High Persistence Research Articles

Between Exchange Rate Returns and Crude Oil Returns in Oil-Importing Countries

Fluctuations in the financial markets stem from the reactions of investors to both market activities and more wide-ranging macroeconomic indices. This research examines the interconnectivity between returns on exchange rates and crude oil prices for ten oil-importing countries. Quarterly data spanning the period from 2000Q1 to 2022Q4 was used in the estimation. Returns had to be calculated from raw data, which were exchange rates and crude oil prices. The research methodologies include quantile regression and VAR-GARCH estimations. The study revealed a long-term association between crude oil market returns and foreign exchange markets, with currency fluctuations negatively impacting crude oil returns. The spill-over effect from the currency market to the oil market is weaker than the transmission effect from the oil market to the currency market of oil-importing countries. In particular, it was empirically established that shocks from past volatility in the currency markets of countries that import oil had commensurately lower volatility in the oil market by 6 percent. Whereas, the spillover from the crude oil market to the currency market depicts that increased turbulence on the crude oil market in the current period stimulated 55.66 percent amplified volatility in the currency market for oil-importing nations. Oil returns had a volatility persistence value of 0.1255, ratifying the weak volatility persistence of oil returns. The size of the volatility persistence of exchange rate returns is 0.997, an indication of high volatility persistence for currency returns. The study found the absence of leverage effects for currency values given a positive coefficient with a magnitude of 0.8529. In other words, bad news does not cause higher turbulence in exchange rate returns than good news will. For crude oil returns, the size of the leverage effects term is -0.0529, which is negative and significant (p<.05), implying that bad news in oil-importing economies has asymmetric impacts on the volatility of returns on crude oil prices. In effect, the oil price returns react more strongly to bad news than these returns react to good news. The findings of the study underscore the intricate relationships between local currencies and energy prices within the context of a global financial market, highlighting the significance of understanding these dynamics for effective decision-making and risk management in an increasingly interconnected world. It was recommended, among others, that international collaboration amongst countries is crucial given the global nature of energy markets.

3D-printed indium oxide monoliths for PFAS removal

More efficient removal methods for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), anthropogenic compounds with high persistence in the environment, are urgently needed due to their significant adverse health effects. Current technologies for PFAS removal in water are limited by incomplete degradation or practical concerns about the use of slurry-based adsorbents. In this study, self-supported indium oxide (In2O3) monoliths were produced via extrusion-based 3D printing and used for the removal of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) via adsorption in a recirculating flow system. A detailed study of the sintering temperature, monolith geometry, and flow rate allowed maximising PFOA adsorption due to the improvement of PFOA diffusion and the increased number of active sites on the monolith, resulting in 53 % of PFOA removal with fast adsorption kinetics in 3 h. Additionally, a low-temperature pyrolysis process at 500 °C effectively regenerated the In2O3 monoliths, allowing reusing the monoliths for three adsorption cycles, while also improving the PFOA removal to 75 % in 3 h. The regenerated In2O3 monoliths not only have a high adsorption capacity (0.16 mg g−1), but also required a much shorter time to reach the adsorption equilibrium compared with other adsorbents reported in the literature. The effectiveness, robustness and reusability of the 3D printed In2O3 monoliths highlight their potential as an efficient and sustainable adsorbent for PFAS removal. The approach presented here represents an effective strategy for the fabrication of complex adsorbents, which are reusable and can be easily handled, eliminating the expensive downstream removal required for slurries while offering a clear route for scale-up towards industrial use.

Large-Scale Screening of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Binding Interactions and Their Mixtures with Nuclear Receptors.

Despite their significant impact, comprehensive screenings and detailed analyses of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) binding strengths at the orthosteric and allosteric sites of NRs are currently lacking. This study addresses this gap by focusing on the binding interaction analysis of both common and uncommon PFAS with the nuclear receptors (NRs) vitamin D receptor (VDR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), pregnane X receptor (PXR), and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). Advanced docking simulations were used to screen 9507 PFAS chemicals at the orthosteric and allosteric sites of PPARγ, PXR, VDR, and ERα. All receptors exhibited strong binding interactions at the orthosteric and allosteric site with a significant number of PFAS. We verified the accuracy of the docking protocol through multiple docking controls and validations. A mixture modeling analysis indicates that PFAS can bind in various combinations with themselves and endogenous ligands simultaneously, to disrupt the endocrine system and cause carcinogenic responses. These findings reveal that PFAS can interfere with nuclear receptor activity by displacing endogenous or native ligands by binding to the orthosteric and allosteric sites. The purpose of this study is to explore the mechanisms through which PFAS exert their endocrine-disrupting effects, potentially leading to more targeted therapeutic strategies. Importantly, this study is the first to explore the binding of PFAS at allosteric sites and to model PFAS mixtures at nuclear receptors. Given the high concentration and persistence of PFAS in humans, this study further emphasizes the urgent need for further research into the carcinogenic mechanisms of PFAS and the development of therapeutic strategies that target nuclear receptors.

Fabrication of flexible Au microsensors by a simple stamping method for the point-of-care direct detection of trace leucomalachite green

Leucomalachite green (LMG) is the metabolic product of malachite green, which is a common aquaculture antimicrobial known for its high toxicity and long persistence. To date, few reports on the direct detection of LMG using electrochemical point-of-care (POC) sensors have been published. In the present work, flexible gold (Au) microsensors were fabricated from nanometer-thin Au leaves for the first time on different substrates, such as polyethylene terephthalate, thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone, polyvinyl chloride wristbands, and nitrile gloves, through simple hot stamping. The entire fabrication process did not involve toxic solvents and complex equipment, and the material cost was only $0.1 per microsensor. The morphology, electrochemical properties, and sensing performance of the microsensors were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and differential pulse voltammetry. Benefiting from the excellent catalytic activity and conductivity of Au, the microsensors exhibited outstanding direct sensing capability for LMG with a detection limit of 6.3 nM. Moreover, the microsensors demonstrated excellent recovery rates in real sample analysis, validating their practicality. The technology reported in this work provides a pioneering and effective solution for the sensitive and convenient POC direct detection of LMG and further allows for the fabrication of Au microsensors on different flexible and conformal substrates, offering sensitive solutions for POC detection in environmental, food safety, and healthcare applications.

Microbial Bioherbicides Based on Cell-Free Phytotoxic Metabolites: Analysis and Perspectives on Their Application in Weed Control as an Innovative Sustainable Solution.

Weeds cause significant agricultural losses worldwide, and herbicides have traditionally been the main solution to this problem. However, the extensive use of herbicides has led to multiple cases of weed resistance, which could generate an increase in the application concentration and consequently a higher persistence in the environment, hindering natural degradation processes. Consequently, more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as microbial bioherbicides, have been sought. Although these bioherbicides are promising, their efficacy remains a challenge, as evidenced by their limited commercial and industrial production. This article reviews the current status of microbial-based bioherbicides and highlights the potential of cell-free metabolites to improve their efficacy and commercial attractiveness. Stirred tank bioreactors are identified as the most widely used for production-scale submerged fermentation. In addition, the use of alternative carbon and nitrogen sources, such as industrial waste, supports the circular economy. Furthermore, this article discusses the optimization of downstream processes using bioprospecting and in silico technologies to identify target metabolites, which leads to more precise and efficient production strategies. Bacterial bioherbicides, particularly those derived from Pseudomonas and Xanthomonas, and fungal bioherbicides from genera such as Alternaria, Colletotrichum, Trichoderma and Phoma, show significant potential. Nevertheless, limitations such as their restricted range of action, their persistence in the environment, and regulatory issues restrict their commercial availability. The utilization of cell-free microbial metabolites is proposed as a promising solution due to their simpler handling and application. In addition, modern technologies, including encapsulation and integrated management with chemical herbicides, are investigated to enhance the efficacy and sustainability of bioherbicides.

Risk for Waterborne Transmission and Environmental Persistence of Avian Influenza Virus in a Wildlife/Domestic Interface in Mexico.

Aquatic habitats provide a bridge for influenza transmission among wild and domestic species. However, water sources pose highly variable physicochemical and ecological characteristics that affect avian influenza virus (AIV) stability. Therefore, the risk of survival or transmissibility of AIV in the environment is quite variable and has been understudied. In this study, we determine the risk of waterborne transmission and environmental persistence of AIV in a wild/domestic bird interface in the Central Mexico plateau (North America) during the winter season using a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). A total of 13 eco-epidemiological factors were selected from public-access databases to develop the risk assessment. The MCDA showed that the Atarasquillo wetland presents a higher persistence risk in January. Likewise, most of the backyard poultry farms at this wild-domestic interface present a high persistence risk (50%). Our results suggest that drinking water may represent a more enabling environment for AIV persistence in contrast with wastewater. Moreover, almost all backyard poultry farms evidence a moderate or high risk of waterborne transmission especially farms close to water bodies. The wildlife/domestic bird interface on the Atarasquillo wetland holds eco-epidemiological factors such as the presence of farms in flood-prone areas, the poultry access to outdoor water, and the use of drinking-water troughs among multiple animal species that may enhance waterborne transmission of AIV. These findings highlight the relevance of understanding the influence of multiple factors on AIV ecology for early intervention and long-term control strategies.

Comparison of warfarin, rivaroxaban, and dabigatran for effectiveness and safety in atrial fibrillation patients with different CHA2DS2-VASc scores: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThis retrospective cohort study aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of warfarin, rivaroxaban, and dabigatran in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with different CHA2DS2-VASc scores in northern China.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed to evaluate anticoagulation in AF patients at the second affiliated hospital of Harbin Medical University from September 2018 to August 2019. Patients included in this study (n = 806) received warfarin (n = 300), or rivaroxaban (n = 203), or dabigatran (n = 303). Baseline characteristics and follow-up data including adherence, bleeding events and ischemic stroke (IS) events were collected.ResultsPatients receiving rivaroxaban (73.9%) or dabigatran (73.6%) showed better adherence than those receiving warfarin (56.7%). Compared with warfarin-treated patients, dabigatran-treated patients had lower incidence of bleeding events (10.9% vs 19.3%, χ2 = 8.385, P = 0.004) and rivaroxaban-treated patients had lower incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (7.4% vs 13.7%, χ2 = 4.822, P = 0.028). We classified patients into three groups based on CHA2DS2-VASc score (0–1, 2–3, ≥ 4). In dabigatran intervention, incidence of bleeding events was higher in patients with score 0–1 (20.0%) than those with score 2–3 (7.9%, χ2 = 5.772, P = 0.016) or score ≥ 4 (8.6%, χ2 = 4.682, P = 0.030). Patients with score 0–1 in warfarin or rivaroxaban therapy had a similar but not significant increase of bleeding compared with patients with score 2–3 or score ≥ 4, respectively. During the follow-up, 33 of 806 patients experienced IS and more than half (19, 57.6%) were patients with score ≥ 4. Comparing patients with score 0–1 and 2–3, the latter had an significant reduction of IS in patients prescribed warfarin and non-significant reduction in rivaroxaban and dabigatran therapy.ConclusionCompared with warfarin therapy, patients with different CHA2DS2-VASc scores receiving either rivaroxaban or dabigatran were associated with higher persistence. AF patients with score ≥ 4 were more likely to experience IS events while hemorrhagic tendency preferred patients with low score 0–1.

A Robust Approach using M-Estimation for Dynamic Panel Autoregressive Model

This paper presents a robust M-estimation approach for first-order panel autoregressive models, addressing the challenges posed by high persistence levels of the autoregressive parameter and individual heterogeneity. Generalized method of moments estimators widely used in dynamic panel models exhibit substantial finite sample biases and are sensitive to weak instruments, particularly as the autoregressive parameter gets close to unity. Our proposed weighted M-estimator, which uses a power function for the scale parameter in Huber’s loss function, offers a robust alternative. By minimizing the variance of model parameters through an optimal tuning parameter, our method enhances the efficiency and robustness of parameter estimates. We demonstrate the superiority of the proposed approach through several Monte-Carlo simulations and an application to hydro-electric power output data, providing comprehensive comparisons with existing generalized method of moments estimators.

Gene expression patterns associated with PFOA exposure in Czech young men and women

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a member of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), has been widely used in manufacturing for decades. Currently, PFOA is strictly regulated, but due to its high stability and persistence, it is detected in both environmental as well as in human matrices. To elucidate mechanisms of PFOA toxicity in humans, we determined the genome-wide transcriptomic changes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) responding to PFOA exposure in a sex-stratified analysis. This work employed samples from 145 female and 143 male participants of the CELSPAC: YA study to characterize PFOA-associated transcripts in a broader context using computational analysis. PFOA-associated gene expression differed significantly between men and women, as only 2 % of mapped genes were expressed in both sexes. Disease-specific enrichment analysis revealed cancer and immune-related disease terms as those most enriched in male and female populations. Patterns of enriched terms within the gene set enrichment analysis indicated three main targets of PFOA toxicity: i) lipid metabolism for women; ii) cell cycle regulation for men; and iii) immune system response for both sexes. In summary, our genome-wide transcriptomics analysis described sex-specific differences in PFOA-associated gene expression and provided evidence about biological pathways underlying PFOA toxicity in humans.

Tumor micro-environment induced TRAIL secretion from engineered macrophages for anti-tumor therapy

The high plasticity and long-term persistency make macrophages excellent vehicles for delivering anti-tumor cytokines. Macrophage delivery of chemokines and cytokines shows potential in tumor therapy. TRAIL, a promising anti-tumor cytokine, induces apoptosis in tumor cells with low toxicity to normal cells. However, its off-target toxicity and limited stability have limited its clinical progress. Here, we engineered macrophages with Mono-TRAIL and Tri-TRAIL and found that Tri-TRAIL had higher cytotoxic activity against tumor cells than Mono-TRAIL in vitro. To target the tumor microenvironment (TME), we generated macrophages secreting trimeric TRAIL (Tri-TRAIL-iM) induced by the TME-specific promoter Arg1. The Tri-TRAIL-iM cells displayed high specific activatable activity in cell-based co-culture assay and tumor-baring mice models. In addition, we demonstrated that compared to macrophages over-expressing TRAIL under a non-inducible promoter, Tri-TRAIL-iM could more effectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells, inhibit tumor growth, and reduce systemic side effects. This strategy of inducing TRAIL delivery holds great potential for cancer therapy. It is promising to be combined with other engineering methods to maximize the therapeutic effects of solid tumors.

Estimated impact of guidelines-based initiation of dual antihypertensive therapy on long-term cardiovascular outcomes in 1.1 million individuals.

Guidelines recommend initiation of dual combination antihypertensive therapy, preferably single-pill combination (SPC), in most patients with hypertension. Evidence on narrowing gaps in clinical practice relative to guidelines is limited. Monte Carlo simulation was applied to 1.1 million patients qualifying for dual combination therapy from a previously conducted retrospective analysis of clinical practice, hospital statistics, and national statistics in the UK. We provide 10-year Kaplan-Meier event rates for the primary endpoint representing a composite of nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), nonfatal heart failure hospitalization or cardiovascular death. Cox model results from a previously conducted study were utilized to estimate baseline risk, together with evidence on risk reduction from the Blood Pressure Lowering Treatment Trialists' Collaboration (BPLTTC) meta-analysis and published evidence on BP-lowering efficacy of antihypertensive therapies. In the overall population, estimated 10-year event rates for the primary endpoint in patients with 100% persistence in monotherapy were 17.0% for irbesartan (I) and 17.6% for ramipril (R). These rates were only modestly better than that observed in clinical practice (17.8%). In patients with 100% persistence in dual therapy, estimated event rates were 13.6% for combinations of Irbesartan+Amlodipine (ARR=8.7% compared to untreated) and 14.3% for Ramipril+Amlodipine (ARR=8.0% compared to untreated). The absolute risk of the primary endpoint was reduced by 15.9% in patients with ASCVD and 6.6% in those without ASCVD. Similarly, the absolute risk was reduced by 11.7% in diabetics and 7.8% in those without diabetes. This study represents the first to investigate guidelines-based treatment in hypertensive patients and demonstrates the opportunity for considerable risk reduction by ensuring recommended dual therapy in clinical practice, particularly in the form of SPC with high persistence, relative to no treatment or monotherapy.

Dependence of Europe's most threatened mammals on movement to adapt to climate change.

Current rates of climate change and gloomy climate projections confront managers and conservation planners with the need to integrate climate change into already complex decision-making processes. Predicting and prioritizing climatically stable areas and the areas likely to facilitate adaptive species' range adjustments are important stages in maximizing conservation outcomes and rationalizing future land management. I determined, for the most threatened European terrestrial mammal species, the spatial adaptive trajectories (SATs) of highest expected persistence up to 2080. I devised simple spatial network indices for evaluation of species in those SATs: total persistence; proportion of SATs that offer in situ adaptation (i.e., stable refugia); number of SATs converging in a site; and relationship between SAT convergence and persistence and protected areas, the Natura 2000 and Emerald networks, and areas of low human disturbance. I compared the performance of high-persistence SATs with a scenario in which each species remained in the areas with the best climatic conditions in the baseline period. The 1000 most persistence SATs for each of the 39 species covered one fifth of Europe. The areas with the largest adaptive potential (i.e., high persistence, stability, and SAT convergence) did not always overlap for all the species. Predominantly, these regions were located in southwestern Europe, Central Europe, and Scandinavia, with some occurrences in Eastern Europe. For most species, persistence in the most climatically suitable areas during the baseline period was lower than within SATs, underscoring their reliance on adaptive movements. Importantly, conservation areas (particularly protected areas) covered only minor fractions of species persistence among SATs, and hubs of spatial climate adaptation (i.e., areas of high SAT convergence) were seriously underrepresented in most conservation areas. These results highlight the need to perform analyses on spatial species' dynamics under climate change.

Exploring Long-Term Persistence in Sea Surface Temperature and Ocean Parameters via Detrended Cross-Correlation Approach

Long-term cross-correlational structures are examined for pairs of sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) and advective forcing parameters and sea surface height anomalies (SSHAs) and current velocity anomalies (CVAs) in the East/Japan Sea (EJS); all these satellite datasets were collected between 1993 and 2023. By utilizing newly modified detrended cross-correlation analysis algorithms, incorporating local linear trend and local fluctuation level of an SSTA, the analyses were performed on timescales of 400–3000 days. Long-term cross-correlations between SSTAs and SSHAs are strongly persistent over nearly the entire EJS; the strength of persistence is stronger during rising trends and low fluctuations of SSTAs, while anti-persistent behavior appears during high fluctuations of SSTAs. SSTA-CVA pairs show high long-term persistence only along main current pathways: the zonal currents for the Subpolar Front and the meridional currents for the east coast of Korea. SSTA-CVA pairs also show negative long-term persistent behaviors in some spots located near the coasts of Korea and Japan: the zonal currents for the eastern coast of Korea and the meridional currents for the western coast of Japan; these behaviors seem to be related to the coastal upwelling phenomena. Further, these persistent characteristics are more conspicuous in the recent decades (2008~2023) rather than in the past (1993~2008).

ALUR TAHAPAN PENGEMBANGAN KOLEKSI PADA PERPUSTAKAAN SEKOLAH TINGGI ILMU KESEHATAN HAMZAR LOMBOK TIMUR, NTB

The purpose of this study was to describe the sequential development of various phases involved in the collection development process at the Hamzar College of Health Sciences (STIKES) Library. Library collection development is an important effort to ensure relevant, contemporary, and user-oriented resources. This study uses a quantitative descriptive method. Data were collected from observations, interviews, and documentation. This study used data presentation and reduction techniques. To validate the data, extensive observations, high persistence, and triangulation were performed. The findings of this study explain the flow process of collection development at STIKES Hamzar, which consists of several different stages, including library analysis, factors that influence collection development, collection acquisition, collection selection, and collection evaluation. These stages were implemented consistently by the STIKES Hamzar Library. Notably, the types of collections that have been developed are limited to print resources. Collection development plays an important role in encouraging regular renewal and optimally contributes to the achievement of academic and research goals

After effects of historical grassland on soil organic carbon content and plant growth in croplands in southern Germany determined using satellite data

Numerous studies have reported that grasslands harbor higher soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks compared with arable land; however, the relevant carbon dynamics and sink persistence remain unclear.Herein, arable fields characterized by historical grassland zones (h_GL; grassland use decades ago) and permanent arable land zones (h_CL) were examined. The h_GL zones were determined using historical maps. The change in land use from grassland to cropland occurred 30–50 years ago.In eight arable fields, SOC and total nitrogen (TN) stocks in the topsoil were analyzed at a high spatial resolution. Additionally, remote sensing via satellites was employed to determine the biomass yield at a high spatial resolution using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). In all the fields, the mean SOC content of the h_GL zones (1.81 %, n = 97 measuring points) was higher than the mean SOC content of the h_CL zones (1.52 %, n = 220). Furthermore, the mean relative NDVI was higher in the h_GL zones than in the h_CL zones. SOC and NDVI were positively correlated (up to r = 0.79), as well as TN and NDVI (up to r = 0.72). To evaluate the first dataset, zonal soil samples were collected from the h_GL and h_CL zones from 14 arable fields to determine the SOC and TN content. The mean SOC content of the h_GL zones was 1.92 % and that of the h_CL zones was 1.39 %—a difference of absolute SOC stocks in the topsoil of 23.8 t ha−1 (bulk density: 1.5 g cm−3).The work combines the knowledge of historical soil maps, remote sensing applications and georeferenced soil sampling and shows that SOC stocks in grassland have a high persistence and can have positive impact on yields even decades after a land use change. Historical land use proved to be a major factor for spatial SOC variability at the study site.

The Rise of Pass-Throughs: an Empirical Investigation

Abstract Almost half of all private employment in the United States is within businesses that do not pay corporate income tax. Instead, business income passes through to the owners’ individual income taxes. This pass-through share of employment has more than tripled since the early 1980s. Using comprehensive, confidential administrative data, this paper highlights five core findings underlying this growth: (1) the rise in pass-throughs is pervasive across industries and states; (2) the pass-through share converges unconditionally across both; (3) entrants’ organisational choices drive 60% of the rise; (4) shifts in firm and organisational dynamics following the 1986 Tax Reform Act show continued effects through the 2000s; (5) organisational forms exhibit high persistence with little life-cycle variation. Our study implies that tax or regulatory policy changes might take decades to manifest fully.

Evaluation of biofilm formation and expression of psl, pel, alg genes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in exposure to detergents.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been in the center of attention for several years as an opportunistic human pathogen implicated in many severe acute and chronic infections particularly in immunocompromised patients. Its high persistence and resistance against many antimicrobial agents are mostly attributed to biofilm formation. Biofilms are microbial communities mainly consisting of extracellular polymeric substances that encapsulate bacteria together and protect them from extracellular stresses. This cell aggregation is a stress response that P. aeruginosa employes as a survival strategy during growth with the toxic detergents. This process has shown to involve several operons such as psl, pel, and alg. Here we used P. aeruginosa strain PAO1 in control group, 40 P. aeruginosa strains from sink and 40 strains from surface of public places. Biofilm formation and gene expression were measured before and after exposure to sub minimum inhibitory concentration (sub-MIC) of biocides chlorhexidine diacetate and benzalkonium chloride. The qRT-PCR and biofilm formation results demonstrated an increase in biofilm formation ability and gene expression of pslA/B and pelA/B in two groups collected from sinkand surface in contrast to the control group. A remarkable increase was observed in the biofilm formation and expression of pslA in the bacterial strain collected from the sink after exposure tobiocides chlorhexidine diacetate. Both Pel and Psl appeared to have redundant functions as structuralscaffolds in biofilms. Sub-MIC levels of detergents can improve biofilm formation ability of P.aeruginosa and therefore trigger resistance.

Statistical Interdependence between Daily Precipitation and Extreme Daily Temperature in Regions of Mexico and Colombia.

We study the statistical interdependence between daily precipitation and daily extreme temperature for regions of Mexico (14 climatic stations, period 1960-2020) and Colombia (7 climatic stations, period 1973-2020) using linear (cross-correlation and coherence) and nonlinear (global phase synchronization index, mutual information, and cross-sample entropy) synchronization metrics. The information shared between these variables is relevant and exhibits changes when comparing regions with different climatic conditions. We show that precipitation and temperature records from La Mojana are characterized by high persistence, while data from Mexico City exhibit lower persistence (less memory). We find that the information exchange and the level of coupling between the precipitation and temperature are higher for the case of the La Mojana region (Colombia) compared to Mexico City (Mexico), revealing that regions where seasonal changes are almost null and with low temperature gradients (less local variability) tend to display higher synchrony compared to regions where seasonal changes are very pronounced. The interdependence characterization between precipitation and temperature represents a robust option to characterize and analyze the collective dynamics of the system, applicable in climate change studies, as well as in changes not easily identifiable in future scenarios.

Local detailed balance for active particle models

Starting from a Huxley-type model for an agitated vibrational mode, we propose an embedding of standard active particle models in terms of two-temperature processes. One temperature refers to an ambient thermal bath, and the other temperature effectively describes ‘hot spots,’ i.e. systems with few degrees of freedom showing important population homogenization or even inversion of energy levels as a result of activation. That setup admits to quantitatively specifying the resulting nonequilibrium driving, rendering local detailed balance to active particle models, and making easy contact with thermodynamic features. In addition, we observe that the shape transition in the steady low-temperature behavior of run-and-tumble particles (with the interesting emergence of edge states at high persistence) is stable and occurs for all temperature differences, including close to equilibrium.

Early environmental predictors for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their co-occurrence: The prospective ABIS-Study

ADHD and ASD are highly heritable and show a high co-occurrence and persistence into adulthood. This study aimed to identify pre and perinatal risk factors, and early psychosocial exposures related to later diagnosis of ADHD, ASD, and their co-occurrence. 16,365 children born 1997–1999 and their families, involved in the prospective population-based ABIS study (All Babies in Southeast Sweden), were included in this sub-study. Pre and perinatal factors and early environmental psychosocial exposures were collected from parental-questionnaires at birth and 1-year follow-up. Diagnoses from birth up to 23 years of age were obtained from the Swedish National Diagnosis Register in 2020. The cumulative incidence of ADHD, ASD, and their co-occurrence in the ABIS-cohort Study were 4.6%, 1.7%, and 1.1%, respectively. Being male was associated with an increased risk for ADHD, ASD, and their co-occurrence (aOR 1.30, 1.56, and 1.91, respectively), while higher household income reduced it (aOR 0.82, 0.73, and 0.64). Serious life events during pregnancy (aOR 1.40) and maternal smoking (aOR 1.51) increased the risk of ADHD, while older maternal age (aOR 0.96), higher parental education (aOR 0.72 maternal and aOR 0.74 paternal) and longer exclusive breastfeeding (aOR 0.72) reduced it. Non-Swedish paternal nationality (aOR 0.40) and higher maternal education (aOR 0.74) were associated with a lower risk of ASD, while a family history of autoimmune diseases increased the risk of the co-occurrence of both disorders (aOR 1.62). Obtained results suggest that the etiology of ADHD, ASD, and their co-occurrence is independently associated with environmental psychosocial predictors. The co-occurrence seems to overlap the etiology of ADHD, in which psychosocial determinants have a larger role, however, it is also independently influenced by a family history of autoimmune diseases.