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We explore the construction of four-dimensional thick branes supported by massless 3-forms in a five-dimensional bulk space. The required residual Poincaré symmetry on the brane is realised as a combination of the bulk symmetries and the internal gauge symmetry of the 3-form. We show the presence of a gradient instability for the perturbations orthogonal to the brane when its profile decays slowly in the asymptotic regions. In particular, we ascertain that the prevailing profiles found in the literature are susceptible to such instabilities. We confirm our results by transitioning to the dual formulation in terms of a shift-symmetric scalar. In this formulation, the residual Poincaré group is trivially realised without internal symmetries, and there is a diagonal translational invariance in the fifth dimension reminiscent of the invariance under translations orthogonal to the brane of the dual 3-form. We demonstrate the extension of our results to the cases of de Sitter and Anti de Sitter branes where the gradient instabilities of asymptotically slowly decaying branes persist. Finally, we briefly comment on the construction of thick branes with massive 3-forms and their 1-form duals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to unveil the structural modifications that can modulate the SCO transition sharpness, occurring up to room temperature, of FeIII compounds with general formula [Fe(5-X-qsal)2]+. These compounds are organized in layers of cationic chains. The structure of a series of compounds with different transition progressions were analyzed and compared to extract the structural differences responsible for the change in magnetic behavior. Two structural differences were found to be responsible for the modulation of the magnetic transition sharpness, in direct correspondence with the degree of interactions between the cations in each chain and between chains. The reinforcement of the interchain connectivity was found to contribute towards the sharpness of the transition. On the contrary, the reinforcement of the interlayer interactions resulted in the broadening of the transition. To achieve sharp transitions, it is necessary to obtain structures able to maximize interchain cation–cation interactions at the same time as they minimize the interlayer interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citizen scientists around the world are collecting data with their smartphones, performing scientific calculations on their home computers, and analyzing images on online platforms. These online citizen science projects are frequently lauded for their potential to revolutionize the scope and scale of data collection and analysis, improve scientific literacy, and democratize science. Yet, despite the attention online citizen science has attracted, it remains unclear how widespread public participation is, how it has changed over time, and how it is geographically distributed. Importantly, the demographic profile of citizen science participants remains uncertain, and thus to what extent their contributions are helping to democratize science. Here, we present the largest quantitative study of participation in citizen science based on online accounts of more than 14 million participants over two decades. We find that the trend of broad rapid growth in online citizen science participation observed in the early 2000s has since diverged by mode of participation, with consistent growth observed in nature sensing, but a decline seen in crowdsourcing and distributed computing. Most citizen science projects, except for nature sensing, are heavily dominated by men, and the vast majority of participants, male and female, have a background in science. The analysis we present here provides, for the first time, a robust 'baseline' to describe global trends in online citizen science participation. These results highlight current challenges and the future potential of citizen science. Beyond presenting our analysis of the collated data, our work identifies multiple metrics for robust examination of public participation in science and, more generally, online crowds. It also points to the limits of quantitative studies in capturing the personal, societal, and historical significance of citizen science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The opportunities for leveraging technology to enhance the efficiency of vessel port activities are vast. Applying video analytics to model and optimize certain processes offers a remarkable way to improve overall operations. Within the realm of vessel port activities, two crucial processes are vessel approximation and the docking process. This work specifically focuses on developing a vessel velocity estimation model and a docking mooring analytical system using a computer vision approach. The study introduces algorithms for speed estimation and mooring bitt detection, leveraging techniques such as the Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) for precise image comparison. The obtained results highlight the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms, demonstrating satisfactory speed estimation capabilities and successful identification of tied cables on the mooring bitts. These advancements pave the way for enhanced safety and efficiency in vessel docking procedures. However, further research and improvements are necessary to address challenges related to occlusions and illumination variations and explore additional techniques to enhance the models' performance and applicability in real-world scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Currently there is an urgent need to modify food production systems, including the influence of ruminants, due to extensive land use and environmental impacts. Grazing cattle excreta emit considerable amounts of methane and nitrous oxide. The objectives of this work were to assess the production and quality of the forage, milk production, and methane and nitrous oxide emissions from the cattle feces and urine in two production systems: conventional grazing (grass in a monoculture) and a silvopastoral system (association of leguminous shrubs with grass). The inclusion of legumes in the diet of grazing cattle increases forage quality and reduces the methane and nitrous oxide emissions from urine and feces. In Mexico, pasture degradation is associated with extensive pastures; additionally, under these conditions, livestock activities contribute considerably to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Among the options to improve grazing systems and reduce GHG emissions, silvopastoral systems (SPS) have been recommended. The objectives of this work were to quantify the N outflow in a soil–plant–animal interface, as well as the CH4 emissions and milk production in an SPS with woody legumes (Leucaena leucocephala) that is associated with stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis). This was then compared with stargrass in a monoculture system (MS) in the seasons (dry and rainy period) over a two-year period. Dung was collected from the animals of each of the grazing systems and applied fresh to the land plots. Fresh dung and urine were collected from the cows of each grazing system and were applied to the experimental plots. In addition, the soil CH4 and N2O contents were measured to quantify the emissions. Average milk yield by seasons was similar: MS (7.1 kg per animal unit (AU)/day−1) and SPS (6.31 kg per AU/day−1). Cows in the MS had a mean N intake of 171.9 g/UA day−1 without seasonal variation, while the SPS animals' mean N intake was 215.7 g/UA day−1 for both seasons. For the urine applied to soil, the N2O outflow was higher in the MS (peak value = 1623.9 μg N-N2O m−2 h−1). The peak value for the SPS was 755.9 μg of N-N2O m−2 h−1. The N2O emissions were higher in the rainy season (which promotes denitrification). The values for the feces treatment were 0.05% (MS) and 0.01% (SPS). The urine treatment values were 0.52% (MS) and 0.17% (SPS). The emissions of CH4 showed that the feces of the SPS systems resulted in a higher accumulation of gas in the rainy season (29.8 g C ha−1), followed by the feces of the MS system in the dry season (26.0 g C ha−1). Legumes in the SPS helped to maintain milk production, and the N2O emissions were lower than those produced by the MS (where the pastures were fertilized with N). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Policies that support health self-management are malleable and highly dependent on various factors that influence governments. Within a world that is shifting toward digitalization due to pressures such as the COVID-19 pandemic and labor shortages, policymaking on older adults' self-management of chronic diseases and disability using information and communication technologies (ICTs) needs to be better understood. Using the province of Ontario, in Canada, as a case study, the research question was What is the environment that policymakers must navigate through in development and implementation of policies related to older adults' self-management of disease and disability using information and communication technologies (ICTs)? Methods: This study used a qualitative approach where public servants from 4 ministries within the government of Ontario were invited to participate in a 1-h, one-on-one, semi-structured interview. The audio-recorded interviews were based on an adapted model of the policy triangle, where the researcher asked questions about the influences from the different sources identified in the model. The interviews were later transcribed and analyzed using a deductive-inductive coding approach. Results: Ten participants across 4 different Ministries participated in the interviews. Participants shared insights on various aspects of context, process and actors that help shape the current content of policies. The analysis revealed that policies, in the form of programs, services, legislation and regulations, are the result of collaborations and dialogue between different actors and get developed and implemented via a set of complex government processes. In addition, policy actions come from a plethora of sectors which all get influenced by several predictable and unpredictable external pressures. Conclusions: The environment for policymaking in the government of Ontario regarding older adults' self-management of disease and disability using ICTs is one that is mostly reactive to external pressures, while organized within a set of complex processes and multi-sectoral collaborations. The present research helped us to understand the complexity of policymaking on the topic and highlights the need for increased foresight and proactive policymaking, regardless of which governments are in-place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La maladie associée aux IgG4 (MAG4) est une pathologie fibro-inflammatoire systémique. L'histologie est la pierre angulaire du diagnostic, avec la mise en évidence d'un infiltrat lymphoplasmocytaire IgG4 positif et l'élimination des diagnostics différentiels. Une atteinte rénale est associée à la MAG4 chez environ 15 % des patients, essentiellement représentée par des néphrites tubulo-interstitielles, exceptionellement associée à des glomérulonéphrites extramembraneuses. La glomérulonéphrite à dépôts de C3 (GNC3) est caractérisée par une dérégulation de la voie alterne du complément, conduisant au dépôt de C3 dans le glomérule. Plus spécifiquement, un déficit acquis en facteur H dû à la présence d'anticorps anti-facteur H est responsable d'1 % des cas de GNC3. Un patient de 48 ans est admis pour altération de l'état général. Il a pour principal antécédent une dacryoadénite associée aux IgG4 histologiquement prouvée, diagnostiquée il y a un an et demi et traitée par corticothérapie orale, arrêtée il y a 6 mois. Son examen clinique révèle la persistance d'une dacryoadénite bilatérale. Ses examens biologiques retrouvent une insuffisance rénale aiguë (créatininémie 156,8 μmol/L), un complément abaissé avec un C3, un C4 et un CH50 effondrés à respectivement 0,05 g/L (valeur normale : 0,81–1,57 g/L), 0,017 g/L (valeur normale : 0,13–0,40 g/L) et < 20 % (valeur normale : 70–130 %). L'analyse urinaire retrouve une protéinurie abondante d'allure glomérulaire (0,45 g/g de créatinine) avec une hématurie macroscopique (122/mm3) et une leucocyturie (19/mm3). Une biopsie rénale retrouve dans l'interstitium un infiltrat dense lymphoplasmocytaire avec une fibrose storiforme et un ratio IgG4/IgG de 20 %. L'examen des glomérules retrouve des dépôts endomembraneux avec double-contour, un immunomarquage positif pour le C3 conduisant au diagnostic de GNC3. Le facteur H est abaissé (12,5 % ; valeur normale : 65–140 %) et des anticorps anti-facteur H sont retrouvés (20 000 UA ; valeur normale < 100 UA). Malgré l'introduction d'une corticothérapie orale à 60 mg par jour de prednisone, deux perfusions de rituximab (1000 mg à 15 jours d'intervalle) et l'introduction d'un inhibiteur de l'enzyme de conversion de l'angiotensine, le patient présente un syndrome néphritique avec une insuffisance rénale aiguë (créatininémie : 400 μmol/L) et une protéinurie glomérulaire (6,1 g/g). Une deuxième biopsie est réalisée et retrouve des croissants de proliférations extracapillaires avec des lésions de GNC3 sans infiltration interstitielle. Un traitement par perfusions mensuelles de cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m2) pendant 6 mois est débuté. À trois mois, la protéinurie est négative, la créatininémie a diminué (223 μmol/L) et l'anticorps anti-facteur H est indosable. Une perfusion d'entretien de rituximab à 500 mg est effectuée un an après la première administration. Aux dernières nouvelles, 18 mois après, le patient était en rémission clinique et biologique de sa MAG4 et de sa GNC3. La néphropathie associée aux IgG4 est quasiment toujours tubulo-interstitielle, mais peut impliquer le glomérule dans 16 % des cas, dans un contexte de glomérulonéphrite extramembraneuse. La présence d'un double-contour et la forte positivité du marquage mésangial et endomembraneux pour le C3 nous a conduit au diagnostic de GNC3. À notre connaissance, un seul cas de GNC3 associée à une MAG4 a été décrit, sans caractérisation de l'étiologie de la glomérulopathie [1]. L'originalité de notre cas repose sur la mise en évidence d'un anticorps anti-facteur H dans l'étiologie de la néphropathie. En revanche, cette association a déjà été rapportée dans un contexte de syndrome hémolytique et urémique [2]. La physiopathologie de la MAG4 repose sur l'infiltration fibro-inflammatoire par des lymphocytes et des plasmocytes IgG4+ et non sur une pathogénicité directe des IgG4. Néanmoins, ont été décrit de manière exceptionnelle d'authentiques maladies associées aux IgG4 avec des auto-anticorps d'isotype IgG4 pathogènes (hémophilie acquise, SHU, PTT, PTI, GEM), pouvant suggérer une sélection de certains clones plasmocytaires-IgG4+ auto-réactifs. La détermination de la sous-classe (IgG4 ?) de l'anticorps anti-facteur H reste à déterminer dans notre cas et est en cours d'exploration. Le développement d'auto-anticorps anti-facteur H responsable d'une C3GN est une complication rénale exceptionnelle de la MAG4, traitée avec succès par cyclophosphamide. Un lien physiopathologique entre les IgG4 circulantes et la présence de l'anticorps anti-facteur H reste à déterminer dans ce contexte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tandem duplication random loss (TDRL) and inverse tandem duplication random loss (iTDRL) are mechanisms of mitochondrial genome rearrangement that can be modeled as simple operations on signed permutations. Informally, they comprise the duplication of a subsequence of a permutation, where in the case of iTDRL the copy is inserted with inverted order and signs. In the second step, one copy of each duplicate element is removed, such that the result is again a signed permutation. The TDRL/iTDRL sorting problem consists in finding the minimal number of TDRL or iTDRL operations necessary to convert the identity permutation ι into a given permutation π. We introduce a simple signature, called the misc-encoding, of permutation π. This construction is used to design an O (n log ⁡ n) algorithm to solve the TDRL/iTDRL sorting problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crisis generated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic changed health care routines and the dynamics of hospitals and impacted health professionals. This experience report presents an interdisciplinary institutional support intervention, led by the psychology service of a pediatric hospital. Based on the hospital management's demand for the care of the employees' mental health, an institutional diagnosis was made and an interdisciplinary action of guidance, support and reception to employees was structured, which collected and organized into 11 categories concerns and obstacles to the functioning of the hospital during the pandemic. Hence, it was possible to realign care flows and offer psychological support to professionals, highlighting the interdisciplinary quality of mental health care. We verified emotional rebalancing, strengthening of professional identity, and better occupational performance. The transformation process that was fostered helped to overcome difficulties and promote an environment of resilience and better coping with the situation, indicating the need to maintain the attention that the crisis demanded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current properties of globular cluster systems (GCSs) are the result of the evolution experienced by their host galaxies, which shape the richness of the GCS as well as its spatial distribution, among other features. We carry out an analysis of the projected radial distribution of globular clusters for a sample of almost 30 early-type galaxies (ETGs) of intermediate and low luminosity, located in cluster environments (Virgo, Fornax, and Coma). We also include in the study six ETGs, for which the parameters of their GCS radial profiles are publicly available. The final analysis is performed on an enlarged sample (∼100 GCSs), by adding the GCSs of ETGs from our previous paper (Paper I). Scaling relations involving different parameters of the GCSs are obtained for the whole sample and complement those obtained in Paper I. Several of such relations point to a second-order dependence on the environmental density. Finally, the results are analysed in the literature context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of deactivation by coke deposition after the n-heptane cracking reaction were evaluated on crystallinity, acidity and activation energies for the coke thermal oxidation process in microporous and hierarchical ZSM-23 zeolites. The fresh and coked catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia and thermogravimetric analysis. The Flynn–Wall–Ozawa and Vyazovkin kinetic models were used to determine the activation energy of the catalyst regeneration process, using integral dynamic curves from thermogravimetric analysis data obtained with different heating rates. The generation of micro-/mesoporous structures provided a beneficial effect by inhibiting the loss of crystallinity and preserving a certain degree of acidity after catalyst deactivation. The hierarchical ZSM-23 zeolites showed lower deposited coke amounts and activation energy values for the coke thermal oxidation process, providing greater stability, activity and lower energy level required for regeneration in comparison with the microporous zeolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of aquaponic systems has grown in recent years, but few of these systems have integrated the production of prawns and short-cycle vegetables. This study evaluated the potential for producing microgreens (beet, amaranth, arugula, and red cabbage) integrated with Amazon River prawns (Macrobrachium amazonicum) in an aquaponic system. Four seeding densities (5, 10, 15, or 20 seeds/cell) were assessed in two treatments: one using prawn wastewater and the other using plain dechlorinated water (control). Water quality, prawn growth performance, and microgreen productivity were monitored over 13 days, revealing optimal conditions for both prawns and microgreens in the aquaponic system. Amaranthus paniculatus yielded 374.00 g/m2 in prawn wastewater compared to 231.34 g/m2 in the control, while Beta vulgaris produced 1734.39 g/m2 in wastewater versus 1127.69 g/m2 in the control. Similarly, Brassica oleracea (2180.69 g/m2) and Eruca sativa (2109.46 g/m2) had higher yields in the prawn aquaponics system. These findings demonstrate that integrating prawn cultivation in aquaponic systems significantly enhances microgreen production compared to traditional methods. This integrated approach not only improves yields but also offers a more sustainable production model. Significant variation in productivity and growth metrics among species treatments underscores the viability and need for more systematic aquaponic procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hepatitis A vaccine supply has been intermittently strained since 2016. • Pre-vaccination testing should be considered if immunity is likely. • Asian race and Hispanic ethnicity increase likelihood of Hepatitis A immunity. • Primary language other than English strongly associated with Hepatitis A immunity. Hepatitis A vaccine recommendations now include homelessness, illegal drug use, and HIV, as well as traditional risk factors and travel to areas endemic for hepatitis A. We examined a large diverse population for predictors of Hepatitis A immunity in order to better utilize Hepatitis A vaccine. We performed a cross-sectional descriptive study of members of a large integrated health plan with a test for Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin G (IgG) between January 1st, 2007, and December 31st, 2017. Exclusion criteria included age <18 years, <6 months of continuous enrollment, and Hepatitis A vaccine prior to Hepatitis A test. Variables of interest were age, gender, primary language spoken, ethnicity/race, neighborhood household income, and history of travel or history of jaundice. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association of risk factors on Hepatitis A immunity. Of the 318,170 persons ≥ 18 years tested for Hepatitis A immunity, 155, 842 persons had a reactive Hepatitis A IgG test (49%). The lowest prevalence was for Whites at 28.1% followed by Blacks at 35.8%. Hispanics and Asian/Pacific Islanders had prevalence rates of 63% and 68.2% respectively. In adjusted analyses, Asian/Pacific Islanders, Hispanics and Blacks were 5.17, 3.44 and 1.42 times more likely to have Hepatitis A immunity than Whites. Those that spoke Spanish or language other than English or Spanish as their primary preferred language were 6.11 and 3.27 time more likely to have immunity than English speakers. Known travel history conferred a 2.16 likelihood of Hepatitis A immunity. Persons of Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander background as well as persons with a preferred spoken language other than English have a high prevalence of Hepatitis A immunity. Testing for Hepatitis A immunity prior to vaccination should be considered for these groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual variation in disturbance vulnerability (i.e. the likelihood that disturbance negatively affects an individual's fitness) can affect how disturbance impacts animal populations, as even at low disturbance levels some individuals could be severely affected and die. Individual variation in vulnerability can arise due to different responses to disturbance. We propose a new hypothesis that even when individuals respond similarly to disturbance, time‐limited individuals are more at risk that their condition deteriorates since they have limited ability to extend their foraging time to compensate for disturbance. We investigate this 'time‐limitation hypothesis' both empirically and mathematically by studying how individuals that differ in their average foraging time (presumably due to differences in foraging efficiency) are affected by disturbance. We used tracking data of 22 wintering Eurasian oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus to compare time budgets between disturbed and undisturbed tidal periods. In three tidal periods with severe disturbance by transport airplanes, more than a third of the variation in additional flight time and foraging time loss was explained by individual differences. Inefficient individuals that foraged longer in undisturbed tidal periods experienced higher costs in disturbed tidal periods, since they lost more foraging time. We next used an analytical energy balance model to study how time‐limited individuals differed in their maximum disturbance thresholds. Both our theoretical model and empirical study suggest that inefficient individuals in a time‐limited environment may be unable to increase their foraging time to compensate for the effects of disturbance. Consequently, the magnitude of individual variation in time budgets strongly determines what proportion of the population is at risk that their condition deteriorates due to disturbance. Our hypothesis implies that, when assessing disturbance effects on a population, it is not only important to consider individual variation in disturbance responses, but also variation in time budgets that determine the consequences of disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider interior static and spherically symmetric solutions in a gravity theory that extends the standard Hilbert–Einstein action with a Lagrangian constructed from a three-form field A α β γ , which generates, via the field strength and a potential term, a new component in the total energy-momentum tensor of the gravitational system. We formulate the field equations in Schwarzschild coordinates and investigate their solutions numerically for different equations of state of neutron and quark matter, by assuming that the three-field potential is either a constant or possesses a Higgs-like form. Moreover, stellar models, described by the stiff-fluid, radiation-like, bag model and the Bose–Einstein condensate equations of state are explicitly obtained in both general relativity and three-form gravity, thus allowing an in-depth comparison between the astrophysical predictions of these two gravitational theories. As a general result we find that, for all the considered equations of state, three-form field stars are more massive than their general relativistic counterparts. As a possible astrophysical application, we suggest that the 2.5 M ⊙ mass compact object, associated with the GW190814 gravitational wave event, could be in fact a neutron or a quark star described by the three-form gravity theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5 And yet at the same time sacra doctrina seems to refer to the fruits of the study of Scripture, always in agreement with Church teaching (Summa theologiae [ST] II-II, q. 5, a. 3, ad 2). In other words, it is clear that the literal sense of Judges 9:8-15 is metaphorical, or in Aquinas's nomenclature, "parabolical" (ST I, q. 1, a. 13 Of course, approaching the Bible confessionally means we can never free ourselves from the doctrinal issues revealed in the Scriptures. 10 In fact, Aquinas describes the various genres that can be found "under the one general heading of the literal sense" (ST I, q. 1, a. 10, ad 2), including the metaphorical or "parabolical" sense, which is "not the Xgure of speech itself, but the object it Xgures" (ST I, q. 1, a. 10, ad 3). In the Aomistic schema, what is foundational to understanding Scripture, and hence sacra doctrina as a whole, is Scripture's literal sense (ST I, q. 1, a. 10). [Extracted from the article]

Feeding specialization is a common cause of individual variation. Fitness payoffs of specialization vary with environmental conditions, but the underlying behavioral mechanisms are poorly understood. Such mechanistic knowledge, however, is crucial to reliably predict responses of heterogeneous populations to environmental change. We quantified spatiotemporal allocation of foraging behavior in wintering Eurasian oystercatchers (Haematopus ostralegus), a species in which feeding specialization can be inferred from bill shape. We combined global positioning system (GPS) and accelerometer data to quantify foraging time of 64 individuals for every tidal period in one or two winter seasons. Individuals varied widely in foraging time (3.7–6.5 h per tidal period) and individuals that spend more time foraging had lower inferred survival. Feeding specialization appeared a major determinant of individual variation in foraging time and its spatiotemporal allocation. Visually hunting worm specialists foraged more during day time and complemented intertidal foraging with grassland foraging when the exposure of intertidal flats was limited and nights were well illuminated. Shellfish specialists increased total foraging time in cold weather, whereas foraging time of worm specialists decreased as frosty grasslands became inaccessible. Our results imply that worm specialists may be most sensitive to cold snaps and daytime disturbance, whereas shellfish specialists are most sensitive to high water levels. These behavioral responses can be implemented in population models to predict the vulnerability of heterogeneous populations to environmental change and, thereby, provide a shortcut to long-term population studies that require fitness data across many years and conditions to make similar projections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the first photometric study of the globular cluster system (GCS) of the E galaxy NGC 3613 (M V = −21.5, d  ∼ 30.1 Mpc), as well as the surface photometry of the host galaxy, based on Gemini/GMOS images. Being considered the central galaxy of a group, NGC 3613 inhabits a low-density environment although its intrinsic brightness is similar to the expected one for galaxies in the centre of clusters. The following characteristics are obtained for this GCS. The colour distribution is bimodal, with metal-poor globular clusters (GCs) getting slightly bluer with increasing radius. The radial and azimuthal projected distributions show that metal-rich GCs are more concentrated towards the host galaxy and trace its light distribution very precisely, while metal-poor GCs present a more extended and uniform distribution. The GC luminosity function helps validate the adopted distance. The estimated total GC population of N tot = 2075 ± 130 leads to a specific frequency SN  = 5.2 ± 0.7, a value within the expected range for GCSs with host galaxies of similar luminosity. The surface photometry of NGC 3613 reveals a three-component profile and a noticeable substructure. Finally, a small sample of ultracompact dwarf candidates are identified in the surroundings of the host galaxy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria is an infectious disease that affects over 216 million people worldwide, killing over 445,000 patients annually. Due to the constant emergence of parasitic resistance to the current antimalarial drugs, the discovery of new drug candidates is a major global health priority. Aiming to make the drug discovery processes faster and less expensive, we developed binary and continuous Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR) models implementing deep learning for predicting antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity of untested compounds. Then, we applied the best models for a virtual screening of a large database of chemical compounds. The top computational predictions were evaluated experimentally against asexual blood stages of both sensitive and multi-drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains. Among them, two compounds, LabMol-149 and LabMol-152, showed potent antiplasmodial activity at low nanomolar concentrations (EC50 <500 nM) and low cytotoxicity in mammalian cells. Therefore, the computational approach employing deep learning developed here allowed us to discover two new families of potential next generation antimalarial agents, which are in compliance with the guidelines and criteria for antimalarial target candidates. Author summary: Malaria is a serious infectious disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium. The recommended treatment is a combination of antimalarial drugs. However, the rise of parasites resistant to the current antimalarial drugs means that new therapeutics are continually required. To meet this challenge, we developed and applied models using deep learning, a powerful artificial intelligence method, supported by experimental validation to identify new drug candidates against malaria. We used the developed computational models to prioritize novel, active, and nontoxic compounds from virtual chemical libraries for experimental evaluation. Then, the predicted antimalarial compounds were experimentally validated in assays on Plasmodium falciparum culture. This allowed us to discover two new potential antimalarial candidates. The use of computational approaches is an attractive route to expedite the discovery of new therapeutics, especially to infectious tropical diseases, as it can reduce time and development costs. Future directions include in vivo studies on animal models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To promote knowledge and acceptance of autism, Sesame Workshop created an online initiative: See Amazing in All Children. This nationwide evaluation of See Amazing assessed whether it increased knowledge and acceptance, promoted community inclusion, reduced parenting strain, and enhanced parenting competence. Survey responses were collected online from parents of children (age ⩽ 6) with and without autism before (N = 1010), 1 week after (N = 510), and, for parents of autistic children, 1 month after (N = 182) they viewed the See Amazing materials. Following exposure, parents of non-autistic children showed small but significant increases in knowledge of autism and, like parents of autistic children, greater acceptance of autistic children. Parents of autistic children reported less strain, increased parenting competence, and more hope about involving their child in their community. That the See Amazing materials invoked positive changes in the general parent community and in parents of autistic children suggests that See Amazing materials have the potential to be an effective resource to increase acceptance and community inclusion, although limitations of self-selection, dropout rate, and lack of control group constrain interpretation. Implications include support for targeting acceptance as a step beyond awareness campaigns, though actual behavior change is a subject for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While research, development, and implementation of energy efficiency measures in water and wastewater utilities are accelerating, there has been little research into the barriers and drivers to their adoption within the sector. This study presents the findings of a series of 11 semi-structured interviews conducted to Portuguese water and wastewater utilities. The results show the prioritization of quality-of-service subjects, such as reducing water losses and increasing the resilience of systems, over energy efficiency in this sector. Despite referring to financial barriers as important, the interviewees point out that the major barriers are the lack of human resources, lack of internal technical skills, and the bureaucratic public procurement processes. The main drivers highlighted in this study are the existence of awareness campaigns and dissemination of good practices, the existence of energy service companies, and the availability of funding, either public or specific financing programs with accessible rates. The results of this research can help define sector-oriented policies fostering the adoption of measures and strategies that help improve the energy performance and resilience of water and wastewater utilities worldwide. • Energy efficiency drivers and barriers in the Portuguese water sector were assessed. • Semi-structured interviews and grounded theory were utilized as the methodology. • Major barriers: lack of human resources and lack of internal technical skills. • Public Procurement Code hampers public utilities' energy efficiency efforts. • Awareness campaigns, good practice dissemination, and ESCOs drive energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the frequency of extreme climatic events (ECEs) can have profound impacts on individual fitness by degrading habitat quality. Organisms may respond to such changes through habitat selection, favouring those areas less affected by ECEs; however, documenting habitat selection in response to ECEs is difficult in the wild due to the rarity of such events and the long‐term biological data required.Sea level rise and changing weather patterns over the past decades have led to an increase in the frequency of coastal flooding events, with serious consequences for ground nesting shorebirds. Shorebirds therefore present a useful natural study system to understand habitat selection as a response to ECEs. We used a 32‐year study of the Eurasian oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) to investigate whether habitat selection can lead to an increase in nest elevation and minimize the impacts of coastal flooding.The mean nest elevation of H. ostralegus has increased during the last three decades. We hypothesized that this change has been driven by changes in H. ostralegus territory settlement patterns over time. We compared various possible habitat selection cues to understand what information H. ostralegus might use to inform territory settlement.There was a clear relationship between elevation and territory settlement in H. ostralegus. In early years, settlements were more likely at low elevations but in more recent years the likelihood of settlement was similar between high and low elevation areas. Territory settlement was associated with conspecific fledgling output and conspecific density. Settlement was more likely in areas of high density and areas with high fledgling output.This study shows that habitat selection can minimize the effects of increasingly frequent ECEs. However, it seems unlikely that the changes we observe will fully alleviate the consequences of anthropogenic climate change. Rates of nest elevation increase were insufficient to track current increases in maximum high tide (0.5 vs. 0.8 cm/year). Furthermore, habitat selection cues that rely on information from previous breeding seasons (e.g. conspecific fledgling output) may become ineffective as ECEs become more frequent and environmental predictability is diminished. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation and growth of globular cluster systems (GCSs) is closely related to the evolutionary processes experienced by their host galaxies. In particular, their radial distributions scale with several properties of the galaxies and their haloes. We performed a photometric study, by means of HST/ACS archival data of several intermediate luminosity galaxies located in low-density environments. It was supplemented with available photometric data of GCSs from the Virgo and Fornax clusters, resulting in a sample of almost 30 GCSs for which we fitted their radial profiles. The resulting overall properties agree with those from previous studies, as we found that the effective radius, extension, and concentration of the GCS radial profiles correlate with the stellar mass, effective radius, and number of globular clusters, presenting in some cases a bilinear relation. The extension also correlates with the central velocity dispersion for central galaxies, but not for satellites. From a statistical comparison with numerical simulations we obtained good agreement between the effective radius and extension of the GCS scale with the effective and virial radius of the haloes, respectively. Finally, we analysed these results in the literature context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the late twentieth century, "citizen science" has become an increasingly fashionable label for a growing number of participatory research activities. This paper situates the origins and rise of the term "citizen science" and offers a new framework to better understand the diversity of epistemic practices involved in these participatory projects. It contextualizes "citizen science" within the broader history of public participation in science and analyzes critically the current promises--democratization, education, discoveries--emerging within the "citizen science" discourse. Finally, it maps a number of historical, political, and social questions for future research in the critical studies of "citizen science". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigated the psychocultural perspectives concerning family quality of life among Brazilian families with children who have severe or profound intellectual disability. Methods: Individual in‐depth semi‐structured interviews conducted with 15 mothers, selected by convenience, were analysed using a categorical thematic analysis technique. The themes were examined to allow for an interpretative approach of the results. Results: Mothers revealed that their children with disabilities had insufficient access to services and support related to health care, transportation and recreation. Family quality of life was negatively affected by financial restrictions and social interaction difficulties. Caring for a child with disabilities seemed to be centred on the mother and religious coping appeared as a common psychological adjustment strategy. Conclusions: Improving emotional and psychological cares, as well as social and practical measures comprising income support and access to appropriate health care, were inferred to be the mothers' priorities to improve their families' quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When Portugal began building railways in its mainland territory in the 1850s, the main goal was to connect its harbours (mainly Lisbon) to the border with Spain (and beyond to Central Europe). This strategy left out of the network vast areas of the nation, some of which were perceived as very rugged, poor, and with low economic potential, where the construction of a railway was not cost effective. The same quandaries existed in the colonies, where investment in public works started in the 1870s. To bring railroads to these regions, it was necessary to find a low-cost technical solution. That solution was narrow-gauge railroads. In this paper, we analyse how this technology was transferred from Central Europe to Portugal and its colonies via a travel circuit of learning by Portuguese engineers and how it was developed through a mixture of Portuguese and foreign expertise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop multifunctional nanoplatforms for both cancer imaging and therapy using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). Two distinct synthetic methods, reduction–precipitation (MR/P) and co-precipitation at controlled pH (MpH), were explored, including the assessment of the coating's influence, namely dextran and gold, on their magnetic properties. These SPIONs were further functionalized with gadolinium to act as dual T1/T2 contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Parameters such as size, stability, morphology, and magnetic behavior were evaluated by a detailed characterization analysis. To assess their efficacy in imaging and therapy, relaxivity and hyperthermia experiments were performed, respectively. The results revealed that both synthetic methods lead to SPIONs with similar average size, 9 nm. Mössbauer spectroscopy indicated that samples obtained from MR/P consist of approximately 11–13% of Fe present in magnetite, while samples obtained from MpH have higher contents of 33–45%. Despite coating and functionalization, all samples exhibited superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. Hyperthermia experiments showed increased SAR values with higher magnetic field intensity and frequency. Moreover, the relaxivity studies suggested potential dual T1/T2 contrast agent capabilities for the coated SPpH-Dx-Au-Gd sample, thus demonstrating its potential in cancer diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to support care management exponentially increased. Governments around the world adapted existing programs to meet the needs of patients. The reactivity of governments, however, led to changes that were inequitable, undermining groups such as older adults living with chronic diseases and disability. Policies that align with recent developments in ICTs can promote better health outcomes and innovation in care management. A framework for policymaking presents potential for overcoming barriers and gaps that exist in current policies. Objective: The goal of this study was to examine how well a provisional framework for policymaking represented the interactions between various components of government policymaking on older adults' self-management of chronic disease and disability using ICTs. Methods: Through an online survey, the study engaged policymakers from various ministries of the government of Ontario in the evaluation and revision of the framework. The data were analyzed using simple statistics and by interpreting written comments. Results: Nine participants from three ministries in the government of Ontario responded to the questionnaire. Overall, participants described the framework as useful and identified areas for improvement and further clarification. A revised version of the framework is presented. Conclusions: Through the revision exercise, our study confirmed the relevance and usefulness for a policymaking framework on the self-management of disease and disability of older adults' using ICTs. Further inquiries should examine the application of the framework to jurisdictions other than Ontario considering the dissociated nature of Canadian provincial healthcare systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the exception of water, fixed nitrogen is the most common limiting factor for crop productivity. Yoav coined the term PGPB, which is more general than the original description PGPR (Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria) penned by Joe Kloepper. In 2003, Yoav established the Bashan Foundation together with his wife Luz de-Bashan. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract In order to acquire a better knowledge of iron forms, clay minerals and the content and distribution of trace elements in soils mostly used for agriculture in the semi-arid Brava Island (Cape Verde), iron speciation, mineralogy and chemical contents in the clay-size fraction (<2 μm) of incipient soils developed on sediments and phonolitic pyroclasts was performed by Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and neutron activation analysis. In contrast with the whole samples in the clay-size fraction of all the studied soils only Fe(III) was detected. Iron and chromium are depleted suggesting their occurrence as ferromagnesian and oxide minerals present in coarser particles. Rare earth elements are concentrated in the clay-size fraction, and significant differences are found in their distribution which may be partially due to oxidation, since Ce anomalies were observed. Among the other chemical elements studied, high concentrations of arsenic, bromine, and particularly antimony were found in the clay-size fraction of soils where all the Fe oxides are nano-sized, confirming the predominant adsorption of these elements on the nano-particles surface. The existence of significant amounts of these elements as well as of vitreous phases in fine particles of these soils may contribute to their mobility and accumulation in groundwater and in plants, both by absorption and by dust deposition onto the plant leaves. Highlights • REE enrichment in the clay-size fraction of sediments and phonolitic pyroclast soils. • High concentrations of As, Br and especially Sb in clay-size fraction. • Predominant adsorption of As, Br and Sb on nano-sized iron oxide particles surfaces. • Only Fe(III) occurs in clay-size fraction of the topsoils. • All the Fe oxides occurring in the fine fractions are nano-sized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the U.S., container plant growers use high-quality water sources which can be expensive. The use of recycled irrigation runoff water could save growers money. The objective of this study was to compare the cost of recycled irrigation water with the cost of untreated municipal water at a nursery in Southern California over multiple years. Water cost for municipal (Western) supplied water ranged from $2.26 to $2.91 per 1000 gallons (3785 L). Water capturing and recycling system construction and infrastructure costs accounted for a large portion of recycled water cost. However, water provider rebates and a Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) grant reduced total and per volume recycled water costs. Without considering rebates from water providers and a NRCS grant, the cost of recycled water was between $0.92 and $1.21 per 1000 gallons (3785 L). With consideration of rebates and the grant, the cost of recycled water ranged between $0.43 and $0.53 per 1000 gallons (3785 L). Thus, recycled water is a viable alternative to many high cost water sources and public funds facilitate adoption of recycled water for irrigation by containerized plant growers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyramidal neural networks (PNN) are computational systems inspired by the concept of receptive fields from the human visual system. These neural networks are designed for implicit feature extraction and have been applied in pattern recognition applications. In the original approach, the size of the receptive field within the same 2D layer is a constant parameter, while in the human visual system, the receptive field size is variable. This paper proposes a PNN with variable receptive fields determined by an evolutionary algorithm, called variable pyramidal neural network with evolutionary algorithms. We observed from experiments aiming at detecting faces in images that our approach can achieve better classification rates than the original PNN. We also observed that regions with more information (such as nose and eyes) are more emphasized by variable receptive fields. These results confirm the application of intelligent algorithms to determine adjustable receptive fields in neural networks is useful to find out relevant information for recognition task. Besides, the model is comparable to biological systems regarding the flexibility assigned to receptive fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pyramidal Neural Networks (PNN) are an example of a successful recently proposed model inspired by the human visual system and deep learning theory. PNNs are applied to computer vision and based on the concept of receptive fields. This paper proposes a variation of PNN, named here as Structured Pyramidal Neural Network (SPNN). SPNN has self-adaptive variable receptive fields, while the original PNNs rely on the same size for the fields of all neurons, which limits the model since it is not possible to put more computing resources in a particular region of the image. Another limitation of the original approach is the need to define values for a reasonable number of parameters, which can turn difficult the application of PNNs in contexts in which the user does not have experience. On the other hand, SPNN has a fewer number of parameters. Its structure is determined using a novel method with Delaunay Triangulation and k-means clustering. SPNN achieved better results than PNNs and similar performance when compared to Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM), but using lower memory capacity and processing time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the relevance of cation–anion and cation–solvent–anion interactions to the crystal lattice rigidity and the corresponding effect on the SCO behaviour of six FeIII complexes with the hexadentate Schiff base ligand nsal2trien. Four of these compounds were synthesized and structurally and magnetically characterized for the first time. In the most rigid structures, the SCO behaviour is either not allowed or severely hampered. For lower structural connectivity, incomplete transitions are observed within the 4–300 K temperature range. The most flexible structure shows a complete transition. The interactions between the cationic units and the anions were found to be more important than the cation–cation interactions for the SCO phenomenon and for the overall cooperativity related to the abrupt/gradual character of the transition. Computational studies were performed in order to determine the crystal splitting gap Δoct. The calculated values for the HS and LS Δoct are very similar for all compounds suggesting that these parameters have very little influence on the SCO behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients often suffer from circadian locomotor rhythms impairment and depression, important non-motor symptoms. It is known that toxin-based animal models of PD can reproduce these features. In a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) intranigral model, we first investigated the possible disturbances on circadian rhythms of locomotor activity. The rats were divided into 6-OHDA and Sham groups. After a partial dopaminergic lesion, the 6-OHDA group showed slight alterations in different circadian locomotor rhythms parameters. In a second experiment, we hypothesized agomelatine, an melatoninergic antidepressant with potential to resynchronize disturbed rhythms, could prevent neuronal damage and rhythm alterations in the same 6-OHDA model. The animals were divided into four groups: 6-OHDA+vehicle, 6-OHDA+ago, Sham+vehicle and 6-OHDA+ago. However, the treated animals (agomelatine 50 mg/kg for 22 days) showed an impaired rhythm robustness, and agomelatine did not induce significant changes in the other circadian parameters nor neuroprotection. Finally, in a third experiment, we examined the effects of agomelatine in the 6-OHDA model regarding depressive-like behavior, evaluated by sucrose preference test. The animals were also divided into four groups: 6-OHDA+vehicle, 6-OHDA+ago, Sham+vehicle and 6-OHDA+ago. The toxin infused animals showed a decrease in sucrose preference in comparison with the vehicle infused animals, however, agomelatine did not prevent this decrease. Our findings indicate that agomelatine worsened circadian locomotor rhythm and was not able to reverse the depressive-like behavior of rats in the 6-OHDA PD model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold and nickel bisdithiolene complexes with methyl and tert-butyl substituted thiophenetetrathiafulavalenedithiolate ligands (α-mtdt and α-tbtdt) were prepared and characterized. These complexes were obtained, under anaerobic conditions, as tetrabutylammonium salts. The diamagnetic gold monoanion (n-Bu4N)[Au(α-mtdt)2] (3) and nickel dianionic species (n-Bu4N)x[Ni(α-mtdt)2] (x = 1,2) (4) were similar to the related non-substituted extended thiophenic-TTF (TTF = tetrathiafulvalene) bisdithiolenes. However the introduction of the large, bulky substituent tert-butyl, led to the formation of a Au (I) dinuclear complex, (n-Bu4N)2[Au2(α-tbtdt)2] (5). The neutral methyl substituted gold and nickel complexes were easily obtained through air or iodine exposure as polycrystalline or amorphous fine powder. [Au(α-mtdt)2] (6) and [Ni(α-mtdt)2] (7) polycrystalline samples display properties of a metallic system with a room temperature electrical conductivity of 0.32 S/cm and ≈4 S/cm and a thermoelectric power of ≈5 µV/K and ≈32 µV/K, respectively. While [Au(α-mtdt)2] (6) presented a Pauli-like magnetic susceptibility typical of conducting systems, in [Ni(α-mtdt)2] (7) large magnetic susceptibilities indicative of high spin states were observed. Both electric transport properties and magnetic properties for gold and nickel [M(α-mtdt)2] are indicative that these compounds are single component molecular conductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premetrics and premetrisable spaces have been long studied and their topological interrelationships are well-understood. Consider the category Pre of premetric spaces and 휖 − δ continuous functions as morphisms. The absence of the triangle inequality implies that the faithful functor Pre→ Top - where a premetric space is sent to the topological space it generates - is not full. Moreover, the sequential nature of topological spaces generated from objects in Pre indicates that this functor is not surjective on objects either. Developed from work by Flagg and Weiss, we illustrate an extension Pre↪ P together with a faithful and surjective on objects left adjoint functor P→ Top as an extension of Pre→ Top. We show this represents an optimal scenario given that Pre→ Top preserves coproducts only. The objects in P are metric-like objects valued on value distributive lattices whose limits and colimits we show to be generated by free locales on discrete sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This survey points to reasons for bypassing minimally-invasive hysterectomies (MIHs). • Lack of MIH training is the main reasons for the high rate of abdominal hysterectomy. • All efforts should be directed at teaching MIH techniques during residency. • The use of validated patient selection guidelines for MIHs should be promoted. This study aimed to explore the current opinion on the routes of hysterectomy amongst the members of the International Society for Gynaecologic Endoscopy (ISGE), as well as the perceptions of potential barriers that inhibit gynaecologists from offering a minimally invasive hysterectomies (MIHs) to their patients. An anonymous, electronic survey was designed, including the questions about the surgeon location and length of gynaecological practice, preferred approach to hysterectomy, approximate number of surgical cases performed during the year preceding the survey (2021), and potential barriers and contraindications to performing MIHs. It was validated by 12 practicing gynaecologists. Subsequently, the survey was sent to all practicing gynaecologists who are the members of the ISGE. We received a response from 159 members of ISGE (29 % response rate), of which 92 % with ≥ 5 years in practice since the completion of their residency training in Gynaecology and Obstetrics. When asked about the preferred route of hysterectomy for themselves or their relatives, 59 % chose total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH), 19 % vaginal hysterectomy (VH), 8 % chose laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) and 5 % chose total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH). However, TAH was the most performed hysterectomy procedure undertaken by the respondents in the year preceding the survey. When asked about the main obstacles to performing MIHs, more than half of the respondents highlighted insufficient training during residency and insufficient surgical experience. Only 25 % of the responders acknowledged reading the ISGE guidelines on performing vaginal hysterectomy. Contrary to a full understanding of the benefits of MIHs, lack of training, as well as insufficient surgical experience and unawareness of existing evidence-based guidelines were the main reasons for the high rate of TAH among the ISGE members who participated in the study. All efforts should be directed at teaching VH and TLH techniques during residency, continuous acquisition of practical experience, and use of validated patient selection guidelines for MIH in daily clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to environmental problems arising from the use of refrigerants, first the ozone depletion and later the global warming, various refrigerants have been banned and their phase-out deadlines established through some international protocols, the Montreal and Kyoto Protocols being two of the most famous of such agreements. This paper intends to make a characterization of the most currently used refrigerants in the Portuguese food industry, through a sample of 148 companies gathered in a nationwide survey. It also aims to analyse not only the environmental impacts of these refrigerants, but also the restrictions that these companies may incur according to the EU Regulation No. 517/2014, such as maintenance and service bans or cap and phase-down on the supply. Finally, according to other research and tests reports, some possible replacements for two of the most commonly used refrigerants (R404A and R22) which are being phased down, are summarized. According to the research, there are some satisfactory mid-term and long-term alternatives available for R22 and R404A that have much lower GWP, allowing systems to achieve higher efficiencies and in turn, lower environmental impacts during their service life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solute transport across the sediment-water interface has major implications for water quality and biogeochemical cycling in aquatic ecosystems. Existing measurement techniques, however, are not capable of resolving sediment-water fluxes of most constituents under in situ flow conditions. We investigated whether relaxed eddy accumulation (REA), a micrometeorological technique with conditional sampling of turbulent updrafts and downdrafts, can be adapted to the aquatic environment. We simulated REA fluxes by reanalyzing eddy covariance measurements from a riverine lake. We found that the empirical coefficient that relates mass fluxes to the concentration difference between both REA samples is invariant with scalar and flow and responds as predicted by a joint Gaussian distribution of linearly correlated variables. Simulated REA fluxes differed on average by around 30% from eddy covariance fluxes (mean absolute error). Assessment of the lower quantification limit suggests that REA can potentially be applied for measuring benthic fluxes of a new range of constituents that cannot be assessed by standard eddy covariance methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-income and ethnic minority families continue to face critical disparities in access to diagnostic and treatment services for neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Despite the growing cultural diversity of the United States, ethnic minority children and families continue to be substantially underrepresented across research on neurodevelopmental disorders, and there is a particularly concerning lack of research on the treatment of these conditions in low-income and ethnic minority communities. Of note, there are currently no published studies on adapting autism spectrum disorder treatment for low-income Latino communities and relatively few studies documenting adapted treatments for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in these communities. This article describes methodological considerations and adaptations made to research procedures using a Diffusion of Innovation framework in order to effectively recruit and engage low-income, ethnic minority, particularly Latino, families of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, in a comparative effectiveness trial of two school-based interventions for executive dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenotypic plasticity is a crucial mechanism for responding to changes in climatic means, yet we know little about its role in responding to extreme climatic events (ECEs). ECEsmay lack the reliable cues necessary for phenotypic plasticity to evolve; however, this has not been empirically tested. We investigated whether behavioural plasticity in nest-site selection allows a long-lived shorebird (Haematopus ostralegus) to respond to flooding. We collected longitudinal nest elevation data on individuals over two decades, during which time flooding events have become increasingly frequent. We found no evidence that individuals learn from flooding experiences, showing nest elevation change consistent with random nest-site selection. There was also no evidence of phenotypic plasticity in response to potential environmental cues (lunar nodal cycle and water height). A small number of individuals, those nesting near an artificial seawall, did show an increase in nest elevation over time; however, there is no conclusive evidence this occurred in response to ECEs. Our study population showed no behavioural plasticity in response to changing ECE patterns. More research is needed to determine whether this pattern is consistent across species and types of ECEs. If so, ECEs may pose a major challenge to the resilience of wild populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose -- The length of stay after total hip arthroplasty has been reduced to 2-4 days after implementing fast-track surgery. We investigated whether a new time-based patient-centered primary direct anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasty (THA) treatment protocol in a specialized clinic, with a planned length of stay of about 24 hours, could be achieved in all patients or only in a selected group of patients. Patients and methods -- We analyzed prospectively collected data in a cohort of 378 consecutive patients who underwent a primary direct anterior THA as a patient-centered time-based procedure between March 1, 2012 and December 31, 2015. Patients with complicated medical comorbidity and those over the age of 85 were excluded from the study. The average length of stay was recorded and all complications, re-admissions, and reoperations were registered and analyzed. The primary outcome measures were length of stay and complication rate, at discharge and 90 days postoperatively. Results -- The average length of stay for all patients was 26 hours. All patients were discharged from the clinic on the day after the operation and were able to continue their recovery at home or in a rehabilitation facility. The overall complication rate within 3 months of surgery was 6%. The 3-month re-admission rate and the 3-month reoperation rate were both 2%. Interpretation -- Performing a time-based, patient-centered fast-track program for DAA total hip arthroplasty can result in a standardized length of stay of about 24 hours and a high level of patient satisfaction with few complications, re-admissions, and reoperations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rethinking histories of data requires not only better answers to existing questions, but also better questions. We suggest eight such questions here. What counts as data? How are objects related to data? What are digital data? What makes data measurable, and what does quantification do to data? What counts as an "information age"? Why do we keep data, and how do we decide which data to lose or forget? Who owns data, and who uses them? Finally, how does "Big Data" transform the geography of science? Each question is a provocation to reconsider the meanings and uses of "data" not only in the past but in the present as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]