Limited Period Research Articles

An improved Bi-RRT*-based path planning algorithm with adaptive search strategy assignment mechanism for ultra-low-altitude penetration of fixed-wing aircraft

The ultra-low-altitude penetration with complex three-dimensional terrain environment usually requires the path planning algorithm to be computationally efficient to generate feasible optimized flight paths in a limited period of time. This paper investigates an improved bidirectional rapidly-exploring random tree* (RRT*) path planning algorithm with adaptive search strategy assignment mechanism to accelerate the exploration speed. The greedy optimization method and the three-dimensional Dubins method are utilized to reduce redundant nodes and optimize the flight path to satisfy the kinematic constraints of the fixed-wing aircraft. The model predictive control method is then employed to design the path-following controller, in which multiple types of constraints can be addressed. To demonstrate the superior planning efficiency of the proposed adaptive-alternating-exploration RRT* method, the existing widely-used path planning algorithms are used as benchmarks in the simulation studies. Simulation results show that the path planning time can be significantly reduced by up to 90% with the proposed adaptive-alternating-exploration RRT* method, simultaneously with optimized path length. Moreover, the designed model predictive path-following controller succeeds to track the planned collision-free path with maximum tracking errors of less than 2 meters. The effectiveness of the path planning algorithm and the designed controller is thoroughly demonstrated.

Impact of differences between the Nuclear Law Act and the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage on the Terms and Conditions of Nuclear Civil Liability Insurance2nd Part

This article is the second part of the publication with the same title, which appeared in the issue no. 4/2023 of the “Insurance Law”. The first part discussed selected differences in the regulation of civil liability of the operator of a nuclear installation for nuclear personal injury between the Nuclear Law Act and the Vienna Convention. Those included the definition of nuclear personal injury, the limitation period for claims for such injury and the rules for seeking compensation thereof. The Vienna Convention sets minimum protection standards in the event of nuclear damage, which has served as a benchmark for developing the principle of civil liability insurance of the operator of a nuclear installation for nuclear damage.The second part of the article deals with practical issues and provides a summary of the most crucial information concerning nuclear insurance market. It clarifies the notion of a nuclear insurer and their available insurance options. It also discusses the major elements of the civil liability protection for nuclear damage which differ from the rules of the insured’s civil liability specified by law. Finally, it addresses obstacles which may hinder the offering of this type of insurance as compulsory insurance under national legislation. This Article concerns solely the rules for civil liability for nuclear personal injury suffered as a result of operating the nuclear power plant. Insurance aspects related to the transport of nuclear material from nuclear facilities, the operation of research reactors and radioactive waste repositories have been omitted.

P-390 The percentage of regulatory T cells is associated with T follicular helper cell quantity in the peripheral blood of pregnant women

Abstract Study question Is there a relationship between the percentage of peripheral regulatory T cells (Treg) and other T cell subtypes in the first trimester of pregnancy? Summary answer The percentage of Treg cells showed a significant positive correlation with the quantity of T follicular helper cells (TFH). What is known already Regulatory T cells (Treg) play an essential role in the process of embryo implantation and maintenance of normal pregnancy. The quantity of these cells in the peripheral blood expands during the first trimester of pregnancy. Several studies report the importance of Treg in the control of the inflammatory process and in the pathophysiology of common adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, there is a scarce data about the quantitative relation between Treg and other important T sub-types during pregnancy. Study design, size, duration This is an observational study of 93 women, 28 to 53 years of age (mean 38 years), who had a blood sample during the first trimester (at 8-10 weeks of pregnancy). The study was conducted between November 2022 and October 2023. The exclusion criteria were history of recent inflammatory or infection disorders, recent antibiotic treatment, autoimmune diseases, oncological diseases, moderate or severe endometriosis, and endometrial polyps. Written informed consent was obtained from each participant. Participants/materials, setting, methods SIx peripheral T cell subtypes were measured by flow cytometry: T helpers % (CD3+CD4+CD8-/CD3+), T killers % (CD3+CD4-CD8+/CD3+), double-positive T cells % (CD3+CD4+CD8+/CD3+), double-negative T cells % (CD3+CD4-CD8-/ CD3+), T follicular helper cells % (CD3+CD4+CD8-CD185+/CD4+), T reg cells (CD4+CD8-CD25+CD127−/CD4+). Spearman’s correlation test was performed with all studied T cell subtypes in SPSS 21 package program. Main results and the role of chance The median percentage (range) of the studied T cell subtypes was: T helpers (51.7%, 12.1%÷91.45%), T killers (39.0%, 4.1%÷72.5%), DPT cells (1.2%, 0÷8.75), DNT cells (8.4%, 1.9%÷46.2%), Treg cells (4.6%, 1.9%÷12.7%), TFH cells (7.6%, 1.4%÷42.6%). To examine the association between the percentage of Treg cells and the other T cell subtypes, the Spearman’s Rho Correlation coefficient for non-paramentric data was used. No correlation was found between the quantity of Treg and T helpers, T killers, Total T cells, double-positive T cells (p > 0.05). In contrast, the percentage of Treg showed a significant positive correlation with the percentage of TFH (R = 0.36; p = 0.01), and a significant negative correlation with double-negative T cells (R= - 0.29; p = 0.04). Limitations, reasons for caution The main limitation of the study is that it was carried out only in a limited period of time during the pregnancy. Thus, it would be beneficial to compare the percentage of Treg cells with other T cell sub-types in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Wider implications of the findings Our study demonstrated that Treg cells have stronger association with TFH cells than with other T cell subtypes. The strength of this quantitative relationship might be important for the normal progress of pregnancy, and it remains subject of further studies. Trial registration number not applicable

John Paul II and Benedict XVI’s concern for the protection of the faithful against the most serious crimes, with particular emphasis on the sexual abuse of minors committed by clergy

The problem of dealing justly and efficiently with the most serious crimes in the Church after the promulgation of the Code of Canon Law in 1983 became the concern of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, later Benedict XVI, and John Paul II. Their cooperation and the decisions of Benedict XVI, as a continuation of the path started, laid the foundations for the creation of a system of canonical criminal law capable of responding properly and effectively to the most serious crimes committed by the faithful in the Church. The introduction of a clear scope of competence for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the definition of a longer limitation period, the possibility of revoking it, the centralization of procedural steps, entrusting them to qualified personnel, enabling the control of the action of individual superiors are very concrete legal solutions that confirm the teaching of the Church and the definite statements of the two Popes on the protection of the most vulnerable in the Church from the immense harm of sexual abuse that some clerics could commit against them. The article presents and discusses concrete legal solutions and relates them with the teachings and attitudes of the two popes towards protecting minors in the Church. It is an attempt to argue for the defense of their good names and to oppose the unfounded accusations made against these two authorities.

Investigating early dark energy with new observations

This paper mainly presents updated constraints on several types of early dark energy (EDE) models proposed by V. Pettorino et al. using observations of cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) from Planck satellite, the Pantheon Type Ia supernovae (SNIa) sample, and baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) measurements. The results yield stringent upper limits on the constant EDE fraction parameter Ωe. While the present equation of state (EoS) of dark energy w0 in the EDE1 model suggests a mild tendency towards a value less than −1, these models remain compatible with the ΛCDM scenario. Partly as a result of this slight tendency towards phantom late-time physics, EDE1 model supports a higher Hubble constant value, potentially narrowing the Hubble tension gap. The global fitting results also align with the notion that the constraint ability on Ωe weakens when dark energy is present only over a limited period after last scattering. Furthermore, by using the formalism of Fisher information matrix, we forecast uncertainties in the measured parameters of EDE models from the next-generation “Stage 4” CMB (CMB-S4) experiment. Forecasted precision of w0 and Ωe surpasses certain prior works, and most other basic parameters exhibit significantly higher limit precision compared to Planck 2018 results within the ΛCDM framework. To confirm the presence of EDE within the EDE1∼EDE4 parameterization frameworks, further advancements in observations are crucial.

Establish real-time corrosion map through dual-driven data and knowledge neural network

The real-time corrosion map is an effective method for studying atmospheric corrosion. Traditional coupons exposure data are difficult to establish the real-time corrosion maps due to the long experimental period. The Atmospheric Corrosion Monitor (ACM) technology, which provides continuous and real-time data, can be used to support the establishment of real-time corrosion maps. However, the high cost restricts the extensive application of ACM sensor. Additionally, power outages, equipment failures and lifespan limitations are limited factors for ACM sensors to provide sufficient data for unlimited period. It is an unsolved problem to generate a real-time corrosion map based on the ACM data from few locations and limited period. This research work focusses on establishing a new method, the dual-driven data and knowledge neural network (DKNN) model, to establish a real-time corrosion map. Firstly, A DKNN framework that includes multi-objective optimization loss function is constructed by the corrosion data which is amplified by common corrosion knowledge. Next, the DKNN model is evaluated by comparing the consistency between the corrosion electric quantity map and corrosion depth maps from the coupons exposure data. Finally, this paper provides a month-based and a quarter-based corrosion electric quantity maps for different areas in China. This approach could provide a solution to establish real-time corrosion map based on limited ACM data.

Competition between mixo‐ and heterotrophic ciliates under dynamic resource supply

AbstractThe outcome of species competition strongly depends on the traits of the competitors and associated trade‐offs, as well as on environmental variability. Here, we investigate the relevance of consumer trait variation for species coexistence in a ciliate consumer–microalgal prey system under fluctuating regimes of resource supply. We focus on consumer competition and feeding traits, and specifically on the consumer's ability to overcome periods of resource limitation by mixotrophy, that is, the ability of photosynthetic carbon fixation via algal symbionts in addition to phagotrophy. In a 48‐day chemostat experiment, we investigated competitive interactions of different heterotrophic and mixotrophic ciliates of the genera Euplotes and Coleps under different resource regimes, providing prey either continuously or in pulses under constant or fluctuating light, entailing periods of resource depletion in fluctuating environments, but overall providing the same amount of prey and light. Although ultimate competition results remained unaffected, population dynamics of mixotrophic and heterotrophic ciliates were significantly altered by resource supply mode. However, the effects differed among species combinations and changed over time. Whether mixotrophs or heterotrophs dominated in competition strongly depended on the genera of the competing species and thus, species‐specific differences in the minimum resource requirements that are associated with feeding on shared prey, nutrient uptake, light harvesting, and access to additional resources such as bacteria. Potential differences in the curvature of the species' resource‐dependent growth functions may have further mediated the species‐specific responses to the different resource supply modes. Overall, our study demonstrates that genus‐ or species‐specific traits other than that related to nutritional mode may override the relevance of acquired phototrophy by heterotrophs in competitive interactions, and that the potential advantage of photosynthetic carbon fixation of symbiont‐bearing mixotrophs in competition with pure heterotrophs may differ greatly among different mixotrophs, playing out under different environmental conditions and depending on the specific requirements of the species. Complex trophic interactions determine the outcome of competition, which can only be understood by taking on a multidimensional trait perspective.

Dynamic linkages between the monetary policy variables and stock market in the presence of structural breaks: evidence from India

PurposeThe study aims to determine the long and short-term causal relationships between the variables associated with the adjustment of monetary policy and the stock market in India in the presence of structural breaks.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test and the Error Correction Model to assess long- and short-term causal relationships. The study also used non-frequentist Bayesian inferences for the validity of estimation robustness. The Bai–Perron test is used to identify breakpoint dates for the Indian stock market index, and the Granger Causality test is employed to ascertain the direction of causality.FindingsThe F-bounds test reveals cointegration among the variables throughout the examined period. Specifically, the weighted average call money rate (WACR), inflation (WPI), currency exchange rate (EXE), and broad money supply (M3) exhibit statistical significance with precise signs. Furthermore, the study identifies the negative impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020 on the Indian stock market.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the study provides significant insights, it is not exempt from constraints. A significant limitation is selecting a relatively limited time period, specifically from April 2008 to September 2023. The limited time frame of this study may restrict the applicability of the results to more comprehensive economic settings, as dynamics between the monetary policy and the stock market can be influenced by multiple factors over varying time periods. Furthermore, the utilisation of the Weighted Average Call Money Rate (WACR) rather than policy rates such as the Repo rate presents an additional constraint as it may not comprehensively account for the impacts of particular policy initiatives, thereby disregarding essential complexities in the connection between monetary policy variables and financial markets.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study suggest that investors and portfolio managers should consider economic issues while developing long-term investing plans. Reserve Bank of India should exercise prudence to prevent any discretionary measures that may lead to a rise in interest rates since this adversely affects the stock market. To mitigate risk, investors should closely monitor the adjustment of monetary policy variables.Social implicationsThe study has important social implications, especially regarding the lower levels of financial literacy among investors in India. Considering the complex nature of the study’s emphasis on monetary policy adjustments and their impact on the stock market. Investors face the risk of significant losses due to unexpected adjustments in monetary policy. Many individuals may need help understanding how policy changes impact their investments. Therefore, RBI must consider both price and financial stability when formulating monetary policies. Furthermore, market participants should consider the potential impact of fluctuating monetary policy variables when devising their long-term investment strategies. Given that adjustments in interest rates can markedly affect stock market dynamics, investors must carefully assess the implications of monetary policy decisions on their portfolios.Originality/valueThe study uses dummy variables in the ARDL model to represent structural breaks that emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic (as determined by the Bai–Perron multiple breakpoint test). The study also used the Perron unit root test to find out the stationary of the series in the presence of structural breaks. Additionally, the study also employed Bayesian inferences to affirm the robustness of the estimates.

Global Mapping of HCl on Mars by IRTF/iSHELL

Hydrogen chloride (HCl)—a key marker of the chlorine cycle on Mars—has been recently discovered in the Martian atmosphere by the ExoMars/TGO mission. In-orbit data indicate that this molecule appears in the atmosphere only in a limited time period and specifically in the southern summer season. A snapshot global mapping of HCl is indispensable to examine its sources and sinks, but such observations are not currently possible from any orbiters. Here, we present the first spatially resolved map of HCl obtained with the ground-based NASA InfraRed Telescope Facility. We find clear features of HCl, demonstrating that HCl is present close to the surface. HCl is detected in the equatorial region for the first time, revealing that HCl is widely distributed on Mars. However, the spatial distribution of HCl is not uniform, and it is enhanced in the southern polar region. Interestingly, this nonuniform spatial distribution of HCl column abundance is strikingly similar to that of water vapor column abundance. This highlights the important role of water vapor in the evolution of HCl through the atmosphere, as previously noted, and suggests its potential involvement in the atmospheric chlorine source processes.

Towards long-term, high-accuracy, and continuous satellite total and fine-mode aerosol records: Enhanced Land General Aerosol (e-LaGA) retrieval algorithm for VIIRS

Long-term, accurate, stable, and continuous aerosol records from space are a major requirement for climate and atmospheric environment research. Due to the limited period span of the single satellite mission, solving the problem requires the combination of multiple satellite missions. In this study, a novel aerosol retrieval algorithm, named enhanced Land General Aerosol Retrieval (e-LaGA), for Visible/Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) was developed to continue Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectro-radiometer (MODIS) aerosol retrieval. e-LaGA utilizes a Surface Reflectance (SR) relationship model map to more accurately estimate the SR parameter, optimizes the priori aerosol-type map, and improves the multi-band retrieval strategy using the residual-interpolation approach. Additionally, e-LaGA expands the retrieval ability of the traditional Dark Target (DT) algorithm over bright surfaces, and can more accurately retrieve Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD), Fine-mode AOD (AODF), and Fraction (FMF). The validation using global 533 AERONET sites shows that the volume of matchups of AOD (AODF) is approximately 80000, the correlation coefficient (R) is 0.902 (0.879) and the fraction of meeting the expected error envelope (±0.05 ± 0.15τ) is 0.806 (0.804). The inter-comparison indicates that the accuracy of e-LaGA AOD retrievals is comparable to seven commonly used AOD products. The validation performance and spatial distribution pattern of e-LaGA AODF and FMF are in good agreement with the POLDER (Polarization and Directionality of the Earth's Reflectances) products. e-LaGA is also applied to MODIS sensors. The VIIRS e-LaGA AOD, AODF, and FMF retrievals have high consistency with MODIS e-LaGA. Their average bias of AOD is 0.006, which is smaller than 0.024 for the Deep Blue and 0.011 for the DT. These preliminary results demonstrate the robustness of the e-LaGA algorithm and its potential for establishing a long-term climate record of total and fine-mode aerosol by combining multiple satellite missions, which is expected to reduce the uncertainty of climate change research.

Destructive Testing of the Pinkabach Railway Bridge – Large scale Testing of Sensor Systems for Fatigue Crack Monitoring and System Identification

The work presents experiments carried out on an out-of-service steel railway bridge, the so called Pinkabach bridge. The objective was to test advanced and novel sensor systems, i.e. Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) and Acoustic Emission (AE), for the monitoring of fatigue cracks, both for crack initiation and subsequent crack growth, in steel railway bridges. Also, sensor systems for overall system identification, i.e. Tiny Motion (TM), Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) and dynamic response analysis, have been tested. The Pinkabach bridge was a single span plate girder railway bridge with a span width of 21,5m that was taken out of service and transported to a secure environment that allowed for destructive testing with permanent access to the structure itself under controlled conditions. By harmonic excitation of the structure at its first resonance frequency, cyclic stress levels comparable to the stress levels during train passage were generated and it was possible to emulate the fatigue load from decades of train traffic within the limited period of the experiments. Crack initiation and growth happened at two locations of the flanges and crack growth was monitored till the crack length was half of the flange width of the main girder. To end the experiments a static load test showed the remaining capacity of the damaged structure. A conventional sensor system was used for validation and comparison with calculated predictions based on linear fracture mechanics, used for the design of the experiments. An overview over the whole set of experiments as well as (intermediate) results and findings on the applicability of the novel sensor systems are presented in this paper. The experiments are a collaborative work of multiple scientific and industrial partners and have been carried out as part of Area 3.1 of the COMET Project Rail4Future, funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency FFG.

MZ세대의 편의점 PB상품 선택속성이 만족도와 재구매의도에 미치는 영향

This study investigates the effect of selection attributes of convenience store PB products on Generation MZ's satisfaction and repurchase intention. For this research objective, a survey was conducted using the convenience sampling method among MZ generation customers with experience purchasing convenience store PB products nationwide. For a limited period of 15 days, the frequency analysis of the Google online survey method was used to find out the demographic characteristics of the survey population, and the validity and reliability of the measurement tool were verified by principal component analysis using the SPSS statistical program. Finally, simple regression and multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the hypotheses, and the hypothesis testing results of this study are as follows. First, among the selection attributes of convenience store PB products, brand, packaging, quality, and price positively affect satisfaction. Second, satisfaction has a positive effect on repurchase intention. Third, selection attributes such as brand, packaging, quality, and price of convenience store PB products positively influence repurchase intention. Regarding academic and practical implications, the selection attributes were applied to the MZ generation who purchase PB products. It is recommended that PB products be continuously launched as trends change according to new consumer preferences. The results show that if MZ continues to research and develop ideas for convenience store PB products that consumers are interested in, it will be able to sell products that are differentiated from competitors' convenience stores.

The Effect Of Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure, Independent Commissioner, Audit Committee And Company Size On Tax Aggressiveness

This study aims to examine and analyze the influence of Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure; independent commissioner; audit committee; and company size on Tax Aggressiveness in mining companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2020-2022 period. The population in this study is 53 mining sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2020-2022 period. The research sample was selected using a purposive sampling technique in order to obtain 15 companies that met the research criteria during the 2020-2022 timeframe. Data analysis used multiple linear regression analysis techniques. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Based on the results of the tests that have been carried out, it shows that the Corporate Social Responsibility variable, the independent commissioner and the audit committee has no significant effect on tax aggressiveness. The company size variable has a positive effect on tax aggressiveness. Simultaneously the variables of corporate social responsibility, independent commissioners, audit committees and company size have no significant effect on tax aggressiveness. The weakness of this research is the limitation of the use of research variables. Moreover, researchers only use research objects in specific sectors for a limited period of time, i.e. for 3 years.

Geochemical Study of the Osumi Granodiorite, Southwestern Japan

The Osumi Granodiorite, located on the Osumi Peninsula in southwest Japan, is an example of outer zone granites that were formed during a limited period (13–15 Ma) in response to the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate. This event, which is linked to the separation of southwest Japan from continental Asia, resulted in unique igneous activity. The Osumi Granodiorite is the largest Miocene granite body in the region. It intrudes into the Mesozoic to Paleogene accretionary complex of the Shimanto Belt and affects contact metamorphism. Despite considerable research on the Osumi Granodiorite, limited geochemical studies, especially on trace and rare earth element (REE) analyses, have been conducted. Furthermore, there are insufficient data on the Rb–Sr isotopic system, leaving the formation process unclear. This study presents whole-rock geochemical and Rb-Sr isotopic data to investigate the petrogenesis of the Osumi Granodiorite. The results suggest a common magma origin for this pluton, as indicated by linear trends on the Harker diagrams and similar REE patterns. The presence of a relatively large Eu anomaly implies formation under a reducing environment. The AKF diagram indicates predominant contamination by pelitic rocks of the Shimanto Belt during magma formation. The Rb–Sr whole-rock isochron diagram and SrI–1000/Sr diagram suggest that the Osumi Granodiorite body was formed by heterogeneous assimilation of magma into the Shimanto Belt. Furthermore, the whole-rock isochron age is 64.3 Ma, which differs by approximately 50 My from the previously reported biotite K–Ar age (14–22 Ma). This age is considered to be a pseudo-isochron age, rather than the consolidation age. During the middle Miocene, the compressive stress field in the outer zone south of the Butsuzo Tectonic Line made it difficult for magma to rise. As a result, it reacted with the sedimentary rocks of the Shimanto Belt to various degrees. The Osumi Granodiorite underwent magma differentiation upon intrusion into the Shimanto Belt. It subsequently ascended, cooled, and interacted with pelitic rocks under stable geological conditions.

Activity responses of a mammal community to a 17-year cicada emergence event

Abstract During a limited period in the summer of 2021, 17-year cicada species (Magicicada cassini, M. septendecula, M. septendecim) represented a large pulse of easily accessible food unique to forest ecosystems in the eastern United States. Using trail cameras and acoustic recorders, we tested whether the activity levels of 8 mammal species in northwestern Indiana shifted in response to spatial and temporal variation in cicada densities from 18 May to 20 June 2021. Cicada densities varied temporally and spatially across all study sites. Most mammal species with sufficient data showed no response to cicada emergence, including 2 tree squirrel species, Peromyscus mice, Eastern Chipmunks (Tamias striatus), and 2 species of bats. Raccoons (Procyon lotor), likely cicada predators, showed a quadratic or more complex activity response to cicada abundance, indicating a potential saturation point at densities near 1 cicada per m2. Surprisingly, White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) activity decreased to almost 0 at the same cicada densities when we expected no change in activity. While size or accessibility may exclude cicadas as prey for small and volant mammals, our results suggest predation and satiation by Raccoons. In contrast, deer may be avoiding areas of cicada abundance due to other stimuli, such as high noise output, which may decrease their ability to detect predators.

Obinutuzumab in Refractory Membranous Nephropathy: A Case Series

Rationale & ObjectiveMembranous nephropathy (MN), recognized as an autoimmune kidney disease, responds well to anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. Obinutuzumab, a type Ⅱ humanized anti-CD20 and immunoglobulin G1 Fc-optimized monoclonal antibody, compared to rituximab, has demonstrated superior efficacy in B cell leukemia and lymphoma, especially in rituximab-resistant cases. However, the efficacy and safety of obinutuzumab in MN remain unclear. Study DesignRetrospective cohort study. Setting & ParticipantsA total of 18 patients who were diagnosed as MN and received obinutuzumab at our center, without secondary MN, undergoing dialysis, history of kidney transplantation, or infections requiring treatment. ExposureObinutuzumab treatment. OutcomesPrimary outcomes included remission rate, time to first remission, and first relapse-free survival time during the follow-up period. Analytical ApproachSurvival analysis was conducted with Cox proportional hazards models, Log-rank test, and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. ResultsMN patients (median age 52.5 years, 83% males) received an average dose of 2.1 ± 0.8 g obinutuzumab during a median follow-up period of 13.6 months. During follow-up, 17 patients (94.4%) achieved remission, with 12 patients (66.7%) achieving partial remission (PR) and 5 patients (27.8%) achieving complete remission (CR). The median time to first remission and first relapse-free survival time was 2.7 (1.0, 6.1) months and 9.8 (2.6, 11.2) months, respectively. Of 12 patients with previous rituximab treatment, all achieved remission successfully, with 8 (66.7%) achieving PR and 4 (33.3%) achieving CR. Adverse events were mostly mild, and no severe treatment-related adverse events were observed. LimitationsLimited or missing data, risks of selection bias, or recall bias; underestimated first relapse-free survival time due to limited follow-up period; unmonitored counts of CD19+ B cells and other lymphocyte subsets. ConclusionsObinutuzumab demonstrated promising efficacy and safety in inducing remission in MN, particularly in patients with an unsatisfactory response to rituximab.

Description and outcomes of a staff-assisted peritoneal dialysis program in the United States.

Staff-assisted peritoneal dialysis (PD) can help overcome barriers to self-care but is not yet available in the United States (US). We developed and implemented a staff-assisted PD program that fits within current regulatory and cost restraints in the US healthcare environment. Patient care technicians (PCTs) were trained on PD procedures and troubleshooting common problems. The program expanded from two centers in August 2020 to sixteen by October 2022. We described the logistic elements of program delivery, and patient and treatment outcomes for patients discharged by end of April 2023, with a cohort follow up until October 2023. A total of 121 patients were referred to the program. The most common indications for referral were physical function limitations, cognitive impairment, and psychosocial challenges. Staff assistance was provided for 73 patients. Mean age was 72 (standard deviation 14) years. A total of 604 visits were delivered, with a median 5 (interquartile range [IQR] 3-10, range: 1-49) visits per patient. Median duration of assistance was 8 (IQR: 2-21, range: 1-84) days. Assistance was most frequently needed for PD treatment setup and for observing and directing the technique. No peritonitis events or exit-site infections were reported. Sixty-eight patients (93%) were discharged on PD without staff assistance. The 6- and 12-month survival of PD without assistance was 71% and 57%, respectively. Staff-assisted PD for limited time periods is operationally feasible with PCTs in the US and can support transitioning and maintaining patients on PD.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04319185.

Legal framework and practical implications of vessel arrest and release: a study on limitation periods and maritime claims in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT This study delves into the intricate legal framework governing vessel arrest and release in Bangladesh, with a specific focus on the practical implications concerning limitation periods and maritime claims. The maritime industry plays a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s economy, yet the complexities surrounding vessel arrest and release often pose challenges for stakeholders involved. Through a comprehensive examination of relevant laws, regulations, and case studies, this research elucidates the legal mechanisms underpinning vessel arrest and release procedures. Moreover, it scrutinises the applicability and enforcement of limitation periods in maritime claims, shedding light on the intricacies of pursuing legal remedies within prescribed timeframes. By exploring practical implications, including procedural hurdles and judicial interpretations, this study offers insights into navigating the dynamic landscape of vessel arrest and release in Bangladesh. Ultimately, it aims to provide stakeholders, including shipowners, operators, insurers, and legal practitioners, with a deeper understanding of the legal intricacies and practical considerations inherent in maritime operations within Bangladeshi waters.

The vulnerability of sharks, skates, and rays to ocean deoxygenation: Physiological mechanisms, behavioral responses, and ecological impacts.

Levels of dissolved oxygen in open ocean and coastal waters are decreasing (ocean deoxygenation), with poorly understood effects on marine megafauna. All of the more than 1000 species of elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays) are obligate water breathers, with a variety of life-history strategies and oxygen requirements. This review demonstrates that although many elasmobranchs typically avoid hypoxic water, they also appear capable of withstanding mild to moderate hypoxia with changes in activity, ventilatory responses, alterations to circulatory and hematological parameters, and morphological alterations to gill structures. However, such strategies may be insufficient to withstand severe, progressive, or prolonged hypoxia or anoxia where anaerobic metabolic pathways may be used for limited periods. As water temperatures increase with climate warming, ectothermic elasmobranchs will exhibit elevated metabolic rates and are likely to be less able to tolerate the effects of even mild hypoxia associated with deoxygenation. As a result, sustained hypoxic conditions in warmer coastal or surface-pelagic waters are likely to lead to shifts in elasmobranch distributions. Mass mortalities of elasmobranchs linked directly to deoxygenation have only rarely been observed but are likely underreported. One key concern is how reductions in habitat volume as a result of expanding hypoxia resulting from deoxygenation will influence interactions between elasmobranchs and industrial fisheries. Catch per unit of effort of threatened pelagic sharks by longline fisheries, for instance, has been shown to be higher above oxygen minimum zones compared to adjacent, normoxic regions, and attributed to vertical habitat compression of sharks overlapping with increased fishing effort. How a compound stressor such as marine heatwaves alters vulnerability to deoxygenation remains an open question. With over a third of elasmobranch species listed as endangered, a priority for conservation and management now lies in understanding and mitigating ocean deoxygenation effects in addition to population declines already occurring from overfishing.

Pollinator competition and the contingency of nectar depletion during an early spring resource pulse.

Concerns about competition between pollinators are predicated on the assumption of floral resource limitation. Floral resource limitation, however, is a complex phenomenon involving the interplay of resource production by plants, resource demand by pollinators, and exogenous factors-like weather conditions-that constrain both plants and pollinators. In this study, we examined nectar limitation during the mass flowering of rosaceous fruit trees in early spring. Our study was set in the same region as a previous study that found severe nectar limitation in summer grasslands. We used this seasonal contrast to evaluate two alternative hypotheses concerning the seasonal dynamics of floral resource limitation: either (H1) rates of resource production and consumption are matched through seasonal time to maintain a consistent degree of resource limitation, or (H2) a mismatch of high floral resource production and low pollinator activity in early spring creates a period of relaxed resource limitation that intensifies later in the year. We found generally much lower depletion in our spring study compared to the near 100% depletion found in the summer study, but depletion rates varied markedly through diel time and across sampling days, with afternoon depletion rates sometimes exceeding 80%. In some cases, there were also pronounced differences in depletion rates across simultaneously sampled floral species, indicating different degrees of nectar exploitation. These findings generally support the seasonal mismatch hypothesis (H2) but underscore the complex contingency of nectar depletion. The challenge of future work is to discern how the fluctuation of resource limitation across diel, inter-diel, and seasonal time scales translates into population-level outcomes for pollinators.