Mobility Events Research Articles

Algorithm Improvement for Mobile Event Detection with Intelligent Tunnel Robots

Mobile inspections conducted by intelligent tunnel robots are instrumental in broadening the inspection reach, economizing on inspection expenditures, and augmenting the operational efficiency of inspections. Despite differences from fixed surveillance, mobile-captured traffic videos have complex backgrounds and device conditions that interfere with accurate traffic event identification, warranting more research. This paper proposes an improved algorithm based on YOLOv9 and DeepSORT for intelligent event detection in an edge computing mobile device using an intelligent tunnel robot. The enhancements comprise the integration of the Temporal Shift Module to boost temporal feature recognition and the establishment of logical rules for identifying diverse traffic incidents in mobile video imagery. Experimental results show that our fused algorithm achieves a 93.25% accuracy rate, an improvement of 1.75% over the baseline. The algorithm is also applicable to inspection vehicles, drones, and autonomous vehicles, effectively enhancing the detection of traffic events and improving traffic safety.

Spatio-temporal behaviour of cruise passengers at the destination: a big data approach using mobile location events

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a deeper understanding of the spatio-temporal behaviour of cruise passengers at a given destination using the city of Hamburg as a use case. Design/methodology/approach Big data in the form of passive location events from smartphones were analysed to determine the spatio-temporal behaviour of cruise tourists. The data were filtered using a definition created specifically for determining the signals of cruise passengers and were analysed using spatial statistics and network analysis methods. Findings In Hamburg, cruise passengers have a relatively small area of activity that is concentrated in the city's core tourist area. Foreign cruise passengers are less spatially concentrated than German passengers. Foreign passengers generate most of their visits at the airport and in the city's shopping areas, while German passengers are most frequently seen at the railway station and at the city's maritime experience locations. Originality/value Although numerous publications have examined the spatio-temporal behaviour of cruise passengers at the destination, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no studies have used big data sources for this purpose. This paper uses passive location events from smartphones to determine the routes taken by cruise tourists in Hamburg, shows the strengths and weaknesses of this data source and suggests how cruise tourists can be defined from the data.

A Coproduced Family Reporting Intervention to Improve Safety Surveillance and Reduce Disparities.

Examine family safety-reporting after implementing a parent-nurse-physician-leader coproduced, health literacy-informed, family safety-reporting intervention for hospitalized families of children with medical complexity. We implemented an English and Spanish mobile family-safety-reporting tool, staff and family education, and process for sharing comments with unit leaders on a dedicated inpatient complex care service at a pediatric hospital. Families shared safety concerns via predischarge surveys (baseline and intervention) and mobile tool (intervention). Three physicians with patient safety expertise classified events. We compared safety-reporting baseline (via survey) versus intervention (via survey and/or mobile tool) with generalized estimating equations and sub-analyzed data by COVID-19-era and educational attainment. We also compared mobile tool-detected event rates with hospital voluntary incident reporting. 232 baseline and 208 intervention parents participated (78.2% consented); 29.5% of baseline families versus 38.2% of intervention families reported safety concerns (P = .09). Adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of families reporting safety concerns intervention versus baseline was 1.6 (1.0-2.6) overall, 2.6 (1.3-5.4) for those with < college education, and 3.1 (1.3-7.3) in the COVID-19-era subgroup. Safety concerns reported via mobile tool (34.6% of enrolled parents) included 42 medical errors, 43 nonsafety-related quality issues, 11 hazards, and 4 other. 15% of mobile tool concerns were also detected with voluntary incident reporting. Family safety-reporting was unchanged overall after implementing a mobile reporting tool, though reporting increased among families with lower educational attainment and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tool identified many events not otherwise captured by staff-only voluntary incident reporting. Hospitals should proactively engage families in reporting to improve safety, quality, and equity.

Quantification of the cellular content of platelet-rich plasma harvested after injection of filgrastim versus pegfilgrastim biosimilars: a prospective, single-center, crossover study

IntroductionHematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) appear in peripheral blood (PB) following mobilization due to external events or pharmaceutical agents like filgrastim and pegfilgrastim. Concentration of these into platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be used in orthopedics. ObjectivesThis prospective, single-center, controlled laboratory study aimed to compare safety profiles of filgrastim and pegfilgrastim administration, quantifying the cellular content of PRP derived from PB post-administration. We hypothesized comparable rates and severity of adverse events (AEs) among participants, along with similar cellular content in the PRP products. MethodsTen healthy male participants underwent a crossover design with 2 interventions separated by a washout period. PB was collected before and after each intervention, producing PRP for cellular comparison in vitro. AEs were monitored for severity and frequency throughout study. ResultsSignificant AEs for filgrastim included fatigue (36%), myalgia (36%), and back pain (9.1%), compared to pegfilgrastim, which included myalgia (31%), fatigue (23%), and back pain (23%). There were no significant differences between AE occurrences (P = .49) nor relationship to study drug (P > .99). Regarding total nucleated cell count (TNC), statistical significance was found in TNC count (P = .010) and TNC concentration (P = .004). All PRP products expressed high levels (>88%) of hematopoietic progenitor cell/HSC-specific CD45+, CD34+, CD45dim+, and hematopoietic progenitor cell/HSC+ markers. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that filgrastim and pegfilgrastim administration appear safe. Pegfilgrastim is equivalent to filgrastim for the mobilization of white blood cells and cells expressing hematopoietic cell-surface markers into the PB and consequently, into the derived PRP product. Clinical relevanceThis study presents pegfilgrastim as a single-injection alternative to filgrastim for the mobilization of HSCs into the PB and subsequent PB-derived PRP, which is more convenient and less invasive for patients.

Efficacy of cannabinoids compared to the current standard treatments on symptom relief in persons with multiple sclerosis (CANSEP trial): study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and degenerative disease of the central nervous system. More than 90,000 Canadians are affected; a cure is yet to be found. Available treatments to manage the disease course are only partially effective. For many years, persons with MS (PwMS) have used cannabis to relax, to reduce pain and spasticity, or to improve sleep and daily functioning, despite the lack of scientific evidence on the efficacy of specific cannabinoids [i.e., tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)] on these MS symptoms. The purpose of this clinical trial is to assess the effectiveness of different doses of these cannabinoids, alone or combined, on spasticity relief, compared to placebo. Moreover, we aim to determine which treatment is best effective to address other key MS conditions. A double-blinded, randomized, factorial, placebo-controlled trial will be performed. We intend to include up to 250 PwMS aged over 21 recruited from the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal MS Clinic. PwMS will be randomly assigned on a 1:1:1:1 ratio to one of the trial arms: THC alone, CBD alone, THC/CBD combination, or placebo, using stratified blocked randomization, with random blocks within each stratum. The primary outcome is a self-assessment of spasticity using the mean Numeric Rating Scale score over 7 days. The main outcome will be the difference in this score at 4 weeks compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes include assessments of spasticity as measured by a clinician, pain, fatigue, sleep, bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction, restless legs syndrome, mental health, quality of life, mobility, cognitive functioning, and adverse events. Treatment responders are eligible for a 12-week extension phase, using the same treatment allocation and assessments. Previous clinical studies examined the efficacy of cannabis-based medicines in PwMS, mostly using products with 1:1 THC/CBD ratio. The major barrier to effectively use cannabis in real-world clinical settings is the lack of evidence on benefits of specific cannabinoids and information on possible related risks. The CANSEP study will contribute to overcome these limitations and identify the risks and benefits of cannabis-based treatments in PwMS. ClinicalTrials.Gov, NCT05092191.

Changes in Family Structure during Shantytown Redevelopment and Their Correlation with the Living Space

Amid rapid urbanization, shantytown redevelopment profoundly transforms urban environments and catalyzes substantial changes in social, economic, and family structures. Yet, most previous studies have focused narrowly on the outcomes of single residential mobility events, overlooking the complex dynamics that unfold across the pre-redevelopment, during-redevelopment, and post-redevelopment phases. This study investigates changes in family structure and their correlation with living space throughout all three phases of shantytown redevelopment in Heze City, Shandong Province, China, from 2016 to 2023. Collecting data through a community survey, we gathered 1035 valid responses to analyze family structure and residential characteristics. Our analysis, which included Sankey diagrams and cross-lagged panel models (CLPM), revealed a predominant trend of large families fragmenting into smaller nuclear units and demonstrated a significant positive correlation between family structure complexity (FSC) and living space. Notably, the FSC from a previous phase had a significant influence on the living space of the following phase, indicating lagged effects where housing choices are influenced by prior family structure. Further comparisons across different housing types and tenures during the temporary phase highlighted diverse structural changes among families. These insights are crucial for policymakers to refine urban redevelopment strategies, better meet residents’ needs, and enhance the efficacy of policies.

Characterising mobility and pressure exposure in community dwelling residents with pressure ulcers using monitoring technology and intelligent algorithm

AimIndividuals in the community with reduced mobility are at risk of exposure to prolonged lying and sitting postures, which may cause pressure ulcers. The present study combines continuous pressure monitoring technology and intelligent algorithms to evaluate posture, mobility, and pressure profiles in a cohort of community dwelling patients, who had acquired pressure ulcers. Materials and methodsThis study represents a secondary analysis of the data from the Quality Improvement project ‘Pressure Reduction through COntinuous Monitoring In the community SEtting (PROMISE)’. 22 patients with pressure ulcers were purposely selected from 105 recruited community residents. Data were collected using a commercial continuous pressure monitoring system over a period of 1–4 days, and analysed with an intelligent algorithm using machine learning to determine posture and mobility events. Duration and magnitude of pressure signatures of each static posture and exposure thresholds were identified based on a sigmoid relationship between pressure and time. ResultsPatients revealed a wide range of ages (30–95 years), BMI (17.5–47 kg/m2) and a series of co-morbidities, which may have influenced the susceptibility to skin damage. Posture, mobility, and pressure data revealed a high degree of inter-subject variability. Largest duration of static postures ranged between 1.7 and 19.8 h, with 17/22 patients spending at least 60 % of their monitoring period in static postures which lasted >2 h. Data revealed that many patients spent prolonged periods with potentially harmful interface pressure conditions, including pressure gradients >60 mmHg/cm. ConclusionThis study combined posture, mobility, and pressure data from a commercial pressure monitoring technology through an intelligent algorithm. The community residents who had acquired a pressure ulcer at the time of monitoring exhibited trends which exposed their skin and subdermal tissues to prolonged high pressures during static postures. These indicators need further validation through prospective clinical trials.

Breast Cancer Education and Empowerment in Ethiopia: Evaluating Community-Based Cancer Prevention Efforts Using the RE-AIM Framework.

Cancer prevention challenges in Ethiopia include limited community awareness and low uptake of screening, which are in part driven by a lack of culturally and linguistically relevant cancer education appropriate for the diverse indigenous communities of this never-colonized nation. In 2022, a comprehensive multi-media breast cancer (BC) awareness campaign was implemented, featuring local cancer experts and survivors, with community-based screening events in the towns of Adama and Mojo. The RE-AIM framework was used to evaluate and describe its reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance. Educational pamphlets, videos, social media posts, and interviews were distributed in person and through local and national media networks, reaching tens of millions of people and resulting in 525 individuals screened, with one diagnosis of early-stage cancer. During the free screening events, an interview-administered survey of BC knowledge, attitudes, and screening practices was conducted to inform future cancer education for this population. Among 287 survey respondents, about half correctly identified swelling (46%) or changing nipples/discharge (48.4%) as signs of BC. Maintenance challenges include the lack of a national screening program. Educational resources and a mobile app, translated into the local language, encourage continued patient empowerment to perform breast self-exams. In the absence of established BC prevention programs, "pop-up" mobile screening events can be effective for mobilizing communities to get screened. The paper highlights challenges and lessons gleaned from this community-based BC awareness campaign and screening event to inform future cancer education initiatives in Ethiopia and similar resource-limited settings.

Examining the Relationship between Vaccine Utilization and Educational Attainment in Southeast Los Angeles

The Southeast Los Angeles cities of Maywood and Bell have educational attainment (bachelor’s degree or higher) rates of 8.7% and 8.8%, respectively, relative to California’s state average of 37.0% (U.S. Census Bureau 2022). The goal of this study is to evaluate the relationship between educational attainment and vaccine utilization in Southeast Los Angeles to inform future policies aimed at improving long-term health outcomes. For this study, the International Collegiate Health Initiative (ICHI), a 501(c)-3 nonprofit focused on providing multicultural low-income, immigrant, and refugee populations with educational, nutritional, and medical health services, conducted extensive surveying of the patient population at its mobile community health clinic events at the Maywood YMCA and the Bell Community Health Center. The data reveals significant differences in vaccine use between college- and non-college-educated individuals. 68.75% of college-educated respondents reported receiving a COVID-19 booster shot, whereas 56.82% of non-college-educated respondents reported the same. Similarly, college-educated respondents had a 62.5% flu vaccination rate in the 2022 flu season, compared to 47.7% for non-college-educated respondents. The trend of college attendees being more likely to use vaccine services than non-college attendees is corroborated by a longitudinal study of Wisconsin high school graduates. This study determined that college attendance was correlated with higher probability of vaccine utilization in general, and increased flu shot usage in particular (Fletcher &amp; Frisvold, 2009). The study also indicates that there is causation, rather than simply correlation, between increased college attendance and use of vaccines. Moreover, an empirical assessment of OECD countries for the period 1995–2015 found that well-educated adults have better health relative to adults who are less-educated (​​Raghupathi &amp; ​​Raghupathi, 2020). This underscores the need to support increased educational attainment in underserved communities in order to increase vaccination rates in the United States.

Activity of light industry in Russia in the conditions of mobilization events in the field of economy

The purpose of the article is to establish the principles of organizing the light industry and adjacent sectors of the Russian economy in the context of mobilization activities in the economy, in order to ensure the uninterrupted supply of products to meet the needs of the troops within the framework of the state order. Methods. The industry analysis is carried out under two main assumptions: a) the industry should be reformed, on the terms of public-private mobilization partnership (PPMP); b) relations between the light industry and related economic sectors should be built on the terms of an inter-industry syndicate (cluster, strategic alliance). The assessment of the stability of companies in the light industry sector is carried out on the basis of a matrix aggregate calculator (MAC). The return on equity of companies is analyzed using the DuPont formula. Results. Based on the simulation results, it is shown that the industry maintains economic stability provided that three basic conditions are met: a) it maintains an irreducible net profitability at the level of 5–7 %; b) forms an irreducible turnover of its assets at the level of 1.5 times a year; c) is credited by the state under the supplier’s factoring scheme, which gives a level of financial leverage of about 1.6. All this together should lead to a return on industry equity (ROE) of about 20 % per annum, which guarantees a rapid attraction of private capital to the industry, with the issuance of additional state guarantees for capital protection (a real option for business). Discussion. A more detailed modeling of sectoral economic stability requires the correct selection of modeling factors by groups: Threats, Opportunities, BSC, Risks, Chances, Decisions. A special modeling of the industry corporate culture is needed, using the approaches of related specialties. Conclusion. The GFMP principle guarantees the sustainable functioning of the Russian economy in the conditions of a period of maximum and medium levels of response and high readiness. The conventional wisdom that it is possible to ensure the sovereignty of the country by keeping the peacetime economy in the rear is untenable.

Pivoting COVID-19 Resources for an Equitable Mpox Vaccine Response in Louisiana

IntroductionThe first case of mpox in Louisiana was identified two months ahead of Southern Decadence Festival in New Orleans, the largest LGBTQ+ Pride festival in the South. With mpox case numbers reflecting racial disparities, the objective was to mount an equitable vaccination response. MethodsThe Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) rapidly pivoted its Covid-19 resources and strategies – specifically, using vaccine strike teams and mobile events, in-state vaccine redistribution through centralized warehousing and shipping support, and community partnerships – to now control mpox transmission. Here we have evaluated State-based Immunization Information System data to examine whether the vaccination response was geographically and racially equitable. Geographic equity was measured by taking into account vaccine availability as well as uptake in areas with high Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). Results113 providers were enrolled in the vaccination program, and 96 mobile vaccination events were held in locations frequented by at-risk populations. Racial disparities among vaccine recipients decreased over time, and vaccine availability and uptake was equitable in high SVI areas. However, Black, female and Hispanic/Latinx patients had significantly higher risk of not completing the two-dose series relative to their counterparts. ConclusionThe mpox vaccination response in Louisiana was geographically equitable, though some disparities remained.

Pengembangan Aplikasi Penjualan Tiket Acara Berbasis Website dan Mobile

This research presents innovation in the form of web-based and mobile event ticket sales applications using the PHP and Kotlin programming languages. The goal is to provide convenience to users in booking event tickets and registering events themselves from their homes. The application is designed to simplify the ticket booking process, improve accessibility, and provide an optimal user experience. Key features include a responsive user interface, being able to register new events, book desired events, view booked events, view registered events. By combining the advantages of PHP and Kotlin programming languages, this research has the potential to provide a more efficient and satisfying event ticket booking and sales experience for users.

A community-based child health and parenting intervention to improve child HIV testing, health, and development in rural Lesotho (Early Morning Star): a cluster-randomised, controlled trial

When caregivers live in remote settings characterised by extreme poverty, poor access to health services, and high rates of HIV/AIDS, their caregiving ability and children's development might be compromised. We aimed to test the effectiveness of a community-based child health and parenting intervention to improve child HIV testing, health, and development in rural Lesotho. We implemented a matched cluster-randomised, controlled trial in the Mokhotlong district in northeastern Lesotho with 34 community clusters randomly assigned to intervention or wait-list control groups within a pair. Eligible clusters were villages with non-governmental organisation partner presence and an active preschool. Participants were caregiver-child dyads, where the child was 12-60 months old at baseline. The intervention consisted of eight group sessions delivered at informal preschools to all children in each village. Mobile health events were hosted for all intervention (n=17) and control (n=17) clusters, offering HIV testing and other health services to all community members. Primary outcomes were caregiver-reported child HIV testing, child language development, and child attention. Assessments were done at baseline, immediately post-intervention (3 months post-baseline), and 12 months post-intervention. We assessed child language by means of one caregiver-report measure (MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory [CDI]) and used two observational assessments of receptive language (the Mullen Scales of Early Learning receptive language subscale, and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test 4th edn). Child attention was assessed by means of the Early Childhood Vigilance Task. Assessors were masked to group assignment. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial was registered with ISRCTN.com, ISRCTN16654287 and is completed. Between Aug 8, 2015, and Dec 10, 2017, 1040 children (531 intervention; 509 control) and their caregivers were enrolled in 34 clusters (17 intervention; 17 control). Compared with controls, the intervention group reported significantly higher child HIV testing at the 12-month follow-up (relative risk [RR] 1·46, 95% CI 1·29 to 1·65, p<0·0001), but not immediately post-intervention. The intervention group showed significantly higher child receptive language on the caregiver report (CDI) at immediate (effect size 3·79, 95% CI 0·78 to 6·79, p=0·028) but not at 12-month follow-up (effect size 2·96, 95% CI -0·10 to 5·98, p=0·056). There were no significant group differences for the direct assessments of receptive language. Child expressive language and child attention did not differ significantly between groups. Integrated child health and parenting interventions, delivered by trained and supervised lay health workers, can improve both child HIV testing and child development. United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Abstract 12912: Effect of Real-Time Ambulatory Electrocardiography on Time-to-Intervention

Background: Mobile cardiac telemetry (MCT) and event monitors are ambulatory electrocardiography (AECG) monitors to aid in the detection/diagnosis of arrhythmias. They are unique in their real-time alerts to clinicians. This contrasts with Holter monitoring, which is continuous but where results are not available until after completion of the exam, uploading, and clinician over-read. There is limited data on relative benefit for time to electrophysiology procedure and interventions. Hypothesis: Does real-time monitoring of AECG reduce the time to cardiac implantable electronic device procedure, ablation procedure, or healthcare encounter when compared to AECG without real-time monitoring? Methods: This is a retrospective observational analysis of University of Utah Health patients who underwent AECG studies from 2010-2022. The study cohort was stratified by patients with an ambulatory ECG that provides real-time event notification (CEM and MCT; hereafter Non-holter) versus those that do not (Holter). The outcomes of interest were cardiac device implantation, ablation procedure, and ER/hospitalization within 12 months, analyzed based on time-to-event using log-rank tests. Results: We identified 50 patients in the Holter group and 137 for the Non-holter group. The groups had similar baseline characteristics in terms of age, gender, and co-morbidities. The mean number of days to device implant was 68.1 and 66.36, to ablation procedure was 77.68 and 67.77, and to ER/hospital visit was 61.12 and 55.38 in the Holter and Non-holter groups respectively (Figure). Conclusion: There was not a statistically significant difference between AECG monitoring in real-time (Non-holter) and those without (Holter), however, there was a trend toward decreased time to intervention in the Non-holter group for each of the three outcomes. Future, larger cohorts may provide adequate power to determine if real-time monitoring does reduce time to the studied interventions.

Mobilisation thresholds for coral rubble and consequences for windows of reef recovery

Abstract. The proportional cover of rubble on reefs is predicted to increase as disturbances increase in intensity and frequency. Unstable rubble can kill coral recruits and impair binding processes that transform rubble into a stable substrate for coral recruitment. A clearer understanding of the mechanisms of inhibited coral recovery on rubble requires characterisation of the hydrodynamic conditions that trigger rubble mobilisation. Here, we investigated rubble mobilisation under regular wave conditions in a wave flume and irregular wave conditions in situ on a coral reef in the Maldives. We examined how changes in near-bed wave orbital velocity influenced the likelihood of rubble motion (e.g. rocking) and transport (by walking, sliding or flipping). Rubble mobilisation was considered as a function of rubble length, branchiness (branched vs. unbranched) and underlying substrate (rubble vs. sand). The effect of near-bed wave orbital velocity on rubble mobilisation was comparable between flume and reef observations. As near-bed wave orbital velocity increased, rubble was more likely to rock, be transported and travel greater distances. Averaged across length, branchiness and substrate, loose rubble had a 50 % chance of transport when near-bed wave orbital velocities reached 0.30 m s−1 in both the wave flume and on the reef. However, small and/or unbranched rubble pieces were generally mobilised more and at lower velocities than larger, branched rubble. Rubble also travelled further distances per day (∼2 cm) on substrates composed of sand than rubble. Importantly, if rubble was interlocked, it was very unlikely to move (&lt; 7 % chance) even at the highest velocity tested (0.4 m s−1). Furthermore, the probability of rubble transport declined over 3 d deployments in the field, suggesting rubble had snagged or settled into more hydrodynamically stable positions within the first days of deployment. We expect that snagged or settled rubble is transported more commonly in locations with higher-energy events and more variable wave environments. At our field site in the Maldives, we expect recovery windows for binding (when rubble is stable) to predominantly occur during the calmer north-eastern monsoon when wave energy impacting the atoll is less and wave heights are smaller. Our results show that rubble beds comprised of small rubble pieces and/or pieces with fewer branches are more likely to have shorter windows of recovery (stability) between mobilisation events, and thus be good candidates for rubble stabilisation interventions to enhance coral recruitment and binding.

How to poach the talents? Role of social capital and contextual knowledge base

Why do some talent mobility events succeed with big news while others result in silent failure? Recruiting experienced inventors is an important way for hiring firms to get information and reach external knowledge to gain a competitive advantage in the digital era. This research considers learning-by-hiring (LBH) to be a process of knowledge transfer from the recruit to the hiring firm and identifies the influential factors in this process. We develop an integrated model to depict the relationship among the social capital of the recruit, knowledge base of the hiring firm, and corresponding knowledge transfer performance. By combining PATSTAT and COMPUSTAT databases, we identify 25,618 interfirm mobility events. Empirical models are developed to examine the theoretical hypotheses. The analyses indicate that a firm can acquire more knowledge through hiring when they poach a recruit who has more individual social capital. Interestingly, the knowledge breadth of the hiring firm strengthens the positive effect of relational embeddedness and weakens the impact of structural embeddedness. Conversely, knowledge depth weakens the effects of relational embeddedness and strengthens the effects of structural embeddedness. This study advances our understanding of LBH, and also enriches the interplay between recruits and hiring firms from a knowledge transfer perspective.

Emergence and mobilization of a novel lincosamide resistance gene lnu(I): From environmental reservoirs to pathogenic bacteria

Antimicrobial resistance remains an utmost concern in human and veterinary medicine, impacting humans, animals, and the environment while significantly influencing the principles of One Health. While Riemerella anatipestifer (R. anatipestifer) is recognized as a waterfowl pathogen with multidrug-resistant properties, the specifics of its lincosamide resistance mechanism are inadequately understood. In this study, we identified a novel lincosamide resistance gene, lnu(I), in R. anatipestifer RCAD0121, and investigated its potential origin, transfer mechanisms, and dissemination status through genomic epidemiology. This exhibited 74.80 % amino acid identity with a previously reported gene, lnu(H). PCR analysis revealed lnu(I) prevalence in at least 44 R. anatipestifer isolates collected from multiple provinces in China. Furthermore, genomic mining unveiled 56 lnu(I) sequences within publicly available databases, primarily originating from environmental sources. In addition, members of the family Flavobacteriaceae were the dominant (16/56, 28.57 %) bacteria carrying the lnu(I) gene, with Flavobacterium exhibiting a similar GC content as lnu(I). Notably, specific instances of the lnu(I) gene were linked to mobile genetic elements within human and animal pathogenic bacteria. These findings suggest that Flavobacterium species within the environment could serve as potential ancestral sources of the novel lnu(I) gene, which has undergone mobilization events toward pathogenic bacteria.

Spatial mobility as a governance tool in the Chinese bureaucracy: mechanisms, patterns, and distributions

The allocation of career opportunities in state agencies is central to promote conformity and discipline in authoritarian regimes. While prior studies mostly focused on positional promotion, they have not sufficiently considered the governance problems of authoritarian regimes as multi-regional organizations. This study systematically examines spatial mobility, another crucial but less-understood component of career mobility, in the Chinese bureaucracy. I propose that there are three major mobility mechanisms: (1) rewarding bureaucrats, (2) training bureaucrats, and (3) exerting political control. These mechanisms induce spatial mobility events with distinct patterns and distributions. Empirically, I analyze a unique dataset that comprehensively tracks bureaucrats’ mobility among key positions and jurisdictions in Jiangsu Province from 1990 to 2008. The findings confirm all propositions and show that political control is the most dominant mechanism. This research contributes to understanding the institutional arrangements of the Chinese bureaucracy regarding how various governance issues are addressed by spatially transferring bureaucrats.

Optimization of Spatial and Temporal Configuration of a Pressure Sensing Array to Predict Posture and Mobility in Lying.

Commercial pressure monitoring systems have been developed to assess conditions at the interface between mattress/cushions of individuals at risk of developing pressure ulcers. Recently, they have been used as a surrogate for prolonged posture and mobility monitoring. However, these systems typically consist of high-resolution sensing arrays, sampling data at more than 1 Hz. This inevitably results in large volumes of data, much of which may be redundant. Our study aimed at evaluating the optimal number of sensors and acquisition frequency that accurately predict posture and mobility during lying. A continuous pressure monitor (ForeSitePT, Xsensor, Calgary, Canada), with 5664 sensors sampling at 1 Hz, was used to assess the interface pressures of healthy volunteers who performed lying postures on two different mattresses (foam and air designs). These data were down sampled in the spatial and temporal domains. For each configuration, pressure parameters were estimated and the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUC) was used to determine their ability in discriminating postural change events. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) was employed to predict static postures. There was a non-linear decline in AUC values for both spatial and temporal down sampling. Results showed a reduction of the AUC for acquisition frequencies lower than 0.3 Hz. For some parameters, e.g., pressure gradient, the lower the sensors number the higher the AUC. Posture prediction showed a similar accuracy of 63-71% and 84-87% when compared to the commercial configuration, on the foam and air mattress, respectively. This study revealed that accurate detection of posture and mobility events can be achieved with a relatively low number of sensors and sampling frequency.

Multistage fluorite mineralization in the southern Black Forest, Germany: evidence from rare earth element (REE) geochemistry

Abstract. The Black Forest hosts a wide range of hydrothermal mineralization, including fluorite–barite vein deposits. In a detailed investigation of the Finstergrund and Tannenboden deposits in the Wieden mining district (southern Black Forest), the diversity, geochemical evolution and relative chronology of multistage fluorite precipitation is tracked on the basis of rare earth element (REE) geochemistry, geologic field relationships and crystal zoning. Geochemical discrimination and mathematical λ coefficients suggest a total of seven fluorite REE groups, at least three distinguishable post-Variscan fluid mobilization events and independent formation histories for the deposits despite their spatial proximity. Fluorite vein mineralization at the Finstergrund deposit evolved over three fluid generations, was derived from gneissic source aquifers and comprises five distinct fluorite REE groups: the first fluid generation is characterized by fluorite precipitation above 200 ∘C (“group III”), below 200 ∘C (“group I”) and after fractional crystallization (“group IV”); the second generation comprises remobilized fluorite (“group II”); and the third generation revealed fluorite precipitation by meteoric water mixing (“group V”). Fluorite vein formation at the Tannenboden deposit is associated with two distinct fluorite REE patterns derived from the same fluid generation: fluorite precipitation above 200 ∘C (“group VII”) and after cooling below 200 ∘C (“group VI”). Its fluid source aquifer lithology best matches migmatites contrary to previous models that suggest either gneissic or granitic aquifer rocks for fluorite vein precipitation in the Black Forest. The decoupled formation history between the deposits is tectonically controlled as suggested by a new genetic model for the Wieden mining district. The model argues for a change in the local fluid percolation network and the termination of hydrothermal activity at the Tannenboden deposit after the first fluid mobilization event. The geochemical evolution of multistage fluorite mineralization, as exemplified by the Tannenboden and Finstergrund deposits in combination with other fluorite mineralizations in the Black Forest, provides unique insights into the lithospheric origin and precipitation behaviour of fluorite by various fluid–rock interaction processes occurring in large hydrothermal systems. The local diversity of REE patterns emphasizes the need for detailed investigations of individual hydrothermal vein deposits.