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ABSTRACT Multi‐objective evolutionary optimisation algorithms (MOEAs) have become a widely adopted way of solving the multi‐objective optimisation problems (MOPs). The decomposition‐based MOEAs demonstrate a promising performance for solving regular MOPs. However, when handling the irregular MOPs, the decomposition‐based MOEAs cannot offer a convincing performance because no intersection between weight vector and the Pareto Front (PF) may lead to the same optimal solution assigned to the different weight vectors. To solve this problem, this paper proposes an MOEA based on decomposition with the orthogonal experimental design (MOEA/D‐OED) that involves the selection operation, Orthogonal Experimental Design (OED) operation, and adjustment operation. The selection operation is to judge the unpromising weight vectors based on the history data of relative reduction values and convergence degree. The OED method based on the relative reduction function could make an explicit guidance for removing the worthless weight vectors. The adjustment operation brings in an estimation indicator of both diversity and convergence for adding new weight vectors into the interesting regions. To verify the versatility of the proposed MOEA/D‐OED, 26 test problems with various PFs are evaluated in this paper. Empirical results have demonstrated that the proposed MOEA/D‐OED outperforms eight representative MOEAs on MOPs with various types of PFs, showing promising versatility. The proposed algorithm shows highly competitive performance on all the various MOPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study tackles the critical challenge of medication non-adherence in healthcare by pinpointing indicators related to medication adherence (IRMAs) across 39 European countries and Israel. Utilizing a structured expert survey methodology within the European Network to Advance Best Practices and Technology on Medication Adherence (ENABLE; COST Action CA19132), our research identified key country-specific IRMAs and collected data on these indicators to understand the multifaceted nature of medication adherence. The research was conducted in two phases: firstly, defining key IRMAs through a two-round expert survey, and secondly, gathering country-specific data on these IRMAs through literature reviews and additional expert surveys. The study revealed a diverse range of 26 top-ranked IRMAs, including six related to country characteristics, four to social/economic factors, three each to therapy-related and patient-related factors, one to condition-related factors, and nine to healthcare system-related factors. The availability of country-specific data on these IRMAs varied among the countries, highlighting the need for more comprehensive data collection and research. The findings from this study not only underscore the complexity of predicting medication adherence but also lay the groundwork for developing targeted, country-specific interventions to improve adherence. Moreover, this research offers valuable insights for policymakers, highlighting the importance of understanding the multifaceted nature of medication adherence and offering a valuable resource in formulating targeted health policies to enhance health outcomes and reduce the economic burden associated with medication non-adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to assess the relationship between multiple indicators of inflammation and erectile dysfunction through an analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). This represents the first large-scale, cross-sectional investigation that explores this association by jointly analyzing various inflammatory markers. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis with NHANES data from 2001 to 2004. Erectile dysfunction (ED) was evaluated through a self-reported questionnaire and testosterone levels, while inflammatory markers were derived from standard blood test parameters. Our approach included multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analyses, generalized additive modeling (GAM), and smoothed curve fitting to evaluate the link between inflammatory markers (NLR, MLR, SII, SIRI, AISI) and ED. Additionally, we utilized receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to determine the diagnostic utility of these markers, comparing their area under the curve (AUC) values. Results: A total of 3610 participants were included in this study, and the population-weighted ED patients were 18.91%. In the adjusted model, multiple logistic regression analysis showed a positive association between five inflammatory indicators (Ln-NLR, Ln-MLR, Ln-SII, Ln-SIRI, and Ln-AISI) and ED. Smoothed curve fitting showed a nonlinear positive correlation between the five inflammatory indicators and ED. Furthermore, subgroup analyses showed that this correlation was stronger in people older than 50 year. ROC curve analysis showed the highest diagnostic performance for the study outcome with MLR (AUC = 0.616, 95% CI: 0.5952–0.637), which was significantly better than SIRI, NLR, AISI, and SII. Conclusion: MLR is potentially more effective than other biomarkers (NLR, SIRI, AISI, SII) in predicting ED. Men with elevated MLR levels should be particularly aware of their increased risk of developing ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn today’s fast-paced and and high-stress society, trekking tourism is a leisure activity for stress relief and closer nature engagement. Given the adventurous nature inherent in trekking tourism, risk assessment is deemed both crucial and imperative. This study aims to develop a risk assessment framework for trekking tourism based on the Delphi method and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Initially, we conducted a literature review and expert interviews grounded in the Systems Theory of Accident Causation and the Human Factors Theory to establish the risk assessment paradigm specific to trekking tourism. Subsequently, we ascertained specific weights for each evaluation criterion and delineated explicit data sources for each operational indicator. The findings indicate that the formulated risk assessment system for trekking tourism is both scientifically grounded and practical, furnishing stakeholders in the tourism industry, organizational teams, and management authorities with an efficacious tool for evaluating the safety conditions of trekking tourism activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural development is a development approach that prioritizes local rural policies, encompassing demographic structures, social-cultural characteristics, geographic characteristics, agricultural business patterns, rural-urban economic linkages, village institutional sectors, and residential area characteristics. In relation to rural development, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), an international economic cooperation organization, has conducted studies on the New Rural Development Paradigm (NRDP). In 2006, the OECD explained that the New Rural Development Paradigm (NRDP) is based on eight components: 1) Governance; 2) Multi-sector; 3) Infrastructure; 4) Urban-rural linkages; 5) Inclusiveness; 6) Gender; 7) Demography; and 8) Sustainability. This study aims to analyze the spatial pattern of rural development success rates based on the "New Rural Development Paradigm (NRDP)" indicators (a case study of Cimenyan District, Bandung Regency) by using the Moran Index and Local Indicator of Spatial Autocorrelation (LISA) methods. Based on the result of the Moran Index analysis showed a positive value, indicating a positive spatial autocorrelation, which means that all villages have a strong NRDP correlation. Villages with high NRDP values will influence their neighboring villages, and vice versa. The LISA analysis also revealed that only one village, Mandalamekar, has local spatial autocorrelation, with a 95% significance level and an Outlier spatial relationship (highlow). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve the best performance in terms of accuracy and complexity of massive multiple-input multiple-output (Massive MIMO) in wireless communication systems, hybrid beamforming (HBF) is a promising technique that provides high data rate multiplexing gains and enhances the spectral efficiency (SE) of the system. In this paper, a novel received signal strength indicator (RSSI) method is proposed to design an HBF for Massive MIMO BF via multitasking deep learning (DL) that minimizes the reliance on the channel state information (CSI) feedback. The trade-off between the enhancement SE of the system and the deep neural networks (DNNs) performance is optimized, and the results reveal that the proposed novel DL techniques achieve predicted spectral efficiencies with accuracy of 99.23% and 95.64% for Deep-HBF and Deep-AFP, respectively. The processing times for Deep-HBF and Deep-AFP are 709.2914 sec and 1425.864 sec, respectively. Notably, Deep-AFP exhibits a higher range of computational complexity compared to Deep-HBF. It is worth mentioning that the proposed techniques utilize the same DNN architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

As the use of electrochemical batteries, especially lithium–ion (Li-Ion) batteries, increases due to emerging applications and expanding markets, the accurate and fast estimation of their state of health (SOH) is becoming increasingly important. The accuracy of the SOH estimation is highly dependent on the correlation strength between the used indicator and SOH and the accuracy of the SOH indicator measurement. This paper presents a new differential indicator which has a strong and consistent correlation with the SOH of Li-Ion batteries, based on a new Electrochemical Impedance Spectrum (EIS) Phase–Magnitude relationship. It is shown in this paper that the EIS Phase–Magnitude relationship exhibits a phase-based differential impedance magnitude SOH indicator between a first-phase peak point and a last-phase valley point. Because of the differential nature of this SOH indicator and because the two impedance values are measured at a phase peak point and a valley phase point regardless of the phase absolute values, the effect of impedance measurement shift/offset (error) on SOH estimation is reduced. This supports the future development of more accurate and faster online and offline SOH estimation algorithms and systems that have a higher immunity to impedance measurement shift/offset (error). Furthermore, in this work, the EIS was measured for a lithium–ion battery that was down to a ~15% SOH, which was not only used to support the conclusions of this paper, but also helped in filling a gap in the literature for EIS data under deep/high degradation levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) serves as an indirect marker for predicting primordial follicles that are representative of ovarian reserve. In this study the possibility of using AMH and age to predict the ovarian reserve in domestic cats. Ovaries and blood were collected from 30 cats undergoing routine ovariohysterectomy. The animals were divided into three age groups: prepubertal (<4 mo, n = 10), adult (1–5 y, n = 10), and senior (>5 y, n = 10). Blood was collected at surgery for serum AMH measurements using the AMH Gen II ELISA kit. The intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) and inter-assay CV were 3.56 % and 7.68 %, respectively. One side of the ovary was processed to determine AMH localization using immunohistochemistry and for a histological count of follicles, which is the gold standard. The expression of AMH protein was quantified from the contralateral ovary by Western blot analysis. Primordial follicles exhibited the most pronounced inverse relationship with age (rho = −0.779, P < 0.05), followed by a positive association with serum AMH concentration (rho = 0.490, P < 0.05), indicating that both age and AMH are potential markers indicative of primordial follicles. Furthermore, secondary (rho = 0.651, P < 0.05) and small antral follicles (rho = 0.648, P < 0.05) were identified as the major sources of circulating AMH, as indicated by the stronger correlation with serum AMH concentrations compared with primary follicles. However, there was no significant correlation between the expression of AMH protein and other factors, including age, primordial follicles, primary follicles, secondary follicles, small antral follicles, and serum AMH concentration. A model for predicting primordial follicle number using serum AMH concentration (AIC = 672.66, P < 0.05) and age (AIC = 668.93, P < 0.05) was established. In conclusion, both serum AMH concentration and age may serve as comparable markers of ovarian reserve in domestic cats. Moreover, AMH is particularly useful in situations where age information is not available. • Ovarian AMH protein expression for the first time quantified by western blot revealed no differences among age groups. • No correlation between ovarian and serum AMH concentration was found. • A model for predicting ovarian reserve in the cats was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union has a long‐term objective to achieve healthy soils by 2050. The European Commission has proposed a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on Soil Monitoring and Resilience (Soil Monitoring Law, SML), the first stage of which is to focus on setting up a soil monitoring framework and assessing soils throughout the EU. Situated in NW Europe, the UK has substantial experience in soil monitoring over the last half century which may usefully contribute to this wider EU effort. A set of overarching principles have and continue to guide design of national soil monitoring and may prove helpful as other European countries embark on similar monitoring programmes. Therefore, we present the principles of design from five decades of national soil monitoring. The monitoring discussed is based on a stratified‐random design, has matured in support of policy questions, and operates over space and time scales relevant to the SML. The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) Countryside Surveys (CS) of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Welsh Government, Environment and Rural Affairs Monitoring and Modelling Programme (ERAMMP) and the England Ecosystem Survey (EES) monitoring programme are national programmes currently operating in the UK. Some important lessons learnt include: adopting a question‐based approach; having a clear robust statistical design for the purpose; selecting indicators that address policy and underlying scientific questions; and selecting indicators that can detect change and use robust and well‐tested methodologies across a wide range of soil and land use types, remaining valid over long time scales, supporting thinking long‐term. Technical lessons learned include the proven cost effectiveness of a stratified‐random design including replication, while adopting a common stratification layer of stable environmental attributes aids comparability between monitoring programmes. Common protocols are vital for future intercomparisons, but a full ecosystem approach that includes co‐located soil and vegetation samples for interpreting a co‐evolving system has proved hugely advantageous. UK monitoring programmes offer a range of experience that may prove valuable to future soil monitoring design to address the major societal challenges of our time, such as maintaining food production and addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kunming‐Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework lays out an ambitious set of goals and targets aimed at halting and reversing biodiversity loss. The extent of natural ecosystems has been selected as one of a small set of headline indicators against which countries will report progress under this framework. We evaluate the effectiveness with which this indicator is expected to capture the overall scope of the ecosystem‐focused component of Goal A, and interlinkages with the species‐focused component of this same goal, using extensive global data on the integrity, connectivity, and plant species composition of forests. Results generated for all forest‐supporting countries demonstrate that consideration of these additional factors can profoundly alter understanding of the state of forest biodiversity relative to that based on extent alone. Employment of ecosystem extent as a headline indicator must therefore be augmented by appropriate use of component and complementary indicators addressing other key dimensions of ecosystem change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasingly widespread use of new power equipment has brought new disturbances to the power system and has placed increasing demands on power quality. In order to make full use of the power quality indicators in the national standards and to make a more comprehensive and integrated evaluation of power quality, this study proposes a power quality evaluation method based on graph convolutional network. A power quality assessment system with graded indicators is proposed according to the current national standards. The correlation between the various power quality assessment indicators is initially determined, and on this basis the indicator relationship diagram is determined, a graph neural network model is built and trained, and the error rate of the test set is 9.02%. A comparison and analysis with other assessment methods using actual measurement data of a power system proves that the proposed method is more effective in assessing power quality over a long time span. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies are concerned with the stabilization of polymers using natural polymeric polyphenols. There are no literature reports on the use of poly(flavonoids) produced by bio-chemical polymerization as stabilizers. The aim of the research was to analyse the stabilizing potential (anti-ageing UV) of poly(catechin) and poly(naringenin) in polymer compositions based on the thermoplastic elastomer of ethylene-norbornene copolymer (TOPAS Elastomer E-140). Poly(flavonoids) were obtained in a polymerization reaction with a cross-linking compound and then introduced into cyclic olefin copolymer TOPAS. For comparison, materials with monomeric catechin and naringenin were also prepared. The scope of research included the thermal analysis of the polymer compositions (Oxidation induction time OIT, Thermogravimetry TG), determination of carbonyl indices and ageing coefficients K (based on changes in mechanical properties) after UV ageing (400 h). In addition, the colour change after ageing of the samples was investigated. Samples containing polymeric forms of catechin and naringenin were more susceptible to degradation than samples with monomeric flavonoids. Inferior stabilizing properties of poly(flavonoids) were associated with steric hindrances and limited availability of hydroxyl groups to provide the antioxidant activity of the polymeric compounds. The work extends the literature data by providing an analysis of the stabilizing effect of synthetic poly(flavonoids) in polymer compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates international research collaboration (IRC) dynamics between the United States and the United Kingdom, examining co-publication and co-patent indicators. While IRC is crucial for enhancing research competitiveness and economic development, the choice of indicators remains a challenge. The paper addresses this gap by examining the association between co-publications and co-patents on the measurement of IRC. Findings indicate a robust positive correlation between co-publications and co-patents, reflecting increased collaboration in academic and industrial domains. Despite distinct growth rates, their aligned trends suggest potential redundancy in using both indicators. Notably, co-patents have a lasting positive effect on co-publications, emphasising the role of industrial innovations in forecasting scientific collaboration. Acknowledging study limitations, particularly its focus on core countries, prompts future research avenues to broaden insights into IRC dynamics. This study connects theoretical understanding with practical implications, offering nuanced perspectives for policymakers to formulate strategic plans for global scientific collaboration. Researchers are encouraged to consider these insights when selecting indicators, aligning choices with data availability and analytical ease to enhance the relevance and impact of their studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indicators are important tools for tracking the socio‐environmental impacts of droughts and building resilience to climate change. We begin with an overview of metrics used for water planning and drought management, with particular emphasis on the UK. We explain how considerations of cost, immediacy, access, consistency, relevance, reliability and others denote the suitability of information for developing new indicators. We then demonstrate the potential of Google Trends (GT) online search data as drought indicators for England and Ireland. We show that search terms such as 'drought', 'water butt' and 'hosepipe ban' correlate significantly with conventional hydroclimatic data as well as with newspaper reports of various drought impacts during the period 2011–2022. GT data also show evidence of rising interest in water saving technologies, especially for outdoor water use. Meanwhile, online searches for 'Defra' and 'Environment Agency' have declined and are more often associated with flood episodes than droughts. Interest in water companies in England is more likely around hosepipe bans than water leakage (although this varies by company). We discuss the implications of these findings for targeting information campaigns, plus prospects for monitoring drought impacts and public sentiment in near real‐time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the in-hospital mortality indicators in patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to our clinic and undergoing primary angioplasty. Methods: Four hundred patients presenting to our clinic with a diagnosis of STEMI and undergoing primary angioplasty were included in the study. Patient files were retrospectively reviewed. The relationship between in-hospital mortality and the development of complications after primary angioplasty and patients' demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics were evaluated. Results: In the patient group included in the study, advanced age (=65), diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and female gender were found to increase in-hospital mortality significantly. A significant increase in in-hospital mortality was observed in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF) below 40%. Elevated baseline creatinine and troponin levels, high heart rate, presence of shock, and hypotension significantly increased in-hospital mortality in patients. Conclusion: In our study, we found that the risk factors, clinical and laboratory characteristics, and complications developed in patients presenting with acute STEMI are directly related to patient mortality. Identifying these mortality predictors is essential in determining patient risk, guiding treatment, and follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of School Administrators is the property of School Administration Research Association, R.O.C. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background This study aimed to assess the relationship between multiple indicators of inflammation and erectile dysfunction through an analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). This represents the first large-scale, cross-sectional investigation that explores this association by jointly analyzing various inflammatory markers. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis with NHANES data from 2001 to 2004. Erectile dysfunction (ED) was evaluated through a self-reported questionnaire and testosterone levels, while inflammatory markers were derived from standard blood test parameters. Our approach included multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analyses, generalized additive modeling (GAM), and smoothed curve fitting to evaluate the link between inflammatory markers (NLR, MLR, SII, SIRI, AISI) and ED. Additionally, we utilized receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to determine the diagnostic utility of these markers, comparing their area under the curve (AUC) values. Results A total of 3610 participants were included in this study, and the population-weighted ED patients were 18.91%. In the adjusted model, multiple logistic regression analysis showed a positive association between five inflammatory indicators (Ln-NLR, Ln-MLR, Ln-SII, Ln-SIRI, and Ln-AISI) and ED. Smoothed curve fitting showed a nonlinear positive correlation between the five inflammatory indicators and ED. Furthermore, subgroup analyses showed that this correlation was stronger in people older than 50 year. ROC curve analysis showed the highest diagnostic performance for the study outcome with MLR (AUC = 0.616, 95% CI: 0.5952–0.637), which was significantly better than SIRI, NLR, AISI, and SII. Conclusion MLR is potentially more effective than other biomarkers (NLR, SIRI, AISI, SII) in predicting ED. Men with elevated MLR levels should be particularly aware of their increased risk of developing ED.

BACKGROUND: A unified system for assessing the results and real contributions of telemedicine consultations to improving medical care quality in the healthcare system of the Russian Federation has not yet been developed. AIM: To develop a system of indicators for differentiated assessment of the needs for telemedicine consultations in the provision of medical care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the first stage, reports on the results of on-site activities of national medical research centers in regions of the Russian Federation and their annual public reports (2020–2022) were analyzed to identify indicators that determine the need for telemedicine consultations. The identified indicators were clarified and validated in an open interview with the representatives of the national medical research centers. In the second stage, the value of each indicator was determined based on the expert survey: 18 experts assessed each indicator on a scale of 1–5. Then, the weight coefficient of each indicator was calculated for their subsequent use in planning the coverage of telemedicine consultations. RESULTS: Three groups of indicators that determined the need for telemedicine consultations for different medical care profiles were as follows: (1) indicators that affect the planned volumes of telemedicine consultations, (2) indicators that characterize the efficiency and effectiveness of telemedicine consultations, and (3) indicators that characterize the validity of requests for telemedicine consultations. Group 1 included indicators of lethality, disability, hospital mortality, frequency of emergency/urgent consultations, and frequency of consultations of patients requiring intensive care. Group 2 included indicators for assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of telemedicine consultations, both subjective (result satisfaction) and objective (number of positive and negative treatment and hospitalization outcomes for cases that received where telemedicine consultations). Group 3 included indicators that characterize the validity of requests for telemedicine consultations: thoroughness of a patient’s examination before a telemedicine consultation and accuracy of the diagnosis. The weight coefficients of group 1 indicators ranged from 0.05 to 1.61 and varied for different profiles. CONCLUSION: A system of indicators was proposed for the differentiated assessment of the needs for telemedicine consultations when providing medical care.

In the current decade, electricity consumption will increase by more than 16%. The main resources for electricity generation are oil – 2.53%; gas – 22.9%; coal – 35.98%; nuclear industry – 9.84%; hydraulic power regeneration – 15.01%; renewable sources – 12.85%; other – 0.89%. This causes global warming of the planet due to greenhouse gases increased emissions into the atmosphere. A resource capable to cover the thermal energy field’s balance is the nuclear energy. To compare the resources’ polluting capacity, it is necessary to introduce a general indicator that takes into account their properties. This study proposes an integrated approach based on the formation of groups of indicators reflecting greenhouse gas emissions; power consumption; economic activity, air quality, etc. For comparison needs, all indicators are normalized in dimensionless form and compiled with reference to their specific weight. Calculations of the pollution index for fossil resources and nuclear energy, carried out using this algorithm proved that the nuclear power, with a careful consideration of all possible polluting radionuclides (11 components), exceeds this indicator for gas by 22%, but is lower than ciphers for coal and oil by 36 and 26%, respectively. For two latters only 3 specific components being taken into account. Therefore, it seems advisable to use the considered complex indicator of environmental pollution to assess the resource safety level for electricity generation.

The Gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) is a soniferous and abundant species native to Gulf of Mexico estuarine environments—now considered a likely invasive species in coastal Brazil. Males produce distinctive boatwhistle calls during their reproduction behaviors, offering an acoustic cue for ecological functions such as mate selection, prey detection, and predator avoidance. Their calls can also be readily detected with passive acoustics to monitor Gulf toadfish distributions and serve as acoustic indicators for their preferred nesting habitats. In this study, we describe the spatial, annual, seasonal, monthly, daily, daytime, and diel variation of Gulf toadfish call occurrence in Cedar Key, Florida (USA), with multiple sampling efforts at seagrass and dock sampling locations in the years 2019–2022. From April through June during our dock sampling, calls were detected across almost all our sampled dates and often every hour of the day, with daily and diel fluctuations in call occurrence. In our seagrass meadow sampling, call occurrence showed some positive correlation with manatee grass (Syringodium filiforme) and salinity. Moreover, snapshot recordings as short as 5 min were sufficient to detect calls in 37 of our 45 sampling events compared to only five where trawls captured Gulf toadfish. Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of listening to Gulf toadfish calls for monitoring applications and can support future efforts seeking to understand the availability of a prevalent acoustic cue in estuarine soundscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesWith the continuous development of China's new power system, there is a growing integration of new energy sources such as photovoltaic and wind power into the grid. However, this integration has also led to an increase in intelligent control equipment and nonlinear loads, resulting in more complex power quality issues. In order to enhance the power supply quality of the entire power grid and achieve economic operation and efficient development, it is crucial to conduct a scientific and rational quantitative evaluation of power quality.MethodsStarting from three aspects of power quality evaluation indicators, weighting methods and evaluation models, the comprehensive power quality evaluation methods were systematically summarized and compared, and the research status of comprehensive power quality evaluation methods was summarized. On this basis, the shortcomings and problems that need to be solved of various existing comprehensive power quality assessment methods were summarized, and the possible research directions in this field were prospected.ConclusionsAlthough many results have been achieved in the research on comprehensive evaluation of power quality at home and abroad, each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, there are still a series of important neglected problems that need to be solved in this field.

Background: The birth weight of an infant is a significant determinant of morbidity. Birth weight measurement is not always feasible in developing countries thus necessitating alternative measurements as surrogates. Objective: This study was undertaken to determine the most appropriate maximum thigh cir cumference (MTC) measurements corresponding to birth weights of

Objective To establish the indicator and fuzzy evaluation model for the procurement demonstration of key instruments and equipment, in order to provide a scientific and reliable method for the procurement demonstration of equipment in blood centers. Methods Through literature review and Delphi method, the procurement evaluation indexes of key instruments and equipment in blood centers were established. The weights of each index were calculated using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) by sending questionnaires to experts. According to the established indicator and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method, a scoring model of procurement demonstration of key instruments and equipment was constructed. The blood screening total laboratory automation was analyzed and verified using the established demonstration model. Results A total of 4 first-level evaluation indicators and 16 second-level evaluation indicators were established. The weights of urgency, social benefit, economic benefit and technical condition were 0.496, 0.300, 0.051 and 0.153, respectively. For the blood screening assembly line system to be procured, the evaluation value was 0.629, and it passed the procurement demonstration. Conclusion The quantitative and scientific evaluation of the procurement evaluation can be carried out by establishing the evaluation index and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method for the key instruments and equipment of blood centers.

In 2008 the French government launched its Quantitative Water Management policy initiative, as part of which the Rhône-Méditerranée Corse Water Agency undertook studies to ascertain monthly environmental flows at key sub-basin control points and the corresponding 'allowable [water] withdrawals'. Despite simplification, uncertainties, and insufficient data, the studies produced environmental-flow (e-flow) targets endowed with the power of allocating water between humans and nature. We analyse the fluctuation of the e-flow target at Point T6 in the Têt river basin, in the South of France, and show that, rather than an objective, quantitative ecological threshold dictated by science, it can be seen as a boundary number that embodies imaginaries, values, ideologies and interests. Science, but also law, appear to be selectively mobilized, massaged or contested. As a 'slider', the eflow target reflects the state’s political will and/or capacity to impose change and a reduction in water abstraction. Although the e-flow at Point T6 so far failed to play its role as a 'boundary number' and to achieve a settlement, it both exposed the limits of the pre-existing status quo and reshuffled the cards, legitimizing in particular the entry of environmental actors.

Abstract The study covered a small, shallow lake, intensively used for recreation (sailing, tourist services and port infrastructure). This study aimed to determine the spatial differentiation of bottom sediments and the potential for phosphorus release in five zones, differing mainly in the type of recreation, depth, direct catchment management, shoreline management and macrophyte presence. The results were used to propose protective and restoration measures to improve the water quality of the studied lake. The innovation in the study was the detailed analysis of bottom sediments, which can be a significant source of pollution besides the external load from the catchment and tourist pressure, in the planned management of this ecosystem. Examination of the physicochemical properties of the bottom sediments showed a clear variation in both composition and potential for internal phosphorus loading. The sediments from the profundal zone, where the most boating activity was observed, together with the sediments from the shallow zone where the boats dock (mooring zone), had the highest potential to supply phosphorus to the bottom waters. This fact was demonstrated by the highest total phosphorus (TP) concentrations in sediments (up to 1.32 mgPg−1 DW) and the content of the most mobile fractions (up to 33%). The other zones associated with the marina, fuel zone, tributary and canal were not significant sources of phosphorus to the ecosystem. Based on the above results, a restoration method involving the removal of bottom sediments from the bottom zone was proposed, supported, of course, by protective measures in the catchment (maintaining a buffer zone around the lake and limiting the inflow of pollutants with tributary waters). The proposed measures with sustainable tourist pressure should improve water quality and thus contribute to protecting this valuable natural landscape.

Abstract Landslide hazards significantly threaten rural communities, impacting various aspects of livelihoods, including food security. The Gamo Highlands in southern Ethiopia is vulnerable to landslide hazards. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the effect of landslide hazards on rural households’ food security status in the Gacho Baba district, Gamo Highlands, southern Ethiopia. The study employed a mixed approach, to collect and analyze data collected from 289 households, community leaders, and early warning and food security experts. Purposive and multistage sampling techniques were deployed. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), Food Consumption Score (FCS), and Reducing Coping Strategies Index (RCSI) were food in/security indicators used. The HFIAS reveals significant worries regarding stable access and availability of food, with 62% of sample households categorized as mildly, moderately, and severely food-insecure. FCS indicates prevalent challenges in achieving adequate food consumption levels among the surveyed households, with a significant portion falling into the poor consumption category (51.3%). while the investigation of coping strategies using RCSI categorized (53.3%) of study samples into high coping strategies. The study also reveals varying levels of awareness and preparedness among households, with a significant proportion expressing uncertainty about landslide occurrence and prevention mechanisms. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational and awareness initiatives, as well as comprehensive risk reduction strategies, to enhance household resilience and safeguard food security in landslide-prone areas.

This study aims to generate instructions for physical education teachers on how to improve physical fitness of students and enhance their physical development using digital applications. For this, the physical development levels of middle school students were analyzed. The secondary goal is to determine how effective the digital learning tools are in enhancing the quality of physical education in the university setting. The present empirical study focuses on evaluating physical readiness of 172 seventh grade students in cities of Aktobe and Orenburg. Pearson correlation was used to establish a connection between the mentioned indicators. Digital technologies have proven effective in enhancing student motivation for sports participation. Specifically, 69% of the respondents said they would be more motivated to participate in sports if there were digital apps or social networks used in the learning process. The results of the study show direct and inverse correlations between test results and physical markers of fitness. Based on the correlations established, the current study also provides physical training guidelines for physical education teachers and middle school students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives Environmental and edaphic conditions influence the distribution. One of the important goals of this research is to identify relationships between soil and vegetation factors and the kind of soil characteristics in which these species are scattered. Taking a step in this direction will prevent habitat destruction and help to repair damaged areas. Materials and methods In this way, three representative areas were determined by the physiognomic-systematic method of selected representative areas. They were found in the Ferula's habitat. Then, the area with less than 15% coverage was considered the least dense area, the area between 15-30% coverage of the average representative area, and the vegetation percentage of more than 30% was also considered the high-density representative area. In each representative area, eight transects of 1000 meters were considered in a systematic random method and vertical to each other. Since the area had a slope due to the inclusion of slope changes in sampling, quadrat sampling with transect was used in each representative area. Plot size was determined by the minimum level method. Species density was measured in three areas with 2 x 2 square meter plots and 240 plots. In order to prepare soil samples, two soil profiles were dug on each transect at a distance of 500 meters; a total of 48 profiles were dug, and soil samples were taken from a depth of 0 to 30 cm. In each representative area, three transects of 1000 meters were placed perpendicular to each other, and in each transect, ten bases with a distance of 100 meters, their gum was taken, and after collection, it was transferred to the water and soil laboratory of Hormozgan University. The amount of gum in each base was measured with a digital scale with an accuracy of 0.001. A comparison of the production of Anguza gum was made in the habitats. The changes of edaphic factors in representative areas with a low density of 15.8, medium density of 27.8, and high density of 46.9 bases per hectare of Anguze were analyzed by SPSS software by GLM test. Results In areas with low density, the level of acidity was 7.4; in the area with medium density, it was 7.8; and in the dense area, it was 8. According to the results, soil acidity is high in the areas where the soil is dense, and soil acidity is low in the areas with low density. This indicates that this plant was more compatible with alkaline soils, and its density decreased with soil acidification. The process of changing the percentage of density under the influence of the percentage of organic matter showed that organic matter directly affects the plant's density. With the increase of organic matter, the density of this plant will also increase. When the soil is weak in organic matter, this plant's density will also decrease. According to the difference in the averages, the less dense area has the lowest amount of potassium, and the area with high density also has the highest amount of potassium. The calcium + magnesium content results were the lowest in the area with low density, and the highest amount was in the dense area of the ferula habitat. The number of bases per unit area increased in areas with higher sand content, and the number of bases decreased in clay soils. This plant is not compatible with salty and acidic soil. Conclusion Knowing plant species' ecological needs and performance is necessary to carry out remedial activities in dry and desert ecosystems. Bestak City has many ferula plantations in Hormozgan province, and these plantations can produce gum, exchange currency, and have high economic value for local communities. The height of 1900 to 2500 meters is one of the characteristics of the ferula habitat in Bastak. This species has a more excellent geographical distribution in areas with sand, silt, and high acidity, and its density has increased, and its distribution has decreased in clay areas. According to the findings, this plant seems to grow in light soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Power Generation Technology is the property of Power Generation Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Insects and arachnids are abundant and diverse, respond to key human impacts and support a diversity of key ecological functions. They are therefore widely recognised as effective surrogates for ecosystem condition. Their efficacy as indicators and surrogates in coastal dunes has, however, rarely been quantified, but might be instructive in guiding management in these often highly impacted coastal ecosystems. In this study, we (1) tested the effects of spatial and habitat drivers on the abundance of key insect and arachnid groups, and (2) used these patterns to identify viable management surrogates for impacts and management actions. We surveyed insect, arachnid and plant assemblages in coastal dunes at 20 sites on the Sunshine Coast in central eastern Australia. We have identified indicators for habitat condition and indicators for impact, and taxa that could be used to measure restoration outcomes. Crucially, five indicator groups also met criteria for being umbrella species, as management actions that increase their abundance would confer benefits to most other insect and arachnid taxonomic groups. We identified seven indicator groups (five insect and two arachnid), and each were affected by multiple spatial and habitat metrics, with metrics quantifying the composition and structure of vegetation communities being the most important predictors of most indicator's distributions. Implications for insect conservation: We highlight the importance of understanding subtleties in spatial patterns and the unique set of spatial and environmental conditions that each group requires when identifying suitable indicator taxa for use in the conservation and management of coastal dunes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Green sustainable development is an important part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and China's ecological civilization construction. Methods: This paper combines the characteristics of the development of lakeside cities, gives full play to the advantages of modern remote sensing technology to collect the indicators related to the green sustainable development of lakeside cities, adopts the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the CRiteria Importance Through Inter-criteria Correlation (CRITIC) subjective and objective weighting methods and the difference coefficient method to determine the weights of the indicators, evaluates the green sustainable development of a typical lakeside city of Kunming for more than 30 years, and analyzes the influencing factors using the gray degree of correlation. Results: The results show the following: (1) From 1990 to 2021, the level of green sustainable development in the urban area around Dianchi Lake fluctuated in stages, with an overall upward trend, and the green development index increased from 0.25 in 1990 to 0.5 in 2021. (2) The coefficient of variance determined by the optimization model can be a better compromise between the objective and subjective weights of the indicators, and the massive occupation of wetlands and arable land around the lake in the urban expansion has become a major factor in the development of the city, with a combined weight of 10.30% and 8.79%, respectively. (3) The urban population and economic scale are currently the main drivers of the green and sustainable development of a lakeside city, with a correlation of 0.843 and 0.769, respectively. Discussion: The growth of urban population and economic scale plays a pivotal role in driving the green and sustainable development of lakeside cities, while the potential impact of tourism development should also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new pharmaceutical-derived azo dye was prepared from salbutamol as an aromatic phenolic compound with sulfonamide, sulfadiazine and sulfathiazole, respectively. Dye characterization was described by Mass., H1-NMR, I.R. and visible spectroscopy techniques. The electronic spectra of this azo dye have been studied in terms of proton harvesting and ionization. The other study was the effect of solvents with different polarities on the electronic spectra. The dye has many applications, such as its use as an indicator of a strong acid with a strong base and the use of the dye as an antibiotic. Some applications measured the biological activity of the prepared dyes against Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus, and showed positive results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An automatic composition system that includes music generation and music assessment is designed in this paper. In terms of music generation, we modify the Transformer-XL model for generating music. The Mask mechanism based on Transformer-XL is improved to make the attention of model tend to pay on the bidirectional information, so that the generated popular piano music forms a coherent whole. In terms of music assessment, we combine objective and subjective assessment to judge the generated music in a comprehensive way. Meanwhile, we put forward a new objective assessment method, namely the piano roll classification scoring network. It converts music into pictures and uses classification models in the CV, enabling the network itself to classify and score the generated music. The assessment results from subjective and objective experiments show that by improving the Mask mechanism of Transformer-XL, the model is trained to be better and the generated music could achieve the effect of imitating the real music. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertebrate populations are often monitored as part of broader assessments of ecosystem status, where they are expected to provide information on the ability of the ecosystem to support higher‐level predators. However, because many vertebrates are long‐lived and often only subsets of their populations can be monitored, abundance may not be sufficiently responsive to ecosystem status to provide early warnings of impending changes. Marine birds are often used as indicators of ecosystem status but, due to their long lifespan and delayed recruitment to the breeding population, changes in abundance are generally slow and often difficult to interpret. Their breeding productivity is, however, also widely monitored and much more responsive to ecosystem status, but the relevance of variation in productivity may be difficult to assess. We propose a model‐based indicator that integrates monitoring of abundance and breeding productivity through demographic matrix models. The metric of the proposed indicator is the expected population growth rate, given the observed level of breeding productivity. This expected growth rate is then compared with a threshold derived from the criteria employed for red‐listing of threatened species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. We demonstrate the suggested approach using data from Black‐legged Kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla in the Greater North Sea region, Northwest Europe. The proposed indicator shows that the current level of breeding productivity is expected to lead to a population decline of 3–4% per year, which is equivalent to a red‐list status as Endangered for the species in this region. Our indicator approach is used in OSPAR's Quality Status Report 2023 and is expected to be used by European Union member states for reporting under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive in 2024. Our approach represents a major step forward in assessing the status of marine bird populations; the ideal next step would be to develop a coherent Integrated Population Modelling (IPM) framework that would allow inclusion of all data on population abundance and demography collected across the large and diverse marine ecosystems involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is prevalent among cancer patients, indicating pleural metastasis and predicting poor prognosis. However, accurately identifying MPE in clinical settings is challenging. The aim of this study was to establish an innovative nomogram-derived model based on clinical indicators and serum metal ion levels to identify MPE. Methods: From July 2020 to May 2022, 428 patients diagnosed with pleural effusion (PE) were consecutively recruited. Comprehensive demographic details, clinical symptoms, imaging data, pathological information, and laboratory results, including serum metal ion levels, were systematically collected. The nomogram was created by incorporating the most significant predictors identified through LASSO and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The predictors were assigned weighted points based on their respective regression coefficients, allowing for the calculation of a total score that corresponds to the probability of MPE. Internal validation using bootstrapping techniques assessed the nomogram's performance, including calibration, discrimination, and clinical applicability. Results: Seven key variables were identified using LASSO regression and multiple regression analysis, including dyspnea, fever, X-ray/CT compatible with malignancy, pleural carcinoembryonic antigen(pCEA), serum neuron-specific enolase(sNSE), serum carcinoembryonic antigen(sCEA), and pleural lactate dehydrogenase(pLDH). Internal validation underscored the superior performance of our model (AUC=0.940). Decision curve analysis (DCA) analysis demonstrated substantial net benefit across a probability threshold range > 1%. Additionally, serum calcium and copper levels were significantly higher, while serum zinc levels were significantly lower in MPE patients compared to benign pleural effusion (BPE) patients. Conclusion: This study effectively developed a user-friendly and reliable MPE identification model incorporating seven markers, aiding in the classification of PE subtypes in clinical settings. Furthermore, our study highlights the clinical value of serum metal ions in distinguishing malignant pleural effusion from BPE. This significant advancement provides essential tools for physicians to accurately diagnose and treat patients with MPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study covered a small, shallow lake, intensively used for recreation (sailing, tourist services and port infrastructure). This study aimed to determine the spatial differentiation of bottom sediments and the potential for phosphorus release in five zones, differing mainly in the type of recreation, depth, direct catchment management, shoreline management and macrophyte presence. The results were used to propose protective and restoration measures to improve the water quality of the studied lake. The innovation in the study was the detailed analysis of bottom sediments, which can be a significant source of pollution besides the external load from the catchment and tourist pressure, in the planned management of this ecosystem. Examination of the physicochemical properties of the bottom sediments showed a clear variation in both composition and potential for internal phosphorus loading. The sediments from the profundal zone, where the most boating activity was observed, together with the sediments from the shallow zone where the boats dock (mooring zone), had the highest potential to supply phosphorus to the bottom waters. This fact was demonstrated by the highest total phosphorus (TP) concentrations in sediments (up to 1.32 mgPg−1 DW) and the content of the most mobile fractions (up to 33%). The other zones associated with the marina, fuel zone, tributary and canal were not significant sources of phosphorus to the ecosystem. Based on the above results, a restoration method involving the removal of bottom sediments from the bottom zone was proposed, supported, of course, by protective measures in the catchment (maintaining a buffer zone around the lake and limiting the inflow of pollutants with tributary waters). The proposed measures with sustainable tourist pressure should improve water quality and thus contribute to protecting this valuable natural landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslide hazards significantly threaten rural communities, impacting various aspects of livelihoods, including food security. The Gamo Highlands in southern Ethiopia is vulnerable to landslide hazards. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the effect of landslide hazards on rural households' food security status in the Gacho Baba district, Gamo Highlands, southern Ethiopia. The study employed a mixed approach, to collect and analyze data collected from 289 households, community leaders, and early warning and food security experts. Purposive and multistage sampling techniques were deployed. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), Food Consumption Score (FCS), and Reducing Coping Strategies Index (RCSI) were food in/security indicators used. The HFIAS reveals significant worries regarding stable access and availability of food, with 62% of sample households categorized as mildly, moderately, and severely food-insecure. FCS indicates prevalent challenges in achieving adequate food consumption levels among the surveyed households, with a significant portion falling into the poor consumption category (51.3%). while the investigation of coping strategies using RCSI categorized (53.3%) of study samples into high coping strategies. The study also reveals varying levels of awareness and preparedness among households, with a significant proportion expressing uncertainty about landslide occurrence and prevention mechanisms. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational and awareness initiatives, as well as comprehensive risk reduction strategies, to enhance household resilience and safeguard food security in landslide-prone areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2008 the French government launched its Quantitative Water Management policy initiative, as part of which the Rhône-Méditerranée Corse Water Agency undertook studies to ascertain monthly environmental flows at key sub-basin control points and the corresponding 'allowable [water] withdrawals'. Despite simplification, uncertainties, and insufficient data, the studies produced environmental-flow (e-flow) targets endowed with the power of allocating water between humans and nature. We analyse the fluctuation of the e-flow target at Point T6 in the Têt river basin, in the South of France, and show that, rather than an objective, quantitative ecological threshold dictated by science, it can be seen as a boundary number that embodies imaginaries, values, ideologies and interests. Science, but also law, appear to be selectively mobilized, massaged or contested. As a 'slider', the e-flow target reflects the state’s political will and/or capacity to impose change and a reduction in water abstraction. Although the e-flow at Point T6 so far failed to play its role as a 'boundary number' and to achieve a settlement, it both exposed the limits of the pre-existing status quo and reshuffled the cards, legitimizing in particular the entry of environmental actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Canine distemper virus (CDV), a morbillivirus with a single-stranded RNA composed of six genes, causes deadly distemper disease in canids. The first hosts of the virus are wild and domestic canids. OBJECTIVES: Due to the presence of endangered species of felids and canids, such as the Persian leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor) and Corsac fox (Vulpes corsac) in Golestan Province, Iran obtaining data about the epidemiology of CDV in the susceptible wild mammals' population seems essential. Regarding the presence of many golden jackals (Canis aureus) in Golestan Province, this study surveyed CDV infection in Golden jackals as sentinel species. METHODS: Eye swabs were provided from 60 road-killed jackals on the highways around Gorgan City and transferred to the buffer. The presence of CDV in the samples was examined by RT-nested PCR. RESULTS: Forty male and 24 female jackals were sampled. CDV was diagnosed in 20 jackals (31.2%). The prevalence rates of CDV infection in males (32.5%) and females (29.1%) were similar (P≥ 0.05.). CDV infections were only detected in 1-3 years old jackals and in cold seasons. CONCLUSIONS: CDV infection in 31.2% of sampled golden jackals from Gorgan indicates CDV's presence in north Iran's wild ecosystem. Due to the lack of access to CDV susceptible wild animals for vaccination, the high presence of rural dogs around a wild ecosystem of Golestan Province, and their important role in CDV transmission, proper vaccination of rural and stray dogs is suggested as one of the best ways to control CDV dissemination in the population of wild CDV susceptible animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Afyon Kocatepe University Journal of Social Sciences / Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi is the property of Afyon Kocatepe University (AKU) Sosyal Bilimler Enstitusu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Environmental perception is a key indicator for evaluating green space preference and satisfaction. The shift in urban green space research towards emphasizing human benefits over functionality has caused a gradual increase in the number of articles on green space perception in recent years. Studying the relationship between the vegetation landscape (a fundamental aspect of urban green spaces) and subjective perceptual dimensions have become a pivotal research topic. This paper delves into the correlations and influencing relationships between these two dimensions with the main focus being on vegetation landscape indicators and subjective perception. The perceived green benefits were categorized into four main groups in the 80 articles reviewed: perceived safety, visual aesthetics, restoration benefits, and preferences. In this study, green indicators were also defined and categorized. The results indicated that the guiding indicators had a higher frequency and that species diversity improved the perceived benefits in all aspects. Among the control indicators, plant color, plant height, and the vegetation composition structure received the most attention. Plant color accounted for the largest proportion of studies on perceived visual aesthetics. Vegetation characteristics related to perceived safety had a shared trait, and there was a lack of correlation studies between safety and aesthetics in perceptual dimensions. In the common methods for assessing human perception, a shift from subjective measurements to mixed measurements using emerging technologies is underway. As a pioneering scope review of how vegetation landscapes influence subjective human perceptions, this study has not only provided evidence of the perceived benefits of urban green spaces but also offers valuable insights and tools for future research and policymaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the first paper of this two-part series on the development of a sustainable water resources management assessment framework (SWRM-AF), a conceptual framework for arid and semi-arid regions was developed. The framework, rigorously selected through an extensive literature review, consisted of two main parts: components and indicators. This second paper of the series utilizes the Delphi technique as a participatory method to refine the conceptual framework, working toward a final version. This technique employs an iterative questionnaire through which 60 expert stakeholders from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries were invited to assess 24 indicators across four components—social, economic, environmental, and infrastructure—and to assign their respective weights. However, while 40 accepted the invitation to be involved, only 33 participated in the first round. This paper identified that 97% of stakeholders in the first round were familiar with sustainability and its three pillars. The final result of the two rounds showed a preference for indicators within the social, economic, and infrastructure components to carry equal weights (i.e., four indicators within each of the three components were assigned 25% weighting each). In contrast, stakeholders identified that indicators within the environmental component should be assigned different weights. Therein, 'Compliance of wastewater treatment plants with regulations' and 'Carbon dioxide emissions from desalination sector' scored the highest and lowest weightings, accounting for 24.2% and 14.3% of the available weighting, respectively. The validation process resulted in a framework of 17 indicators. Thus, the refined and final version of SWRM-AF is presented and ready for implementation. The next stage of the research, which will keep the audience engaged, is to apply the newly developed SWRM-AF to an arid country and evaluate its effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Due to the need for prompt and rational assessment of service quality within the framework of complex IT projects, including infrastructure servicing and maintenance, which often involve a large number of identical or similar iterations, it becomes necessary to develop novel analysis methods based on nonlinear aggregation of indicators. As a result of changes in the structure of the process, territorial remoteness, automation, informatization, and the emergence of big data, the use of existing assessment methods often becomes impossible or labor-intensive. The purpose of the present work is to develop an approach to assessing the quality of work (services) in the framework of IT projects based on nonlinear aggregation of indicators.Methods. The proposed approach to assessing service quality within IT projects is based on nonlinear aggregation of a number of indicators involving a preliminary decomposition of the system into private indicators. In order to meet the requirements of the decomposition process, service quality indicators must fully characterize the properties of the service as a whole at the different stages of its life cycle.Results. The application of the proposed nonlinear aggregation methodology to quality indicators obtained by decomposing the system is described with the further calculation of a single indicator that takes all the essential initial parametric indicators into account. The decomposition of complex systems to the level of elementary relationship subsystems more adequately reflects interrelated phenomena in a complex system.Conclusions. The practical application of the neural network parametric data aggregation model for assessing the quality of IT services is demonstrated. The use of an aggregated information and analytical indicator for assessing service quality increases the availability of analytical information for decision makers, reduces the dimension of analytical data, and improves the objectivity of the obtained generalized information.

This study tackles the critical challenge of medication non-adherence in healthcare by pinpointing indicators related to medication adherence (IRMAs) across 39 European countries and Israel. Utilizing a structured expert survey methodology within the European Network to Advance Best Practices and Technology on Medication Adherence (ENABLE; COST Action CA19132), our research identified key country-specific IRMAs and collected data on these indicators to understand the multifaceted nature of medication adherence. The research was conducted in two phases: firstly, defining key IRMAs through a two-round expert survey, and secondly, gathering country-specific data on these IRMAs through literature reviews and additional expert surveys. The study revealed a diverse range of 26 top-ranked IRMAs, including six related to country characteristics, four to social/economic factors, three each to therapy-related and patient-related factors, one to condition-related factors, and nine to healthcare system-related factors. The availability of country-specific data on these IRMAs varied among the countries, highlighting the need for more comprehensive data collection and research. The findings from this study not only underscore the complexity of predicting medication adherence but also lay the groundwork for developing targeted, country-specific interventions to improve adherence. Moreover, this research offers valuable insights for policymakers, highlighting the importance of understanding the multifaceted nature of medication adherence and offering a valuable resource in formulating targeted health policies to enhance health outcomes and reduce the economic burden associated with medication non-adherence.

Diverse communities of arable plants contribute to the long-term sustainability of agroecosystems and support a large variety of ecosystem services. Agricultural intensification influences the composition and structure of these communities and is one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss in Europe. Several European Union (EU) policies seek to reverse agroecosystems degradation and need biodiversity data-based indicators. Here we focus on arable fields with crops and arable plants. Open access to biodiversity data, such as through the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), opens multiple options to develop large-scale indicators. We investigate whether occurrences of certain weeds from GBIF could become indicators of lower levels of agricultural intensification. For this, we designed an EU-scale data-driven proof of concept, using a 2018 EU28-wide 10 m resolution map of maize and a total of 2,082,796 occurrences data for 156 weed species associated to this crop. A total of 12 arable plants sensitive to intensification were identified that could possibly become indicators. We also show how GBIF data is able to capture the effect of proxies for agricultural intensification on plant communities associated with crops. Even with the limitations of studying only one crop for a single year, we present some of the potential of these data to assess the condition of agroecosystems. Novel integration of biodiversity relevant observations across scales will need to underpin the characterization of agroecosystems to inform farm, as well as landscape management and policy impact evaluation.

Abstract The Kunming‐Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework lays out an ambitious set of goals and targets aimed at halting and reversing biodiversity loss. The extent of natural ecosystems has been selected as one of a small set of headline indicators against which countries will report progress under this framework. We evaluate the effectiveness with which this indicator is expected to capture the overall scope of the ecosystem‐focused component of Goal A, and interlinkages with the species‐focused component of this same goal, using extensive global data on the integrity, connectivity, and plant species composition of forests. Results generated for all forest‐supporting countries demonstrate that consideration of these additional factors can profoundly alter understanding of the state of forest biodiversity relative to that based on extent alone. Employment of ecosystem extent as a headline indicator must therefore be augmented by appropriate use of component and complementary indicators addressing other key dimensions of ecosystem change.