Strong Positive Correlation Research Articles

A GIS-Based Top-Down Approach to Support Energy Retrofitting for Smart Urban Neighborhoods

Energy and environmental challenges are a major concern across the world and the urban residential building sector, being one of the main stakeholders in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, needs to be more energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions. While it is easier to design net zero energy homes, existing home stocks are a major challenge for energy retrofitting. Two key challenges are determining the extent of retrofitting required, and developing knowledge-based effective policies that can be applied en-masse to housing stocks and neighborhoods. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to gather critical data about qualities of existing buildings including their age, geo-location, construction type, as well as electro-mechanical and occupancy parameters of each dwelling. The objective of this study was to develop a GIS-based model embedded with critical data of residential buildings to facilitate evidence-based retrofit programs for urban neighborhoods. A model based on a bottom-up approach was proposed in which information gathered from all stakeholders was inputted into one database that can be used for decision-making. A geo-located case study to validate a proposed GIS-based residential retrofitting model sample size of 74 residential buildings in the city of Riyadh was statistically analyzed and used. The results indicate behavior-based patterns, with a strong positive correlation (r = 0.606) between the number of occupants and number of household appliances, while regression analysis showed high occupancy rates do not necessarily result in high utility costs at the end of the month, and there is no statistical difference in the average monthly cost of gas between partial and fully occupied houses. Furthermore, neither the type of building, height, age, nor occupancy status play a significant role in the average energy consumed. Additionally, the GIS-based model was validated and found to be effective for energy-use mapping and gathering critical data for analyzing energy consumption patterns at neighborhood scale, making it useful for municipalities to develop effective policies aimed at energy efficient and smart neighborhoods, based on a recommended list of most effective energy-saving retrofit measures.

The Influencing Factors of Carbon Emissions in the Industrial Sector: Empirical Analysis Based on a Spatial Econometric Model

To promote the low-carbon, high-quality development of China’s industrial sector and achieve the national carbon peak goal as soon as possible, this study explores the influencing factors of carbon emissions among industrial sectors. Based on the panel data of 36 industrial sectors in China from 2009 to 2021, the spatial effects and characteristics of industrial sectors are examined by the spatial Durbin model (SDM) based on analyzing the spatial correlation among industrial sectors. The results show the following: (1) Moran’s I statistical results show that China’s industrial carbon emissions have a strong positive spatial correlation, and with time, the spatial correlation between industrial sectors gradually increases. (2) The empirical results of the whole industrial sector show that the property rights structure, capital intensity, and energy structure are the main driving forces promoting carbon emission reduction; the grouping analysis results show that the impact of FDI and property rights structure on the carbon emissions of the industrial sector in different sample groups is different. Among them, the energy structure and research and development play a role in reducing carbon emissions in each sample group. (3) Therefore, in the future, to reduce carbon emissions in the industrial sector, it is necessary to inhibit growth factors and promote the role of reduction factors; optimizing the energy structure and improving the rationality of the property rights structure are effective ways to achieve energy conservation and emission reduction.

Validity of Entrustable Professional Activities in a National Sample of General Surgery Residency Programs.

The American Board of Surgery has endorsed competency-based education as vital to the assessment of surgical training. From 2018 to 2020, a national pilot study was conducted at 28 general surgery programs to evaluate feasibility of implementing entrustable professional activities (EPAs) for 5 common general surgical conditions. ACGME core competency Milestones were also rated for each resident by program clinical competency committees. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of general surgery EPAs compared with Milestones. Prospectively collected, de-identified EPA Pilot Study data were analyzed. EPAs studied were EPA-1 (gallbladder), EPA-2 (inguinal hernia), EPA-3 (right lower quadrant pain), EPA-4 (trauma), and EPA-5 (consult). Variables abstracted included levels of EPA entrustment (1 to 5) and corresponding ACGME Milestone subcompetency ratings (1 to 5) for the same study cycle. Spearman's correlations were used to evaluate the relationship between summative EPA scores and corresponding Milestone ratings. A total of 493 unique residents received a summative entrustment decision. EPA summative entrustment scores had moderate-to-strong positive correlation with mapped Milestone subcompetencies, with median rho value of 0.703. Among operation-focused EPAs, median rho values were similar between EPA-1 (0.688) and EPA-2 (0.661), but higher for EPA-3 (0.833). EPA-4 showed a strong positive correlation with diagnosis and communication competencies (0.724), whereas EPA-5, mapped to the most Milestone subcompetencies, had the lowest median rho value (0.455). Moderate-to-strong positive correlation was noted between EPAs and patient care, medical knowledge, and communication Milestones. These findings support the validity of EPAs in general surgery and suggest that EPA assessments can be used to inform Milestone ratings by clinical competency committees.

Elongation of the proximal descending thoracic aorta and associated hemodynamics increase the risk of acute type B aortic dissection.

Acute type B aortic dissection (ATBAD) is a life-threatening aortic disease. However, little information is available on predicting and understanding of ATBAD. The study sought to explore the underlying mechanism of ATBAD by analyzing the morphological and hemodynamic characteristics related to aortic length. The length and tortuosity of the segment and the whole aorta in the ATBAD group (n= 163) and control group (n= 120) were measured. A fixed anatomic landmark from the distal of left subclavian artery (LSA) to the superior border of sixth thoracic vertebra was proposed as the proximal descending thoracic aorta (PDTA), and the dimensionless parameter, length ratio, was introduced to eliminate the individual differences. The significant morphological parameters were filtrated and the associations between parameters were investigated using statistical approaches. Furthermore, how aortic morphology influenced ATBAD was explored based on idealized aortic models and hemodynamic-related metrics. The PDTA length was significantly increased in the ATBAD group compared with the control group and had a strong positive correlation with the whole aortic length (r= 0.89). The length ratio (LR2) and tortuosity (T2) of PDTA in the ATBAD group were significantly increased (0.15 ± 0.02 vs 0.12 ± 0.02 and 1.73 ± 0.48 vs 1.50 ± 0.36; P< 0.001), and LR2 was positive correlation with T2 (r= 0.73). In receiver-operating curve analysis, the area under the curve was 0.835 for LR2 and 0.641 for T2. Low and oscillatory shear (LOS) was positive correlation with LR2, and the elevated LOS occurred in the distal of LSA. Elongation of PDTA is associated with ATBAD, and the length ratio is a novel predictor. Elongated PDTA induced more aggressive hemodynamic forces, and high LOS regions may correspond to the entry tear location. The synergy of the morphological variation and aggressive hemodynamics creates contributory conditions for ATBAD.

Comparison between the ion-specific electrode and SPADNS methods for analysis of fluoride concentration in the water supply

The maintenance of adequate fluoride (F) concentration in the public water supply is fundamental for ensuring that the community use of F can reach the maximum benefit for caries control and minimum risk for dental fluorosis. Thus, surveillance systems must use accurate and valid analytical methods to determine F concentration and, according to the literature, give preference to the ion-specific electrode (F- ISE) analysis. Aim: The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of the ISE and SPADNS methods in the determination of the F concentration in the same water sample. Methods: Duplicate water samples were taken from 30 sampling sites in the municipality of Maringá, state of Paraná, monthly for 12 months, totaling 276 samples. An aliquot was analyzed by the FOP-UNICAMP Oral Biochemistry laboratory, using the F- ISE method, and the other one, by the SANEPAR laboratory in Maringá/PR, using the SPADNS method. Descriptive analysis and Pearson’s correlation test were applied, with a significant level of p&lt;0.05. Results: Results were expressed as ppm F (mg F/L), and a very strong positive correlation (r= 0.91; p&lt;0.001) was detected between the two methods of analysis. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the determination of f luoride concentration in water can be made with accuracy by the SPADNS method, a standardized analysis protocol.

Immune landscape in APC and TP53 related tumor microenvironment in colon adenocarcinoma: A bioinformatic analysis.

APC and TP53 are the two most regularly mutated genes in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), especially in progressive malignancies and antitumoral immune response. The current bioinformatics analysis investigates the APC and TP53 gene expression profile in colon adenocarcinoma as a prognostic characteristic for survival, particularly concentrating on the correlated immune microenvironment. Clinical and genetic data of colon cancer and normal tissue samples were obtainedfrom The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-COAD and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) online databases, respectively. The genetic differential expressions were analyzed in both groups via the one-way ANOVA test. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were applied to estimate the overall survival (OS). P < 0.05 was fixed as statistically significant. On Tumor Immune Estimation Resource and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis databases, the linkage between immune cell recruitment and APC and TP53 status was assessed through Spearman's correlation analysis. APC and TP53 were found mutated in 66.74% and 85.71% of the 454 and 7 TCGA-COAD patients in colon and rectosigmoid junction primary sites, respectively with a higher log2-transcriptome per million reads compared to the GTEx group (318 samples in sigmoid and 368 samples in transverse). Survival curves revealed a worse significant OS for the high-APC and TP53 profile colon. Spearman's analysis of immune cells demonstrated a strong positive correlation between the APC status and infiltration of Tcell CD4+, T cell CD8+, NK cell, and macrophages and also a positive correlation between status and infiltration of T cell CD4+, T cell CD8+. APC and TP53 gene mutations prevail in colon cancer and are extremely associated with poor prognosis and shortest survival. The infiltrating T cell CD4+, T cell CD8+, NK cell, and macrophages populate the colon microenvironment and regulate the mechanisms of tumor advancement, immune evasion, and sensitivity to standard chemotherapy. More comprehensive research is needed to demonstrate these results and turn them into new therapeutic outlooks.

Atmospheric Air Pollution in Niamey, Niger: Assessment of Particulate Matter From Road Traffic (PM2.5 and PM10)

The aim of this study was to characterise the air based on atmospheric particles in the city of Niamey. To do this, a mass concentration detector type PCE-RCM 11 and station type Davis Pro were used as collection equipment. Particulate matter with diameters of less than 2.5 μm and 10 μm, PM2.5 and PM10, respectively, as well as meteorological parameters, temperature and humidity were determined. The study was carried out over 15 days in 5 districts of Niamey between 7.30 am and 10.10 pm at the main roundabouts in each district. According to the results obtained, the average concentrations of PM2.5 in the air measured ranged from 75.34 μg/m3 to 162.34 μg/m3, whereas the WHO recommends 15 μg/m3 for PM2.5 for daily exposure, which would cause cardiovascular or pulmonary disease in those exposed. The PM10 values recorded ranged from 100.43 μg/m3 to 221.90 μg/m3, well in excess of the WHO standards published in 2021, which recommend 45 μg/m3 for PM10, indicating a probable risk of throat and respiratory disorders. Average temperature values ranged from 23.051 °C ± 0.1 °C to 34.186 °C ± 0.1 °C. The average relative humidity measured ranged from 17.164% ± 1% to 26.910% ± 1%. The results of the correlation analysis showed a strong correlation between PM2.5 and PM10. The latter has a strong positive correlation with temperature. PM2.5 is strongly negatively correlated with relative humidity, while PM10 is moderately negatively correlated with relative humidity. Temperature and humidity show a weak negative correlation with each other. Each of the particles studied is present in the communes of Niamey at the 5 roundabouts representing the study area. It should be confirmed that these particles emitted into the air could have come from urban transport. The correlation circle obtained from the PCA explains the relationship between the variables measured (PM and meteorological parameters). The first two dimensions explain 97.55% of the total information, with 81.62% for dimension 1% and 15.93% for dimension 2.

Clubfoot Deformitesine İlişkin Ebeveyn Kaygısı ve Depresyonunun Değerlendirilmesi

Evaluation of Parental Anxiety and Depression Related to Clubfoot Deformity: Parental concern about their child’s deformity&#x0D; &#x0D; Objective: Having a child being diagnosed with clubfoot and the anxiety about not being able to walk may cause different effects on the mother and father. The aim of the present study is to determine the anxiety and depression levels in parents of children with clubfoot before and after the child started walking and detect differences between mothers and fathers in terms of anxiety and depression.&#x0D; Material and Methods: Parents of the children were administered the sociodemographic form, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) before the first consultation (pre-consultation) and after the child starts walking (post-consultation).&#x0D; Findings: Mothers’ BAI and BDI scores (13.05±10.14, 11.26±8.75 respectively) were significantly higher than fathers (7.93±8.02, 7.32±6.45) in pre-consultation (p&amp;lt;0.01, p=0.01). At post- consultation, there was no significant difference between mothers and fathers for both BAI and BDI. Mothers’ BAI and BDI scores were significantly lower post-consultation (6.73±6.18, 6.73±4.39 respectively) than pre-consultation (13.05±10.14, 11.26±8.75) (p&amp;lt;0.01, p=0.01). Fathers’ anxiety and depression levels did not change post-consultation. There was a positive strong correlation between prenatal timing of diagnosis and post-consultation BAI scores of mothers (0.62, p=0.02).&#x0D; Conclusions: Mothers may be more prone to anxiety and depression than fathers about clubfoot diagnosis. After the child starts walking, levels of anxiety and depression decrease in mothers of children with clubfoot. The anxiety of the mother increases as with the delay of learning that there is a suspicion of clubfoot in prenatal terms.&#x0D; Keywords: congenital clubfoot, parental anxiety, depression.

Spatial-temporal evolution and driving factors of rural resilience in the urban agglomerations in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, China.

How to maintain the balanced stability and resilient development of rural systems is an important issue that needs urgent attention in the field of sustainable rural development at present. In this paper, the entropy method, spatial autocorrelation model, and Geodetector were used to explore the rural resilience level, spatial distribution characteristics, and driving factors of 31 cities in the urban agglomerations in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River (UAMRYR), and to put forward corresponding policy suggestions. The results are as follows: (1) From 2005 to 2020, rural resilience in the UAMRYR showed an upward trend with an average annual growth rate of 8.26%. The ranking of the three major urban agglomerations is Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan urban agglomerations > Wuhan urban agglomerations > Poyang Lake urban agglomerations. (2) During the study period, the spatial distribution of rural resilience gradually developed from a negative correlation to a strong positive correlation and generally showed the characteristics of high in the west and low in the east. (3) The urbanization rate, the size and structure of the economy, the difference in consumption and income between urban and rural areas, the local fiscal revenue, and the number of village committees are the key factors affecting the level of rural resilience. On this basis, we proposed policy recommendations to improve the economic, social, and ecological resilience of rural areas in the UAMRYR. The findings of this paper are expected to provide insights into the policy formulation of China's rural revitalization strategy.

Comparison of the 12-item and 36-item versions of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 using longitudinal data from community mental health outreach service users.

This study aimed to compare the 12-item and 36-item versions of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 using longitudinal data from community mental health outreach service users. Using data from Tokorozawa City mental health outreach service users in Japan, total and domain WHODAS-12 and WHODAS-36 scores were compared. First, we examined score-change differences by domain at the start of outreach services (T1) and 1 year later (T2) for each version. Next, we compared differences between the two versions using Pearson's correlation, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Bland-Altman analysis. Among 20 participants, total scores and scores of some domains (i.e., cognition, getting along, life activities, and participation) were significantly lower at T2 than at T1 on both versions (p < 0.010). WHODAS-36 scores were significantly lower at T2 than at T1 for the self-care domain (p = 0.018). Except for self-care, strong correlations were found between scores from the two versions (p < 0.001). In the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Bland-Altman analysis, we found significant differences between the scores of the two versions in the mobility, self-care, and participation domains. There were no significant differences in the distribution or systematic errors between the two versions in scores for the other domains or total score. We found strong positive correlations between WHODAS-12 and WHODAS-36 total scores with no statistical differences between them. For some domains, differences in distribution and systematic errors were found.

Root Architectural Adaptations to Phosphorus Deficiency: Unraveling Genotypic Variability in Wheat Seedlings

Understanding the changes in the root system architecture of bread wheat under phosphorus (P)-limited conditions is critical for identifying specific traits contributing to improved P uptake. Phenotypic variability in root, biomass, and P index-related traits among 204 diverse wheat genotypes at the seedling stage was examined under low and optimum P treatments. Strong genotypic and phenotypic associations between P utilization efficiency (PUtE) and total root volume, dry weight of root and shoot, total P uptake, and total plant biomass were observed under optimum P. Under low P, strong positive correlations between PUtE and total root length, total root volume, total surface area, and total biomass were observed, while it was negatively correlated with average diameter. These traits exhibited medium to high heritability. Under low P, average root diameter, primary root length, root mass ratio, total root tips, and surface area showed high Shannon–Weaver diversity index (H’) values (&gt;0.79). The agglomerative hierarchical clustering analysis grouped the genotypes into four distinct clusters. The best performing genotypes in Clusters I and II indicated their strong relationship with P use efficiency due to higher percent increases in total root length, total surface area, total root volume, total root tips, total biomass, P efficiency ratio, specific root length, and PUtE under low P as compared to optimum P conditions. The present study identified specific root system architectural traits and P use-efficient genotypes (SHANGHAI, Pavon F76, BWL 5233, SONALIKA, KHARCHIA LOCAL, WH 102, BWL 4425, HD 2888.2, CBW 12, MN75136/PGO, KRL 19, and WH 1022) associated with efficient P uptake and utilization. These identified genotypes and traits may be useful in wheat breeding programs to develop P-efficient varieties with better adaptations for sustainable agriculture.

Wetting property of Fe‐S melt in solid core: Implication for the core crystallization process in planetesimals

AbstractIn differentiated planetesimals, the liquid core starts to crystallize during secular cooling, followed by the separation of liquid–solid phases in the core. The wetting property between liquid and solid iron alloys determines whether the core melts are trapped in the solid core or they can separate from the solid core during core crystallization. In this study, we performed high‐pressure experiments under the conditions of the interior of small bodies (0.5–3.0 GPa) to study the wetting property (dihedral angle) between solid Fe and liquid Fe‐S as a function of pressure and duration. The measured dihedral angles are approximately constant after 2 h and decrease with increasing pressure. The dihedral angles range from 30° to 48°, which are below the percolation threshold of 60° at 0.5–3.0 GPa. The oxygen content in the melt decreases with increasing pressure and there are strong positive correlations between the S + O or O content and the dihedral angle. Therefore, the change in the dihedral angle is likely controlled by the O content of the Fe‐S melt, and the dihedral angle tends to decrease with decreasing O content in the Fe‐S melt. Consequently, the Fe‐S melt can form interconnected networks in the solid core. In the obtained range of the dihedral angle, a certain amount of the Fe‐S melt can stably coexist with solid Fe, which would correspond to the “trapped melt” in iron meteorites. Excess amounts of the melt would migrate from the solid core over a long period of core crystallization in planetesimals.

Plant‐sediment interactions decouple inorganic from organic carbon stock development in salt marsh soils

AbstractThe storage of organic carbon in the soils of salt marshes and other coastal blue carbon ecosystems has gained considerable attention by the scientific community for more than a decade now, while the relevance and mechanisms of soil inorganic carbon accumulation remain poorly understood. Using long‐term annual accretion monitoring over 17 years in N = 50 permanent plots distributed across a 1050‐ha salt‐marsh complex of the European Wadden Sea, we identified clear relationships between salt‐marsh vertical growth rates and the soil densities of inorganic and organic carbon. Specifically, we demonstrate a strong positive correlation between vertical accretion and inorganic carbon density while observing a strong negative correlation between vertical accretion and organic carbon density. This decoupling observed between inorganic and organic soil carbon stocks was governed by plant community composition and associated plant traits, which controlled sedimentation processes.

Comparison between manual-calculated and IndoseCT-calculated SSDE based on Deff and Dw methods on truncated CT images

IntroductionSize-specific dose estimation (SSDE) is suggested for accurate measurement of CT dose. Various methods have been developed for SSDE calculation by both manual and automated methods. However, truncation artefact may affect the specific size determination and SSDE calculation. In this article, we evaluate how truncation affects measurements of SSDE and compare the manual SSDE measurement based on individual sizes (effective diameter, Deff and water equivalent diameter, DW) with the automated calculation using IndoseCT software on truncated CT images. MethodsA phantom study was conducted using Siemens SOMATOM Definition AS + CT scanner with two CTDI phantoms of different sizes, 22 cm and 32 cm. Phantom images were acquired by varying the phantom positioning to simulate truncation percentages (TP) of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. The SSDE values were manually calculated based on the Deff and Dw methods (AAPM, 2014). SSDE was also calculated automatically using IndoseCT software (Version 20 b) and compared with manual calculation. The percentage error due to different TP was calculated in comparison to the non-truncated image (TP 0%). The errors due to truncation on SSDE calculation was also compared between both manual and automated methods. Statistical analysis was carried out to determine the statistical differences and correlation. ResultsThe findings show that Deff for non-truncated image yields better results with lower percentage errors (mean PEmanual = 0.75% and mean PEautomated = 0.14%) as compared to Dw (mean PEmanual = 6.11% and mean PEautomated = 5.81%). There is a positive strong correlation between percentage error and truncation percentage. There are strong positive correlations between TP and percentage error, PE (r = 0.96 and r = 0.94) in determination of SSDEDeff and SSDEDw, respectively. Deff approach resulted higher percentage error as compared to Dw. ConclusionTruncation is strongly correlated with SSDE calculation, and therefore correction for truncation artefact is crucial to minimise error in SSDE measurement. The automated calculation of SSDE can be confidently replaced the manual method in both Deff and Dw approaches to ensure rapid and accurate SSDE measurement.

Genotype–phenotype correlation of fecal Streptococcus regulator (fsr) locus with gelatinase activity and biofilm formation intensity in clinical E. faecalis isolates

BackgroundEnterococci, known for their disturbing involvement in nosocomial infections, possess a diverse set of virulence factors, regulated by multiple genes. A key virulence regulator is the fecal Streptococcus regulator (Fsr) quorum sensing system. Multiple reports describe the involvement of fsr genes in several virulence mechanisms, notably gelatinase production and biofilm formation; however, the presence of fsr genes does not necessarily predict those virulence phenotypes. This study investigates the factors affecting the relation between molecular detection of fsr genes and accurate prediction of gelatinase activity and biofilm formation intensity.MethodsOne hundred enterococcal samples were collected from patients suffering from urinary tract infections. The isolates were identified through the use of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique targeting the ddl gene. Biofilm formation was quantified by the crystal violet assay, while gelatinase activity was evaluated on gelatin agar plates. PCR was used to detect the fsrA and fsrB genes, as well as the gelatinase enzyme-encoding gene (gelE).ResultsOut of the collected 100 isolates, 93% were identified as Enterococcus faecalis. The isolates formed biofilm with different intensities: 47% were strong biofilm producers, 28% moderate, and 21% weak, while only four isolates (4%) did not form biofilm. Only 14% of all isolates had detectable gelatinase activity. The fsrA and fsrB genes were detected in 26% and 28% of the tested isolates, respectively, while gelE was detected in 57% of the isolates. Whereas no association was found between biofilm formation intensity and fsr locus genes or gelatinase activity, a strong positive correlation (r = 1) was found between the detection of both fsrA and fsrB genes and the gelatinase activity.ConclusionfsrA and fsrB have a diagnostic value and may be used as biomarkers for gelatinase activity in E. faecalis.

Interspecific competition impacts the occupancy and range limits of two ptarmigan species along the elevation gradient in Norway

Many mountain species are expected to respond to climate change through upslope shifts of their range limits, but competition may restrict or alter this response. Under traditional range‐limit theory, it is expected that lower‐elevation species are better competitors than closely related higher‐elevation species. However, recent work finds that this prediction is often unmet. We investigated evidence for the impact of competition during breeding season on the elevational range limits of a pair of closely related bird species, willow ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus and rock ptarmigan L. muta, in mainland Norway. The species share overlapping ranges that loosely divide slightly upslope from the treeline ecotone, with willow ptarmigan generally occupying lower sites and rock ptarmigan occupying higher sites. We used multi‐species occupancy models to test four competing hypotheses for how competition may affect the range limit between willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan: 1) asymmetric competition that restricts the lower range limit of rock ptarmigan; 2) asymmetric competition that restricts the upper range limit of willow ptarmigan; 3) condition‐specific competition that restricts both species' range limits; and 4) range limits unaffected by competition. We found evidence for a negative pairwise interaction between the two species. Changes in interaction strength along the elevation gradient suggested evidence for condition‐specific competition. However, a strong positive correlation between rock ptarmigan and higher‐elevation habitat resulted in a highly asymmetric outcome, where the upper range limit of willow ptarmigan was restricted but rock ptarmigan occupancy was fairly independent of willow ptarmigan. This outcome is opposite to the prediction of traditional range‐limit theory and may suggest a greater climate threat to willow ptarmigan than has been previously projected. Thus, our results demonstrate the importance of considering biotic interactions at both the higher and lower ends of species' range limits along elevation gradients.

Evaluation of Usability and Efficacy of Strain Elastography Method Concurrently with Preoperative Ultrasonography in Cases of Hydatid Cyst

Abstract Background: Hydatid cysts (HCs), which are among the cystic lesions of the liver, are frequently encountered in endemic areas. Routine imaging modalities are sometimes insufficient to differentiate HC types, and ultrasound (US) elastography has just begun to be used for this purpose. In this study, the effectiveness of the strain elastography (SE) method in preoperative HC cases was investigated, and the relationship between HC types and elastography values was evaluated. Methods: HC cases that underwent SE simultaneously with preoperative US between January 2019 and February 2021 were evaluated retrospectively, and 75 cases were included in the study. In addition to elastography data, cyst typing according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification was also available. Results: Thirty cases were male and 45 cases were female, the median age was 48 years, and the interquartile range was 41 years. According to the WHO classification, 15 cases were Type I, 27 cases were Type II, and 33 cases were Type III HC. Median strain ratio (SR) values were 5.69 (4.07–14.47) for Type I, median 1.49 (1.26–1.74) for Type II, and median 0.21 (0.13–0.30) for Type III, and there was a highly significant relationship between HC types and SR values (P &lt; 0.001). There was also a very strong (-) directional correlation between HC type and strain rate (P &lt; 0.001, Spemann rho (ρ): −0.928). Conclusion: US elastography is a new modality in the diagnosis of HC types, and there are few studies available. In this study, unlike the literature, it is the first time that HC typing and discrimination have been used using the SE technique, which is remarkable.

Provenance and family variations in early growth of Manchurian walnut (Juglans mandshurica Maxim.) and selection of superior families.

This study, conducted in China in November 2020, was aimed at exploring the variations in growth traits among different provenances and families as well as to select elite materials of Juglans mandshurica. Thus, seeds of 44 families from six J. mandshurica provenances in Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces were sown in the nursery and then transplanted out in the field. At the age of 5 years, seven growth traits were assessed, and a comprehensive analysis was conducted as well as selection of provenance and families. Analysis of variance revealed statistically significant (P < 0.01) differences in seven growth traits among different provenances and families, thereby justifying the pursuit of further breeding endeavors. The genetic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all traits ranged from 5.44% (branch angle) to 21.95% (tree height) whereas the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) ranged from 13.74% (tapering) to 38.50% (branch number per node), indicating considerable variability across the traits. Further, all the studied traits except stem straightness degree, branch angle and branch number per node, showed high heritability (Tree height, ground diameter, mean crown width and tapering, over 0.7±0.073), indicating that the variation in these traits is primarily driven by genetic factors. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (r > 0.8) between tree height and ground diameter (r = 0.86), tree height and mean crown width (r = 0.82), and ground diameter and mean crown width (r = 0.83). This suggests that these relationships can be employed for more precise predictions of the growth and morphological characteristics of trees, as well as the selection of superior materials. There was a strong correlation between temperature factors and growth traits. Based on the comprehensive scores in this study, Sanchazi was selected as elite provenance. Using the top-percentile selection criteria, SC1, SC8, DJC15, and DQ18 were selected as elite families. These selected families exhibit genetic gains of over 10% in tree height, ground diameter and mean crown width, signifying their significant potential in forestry for enhancing timber production and reducing production cycles, thereby contributing to sustainable forest management. In this study, the growth traits of J. mandshurica were found to exhibit stable variation, and there were correlations between these traits. The selected elite provenance and families of J. mandshurica showed faster growth, which is advantageous for the subsequent breeding and promotion of improved J. mandshurica varieties.

Narrow-band UVB radiation triggers diverse changes in the gene expression and induces the accumulation of M1 macrophages in human skin

BackgroundThe underlying molecular mechanisms that determine the biological effects of UVB radiation exposure on human skin are still only partially comprehended. ObjectivesOur goal is to examine the human skin transcriptome and related molecular mechanisms following a single exposure to UVB in the morning versus evening. MethodsWe exposed 20 volunteer females to four-fold standard erythema doses (SED4) of narrow-band UVB (309–313 nm) in the morning or evening and studied skin transcriptome 24 h after the exposure. We performed enrichment analyses of gene pathways, predicted changes in skin cell composition using cellular deconvolution, and correlated cell proportions with gene expression. ResultsIn the skin transcriptome, UVB exposure yielded 1384 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the morning and 1295 DEGs in the evening, of which the most statistically significant DEGs enhanced proteasome and spliceosome pathways. Unexposed control samples showed difference by 321 DEGs in the morning vs evening, which was related to differences in genes associated with the circadian rhythm. After the UVB exposure, the fraction of proinflammatory M1 macrophages was significantly increased at both timepoints, and this increase was positively correlated with pathways on Myc targets and mTORC1 signaling. In the evening, the skin clinical erythema was more severe and had stronger positive correlation with the number of M1 macrophages than in the morning after UVB exposure. The fractions of myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells and CD8 T cells were significantly decreased in the morning but not in the evening. ConclusionsNB-UVB-exposure causes changes in skin transcriptome, inhibiting cell division, and promoting proteasome activity and repair responses, both in the morning and in the evening. Inflammatory M1 macrophages may drive the UV-induced skin responses by exacerbating inflammation and erythema. These findings highlight how the same UVB exposure influences skin responses differently in morning versus evening and presents a possible explanation to the differences in gene expression in the skin after UVB irradiation at these two timepoints.

EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES ON EMPLOYEE CONTENTMENT IN NIGERIA'S SERVICE SECTOR (BANKING INDUSTRY)

The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of human resource management (HRM) practices on employee contentment in the service sectors, focusing particularly on the Nigerian banking industry. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to 540 individuals working in service sectors, with a specific emphasis on the banking sector in Nigeria. Of these, 406 responses were collected. Statistical analyses including regression analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and one-way ANOVA were employed to test the research hypotheses. The findings revealed that overall, HRM practices, including HR planning, staffing, training &amp; development, and performance appraisal, demonstrated high levels of effectiveness. However, the efficacy of remuneration was deemed to be moderate. Employee contentment levels were found to be moderate as well. Importantly, a strong positive correlation was observed between the effectiveness of HRM practices and employee contentment. The report suggests that banks should enhance their financial compensation policies to improve employee morale and contentment. Additionally, it recommends conducting comparative studies between commercial banks and Islamic banks to gain further insights.