Erratic Behaviors Research Articles

Long-term Dynamical Stability in the Outer Solar System. II. Detailed Secular Evolution of Four Large Regular and Resonant Trans-Neptunian Objects

The long-term evolution of the outer solar system is subject to the influence of the giant planets, however, perturbations from other massive bodies located in the region imprint secular signatures, which are discernible in long-term simulations. In this work, we performed an in-depth analysis of the evolution of massive objects Eris, 2015 KH162, Pluto, and 2010 EK139 (aka, Dziewanna), subject to perturbations from the giant planets and the 34 largest trans-Neptunian objects. We do this by analyzing 200, 1 Gyr long simulations with identical initial conditions, but requiring the numerical integrator to take different time steps for each realization. Despite the integrator’s robustness, each run’s results are surprisingly different, showing the limitations of individual realizations when studying the trans-Neptunian region due to its intrinsic chaotic nature. For each object, we find orbital variables with well-defined oscillations and limits, and others with surprisingly large variances and seemingly erratic behaviors. We found that 2015 KH162 is a nonresonant and very stable object that experiences only limited orbital excursions. Pluto is even more stable and we found a new underlying constraining mechanism for its orbit; 2010 EK139 is not well trapped in the 7:2 mean motion resonance in the long term and cannot be trapped simultaneously in von Zeipel–Lidov–Kozai resonance; and finally, we found that at present Eris’s longitude of perihelion is stationary, tightly librating around 190°, but unexpectedly loses its confinement, drifting away after 150 Myr, suggesting a missing element in our model.

Prediction of provincial Digital Economy Development Index based on grey combination forecasting model

PurposeIn many instances, the data exhibits periodic and trend characteristics. However, indices like the Digital Economy Development Index (DEDI), which pertains to science, technology, policy and economy, may occasionally display erratic behaviors due to external influences. Thus, to address the unique attributes of the digital economy, this study integrates the principle of information prioritization with nonlinear processing techniques to accurately forecast rapid and anomalous data.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed method utilizes the new information priority GM(1,1) model alongside an optimized BP neural network model achieved through the gradient descent technique (GD-BP). Initially, the provincial Digital Economic Development Index (DEDI) is derived using the entropy weight approach. Subsequently, the original GM(1,1) time response equation undergoes alteration of the initial value, and the time parameter is fine-tuned using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). Next, the GD-BP model addresses the residual error. Ultimately, the prediction outcome of the grey combination forecasting model (GCFM) is derived by merging the findings from both the NIPGM(1,1) model and the GD-BP approach.FindingsUsing the DEDI of Jiangsu Province as a case study, researchers demonstrate the effectiveness of the grey combination forecasting model. This model achieves a mean absolute percentage error of 0.33%, outperforming other forecasting methods.Research limitations/implicationsFirst of all, due to the limited data access, it is impossible to obtain a more comprehensive dataset related to the DEDI of Jiangsu Province. Secondly, according to the test results of the GCFM from 2011 to 2020 and the forecasting results from 2021 to 2023, it can be seen that the results of the GCFM are consistent with the actual development situation, but it cannot guarantee the correctness of the long-term forecasting, so the combination forecasting model is only suitable for short-term forecasting.Originality/valueThis article proposes a grey combination prediction model based on the principles of new information priority and nonlinear processing.

Leakage current induced erratic switching in Si avalanche bipolar junction transistors under overvoltage states

Due to the erratic switching phenomenon of the Si avalanche bipolar junction transistor (ABJT) in the Marx bank circuit (MBC), an explanation of the leakage current trigger mode in the overvoltage state with a lack of displacement current is proposed. There are random switching properties (i.e., switching or non-switching) in the ABJT with emitter–base shorted, triggered by a voltage ramp to the overvoltage state temporarily with dV/dt rate close to 0 V/ns. The experimental conditions and characteristics of erratic behaviors are summarized. The optical visualization of the current channel in an erratic switching state is obtained, and the corresponding physical model of the leakage current trigger mode is established. It shows that the switching event occurs with the change in the position of the conductive channel. The process of emitter electron injection is caused by the leakage current in the overvoltage state instead of the displacement current. Meanwhile, the intensity of this trigger mode is weak, and the instability of the leakage current may cause the failure of switching. The study of erratic switching is of great significance for the working reliability of MBCs and failure analysis of ABJTs. The proposed explanation is validated by the agreement between the simulation results and the experimental observations.

Subcutaneous administration of hydromorphone (0.2 mg/kg) provides antinociception in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo).

To evaluate antinociceptive efficacy of SC administration of hydromorphone hydrochloride and buprenorphine hydrochloride in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). 14 healthy adult ferrets (6 neutered males, 8 spayed females). In a randomized, blind, controlled, complete crossover design, all 14 ferrets received a single, SC injection of hydromorphone low dose (0.1 mg/kg), hydromorphone high dose (0.2 mg/kg), buprenorphine low dose (0.02 mg/kg), buprenorphine high dose (0.04 mg/kg), or saline solution (0.2 mL/kg). Sedation and forelimb withdrawal latency from a noxious thermal stimulation were evaluated, and behavior was recorded for a total of 8 hours postinjection. Compared to saline, administration of hydromorphone at 0.2 mg/kg resulted in an estimated increase of withdrawal latencies of 7.4 seconds (95% CI, 3.2 to 11.6) at 60 minutes, of 6.6 seconds (2.4 to 10.8) at 90 minutes, of 6.0 seconds (1.8 to 10.2) at 120 minutes, of 7.0 seconds (2.9 to 11.1) at 180 minutes, and of 4.5 seconds (0.5 to 8.6) at 240 minutes. These differences were statistically significant. Hydromorphone administered at a lower dose and buprenorphine at either dose did not increase withdrawal latencies compared to saline. Based on the sedation score used in this study, signs of sedation increased over time in a similar fashion with all treatments, including saline. Erratic dysphoric-like behaviors occurred in all groups except for saline. SC administration of hydromorphone at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg provided antinociception from 1 to 4 hours postinjection. Further validation of sedation scores in ferrets is warranted.

A data-driven control methodology applied to throttle valves

Electric throttle valves represent a challenge for control design, as their dynamics involves strong nonlinearities, characterized by an asymmetric hysteresis. Large variability in the characteristics of each valve and erratic steady-state behaviors can also be noticed by carrying out experiments on multiple valves, impairing classical model-based control strategies. Nevertheless, local data-driven linear models can be obtained by system identification, and simple proportional–integral (PI) digital controllers can be tuned individually for each valve, providing good tracking performance. As these controllers cannot be transposed from one valve to another, a robust control design is considered. Taking into account the variability of electric throttle valves, a real-time data-driven strategy is then proposed, using identification in closed-loop and controller re-design. This methodology is necessary if control performance is a key issue, and can be embedded on a low-cost controller board (Arduino® Mega 2560). Experimental results going from frequency analysis and linear design to real-time data-driven control illustrate the methodology presented in the paper.

Addition of clobazam successfully treating drug resistant seizures in Heidenhain variant Creutzfeldt Jakob disease: A case report

Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease (CJD) is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that is uncommonly accompanied with seizures. In this case report, we describe a 63-year-old male patient who presented with a 3-week history of visual disturbances and clonic movement of his left arm. Additionally, the patient was reported to have developed erratic behaviors along with insomnia during this period. An EEG showed 4 electrographic seizures of bilateral temporo-occipital onset characterized by 1.5Hz periodic discharges, lasting 2-13min. Levetiracetam was started and titrated to the maximal dose however seizures continued so lacosamide and clonazepam were initiated. Despite these aggressive treatments, seizures continued, and oral clobazam 5mg BID replaced clonazepam. Continued electrographic seizures warranted an increase in clobazam to 10mg BID after which the seizures stopped; of note, lateralized periodic discharges (LPDs) remained. The patient's symptoms were consistent with the Heidenhain variant, along with probable CJD due to positive RT-QuIC assay, positive 14-3-3 protein, MRI FLAIR hyperintensities, and EEG findings. Although the patient passed away 3weeks following admission as a result of CJD, we propose that there may be clinical benefit in the use of clobazam in suspected CJD patients presenting with seizures, and its use merits further investigation.

The Mental Health Syndrome Known as Alice in Wonderland - A Case Report

The Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (AIWS) is a rare neurological and psychiatric condition, represented as the appearance of disorienting perceptual disorder with occasional episodes of bizarre visual illusions and spatial distortions. It was first introduced by John Todd in 1955, based on the literary chronicles of the strange encounters described by Lewis Carroll in Alice in Wonderland books. A 30-year-old healthy male presented to the doctor’s office with left-sided headaches lasting 24 hours and preceded by an aura. During these auras, the patient was experiencing erratic behaviors consistent with the phenomena experienced by Alice, the main character in the world-famous story. He reported objects being larger and further away than they really were and his hands appearing smaller than they really were. Symptoms lasted up to 45 minutes. All clinical and diagnostic workups and evaluations were unremarkable, and the patient was treated for migraines with auras using Valproic Acid. During his follow-up at 3 months intervals, the patient continued with symptoms, and his medication dosage was increased. In his next follow-up three months later, he described having no more symptoms. AIWS has been found to be related to migraines with preceding auras. It is both common in pediatrics as well as in adults. I present an AIWS case co-existent with aura migraines.

Would CNS depressants cause paradoxical aggressive driving behaviors?

Aggressive driving consists of risky driving behaviors and traffic infractions performed with ill intent or disregard for other road users’ safety and associated with negative emotions like anger and frustration. Such behaviors may include tailgating, speeding, weaving through traffic, running red lights, and others. While evaluating the risk of drugs that decrease inhibitions or have central nervous system (CNS) stimulant effects like alcohol and cocaine for aggressive driving behaviors makes sense, doing the same with benzodiazepines and other CNS depressants may appear illogical since the drugs would have anti-aggressive effects, inducing sedation and stabilizing mood. However, unexpected aggressive/agitated episodes, albeit rarely, have been reported after the use of certain CNS depressants. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether CNS depressants may lead to paradoxical aggressive driving behaviors by reviewing case reports of suspected impaired drivers tested positive for CNS depressants other than ethanol. This research examined driving while intoxicated (DWI) or under the influence of drugs (DUID) cases submitted in 2019 and tested positive in blood for CNS depressants other than ethanol only (i.e., benzodiazepines, barbiturates, muscle relaxants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants). The blood samples were submitted by the Houston Police Department and were subsequently analyzed for alcohol and drugs by Houston Forensic Science Center and a reference laboratory. Toxicological findings, demographic information as well as driving behaviors and the standardized field sobriety test (SFST) observations of impairment described in the police reports were evaluated. Among 1214 DWI/DUID cases in which offense occurred in 2019 and blood samples were tested positive for one or more drugs, just 50 drivers were tested positive for CNS depressants only. Twenty-five drugs/metabolites were identified with benzodiazepines/metabolites being the most prevalent, in 72% of the 50 cases. The majority exhibited typical behaviors expected from CNS depressant use: 86% of the drivers had non-violent attitudes and 91% (39/43) showed horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN). All ( n = 35) showed one or more clues in Walk and Turn (WAT) and except 2, in One-leg Stand (OLS). Traffic incidents included weaving (22%), hitting an object or another vehicle (38%), stopping in a moving lane (18%). However, a few drivers exhibited agitation. Below are two case examples: – case 1: 58-year-old female driver failed to signal a lane change, accelerating away from the patrol car and yelling. When officers encountered the driver, she exhibited uncooperative and erratic behaviors. Officer could only administer HGN, and she showed 2/6 clues. Blood sample was positive for alprazolam at 13 ng/mL and meprobamate at 2.5 μg/mL; – case 2: 24-year-old female driver stopped in a moving lane of traffic. Upon officers approaching the vehicle, she began to speak to officers in an agitated voice. Officers observed the driver could not keep balance. SFST results included 4/6 HGN, 3/4 OLS, and 6/8 WAT clues. Blood sample was positive for alprazolam at 120 ng/mL and for zolpidem at 100 ng/mL; Considering a multitude of social, environmental, and biological factors that can influence one's driving performance, the findings should be taken with caution and alternative interpretations other than drug effects should be considered. The research confirmed that aggressive behaviors among CNS depressant positive drivers are rare and idiosyncratic. These case examples nonetheless demonstrated how different drugged driving behaviors can be and more research is needed to further clarify the association.

A comparative study of intelligent surveillance with big data: methods, strengths, weaknesses, and future directions

Various challenges in intelligent surveillance with big data have attracted researchers to propose and design methods and techniques to solve these challenges. These methods have become an important part of healthcare, education, travel, security, and geographic research in our cities. They can monitor vehicles, count people, predict the intensity of tropical cyclones and give advance warnings of erratic behaviors or actions. However, the expansion of complex scenarios and big video data produces many papers describing how this data can be processed, analyzed, saved, and retrieved faster. The progress of these new trends is insufficient for intelligent surveillance solutions with big data. Hence, this research covers the academic literature with a comparative study of intelligent surveillance methods with big data. The study identified 98 papers for review from 2017 to 2022, then only 22 of them were finally selected for comparison according to a set of inclusion criteria. The result obtained includes all major aspects of these methods, such as their methodologies, purposes, strengths, and future directions, over the past six years of research. The objective of this paper was achieved by practically investigating recent trends in intelligent surveillance and its sub-topics in our life, using big data analytics. I hope that this comparative study will be a challenge for researchers and graduate students to find the gaps faster and overcome the drawbacks of the current intelligent surveillance methods using complex scenarios.

Medication availability and economic barriers to adherence in asthma and COPD patients in low-resource settings

Inhaled medication is essential to control asthma and COPD, but availability and proper adherence are challenges in low-middle income countries (LMIC). Data on medication availability and adherence in Central Asia are lacking. We aimed to investigate the availability of respiratory medication and the extent of financially driven non-adherence in patients with COPD and asthma in Kyrgyzstan. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two regions of Kyrgyzstan. Patients with a physician- and spirometry confirmed diagnosis of asthma and/or COPD were included. The main outcomes were (1) availability of respiratory medication in hospitals and pharmacies, assessed by a survey, and (2) medication adherence, assessed by the Test of Adherence to Inhalers (TAI). Logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors for adherence. Of the 300 participants (COPD: 264; asthma: 36), 68.9% were buying respiratory medication out-of-pocket. Of all patients visiting the hospital, almost half reported medication not being available. In pharmacies, this was 8%. Poor adherence prevailed over intermediate and good adherence (80.7% vs. 12.0% and 7.3%, respectively). Deliberate and erratic non-adherence behavior patterns were the most frequent (89.7% and 88.0%), followed by an unconscious non-adherent behavioral pattern (31.3%). In total, 68.3% reported a financial reason as a barrier to proper adherence. Low BMI was the only factor significantly associated with good adherence. In this LMIC population, poor medication availability was common and 80% were poorly adherent. Erratic and deliberate non-adherent behaviors were the most common pattern and financial barriers play a role in over two-thirds of the population.

Estimation of Bearing Capacity of Strip Footing Rested on Bilayered Soil Profile Using FEM‐AI‐Coupled Techniques

In this research work, finite element method (FEM) and 2D Plaxis were employed to generate numerical values for bilayered soils bearing a strip footing of width B and depths, h and H, in order to predict the ultimate bearing capacity (UBC) of the strip footing underlain by layered soil profile. Several research works have tried to solve bearing capacity problems using limit equilibrium (LE) techniques. But, the LE techniques have limitations in terms of soil properties and profile arrangement. The need, however, for using constitutive models or numerical methods powered by FEM and discrete element method (DEM) has been on the rise due to the versatility and robustness of these techniques to accommodate erratic soil behaviors. Multiple numerical data were generated for the case under study and artificial intelligence (AI)‐based techniques; generalized reduced gradient (GRG), genetic programming (GP), artificial neural network (ANN), and evolutionary polynomial regression (EPR) were used to predict the UBC. In order to conduct the parametric analysis to investigate the effect of different soil layers, footing width and overburden pressure at foundation level on the ultimate bearing capacity sets of finite element models were prepared. This was executed using the following soil properties: soil type of top layer (from S1 to S6), soil type of bottom layer (from S1 to S6), strip footing width (B) (from 1.0 to 5.0 m), thickness of the top layer (h) (from 0.5 B to 1.0 B), overburden pressure (σ′v) (from 1.0 m to 3.0 m multiplied by the γ′t), and the parameters combination of each finite model in the set is randomly selected. The results of the FEM/Plaxis parametric study produced the 2D‐model, deformed shape, stress distribution, and plastic point (failure point) models. The loading produced appreciable deformation on both x‐ and y‐axes of the soil profile with the y‐axis showing a scattered failure configuration. The AI‐based prediction produced UBC equations which performed at over 90% accuracy with ANN (99.9%; 6.3%) outperforming other techniques followed by GRG, GP, and EPR.

Fracture roughness effects on slickwater proppant slurry settling attenuation

This study evaluates and quantifies fracture roughness effects on proppant particle settling in fractures utilizing coupled, resolved computational fluid dynamics (i.e., simulation of carrier fluid behavior) and the discrete element method (i.e., simulation of proppant particle behavior). This work focuses specifically on “slickwater” based proppant slurries. Rough fracture geometries are generated using a spectral-based algorithm with surficial roughness varied by adjusting fractal dimension and root-mean-square asperity heights descriptive parameters. This work also considers particle volumetric concentration and influence from flowing conditions on particle settling. Results indicate that the attenuation of quiescent settling rates is more pronounced in rough fractures as the aperture narrows. The degree of quiescent slurry settling attenuation corresponds to fractal dimension and root-mean-square asperity height values. A formulation to describe the average settling rate of quiescently settling slurries in rough fractures is proposed and evaluated. Fracture roughness causes erratic settling velocities of flowing slurries, with some cases having upward proppant velocity, specifically at narrow apertures at or below two times the particle size for the condtions considered in this work. The onset of this behavior is dependent on degree of roughness, with erratic velocities occurring at narrower relative apertures for smoother fractures compared to rougher fractures. Preferential flow pathways formed in rough fractures at narrower apertures, are noted to cause these erratic settling behaviors. The overall findings provide a greater understanding of particle settling behavior in rough rock fractures, aiding in the design process for fracture enhancement projects.

Owner-perceived behaviour in thoroughbred horses in secondary careers – A pilot study

With a substantial number of horses entering and leaving the racing industry annually, there is a need to develop techniques to improve the success of thoroughbreds transitioning into secondary careers. While studies focusing on horse wellbeing and traceability post racing are increasing, there is still a paucity of information in this area. Despite this knowledge gap, preconceived ideas that a majority of thoroughbreds display dangerous and erratic behaviors remains a point of contention in the equine industry. With ex-racehorses typically stereotyped by those outside the racing industry as possessing unsuitable temperaments leading to undesirable behaviors, questions often arise as to whether these characteristics may pose as a problem for thoroughbreds transitioning into alternate equine disciplines. The aim of this study was to investigate whether owner-perceived behavioral differences exist between thoroughbreds (i.e. horses typically bred for gallop racing) and horses bred for other disciplines in which thoroughbreds often enter as a secondary career. This information will help aid in the development and modification of programs seeking to place thoroughbreds into the most suitable careers upon racing retirement. Data were acquired through an online, internationally accessible owner questionnaire. Respondents provided basic information on their horse including breed, sex, year of birth and current discipline, along with owner-perceived information on their horse’s behavior. Analyses considered behavioral data on 313 horses, from multiple breeds, across four main disciplines; dressage, eventing, show jumping and recreational riding. Although significant differences (p < 0.05) in owner reported behavioral responses between thoroughbreds bred for gallop racing and horses bred for other disciplines were rare, where differences occurred, it was generally the thoroughbreds that were thought to behave more favorably. Thoroughbreds were perceived as more social and were reported as demonstrating higher levels of “self-control” compared to horses bred for other disciplines. This suggests that while potential behavioral distinctions can be made, the notion that thoroughbreds are unsuitable for certain equine disciplines based on their temperament and subsequent behavior is not supported.

An Improved Extended Kalman Filter for Radar Tracking of Satellite Trajectories

Nonlinear state estimation problem is an important and complex topic, especially for real-time applications with a highly nonlinear environment. This scenario concerns most aerospace applications, including satellite trajectories, whose high standards demand methods with matching performances. A very well-known framework to deal with state estimation is the Kalman Filters algorithms, whose success in engineering applications is mostly due to the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). Despite its popularity, the EKF presents several limitations, such as exhibiting poor convergence, erratic behaviors or even inadequate linearization when applied to highly nonlinear systems. To address those limitations, this paper suggests an improved Extended Kalman Filter (iEKF), where a new Jacobian matrix expansion point is recommended and a Frobenius norm of the cross-covariance matrix is suggested as a correction factor for the a priori estimates. The core idea is to maintain the EKF structure and simplicity but improve its accuracy. In this paper, two case studies are presented to endorse the proposed iEKF. In both case studies, the classic EKF and iEKF are implemented, and the obtained results are compared to show the performance improvement of the state estimation by the iEKF.

Analyzing the Impact of Spanish University Funding Policies on the Evolution of Their Performance: A Multi-Criteria Approach

The relationship between university performance and performance-based funding models has been a topic of debate for decades. Promoting performance-based funding models can create incentives for improving the educational and research effectiveness of universities, and consequently providing them with a competitive advantage over its competitors. Therefore, this paper studies how to measure the performance of a university through a mathematical multicriteria analysis and tries to link these results with certain university funding policies existing in the Spanish case. To this end, a reference point-based technique is used, which allows the consideration and aggregation of all the aspects regarded as relevant to assess university performance. The simple and easy way in which the information is provided by this technique makes it valuable for decision makers because of considering two aggregation scenarios: the fully compensatory scenario provides an idea of the overall performance, while the non-compensatory one detects possible improvement areas. This study is carried out in two stages. First, the main results of applying the proposed methodology to the performance analysis evolution of the largest three Spanish public university, over a period of five academic years, are described. Second, a discussion is carried out about some interesting features of the analysis proposed at regional level, and some policy messages are provided. The “intra” regions university performance analysis reveals some institutions with noteworthy behaviors, some with sustained trends throughout the analyzed period and other institutions with more erratic behaviors, within the same regional public university system despite having the identical funding model. However, the findings “inter” regions also reveal that only Catalonia has developed a true performance-based model, in theory and in practice, which has contributed to achieving excellent results at regional level in both teaching and research.

Quantifying the Effects of Diver Interactions on Manta Ray Behavior at Their Aggregation Sites

Manta rays (Mobula birostris, Mobula. cf. birostris, andMobula alfredi), the largest mobulid rays, are subjected to exploitation and overfishing in certain parts of the world. Tourism has been supported as a sustainable alternative for the conservation of the species, and a potential source of economic spillover to local populations. Nevertheless, the effects of tourism over these highly social animals remains unknown. Manta rays aggregate at three sites in Mexico: Oceanic manta rays (M. birostris)in The Revillagigedo Archipelago and Banderas Bay in the Pacific. Caribbean manta rays (M. cf. birostris) around Isla Contoy National Park in the Caribbean. We analyzed the behavior of manta rays using video data collected by local researchers and tourism operators to determine how diver behaviors and techniques (SCUBA and free diving) affect them. Diver activities were grouped into passive and active categories. We described 16 behaviors and grouped them into four behavioral states: Directional, erratic, attraction and evasion to divers. We modeled the sequence of behaviors exhibited by manta rays via first order Markov chains. Our models accounted for passive and active diver behavior when modeling the changes in manta behavior. Manta rays in Banderas Bay and Revillagigedo displayed a higher frequency of erratic behaviors than at Isla Contoy, while Banderas Bay manta rays transitioned to evasion behaviors more often. Manta rays responded similarly in both sites to active divers. At freediving sites, manta rays from Isla Contoy displayed evasion less frequently than at Banderas Bay. Changes in manta ray behavior were similar for both sites, but mantas in Banderas Bay transitioned to evasion more with active divers. The increased food availability for Isla Contoy manta rays could be the reason for the reduced response toward divers in this site. The existence of additional stressors such as both traffic in Banderas Bay could be causing the mantas in this site to respond more frequently to active divers. This study, the first of its kind in oceanic and Caribbean manta rays, highlights that regulations and the use of best practices are vital for achieving longer and less disturbing encounters for both manta rays and divers.

COMPOSICIÓN QUÍMICA-NUTRICIONAL DE REBROTES DE Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone DURANTE LA ESTACIÓN LLUVIOSA

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; The rainfall regime and its distribution define the productivity and quality of the pastures for use as forage. &lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; Evaluate changes in the chemical-mineral composition and nutritional value of &lt;em&gt;Cenchrus purpureus&lt;/em&gt; sprouts in the rainy season. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology:&lt;/strong&gt; A study was developed in a completely randomized design in factorial arrangement, with varieties of &lt;em&gt;C. purpureus&lt;/em&gt; (CT-601; 603 and 115 as control) at different regrowth ages (60, 80, 100 and 120 days) and their interaction 4 x 3, for a total of twelve treatments with four repetitions. &lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The second degree interaction affected the structural composition of the cell wall in leaves, increasing (P≤0.001) the fiber concentration in acid detergent (FAD) as the age of the plant advanced, while lignin (LAD), cellulose (Cel) and hemicellulose (Hcel) showed erratic behaviors at different ages in the three varieties (P≤0.001). In the whole plant (WP), the FAD and FND decreased (P≤0.001) as a function of the increase in age, LAD, Cel and Hcel showed the same pattern as in leaves, differing (P≤0.001) between varieties with respect to the control in the different ages. The highest &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; degradability’s of dry matter (IDDM) and organic (IDOM) in leaves were centered at the age of 60 days in the varieties CT-603 and 115, respectively, in WP at 100 days in CT-601 and 603 (P≤0.001) compared to CT-115. &lt;strong&gt;Implications:&lt;/strong&gt; The varieties CT-601 and CT-603 do not show affectations in the structure of the cell wall that affect the nutritional value with respect to the control treatment (variety CT-115). &lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Varieties, depending on DR, modify the structure of the cell wall, without affecting their nutritional value.&lt;/p&gt;

Combustion dynamics of large-scale wildfires

A fact often overlooked is that large-scale wildfires, although occurring infrequently, are responsible for the overwhelming majority of fire-related suppression costs, economic losses, and natural resources damages. Fortunately, the increasingly severe problems of large-scale wildfires worldwide have been receiving ever-growing academic attention. The high-intensity burning behaviors in wildfires stem from the significant interaction of combustion with heat transfer and atmospheric flow under complicated fuel, meteorology, and topography conditions. Therefore, mitigating measures against large-scale wildfire disasters have grown into a challenging research focus for combustion scientists. Research over the past century has resulted in incrementally enhanced insights into the mechanisms of combustion dynamics underlying the various erratic behaviors in large-scale wildfires, with theories and models of fire accelerations developed and validated. These advances are expected to improve the efficacy of large-scale wildfire predictions significantly. Nevertheless, the physical interpretation of the acceleration of large-scale wildfires is far from adequate and complete. This paper intends not to make a comprehensive review of the entire wildfire research field, but to depict an overall pattern of the essential factors that lead an initial small-scale spreading flame to a large-scale wildfire beyond control. It is outlined that the complicated transformation of fuel preheating mechanisms determines the growth of surface fire spread, while varied large-size flame fronts and unique spread modes induced in specific fire environments play an essential role in fire spread acceleration. Additionally, multiple fires burning and merging often act as crucial steps for accelerating surface fire spread, generating large-size flames, and triggering unique spread modes. These major potential factors strike the energy balance of a low-intensity wildfire and push it to a high-intensity state. Several issues regarding intensely burning behaviors in large-scale wildfires are selected for in-depth discussions, for which an overview of the progress and challenges in research is presented. It is concluded that the fundamental exploration targeted at developing application tools capable of dealing with large-scale wildfires remains at its early stages. Opportunities for innovation are abundant, yet systematic and long-term research programs are required.

Ecologies of Care for Serious Mental Illness in Uganda: a Scoping Review

Mental and substance use disorders are leading causes of disability worldwide. Yet only 10% of individuals globally receive treatment for such disorders, with an even higher treatment gap in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Serious mental illnesses (SMI), defined as a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorders resulting in serious functional impairment, primarily including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorder, remain misunderstood in countries with limited infrastructure (financial and human capital). This study explores the lived experiences, social ecologies, and political framework for the treatment of individuals living with serious mental illness in Uganda. This scoping review identified relevant publications using (1) a Boolean search, (2) manual screening of eligible publications, (3) identification of additional peer-reviewed articles and grey literature by hand searching the final list of included records, (4) thematic analysis and grounded theory to categorize studies into representative aspects of compiled literature, based on emerging themes of people with serious mental illnesses (PWSMI) ecologies, and (5) rigorous data extraction and analysis, guided by a comprehensive exclusion strategy for eligibility. The 41 eligible articles included aspects of prevalence, comorbidities, caregiver involvement, and treatment pathways (traditional healers, community healthcare workers, primary care clinics, and national referral hospitals) for PWSMI in Uganda. Due to a lack of community mental health literacy, there are barriers to accessing high-quality, holistic mental healthcare for afflicted individuals. People seek care wherever they can find it, and if they believe their symptoms align with the treatment modalities. For example, beliefs in spirit possession may lead a PWSMI to visit the neighborhood traditional healer before the more distant national referral hospital. Research further illustrated a direct link between the aforementioned ecologies and a decreased quality of life in caregivers due to the economic loss, erratic behaviors of the afflicted, and the strain of caring for PWSMI when interfacing with allopathic medicine. Stock-outs in health facilities and limited human resources cause overburdened health systems and the utilization of less efficacious psychotropic medications inconsistently. Additionally, misdiagnoses are common due to the lack of service oversight, and PWSMI often endure severe untreated side-effects from both traditional and allopathic medicine providers. While this study outlines the current pathways to care, there is room for improvement, including lessons for improving mental health policy and the implementation of appropriate community-based mental health practices. PWSMI are often left with low-quality choices to access care. This study suggests that, by critically analyzing community needs and complimentary programs, the livelihoods of people with serious mental illness and their caregivers can be vastly improved. Although PWSMI struggle with mental, physical, and social concerns, they are largely undervalued in the Ugandan context and isolated from society. Their pathways to recovery are wrought with frustrating encounters with peers and painful side-effects of treatment.

Orienting Cellulose Nanocrystal Functionalities Tunes the Wettability of Water-Cast Films.

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-based materials display apparently erratic wetting behaviors with contact angle (CA) variations as large as 30° from sample to sample. This work hypothesizes that it is the orientation of CNC amphiphilic functionalities at the interface with air that causes the variability in CA. By exploiting relationships with the Hansen solubility parameter theory, a set of surface tension parameters is proposed for both the polar and the non-polar surfaces of cellulose Iβ nanocrystals. These coefficients elucidate the wettability of CNC materials by establishing a correlation between the wetting properties of the air/sample interface and its chemical composition in terms of non-polar moieties. Advancing/receding CA experiments suggest that, while spin-coating CNC suspensions yield purely polar films, oven-casting them produces amphiphilic surfaces. We proposed a mechanism where the state of dispersion (individual or agglomerated) in which CNCs reach the air/water interface during casting is the determining factor: while individual nanocrystals find it more stable to orient their non-polar surfaces toward the interface, the aspect ratio of CNC agglomerates favors an orientation of their polar surfaces. This represents the first compelling evidence of CNC orientation at an interface and can be applied to Pickering emulsions and nanocomposites and to the production of CNC materials with tuned wettability.