Background Alpha 1 Antitrypsin (AAT) plays a crucial role in protecting the lungs from the damage caused by excessive inflammation.It is known that intense inflammation manifests in COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia. The aim of this study was to measure AAT levels in COVID-19 pneumonia patients and to predict AAT treatment in these patients. Methods This cross-sectional, clinical study included 154(61 females, 93 males) COVID-19 pneumonia patients. The age, sex, biochemical parameters and survival information of the patients were recorded. The independent variables affecting the AAT level were examined by linear regression analysis, and the regression model was found to be statistically significant(F=3.051; p=0.001). Results There was no correlation between AAT mean values and survival (p=0.133). While the AAT level decreased by 0.003 units as the CRP value increased by 1 unit (p=0.003), AAT level decreased by 0.027 units as the lymphocyte value increased by 1 unit (p=0.001). As the neutrophil value increased by 1 unit, the AAT level decreased by 0.019 units (p=0.014). There was no statistically significant effect of other independent variables (p>0.050). Conclusion The negative correlation between rising inflammatory indicators and AAT levels in pneumonia patients shows that defense mechanisms got weakened. In patients with a viral infection, AAT may have an antiviral effect due to its regulatory and anti-replication effects on both inflammation and the immune system. Although there is no significant relationship between AAT level and survival, the negative correlation between AAT and inflammation indicators may suggest that AAT treatment may be effective in these patients.
Bihar and Jharkhand are the most important states in Eastern India in terms of rice production. It is essential to study the growth pattern of rice production in these states. Therefore the present study was conducted to examine the growth rate and instability in area, production and yield of rice in Bihar including Jharkhand state. The data was collected for the period 1980-81 to 2019-20 and divided into five periods for analysis. Compound annual growth rate and Cuddy-Della Valle Instability index have been computed for the five periods. The new approach has been proposed for classification of instability values under five classes. Highest growth rate for area and production was observed in Hazaribag district during period IV and for yield it was recorded in Begusarai district during the same period. During period I and II most of the districts recorded positive growth rate for production and yield. The instability varies from 2.76 to 99.62 percent for area, 13.24 to 119.98 percent for production and 9.34 to 173.28 percent for yield across the districts during five periods. For production and yield, most of the districts recorded medium instability during period I and period II; and high instability during period III, period IV and period V.
Air quality in Tirana (Albania) was assessed by daily measurements of PM2.5, Al, and Pb in June 2021. Al and Pb concentrations in PM2.5 samples were quantified on Teflon-coated glass fiber filter samplers along five monitoring sites in Tirana city. The measurements were carried out in three heavy traffic crossroads and two residential areas during a summer day with elevated air temperatures up to 23 ℃. The results of PM2.5, and Al and Pb in solid particles of PM2.5 were discussed through data treatment through statistical analysis. A moderate variation (25% < CV% < 75%) was found for all parameters under investigation. Site concentration data were compared with the respective recommended values of the European Directives for each parameter. The results showed higher concentration levels compared with the allowed data for rural and residential areas, but lower than the recommended values for urban and industrial areas, throughout all stations. Correlation analysis revealed high and significant correlations (r > 0.85, p < 0.05) between all concentration data (PM2.5-Al; PM2.5-Pb, and Al-Pb) indicating a high effect of particulate matter on airborne Al and Pb content. It may cause an increase in human exposure to harmful pollutants through inhalation and could lead to harmful health problems. Stronger mases and measures are proposed to improve air quality in Tirana city.
Climate change significantly affects plant phenology, especially in sensitive alpine ecosystems. This study investigates the phenological shifts of key alpine plant species in response to changing climatic conditions over the past three decades. Using long-term observational data and climate models, we analyze trends in flowering and fruiting times across various altitudinal gradients. Our findings indicate an advancement in phenological events, with potential implications for plant-pollinator interactions and ecosystem dynamics. The study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive conservation strategies in mitigating the effects of climate change on alpine flora.
ABSTRACT\nThe objective of this research is to study the impact of Intellectual Capital (IC) and its components on profit efficiency as a comprehensive criterion of financial performance. This research utilizes Pulic model in order to measure the IC of 23 companies in automobile and parts industry of Tehran Stock Exchange for the period of 2006-2009. It also uses data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique and truncated regression in order to calculate profit efficiency and examine its relationship with IC respectively. The results indicated that human capital efficiency (HCE), capital employed efficiency (CEE), and value added intellectual capital (VAIC) affect significantly and positively performance (profit efficiency) but structural capital efficiency (SCE) is not associated significantly with performance. Among IC components, the human capital has the most impact on performance. Therefore, it can be asserted that, in automobile and parts industry, IC is capable of having effective role in financial decisions. \nKeywords: intellectual capital, data envelopment analysis, profit efficiency and Tehran Stock Exchange.
This study explores the behavior of various pollinators in urban settings and how these interactions influence plant biodiversity. By examining specific pollinator species and their preferences, we aim to understand the dynamics between urban plant communities and pollinator activity. The research employs a combination of field observation, ecological modeling, and genetic analysis to identify key factors contributing to pollinator-driven biodiversity. Results indicate a significant correlation between pollinator diversity and plant species richness, emphasizing the importance of urban pollinator conservation efforts.
This study investigates the role of urban green spaces in enhancing local biodiversity and providing ecosystem services. Using a combination of field observations and remote sensing, we analyze the biodiversity levels across various urban parks in different climatic regions. Our findings indicate that urban green spaces significantly contribute to biodiversity conservation and offer critical ecosystem services such as air purification, temperature regulation, and recreational opportunities. The study highlights the need for strategic planning and management of urban green spaces to maximize their ecological benefits.
This paper examines the effects of climate change on the biodiversity of alpine plant species in the Swiss Alps. Through comprehensive field studies and ecological modeling, we analyze shifts in species distribution and assess the resilience of alpine flora. Our findings indicate significant altitudinal migration of plant species and highlight the critical role of conservation strategies in preserving these ecosystems.
This study explores the influence of artificial light pollution on the photosynthesis efficiency of urban plants and evaluates the mitigating effects of natural amino acids. Experiments were conducted on urban tree species exposed to varying intensities of artificial light at night (ALAN). The plants were treated with a solution containing amino acids such as taurine and glycine to assess potential protective effects. Photosynthesis rates, chlorophyll fluorescence, and overall plant health were monitored over a four-week period. Results indicate that ALAN significantly reduces photosynthesis efficiency in urban plants, but treatment with natural amino acids can partially mitigate these detrimental effects, enhancing plant resilience. This study suggests that amino acid supplementation could be a valuable strategy in urban landscaping to combat the adverse effects of light pollution.
This study investigates the effects of urban development on plant biodiversity in coastal wetland ecosystems. Using satellite imagery and field surveys, we analyzed changes in species diversity over the past two decades in response to increasing urban sprawl. Our findings indicate a significant decline in native plant species, with invasive species becoming more prevalent. These changes have critical implications for wetland conservation and urban planning strategies.
This study examines the effects of climate change on the diversity and distribution of alpine flora in the European mountain ranges. Utilizing field surveys and remote sensing data, we analyzed changes in plant species composition over the past three decades. Our findings indicate significant shifts in species distribution towards higher altitudes, with a notable decline in cold-adapted species and an increase in thermophilic species. This research highlights the urgent need for conservation strategies to protect vulnerable alpine ecosystems in the face of ongoing climate change.
With growing environmental awareness and economic considerations, the use of natural fibers as industrial materials, particularly in structural applications, has gained significant interest. Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fiber (OPF), abundant in tropical regions, is one such natural fiber. This review focuses on the mechanical properties of OPF composites, particularly OPF-reinforced polymers, as reported in existing literature. The study examines the tensile and flexural properties of these composites and discusses the outcomes of hybrid composites incorporating OPF. Comparisons are drawn between composite outcomes and pure resin properties, considering stress-strain behavior and internal energy. The study indicates potential applications for OPF composites in secondary structural elements, while cautioning against their use for primary load-bearing components without further research.
This study investigates the effects of urban development on plant species diversity within tropical ecosystems. By analyzing data from multiple urban centers in Southeast Asia, we have identified significant declines in native plant species coupled with an increase in non-native species proliferation. Our research highlights the importance of green urban planning and the implementation of biodiversity-friendly policies to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization on plant diversity. We propose a framework for integrating biodiversity conservation into city planning to preserve essential ecosystem services.
The elastic, optical and effective mass properties of CrSb in Zinc Blende (ZB) phase were investigated. The calculations were carried out using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave plus local orbital according to the Density Functional Theory (DFT). The results of elastic calculations by GGA and LDA approximations indicate that ZB CrSb is a ductile material and its Debye temperature is rather low. Band structure and DOS calculations introduce the ZB CrSb as a half-metal with spin polarization of 100%. In metal state 16th and 17th bands cut off the Fermi level. Calculations study the effective mass, Fermi velocity and Fermi surface at 16th and 17th Bands. In continue, optical quantities such as dielectric function, energy loss function and optical conductivity have been investigated.
The method of periodic partial updates is evaluated. Cost, performance, portability and physical size considerations compel serious resource limitations on adaptive signal processing systems. Partial-Selective coefficient updates techniques can be used to reduce the resource utilization and hardware complexity in practical applications at the probable expense of higher steady-state MSE error and lower convergence speed. Periodic partial update is one of partial-selective coefficient update techniques by which, instead of updating the whole coefficients, a subset of the coefficients is updated at each iteration. The performance, convergence speed and MSE error of periodic partial updates is evaluated in the presence of white and colored Gaussian input. It is concluded that in some practical applications, this method could be used instead of full-update algorithm with some penalties in quality.
Urban green spaces play a pivotal role in maintaining biodiversity within city environments. This study examines the influence of various types of urban green spaces on local biodiversity in Istanbul, Turkey. By analyzing species diversity across parks, gardens, and green corridors, we aim to identify key factors that enhance ecological health in metropolitan areas. Our findings indicate that connectivity between green spaces significantly boosts species richness and supports a wider variety of flora and fauna. These insights are crucial for urban planning and the sustainable development of cities worldwide.
Urbanization is a major driver of biodiversity loss, particularly affecting plant species in Mediterranean climates. This study examines the ecological impacts of urban expansion on local plant biodiversity in the Mediterranean region. We conducted field surveys and spatial analysis to assess species richness and distribution across urban, peri-urban, and rural gradients. Our findings indicate significant reductions in native species and increased prevalence of invasive species in urban areas. The study highlights the importance of sustainable urban planning to mitigate biodiversity loss and suggests strategies for enhancing urban green spaces to support native plant species.
