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This study examines social housing models in Latvia, comparing them with those of other member states of the European Union (EU) through comparative and document analysis methodologies. The research investigates Latvia's current social housing landscape, its historical development, and the challenges in meeting the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. Latvia’s social housing sector, characterised by a very small share of the total housing stock and quality issues, is compared with 3–5 EU countries, focussing on funding mechanisms, target groups, and quality standards. The analysis reveals significant disparities between Latvia and other EU countries in social housing provision, with Latvia having one of the lowest incidences in the EU. Key findings include the impact of demographic trends on housing needs and the challenges posed by the ageing housing stock. The study concludes with recommendations for policy improvements and implementation strategies, contributing to the understanding of social housing dynamics in Latvia within the broader EU context and providing information for more inclusive and sustainable housing solutions.

The main concern is the uncertainty in the real-world solid transportation problem. This study examines a supply, demand, and conveyance capacity-based multi-choice solid stochastic multi-objective transportation problem (MCSS-MOTP). Due to uncertainty, the concrete objective function coefficients of the proposed model are of multivariate type. Furthermore, the parameters of the constraints are treated as independent multivariate random variables with normal distribution. First, a Newton divided difference method-based interpolation polynomial is described that extends an interpolation polynomial using practical properties at non-negative integer nodes to deal with any multiple-choice parameter. Second, the probabilistic constraints are converted into precise ones utilizing a stochastic programming approach. In the end, ranking procedure was used to compare the existing approach with the old models. The proposed model’s applicability was confirmed using a numerical example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-objective transportation problems (MOTPs) are mathematical optimization problems that involve simultaneously considering multiple, often conflicting objectives in transportation planning. Unlike traditional transportation problems, which typically focus on minimizing a single objective such as cost or distance, MOTPs aim to balance multiple objectives to find the optimal solution. These problems appear in various real-world applications such as logistics, supply chain management, and transportation, where decision-makers need to consider multiple criteria when designing transportation networks, routing vehicles, or scheduling deliveries. The primary challenge lies in the uncertainty in real-world transportation scenarios, where logistics involve factors beyond cost and distance. We investigated a multi-choice solid fractional multi-objective transportation problem (MCSF-MOTP) based on supply, demand, and conveyance capacity, where the coefficients of the objective functions were of the multi-choice type due to uncertainty. To address this uncertainty, the proposed model employed the Newton divided difference interpolation polynomial method, and the suitability of this model was validated through a numerical illustration employing a ranking approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst uncertainty, decision-making in manufacturing becomes a central focus due to its complexity. This study explores complex transportation constraints and uses novel ways to guide manufacturers. The Multi-objective Stochastic Linear Fractional Transportation Problem (MOSLFTP) is a crucial tool for managing supply chains, manufacturing operations, energy distribution, emergency routes, healthcare logistics, and other related areas. It adeptly addresses uncertainty, transforming efficiency and effectiveness in several domains. Stochastic programming is the process of converting theoretical probabilities into concrete certainties. The artistic compromise programming technique acts as a proficient mediator, reconciling opposing objectives and enabling equitable decision-making. This novel approach also addresses the Multi-objective Stochastic Linear plus Linear Fractional Transportation Problem (MOSLPLFTP), which involves two interconnected issues. The effectiveness of these principles is clearly shown with the help of the LINGO® 18 optimization solver. This study uses a ranking method to compare the similar methods to solve the current problems. A meticulously designed example acts as a significant achievement, shedding light on our method in a practical setting. It serves as a distinctive instrument, leading manufacturers through the maze of uncertainty and assisting them in determining the most advantageous course of action. This journey involves subtle interactions between complexity and simplicity, uncertainty is overcome by decisiveness, and invention is predominant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin signaling cascade in peripheral insulin-sensitive tissues regulates whole-body glucose metabolism. Any deregulation in this pathway leads to insulin resistance, ultimately leading to metabolic diseases like type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Insulin signaling in the brain has also been studied for many decades and associated with many primary functions like maintenance of synaptic plasticity, regulation of cognition, and circadian rhythm. Importantly, neuronal insulin signaling has also been associated with the regulation of neuronal glucose uptake. Any impairment in neuronal insulin signaling affecting neuronal glucose uptake has been associated with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, the process now being termed as type 3 diabetes. Since the criticality lies in proper signaling cascade, determining important points of deregulation is important. In this review, we have discussed some critical points of such deregulation, dividing them into two classes of enzymes: kinases and phosphatases. We have highlighted their individual roles in neuronal insulin signaling, along with their possible implications in neuronal insulin resistance. Future strategies targeting these nodes in neuronal insulin signaling might be helpful in exploring potential therapeutic opportunities to overcome neuronal insulin resistance and related neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease which results is host--microbial interactions and tissue destruction as a result of microbial actions and exaggerated host immune response. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes a viral disease which leads to immunocompromised state and can cause periodontal disease initiation and unusual progression of disease course. Prevalence of oral lesions and acute periodontal lesions associated with HIV has significantly reduced with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The purpose of this study was to compare the periodontal disease progression with and without HAART in HIV-positive patients. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, and 225 HIV-positive patients were selected by purposive sampling method. These patients were divided into three groups of 75 each: Group 1--without HAART, Group 2--HAART <5 years, and Group 3--HAART≥ 5years. Patient's periodontal status was evaluated at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 months. Parameters such as plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), and number of teeth lost during the period of study were assessed at each visit. Significance of differences in periodontal parameters over a period of 12 months in all three groups was determined using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Intergroup comparison at baseline and 4, 8, and 12 months was done by one-way ANOVA. Intragroup comparison over the duration was done by repeated-measures ANOVA. Pearson's correlation for GI and PI was performed. Results: The result of the present study showed that plaque and gingival scores reduced significantly in both Groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.05), whereas the scores (PPD) and CAL showed no statistical difference at any of the time intervals and over the duration of 1 year in intra- and inter-group comparisons (P > 0.05). There was tooth loss in all the three groups from baseline to 12 months. Conclusion: HAART had no consistent effect on periodontal status and tooth loss; however, patients on HAART showed improvement in their plaque and gingival health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]