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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202003.0153.v1

Is There a Need for Alcohol Policy to Mitigate Metal Contamination in Unrecorded Fruit Spirits?

Dirk W. Lachenmeier

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Pharmacology And Toxicology Keywords: unrecorded alcohol; home-produced fruit spirits; metals; lead; cadmium; ethanol; health risk; risk assessment; margin of exposure

Online: 10 March 2020 (02:44:16 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202306.1417.v1

Clinical and Epidemiological Risk Factors Associated with Hospitalization and Mortality Rate of COVID-19 Patients in Banja Luka County: Retrospective Observational Cohort Study on 40,000 patients

Nataša Pilipović-Broćeta, Nevena Todorović, Ranko Škrbić, Jela Aćimović, Savka Štrbac, Ivan Soldatović

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Medicine And Pharmacology Keywords: COVID-19; risk factors; hospitalization; mortality; Bosnia and Herzegovina

Online: 20 June 2023 (09:38:40 CEST)

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Background and Objectives: Since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, the infection primarily affected patients with following chronic conditions: cardiovascular disease, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity and cancer. The aim of this study was to explore clinical and epidemiological characteristics associated with COVID-19 outcomes in patients at the primary health care centre from March 2020 to September 2022. Materials and Methods: The study included 40,692 citizens of Banja Luka County, Bosnia and Herzegovina, who were confirmed and registered as RT-PCR positive on COVID-19. Differences regarding the distributions of patients between groups were analysed using Pearson chi square test and Mantel-Haenszel chi square test for trends, while differences in mean values were compared using independent samples t test. Relationship between mortality and independent variables were examined using logistic regression. Results: Out of 40,692 COVID-19 positive patients, 7.76% were hospitalized. The average age of hospitalized patients was significantly higher than the age of non-hospitalized patients (64.2±16.1 vs. 45.4±18.7; p<0.001). The average age of patients with lethal outcome was nearly twice higher compared to patients with non-lethal outcome (74.6±11.5 vs. 45.7±18.6; p<0.001). Male patients had higher hospitalization and mortality rate, compared to females (9.8% vs. 5.9%, p<0.001; 4.8% vs. 3%, p<0.001, respectively). The highest hospitalization rate was in patients with chronic renal failure, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, while the death rate was the highest among patients with CRF and hearth comorbidities. Fever, cough, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, chest pain, shortness of breath and appetite loss favoured hospitalization. Patients with fatigue and appetite loss had higher percentage of lethal outcome. Vaccinated patients had significantly lower rate of lethal outcome. Conclusions: Clinical symptoms, signs and outcomes, are posing as predictive parameters for further management of COVID-19. Vaccination has an important role in clinical outcomes of COVID-19.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0517.v1

COVID-19, Tattoos and How It Has Affected Locus of Control, Risk-Taking Behaviour, Self-Esteem and Body Image: A Quantitative Study

KUNAL DEVENDRA KONDHARE

Subject: Social Sciences, Psychology Keywords: Covid-19; tattoos; Locus of Control; Self-esteem; body image; Risk-taking behaviour

Online: 12 March 2024 (03:05:50 CET)

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Working Paper REVIEW

Precision Medicine in Parkinson’s Disease Patients with LRRK2 and GBA Risk Variants – Let’s Get Even More Personal

Christian U. von Linstow, Ziv Gan-Or, Patrik Brundin

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Neuroscience And Neurology Keywords: Parkinson’s disease; precision medicine; personalized medicine; GBA; Glucocerebrosidase; GCase; LRRK2; Leucine-rich repeat kinase-2; Dopamine; PD drug trials; PD risk variants

Online: 14 September 2020 (00:22:59 CEST)

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Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by motor deficits and a wide variety of non-motor symptoms. The age of onset, rate of disease progression and the precise profile of motor and non-motor symptoms display considerable individual variation. Neuropathologically, the loss of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons is a key feature of PD. The vast majority of PD patients exhibit alpha-synuclein aggregates in several brain regions, but there is also great variability in the neuropathology between individuals. While the dopamine replacement therapies can reduce motor symptoms, current therapies do not modify the disease progression. Numerous clinical trials using a wide variety of approaches have failed to achieve disease modification. It has been suggested that the heterogeneity of PD is a major contributing factor to the failure of disease modification trials, and that it is unlikely that a single treatment will be effective in all patients. Precision medicine, using drugs designed to target the pathophysiology in a manner that is specific to each individual with PD, has been suggested as a way forward. PD patients can be stratified according to whether they carry one of the risk variants associated with elevated PD risk. In this review we assess current clinical trials targeting two enzymes, leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) and glucocerebrosidase (GBA), which are encoded by two most common PD risk genes. Because the details of the pathogenic processes coupled to the different LRRK2and GBA risk variants are not fully understood, we ask if these precision medicine-based intervention strategies will prove “precise“ or “personalized“ enough to modify the disease process in PD patients. We also consider at what phases of the disease that such strategies might be effective, in light of the genes being primarily associated with the risk of developing disease in the first place, and less clearly linked to the rate of disease progression. Finally, we critically evaluate the notion that therapies targeting LRRK2 and GBA might be relevant to a wider segment of PD patients, beyond those that actually carry risk variants of these genes.

Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202101.0447.v1

A Scoping Review of Selected Studies on Risk Factors Associated with the Malaria Status among Children Under-five Years in Sub-Sahara Africa

Phillips Edomwonyi Obasohan, Stephen J. Walters, Richard Jacques, Khaled Khatab

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Tropical Medicine Keywords: Malaria, Fever, Plasmodium falciparum, falciparum vivax, under-five, determinants, risk factors, review

Online: 22 January 2021 (13:08:29 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202308.0555.v1

Postural instability and risk of falls in patients with Parkinson’s disease treated with deep brain stimulation: a stabilometric platform study

Giorgio Leodori, Marco Santilli, Nicola Modugno, Michele D’Avino, Maria Ilenia De Bartolo, Andre Fabbrini, Lorenzo Rocchi, Antonella Conte, Giovanni Fabbrini, Daniele Belvisi

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Neuroscience And Neurology Keywords: deep brain stimulation; fall risk; falls; parkinson’s disease; postural instability; stabilometric platform; movement disorders; postural control.

Online: 7 August 2023 (12:03:46 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202407.1136.v1

The Role of Supplier Relationship Management in Ensuring E-Commerce Supply Chain Resilience

Oliver Grant

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Business And Management Keywords: supplier relationship management; SRM; e-commerce; supply chain resilience; communication; risk management; digital technologies

Online: 15 July 2024 (10:33:57 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202407.0471.v1

Exploring Supplier Relationship Management in the Context of E-commerce

Oliver Grant

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Business And Management Keywords: Supplier Relationship Management; E-commerce; Digital Technologies; Collaboration; Risk Management; Strategic Alignment; Supply Chain

Online: 4 July 2024 (15:23:34 CEST)

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This qualitative study explores the transformative role of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) in the context of e-commerce, focusing on the integration of digital technologies and evolving supplier interactions. As digital advancements such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, data analytics, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) reshape traditional SRM practices, e-commerce companies are experiencing significant improvements in efficiency, transparency, and collaboration. This research employs semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and case studies to examine the impact of these technologies on SRM, identify key collaborative practices, and assess risk management strategies. Findings indicate that digital integration enhances decision-making, streamlines operations, and fosters deeper, trust-based supplier relationships. AI facilitates predictive analytics and automates processes, while blockchain provides transparency and reduces fraud. Data analytics supports informed sourcing decisions and risk mitigation, and cloud platforms improve real-time collaboration. IoT enhances supply chain visibility, allowing for better inventory management. Despite these benefits, challenges such as high implementation costs, integration difficulties, data privacy concerns, and security risks remain significant barriers. Collaboration practices, including joint development, shared resources, and coordinated marketing, contribute to innovation and mutual growth, emphasizing the need for effective communication and trust. Risk management strategies, such as scenario planning and supplier diversification, are crucial for maintaining supply chain resilience. Strategic alignment between e-commerce companies and suppliers, including goal congruence and capability matching, is essential for seamless coordination and competitive advantage. The study underscores the importance of a holistic approach to SRM, integrating technology, collaboration, risk management, and strategic alignment to navigate the complexities of supplier relationships in the digital age. These insights provide a framework for e-commerce companies to optimize their SRM practices and achieve sustainable growth in a dynamic marketplace.

Preprint ESSAY | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.0592.v1

Climate Change and Precautionary Policy: Insights from Small Prototype Models

Edward J. Garrity

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Sustainable Science And Technology Keywords: Climate change; system dynamics; affective risk; neoliberalism; mental models; socio-ecological systems, sustainability

Online: 12 February 2024 (04:55:42 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202408.2195.v1

Prevalence of Lower Back Pain (LBP) and its Associated Risk Factors Among Alfaisal University Medical Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Mohamad Behairy, Samir Odeh, Jouri Alsourani, Mohamad Talic, Sara Alnachef, Sadia Qazi, Muhammad Atif Mazhar, Hani Tamim

Subject: Public Health And Healthcare, Public, Environmental And Occupational Health Keywords: Lower Back Pain; Medical Students; Saudi Arabia; Prevalence; Oswestry Disability Index; Ergonomics; Physical Activity; Risk Factors; Disability

Online: 29 August 2024 (16:17:53 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202001.0162.v1

The Impact of Risk Factors Reduction Scenarios on Hospital Admissions, Disability-Adjusted Life Years and the Hospitalisation Cost of Cardiovascular Disease in Thailand

Khaled Khatab, Rungkren Inthavong, Malcolm Whitfield, Karen Collins, Mubarak Ismail, Maruf Raheem

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Econometrics And Statistics Keywords: cardiovascular disease (CVD); Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs); cost of admission; risk factors

Online: 16 January 2020 (09:05:32 CET)

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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is considered to be one of the leading health issues in Thailand. CVD not only contributes to an increase in the number of hospital admissions year on year but also impacts on the rising health care expenditure for the treatment and long-term care of CVD patients. Therefore, this study is aimed at examining the impacts of risk reduction strategies on the number of CVD hospital admissions, Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and the costs of hospitalisation. To estimate such impacts a CVD cost-offset model wasapplied using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The number of the mid-year population was classified by age, gender and the CVD risk factor profiles from the recent Thai National Health Examination Survey (NHES) IV. This survey was chosen as the baseline population. The CVD risk factor profiles included age, gender, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and smoking status. The Asia-Pacific Collaborative Cohort Study (APCCS) equation was applied to predict the probability of developing CVD over the next eight-year period. Estimates on the following were obtained from the model: (1.) the CVD events both fatal and non-fatal; (2.) the difference between the projected number of deaths and the actual number of deaths in that population; (3.) the number of patients who are expected to live with CVD; (4.) the DALYs from the estimated number of fatal and non-fatal events; (5.) the cost of hospital admissions. Four CVD risk strategy scenarios were investigated as follows: (1.) the do nothing scenario; (2.) the optimistic scenario; (3.) achieve the UN millennium development goal; and (4.) the worst-case scenario. The findings showed that over the next eight years there are likely to be 3,297,428 recorded cases of CVD; 5,870,049 cases of DALYs; and, approximately ฿57,000 million, ($1.9 billion), is projected as the total cost of hospital admissions. However, if the current health policy can reduce the levels of risk factors as defined in the optimistic scenario or such policy meets the specifications of the UN millennium development goal,there would be a significant reduction in the number of hospital admissions. These are estimated to be a reduction of 522,179 male and 515,416 female cases. With these results it is expected that health care costs would save approximately ฿9,000 million, ($298.3 million), for CVD and 900,000 million of DALYs over the next eight years. However, if there is an upward trend in the risk factors as predicted in the worst-case scenario, then there will be an increase of 428,220 CVD cases; consequently, DALYs cases may rise by 766,029 while the hospitalisation costs may increase by approximately ฿7,000 million, ($232.1 million). Based on our findings, reducing the levels of CVD risk factors in the population will drastically reduce: (1.) the number of CVD cases; (2.) DALYs cases; and (3.) health care costs. Therefore it is recommended that the health policy should enhance the primary prevention programs which would be targeted at reducing the CVD risk factors in the population.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202408.2070.v1

Are There Co-variations between Herpes Simplex Virus Status and Oral Risk Habits in a Cohort of Sri Lankan Male Oral Fibroepithelial Polyp Patients?: Findings from a Preliminary Study

Manosha Perera, Irosha Perera

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Virology Keywords: Herpes Simplex Virus; Oral Risk Habits; Asymptomatic; Latency

Online: 29 August 2024 (03:12:58 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202208.0232.v3

Does Cannabidiol (CBD) in Food Supplements Pose a Serious Health Risk? Consequences of the EFSA Clock Stop Regarding Novel Food Authorisation

Dirk W. Lachenmeier, Constanze Sproll, Patricia Golombek, Stephan G. Walch

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Pharmacology And Toxicology Keywords: food safety; risk assessment; Cannabis sativa; tetrahydrocannabinol; food supplements; cannabidiol; benchmark dose; health-based guidance value (HBGV); liver toxicity

Online: 24 November 2022 (02:53:03 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202208.0196.v1

Dynamic Asymmetric Effect of Currency Risk Pricing of Exchange Rate on Equity Markets: A Regime-Switching based C-Vine Copulas Method

John Weirstrass Muteba Mwamba, Benjamin Mudiangombe Mudiangombe

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Finance Keywords: Pricing currency risk; regime-switching; sectors equity markets; state of economy; C-Vine copulas; developed; emerging

Online: 10 August 2022 (09:32:45 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202202.0228.v1

Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating a Digital Gamified Acceptance and Commitment Early Intervention Program for Individuals at High-Risk for Eating Disorders

Maria Karekla, Patrisia Nicolaou, Rhonda Merwin

Subject: Social Sciences, Psychology Keywords: Early-Intervention; High-risk for Eating Disorders; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Gamification; Digital Intervention; Vicarious learning

Online: 18 February 2022 (09:12:15 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202110.0236.v1

School Based Exercise and Life Style Motivation Intervention (SEAL.MI) on Adolescent's Cardio Vascular Risk Factors and Academic Performance: Catch Them Young

Premalatha Paulsamy, Kalaiselvi Periannan, Vigneshwaran Easwaran, Noohu Abdulla Khan, Vani Manoharan, Krishnaraju Venkatesan, Absar Ahmed Qureshi, Kousalya Prabahar, Geetha Kandasamy, Rajalakshimi Vasudevan, Kumarappan Chidambaram, Ester Mary Pappiya, Kumar Venkatesan, Pranave Sethuraj

Subject: Public Health And Healthcare, Primary Health Care Keywords: Blood Pressure; Rope Exercise; physical activity; Lifestyle Modification; Adolescents; BMI; Hypertension; Cardiovascular risk factors; Academic Performance

Online: 18 October 2021 (10:21:34 CEST)

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There are evidences of shared biological mechanisms between obesity and hypertension during childhood in the adulthood, and loads of research literatures have proven that, it will cost the economies and health of nations profoundly if neglected. The Prevention and early diagnosis of cardiovascular risk factors such as overweight and hypertension is an essential strategy for control, effective treatment and prevention of its’ complications. The aim of the study is to assess the effect of school based Exercise and Life style Motivation Intervention (SEAL-MI) on adolescent's cardiovascular risk factors and academic performance. An experimental study was conducted among 1005 adolescents - 520 and 485 adolescents were randomly selected for control and study group, respectively. Demographic details and the data related to dietary habits, physical activity and sleep quality were collected by a structured interview questionnaire. The study group adolescents were given the SEAL-MI for six months which includes a school based rope exercise for 45 minutes per day for 5 days a week and a motivation intervention related to dietary habits, physical activity and sleep. Post-test 1 and 2 were done after 3 and 6 months of intervention. The prevalence of overweight among adolescents was 28.73% and prehypertension was 9.26%. Among overweight adolescents, the prevalence of prehypertension was found to be very high (32.25%). In post intervention, there was a significant reduction in weight, BP (p=0.000) and improvement in dietary habits, physical activity, sleep (p=0.000) and academic performance. A significant positive correlation was found between BMI and SBP (p=0.000) and BMI and academic performance (p=0.003). The linear regression analyses revealed that the gender (ß: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.81), age (ß: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.46), family income (ß: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.5), residence (ß: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.27) and type of family (ß: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.02) had the strongest correlate with the BMI of the adolescents. Also, Mother’s education Mother’s education (ß: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.59) had the strongest correlate with the SBP of the adolescents. In contrast, the DBP was negatively persuaded by age (ß: -0.36, 95% CI: 1.54, 0.29) and gender (ß: -0.26, 95% CI: 1.34, 0.12) of the adolescents. Regular practice of rope exercise and lifestyle modification such as diet, physical activity and sleep quality among adolescents prevent and control childhood CVD risk factors like overweight, hypertension. The SEAL-MI may lead to age appropriate development of adolescents and improves their academic performance and quality of life. Giving importance to the adolescents from urban habitat, from affluent nuclear family and catching them young will bring significant change in the disease burden.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202407.1252.v1

The Role of Supplier Relationship Management in Enhancing E-Commerce User Experience

Oliver Grant

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Business And Management Keywords: Supplier Relationship Management; e-commerce; supply chain; communication; performance management; risk management; technology integration; sustainability

Online: 17 July 2024 (04:29:25 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202407.0603.v1

Exploring the Impact of Supplier Relationship Management on E-Commerce Delivery Performance

Oliver Grant

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Business And Management Keywords: Supplier Relationship Management; e-commerce; delivery performance; strategic alignment; technological integration; trust; collaboration; risk management

Online: 8 July 2024 (16:11:41 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202406.1290.v1

Cultural Influences on Supply Chain Practices and Their Marketing Implications

Samuel Holloway

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Business And Management Keywords: Cultural influences; supply chain practices; marketing implications; decision-making; risk management; relationship dynamics; global business

Online: 20 June 2024 (11:40:45 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202406.1294.v1

Sustainable Supply Chains as a Marketing Differentiator: Qualitative Insights from Industry Leaders

Samuel Holloway

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Business And Management Keywords: Cultural influences, supply chain practices, marketing implications, decision-making, risk management, relationship dynamics, global business

Online: 19 June 2024 (11:06:26 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202406.0314.v1

Adapting to Disruptions: A Qualitative Study on Supply Chain Agility During Crises

Samantha Reynolds

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Business And Management Keywords: Supply chain agility; Supply chain disruptions; Crisis management; Risk management; Technological integration; Collaboration; Adaptive leadership

Online: 5 June 2024 (14:55:53 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202304.1023.v1

Ordinal Logistic Regression as a Tool To Estimate the Risk of Escalating Outcomes. An Application to Vehicle Crash Data

Charalambos Gnardellis, Venetia Notara, Georgia Tzamalouka, Maria Papadakaki, Joannes Chliaoutakis

Subject: Social Sciences, Safety Research Keywords: vehicle crash data; collision risk; ordinal logistic regression; multinomial logistic regression; proportional odds model (POM); partial proportional odds model (PPOM)

Online: 27 April 2023 (04:02:49 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202103.0620.v1

TeamMate: A Longitudinal Study of Health in Working Farm Dogs. III. Factors Affecting the Risk of Death, Euthanasia or Retirement from Work

Katja E. Isaksen, Lori Linney, Helen Williamson, Elizabeth J. Norman, Nick J. Cave, Naomi Cogger

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Veterinary Medicine Keywords: risk factors; longevity, death; euthanasia; retirement; longitudinal; TeamMate; working dogs; herding dogs; working farm dogs

Online: 25 March 2021 (14:24:34 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201812.0043.v1

On the Volatility of Daily Stock Returns of Total Petroleum Company of Nigeria: Evidence from GARCH Models, Value-at-Risk and Backtesting

Ngozi G. Emenogu, Monday Osagie Adenomon, Nweze Nwaze Obinna

Subject: Computer Science And Mathematics, Probability And Statistics Keywords: volatility; returns; stocks; total petroleum; akaike information criterion (AIC), GARCH; value-at-risk (VaR), backtesting

Online: 4 December 2018 (03:16:48 CET)

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Total Nigeria Plc is a Marketing and Services subsidiary of Total; a multinational energy company operating in more than 130 countries and committed to providing sustainable products and services for its customers. For over 50 years, Total Nigeria Plc has remained the leader in the downstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. This study investigated the volatility of the stock price of Total Petroleum Nigeria plc using nine (9) GARCH models namely sGARCH, gjrGARCH, eGARCH, iGARCH, aPARCH, TGARCH, NGARCH, NAGARCH and AVGARCH. We also investigated the Value-at-Risk (VaR) and Backtesting of the Models. The aim actually of this study is to boost the confidence of the shareholders and investors of the Total Nigeria plc. To achieve this, daily stock price for Total petroleum Nigeria plc from secondary was collected from January 2^nd 2001 to May 8^th 2017. . The study used both normal and student t innovations, using Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) to select the best model, for normal innovations for log returns and cleansed log returns of Total plc, the eGARCH and sGARCH models performed best respectively, while NGARCH model performed best for student t innovation for both log returns and cleansed returns of Total plc. The persistence of the models are stable except in few cases where iGARCH, eGARCH where not stable. Also for student t innovation, the sGARCH and gjrGARCH fails to converge. The mean-reverting number of day for the returns of Total Nigeria plc differs from model to model. Evidence from the VaR Analysis revealed from the selected models revealed that the Risk of VaR losses is high at 99% confidence level, slightly high at 95% confidence level and better at 90% confidence level. Although The Duration-Based Tests of independence conducted revealed that the models are correctly specified since in all cases the null hypotheses were accepted. This means that the probability of an exception on any day did not depends on the outcome of the previous day. Finally, both the unconditional (Kupiec) and conditional (Christoffersen) coverage tests for the correct number of exceedances for both Total stock returns and cleansed returns. The tests revealed rejection of the models at 1% level of significance. This confirms that unconditional (Kupiec) and conditional (Christoffersen) coverage tests for the correct number of exceedances are reliable compared to the Duration-Based Tests of independence. Therefore we recommend that shareholders and investors in Total Nigeria plc are to remain and continue to investment in Total Nigeria plc because if there is any form of losses, the price of the stock has the potentials to improve in the future. Again, though the risk is high at 99% confidence level, this in line with the financial theory that states that an asset with high expected risk would pay higher return on the average.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202407.1637.v1

Crucial Interactions between Altered Plasma Trace Elements and Fatty Acids Unbalance Ratio to Management of Systemic Arterial Hypertension in Diabetic Patients: Focus on Endothelial Dysfunction

Ines Gouaref, Mohamed Makrelouf, Amel Otmane, Samir Ait Abderrhmane, Haddam Ali El Mahdi, Koceir Elhadj-Ahmed

Subject: Public Health And Healthcare, Public Health And Health Services Keywords: Systemic arterial hypertension; Type 2 diabetes mellitus; Antioxidant trace elements; Lipotoxicity; Fatty acid Ratio; Endothelial dysfunction; Oxidative Stress; Atherothrombogenic risk; Insulinresistance; inflammation

Online: 22 July 2024 (05:28:41 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202407.1849.v3

Psychosocial Factors in Evidence-based Management Interventions and Policymaking: The COPSOQ III Greek Validation Study

Aristomenis Kotsakis, Demetris Avraam, Maria Malliarou, Constantinos Halkiopoulos, Michael Galanakis, Michael Sfakianakis, Elpidoforos S. Soteriades

Subject: Public Health And Healthcare, Public, Environmental And Occupational Health Keywords: COPSOQ; Psychosocial Stress; Risk Assessment; Work Factors; Greek Validation Study; Organizational Diagnosis; Psychosocial Risk Management; Psychosocial Work Environment; Work Environment; Emerging Risks; Psychosocial Risk Analytics; Management Interventions; Human-risk Monitoring; Psychosocial Wellbeing

Online: 14 October 2024 (05:22:48 CEST)

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Background: Over the past two decades, the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) has been established as a valid instrument to measure psychosocial stress at work. Currently, the COPSOQ international network is responsible for monitoring and improving COPSOQ. In 2019, a new questionnaire was published, and the Greek version is now being validated. Methods: The measurement qualities of the Greek COPSOQ III have been explored in accordance with the usual requirements of a validation study as defined by DIN EN ISO 10075-3. A sample of observations from 2,189 participants surveyed with the COPSOQ in Greece was used to validate the current version with appropriate statistical analyses. Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess the statistical relationships for many scales. Results: With its 108 items and 40 scales, the Greek COPSOQ III includes all psychosocial work factors that have been internationally validated and remain compatible with approximately 72% of the COPSOQ III German version content. In addition to the primary results, congruence with widely used theoretical approaches such as the demand-control (−support) model (DCM) or the job demands-resources model (JDR) is generally satisfactory. In summary, our validation study for the Greek COPSOQ III version showed adequate reliability and validity, which is in line with the findings of the COPSOQ III questionnaire from other European countries, and it is also compatible with the validation of the German COPSOQ III (Lincke, 2021). Our regression analysis revealed that 34 psychosocial work factors (34 “context” scales) could adequately predict the scores of the satisfactory and health scales (6 “outcome” scales). The analysis also revealed the top five (5) predictors (context variables) for each of the six (6) “effect” scales (outcome variables). Conclusions: With the launch of COPSOQ III in Greece, current and new workplace psychosocial aspects could be explored. COPSOQ III (GR) is a beneficial instrument for enterprise research and risk assessment.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202212.0136.v2

DIGITALESCAPE Project. Remote Sensing, New Technologies and Archaeology for the Preservation and Diffusion of the Cultural Heritage at Risk in the Sierra Sur and Sierra Morena Region

Antonio J. Ortiz Villarejo, José M. Delgado Barrado

Subject: Arts And Humanities, Archaeology Keywords: SAR; Climate Change; GIS; Archaeological Chart; Risk Assessment; Digital Humanities.; Magaña

Online: 9 March 2023 (10:52:16 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202409.2309.v1

Validity and Reliability of the Self-Administered Timed Up and Go Test for Monitoring the Risk of Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Magda Reis, Maria Teixeira, Carlota Carvão, Anabela Martins

Subject: Public Health And Healthcare, Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy And Rehabilitation Keywords: Timed Up and Go test; self-administered; reliability; validity; risk of falls

Online: 29 September 2024 (11:21:25 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202308.1401.v1

Diesters of o-Phthalic Acids in Surface Waters with Background Level of Pollution: Concentrations Levels, Distribution, Sources, and Environmental Risk (Lake Baikal, Russia)

Alexander Georgievich Gorshkov, Tatyana Arkadievna Grigoryeva, Yurij Sergeevich Bukin, Anton Vasilevich Kuzmin

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: priority PAEs, surface waters, concentrations levels, anthropogenic and biogenic sources, environmental risk, Lake Baikal

Online: 21 August 2023 (12:13:40 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202309.1003.v1

Bacterial Profile, Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern and Associated Risk Factors of Urinary Tract Infection among Reproductive Age Females Attending the Logbaba District Hospital, Douala, Cameroon

Ngwa Fabrice Ambe, Pride Bobga Tanyi, Ekwi Damian Nsongmayi, Ebai Christabel Ashu, Sangwe Bertrand Ngwa, Ngong Judith Nyeme

Subject: Public Health And Healthcare, Public, Environmental And Occupational Health Keywords: Bacterial profile; Antibiotic susceptibility; reproductive age females; risk factors; Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Online: 18 September 2023 (14:36:21 CEST)

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Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the commonest bacterial infections among reproductive age females. Untreated UTI in reproductive age female is associated with sexual dysfunction, cystitis, pyelonephritis and Pelvic inflammatory disease. At present, the antimicrobial resistance emergency has quadrupled worldwide and poses a serious threat to the treatment of patients. Thus, this study aimed to determine bacterial profile, antibiotic susceptibility pattern and associated risk factors of urinary tract infection among reproductive age females attending the Logbaba District Hospital Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January – July, 2023. Convenient sampling was employed to recruit 259 reproductive age females. Sociodemographic and risk factors information were obtained using a well-structured questionnaire. Mid-stream urine was collected and inoculated on cystine lactose electrolyte deficient media. Isolates were identified using API 20. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed using modified kirby-bauer susceptibility testing technique. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to assessed risk factors. A p-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence of UTI among reproductive age females was 82/259 (31.66%). Symptomatic and asymptomatic patients reported a prevalence of 50/121(41.32%) and 32/138 (23.19%), respectively. Ages ranging from 21-30 years (AOR: 2.53 ,95% CI 1.32 – 4.43, p=0.006) and 31 – 40 years (AOR: 0.19 , 95% CI: 0.14- 0.54; p <0.0001), student (AOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.21 - 2.75; p = 0.010), history of UTI (5.34, 95% CI = 1.86 - 18.15; p = 0.03), symptomatic (AOR = 2.86, 95% CI1.78 - 4.67, p <0.0001) and secondary education (AOR: 0.13, 95% CI 0.08 - 0.32; p<0.0001) were predictors to UTI. Klebsiella Pneumoniae was the most frequent species 27 (32.9%), follow by E coli 22(26.8%), Staphylococcus aureus 16 (19.5%), CONS 8 (9.8%), Proteus mirabilis 6 (7.3 %) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 3(3.7%). Majority of the isolates were sensitive to cefotaxime (87.80%), imipenem (85.7%), vancomycin (79.27%), Ofloxacillin (76.83%), Ceftriaxone (75.61%), Ciprofloxacin (74.39%), Gentamicin (71.95%) and Doxycycline (69.51%), and resistant to Amoxicillin (51.22%), cotrimoxazole (47.56%) and Azithromycin (31.71%) , All the isolates were multidrug drug resistant (100%) and Klebsiella Pneumoniae and E coli were the most multidrug drug resistant species Conclusion: In the present study, the prevalence of urinary tract infection among reproductive age females was high and considerably a high proportion of multidrug resistance was observed. This result will have a significant impact on the selection of appropriate antimicrobial agents for the treatment of urinary tract infection in the study area.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202407.0646.v1

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Supplier Relationship Management Tools in E-Commerce

Oliver Grant

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Business And Management Keywords: Supplier Relationship Management, SRM Tools, E-commerce, Supply Chain Efficiency, Technological Advancements, Supplier Collaboration, Risk Mitigation

Online: 8 July 2024 (13:23:09 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202407.0523.v1

Exploring Supplier Relationships and Inventory Optimization in High-Technology Industries

Samuel Holloway

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Business And Management Keywords: Supplier Relationships, Inventory Optimization, High-Technology Industries, Digital Transformation, Supply Chain Management, Technological Integration, Risk Management

Online: 5 July 2024 (11:56:55 CEST)

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This study explores the intricacies of supplier relationships and inventory optimization within high-technology industries, offering a comprehensive analysis of the strategic imperatives and operational challenges faced by firms in these sectors. By adopting a qualitative research methodology involving semi-structured interviews with supply chain professionals and documentary analysis, the study provides in-depth insights into the evolving dynamics of supply chain management. Findings reveal a marked shift towards collaborative and strategic supplier relationships, characterized by trust, transparency, and joint innovation initiatives. These partnerships are essential for enhancing operational efficiency, driving product development, and navigating market uncertainties. Additionally, the research underscores the critical role of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, in optimizing inventory levels and improving supply chain visibility. The integration of these technologies facilitates precise demand forecasting and proactive inventory management, thereby reducing costs and enhancing service levels. However, the study also highlights significant challenges, including geopolitical uncertainties, supply chain disruptions, and cultural barriers, which necessitate robust risk management strategies and adaptive supply chain practices. Strategic implications for organizational leaders and policymakers include the need to invest in supplier development, embrace digital transformation, and enhance risk management frameworks to build resilient and agile supply chains. This study contributes valuable insights into the complex interplay between supplier relationships, inventory optimization, and technological integration in high-technology industries, offering actionable recommendations for practitioners and researchers seeking to drive innovation and maintain competitiveness in a dynamic global marketplace.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202406.1546.v1

Exploring the Influence of Supply Chain Disruption Management on Brand Resilience and Consumer Perception

Samuel Holloway

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Business And Management Keywords: supply chain disruption management; brand resilience; consumer perception; risk assessment; contingency planning; transparency; collaboration; stakeholder confidence

Online: 22 June 2024 (09:08:09 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202406.0563.v1

Exploring the Implications of Supply Chain Disruptions on Organizational Resilience

Samantha Reynolds

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Business And Management Keywords: Supply chain disruptions; organizational resilience; agility; collaboration; risk management; strategic planning; technology integration; leadership; organizational culture

Online: 10 June 2024 (13:59:43 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201710.0169.v1

A Longitudinal Approach to Biological Psychiatric Research: The PsyCourse Study

Monika Budde, Heike Anderson-Schmidt, Katrin Gade, Daniela Reich-Erkelenz, Kristina Adorjan, Janos L. Kalman, Fanny Senner, Sergi Papiol, Till F. M. Andlauer, Ashley L. Comes, Eva C. Schulte, Farah Klöhn-Saghatolislam , Anna Gryaznova, Maria Hake, Kim Bartholdi, Laura Flatau, Markus Reitt, Silke Quast, Sophia Stegmaier, Milena Meyers, Barbara Emons, Ida Sybille Haußleiter, Georg Juckel, Vanessa Nieratschker, Udo Dannlowski, Max Schmauß, Jörg Zimmermann, Jens Reimer, Sybille Schulz, Jens Wiltfang, Eva Reininghaus, Ion-George Anghelescu, Volker Arolt, Bernhard T. Baune, Carsten Konrad, Andreas Thiel, Andreas J. Fallgatter, Christian Figge, Martin von Hagen, Manfred Koller, Fabian U. Lang, Moritz E. Wigand, Thomas Becker, Markus Jäger, Detlef E. Dietrich, Sebastian Stierl, Harald Scherk, Carsten Spitzer, Here Folkerts, Stephanie H. Witt, Franziska Degenhardt, Andreas J. Forstner, Marcella Rietschel, Markus M. Nöthen, Peter Falkai, Thomas G. Schulze, Urs Heilbronner

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Psychiatry And Mental Health Keywords: Schizophrenia; bipolar; psychosis; depression; polygenic risk score; diagnosis; RDoC

Online: 27 October 2017 (11:58:11 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202306.2143.v1

Predominant Maternal Risk Factors Increase the Prevalence of Caesarean Section Deliveries: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Reproductive-Aged Women Population

Eleni Pavlidou, Sousana K. Papadopoulou, Olga Alexatou, Evmorfia Psara, Dimitrios Papandreou, Maria Menzelou, Anastasia Sampani, Christina Tryfonos, Maria Spanoudaki, Gerasimos Tsourouflis, Gavriela Voulgaridou, Eleana Toli, Constantinos Giaginis

Subject: Public Health And Healthcare, Other Keywords: caesarean section; pre-pregnancy; overweigh; obesity; gestational weight gain; preterm birth; pregnancy complications; nutritional interventions; maternal risk factors

Online: 29 June 2023 (12:38:51 CEST)

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Background: There is an exponential increase in caesarean sections with epidemic proportions worldwide, which is considered as a serious public health issue that influences negatively both maternal and childhood health. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the associations between pre-dominant maternal risk factors and the prevalence of caesarean section in a representative sample of women from Greece. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 5182 healthy, re-productive-aged women from 11 geographically diverse Greek areas after applying specific inclu-sion and exclusion criteria. Statistical analysis was applied to evaluate the impact of maternal so-ciodemographic, anthropometric, lifestyle and perinatal factors in the risk of caesarean section de-liveries. Results: A high prevalence of 56.4% of caesarean section deliveries was recorded in the study population. The incidence of caesarean sections reached to 51.5% in private hospitals in which an increasing rate of 47.5% for planned caesarean sections were noticed. Older maternal age, pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity, excess gestational weight gain, high rates of preterm birth, better economic status, smoking habits, and private type of birth hospital were significantly related with enhanced risk of caesarean section, independently of multiple confounding factors. Conclu-sions: Our study revealed that caesarean section rates are continuously increase, while several maternal risk factors, including especially pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and excess gestational weight gain, cumulatively raise its prevalence which further increase the risk for postnatal adverse outcomes for both the mothers and their children. Emergent public health policies and strategies should be promoted to confront the predominant maternal risk factors-related with caesarean sec-tion and inform future mothers how to be prevented from them by applying healthier nutritional and lifestyle habits and to select caesarean section only due to emergency medical reasons. Alarmingly enough, targeted nutritional intervention strategies are strongly recommended to ef-fectively reduce the prevalence of maternal pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and the excess gestational weight gain, which in turn may minimize the risk of childhood overweight/obesity.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.0621.v1

Patterns of Chromosomal Instability and Clonal Heterogeneity in Luminal B Breast Cancer

Laura Valentina Camargo-Herrera, Giovanny Castellanos, Nelson Rangel, Guillermo Antonio Jiménez-Tobón, María Martínez-Agüero, Milena Rondón-Lagos

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Life Sciences Keywords: Luminal B breast cancer; chromosomal instability; clonal heterogeneity; clinical outcomes; Risk stratification

Online: 12 February 2024 (08:50:59 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202305.1545.v1

DIGITALESCAPE Project. Aerial Remote Sensing, HBIM and Archaeology for the Preservation and Dissemination of the Cultural Heritage at Risk in the Sierra Sur and Sierra Morena Regions.

Antonio J. Ortiz Villarejo, José M. Delgado Barrado

Subject: Arts And Humanities, Humanities Keywords: SAR; Climate Change; GIS; Archaeological Chart; Risk Assessment; Digital Humanities.; Magaña

Online: 23 May 2023 (03:36:41 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202409.2380.v1

Constructing an Early Risk Warning Model for Sequential Treatment Failure of High-Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy Following Mechanical Ventilation Weaning Using Random Forest

Cong Liu, Hui-zhen Song, Wei Liu, Yong-ming Qin, Shuo Tian, Mu-lan Ni, Qian-wen Li

Subject: Public Health And Healthcare, Nursing Keywords: Acute Respiratory Failure; High-Flow Nasal Cannula oxygen therapy; Random Forest; Early Risk Warning

Online: 30 September 2024 (10:57:11 CEST)

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Objective: This study aims to construct an early risk warning model to predict the risk of treatment failure in patients undergoing sequential High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy following mechanical ventilation weaning. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 145 patients who received HFNC treatment in the Emergency Intensive Care Unit of the Third People's Hospital of Bengbu City from June 2018 to June 2023. A wide range of indicators including general information, comorbidities, laboratory test results, vital signs, disease-related scores, and oxygenation data were collected. Data analysis was performed using R software, starting with the Lasso regression to filter features related to treatment outcomes. Patients were divided into a training set (70%) and a validation set (30%) using random grouping software. The Random Forest algorithm was then employed to evaluate and rank the important features related to outcome indicators. The predictive efficiency and stability of the model were assessed through the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis, culminating in the construction of an early risk warning nomogram. Results: The study found that the Random Forest model exhibited high predictive accuracy in the training set (AUC=0.98) and good stability in the validation set (AUC=0.84). Key feature variables identified by the model, such as APACHE II score, BNP, NLR, mROX, and SOFA, were found to significantly impact the prediction of HFNC treatment failure. Based on these variables, an early warning nomogram was further developed, providing clinicians with a convenient and effective risk assessment tool. Conclusion: This study has constructed an early risk warning model based on the Random Forest algorithm, capable of effectively predicting the risk of HFNC treatment failure. The model's high predictive efficiency and stability offer strong support for clinical decision-making, contributing to personalized treatment and improved patient outcomes. Future research should aim to expand the sample size, perform multicenter validation, and explore the integration of the model into Clinical Decision Support Systems for real-time risk assessment and intervention.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202409.1813.v1

Rise in Cyber Threats in the United States and the Need for Advanced Cyber Risk Mitigation Tools and Adequate Skills to Combat Cyber Threats

Lord Nyame, Eunice Marfo-Ahenkorah, Abigail Abrahams, Joseph Ashley-Osuzoka, Godswill Ashong, Daniel Aboagye

Subject: Computer Science And Mathematics, Computer Science Keywords: Cyber Security; Advanced Threats; Risk Mitigation; Artificial Intelligence; Emerging Media; Advanced Tools; Workforce; Government

Online: 24 September 2024 (00:14:38 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0175.v1

Is There an Association between Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure and the Risk of Wheezing among Rural and Urban Preschool Children in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa?

Rodney Mudau, Joyce Shirinde, Kuku Voyi

Subject: Public Health And Healthcare, Public Health And Health Services Keywords: Environmental tobacco smoke exposure; The risk of wheezing; Poor air quality; Preschool children

Online: 6 March 2024 (04:12:03 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202109.0037.v1

Hygiene Behavior in Face of the Corona Pandemic: Compliance Rates and Associations With Fear, SARS-COV-2 risk, Mental Health and Disability

Sonia Lippke, Franziska M. Keller, Christina Derksen, Lukas Kötting, Alina Dahmen

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Psychiatry And Mental Health Keywords: COVID-19; disability; risk factors; communication; medical rehabilitation; psychosomatic patients; general public; infection; physical health; psychological health

Online: 2 September 2021 (12:08:42 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202309.0944.v1

Groundwater Quality Assessment of Manipur, India, and Worldwide Bibliometric Analysis of Research Progress on Groundwater Quality

Rakshita Chaudhary, Nisha Gaur, Mohit Yadav

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: Groundwater; Water Quality Index; Bacteriological Quality; Irrigational indices; Hydro chemical processes; Potential health risk

Online: 14 September 2023 (08:39:26 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202012.0598.v1

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Smoking Among Health Care Workers and Non-Health Care Workers in Zambezi Region, Namibia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Sylvia Kahimbi Mahoto, Kabwebwe Honoré Mitonga, Olanrewaju Oladimeji

Subject: Social Sciences, Psychology Keywords: Zambezi; Health Care Workers; cigarette smoking; Cigarettes; Gender differences; Prevalence; Tobacco use; Vulnerable populations; Risk factors

Online: 23 December 2020 (16:28:15 CET)

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Smoking is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases and remains a significant public health challenge in many lower- and middle-income countries (LMIC) including Namibia. The purpose of the study was to estimate the prevalence of smoking and its associated risk factors among HCWs and non-HCWs in Zambezi region. An exploratory cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and October 2020 among residents of the eight (8) constituencies of Zambezi region. Four hundred and sixty-one (461) respondents who had been residents of the selected constituencies for over five years and aged between 17-60 years were selected for the study. The main outcome measure was current cigarette smoking status. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents. We stratified data analysis by individual being health workers or non-health workers. A bivariate Pearson Chi-square test was used to determine the association between socio-demographic characteristics and the smoking status. Statistically significant variables in the bivariate analysis were used as predictors in the univariate and multivariate models. The response rate of potential participants was 95% (n=434). The mean (±SD) age of participant’s was 32.5 (± 11.34 years). Significant relationships were observed between smoking status and area of residency (constituency), gender, age category, level of education, age of onset of smoking and the daily smoking frequency. The majority of smokers (n=108) were none-HCWs with males being the majority (n=62). Age (p=0.001), education levels (p=0.001) and area of residency (p=0.022) were highly associated with smoking among none-HCW while marital status was associated with smoking among HCWs (p=0.013). In the final multivariate model, the odds of smoking among female non-HCWs were significantly lower (OR: 0.386; 95% CI: 0.228 – 0.655). Furthermore, the odds of smoking among this same group were lower among those who had secondary level education (OR: 0.178; 95% CI: 0.0659 – 0.483), post-secondary (OR: 0.117, 95% CI: 0.0412 – 0.330) and first stage tertiary (OR: 0.306: 95% CI: 0.106 – 0.881) compared to those who had primary school education. In conclusion, smoking prevalence among none HCWs and HCWs working in Zambezi included in the study was similar to that of the general Namibian population but higher than other neighboring countries within SADC. The results showed a need for the establishment of specific smoking related strategies that target HCWs to address smoking use parallel to the running of none HCWs which would ultimately decrease the smoking prevalence and improve health.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202407.0865.v1

Managing Supplier Risks in E-Commerce: Qualitative Insights into Relationship Management Strategies

Oliver Grant

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Business And Management Keywords: supplier risks; e-commerce; relationship management; trust-building; communication practices; digital technology; risk assessment; innovation initiatives; ethical considerations

Online: 10 July 2024 (13:02:35 CEST)

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This qualitative study investigates the management of supplier risks in e-commerce through relationship management strategies, focusing on trust-building, communication practices, digital technology integration, risk assessment methodologies, challenges, innovation initiatives, and ethical considerations. The research aims to provide nuanced insights into how e-commerce companies navigate the complexities of global supply chains to mitigate operational, financial, and reputational risks associated with supplier relationships. Through semi-structured interviews with 20 key stakeholders in the e-commerce sector, data were collected and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings underscored the foundational role of trust in establishing resilient supplier relationships, facilitated by transparent communication, consistent performance evaluation, and mutual respect for contractual obligations. Effective communication practices, supported by digital platforms and technologies such as AI, blockchain, IoT, and cloud computing, enhanced operational transparency and decision-making capabilities across supply chains. The study identified diverse approaches to risk assessment, from qualitative evaluations to quantitative models utilizing predictive analytics and scenario planning. However, participants highlighted challenges including geopolitical uncertainties, trade disruptions, regulatory changes, and cultural barriers, necessitating adaptive strategies and diversified sourcing options. Innovation initiatives such as joint product development and technology adoption were crucial in enhancing supply chain agility and competitive advantage. Ethical considerations emerged as a critical aspect, influencing supplier selection criteria, CSR initiatives, environmental sustainability practices, and labor standards compliance. Integrating ethical guidelines into supplier contracts reinforced corporate values and enhanced brand reputation. Overall, this study contributes practical implications for e-commerce practitioners seeking to enhance supply chain resilience, mitigate supplier risks, and sustain competitive advantage in a dynamic global marketplace.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.0453.v1

A Novel, Functional Refined Olive Oil, Enhanced with Orange Peel Extract Modulates Postprandial LDL-Cholesterol Responses at Cardiometabolic Risk Individuals: A Pilot Randomized, Controlled, Cross-Over Nutritional Intervention

Olga Papagianni, Chrysoula Kaloteraki, Aikaterini Kandyliari, Panagiota Potsaki, Panorea Bousdouni, Kalliopi Almpounioti, Camille Ouzaid, Anna-Kyriaki Mavrou, Vasiliki Panteli, Thomas Loukas, Athanasios Magkoutis, Dimitrios Skalkos, Haralabos C. Karantonis, Antonios E. Koutelidakis

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Food Science And Technology Keywords: postprandial bioactivity; polyphenols; functional olive oil; orange peel extract; cardiometabolic risk

Online: 7 July 2023 (03:55:50 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201810.0692.v1

Release of Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes from Biodegradable Poly(Lactic Acid) Films during Degradation and Combustion: Risk Associated with the End-of-Life of Nanocomposite Food Packaging Materials

Stanislav Kotsilkov, Evgeni Ivanov, Nikolay Vitanov

Subject: Chemistry And Materials Science, Polymers And Plastics Keywords: graphene; carbon nanotubes; poly(lactic) acid, degradation, combustion, fire, risk analysis

Online: 29 October 2018 (14:53:40 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201812.0097.v1

Impacts of the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems on Conservation Policy and Practice

Lucie M. Bland, Emily Nicholson, Rebecca M. Miller, Angela Andrade, Andres Etter, José Rafael Ferrer-Paris, Tytti Kontula, Arild Lindgaard, Patricio Pliscoff, Andrew Skowno, Irene Zager, David A. Keith

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Ecology Keywords: conservation practice, ecosystem, impact, IUCN Red List of Ecosystems, monitoring, risk assessment

Online: 7 December 2018 (17:50:24 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202401.1420.v1

Active Distribution Grid Exceeding Testing and Risk Planning Based on Carbon Capture and Multi-Source Data of Power Internet of Things

Jinghan Wu, Kun Wang, Tianhao Wang, Shiqian Ma, Hansen Gong, Zhijian Hu, Qingwu Gong

Subject: Engineering, Electrical And Electronic Engineering Keywords: active distribution networks; exceeding testing and risk planning; power internet of things; semi-invariant method; integrated energy; second-order cone

Online: 18 January 2024 (12:33:33 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202109.0398.v1

Changes in Risk in Medium Business Plants Following Revision of the Korean Chemical Accident Prevention System, Focusing on Plating and Paint Manufacturing Industries

Hyo Eun Lee, Min-Gyu Kim, Seok J. Yoon, Da-An Huh, Kyong Whan Moon

Subject: Chemistry And Materials Science, Chemical Engineering Keywords: Preparation of Off-Site Consequence Analyses; Chemicals Control Act; Risk Assessment; Paint Manufacturing Plant; Plating Industry Plant

Online: 23 September 2021 (10:18:56 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202407.1343.v1

Subclinical Atherosclerosis Progression in Low-Risk Middle-Aged Adults: Carotid Leads Femoral in IMT Increase but not in Plaque Formation

Eva Szabóová, Alexandra Lisovszki, Alojz Rajnič, Peter Kolarčík, Peter Szabó, Tomáš Molnár, Lucia Dekanová

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Cardiac And Cardiovascular Systems Keywords: atherosclerosis; carotid artery plaque; carotid intima media thickness; femoral artery plaque; femoral intima media thickness; short-term progression of atherosclerosis; ultrasound; vascular risk

Online: 16 July 2024 (14:56:43 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202407.0496.v1

Reducing Risk Factors to Face Global Crises and Complex Emergencies: Case Study of the Relation between Public Debt, Health Expenditures and Fatality Rates in COVID 19 Pandemic

Mario Coccia

Subject: Social Sciences, Other Keywords: government debt; country risk; crisis management; disaster risk management; social disaster; intentional disaster; health expenditures; systemic vulnerability; COVID-19; public policies; preparedness strategies; complex emergencies; environmental threats; global crises

Online: 5 July 2024 (08:37:18 CEST)

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Preprint CASE REPORT | doi:10.20944/preprints202308.0003.v1

Survey on the environmental risks of bisphenol A and its rele-vant regulations in Taiwan: An environmental endo-crine-disrupting chemical of increasing concern

Wen Tien Tsai

Subject: Public Health And Healthcare, Public, Environmental And Occupational Health Keywords: bisphenol A; endocrine-disrupting chemical; environmental distribution; potential risk; regula-tory countermeasure; Taiwan

Online: 2 August 2023 (04:42:15 CEST)

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Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.2087.v1

Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Human Deaths to Guide Energy Policy

Joshua M. Pearce, Richard Parncutt

Subject: Engineering, Energy And Fuel Technology Keywords: carbon emissions; greenhouse gas emissions; global catastrophic risk; climate change; energy policy; human mortality; climate genocide

Online: 31 July 2023 (10:54:43 CEST)

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Preprint BRIEF REPORT | doi:10.20944/preprints202311.0615.v1

A Study to Determine the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Schistosomiasis Amongst School-Aged Children in Low- and Middle-Income Communities: Ehlanzeni District Municipality, South Africa

Sunnieboy Lot Njikho, Vanessa Cecilia Quan, Thokozani Patrick Mbonane, Renay Helouise Van Wyk

Subject: Public Health And Healthcare, Public Health And Health Services Keywords: schistosomiasis; prevalence; district municipality; disease; risk factors; low- and middle-income community; environmental factors

Online: 9 November 2023 (11:26:07 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0871.v1

The Relationship between Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratios with Nutritional Status, Risk of Nutritional Indices, Prognostic Nutritional Indices and Morbidity in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

Naile Fevziye MISIRLIOGLU, Nedim Uzun, Gulenay Defne OZEN, Mustafa Calik, Ertugrul Altinbilek, Mehmet Necmeddin SUTASIR, Sena Baykara Sayılı, Hafize Uzun

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Medicine And Pharmacology Keywords: Ischemic stroke, prognostic nutritional index, nutritional risk index, controlling nutritional status, systemic immune inflammation index, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio.

Online: 14 March 2024 (16:14:22 CET)

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Background: In recent years, whole blood parameters and derivatives have been used as prognostic criteria in the course of the disease in various diseases. The prognostic nutritional index (PNI), the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have been adapted as an indicator of inflammation and have been widely studied to define the severity of inflammation in some diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between parameters such as NLR, SII, PNI, controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, nutritional risk index (NRI) and with immunonutrition status and disease activity in patients with ischemic stroke of small vessel, large vessel and other etiologies. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the records of 1454 consecutive ischemic stroke patients hospitalized in the emergency department of Gaziosmanpasa Education and Research Hospital from 2019 to 2023. Results: Of the 1350 SVO patients included in the study, 58.8% had small vessel, 29.3% had large vessel and 11.9% had other etiologies. There was a significant difference between the 3 etiology groups for PNI and CONUT. The median PNI was 47.03 (41.33-52.85) in the other etiology group, 35.29 (33.69-37.25) in the small vessel group, and 34.11 (30.23-36.87) in the large vessel group. The CONUT median was 5(5-6) in the small vessel group, 5(4-6) in the large vessel group and 4(4-4) in the other etiology group. In addition, CONUT and PNI were also found to be independent risk factors for death. A negative significant correlation was observed between PNI and NLR (r:-0.692), SII (r:-0.591), CONUT (r:-0.685). Significant correlations were observed between CONUT and NLR (r:0.402), SII (r:0.312). Conclusion: PNI and SII were significantly associated with disease activity. PNI, CONUT and NRI as a more accurate prognostic indicator of nutritional status in patients with ischemic stroke of small vessel, large vessel and other etiologies. NLR and SII may be important predictive markers in the course and prognosis of stroke.

Preprint DATA DESCRIPTOR | doi:10.20944/preprints202406.1685.v1

The Incidence of Respiratory Infections and Nutritional Deficiency in Chadian Under-Five Female and Male Children: Trends and Risk Factors

Martial Nodjimadji Tamlengar, Ngaba Neguemadji Ngardig, Sweetyben Patel, Lidya Metekia, Imteyaz Ahmad Khan, Amit Gulati, Sakshi Khurana, Ousmane Ahmat Mahamat

Subject: Public Health And Healthcare, Public Health And Health Services Keywords: Lower respiratory infections 1; Upper respiratory infections 2; Nutritional deficiency 3; Under-5 children 4; Maternal health and environmental risk factors 5; Chad 6.

Online: 24 June 2024 (11:48:23 CEST)

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Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202410.1668.v1

The Emergence of New E. coli High-Risk Clones and Antibiotic Resistance: An Unstoppable Problem or Our Last Chance to Do Better?

Ana da Cruz Campos, Nathalia Lucas da Silva Andrade

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Immunology And Microbiology Keywords: antibiotic resistance; E. coli high-risk clones; infections stewardship; Escherichia coli; ; multi-resistance bacteria; emergence

Online: 22 October 2024 (11:12:48 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202405.1911.v1

Major and Trace Elements in Soils from an Industrial Area in the Lower Danube Basin: Levels, Transfer to Crops (Wheat, Corn, Sunflower) and Health Risk

Antoaneta Ene, Sorina Simona Moraru, Dana Iulia Moraru, Ana Pantelica, Steluta Gosav, Ceoromila Alina-Mihaela

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Soil Science Keywords: soil; wheat; sunflower; corn; trace elements; pollution; heavy metals; bioaccumulation factor; Lower Danube Basin; health risk

Online: 29 May 2024 (08:33:08 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202310.0152.v1

Promotive and Risk Psychological Factors of Intention to Vaccinate in Health-Care Providers, Parents, and Laypeople: To Be Safe Is to Trust?

Kaja Damnjanović, Sandra Ilić, Marija Kušić, Milica Lazić, Dragoslav Popovic

Subject: Social Sciences, Psychology Keywords: vaccination intention; health-care providers; parents; lay people; promotive factors; protective factors; risk factors; vulnerability factors; vaccine decision-making; vaccination behavior

Online: 3 October 2023 (11:42:36 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1746.v1

Perception of Selected Factors on the Sustainability of SMEs: Empirical Study from Visegrad Group Countries

Mária Hudáková, Juraj Cúg, Peter Karácsony, Zora Petráková, Ján Dvorský, Michał Bernard Pietrzak

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Business And Management Keywords: business risk; case study; questionnaire; SMEs; sustainability; Visegrad Group countries.

Online: 29 February 2024 (13:50:04 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202303.0130.v1

Childhood Leukemia Increased Significantly in Wales and Scotland After Chernobyl: A Biological Explanation

Christopher Busby

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: Leukemias; Risk and prevention; Epidemiology and outreach; Chernobyl; Radiation

Online: 7 March 2023 (09:24:17 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202406.0676.v1

Understanding Supplier Relationship Management Practices in the Context of Supply Chain Dynamics

Samantha Reynolds

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Business And Management Keywords: supplier relationship management; supply chain dynamics; collaboration; trust; risk management; performance measurement; digital technology integration; sustainability; cultural alignment; supplier development; strategic alignment

Online: 11 June 2024 (11:53:56 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202308.1456.v1

Weighted Vest Intervention during Whole-Body Circuit Training Improves Plasma Resistin, Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Normal-Weight Obese Women

Ji Woong Kim, Eun Sook Kim, Do Hyun Kim, Sung Jin Yoon

Subject: Public Health And Healthcare, Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy And Rehabilitation Keywords: circuit training; resistin; weighted vest; normal weight obesity; cardiopulmonary fitness; Vo2max; IL-6; hs-CRP, cardiovascular; cardiovascular disease risk factors

Online: 22 August 2023 (02:58:37 CEST)

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Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202410.0917.v1

Literature Review of the Contribution of Remote Sensing Exposures to Asthma, Other Respiration Specific Outcomes, and Risk Factors in Greenness, Air Pollution, and Wildfire Ecologic Settings

.John T. Braggio

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Remote Sensing Keywords: ambient gases; asthma; ecologic setting; particulate matter; physiologic mechanisms; remote sensing; respiration specific outcomes; risk factors

Online: 12 October 2024 (07:43:17 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202309.0806.v1

Incidence of the Risk of Malnutrition and Excess Fat Mass, Low Total Lean Tissue, and Gait Speed as Independent Associated Factors in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Miriam Teresa López Teros, Helen Joceline Vidaña-Espinoza, Julián Esparza-Romero, Oscar Rosas-Carrasco, Armando Luna-López, Heliodoro Alemán-Mateo

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Dietetics And Nutrition Keywords: nutrition disorders; risk factors; body composition; physical functional performance; independent living; and aged; 80 and over

Online: 13 September 2023 (09:38:11 CEST)

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Background and aims: Only one cohort study exists on the incidence of the risk of malnutrition (RM) in older adults, though numerous cross-sectional –and that cohort research– have reported several risk factors associated with the prevalence and incidence of this condition. However, alterations of body composition and impaired physical performance as exposition variables of RM have not been explored. This study assessed the incidence of RM and determined its association with excess fat mass, low total lean tissue, gait speed, and handgrip strength as exposition variables for RM in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This is a secondary analysis in older adults (≥60 years old) derived from the study “Frailty, dynapenia, and sarcopenia in Mexican adults (FraDySMex)” a prospective cohort project conducted from 2014 to 2019 in Mexico City. At baseline, volunteers underwent body composition analysis and physical performance tests. Several covariates were identified through comprehensive geriatric assessment. At baseline and follow-up, RM was assessed using the long form of the mini nutritional assessment (MNA-LF) scale. Associations between the exposition variables and RM were assessed by multiple logistic regression. Results: The cohort included 241 subjects. Average age was 75.6±7.8 years; 83.4% were women. The mean follow-up period was 4.1 years, during which 28.6% of subjects developed RM. This condition was less likely to occur in subjects with excess fat mass index, even after adjusting for several covariates. RM was also more likely to occur in subjects with low total lean tissue index, according to both an unadjusted model and after adjusting for the corresponding variables. Regarding the association between RM and gait speed, RM was also more likely to occur in subjects with low gait speed according to both the unadjusted and adjusted models. Similar results were found for RM in relation to low handgrip strength; however, after adjusting for the associated covariates, models 1 and 2 no longer reached the level of significance. Conclusion: The risk of malnutrition diagnosed by MNA-LF was significantly less likely to occur among subjects with excess fat mass, but possibility was significantly higher in those with low total lean tissue and low gait speed after 4.1 years of follow-up in community-dwelling older adults. These results highlight that excess fat mass, low total lean tissue, and low gait speed are first than risk of malnutrition and not vice versa.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202401.0565.v1

Baseline Computed Tomography or Positron Emission Tomography in Patients with Locally Advanced High-Risk Breast Cancer Facilitates Highly Customized Radiation Therapy in Anatomical Areas beyond the Scope of Surgery

Tomasz Borowiec, Rafał Matkowski, Bożena Cybulska-Stopa, Tomasz Kuniej, Andrzej Kołodziejczyk, Dorota Dupla, Adam Maciejczyk

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Oncology And Oncogenics Keywords: breast cancer; high-risk patients; primary systemic therapy; pre-treatment imaging; treatment individualization

Online: 8 January 2024 (06:56:49 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202008.0588.v1

Honors and Costs of Being Heroes: Risk Factors and Epidemiology of COVID-19 Infection among Health Care Workers of a Severely Hit COVID-19-Referral Hospital in Italy

Marta Colaneri, Viola Novelli, Sara Cutti, Alba Muzzi, Guido Resani, Cristina Monti, Claudia Rona, Anna Maria Grugnetti, Marco Rettani, Francesca Rovida, Valentina Zuccaro, Antonio Triarico, Carlo Marena

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Epidemiology And Infectious Diseases Keywords: retrospective cohort study; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; health care workers; risk of infection

Online: 27 August 2020 (03:25:18 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202109.0440.v1

Risk Perception, Perception of Collective Efficacy and Sleep Quality in Chinese Adults During COVID-19 Pandemic in Hong Kong: A Cross-sectional Study

Shiang-Yi Lin, Kevin Kien Hoa Chung

Subject: Social Sciences, Psychology Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; coronavirus; subjective sleep quality; risk perception; fear of infection; rumination; perception of collective coordinated defense; collective efficacy beliefs

Online: 24 September 2021 (14:34:47 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202406.0868.v1

Understanding Multi-hazard Interaction and Impact on Small Islands Community: Insights from an Active Volcano Island of Ternate, Indonesia

Mohammad Ridwan Lessy, Jonatan Lassa, Kerstin K Zander

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Geography Keywords: Multi-hazard; compounding hazard; small island communities; Ternate; Indonesia; systemic risk; hydrometeorological and geological hazard

Online: 13 June 2024 (03:15:27 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.1136.v1

Comparative Analysis and Prediction of Sustainable Development in Earthquake Preparedness: A Cross-Cultural Perspective on Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia

Goran Grozdanić, Vladimir M. Cvetković, Tin Lukić, Aleksandar Ivanov

Subject: Social Sciences, Geography, Planning And Development Keywords: natural disaster; risk; earthquake preparedness; sustainable development; cross-cultural characteristics; Montenegro; North Macedonia; Serbia.

Online: 19 March 2024 (11:22:38 CET)

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Authorities and governmental bodies strongly emphasize the importance of residents preparing for natural disasters, particularly underscoring the significance of readiness for geophysical hazards like earthquakes. In this study, which represents comparative quantitative research, the levels and predictors of the impact on preparedness for earthquake-induced disasters in South-Eastern Europe countries such as Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia are examined. Using the snowball sampling technique (online questionnaire), a survey of 1245 respondents (Montenegro (n = 400), North Macedonia (n = 345), and Serbia (n = 500) was conducted from February 2023 to February 2024. The paper is based on the central hypothesis that the most significant predictor of earthquake preparedness in Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia is age, followed by gender and education. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the extent to which five scores of the subscales (household preparedness, community preparedness, disaster preparation, earthquake risk awareness, reinforced house) were associated with seventh demographic and socio-economic variables. In addition to the mentioned analysis, other statistical analyses such as T-test, one-way ANOVA analysis, and Pearson correlation were also utilized. The results indicate that age emerges as a predictor in various aspects of earthquake-induced disaster preparedness and awareness in most models, followed by education. These findings confirm the significance of respondents' age in determining levels of preparedness and earthquake awareness. Overall, in North Macedonia, respondents recorded the highest ratings (M = 3.52) for household preparedness for earthquakes, compared to Montenegro (M = 2.98) and Serbia (M = 3.26), where the lowest ratings were recorded. Research findings, taking into account cultural characteristics, can serve as a basis for the development of targeted interventions, strategies, policies, and programs aimed at improving the level of societal preparedness for earthquake-induced disasters.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202405.2086.v1

Non-Insulin Antidiabetic Agents and Lung Cancer Risk in Drug-Naive Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study

Tomasz Tabernacki, Lindsey Wang, David Kaelber, Rong Xu, Nathan A. Berger

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Oncology And Oncogenics Keywords: lung cancer; type 2 diabetes mellitus; insulin therapy; Non-Insulin Antidiabetic Agents; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists; Cancer Risk Reduction; Retrospective Cohort Study

Online: 31 May 2024 (08:10:28 CEST)

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Working Paper ARTICLE

Does Urban Landscape Composition and Configuration Regulate Heat-Related Health Risk? A Spatial Regression-Based Study in World’s Dense City Delhi, India

Suvamoy Pramanik, Milap Punia, Saurav Chakraborty

Subject: Public Health And Healthcare, Public, Environmental And Occupational Health Keywords: Urban Heat Island; Heat-Related Health Risk (HRHR); Urban Landscape Metrics (ULM); Local Indicators of Spatial Autocorrelation (LISA); Spatial Error (SE) Regression; NCT-Delhi.

Online: 2 November 2020 (13:53:03 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202405.1655.v1

Spatial Distribution of Recurrence and Long-Term Toxicity Following Dose Escalation to the Dominant Intra-Prostatic Nodule for Intermediate-High Risk Prostate Cancer: Insights from a Phase I/II Study

Minna Cloître, Sofian Benkhaled, Sarah Boughdad, Niklaus Schaefer, John O. Prior, Michele Zeverino, Dominik Berthold, Thomas Tawadros, Jean-Yves Meuwly, Paul Martel, Chantal Rohner, Leonie Heym, Frederic Duclos, Véronique Vallet, Massimo Valerio, Jean Bourhis, Fernanda Herrera

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Oncology And Oncogenics Keywords: pattern of recurrence; prostate cancer; intermediate-high risk; SBRT; stereotactic treatment; dosimetry analysis

Online: 24 May 2024 (13:59:34 CEST)

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Simple summary This reassessment of the findings from our Phase I/II study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of SBRT for treating local intermediate-high risk prostate cancer in the absence of androgen-deprivation therapy due to patient’s refusal, with a median follow-up of 6.5 years. Our primary focus is on analysing the treated areas compared to recurrence patterns in the seven patients who experienced local relapse. Additionally, we provide updated data on late toxicities of grade 2 or higher, both genitourinary and gastrointestinal. Abstract Objectives: We investigated spatial patterns between primary and recurrent tumor sites and assessed long-term toxicity after dose escalation stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to the dominant intraprostatic nodule (DIN). Materials and methods: In 33 patients with intermediate-high risk prostate cancer (PCa), doses up to 50 Gy were administered to the DIN. Recurrence sites were determined and compared to the original tumor development sites through multiparametric MRI and 68Ga-labelled prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT) images. Overlap rates, categorized as 75% or higher for full overlap, and 25-74% for partial overlap, were assessed. Long-term toxicity is reported. Results: All patients completed treatment, with only one receiving concomitant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Recurrences were diagnosed after a median of 33 months (range: 17-76 months), affecting 13 out of 33 patients (39.4%). Intraprostatic recurrences occurred in 7 patients (21%), with ≥ 75% overlap in two, a partial overlap in another two, and no overlap in the remaining three patient. Notably, 5 patients with intra-prostatic recurrences had synchronous bone and/or lymph node metastases, while six patients had isolated bone or lymph node metastasis without intraprostatic recurrences. Extended follow-up revealed grade 2 or higher late GU and GI toxicity in 18% (n=6) and 6% (n=2) of the patients. Conclusions: Among patients with intermediate-high risk PCa undergoing focal dose-escalated SBRT without ADT, DIN recurrences were infrequent. When present, these recurrences were typically located at the original site or adjacent to the initial tumor. Conversely, relapses beyond the DIN and in extra-prostatic (metastatic) sites were prevalent, underscoring the significance of systemic ADT in managing this patient population. Advances in knowledge: focal dose escalated prostate SBRT prevented recurrences in the dominant nodule, however extra-prostatic recurrence sites were frequent.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202005.0418.v1

Geological Risk Calculation through Probability of Success (PoS), Applied to Radioactive Waste Disposal in Deep Wells: A Case Study in the Pre-neogene Basement in the Northern Croatia

Tomislav Malvić, Maria Alzira Pimenta Dinis, Josipa Velić, Jasenka Sremac, Josip Ivšinović, Marija Bošnjak, Uroš Barudžija, Želimir Veinović, Hélder Fernando Pedrosa e Sousa

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Geophysics And Geology Keywords: geological risk; pre-Neogene basement; radioactive waste; waste disposal; Northern Croatia; Probability of Success (PoS)

Online: 26 May 2020 (04:11:18 CEST)

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The basic principles of geological risk calculation through Probability of Success (PoS) are mostly applied for numerical estimation of additional hydrocarbon existence in proven reservoirs or potential hydrocarbon discoveries in selected geological regional subsurface volume. It can be tailored and validated for a comprehensive input dataset collected in the selected petroleum province, adapted by dividing up geological events into several probability categories and classes. The most applied categories are (existence of) reservoir rocks, traps and isolators, source rocks, migration pathways and preservation conditions for hydrocarbons The methodology results in unique probability values as multiplication of independent statistical events, which can also be applied in the assessment of a potential hydrocarbon discovery of desired minimal volume and its value in any virtual currency like risk-neutral dollars. Such methodology has been extensively developed in the last decades in the Croatian subsurface, mostly in the Croatian part of the Pannonian Basin System (CPBS). Through the adaptation of geological categories, it was also applied in hybrid, i.e., stochastical, models developed in the CPBS (Drava Depression). Stochastically estimation of porosity was already applied. As the robustness of this methodology is very high, it was also modified to estimate the influence of water-flooding in increasing oil recovery in some proven Neogene sandstone reservoirs in the CPBS (Sava Depression). This new modification is being presented to be applied to geological risk calculation, intending to assess the safety of geological environment in deep wells, where depleted radioactive fuel would be disposed, a subject of great importance. The case study encompassed the magmatic and metamorphic rocks in the pre-Neogene basement of the CPBS. For disposal purpose, these are regionally lithologies considered as to be the safest ones considering petrophysical values, water saturation, recent weathering and tectonic activity.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202304.0970.v1

Assessing the Likelihood of Failure Due to Stem Decay Using Different Assessment Techniques

Ari Okun, Nicholas J. Brazee, James R. Clark, Michael J. Cunningham-Minnick, Daniel C. Burcham, Brian Kane

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Forestry Keywords: tree risk assessment; decay; resistance drilling; tomography; tree risk assessment qualification; tree stem

Online: 26 April 2023 (07:41:38 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201901.0109.v1

The Role of Information Technology on Management of Risks in the Capital Market (Case Study: Companies Listed in Tehran Stock Exchange)

Adele Sadat Fatemi, Ali Sabbaghian

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Business And Management Keywords: Information Technology, Risk Primary Market, Secondary Market Risk, Non-Financial Risks, Risk Management

Online: 11 January 2019 (10:45:25 CET)

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Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202408.1393.v1

Management of Salt Marshes in the Context of Nature Conservation, Coastal Flooding and Erosion Risks: A Review

Angela Eden, Frank Thorenz

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Ecology Keywords: salt marsh; salt marsh management; coastal flood and erosion risk management; nature conservation; coastal protection; NBS/nature-based solution; Wadden Sea; climate change adaptation

Online: 20 August 2024 (09:27:05 CEST)

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Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202309.0563.v1

Sex, Age, and Risk Groups Variations among Individuals Infected with HIV, HTLV-1, and HTLV-2: Review of Data Records (1983–2017) from a Public Health Laboratory in São Paulo, Brazil

Adele Caterino-de-Araujo

Subject: Public Health And Healthcare, Public Health And Health Services Keywords: HIV; HTLV-1; HTLV-2; sex; risk factors; prevalence; co-infection; public policies

Online: 8 September 2023 (09:39:50 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1728.v1

Asbestos and Asbestiform Minerals Transitioning from a Health Risk to an Earth Resource: A Case Study in the Serpentinites of the Pollino Ophiolite Massif (Calabria, Southern Italy)

Giovanna Rizzo, Yildirim Dilek, Roberto Buccione, Marilena Dichicco, Rosalda Punturo

Subject: Chemistry And Materials Science, Materials Science And Technology Keywords: Serpentinites; health risk; carbon storage and sequestration; carbonation reactions in silicate rocks; Pollino Massif; Southern Apennines; Calabrian ophiolites

Online: 29 February 2024 (10:33:49 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202112.0466.v1

Reduction of the Economic Risk by Adaptation Measures to Alleviate Heat Stress in Confined Buildings for Growing-Fattening Pigs Modelled by a Projection for Central Europe in 2030

Günther Schauberger, Martin Schönhart, Werner Zollitsch, Stefan J. Hörtenhuber, Leopold Kirner, Christian Mikovits, Johannes Baumgartner, Martin Piringer, Werner Knauder, Ivonne Anders, Konrad Andre, Isabel Hennig-Pauka

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: farm animal; pig; livestock production; global warming; climate change; economic risk assessment; economic impact; resilience; livestock farming; adaptation

Online: 29 December 2021 (12:23:22 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202408.2009.v1

A Perception Survey of Lean Management Practices for Safer Off-Site Construction

Wakisa Simukonda, Fidelis Emuze

Subject: Engineering, Architecture, Building And Construction Keywords: lean management practices; lean practice; off-site construction; safety hazards; safety risk management

Online: 28 August 2024 (07:58:11 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202407.2252.v1

Managing Natural Hazard Risks. A Multi-Stakeholder Approach for De-Risking

Nadia Netti, Martina de Cristofaro, Domenico Ferrara

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Economics Keywords: climate change and natural hazards; global financial markets and risk management; economic policy; economic development; innovation technology; derisking; insurance and re-insurance; landslide and seismic risk assessment; floods and soil liquefaction risk assessment

Online: 29 July 2024 (08:58:25 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202306.0274.v1

Participative Policy Design to Manage Droughts and Floods in an Arid Region under Climate Change Uncertainty: The Case of Baja California Sur, Mexico

Antonina Ivanova-Boncheva, Miguel Angel Imáz- Lamadrid, Maria Z-Flores, Mara Y. Cortes-Martinez

Subject: Social Sciences, Geography, Planning And Development Keywords: participative policy; drought; floods; risk-management; climate change; resilience; Mexico

Online: 5 June 2023 (08:37:57 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202312.1304.v2

Seismic Vulnerability Assessment at Urban Scale by Means of Machine Learning Techniques

Gugliemo Ferranti, Annalisa Greco, Alessandro Pluchino, Andrea Rapisarda, Adriano Scibilia

Subject: Engineering, Civil Engineering Keywords: Seismic vulnerability; Urban areas; Machine learning; Risk maps

Online: 20 December 2023 (09:06:14 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201910.0087.v1

The Determinants of Sustainable Land Management Adoption under Risks in Upland Area of Vietnam

Ho Ngoc Cuong, Nguyen Van Song, Vu Ngoc Huyen, Roberto F. Ranola Jr.

Subject: Social Sciences, Behavior Sciences Keywords: sustainable land management; adoption; risk; upland; Vietnam

Online: 8 October 2019 (10:50:40 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202407.1074.v1

Supplier Relationship Management in Subscription-Based E-commerce Models

Oliver Grant

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Business And Management Keywords: supplier Relationship Management; subscription-based e-commerce; trust; collaboration; technology integration; sustainability; risk management; cultural alignment; innovation; cost management; globalization

Online: 15 July 2024 (19:40:21 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201904.0120.v1

The Validity of a Mixed Reality-Based Automated Functional Mobility Assessment

Ruopeng Sun, Roberto G. Aldunate, Jacob J Sosnoff

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Orthopedics And Sports Medicine Keywords: mixed reality headset; mobility assessment; wearable sensor; fall risk; aging

Online: 10 April 2019 (08:33:16 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202306.1187.v1

Arrested Policy Development of Private Fire Shelters (Fire Bunkers) Is a Barrier to Adaptation to the Australian Bushfire Crisis

David Bowman, Phillipa McCormack

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: Building codes; climate change; extreme wildfires; evacuation; fire disasters; land use planning; law and policy reform; risk

Online: 16 June 2023 (07:59:55 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.1016.v1

The Role of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) to Support Management Strategic Decisions

Maria do Rosário Texeira Fernandes Justino, Joaquín Texeira-Quirós, António José Gonçalves, Marina Godinho Antunes, Pedro Ribeiro Mucharreira

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Business And Management Keywords: Management; Strategy; modeling; Risk Analysis; Artificial Neural Networks; Financial Results

Online: 18 March 2024 (10:22:24 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202312.1418.v1

Assessment of Nutritional Status in Critically Ill Patients Using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool—MUST

Blanca Cecilia Díaz Chavarro, Guillermo Molina-Recio, Jorge Karim Assis Reveiz, Manuel Romero-Saldaña

Subject: Public Health And Healthcare, Nursing Keywords: Nutritional Status; Nutritional Assessment; Critical Patients; Nutritional Risk; Mortality

Online: 19 December 2023 (08:34:36 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202207.0092.v1

Distribution, Assessment, and Source of Heavy Metals in Sediments of the Qinjiang River, China

Shuncun Zhang, Bo Chen, Junru Du, Tao Wang, Haixin Shi, Feng Wang

Subject: Social Sciences, Behavior Sciences Keywords: Heavy metals; Risk assessment; Source analysis; Surface sediment; Qinjiang River

Online: 6 July 2022 (08:57:28 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202104.0713.v1

Analysis of Risks and Costs in Intruder Detection With Markov Decision Processes

Jorma Jormakka, Sourangshu Ghosh

Subject: Computer Science And Mathematics, Algebra And Number Theory Keywords: combinatorics, risk analysis, decision analysis.

Online: 27 April 2021 (12:33:23 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202308.1894.v2

Sustainable Post-COVID-19 Global Supply Chain Management: Conceptual Framework

Onwukwe Eberi-Kalu

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Business And Management Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; just-in-time; supply chain risk mitigation; supply chain visibility; GSCM

Online: 8 September 2023 (04:28:19 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201805.0037.v1

A Thought Experiment on Sustainable Management of the Earth System

Jobst Heitzig, Wolfram Barfuss, Jonathan F. Donges

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: decision dilemma; intergenerational welfare; time horizon; risk attitude; inequality aversion; fairness; responsibility; sustainability paradigms

Online: 2 May 2018 (12:41:08 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202311.1222.v1

Temporal Characteristics and Health Risks Assessment of PM2.5 in Ambient Air in Thohoyandou, South Africa

Rirhandzu Jeaneth Novela, Wilson Mugera Gitari, Rabelani Mudzielwana, Janine Wichmann

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Pollution Keywords: Ambient air; PM2.5; Gravimetric method; WHO guideline; Health risk assessment

Online: 20 November 2023 (07:41:28 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202410.1279.v1

Perceptions of Primary Care Providers on Their Role in Tobacco Treatment Delivery Based on Their Smoking Status: A Qualitative Study

Stavros Stafylidis, Sophia Papadakis, Dimitris Papamichail, Christos Lionis, Emmanouil Smyrnakis

Subject: Public Health And Healthcare, Primary Health Care Keywords: hedging; transaction costs; dynamic programming; risk management; post‐decision state variable

Online: 16 October 2024 (11:10:32 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202409.0503.v1

Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Hypertensive Obese Patients: An Analysis of Obesity Subtypes

SALL FATOUMA, CHRISTOPHE MENEAS, MARIE-PAULE BERNADETTE N'CHO-MOTTOH, NINA MARIE KOFFI, AMBROISE LOA GNABA, ROLAND YVES AKATCHI, CEDRICK MANKO KEE, ALASSANE BINATE, ISMAEL N'GUESSAN, FLORENT DIBY, ANICET ADOUBI

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Cardiac And Cardiovascular Systems Keywords: Obesity; Hypertension; risk factor; Cardiology

Online: 6 September 2024 (09:40:30 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202406.0005.v1

Molecular Testing Based Assessment of the Potential Aggressiveness of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Sergei A. Lukyanov, Sergei E. Titov, Evgeniya S. Kozorezova, Pavel S. Demenkov, Yulia A. Veryaskina, Denis V. Korotovskii, Tatyana E. Ilyina, Sergey L. Vorobyev, Vladimir A. Zhivotov, Nikita S. Bondarev, Ilya V. Sleptsov, Sergei V. Sergiyko

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Biochemistry And Molecular Biology Keywords: papillary thyroid carcinoma; aggressive variants; recurrence risk; miRNA-221; miRNA-146b; FN1; CDKN2A

Online: 3 June 2024 (11:52:30 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202304.0152.v1

Assessment of the Knowledge and Awareness of Leptospirosis among Households, Farmers, and Livestock Keepers in Unguja Island, Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study

Gerald Dickson Mlowe, Olivier Kambere Kavulikirwa, Isaac Makundi, Abdul A. S. Katakweba, Robert S. Machang'u

Subject: Public Health And Healthcare, Public, Environmental And Occupational Health Keywords: Leptospirosis; Awareness; Knowledge; Zoonosis; Health Risk; Prevention

Online: 10 April 2023 (05:26:23 CEST)

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