Search

A sufficient condition is given under which the sum, product and indeed any polynomial combination of a well-bounded operator and a commuting real scalar-type spectral operator is well-bounded. This generalizes a result of Gillespie for Hilbert space operators. It is shown in particular that if $X$ is a UMD space, then the sum of finitely many commuting real scalar-type spectral operators acting on $X$ is a well-bounded operator (a result which fails on general reflexive Banach spaces). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this article we obtain the boundedness of the periodic, discrete and ergodic bilinear Hilbert transform, from , where 1$, and $p_3\ge 1$" />. The main techniques are a bilinear version of the transference method of Coifman and Weiss and certain discretization of bilinear operators. In the periodic case, we also obtain the boundedness for [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Given a compact connected abelian group G, its dual group Γ can be ordered (in a non-canonical way) so that it becomes an ordered group. It is known that, for any such ordering on Γ and p in the range 1 for all sequences {Ij} of intervals in Γ and all sequences {fj} in Lp(G). Such a result was conjectured by J.L. Rubio de Francia, who noted its validity when The present proof uses a transference argument, an approach which shows that any constant Cp,q for which the inequality holds when G = will serve for every G and every ordering on Γ. An added advantage of this approach is that it adapts to give an extension of the result for functions taking values in a UMD space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

$AC$-operators are a generalization in the context of well-bounded\-ness of normal operators on Hilbert space. It was shown by Doust and Walden that compact $AC$-operators have a representation as a conditionally convergent sum reminiscent of the spectral representations for compact normal operators. In this representation, the eigenvalues must be taken in a particular order to ensure convergence of the sum. Here we show that one cannot replace the ordering given by Doust and Walden by the more natural one suggested in their paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder constituting the most common form of dementia (60%-70% of cases). Although AD presents majorly a neurodegenerative pathology, recent clinical evidence highlights myelin impairment as a key factor in disease pathogenesis. The lack of preventive or restorative treatment is emphasizing the need to develop novel therapeutic approaches targeting to the causes of the disease. Recent studies in animals and patients have highlighted the loss of myelination of the neuronal axons as an extremely aggravating factor in AD, in addition to the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles that are to date themain pathological hallmarks of the disease. Myelin breakdown represents an early stage event in AD. However, it is still unclear whether myelin loss is attributed only to exogenous factors like inflammatory processes of the tissue or to impaired oligodendrogenesis as well. Neurotrophic factors are well established protective molecules under many pathological conditions of the neural tissue, contributing also to proper myelination. Due to their inability to be used as drugs, many research efforts are focused on substituting neurotrophic activity with small molecules. Our research team has recently developed novel micromolecular synthetic neurotrophin mimetics (MNTs), selectively acting on neurotrophin receptors, and thus offering a unique opportunity for innovative therapies against neurodegenerative diseases. These small sized, lipophilic molecules address the underlying biological effect of these diseases (neuroprotective action), but also they exert significant neurogenic actions inducing neuronal replacement of the disease areas. One of the significant neurotrophinmolecules in the Central Nervous System is Brain-Derived-Neurotrophin-Factor (BDNF). BDNF is a neurotrophin that not only supports neuroprotection and adult neurogenesis, but also mediates pro-myelinating effects in the CNS. BDNF binds with high-affinity on the TrkB neurotrophin receptor and enhances myelination by increasing the density of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and playing an important role in CNS myelination. Conclusively, in the present review, we discuss the myelin pathophysiology in Alzheimer's Diseases, as well as the role of neurotrophins, and specifically BDNF, in myelin maintenance and restoration, revealing its valuable therapeutic potential against AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bivalve culture is know to affect some interactions between the water column and the benthic environment with the organic enrichment. An in situ mesocosms experiment was used to determine the influence of mussel biodeposition on the benthic ecosystem in St. Peters Bay, Prince Edward Island, eastern Canada. Eight mussel densities (0 to 2266 mussels m-2) were placed above mesocosms to reproduce the organic enrichment from a mussel farm over 12 weeks. The experimental procedure created an accumulation of organic matter on the seafloor with increasing mussel densities. Some benthic parameters had the predicted response to organic enrichment, with the presence of anoxic sediment in sediment profile images, increased water and organic matter content, and reduced infaunal abundance and species richness. Other parameters, including redox potential, total free sulfides, and the response of the biotic index AMBI, had inconsistent responses to mussel biodeposition-related organic enrichment. Given that other studies done in other locations have observed varying results, results suggest that measurement of various parameters is important to interpret the influence of deposition from mussel farms. The conditions of the site and the study duration are also parameters to consider when evaluating the results from mesocosm studies. Results from this study also suggest that St. Peters Bay is likely impacted by biodeposition from the mussels farmed there. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road roughness, defined by the International Roughness Index (IRI), is a critical criterion for ride quality and comfort, meticulously monitored by road authorities to address maintenance needs. This paper introduces a new method to explore the suitability of bicycles as probe vehicles for measuring nonmotorized road roughness. For this purpose, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) sensors are attached to the front wheel of a mountain bike to capture road roughness through tire–road interaction. To validate this approach, a study was conducted on a motorized dual-lane road, where each direction spanned 660 m, totaling 1,320 m, to verify the method's accuracy in measuring IRI. Data from both the PVDF sensors and their specific locations were recorded simultaneously. The values obtained from a laser profilometer vehicle served as benchmark reference points for the PVDF sensor readings. Thirty-two features are extracted from the PVDF sensor data. The Support Vector Regression (SVR) algorithm is then used to estimate IRI values from these features. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) results of the data sets for the distances covered by 15, 30, and 50 full rotations of the bicycle's front wheel, corresponding to 30, 60, and 100 m, respectively, are found to be 13.64%, 10.73%, and 5.34%. These results highlight the potential of this innovative approach as a reliable tool for determining road roughness on nonmotorized pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intravenous injectable metformin-Cu(II)-EGCG infinite coordination polymer nanoparticles (metformin-Cu(II)-EGCG ICP NPs) have been synthesized, and an efficient strategy for synergistic tumor therapy by utilizing these nanoparticles in conjunction with micro-electrothermal needles (MENs) was proposed. These nanoparticles display exceptional uniformity with a diameter of 117.5 x 53.3 nm, exhibit an extraordinary drug loading capacity of 90% and allow for precise control over the drug ratio within the range of 1: 1 to 1: 20 while maintaining excellent thermal stability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction were employed to determine their chemical structure and coordination state. The combination index (CI) value of the metformin-Cu(II)-EGCG ICP NPs was calculated to be 0.19, surpassing that of the two individual drugs and metformin mixed with EGCG (0.98). Importantly, upon intravenous injection, metformin in nanoparticles demonstrated exceptional stability in the bloodstream, while both drugs were rapidly released within the acidic tumor microenvironment. Animal experiments showcased an impressive tumor inhibition rate of 100% within a mere 20-day time frame after the synergistic therapy with a lower dosage (5.0 mg kg-1 of nanoparticles), coupled with a minimal tumor recurrence rate of only 18.75% over a 60-day observation period. These findings indicate the promising prospects of these nanoparticles in tumor treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gadolinium-based contrast agents are increasingly used in clinical practice. While these pharmaceuticals are verified causal agents in nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, there is a growing body of literature supporting their role as causal agents in symptoms associated with gadolinium exposure after intravenous use and encephalopathy following intrathecal administration. Gadolinium-based contrast agents are multidentate organic ligands that strongly bind the metal ion to reduce the toxicity of the metal. The notion that cationic gadolinium dissociates from these chelates and causes the disease is prevalent among patients and providers. We hypothesize that non-ligand-bound (soluble) gadolinium will be exceedingly low in patients. Soluble, ionic gadolinium is not likely to be the initial step in mediating any disease. The Kidney Institute of New Mexico was the first to identify gadolinium-rich nanoparticles in skin and kidney tissues from magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents in rodents. In 2023, they found similar nanoparticles in the kidney cells of humans with normal renal function, likely from contrast agents. Wesuspect these nanoparticles are the mediators of chronic toxicity from magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents. This article explores associations between gadolinium contrast and adverse health outcomes supported by clinical reports and rodent models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gut microbiota are associated with the health and performance of ruminant species, and they are affected by altitude, host genetics, and sex. However, there has been little research on comparing the fecal microbiota of indigenous small ruminants such as sheep and goats in Guizhou province, China. In the present study, we revealed the effect of altitude, genetics, and sex on fecal microbiota profiles and enterotypes in indigenous small ruminants of Guizhou province, China. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from Hei and Qianbei Ma goats and Weining sheep in the Chinese province of Guizhou. 16S rRNA gene sequencing targeting the V3-V4 region was performed using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Sequences were processed using QIIME2, and the qualified sequences were processed using the plugin DADA2 to generate amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). The statistical analysis was performed using R studio. Results: The fecal microbial profile was found to vary by herd (influenced by genetics/altitude) and sex. All samples were categorized into two enterotypes. The first enterotype is dominated by UCG-005, and the second enterotype is dominated by the Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, which may be highly driven by the host's genetics (breed). The predicted functional profiles of the fecal microbiota were also assigned to two clusters that corresponded exactly to the enterotypes. Cluster 1 of the functional profiling was characterized by biosynthesis pathways, and cluster 2 was characterized by energy metabolism pathways. Discussion: Our findings may provide new insights into the fecal microbial community and enterotypes in small ruminants by herds, offering clues for understanding the mechanisms by which the fecal microbiota contribute to divergent host phenotypes in indigenous small ruminants in Guizhou. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between physical activity levels and feeding behaviors has been a focus of preclinical research for decades, yet this interaction has only recently been explored for potential sex differences. The aim of the present study was to isolate sex-dependent effects of voluntary wheel running (RUN) vs. sedentary locked wheel (SED) home cage conditions on palatabilitydriven feeding behavior using a 2-diet choice task between standard chow and a high-fat diet. The sex-dependent effects of physical activity on feeding behavior were examined following a within-subject novel reversal design of physical activity conditions (i.e., RUN > SED > RUN), to assess temporal sensitivity of the interaction. Following the final 2 weeks of reestablished and sustained RUN vs. SED conditions in separate groups of both males and females, reward-related opioid and dopamine gene expression within the nucleus accumbens (Acb) brain region were analyzed. Results demonstrated that the initial RUN > SED transition led to sex-dependent effects of SED condition, as males increased, and females decreased their high fat consumption, compared to their respective high fat consumption during previous RUN condition phase. Following reintroduction to the RUN condition, males decreased, and females increased their high fat consumption, compared to their separate SED control group. Last, sex-dependent shifts in ventral striatal opioid- and dopamine-related gene expression were observed to parallel the behavioral effects. The major findings of the study reveal that SED and RUN home cage conditions shift palatability-driven feeding in the opposite direction for males and females, these effects are sensitive to reversal, and these sex-dependent feeding behaviors track sex-dependent changes to critical reward-related gene expression patterns in the Acb. Considering the present high rates of sedentary behavior and obesity, furthering our understanding of the interaction between physical activity (or lack thereof) and feeding behavior should be a priority, especially in the context of these divergent sex-dependent outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an overview of the challenges and solutions related to climate change and sustainability in California. It highlights the impacts of climate change that the state is already experiencing, such as increasing temperatures, sea level rise, and more frequent heatwaves. The article emphasizes the need for global emissions reduction and discusses the legislation and policies enacted by the state government to address climate change, with a focus on environmental justice. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding regional impacts and finding adaptable solutions. The document further discusses the importance of climate adaptation, particularly for marginalized communities, and highlights the role of Indigenous knowledge and stewardship in building climate resilience. It addresses the impacts of climate change on ecosystems, wildfires, agriculture, urban systems, and human health. The authors argue for inclusive and equitable policies and collaborations to tackle climate change and promote sustainability in California. The document includes references to various scientific studies and reports related to climate change and its impacts on the state. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Revista de Psicologia del Trabajo y de Las Organizaciones is the property of Colegio Oficial de Psicologos de Madrid and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The use of lightweight natural fiber functional composites in the manufacturing of ballistic protective materials has garnered significant attention in recent years. This is due to their superior mechanical properties, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. Ballistic panels are constructed using multiple layers of diverse composites, which collectively exhibit excellent mechanical properties. These properties enable them to withstand strong impacts enhancing their capability for different applications in defense, military, and aerospace components. The primary focus of this review is to examine the different influential factors that govern the development of novel polymeric materials for current ballistic applications. It also explores various research approaches, such as experimental, analytical, numerical modeling, and empirical techniques. The review highlights both internal factors, such as material composition, and external factors, such as projectile parameters (e.g., nose angles, projectile shape, and projectile size). These factors are crucial for optimizing the robust ballistic performance of natural fiber-based polymer composites. In addition, various valuable insights to develop more effective and sustainable ballistic protective materials for applications in bulletproof helmets, defense, aerospace, and military sectors have also been elaborated. Consequently, the article presents a comprehensive review of the impact of utilizing various natural fibers as alternative materials to Kevlar for armor structures, offering a state-of-the-art perspective and challenges faced in full-scale implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we established a T1 criterion for the boundedness of Laguerre-Calderón-Zygmund operators on BMOLα(0,∞) associated with Laguerre operators L 2). As applications, we proved the boundedness on BMOLα(0,∞) of variation operators for semigroups related to the Laguerre operator Lα. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scavenging on carrion is critical and often fiercely competitive for a range of vertebrate species, from native apex predators to invasive species and even reptiles. Within Australia, a notable reptilian scavenger is the lace monitor (Varanus varius). In this study, we quantified lace monitor activity at carcasses and compared their use of the resource to common co‐occurring predators that also scavenge; the invasive red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and a native apex predator, the dingo (Canis dingo). To do so, we deployed 80 macropod carcasses equally across seasons (summer and winter) and habitats (open and closed canopy) in a temperate bioregion and monitored vertebrate scavenging with camera traps. Lace monitor activity (visitation at carcass sites inclusive of both non‐scavenging and scavenging events) was 1.67 times higher in summer than in winter, but it did not differ across closed and open habitats. Monitor activity occurred earlier after carcass deployment at sites deployed in summer than winter (1.47‐fold earlier), and at carcasses in open than closed habitats (0.22‐fold earlier). Lace monitors initially discovered carcass sites faster in summer than winter and before both red foxes and dingoes in summer. The species was active diurnally in both summer and winter, differing from the red fox, which was strictly a nocturnal scavenger and the dingo, which was significantly more active at night across both seasons. Finally, we found that lace monitor activity at carcass sites decreased slightly with higher rates of activity for dingoes (0.04‐fold decrease as dingo activity increased), but not with red fox activity. Our results have implications for understanding lace monitor foraging and scavenging and highlight the value of monitoring carcasses to provide important insights into the behaviour of varanid lizards that scavenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disease of osteoporosis is characterized by impaired bone structure and an increased risk of fractures. There is a significant impact of cytokines and hormones on bone homeostasis and the diagnosis of osteoporosis. As defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), osteoporosis is defined as having a bone mineral density (BMD) that is 2.5 standard deviations (SD) or more below the average for young and healthy women (T score < −2.5 SD). Cytokines and hormones, particularly in the remodeling of bone between osteoclasts and osteoblasts, control the differentiation and activation of bone cells through cytokine networks and signaling pathways like the nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)/the receptor of RANKL (RANK)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) axis, while estrogen, parathyroid hormones, testosterone, and calcitonin influence bone density and play significant roles in the treatment of osteoporosis. This review aims to examine the roles of cytokines and hormones in the pathophysiology of osteoporosis, evaluating current diagnostic methods, and highlighting new technologies that could help for early detection and treatment of osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most common cause of mortality and morbidity in Western countries, thus representing a global health concern. CVDs show different patterns in terms of the prevalence and presentation in men and women. The role of sex hormones has been extensively implicated in these sex-specific differences, due to the presence of the menstrual cycle and menopause in women. Moreover, the gut microbiota (GM) has been implicated in cardiovascular health, considering the growing evidence that it is involved in determining the development of specific diseases. In particular, gut-derived metabolites have been linked to CVDs and kidney disorders, which can in turn promote the progression of CVDs. Considering the differences in the composition of GM between men and women, it is possible that gut microbiota act as a mediator in regard to the sex disparities in CVDs. This narrative review aims to comprehensively review the interplay between sex, GM, and CVDs, discussing potential mechanisms and therapeutic options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted two framing experiments to test how downplaying femicide frames affect readers' reactions. Results of Study 1 (Germany, N = 158) indicate that emotional reactions were increased when a femicide was labeled as "murder" compared to "domestic drama." This effect was strongest among individuals with high hostile sexism. Study 2 (U.S., N = 207), revealed that male compared to female readers perceived a male perpetrator more as a loving person when the crime was labeled as "love killing" compared to "murder." This tendency was linked to higher victim blaming. We recommend reporting guidelines to overcome the trivialization of femicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is limited evidence as to whether the immune protein profile is associated with a particular symptomatology pattern across the psychosis continuum. Methods: We estimated two bifactor models of general and specific dimensions of psychotic experiences in unaffected siblings of patients (n = 52) and community controls (n = 200), and of psychotic symptoms in first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients (n = 110). We evaluated associations between these transdiagnostic dimensions and trait (TNF- α , IFN- γ), state (IL-6, IL-1 β), and regulatory (TGF- β , IL-10, IL-4) cytokines. We explored whether schizophrenia genetic liability (schizophrenia polygenic risk score; SZ-PRS) modified the associations. Results: High levels of trait marker IFN- γ were associated with the severity of general psychosis dimension in the unaffected siblings and community controls, expanding to the depressive dimension in siblings and to the manic dimension in FEP. High TNF- α levels were associated with more positive psychotic experiences in unaffected siblings and manic symptoms in FEP. Low levels of state markers IL-6 and IL-1 β were observed in unaffected siblings presenting more depressive experiences. Still, high levels of IL-6 and IL-1 β were associated with the severity of the depressive and negative symptom dimensions at FEP. The severity of transdiagnostic dimension scores across the three groups was associated with lower regulatory cytokines. Exploratory analysis suggested that a high SZ-PRS contributed mostly to associations with psychotic dimensions. Conclusions: IFN- γ mapped onto the multidimensional expression of psychosis, reinforcing the trait concept. State markers IL-6 and IL-1 β may fluctuate along the spectrum. Dysfunction in the regulatory arm may disinhibit the inflammatory system. Associations with psychotic dimensions may be more prone to SZ-PRS susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The butterfly species of Tobago have been recorded for over a century, but there has been no assessment of the relative abundance of species and the variation in species richness across the island. This study is a first step towards butterfly community ecology in Tobago, using timed walks and counts. Overall, 79 species comprised of over 2,000 individuals were recorded from 40 hours of sampling across two years, during the transition from rainy to dry season. The species total represented about half of the known total number of species, indicating the value of this methodology for rapid sampling of the island's butterflies. Cluster analysis was used to identify four different assemblages and their constant species. Rarefaction analysis revealed a significant difference in species richness between forest, north coast, and south coast. The highest richness was associated with trails near dry forest in the south-east. Lowland rainforest in the north had a distinctive fauna but low species richness. Significant change across the island is associated with large variation in climatic conditions. This study is important for understanding the biogeographic relationship with Trinidad, the Lesser Antilles, and the continent. The disparity between the forest fauna of Trinidad and that of Tobago is highlighted, along with the absence of key groups in the Lesser Antilles and the highly fragmented nature of dry forest from south-east Tobago via north-west Trinidad to Venezuela. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Current Marketing Approaches & Research (JCMAR) / Güncel Pazarlama Yaklaşımları ve Araştırmaları Dergisi is the property of Journal of Current Marketing Approaches & Research (JCMAR) / Guncel Pazarlama Yaklasimlari ve Arasti and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Populations may adapt to similar environments via parallel or non‐parallel genetic changes, but the frequency of these alternative mechanisms and underlying contributing factors are still poorly understood outside model systems. We used QTL mapping to investigate the genetic basis of highly divergent craniofacial traits between the scale‐eater (Cyprinodon desquamator) and molluscivore (C. brontotheroides) pupfish adapting to two different hypersaline lake environments on San Salvador Island, Bahamas. We lab‐reared F2 scale‐eater x molluscivore intercrosses from two different lake populations, estimated linkage maps, scanned for significant QTL for 29 skeletal and craniofacial traits, female mate preference, and sex. We compared the location of QTL between lakes to quantify parallel and non‐parallel genetic changes. We detected significant QTL for six craniofacial traits in at least one lake. However, nearly all shared QTL loci were associated with a different craniofacial trait within each lake. Therefore, our estimate of parallel evolution of craniofacial genetic architecture could range from one out of six identical trait QTL (low parallelism) to five out of six integrated trait QTL (high parallelism). We suggest that pleiotropy and trait integration can affect estimates of parallel evolution, particularly within rapid radiations. We also observed increased adaptive introgression in shared QTL regions, suggesting that gene flow contributed to parallel evolution. Overall, our results suggest that the same genomic regions may contribute to parallel adaptation across integrated suites of craniofacial traits, rather than specific traits, and highlight the need for a more expansive definition of parallel evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shared functions of the skull are thought to result in common evolutionary patterns in mammalian cranial shape. Craniofacial evolutionary allometry (CREA) is a particularly prominent pattern where larger species display proportionally elongate facial skeletons and smaller braincases. It was recently proposed that CREA arises from biomechanical effects of cranial scaling when diets are similar. Thus, deviations from CREA should occur with changes in cranial biomechanics, for example due to dietary change. Here, we test this using 3D geometric morphometric analysis in a dataset of Australian murine crania, which are highly allometric. We contrast allometric and non‐allometric variation in the cranium by comparing evolutionary mode, allometry, ordinations, as well as allometry, integration, and modularity in functional modules. We found evidence of stabilising selection in allometry‐containing and size‐free shape, and substantial non‐allometric variation aligned with dietary specialisation in parallel with CREA. Integration among cranial modules was higher, and modularity lower, with size included, but integration between rostrum and cranial vault, which are involved in the CREA pattern, dropped dramatically after size removal. Our results thus support the hypothesis that CREA is a composite arising from selection on cranial function, with substantial non‐allometric shape variation occurring alongside CREA where dietary specialisation impacts selection on gnawing function. This emphasises the need to research mammalian cranial evolution in the context of allometric and non‐allometric selection on biomechanical function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newspaper media plays a significant role in forming a public understanding of domestic violence. This article analyses 554 articles from 24 newspapers across Australian states and territories published between 2000 and 2020 that describe specific instances of domestic violence. It examines whether such violence is framed as a systemic issue or as a collection of individual events, as well as how such representations of perpetrators and victims displace both "blame" and "victimhood." Although positive aspects of reporting can be observed, the tendency within newspaper articles to blur distinctions between perpetrators and victims distorts the true scale of domestic violence in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual misconduct incidents reported to Title IX coordinators and stability in incident characteristics within institutions of higher education (IHEs) over time were examined. Data included two waves of reported incidents in 2016–2018 (n = 2,598) and 2018–2020 (n = 2,778) across Maryland IHEs (N = 40). Findings showed most reported incidents were for Other Sexual Misconduct (e.g., sexual harassment) versus Sexual Assault I (i.e., rape) or Sexual Assault II (e.g., unwanted sexual touching). Types of sexual misconduct differed regarding reporting by responsible employees, nonstudent perpetrators, and the range of accommodations accessed; institutional-level profiles of sexual misconduct were stable across waves. Implications and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) represent a heterogeneous group of congenital defects, with high prevalence worldwide. Non-invasive imaging is essential to guide medical and surgical planning, to follow the patient over time in the evolution of the disease, and to reveal potential complications of the chosen treatment. The application of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) in this population allows for obtaining detailed information on the defects without the necessity of ionizing radiations. This review emphasizes the central role of CMR in the overall assessment of CHDs, considering also the limitations and challenges of this imaging technique. CMR, with the application of two-dimensional (2D) and tri-dimensional (3D) steady-state free precession (SSFP), permits the obtaining of very detailed and accurate images about the cardiac anatomy, global function, and volumes' chambers, giving essential information in the intervention planning and optimal awareness of the postoperative anatomy. Nevertheless, CMR supplies tissue characterization, identifying the presence of fat, fibrosis, or oedema in the myocardial tissue. Using a contrast agent for angiography sequences or 2D/four-dimensional (4D) flows offers information about the vascular, valvular blood flow, and, in general, the cardiovascular system hemodynamics. Furthermore, 3D SSFP CMR acquisitions allow the identification of coronary artery abnormalities as an alternative to invasive angiography and cardiovascular computed tomography (CCT). However, CMR requires expertise in CHDs, and it can be contraindicated in patients with non-conditional devices. Furthermore, its relatively longer acquisition time and the necessity of breath-holding may limit its use, particularly in children under eight years old, sometimes requiring anesthesia. The purpose of this review is to elucidate the application of CMR during the pediatric age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Workplace violence and harassment are commonplace for healthcare workers and most incidents are unreported. Normalization of these experiences, lack of confidence in reporting systems, and fear of the consequences of reporting contribute to the invisibility of these experiences. Challenges are exacerbated in homecare settings and for precarious workforces including Personal Support Workers (PSWs). We created, piloted, and evaluated an intervention to enhance safety culture and encourage reporting of workplace violence and harassment. Methods: A multi-stakeholder steering committee designed an intervention combining policy changes, a pre-visit screening tool, education, and brief end-of-visit reporting. This was piloted with a PSW care team which provided >55,000 client visits during the 32-week intervention. Operational metrics characterized screening, education, and reporting uptake. Pre- and post-intervention surveys characterized PSWs' experiences with workplace violence and harassment, reporting experiences, training history and intervention feedback. Findings: PSWs reported increased comfort discussing workplace violence and harassment, and increased confidence managing client-to-worker incidents. The screening went smoothly with most clients in private homes. Most PSWs (75%) engaged at least once with end-of-visit reporting and nearly half submitted reports regularly. During the pilot, 21% of PSWs reported incidents and 52% of reports shared client-specific strategies for managing these situations. Application to Practice: Changes in comfort and behavior with reporting indicated a shift toward a more open culture surrounding workplace violence and harassment. Tools created for this intervention and lessons for implementation are shared for consideration by occupational health practitioners throughout the homecare sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suppose that $(\Omega ,\mathcal{M},\mu )$ is a $\sigma $-finite measure space, $1

Understanding organizational culture and practices (OCPs) is crucial for business success, yet current assessments rely heavily on self-reports. We developed the "Dictionary of Organizational Culture and Practices", the first theory-based text analysis tool designed to quantify OCPs as an alternative to surveys. Our approach integrates computational natural language processing with expert human judgement, using a 26 million words large corpus consisting of employee reviews of 526 companies, 1,121 mission and vision statements, and 285 company websites. We replicate Hofstede's six-dimensional model of OCPs, not to be confused with Hofstede's widely known model of national culture. Criterion validity is established by comparing our tool to existing ones that used data-driven approaches. Notably, our tool demonstrates construct validity through the striking similarity of the dimensional structure with survey-based measures. The level of alignment varied depending on the type of text, with congruence coefficients exceeding.9. Our findings offer valuable insights for academics and managers seeking to understand and shape an organization's culture more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lateral superior olive (LSO), a prominent integration center in the auditory brainstem, contains a remarkably heterogeneous population of neurons. Ascending neurons, predominantly principal neurons (pLSOs), process interaural level differences for sound localization. Descending neurons (lateral olivocochlear neurons, LOCs) provide feedback into the cochlea and are thought to protect against acoustic overload. The molecular determinants of the neuronal diversity in the LSO are largely unknown. Here, we used patch-seq analysis in mice at postnatal days P10-12 to classify developing LSO neurons according to their functional and molecular profiles. Across the entire sample (n = 86 neurons), genes involved in ATP synthesis were particularly highly expressed, confirming the energy expenditure of auditory neurons. Two clusters were identified, pLSOs and LOCs. They were distinguished by 353 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), most of which were novel for the LSO. Electrophysiological analysis confirmed the transcriptomic clustering. We focused on genes affecting neuronal input-output properties and validated some of them by immunohistochemistry, electrophysiology, and pharmacology. These genes encode proteins such as osteopontin, Kv11.3, and Kvß3 (pLSO-specific), calcitonin-gene-related peptide (LOC-specific), or Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 (no DEGs). We identified 12 "Super DEGs" and 12 genes showing "Cluster similarity." Collectively, we provide fundamental and comprehensive insights into the molecular composition of individual ascending and descending neurons in the juvenile auditory brainstem and how this may relate to their specific functions, including developmental aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current standard oncotherapy for glioblastoma is limited by several adverse side effects, leading to a short-term patient survival rate paralleled by a worsening quality of life (QoL). Recently, Complementary and Integrative Medicine's (CIM) innovative approaches have shown positive impacts in terms of better response to treatment, side effect reduction, and QoL improvement. In particular, promising potential in cancer therapy has been found in compounds coming from phyto- and mycotherapy. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the beneficial effects of a new phyto-mycotherapy supplement, named Ganostile, in the human glioblastoma cell line U251, in combination with chemotherapeutic agents, i.e., Cisplatin and a new platinum-based prodrug. Choosing a supplement dosage that mimicked oral supplementation in humans (about 1 g/day), through in vitro assays, microscopy, and cytometric analysis, it has emerged that the cells, after 48hr continuous exposure to Ganostile in combination with the chemical compounds, showed a higher mortality and a lower proliferation rate than the samples subjected to the different treatments administered individually. In conclusion, our data support the use of Ganostile in integrative oncology protocols as a promising adjuvant able to amplify conventional and new drug effects and also reducing resistance mechanisms often observed in brain tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pavement roughness has long been linked to both vehicle fuel efficiency and pavement structural degradation. Perceptions of pavement roughness, however, may vary among users of different sociodemographic features and therefore potentially impact the allocation of resources for highway maintenance and rehabilitation when equity is considered. It is necessary to investigate the major factors that influence the user perception of pavement roughness. Considering the complexity in structure and relationship of field data, this study applied three state-of-the-art machine learning and statistical methods, including a classification tree, a random-parameter ordered-probit model with a random effect (Model 1), and a correlated random-parameter ordered-probit model (Model 2), to the analysis of user perceived roughness. Data were collected from a prior study that conducted in-vehicle tests involving individual user, pavement, and vehicle. The analysis identified more key factors influencing roughness ranking than previous research and accounted for the heterogeneity in individuals and interactions among random parameters. The results indicate that, whereas physical measurements of pavement roughness (e.g., International Roughness Index), visible distresses such as patches and faulting, and joints provided a strong indication of user roughness ranking, other factors (i.e., particular regularly used route, participants' age, income, and gender, number of household infants, and interior vehicle noise levels) were also statistically significant. Two-way group random effects were statistically significant in the data, which should be accounted for in future studies. Results from this study fill an important gap between making accurate prediction and uncovering underlying causality in research of physical infrastructure measurement with user perceptions of infrastructure conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Media Education - Studi, Ricerche e Buone Pratiche is the property of Firenze University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The issue of food security continues to be a prominent global concern, affecting a significant number of individuals who experience the adverse effects of hunger and malnutrition. The finding of a solution of this intricate issue necessitates the implementation of novel and paradigm-shifting methodologies in agriculture and food sector. In recent times, the domain of artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a potent tool capable of instigating a profound influence on the agriculture and food sectors. AI technologies provide significant advantages by optimizing crop cultivation practices, enabling the use of predictive modelling and precision agriculture techniques, and aiding efficient crop monitoring and disease identification. Additionally, AI has the potential to optimize supply chain operations, storage management, transportation systems, and quality assurance processes. It also tackles the problem of food loss and waste through post-harvest loss reduction, predictive analytics, and smart inventory management. This study highlights that how by utilizing the power of AI, we could transform the way we produce, distribute, and manage food, ultimately creating a more secure and sustainable future for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant leaves and water drops residing on them interact with atmospheric oxidants, impacting the deposition and emission of trace gases and mediating leaf damage from air pollution. Characterizing the chemical composition and reactivity of the water-soluble material on leaf surfaces is thus essential for improving our understanding of atmosphere-biosphere interactions. However, the limited knowledge of sources and nature of these chemicals challenges sampling decisions. This work investigates how sampling variables and environmental factors impact the quantity and composition of water-soluble material sampled from wet leaves and proposes a flexible protocol for its collection. The ratio of solvent volume-to-leaf area, the solvent-to-leaf contact time, and environmental parameters – including the occurrence of rain, plant location and its metabolism – drive solute concentration in leaf soaks. Despite minor variations, UV-vis absorption spectra of leaf soaks are comparable to authentic raindrops collected from the same tree and share features with microbial dissolved organic matter – including overall low aromaticity, low chromophore content, and low average molecular weight. In addition to guiding the development of a sampling protocol, our data corroborate recent hypotheses on the amount, origin, nature, and reactivity of water-soluble organics on wet leaves, providing new directions of research into this highly interdisciplinary topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trees in residential environments are affected by a unique combination of environmental and anthropogenic factors, including occasional insect outbreaks that are increasing in frequency and severity due to climate change. We studied loblolly pine trees infested by bark beetles in a residential backyard in a southeastern US city. We investigated the responses of tree and stand‐level transpiration to environmental factors (solar radiation, atmospheric vapor pressure deficit, and soil moisture), severe weather events (strong winds and heavy storms), bark beetle infestation, and human actions (insecticide treatments and tree removals). We used constant heat dissipation probes to make continuous sap flux measurements (J0) in tree boles. Over 22 months of the study, J0 of trees with confirmed infestation decreased from ~90 to ~60 g cm−2 day−1 and J0 of the rest of the trees increased from ~60 to ~80 g cm−2 day−1. One infested tree died, as its J0 steadily declined from 110 g cm−2 day−1 to zero over the course of 2 months, followed by a loss of foliage and visible signs of severe infestation 6 months later. J0 was sensitive to variations in incoming solar radiation and atmospheric vapor pressure deficit. In most trees, J0 linearly responded to soil water content during drought periods. Yet despite complex dynamics of J0 variations, plot‐level transpiration at the end of the study was the same as at the beginning due to compensatory increases in tree transpiration rates. This study highlights the intrinsic interplay of environmental, biotic, and anthropogenic factors in residential environments where human actions may directly mediate ecosystem responses to climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of General Health Sciences (JGEHES) is the property of Journal of General Health Sciences (JGEHES) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study compares incidents of intimate femicide-suicide (IFS) to incidents of intimate femicide without suicide (IFWS) that occurred in Italy between 2015 and 2019 and examines the influence of situational, sociocultural, and individual characteristics. Findings from the multivariate analysis show that incidents of IFS are more likely than incidents of IFWS to involve the use of firearms and the death of multiple victims. Furthermore, incidents of IFS are less likely than incidents of IFWS to involve previous instances of domestic violence and less likely to involve a perpetrator who was unemployed at the time of the incident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of high-throughput behavioral assays, where numerous individual animals can be analyzed in various experimental conditions, has facilitated the study of animal personality. Previous research showed that isogenic Drosophila melanogaster flies exhibit striking individual non-heritable locomotor handedness. The variability of this trait, i.e., the predictability of left-right turn biases, varies across genotypes and under the influence of neural activity in specific circuits. This suggests that the brain can dynamically regulate the extent of animal personality. It has been recently shown that predators can induce changes in prey phenotypes via lethal or non-lethal effects affecting the serotonergic signaling system. In this study, we tested whether fruit flies grown with predators exhibit higher variability/lower predictability in their turning behavior and higher survival than those grown with no predators in their environment. We confirmed these predictions and found that both effects were blocked when flies were fed an inhibitor (αMW) of serotonin synthesis. The results of this study demonstrate a negative association between the unpredictability of turning behavior of fruit flies and the hunting success of their predators. We also show that the neurotransmitter serotonin controls predator-induced changes in the turning variability of fruit flies, regulating the dynamic control of behavioral predictability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Violence at work against healthcare professionals is a frequent and pervasive problem. There are growing data that indicate nurses are especially susceptible to experiencing violent acts at work. Resilience helps strengthen nursing competency in the proper management of stressful circumstances, like being exposed to workplace violence. Aim. The aim of the study is to assess the impact of resilience on workplace violence among mental health nurses. Method. A cross-sectional research design was used to conduct this study with a convenience sample of 361 nurses recruited from a governmental psychiatric hospital in Saudi Arabia. Tools. Data were collected using two tools: the first tool was the workplace violence questionnaire, which collected nurses' demographic, job, and workplace violence data, and the second was the resilience at work scale to assess nurses' resilience. Results. This survey found that 70.4% of nurses experienced workplace violence in the last year, and fewer than half were resilient at work. Close to one-third (33.5%) of nurses were terrified and confused after workplace violence. The most violent repercussions were psychological (46.8%): dread, tension, and worry. Additionally, 48.8% of nurses exhibited high work resilience. Conclusion. A considerable percentage of mental health nurses encountered instances of violence during the provision of care inside mental health hospital settings. The variables of nationality (non-Saudi nurses), rotating work shift, educational levels, and exhibiting a lower level of resilience were found to have a statistically significant correlation with instances of workplace violence. Recommendation. Training programs and educational initiatives should be developed and implemented to equip nurses with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively respond to and prevent workplace violence incidents. By providing comprehensive training, healthcare organizations can empower nurses to address and mitigate workplace violence, ultimately creating a safer and more supportive work environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug-resistant bacteria are emerging as a global threat, despite frequently being less fit than their drug-susceptible ancestors1–8. Here we sought to define the mechanisms that drive or buffer the fitness cost of rifampicin resistance (RifR) in the bacterial pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Rifampicin inhibits RNA polymerase (RNAP) and is a cornerstone of modern short-course tuberculosis therapy9,10. However, RifR Mtb accounts for one-quarter of all deaths due to drug-resistant bacteria11,12. We took a comparative functional genomics approach to define processes that are differentially vulnerable to CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) inhibition in RifR Mtb. Among other hits, we found that the universally conserved transcription factor NusG is crucial for the fitness of RifR Mtb. In contrast to its role in Escherichia coli, Mtb NusG has an essential RNAP pro-pausing function mediated by distinct contacts with RNAP and the DNA13. We find this pro-pausing NusG–RNAP interface to be under positive selection in clinical RifR Mtb isolates. Mutations in the NusG–RNAP interface reduce pro-pausing activity and increase fitness of RifR Mtb. Collectively, these results define excessive RNAP pausing as a molecular mechanism that drives the fitness cost of RifR in Mtb, identify a new mechanism of compensation to overcome this cost, suggest rational approaches to exacerbate the fitness cost, and, more broadly, could inform new therapeutic approaches to develop drug combinations to slow the evolution of RifR in Mtb.In Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the fitness cost of rifampicin resistance is partially due to excessive RNA polymerase pausing and is rescued by mutations in the pro-pausing transcription factor NusG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to evaluate several panel configurations consisting of Alumina and Weldox 460 E Steel with the objective of advancing our comprehension of ballistic performance and impact resistance. The crucial parameters of Velocity Ballistic Limit (Vbl), depth of penetration (DOP), Deflection, and the deformation of projectiles and panels were thoroughly and rigorously investigated. The present study expands upon the existing body of research, drawing upon the groundwork established by previous studies. The validation is achieved by conducting a comparative analysis of our findings in relation to the previous researcher. In order to carry out these extensive simulations, we utilised the finite element method, explicitly employing the ANSYS/Explicit Dynamic solver AUTODYN and implementing a simplified 2D Axisymmetric model. A series of ballistic experiments were conducted using various combinations of Alumina and Weldox 460 E steel panels, covering a wide range of bullet velocities. Our analysis focused on seven-panel combinations, namely WL12, AL5+WL5, AL5+WL10, AL10+WL5, AL10+WL10, AL12+WL12, and AL15+WL15, each of which was distinct from the others. The results obtained from our calculations indicate that both the AL12+WL12 and AL15+WL15 panel configurations have met the stringent requirements of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Type IV standard in terms of their ability to withstand projectiles. The AL12+WL12 configuration demonstrated a depth of penetration (DOP) of 23 mm, a deflection of 4.3 mm, and a Velocity Ballistic Limit (Vbl) of 954.68m/s. The AL15+WL15 arrangement demonstrated notable performance, with a DOP of 21 mm, a deflection of 1.4 mm, and an impressive Vbl of 1345.9m/s, which stands in stark contrast to other configurations. The results of our investigation highlight the exceptional performance of the AL15+WL15 panel configuration in resisting NIJ Type IV bullets, thus solidifying its position as the most optimal selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solubility and permeability of the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) class IV drugs, such as furosemide (FUR), are low. Thus, the oral bioavailability of these drugs needs to be augmented. Here, we aimed to design orally disintegrating tablets containing FUR nanoparticles to improve bioavailability after oral administration. The FUR nanoparticles were generated by bead-milling in water containing 0.5% methylcellulose and 0.5% 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (w/w%). Particle size was approximately 47–350 nm (mean particle size, 188 nm). An orally disintegrating tablet (FUR-NP tablet) comprising FUR nanoparticles (1%) was successfully produced by employing suspensions outlined above that incorporated additives (4% D-mannitol, 0.4% polyvinylpyrrolidone, and 16% gum Arabic, w/w%), followed by freeze-drying. The FUR-NP tablet disaggregated after only 5 s in water, liberating nano-sized FUR particles (172 nm). Experiments using rats showed the absorption of the FUR-NP tablet was significantly improved by comparison with a FUR tablet containing microparticles. In summary, the orally disintegrating tablet containing FUR nanoparticles markedly enhanced the bioavailability of FUR. We anticipate this formulation will also improve the bioavailability of other BCS class IV drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates analytic Besov functions of n variables which act on the generators of n commuting C0-semigroups on a Banach space. The theory for n = 1 has already been published, and the present paper uses a different approach to that case as well as extending to the cases when n ≥ 2. It also clarifies some spectral mapping properties and provides some operator norm estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]