High Variability Research Articles

Assessing coastal zooplankton in the St. Lawrence estuary: spatio-temporal patterns of taxonomic and functional biodiversity.

Biodiversity assessment promotes information on the state of an ecosystem. Zooplankton, as a sentinel group at the basis of aquatic food webs, are, thus, an important component to monitor for ecosystem conservation and management. For the first time, we characterized biodiversity of coastal zooplankton along the shallow Northern shoreline of the lower St. Lawrence estuary (LSLE) using an integrated taxonomic and trait-based approach. For 3 years (2019-2021), in July and October, the zooplankton community and environmental parameters were sampled at < 35m depth. Mesozooplankton were identified at the lowest possible taxonomic level and assigned functional traits. Community structure and diversities revealed high spatio-temporal variations among three different geographic sectors and between seasons, mainly driven by water temperature, Chlorophyll-a concentration and less by salinity. Hotspots of taxonomic and functional diversities occurred in different sectors in the same month, underlining the complementarity of the two approaches. Seasonal shifts in functional diversity hotspots highlight how environmental variability affects biodiversity beyond taxonomic metrics alone. The results of our study in the LSLE establish a first robust baseline to improve our understanding of zooplankton dynamics in the coastal LSLE, to allow future tracking of ongoing change due to the increase of anthropogenic activities and climate changes and to support future monitoring efforts.

Place character and workforce housing policy frames

ABSTRACT Affordable housing policy has shifted from government-sponsored to primarily market led, leading to the potential for high variation in policies across places. Despite this, many municipalities have trended toward workforce housing as a policy frame to provide housing for those who cannot afford market rate housing but who do not qualify for government subsidies. In this paper, we use place character – the confluence of political, economic, social, and infrastructural conditions that shape and are shaped by meaning and action – to explain how workforce housing policy is framed at the local level in ways that contribute to the policy’s path dependency. We draw upon the case of a zoning change in a small city in the United States that enables the rezoning of land to allow for the conversion of hotels/motels into affordable housing units. We found that municipal officials and property stakeholders exploited place character to frame affordable housing policy as “workforce housing” in ways that engaged localized conditions and discourses to garner community support. These findings provide insight into how housing policies and practices become path dependent through municipal proceedings, despite social, political, and economic heterogeneity at the local level.

Does seasonal variation in the corticosterone response affect the nutritional ecology of a free-ranging lizard?

Challenging events in the environment that are both predictable (e.g. seasonal patterns in breeding activities) and unpredictable (e.g. predator encounter) are known to induce a glucocorticoid response that facilitates metabolic requirements during the challenge. Given its role in mobilizing energy, glucocorticoid levels can influence the nutritional ecology of an individual by shifting dietary intake or retention patterns, but this relationship has not been tested in free-ranging vertebrates. Using a tropical lizard species (Psammophilus dorsalis) as a model system, we tested whether the elemental composition of dietary intake and excretion (faecal samples) varies with stress-induced corticosterone levels in males and females across different seasons. From free-ranging lizards in the wild, we measured levels of stress-induced corticosterone and glucose in blood and determined diet composition from gut-flushing. Elemental composition of the diet was determined by analysing the carbon and nitrogen content of identified prey Orders caught from the wild. We also collected faecal samples and estimated their elemental composition. We found that stress-induced corticosterone levels varied across seasons, with the lowest levels during the breeding season for both males and females. Despite high variation in corticosterone responsiveness, lizards did not shift the elemental composition of their diets and maintained an intake carbon:nitrogen ratio of 4.56. We did, however, find a negative correlation between stress-induced corticosterone levels and faecal elemental composition, suggesting selective retention of both carbon and nitrogen in individuals that have higher corticosterone responsiveness. This study highlights the interplay between corticosterone responsiveness and nutritional ecology, challenging the existing links in literature and illustrating how free-ranging animals, such as lizards, adjust the elemental composition of excretion and not dietary intakes as a potential strategy to modulate natural physiological and ecological challenges.

Arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse: beyond valve geometry, traction forces quantification

Abstract Introduction Arrhythmic Mitral Valve Prolapse (AMVP) constitutes a subgroup of Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) patients who, without necessarily having significant insufficiency, exhibit an increased risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmias (VA). Although this entity has recently gained significant attention in the scientific community, its pathophysiology and phenotypic characterization remain not completely elucidated. It has been postulated that leaflet displacement increases tension on the papillary muscles (PM), causing excessive superior traction. This may serve as the trigger for VA and, over time, lead to localized myocardial remodeling and subsequent fibrosis at the level of PM and left ventricle (LV) basal inferolateral wall, which is seen in this population. We believe we can identify and quantify this mechanism using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Therefore, we could define high-risk patterns for VA in this population before they occur. Purpose The aim of the study was to describe mitral valve (MV) geometry and quantify traction forces (TF) using TTE in patients with benign MVP and AMVP, and to compare these parameters between these two populations. Methods This retrospective observational study included 22 patients, 18 with benign MVP and 8 with AMVP. MV geometry and TF were measured using TTE. MVP was defined as the displacement of one or both leaflets ≥ 2 mm above the mitral annulus (MA) plane in parasternal long-axis view, and AMVP as MVP combined with frequent or complex VA. Patients with significant mitral regurgitation were excluded to eliminate its potential modifying effect on TF. Clinical variables were obtained from electronic medical records. LV parameters and MV geometry were measured by TTE, and TF were quantified as the variation in distance between the PM and MA from proto to mesosystole in apical 3 chamber view. Results Clinical characteristics and echocardiographic measurements are presented in the Table. The groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, LV dimension, function, and Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS). As expected, the AMVP group exhibited more symptoms, pathological ECG findings, and abnormal Holter results. In terms of MV geometry, the AMVP group had larger prolapsing area and height, with predominantly bileaflet involvement. Mitral annular disjunction (MAD) was also significantly more frequent in this group. Regarding TF quantification, the AMVP group showed greater PM-MA distance in protosystole and a higher variation in this distance between proto- and mesosystole compared to the benign MVP group. Conclusion These results support the hypothesis that AMVP patients exhibit significantly higher TF during systole. While larger clinical trials are needed to reach firm conclusions, this parameter could constitute a new measurable characteristic of this population, contributing to phenotypic characterization and early identification of AMVP, potentially before the occurrence of a fatal event.

P-1056. Association of High-Risk Clones Of P. aeruginosa With MBLs Poses Heightened Treatment Challenge, however there is a Silver Lining

Abstract Background Globally, ‘high-risk’ clones of P. aeruginosa continue to pose treatment challenges. These clones, in addition to intrinsic non-enzymatic β-lactam resistance mechanisms such as hyper-expressing efflux and down-regulated porins, have been acquiring broad-spectrum β-lactamases including carbapenemases. In India, recent reports indicate that most of carbapenem-resistant isolates carry MBLs in particular NDMs. However, genomic characterization of such isolates is lacking and therefore their relatedness to internationally circulating high-risk clones is not known. Herein, we have genomically characterized 35 P. aeruginosa index isolates collected from hospitalised patients including admitted at our intensive care unit in 2022 - 2024. We also determined their susceptibility to cefepime/zidebactam (Phase 3-stage) and other newer BL/BLIs, for both serine and MBL-producing Gram-negative bacteria. Methods The index P. aeruginosa pathogens were isolated from sputum, tracheal secretion, blood and drain fluid and identified by Vitek 2 (one isolate per patient). The whole genome of these isolates were sequenced (WGS) using HiSeq (Illumina 6000 platform). Susceptibilities to cefepime/zidebactam and other antibiotics were determined by reference broth micro-dilution MIC method according to CLSI M07-A11, 2018. Results WGS revealed existence of 9 distinct multi-locus sequence types (ST), a high clonal variation despite isolates belonged to a single centre (Figure 1). Among them, 3 were international high-risk clones and nearly half of the isolated belonged to these 3 STs. Three MBL types, NDM, VIM and DIM were detected and none of the isolates carried serine carbapenemase. Mutations were noted in genes encoding efflux and impermeability. Susceptibilities to aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones were &amp;lt; 30%. Except 5, all isolates were resistant to carbapenems. There was a 100% susceptibility to cefepime/zidebactam Conclusion WGS analysis showed multiplicity of resistance mechanisms including MBLs in high-risk clones thus severely limiting treatment options. Investigational antibiotic cefepime/zidebactam may be a potential treatment option for infections caused by such isolates. In India VIM was the most common Carbapenemase resistance is being replaced by MBL(NDM) Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Effect of coatings on the tribological performance of engine valve train: A review

Coatings play a crucial role in engine valve train components, reducing friction and wear to enhance engine efficiency and longevity. Common coatings in internal combustion engines include Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) and Hard coatings, all of which improve tribological performance. These coatings are vital for valve trains, which face high stress and temperature variations. Deposition techniques like Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), and Plasma-Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (PACVD) influence coating performance. DLC coatings, often metalloid-doped, are noted for their low friction and high hardness. Hard coatings excel in wear resistance and friction reduction. This review brings together experimental findings on tribological coatings for engine valve train components, focusing on materials, deposition methods, testing conditions, and performance metrics. It highlights the best coatings for reducing wear and friction, ultimately enhancing the performance of internal combustion engines. Among the coatings evaluated, Chromium Nitride with Tungsten Carbide/Carbon (CrN + WC/C) stood out. This coating significantly reduced friction torque at low to moderate rotational speeds (with reductions of 20%–30% at 800 rpm and 1400 rpm) and maintained this reduction at high speeds (30% reduction at 2000 rpm). Additionally, under high load conditions, the CrN + WC/C coating achieved a remarkable 75% reduction in mean friction torque (reducing it from 4 to 1 Nm at both 800 and 2000 rpm). These tests were conducted using SAE 10W-30 oil at 80°C. The consistent performance of CrN + WC/C across varied conditions makes it the superior choice. CrN + WC/C coatings optimize the efficiency and longevity of valve train components by reducing friction, wear, and maintenance needs, significantly enhancing engine system reliability.

Satellite-Based Assessment of Snow Dynamics and Climatic Drivers in the Changbai Mountain Region (2001–2022)

Changbai Mountain is located in China’s northeastern seasonal stable snow zone and is a high-latitude water tower. The changes in snow cover have a great influence on the hydrological process and ecological balance. This study quantitatively analyzed the spatio-temporal variation in snow cover in the Changbai Mountain region and its driving factors based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. To improve the accuracy of snow cover analysis, a simple cloud removal algorithm was applied, and the locally optimal NDSI threshold was investigated. The results showed that the snow-covered area (SCA) in the Changbai Mountain region exhibited strong seasonality, with the largest SCA found in January. The SCA during the winter season showed an insignificant increasing trend (83.88km2) from 2001 to 2022. The variability in SCA observed from November to the following March has progressively decreased in recent years. The snow cover days (SCD) showed high spatial variation, with areas with decreased and increased SCD mainly found in the southern and northern regions, respectively. It was also revealed that temperature is the primary hydrometeorological factor influencing the snow variation in the study domain, particularly during the spring season or in high-elevation areas. The examined large-scale teleconnection indices showed a relatively weak correlation with SCA, but they may partially explain the abnormally low snow cover phenomenon in the winter of 2018–2019.

Six Sigma-Based Mathematical Optimization Framework for Flux-Switching Machines: A Roadmap for Quality, Performance, and Manufacturing Tolerances

Flux-switching wound field machines (FSWFMs) offer high torque density and independence from rare-earth materials, making them promising candidates for sustainable electric vehicles and industrial applications. However, their adoption is limited by challenges such as high torque ripple, efficiency variations, and sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances. This study presents a Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) optimization framework that integrates sensitivity analysis, response surface modeling (RSM), and multi-objective genetic algorithms to address these challenges. The optimized solution reduces torque ripple by 7.69%, improves torque output, and enhances energy efficiency. By incorporating Six Sigma principles, the framework ensures robust performance under manufacturing variations, bridging the gap between theoretical optimization and practical implementation. This scalable and efficient methodology establishes FSWFMs as viable solutions for industrial applications, revolutionizing electric machine design.

Invasion of temperate riparian forests by Acacia dealbata affects macroinvertebrate community structure in streams

The riparian forest determines many of the stream characteristics such as physicochemical variables and the availability and quality of food resources for aquatic communities. In central Portugal, native mixed deciduous forests are being heavily invaded by Acacia dealbata, which is an evergreen and nitrogen-fixing tree species, but effects on stream benthic macroinvertebrate communities are unknown. We assessed invasion effects on macroinvertebrate communities by comparing streams flowing through native forests (native streams) and streams flowing through forests heavily invaded by A. dealbata (invaded streams), in central Portugal. We did not find major differences in macroinvertebrate abundance, total taxa richness or diversity between native and invaded streams, due to high variation among native streams. However, taxonomic structure of macroinvertebrate communities differed between stream types, with invaded streams showing lower percentage of sensitive taxa. Macroinvertebrate communities structure based on functional feeding groups also differed between stream types, with a tendency for higher abundance of shredders and scrapers/grazers and lower abundance of filter feeders in native than invaded streams, probably due to altered composition of leaf litter inputs and canopy cover within invaded streams. Our findings suggest that invasion by A. dealbata affect macroinvertebrate community mostly in terms of taxonomic and functional structure. Since A. dealbata is rapidly spreading in all southern Europe, this study highlights the importance of enhancing the comprehension of its impact on aquatic communities to identify ecological risks and formulate effective mitigation strategies.

Ecosystem Services Linked to Extensive Sheep and Goat Farming in Mountain Areas: A Global Literature Analysis Using Text Mining and Topic Analysis

Mountain ecosystems are unique and complex environments characterised by their high altitudes, steep slopes, and significant climatic variations [...]

Adaptive ensemble loss and multi-scale attention in breast ultrasound segmentation with UMA-Net.

The generalization of deep learning (DL) models is critical for accurate lesion segmentation in breast ultrasound (BUS) images. Traditional DL models often struggle to generalize well due to the high frequency and scale variations inherent in BUS images. Moreover, conventional loss functions used in these models frequently result in imbalanced optimization, either prioritizing region overlap or boundary accuracy, which leads to suboptimal segmentation performance. To address these issues, we propose UMA-Net, an enhanced UNet architecture specifically designed for BUS image segmentation. UMA-Net integrates residual connections, attention mechanisms, and a bottleneck with atrous convolutions to effectively capture multi-scale contextual information without compromising spatial resolution. Additionally, we introduce an adaptive ensemble loss function that dynamically balances the contributions of different loss components during training, ensuring optimization across key segmentation metrics. This novel approach mitigates the imbalances found in conventional loss functions. We validate UMA-Net on five diverse BUS datasets-BUET, BUSI, Mendeley, OMI, and UDIAT-demonstrating superior performance. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing frequency and scale variations, confirming UMA-Net as a robust and generalizable solution for BUS image segmentation.

Diurnal and daily fluctuations in levels of the urinary oxidative stress marker 8-hydroxyguanosine in spot urine samples

BackgroundUrinary 8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHGuo) levels serve as a biomarker for oxidative stress and hydroxyl radical–induced RNA damage. Evaluating the diurnal and daily fluctuations in urinary 8-OHGuo excretion levels is essential for understanding its implications. However, research in this area remains limited. In this study, we aim to investigate the diurnal and daily fluctuations in 8-OHGuo levels as well as the factors that influence these variations, using spot urine samples.MethodsUrine samples were collected from seven healthy participants during each urination from the time of awakening until 24:00 h to evaluate diurnal variations. To assess daily fluctuations, urine samples were collected from 18 healthy participants at the time of awakening for 23 consecutive days. The urinary 8-OHGuo levels were measured using an HPLC-ECD method.ResultsNo significant variations were observed in the diurnal levels of urinary 8-OHGuo among non-smokers. Conversely, the daily variation of 8-OHGuo in the urine of the smoker was significant, with a coefficient of variation of 18.71%. Each individual maintained a characteristic value despite some diurnal fluctuations. Furthermore, the daily levels of 8-OHGuo exhibited a range of variations influenced by lifestyle factors, including mental state, sleep duration, smoking, menstrual cycle, and dietary habits.ConclusionAs a specific marker of RNA oxidation, 8-OHGuo provides unique insights distinct from those provided by the widely used DNA oxidation marker 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine as an indicator of oxidative stress. Urinary 8-OHGuo could serve as a valuable biomarker for managing and preventing oxidative stress–related diseases, provided that the specific range of daily variations is established. The high daily variation in urinary 8-OHGuo levels necessitates the use of multiple samples to accurately determine individual levels. However, further research with large sample sizes will help to validate these findings.

P1126 Patterns of conventional therapy use and drivers of initiation for advanced therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A European situational analysis

Abstract Background Data suggest limited use of advanced therapies (AT) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) despite the accumulating data for the benefits of early, broader AT use.1-3 We evaluated barriers to AT use in IBD using a multimodal approach. Methods Market research was conducted June-November 2023. Quantitative survey on prescribing trends amongst gastroenterologists (GEs) prescribing ATs was conducted to capture AT initiation drivers in Germany, Italy, UK and US; questions for this survey were identified in qualitative interviews. GEs cycling an average of 0-1 and ≥2 conventional therapies (CTs) before initiating AT were classified as low and high cyclers, respectively. The COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour) model was used for behavioural analysis.4 Results Qualitative analysis covered responses from 62 participants (28 patients [pts], 24 GEs, 7 nurses, 3 pt organisation representatives), and quantitative analysis – from 142 GEs (Germany, 30; Italy, 30; UK, 30; US, 52) currently prescribing ATs, with 559 pt report forms (ulcerative colitis [UC], 280; Crohn’s disease [CD], 279) collected. CT cycling was more prevalent in UC vs CD; AT treatment was less likely in pts with UC vs CD (Figure). Differences among GEs by geography were only partially explained by cost containment in highly regulated markets (eg, Italy, UK). High cycling variations were linked to behavioural and belief-driven factors as illustrated by the notable use (7-20%) of 5-aminosalicylates in CD despite the lack of clinical guideline support. In behavioural analysis, AT initiation barriers included a lack of awareness of AT value and prescribing approach of exhausting all CT options before initiating AT. Low vs high cyclers placed higher importance on patient preference (UC, +16%; CD, +19%) and peer recommendations (UC, +13%; CD, +20%). In UC, the belief of exhausting all CT options before initiating AT was more important for high vs low cyclers (+9%). Qualitative research showed that the lack of clear guidelines disproportionately impacted high cyclers as they had reduced academic interest and limited capacity as contributors. Physician-relevant AT initiation drivers were the perceived CT risks and the growing recognition of the AT clinical value and long-term impact on the quality of life. Pt-relevant drivers included improved AT awareness and the ability and confidence for pts to self-advocate. Conclusion Cost containment and guideline variations could partially explain the observed geographic variations in AT use. Within any given country, clinical beliefs play a determining role. In Europe, a tangible increase in AT vs CT share could be achieved by encouraging GEs to initiate AT in pts with poor prognostic factors as per guideline suggestions.

Development of Automatic Waste Classification System using CNN-Based Deep Learning to Support Smart Waste Management

This research develops an automatic waste classification system using deep learning based on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to support the implementation of Smart Waste Management (SWM). The main objective of this research is to design and test a CNN model that is able to classify various types of waste, such as plastic, paper, organic, and other non-organic waste, with high accuracy and efficiency. The developed CNN model successfully achieved an accuracy rate of 94.86% on the training dataset. The system performed very well in classifying recyclable waste with a precision of 56.6% and recall of 63.5%, although it still faces challenges in the classification of organic waste with a precision of 45.7% and recall of 38.8%. This research also includes model validation using cross-validation techniques to ensure the generalizability of the model on different datasets. In addition, tests were conducted on external datasets to evaluate the robustness of the model under real-world conditions. Data preprocessing techniques such as image normalisation and data augmentation were used to improve the performance of the model. The results show that a CNN-based automated waste classification system has great potential to be implemented in SWM systems, enabling more efficient and automated waste management. However, there are still some challenges such as high variation in litter images and dataset limitations that need to be addressed for future development of a more robust system

Performance of a Thin CRCP Inlay Designed for a Five-Year Life: a Case Study

The steep uphill section of an interstate highway had experienced considerable damage in the form of serious rutting due to slow-moving heavy vehicles. The asphalt pavement had had to be rehabilitated every 4 years and a decision was made to mill and replace the top 180mm of the slow lane with a CRCP inlay. The inlay design was based on an anticipated 6 million equivalent 80 kN axles over five years and it was envisaged that a concrete overlay would be placed over the full width of the road at the end of this period. However, at the end of six years only approximately 0.25% of the area of the inlay had shown serious distress. It was decided to determine the remaining structural life of the pavement with a view to repairing failed areas permanently, rather than temporarily, if the remaining structural life was found to be significant. This paper describes the testing of behaviour and performance on a relatively highly cracked section of the inlay using the Heavy Vehicle Simulator (HVS). Although the test section had narrowly spaced transverse cracking prior to testing, no punch-outs could be created using the HVS. A detailed survey of the 26 lane km of inlay showed that failure did not necessarily occur at closely spaced cracks, but was more associated with edge loading, loss of slab support and poor quality concrete. It also became very clear that a high variation in concrete characteristics (and in particular concrete strength) resulted in a high risk of structural failure. The results were translated into transfer functions that have been included in cncPave, a mechanistically-based design method for concrete pavements developed for South African conditions.

Diet and trophic structure of fishes in the Barents Sea: between empty and full stomachs - large individual variability follows a common pattern.

More than 27,000 stomachs from 70 species of fish were collected from the Barents Sea in 2015. Quantitative stomach content expressed relative to the body weight of the predator fish (g g-1 as %) varied by four to five orders of magnitude for six species with the largest sample size (Atlantic cod Gadus morhua, haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus, Greenland halibut Reinhardtius hippoglossoides, long rough dab Hippoglossoides platessoides, polar cod Boreogadus saida, and Atlantic capelin Mallotus villosus). The quantitative stomach contents of individual fish followed a common and strict statistical relationship for predator species or groups of species (by families), and for prey categories across predator species. The common pattern was log-normal-like and was modelled with good fit by different types of right-skewed distributions, that is, variants of the Box-Cox, generalized inverse Gaussian, inverse gamma, or gamma distributions. The long tail in the high end reflects high variation with no clear sign of a plateau, as could be expected from the concept of a "full stomach". This is interpreted to reflect that high stomach contents are rare events that are sampled at low frequencies. The maximum recorded stomach content varied from 1% to 34% of body weight for 55 species of fish, being positively correlated (R2 = 0.45) with sample size. About a third of the stomachs were empty, and the low tail of the log-normal-like distribution represents the transition to empty stomachs. The amount of food in the stomachs was overall low compared to maximum values, with mean and median of 2.0% and 1.1%, respectively, for the 17,873 stomachs containing food. Supported by bioenergetic considerations, this suggests relatively low feeding rates of the various fish predators but sufficient to meet their energy demands.

Application of Tradescantia-based test systems for the assessment of genotoxic effects of environmental radioactivity of undisturbed mountain soils (Aragats Massif, Armenia)

ABSTRACT Plant test systems are a sensitive way to detect the genetic effects of various contaminants in environmental compartments: water, soil and sediments. Biotesting of the genotoxicity of soil samples with various activity concentrations of naturally occurring (226Ra, 232Th, 40K) and artificial (137Cs) radionuclides in soil, from the territory of the Aragats Massif (Armenia) was carried out with the application of the Tradescantia micronucleus (Trad-MСN) and stamen hair mutation (Trad-SHM) bioassays of Tradescantia (clone 02) model test-object in the soil – plant system. Undisturbed soil sampling was performed in the southern slopes of the Aragats Massif, from different altitudes (from 1000 to 3200 m above sea level). The soils of the Aragats Massif exhibited a background level of naturally occurring materials (NORM) activity. The highest variability was indicated for 40K. The activity concentration of 137Cs in soils exhibited a naturally increased as the altitude increased. Tradescantia (clone 02) was grown on the undisturbed soils in the greenhouse. To determine the level of genotoxicity of the studied soil samples, the Tradescantia-based Trad-MCN and Trad-SHM tests were applied. The activity concentrations of NORM and artificial 137Cs in soil and phytomass were determined using an HPGe detector-based gamma spectrometer (Canberra). Tradescantia (clone 02) accumulated mainly 40K, accumulation of 226Ra observed in one soil sample. In the areas with elevated activity of NORM, levels of genotoxicity were significantly higher compared to the control soil sample with the low rate of spontaneous mutation frequency. The positive correlation between genetic damages of Tradescantia (MCN and SSH) and contents of 40K and 226Ra in soils was revealed. The obtained results indicated the possibility of using Trad-MCN and Trad-SHM tests of Tradescantia (clone 02) for biotesting of background radioactivity in natural areas.

Worker participation under digitalisation: Structure, power and varieties of union influence in two manufacturing sectors

Technological changes associated with the rise of digitalisation are sometimes envisioned as disrupting forces for the role of workers on the shopfloor. Whether these changes will lead to enhanced or reduced participation of labour and unions has been the subject of conjectures put forward by different schools of thought. The article proposes a framework mobilising various forms of participation to understand patterns of involvement under technological changes. An exploration of four cases in the aluminium and rubber manufacturing sectors in Québec (Canada) reveals a high variation of participation schemes, ranging from collective and formal to mixed (collective and formal, direct and informal), and direct and formal. The authors argue that patterns of participation at work should be understood as the outcomes of the material conditions (technology, markets, economic) in which workplaces are embedded in conjunction with the ability of workers and unions to mobilise power resources to influence changes at work.

Resting state BOLD-perfusion coupling patterns using multiband multi-echo pseudo-continuous arterial spin label imaging

The alteration of neurovascular coupling (NVC), where acute localized blood flow increases following neural activity, plays a key role in several neurovascular processes including aging and neurodegeneration. While not equivalent to NVC, the coupling between simultaneously measured cerebral blood flow (CBF) with arterial spin labeling (ASL) and blood oxygenation dependent (BOLD) signals, can also be affected. Moreover, the acquisition of BOLD data allows the assessment of resting state (RS) fMRI metrics. In this study a multiband, multi-echo (MBME) pseudo-continuous ASL (pCASL) sequence was used to collect simultaneous BOLD and ASL data in a group of healthy control subjects, and the patterns of BOLD-CBF coupling were evaluated. Coupling was also correlated with the BOLD RS measures. The variability, reproducibility, and reliability of the metrics were also computed in a multi-session subgroup. Areas of higher coupling were observed in the visual, motor, parietal, and frontal cortices and corresponded to major brain networks. Areas of significant correlation between coupling and BOLD RS measures corresponded to areas of heightened coupling. Higher variability and lower reliability were found for coupling metrics compared to BOLD RS metrics. These results indicate BOLD-CBF coupling metrics may be useful for studying neurovascular physiology.

Acral Melanoma: A Review of Its Pathogenesis, Progression, and Management.

Acral melanoma is a distinct subtype of cutaneous malignant melanoma that uniquely occurs on ultraviolet (UV)-shielded, glabrous skin of the palms, soles, and nail beds. While acral melanoma only accounts for 2-3% of all melanomas, it represents the most common subtype among darker-skinned, non-Caucasian individuals. Unlike other cutaneous melanomas, acral melanoma does not arise from UV radiation exposure and is accordingly associated with a relatively low tumor mutational burden. Recent advances in genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic sequencing have revealed genetic alterations unique to acral melanoma, including novel driver genes, high copy number variations, and complex chromosomal rearrangements. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on the clinical features, epidemiology, and treatment approaches for acral melanoma, with a focus on the genetic pathogenesis that gives rise to its unique tumor landscape. These findings highlight a need to deepen our genetic and molecular understanding to better target this challenging subtype of melanoma.