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Eleutheroside B, eleutheroside E, and isofraxidin are all important active ingredients for medicinal purposes of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. and Maxim).To improve the efficacy and quality of Chinese medicinal materials, optimizing the extraction process is necessary. By improving and innovating the process, the utilization efficiency of medicinal materials can be enhanced, promoting the effective utilization of Chinese medicinal materials. This experiment focused on three traditional components of Eleutherococcus senticosus, a medicinal plant known for its various bioactive properties. High‐performance liquid chromatography and response surface methodology were employed to investigate the effects of extraction parameters on the yield of these components. Mathematical model analysis was used to optimise the response surface experimental design and to determine the exact extraction conditions for each ingredient. In the extraction method prediction model, the method described in the best group extracted more of the three active ingredients. The extraction rate of the components was increased by 1.33 percent compared to the conventional extraction method. Meanwhile, the R‐square of this prediction model was as high as 0.938. A validated method was used to quantify the three components in 21 samples of Eleutherococcus senticosus from different origins. The results revealed significant variations in the component content among the samples. The recall F1 of cross‐validation sets in the GA‐decision tree of the classifier reaches 0.833. K‐means cluster analysis was performed to classify the samples based on their component profile, providing a basis for quality assessment. The novel content evaluation model developed in this study enabled a reliable and visual comparison of the component differences among the samples and extraction conditions, determining the optimal extraction parameters for each component of Eleutherococcus senticosus. This study offers new techniques and insights for the development and utilization of natural active ingredients from Chinese herbs, with important scientific and practical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lepidoptera account for the second largest, most diverse, widespread, and widely recognized insect order in the class Insecta. At four microhabitats at Wolaita Sodo University (WSU) in Ethiopia, lepidopteran diversity and abundance were studied for the first time using transects between January 2022 and December 2023. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, correlation analysis, diversity indices, and ordination and cluster analysis. Altogether 50 species of 367 individuals were collected throughout the study period distributed in 6 families. The Nymphalidae family contained the highest species abundance 20 (34%). In comparison to other ecosystems, open forest regions (35%) included more species, followed by shrub forest (30%). Species such as Danaus plexippus, Tirumala septentrionis, and Melanargia lachesis were abundant in open forest habitat. Idea leuconoe and Eurema brigitta were also abundant, regardless of location. About 36% of species were recorded only in dry season and 36% of total were recorded only in wet season. Spearman's rho correlation analysis showed that butterfly families had strong positive relationships with flying habitat and flight seasons. Therefore, adequate conservation measures should be taken to ensure their survival, as well as the preservation of their habitats for the benefit of the ecosystem as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cocoa bean acidification, fermentation, and flavour quality are intricately shaped by pulp preconditioning and fermentation treatments. This study investigates the impact of predrying and subsequent fermentation on key parameters such as pH, titratable acidity, fermentation quality (% purity), fermentation index (FI), and overall flavour quality (global quality (GQ)) of cocoa beans. Extended predrying periods and fermentation durations demonstrated a significant enhancement in bean acidification, reflected in the rise of nib pH (6.61–7.33) and the decline in nib acidity (0.023–0.013 meg NaOH/100 g). Notably, the cut test underscored the substantial improvement in % purity, reaching 75.6–99.7% for beans predried at 2–8 hours followed by a 6‐day of fermentation. FI increased significantly from 1.026 to a peak of 1.067, followed by a decline to 0.098 in the control, 6 hours, and 8 hours of predried beans, respectively. Sensory evaluation showed substantial improvement in the GQ (40.1–44.6) of beans predried at 2–8 hours and fermented for 6 days, compared to the control (38.3). In addition, a significantly higher preference was shown for cocoa liquor made from the beans predried for 4‐6 hours and fermented for 6 days. Principal component analysis clustered samples according to the predrying time, fermentation duration, and quality parameters measured. Optimal conditions for enhanced nib acidification, fermentation quality, and flavour attributes were identified at 6‐hour predrying and 6‐day fermentation using the response surface methodology. The study highlights the potential of predrying as a pulp preconditioning technique for enhancing fermentative and final bean quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permanent supportive housing (PSH) is the main approach advocated in Western countries for eradicating homelessness. Considering that PSH residents are not a homogeneous group and that their quality of life (QoL) and community integration (CI) might differ in this setting, improving our understanding of these residents' profiles may help stakeholders formulate informed recommendations to improve PSH. This study identified PSH resident profiles based on their QoL, CI, and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and associated these profiles with housing features and service use. A total of 308 PSH residents were recruited in Montreal (Canada) in 2020–2022. Structured interviews were conducted. PSH resident profiles were produced with cluster analysis and subsequently compared using chi‐square, Fisher's, and t‐tests, taking into account housing features and service use. Three PSH resident profiles were found. Profile 1 residents (22% of the sample) had low QoL and CI, were younger, and had major social and health issues and unmet needs. Showing moderate QoL and CI, Profile 2 residents (27%) were more educated, had little foster care history, were older on their first homelessness episode, and had few co‐occurring MD‐SUD. Profile 3 residents (51%) had the best QoL and CI and mostly included men with little education, affected by co‐occurring MD‐SUD and satisfied with services. More intensive housing support and care coordination may be recommended for Profile 1 PSH residents in response to their diverse needs. Work integration may be beneficial to Profile 2 residents, with programs such as Individual Placement and Support, along with increased rehabilitation activities. A better integration of MD‐SUD treatments may be promoted for Profile 3 residents. Considering most PSH residents had multiple health issues and unmet needs, satisfaction with care could be monitored better, as it was found to be a key variable in measuring care adequation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's data‐driven world, we are constantly exposed to a vast amount of information. This information is stored in various information systems and is used for analysis and management purposes. One important approach to handle these data is through the process of clustering or categorization. Clustering algorithms are powerful tools used in data analysis and machine learning to group similar data points together based on their inherent characteristics. These algorithms aim to identify patterns and structures within a dataset, allowing for the discovery of hidden relationships and insights. By partitioning data into distinct clusters, clustering algorithms enable efficient data exploration, classification, and anomaly detection. In this study, we propose a novel centroid‐based clustering algorithm, namely, the morphological accuracy clustering algorithm (MAC algorithm). The proposed algorithm uses a morphological accuracy measure to define the centroid of the cluster. The empirical results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves a stable clustering outcome in fewer iterations compared to several existing centroid‐based clustering algorithms. Additionally, the clusters generated by these existing algorithms are highly susceptible to the initial centroid selection made by the user. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Although inappropriate gestational weight gain is considered closely related to adverse maternal and birth outcomes globally, little evidence was found in low- and middle-income countries. Study Objectives. This study is aimed at identifying the determinants of gestational weight gain and examine the association between gestational weight gain and maternal and birth outcomes in the Northern Region of Ghana. Study Methods. The study used a facility-based cross-sectional study design involving 611 antenatal and delivery records in Tatale district, Tamale west, and Gushegu municipal hospitals. A two-stage sampling method involving cluster and simple random sampling was employed. Descriptive statistical analysis and measures of central tendency were used to describe the sample. The multinomial logistic regression model was used to determine the determinants of gestational weight gain and its association with maternal and birth outcomes. Results. Among the 611 women included in the study, 516 (84.45%) had inadequate gestational weight gain, and 19 (3.11%) had excessive gestational weight gain. The gestational weight gain ranged from 2 kg to 25 kg with a mean of 7.26 ± 3.70 kg. The risk factor for inadequate gestational weight gain was low prepregnancy BMI (adjusted odds ratio AOR = 1.33 , 95% CI = 1.18 − 2.57 , P = 0.002). Pregnant women who had inadequate gestational weight gain were significantly less likely to deliver through caesarean section (AOR = 0.27 , 95% CI = 0.12 − 0.61 , P = 0.002), and those who had excessive weight gain were more likely to undergo caesarean section (AOR = 19.81 , 95% CI = 5.38 − 72.91 , P = 0.001). The odds of premature delivery (birth < 37 weeks) among pregnant women with inadequate weight gain were 2.88 (95% CI = 1.27 − 6.50 , P = 0.011). Furthermore, subjects who had excessive weight gain were 43.80 times more likely to give birth to babies with macrosomia (95% CI = 7.07 − 271.23 , P = 0.001). Conclusion. Inappropriate gestational weight gain is prevalent in Ghana, which is associated with caesarean section, preterm delivery, delivery complications, and macrosomia. Urgent policy interventions are needed to improve on the frequent monitoring and management of gestational weight gain of pregnant women till term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urban rail transit network has gradually realized grid operation with the increase in the coverage rate. Therefore, the stopping schemes in accordance with the trend of the passenger flow are more conducive to improving the attractiveness of the rail transit and improving the sharing rate of the urban public transit. Traditional data from a single source may not be sufficient to describe the overall trend of the passenger flow in a period of time, and the error is possible in the case of insufficient data. Based on the multisource data, the spatial weight function is introduced to fuse the point of interest data and real estate information data, from which one obtains the residential index and office index, and the cluster analysis is conducted to obtain the potential stop scheme. Then, the optimization model of the train operation plan is established, aiming at minimizing the passenger travel time and the generalized system cost, and is constrained by a series of driving conditions. Compared with the single data source, multisource data can better reflect passenger flow trends and land use characteristics. Compared with the traditional all-station stopping scheme, a reasonable setting of crossing stations and running express-local trains can better satisfy the demands of the passenger flow. Finally, the optimization of Changchun rail Transit Line 1 shows that the model can reduce the travel time of passengers and the operating cost of the rail transit company and improve the quality of service, so as to achieve a win-win situation between passengers and the rail transit company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guizhou is one of the most important black tea producing areas in China. The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristic flavor compounds of Guizhou black tea and investigate the influence of environmental factors on the formation of black tea flavor components. In this study, HS-GC-IMS was used to identify 143 compounds from black tea samples. OPLS-DA was employed to analyze the data, effectively distinguishing black tea from different origins. A total of 83 significant flavor compounds were selected as potential markers using the VIP variable selection method and OAV screening. Cluster analysis was used to identify the characteristic flavor compounds in black tea samples from different origins. In addition, by investigating the climate environment of various production regions and analyzing the volatile components along with stable C and N isotope ratios of samples, it was discovered that the development of volatile components in black tea could be significantly influenced by ambient temperature and light. In regions with higher temperatures, the concentration of volatile components with floral, fruity, and sweet aromas is higher, resulting in a more intense aroma in black tea. In regions with low ambient temperatures but strong sunlight, black tea contains higher levels of components that give it a fresh and nutty aroma. As a result, the aroma of black tea is relatively elegant and fresh. At the same time, it was found that the stable isotope ratios of C and N in black tea were also significantly affected by ambient temperature and were positively correlated. This study introduces a fresh perspective for the comprehensive examination of Guizhou black tea, offering theoretical guidance for optimizing planting conditions and enhancing product quality. Its positive influence on promoting the development of the Guizhou black tea industry is noteworthy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meal timing has been associated with metabolic markers in adults, but not in children or adolescents. The aim of this study was to investigate associations of meal timing patterns (MTPs) with insulin resistance (IR) and triglyceride levels in children and adolescents. In this cross-sectional study, we included 2,195 participants aged 8–15 years from the European I.Family study (2013/14). Habitual diet exposures were derived using 24-hr dietary recalls and HOMA-IR, HbA1c, and triglycerides were used as metabolic outcome variables. We applied k-means cluster analysis on five dietary exposures (energy proportion in the morning and evening, eating window, pre-sleep fasting and eating frequency), which revealed the following three MTPs: "early-often", "late-long" and "late-infrequent-short". We used linear mixed models to estimate the associations between MTPs and the z-scores of the metabolic outcome variables. The association analysis revealed differences between MTPs in HOMA-IR but not in HbA1c or triglyceride z-scores. The "late-infrequent-short" pattern was associated with a 0.19 (95%-CI: (0.01, 0.36)) higher HOMA-IR z-score compared to the "early-often" pattern in the model adjusted for age, BMI z-score, education, sex, country, and family membership. These findings suggest that the timing of meals may influence IR already in childhood and adolescence. Therefore, the time of meals should be considered in future nutrition research and dietary advice for children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]