In the present paper, a total optimal cost of an inventory model with exponential declining demand and constant deterioration is considered. The time-varying holding cost is a linear function of time. Shortages are no...In the present paper, a total optimal cost of an inventory model with exponential declining demand and constant deterioration is considered. The time-varying holding cost is a linear function of time. Shortages are not allowed. The items (like food grains, fashion apparels and electronic equipments) have fixed shelf-life which decreases with time during the end of the season. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the model and the sensitivity analysis of various parameters is carried out.展开更多
Root activity has an important impact on soil development but we have little knowledge of the interaction of the root zone and soil genetic horizons.The aim of this investigation was to study the interactions between ...Root activity has an important impact on soil development but we have little knowledge of the interaction of the root zone and soil genetic horizons.The aim of this investigation was to study the interactions between soil chemical characteristics and root zone processes in a declining Persian oak forest(Quercus brantii Lindl.).A randomized complete block design was used to investigate the long-term eff ect of Persian oak on soil horizons,and the chemical and biological properties in two soil zones(under and outside the canopy).Results indicate that the rhizosphere zone had signifi cantly higher total organic carbon(TOC)than outside the canopy soil in the upper soil horizons.In subsurface horizons,water-extractable organic carbon values were signifi cantly higher in rhizosphere than in non-rhizospheric zone.Microbial biomass carbon(MBC)values in the rhizospheric zone decreased from the fi rst to the second horizon.The MBC/TOC ratio indicated signifi-cant diff erences between the rhizosphere and soils outside of the canopy,with the exception of the subsurface horizon.In the subsurface horizon of the rhizosphere,there was greater respiration of organic carbon(ΣCO 2/TOC)than in outside of canopy soil.In addition,root processes infl uenced pH,nitrogen fractions,and availability of phosphorus,potassium,iron,zinc and manganese.Diff erences in soil characteristics between rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric zones were signifi cant in surface horizons due to higher root density than in deeper soil layers.The fi ndings indicate that Persian oak(Quercus brantii Lindl.)roots infl uenced the main soil chemical properties,even in calcareous soils.展开更多
A declining rate filter operating through over flow control mode is proposed in this paper with a view to improving the overall performance of declining rate filters. Traditional declining rate filters have in-built s...A declining rate filter operating through over flow control mode is proposed in this paper with a view to improving the overall performance of declining rate filters. Traditional declining rate filters have in-built self-adjustment of flow rates among the filters assisted with downstream orifice for flow control with limited flexibility for further adjustment. The proposed design allows the control of flow level and flow rates in individual filters, the water level in the over flow distributor tank and offers increased flexibility in responding to changes in filtration variables and optimising the overall performance of the filters. The design set up can also operate as constant rate filter through setting the water level in the distributor tank to the maximum.展开更多
A buttress on the need for welfare program in Nigeria and the important obligation to consider the Economics’and CIA’s contextual position for the dependency ratios,both total and elderly dependency ratio alongside ...A buttress on the need for welfare program in Nigeria and the important obligation to consider the Economics’and CIA’s contextual position for the dependency ratios,both total and elderly dependency ratio alongside the consideration of the age structure and demography statistics of Nigeria relatively to other economies,particularly as an elixir for the declining older population in Nigeria and the aged male contraction in the nation.Although,older female population is higher in every country as obtainable globally,the Nigerian case is that of drastic contraction in both aged male and older population generally.Therefore,the submission is that the government has to consider the total dependency ratio to the elderly dependency ratio,which is all-encompassing in order to cater for the declining older population and to appropriate the requisite welfare cum benefits programs in the nation.展开更多
Japan’s investment in China in2015 was$3.2 billion,which was a drop of 25.9%compared with the year before;as for trade,however,Japan was the second destination country for China’s exports,with a volume of$135.7 bill...Japan’s investment in China in2015 was$3.2 billion,which was a drop of 25.9%compared with the year before;as for trade,however,Japan was the second destination country for China’s exports,with a volume of$135.7 billion;as for imports,Japan ranked third with a volume of$143 billion.Japanese companies展开更多
Background: The application of invasive obstetric procedures has an end point of reducing the Caesarean section rate. The declining rate of use of these procedures is one of the reasons for increasing Caesarean sectio...Background: The application of invasive obstetric procedures has an end point of reducing the Caesarean section rate. The declining rate of use of these procedures is one of the reasons for increasing Caesarean section rates in our environment. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the practice of operative vaginal deliveries among obstetricians practicing in Nigeria and to evaluate the reasons for non-use of these procedures. Methodology: It was a questionnaire based study. The questionnaires were administered to practitioners of Obstetrics in the various centres in Nigeria. Data was collated and analyzed with Epi-Info statistical software version 7.0 (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, USA), and conclusions were drawn by means of descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 1200 questionnaire were distributed but 1104 were returned and used for analysis. This gave a response rate of 92%. The age distribution of the respondents showed that the 20 - 30 year age group had the least number of respondents 22 (2%) while 41 - 50 age group had the highest number of respondents 486 (4%). The majority of the respondents were males 839 (76%). In terms of duration of practice, 449 (40.7%) of the respondents had more than 6 years duration of practice while 256 (23.2) had practiced for less than 3 years. Tertiary centres had highest number of respondents 71.8%. The distribution of the respondents according to the geopolitical zones in Nigeria are;South-East (57.6%), South-South (19.6%), South West (11.4%), North-West (4.9%), North-East (3.8%), North-Central (2.7%). The practice of these procedures among respondents were: External cephalic version (68.0%), Symphysiotomy (41.7), Forceps delivery (68.8%), Destructive delivery (60.1%), Vaginal breech delivery (85.5%), Vacuum extraction (84.8%). Reasons for the non-use included: Risk of perinatal/maternal morbidity and mortality greater than benefit (25.7%), Lack of equipment (22.4%), Lack of skills (16.6%), Decline by patients (6.5%), Not in the departmental protocol (26.2%), Not evidence based (34.6%), Patient preferred Caesarean section (5.6%), Outdated (32.6%), fear of litigation (32.7%). The mean rate of caesarean section according to rates reported from different centres was 25.2% while the individual centre rates ranged from 2% to as high as 51%. Conclusion: There is a decline in the practice of operative obstetric procedures among obstetricians practicing in Nigeria. There is an urgent need to reverse this trend by increased training and re-training of manpower, provision of necessary equipment, more research to provide supportive evidence of need and inclusion in protocols.展开更多
The aging and declining birthrate is a common challenge faced by many countries in the world today,especially those with relatively developed economies.As close neighbors in East Asia,Japan and China are particularly ...The aging and declining birthrate is a common challenge faced by many countries in the world today,especially those with relatively developed economies.As close neighbors in East Asia,Japan and China are particularly prominent in this issue.Japan is one of the countries with the highest degree of aging globally,and its process is characterized by“getting rich first and aging later”;while China is known for its“aging before getting rich”and its ultra-large elderly population,and is experiencing a similar demographic transition at a faster pace.This paper aims to systematically compare the current characteristics of aging and declining birthrate issues in China and Japan,and deeply analyze the similarities and differences in the underlying economic,social,and cultural reasons.The study finds that the two countries are similar in overall trends such as low fertility rates and inverted population structures,but there are significant differences in the timing of the problem’s outbreak,its severity,and specific causes.Japan’s predicament is rooted in its long-term economic stagnation,mature welfare social system,and profound individualization trend;while China’s challenges are closely related to unique family planning policies,rapid socioeconomic changes,and significant urban-rural regional differences,as well as the deep penetration of the declining birthrate phenomenon from urban to rural areas,and the accelerated disintegration of traditional fertility concepts.展开更多
Background Climate change associated with droughts has led to widespread forest decline.Hydraulic and carbonrelated performances are key physiological processes for the tolerance of trees to environmental changes,yet ...Background Climate change associated with droughts has led to widespread forest decline.Hydraulic and carbonrelated performances are key physiological processes for the tolerance of trees to environmental changes,yet our current understanding of such physiological performances for forest decline is still limited.Here,we investigated the hydraulic and carbohydrate performances of healthy and declining(canopy dieback)trees in temperate larch(Larix principis-rupprechtii)plantations.Results Relative to healthy trees,the higher native percentage loss of xylem hydraulic conductivity and lower xylem hydraulic conductivity indicated a deterioration of the integrity of the hydraulic system in declining trees.Additionally,the comparable Huber value,intrinsic water-use efficiency,and leaf mass per area between healthy and declining trees suggest a relatively profligate water-use strategy by declining trees.Declining trees had lower nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations in leaves,branches,and twigs but higher soluble sugars concentration in fine roots than conspecific healthy trees.Conclusions Overall,declining trees in larch plantations would be more vulnerable to drought due to the higher risk of hydraulic dysfunction and carbohydrate depletion.展开更多
Background:The development and spread of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Greater Mekong Subregion has created impetus for continuing global monitoring of efficacy of artemisinin-based combinatio...Background:The development and spread of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Greater Mekong Subregion has created impetus for continuing global monitoring of efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapies(ACTs). This post analyses is aimed to evaluate changes in early treatment response markers 10 years after the adoption of ACTs as first-line treatments of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Nigeria.Methods: At 14 sentinel sites in six geographical areas of Nigeria, we evaluated treatment responses in 1341 children under 5 years and in additional 360 children under 16 years with uncomplicated malaria enrolled in randomized trials of artemether-lumefantrine versus artesunate-amodiaquine at 5-year interval in 2009-2010 and 2014-2015 and at 2-year interval in 2009-2010 and 2012-2015, respectively after deployment in 2005.Results: Asexual parasite positivity 1 day after treatment initiation (APPD1) rose from 54 to 62% and 2 days after treatment initiation from 5 to 26% in 2009-2010 to 2014-2015(P=0.002 and P<0.0001, respectively).Parasite clearance time increased significantly from 1.6 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.55-1.64) to 1.9 days (95% C,1.9-2.0) and geometric mean parasite reduction ratio 2 days after treatment initiation decreased significantly from 11 000 to 4700 within the same time period (P< 00001 for each). Enrolment parasitaemia > 75 000 μl^-1, haematocrit > 27% 1 day post-treatment initiatiortreatment with artemether-lumefantrine and enrolment in 2014-2015 independently predicted APPD1. In paralle , Kaplan-Meier estimated risk of recurrent infections by day 28 rose from 8 to 14% (P=0005) and from 9 to 15%(P=0.02) with artemether-lumefantrine and artesunate-amodiaquine, respectively. Mean asexual parasitaemia half-life increased significantly from 1.1 h to 1.3h within 2 years (P<0.0001).Conclusions:These data indicate declining parasitological responses through time to the two ACTs may be due to emergence of parasites with reduced susceptibility or decrease in immunity to the infections in these children.展开更多
Through collecting,reflecting and summarizing various opinions on the conservation of the old city in South Nanjing,this paper examines the problems that the declining historic quarters are facing amid the urban renew...Through collecting,reflecting and summarizing various opinions on the conservation of the old city in South Nanjing,this paper examines the problems that the declining historic quarters are facing amid the urban renewal process.Moreover,in combination with the existing planning practices in the old city in South Nanjing,this paper carries out a discussion on the renewal of the declining historic quarters from the perspective of values,exploration and assessment of historic resources,choice of renewal methods,and support of implementation system.展开更多
With the rapidly aging human population,age-related cognitive decline and dementia are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide.Aging is considered the main risk factor for cognitive decline and acts through alterati...With the rapidly aging human population,age-related cognitive decline and dementia are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide.Aging is considered the main risk factor for cognitive decline and acts through alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota,microbial metabolites,and the functions of astrocytes.The microbiota–gut–brain axis has been the focus of multiple studies and is closely associated with cognitive function.This article provides a comprehensive review of the specific changes that occur in the composition of the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites in older individuals and discusses how the aging of astrocytes and reactive astrocytosis are closely related to age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.This article also summarizes the gut microbiota components that affect astrocyte function,mainly through the vagus nerve,immune responses,circadian rhythms,and microbial metabolites.Finally,this article summarizes the mechanism by which the gut microbiota–astrocyte axis plays a role in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.Our findings have revealed the critical role of the microbiota–astrocyte axis in age-related cognitive decline,aiding in a deeper understanding of potential gut microbiome-based adjuvant therapy strategies for this condition.展开更多
Increasing temperatures and severe droughts threaten forest vitality globally.Prediction of forest response to climate change requires knowledge of the spatiotemporal patterns of monthly or seasonal climatic impacts o...Increasing temperatures and severe droughts threaten forest vitality globally.Prediction of forest response to climate change requires knowledge of the spatiotemporal patterns of monthly or seasonal climatic impacts on the growth of tree species,likely driven by local climatic aridity,climate trends,edaphic conditions,and the climatic adaption of tree species.The ability of tree species to cope with changing climate and the effects of environmental variables on growth trends and growth-climate relationships across diverse bioclimatic regions are still poorly understood for many species.This study investigated radial growth trends,interannual growth variability,and growth-climate sensitivity of two dominant tree species,Pinus tabulaeformis(PT)and Pinus sylvestris var.mongolica(PS),across a broad climatic gradient with a variety of soil properties in temperate Northern China.Using a network of 83 tree ring chronologies(54 for PT and 29 for PS)from 1971 to 2010,we documented that both species maintained constant growth trends at wet sites,while both displayed rapid declines at dry sites.We reported the species-specific drivers of spatial heterogeneity in growth trends,interannual growth variability,and growth-climate relationships.Calculated climatic variables and soil properties were identified as the most critical factors affecting the growth trends and growth-climate relationships.However,climatic variables play more essential roles than soil properties in determining the spatial heterogeneity of the growth-climate relationship.Lower clay content and higher soil nutrient regimes can exacerbate the moisture-related susceptibility of tree growth.Our findings highlight that soil properties emerged as important modulating factors to predict the drought vulnerability of forests in addition to climatic variables.Considering the continued climate warmingdrying trend in the future,both pines will face a more severe growth decline and increase in drought vulnerability at drier sites with lower clayed soil or higher nutrient regimes.展开更多
1.Background When searching for the term“muscle power”on Google Scholar,about 3.7 million hits come up in 60 ms,and for the past 3 years,there were approximately 225 yearly peer-reviewed publications dealing with mu...1.Background When searching for the term“muscle power”on Google Scholar,about 3.7 million hits come up in 60 ms,and for the past 3 years,there were approximately 225 yearly peer-reviewed publications dealing with muscle power.Muscle power has been used to assess and predict athletic performance,to determine muscle rehabilitation following injury or disease,to measure functional decline as occurs in aging,and many other topics.展开更多
Rarer dementias are associated with atypical symptoms and younger onset,which result in a higher burden of care.We provide a review of the global literature on longitudinal decline in activities of daily living(ADLs)i...Rarer dementias are associated with atypical symptoms and younger onset,which result in a higher burden of care.We provide a review of the global literature on longitudinal decline in activities of daily living(ADLs)in dementias that account for less than 10%of dementia diagnoses.Published studies were identified through searches conducted in Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online(MEDLINE),Excerpta Medica Database(Embase),Excerpta Medica Care(Emcare),PsycINFO,and Cumulative Index in Nursing and Allied Health Literature(CINAHL).The search criteria included terms related to‘rarer dementias’,‘activities of daily living’and‘longitudinal or cross-sectional studies’following a predefined protocol registered.Studies were screened,and those that met the criteria were citation searched.Quality assessments were performed,and relevant data were extracted.20 articles were selected,of which 19 focused on dementias within the frontotemporal dementia/primary progressive aphasia spectrum,while one addressed posterior cortical atrophy.Four studies were cross-sectional and 16 studies were longitudinal,with a median duration of 2.2 years.The Disability Assessment for Dementia was used to measure decline in 8 of the 20 studies.The varied sequences of ADL decline reported in the literature reflect variation in diagnostic specificity between studies and within-syndrome heterogeneity.Most studies used Alzheimer’s disease staging scales to measure decline,which cannot capture variant-specific symptoms.To enhance care provision in dementia,ADL scales could be deployed postdiagnosis to aid treatment and planning.This necessitates staging scales that are variant-specific and span the disease course from diagnosis to end of life.展开更多
Howarth provides a deep view of the history of those geophysical sciences of the 19th and 20th centuries bordering most closely on geology,a task for which he is well qualified.He studied geology in the 1960s,he taugh...Howarth provides a deep view of the history of those geophysical sciences of the 19th and 20th centuries bordering most closely on geology,a task for which he is well qualified.He studied geology in the 1960s,he taught the application of statistics to geology for thirty years,and he has published broadly on mathematical geology.In a series of journal articles he has also used this expertise to examine the often unexplained quantitative methods used to map Earth’s magnetic declination in the 18^(th)century.He also applied his extensive background in graphical methods in the geosciences to the history of mineralogy and petrology.In short,Dr.Howarth is a geologist with historical sensibilities and an eye for the roles of mathematics and physics in geological development.This important book culminates decades of historical research.展开更多
In January and February of 2025,China's textile and clothing exports totaled 42.88 billion US dollars,marking a 4.5%decrease compared to the same period in the previous year.The primary factors contributing to thi...In January and February of 2025,China's textile and clothing exports totaled 42.88 billion US dollars,marking a 4.5%decrease compared to the same period in the previous year.The primary factors contributing to this decline are as follows:First,China’s textile and clothing exports nearly reached USD 45 billion in January and February of 2024,setting a high base.Second,in order to avoid tariffs imposed by the United States,enterprises generally concentrated their exports at the end of last year and January this year.展开更多
Objective:As the prevalence of chronic diseases among the elderly increases year by year,chronic renal insufficiency caused by hypertension has become a hot issue of concern to society and even the world.Methods:This ...Objective:As the prevalence of chronic diseases among the elderly increases year by year,chronic renal insufficiency caused by hypertension has become a hot issue of concern to society and even the world.Methods:This article conducted a retrospective analysis of 1856 elderly people over 65 years old,with a follow-up time of 6 years.The aim is to compare the decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate(EGFR)between hypertensive and non-hypertensive populations under non-intervention conditions,and to explore the impact of blood pressure on EGFR in the elderly.Results:The incidence of hypertension among the elderly in this region is significantly higher than the national level.The EGFR value of hypertensive patients is significantly lower than that of non-hypertensive people.There is a difference in the percentage decline in EGFR between hypertensive and non-hypertensive populations under non-intervention conditions,with hypertensive patients experiencing a higher rate of EGFR decline.When blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mmHg,the EGFR decline ratio is lower compared to when blood pressure is higher than 120/80 mmHg.Conclusion:Lowering blood pressure can effectively slow down the decline of EGFR,and the prevalence of hypertension should be reduced.展开更多
In the third quarter of 2025,the orders index for textile machinery-compiled by ACIMIT's Economics Department(the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers)-recorded a16%decrease compared to the same ...In the third quarter of 2025,the orders index for textile machinery-compiled by ACIMIT's Economics Department(the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers)-recorded a16%decrease compared to the same period in 2024.In absolute terms,the index stood at 41.8 points(base year2021=100).The decline reflects negative performances in both the domestic and foreign markets.Specifically,on the domestic market,orders fell by 17%compared to the same quarter of the previous year,with the absolute index value reaching49.9points.展开更多
文摘In the present paper, a total optimal cost of an inventory model with exponential declining demand and constant deterioration is considered. The time-varying holding cost is a linear function of time. Shortages are not allowed. The items (like food grains, fashion apparels and electronic equipments) have fixed shelf-life which decreases with time during the end of the season. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the model and the sensitivity analysis of various parameters is carried out.
基金The managing director of Ilam Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center is highly appreciated for their cooperation in conducting this investigation.
文摘Root activity has an important impact on soil development but we have little knowledge of the interaction of the root zone and soil genetic horizons.The aim of this investigation was to study the interactions between soil chemical characteristics and root zone processes in a declining Persian oak forest(Quercus brantii Lindl.).A randomized complete block design was used to investigate the long-term eff ect of Persian oak on soil horizons,and the chemical and biological properties in two soil zones(under and outside the canopy).Results indicate that the rhizosphere zone had signifi cantly higher total organic carbon(TOC)than outside the canopy soil in the upper soil horizons.In subsurface horizons,water-extractable organic carbon values were signifi cantly higher in rhizosphere than in non-rhizospheric zone.Microbial biomass carbon(MBC)values in the rhizospheric zone decreased from the fi rst to the second horizon.The MBC/TOC ratio indicated signifi-cant diff erences between the rhizosphere and soils outside of the canopy,with the exception of the subsurface horizon.In the subsurface horizon of the rhizosphere,there was greater respiration of organic carbon(ΣCO 2/TOC)than in outside of canopy soil.In addition,root processes infl uenced pH,nitrogen fractions,and availability of phosphorus,potassium,iron,zinc and manganese.Diff erences in soil characteristics between rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric zones were signifi cant in surface horizons due to higher root density than in deeper soil layers.The fi ndings indicate that Persian oak(Quercus brantii Lindl.)roots infl uenced the main soil chemical properties,even in calcareous soils.
文摘A declining rate filter operating through over flow control mode is proposed in this paper with a view to improving the overall performance of declining rate filters. Traditional declining rate filters have in-built self-adjustment of flow rates among the filters assisted with downstream orifice for flow control with limited flexibility for further adjustment. The proposed design allows the control of flow level and flow rates in individual filters, the water level in the over flow distributor tank and offers increased flexibility in responding to changes in filtration variables and optimising the overall performance of the filters. The design set up can also operate as constant rate filter through setting the water level in the distributor tank to the maximum.
文摘A buttress on the need for welfare program in Nigeria and the important obligation to consider the Economics’and CIA’s contextual position for the dependency ratios,both total and elderly dependency ratio alongside the consideration of the age structure and demography statistics of Nigeria relatively to other economies,particularly as an elixir for the declining older population in Nigeria and the aged male contraction in the nation.Although,older female population is higher in every country as obtainable globally,the Nigerian case is that of drastic contraction in both aged male and older population generally.Therefore,the submission is that the government has to consider the total dependency ratio to the elderly dependency ratio,which is all-encompassing in order to cater for the declining older population and to appropriate the requisite welfare cum benefits programs in the nation.
文摘Japan’s investment in China in2015 was$3.2 billion,which was a drop of 25.9%compared with the year before;as for trade,however,Japan was the second destination country for China’s exports,with a volume of$135.7 billion;as for imports,Japan ranked third with a volume of$143 billion.Japanese companies
文摘Background: The application of invasive obstetric procedures has an end point of reducing the Caesarean section rate. The declining rate of use of these procedures is one of the reasons for increasing Caesarean section rates in our environment. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the practice of operative vaginal deliveries among obstetricians practicing in Nigeria and to evaluate the reasons for non-use of these procedures. Methodology: It was a questionnaire based study. The questionnaires were administered to practitioners of Obstetrics in the various centres in Nigeria. Data was collated and analyzed with Epi-Info statistical software version 7.0 (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, USA), and conclusions were drawn by means of descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 1200 questionnaire were distributed but 1104 were returned and used for analysis. This gave a response rate of 92%. The age distribution of the respondents showed that the 20 - 30 year age group had the least number of respondents 22 (2%) while 41 - 50 age group had the highest number of respondents 486 (4%). The majority of the respondents were males 839 (76%). In terms of duration of practice, 449 (40.7%) of the respondents had more than 6 years duration of practice while 256 (23.2) had practiced for less than 3 years. Tertiary centres had highest number of respondents 71.8%. The distribution of the respondents according to the geopolitical zones in Nigeria are;South-East (57.6%), South-South (19.6%), South West (11.4%), North-West (4.9%), North-East (3.8%), North-Central (2.7%). The practice of these procedures among respondents were: External cephalic version (68.0%), Symphysiotomy (41.7), Forceps delivery (68.8%), Destructive delivery (60.1%), Vaginal breech delivery (85.5%), Vacuum extraction (84.8%). Reasons for the non-use included: Risk of perinatal/maternal morbidity and mortality greater than benefit (25.7%), Lack of equipment (22.4%), Lack of skills (16.6%), Decline by patients (6.5%), Not in the departmental protocol (26.2%), Not evidence based (34.6%), Patient preferred Caesarean section (5.6%), Outdated (32.6%), fear of litigation (32.7%). The mean rate of caesarean section according to rates reported from different centres was 25.2% while the individual centre rates ranged from 2% to as high as 51%. Conclusion: There is a decline in the practice of operative obstetric procedures among obstetricians practicing in Nigeria. There is an urgent need to reverse this trend by increased training and re-training of manpower, provision of necessary equipment, more research to provide supportive evidence of need and inclusion in protocols.
文摘The aging and declining birthrate is a common challenge faced by many countries in the world today,especially those with relatively developed economies.As close neighbors in East Asia,Japan and China are particularly prominent in this issue.Japan is one of the countries with the highest degree of aging globally,and its process is characterized by“getting rich first and aging later”;while China is known for its“aging before getting rich”and its ultra-large elderly population,and is experiencing a similar demographic transition at a faster pace.This paper aims to systematically compare the current characteristics of aging and declining birthrate issues in China and Japan,and deeply analyze the similarities and differences in the underlying economic,social,and cultural reasons.The study finds that the two countries are similar in overall trends such as low fertility rates and inverted population structures,but there are significant differences in the timing of the problem’s outbreak,its severity,and specific causes.Japan’s predicament is rooted in its long-term economic stagnation,mature welfare social system,and profound individualization trend;while China’s challenges are closely related to unique family planning policies,rapid socioeconomic changes,and significant urban-rural regional differences,as well as the deep penetration of the declining birthrate phenomenon from urban to rural areas,and the accelerated disintegration of traditional fertility concepts.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32171762 and 32122061)the Natural Science Foundation of Gansu Province(22JR5RA460)
文摘Background Climate change associated with droughts has led to widespread forest decline.Hydraulic and carbonrelated performances are key physiological processes for the tolerance of trees to environmental changes,yet our current understanding of such physiological performances for forest decline is still limited.Here,we investigated the hydraulic and carbohydrate performances of healthy and declining(canopy dieback)trees in temperate larch(Larix principis-rupprechtii)plantations.Results Relative to healthy trees,the higher native percentage loss of xylem hydraulic conductivity and lower xylem hydraulic conductivity indicated a deterioration of the integrity of the hydraulic system in declining trees.Additionally,the comparable Huber value,intrinsic water-use efficiency,and leaf mass per area between healthy and declining trees suggest a relatively profligate water-use strategy by declining trees.Declining trees had lower nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations in leaves,branches,and twigs but higher soluble sugars concentration in fine roots than conspecific healthy trees.Conclusions Overall,declining trees in larch plantations would be more vulnerable to drought due to the higher risk of hydraulic dysfunction and carbohydrate depletion.
文摘Background:The development and spread of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Greater Mekong Subregion has created impetus for continuing global monitoring of efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapies(ACTs). This post analyses is aimed to evaluate changes in early treatment response markers 10 years after the adoption of ACTs as first-line treatments of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Nigeria.Methods: At 14 sentinel sites in six geographical areas of Nigeria, we evaluated treatment responses in 1341 children under 5 years and in additional 360 children under 16 years with uncomplicated malaria enrolled in randomized trials of artemether-lumefantrine versus artesunate-amodiaquine at 5-year interval in 2009-2010 and 2014-2015 and at 2-year interval in 2009-2010 and 2012-2015, respectively after deployment in 2005.Results: Asexual parasite positivity 1 day after treatment initiation (APPD1) rose from 54 to 62% and 2 days after treatment initiation from 5 to 26% in 2009-2010 to 2014-2015(P=0.002 and P<0.0001, respectively).Parasite clearance time increased significantly from 1.6 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.55-1.64) to 1.9 days (95% C,1.9-2.0) and geometric mean parasite reduction ratio 2 days after treatment initiation decreased significantly from 11 000 to 4700 within the same time period (P< 00001 for each). Enrolment parasitaemia > 75 000 μl^-1, haematocrit > 27% 1 day post-treatment initiatiortreatment with artemether-lumefantrine and enrolment in 2014-2015 independently predicted APPD1. In paralle , Kaplan-Meier estimated risk of recurrent infections by day 28 rose from 8 to 14% (P=0005) and from 9 to 15%(P=0.02) with artemether-lumefantrine and artesunate-amodiaquine, respectively. Mean asexual parasitaemia half-life increased significantly from 1.1 h to 1.3h within 2 years (P<0.0001).Conclusions:These data indicate declining parasitological responses through time to the two ACTs may be due to emergence of parasites with reduced susceptibility or decrease in immunity to the infections in these children.
文摘Through collecting,reflecting and summarizing various opinions on the conservation of the old city in South Nanjing,this paper examines the problems that the declining historic quarters are facing amid the urban renewal process.Moreover,in combination with the existing planning practices in the old city in South Nanjing,this paper carries out a discussion on the renewal of the declining historic quarters from the perspective of values,exploration and assessment of historic resources,choice of renewal methods,and support of implementation system.
基金supported by the Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem Innovation Foundation,No.22HHXBSS00047(to PL)Graduate Science and Technology Innovation Project of Tianjin,No.2022BKY173(to LZ)Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Bureau Foundation,No.20201194(to PL).
文摘With the rapidly aging human population,age-related cognitive decline and dementia are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide.Aging is considered the main risk factor for cognitive decline and acts through alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota,microbial metabolites,and the functions of astrocytes.The microbiota–gut–brain axis has been the focus of multiple studies and is closely associated with cognitive function.This article provides a comprehensive review of the specific changes that occur in the composition of the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites in older individuals and discusses how the aging of astrocytes and reactive astrocytosis are closely related to age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.This article also summarizes the gut microbiota components that affect astrocyte function,mainly through the vagus nerve,immune responses,circadian rhythms,and microbial metabolites.Finally,this article summarizes the mechanism by which the gut microbiota–astrocyte axis plays a role in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.Our findings have revealed the critical role of the microbiota–astrocyte axis in age-related cognitive decline,aiding in a deeper understanding of potential gut microbiome-based adjuvant therapy strategies for this condition.
基金funded by the National Key Research and Development Plan of China(No.2022YFE0127900)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.32071558,32171559)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation Key Project of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,China(No.2023ZD23)the Hulunbuir Science and Technology Plan Project(No.SF2022001)the Fundamental Research Funds of CAF(CAFYBB2023ZA002).
文摘Increasing temperatures and severe droughts threaten forest vitality globally.Prediction of forest response to climate change requires knowledge of the spatiotemporal patterns of monthly or seasonal climatic impacts on the growth of tree species,likely driven by local climatic aridity,climate trends,edaphic conditions,and the climatic adaption of tree species.The ability of tree species to cope with changing climate and the effects of environmental variables on growth trends and growth-climate relationships across diverse bioclimatic regions are still poorly understood for many species.This study investigated radial growth trends,interannual growth variability,and growth-climate sensitivity of two dominant tree species,Pinus tabulaeformis(PT)and Pinus sylvestris var.mongolica(PS),across a broad climatic gradient with a variety of soil properties in temperate Northern China.Using a network of 83 tree ring chronologies(54 for PT and 29 for PS)from 1971 to 2010,we documented that both species maintained constant growth trends at wet sites,while both displayed rapid declines at dry sites.We reported the species-specific drivers of spatial heterogeneity in growth trends,interannual growth variability,and growth-climate relationships.Calculated climatic variables and soil properties were identified as the most critical factors affecting the growth trends and growth-climate relationships.However,climatic variables play more essential roles than soil properties in determining the spatial heterogeneity of the growth-climate relationship.Lower clay content and higher soil nutrient regimes can exacerbate the moisture-related susceptibility of tree growth.Our findings highlight that soil properties emerged as important modulating factors to predict the drought vulnerability of forests in addition to climatic variables.Considering the continued climate warmingdrying trend in the future,both pines will face a more severe growth decline and increase in drought vulnerability at drier sites with lower clayed soil or higher nutrient regimes.
文摘1.Background When searching for the term“muscle power”on Google Scholar,about 3.7 million hits come up in 60 ms,and for the past 3 years,there were approximately 225 yearly peer-reviewed publications dealing with muscle power.Muscle power has been used to assess and predict athletic performance,to determine muscle rehabilitation following injury or disease,to measure functional decline as occurs in aging,and many other topics.
基金supported by UKResearch and Innovation(MR/S03546X/1)National BrainAppeal,Economic and Social ResearchCouncil(ES/S010467/1)+4 种基金Wellcome Trust(221915/Z/20/Z),ESRC(ES/W006014/1)Royal National Institute for Deaf People-Dunhill Medical Trust Pauline Ashley(204841/Z/16/Z,PA23)London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre(221915/Z/20/Z)Bloomsbury and East London Doctoral Training Partnership(ES/P000592/1)National Institute for Health Research.
文摘Rarer dementias are associated with atypical symptoms and younger onset,which result in a higher burden of care.We provide a review of the global literature on longitudinal decline in activities of daily living(ADLs)in dementias that account for less than 10%of dementia diagnoses.Published studies were identified through searches conducted in Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online(MEDLINE),Excerpta Medica Database(Embase),Excerpta Medica Care(Emcare),PsycINFO,and Cumulative Index in Nursing and Allied Health Literature(CINAHL).The search criteria included terms related to‘rarer dementias’,‘activities of daily living’and‘longitudinal or cross-sectional studies’following a predefined protocol registered.Studies were screened,and those that met the criteria were citation searched.Quality assessments were performed,and relevant data were extracted.20 articles were selected,of which 19 focused on dementias within the frontotemporal dementia/primary progressive aphasia spectrum,while one addressed posterior cortical atrophy.Four studies were cross-sectional and 16 studies were longitudinal,with a median duration of 2.2 years.The Disability Assessment for Dementia was used to measure decline in 8 of the 20 studies.The varied sequences of ADL decline reported in the literature reflect variation in diagnostic specificity between studies and within-syndrome heterogeneity.Most studies used Alzheimer’s disease staging scales to measure decline,which cannot capture variant-specific symptoms.To enhance care provision in dementia,ADL scales could be deployed postdiagnosis to aid treatment and planning.This necessitates staging scales that are variant-specific and span the disease course from diagnosis to end of life.
文摘Howarth provides a deep view of the history of those geophysical sciences of the 19th and 20th centuries bordering most closely on geology,a task for which he is well qualified.He studied geology in the 1960s,he taught the application of statistics to geology for thirty years,and he has published broadly on mathematical geology.In a series of journal articles he has also used this expertise to examine the often unexplained quantitative methods used to map Earth’s magnetic declination in the 18^(th)century.He also applied his extensive background in graphical methods in the geosciences to the history of mineralogy and petrology.In short,Dr.Howarth is a geologist with historical sensibilities and an eye for the roles of mathematics and physics in geological development.This important book culminates decades of historical research.
文摘In January and February of 2025,China's textile and clothing exports totaled 42.88 billion US dollars,marking a 4.5%decrease compared to the same period in the previous year.The primary factors contributing to this decline are as follows:First,China’s textile and clothing exports nearly reached USD 45 billion in January and February of 2024,setting a high base.Second,in order to avoid tariffs imposed by the United States,enterprises generally concentrated their exports at the end of last year and January this year.
基金“Clinical Research on Chronic Disease Screening and Therapeutic Guidance for Elderly People Over 60 Years Old”Kunming Science and Technology Plan Project(Project No.:2017-1-S-15382)。
文摘Objective:As the prevalence of chronic diseases among the elderly increases year by year,chronic renal insufficiency caused by hypertension has become a hot issue of concern to society and even the world.Methods:This article conducted a retrospective analysis of 1856 elderly people over 65 years old,with a follow-up time of 6 years.The aim is to compare the decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate(EGFR)between hypertensive and non-hypertensive populations under non-intervention conditions,and to explore the impact of blood pressure on EGFR in the elderly.Results:The incidence of hypertension among the elderly in this region is significantly higher than the national level.The EGFR value of hypertensive patients is significantly lower than that of non-hypertensive people.There is a difference in the percentage decline in EGFR between hypertensive and non-hypertensive populations under non-intervention conditions,with hypertensive patients experiencing a higher rate of EGFR decline.When blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mmHg,the EGFR decline ratio is lower compared to when blood pressure is higher than 120/80 mmHg.Conclusion:Lowering blood pressure can effectively slow down the decline of EGFR,and the prevalence of hypertension should be reduced.
文摘In the third quarter of 2025,the orders index for textile machinery-compiled by ACIMIT's Economics Department(the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers)-recorded a16%decrease compared to the same period in 2024.In absolute terms,the index stood at 41.8 points(base year2021=100).The decline reflects negative performances in both the domestic and foreign markets.Specifically,on the domestic market,orders fell by 17%compared to the same quarter of the previous year,with the absolute index value reaching49.9points.
