Initial Application Research Articles

Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes in laboratory and field conditions of Cicer arietinum against cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

BackgroundThe chickpea Cicer arietinum (Fabaceae) field has suffered significant economic losses due to the presence of cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Attempts to control the larval population through chemical pesticides led to some reduction but also resulted in the development of resistance among the larvae. Consequently, the H. armigera population experienced a rapid resurgence in the field. Given the substantial losses caused by Helicoverpa larvae, there is now a growing interest in adopting eco-friendly methods for management. The application of biocontrol agents has emerged as a promising solution for effectively managing the infestation.ResultsIn the laboratory experiment, the entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) Steinernema pakistanense NNRC-NB.14, S. balochiense NNRC-NB.23, and S. abbasi NNRC-NB.33 were evaluated for their infectivity and mortality effects on mature cotton bollworm at various concentrations. The study demonstrated that the highest mortality rates were achieved at a concentration of 250 infective juveniles (IJs) per larva after 72 h. Steinernema pakistanense and S. balochiense exhibited higher mortality rates (95–98%) compared to S. abbasi (77%) at higher application concentrations. The field trial results reinforced the laboratory findings, demonstrating a significant decrease in H. armigera larval populations when employing EPN strains, particularly NNRC-NB.14 and NNRC-NB.33, compared to NNRC-NB.23. Despite the initial applications showing relatively low mortality percentages, the most effective larval control occurred after the third application of EPNs. The field trials revealed that, following the third spray, mortality percentages significantly increased from the initial range of 20–32% to a more substantial 70–90%. This cumulative impact highlights the importance of multiple applications in achieving optimal pest control.ConclusionThe findings of these studies highlight the promising potential of EPN as an eco-friendly and sustainable method for controlling the cotton bollworm. However, the successful implementation of EPN-based control strategies in agricultural systems requires careful consideration of factors such as nematode species selection, application methods, environmental conditions, and integration with other pest management practices. Further research is needed to optimize the efficacy and practicality of using EPN on a larger scale, addressing issues such as nematode production, formulation, and compatibility with existing farming practice.

Natural Language Interface for 3D Symbology: An Initial Design and Application to Utility Networks

Natural Language Interface for 3D Symbology: An Initial Design and Application to Utility Networks

Implementasi Algoritma Apriori pada Market Basket Analysis terhadap Data Penjualan Produk Supermarket

Market Basket Analysis (MBA) is an analytical technique used to identify relationships between items in purchasing transactions. This notebook uses retail transaction datasets and the Apriori algorithm to discover hidden associations and patterns that retailers can leverage in optimizing marketing strategies, store layouts, and product recommendations. Through initial data processing, data exploration, and application of the Apriori algorithm, this analysis succeeded in identifying various significant associations between items that are frequently purchased together. The results provide valuable insights for retailers to develop targeted promotions and improve customer shopping experiences, while emphasizing the importance of selecting the right parameters to obtain accurate and relevant results.

Quantum Information Orbitals (QIO): Unveiling Intrinsic Many-Body Complexity by Compressing Single-Body Triviality.

The simultaneous treatment of static and dynamic correlations in strongly correlated electron systems is a critical challenge. In particular, finding a universal scheme for identifying a single-particle orbital basis that minimizes the representational complexity of the many-body wave function is a formidable and longstanding problem. As a contribution toward its solution, we show that the total orbital correlation actually reveals and quantifies the intrinsic complexity of the wave function, once it is minimized via orbital rotations. To demonstrate the power of this concept in practice, an iterative scheme is proposed to optimize the orbitals by minimizing the total orbital correlation calculated by the tailored coupled cluster singles and doubles (TCCSD) ansatz. The optimized orbitals enable the limited TCCSD ansatz to capture more nontrivial information on the many-body wave function, indicated by the improved wave function and energy. An initial application of this scheme shows great improvement of TCCSD in predicting the singlet ground state potential energy curves of the strongly correlated C2 and Cr2 molecule.

The effect of Fluoride varnish and Silver Diamine Fluoride in prevention of enamel demineralization around orthodontic bracket through UV illumination: An in vitro study

Brief Background The present in vitro study evaluated the effectiveness of Fluoride Vanish and Silver Diamine Fluoride in preventing enamel demineralization around orthodontic brackets, using a UV light on a group of extracted teeth with bonded brackets. Materials and Methods In this study, 30 samples of extracted human permanent teeth with bonded orthodontic brackets were separated into control group I (no fluoride varnish), experimental group II (fluoride varnish was applied), and experimental group III (fluoride varnish with SDF) to examine the preventive effects of fluoride on enamel demineralization. Teeth were subjected to three demineralization cycles in a standard demineralization solution. Enamel demineralization was measured according to the index of Gorelick et al. in all three groups at baseline, after the first and second demineralization cycles under UV light. Results Statistically significant differences were observed between the control group and the FV group after the first demineralization cycle. (p value< 0.0001) No significant difference was found between baseline readings and after two demineralization cycles in the FV+SDF group. Summary and conclusion Fluoride varnish, along with SDF, is effective in reducing enamel demineralization. During the bonding appointment, the initial application of fluoride varnish around the orthodontic bracket can offer significant protection against white spot lesions (WSL). The development of WSL next to brackets can be avoided with regular professional applications of an FV during treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. Key Words Enamel Demineralization; Fluoride Varnish; Orthodontic Brackets; Silver Diamine Fluoride.

Anticholinergic drugs for parkinsonism and other movement disorders.

Anticholinergic (AC) drugs, a medication class that acts by blocking nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, were first utilized for therapeutic purposes in the mid-19th century. Initial applications were as symptomatic therapy for Parkinson disease (PD), a practice continuing to the present. Initially, the AC drugs used were naturally-occurring plant compounds. Synthetic AC drugs were developed in the late 1940s and predominated in neurological therapeutics. Until the advent of pharmaceuticals acting upon striatal dopaminergic motor pathways, AC drugs provided the only effective means for lessening tremors and other clinical problems of the PD patient. However, because dopaminergic compounds are so effective at meeting the needs of the typical PD patient, AC medications are far less utilized by clinicians today. In recent years, there has been only a few investigations of AC drugs as neurological treatments. This review will revisit the clinical landscape of AC pharmacology and application for movement disorders along with recent research in search of improving therapeutics with AC drugs.

Harvest residue recycling rather than slash-burning results in the enhancement of soil fertility and bacterial community stability in Eucalyptus plantations

Deforestation and slash combustion have substantial adverse impacts on the atmosphere, soil and microbe. Despite this awareness, numerous individuals persist in opting for high-intensity Eucalyptus planting through slash-burning in pursuit of immediate profits while disregarding the environmental significance and destroying the soil. Slash-unburnt agriculture can effectively safeguard the ecological environment, and compared with slash-burning, there remains a limited understanding of its regulatory mechanisms on soil fertility and microbial community. Also, large uncertainty persists regarding the utilization of harvest residues. Thoroughly investigating these questions from various perspectives encompassing physical soil characteristics, nutrient availability, bacterial community structures, and stability is crucial. To explore the ecological advantages of slash-unburnt techniques on microorganisms and their associated ecosystems, we used two slash-unburnt (Unburnt) planting techniques: Spread (naturally and evenly covering the forest floor after logging) and Stack (residues are piled along contour lines) as well as the traditional slash Burnt method (Burnt) in a Eucalyptus plantation. A comparative analysis was conducted between the two methods. We observed that over a span of 4 years, despite the initial lower application of fertilizer in the Unburnt treatments compared with the Burnt treatment during the first 2 years, the Unburnt treatment gradually caught up or even surpassed and attained similar nutrient levels as the Burnt treatment. Alphaproteobacteria was the main phyla that indicated the difference in soil bacterial communities between Burnt and Unburnt treatments. The microbial networks also highlighted the significance of the Unburnt method, as it contributed to the preservation of crucial network nodes and the stability of soil bacterial communities. Therefore, rational utilization of harvest residue may effectively avoid the vast damage caused by slash-burning to Eucalyptus trees and the soil environment but may also increase the potential for restoring soil fertility, improving fertilizer utilization efficiency, and maintaining microbial community stability over time.

Effectiveness of Argymax spray in treating xerostomia in pregnant women with isthmic-cervical insufficiency

Relevance. Xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth, is a prevalent orofacial disorder among pregnant women experiencing isthmic-cervical insufficiency. This condition manifests as a burning sensation in the mouth, pain, and discomfort during eating. A clear correlation exists between pain, taste alterations, and the perception of oral dryness, highlighting the multifaceted impact of xerostomia on affected individuals. Pregnant women with isthmic-cervical insufficiency, a complication that significantly increases the risk of preterm labor, are particularly susceptible to xerostomia. This condition is often accompanied by heightened psycho-emotional stress, which can exacerbate the symptoms of dry mouth. Despite the multitude of treatments available for xerostomia, the primary objective for dentists is to formulate an appropriate and effective treatment plan, tailored to the physiological needs of the patient. This study evaluates the efficacy of Argymax spray in alleviating xerostomia in pregnant women with isthmic-cervical insufficiency.Materials and methods. A study was conducted involving 84 pregnant women who were assessed and treated over a three-week period to evaluate the rate of mixed saliva secretion. Subjective data were collected using a five-point scale to analyze the reduction in pain potential, itching, and burning. Hygienic and periodontal indices were determined before therapy and three months after the use of the spray.Results. The study demonstrated that Argymax spray begins to act within seven days of initial application and maintains its effectiveness throughout the observation period.Conclusion. Hormonal changes during pregnancy affect both the overall body and the condition of the oral cavity, making it particularly vulnerable. Early diagnosis and appropriate management strategies can prevent the development of several oral mucosal diseases associated with xerostomia. Argymax spray is recommended as symptomatic therapy for the treatment of xerostomia in pregnant women with isthmic-cervical insufficiency.

Machine Learning: A Potential Therapeutic Tool to Facilitate Neonatal Therapeutic Decision Making.

Bacterial infection is one of the major causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Finding rapid and reliable methods for early recognition and diagnosis of bacterial infections and early individualization of antibacterial drug administration are essential to eradicate these infections and prevent serious complications. However, this is often difficult to perform due to non-specific clinical presentations, low accuracy of current diagnostic methods, and limited knowledge of neonatal pharmacokinetics. Although neonatal medicine has been relatively late to embrace the benefits of machine learning (ML), there have been some initial applications of ML for the early prediction of neonatal sepsis and individualization of antibiotics. This article provides a brief introduction to ML and discusses the current state of the art in diagnosing and treating neonatal bacterial infections, gaps, potential uses of ML, and future directions to address the limitations of current studies. Neonatal bacterial infections involve a combination of physiologic development, disease expression, and treatment response outcomes. To address this complex relationship, future models could consider appropriate ML algorithms to capture time series features while integrating influences from the host, microbes, and drugs to optimize antimicrobial drug use in neonates. All models require prospective clinical trials to validate their clinical utility before clinical use.

Development of an Electronic Health Record Self-Referral Tool for Lung Cancer Screening: One-Group Posttest Study.

Approximately 14 million individuals in the United States are eligible for lung cancer screening (LCS), but only 5.8% completed screening in 2021. Given the low uptake despite the potential great health benefit of LCS, interventions aimed at increasing uptake are warranted. The use of a patient-facing electronic health record (EHR) patient portal direct messaging tool offers a new opportunity to both engage eligible patients in preventative screening and provide a unique referral pathway for tobacco treatment. This study sought to develop and pilot an EHR patient-facing self-referral tool for an established LCS program in an academic medical center. Guided by constructs of the Health Belief Model associated with LCS uptake (eg, knowledge and self-efficacy), formative development of an EHR-delivered engagement message, infographic, and self-referring survey was conducted. The survey submits eligible self-reported patient information to a scheduler for the LCS program. The materials were pretested using an interviewer-administered mixed methods survey captured through venue-day-time sampling in 5 network-affiliated pulmonology clinics. Materials were then integrated into the secure patient messaging feature in the EHR system. Next, a one-group posttest quality improvement pilot test was conducted. A total of 17 individuals presenting for lung screening shared-decision visits completed the pretest survey. More than half were newly referred for LCS (n=10, 60%), and the remaining were returning patients. When asked if they would use a self-referring tool through their EHR messaging portal, 94% (n=16) reported yes. In it, 15 participants provided oral feedback that led to refinement in the tool and infographic prior to pilot-testing. When the initial application of the tool was sent to a convenience sample of 150 random patients, 13% (n=20) opened the self-referring survey. Of the 20 who completed the pilot survey, 45% (n=9) were eligible for LCS based on self-reported smoking data. A total of 3 self-referring individuals scheduled an LCS. Pretest and initial application data suggest this tool is a positive stimulus to trigger the decision-making process to engage in a self-referral process to LCS among eligible patients. This self-referral tool may increase the number of patients engaging in LCS and could also be used to aid in self-referral to other preventative health screenings. This tool has implications for clinical practice. Tobacco treatment clinical services or health care systems should consider using EHR messaging for LCS self-referral. This approach may be cost-effective to improve LCS engagement and uptake. Additional referral pathways could be built into this EHR tool to not only refer patients who currently smoke to LCS but also simultaneously trigger a referral to clinical tobacco treatment.

Calibrating Glucose Sensors at the Edge: A Stress Generation Model for Tiny ML Drift Compensation

Background: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems offer the advantage of noninvasive monitoring and continuous data on glucose fluctuations. This study introduces a new model that enables the generation of synthetic but realistic databases that integrate physiological variables and sensor attributes into a dataset generation model and this, in turn, enables the design of improved CGM systems. Methods: The presented approach uses a combination of physiological data and sensor characteristics to construct a model that considers the impact of these variables on the accuracy of CGM measures. A dataset of 500 sensor responses over a 15-day period is generated and analyzed using machine learning algorithms (random forest regressor and support vector regressor). Results: The random forest and support vector regression models achieved Mean Absolute Errors (MAEs) of 16.13 mg/dL and 16.22 mg/dL, respectively. In contrast, models trained solely on single sensor outputs recorded an average MAE of 11.01±5.12 mg/dL. These findings demonstrate the variable impact of integrating multiple data sources on the predictive accuracy of CGM systems, as well as the complexity of the dataset. Conclusions: This approach provides a foundation for developing more precise algorithms and introduces its initial application of Tiny Machine Control Units (MCUs). More research is recommended to refine these models and validate their effectiveness in clinical settings.

Efficacy and safety of pulsed field ablation for accessory pathways: a pilot study.

Radiofrequency ablation is used as a first-line therapy for accessory pathways (APs). However, data regarding the effects of pulsed field ablation (PFA) on APs are limited. We sought to evaluate the acute procedural and 6-month success and safety of PFA in a cohort of patients with APs. A focal contact force-sensing PFA catheter was used for patients with APs. Pulsed field ablation generator generated a bipolar and biphasic waveform (±1000 V) with a duration of 100 ms from the tip of the PFA catheter. A 100% acute procedural success was achieved in 10 conscious patients with APs (7 left anterolateral, 2 left inferolateral, and 1 right posteroseptal APs) including 6 (60%) patients after an initial application. The average total ablation time was 6.3 ± 4.9 s for 4.7 ± 1.8 ablation sites (ASs), including 3.1 ± 2.4 s at targets and 3.2 ± 2.9 s at 3.2 ± 2 bolus ASs. The mean skin-to-skin time was 59.3 ± 15.5 min, and PFA catheter dwell time was 29.4 ± 7.8 min. One patient encountered transient sinus arrest during PFA due to parasympathetic overexcitation. Sinus rhythm was restored in all patients without any significant adverse events during the short-term follow-up. Pulsed field ablation of APs was feasible, effective, and safe. Its efficiency was remarkable for its ultrarapid termination of AP conduction. Further studies are warranted to prove whether utilization of PFA with current parameters can extend to manifold AP ablation.

A novel thin plate spline methodology to model tissue surfaces and quantify tumor cell invasion in organ-on-chip models

Organ-on-chip (OOC) models can be useful tools for cancer drug discovery. Advances in OOC technology have led to the development of more complex assays, yet analysis of these systems does not always account for these advancements, resulting in technical challenges. A challenging task in the analysis of these two-channel microfluidic models is to define the boundary between the channels so objects moving within and between channels can be quantified. We propose a novel imaging-based application of a thin plate spline method – a generalized cubic spline that can be used to model coordinate transformations – to model a tissue boundary and define compartments for quantification of invaded objects, representing the early steps in cancer metastasis. To evaluate its performance, we applied our analytical approach to an adapted OOC developed by Emulate, Inc., utilizing a two-channel system with endothelial cells in the bottom channel and colorectal cancer (CRC) patient-derived organoids (PDOs) in the top channel. Initial application and visualization of this method revealed boundary variations due to microscope stage tilt and ridge and valley-like contours in the endothelial tissue surface. The method was functionalized into a reproducible analytical process and web tool – the Chip Invasion and Contour Analysis (ChICA) – to model the endothelial surface and quantify invading tumor cells across multiple chips. To illustrate applicability of the analytical method, we applied the tool to CRC organoid-chips seeded with two different endothelial cell types and measured distinct variations in endothelial surfaces and tumor cell invasion dynamics. Since ChICA utilizes only positional data output from imaging software, the method is applicable to and agnostic of the imaging tool and image analysis system used. The novel thin plate spline method developed in ChICA can account for variation introduced in OOC manufacturing or during the experimental workflow, can quickly and accurately measure tumor cell invasion, and can be used to explore biological mechanisms in drug discovery.

Wayfinding in an indigenous initial teacher education mathematics programme

In this paper we discuss ongoing challenges for Māori-medium initial teacher education in addressing conceptual, linguistic and pedagogical tensions that impact on developing mathematics education programmes. These include the small pool of applicants with the necessary linguistic and cultural knowledge required to teach in Māori-medium settings. Māori-medium schooling has the dual goals of providing a learning environment where Māori ways of knowing and being are taken for granted and students have access to international notions of academic success. However, many Māori-medium initial teaching education applicants have learnt mathematics in English and have had varying levels of access to Māori practices that could be taught alongside mathematics. To address these challenges, we utilise the cultural symmetry model to guide the design and delivery of Māori-medium initial teacher education tasks using wayfinding. Thereby illuminating Māori practices and school mathematics curriculum simultaneously.

Problematika Implementasi Program Kartu Tani Dalam Distribusi Pupuk Bersubsidi Di Kabupaten Jepara

Jepara Regency is an area that has implemented farmer cards for 6 years, but its implementation still experiences problems from the initial application for the farmer card to the distribution of subsidized fertilizer. The aim of writing this article is to find out how the farmer card program is implemented in Jepara Regency and the factors that influence it. This article uses George C. Edward III's implementation theory. The method used is a descriptive qualitative approach, with analysis of secondary sources such as journals, newspapers, online information (official websites and news portals). This article shows that the implementation of farmer cards in Jepara Regency is experiencing problems, including the problem of not fulfilling the 6 T principles, technical and non-technical problems starting from applying for registration, late and late distribution of farmer cards, allocation of subsidized fertilizer that is not absorbed optimally, to the existence of fraud at KPL kiosks that sell fertilizer using a package system.

Why sustainable concrete cannot penetrate concrete markets

Several studies have shown that sustainable concrete mixtures could be a solution to reduce the CO2 emissions of concrete while utilizing supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) that are waste byproducts, including fly ash, metakaolin, and ground granulated blast furnace slag. However, for these sustainable concrete mixtures to be adopted as a replacement for conventional ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPCC), site engineers, decision-makers, and authorities need to be aware of the mechanical and durability properties of these sustainable concrete mixtures. A brief review of the mechanical and durability properties of both geopolymer concrete and alkali-activated cement demonstrates the objective performance relative to OPCC. Then, the results of a survey targeting researchers, site civil engineers, decision-makers, and employees in governmental agencies are presented. The results indicate that even though the mechanical and durability properties of geopolymer/sustainable concrete are recognized, limited awareness and availability present significant challenges to the adoption of sustainability concrete in infrastructure projects. The survey highlights the need for focused marketing efforts to educate decision-makers on the availability as well as mechanical and durability properties of geopolymer concrete. Additionally, it serves as a call for future research to overcome obstacles such as high initial cost, safety concerns, and limited practical applications.

Effect of a novel copper chloride gel on endometrial growth and function in healthy volunteers

Research questionDoes the application of a micro-dose of copper chloride gel increase endometrial production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) without compromising endometrial function or producing embryo toxicity? DesignAn estimate of optimal dose was made based on cell culture studies. Ten healthy participants received an initial uterine application of placebo gel, followed by copper chloride gel (37.5 μM, 75 μM, or 150 μM dose) in a later hormone replacement cycle. Endometrial biopsies (day 5.5 luteal) and pelvic ultrasound were carried out during each cycle to evaluate endometrial function and growth. Uterine fluid was assessed for residual copper levels on the day of biopsy, and copper chloride gel underwent mouse embryos assay assessment for potential embryo toxicity. ResultsThe copper gel significantly increased endometrial VEGF expression (quantitative polymerase chain reaction), and also increasing endometrial thickness by an average of 2.2 mm compared with matched control cycles. The copper gel did not adversely affect endometrial morphology or maturation (histological dating and molecular receptivity testing), and mouse embryos assay studies showed no evidence of embryo toxicity. Furthermore, uterine cavity flush samples mostly lacked copper, with only negligible amounts present in one sample. ConclusionApplying copper chloride gel to the uterine cavity upregulated endometrial VEGF and significantly increased endometrial thickness and volume. No adverse effects on the endometrium or embryos were observed. Copper chloride gels show promise for treating suboptimal endometrial thickness if the results of this study are confirmed by larger randomized controlled trials.

The Trends of Potential User Research from 2014-2023 Based on Bibliometric and Bertopic

Objective: Despite the increasing importance of lead generation research in increasing product or market share, cost and resource constraints have become a challenge for SMEs.Therefore, this study aims to explore and reveal research themes and market trends hidden in articles on lead generation over the past 10 years. . Theoretical Framework: In this study, qualitative and quantitative methods are combined, and three methods of bibliometrics, network analysis and BERTopic topic modeling are used to analyze the literature. Method: A total of 7446 articles were analysed using bibliometrics, network analysis and BERTopic thematic modelling as the basis of a mixed method approach. Results and Discussion: The study found that the field is currently experiencing a downward trend after a phase of rapid growth. During this period, the United States and China were the countries with the highest number of articles accounting for 77% of the total; the Journal of Cleaner Journal of Cleaner Production was the most cited journal. In addition, the potential user studies cover 43 mainstream topics, focusing on 6 aspects . In the in-depth analysis of the theme evolution, it was found that the potential user study gradually evolved from the initial multidimensional application to focus on open service, and was more oriented towards the public service field. Research Implications: This provides a strong theoretical basis and practical guidance for identifying potential customers and increasing conversion rates and revenues. Originality/Value: To our knowledge, this is the first study to use a mixed-methods approach to lead generation, which will help researchers to tackle more complex challenges and changes in the future.

A self-similar model of galaxy formation and dark halo relaxation

We develop a spherical self-similar model for the formation of a galaxy through gas collapsing in an isolated self-gravitating dark matter halo. As is well known, the self-similarity assumption makes the problem eminently tractable by reducing it to a system of ordinary differential equations. We improve upon the existing literature on self-similar collapse in two ways. First, we include the effects of radiative cooling and the formation of a pseudo-disk at the center of collapse, in a parametrised manner. More importantly, we solve for the evolution of gas and dark matter simultaneously and self-consistently using a novel iterative approach. As a result, our model produces shell trajectories of both gas and dark matter that qualitatively agree with the results of full hydrodynamical simulations of self-gravitating systems. We discuss the impact of various ingredients such as the accretion rate, gas equation of state, disk radius and cooling rate amplitude on the evolution of the gas shells, although we leave the inclusion of stellar and black hole activity to future work. The self-consistent evolution of gas and dark matter allows us to study the response (or `quasi-adiabatic relaxation') of the dark matter trajectories to the presence of collapsing gas, an effect that has gained increasing importance recently in the context of precision estimates of small-scale statistics like the matter power spectrum. Our default configuration produces a relaxation relation in qualitative agreement with that seen in cosmological hydrodynamical simulations, and further allows us to easily study the impact of the model ingredients mentioned above. As an initial application, we vary one ingredient at a time and find that the accretion rate and gas equation of state have the largest impact on the relaxation relation, while the cooling amplitude plays only a minor role. Our model thus provides a convenient framework to rapidly explore the coupled nonlinear impact of multiple astrophysical processes on the mass and velocity profiles of dark matter in galactic halos, and consequently on observables such as rotation curves and gravitational lensing signals.

Tailoring Mentorship: Evidence on Diverse Needs and Application Patterns for High School Students

We investigate enrollment in a mentoring program aimed at promoting transition to tertiary education for high school students. Females exhibit both higher initial interest and application completion, while immigrants and financially constrained students initially express higher interest, but ultimately are not more likely to apply. Survey results highlight a common preference for shared academic interests, but variations emerge: females prefer same-gender mentors, immigrants value shared cultural traits, and financially constrained individuals lean towards mentors from the same municipality. This suggests that programs targeting underrepresented students should be aware of potential barriers to take-up and promote recruiting mentors with similar background.