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In the context of the CORDEX project, an ensemble of regional climate simulations (RCMs) of high resolution on a 0.11° grid has been generated for Europe with the objective of improving the representation of regional to local‐scale atmospheric phenomena. However, such simulations are computationally expensive and do not always reveal added value. Here, a recently proposed metric (the distribution added value [DAV]) is used to determine the added value of all available EURO‐CORDEX high‐resolution simulations at 0.11° for daily mean wind speed compared to their respective coarser‐gridded 0.44° counterparts and their driving fields, hindcast and historical experiments. The analysis consists in comparing the degree of similarity between normalized wind probability density function (PDF) of simulations and observations. In addition, the use of a normalized PDF allows for a direct spatial comparison among the different regions and time periods. Results show that RCMs add value to their reanalysis or forcing global model, but the nature and magnitude of the improvement on the representation of wind speed may vary depending on the model, region and season. We found most RCMS at 0.11° to outperform models at the 0.44° resolution in terms of their quality in capturing the measured wind speed PDF. When looking at the upper tail of the wind speed PDF, the benefits of downscaling are generally larger. At the regional scale, added value is obtained for 0.11° with respect to 0.44° resolution for all subdomains studied, particularly over the Mediterranean, the Iberian Peninsula and the Alps. When analysing the added value dependence on altitude, runs at 0.11° models represent better the locations below 50 m and above 350 m of altitude, and the 0.44° increasingly under‐perform for higher altitudes. Overall, DAV are larger at 0.11° than at 0.44° resolution, due to a better performance of local‐scale feedbacks at high resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the relationship between festivalgoers and the importance of added value in the festival experience. Aspects of added value are additional benefits or experiences beyond the festivals core advertised activities, such as personalised upgrades or souvenirs. Taking a consumer behaviour approach and focusing specifically on music festivals in the UK, the research explores the extent to which attendee's individual characteristics (frequency of attendance, motivation and preferred music genre) determines the importance of experiential attributes and added value. A total of 586 responses were collected using an online survey. The data were analysed using Exploratory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling. The results show that the importance of engagement, services, generic entertainment, festival image and music is revealed to influence the importance of added value. Findings also reveal that festivalgoer's psychographic and behavioural characteristics determine the importance of festival attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean region (MR) is one of the climate change hot spots, posing serious threats to society. The insufficient resolution of the global climate models limits their capability to resolve the complex topography over MR, resulting in a large bias in climate variables. This study examines the performance of four Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase six models from the High‐Resolution Model Intercomparison Project (HighResMIP) in reproducing the Mediterranean climate. A special focus is put on the role of oceanic and atmospheric model horizontal resolution and spread among the models. Various aspects, relevant to air‐sea interactions and precipitation are examined, including the mean, extremes, and associated mechanisms. All HighResMIP models reasonably well capture the large‐scale oceanic and atmospheric characteristics, but there is a sizable model‐to‐model difference. The Hadley Centre Global Environment Model and European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts generally perform better than the other models at comparable atmospheric and oceanic horizontal resolutions. A finer oceanic resolution improves the representation not only of oceanic characteristics (i.e., sea surface temperature, SST) but also of the atmospheric processes (wind and precipitation). Likewise, increasing atmospheric model resolution benefits various atmospheric and ocean characteristics. Over some sub‐basins of the Mediterranean Sea, the intensification of surface wind speed results in the deepening of the ocean's mixed layer leading to cooling, indicating negative feedback in Wind‐SST. In contrast, in other regions, the warmer SST results in the intensification of wind (positive feedback in Wind‐SST). Plain Language Summary: This study made an effort to examine the performance of four Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase six models from the High‐Resolution Model Intercomparison Project for the mean climate and its extremes and associated mechanisms. The Hadley Centre Global Environment Model and European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts models generally perform better than the other models at comparable atmospheric and oceanic horizontal resolutions. It is found that, in general, the increasing resolution improves the performance of the model for most of the aspects. Yet, selecting the best‐performing model and tuning the model having unsatisfactory performance is vital. The improvement in the ocean characteristics by increasing atmospheric model resolution and vice versa highlights the importance of fine‐scale air‐sea interaction processes. Key Points: The Hadley Centre Global Environment Model and European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts perform better than Euro‐Mediterranean Center on Climate Change and Max Planck Institute Earth System Model at comparable atmospheric and oceanic horizontal resolutionsRefinement of oceanic/atmospheric resolution improves the characteristics of the corresponding as well as the other climate componentsThe inter‐model spread and the response to increasing resolution are associated with different feedback processes between sea surface temperature and wind [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conceptualisation of social value in the built environment is provided from the perspective of the capability approach (CA). The CA is a theoretical framework that has been used to assess inequality and poverty, particularly in lessdeveloped countries; its multidimensionality and flexibility make it a useful approach in advanced economies as well. The CA can be a theoretical underpinning to assess the social value created in the built environment, particularly in its spatial dimension. Its use is explored to assess the design features of housing schemes and the wider environment as a fundamental conversion factor in creating capabilities and achieving valued functionings. In addition to theoretical considerations, a capabilitybased assessment of social value is presented for housing design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social value has evolved rapidly over the last decade or so. Legislation has been a key driver, and added value and numerical measurement are emerging as important focal points. An emerging body of literature in this space draws attention to social value in placemaking, infrastructure and construction work. Using deontological principles of ethics, a critical discussion is presented on the problems associated with numerical measurement of social value as added value. Two key questions are addressed: How does mandating social value by legislation and policy impact good practice? How effectively can numerical measuring of social value evidence the range and diversity of activity and outcomes? This responds to a wider call to take a critical view of both policy and the activities of the sector and advocate a move away from solving immediate problems and development of ever more elaborate tools. The development of a holistic appreciation of the long-term need and outcomes of social value is recommended: the contextual, contingent middle ground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key features of the country's food security status that is caused by the war and particularly by the decrease of the population's purchasing power, increase of the portion of their expenses for groceries; reduction of the farming lands areas and decrease in number of entrepreneurs; worsening of the indicators of country's ranking in the Global Index of Food Security are revealed and critically evaluated in the article. Various measures of the administrative organizations and institutions to ensure stability of the national food market are characterized. Special attention is stressed on the fact that the liquidation of the institutional basis in food industry is one of the destructive factors that contributes to a complete devastation of agribusiness with the closed cycle of production, export that is focused on raw materials, GDP losses due to the missed food production with added value. The perspective to deepen the processing of the raw materials and expansion of the agri-processing power are proven. In the context of the long-term food self-sustainability of the various regions of Ukraine the expediency to develop a complex program to restore the food production based on the innovative modernization of the business processes and digital capabilities is substantiated. It is stated that in the situation of dynamic challenges it is required for Ukraine to correct the status of the food security in ascending direction based on the determination agrarians' potential modernization. Based on the research results various stabilization measures are suggested and it is concluded that the use of the advanced technologies in food, processing industries and in agriculture will turn food safety into the modulator of the scientific and technological progress of the country. Transition to achieving long-term goals under current uncertainty and in post-war period will require coordination of joint efforts, powerful investment streams with orientation on foreign partners. Transformational processes will change the own model: proper production of the wide range of food products with improved quality standards and under established control of the final product to meet the international standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the publication is to characterize the economic value of niche technical crops from today's point of view and to substantiate the economic prospects of their production in the context of modern threats and challenges. The relevance of the study is primarily due to the worsening of food security, the deterioration of the soil, as well as the fact that traditional crops, such as soybeans, which are capricious to weather conditions, moisture-loving corn, and even sunflower, according to forecasts in some regions, will give less and less profits, so farmers need to think about an alternative and to diversify production. To achieve the goal, general scientific and special methods of cognition were used: dialectical, which made it possible to determine the relevance and theoretical basis of the researched question; abstract-logical, with the help of which the theoretical material was systematized and the structure and relationships of the elements of scientific research were formed; analysis and synthesis, which made it possible to identify and group the advantages of niche technical crops, which were considered as arguments in favor of the development of their production; and generalization, with the purpose of forming a comprehensive approach to presenting the researched issue and formulating conclusions. In order to increase the level of specificity and objectivity of the study regarding the prospects for the development of the production of niche technical crops, attention was focused on their individual representatives, safflower and mustard. The main results of the study were: generalization of arguments in favor of the economic feasibility of developing the production of safflower and mustard, among which their multifunctionality, which is common for most niche technical crops, is highlighted; detailed disclosure of the advantages of these cultures, the significance of which is growing in the context of worsening food security; and presentation of the economic value of niche technical crops as a complex characteristic, covering closely related economic, agrotechnical, ecological, agronomic, and socio-economic components. In general, the development of the production of these crops is presented as a tool for diversification of agricultural production and a tool for strengthening of food security under the conditions of modern threats and challenges, which determines the practical significance of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Value added" milk processing plays an important role in the sustainability of the agricultural sector by supporting effective and aggressive marketing. Dairy products reflect the personal dedication and professional learning of a lot of people employed in the animal husbandry and processing industries. Milk processing improves its marketability. Plant and laboratory milk help to form additional added value and have their niche in the market. These kinds of milk are subject to enhanced marketing strategies, such as attractive packaging, PR campaigns, special selections. Given inflation, real milk prices have fallen significantly and producer profits have been severely reduced. They are under constant pressure to improve efficiency and productivity, as the most inefficient being pushed out of the market. Developments in consumer prices of milk and milk products do not necessarily reflect changes in producer prices. The paper examines and classifies the various types of milk and their products. The ways of adding value are summarized and analyzed. Forecasts and estimates of various segments of the dairy agribusiness have been made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Criterio Libre is the property of Revista Criterio Libre 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.)

The article examines the peculiarities of the formation and development of the concept of global value chains. The work systematizes existing research on various aspects of the analysis of this phenomenon. On the basis of systematization, the following five main directions were identified, which were considered in the study: 1) by the structure of costs and output in global value chains, which reflects the processes of transformation of raw materials into the final product; 2) by geographical aspect, i.e. location of production processes and functions of the company and optimization of interaction between them; 3) on the structure of management and distribution of influence in global value chains, which considers the level of influence and distribution of roles between the main participants of these chains; 4) by the institutional aspect, which involves the study of the influence of institutional features of countries and/or industries on various links of global value chains; 5) for the development in global value chains of value from studying the process of movement of chain participants to higher levels of generating added value. Based on the systematization and study of scientific publications, the two most promising areas of further research are distinguished: the influence of institutional distance between countries – participants of global value chains on the configuration parameters of these chains and the role of various types of contractual relations between companies in the configuration and improvement of operations within global value chains. Special attention should be paid to the least studied aspect of the analysis of global value chains – the institutional one. In the context of developing countries, this problem is extremely relevant, since, on the one hand, it combines the potential for improving existing concepts (originally created for companies from developed countries) and the development of new directions, and on the other hand, it has practical significance in the conditions growing participation of companies from these countries in the world economy. The study of the structure and dynamics of changes in the sectors of the world economy by combining various aspects of the analysis of global value chains helps to determine where, how and by whom value is created and distributed: economic and social, tangible and intangible, as well as other types of value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professional training and personal development are two essential aspects of modern life that have become more relevant with rapid technological and business changes in recent decades. People are forced to adapt quickly to these changes to remain relevant in their fields of activity. In this context, the paper aims to investigate the influences of practices regarding professional training and personal development on the added value of organizational change in the employees' perception of organizations in Romania. The results show that professional training and personal development are essential to developing the skills and abilities needed to cope with changes in the business environment. Change can be difficult for individuals and organizations but can bring significant added value, leading to new opportunities and increased adaptability. Therefore, individuals and organizations must remain open to change and invest in professional training and personal development to cope successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recruitment and selection process can be a valuable tool to enhance organizational adaptability and flexibility. Companies and organizations must quickly adapt to new requirements in a constantly changing business environment. By selecting candidates with relevant skills and experience, companies can increase their ability to cope with environmental changes and adapt to new market demands. In this context, the paper aims to evaluate the effects of practices regarding the recruitment and selection of human resources on the added value of organizational change in the employees' perception of organizations in Romania. These two aspects have a close relationship, and their integrated approach can lead to organizations' continuous development and improvement. Therefore, organizations can achieve success and excellent performance in an ever-evolving environment by recruiting and selecting suitable candidates and developing a changing culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses essential characteristics of the social functions of non-formal education in the present day. The way of carrying out the main functions is examined in relation to some trends in postmodern society and its specific crisis and risk features. The review and analysis of social functions was done through a survey of conceptual and empirical studies in the field of non-formal education and ongoing research conducted through semi-structured interview with students participating in non-formal education activities, parents and teachers in non-formal education services. The possibilities and limitations in performing the functions are considered in relation to globalization and individualization of public life, a new constellation of peer relationships, the growth of consumer culture, the culture of immediacy and easy-culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The article presents a comparative analysis of the changes in the number of production enterprises and their employees, value added and entrepreneurship of the population in Lithuania, Šiauliai county and Šiauliai city in the post-crisis period (2009 - 2019). Statistical dynamic, structural and correlation analysis of the data of these enterprises was performed in order to find out the changes in the performance of production enterprises using data collection, comparison and graphical representation methods. Data source – database of indicators of the Department of Statistics of the Republic of Lithuania. Keywords: production sector, production enterprises, added value, entrepreneurship.

• Merging techniques show superior performance to interpolation algorithms. • Added value of merging techniques is pronounced in gauge-scarce regions. • Multiple factors drive the added value of merging techniques. Data-fusion techniques leverage the strengths of multisource precipitation data and can significantly enhance the accuracy of precipitation estimates. However, the extent to which these techniques improve precipitation estimates (i.e., added value) compared to interpolation algorithms and the factors driving this improvement remain unclear. To address these gaps, this study compared the performance of two merging techniques, i.e., double machine learning (DML) and geographically weighted regression (GWR), with multiple interpolation algorithms in estimating precipitation across China. The interpolation algorithms vary in complexity and include typical methods (IDW and Kriging), semi-physical methods (GIDS, DAYMET, and MicroMet), and climatologically aided interpolation (CAI). We quantified the added value of the merging techniques over these interpolation algorithms and investigated the driving factors using a data-driven approach. Results indicate that the merging techniques outperform all the interpolation algorithms, regardless of their complexity. The merging techniques provide greater added value in gauge-scarce regions (e.g., Northeast China) than in gauge-rich regions (e.g., Northwest China). The magnitude of the added value from merging techniques is significantly influenced by the choice of interpolation algorithms due to their varying performance. Additionally, our data-driven model reveals that factors such as the amount of precipitation, number of wet days, performance of precipitation products, and gauge density are key drivers that negatively affect the added value of merging techniques. This study highlights the importance of integrating multisource data to improve precipitation estimates, especially in regions with sparse gauges, rather than relying solely on gauge-only interpolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We assess RCMs' ability to reproduce observed rainfall means, variance and trends. • RCMs can improve means and trends, but systematically underestimate variances. • Suggestions are provided on RCM development and hydro-climate projections. We assessed the ability of Regional Climate Models (RCMs) to reproduce observed means, inter-annual variance and trends for rainfall indices that were important for runoff generation over southeast Australia. To establish the benefit of the RCM without being penalized or rewarded by the performance of the forcing GCM, we used ECMWF Re-Analysis-interim (ERA-Interim) to force the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) and the Conformal Cubic Atmospheric Model (CCAM). The performance of two different configurations of each RCM was evaluated against an observational dataset (Australian Gridded Climate Data, AGCD) and compared with that of ERA-Interim. The assessments were carried out at both observational and ERA-Interim grid resolutions: ∼5 km and ∼80 km, respectively. As hypothesised, the RCMs outperformed ERA-Interim in representing spatial patterns and magnitude of mean rainfall, because of higher spatial resolution. RCMs also accurately represented the general spatial patterns of variance, but systematically underestimated the inter-annual variability over much of the domain. RCMs performed better than ERA-Interim in reproducing the magnitude of trends in some cases, especially in the decline of cool season rainfall in southeast Australia, which has had significant impacts on water resources. One of the two CCAM runs generally performed best across all rainfall indices, in part because of atmospheric spectral nudging and an improved land-surface model. Based on the findings, we have provided suggestions on where new research on the development of RCMs could be focused and recommendations relevant to the next generation of Australian hydro-climate projections generated from the sixth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of globalization the world economy could be characterized by the process of creating global value chains (GVC). Due to the participation in GVC national companies could get excess to the global export markets, high technologies and expertise. Integration of the Russian economy into GVC is made on the basis of narrowly diversified export items (most of it is raw materials), the large gap between regions regarding the level of integration into GVC and also the integration of Russian companies into GVC on the stages that form relatively small added value. The article deals with the analysis of the level of integration of different Russian regions into GVC. The article determines the main factors of quantity and quality parameters of the integration and the conditions for expanding Russian companies 'participation in GVC on advantageous terms in order they could get more added value.

In the current business environment, which has radically changed due to either socio-economic turmoil caused by economic or health crises (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) or due to technology and digitalization, internal audit has gained an important role within companies. Thus, in the last seventy years, internal audit has developed and evolved from being the function that controls accounting and financial data, to becoming the strategic function that improves governance processes for shareholders and management. The internal auditor helps an organization to meet its goals by providing a systematic and disciplined approach for assessing and improving the effectiveness of risk management and governance processes. Only an effective internal audit can achieve its tasks properly. Efficiency depends on the subordination level of the internal audit function (this needs to be adequate for the internal audit to be independent and objective). Efficiency also depends on the professional qualification and practical experience of internal audit staff, on the engagement’s strategy, as well as on activities and added value for the company, and on its continuous improvement capacity. This research aims to analyse the perception of professional practitioners within Romanian professional bodies, both from the perspective of internal auditors who do this service based on audit engagements performed at company level, but also from the perspective of employees working in these companies’ internal audit departments. The main goal is to create and shape a holistic framework to be used for assessing the added value of internal audit based on stakeholders’ perceptions. The main results obtained highlight the fundamental role of the quality of human capital and of corporate governance at company level. Management will take responsibility for implementing the auditor’s recommendations only based on an effective communication and reporting of audit observations. At the same time, the internal auditor’s integrity, independence, objectivity, and competencies represent the foundation of an internal audit function that has all the prerequisites for gaining management’s trust, support, and cooperation. Finally, the results of this research show the importance of the organizational context in which the audit function is organised. According to the worldwide well-established three-line defence model, the audit function is the last line of defence against fraud or non-compliance, thus ensuring the preservation of the company’s resources.

The future of sustainable development is the bioeconomy with both global and local renewable energy solutions. The updated Bioeconomy Strategy and the Green Deal serves as prove of European Commission commitment for transformation towards a sustainable and climate-neutral European Union. This process is characterized with an enormous complexity and should be studied thoroughly for designing transition pathways. Scientifically sound methods can support policymaking in dealing with uncertainty and complexity taking place within definition of transition pathways. This article reviews the existing bioeconomy development models, and presents a novel model, which focus on agriculture – one of the main directions of the national economy. The concept of model is tested within a case study of crop production sector in Latvia. The results of case study show economically viable scenario for added value target set for 2030. In the crop sector, the baseline scenario and three alternative scenarios were analysed. The highest added value and the most advantageous alternative scenario is for fibre powder produced from cereal bran (in the bioeconomy sector, food provides the highest added value).

This study aims to diagnose the reality of small and medium enterprises in achieving economic development through a set of quantitative indicators related to the contribution to the gross domestic product, the provision of jobs, the added value and finally the contribution to the development of exports.The descriptive and analytical approach was adopted by describing and analyzing the reality of small and medium enterprises in Algeria and addressing their role in achieving local development. The study found that these institutions are still resisting for survival and continuity, despite the problems, difficulties and obstacles that surround them, as a large proportion of them were able to overcome problems and challenges, and were able to contribute to economic and social development by improving and raising the indicators of added value, the trade balance, working on Reducing unemployment levels and improving the standard of living for individuals.

Agro-byproducts are substances generated by the bioprocessing industry that may provide functionality and bioactivity when used in foods, health supplements, and bio-composites. Date pits accumulate in very large quantities as a by-product of date processing factories, and they contain valuable bioactive compounds. Date pits and their treated fractions can serve as a cheap additive in food products, providing functionality such as improved composition in terms of fibers, proteins, fat, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, and antioxidant compounds. Additionally, date pits have been used as a natural preservative, fat replacer, tenderizing agent, hydrocolloid, and emulsifying agent. Their health functionalities include their antioxidant capacity, dietary fiber content, probiotic enhancement through dietary fibers, and the fact that they are caffeine free. This paper begins by presenting the chemical composition of date pits and their functionalities in various food products. The multifunctional roles of date pits when incorporated into food products are subsequently reviewed. In addition, this review focuses on the applications of date pits in many food products, such as coffee and other beverages, baked goods, meat products, dairy products, desserts, spreads, condiments, and other food-related products. However, it is a challenge to achieve the aforementioned functionality by incorporating date pits into food products at high levels.

Agricultural competitiveness is a complex, multifaceted concept that goes beyond outright economic results. Balassa, in 1965, operationalized one of the most common methods of measuring competitiveness – the revealed comparative advantage (RCA) or the “Balassa Index.” However, scholars and practitioners argue for more holistic competitiveness approaches. Thus, this research aimed to add layers to the concept of agricultural competitiveness through a value chain analysis based on national production, trade balance results, and the Balassa Index for the EU-27 countries. Data were extracted from INTRACEN and FAOSTAT databases. Statistical analyses were carried out for two types of products – cereals (raw agricultural products) and cereal preparations (processed foods) – to explain why the Balassa Index alone is not enough to capture, characterize, and ultimately define agricultural competitiveness. Findings confirm comparative advantage trade-offs between raw agricultural products and processed foods, based on a resource management paradox, demonstrated by (a) countries with a trade balance surplus in cereals and low RCA values for cereal preparations and (b) countries with a trade balance deficit in cereals and high RCA values for cereal preparations. The novelty factor of this paper resides in providing a competitiveness assessment framework based on an agri-food value chain analysis that proved that the resource management systems in countries with factor endowments were poor. Tracking value chain flows at all its link levels is essential for better measurement of a sector’s degree of competitiveness when compared with other regions. Competitiveness indices must be further developed in this direction. Research findings can support decision-makers in making better strategies for agricultural resource management through efficient food processing and international trading activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop high quality, added value novel sauces with acid whey (AW) (liquid or powder) incorporation. Liquid pasteurized AW was substituted (partly 10%—totally 100%) for the water added in the tomato sauces. AW in powder, was partly substituted for the fat in white sauces and compared to conventional ones. Physicochemical (pH, Brix, viscosity, color), nutritional (proteins, lactose, minerals), microbiological and sensory evaluations were conducted for both developed sauces. Accelerated shelf-life tests were performed. Based on the quality and sensory characteristics deterioration, the optimal water substitution by AW was 70% w/w for tomato sauces and 10% w/w (AW in powder) for white sauces, without limiting their shelf life compared to the control ones for both cases. Both AW-substituted sauces were of high quality and of higher nutrients content compared to conventional products, improving their health promoting profile (tomato sauces: up to 3-fold increase; white sauces: up to 5-fold increase in calcium content; increase in essential amino acids content in both sauces due to AW addition). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Being aware of the unusual or rare location of thyroid metastases helps in early diagnosis and proper patient management. Rare metastases (RM) can be missed resulting in diagnostic pitfalls and delayed treatment. The use of single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging in the follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients provides precise anatomical localization and characterization of RM that may be missed or misinterpreted in planar whole body iodine-131 (WBI) scan. There is a lack of knowledge about dealing with such patients, the treatment they should receive, and therapy response due to the rarity of such cases. In this work, we reported these rare cases increasing awareness about them and their methods of treatment with response to therapy and evaluated the added value of SPECT/CT imaging in changing patients' management. Materials and methods: In this study we reviewed all patients with DTC referred to our unit either for initial radioactive iodine-131 therapy (RAIT) or under follow-up from January 2019 to January 2022. When a suspected lesion was detected in a conventional planar WBI scan whether follow-up scan or post-therapeutic scan, SPECT/CT was acquired immediately in the same session for that region. Additional imaging modalities were performed for confirmation. Response to the given treatment either disease progression (DP) or favorable response which include complete response (CR), partial regression (PR) and stable disease (SD) recorded for each patient. Results: Two hundred and forty patients with DTC referred to our unit over a three-year period (from January 2019 to January 2022) were reviewed. Forty patients developed lung and bone distant metastases. Twenty-one patients were thought to have metastases at unusual sites. Due to incomplete data (no SPECT/CT pictures or confirmatory imaging), 6/21 patients were eliminated. We studied 15 patients with RM (9 females, 6 males) with a median age of 52 years (range 27–79). All patients received the initial RAIT after thyroidectomy in addition to other therapeutic modalities, e.g., radiotherapy (RTH), chemotherapy (CTH) or surgical tumor excision after detection of RM. Ten out of 15 patients (66.67%) showed favorable response to therapy (2 patients had CR, 6 patients had PR and 2 patients had SD), whereas only 5 patients had DP. Additional SPECT/CT changed management in 10/15 patients (66, 67%) of patients. Conclusion: RM identification is mandatory to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed therapy. Increasing the awareness about such rare cases allows for better management. SPECT/CT could significantly impact patients' management through its precise anatomic localization and lesion characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of pleural fluid (PF) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) to adenosine deaminase (ADA) (LDH/ADA) ratio for tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE). Especially to explore whether the LDH/ADA ratio provides added diagnostic value to ADA.Methods: The diagnostic accuracy of PF LDH/ADA ratio and ADA for TPE was evaluated in two cohorts, named the BUFF (Biomarkers for patients with Undiagnosed pleural eFFusion) cohort (62 with TPE and 194 with non-TPE) and the SIMPLE (a Study Investigating Markers in PLeural Effusion) cohort (33 with TPE and 177 with non-TPE). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve were used to measure the diagnostic accuracy of the PF LDH/ADA ratio. The added diagnostic value of the LDH/ADA ratio to ADA was evaluated with net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).Results: The area under the ROC curves (AUCs) of PF ADA and LDH/ADA ratio in the BUFF cohort were 0.76 and 0.74, respectively. In the SIMPLE cohort, the AUCs of PF ADA and LDH/ADA ratio were 0.80 and 0.85, respectively. The decision curves of PF LDH/ADA and ADA were close in both the BUFF and SIMPLE cohorts. The NRI and IDI analyses did not reveal any added diagnostic value of LDH/ADA to ADA.Conclusions: PF LDH/ADA ratio has moderate diagnostic accuracy for TPE. It does not provide added diagnostic value beyond ADA. The current evidence does not support LDH/ADA ratio for diagnosing TPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung - Gesundheitsschutz is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

Introduction: Sea grapes (Caulerpa sp.) are a type of seaweed that currently has prospects for production and development because seaweed from the macroalgae group has a relatively high nutritional content as a source of vegetable protein and minerals so it is being developed into a superior product in the fisheries sector. Sea grapes (Caulerpa sp.) can be consumed fresh and processed as a salad. Aims: The purpose of this research was to analyze the added value of purified sea grapes (Caulerpa sp.). Methods: The type of research used in this study was observation. Sampling in this study used a purposive method. The data analysis method used in this study was using added value analysis with the Hayami method. Results: The results of this study were that there were 2 types of purified sea grapes, namely fresh purified sea grapes and dehydrated purified sea grapes. The added value of purified sea grapes (Caulerpa sp.) was different in fresh and dehydrated forms. The added value of fresh purified sea grapes (Caulerpa sp.) was IDR 75,745/kg with a value added ratio of 75.74%. Meanwhile, the added value for sea grapes (Caulerpa sp.) purified in the form of dehydrate was IDR 123,845 with an added value ratio of 82.56%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the resolution of regional climate models has increased with the development of computing resources, Added Values (AVs) have always been a steady research topic. Most previous studies examined AVs qualitatively by comparing model results with different model resolutions qualitatively. This study tried to quantitatively investigate the AV of the high-resolution regional climate model for precipitation by analyzing the distribution of kinetic energy according to the different wavelengths at two different resolutions (36 km vs. 4 km), away from the traditional comparative analysis. In addition, the experiment that the low-resolution topography was forced to the high-resolution model was additionally conducted to separate the AVs associated with the topographic effect. Among the three experiments, two with the same topography and two with the exact horizontal resolution were compared separately. With identical topography, the high-resolution model simulated amplified precipitation intensity more than the low-resolution model in all quantiles, especially for extreme precipitation. The precipitation generated by mesoscale or smaller scale weather/climate events was also simulated with greater intensity in the high-resolution model. With the same grid spacing, the more detailed topography model showed AV for increasing spatial variability of precipitation, especially in mountainous regions. The AVs identified in this study were related to kinetic energy with wavelengths at the meso-beta or smaller scale. On the other hand, the kinetic energy above the meso-alpha or larger scale has no significant correlation with the AV of precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, five simulations were conducted using the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model with different cumulus parameterizations schemes (CPSs) for the period from 2013 until 2018. A one-year simulation of 2013 with three different horizontal resolutions of 25, 5, and 1.6 km was also performed. The CPSs used were Kain–Fritsch (KF), Grell–Devenyi (GR), Betts–Miller–Janjic (BM), and a non-parameterized scheme (NC). In assessments of model resolutions, both the 25 and 5 km resolutions depicted a strong negative bias in the northeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia during December–January–February (DJF), with marginal differences between the two simulations. Among all 5 km experiments, the best performing scheme was the BM scheme for almost all seasons. Furthermore, the 5 km simulation did not exhibit significant differences relative to the 25 km of the diurnal cycle. The 1.6 km simulation showed significant added value as it was the only simulation that was able to simulate the high precipitation intensity in the morning and a precipitation peak during the evening. The 1.6 km resolution was also the only resolution capable of picking up the precipitation signals in the R4 region (South Peninsular Malaysia) compared to the other two resolutions. While both CPSs and resolutions are important for accurate predictions, the role of CPSs became less significant in a higher resolution simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the work is to measure the increase in value of the leather, when it passes from one link to another in the chain. The Value Chain of Natural Leather Articles in Cuba, (CVAPN) is structured in a group of companies that make up the productive chain where the different actors that participate relate to each other, managing to add value along the different links. As a method, the difference between added value (VA) and gather value was established, the different activities that are carried out in each link, their cost and the way in which they are intertwined. It is concluded that a way to measure business processes based on the value that is consumed and produced through a transformation considering input costs as added value in the product and price as new value generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This is the first article of a series, devoted to a comprehensive problem of economic and geopolitical rivalry of the leading global powers in energy sector. It is dedicated to a number of topical issues of world economy and Russian economic environment. A systematic analysis of long-term world energy economy development trends is performed. For this purpose, a cause-and-effect relationship between international supply chains and energy procurement, on one hand, and revolutionary changes of international economic relations, caused by USA - China and Russia - USA, EU sanctions exchange, on the other, is derived. It is concluded that a developed gas industry is to play a decisive role in insuring global energy leadership of the major global powers on a mid- and long-term basis. A scenario analysis of further European gas market developments is provided. The external effects of developing gas industry are contemplated for Russian economic environment. In this framework most efficient options of action by Russian state are observed.