Index Values Research Articles

Delta shock index predicts injury severity, interventions, and outcomes in trauma patients: A 10-year retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND Most trauma occurs among young male subjects in Qatar. We examined the predictive values of the delta shock index (DSI), defined as the change in the shock index (SI) value from the scene to the initial reading in the emergency unit (i.e. , subtracting the calculated SI at admission from SI at the scene), at a Level 1 trauma center. AIM To explore whether high DSI is associated with severe injuries, more interventions, and worse outcomes [i.e. , blood transfusion, exploratory laparotomy, ventilator-associated pneumonia, hospital length of stay (HLOS), and in-hospital mortality]. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted after data were extracted from the National Trauma Registry between 2011 and 2021. Patients were grouped based on DSI as low (≤ 0.1) or high (> 0.1). Data were analyzed and compared using χ 2 and Student’s t -tests. Correlations between DSI and injury severity score (ISS), revised trauma score (RTS), abbreviated injury scale (AIS), Glasgow coma scale (GCS), trauma score-ISS (TRISS), HLOS, and number of transfused blood units (NTBU), were assessed using correlation coefficient analysis. The diagnostic testing accuracy for predicting mortality was determined using the validity measures of the DSI. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of mortality. RESULTS This analysis included 13212 patients with a mean age of 33 ± 14 years, and 24% had a high DSI. Males accounted for 91% of the study population. The trauma activation level was higher in patients with a high DSI (38% vs 15%, P = 0.001). DSI correlated with RTS (r = -0.30), TRISS (r = -0.30), NTBU (r = 0.20), GCS (r = -0.24), ISS (r = 0.22), and HLOS (r = 0.14) (P = 0.001 for all). High DSI was associated with significantly higher rates of intubation, laparotomy, ventilator-associated pneumonia, massive transfusion activation, and mortality than low DSI. For mortality prediction, a high DSI had better specificity, negative predictive value, and negative likelihood ratio (77%, 99%, and 0.49%, respectively). After adjusting for age, emergency medical services time, GCS score, and ISS, multivariable regression analysis showed that DSI was an independent predictor of mortality (odds ratio = 1.9; 95% confidence interval: 1.35-2.76). CONCLUSION In addition to sex-biased observations, almost one-quarter of the study cohort had a higher DSI and were mostly young. High DSI correlated significantly with the other injury severity scores, which require more time and imaging to be ready to use. Therefore, DSI is a practical, simple bedside tool for triaging and prognosis in young patients with trauma.

Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soil-crop System in Different Ecological Regions of Ningxia

Heavy metals are characterized by toxicity，non-biodegradability，and accumulation in the food chain；hence，o the distribution of heavy metals in farmland soils and crop food safety have attracted much attention. A total of 1 274 soil samples and crop samples were collected from farmland in Ningxia from 2017 to 2021 and bioconcentration coefficients were used based on the analysis of the elemental contents of Zn，Cr，Ni，Cu，Pb，As，Cd，and Hg. The ecological risk index and correlation analysis were used to characterize the heavy metal content and health risk assessment of the soil-crop system in Ningxia. The results showed that the soils in the study area were alkaline and the mechanical composition was dominated by pulverized and sandy grains，with a relatively small content of clay grains. The heavy metal contents in the soils were in the following order：Zn>Cr>Ni>Cu>Pb>As>Cd> Hg. Except for that of Cu and Ni，the contents of other heavy metals in the soils of the northern region were higher than those of the central and southern regions. The ecological risk index of soil heavy metals was Hg>Cd>As>Cu>Pb>Ni>Cr>Zn and the proportion of points with low and medium ecological risk index levels was high（98.58%），indicating that the soil environment was generally good. The average content of the eight heavy metals in crops did not exceed the limit value，and the average health risk index value was <1. However， the health risk index（HRI）of As in individual crops existed at points >1 in all three sub-regions and individual points with high values of HRI（HRI>1）for Cu and Ni were observed in crops in the northern region and for Pb in the north and south of the country，which require further attention. From the bioconcentration factor，crops showed no accumulation effect （BCF<1）for heavy metals such as As，Cd，Cr，Cu，Ni，Pb，and Zn and although the average uptake of Hg by crops did not show accumulation，a total of 31 crops in the three ecological zones showed some accumulation（BCF>1），which also requires further monitoring. Analysis using the Mantel's test showed that except for As and Ni in crops，which had a weak correlation with Cu content in the soil（0.05>Mantel's P>0.01），the other heavy metals in crops did not have a significant correlation with the corresponding soil heavy metals （Mantel's P≥0.05），indicating that the heavy metal contents in crops were less affected by soil heavy metals. RDA analysis showed that the sand content had a strong positive correlation with the transfer coefficients of heavy metals such as Hg，Ni，Pb，and Cd，while the powder content showed a strong negative correlation；however，the transfer coefficients of Cu，Zn，As，and Cr were not much affected by the mechanical composition of soils，and the correlation between the soil organic matter content and the transfer coefficients of heavy metals was also small. In summary，the quality of the soil environment and crops in the study area is generally good；however，attention must still be paid to the areas with high heavy metal content or exceeding the standard value to strictly control the input of pollutants，and at the same time，establishing long-term monitoring of the quality status of soil and agricultural products in the crop production area is a necessary control initiative.

Ecological and faunistic characteristics of taxoсenes of Collembola in the agrocenoses of Zhovkivsky (Lviv District

As a result of the conducted research, a total of 43 species of collembola were found, which belong to 29 genera and 10 families. In the course of longer and larger-scale research in agrocenoses, it is possible to detect significantly more species (according to literature data, no less than 70). The studied coenotic fauna (αb-diversity) includes from 5 to 21 species of collembola (on average 13.9). One soil sample (αa-diversity) contains from 1 to 8 species of Collembola (on average 2.1). The highest capacity of the medium for collembola at the level of αa-diversity is characteristic of wheat agrocenosis, and the smallest – of potato. The βa-diversity index of collembola (differentiating diversity) of the studied agrocenoses is 3.5 times higher than in natural biotopes of the broad-leaved forest zone, which is associated with a greater contrast of edaphic conditions of the arable environment. The noted high values of the βa-diversity index in agrocenoses are associated with relatively small values of the so-called point αa-diversity. A noticeable decrease in the ecological capacity of the environment for collembola at the level of αa-diversity in the studied agrocenoses is due to the contrast of physical and chemical conditions in specific edaphotopes, the weak edifying effect of the cultivated crop, as well as the implementation of agrotechnical measures. The analysis of the βα-diversity index shows that the greatest unevenness of intracenotic conditions for collembola was found in agrocenoses of wheat (βα-diversity = 5.9), the average in potatoes (5.3), and the smallest in rapeseed (4.7, respectively). The indicator of the average population of collembola in the studied types of agrocenoses varies in a 30-fold interval of values. It has the highest average value in wheat agrocenosis and the lowest value in potato. However, in comparison with natural forest and meadow coenoses, the maximum indicator of the number of pintails in the studied agrocenoses is about an order of magnitude lower. The obtained data on the share of families in the studied coenotic fauna generally agree with the literature data that are known for the natural coenoses of western Ukraine.

A novel methodology for assessing resources and environmental carrying capacity with emphasis on ecosystem services: A multi-disciplinary approach to sustainable urban planning

Due to increased human activities, urban areas face challenges in maintaining their environment and natural resources in support of development. As a result, it is necessary to plan according to the availability of resources and the state of the environment to achieve sustainable development. For this purpose, Carrying capacity (CC) can be used to assess the sustainability of cities as complex Social-Ecological Systems (SES). By emphasizing Ecosystem Services (ESs) and regional thresholds, this paper proposes a novel methodology to evaluate Urban Resources and Environmental Carrying Capacity (URECC). At first, an integrated simulation model is developed by combining an ecosystem services simulation model, a surface and ground water simulation model, a priority-based water allocating model, and a demands (i.e., water, food, and energy) estimation model. To evaluate URECC, various measurement indicators are developed and combined with a multi-stage decision-making (MSDM) method. Also, the decision-making sequences of management strategies and climate change scenarios are used to evaluate changes in the future. Based on the results, in the two base stages (2013–2016) and (2017–2020), without applying strategies, the average value of pressure-support, distance, and composite indices changed by +1.5%, −75.6%, and −66.7%, respectively, indicating a decrease in the CC. The future period (i.e., 2021–2040) was divided into four-year decision-making stages. According to the results, with the implementation of top sequences of strategies, the average values of pressure-support, distance, and composite indices would surpass those of maintaining the current trend by 49.4%, 123.5%, and 63.7%, respectively. In conclusion, management actions such as the development of semi-centralized and decentralized wastewater treatment networks, the simultaneous expansion of green space and built-up land, the implementation of artificial recharge, the improvement of irrigation efficiency, the management of urban water consumption, and the use of vegetation with low to medium water demands are effective for strengthening the URECC.

Association of Blood Glucose Data With Physiological and Nutritional Data From Dietary Surveys and Wearable Devices: Database Analysis

Background Wearable devices can simultaneously collect data on multiple items in real time and are used for disease detection, prediction, diagnosis, and treatment decision-making. Several factors, such as diet and exercise, influence blood glucose levels; however, the relationship between blood glucose and these factors has yet to be evaluated in real practice. Objective This study aims to investigate the association of blood glucose data with various physiological index and nutritional values using wearable devices and dietary survey data from PhysioNet, a public database. Methods Three analytical methods were used. First, the correlation of each physiological index was calculated and examined to determine whether their mean values or SDs affected the mean value or SD of blood glucose. To investigate the impact of each physiological indicator on blood glucose before and after the time of collection of blood glucose data, lag data were collected, and the correlation coefficient between blood glucose and each physiological indicator was calculated for each physiological index. Second, to examine the relationship between postprandial blood glucose rise and fall and physiological and dietary nutritional assessment indices, multiple regression analysis was performed on the relationship between the slope before and after the peak in postprandial glucose over time and physiological and dietary nutritional indices. Finally, as a supplementary analysis to the multiple regression analysis, a 1-way ANOVA was performed to compare the relationship between the upward and downward slopes of blood glucose and the groups above and below the median for each indicator. Results The analysis revealed several indicators of interest: First, the correlation analysis of blood glucose and physiological indices indicated meaningful relationships: acceleration SD (r=–0.190 for lag data at –15-minute values), heart rate SD (r=–0.121 for lag data at –15-minute values), skin temperature SD (r=–0.121), and electrodermal activity SD (r=–0.237) for lag data at –15-minute values. Second, in multiple regression analysis, physiological indices (temperature mean: t=2.52, P=.01; acceleration SD: t=–2.06, P=.04; heart rate_30 SD: t=–2.12, P=.04; electrodermal activity_90 SD: t=1.97, P=.049) and nutritional indices (mean carbohydrate: t=6.53, P&lt;.001; mean dietary fiber: t=–2.51, P=.01; mean sugar: t=–3.72, P&lt;.001) were significant predictors. Finally, the results of the 1-way ANOVA corroborated the findings from the multiple regression analysis. Conclusions Similar results were obtained from the 3 analyses, consistent with previous findings, and the relationship between blood glucose, diet, and physiological indices in the real world was examined. Data sharing facilitates the accessibility of wearable data and enables statistical analyses from various angles. This type of research is expected to be more common in the future.

Integrated study of Quercetin as a potent SARS-CoV-2 RdRp inhibitor: Binding interactions, MD simulations, and In vitro assays.

To find an effective inhibitor for SARS-CoV-2, Quercetin's chemical structure was compared to nine ligands associated with nine key SARS-CoV-2 proteins. It was found that Quercetin closely resembles Remdesivir, the co-crystallized ligand of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). This similarity was confirmed through flexible alignment experiments and molecular docking studies, which showed that both Quercetin and Remdesivir bind similarly to the active site of RdRp. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations over a 200 ns trajectory, analyzing various factors like RMSD, RG, RMSF, SASA, and hydrogen bonding were conducted. These simulations gave detailed insights into the binding interactions of Quercetin with RdRp compared to Remdesivir. Further analyses, including MM-GBSA, Protein-Ligand Interaction Fingerprints (ProLIF) and Profile PLIP studies, confirmed the stability of Quercetin's binding. Principal component analysis of trajectories (PCAT) provided insights into the coordinated movements within the systems studied. In vitro assays showed that Quercetin is highly effective in inhibiting RdRp, with an IC50 of 122.1 ±5.46 nM, which is better than Remdesivir's IC50 of 21.62 ±2.81 μM. Moreover, Quercetin showed greater efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 In vitro, with an IC50 of 1.149 μg/ml compared to Remdesivir's 9.54 μg/ml. The selectivity index (SI) values highlighted Quercetin's safety margin (SI: 791) over Remdesivir (SI: 6). In conclusion, our comprehensive study suggests that Quercetin is a promising candidate for further research as an inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp, providing valuable insights for developing an effective anti-COVID-19 treatment.

Investigation of the Brittleness and Sensitivity of the Gypseous Sand Improved by Nano-clay

This study examines the brittleness index and sensitivity ratio of two gypseous sand soils under saturation conditions improved by nano-clay. The soil samples were obtained from the cities of Al-Najaf and Tikrit containing 29% and 55% gypsum, respectively. The tests were performed on remolded specimens in a direct shear box. The soil specimens were examined mainly under saturated conditions for both different soil and nano-clay contents (0, 2, 5, and 7 %) under three normal stress levels: 25, 50, and 100 kPa. Additional tests were performed under dry soil conditions for comparison. The calculations of the brittleness index and sensitivity ratio of the saturated soil specimens were dependent on the newly suggested definitions of the peak values of the shear stress. The tP is the peak value in the dry condition, whereas the tR is the peak value in the saturation condition. The results emphasize that the values of the brittleness index and sensitivity ratio require more attention to the possibility that the soil is brittle owing to increased gypsum dissolution and the demolition of the soil structure. The brittleness index and sensitivity ratio increased with increasing gypsum content and decreased with increasing nano-clay content and average stress levels. The optimum percentage of nano-clay for both soil specimens was found to be 5%.

Сравнительный анализ эффективности некоторых методов интенсивной терапии у беременных с тяжелой и крайне тяжелой формами коронавирусной инфекции

Objective: to analyze the effectiveness of intensive care methods for severe forms of coronavirus infection in pregnant women. Material and methods: a cohort single-center prospective-retrospective study was conducted, including 83 completed clinical cases of the retrospective part and 54 patients of the prospective part. All patients were divided into 3 risk groups for an unfavorable outcome (low, medium and high), based on the value of the prognostic index. The group of patients with medium and high risk was divided into subgroups depending on the intensive care provided. The effectiveness of treatment in the study groups was assessed based on mortality rates, the duration of treatment of patients in the intensive care unit and intensive care unit, as well as the frequency of transferring the patient to artificial ventilation. Results. In the medium-risk group, the use of surfactant (group 2A) and the combined use of surfactant and a single administration of tocilizumab (group 2B) in addition to basic therapy turned out to be more effective than basic treatment alone (group 2B). At the same time, no statistical differences in the effectiveness of these two approaches were found. In the high-risk group, a comprehensive approach (group 3B), including extracorporeal treatment methods and multicomponent anti-inflammatory therapy, turned out to be more effective than anti-inflammatory therapy alone: tocilizumab twice (group 3A) and tocilizumab in combination with pulse therapy with methylprednisolone. Conclusion. Dividing patients into prognostic groups and conducting early complex therapy helps to reduce maternal mortality, the duration of treatment in the intensive care unit, and prevent excessive therapeutic aggression.

Does Targeting CPP at CPPopt Actually Improve Cerebrovascular Reactivity? A Secondary Analysis of the COGiTATE Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background The 'CPPopt-Guided Therapy: Assessment of Target Effectiveness' (COGiTATE) randomised controlled trial demonstrated the feasibility and safety of targeting an automated cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) tailored to optimize cerebrovascular autoregulation (CPPopt) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) requiring intracranial pressure management. The average values of the autoregulation index known as the pressure reactivity index (PRx) were not different between the intervention (CPP target = CPPopt) and control (CPP target = 60–70 mmHg) groups of the trial. This secondary analysis was performed to investigate whether: (1) in the intervention group, PRx was closer to PRxopt (PRx at CPPopt) values, indicating a more preserved reactivity, as opposed to in the control group; (2) in the intervention group, patients experienced lower hourly PRx when CPP was close to the CPPopt-based target. Methods We analyzed data from the 28 and 32 patients randomized to the control and intervention groups of the COGiTATE study, respectively. We compared hourly averaged ΔPRx (PRx minus PRxopt, where PRxopt is PRx at CPPopt) between the two groups, focusing on periods of globally preserved/homogeneous autoregulation (negative PRxopt). For each patient in the intervention group, PRx values in periods when ΔCPP (CPP minus CPPopt target) was between −5 and + 5 mm Hg were compared to values in periods when ΔCPP was outside this range. Results The median ΔPRx was significantly lower in the intervention group for negative PRxopt (Mann–Whitney U-test, p &lt; 0.001). For each patient in this group, the median PRx was lower in periods when CPP was close to the CPPopt-based target (Wilcoxon test, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions Despite no statistically significant difference in the grand mean PRx, our results suggest that targeting CPPopt does provide a way of improving cerebrovascular reactivity in patients with TBI, offering a rational intervention for trials that address this issue. We also bring insight into aspects of the PRx/CPP relationship that should be considered for autoregulation-guided management for future clinical protocols and trials design.

Analisis Kinerja Bank BTPN Syariah Periode 2021 – 2023 Menggunakan Metode Indeks Maqashid Syariah

The aim of this research is to determine the performance of BTPN Syariah bank from 2021 to 2023 using the maqashid sharia index method. The instrument for assessing the performance of sharia banks is the maqashid sharia index which measures the success of a business based on the benefits provided to the wider community. This research uses a quantitative methodology with a descriptive approach, utilizing data sources originating from the annual financial reports of BTPN Syariah bank. Research findings show that the value of the maqashid sharia index on the performance of BTPN Syariah bank has fluctuated. This shows that the performance of BTPN Syariah bank in 2021–2023 is not as good as expected in fulfilling maqashid sharia objectives. The decline in the maqashid sharia index ratio value is currently the cause of the performance of BTPN Syariah bank. Additionally, certain ratios, such as reasonable profits and personal income, cannot be calculated. This is because BTPN Syariah bank does not manage zakat funds and does not apply the PER ratio in the financial audit system in its annual financial reports.

Assessment of Kalimantan Coal Ash Properties and Potential as Sustainable Construction Material

This study analyzes the physical and chemical characteristics of Fly Ash and Bottom Ash (FABA) from Kalimantan's coal-fired power plants to assess their effectiveness and potential as sustainable construction materials. The characterization was conducted through a series of tests following ASTM C311 standards, while the mechanical properties of mortars incorporating Fly Ash (FA) were evaluated following ASTM C618 standards. The results indicate that all FA samples meet the ASTM C618 Fineness requirements, with particle sizes below 45 μm, confirming their suitability as pozzolanic materials. In contrast, Bottom Ash (BA) samples do not meet the Fineness standard but still show potential for use in other construction applications. Chemical analysis utilizing X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) further supports the potential use of FABA from Kalimantan, revealing a high content of reactive oxides, SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, which justify the classification as Class F for PLTU Asam-Asam (AA) and PLTU Bengkayang (BK), and the classification as Class C for PLTU Pulang Pisau (PP). X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis also validates the high silica (SiO2) content and low levels of deleterious compounds. Additionally, the mechanical properties confirm the effectiveness of FA from PLTU AA with a Strength Activity Index (SAI) value exceeding 100%. The findings of this research provide strong evidence for the potential of Kalimantan FABA as a sustainable material while contributing to enhanced compressive strength and durability in concrete application.

Spatial distribution and urban–rural disparity of unmet need for family planning among married/in-union women in Ethiopia: a spatial and decomposition analysis

BackgroundHigh unmet need for family planning combined with other factors, such as high early marriage and teenage pregnancy, increases the risk of developing obstetric fistula and other complications. This study aimed to assess spatial distribution and urban–rural disparities of unmet need for family planning among married/in-union women in Ethiopia.MethodsThe study was conducted on secondary data from a cross-sectional survey that was conducted nationally between September and December 2019 using a two-stage cluster design on a total of 265 enumeration areas. A total weighted sample of 5,349 married/in-union women was included in the analysis. ArcGIS Pro and SaTScan software were used to handle spatial analysis. Finally, multivariable decomposition analysis via a logit model was used to decompose the observed difference in unmet need by the compositional difference and the difference in effects of explanatory variables between places of residence.ResultsSpatial distribution of unmet need for family planning was clustered in Ethiopia with a global Moran's I index value of 0.25 (p-value = 0.004). Accordingly, enumeration areas in West Hararge, Arsi, Bale, Gujji, Borena, Jimma, and East Wellega zones of Oromia region, and Gurage, Hadiya, Silte, Gedio, Sidama, Wolaita, Alaba, and Dawro zones of South Nation and Nationality People region, and the southern part of Zone 3 in Afar region were detected as hotspot areas. The decomposition results revealed that there is a significant disparity in unmet need between urban and rural resident women (0.074, p-value &amp;lt; 0.001). Endowment and coefficient factors accounted for the urban–rural disparity, contributing 68.32% and 31.68%, respectively. Household size, husband’s opinion of family planning, community acceptance of family planning, woman’s age at first sexual intercourse, and the woman's age were key determinants of the urban–rural disparity.ConclusionThe results revealed a significant disparity in the unmet need for family planning based on place of residence, with a clustered spatial distribution across the study area and notable hotspot areas. Thus, targeted interventions should focus on mobilizing resources to high-risk areas and addressing the needs of high-risk groups to reduce the observed variation.

The influence of water conservancy project on microplastics distribution in river ecosystem: A case study of Lhasa River Basin in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Water conservancy projects affect the migration, suspension, and deposition of microplastic (MP). However, its impact on MP pollution of river ecosystem remains elusive. Herein, we investigated the MP characteristics and the influence of water conservancy projects on MPs in the Lhasa River Basin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. The results demonstrated that the MPs concentration in surface water decreased from upstream to downstream, as more MPs in surface water were settling down and stored in reservoir sediments in the midstream. It is postulated that reservoir sedimentation of MPs occurs at a greater rate due to the barrier effect of reservoirs, steady hydrodynamics, and weak salinity-induced buoyancy. To evaluate the ecological risk of the Lhasa River Basin, the pollution load index, the polymer hazard index, and the potential ecological risk index were analyzed. The upstream exhibits elevated polymer hazard index values (>100), and the potential ecological risk index values in the Lhasa River Basin showed ecological risk similar to those of pollution load index values. This research represents the initial exploration of MP distribution within the entire Lhasa River basin, providing a foundational framework for investigating the impact of water conservancy projects on MP migration.

Heavy metals in roadside soil along an expressway connecting two megacities in China: Accumulation characteristics, sources and influencing factors

Transportation is widely recognized as a significant contributor to heavy metal (HM) pollution in roadside soils. A better understanding of HM pollution in soils near expressways is crucial, particularly given the rapid expansion of expressway transportation in China in recent years. In this study, 329 roadside topsoil samples were collected along the Beijing-Tianjin Expressway, which connects two megacities in China. Chemical analysis showed that HM concentrations in the soil samples were generally below national limits. The mean pollution index (Pi) values for As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn ranged from 0.94 to 1.01, while Cd and Hg exhibited slightly higher mean Pi values of 1.19 and 1.13, respectively. The Nemerow integrated pollution index values for all samples ranged from 0.71 to 4.97, with a mean of 1.26. This suggests a slight enrichment of HM above natural background levels, especially for Cd and Hg. Source apportionment using positive matrix factorization revealed that natural sources contributed the most to soil HMs (64.51 %), followed by agricultural sources (19.15 %), traffic sources (9.77 %), and industrial sources (6.57 %). The Shapley additive explanation analysis, based on the random forest model, identified soil organic carbon, deep soil HM content, altitude, total soil K2O, urbanization composite impact index, and total soil P as primary influencing factors. This indicates that the impact of transportation on roadside soils along the Beijing-Tianjin Expressway is currently relatively limited. The prominent influence of soil properties and altitude underscored the importance of “transport” and “receptor” in the soil HMs accumulation process at the local scale. These findings provide critical data and a scientific basis for decision-makers to develop policies for expressway design and roadside soil protection.

Assessing soil microbial catabolic diversity in alder and oak plantations at varying developmental stages

To evaluate the impact of forest plantations on soil microbial catabolic diversity, this study investigated the microbial response to the addition of various carbon-rich substrates in different ages of forest plantations and compared catabolic diversity between a nitrogen-fixing tree species (Alder, Alnus subcordata C. A. M.) and a non-nitrogen-fixing one (Oak, Quercus castaneifolia C. A. M.). The study also analyzed the effects of carbon substrates found in association with roots, such as carbohydrates, carboxylic acids, amino acids, and amine groups, on substrate-induced respiration. The diversity indices (Simpson and Shannon diversity indicies) and Shannon evenness index demonstrated higher values in the oldest plantations than the youngest ones (with an order of 25 &gt; 20 &gt; 15 years). In younger plantations (15 and 20 years old), oak stands exhibited higher microbial diversity compared to alder stands. However, at 25 years old, alder plantation displayed greater diversity than the oak plantation, as indicated by higher values for the Shannon diversity index (2.77), Simpson diversity index (0.93), and Shannon evenness index (0.89). Forest plantations with alder and oak species significantly enhanced catabolic evenness and diversity, thereby increasing the soil capacity to decompose organic matter and the resilience of the soil to disturbance. These findings suggest that both alder and oak plantations can promote soil microbial diversity, but the influence might differ depending on the specific age of the trees. In conclusion, this study highlights the influence of forest plantations on soil microbial catabolic diversity, demonstrating the potential of diverse tree species to promote soil health and resilience through enhanced functional complexity.

Finite-time annular domain [formula omitted] filtering for mean-field stochastic systems with Wiener and Poisson noises

This paper investigates the finite-time annular domain H2/H∞ filtering for mean-field stochastic systems with external disturbance, Wiener and Poisson noises. Initially, the novel concept of finite-time annular domain (FTAD) H2/H∞ filtering is introduced, which ensures the system’s mean square finite-time annular domain boundedness (MSFTADB) and minimizes the H2 and H∞ filtering performance indices. Next, using the Itô-Levy formula and the reverse differential Gronwall inequality, a less conservative sufficient condition for the existence of finite-time annular domain H2/H∞ filter is derived. Furthermore, a new algorithm is devised to establish the relationship between the ranges of adjustable parameters and the minimum value of H2 performance index. Finally, a practical example is provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Fuel properties evaluation and inherent correlation analysis of oxidatively torrefied corn stalk

Fuel properties evaluation and inherent correlation analysis of biochar are important in assessing the variation of fuel performance. This study investigates fuel performance changes under different oxidative torrefaction conditions of corn stalks. The obtained results imply that such a method is conducive to enhancing fuel properties, with the values of energy-mass co-benefit index (EMCI), upgrading energy index (UEI), Hardgrove grindability index (HGI), and equilibrium moisture content (EMC) range at 4-9, 500-3500, 60-120, and 9.5-12. This indicates that oxidative torrefaction is efficient for fuel performance improvement. For elemental transformation and carbonization degree, the oxidatively torrefied biochar possesses a higher proportion of elemental carbon content and better graphitization degree (GD), thus contributing to a more stable structure. Good linear relationships are exhibited from the analysis of comprehensive pyrolysis index (CPI) versus elemental carbon proportion (ECP), comprehensive combustion index (CCI) versus ECP, CPI versus GD, and CCI versus GD, with correlation coefficients of 0.9741, 0.9524, 0.9689, and 0.9166, respectively. This suggests that the carbonization extent is highly related to biochar pyrolysis and combustion characteristics. Overall, the obtained results are conducive to enhancing inherent correlation cognition of fuel property indicators. In doing so, the fuel property can be better adjusted for performance enhancement, thus facilitating efficient biochar production with better industrial application potential.

Elevated triglyceride-glucose index is a risk factor for progression to prehypertension in normoglycemic Japanese: a 5-year retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is an alternative biomarker of insulin resistance that may be associated with elevated blood pressure. However, the relationship between the TyG index and the risk of prehypertension remains unclear. This longitudinal, retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the connection between the TyG index and the risk among Japanese population.MethodsWe enrolled 17,758 participants who underwent medical health checkups in 2017 (baseline) and 2022. At baseline, all participants were normotensive and normoglycemic state, and none were using triglyceride-lowering medications. Participants were divided into four groups according to quartiles of the TyG index at baseline. The risk of progressing to prehypertension was evaluated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. In addition, multivariate restricted cubic spline analysis was conducted to examine the dose–response relationship. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the predictive value of the TyG index for progression to prehypertension.ResultsCompared with the lowest quartile (Q1) of the TyG index group, the adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for progression to prehypertension in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups were 1.05 (0.95–1.19), 1.14 (1.02–1.30), and 1.28 (1.11–1.50), respectively. The restricted cubic spline analysis demonstrated a dose–response relationship between the TyG index and the risk of prehypertension. The area under the ROC curve was 0.60 (0.59–0.61), demonstrating a sensitivity of 56.2% and specificity of 58.8%.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that an elevated TyG index may be independently and positively associated with an increased risk of progression to prehypertension in the Japanese population.

Predictive Value of Pan-Immune Inflammation Value and Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index for Identifying Coronary Vulnerable Plaques: New Insights from Optical Coherence Tomography in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients

Predictive Value of Pan-Immune Inflammation Value and Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index for Identifying Coronary Vulnerable Plaques: New Insights from Optical Coherence Tomography in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients

Nutritional value of seven demersal fish species from the North Atlantic Azores archipelago

Valorization of azorean demersal fish species must focus quality. This study aims to assess the nutritional value, sodium content and fat quality index of seven commercially relevant demersal fish species from the Azores Region: blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo), blackbelly rosefish (Helicolenus dactylopterus), splendid alfonsino (Beryx splendens), alfonsino (Beryx decadactylus), forkbeard (Phycis phycis), offshore rockfish (Pontinus kuhlii) and common mora (Mora moro). Moisture, ash, crude protein, total sugars, total fat, fatty acid profile, sodium and salt content were assessed. B. splendends, P. kuhlii and P. bogaraveo presented the highest values for crude protein, while P. kuhlii and B. decadactylus presented the biggest value for crude fat. All species were classified as lean. Sodium and salt contents were higher in H. dactylopterus. This study showed the high nutritional value presented in azorean demersal fish species. Nevertheless, B. splendens, H. dactylopterus, P. kuhlii and B. decadactylus revealed higher values of lipid quality indices.