpoint of the abdominal segment six. In PCA, both PC1 and PC2 accounted for 68.1% of total variation. The scatter plot of PC1 and PC2 indicated that all samples in the nine zones belonged to one population. However, significant variations in BW, standard body length, and abdominal length were observed in different areas and the highest significant BW was recorded in Chilaw, Beruwala, Negombo, and Mullaitivu.Originality/Value: Economically important morphological traits in Penaeus monodon are prominent in a few populations around the country, prompting to selection of individuals from these areas for brood stock improvement programs.

Development of a non-invasive heart rate measurement method for sea turtles with dense keratinous scutes through effective electrode placement.

Measuring the heart rate of sea turtles is important for understanding their physiological adaptations to the environment. Non-invasive methods to measure the electrocardiogram (ECG) of sea turtles have been developed by attaching electrodes to their carapace. However, this method has only been applicable to sea turtles with sparse keratin on their shell surfaces, such as loggerhead turtles, and it is difficult to detect heartbeats in sea turtles with dense keratinous scutes, including green sea turtles. Here, we explored the electrode placements on the plastron that can be applied to ECG measurement in green turtles. ECG signals were checked using a handheld ECG monitor at three sets of electrode placement on the plastron. When ECG signals could be detected, they were measured in the water tanks for several days to confirm the clarity of the ECG signals. Of the 29 green turtles, when the negative electrode was placed near the neck area of the plastron, clear ECG signals were obtained in nine individuals (39.1%), whereas ECG signals were not detected at any placements in four individuals (17.4%). Furthermore, in the water tank experiments, continuous ECG signals were successfully recorded by attaching a negative electrode near the neck: almost noiseless clear ECG signals even during moving in seven out of ten individuals and slightly weak and noisy signals in other individuals. The measured heart rate of ten individuals during resting was 8.6 ± 2.9 (means ± s.d.) beats min-1 and that during moving was 12.2 ± 4.7 beats min-1, similar to those reported in a previous study involving the insertion of electrodes inside the body. Therefore, for measuring the ECG of green turtles, the negative electrode should be placed closer to the neck, and the positive and earth electrodes should be placed to the lower left of the plastron. Although the selection of suitable individuals for measurements is required, this heart rate measurement method will contribute to a better understanding of the physiological status of sea turtles with dense keratinous scutes, including green turtles.

Factors for Manipulating the Tolerance of the Search Method Used in Genetic Algorithms to Determine Nanoclusters

Objective: The objective is to present a new method to explore BFGS where a new decision-making flow was added in order to optimize and computationally improve the performance of the Genetic Algorithm, controlling the value of the gradient as it evolves. Theoretical Framework: In the literature, the work presented by [Chen, 2014] stands out, who proposed that there must be a repulsive contribution to ensure the stability of the structure, which is introduced as the interaction between atomic pairs that makes up the second term of the cohesion energy. [Goldberg,1989] proposed the use of a genetic algorithm to search for available minima in the potential energy function associated with clusters. Method: The methodology adopted in this research was the use of Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) are inspired by the principle of natural selection and survival of the fittest individuals, discovered by physiologist Charles Darwin and described in his book "The Origin of Species", from 1859. Among various selection methods, the roulette wheel method was used, as it is useful in problems where diversity needs to be maintained to avoid premature convergence. The crossover used by Deaven and Ho, which is a technique known as the cut-and-splice method, applied in the context of optimizing molecular structures or atomic clusters and the aluminum and magnesium clusters that were explored using a Genetic algorithm applied to Gupta potential function and tuned to look for the lowest energy minima for each cluster size. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed [synthesize the main results of the research]. In the discussion section, these results are contextualized in light of the theoretical framework, highlighting the implications and relationships identified. Possible discrepancies and limitations of the study are also considered in this section. Research Implications: The objective of this article was to present a new method to explore BFGS where a new decision-making flow was added in order to optimize and computationally improve the performance of the Genetic Algorithm, controlling the value of the gradient as it evolves. This new method proved to be very promising according to the results presented in the previous section, since the Sequential Genetic Algorithm, which becomes quite costly as it invokes the BFGS optimization method, always has a very small Gradient vector error, unlike the Genetic Algorithm which It starts with a very low value and is gradually increased according to established criteria. In experiments carried out with both 10 seeds and 30 seeds, the Genetic Algorithm obtained better energies in the general average and the standard deviation was also much better, reaching better global minimums. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by creating new flows in the Genetic Algorithm, enabling computational gains in the processing of experiments, which was proven in the results obtained.

Differences in gut microbial diversity and composition between growth phenotypes of farmed juvenile sandfish, Holothuria scabra

BackgroundThe observed growth variability of different aquaculture species in captivity hinders its large-scale production. For the sandfish Holothuria scabra, a tropical sea cucumber species, there is a scarcity of information on its intestinal microbiota in relation to host growth, which could provide insights into the processes that affect growth and identify microorganisms with probiotic or biochemical potential that could improve current production strategies. To address this gap, this study used 16 S rRNA amplicon sequencing to characterize differences in gut and fecal microbiota among large and small juveniles reared in floating ocean nurseries.ResultsWe recovered 5915 amplicon sequence variants and diversity indices revealed significant differences between large and small juveniles (p < 0.05). Gut microbiota of large juveniles had lower bacterial diversity than its smaller counterparts. The genus cluster Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia (BCP) is the most common and abundant taxa found in the gut for both size categories but less abundant in fecal samples. Small juveniles had a higher abundance of members from the Roseobacter clade (Rhodobacteriaceae) such as Ruegeria, Shimia, Psuedoruegeria and Marivita among others while the genus Schlegelella (Caldimonas) and Bosea were primarily found in larger juveniles. Predicted physiological functions identified signatures of metabolism, biosynthesis, and biodegradation pathways unique for each size category. Significant differences in diversity and composition were also exhibited between the pooled fecal and gut sample types.ConclusionsThe bacterial composition in the intestinal tract of the sandfish H. scabra is an important factor in the observed growth variability in aquaculture. The results show differences in diversity, composition and predicted physiological functions between the size groups, despite being from the same cohort and environment. It was also evident that the fecal microbiota differs from the gut and does not correspond to size category, warranting caution in using the fecal matter as a proxy to infer microbial composition and interactions in the gastrointestinal tract. Understanding the roles that these microorganisms play in sandfish growth could support the development of strategies to manage size variation in captive-bred sea cucumbers, or for the promotion and selection for faster-growing individuals.

Application of Improved Genetic Algorithms in Path Planning

Genetic algorithm, as a heuristic optimization technique, has achieved remarkable results in various fields, including path planning. Path planning, a fundamental challenge in automation systems and robotics, involves finding the optimal route from a starting point to a destination. This paper focuses on the application of improved genetic algorithms in path planning. Firstly, a brief overview of the fundamental principles of traditional genetic algorithms is provided, including operations such as individual encoding, selection, crossover, and mutation. Subsequently, a thorough exploration is conducted into how improved genetic algorithms can be introduced to address path planning problems. These enhancements encompass optimized population initialization strategies, novel genetic operation methods, and more effective fitness function designs. Furthermore, the discussion extends to how these improvements contribute to accelerating convergence speed, enhancing global search capabilities, and elevating the quality of solution outcomes. A substantial number of objective experiments have demonstrated the effectiveness of our approach.

Looking into the new normal after COVID-19 pandemic: leadership styles and job-related affective well-being

PurposeThe main objective of the present study is to investigate whether the hybrid work environment generated by the COVID-19 pandemic has availed a predominant type of leadership, namely transformational, transactional or passive-avoidant, and to what extent each of the three leadership styles and their subscales correlate with the job-related affective well-being (JAW) of employees, in terms of both positive and negative emotions.Design/methodology/approachIn order to obtain a comprehensive view of the subject and to carry out a thorough analysis, the primary data were collected via the application of a questionnaire-based survey. With a view to ensure sample consistency, the study was conducted with Romanian employees working in big corporations from various services sectors. A convenience sample of 203 respondents was retrieved, the selection of individuals being catalyzed by three managers from different companies who have decided to distribute the invitation to fill in the online questionnaire throughout their personal and professional networks. The results were analyzed by means of bivariate correlations, namely Pearson linear coefficients of correlations computed between the subscales of the leadership styles and JAW.FindingsOverall, the findings showed both positive and negative correlations between the transformational, transactional and passive-avoidant leadership subscales and the components JAW, most of the transformational leadership dimensions positively correlating with the positive emotions covered by JAW.Research limitations/implicationsThe study brings forward compelling insights into the employee well-being within the context of the hybrid work environment triggered by COVID-19 pandemic and signals the importance of placing people at the core of sustainability during the “new normal”.Practical implicationsThe study offers practical implications for managers aiming to enhance employee well-being in hybrid work settings. Emphasizing transformational leadership, which fosters positive emotions, can boost engagement and job satisfaction, thereby improving overall organizational performance. Managers are encouraged to adopt people-centric practices, focusing on support, recognition and clear communication to reinforce employees’ emotional resilience. Additionally, understanding the varying effects of leadership styles on different demographics can guide tailored management approaches, enhancing inclusivity and effectiveness.Social implicationsThe study underscores the broader social value of prioritizing employee well-being, particularly within hybrid work models. Supportive leadership not only impacts workplace morale but also extends benefits to employees' personal lives, enhancing overall mental health and reducing stress. Such improvements can foster a healthier work–life balance, positively influencing family dynamics and social connections. By encouraging leadership approaches that contribute to positive work experiences, organizations play a role in strengthening community resilience and fostering a culture of empathy. This shift aligns organizational practices with wider social goals, promoting sustainable work environments and improved quality of life.Originality/valueBy looking into the post-pandemic organizational processes, the paper proposes a fresh outlook on the challenges faced by employee affective well-being in relation to the leadership style.

Suitability analysis of ecological park site selection in small and medium-sized cities based on multi-source geographic big data

In the context of rapid urbanization, the scientific planning and development of ecological parks in small- to medium-sized cities are essential for enhancing the well-being of city dwellers and optimizing the ecological quality of urban environments. Traditional site suitability methods, however, are increasingly limited due to data resolution constraints and the challenges of balancing ecological protection, urban development, and socio-economic interests, which hardly provide insights for ecological park planning in small and medium-sized cities. This study addresses these limitations by employing a multi-source geographic big data framework, and applying it in Yongji City, Shanxi Province, by integrating remote sensing, Points of Interest, and land use data, a detailed 10m × 10m spatial grid was used for analysis. A comprehensive three-dimensional evaluation framework was developed, comprising ecological, infrastructural, and socio-economic factors, represented by 11 indicators. Points of Interest data have effectively assessed infrastructural configurations necessary for urban ecological parks, while remote sensing data provides critical insights into surface temperature and vegetation cover, which provide high-resolution indicators of environmental quality in urban and sub-urban regions. The site suitability analysis results reveal that hydrophilic landscapes, such as the Yellow River mudflats and Wuxing Lake wetlands, were identified as optimal areas for ecological park development due to their cooling effects and ecological benefits. Zone C, located southwest of Wuxing Lake, emerged as the ideal site due to its abundant natural assets and high accessibility, with a phased development strategy of other recommended sites based on their suitability. This research establishes a data-integrated framework that advances the methodology for urban ecological park planning in small- to medium-sized cities, providing both theoretical and practical insights that can inform similar projects in other urban contexts.

Application of Big Data Analytics to Determine Traffic Congestion

This study focused on the application of big data analytics to estimate roadway congestion. The implementation of big data allows a convenient approach of data collection without any field or observer biasness. It also relieves the restriction of a limited sample. Highway Capacity Manual 2000 suggested considering travel speed as the most appropriate parameter for describing traffic congestion. Therefore, this research employs a speed performance index with the concept of big data analytics to describe traffic congestion of road. This research estimates speed performance index for different sections of road. The data was gathered for three main roads of Karachi i.e. Rashid Minhas Road, Shahra e Faisal Road and Main Korangi Road. The major achievement of this study project is to propose a novel approach to calculate the speed of a vehicle without field measurements. The data is collected through Smartphone with the aid of an application available online namely My Track. The data that was utilized for this project mainly comprises of GPS Exchange Format (GPX) routes that are converted into Extensible Markup Language (XML) to run the developed script. The script was able to determine the status of congestion on a variety of highways with the help of speed performance index. The same script can be used by administrators and other transportation service providers for estimating the congestion on a real-time basis. The methods and procedures from this study would aid in the transportation planning process, especially for route selection of individuals as well as services.

Сорт масличного льна Лазурит

In 2024, the oil flax variety Lazurit, developed by individual selection from the hybrid combination K4182 × K4186, was submitted to the Russian State Commission for Testing and Protection of Breeding Achievements. The variety is characterized by resistance to field drought, seed shattering losses and plant lodging, and is resistant to Fusarium blight. The originator of the oil flax variety Lazurit is V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops.

Новый сорт рапса ярового Бумер КЛ, устойчивый к имидазолиноновым гербицидам

Spring rapeseed variety Boomer KL was developed as a result of individual selection in combination with self-pollination of plants from the hybrid population obtained by crossing the variety Tavrion and line No. 209 from hybrid Wieder KL. Self-pollination of plants from the hybrid population was carried out in each generation, starting from F1. To intensify the breeding process, we cultivated the lines in the phytotron and greenhouse complex of V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops. At each stage, the plants were treated with the herbicide Nopasaran, SC with adhesive DASH (1:1 ratio) at a rate of 1.2 l/ha. In the competitive trial, the variety Boomer KL was characterized by consistently high yield, exceeding the standard variety Forpost KL by an average of 0.38 t/ha over three years. The duration of the growing season of the new variety is significantly shorter compared to the standard variety. In the conditions of the central zone of the Krasnodar region, plants of the variety Boomer KL are 4 cm lower and more resistant to lodging, characterized by a lower degree of pod shattering and a higher weight of 1000 seeds. The oil content of Boomer KL is 3.1% higher compared to the standard variety Forpost KL. The oil quality, i.e. the oleic acid content, is also significantly higher – by 4.4%. The contents of glucosinolates and protein in the seeds are at the level of the standard. The variety Boomer KL is recommended for trials in the following regions of the Russian Federation: North-West, Central, Volgo-Vyatsky, Central Chernozem, North Caucasus, Middle Volga, Lower Volga, Ural, West Siberian, East Siberian and Far East.

The efficacy of market timing and value creation

AbstractIn this article, I use a total timing measure that differentiates between cash‐flow timing and discount‐rate timing to assess value creation among actively managed US equity mutual funds. My findings indicate that some funds exhibit cash‐flow timing skills. Collectively, the top 20% of timing funds generate $3.4 billion annually in constant January 2000 dollars. Both sector rotation and individual stock selection contribute to executing timing techniques. Skilled timing funds shift their stockholdings toward cyclical sectors when anticipating positive changes in aggregate cash flows and toward defensive sectors when anticipating negative changes. Sector funds demonstrate similar cash‐flow timing skills through their individual stock bets.