Natural Patterns Research Articles

The influence of natural wind patterns on the thermal and humidity comfort of the “one seal” building in Yunnan, China

ABSTRACT The thermal and humidity environments of buildings under the influence of the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems constitute a mature topic in the field of architecture, but there are few studies on the thermal and humidity environments of traditional rural buildings under natural wind conditions. In this paper, a traditional one-seal residential building in Kunming, Yunnan Province, was adopted as the research object. By arranging monitoring instruments, we collected thermal and humidity environment and natural wind data of the building under three weather conditions: cloudy, sunny and rainy days. The results showed that climate change can alter the thermal and humidity stability levels of the building, and there are differences in thermal and humidity stability among the different spatial structures inside the building. Natural wind plays a significant role in reducing the humidity of the environment and building surfaces, and the thermal and humidity properties of the building materials play an important role in maintaining the thermal and humidity stability levels of the building. The results of this study provide a basis for obtaining a greater understanding of heat and humidity comfort levels in naturally ventilated areas and thermal and humidity environments of traditional buildings at the later stage.

Anisotropic Liesegang pattern for the nonlinear elastic biomineral-hydrogel complex.

The Liesegang pattern is a beautiful natural anisotropic patterning phenomenon observed in rocks and sandstones. This study reveals that the Liesegang pattern can induce nonlinear elasticity. Here, a Liesegang-patterned complex with biomineral-hydrogel repetitive layers is prepared. This Liesegang-patterned complex is obtained only when the biomineralization is performed under the supersaturated conditions. The Liesegang-patterned complex features a nonlinear elastic response, whereas a complex with a single biomineral shell shows a linear behavior, thus demonstrating that the Liesegang pattern is essential in achieving nonlinear elasticity. The stiff biomineral layers have buffered the concentrated energy on behalf of soft hydrogels, thereby exposing the hydrogel components to reduced stress and, in turn, enabling them to perform the elasticity continuously. Moreover, the nonlinear elastic Liesegang-patterned complex exhibits excellent stress relaxation to the external loading, which is the biomechanical characteristic of cartilage. This stress relaxation allows the bundle of fiber-type Liesegang-patterned complex to endure greater deformation.

Investigations on Xenopus laevis body composition and feeding behavior in a laboratory setting

The African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, has been used as a laboratory animal for decades in many research areas. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the nutritional physiology of this amphibian species and the feeding regimen is not standardized. The aim of the present study was to get more insights into the nutrient metabolism and feeding behavior of the frogs. In Trial 1, adult female X. laevis were fed either a Xenopus diet or a fish feed. After 4 weeks, they were euthanized, weighed, measured for morphometrics and dissected for organ weights and whole-body nutrient analysis. There were no significant differences between the diet groups regarding the allometric data and nutrient contents. The ovary was the major determinant of body weight. Body fat content increased with body weight as indicator of energy reserves. In Trial 2, 40 adult female frogs were monitored with a specifically developed digital tracking system to generate heat-maps of their activity before and up to 25 min after a meal. Three diets (floating, sinking, floating & sinking) were used. The main feed intake activity was fanning the feed into the mouth, peaking until 20 min after the meal. The different swimming characteristics of the diets thereby influenced the activity of the animals. Our dataset helps to adjust the feeding needs to the physical composition and also to meet the natural behavioral patterns of feed intake as a prerequisite of animal wellbeing and animal welfare in a laboratory setting.

Leveraging ChatGPT to Enhance Debugging: Evaluating AI-Driven Solutions in Software Development

Debugging is a crucial component of software development, focusing on identifying and correcting problems, commonly known as bugs, in code. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have introduced new opportunities for automating this process using language models such as ChatGPT. This article explores the use of ChatGPT in addressing programming challenges, assessing its ability to detect, anticipate, and rectify errors in code. The research examines ChatGPT’s debugging capabilities by evaluating its natural language processing, knowledge representation, and pattern recognition skills. The text compares ChatGPT’s performance with conventional debugging tools through real-world examples and case studies. The findings suggest that ChatGPT can effectively assist in debugging by automatically identifying and correcting errors, predicting issues early in the development phase, and clarifying the underlying causes of bugs. However, the system’s effectiveness depends on the quality of its training data and architecture. While ChatGPT has the potential to be a valuable tool in the debugging process, it is essential to combine it with traditional debugging methods to ensure accuracy and reliability. Further research is needed to enhance ChatGPT’s capabilities and evaluate its effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

Towards Enhanced Security: An improved approach to Phishing Email Detection

Email phishing assaults remain a widespread catastrophe to individuals and businesses, using human weaknesses to obtain unauthorised access to sensitive information. This research study presents an upgraded email phishing detection system that uses machine learning approaches. To construct a robust and adaptable model, the system includes a complete feature set such as email content analysis, sender reputation, and behavioural patterns. The one that has been proposed uses a new combination of supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms to analyse email properties and user behaviour, allowing for the detection of subtle phishing signs. The term of body content analysis, URL analysis, and QR code information are among the features retrieved and analysed utilising advanced natural language processing and pattern recognition algorithms. Novelty lies in the integration of supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms to identify subtle phishing indicators, along with advanced natural language processing and pattern recognition algorithms for analyzing email properties. A benchmark dataset is used for the proposed system's validation, and a comparison with other phishing detection techniques shows improved, lower false-positive rates. The results indicate the system's ability to effectively discern phishing emails while minimizing the impact on legitimate communication. The system demonstrates a notable improvement by including a diverse range of features and state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms, which makes it a valuable asset to the cybersecurity toolkit for safeguarding email correspondence.

Anthropogenic Pressures on Gorillas: A Case of Grauer’s Gorillas in Maiko National Park, the Democratic Republic of Congo

Anthropogenic activities put biodiversity under pressure, adversely affecting the forest ecosystem and wildlife habitats. Habitat disturbance and modification are among the main threats to animal populations in tropical forests. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Grauer’s gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri) are continuously threatened through forest encroachment for agricultural expansion, human settlements, new refugee camps, illegal logging, and mining across the country. Moreover, poaching and bushmeat trafficking continuously threaten gorillas’ existence. These drivers increase the proximity of humans and the risk of disease transmission. The emerging and existing zoonotic diseases, including Ebola, are continuously impacting gorillas’ lives. All of these pressures combined are disrupting natural behavior patterns and are leading to the decline in the Grauer’s gorillas’ population. Therefore, this review scrutinizes findings on the anthropogenic pressures on the habitats and survival of Grauer’s gorillas. Also, it is important to engage with people for the shared conservation role and ecotourism to support the conservation of forest biodiversity and Grauer’s gorillas’ habitats, particularly for the Maiko National Park in the DRC.

Effects of constant high water levels in winter on waterbird diversity in Caizi Lakes: A functional perspective

The middle and lower Yangtze River floodplain lakes are important stopover and wintering sites for migratory birds on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. The periodic water level fluctuation of the lakes plays a critical role in the aggregation of waterbirds. However, the construction of a series of gates and dams has impeded the hydrological connectivity between rivers and lakes and disrupted the natural water level fluctuation patterns of lakes. The water level status of lakes influences habitat utilization by waterbirds. In recent years, Caizi Lakes, the gate-controlled lakes connected to the Yangtze River due to the need for water level regulation requirements, has experienced sustained high water levels in winter, which can reduce habitat quality and in turn influence waterbirds activity. In the present study, wintering waterbirds in Caizi Lakes were surveyed during the 2021–2022 (W1) and 2022–2023 (W2) wintering periods. Moreover, we explored the effects of constant high water levels in winter on waterbird assemblages by comparing species richness, abundance, and functional alpha and beta diversity. Correlation analyses were then performed to elucidate the relationship between habitat factors and water level changes during the wintering period of migratory waterbirds and between changes in various habitat factors and wintering waterbird assemblages under different hydrological conditions. The results showed that functional beta diversity was more sensitive to changes in waterbird assemblages in Caizi Lakes than functional alpha diversity. Moreover, constant high water levels in the mid-wintering period decreased suitable habitats for wintering waterbirds, increased functional turnover among waterbird assemblages, increased total dissimilarity among assemblages significantly, and decreased the level of functional nestedness significantly. Additionally, the areas of the three wetland habitats in Caizi Lakes were significantly correlated with water level changes during W1 and relatively less affected by water level changes under constant high water level conditions during W2. The changes in habitat area were influenced primarily by anthropogenic activities, with an increase in meadow area favorable for species richness and abundance, as well as functionally nested components. Water level regulation should take into consideration the natural hydrological rhythms of the declining water level to ensure that adequate and suitable habitats are provided for wintering waterbirds.

The role of memory-based movements in the formation of animal home ranges.

Most animals live in spatially-constrained home ranges. The prevalence of this space-use pattern in nature suggests that general biological mechanisms are likely to be responsible for their occurrence. Individual-based models of animal movement in both theoretical and empirical settings have demonstrated that the revisitation of familiar areas through memory can lead to the formation of stable home ranges. Here, we formulate a deterministic, mechanistic home range model that includes the interplay between a bi-component memory and resource preference, and evaluate resulting patterns of space-use. We show that a bi-component memory process can lead to the formation of stable home ranges and control its size, with greater spatial memory capabilities being associated with larger home range size. The interplay between memory and resource preferences gives rise to a continuum of space-use patterns-from spatially-restricted movements into a home range that is influenced by local resource heterogeneity, to diffusive-like movements dependent on larger-scale resource distributions, such as in nomadism. Future work could take advantage of this model formulation to evaluate the role of memory in shaping individual performance in response to varying spatio-temporal resource patterns.

ENHANCING USER EXPERIENCE IN INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE THROUGH BIOPHILIC DESIGN: A CASE STUDY OF URBAN RESIDENTIAL SPACES

This study aims to investigate how applying biophilic design principles to interior architecture—especially in urban residential contexts—can improve the user experience while accounting for the influence of different user profiles. It has been demonstrated that using natural components and patterns in constructed settings has a good influence on people's health and sense of connection to the natural world. The impact of numerous biophilic design elements on occupant well-being, productivity, and emotional connection to their living environments will be thoroughly examined. These include natural light, vegetation, water features and natural materials. University faculty and their families are the sole residents of Kayseri Nuh Naci Yazgan University Faculty Residences in Turkey a unique urban living community. Located at the corner of the university, this space offers individualized accommodation alternatives, creates a close-knit community and provides a distinctive living environment that meets faculty members' academic needs by guaranteeing easy access to educational resources. 54 residential units are participating in the study. Respondents are academic staff members that reside and work in the residences of Nuh Naci Yazgan University. The study centers on their housing experiences and they are its primary subjects. Both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered using a combination of in-depth observations, questionnaires and interviews in addition to random sampling. The study closes a crucial knowledge gap regarding the application of biophilic design in urban settings, given the current state of growing urbanization. This study is significant because it may help design more environmentally friendly and psychologically stimulating urban living environments. The results of this study can help architects, designers and urban planners create healthier and more user-centered urban places, which will ultimately improve the quality of life in urban settings, by examining how biophilic design affects user experiences. Using a case study methodology, the study was focused on NNYU Residences as a particular urban living environments as its study subjects. Observations, surveys and interviews was used to gather both qualitative and quantitative data to investigate users' opinions about the integration of biophilic design elements in their surroundings. This study has multiple main objectives. It seeks to comprehend how consumers interpret biophilic design elements, evaluate how the design affects inhabitants' well-being, investigate sustainability issues and offer useful advice for designers and architects. According to this study, biophilic design enhances sustainability and user satisfaction in urban residential environments. This has significant ramifications for urban planners and architects. Nonetheless, the case-study methodology and possibility for participant bias are two of the study's shortcomings. Also, because interior architecture is the study's primary focus, related bioinspired fields are not included. To learn more about these topics and how they contribute to biophilic design in interior products, future studies should investigate them.

Associations of dietary patterns with brain health from behavioral, neuroimaging, biochemical and genetic analyses

AbstractFood preferences significantly influence dietary choices, yet understanding natural dietary patterns in populations remains limited. Here we identifiy four dietary subtypes by applying data-driven approaches to food-liking data from 181,990 UK Biobank participants: ‘starch-free or reduced-starch’ (subtype 1), ‘vegetarian’ (subtype 2), ‘high protein and low fiber’ (subtype 3) and ‘balanced’ (subtype 4). These subtypes varied in diverse brain health domains. The individuals with a balanced diet demonstrated better mental health and superior cognitive functions relative to other three subtypes. Compared with subtype 4, subtype 3 displayed lower gray matter volumes in regions such as the postcentral gyrus, while subtype 2 showed higher volumes in thalamus and precuneus. Genome-wide association analyses identified 16 genes different between subtype 3 and subtype 4, enriched in biological processes related to mental health and cognition. These findings provide new insights into naturally developed dietary patterns, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet for brain health.

Bio-Inspired Robotic Exoskeletons with Adaptive Electrical Control for Enhanced Upper Extremity Rehabilitation

Robotic exoskeletons are a new and hopeful technology for rehabbing the upper limbs. They offer exact control and adjustable help to make traditional treatment more effective. This study suggests a new way to improve the recovery process that combines bio-inspired design with flexible electrical control. It is based on the way biological systems work. The suggested exoskeleton design is biomimetic, meaning that it looks and works like a human arm. This is done to make sure that the person can move naturally and comfortably. Lightweight, flexible materials make up the exoskeleton, which has sensors that track the user's movements and muscle activity. These monitors send input to the control system in real time, which lets it make changes that are more helpful for the user while they do different recovery routines. The control system uses an adaptable electrical treatment method that is based on how the human body controls its muscles. The control system constantly checks the user's muscle action and changes the amount of electrical stimulation to give the best support and help during recovery exercises. This flexible method makes sure that the exoskeleton's help is tailored to the person using it's wants and skills, which helps them recover more quickly. A bio-inspired robotic suit with adjustable electrical control is tested in a set of tests with healthy people and people who have had a stroke. The data show that the exoskeleton improves therapy for the upper limbs by giving individualized help and encouraging natural movement patterns. The adjustable electrical control makes it a lot easier for the user to do recovery exercises, which leads to better performance and a higher quality of life.

Domain-Controlled Prompt Learning

Large pre-trained vision-language models, such as CLIP, have shown remarkable generalization capabilities across various tasks when appropriate text prompts are provided. However, adapting these models to specific domains, like remote sensing images (RSIs), medical images, etc, remains unexplored and challenging. Existing prompt learning methods often lack domain-awareness or domain-transfer mechanisms, leading to suboptimal performance due to the misinterpretation of specific images in natural image patterns. To tackle this dilemma, we proposed a Domain-Controlled Prompt Learning for the specific domains. Specifically, the large-scale specific domain foundation model (LSDM) is first introduced to provide essential specific domain knowledge. Using lightweight neural networks, we transfer this knowledge into domain biases, which control both the visual and language branches to obtain domain-adaptive prompts in a directly incorporating manner. Simultaneously, to overcome the existing overfitting challenge, we propose a novel noisy-adding strategy, without extra trainable parameters, to help the model escape the suboptimal solution in a global domain oscillation manner. Experimental results show our method achieves state-of-the-art performance in specific domain image recognition datasets. Our code is available at https://github.com/caoql98/DCPL.

Abstract 255: Redefining SOX2 as a bifunctional mediator of transcription and adjusted translation control

Abstract The vertebrate transcription factor SOX2 (SRY Homology Box 2) is essential for stem cell maintenance, a prominent (co)inductor of pluripotency in reprogramming technology, and an oncogenic driver of transformation, therapy resistance, and disease relapse in cancer. These cell fate discriminatory events are currently understood as SOX2-imposed changes in DNA activity and the resultant co-transcriptional rewiring inside the cell’s nucleus. Cytoplasmic forms of SOX2, on the other hand, receive comparatively little scientific attention and are typically marginalized as a molecular reservoir for nuclear entry. We now challenge this notion as we identify further cell fate discriminatory significance selectively within the cytoplasmic pool of SOX2. Specifically, we find extra-nuclear forms of SOX2 in physical association with the ribosome where they modulate the translation rate of selected, SOX2-imposed mRNAs in the cytosol. These translational adaptations occur independent of nuclear structures or DNA and involve protein segments that have no DNA-binding capacity on their own. Very intriguingly, whereas transcriptional SOX2 targets impose stemness and pluripotency phenotypes, the newly identified co-translational targets predominantly relate to morphogenesis and differentiation events. This matches natural expression patterns in early ontogenesis, where SOX2 stains the nuclei of the inner cell mass (i.e., embryonic stem cells, ESCs), but the cytosol of the surrounding trophectoderm (i.e., differentiating non-stem cells). Most importantly though, we find the ribosome modulatory activity of SOX2 functionally abolished by a disease-linked human polymorphism, indicating a (patho)physiological relevance of our discovery. Taken together, we present experimental evidence that redefines SOX2 as a bifunctional modulator of transcription and translation control, which may pave the way for further refinements in reprogramming technology and the fight against cancer. Citation Format: Nitish Mittal, Meric Ataman, Hui Wang, Silvia Candido, Jonas Lötscher, Sergiy Velychko, Lionel Tintignac, Thomas Bock, Anastasiya Börsch, Jochen Baßler, Tata Nageswara Rao, Jakub Zmajkovic, Sarah Roffeis, Jordan Löliger, Francis Jacob, Alain Dumlin, Christoph Schürch, Alexander Schmidt, Radek C. Skoda, Christoph Hess, Hans R. Schöler, Holm Zaehres, Ed Hurt, Mihaela Zavolan, Claudia Lengerke, Thorsten Schaefer. Redefining SOX2 as a bifunctional mediator of transcription and adjusted translation control [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 255.

Exploring Community Self-efficacy to Light Pollution Mitigation in A Tourism Destination

ABSTRACT Light pollution is an emergent environmental concern, it disrupts the natural patterns of wildlife, contributes to the increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, disrupts human sleep, and obscures the stars in the night sky. However, rural and urban communities often overlook this factor, since it is not seen as a problem, and even if the destination has taken measures to mitigate light pollution, it is still challenging to maintain optimal levels. This study applied a questionnaire (N = 366) to examine the community involvement in light pollution mitigation in a Portuguese rural tourism destination in 2023. Results demonstrated that tourism is not a sufficient incentive for participants to take individual measures to mitigate light pollution (β = 0.075, p = 0.243). However, they consider that integrating tourism with light pollution mitigation at the local community level could enhance the tourist experience (β = 0.427, p = 0.000). Tourism destinations should promote environmental education about the effects of light pollution.

Mucin and salt combination simulate typical fern-like pattern of buffalo saliva smear at estrus.

Estrus detection in buffaloes primarily relies on behavioral and physiological signs. Especially during summer, these signs are less prominent to recognize. Thus, estrus detection is a pronounced challenge within the realm of buffalo husbandry, particularly in the summer. Therefore, a simple and accurate estrus detection method is required for buffalo farmers. The observation of fern-like salivary crystallization patterns is one such simple method to detect estrus in buffaloes, bactrian camels, beagle bitches, and cows. However, the exact mechanism for the formation of typical fern-like is not known. We hypothesized that it might be because of the estrus-specific mucins and salts. To test this hypothesis, we prepared the smears by combining different concentrations of mucin type -2 (MUC2) and -3 (MUC3) with sodium chloride (NaCl). Microscopic examination confirmed that fern-like patterns resulted from a combination of the MUC3 and NaCl produced more realistic fern patterns than that of MUC2 or BSA with salt. To predict possible mucin and salt concentration showing natural fern-like patterns at the estrus stage in buffalo saliva, we constructed a guide tree of artificially generated fern-like patterns using an image analysis online tool. This computation analysis revealed that most of the natural buffalo estrus saliva samples showing typical fern-like patterns clustered in the cluster 2 of the guide tree comprising of 13 clusters. In the cluster 2, MUC3 in combination with the salt concentrations of 100, 150, and 250 mM was commonly found in a close proximity to the natural typical fern-like patterns of saliva smear of buffaloes at estrus. Conclusively, the buffalo saliva at estrus is predicted to have a gel-forming heavily glycosylated protein such as mucin along with at least 100 mM of NaCl. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Glycoprotein and salts combination replicates fern-like pattern of buffalo saliva at estrus. MUC3 and NaCl salt combination produces more realistic fern-like patterns compared with MUC2 or BSA and salt combination. MUC3 with NaCl at 100, 150, and 250 mM consistently resembled natural estrus saliva fern-like patterns. During estrus, buffalo saliva is expected to contain heavily glycosylated mucin and at least of 100 mM NaCl.

Community forest, environment conservation and rural livelihood

The study analyses the economic benefit to rural people derived from the community forest and the role of community forest in the livelihood of the rural people. For this purpose, Khajure Community Forest of Dang district was selected. This article analyses interactions among economic development, the environment, and natural resource use pattern. Community forestry promotes sustainable management of forests by the local community for their collective benefits and promotes equal rights regardless of caste, ethnicity and gender. Community Forest Users’ Group highly depend on CF for their basic households needs such as fuel wood, grass, fodder and timber. Community participation in managing forest has contributed to forest conservation, scientific utilization of forest products and social inclusion which ultimately fosters community ownership in management and use of natural resources. But there are problems in CF governance and benefit sharing. The main issues of community forest are elite dominance in decision-making, social exclusion, and unequal benefit sharing. Rural people go through the exploitation of forest resource haphazardly for their survival. Exploitation of natural resources, including forest resource, contribute to global environmental problems and climate change. Electric cook stoves could be a good, clean fuel source while also helping to reduce the trade deficit. Scheduled firewood collection has resulted to shortage of fuel wood and has increased dependency on cow dung cake for daily cooking. Socio-economic condition of community members has remained as the obstacle for fuel shifting towards modern and clean energy that produces no smoke and no indoor air pollution, and thus, reducing respiratory diseases. Fuel transition has great positive impact on forest conservation,too.

Small-scale movements and site fidelity of two sympatric sea turtle species at a remote atoll

Understanding natural movement patterns and ecological roles of marine megafauna is a research priority best studied in areas with minimal human impact. The spatial distribution patterns specifically for immature turtles at foraging grounds have been highlighted as a research gap for effective management and conservation strategies for sea turtle populations. Capture–mark–recapture (CMR) records (n = 2287) of 1672 immature green (Chelonia mydas) (n = 1158) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) (n = 514) from a long-term (1981–2021) in-water CMR program at Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles, were analyzed for 10 sites (0.35–25 km apart). Site fidelity was not correlated with either season or turtle size. Green turtles had lower site fidelity than hawksbill turtles. Green turtles showed avoidance (i.e., opposite of fidelity) of three sites, while hawksbill turtles displayed high fidelity to two sites. Sites displaying non-random behavior (avoidance and/or fidelity) did not share the same benthic habitat types. Results indicate that fidelity can be detected at a fine scale with CMR, but that further exploration into the habitat characteristics of the sites and the ecological roles of both species at the atoll is needed.

Use Of Spoken Corpora in Language Learning and Teaching

This article discusses the use of spoken corpora to enhance language learners' listening comprehension skills. Spoken corpora provide learners with exposure to authentic spoken language, allowing them to familiarize themselves with natural speech patterns, intonation, and colloquial expressions. Learners can engage in various activities such as transcription, note-taking, and comparative listening to develop their listening accuracy and ability to recognize spoken words and structures. Online platforms and resources like TED Talks, YouTube channels, and linguistic archives such as the International Dialects of English Archive offer valuable spoken corpora for language learners. These resources provide opportunities for listening practice, interactive activities, and targeted learning of specific linguistic features.

Geospatial analysis of groundwater arsenic and fluoride in Quaternary aquifers of southern Ontario, Canada

The geological setting of an area plays a critical role in the transfer and ultimate distribution of hydrochemical constituents present in groundwater. In southern Ontario, Canada, the present physiography was significantly influenced by glacial processes during the Quaternary period. The heterogeneous nature and complex pattern of shallow subsurface glacial overburden sediments, likely affect the fate of different groundwater constituents. In this study, arsenic (As) and fluoride (F−) concentrations from 515 water wells, that are constructed within overburden sediment, were analyzed with the physiographic map of southern Ontario along with other related variables. Geospatial mapping and several spatial statistical analyses were performed to examine the possible geological influence on As and F− distribution and water-well susceptibility at a regional scale. Key findings suggest four physiographic settings were significant variables influencing the distribution of As and F− in differently constructed bored/dug and drilled wells. Bored/dug wells in Bevelled Till Plains and bored/dug wells in Undrumlinized and Bevelled Till Plains were found to be relatively susceptible to As and F− contamination respectively. In contrast, bored/dug and drilled wells in Drumlinized Till Plains and Drumlins and drilled wells in Sand Plains seemed to be relatively safe from F− and As respectively. The statistical regression analyses suggested that other variables, such as the application of phosphate fertilizer and the textures of till, influenced the spatial distribution of As and F− as well as which types of wells (bored/dug or drilled) were impacted. The geospatial mapping and statistical cluster analysis indicated that the possible sources of elevated As and F− in drilled wells are the clasts of underlying bedrock. The relationship between physiographic settings and impacted overburden wells in southern Ontario provides planners with an approach to water-well susceptibility assessments at the regional scale, which in turn can guide further local analysis for water resource management.

Another Step Forward for Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease.

The study "A spinal cord neuroprosthesis for locomotor deficits due to Parkinson's disease" by Milekovic et al. introduces a novel neuroprosthesis for treating locomotor deficits in late-stage Parkinson's disease (PD). This approach employs an epidural spinal array targeting dorsal roots and electromyography to create a spatiotemporal map of muscle activation, aiming to restore natural gait patterns. Significant improvements in gait freezing and balance were observed in both non-human primate models and a human patient, resulting in improved mobility and quality of life. This innovative method, integrating real-time feedback and non-invasive motor intention decoding, marks a significant advancement in PD treatment.