Additional Value Research Articles

A MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR IDENTIFYING MILITARY TRAINING FLIGHTS

The main tasks of the Training Air Base concern the practical training of cadets in piloting techniques as well as maintaining and improving the piloting skills of the instructors. It is essential to maintain the infrastructure of the airfield and the Base as a whole ready for operation. This allows for fulfilling the fundamental mission of such military units, which is to provide effective operations for the defence of the state. Therefore, measures to support and improve the operation of such military facilities are extremely important and also became the genesis of this article. It analyses and evaluates the number of flights carried out over seven years (2016–2022) at the studied training base using mathematical modelling, allowing to assess the variability of the studied series. The phase trends method was used for this purpose, preceded by a seasonality study. It allowed the identification of periods in which the number of flights performed varies significantly. Such knowledge enables better regulation of the airport’s operation, adjustment of activities to the needs, and the determination of further directions for airport development and the justification of potential investments. An additional value of the article is the presentation of a mathematical modelling method specifically designed for seasonal time series, along with their diagnostics. It also provides an opportunity for other institutions to carry out tasks while upholding the highest standards.

Geospatial Approaches to Improve Water Availability through Demand Assessment in Agriculture Based on Treated Wastewater: A Case Study of Weinstadt, Baden-Württemberg

The sustainable management of water scarcity is a globally crucial issue. Germany has established efficient water management systems, but the agricultural sector still struggles with water scarcity as the demand surpasses the available water supply. In this work, the primary aim was to establish a framework for making water accessible for irrigation and additional use in households through the effective utilization of recycled water from wastewater treatment facilities. The research inquiries were focused on evaluating the changes in the CROPWAT agricultural irrigation model, determining the spatial distribution of zonal severity, estimating the capacity of urban roof catchments, and evaluating the economic value addition of retreated water from the existing wastewater treatment plant supply. According to the findings, the annual amount of water required for agriculture in the designated study location is approximately 2.9 million m3. Although there is no initial need for irrigation water, the demand for irrigation water increases during the development, active growth, and mature stages of maize, winter wheat, and wine grapes, reaching around 189 mm, 223 mm, and 63 mm, respectively. According to our observations, the annual water supply in Weinstadt is around 4 million m3. On the other hand, the compensated volume of water to the current water supply calculated from the urban roof rainfall is estimated to be 0.8 million m3, which is considered valuable from an economic standpoint. This economically efficient volume of water would reduce the current treated water supply, which indicates an opportunity for enhanced agricultural irrigation.

Prognostic impact of aortic pulsatility index on event-free survival in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Objective: This study sought to determine the predictive value of aortic pulsatility index (API) on event-free survival in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Methods: We retrospectively studied 121 patients with HFpEF who underwent right heart catheterization at Heart Failure Center in Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, between November 2014 and August 2022. API was calculated as pulse pressure/pulmonary arterial wedge pressure. Patients were divided into three groups according to the tertiles of baseline API. The primary outcome was event-free survival, which was considered as freedom from death, heart transplantation, left ventricular assist device implantation, or HF rehospitalization. We compared the differences in clinical characteristics among the three groups of patients. Spearman correlation analysis was used to calculate the correlation coefficient between API and parameters reflective of left heart function. We used Cox proportional-hazards regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for event-free survival. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) of API for predicting event-free survival in patients with HFpEF. Quantitative data is represented by M (Q1, Q3). Results: The age was 59.0 (46.0, 66.5) years, and 84 (69.4%) patients were male. API and left ventricular stroke work (LVSW) were significantly correlated (r=0.478, P<0.001). The correlation between API and cardiac power output was also significant (r=0.224, P=0.014). Patients with API>3.77 presented with lower serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) values [492(163, 2 776) vs 2 962(722, 5 831) vs 3 823(1 419, 10 262) ng/L], lower left atrial dimension [38(34,42) vs 43(39, 48) vs 45 (42,53) mm], lower right atrial pressure [5 (2, 8) vs 8 (4, 13) vs 13 (8, 16) mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)], and lower mean pulmonary arterial pressure [15 (11, 20) vs 22 (17, 26) vs 33 (26, 37) mmHg] (all P<0.05). The median follow-up time of the study was 366.0 (189.8, 648.5) days, and by the end of the follow-up, a total of 51 patients had reached the primary outcome. The cumulative event-free incidence rates of patients in the API>3.77 group, 1.89<API≤3.77 group, and API≤1.89 group were 77.5%, 56.1%, and 40.0%, respectively (P<0.001). After multivariate adjustment, API (HR=0.849,95%CI:0.728-0.989, P=0.035) remained significantly associated with event-free survival. The AUC (95%CI) was 0.700 (0.607-0.793) (P<0.001) for API to predict event-free survival calculated from receiver operating characteristic analysis, with an optimal cut-off value of 3.28, sensitivity of 80.4%, and specificity of 52.9%. Conclusions: API was closely related to parameters reflective of left heart function. Decreased API was an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with HFpEF. API could provide additional prognostic value beyond NT-proBNP.

Specimen tomosynthesis provides no additional value to specimen ultrasound in ultrasound-visible malignant breast lesions.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and added value of specimen tomosynthesis (ST) to specimen ultrasound (SUS) in margin assessment of excised breast specimens in breast-conserving therapy for non-palpable US-visible breast lesions. Between January 2018 and August 2019, all consecutive patients diagnosed with non-palpable breast cancer visible by ultrasound (US), treated with breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and requiring radiological intraoperative breast specimen assessment, were included in this study. Excised breast specimens were examined with SUS by radiologists blinded to the ST results, and margins smaller than 10 mm were recorded. STs were evaluated retrospectively by experienced radiologists. A total of 120 specimens were included. SUS showed a statistically significant correlation with pathological margin measurements, while ST did not and provided no additional information. The odds ratios (ORs) for SUS to predict a positive margin was 3.429 (confidence interval (CI) = 0.548-21.432) using a 10-mm cut-off point and 14.182 (CI = 2.134-94.254) using a 5-mm cut-off point, while the OR for ST were 2.528 (CI = 0.400-15.994) and 3.188 (CI = 0.318-31.998), respectively. SUS was superior in evaluating intraoperative resection margins of US-visible breast resection specimens when compared to ST. Therefore, ST could be considered redundant in applicable situations.

THE EUROPEAN UNION’S LAWSUIT OVER THE 2020 PROHIBITION OF INDONESIAN RAW NICKEL ORE EXPORTS

This research discusses the reasons behind the European Union's lawsuit against Indonesia regarding the policy to ban the export of raw nickel ore in 2020. The background of Indonesia's ban on the export of nickel ore is part of the national plan to develop the domestic industrial sector, including stainless steel production. Based on this policy, the European Union implemented a foreign policy to sue Indonesia at the WTO, considering it a violation of the provisions of the WTO trade agreement under Article XI:1 of the GATT 1994. The method used in this research is a qualitative descriptive research method employing Robert Ghilpin's theory, which describes foreign policy influenced by domestic industry interests and external influences.The European Union's background as a stainless steel producer makes nickel the most significant value addition for the EU in terms of employment, taxes, investments, and product utility. Nickel's utility for the EU, simultaneously serving as a benefit, lies in high-performance technological products that leverage its characteristics of high heat resistance and durability. The comparison of the income results of the EU industry, which significantly impacts the economy, has experienced a decline since the implementation of Indonesia's export ban policy. Consequently, the European Union filed the lawsuit due to economic interests in the EU's domestic industry, such as labor absorption and financial contributions to the state.

Women Empowerment Gaining Right Trajectory: A Perspective from MSME, Odisha, India

In traditional male-dominated society women generally enjoy secondary status in familial and social hierarchy. The widespread condition of gender disparity may be attributed to a lack of gainful employment and fixed wages with a regular source of livelihood. The majority of women are left out of the ambit of the decision-making process due to their inferior social and economic conditions. The status of women can be raised and gender equality can be achieved through MSME which empowers women with upward movement in economic, social and political hierarchy. MSME facilitates women entrepreneurs to utilise their entrepreneurial skills and talent and to play leadership roles to improve the conditions of women folk. The present study focuses on the role of leading women entrepreneurs of Puri district Odisha towards the objective of empowering women. The data gathered through questionnaires, surveys, person to person interaction during field visits/workshops/seminars/presentations form the basis for developing this article. During interaction all points raised, views expressed by respondents, and suggestions gathered were recorded to organize this article. It has been observed MSME sectors have largely contributed to improving women's status through employment, skill upgradation, innovations, and encouraging participative and collaborative decisions. However, simplifying and streamlining activities related to registration, products, production, financing, training, and marketing would enhance further value addition by MSME. The insights earned during the study about ground realities, problem areas, and steps towards a solution will help the researchers, NGOs, SHGs, field agencies, donors, bankers, government institutions, corporate houses, and planners to fine-tune their approach towards women empowerment.

Optimal dispatch of battery energy storage for multi-service provision in a collocated PV power plant considering battery ageing

This study explores how a battery energy storage system (BESS) can support photovoltaic (PV) power plant operation by simultaneously minimising the PV power plant (PVPP) clipping losses and providing grid ancillary services. For this purpose, a deterministic day-ahead control strategy is developed while considering both calendar and cycling battery ageing on the BESS multi-value stream. The battery degradation cost model has also been reformulated to integrate the proposed formulation and assess the impact of different ageing aspects. The dispatching problem is reformulated to implement a linear programming approach. It allows to optimally dispatch the power flow between the different system components and schedules the ancillary service provision. The Irish regulation for participating in the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and DS3 grid services markets is considered. A market participation framework has also been identified, and numerical analysis is performed while emulating a real case. The obtained outputs emphasise the value of PV-BESS in providing DS3 grid services and the potential of the multi-service provision to create an additional value from energy storage deployment. The proposed approach and control strategy can also be implemented for other BESS applications in different energy markets.

Distribution and prognostic value of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and I across glycemic status: a population-based study

BackgroundWhether distributions and prognostic values of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) T and I are different across normoglycemic, prediabetic, and diabetic populations is unknown.Methods10127 adult participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004 with determined glycemic status and measurement of at least one of hs-cTn assays were included, from whom healthy participants and presumably healthy diabetic and prediabetic participants were selected to investigate pure impacts of glycemic status on distributions of hs-cTn. The nonparametric method and bootstrapping were used to derive the 99th upper reference limits of hs-cTn and 95% CI. Participants with available follow-up and hs-cTn concentrations of all 4 assays were included in prognostic analyses. Associations of hs-cTn with all-cause and cardiac-specific mortality were modeled by Cox proportional hazard regression under the complex survey design. The incremental value of hs-cTn to an established risk score in predicting cardiac-specific mortality was assessed by the 10-year area under time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) using the Fine-Grey competing risk model.ResultsAmong 9714 participants included in prognostic analyses, 5946 (61.2%) were normoglycemic, 2172 (22.4%) prediabetic, and 1596 (16.4%) diabetic. Hyperglycemic populations were older than the normoglycemic population but sex and race/ethnicity were similar. During the median follow-up of 16.8 years, hs-cTnT and hs-cTnI were independently associated with all-cause and cardiac-specific mortality across glycemic status. In the diabetic population, adjusted hazard ratios per 1-standard deviation increase of log-transformed hs-cTnT and hs-cTnI (Abbott) concentrations were 1.77 (95% CI 1.48–2.12; P < .001) and 1.83 (95% CI 1.33–2.53; P < .001), respectively, regarding cardiac-specific mortality. In the diabetic but not the normoglycemic population, adding either hs-cTnT (difference in AUC: 0.062; 95% CI 0.038–0.086; P < 0.001) or hs-cTnI (Abbott) (difference in AUC: 0.071; 95% CI 0.046–0.097; P < 0.001) would significantly increase the discriminative ability of the risk score; AUC of the score combined with hs-cTnT would be further improved by incorporating hs-cTnI (0.018; 95%CI 0.006–0.029; P = 0.002). The 99th percentile of hs-cTnT of the presumably healthy diabetic population was higher than the healthy population and had no overlap in 95% CIs, however, for hs-cTnI 99th percentiles of the two populations were very close and 95% CIs extensively overlapped.ConclusionsHs-cTnT and hs-cTnI demonstrated consistent prognostic associations across glycemic status but incremental predictive values in hyperglycemic populations only. The susceptibility of hs-cTnT 99th percentiles to diabetes plus the additive value of hs-cTnI to hs-cTnT in diabetic cardiovascular risk stratification suggested hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT may be differentially associated with glycemic status, but further research is needed to illustrate the interaction between hyperglycemia and hs-cTn.

Radiomics analysis of patellofemoral joint improves knee replacement risk prediction: Data from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST)

ObjectiveKnee replacement (KR) is the last-resort treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Although radiographic evidence of tibiofemoral joint has been widely adopted for prognostication, patellofemoral joint has gained little attention and may hold additional value for further improvements. We aimed to quantitatively analyse patellofemoral joint through radiomics analysis of lateral view radiographs for improved KR risk prediction. DesignFrom the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study dataset, we retrospectively retrieved the initial-visit lateral left knee radiographs of 2943 patients aged 50 to 79. They were split into training and test cohorts at a 2:1 ratio. A comprehensive set of radiomic features were extracted within the best-performing subregion of patellofemoral joint and combined into a radiomics score (RadScore). A KR risk score, derived from Kellgren-Lawrence grade (KLG) of tibiofemoral joint and RadScore of patellofemoral joint, was developed by multivariate Cox regression and assessed using time-dependent area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). ResultsWhile patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) was insignificant during multivariate analysis, RadScore was identified as an independent risk factor (multivariate Cox p-value < 0.001) for KR. The subgroup analysis revealed that RadScore was particularly effective in predicting rapid progressor (KR occurrence before 30 months) among early- (KLG < 2) and mid-stage (KLG ​= ​2) patients. Combining two joints radiographic information, the AUC reached 0.89/0.87 for predicting 60-month KR occurrence. ConclusionsThe RadScore of the patellofemoral joint on lateral radiographs emerges as an independent prognostic factor for improving KR prognosis prediction. The KR risk score could be instrumental in managing progressive knee osteoarthritis interventions.

Evaluation of Kokum [Garcinia indica (Thouars) Choisy] Genotypes for Growth, Yield and Quality Parameters under the Humid Tropical Conditions of Central Kerala

A study was conducted at the Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, to assess morphological, yield, and biochemical parameters of 29 kokum genotypes. Observations regarding growth, yield, and quality parameters were recorded for all the genotypes. The results showed that genotype IC136687-1 exhibited the highest height (15.60 m), while genotype IC552513 had the lowest height (5.20 m). The highest plant girth was observed in ACC.FSC-1 (156.88 cm), whereas the lowest girth was recorded in IC552522 (25.10 cm). The canopy spread of trees varied from 3.20 m (IC552513) to 8.10 m (ACC.FSC-4) in the East to West direction, and from 3.30 m (IC552513) to 9.42 m (ACC.FSC-9) in the North to South direction. The maximum canopy volume was found in ACC.FSC-9 (1030.01 m3), whereas the minimum volume was observed in IC552513 (57.12 m3). Leaf length ranged from 7.5 cm to 10.24 cm, leaf breadth varied from 3.18 cm to 4.78 cm and leaf area varied from 19.87 cm2 to 34.53 cm2 among different genotypes. Significant difference was recorded with respect to fruit characters among the yielding genotypes. Genotype ACC.FSC-6 exhibited significantly higher fruit weight (40.14 g), fruit volume (45.60 cm³), fresh weight of rind (21.01 g), and dry weight of rind (3.07 g). Conversely, genotype ACC.FSC-3 displayed significantly lower fruit weight (12.17 g), fruit volume (15.10 cm³), fresh weight of rind (7.15 g), and dry weight of rind (1.09 g). The rind to seed ratio ranged from 0.81 to 1.77, while rind thickness varied between 2.46 mm and 3.41 mm. Genotype ACC.FSC-9 exhibited the highest number of fruits per tree (2258) and the highest fruit yield per tree (60.64 kg). On the other hand, genotype ACC.FSC-3 recorded the lowest number of fruits per tree (252) and the lowest fruit yield per tree (3.07 kg). The moisture content varied from 82.91 % to 90.34 %, titratable acidity ranged from 2.30 % to 4.47 %, total sugars ranged from 4.32 % to 10.60 %, TSS ranged from 5.65 °B to 14.15 °B, and anthocyanin content ranged from 11.13 to 25.01 mg per 100 g. Genotypes IC552528-3 and IC336687-3 had significantly high TSS and low acidity were ranked as superior quality genotypes and these genotypes can be utilized for value addition.

Possible Tetraquark Explanation for the ψ(4230), ψ(4360), and ψ(4415)

Bevelacqua Resources, 7531 Flint Crossing Circle SE, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763 USA Ji et al. utilize heavy quark spin symmetry, to predict of the hadronic molecular characteristics of the ψ(4230), ψ(4360), and ψ(4415). Using symmetry arguments these states were identified by Ji et al. as DD1-bar, D*D1-bar, and D*D2*-bar bound states. The structure of the ψ(4230), ψ(4360), and ψ(4415) states are investigated using a first-order tetraquark mass formula. This mass relationship is based on weakly bound D plus D1-bar, D* plus D1-bar, and D* plus D2*-bar meson clusters. The first-order tetraquark mass formula provides predicted masses within about 3% of the experimental values, and the Jπ predictions are in agreement with values suggested by the data. However, the primitive angular momentum structure of the first-order mass model admit additional Jπ values. KEYWORDS: Tetraquark Model for the ψ(4230), ψ(4360), and ψ(4415); Mass Formula; Quark Model; Cluster Model.

Explainable artificial intelligence for predicting red blood cell transfusion in geriatric patients undergoing hip arthroplasty: Machine learning analysis using national health insurance data.

This study uses machine learning and population data to analyze major determinants of blood transfusion among patients with hip arthroplasty. Retrospective cohort data came from Korea National Health Insurance Service claims data for 19,110 patients aged 65 years or more with hip arthroplasty in 2019. The dependent variable was blood transfusion (yes vs no) in 2019 and its 31 predictors were included. Random forest variable importance and Shapley Additive Explanations were used for identifying major predictors and the directions of their associations with blood transfusion. The random forest registered the area under the curve of 73.6%. Based on random forest variable importance, the top-10 predictors were anemia (0.25), tranexamic acid (0.17), age (0.16), socioeconomic status (0.05), spinal anesthesia (0.05), general anesthesia (0.04), sex (female) (0.04), dementia (0.03), iron (0.02), and congestive heart failure (0.02). These predictors were followed by their top-20 counterparts including cardiovascular disease, statin, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease, liver disease, solid tumor, myocardial infarction and hypertension. In terms of max Shapley Additive Explanations values, these associations were positive, e.g., anemia (0.09), tranexamic acid (0.07), age (0.09), socioeconomic status (0.05), spinal anesthesia (0.05), general anesthesia (0.04), sex (female) (0.02), dementia (0.03), iron (0.04), and congestive heart failure (0.03). For example, the inclusion of anemia, age, tranexamic acid or spinal anesthesia into the random forest will increase the probability of blood transfusion among patients with hip arthroplasty by 9%, 7%, 9% or 5%. Machine learning is an effective prediction model for blood transfusion among patients with hip arthroplasty. The high-risk group with anemia, age and comorbid conditions need to be treated with tranexamic acid, iron and/or other appropriate interventions.

Sphingomonas flavescens sp. nov., isolated from soil.

An aerobic bacterium, designated as PT-12T, was isolated from soil collected from agriculture field, and its taxonomic position was validated through a comprehensive polyphasic methodology. The strain was identified as Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped, and catalase- and oxidase-positive. The yellow-colored colonies showed growth ability at temperature range of 18-37°C, NaCl content of 0-1.0% (w/v), and at a pH of 6.0-8.0. The 16S rRNA gene and phylogenetic analysis showed that strain PT-12T affiliated with the genus Sphingomonas in the family Sphingomonadaceae, and displayed the highest 16S rRNA nucleotide sequence similarity with Sphingomonas limnosediminicola 03SUJ6T (98.4%). The genome size of strain PT-12T was 2,656,862bp and the DNA G + C content estimated from genome was 63.5%. The highest values of average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) were observed between strain PT-12T and Sphingomonas segetis YJ09T, accounting to 76.2% and 20.2%, respectively. In addition, both ANI and dDDH values between strain PT-12T and other phylogenetically related neighbors ranged between 69.6% and 76.2% and 18.4% and 20.2%, respectively. Chemotaxonomic features exhibited Q-10 as the only ubiquinone; homospermidine as the major polyamine; summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c), C16:0, and 10-methyl C18:0 as the notable fatty acids; and phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, and sphingoglycolipid as dominating polar lipids. Overall, the comprehensive polyphasic data supported that strain PT-12T represents a novel bacterial species within the genus Sphingomonas. Accordingly, we propose the name Sphingomonas flavescens sp. nov. The type strain is PT-12T (= KCTC 92114T = NBRC 115717T).

Transnational innovation systems for bioeconomy: insights from cassava value chains in East Africa

In this study, we analyze the purpose, challenges, and opportunities of transnational innovation systems using cassava as the case study crop in the East Africa region. Cassava scientifically referred to as Manihot esculenta Crantz, is an important food security crop for the poor and vulnerable and a potential building block for advancing the bioeconomy in Africa and the global South. Semi-structured interviews with researchers, government official, and small and medium enterprise representatives from the region were done to determine their level of collaborations with other partners across the region and the opportunities and challenges for transnational innovation systems along the cassava value chain. The selection of interviewees followed a purposive sampling technique according to their knowledge on transnational innovation in the cassava value chain. This was corroborated by a focused literature review on innovation systems concepts gathered from scholarly literature. The findings show that transnational collaborations and innovations in the East African region offer opportunities for expansion of biomass production, bioprocessing, and value addition to the rich bioresources available. Collaboration across borders and transnational innovation systems were found to play an important role for advancing and/or upscaling cassava breeding, growing, value-adding products and novel processing methods and contributing to a growing East African bioeconomy. Other than the regional policy challenges, organizational and cultural barriers were more prominent in venturing, participation, and involvement of parties and users in transnational innovations. These findings draw attention to the often unnoticed, but vital, role that institutional and policy frameworks play in initiating as well as supporting transnational innovation systems that address issues of current and future global concern. Therefore, appropriate policy environment and partnerships that offer opportunities for synergy and complementarity are vital for building effective transnational innovation systems that enhance the sustainability of production, value addition and end-uses of biobased cassava products.

Identifying the Role of Knowledge-Intensive Business Services in the Korean Economy as a Sustainable Innovation Tool Using Input–Output Analysis

This study aimed to determine the role of KIBSs as a tool for sustainable innovation in a country’s economic system. Specifically, the degree and role of their impact on the Korean economy were analyzed and compared for the entire KIBS sector, T-KIBSs (a new technology-based professional service), P-KIBSs (a traditional professional service), and every subsector. For this purpose, the demand inducement model, supply inducement model, and interlinkage effects method were applied using the 2019 input–output table published in 2022. The analysis showed that the indirect production inducement effect of the entire KIBS industry on other industries was KRW 0.800, the indirect added value inducement effect was KRW 0.330, and the supply disruption effect was KRW 1.144. For T-KIBS, the indirect production inducement effect was KRW 0.687, the indirect added value inducement effect was KRW 0.272, and the supply disruption effect was KRW 0.730. For P-KIBSs, the indirect production inducement effect was KRW 1.472, the indirect added value inducement effect was KRW 0.646, and the supply disruption effect was KRW 2.657. Finally, regarding the economic ripple effect of the KIBS subsector, legal and management support services and advertisements corresponding to P-KIBSs showed higher figures than the T-KIBS subsectors in all sectors, including production inducement, the added value inducement effect, and the supply disruption effect. These results revealed that in the South Korean economic system, KIBSs contribute to production and value addition across all industrial sectors. It is apparent that the absence of supply significantly disrupts other industries. Furthermore, production inducement effects are evenly distributed among all the KIBS subsectors in the secondary and tertiary sectors, while the value-added effects have a greater impact on the tertiary sector. In terms of the supply shortage effects, the secondary sector experiences a more significant impact. This underscores the crucial role of KIBSs in sustaining and enhancing overall economic activity in South Korea.

Association of triglyceride glucose-body mass index and hemoglobin glycation index with heart failure prevalence in hypertensive populations: a study across different glucose metabolism status

BackgroundThe Triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) and hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) are well-established surrogate markers for insulin resistance. Nevertheless, the extent to which these markers offer additive predictive value for heart failure (HF) prevalence in hypertensive populations, and their predictive utility across various diabetic statuses, remains to be clarified. Consequently, this study aimed to explore the independent and synergistic effects of TyG-BMI and HGI on HF risk among individuals with different diabetic statuses.MethodsData from the study population (n = 9847) were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the combined associations between TyG-BMI and HGI and the prevalence of HF across various diabetic statuses.ResultsIn the total population, compared to the reference group (low TyG-BMI and low HGI), the OR (95% CI) for HF prevalence was 1.30 (1.04, 1.64) for the combination of low TyG-BMI and high HGI, 2.40 (1.76, 3.29) for high TyG-BMI and low HGI, and 3.47 (2.41, 4.99) for high TyG-BMI and high HGI. Interestingly, among normoglycemic individuals, higher TyG-BMI and HGI did not significantly increase the prevalence of HF. Conversely, in the prediabetic population, the OR (95%CI) for HF prevalence was 2.42 (1.69, 3.48) for the combination of high TyG-BMI and low HGI, and 4.30 (2.45, 7.54) for high TyG-BMI and high HGI. Similarly, in the diabetic population, the OR (95%CI) for HF prevalence was 2.22 (1.43, 3.45) for low TyG-BMI and high HGI, 4.04 (2.43, 6.73) for high TyG-BMI and low HGI, and 4.13 (2.25, 7.59) for high TyG-BMI and high HGI, compared to low TyG-BMI and low HGI.ConclusionThis study reveals that elevated TyG-BMI and HGI levels exert a synergistic impact on the prevalence of HF in hypertensive adults, especially in those with prediabetes and diabetes. Additionally, the presence of prediabetes and diabetes may amplify the detrimental combined effect of TyG-BMI and HGI on HF prevalence.

Tumor Budding, Poorly Differentiated Clusters, and Stroma Percentage in Uterine Endometrioid Carcinomas Are Morphologic Findings Associated With Adverse Clinical Outcomes

Uterine endometrioid carcinoma (UEC) has well-defined morphologic features that carry prognostic significance and guide treatment. In addition to the well-known features, tumor budding (TB), poorly differentiated clusters (PDCs), and amount of stroma within the invasive front are associated with a poor prognostic outcome in many carcinomas. Here, we evaluate TB, PDCs, and the stroma percentage in UEC and correlate these findings with morphologic features known to be associated with a poor clinical outcome and with recurrence-free survival (RFS). We performed a retrospective search of our institution’s EMR for cases of hysterectomy for UEC. We collected clinical data including disease recurrence, death, and data associated with poor patient outcomes. Cases were evaluated for TB, PDCs, and percent stroma by 2 pathologists. Ten 20× fields were examined, and the one with the most PDCs and TB was evaluated. Percent stroma was evaluated in a ×10 field of tumor at the area of deepest invasion. Less than 10% stroma was defined as stroma poor, and &gt;10% stroma was defined as stroma rich. Statistical testing and analysis were conducted, and P-value was set at 0.05. One hundred thirteen cases were evaluated. Decreased RFS was seen with TB (P=0.03), at least 5 PDCs (P=0.01), and stroma-rich tumors (P=0.043). This study shows a statistically significant association between TB presence, at least 5 PDCs, stroma-rich tumors, and decreased RFS in UEC. We conclude that TB, PDCs and stromal evaluation are strong independent prognostic indicators in UEC and provide additional value to the currently used morphologic assessment of UEC.

Assessing carbon storage and sequestration benefits of urban greening in Nador City, Morocco, utilizing GIS and the InVEST model

In the 21st century, tackling climate change is an important challenge, and the absorption of CO2 via urban greening employing photosynthesis offers a potential answer to the climate issue. Within this work, the city of Nador is chosen as a case study. The initiative in question proposes an enhanced technique focused on estimating the advantages of urban greening in terms of carbon storage and sequestration. This technique combines the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools and the InVEST model, enabling the study of land use and land cover (LULC) scenarios within the location. These scenarios contain numerous alternatives, ranging from the adoption of intense and extensive green roofs to the establishment of gardens and woodland areas. The carbon storage modeling technique depends on the exploitation of land use maps, reinforced by a bibliographic examination of the key carbon reservoirs. The analysis of results from biophysical modeling indicates a considerable increase of over 45.36 % compared to the existing condition when the option of extensive green roofs is chosen. In the setting of extensive green roofs, this rise reaches a rate of 64.20 %. Furthermore, the restoration of the Gourougou forest north of the city leads to an increase of 70.30 %. The adoption of diverse combinations, such as the integration of green roofs with urban vegetation, greatly helps to further enhancing carbon storage. From a financial perspective, the additional value can range from $2,012,825.16 to $3,601,025.53, depending on the chosen scenario. This financial assessment highlights the possible advantages that might be converted into carbon credits in return for emission reduction, partially offsetting the expenses associated with the adoption of each greening solution. Ultimately, these findings give a chance for urban planners and green architecture professionals to perform in-depth planning analyses.

Determinants of Operations Management Faculty Salary: Is Publishing in “A” Journals the “Bottom Line”?

This study investigates the determinants of salary for operations management scholars. Is it as some opine that the only thing that matters is the publication count in “A” journals? How do the full range of activities: research, teaching, service, and administration, affect salary? The present research seeks to shed light on these questions and is predicated on a data set that consists of the research, teaching, and service outcomes, along with salary, for a full census of operations management faculty at 22 public universities (227 faculty) for base, 9-month salary and a subset of 15 universities (150 faculty) for total annual compensation. The results demonstrate partial support for the hypotheses that only “A” publications are financially rewarded, with publications in Production and Operations Management having the highest correlation with salary. The salary reward for publishing in “A” journals is unaffected by number of coauthors. Publications in other academic journals, top-tier practitioner journals, and top journals in sister-fields, and measures of impact, such as citations, H-index, and research awards provide no additional explanatory value of salary. Likewise, service and teaching awards do not add explanatory value. Female Full Professors are paid roughly $23,000 less in base salary than their male counterparts. Non-publishing factors that significantly contribute to salary include changing university affiliations (only for Associate and Full Professors), taking on administrative duties, as well as certain qualitative measures such as achieving Fellow status at the Production and Operations Management Society.

Exploring novel heat transfer correlations: Machine learning insights for molten salt heat exchangers

The utilization of molten salts in heat transfer applications, specifically within shell-and-tube heat exchangers, has garnered significant attention for its potential in sustainable energy solutions. this study employs advanced machine learning algorithms, including decision tree regressor, support vector regressor, extreme gradient boosting, and random forest, to not only predict the heat transfer behavior of molten salts but also unravel the complex mechanisms underlying this process. Achieving a remarkable accuracy score of 0.985, the Support Vector Regressor leads the predictive models, closely followed by random forest (0.982), Decision Tree Regressor (0.974), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (0.965). The incorporation of Shapley Additive exPlanations values accentuates the Reynolds number’s pivotal role, elucidating a robust correlation with the Nusselt value. These insights transcend mere prediction, offering a profound understanding that can significantly impact the design and optimization of molten salt heat exchangers. The applications of molten salts extend across various sectors, including concentrated solar energy and thermal storage, solidifying their position as a versatile and effective solution in the pursuit of sustainable and efficient energy systems.