Analysis Of Parameters Research Articles

Multivariate data analysis of process parameters affecting the growth and productivity of stable Chinese hamster ovary cell pools expressing SARS-CoV-2 spike protein as vaccine antigen in early process development.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic revealed an urgent need to develop robust cell culture platforms which can react rapidly to respond to this kind of global health issue. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) stable pools can be a vital alternative to quickly provide gram amounts of recombinant proteins required for early-phase clinical assays. In this study, we analyze early process development data of recombinant trimeric spike protein Cumate-inducible manufacturing platform utilizing CHO stable pool as a preferred production host across three different stirred-tank bioreactor scales (0.75, 1, and 10 L). The impact of cell passage number as an indicator of cell age, methionine sulfoximine (MSX) concentration as a selection pressure, and cell seeding density was investigated using stable pools expressing three variants of concern. Multivariate data analysis with principal component analysis and batch-wise unfolding technique was applied to evaluate the effect of critical process parameters on production variability and a random forest (RF) model was developed to forecast protein production. In order to further improve process understanding, the RF model was analyzed with Shapley value dependency plots so as to determine what ranges of variables were most associated with increased protein production. Increasing longevity, controlling lactate build-up, and altering pH deadband are considered promising approaches to improve overall culture outcomes. The results also demonstrated that these pools are in general stable expressing similar level of spike proteins up to cell passage 11 (~31 cell generations). This enables to expand enough cells required to seed large volume of 200-2000 L bioreactor.

Assessing performance in lithium-ion batteries recycling processes: A quantitative modeling perspective

In the shift toward sustainable energy solutions, the efficiency of lithium-ion battery (LIB) recycling within the supply chain is of paramount importance. This study evaluates the performance of LIB recycling processes by advancing a quantitative modeling approach. Through process simulations, a comprehensive assessment of pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical LIB recycling processes is presented by focusing on the key parameters that influence material recoveries and yields. Recycling efficiency indicators, accounting for the quantity and quality of recycled materials, are introduced and their dependence on the share of different battery chemistries and formats in the spent batteries feed is assessed via numerical simulations. A sensitivity analysis of process parameters identifies the unit operations mostly affecting the recycling performance, highlighting process criticalities. The model presented and its outcomes provide a valuable guide for stakeholders in the LIB industry, aiding informed decision-making to enhance sustainability and resource recovery in the ecosystem of electrochemical energy storage.

Effects of Hypopressive Abdominal Training on Ventilatory Capacity and Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Pelvic floor dysfunctions, associated with alterations in respiratory mechanics and, consequently, quality of life, are the cause of the most frequent gynecological problems. Pelvic floor muscle training emerges as a first-line treatment, with new approaches such as hypopressive exercises. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of an 8-week supervised training program of hypopressive exercises on the pelvic floor and its impact on improving the ventilatory mechanics and quality of life in women. Analysis of the spirometric parameters showed a significant main Group × Time effect for three parameters: the ratio of FEV1/FVC (p = 0.030), the forced expiratory flow at 75% of the expired vital capacity (p < 0.001), and the forced expiratory flow over the middle half of the forced vital capacity (p = 0.005). No statistical significance was found regarding the SF-12 questionnaire components; only differences were found over time in the physical role (p = 0.023), bodily pain (p = 0.001), and vitality (p < 0.010) domains and in the physical component summary score (p = 0.010). After an 8-week intervention of hypopressive exercises, an improvement in the ventilatory and pulmonary capacities can be observed.

Electrochemical Treatment for Real Hospital Wastewater and its Future Prospect

&lt;p&gt;Purpose: This study investigates the efficacy of electrochemical remediation techniques in treating hospital wastewater, focusing on parameters including turbidity, color, BOD, COD, DO, coliform, and E. coli. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study conducts a comprehensive analysis of various pollutant parameters, evaluating the impact of contact time on pollutant reduction. Electrochemical methods are explored for their potential in mitigating these parameters. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of electrochemical techniques in reducing a range of pollutant parameters, with significant reductions observed in turbidity (up to 99%), color (51%), BOD (99%), COD (60%), and microbial contaminants such as E. coli and coliform (up to 48%). Notably, the study reveals that higher voltage doesn't consistently result in superior performance. Limitations/Consequences of Research: While the study showcases promising results, certain limitations and challenges are acknowledged, including the need for further research to address these constraints and optimize electrochemical remediation processes. Practical Value: The study highlights the practical potential of electrochemical techniques as an effective means of wastewater treatment in hospital settings, offering insights into their application and benefits for environmental sustainability. Originality and Significance of Results: This research contributes novel insights into the application of electrochemical methods for hospital wastewater treatment, emphasizing their efficacy in reducing various pollutant parameters and providing a foundation for future research directions in this field.&lt;/p&gt;

Design and validation of a sampling module for a cyclonic wet-wall bioaerosol sampler using a computational fluid dynamics model

Pollen in the atmosphere is one of the common bioaerosol materials that can be harmful to human health. To collect and predict the pollen in the atmosphere, a sampling module of a cyclone wet-wall bioaerosol sampler was designed using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method and response surface method (RSM). The parabolic shape was chosen for the sampling module based on the axial and tangential velocities of flow in the module. Then, the main diameter of the sampling module was determined. The significance analysis of the main parameters of the sampling module on the capture rate was conducted using the Plackett-Burman (PB) design method. In descending order, the items are inlet width > outlet diameter > inlet height > base diameter > cone height > cylinder height > outlet pipe insertion depth. The test center point of Box-Behnken design (BBD) for the four significant parameters, namely inlet width, outlet diameter, inlet height, and cone height, were determined using the steepest climb test. Then, the optimal parameters of the sampling module were obtained using RSM and the optimal parameters were an inlet height of 15.4 mm, an inlet width of 5.4 mm, an outlet diameter of 14.7 mm, and a base diameter of 13.3 mm. Finally, the simulated capture rate of the sampling module was validated by the experimental results. The capture rate of the optimal sampling module for 2.5 μm PSL particles was 82.93 ± 4.25%. The results of this study can provide a practical method for designing the sampling module using the CFD model and RSM. Additionally, it can provide a high collection rate sampling module for pollen and bioaerosol in the environment.

Comparative characteristics of cervical sagittal balance parameters and atlantoaxial instability criteria in normal and Down syndrome children

BACKGROUND: Sagittal balance of the spine has received considerable development in recent years. However, most studies focused on the assessment of vertebral–pelvic parameters. The cervical spine has long received insufficient attention from researchers, but this trend has been changing. The study of cervical sagittal balance in children with Down syndrome is beneficial in approaching the preconditions of atlantoaxial instability. AIM: To perform a comparative analysis of cervical sagittal balance parameters and atlantoaxial instability criteria in normal and Down syndrome children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiographs of the cervical spine in the neutral position in lateral projection and postural radiographs of 110 pediatric patients were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (normal), 60 children aged 4–17 years without spinal pathology, and group 2 (Down syndrome), 50 children aged 4–17 years with Down syndrome. The parameters of cervical sagittal balance (Oc-C2, Oc-C7, C1-C2, C2-C7, C2-C7H, C7S, Th1S, TIA, NT) and criteria for atlantoaxial instability (Nakamura angle, ADI, SAC-C1, SAC-C1/SAC-C4) were obtained, and data was statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Significant differences in the parameters C7S, Th1S, and TIA increased in children with Down syndrome. These parameters are involved in cervical lordosis; however, no significant differences in cervical lordosis angles were found. Furthermore, significant differences were noted in the criteria of atlantoaxial instability ADI, SAC-C1, and SAC-C1/SAC-C4 toward their decreasing in children with Down syndrome. CONCLUSION: In patients with Down syndrome, the indices of cervical lordosis are statistically greater than those in normal children. Moreover, the parameters of cervical lordosis in patients with Down syndrome do not differ from those in normal children. Therefore, during flexion, subcompensation of the cervical spine is observed in children with Down syndrome. Given the statistically smaller indicators ADI, SAC-C1, SAC-C1/SAC-C4, low neck muscle tone, and ligamentous hypermobility, these abnormalities can be considered as congenital predisposition factors for atlantoaxial instability in children with Down syndrome.

Success predictors of decompressive surgical treatment for lumbar degenerative spinal canal stenosis

BACKGROUND: Decompressive surgical treatment for degenerative lumbar stenosis significantly improves patient clinical status. However, in some cases, patients are not satisfied with the outcomes. Various studies have examined clinical and morphological factors to improve the results of surgical interventions. AIM: To identify clinical and morphological predictors of the success of decompressive surgical interventions for lumbar degenerative stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 61 patients who underwent surgery for mono- and postsegmental lumbar degenerative stenosis. Clinical and demographic data and the stage of degenerative changes in the functional spinal unit and sagittal balance of the spine were assessed. The success of surgical treatment was defined as simultaneous compliance with three criteria after 6–18 months: achievement of MCID for ODI (≥12%), recalibration of the spinal canal at the level of intervention according to MRI data (Schizas regression to ≥1 stage), and improvement of the patient’s subjective feeling (4–5 on the Likert scale). Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of treatment outcome. RESULTS: A significant decrease in the intensity of pain syndrome (VAS in back and leg) and an improvement in the quality of life (ODI) after surgery (p 0.001) were found in all patients. In 73.8% of cases, the MCID threshold exceeded for ODI, whereas in 75.41%, patients were satisfied with surgical treatment. The success rate of surgical intervention was 65.57%. In one-factor regression analysis of clinical, demographic, and morphological parameters, the only independent predictor of surgical treatment was neuropathic pain before surgery according to the DN4 questionnaire (OR=1.52; p=0.011). CONCLUSION: Decompressive surgical treatment for degenerative lumbar stenosis is an effective treatment method, regardless of the extent and degree of degenerative changes in the spinal–motor segments and concomitant degenerative pathology, including disruption of sagittal balance. The predicting factor of the success of decompressive intervention is the severity of preoperative neuropathic pain.

Comparative life cycle assessment of landfill gas utilization in South Korea with parametric uncertainties

Landfill gas, a major contributor to global CH4 emissions, which have a much greater impact on global warming than CO2 does, is inevitable as a waste derivative. Upcycling landfill gas into value-added products is a powerful strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to use materials in a circular system. This study presents a full life cycle assessment of electricity produced using landfill gas at the Sudokwon landfill site, the largest case of landfill gas upcycling in South Korea. To ensure the representativeness of the results, we used statistical data to capture the technical and regional characteristics of the national market share as primary data. In addition, a parametric uncertainty analysis integrated with data quality assessment was conducted to reflect the temporal dynamics of landfills and enhance the reliability of this study. Our findings demonstrate that upcycling landfill gas into electricity is environmentally beneficial across sixteen impact categories compared with two baseline scenarios that do not involve landfill gas upcycling. The methodological approaches presented herein can address multifunctional challenges in waste treatment systems and improve the reliability of life cycle inventories.

Early age structural build-up and pore stability in raw foam at ambient conditions: Implications for the final properties of glass-ceramic foam

Alkali activation followed by foaming techniques is an effective method for glass-ceramic foam development where early-age reactions in the alkali-activated precursors and the foaming reaction happen simultaneously. Therefore, this early reaction stage must be clearly understood to control the pore characteristic in the glass-ceramic foams. However, correlations between early-age structural build-up and foaming stability and their consequences on the final properties of the sintered glass-ceramic foams have not been investigated. This research aims to examine this relationship. 80–95 wt % of waste glass and 5–20 wt % of slag were used as alkali-activated precursors in this research. Using the alkali activation and combined foaming technique, the raw glass foam was developed and hardened at ambient conditions. The early-age reactivity and structural build-up of the binder and foamed suspension were studied through the rheological parameter and chemical structure analysis over the hardening period. During the hardening process, the percolation effect and development of reaction gels contribute to network formation and stability of the foamed suspension. As the hardening time increases, the matrix strengthens, and the pores stabilise through crosslinking of the gels. After hardening, the raw glass foams were sintered and their properties were evaluated and correlated with early-age structural build-up in fresh glass foam. This study demonstrates that the early-age interaction during matrix development and the foaming process controls the pore stability, connected pore volume, and strength of the final glass-ceramic foams. By understanding these parameters, the properties and pore stability in final glass-ceramic foams can be controlled effectively.

Nonlinear thermoelastic wave propagation in general FGM sandwich rectangular plates

The present work is dedicated to investigating the thermoelastic wave propagation behavior of sandwich rectangular plates (SRP) made of functionally graded material (FGM). The main contribution lies in the partial modification of basic theoretical expressions and solution methods to improve the accuracy of practical system models. An analytical model with three types of general configurations is established. The porosity distribution in FGM layers depends on the degree of mixture of the constituent materials, with the FGM layers without porosity taken as a reference model. The effect of porosity within FGMs is addressed through a refined analytical formulation of material properties, and the temperature-dependent material properties of FGM sandwich structures (FGMSS) maintain continuity through the thickness. This improved framework introduces a porosity function encompassing three distinct structural and geometrical functions: the core-to-thickness ratio (CTR), porosity volume fraction (PVF), and porosity distribution function (PDF). It is worth mentioning that the theoretical expressions maintain good continuity and reliability under the influence of thermal conditions and system parameters of the proposed structures. Furthermore, considering the generation of thermal strain energy (TSE) caused by thermal expansion of the structure in the normal direction, an improved analytical approach for determining TSE in rectangular plate structures is then investigated by introducing the Green's nonlinear strain (GNS). Hamilton's principle is applied to derive the wave motion equations and analytical solutions for the wave dispersion relations are derived. Furthermore, accurate numerical simulation is performed and the solution is verified with data available in published resources. In addition, we present a systematic parametric analysis to examine the effects of porosity, configuration, power-law exponent (PLE), PVF, CTR, temperature, and wave number on the thermoelastic wave propagation behavior of FGMSRP.

Axial compression behavior of square steel tubes after artificial high-temperature cooling

This study focused on the impact of fires on steel-framed buildings and particularly emphasized the residual axial compression capacity of square steel tubes after fire suppression. To simulate fire conditions and observe the failure modes, high-temperature cooling experiments were conducted, residual axial compression capacity, and strain responses of the square steel tubes. The results demonstrated that the temperature and cooling methods significantly affected the residual strength. Below 700 °C, the residual axial compression capacity of the specimens cooled by water gradually decreased with the increasing temperatures, with a slight recovery at 900 °C. Conversely, as the temperature increased, the residual axial compression capacities of the specimens cooled with foam decreased. A simplified formula for calculating the residual axial compressive capacity of Q235 square steel tubes was proposed, and a finite-element model was established. This study utilizes simulation and parameter analysis to offer a framework for assessing the remaining axial compression capacity of Q235 square steel tubes after fire, providing valuable insights for their utilization in structural engineering and fire safety. This study aims to contribute to the reduction of economic losses and resource wastage caused by fires.

Predicting shear strength in UHPC beams through an innovative neural network with SHAP interpretation

Ultra-High performance concrete (UHPC) has garnered considerable attention in the construction industry due to its exceptional mechanical properties and durability. In the design of UHPC beams, accurately predicting shear strength is crucial. Inspired by the dense blocks in DenseNet, this paper proposes a novel neural network for predicting the shear strength of UHPC beams. A comprehensive database of UHPC beams was initially established through extensive literature data collection, amassing 619 experimental data samples. Preprocessing was subsequently conducted using mahalanobis distance (DM) to eliminate outliers. Subsequently, the database underwent detailed parameter analysis. In practical testing, the novel neural network model exhibited superior accuracy in predicting the shear strength of UHPC beams, surpassing traditional machine learning (ML) models and empirical formulas. Furthermore, it demonstrated excellent generalization capabilities, achieving an R2 value of 0.988 in the training set and 0.964 in the test set. The study introduced the shapley additive explanations (SHAP) method to conduct global and local interpretability analysis of the network model, demonstrating the contributions of each input parameter to the model predictions. Finally, based on this network model, a graphical user interface (GUI) was developed for researchers engaged in UHPC beam design, enabling users to easily input relevant parameters and obtain shear strength predictions. The findings of this study are expected to promote the application of ML models in predicting the complex nonlinear behavior of UHPC structures, providing strong support for engineering practice.

Modelling of energy harvesting with bendable concrete and surface-mounted PVDF

Abstract Polyvinyl alcohol fiber reinforced engineered cementitious composite (PVA-ECC) using piezoelectric polymer film has attracted significant interest due to its energy harvesting potential. This work provides a theoretical model for evaluating the energy harvesting of bendable Engineering Cementitious Composite (ECC) using surface-mounted polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). In the mechanical part, concrete damage plasticity (CDP) model based on the explicit dynamic analysis was utilized to simulate the dynamic flexural behavior of ECC beam under different dynamic loading rates. The mechanism of force transfer through the bond layer between the PVDF film and ECC specimen was simulated by a surface-surface sliding friction model wherein the PVDF film was simplified as shell element to reduce computational cost. Then, the electromechanical behavior of the piezoelectric film was simulated by a piezoelectric finite element model (FEM). A simplified model was also given for a quick calculation. The theoretical model was verified with the experimentally measured mechanical and electrical results from the literature. Finally, a parametric analysis of the effects of electromechanical parameters on the efficiency of energy harvesting was performed. The verified theoretical model can provide a useful tool for design and optimization of cementitious composite systems for energy harvesting application.&amp;#xD;

Effect of steel fibre with different orientations on mechanical properties of 3D-printed steel-fibre reinforced concrete: Mesoscale finite element analysis

It is widely recognized that steel fibres exhibit directional distribution during the preparation of 3D-printed steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC). The degree of fibre orientation varies due to several factors, such as nozzle size and layer height. This variation in fibre orientation range may result in different mechanical performance exhibited by 3D-printed SFRC at hardened state. To explore the relationship between steel fibre orientation and the mechanical properties of 3D-printed SFRC at hardened state, this study firstly establishes three-dimensional mesoscale finite element models based on the distribution of fibres in 3D-printed SFRC. The steel fibre and matrix work together through a mechanism for fluid-structure interaction between models. Then, compares the simulation results with experimental data to verify the accuracy of the models. After that, different steel fibre distribution orientations were set, and parametric analysis was conducted for the compressive and tensile loading conditions to explore the effects of fibre orientation on the damage mode and strength of 3D-printed SFRC. The results indicate that 3D-printed SFRC exhibits different damage modes with varying steel fibre orientation ranges. Additionally, the strength of 3D-printed SFRC varies in steel fibre orientation range and exhibits anisotropic characteristics. This study provides a theoretical basis for improving and controlling the performance of 3D-printed SFRC in future engineering applications.

Efficient mechanical modeling of sandwich panels with functionally graded lattice cores under thermal environments

3D-printed sandwich panels with functionally graded (FG) lattice cores have garnered widespread attention owing to their outstanding mechanical performance. However, the straightforward interplay between the service environment, strut structure, and their mechanical behavior has not been systematically explored. In this study, an analytical two-step prediction modeling is developed to efficiently obtain the mechanical response of 3D printed sandwich panels with FG lattice cores. Initially, the effective elastic moduli of FG lattice cores are identified based on finite element (FE) analysis. The stress and deformation of the core-homogenized sandwiches in thermal environments are predicted using the higher-order shear deformation theory. Subsequently, the de-homogenization is employed to calculate strut stresses. The prediction shows excellent agreement with the FE results in the literature. Furthermore, parametric analysis is performed to uncover the impact of crucial variables on the strut stresses within the FG lattice cores. The results show that the strut stress decreases with the increased transverse layer number and power index, while increasing with the higher ambient temperature, length-to-thickness ratio, and thermal expansion of the sandwich panels. The proposed model can serve as an efficient tool for the design and printing of high-performance lattice-core sandwich panels.

Progressive collapse resistance of local prestressed concrete sub-structures: Numerical analysis and theoretical verification

The local prestressed concrete (LPC) structure is a structural form that combines the prestressed concrete (PC) span with the common reinforced concrete (RC) span, with significant asymmetry. Currently, there is insufficient research on the progressive collapse resistance of LPC structures. To investigate the progressive collapse mechanism of LPC structures, a parametric analysis was conducted by using the finite element software OpenSEES. Based on the failure mode of LPC structures, the proposed method predicted the limit state by considering displacement coordination, force equilibrium, and the influence of the plastic hinge regions. The research showed that LPC structures exhibited a distinct transition action stage (TAS) between the compressive arch action stage (CAAS) and catenary action stage (CAS), which distinguished them from the symmetrical structures. Increasing the strand area could significantly improve the catenary action (CA) of the LPC structure and extend the TAS. Lengthening the PC part also improved CA and allowed the structure to progress into TAS and CAS earlier. By increasing the length of the RC part, the compressive arch action (CAA) could be strengthened, while the duration of CAAS was extended. The theoretical prediction method proposed in this study can effectively predict the ultimate displacement and ultimate resistance of LPC structures.

Fresh or frozen day 6 blastocyst transfer: is there still a question?

BackgroundThe Live Birth Rate (LBR) after day 5 (D5) blastocyst transfer is significantly higher than that with D6 embryos in both fresh and frozen-vitrified embryo transfer cycles, according to the most recently published meta-analyses. Therefore, for women obtaining only D6 blastocysts, the chances of pregnancy may be lower but nonetheless sufficient to warrant transferring such embryos. The best strategy for transfer (i.e., in fresh versus frozen cycles) remains unclear and there is a paucity of data on this subject.MethodsA total of 896 couples with D6 single blastocyst transfers were retrospectively analyzed: patients receiving a fresh D6 embryo transfer (Fresh D6 transfer group, n = 109) versus those receiving a frozen-thawed D6 embryo transfer (Frozen D6 transfer group, n = 787). A subgroup comprising a freeze-all cycle without any previous fresh or frozen D5 embryo transfers (Elective frozen D6, n = 77) was considered and also compared with the Fresh D6 transfer group. We compared LBR between these two groups. Correlation between D6 blastocyst morphology according to Gardner’s classification and live birth occurrence was also evaluated. Statistical analysis was carried out using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.ResultsThe LBR was significantly lower after a fresh D6 blastocyst transfer compared to the LBR with a frozen-thawed D6 blastocyst transfer [5.5% (6/109) vs. 12.5% (98/787), p = 0.034]. Comparison between LBR after Elective frozen D6 group to the Fresh D6 blastocyst transfers confirmed the superiority of frozen D6 blastocyst transfers. Statistical analysis of the blastocyst morphology parameters showed that both trophectoderm (TE) and inner cell mass (ICM) grades were significantly associated with the LBR after D6 embryo transfer (p < 0.001, p = 0.037). Multiple logistic regression revealed that frozen D6 thawed transfer was independently associated with a higher LBR compared with fresh D6 transfer (OR = 2.54; 95% CI: [1.05–6.17]; p = 0.038). Our results also show that transferring a good or top-quality D6 blastocyst increased the chances of a live birth by more than threefold.ConclusionsOur results indicate that transferring D6 blastocysts in frozen cycles improves the LBR, making it the best embryo transfer strategy for these slow-growing embryos.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

E063 Discussion of contraception and family planning in the lupus clinic

Abstract Background/Aims Females with a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Many medications used to treat SLE are teratogenic. Contraception counselling and discussion around family planning are essential to reduce pregnancy risks. This service evaluation aimed to evaluate the appropriateness of contraceptive advice given to females of childbearing age with SLE in accordance with international guidelines and assess patient adherence to recommendations provided. Methods A retrospective evaluation of electronic medical records was undertaken. All females with a diagnosis of SLE seen in the preceding 12 months were identified. Any who were menopausal or trying to conceive were excluded. Based on BSR and EULAR guidance, five standards relating to contraceptive advice were assessed, primarily focusing on frequency of contraceptive discussions and the level of adherence to recommendations provided. For analysis of the established parameters, patients were stratified into different clinic groups; tertiary lupus clinic, vs. general clinic and whether the consultation was clinician or nurse led. Results 42 females aged 16-55 were identified. 39/42 (93%) of patients had discussions regarding contraception and conception. 39/39 (100%) of females were recommended appropriate contraception methods. Only 3/42 (7.1%) received written information on family planning. Adherence to contraceptive advice was low. Only 10/39 (25.6%) of patients recommended non-barrier contraception were complying with advice. 29/42 (69%) patients were on teratogenic medication. 8/29 (27.6) were using long acting reversible contraceptives (LARC). Of those who were not, 2/29 (6.8%) were not sexually active, 1/29 (3.4%) relied on their partner’s vasectomy, 3/29 (10.3%) had alternative contraception preference and in 15/29 (51.7%) the reasons were unclear. Conception and family planning advice was given in all clinics, however those attending the tertiary lupus clinic were significantly more likely to receive follow up advice on contraception and conception advice compared to those attending general clinics (U = 44, P &amp;lt; 0.001). There was no difference between the frequency of nurse or clinician led advice. Conclusion Contraceptive advice in line with current guidelines is being delivered routinely in lupus clinics. There appears to be barriers to the uptake of LARC. To better understand this, exploration of patient experiences of contraception and conception discussions is underway. Disclosure K. Mashida: None. R. Benson: None. A. Redfern: None. C. Burton: None. Z. Mclaren: None.

The VELOCE modulation zoo I. Spectroscopic detection of non-radial modes in the first-overtone Cepheids BG Crucis, QZ Normae, V0391 Normae, and V0411 Lacertae

The photometric observations from the recent decade revolutionized our view on classical pulsators. Low-amplitude signals have been detected photometrically in addition to the dominant high-amplitude radial mode pulsations in many RR Lyrae stars and classical Cepheids. First-overtone pulsators with an additional low-amplitude signal at a period ratio of around 0.61 with the main mode, the so-called 0.61 stars, form the most populous group among these stars. The nature of this signal has been attributed to non-radial pulsations. Another mysterious group are stars in which the additional signal forms a period ratio of around 0.68. These are the 0.68 stars. The origin of the signal remains unknown. Here, we search for similar phenomena in spectroscopic observations of first-overtone classical Cepheids collected as part of the project. We performed a frequency analysis of several parameters derived from cross-correlation functions (CCFs), including radial velocity, the full width at half maximum, the bisector inverse span, and the CCF depth (contrast). Using standard pre-whitening, we searched for additional low-amplitude signals. We identified the location of these stars in various sequences of the Petersen diagram. We detect additional signals in four first-overtone classical Cepheids: BG Cru, QZ Nor, V0391 Nor, and V0411 Lac. We classified BG Cru, QZ Nor, and V0391 Nor as 0.61 stars based on their period ratios. V0411 Lac, however, exhibits a ratio of 0.68 between the two modes, and the additional signal has a longer period. This type of multi-periodicity remains unexplained. CCFs yield the first spectroscopic detections of non-radial pulsation modes in classical Cepheids. This opens an asteroseismic window for pursuing a more detailed understanding of these important stars. While the 0.61 signal of BG Cru, QZ Nor, and V0391 Nor is understood to originate from non-radial modes of moderate degrees, the 0.68 signal of V0411 Lac still lacks a physical explanation.

Zooplankton seasonal vertical migration in an optimality-based plankton ecosystem model

Abstract Several species from various zooplankton taxa perform seasonal vertical migrations (SVM) of typically several hundred meters between the surface layer and overwintering depths, particularly in high-latitude regions. We use OPtimality-based PLAnkton (OPPLA) ecosystem model) to simulate SVM behavior in zooplankton in the Labrador Sea. Zooplankton in OPPLA is a generic functional group without life cycle, which facilitates analyzing SVM evolutionary stability and interactions between SVM and the plankton ecosystem. A sensitivity analysis of SVM-related parameters reveals that SVM can amplify the seasonal variations of phytoplankton and zooplankton and enhance the reduction of summer surface nutrient concentrations. SVM is often explained as a strategy to reduce exposure to visual predators during winter. We find that species doing SVM can persist and even dominate the summer-time zooplankton community, even in the presence of Stayers, which have the same traits as the migrators, but do not perform SVM. The advantage of SVM depends strongly on the timing of the seasonal migrations, particularly the day of ascent. The presence of higher (visual) predators tends to suppress the Stayers in our simulations, whereas the SVM strategy can persist in the presence of non-migrating species even without higher predators.