Fast Changes Research Articles

Limits on the evolutionary rates of biological traits

This paper focuses on the maximum speed at which biological evolution can occur. I derive inequalities that limit the rate of evolutionary processes driven by natural selection, mutations, or genetic drift. These rate limits link the variability in a population to evolutionary rates. In particular, high variances in the fitness of a population and of a quantitative trait allow for fast changes in the trait’s average. In contrast, low variability makes a trait less susceptible to random changes due to genetic drift. The results in this article generalize Fisher’s fundamental theorem of natural selection to dynamics that allow for mutations and genetic drift, via trade-off relations that constrain the evolutionary rates of arbitrary traits. The rate limits can be used to probe questions in various evolutionary biology and ecology settings. They apply, for instance, to trait dynamics within or across species or to the evolution of bacteria strains. They apply to any quantitative trait, e.g., from species’ weights to the lengths of DNA strands.

Understanding the depolarization phenomena in (1−x) Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3. (x) Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.90Zr0.10O3 solid solutions using in-situ temperature dependent Raman spectroscopy

A decrease in depolarization temperature (T d) from 456 K to 352 K was observed with an increase in BCZT substitution in the NBT for the (1−x) Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3. (x) Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.90Zr0.10O3 solid solutions. A transition towards a higher ergodic state was elucidated with an increase in BCZT content that helped to reduce the free energy barrier, hence lesser thermal energy was required to depolarize the modified systems. Furthermore, a decrease in remnant polarization and coercive field, coupled with an increase in energy storage (W stored) and efficiency (η%) with higher BCZT content. In-situ temperature-dependent Raman spectra provide additional insights, highlighting the faster changes in phonon shifts and lifetimes corresponding to the A–O, B–O, and BO6 vibrations around the depolarization temperature (T d). The observed phase transformation to a P4bm phase at temperatures significantly higher than T d is substantiated by Raman shift and phonon lifetime variations in the modes associated with the A–O and B–O vibrations. The transitions can be understood as: at T ∼ T d the polar nano regions (PNRs) start to appear due to weakening of bonds, T > T d all the long-range ferroelectric domains transform to PNRs converting the material to a fully ergodic state, and at much higher temperatures (T ≫ T d) the R3c PNRs vanish and P4bm PNRs appear.

Probing the universe's expansion dynamics: The linear correction scenario perspective on dark energy

In this study, we investigate the cosmological evolution of the universe, focusing on the KMMS models in a model-independent approach, particularly the scenario involving linear correction, given by E2(z)=A(z)+β(1+γB(z)), where A(z)=Ωm0(1+z)3 and B(z)=z. By analyzing recent Cosmic Chronometers (CC) and the Pantheon+ samples, we determine the best-fit values of model parameters using a Markov chain Monte Carlo analysis. Our models exhibit unique dynamics, transitioning from super-exponential to exponential expansion, with a significant shift at redshift zt=0.83−0.10+0.11 and present deceleration parameter q0=−0.69−0.17+0.17. The jerk parameter exceeds 1, indicating a faster change in acceleration than predicted by ΛCDM. The energy density parameter is consistent with Planck observations, and the dark sector evolution follows the expected thermal history. The EoS parameter approaches ωde=−1 over time, with a current value of ωde0=−1.06±0.12, aligning with the phantom phase. Our model presents a new dark energy alternative, emphasizing the importance of considering models like KMMS in understanding cosmic evolution.

Normal-to-Supercooled Liquid Transition in Molecular Glass-Formers: A Hidden Structural Transformation Fuelled by Conformational Interconversion.

Molecular dynamics and transport coefficients change significantly around the so-called Arrhenius crossover in glass-forming systems. In this article, we revisit the dynamic processes occurring in a glass-forming macrocyclic crown thiaether MeBzS2O above its glass transition, revealing two crossover temperatures: TB at 309 and TA at 333 K. We identify the second one as the Arrhenius crossover that is closely related to the normal-to-supercooled liquid transition in this compound. We show that the transformation occurring at this point goes far beyond molecular dynamics (where the temperature dependence of structural relaxation times changes its character from activation-like to super-Arrhenius), being reflected also in the internal structure and diffraction pattern. In this respect, we found a twofold local organization of the nearest-neighbor molecules via weak van der Waals forces, without the formation of any medium-range order or mesophases. The nearest surrounding of each molecule evolves structurally in time due to the ongoing fast conformational changes. We identify several conformers of MeBzS2O, demonstrating that its lowest-energy conformation is preferred mainly at lower temperatures, i.e., in the supercooled liquid state. Its increased prevalence modifies locally the short-range intermolecular order and promotes vitrification. Consequently, we indicate that the Arrhenius transition is fuelled rather by conformational changes in this glass-forming macrocyclic crown thiaether, which is a different scenario from the so-far existing concepts. Our studies combine broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS), X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Fast Changes in Food Retailing Due to the Impact of COVID-19

Fast Changes in Food Retailing Due to the Impact of COVID-19

DEM investigation on flow instability of particulate assemblies under coupling between volumetric and axial strains

The discrete element method (DEM) is employed to investigate the impact of coupling between volumetric and axial strains on the flow liquefaction vulnerability of 3D cubic particulate specimens. The virtual testing program conducted here encompasses a wide range of initial states and varying degrees of coupling between volumetric and axial strains. Utilizing data obtained from DEM simulations, the evolution of micro- and macroscale variables, including coordination number, contact fabric anisotropy, redundancy index, strong force networks, invariants of the effective stress tensor, and excess pore-water pressure, is examined. Results from DEM tests indicate that coupling expansive volumetric strain with axial strain leads to a gradual loosening of the load bearing microstructure, a decrease in coordination number, and a faster change in contact anisotropy. DEM simulations demonstrate that the triggering of flow liquefaction instability is followed by a sudden increase in contact fabric anisotropy and abrupt drops in coordination number and redundancy index. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the findings suggests that the stress ratio at the onset of post-peak softening decreases with increasing expansive volumetric strains.

Remission of Type-2 Diabetes on Plant Based Diet

The incidence of diabetes has amplified worldwide, but health outcomes have not improved significantly. Anti-hyperglycemic medications are often accompanied by weight gain, hypoglycemia, and risk of cardiovascular events. Most diabetics are suggested a “low carb diet” as a nutritional strategy but the results short-termed and often unsustainable in most cases. Aim: This case report depicts the effectiveness of a personalized nutritional intervention program focused on Whole Food Plant Based Diet (WFPBD) and Intermittent Fasting (IF) in reducing blood glucose, body weight, waist circumference, without any pharmacological treatment. Methods: We present a case of a personalized nutritional intervention program of a 47-year-old diabetic female, weighing 86kg, measuring 168cm (BMI 30.5), with waist circumference of 43 inches. Her pre-intervention glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was 12.5%, post prandial glucose (PPG) was 342mg/dl, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) was 250mg/dl. Besides following a WFPBD, the patient was advised to do intermittent fasts of 14 hours, starting from about 6 pm in the evening and extending till about 8 am the next morning. The primary measures were changes in HbA1c, fasting and postprandial glucose levels, body weight, waist circumference, and BMI. Results: Nutritional intervention brought substantial improvements in several health parameters of the patient. Post-intervention, the patient was able to achieve an HbA1c of 6.40%, average FBG of 113mg/dl, average PPG of 127mg/dl, body weight of 74kg, BMI of 26.2, and waist circumference of 37 inches. Conclusions: The results suggest that a personalized dietary modification program combining WFPBD and IF can significantly improve metabolic health and potentially reverse T2D without the need for pharmacological treatment.

Designing the user interface of a ventilator under the constraints of a pandemic

Abstract This paper reports on the design of the GUI component of the PV1000, a fully-functional, cost-efficient pandemic ventilator developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our main objective in designing the user interface was to expose the rich features of the ventilator, which are on-par with many commercial medical devices, through an interface that is simple to use even by medical staff with little prior experience with ventilators. We present an agile development process which is intended to address the fast changing and potentially unclear requirements of a pandemic. This is to address the specific situation where domain experts as well as specific hardware have shortages, resulting in recurring changes in requirements. This occurs in conjunction with the collaboration of developers, not all of whom are familiar with the development of medical devices. Despite the pandemic situation, we have made a deliberate decision to use existing software engineering tools such as continuous integration. Additionally, we are employing a multi-platform development framework in order to utilise the resulting advantages, for example, if there are changes in requirements. We present and discuss the system, hardware and software architecture of the components that allow users to interact with the device. The focus here is on the dynamic generation of parts of the software architecture, which enables rapid adaptation to changing conditions on the part of the software. The user interface is evaluated through a user survey, where the majority of participants describe the interface as clear and intuitive. The entire ventilator was evaluated in one animal trial and fortunately never had to be used on humans. The next step is to convert the setup into an open source project that can be used as a research platform for ventilators.

Steady-state Visual Evoked Potentials Reveal Dynamic (Re)allocation of Spatial Attention during Maintenance and Utilization of Visual Working Memory.

Visual working memory (VWM) allows storing goal-relevant information to guide future behavior. Prior work suggests that VWM is spatially organized and relies on spatial attention directed toward locations at which memory items were encoded, even if location is task-irrelevant. Importantly, attention often needs to be dynamically redistributed between locations, for example, in preparation for an upcoming probe. Very little is known about how attentional resources are distributed between multiple locations during a VWM task and even less about the dynamic changes governing such attentional shifts over time. This is largely due to the inability to use behavioral outcomes to reveal fast dynamic changes within trials. We here demonstrated that EEG steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) successfully track the dynamic allocation of spatial attention during a VWM task. Participants were presented with to-be-memorized gratings and distractors at two distinct locations, tagged with flickering discs. This allowed us to dynamically track attention allocated to memory and distractor items via their coupling with space by quantifying the amplitude and coherence of SSVEP responses in the EEG signal to flickering stimuli at the former memory and distractor locations. SSVEP responses did not differ between memory and distractor locations during early maintenance. However, shortly before probe comparison, we observed a decrease in SSVEP coherence over distractor locations indicative of a reallocation of spatial attentional resources. RTs were shorter when preceded by stronger decreases in SSVEP coherence at distractor locations, likely reflecting attentional shifts from the distractor to the probe or memory location. We demonstrate that SSVEPs can inform about dynamic processes in VWM, even if location does not have to be reported by participants. This finding not only supports the notion of a spatially organized VWM but also reveals that SSVEPs betray a dynamic prioritization process of working memory items and locations over time that is directly predictive of memory performance.

Research on the vehicle lane-changing decision-making system in complex traffic environments

In order to ensure the safety of vehicles changing lanes, there should be a certain degree of interaction and dynamics between vehicles on the way. In this paper, the problems of non-interactive road information and imprecise path planning are investigated. Through the research of the road condition decision-making system, autonomous lane-changing assistance system and intelligent traffic system, vehicle wireless networking technology, vehicle-road cooperation technology, and lane-changing decision-making and planning technology are used to increase the frequency of information interaction between vehicles and the external environment in order to realize information interaction between vehicles and collaborative driving. In this paper, simulation experiments of vehicle lane-changing are carried out by using MATLAB Simulink and compared with other research models. The results show that the lane change planning data based on the road condition decision system is more accurate, which leads to fast lane change driving in complex traffic scenarios.

Fundamental Measurement of Adhesion Characteristics of a Scaled Roller Rig Device to Emulate Fast Change of Adhesion for Evaluating Railway Traction Control Performance

Fundamental Measurement of Adhesion Characteristics of a Scaled Roller Rig Device to Emulate Fast Change of Adhesion for Evaluating Railway Traction Control Performance

Trajectory of increased iceberg kill-off in West Antarctica’s shallows

Compared with low latitude coasts, many polar latitudes are still little impacted by intense and direct anthropogenic stressors. Climate forcing is now bringing rapid physical change to nearshore polar realms. In the shallow coastal waters adjacent to the United Kingdom's Rothera Research Station in the West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP), 225 seabed markers at 5-25 m depth have been surveyed and replaced every year from 2002-2023 (75 markers at each of 5, 10 and 25 m). This is one of the longest continuously running marine disturbance experiments in the world, in one of Earth's fastest changing environments. Different categories of sea ice are recorded (including when the sea surface freezes into fast ice) at Rothera since the 1980s, and losses of marine ice in both polar regions are one of the striking responses to a warming planet1. Five to ten years of seabed marker hit rate data (marker broken or moved) showed that reduced sea ice cover is correlated with disturbance and mortality on the seabed2,3.

4C SKILLS OF THE 21ST CENTURY: THEIR NATURE AND IMPORTANCE IN PRIMARY SCHOOL LEARNING

21st century skills absolutely must be taught at all levels of education, especially elementary schools, because students have experienced very fast changing times. Elementary school students are automatically involved in becoming part of 21st century society. Therefore, 21st century 4C skills, namely Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity and innovation should be taught at all levels of elementary school classes according to the development and needs of students . The aim of the study is to describe the nature of 21st century skills and the importance of their application in elementary schools. The research method used is literature study. The data sources in this study were examined from various reading sources such as books and journal articles. This method is carried out so that this journal article can provide relevant and reliable information based on data sources and provide a clear picture of 21st Century 4C skills in elementary schools. The results of this study indicate that teaching 21st century skills is a necessity for every school to form skilled students in 21st century society. The learning objectives are so that students are familiar with good communication, cooperate in a compact manner, are critical of problems and are able to solve them, and are critical and innovative in their work produce new goods.

Cyclotron and linear accelerator generated scanning proton beams for lung cancer SBRT: Interplay effects and mitigations.

Pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy for moving targets is known to be impacted by interplay effects between the scanning beam and organ motion. While respiratory motion in the thoracic region is the major cause for organ motion, interplay effects depend on the delivery characteristics of proton accelerators. To evaluate the impact of different types of PBS proton accelerators and spot sizes on interplay effects, mitigations, and plan quality for Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Twenty NSCLC patients treated with photon SBRT were selected to represent varying tumor volumes and respiratory motion amplitudes (median: 0.6cm with abdominal compression) for this retrospective study. For each patient, plans were created using: (1) cyclotron-generated proton beams (CPB) with spot sizes of σ=2.7-7.0mm; (2) linear accelerator proton beams (LPB) (σ=2.9-5.5mm); and (3) linear accelerator proton minibeams (LPMB) (σ=0.9-3.9mm). The energy switching time is one second for CPB, and 0.005 s for LPMB and LPB. Plans were robustly optimized on the gross tumor volume (GTV) using each individual phase of four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) scans. Initially, single-field optimization (SFO) plans were evaluated; if the plan quality did not meet the dosimetric requirement, multi-field optimization (MFO) was used. MFO plans were created for all patients for comparisons. For each patient, all plans were normalized to have the same dose received by 99% of the GTV. Interplay effects were evaluated by computing the dose on 10 breathing phases, based on the spot distribution. Volumetric repainting (VR) was performed 2-6 times for each plan. We compared volume receiving 100% of the prescribed dose (V100%RX) of the GTV, and normal lung V20Gy. Twelve of 20 plans can be optimized sufficiently with SFO. SFO plans were less sensitive to the interplay effect compared to MFO plans in terms of target coverage for both LPB and LPMB. The following comparisons showed results utilizing the MFO technique. In the interplay evaluation without repainting, the mean V100%RX of the GTV were 99.42±0.6%, 97.52±3.9%, and 94.49±7.3% for CPB, LPB, and LPMB plans, respectively. Following VR (2 × for CPB; 3 × for LPB; 5 × for LPMB), V100%RX of the GTV were improved (on average) by 0.13%, 1.84%, and 4.63%, respectively, achieving the acceptance criteria of V100%RX>95%. Because of fast energy switch in linear accelerator proton machines, the delivery time for VR plans was the lowest for LPB plans, while delivery time for LPMB was on average 1 min longer than CPB plans. The advantage of small spot machines was better sparing in normal lung V20Gy, even when VR was applied. In the absence of repainting, proton machines with large spot sizes generated more robust plans against interplay effects. The number of VR increased with decreasing spot sizes to achieve the acceptance criteria. VR improved the plan robustness against interplay effects for modalities with small spot sizes and fast energy changes, preserving the low dose sparing aspect of the LPMB, even when motion is included.

Dynamics of Citizenship in the Era of Globalization: Challenges and Opportunities

In the era of globalization like now this all something experience dynamics and development towards digital, incl citizenship in Indonesia. Globalization be marked with exists dependency and openness between one country to another . Anxiety digital citizenship in the industrial era 4.0 is proof that rate globalization accelerated by digital technology and making all over the world increasingly connected . Utilization development of the digital world in context citizenship is one of way that can be done as effort answer identical developments over time with progress technology information . Study This aim For know challenges and opportunities for the country in the Industrial Era 4.0 and knowing developments over time with increasingly technology progress and develop. Method used in study This is study literature (library research ). This study using secondary data form journal scientific, results study as well as books and other relevant sources. Data analysis techniques used covers three stages that is organizing, synthesizing, and identifying. Research result this show that openness information and global connectivity creates challenge new, esp related with digital citizenship and participation political via online platforms. Challenge the involve complexity in respond fast change technology, protection privacy in digital space, and adaptation identity national in face current globalization is not limited. However, in the middle dynamics this is also available opportunity significant for utilise technology as means For increase participation citizen for protect privacy , and building identity strong national.

Geographical distribution of COVID-19 infection across Saudi Arabia

Background. Saudi Arabia, a large country in terms of population size and geographical area, is divided into administrative areas and governorates. It has metropolises, cities (large, medium sized, and small), towns, villages and rural neighborhoods, classifiable into well equipped, rapidly expanding, and others. The COVID-19 epidemics spread all over the country with differentials in infection rates, percentages, and affected persons, alongside daily increases. This analysis, focused on administrative areas, aimed to comprehend the spread and escalation of the epidemic, in addition to highlighting the distribution of the infected population with a special emphasis on geographical spread and seasonal variations. Materials and methods. This analysis of data compiled from COVID-19 daily reports published by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health considers into account administrative areas and localities (neighborhoods) to demonstrate the distribution of spread, increase in infection, and the proportion of population infected between March 21, 2020 and May 4, 2023. Results. A large majority of the infected cases were reported in three major administrative areas including Riyadh, Makkah, and the Eastern Region. Other regions had a smaller number of infected cases. However, some locations, especially medium-sized upcoming towns and neighborhoods experienced greater number of people seriously affected at a rapid pace, with seasonal differentials, in medium sized upcoming cities — the governorate headquarters and promising future cities, apart from the major cities. Conclusions. COVID-19 spread in the country followed a certain regional pattern. Beyond the populous administrative areas, upcoming cities in fast changing areas had a high impact. Thus, having a categorization of major, medium or low spread is necessary. Such detailing of COVID-19 infection would be useful not only to develop combating strategies but also to create epidemic and emergency preparedness.

Decoupled incremental nonlinear dynamic inversion control for aircraft autonomous landing with ground-effect

Due to motion coupling and increased model dependence, the use of nonlinear controllers in real-time applications for aircraft is extremely constrained. This explains why proportional, derivative, and integral (PID) controls are frequently used in practice. However, fast changes in the commanded path and the requirement for high accuracy and tracking performance limit use of PID in landing. This paper presents a design of a decoupled incremental nonlinear dynamic inversion (INDI) controller for performing autonomous landing of a fixed-wing aircraft. The investigation is carried out using the ground effect model and is compared without it. A carrot chasing guidance algorithm is implemented for waypoint navigation to generate the command for the proposed controller's outer loop. The navigational state estimate issue has been resolved using the Cubature Kalman Filter (CKF) approach. Two decoupled CKF algorithms named complementary Cubature Kalman Filter (CCKF) and Integrated Cubature Kalman Filter (I-CKF) are proposed to estimate aircraft navigational states comprised of attitudes, navigational position in terms of latitude, longitude altitudes, and North-East-down velocities. The mathematical model for flare and approach trajectory is designed and commanded to follow the same by the proposed INDI controller. The effectiveness of INDI have been evaluated in a simulation environment by landing the aircraft in the same runway position at arbitrary wind conditions. The performance of the proposed INDI controller is juxtaposed with a conventional proportional integrator and derivative (PID) based landing controller. The simulation findings demonstrate that the INDI has a competitive edge over traditional PID approaches due to its robust performance, less dependence on model dynamics, and fast command tracking capability required during the flare phase.

Determinants of Telemedicine Service Use Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Germany During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

The occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic demanded fast changes in the delivery of health care. As a result, significant growth in the use of telemedicine services occurred. Research, especially from nationally representative German samples, is needed to better understand determinants of telemedicine use. The purpose of this study was to identify determinants of telemedicine service use among middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Cross-sectional, nationally representative data were taken from the German sample of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). The German Corona Survey 2 (n=2039), which was conducted between June and August 2021, was used for this study. Reporting experience with remote medical consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic served as the outcome measure. Associations with socioeconomic, psychological, social, health-related, and COVID-19-related determinants were examined using multiple Firth logistic regressions. Psychological factors including feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge (odds ratio [OR] 1.61, 95% CI 1.04-2.50; P=.03), feeling sad or depressed (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.05-2.51; P=.03) and feelings of loneliness (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.07-2.58; P=.02) were positively associated with telemedicine use. Moreover, forgoing medical treatment because of being afraid of being infected by SARS-CoV-2 (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.10-2.97; P=.02) and describing limitations because of a health problem as severe were positively associated with the outcome (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.12-4.00; P=.02). Socioeconomic and social factors were not significantly associated with telemedicine use in our sample. Middle-aged and older individuals in Germany seem to use telemedicine services according to psychological needs and health limitations. Especially when psychological symptoms are experienced, telemedicine seems to be a promising service option in this age group. Future research is needed to confirm these initial findings in postpandemic circumstances.

β-Cell Function, Incretin Effect, and Glucose Kinetics in Response to a Mixed Meal in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Treated With Dapagliflozin Plus Saxagliptin.

To explore the complementary effects of a combination of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors added to metformin on hormonal and metabolic responses to meal ingestion. Forty-five patients (age 58 ± 8 years; HbA1c 58 ± 6 mmol/mol; BMI 30.7 ± 3.2 kg/m2) with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled with metformin were evaluated at baseline and 3 and 28 days after 5 mg saxagliptin (SAXA), 10 mg dapagliflozin (DAPA), or 5 mg saxagliptin plus 10 mg dapagliflozin (SAXA+DAPA) using a mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT) spiked with dual-tracer glucose to assess glucose metabolism, insulin secretion, and sensitivity. At day 3, fasting and mean MMTT glucose levels were lower with SAXA+DAPA (-31.1 ± 1.6 and -91.5 ± 12.4 mg/dL) than with SAXA (-7.1 ± 2.1 and -53 ± 10.5 mg/dL) or DAPA (-17.0 ± 1.1 and -42.6 ± 10.0 mg/dL, respectively; P < 0.001). Insulin secretion rate (SAXA+DAPA +75%; SAXA +11%; DAPA +3%) and insulin sensitivity (+2.2 ± 1.7, +0.4 ± 0.7, and +0.4 ± 0.4 mg ⋅ kg-1⋅ min-1, respectively) improved with SAXA+DAPA (P < 0.007). Mean glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) was higher with SAXA+DAPA than with SAXA or DAPA. Fasting glucagon increased with DAPA and SAXA+DAPA but not with SAXA. Fasting endogenous glucose production (EGP) increased with SAXA+DAPA and DAPA. During MMTT, EGP suppression was greater (48%) with SAXA+DAPA (vs. SAXA 44%; P = 0.02 or DAPA 34%; P = 0.2). Metabolic clearance rate of glucose (MCRglu) increased more with SAXA+DAPA. At week 4, insulin secretion rate, β-cell glucose sensitivity, and insulin sensitivity had further increased in the SAXA+DAPA group (P = 0.02), with no additional changes in GLP-1, glucagon, fasting or MMTT EGP, or MCRglu. SAXA+DAPA provided superior glycemic control compared with DAPA or SAXA, with improved β-cell function, insulin sensitivity, GLP-1 availability, and glucose clearance.

Political action in planetary times: Extinction activism, Anthropocene ontopolitics, indigenous complexities

This paper brings the narratives of the environmental activist groups Extinction Rebellion, Just Stop Oil and Fridays for Future into conversation with Critical Anthropocene Theory and Indigenous environmentalism to interrogate pathways for and limits of environmental political action under planetary conditions marked by nonhuman shaping power. Critical Anthropocene Theory, the paper argues, can problematise the simplistic positivism and managerialism of the new ‘extinction activism’. However, the conversation with Indigenous environmental practices, which flexibly manage tensions within human-nonhuman relations and centre radical social impact, reveals the political limitations of both extinction activism and critical Anthropocene thinking. The paper distinguishes the logic of fast change within existing socio-political parameters, which drives extinction activism, from Critical Anthropocene Theory's focus on ontological change as a precondition for a non-exploitative environmental politics, which deprioritises activist practice. Different from both, the paper argues that Indigenous environmental activism is marked by a yet different pragmatic approach, where both modern and non-modern political means are mobilised towards radical change. Indigenous environmentalism is marked by the dynamic co-evolution of cosmology and politics and moves flexibly between modern/nonmodern boundaries, highlighting new pathways for political action in the relational Anthropocene.