Value Of Factor Research Articles

Prediction of prognosis, efficacy of lung adenocarcinoma by machine learning model based on immune and metabolic related genes

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to integrate immune and metabolism-related genes in order to construct a predictive model for predicting the prognosis and treatment response of LUAD(lung adenocarcinoma) patients, aiming to address the challenges posed by this highly lethal and heterogeneous disease.Material and methodsUsing TCGA-LUAD as the training subset, differential gene expression analysis, batch survival analysis, Lasso regression analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed to construct prognostic related gene models. GEO queue as validation subsets, is used to validate build Riskscore. Then, we explore the Riskscore and mutation status, immune cell infiltration, the relationship between immune therapy and chemotherapy, and build the model of the nomogram.ResultsThe Riskscore has been determined to be composed of seven gene. In the high-risk group defined by this score, both early-stage and advanced-stage LUAD patients exhibit a decreased overall survival rate. The mutation status of patients as well as immune cell infiltration show associations with the Riskscore value obtained from these genes’ expression levels. Furthermore, there exist variations in response to immunotherapy as well as sensitivity to commonly used chemotherapy drugs among different individuals. Lastly, when using a column line plot model based on the calculated Riskscore values, we obtain a concordance index (C-index) was 0 .716 (95% CI 0.671–0.762), and time-dependent ROC predicted probabilities of 1-, 3- and 5-year survival for LUAD patients were 0.752, 0.725 and 0.654, respectively.ConclusionIn conclusion, we have successfully developed a predictive model incorporating immune and metabolism-related genes, encompassing gene expression levels of CAT/CCL20/GPI/INSL4 NT5E/GSTA3/GNPNAT1. This comprehensive model not only enables the prognosis prediction for LUAD patients but also facilitates the prediction of their response to first-line chemotherapy drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors, thus demonstrating its broad potential in clinical applications. However, our study still has limitations as it is based on TCGA and GEO databases with limited pathological characteristics of patients. Therefore, more practical and valuable factors are needed to predict efficacy. The crosstalk between metabolism and immunity remains to be explored. Finally, this study lacks experimental evidence for the underlying gene expression of prognosis and further research is required.

Boosting Supramolecular Gelation Efficiency and Properties: Ionic Strength as a Key to Superior Hydrogels.

Controlling the minimum gelation concentration (MGC) of low molecular weight (LMW) hydrogelators is a key for modulating gel properties, such as mechanical strength, viscoelasticity, and stability, which are crucial for applications ranging from drug delivery to tissue engineering. However, tweaking the MGC under specific conditions, such as pH and/or temperature, poses a considerable challenge. Herein, we varied the ionic strength of buffer solutions using NaCl for several LMW hydrogelators, including Fmoc-Phe, Fmoc-Tyr, Fmoc-Trp, Fmoc-Met, and Fmoc-Cha, and assessed their gelation efficiency at pH 7.4 and ambient temperature. Interestingly, Fmoc-Phe demonstrated a ∼67% (3-fold) MGC reduction, from 0.24 to 0.08 wt %, at 500 mM NaCl, transforming it a "super hydrogelator" (MGC < 0.1 wt %), while Fmoc-Trp showed 60% MGC reduction. Higher ionic strength effectively shields the electrostatic repulsion between negatively charged (-COO-) groups on the Fmoc-Phe, promoting closer aggregation and more efficient self-assembly and allowing for gelation at lower concentrations. In contrast, Fmoc-Met, Fmoc-Cha, and Fmoc-Tyr precipitated in the presence of NaCl, suggesting that NaCl specifically modulates the MGC of Fmoc-amino acid gelators containing unsubstituted aromatic side chains. Furthermore, these results indicate that cation-π interactions likely play a role, alongside carboxylic acid neutralization. While Fmoc-Phe forms gels in the presence of other monovalent cations, it does not form a hydrogel in the presence of divalent (CaCl2) and trivalent (AlCl3), indicating that enhancement of hydrogelation is specific to monovalent cations. Although the fibrillar structure of Fmoc-Phe hydrogels remained consistent, addition of NaCl increased fibril stickiness, creating densely packed networks that modulate the mechanical strength. Unlike typical cases where increased ionic strength leads to precipitation, Fmoc-Phe gelation at high NaCl concentrations (150-500 mM) is significant, yielding a robust supramolecular hydrogel that remains stable in high ionic-strength environments. This outcome suggests that ionic strength could be a valuable factor to enhance the efficient gelation of LMW hydrogelators.

Predicting solitary pulmonary lesions in breast cancer patients using 18fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography combined with clinicopathological characteristics

BackgroundSolitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) remain difficult to diagnose for clinical therapeutic purposes in patients with a history of breast cancer. This study try to investigate the value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) combined with clinicopathological predictors for the differential diagnosis of SPNs in breast cancer patients.MethodsOne hundred and twenty breast cancer patients with newly detected SPNs were enrolled in the study and divided into a primary lung cancer (PLC) group and a breast cancer metastasis (BCM) group. The clinicopathological characteristics as well as metabolic and morphological characteristics on 18F-FDG-PET/CT images of 120 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The differences of clinicopathological and 18F-FDG-PET/CT characteristics between the two groups were analyzed, and multivariate analyses for the diagnosis of SPNs were performed.ResultsClinicopathological terms of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA15-3 levels exhibited significant differences between PLC and BCM groups (P = 0.005 and P = 0.001, respectively). Metabolic characteristics of 18F-FDG-PET/CT images included FDG uptake, SUVmax of SPNs, hilar and/or mediastinal lymph node metastasis, SUVmax of hilar and/or mediastinal lymph node, and extrapulmonary metastasis showed significant differences between PLC and BCM groups (P = 0.004, P < 0.001, P = 0.01, P = 0.032 and P = 0.023, respectively). The lobulation sign, spicule sign, and pleural indentation sign were identified as statistically different morphological features of PLC in CT images (all P < 0.001). Among these, the SUVmax of SPNs, lobulation sign, and pleural indentation sign were valuable predictive factors for accurate diagnosis of SPNs in breast cancer patients.Conclusions18F-FDG-PET/CT combined with serum tumor markers are valuable for the diagnosis of SPNs in breast cancer patients.

Is that JPEG worth 70 million dollars? Value creation and perceptions of nonfungible tokens in a bubble economy

ABSTRACT Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have sparked questions about value. In our attempt to shed light on the value of NFTs, especially during their dramatic rise in the early 2020s, we develop a theoretical analysis of the extrinsic factors shaping NFT value based on a perfect storm of individual, social, marketing, and environmental factors. After detailing the effects of each of these factors in shaping NFT valuation, we develop a new understanding of value in a frenzy of celebrity influence, social media, decentralized authority, unregulated markets, marketing hype, and media magnification. We also articulate the intrinsic factors that still affect value as well. We argue that in the NFT bubble economy and its aftermath, extrinsic, social, and situational factors came to dominate valuation. We offer advice on how to make sense of value in the post NFT bubble and outline a research agenda that considers the role of cryptocurrency and metaverse.

The Influence of Sex and Gender on the Level and Course of Subjective Cognitive Complaints After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Cognitive complaints (e.g., health anxiety and illness disruption) are commonly experienced by patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). While it is known that sex and gender affect health, their influence on cognitive complaints remains unknown. The current study explored sex and gender differences in cognitive complaints during the first month (acute phase) and beyond, up to 2years (recovery phase) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A total of 514 (Mage = 64.2 ± 8.9, 84.2% male) completed the cognitive scale of the Health Complaints Scale (i.e., overall cognitive complaints, health worry, illness disruption) at baseline, 1, 12, and 24months post-PCI. Additional questionnaires to gauge gender identity, traits, and norms were administered in a follow-up study. General linear mixed model analyses were conducted to examine the influence of sex, gender, sex × gender, and covariates on cognitive complaints. Cognitive complaints only decreased in the first month post-PCI (all p < .01). There were no clear sex differences. However, gender generally predicted cognitive complaints in the first 2 years post-PCI: masculinity was related to less complaints, whereas feminine individuals reported higher absolute levels of complaints. The current findings reveal that gender is a valuable factor concerning health complaints and indicate the need to further elaborate on the discrepancies between sex and gender in health research.

Dynamic changes of endogenous phytohormones and carbohydrates during spontaneous morphogenesis of Centaurium erythraea Rafn.

Common centaury (Centaurium eryhtraea Rafn) is a medicinal plant species with vigorous morphogenic potential in vitro. The process of spontaneous shoot regeneration in a solid root culture is characteristic for this plant species. In this context, the aim of this work was to investigate the dynamic changes of endogenous phytohormones and carbohydrates content in root explants at different time points (0, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 60 days) during spontaneous centaury morphogenesis in vitro. Detailed analysis of cytokinins (CKs) showed that trans-zeatin (tZ) was the major bioactive CK at all time points. The corresponding riboside, tZ9R, was also determined in the majority of the identified transport forms, at all time-points. Further analysis of endogenous auxin revealed a significant increase in endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) after 21 days, when a huge jump in the ratio of IAA/bioactive CKs was also observed. The maximum total soluble sugar content was measured after 14 days, while a significant decrease was determined after 21 days, when the first regenerated adventitious shoots appeared. This undoubtedly indicates an increased energy requirement prior to the actual regeneration of the shoots. The obtained results indicate that the period from day 14 to day 21 involves the most dramatic disturbances in endogenous bioactive CKs, IAA and carbohydrate balance, which are very important and valuable factors for the onset of shoot regeneration.

Typology of Business Incubators in Spain According to the Stages of Startups Incubation

The aim of this work was to classify the business incubators in Spain according to the four phases of the startup’s incubation process. Considering that the graduation rate implies greater survival and business success of the incubated companies, they have been identified at each stage of the incubation (spread of entrepreneurship, pre-incubation, advanced incubation, and graduation). The activities that present higher impacts on the success of the incubated companies and the activities carried out by the business incubator that have a greater relevance on the graduation of the companies have concretely been considered. Principal component (PC) cluster analysis has been applied. All the incubation variables were used simultaneously, reducing their number and grouping them into factors. Finally, the cases were grouped according to these latent variables. Principal component analysis reduced dimensionality to eight factors with a 74% explained variance. Factor 1 was positively related to pre-incubation variables; factor 2 was linked to training and collaboration variables within the entrepreneurship diffusion phase. Factor 3, named activity monitoring and control, was related to phase 3, or basic incubation variables. Cluster analysis facilitates the grouping of business incubators into three clusters: Group 1 (16% of the total), incubators with strong deficits in incubation phases 1, 2, and 3. They are small-sized business incubators, often located in rural areas or cities, with a low graduation rate. Group 2 (30%), business incubators with a very high graduation rate and strongly positive values in factors 1 and 2. Factor 3, although positive, is susceptible to improvement. They are the largest group of business incubators and usually located in industrial and technological parks. Group 3 (54%) is the majority, with values close to clusters 2 and 3.

Conversations with patients about death - experienced GPs' reflections and experiences.

The ageing population in Norway is steadily increasing, and both the number and complexity of patient-related tasks assigned to the primary health service, including GPs, are growing. This study aimed to investigate how experienced GPs conducted and reflected on conversations with their patients about death. Semi-structured in-depth interviews with ten experienced GPs, all specialists in general practice, were analysed using cross-case thematic analysis. Almost all the GPs viewed talking about death with their patients as a natural part of a GP's duties. The conversations were perceived as both challenging and meaningful. Having sufficient time for the conversation and getting to know the patients over time were considered valuable factors for good conversations. The GPs looked for golden moments in which to address the topic. The content of the conversation could vary, from specific measures to alleviate symptoms to the more existential and philosophical. The GPs expressed that they lacked formal competence and largely relied on their experience and belief in their communication skills when interacting with patients. Several described the lack of clarity on treatment intensity from the specialist health service as a barrier to initiating and conducting good conversations about death. Most of the GPs in this study talked to their patients about death and considered it a natural and necessary part of the GP's role.

Asset pricing in African frontier equity markets

This paper undertakes a horse races style comparison of the efficacy of a range of multifactor asset pricing models in explaining the cross section of stock returns in African securities markets. Valuation factors used include size, book-to-market value, momentum, operating profit, asset growth or investment, liquidity and investor protection. Using monthly returns of 375 blue chip firms from 8 African equity markets over 23 years, we undertake a horse-race style comparison of various classes of augmented CAPM models. We show that both the Fama & French (2015) five factor and Fama & French (2018) six factor framework yield the highest explanatory power. Analysis of costs of equity and optimized portfolio opportunity set simulations reveal substantial differences arising and borne by practitioners from the contrasting application of different asset pricing models underscoring the timely importance of our study.

Functional analysis of TkWRKY33: A key regulator in drought-induced natural rubber synthesis in Taraxacum kok-saghyz

WRKY proteins, which form a transcription factor superfamily that responds to jasmonic acid (JA) signals, regulate various developmental processes and stress responses in plants, including Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS). TKS serves as an ideal model plant for studying rubber production and lays the foundation for a comprehensive understanding of JA-mediated regulation of natural rubber synthesis. In the present study, we screened and identified a valuable transcription factor, TkWRKY33, based on transcriptome data from TKS in response to JA. We investigated its role in the regulation of natural rubber synthesis within the JA signaling pathway and its function in response to drought stress. Through protein-protein interactions and transcriptional regulation analysis, we found that TkWRKY33 may regulate natural rubber synthesis through the JA-TkMPK3-TkWRKY33-(TkGGPS5/TkACAT8) cascade pathway, possibly by participating in JA-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Overexpression of TkWRKY33 in tobacco, along with functional analysis of drought resistance and comparative analysis of natural rubber content after drought stress, revealed that TkWRKY33 not only enhances plant drought resistance by regulating the expression of genes related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging through the JA signaling pathway, but also has a close relationship with the signal transduction pathway mediated by the JA hormone in regulating natural rubber synthesis.The TkWRKY33 is recognized as a valuable transcription factor, which likely plays a role in regulating natural rubber biosynthesis through the JA-activated MAPK cascade signaling pathway JA-TkMPK3-TkWRKY33-(TkGGPS5/TkACAT8).

The effect of handedness and biological sex on fingermark ridge height and volume as examined by 3D imaging.

For decades, detectives and forensic scientists have relied on friction ridge skin comparisons to identify individuals in criminal investigations. This method involves examining (latent) fingermarks, typically captured as two-dimensional (2D) images, and comparing them with known inked impressions or scans. The comparisons focus on general patterns, the location and orientation of minutiae, and additional characteristics like scars or pores. However, this common process overlooks other potentially valuable factors, such as handedness, biological sex, and the time since deposition, which could provide crucial investigative leads, especially in cases with partial or unclear ridge patterns. This study explored the potential of three-dimensional (3D) optical profilometry (OP) to observe changes in fingermarks ridge height and volume over 7 days while considering hand dominance and biological sex. The results indicated that all the assessed 3D metrics were generally consistent in detecting the effects of sex and handedness, mostly noticeable on aged fingermarks. Specifically, females and impressions from their non-dominant hand exhibited higher values. Additionally, the influence of time was evident, with fresh fingermarks showing significantly larger ridges in terms of height and volume. These findings suggest that 3D OP can enhance the probative value of fingermarks by inferring additional characteristics such as sex, handedness, and the age of the impression. These activity-level propositions could provide useful information in cases where only partial or poor-quality fingermarks are recovered, providing new data dimensions that could lead to more comprehensive forensic examinations.

Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis: The First Histopathological Study in Vietnam.

Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (IRFS) is a rare but highly fatal disease. The two primary groups of pathogens, Mucorales and Aspergillus, require different treatments and have distinct prognoses. This study aimed to analyze the histopathological features of IFRS. We conducted a retrospective study involving 57 IFRS cases. Demographic and comorbid characteristics were obtained from clinical records. Two pathologists independently examined the histopathological features using H&E, PAS, and GMS-stained slides. Fungal groups were identified with PCR under the guidance of histopathology. The mean age of IFRS was 58.9 ± 13.4. The male-to-female ratio was 1.4:1. 100% of cases had diabetes comorbidity. Mucorales, Aspergillus, and other fungi were found in 61.4%, 33.3%, and 5.3% of cases, respectively. No Aspergillus and Mucorales co-infections were detected. Histopathology and PCR results were strongly concordant in classifying pathogens (Cohen's kappa = 84.2%, 95% CI 60.1% - 100%, p < 0.001). Mucormycosis exhibited higher rates of extensive necrosis and vascular invasion, and lower rates of pigment and spore presence than the non-Mucormycosis group (p < 0.001, p = 0.01, p = 0.02, p = 0.03, respectively). Extensive necrosis and vascular invasion were statistically significantly correlative (OR = 13.03, 95% CI 2.62-64.75, p = 0.002). IFRS predominantly affects older adults and males. Histopathology is a reliable method for differentiating between Mucorales and Aspergillus. When extensive necrosis is detected, it is critical to investigate for vascular invasion carefully. The vascular invasion, degree of necrosis, pigments, and spores are valuable factors for distinguishing fungal agents of IFRS.

A novel DNA methylation-based surrogate biomarker for chronic systemic inflammation (InfLaMeS): results from the Health and Retirement Study.

Chronic low-grade systemic inflammation is a risk factor for chronic diseases and mortality and is an important biomarker in health research. DNA methylation (DNAm) surrogate biomarkers are valuable exposure, risk factor and health outcome predictors in studies where the measures cannot be measured directly and often perform as well or better than direct measure. We generated a DNAm surrogate biomarker for chronic, systemic inflammation from a systemic inflammation latent variable of seven inflammatory markers and evaluated its performance relative to measured inflammatory biomarkers in predicting several age-associated outcomes of interest, including mortality, activities of daily living and multimorbidity in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). The DNAm surrogate, Inflammation Latent Variable Methylation Surrogate (InfLaMeS), correlated with seven individual inflammation markers (r= -0.2-0.6) and performed as well or better to the systemic inflammation latent variable measure when predicting multimorbidity, disability, and 4-year mortality in HRS. Findings were validated in an external cohort, The Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing. These results suggest that InfLaMeS provides a robust alternative to measured blood-chemistry measures of inflammation with broad applicability in instances where values of inflammatory markers are not measured but DNAm data is available.

Factors Affecting Investment Decisions of Individuals: A Comparative Study Between Developed and Emerging Markets (The Case of Jordan)

This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing individuals' investment decisions in Jordan, comparing emerging markets (such as Jordan) and developed markets (such as Dubai). The sample included 100 individual investors (50 from Jordan and 50 from Dubai), and a 30-item questionnaire covering economic, psychological, social, and technical factors was used. The results showed that economic factors such as inflation and growth significantly influence investment decisions in both markets, but without significant statistical differences, as the T-statistic value for economic factors was 0.8665 and the P-value was 0.3883. On the other hand, psychological factors were more influential in developed markets, as the T-Statistic showed a value of -4.3778 and the P-value was 0.00003, indicating that Dubai investors bear more risks than Jordan. Technical factors significantly impacted developed markets, as the F-statistic value was 9.623 and the P-value was 0.0025. In contrast, the study showed that investors in emerging markets face more significant challenges compared to developed markets, with a T-Statistic of 6.6154 and a P-Value of 0.0000000019. The study recommends increasing government support to enhance political and economic stability in emerging markets to mitigate investor challenges. It also recommends enhancing the use of technology in investing in emerging markets, and improving financial education to encourage informed risk-taking. In addition, it is suggested that regulators in developed markets adopt strategies that support greater transparency and clarity of investment opportunities to facilitate decision-making.

Inter-Nation Equity And The Regulation of Tax Competition via the Global Minimum Tax Rule: A Case for Improvement

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an institution that influences policymaking in international tax law, and it is changing the international tax architecture to deal with tax competition by encouraging countries to adopt a global minimum tax rule. This emerging rule – called Pillar Two in international tax circles – is inadequate for dealing with poverty and inequality in an asymmetrical global context. The rule is premised on the notion and argument that tax competition is a problem for international tax law. Notwithstanding, there is existing research and evidence to show that tax competition can also be a solution to the enormous challenge of poverty and inequality as it can have a redistributive effect. This is a valuable factor amid the inefficiently asymmetrical global society with extreme poverty in many countries and enormous wealth in a few others.This article submits that the Pillar Two minimum tax rule – the Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) Rules encompassing the income inclusion rule (IIR), undertaxed payment/profit rule (UTPR), and qualified domestic minimum top-up tax (QDMTT) – should incorporate inter-nation equity to prevent exacerbating global inequality and poverty. Pillar Two intensifies these for at least two reasons: (1) it restricts the positive redistributive effects of tax competition on an inefficiently asymmetrical global society, and (2) it encourages tax competition more suited for high-income countries (HICs) and less suited for those that are low-income countries (LICs). There is latitude to incorporate a differentiated principle deriving from inter-nation equity into this new Pillar Two rule designed to regulate tax competition globally. This proposal requires that the emerging rule be disenabled in certain circumstances to enable LICs to choose whether to apply the rule without being worse off. The article’s proposal seeks to allow LICs room for effective tax competition needed to attain sustainable development goals.

The Impact of Socio-Economic Factors on Digital Skills in the Population of the EU 27 Countries

This research investigates digital skills across the 27 EU countries, examining how incentive and disincentive factors shape these competencies, particularly under varying socio-economic conditions. Using a quantitative methodology, the study applies cluster analysis and linear ordering methods to classify countries by digital skills indicators, utilising data from the Eurostat Digital Economy and Society database. Key analytical methods—including Hellwig’s method, order counting, and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS)—are employed to pinpoint crucial factors that stimulate digital competencies, such as investment in research, training programmes, and innovation. Findings indicate that countries within clusters featuring higher values in these stimulative factors tend to adopt a proactive approach to digital development. These clusters frequently correlate with substantial investments in skills training and comprehensive educational policies. Conversely, clusters characterised by high disincentive variables, such as limited funding and socio-economic disparities, show slower progress in digital skills development, highlighting barriers in educational and social inclusion systems. The results reveal marked spatial disparities across the EU. Leading countries typically have robust education systems promoting lifelong learning and inclusivity, while lagging countries face structural challenges, including centralised education systems and urban-rural divides. This disparity underscores the need for sustained investment in education, training, and policy support to enhance workforce digital skills. The study highlights that digital competencies are closely intertwined with each country's educational and socio-economic frameworks, recommending targeted interventions to foster lifelong digital literacy and reduce skills gaps. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, interdisciplinary research is essential for addressing both quantitative and qualitative aspects of digital skill development. Future studies should aim to bridge the digital divide through comprehensive strategies for upskilling populations, ensuring inclusive digital integration across all EU countries.

Prediction the Occurrence of Thalassemia With Hematological Phenotype by Diagnosis of Abnormal HbA1c.

The current investigation aims to analyze the occurrence of thalassemia in patients who participated in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) testing in clinical laboratory showing high hemoglobin F (HbF) level (≥ 1.5%) or abnormal Hb peak and predict the main influence factors by using different statistical models. The current investigation is a single-center retrospective cohort study. HbA1c concentration was detected by using TOSOH HLC-723G8 glycated hemoglobin analyzer. SNaPshot SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) typing and AccuCopy technology were employed to detect mutations in thalassemia-related pathogenic genes. A total of 126 patients endured high HbF levels or abnormal Hb peak during HbA1c detection, and 66.7% of subjects (n = 84) showed thalassemia mutations. Three heterozygosity mutations, including c.52A>T (p.K18*), c.-78A>G, and c.126_129delCTTT(p.F42Lfs*19) present in HBB gene, were also identified. --SEA/αα mutation demonstrated the youngest ages (p < 0.001). 17 M (p < 0.001) and 41/42 M (p < 0.01) mutations with β-thalassemia showed higher HbF levels compared with patients without thalassemia mutations. Except for -α3.7, mutations in thalassemia showed lower levels of mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) compared with patients without thalassemia mutations. Patients with thalassemia mutations showed younger age (p < 0.001), lower Hb (p < 0.001), MCV and MCH levels (p < 0.001), higher red blood cell (RBC)count (p < 0.001), and platelet distribution width (PDW) level (p = 0.007) than patients without thalassemia mutations. Three statistical models indicate MCV is the most valuable independent factor for predicting thalassemia and ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curves analysis of AUC (Area Under the Curve) of 0.855 (95% CI [0.787-0.923], p < 0.001) with MCV. High HbF level (≥ 1.5%) or abnormal Hb peak present in HbA1c testing indicated high incident rate of thalassemia. MCV is the most valuable independent predicting factor for subjects having thalassemia.

Association of triglyceride-glucose-body mass index with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among individuals with chronic kidney disease

There is still a paucity of research on the relationship between triglyceride-glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) and long-term all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between the TyG-BMI index and mortality rate and to determine valuable predictive factors for the survival status of this population. Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2001–2018) and the National Death Index (NDI). We used multivariate Cox regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) to analyze the link between the TyG-BMI index and all-cause and CVD mortality. Subgroup analysis was conducted according to age, gender, race, education and poverty. In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to assess the differentiation of the TyG-BMI index in predicting mortality. A total of 3089 individuals were enrolled. Over a median follow-up period of 81 months, 1097 individuals passed away. The RCS analysis revealed a U-shaped link between the TyG-BMI index and all-cause and CVD mortality. The ROC curve indicated that the TyG-BMI index has a stronger diagnostic effect than the TyG index. Subgroup analysis results demonstrated that the TyG-BMI index was more significantly correlated with all-cause and CVD mortality rates in elderly patients. In the American population, a U-shaped association was discovered between the baseline TyG-BMI index and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality rates in CKD patients. The thresholds for all-cause and CVD mortality were found to be 299.31 and 294.85, respectively.

BOARD ATTRIBUTES AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING OF LISTED FIRMS IN NIGERIA

This study investigates the impact of board attributes on sustainability reporting among listed firms in Nigeria from 2013 to 2022, using a correlational research design. The research population encompasses all Nigerian listed firms, with a stratified sampling technique deemed appropriate for the study. Secondary data were sourced from the audited annual reports and accounts of sampled firms available on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) website. The analysis of the extracted panel data was conducted using multiple regression techniques with STATA version 13. The findings of the study reveal that board size, gender diversity, and independence positively influence sustainability reporting, while board commitment has a negative impact on sustainability reporting. Consequently, the study recommends that the management of Nigerian listed firms should view large and diverse boards as an asset for promoting sustainability reporting. Such boards, comprising experienced and knowledgeable members, are more likely to make effective decisions on sustainability-related issues. Additionally, the presence of women on boards should be considered a valuable factor in encouraging comprehensive financial reporting, which includes qualitative and quantitative information on the social, environmental, and economic activities of the business for stakeholders.

Effect of using MgO coating with multiple coatings on the optical properties of a five-layer stack

تم استخدام المادة العازلة MgO ذات معامل الانكسار العالي (H) 1.737 مع أربعة مواد عازلة BaF2 (فلوريد الباريوم) و Al2O3 (الألومينا) و GdF3 (فلوريد الجادولينيوم) و LaF3 اللانثانوم فلورايد ذوات معامل انكسار واطيء (L) 1.4825 و 1.5322 و 1.59 و 1.6056 على التوالي كطلاءات بصرية لخمس طبقات وللتصميمين الأول هو ((Glass/H/L/H/L/H والثاني (Glass/L/H/L/H/L) ، باستخدام برنامج MATLAB. تم حساب الخصائص البصرية (M، Rvis.، Rsol.، Tsol.) للطلاءات البصرية الأربعة المتكونة ، وذلك لمعرفة أي طلاء منها كفوء لتلوين زجاج الأنظمة الشمسية المستخدمة كواجهات للأبنية وأيها غير كفوء. تظهر النتائج أنه في التصميم الأول (Glass/H/L/H/L/H) للطبقات الخمس ، يوجد طلاءان فقط لهما كفاءة للتلوين ، وهما الطلاءان (MgO + BaF2) و (MgO + Al2O3) ، لأنهما يحققان القيم المطلوبة من عامل الجدارة (M) والانعكاسية المرئية Rvis. حيث ان القيم المطلوبة لقيم عامل الجدارة (M) و.Rvis والتي تجعل الطلاء كفوءاً للتلوين هي 6% و12% على التوالي ، ولهما قمة انعكاس منتظمة وحادة للتلوين في المنطقة المرئية. في التصميم الأول ، يتناسب معامل الانكسار عكسياً مع الخصائص البصرية للطلاء وبالتالي كفاءة تلوين الطلاء ، مما يعني أن طلاء (MgO + BaF2) أكثر كفاءة من طلاء (MgO + Al2O3) للتلوين. يعتبر التصميم الثاني (Glass/L/H/L/H/L) للطبقات الخمس غير كفوء للتلوين للطلاءات الأربعة ( (MgO + BaF2 ، (MgO+ Al2O3) ، (MgO + GdF3) ، MgO + LaF3)) لأنها لا تمتلك القيم المطلوبة من (M) و . Rvis