Search

The Caspian Sea, the world's largest inland body of water, supports a highly diverse community of phytoplankton species that play a crucial role in its ecosystem and overall food web dynamics. This unique, enclosed environment, which spans several countries, is subject to various ecological pressures, including climate change and anthropogenic activities, making it a critical area for biodiversity research. In this study, a comprehensive checklist of these species has been compiled based on an extensive literature review, revealing a total of 970 species and subspecies from 242 genera across 7 phyla. Bacillariophyceae was identified as the dominant class, comprising 347 species (36.37%), followed by Chlorophyta with 289 species (30.29%) and Cyanobacteria with 190 species (19.92%). Other notable groups include Myzozoa with 72 species (7.55%), Ochrophyta with 56 species (5.87%), Cryptophyta with 13 species (1.36%), and Haptophyta with 3 species (0.31%). This detailed inventory provides essential data on the phytoplankton biodiversity in the Caspian Sea, contributing to a deeper understanding of its ecological complexity. The checklist not only highlights the diversity within each phylum but also emphasizes the dominance of diatoms and chlorophytes, which are key to the sea's primary productivity. These findings serve as a critical resource for future ecological and environmental assessments, offering a baseline for monitoring biodiversity changes, potential threats to the ecosystem, and the impacts of climate change and human activities. The rich phytoplankton diversity outlined in this study shows the ecological significance of the Caspian Sea and its importance for regional and global biodiversity conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a system analysis of the facility as a complex production and economic system, a multi-level hierarchical structure of an integrated management system for the main production of a cotton processing enterprise has been developed as the main task of corporate management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction There are only a limited number of maps available regarding the distribution of agricultural and horticultural lands in the country. The existence of these maps can play an important role in various fields such as agricultural planning and development, climate change assessment, yield gap, and food security analysis, livestock production systems management, ecosystem service, fertilizer use management, agricultural optimal cropping pattern determination and other studies related to agriculture, forestry, and rangeland. For example, one of the relevant applications of these maps is their use in combination with climate zoning maps and soil maps to select the target meteorological stations in plant production simulation studies with different practical purposes. The SPAM project (Spatial Production Allocation Model) in IFPRI (International Food Policy Institute) is the main source of these kinds of maps. The accuracy of SPAM maps is acceptable at providence or higher scales because they are prepared based on provincial data. However, these maps may not be precise on a smaller scale than the province. The SPAM data bank does not cover all main crops and none of the horticultural plants. Therefore, in this study, the land use maps of 33 main agricultural and horticultural plants were produced at the country scale using the simplified SPAM method. Materials and Methods: To generate these maps, a spatial overlay of land distribution (total rainfed land raster, total irrigated land raster, and total garden products raster for target crop) with polygon boundaries of cities was produced in ArcGIS. The value of the pixels in each county must be calculated in the created map. To do this, first, the number of pixels with land in each county was counted on this map. Then the area under cultivation of the target plant in each county was divided by the number of pixels counted in the same county. The number obtained in each county was considered as the pixel value of the land in that county for the target plant. The assumptions about the production of distribution maps for each plant in rainfed and irrigated Conditions are 1- To generate the distribution maps of each rainfed or irrigated annual plant; it is assumed that the distribution of the land of the given crop is the same as the distribution of all rainfed or irrigated lands within each county. It should be noted that this assumption can be incorrect if only the land distribution of the crop is considered in a particular crop year. Due to crop rotation, the distribution of a crop in the lands of a county changes every year. If the land distribution of a particular crop in a county is considered for a period of 3 years or more, the probability of target crop planting within each part of the county lands will be high. Because in the present study, information from the period 2014 to 2016 has been used, it is assumed that during this period, the distribution of lands the target rainfed and irrigated is similar to the distribution of total rainfed and irrigated lands in the given county. 2- In the case of horticultural crops that are perennial, it is assumed that the gardens of the target crop are distributed uniformly in the horticultural lands of that county. Therefore, the distribution of a particular horticultural crop in a county was similar to that of the total distribution of horticultural lands in that county.Results and DiscussionThe findings of this study suggest that SPAM2005 maps for various crops in Iran were less accurate than SPAM2010 maps at the province level. While the area of crops in SPAM maps was similar to statistical data at the province level, the spatial distribution of crops required modification. This issue became apparent when the grassland distribution map was compared with the crops SPAM maps, indicating that some crop land in SPAM maps was incorrectly located where grasslands should be. The approach used in this study resolved this problem and generated new spatial distribution maps for crops with higher accuracy.Conclusion This study utilized county-level data from over 400 counties to produce more accurate maps than the original SPAM maps. The advantages of the maps produced in this study compared to SPAM maps are (1) The use of up-to-date crop area information to generate the maps; (2) The use of crop area data at the county scale to increase map accuracy; (3) The application of country-specific land distribution maps to generate the maps; and (4) The production of distribution maps for all major horticultural and agricultural crops in the country, creating a comprehensive database in this field.

Myo-inositol polyalcohol is a characteristic component of natural and concentrated grape musts (CMs), and Regulation (EU) no. 1308/2013 prescribes its presence as a marker of the authenticity of rectified concentrated must (RCM). Other polyalcohols besides myo-inositol, such as scyllo-inositol or minor sugars, could be considered authenticity markers, but an extensive search in the literature yielded no exhaustively investigated study of their concentration variability in genuine products. The aim of this study was to create an extensive national data bank of minor carbohydrates profiles and investigate the impact of the geographical origin and the different vintages on the concentration of these compounds; to this end, 450 authentic Italian grape musts of different varieties were sampled and analyzed during the harvest season in 2019, 2020, and 2021. The grape musts from the Italian wine-growing areas CII and CIIIb had myo- and scyllo-inositol contents always higher than 756 and 39 mg/kg of sugar, respectively. Conversely, also considering other mono- and disaccharides, sucrose, sorbitol, lactose, maltose, and isomaltose showed contents always lower than 534, 1207, 390, 2222, and 1639 mg/kg of sugar, respectively. The general applicability to the CM and RCM of the proposed authenticity thresholds, established in the must, was demonstrated by studying the influence of must concentration on the myo- and scyllo-inositol content. Inter-laboratory comparison experiments were also conducted to harmonize and characterize laboratory methods and validate the analytical dataset. Based on the obtained results, the text of the EU legislation (Reg. (EU) 1308/2013), which defines the characteristics of the must and the CRM product, should be revised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of an information bank of parametric data as a diagnostic sign of a change in the accuracy of pairing in machine systems has been substantiated. Information about the criticality of the deviation of the interface parameters in the machine nodes provides management of service impacts, the resource of elements, reducing the risks of failures, justifying the expediency of recovery or the efficiency of reuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High achievements in personalized evidence-based medicine and oncology, particularly in developed countries, are associated with the successful development of clinical carceral registries of patients (SEER, NCDB, etc.), which are multimodal data banks. They are a data matrix for the development of analytical and prognostic tools in the study of diagnostic features, clinical disease course, therapy response, assessment of prognostic factors, etc. From the point of view of medical digital data banks, data redundancy and duplication are not as critical as information incompleteness or inconsistency when making medical decisions. This study aimed to present a multimodal database of patients with radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer, which is essentially a modern interdisciplinary digital medical registry. Along with demographic and nosological data that is typical for epidemiological registers, the multimodal data banks consider key clinical and paraclinical data, such as the results of laboratory, morphological, and instrumental research methods, and various imaging methods, such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, single-photon emission computed tomography/CT, and positron emission tomography/CT. The multimodal data banks present the molecular genetic profile results of the tumor, of which the clinical usefulness in the choice of treatment tactics is undoubted today. All these data are accumulated in the multimodal data banks, noting the execution time and the revision results (second opinion), considering standardized qualitative and quantitative parameters (factors) that potentially affect the clinical course, treatment response, complication development, and outcomes.

A super-secondary structure (SSS) is a spatially unique ensemble of secondary structural elements that determine the three-dimensional shape of a protein and its function, rendering SSSs attractive as folding cores. Understanding known types of SSSs is important for developing a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of protein folding. Here, we propose a universal PSSNet machine-learning method for SSS recognition and segmentation. For various types of SSS segmentation, this method uses key characteristics of SSS geometry, including the lengths of secondary structural elements and the distances between them, torsion angles, spatial positions of Cα atoms, and primary sequences. Using four types of SSSs (βαβ-unit, α-hairpin, β-hairpin, αα-corner), we showed that extensive SSS sets could be reliably selected from the Protein Data Bank and AlphaFold 2.0 database of protein structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: With the increased use of digital health innovations in Canadian health care, educating health care users, professionals, and researchers on the ethical challenges and privacy implications of these tools is essential. The Datum project, funded by the Fondation Barreau du Quebec, was created to help these actors better understand legal and ethical issues regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of digital health data for the purposes of scientific research, thereby enhancing literacy around data privacy. The project consists of a multimedia website divided into legislation and policy documents and narrative-based video content. Users can access the core legislation and policies governing the collection and use of health care data geared toward researchers and health practitioners. Users can also view the narrative-based video content explaining key concepts related to digital health data. The Datum project makes an original contribution to the field of law and ethics in health science research by using novel approaches, such as learning health systems and data banks, to improve equity in health care delivery and by generating multimedia content aimed at encouraging health care users to become better consumers and supporting the collective use of their data. The Datum project also promotes digital literacy as a digital communication tool, which has the significant potential to improve health outcomes, bridge the digital divide, and reduce health inequities., (© Daniel Powell, Laiba Asad, Elissa Zavaglia, Manuela Ferrari. Originally published in JMIR Formative Research (https://formative.jmir.org).)

The subject of research of this work is the current direction in the financial activities of small industrial enterprises – financial express analysis. The purpose of the study is to develop a scientific and methodological basis for a simplified procedure of financial supervision of small industrial enterprises in the country in order to provide qualified assistance to managers of small industrial enterprises in the financial sphere of their activities. The article solves the following tasks: study of the state of small industrial enterprises and their role in the development of Ukraine's economy, definition of "financial supervision", development of algorithm for financial express analysis of small industrial enterprises, choice of directions for financial express analysis of small industrial enterprises financial supervision, the formation of a bank of input data on four components, testing of scientific and methodological support on the example of a particular enterprise. The following methods are used: theoretical generalization, retrospective analysis, comparative analysis, analytical, analysis and synthesis, rapid analysis. The following results were obtained: the method of financial express analysis of a small industrial enterprise was proposed on the basis of financial supervision; selected areas of financial analysis under a simplified procedure; the scheme of algorithm of carrying out procedure of financial supervision is developed; the bank of the input data which are necessary for the decision of the set task is formed; substantiation of the choice of applied mathematical models is carried out; the experimental approbation of the offered scientific and methodical approach to carrying out the financial express-analysis on the factual basis of the real small industrial enterprise is carried out; appropriate recommendations were given to the management of the researched enterprise. Conclusions: It is determined that in the current unstable economic conditions, small industrial enterprises need professional assistance of consulting orientation in financial activities. Obtaining up-to-date relevant information on the financial condition of small industrial enterprises is a very important task that requires a rapid financial analysis of their activities. The study of this issue showed the lack of consensus of analysts on the directions and methods of financial rapid analysis. This led to the need and feasibility of developing for the management of small industrial enterprises under a simplified procedure of an orderly methodology of financial rapid analysis on the basis of financial supervision.

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is about 5% of all thyroid carcinomas and is hereditary in 2030% of cases. Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2), in addition to medullary thyroid cancer, may include pheochromocytoma, hyperparathyroidism, and some other manifestations. The multidisciplinary data bank (MDB) developed by us is a specialized resource for storing, accumulating and subsequent analysis of data on patients with MTC and MEN2 syndromes. The MDB allows you to collect data from any sources (primary care, medical institutions at various levels, federal centers) and provides internal automated control of the quality and quantity of input data. It is necessary to keep a record of such data to improve the efficiency of diagnostics, treatment and rehabilitation of patients. MDB is an integrated digital platform containing reference materials for doctors, which allows combining evidence-based clinical experience in patients, and provides the opportunity for expert support of medical decisions. In the long run, it will help us organize digitally stored data for machine learning and lays the groundwork for the development of artificial neural networks.

Objectives: Individuals with psychotic symptoms presenting to emergency psychiatry often have comorbid symptoms, such as substance misuse, depression, and anxiety. Many will also have symptoms linked to previous traumatic experiences such as impulsivity, often found in comorbid personality disorders. Although various studies have looked at specific comorbid symptoms, little is known regarding how these symptoms co-exist in individuals with psychotic symptoms and their link with social functioning. The primary objective of the present study was to identify comorbidity profiles among individuals seeking emergency room services for psychotic symptoms. The secondary objective was to investigate the relationship between comorbid symptoms and social functioning deficits in this same population. Methods: Data from 546 individuals seeking psychiatric help for psychotic symptoms was collected within the Signature Project (large data bank) in a psychiatric emergency. Participants answered brief measures of symptoms of alcohol/substance misuse (AUDIT, DAST), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (STAI-6), childhood trauma (CEVQ), impulsivity (UPPS) and social functioning deficits (WHODAS). For this study, symptom measures and social functioning at baseline were used. Results: Cluster analyses conducted using three different methods revealed a consensus of five classes of comorbid presentations. Class 1 (n = 90) grouped people who had a high score for childhood trauma, with fairly high scores for anxiety and depression. Class 2 (n = 176) included people with mostly psychotic symptoms with little comorbid presentation across other measures. Class 3 (n = 81) grouped people with the highest anxiety and depression scores as well as high drug use and impulsivity. Individuals in Class 4 (n = 87) had the highest scores on alcohol and substance abuse, as well as high impulsivity. Class 5 (n = 112) grouped people with very low anxiety and depression scores but average trauma, alcohol, and substance misuse scores. Linear regressions revealed an association between social functioning, and depression, anxiety, and childhood trauma. Conclusions: Comorbid presentations of individuals with psychosis are frequent and diverse. Depression and anxiety, in particular, worsen social functioning deficits in people with psychotic symptoms. Given their impact on functioning, psychiatric treatments should address these comorbidities during hospitalization, as well as when followed in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to complexities in soil–foundation interaction and nonlinear behavior of subsoil, considerable uncertainty is involved in the foundation settlement evaluation. In the present paper, a new analytical approach is proposed to estimate the foundation settlement based on soil behavior classification charts developed from CPT records. The approach is founded on the Janbu nonlinear stress–strain method. However, instead of using fixed parameters in the Janbu method, the variable coefficients are used depending on geomaterial properties. Also, in the proposed approach, the scale effect is taken into account for foundation width considering soil stiffness. The proposed procedure is calibrated and verified by a data bank containing 46 case histories including 22 square, 17 circular and 7 rectangular foundations with widths varying between 0.3 and 2.4 m in conjunction with CPT data. Furthermore, the numerical finite difference analysis using a CPT-based stress characteristics method is carried out to validate the proposed approach for the prediction of foundation settlement. The accuracy of the calculations done by the proposed and some available common methods is investigated. Comparisons based on statistical and probabilistic methods apparently reveal that the proposed approach calculates the foundation settlement promisingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An overview is given of the scope of the National Digital Economy of the Russian Federation Program for the development of the information and innovation infrastructure in Russia. Insight is provided into the factors that influence the pace of innovative development of the Russian economy. The current status of the State System for Scientific and Technical Information is analyzed to establish the most relevant and promising areas for modernization. A macrostructure is provided for a set of activities to modernize the information support system for science and industry and ensure the development of a national information system. The areas are outlined for the development and implementation of a new scientific and information policy for the All-Russian Institute for Scientific and Technical Information (VINITI). It is recognized that the reconstruction of the national information infrastructure is a major issue of an interdisciplinary and supradepartmental nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article contains the description of the process of making statistical accounting of the Russian advertising market. The author pays attention to the forms of state statistical accounting of different years, marks their different features and shortage. Also the article contains analysis of alternative sources of numerical information of Russian advertising market.

Availability of relevant biological samples supports both basic science research and patient-centered clinical studies. Establishing a biorepository faces challenges at multiple levels. These tasks include defining mission definition and scope; selection of subjects and sample types; recruitment strategies; timing of collection in the patient's journey; sample logistics and processing; determining what clinical data to collect; ensuring sample integrity on transport, processing, and storage; defining governance structures and oversight responsibilities; clarifying sample provenance and ownership; establishing procedures for sample and data access; selecting testing to be performed routinely versus upon request, and management of results; data security; funding sources; and regulatory compliance. Establishing and maintaining a biorepository therefore requires careful planning, diligent and sustained execution, technical and financial resources, stakeholder support, and flexible and resilient management to respond to changing environments and needs., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

The article is devoted to the topical issues of designing module educational programs, which are a necessary element of the syllabus. Despite the problems with understanding this concept, syllabi are viewed as accessible and meaningful description of the module or discipline, intended for students. Syllabuses are directly related to reflection of the student, allowing to use them as a tool to regulate learning activities. The need to address the choice of form and content of the syllabus emerged during implementation of new educational modules in the framework of the pilot initiatives of the Ministry of education and science of the Russian Federation. The article focuses on the description of advantages in the use of syllabuses by teachers and students. The paper considers the main elements that make up a syllabus. The applied nature of the article secured by the inclusion of examples of design of technological maps on discipline and control measures.

Background: The present study comprises the second part of a new theory related to honey authentication based on the implementation of the honey code and the use of chemometrics. Methods: One hundred and fifty-one honey samples of seven different botanical origins (chestnut, citrus, clover, eucalyptus, fir, pine, and thyme) and from five different countries (Egypt, Greece, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain) were subjected to analysis of mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in combination with headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME). Results: Results showed that 94 volatile compounds were identified and then semi-quantified. The most dominant classes of compounds were acids, alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ethers, phenolic volatiles, terpenoids, norisoprenoids, and hydrocarbons. The application of classification and dimension reduction statistical techniques to semi-quantified data of volatiles showed that honey samples could be distinguished effectively according to both botanical origin and the honey code (p < 0.05), with the use of hexanoic acid ethyl ester, heptanoic acid ethyl ester, octanoic acid ethyl ester, nonanoic acid ethyl ester, decanoic acid ethyl ester, dodecanoic acid ethyl ester, tetradecanoic acid ethyl ester, hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester, octanal, nonanal, decanal, lilac aldehyde C (isomer III), lilac aldehyde D (isomer IV), benzeneacetaldehyde, alpha-isophorone, 4-ketoisophorone, 2-hydroxyisophorone, geranyl acetone, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, 1-(2-furanyl)-ethanone, octanol, decanol, nonanoic acid, pentanoic acid, 5-methyl-2-phenyl-hexenal, benzeneacetonitrile, nonane, and 5-methyl-4-nonene. Conclusions: New amendments in honey authentication and data handling procedures based on hierarchical classification strategies (HCSs) are exhaustively documented in the present study, supporting and flourishing the state of the art.