Unfavorable Ones Research Articles

Medication recommendation for Parkinson’s disease based on dynamics of symptom progression

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a chronic condition, with extensive research on initial medication selection for treatment, but limited guidance on long-term medication management. This study aims to identify optimal medication adjustment strategies based on patient clusters, focusing on either maximizing time spent in favorable health states or minimizing time spent in unfavorable ones while avoiding adverse effects. To guide treatment, we developed decision models using prescription dosages converted into standardized units for various medications. Using data from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative, we employed a multivariate time-series clustering approach to capture symptom progression dynamics. This analysis identified four distinct clusters: two representing desirable and undesirable states, and two highlighting motor-focused and non-motor-focused failures across multiple domains. We developed two separate Markov Decision Process (MDP) models to address these dual objectives, which were then integrated into a comprehensive framework that suggests optimal actions and cautions against risky ones for each patient state. This model provides valuable insights for clinical decision-making by offering flexible guidance on adjusting medication intensity rather than prescribing specific medication types, enhancing its applicability in clinical practice.

Shrimp-shaped structure and period-bubbling route to chaos in a one-dimensional economic model.

A beautiful feature of nature is its complexity. The chaos theory has proved useful in a variety of fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, and economics. In the present article, we explore the complex dynamics of a rather simple one-dimensional economic model in a parameter plane. We find several organized zones of "chaos and non-chaos" and different routes to chaos in this model. The study reveals that even this one-dimensional model can generate intriguing shrimp-shaped structures immersed within the chaotic regime of the parameter plane. We also observe shrimp-induced period-bubbling phenomenon, three times self-similarity of shrimp-shaped structures, and a variety of bistable behaviors. The emergence of shrimp-shaped structures in chaotic regimes can enable us to achieve favorable economic scenarios (periodic) from unfavorable ones (chaotic) by adjusting either one or both of the control parameters over broad regions of these structures. Moreover, our results suggest that depending on the parameters and initial conditions, a company may go bankrupt, or its capital may rise or fall in a regular or irregular manner.

The Optimization of Cut Surface for Computer Numerical Control Plasma Cutting Machine

This paper discusses a system designed to process parameter settings for achieving optimum cutting quality by a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Plasma Machine, employing the Jaya algorithm. The aim is to obtain the most optimized parameter settings for the CNC Plasma Machine, focusing on the plasma cutting method applied to commonly used metals, 304 stainless steels, and S235. The investigation centres on understanding the impacts of these parameters on surface roughness (Ra) and tapper angle. The experiments, conducted using Full Factorial Design (FFD), involved mathematical prediction models developed through a regression method with three controllable levels for each parameter on 12mm S235 steel and 304 stainless steel plates. The Jaya algorithm, known for its efficiency in engineering optimization, operates on the principle of gravitating towards positive outcomes while avoiding unfavorable ones. What sets this study apart is the utilization of the Jaya algorithm, a sophisticated optimization tool that demonstrated exceptional efficiency by converging to the optimum solution within a mere 15 iterations. The Jaya algorithm’s robust performance was highlighted through a comparative analysis, positioning it as superior to alternative techniques for delivering the best optimum solution in a remarkably reduced number of iterations.

Automated Absolute Binding Free Energy Calculation Workflow for Drug Discovery.

Absolute binding free energies play a crucial role in drug development, particularly as part of the lead discovery process. In recent work, we showed how in silico predictions directly could support drug development by ranking and recommending favorable ideas over unfavorable ones. Here, we demonstrate a Python workflow that enables the calculation of ABFEs with minimal manual input effort, such as the receptor PDB and ligand SDF files, and outputs a .tsv file containing the ranked ligands and their corresponding binding free energies. The implementation uses Snakemake to structure and control the execution of tasks, allowing for dynamic control of parameters and execution patterns. We provide an example of a benchmark system that demonstrates the effectiveness of the automated workflow.

Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, ESR, and CRP Have No Roles as Markers for Disease Severity and Prognosis in Patients with RRMS.

Up to now, there is no definitive prognostic factor for patients with multiple sclerosis. This study aimed to evaluate the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (N/L ratio) as a cheap, available, and noninvasive marker for disease activity and prognosis. A total of 112 patients, who were diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), and 61 healthy controls were considered. We evaluated N/L ratio, ESR, CRP in the control, and patients in the first attack of the onset of the disease, 1 month and 6 months later during remission. All patients received interferon or Glatiramer acetate as disease-modifying therapies. The correlation of parameters with Expanded Disability Scale Score (EDSS) and Functional System (FS) involvement was evaluated. The N/L ratio was increased significantly in patients with MS in the relapse phase (mean: 2.44 ± 0.68) compared to the healthy controls (mean: 1.84 ± 0.67) (P = 0.04). Also, we found a significant increase in CRP among the aforementioned groups (P = 0.028). A significant correlation was not found between NLR, ESR, or CRP and patient's EDSS during 6 months of follow-up. For ESR and the type of functional system, a significant difference was found between favorable and unfavorable categories, while the median (IQR) of ESR in the favorable group was 7.7 (4-12) and among unfavorable ones was 13.8 (6-17.75) (P = 0.008). The results showed the effect of the innate immune system and inflammation during MS attacks. We considered that neutrophils, ESR, and CRP cannot predict disease severity or prognosis at least without a combination of other biomarkers.

Sexual health beliefs and prevention of sexually transmitted infections among cisgender women sex workers in Colombia.

The stigma and social discrimination against cisgender women sex workers lead many of them to live in conditions characterized by social inequality, marginalization, persecution, and limited opportunities for sexual health literacy. Consequently, they are often compelled to establish a framework of preventive beliefs with little scientific validity, which they use to identify, mitigate, or avoid sexual health risks arising from their interactions with clients. This study investigates the sexual health beliefs that influence self-care practices aimed at preventing sexually transmitted infections among cisgender women sex workers in Colombia. We conducted a qualitative study framed in Hermeneutic Phenomenology. In-depth interviews and discussion groups were conducted with 34 cisgender women sex workers over 18 years of age in the center of the cities of Bogotá and Barranquilla in Colombia. Seven themes emerged from the reflective and inductive thematic analysis of the narratives: (1) popular habits for the prevention of contagion, (2) ocular assessment of genitals, (3) condom lubrication, (4) suspicion of a hidden infection in the client, (5) saliva and oral contact as a source of contagion, (6) avoidance of semen contact, (7) and trust in God as protection. The findings reflect the need for health and social professionals to promote participatory and inclusive cooperation with sex workers to update the framework of preventive beliefs that help them guide sexual health self-care with autonomy and self-efficacy, strengthening favorable beliefs and negotiating unfavorable ones. It is also essential to have a sex worker-informed sexual health policy that guides the promotion of sexual health that is sensitive to the needs and consistent with the risks of sex work and ensures friendly and non-oppressive preventive care environments for sex workers.

The effect of water ozonation in the presence of microplastics on water quality and microplastics degradation

The occurrence of microplastics in water treatment plants poses a concern for the quality of treated water. When microplastics pass through water treatment plants, they can be oxidized, changing their surface characteristics and the quality of the treated water. This work aimed to investigate the impact of ozone and the association of ozone and hydrogen peroxide on five different microplastic particles that are commonly detected in water samples. The changes in the concentration of total organic carbon and the change in the pH of the water, the leaching of phthalic acid esters, as well as the changes in size and chemical changes in the structure of the tested microplastics were evaluated. The influence of ozonation time, water pH, and type of microplastics, as well as the influence of the addition of hydrogen peroxide, was analyzed. The effect of ozonation was an increase in DOC values ranging from 0.8 to 28 mg/L. The eluting substances included phthalic acid esters, plasticizers with a proven negative impact on organisms. The percentage loss of the surface area of the microplastic was in the range of 1.3 to 26.7 %. PE was more susceptible to degradation. LDIR analyzes were carried out to investigate the effect of O3 and O3/H2O2 treatments on the surface of MPs. This study demonstrated that MPs could change their physical and chemical characteristics if they are subjected to oxidation processes used in water treatment plants. The parameters of purified water change to unfavorable ones due to the leaching of additives. Although much research has been conducted on the occurrence of microplastics in treated water, awareness needs to be raised about the interactions between plastic particles and water treatment technology processes.

Hydrophobic hydration of the hydrocarbon adamantane in amorphous ice.

Hydrophobic molecules are by definition difficult to hydrate. Previous studies in the area of hydrophobic hydration have therefore often relied on using amphiphilic molecules where the hydrophilic part of a molecule enabled the solubility in liquid water. Here, we show that the hydrophobic adamantane (C10H16) molecule can be fully hydrated through vapour codeposition with water onto a cryogenic substrate at 80 K resulting in the matrix isolation of adamantane in amorphous ice. Using neutron diffraction in combination with the isotopic substitution method and the empirical potential structure refinement technique, we find that the first hydration shell of adamantane is well structured consisting of a hydrogen-bonded cage of 28 water molecules that is also found in cubic structure II clathrate hydrates. The four hexagonal faces of the 51264 cage are situated above the four methine (CH) groups of adamantane whereas the methylene (CH2) groups are positioned below the edges of two adjoining pentagonal faces. The oxygen atoms of the 28 water molecules can be categorised on the basis of symmetry equivalences as twelve A, twelve B and four C oxygens. The water molecules of the first hydration shell display orientations consistent with those expected for a clathrate-hydrate-type cage, but also unfavourable ones with respect to the hydrogen bonding between the water molecules. Annealing the samples at 140 K, which is just below the crystallisation temperature of the matrix, removes the unfavourable orientations and leads to a slight increase in the structural order of the first hydration shell. The very closest water molecules display a tendency for their dipole moments to point towards the adamantane which is attributed to steric effects. Other than this, no significant polarisation effects are observed which is consistent with weak interactions between adamantane and the amorphous ice matrix. FT-IR spectroscopy shows that the incorporation of adamantane into amorphous ice leads to a weakening of the hydrogen bonds. In summary, the matrix-isolation of the highly symmetric adamantane in amorphous ice provides an interesting test case for hydrophobic hydration. Studying the structure and spectroscopic properties of water at the interface with hydrophobic hydrocarbons is also relevant for astrophysical environments, such as comets or the interstellar medium, where amorphous ice and hydrocarbons have been shown to coexist in large quantities.

AN OVERVIEW OF SELF-LUBRICATED ALUMINUM-BASED HYBRID COMPOSITES, PART A: SOLID LUBRICANTS AND PROCESSING ROUTE

Innovation in solid lubricant technology deserves the attention of design engineers for multiple applications, not only in normal environments but also in unfavorable ones. Self-lubricating composites belong to a class of materials that provide a thin layer of lubricant, known as tribofilm, when two surfaces rub against each other. This type of composite has different chemistry, microstructure, and crystal structure on the wear surface as compared to unreinforced solid lubricant metal matrix composites, thanks to the presence of solid lubricants. However, these lubricants, which offer extremely low friction and a long lifetime, do not respond appropriately to different environmental conditions. Therefore, strategies have been developed to construct novel aluminum-based self-lubricating hybrid composites that can adapt to various environmental conditions. This article explores the potential of solid lubricants as essential components in self-lubricating hybrid composites. The present review focuses on Al-based self-lubricating hybrid composites and highlights the types of solid lubricants used as reinforcing phases and several processing methods adopted to fabricate different aluminum-based hybrid composites.

Trendy v predčasných úmrtiach na zhubné nádory tráviacej sústavy na Slovensku v rokoch 2011–2020: 8 dia gnóz počas 10 rokov

Introduction and objectives: Slovakia ranks among the leaders in preventable deaths, but a systematic analysis of the share of digestive system cancers (DSCs) and their trends has been lacking. We analyzed data on mortality from DSCs in Slovakia in the years 2011–2020 with an emphasis on premature deaths, sex differences, and trends for individual locations. Material and methods: Data in the years 2011–2020 by ICD-10 codes C15–C26 aggregated by age subgroups (<50 years, <65 years, <75 years), sex, and individual locations were available. The crude death rate was calculated per 100,000 inhabitants and linear regression was used for the annual percentage change in mortality. Results: We recorded 46,508 deaths; 27,146 were men and 19,362 women with an average age of 70,5 ±11,6. Deaths under the age of 50, 65, and 75 made up 4.1%, 29.8%, and 60.4% of all deaths from DSCs. Among all deaths due to cancer under the age of 65, deaths from DSCs accounted for one-third in men and one-quarter in women. Under the age of 75, colorectal (41%), pancreatic (21%), stomach (12.8%), and liver (10%) cancers dominated the proportions of locations. The average age of death was significantly lower in men and increased over the decade for all locations. In women, the trend was identical, except for the liver, intrahepatic bile ducts (decrease by 1 year), bile ducts, and stomach (no change). Under the age of 65 in all cases, the average annual mortality rate decreased by 1.7%. In men, it decreased for locations in the esophagus, stomach, colorectum (–1.8%/year), liver, and gallbladder. In women, for colorectum (–1.8%/year) and gallbladder (–6%/year). In contrast, in the entire population mortality increased for locations in the pancreas (+2.3 to 2.8%/year) and bile ducts (+4.4 to 7.3%/year). Conclusion: DSCs are significant burden causing preventable deaths. Some favorable trends (stomach, gall bladder) are simultaneously followed by unfavorable ones (biliary tract, pancreas). In the global context of an aging population and increasingly longer exposure to risk factors, we need to introduce effective societal preventive measures as well as flexible adaptation of our healthcare systems.

EFL Students’ perceptions on the use of TikTok in improving speaking skill

Currently, many different methods are being used to learn English as it occurred today, combining a variety of media or applications, including TikTok videos. Different student attitudes emerge as a result of the possibility of studying English through Tiktok videos. This study aims to investigate students' opinions and the difficulties they encounter when using TikTok videos to hone their speaking abilities. Descriptive qualitative method was employed in this study. Nine students from one reputable Islamic private senior high school in Bekasi, West Java were served as the study's subjects. Since some students were discovered using tiktok videos to practice English, the nine participants were selected and considered qualified for data collection through interview. Based on the result of this study, students had an assortment of perspectives on using TikTok videos to learn English, both favorable and unfavorable ones. Further, utilizing TikTok videos for teaching English to students presented a number of difficulties. Confirming to the results of this study, students had both advantageous and negative opinions on utilizing TikTok videos to learn English. Additionally, there were several kinds of difficulties that arose when students utilized TikTok short clips to study English.

Theoretical and Methodological Approaches to the Analysis of the Spatial Distribution of Endemic Diseases of Geochemical Nature

—Throughout millions of years of geological history (in the Phanerozoic), the coevolution of all living organisms took place in a fierce competition for resources and opportunities for the maximum reproduction. Due to the geochemical heterogeneity of the primary (pre-Quaternary) biosphere, this resulted in a self-regulating system of ecological niches, within which all local biocenoses and their animal and plant species were maximally adapted to the parameters of the habitat. However, with the emergence of reason, the situation changed fundamentally. Human beings became the dominant species and began the conscious development of new territories, including geochemically unfavorable ones, which led to the formation of zones of stable endemic diseases. Based on this premise, for all existing species, there should be areas with physiologically optimal habitat conditions, i.e., those under which the species has evolved to its present state. It follows that, by being able to record the geochemical parameters of the undisturbed biosphere, it is possible to obtain characteristics that are ecologically ideal for local animal and plant species. In theoretical terms, this allowed us to put forward the hypothesis that by fixing the difference between observed and ideal geochemical conditions, it is possible to build maps of risk of diseases of geochemical nature, including in areas subjected to anthropogenic pollution. The paper outlines the methodology and gives examples of construction of such maps. The obtained results can have an important practical value in organizing the system of sanitary–epidemiological service, in solving the problems of liquidation of the consequences of anthropogenic pollution, and in carrying out preventive measures to minimize the risk of diseases of geochemical nature.

Theoretical and Methodological Approaches to the Analysis of Peculiarities of Spatial Distribution of Endemic Diseases of a Geochemical Nature

Over millions of years of geological history (Phanerozoic), the co-evolution of all living organisms took place in condtions of fierce competition for resources and opportunities for maximum reproduction, which, given the geochemical heterogeneity of the primary (pre-Quaternary) biosphere, resulted in a self-regulating ecological niche system, within which all local biocenoses and their animal and plant species were adapted to the parameters of the habitat to the maximum extent. However, with the development of the brain and the emergence of reason, the situation changed radically. Humans became the dominant species and began to develop new territories, including geochemically unfavourable ones, which caused the formation of zones of persistent endemic diseases. Based on this premise, for all existing species, there must be territories with physiologically optimal habitat conditions, i.e. those in which the species was formed in its present form. This implies that by being able to determine the geochemical parameters of the undisturbed biosphere, it is possible to obtain characteristics corresponding to the ecologically ideal ones for local animal and plant species. In theoretical terms it has allowed to put forward the hypothesis that by fixing the difference between the observed and ideal geochemical conditions it is possible to build maps of risk of diseases of geochemical nature, including those caused by technogenic pollution. The article presents a methodology and examples of such mapping. The results obtained may have an important practical value in improving the system of sanitary and epidemiological services, in solving problems of carrying out preventive measures to minimize endemic morbidity eliminating endemic diseases.

A study of auxiliary factors for judges in sentencing dangerous driving offenses - the mediating role of favorable and unfavorable factors.

This paper investigates the ancillary factors judges consider when sentencing dangerous driving offenses. These factors are divided into favorable (i.e., "Confess" [CF], and "Actively compensate and obtain forgiveness from victims" [AC]) and unfavorable categories (i.e., "Mainly or solely responsible for the accident" [MSR], and "Post-accident behavior" [BAA]). Results indicate that both types of factors mediate the relationship between "Blood Alcohol Concentration" (BAC) and the sentencing outcome: favorable factors have a significant negative correlation with sentences, while unfavorable ones show a positive correlation. The mediation effect ratios are 13.8% and 19.1% respectively, with no significant differences between their impacts on judges' sentencing decisions.

Fluent Processing Amplifies Affective Judgments

Abstract: The importance of processing fluency in evaluative judgments has been repeatedly demonstrated across many domains such as liking, beauty, and truth. However, a clear picture of the nature of processing fluency has yet to emerge. Fluent processing has been suggested to form evaluative judgments in a hedonic nature, in which existing judgmental tendencies always shift in a positive direction. Alternatively, fluency has been proposed to amplify evaluative judgments bidirectionally. However, uncertainty remains regarding the influence of processing fluency on pre-existing judgmental tendencies. Specifically, the extent to which the effect of stimuli belonging to specific categories varies within an individual remains unclear. This study assessed the influence of fluent processing on two specific categories (cats/spiders) using a visual search task. Fluency was manipulated by the set size of the stimuli and presentation duration. Fluency intensified pre-existing judgmental tendencies in two divergent directions: The initially favored stimuli were liked more, while the initially unfavored ones were liked less when the processing of stimuli was fluent. There was a significant correlation between favored and unfavored stimuli in terms of the magnitude of the effect, and such effect was influenced by visual attention, suggesting that processing fluency goes beyond a hedonic and unidimensional nature.

Essential bioethics topics in anti-doping strategies in sports

Bioethics has a huge theoretical and applied potential for preventing and solving various problems regarding the life and health of individuals. Sport is an important area of social life that is excessively dominated by various trends, including unfavorable ones, which harm the health of athletes. The article reflects sources of bioethics that interpret sports activities influenced by doping. Analytical, hermeneutic methods and bioethical methodological tools were applied. A rather sensitive topic, frequently discussed at different levels, is the use of doping substances in sports. This negative phenomenon is evolving, becoming more and more diverse and difficult to combat. The application of bioethics benchmarks creates favorable conditions in the annihilation of doping in sport.

Third-Generation Behavioural Therapies in the Context of Neurodevelopmental Problems and Intellectual Disabilities: A Randomised Clinical Trial with Parents.

The purpose of this study was to examine how 14 parents of children with autism and intellectual impairments responded to an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based psychological flexibility intervention programme. A randomised clinical trial was conducted. Parents were randomly assigned to the training programme group (n = 8) or waiting list group (n = 6). The treatment effect was measured using the 6-PAQ, PSS-14, GHQ-12, and WBSI questionnaires. Changes in interactions were assessed through self-recording, including a baseline to observe the previous functioning. Measures were taken before and after the application of the intervention programme and three months later. After that, the control group was switched to the psychological flexibility programme condition. After the programme's implementation, we could see a reduction in stress and the tendency to suppress unwanted private events. The impacts also appeared to apply to family interactions, resulting in a rise in positive interactions and a decrease in unfavourable ones. The results led us to think about the importance of psychological flexibility for the parents of children with chronic conditions, facilitating a reduction in the emotional impact derived from parenting and the emission of behaviours that promote the harmonious development of the diagnosed child.

The relationship between ecology and economy in German public opinion, 1984–2019

ABSTRACT Based on data from the German Socio-Economic Panel for 1984–2019, this article investigates how changes in environmental concern are associated with changes in general and personal economic conditions. It examines the hypothesis of a trade-off between ecology and economy, i.e., that public concern about the environment increases under favorable economic circumstances, but erodes during unfavorable ones. On the aggregate level, trend analyses with yearly cross-sections of the data mainly support this trade-off hypothesis. On the individual level, analyses of the data with fixed-effects panel regression models yield similar, but more complex results – including contradictory findings. In addition to the trade-off hypothesis, our analyses confirm the more special hypothesis that the link between ecology and economy in public opinion has become weaker over time. This weakened relationship tends to create new opportunities for environmental politics because many citizens no longer follow the argument that ‘it hurts the economy.’

Exogenous factors and the crisis bargaining process

We examine whether bargaining behavior alters the initially expected effects of exogenous factors, such as power balance, issues, and domestic regimes, influencing crisis outcomes. Our argument is that, instead of weakening threat credibility as assumed in the traditional advocacy for firmness, mixing coercion with accommodation optimally allows states to reach an outcome within the bargaining range shaped by exogenous factors. After establishing causal mechanisms, we test our hypotheses over the 1918−2015 period. The findings validate our expectations that intransigence exacerbates crisis stability even under favorable exogenous conditions whereas mixed bargaining mitigates the effects of unfavorable ones.

Particle Swarm Optimization for Solving Sine-Gordan Equation

The term ‘optimization’ refers to the process of maximizing the beneficial attributes of a mathematical function or system while minimizing the unfavorable ones. The majority of real-world situations can be modelled as an optimization problem. The complex nature of models restricts traditional optimization techniques to obtain a global optimal solution and paves the path for global optimization methods. Particle Swarm Optimization is a potential global optimization technique that has been widely used to address problems in a variety of fields. The idea of this research is to use exponential basis functions and the particle swarm optimization technique to find a numerical solution for the Sine-Gordan equation, whose numerical solutions show the soliton form and has diverse applications. The implemented optimization technique is employed to determine the involved parameter in the basis functions, which was previously approximated as a random number in the work reported till now in the literature. The obtained results are comparable with the results obtained in the literature. The work is presented in the form of figures and tables and is found encouraging.