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While the time dimension is part of the definition of serial crime, little attention has been given to understanding offending timelines and the impact of patterns of shorter or longer delays between crimes on the evolution of series on the ability to link crimes. Given the scarcity of research focusing on the timelines of serial offenders, the current study aimed to (1) determine whether series can be classified based on their timeline trajectories (e.g., progressively shorter intervals or progressively longer), and (2) determine whether these timeline trajectories correlate with trajectories of behavioral consistency and change across series. Data included 43 homicide series encompassing 216 crime scenes. Trajectories were determined based on whether intervals increased, decreased, or remained consistent across series, and whether timeline trajectories and behavioral trajectories align. Results revealed that distinct timeline trajectories can reliably distinguish between series. Results also suggested a complex interaction between time between crimes and how this relates to behavioral consistency and change trajectories, thus, suggesting that time is a useful, but potentially separate dimension in the linkage process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amount of standing variation present within populations is a fundamental quantity of interest in population genetics, commonly represented by calculating the average number of differences between pairs of nucleotide sequences (nucleotide diversity, π). It is well understood that both background and positive selection can cause reductions in nucleotide diversity, but less clear how local adaptation affects it. Depending on the assumptions and parameters, some theoretical studies have emphasized how local adaptation can reduce nucleotide diversity, while others have shown that it can increase it. Here, we explore how local adaptation shapes genome-wide patterns in within-population nucleotide diversity, extending previous work to study the effects of polygenic adaptation, genotypic redundancy, and population structure. We show that local adaptation produces two very different patterns depending on the relative strengths of migration and selection, either markedly decreasing or increasing within-population diversity at linked sites at equilibrium. At low migration, regions of depleted diversity can extend large distances from the causal locus, with substantially more diversity eroded than expected with background selection. With higher migration, peaks occur over much smaller genomic distances but with much larger magnitude changes in diversity. Across spatially extended environmental gradients, both patterns can be found within a single species, with increases in diversity at the center of the range and decreases towards the periphery. Our results demonstrate that there is no universal diagnostic signature of local adaptation based on within-population nucleotide diversity, so it will not be broadly useful for explaining increased FST. However, given that neither background nor positive selection inflate diversity, when peaks are found they suggest local adaptation may be acting on a causal allele in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A graph G is (2 , m) -linked if, for any distinct vertices a 1 , ... , a m , b 1 , b 2 in G , there exist disjoint connected subgraphs A , B of G such that a 1 , ... , a m ∈ V (A) and b 1 , b 2 ∈ V (B). A fundamental result in structural graph theory is the characterization of (2 , 2) -linked graphs. It appears to be difficult to characterize (2 , m) -linked graphs for m ≥ 3. In this paper, we provide a partial characterization of (2 , m) -linked graphs. This implies that every (2 m + 2) -connected graphs G is (2 , m) -linked and for any distinct vertices a 1 , ... , a m , b 1 , b 2 of G , there is a path P in G between b 1 and b 2 and avoiding { a 1 , ... , a m } such that G − P is connected, improving a previous connectivity bound of 10 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a debilitating condition with limited treatments and additional therapeutic targets needed. Identifying AD protective genetic loci may identify new targets and accelerate identification of therapeutic treatments. We examined a founder population to identify loci associated with cognitive preservation into advanced age. METHODS: Genome‐wide association and linkage analyses were performed on 946 examined and sampled Amish individuals, aged 76–95, who were either cognitively unimpaired (CU) or impaired (CI). RESULTS: A total of 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) demonstrated suggestive association (P ≤ 5 × 10−4) with cognitive preservation. Genetic linkage analyses identified > 100 significant (logarithm of the odds [LOD] ≥ 3.3) SNPs, some which overlapped with the association results. Only one locus on chromosome 2 retained significance across multiple analyses. DISCUSSION: A novel significant result for cognitive preservation on chromosome 2 includes the genes LRRTM4 and CTNNA2. Additionally, the lead SNP, rs1402906, impacts the POU3F2 transcription factor binding affinity, which regulates LRRTM4 and CTNNA2. Highlights: GWAS and linkage identified over 100 loci associated with cognitive preservation.One locus on Chromosome 2 retained significance over multiple analyses.Predicted TFBSs near rs1402906 regulate genes associated with neurocognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prove that two cyclically linked p-algebras of prime degree become inseparably linked under a prime to p extension if and only if the essential p-dimension of the pair is 2. We conclude that the essential p-dimension of pairs of cyclically linked p-algebras is 3 by constructing an example of a pair that does not become inseparably linked under any prime to p extension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The drive to hasten the development of smallholder livestock farming through research-extension-farmer-input linkage systems (REFILS) is being promoted in African countries. Resource-constrained smallholders face various challenges including poor access to timely and relevant research-based innovations. Weak research-extension-farmer-input linkages exacerbate this issue. This review explores the evolution of Knowledge Transfer and Agricultural Extension Theories, emphasising the shift from centralised top-down dissemination to participatory and user-driven models. The paper characterises “research”, “extension”, “farmer”, and “input” as the main pillars of agricultural knowledge systems and how their lack of interconnectedness impacts their effectiveness. Examining the dynamics of these pillars provides a comprehensive rationale for strengthening REFILS. Also, REFILS adoption disparities such as limited funding and investment, institutional and organisational inefficiencies, and social and cultural factors were discussed. The identified key challenges form an intricate web of interconnected issues which should not be addressed in isolation but collectively. The proposed measures for REFILS enhancement include building strong public-private partnerships, full participation and collaboration by all key actors including farmers, digitalisation of smallholder agriculture, and policy and institutional reorganisation towards a stronger REFILS. Moreover, the study acts as a foundational guide for strengthening REFILS at national, regional, and continental levels to foster economic, environmental, and social sustainability in Africa’s livestock industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study linkage of (d + 1) -fold quadratic Pfister forms over function fields in one variable over a henselian valued field of 2-cohomological dimension d. Specifically, we characterise this property in terms of linkage of quadratic Pfister forms over function fields over the residue field of the henselian valued field; in full generality in characteristic different from 2, and for most complete discretely valued fields in characteristic 2. As an application, we obtain a proof that (d + 2) -fold quadratic Pfister forms over function fields in one variable over a d-dimensional higher local field are linked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Urban Mass Transit is the property of Urban Mass Transit Editorial Office 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.)

Copyright of Urban Mass Transit is the property of Urban Mass Transit Editorial Office 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.)

Objective In order to ensure that FAO (fully automatic operation system) can effectively guarantee the safe evacuation of passengers in case of emergency and quickly resume operations after evacuation completion, it is proposed to study the evacuation solution for FAO system based on central remote supervision and command. Method Based on the line conditions (such as evacuation platform, trackbed, etc.) and vehicle conditions (providing side door and end door two evacuation modes) that affect the safety of passenger evacuation, and targeting the safety risks that may be encountered during the passenger evacuation process (such as passengers falling, train collision, transition switch injury, third rail electric shock, etc.), the evacuation activation, evacuation recovery, as well as the FAO multi-system linkage mechanism and protection method for coupling train evacuation are designed in detail from two different application scenarios of platform evacuation and interval evacuation. Result & Conclusion Line and vehicle conditions required for the realization of FAO system evacuation function are proposed. During the evacuation process, the central dispatcher can remotely monitor and direct the evacuation of passengers through CCTV (video surveillance system), PA (broadcast system), emergency intercom and other devices. At the same time, through the ATS (automatic train supervision) system, the central dispatcher can realize the linkage control of multiple systems, such as CC (car controller), ZC (zone controller), and CI (computer interlocking), in order to ensure the safety protection and evacuation recovery of passengers when evacuating through the side/end doors of trains with different marshalling on platforms or intervals. This solution significantly improves the safety level and efficiency of evacuation.

Objective Realizing the synchronous linkage between electric passenger car doors and platform doors (hereinafter referred to as "car-platform doors") in urban rail transit can further improve the metro operation efficiency, so it is necessary to study its linkage timing design and commissioning scheme. Method Combined with the survey results of the current situation in the industry and the analysis of passengers inertial behavior in the door opening and closing scenarios, the design idea of car-platform doors linkage control is proposed. Based on the in-depth study of the transmission characteristics of the door opening and closing instructions and the system delay, the control timing of car-platform doors linkage in the signal mode is designed. Result & Conclusion The feasibility of the linkage timing and commissioning scheme for the car-platform doors linkage is verified through the joint commissioning test, so as to realize the macro-synchronous car-platform doors linkage, which has been promoted and applied in five lines of Chengdu Metro.

Physiological synchrony is the phenomenon of linked physiological processes among two or more individuals. Evidence of linkage between dyads has been found among a broad range of physiological indices, including the endocrine systems. During the transition to parenthood, both men and women undergo hormonal changes that facilitate parenting behavior. The present review sought to address the question as to whether hormonal synchronization occurs among expecting or new parents. A systematic literature search yielded 13 eligible records. The evidence of cortisol synchrony during the prenatal period, with additional testosterone, prolactin, and progesterone covariations in the time leading up to childbirth, was found to be most significant. During the postpartum period, parental synchrony was reported for oxytocin, testosterone, and cortisol levels. The implications of these covariations were found to translate into adaptive parenting behaviors and the facilitation of romantic bond. Associations with infant development were also reported, suggesting far-reaching effects of hormonal synchrony outside the parental dyad. The results highlight the importance of physiological interrelatedness during this sensitive period, underscoring the need for further research in this field. In view of the limited data available in this research domain, we have put forward a framework for future studies, recommending the adoption of standardized research protocols and repeated collections of specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the linkage of momentum and reversal in the G7 stock markets. We confirm Conrad and Yavuz's (Rev Financ 21(2):555–581, 2017) finding that momentum is not linked to subsequent return reversal in the US stock market. In the stock markets of the remaining G7 countries, our results object the decoupling of momentum and return reversal. In these stock markets, the two return anomalies are linked to each other. In particular, momentum is followed by return reversal in the stock markets of Germany, the UK, Japan, Canada, France, and Italy. These observations obtain for momentum portfolios which are made up of different risk profiles with respect to size and book-to-market ratio. Our results hold true both in raw returns and in risk-adjusted returns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method is presented to demonstrate the application of computer simulations in the kinematic analysis of planar mechanisms, emphasizing its use in teaching the latter topic in a corresponding undergraduate course. Concepts of rigid-body dynamics are utilized in the kinematics of machines to analyze the motions (and forces in dynamics) transmitted within multiple interconnected links that make a mechanism, such as a car engine, airplane landing gear, press machine, door closer, and so on. Due to the tediousness of the analytical solutions, most textbooks limit the derivation of the equations to four-bar linkages like crank-rocker and crank-slider mechanisms. Benefiting from the advancements in computer programs, such as MATLAB, and their efficiency in solving large systems of linear and nonlinear equations, a method is proposed to facilitate teaching kinematic analysis of multi-bar linkages to undergraduate students while fostering the application of computational engineering via real-life examples. The results obtained from this method are shown to be in excellent agreement with the algebraic solution of the relative motion equations for each element in the mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerodynamic forces acting on a racing car will impact its handling, stability, and steering characteristics. Oversteering typically occurs in racing cars with a significant front-end downforce. In the process of racing, the car's attitude will change, causing a shift in the distribution of front and rear downforce. This, in turn, will impact the car's handling performance. Therefore, in this study, a set of aerodynamic devices with attitude-adaptive function linked to the suspension is designed to reduce aerodynamic attitude sensitivity. The range of the car's attitude changes, the adjustment ability of the front and rear flaps, and the reasonable matching relationship between different operating conditions and the attack angle of the front and rear flaps are confirmed. In this work, the matching relationship is achieved through the use of multiple groups of linkage mechanisms. The aerodynamic characteristics of the entire car are analyzed and simulated in the lap speed simulation. Results showed that the installation of the device reduces the center of pressure (CoP) movement during braking by 52%, the aerodynamic resistance of the entire racing car during acceleration by 19.5%, and the single lap time by 1.5%, while also inhibiting the generation of aerodynamic torque during roll. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the outcomes of children, adolescents and young adults with HIV reported as lost to follow‐up, correct mortality estimates for children, adolescents and young adults with HIV for unascertained outcomes in those loss to follow‐up (LTFU) based on tracing and linkage data separately using data from the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS in Southern Africa. Methods: We included data from two different populations of children, adolescents and young adults with HIV; (1) clinical data from children, adolescents and young adults with HIV aged ≤24 years from Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe; (2) clinical data from children, adolescents and young adults with HIV aged ≤14 years from the Western Cape (WC) in South Africa. Outcomes of patients lost to follow‐up were available from (1) a tracing study and (2) linkage to a health information exchange. For both populations, we compared six methods for correcting mortality estimates for all children, adolescents and young adults with HIV. Results: We found substantial variations of mortality estimates among children, adolescents and young adults with HIV reported as lost to follow‐up versus those retained in care. Ascertained mortality was higher among lost and traceable children, adolescents and young adults with HIV and lower among lost and linkable than those retained in care (mortality: 13.4% [traced] vs. 12.6% [retained‐other Southern Africa countries]; 3.4% [linked] vs. 9.4% [retained‐WC]). A high proportion of lost to follow‐up children, adolescents and young adults with HIV had self‐transferred (21.0% and 47.0%) in the traced and linked samples, respectively. The uncorrected method of non‐informative censoring yielded the lowest mortality estimates among all methods for both tracing (6.0%) and linkage (4.0%) approaches at 2 years from ART start. Among corrected methods using ascertained data, multiple imputation, incorporating ascertained data (MI(asc.)) and inverse probability weighting with logistic weights were most robust for the tracing approach. In contrast, for the linkage approach, MI(asc.) was the most robust. Conclusions: Our findings emphasise that lost to follow‐up is non‐ignorable and both tracing and linkage improved outcome ascertainment: tracing identified substantial mortality in those reported as lost to follow‐up, whereas linkage did not identify out‐of‐facility deaths, but showed that a large proportion of those reported as lost to follow‐up were self‐transfers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, based on network science, aims to contribute to overcoming its geometric and technological phases. The novelty consists in considering links of networks as linked by superimposed networks, termed here multiple superimposed soft networks (MSSN), which is introduced as a research issue. Such links of links (termed here as passive links) concern, for instance, correspondences, incompatibilities, and temporal synchronizations between the occurrences of pairs of active links of effective networks, such as those based on electrical and telecommunication. A possible constitutive mechanism of such passive linkage consists of linkage representations for practices and histories of use expressed by their validating statistical reoccurrences. We consider the possible emergent nature of the passive linkage. The reason for introducing the design and usage of MSSN properties as a research issue involves making new approaches to profile and manage networks available. Correspondence between active linkage and MSSN properties should be a matter for an experiential, machine-learning approach. Research issues relate their possible usage on the active linkage such as for classification, comparations, detection of criticalities, diagnosis, performance evaluation, and regulatory as weak forces. Furthermore, the possible identification of standard corresponding configurations of passive and active linkage is finalized to avoid their establishment or, conversely, in facilitating their establishment and keeping their replication in different contexts (or partially and in combinations) and identifying related standardized approaches (also for classes of configurations having significant levels of equivalence). This research project has methodological generalizing aspects of trans-disciplinarity. We conclude by mentioning related research issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When reading texts mentioning past currencies, especially those that were in use in Ottoman and British Palestine and the first decade of the State of Israel, historians often remain puzzled as to the relative value of former legal tenders in particular historical periods (i.e. what a specific sum of money could buy), and more so how to interpret the value of specific currencies between these and later periods. Such an interpretation is not only the interest of historians, because there is a practical need to verify sums in obsolete currencies, such as in agreements and laws, in today's money. Few experts are able to make even an inexact linkage from the Mandate period to present day Israel, while linkage from the Ottoman period remains too vague. The main aim of this article is to improve this situation by using applied history, to propose some rules of thumb for understanding the magnitude of such currencies, according to market values and/or laws, and to provide a provisional tool for linkage of former legal tenders – Ottoman Liras, Egyptian Pounds, British Pounds, Palestinian Pounds, Israeli Liras and old Shekels – to present monetary values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haseman-Elston regression (HE-reg) has been known as a classic tool for detecting an additive genetic variance component. However, in this study we find that HE-reg can capture GxE under certain conditions, so we derive and reinterpret the analytical solution of HE-reg. In the presence of GxE, it leads to a natural discrepancy between linkage and association results, the latter of which is not able to capture GxE if the environment is unknown. Considering linkage and association as symmetric designs, we investigate how the symmetry can and cannot hold in the absence and presence of GxE, and consequently we propose a pair of statistical tests, Symmetry Test I and Symmetry Test II, both of which can be tested using summary statistics. Test statistics, and their statistical power issues are also investigated for Symmetry Tests I and II. Increasing the number of sib pairs is important to improve statistical power for detecting GxE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Sociales (13159518) is the property of Revista de Ciencias Sociales de la Universidad del Zulia Venezuela 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.)

Admixture between populations and species is common in nature. Since the influx of new genetic material might be either facilitated or hindered by selection, variation in mixture proportions along the genome is expected in organisms undergoing recombination. Various graph-based models have been developed to better understand these evolutionary dynamics of population splits and mixtures. However, current models assume a single mixture rate for the entire genome and do not explicitly account for linkage. Here, we introduce TreeSwirl , a novel method for inferring branch lengths and locus-specific mixture proportions by using genome-wide allele frequency data, assuming that the admixture graph is known or has been inferred. TreeSwirl builds upon TreeMix that uses Gaussian processes to estimate the presence of gene flow between diverged populations. However, in contrast to TreeMix , our model infers locus-specific mixture proportions employing a hidden Markov model that accounts for linkage. Through simulated data, we demonstrate that TreeSwirl can accurately estimate locus-specific mixture proportions and handle complex demographic scenarios. It also outperforms related D - and f -statistics in terms of accuracy and sensitivity to detect introgressed loci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The opioid overdose crisis has continued to worsen, with a concomitant increase in serious injection-related infections, such as endocarditis and osteomyelitis. Usual care of these infections involves long-term intravenous antibiotics, typically administered via a peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) at home. In patients with a history of opioid use disorder who inject drugs, a PICC has long been viewed as a high-risk intervention that may contribute to illicit substance use due to ease of venous access; thus, providers are often uncomfortable discharging these patients home to complete their antibiotics. As a result, many patients remain hospitalized or are discharge to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in order to complete their antibiotics. Challenges to this model include difficulty finding SNFs that will accept these patients, inability for these SNFs to continue their medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and inability to coordinate care with outpatient MOUD providers at SNF discharge. This quality improvement project sought to increase linkage to outpatient MOUD on SNF discharge via a telephone intervention. A total of 11 patients qualified for this intervention. Although patients were still in an SNF, 4/7 (57.1%) of patients were successfully contacted. Once they were discharged from the SNF, only 3/10 (30.0%) of patients were successfully reached. Of those 30.0% who were contacted, all of them had attended their outpatient MOUD appointment. We suggest that future linkage interventions in this population may benefit from utilizing existing care team members to facilitate linkage, to maximize the rapport built during an inpatient stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) stands as one of the most prevalent chronic diseases globally, posing substantial health and economic burdens on society. Within the spectrum of T2D, familial cases emerge as a distinct entity characterized by a strong familial clustering of the disease. This phenomenon has long suggested that genetics contributes substantially to T2D susceptibility, motivating extensive research into the genetic determinants of familial T2D. Methods: We recruited 212 multigenerational Italian families with multiple cases of T2D. The families were genotyped using genomic array (≥ 600k) derived from the UK Biobank Axiom Array platform. Informative markers were tested via Pseudomarker for linkage to and linkage disequilibrium (i.e., linkage joint to association) with T2D across the following models: dominant with complete penetrance (D1), dominant with incomplete penetrance (D2), recessive with complete penetrance (R1), and recessive with incomplete penetrance (R2). Results: We identified a total of 566 variants reaching genome-wide significant (P

Background There is much value to be gained by linking clinical studies and (biosample-) collections that have been generated in the context of a clinical study. However, the linking problem is hard because usually no direct references between a clinical study and an associated collection are available. Methods The BBMRI-ERIC Directory and the ECRIN Metadata Repository (MDR), already include much of the information required to link clinical studies and related sample collections. In this study, we present the work performed to find and implement those links across existing corresponding records in the two systems. The linking process between MDR studies and related collections in the BBMRI-ERIC Directory started with exploring linkage in both directions – searching the BBMRI-ERIC Directory for candidate hits to try to link with MDR records, and searching the ECRIN MDR for candidate hits to try to link with Directory collections. Thereafter, a systematic search through the BBMRI-ERIC Directory was performed. Results The investigation of linkages in both directions resulted in a limited but promising number of linkages. The results of the systematic search of the Directory identified linkage of 202 studies, spanning 284 collections. Conclusions The analysis with existing data sources indicated that links between the BBMRI-ERIC and ECRIN collections exist, but also that they would be difficult to continuously identify and maintain without a great deal of manual work which neither organisation could support. The question arises whether, in the future, systems could be put into place to make the exchange of information and the linkage of identifiers almost automatic.

Abstract Background Tuberculosis (TB), a leading cause of infectious death, is curable when patients complete a course of multi-drug treatment. Because entry into the TB treatment cascade usually relies on symptomatic individuals seeking care, little is known about linkage to care and completion of treatment in people with subclinical TB identified through community-based screening. Methods Participants of the Vukuzazi study, a community-based survey that provided TB screening in the rural uMkhanyakude district of KwaZulu-Natal from May 2018 – March 2020, who had a positive sputum (GeneXpert or Mtb culture, microbiologically-confirmed TB) or a chest x-ray consistent with active TB (radiologically-suggested TB) were referred to the public health system. Telephonic follow-up surveys were conducted from May 2021 – January 2023 to assess linkage to care and treatment status. Linked electronic TB register data was accessed. We analyzed the effect of baseline HIV and symptom status (by WHO 4-symptom screen) on the TB treatment cascade. Results Seventy percent (122/174) of people with microbiologically-confirmed TB completed the telephonic survey. In this group, 84% (103/122) were asymptomatic and 46% (56/122) were people living with HIV (PLWH). By self-report, 98% (119/122) attended a healthcare facility after screening, 94% (115/122) started TB treatment and 93% (113/122) completed treatment. Analysis of electronic TB register data confirmed that 67% (116/174) of eligible individuals started TB treatment. Neither symptom status nor HIV status affected linkage to care. Among people with radiologically-suggested TB, 48% (153/318) completed the telephonic survey, of which 80% (122/153) were asymptomatic and 52% (79/153) were PLWH. By self-report, 75% (114/153) attended a healthcare facility after screening, 16% (24/153) started TB treatment and 14% (22/153) completed treatment. Nine percent (28/318) of eligible individuals had TB register data confirming that they started treatment. Conclusions Despite high rates of subclinical TB, most people diagnosed with microbiologically-confirmed TB after community-based screening were willing to link to care and complete TB treatment. Lower rates of linkage to care in people with radiologically-suggested TB highlight the importance of streamlined care pathways for this group. Clearer guidelines for the management of people who screen positive during community-based TB screening are needed.

Central Afar is shaped by the interaction between the Red Sea (RS) and Gulf of Aden (GoA) rifts. While there have been several studies conducted in the region, we know surprisingly little about the mechanism of connection between these two rift branches. Here we use high‐resolution 3D lithospheric scale geodynamic modeling to capture the evolution of linkage between the RS and GoA rifts in central Afar. Our results demonstrate that the two rifts initially overlap and interact across a broad zone of faulting and vertical axis block rotation. However, through time, rift overlap is abandoned in favor of direct linkage which generates a series of localized en‐echelon basins. The present‐day direct linkage between the two rifts is supported by geodetic observations. Our study reconciles previously proposed models for the RS and GoA rift connection by considering spatial and temporal evolution of the rifts. Plain Language Summary: Rifts are places where tectonic plates move away from each other. They normally start as short, isolated features, and then grow and connect together to eventually form oceans. Central Afar in East Africa is a great location to study how these rifts form and grow by connecting with other rifts. In this area, the Red Sea (RS) and Gulf of Aden (GoA) rifts interact, but it is not clear how this happened through time. Some studies suggest that the two rifts form an overlap zone where blocks within the overlap rotate, while others argue that the two rifts directly link and form a continuous rift zone. To resolve this debate, we conducted a high‐resolution computer simulation of the evolution of the RS and GoA rifts in central Afar. We compared our model results with earthquake positions and satellite data that constrain the present‐day motion of the plates. Our results demonstrate that the RS and GoA rifts first overlapped for a few millions of years, and then formed a direct linkage. Our study suggests that both conceptual models can be reconciled when we consider the temporal evolution of the two rifts through geological times. Key Points: Analyzing the spatiotemporal evolution of rifts can address the controversial issue on the connection between propagating riftsWe present results from InSAR and geodynamic models to describe the connection between Red Sea (RS) and Gulf of Aden (GoA) rifts in central AfarThe connection between the two rifts evolves from rift overlap to direct linkage elucidating the observed deformation in the region [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tuberculosis (TB), a leading cause of infectious death, is curable when patients complete a course of multi-drug treatment. Because entry into the TB treatment cascade usually relies on symptomatic individuals seeking care, little is known about linkage to care and completion of treatment in people with subclinical TB identified through community-based screening. Methods: Participants of the Vukuzazi study, a community-based survey that provided TB screening in the rural uMkhanyakude district of KwaZulu-Natal from May 2018 – March 2020, who had a positive sputum (GeneXpert or Mtb culture, microbiologically-confirmed TB) or a chest x-ray consistent with active TB (radiologically-suggested TB) were referred to the public health system. Telephonic follow-up surveys were conducted from May 2021 – January 2023 to assess linkage to care and treatment status. Linked electronic TB register data was accessed. We analyzed the effect of baseline HIV and symptom status (by WHO 4-symptom screen) on the TB treatment cascade. Results: Seventy percent (122/174) of people with microbiologically-confirmed TB completed the telephonic survey. In this group, 84% (103/122) were asymptomatic and 46% (56/122) were people living with HIV (PLWH). By self-report, 98% (119/122) attended a healthcare facility after screening, 94% (115/122) started TB treatment and 93% (113/122) completed treatment. Analysis of electronic TB register data confirmed that 67% (116/174) of eligible individuals started TB treatment. Neither symptom status nor HIV status affected linkage to care. Among people with radiologically-suggested TB, 48% (153/318) completed the telephonic survey, of which 80% (122/153) were asymptomatic and 52% (79/153) were PLWH. By self-report, 75% (114/153) attended a healthcare facility after screening, 16% (24/153) started TB treatment and 14% (22/153) completed treatment. Nine percent (28/318) of eligible individuals had TB register data confirming that they started treatment. Conclusions: Despite high rates of subclinical TB, most people diagnosed with microbiologically-confirmed TB after community-based screening were willing to link to care and complete TB treatment. Lower rates of linkage to care in people with radiologically-suggested TB highlight the importance of streamlined care pathways for this group. Clearer guidelines for the management of people who screen positive during community-based TB screening are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the functions of political parties have been extensively defined in the political science literature, it is still an open question whether citizens attribute the same roles to parties. Established theories of parties emphasize their linkage functions geared towards representation or effectiveness. This article investigates where citizens locate parties within these perspectives and whether their understanding of party functions is connected to their democratic values, preference for democratic institutions, and evaluations of the democratic systems. We base our exploratory investigation on original data from a survey run in the UK and Australia in 2020, which includes novel survey instruments measuring citizens' preferences for party behaviour. The findings show that citizens rate both representation and effectiveness highly and that their preferences are unrelated to their support for democracy. Significant effects of preferences for representative vs direct democracy and the evaluation of their country's democracy indicate that dissatisfied citizens are more likely to value representation. Importantly, we identify a large group of respondents who cannot choose between representation and effectiveness, which has theoretical and measurement implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyse the effect of HLA‐DPA1 and HLA‐DPB1 allelic mismatches on the outcomes of unrelated donor haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (URD‐HSCT), we collected 258 recipients with haematological disease who underwent HLA‐10/10 matched URD‐HSCT. HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1, ‐DQB1, ‐DRB3/4/5, ‐DQA1, ‐DPA1 and ‐DPB1 typing was performed for the donors and recipients using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technology. After excluding 8 cases with DQA1 or DRB3/4/5 mismatches, we included 250 cases with HLA‐14/14 matching for further analysis. Our results showed that the proportion of matched DPA1 and DPB1 alleles was only 10.4% (26/250). The remaining 89.6% of donors and recipients demonstrated DPA1 or DPB1 mismatch. In the DPA1 matched and DPB1 mismatched group, accounting for 18.8% (47/250) of the cohort, DPB1*02:01/DPB1*03:01 allelic mismatches were associated with decreased 2‐year OS and increased NRM. DPB1*02:02/DPB1*05:01 and DPB1*02:01/DPB1*05:01 mismatches showed no impact on outcomes. Moreover, the specific allelic mismatches observed were consistent with the DPB1 T‐cell epitope (TCE) classification as permissive and non‐permissive. We innovatively established an analysis method for DPA1 ~ DPB1 linkage mismatch for cases with both DPA1 and DPB1 mismatched, accounting for 70% (175/250) of the total. DPA1*02:02 ~ DPB1*05:01/DPA1*02:01 ~ DPB1*17:01 linkage mismatches were associated with lower 2‐year OS, especially among AML/MDS recipients. DPA1*02:02 ~ DPB1*05:01/DPA1*01:03 ~ DPB1*02:01 linkage mismatches showed no impact on outcomes. In conclusion, applying the DPA1 ~ DPB1 linkage mismatch analysis approach can identify different types of mismatches affecting transplant outcomes and provide valuable insight for selecting optimal donors for AML/MDS and ALL recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin and fixation of evolutionarily young genes is a fundamental question in evolutionary biology. However, understanding the origins of newly evolved genes arising de novo from noncoding genomic sequences is challenging. This is partly due to the low likelihood that several neutral or nearly neutral mutations fix prior to the appearance of an important novel molecular function. This issue is particularly exacerbated in large effective population sizes where the effect of drift is small. To address this problem, we propose a regulation-focused, cultivator model for de novo gene evolution. This cultivator-focused model posits that each step in a novel variant's evolutionary trajectory is driven by well-defined, selectively advantageous functions for the cultivator genes, rather than solely by the de novo genes, emphasizing the critical role of genome organization in the evolution of new genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-body systems, like robotic mechanisms, may frequently encounter impacts while interacting with the environment. These non-linear impacts are often modeled as instantaneous events using discretized time impulse-based approaches. Although, momentum and energy conservation laws are sufficient to determine a solution for frictionless single point impulse problems, additional assumptions are required to solve simultaneous impacts. We propose a novel method (called QPSIM) to solve such simultaneous collision problems in links connected by frictionless joints by generalizing the quadratic programming (QP) based simultaneous impact model for unconstrained rigid bodies presented in the work of Rakshit and Chatterjee [35]. Two constraint equations are derived, which when included in the QP problem, results in a solution containing both collision impulses as well as joint reaction impulses and impulsive moments. Additional constraints depicting the physical laws of contact mechanics are also used in the simultaneous impact problem. A generalized matrix based derivation of the constraints and the impact model is presented which is applicable to both closed-loop and open-chain mechanisms. The solution is formed by the impulse set that minimizes the system’s net change in kinetic energy. QPSIM does not require an impulse propagation sequence to be assumed and is a computationally efficient alternative to the modeling of collisions in a force-based domain. Results for simultaneous collision scenarios in two planar and one spatial mechanisms are presented in this paper. In addition, this method is applied to solve a simultaneous impact problem on a top-hammer drill machine which is often used in mines and quarries. Moreover, the results are compared with results obtained using Linear Complementarity and ADAMS software simulations. The results show that QPSIM never results in an increase in kinetic energy and is able to predict contact separation between bodies having zero pre-impact relative velocity of approach. The solutions also exhibit an acceptable correlation with ADAMS software simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) provide a molecular platform for designing a novel class of functional materials with well‐defined structures. A crucial structural parameter is the linkage, which dictates how knot and linker units are connected to form two‐dimensional polymers and layer frameworks, shaping ordered π‐array and porous architectures. However, the roles of linkage in the development of ordered π electronic structures and functions remain fundamental yet unresolved issues. Here we report the designed synthesis of COFs featuring four representative linkages: hydrazone, imine, azine, and C=C bonds, to elucidate their impacts on the evolution of π electronic structures and functions. Our observations revealed that the hydrazone linkage provides a non‐conjugated connection, while imine and azine allow partial π conjugation, and the C=C bond permits full π‐conjugation. Importantly, the linkage profoundly influences the control of π electronic structures and functions, unraveling its pivotal role in determining key electronic properties such as band gap, frontier energy levels, light absorption, luminescence, carrier density and mobility, and magnetic permeability. These findings highlight the significance of linkage chemistry in COFs and offer a general and transformative guidance for designing framework materials to achieve electronic functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To guide prevention and intervention efforts, the prevalence and impact of child sexual abuse (CSA) victimization among detained and incarcerated populations requires further examination, particularly with consideration of multi-type maltreatment experiences and sex-based variations. This longitudinal population-based study explores these relationships in an Australian birth cohort comprising all individuals born in Queensland in 1983 and 1984 (n = 82,409; 48.68% female). Data include all notified and substantiated harm(s) from child protection services (0 to 17 years), and sentences to youth detention and/or adult incarceration between ages 10 and 30. Findings indicate greater prevalence of CSA amongst detained/incarcerated individuals compared to the general population but emphasize the impact of cooccurring maltreatment (particularly neglect) on the likelihood of custodial outcomes. Important sex-based differences were noted in the intersection of CSA victimization and detention/incarceration. Findings reinforce the need for trauma-informed practices when working with custodial populations, particularly females, and highlight opportunities for prevention of detention/incarceration in at-risk populations, in line with a broader public health approach to child protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The present study investigates education-to-occupation linkage by race/ethnicity in the increasingly diverse educated workforce of the United States. We use a recently introduced linkage approach and identify two dimensions of linkage between educational credentials and occupation (vertical and horizontal linkage). Using data from the 2014 –2018 American Community Survey, we find notable differences in the total strength of education-occupation linkage by race/ethnicity. Highly-educated Black workers experience weaker vertical and horizontal linkage than their white counterparts; this is also true for Hispanic workers, though to a lesser extent. Ethnoracial differences in vertical linkage are stronger and more consistent than those in horizontal linkage. We decompose group differences in linkage strength and find that differences in occupational distributions and the composition-invariant structural component account for a large part of the overall difference in linkage strength. Separate analyses by degree levels show that, while the linkage is generally stronger for advanced degree holders than bachelor's degree holders, ethnoracial differences remain similar between the two groups of highly-educated workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article considers the Community Court of Justice (CCJ) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its linkage with the African Charter of Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR). No doubt when ECOWAS was established in 1975, the main objective was the economic integration of the sub-regional body. At the beginning, the CCJ was listed as one of the mandates of the economic bloc, but it was not until 1991 that the first Protocol which created the CCJ and which gives its composition and its functioning was adopted. The Revised Treaty of 1993 also provided for the establishment of the CCJ in its Article 15. The Protocol now makes references to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR) of the African Union (AU). Not only this, the Protocol also made reference to other international human rights instruments. The main objective of this work is to bring to fore that the jurisdiction of the CCJ is expansive and broad, and that the CCJ failed to utilise the expansive jurisdiction in the matter of the late President of Chad, Hissene Habre, against the Republic of Senegal, by ruling that the Senegalese court could not try him because this will violate the principle of non-retroactivity of penal law. This ruling led to the establishment of the Extraordinary African Chambers (a special criminal tribunal) that later tried Habre. Also, where it is appropriate and desirable, a comparison between, on the one hand, the CCJ and, on the other hand, African sub-regional courts and courts of international organisations will be made. It is also the contention of this article that the CCJ ought to have an Appeal Chambers, as a core international best practice. This work will adopt the doctrinal methodology and the data collection method is content analysis.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the traditional pedagogical educational system worldwide. The story of Pakistan is also not different from that of the rest of the world. Pakistan’s higher education institutes were closed for classes due to the outbreak. Some universities started the virtual education system, and it is critically important to assess the behavioral intentions of university students toward online education during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. This is the first study investigating students' responses to online education during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this purpose, an online survey was conducted to obtain the students' responses from the higher institutions providing online classes during COVID-19. The results were evaluated using multivariate analysis and descriptive statistics. It was observed that there is a significant difference between male and female students concerning the positive consequences of COVID-19 on students. According to the findings, the students' intentions for online education are more concerned with saving time to complete the degree program. Higher education institutions should also provide online educational opportunities to students besides traditional physical modes. Online educational interventions will be helpful for students during unavoidable circumstances like political instabilities, natural disasters, viral disease outbreaks, etc. to complete degrees and diplomas. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-SIED1-02 Full Text: PDF