Physical Variables Research Articles

Performance Analysis of Wireless Sensor Networks Using Damped Oscillation Functions for the Packet Transmission Probability

Wireless sensor networks are composed of many nodes distributed in a region of interest to monitor different environments and physical variables. In many cases, access to nodes is not easy or feasible. As such, the system lifetime is a primary design parameter to consider in the design of these networks. In this regard, for some applications, it is preferable to extend the system lifetime by actively reducing the number of packet transmissions and, thus, the number of reports. The system administrator can be aware of such reporting reduction to distinguish this final phase from a malfunction of the system or even an attack. Given this, we explore different mathematical functions that drastically reduce the number of packet transmissions when the residual energy in the system is low but still allow for an adequate number of transmissions. Indeed, in previous works, where the negative exponential distribution is used, the system reaches the point of zero transmissions extremely fast. Hence, we propose different dampening functions with different decreasing rates that present oscillations to allow for packet transmissions even at the end of the system lifetime. We compare the system performance under these mathematical functions, which, to the best of our knowledge, have never been used before, to find the most adequate transmission scheme for packet transmissions and system lifetime. We develop an analytical model based on a discrete-time Markov chain to show that a moderately decreasing function provides the best results. We also develop a discrete event simulator to validate the analytical results.

Chemically reactive stagnated third‐grade magnetized nanomaterial considering modern diffusion approaches

AbstractAn incompressible boundary‐layer third‐grade nanomaterial stagnated flow confined by stretchy regime is formulated. The laminar magnetized thermal and solutal flow features the aspects of Brownian diffusion, generalized thermal‐flux, thermophoresis, and generalized solutal‐flux. The dimensionalized third‐grade steady‐state model is obtained by implementing appropriate variables. The subsequent nonlinear mathematical model is analytically computed by utilizing homotopy algorithm. The graphics demonstration of nondimensional fields (i.e., velocity, concentration, and temperature) for distinct physical variables is exhibited. The outcomes for the skin‐friction coefficient are calculated and confirmed to be precise. The analysis reveals that augmented values of material parameters escalate nanomaterial velocity while the Hartman number exhibits lower velocity. The temperature field displays a decaying trend for Prandtl number and thermal relaxation variable while contrary effects for nanoscale parameters (i.e., thermophoresis diffusive and Brownian diffusive) are reported. Besides, the nanomaterial concentration shows a decreasing trend with respect to the Schmidt number, Brownian motion, and solutal‐relaxation variable while thermophoresis parameter exhibits opposite effects. Furthermore, this study could be valuable for the design of various lab‐on‐a‐chip and thermal microfluidic devices in the field of biomedicine. Besides contributing to the creation of new devices, they may also be advantageous for performing genetic testing and developing innovative tools.

Physical Activity Variability in Patellofemoral Pain: Relationships with Clinical and Psychological Outcomes

ObjectivesTo (1) compare physical activity variability between individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP) and pain-free individuals and (2) evaluate the relationships of physical activity variability with pain severity, symptom duration, disability, and pain catastrophizing in PFP cohorts. DesignCross-sectional case-control study. SettingUniversity research laboratory. ParticipantsIndividuals with PFP (N=34) and pain-free individuals (N=34) aged 18 to 40 years. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresWe assessed physical activity (daily steps and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA]) over a period of 14 consecutive days using a triaxial accelerometer. Variability (coefficient of variation) for daily steps and MVPA was calculated, where higher CV values indicate greater physical activity variability. We evaluated pain severity (numeric pain rating scale), symptom duration (months), disability (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Patellofemoral subscale), and pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale). Independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests evaluated group differences in physical activity variability. Spearman ρ correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationships of physical activity variability with pain severity, symptom duration, disability, and pain catastrophizing in PFP cohorts. Correlation coefficients were interpreted as weak (<0.40), moderate (0.40–0.70), and strong (>0.70). ResultsAge, height, and mass did not differ between individuals with PFP and pain-free individuals (P>.05). Individuals with PFP displayed greater variability in daily steps (P<.001) and MVPA (P=.001) compared to pain-free individuals. In individuals with PFP, greater variability in daily steps was moderately related to higher pain severity (ρ=0.41, P=.016), while greater variability in MVPA was weakly related to higher pain severity (ρ=0.36, P=.037). ConclusionsIndividuals with PFP demonstrated greater physical activity variability compared to pain-free individuals, which positively related to more severe pain. Future PFP research may explore the underlying factors contributing to increased physical activity variability and their potential implications for pain management.

Actigraphy Study Endpoints to Reduce Sample Size and Facilitate Drug Development for Pediatric Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

To investigate the feasibility of using actigraphy to measure physical activity (pA) and heart rate variability (HRV) as study endpoints in pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and to compare their performance to six-minute-walk distance (6MWD), a common primary endpoint used in PAH clinical trials in adults and children who can walk and understand the test process. We conducted a prospective, multicenter, non-interventional study in pediatric PAH patients and healthy children. Actiheart™ and Fitbit Charge 2™ recorded pA and heart rate (HR) data. HRV was defined as standard deviation of daily HR. Actigraphy pA and HRV and 6MWD from the same subjects were analyzed to compare children with PAH with controls, and Panama functional classification (FC) III versus II. Power/sample size simulations were conducted to detect hypothetical treatment effect equivalent to differences seen between FC III and FC II. We enrolled 116 children; 90 and 98 adhered with Actiheart and Fitbit, respectively. Actigraphy daily pA was ∼36% lower (P<0.05) and daily HRV was ∼18% lower (P<0.05) in children with PAH (n=62) than healthy controls (n=54). Daily pA and daily HRV trended ∼17% lower in FC III than FC II, whereas 6MWD showed little difference. Simulation at 80% power showed that pA required 175 subjects per group and HRV required 40 per group to detect the difference/effect, whereas 6MWD required over our maximum sample size of 200. Actigraphy is a feasible measure in pediatric PAH. Compared with 6MWD, pA and HRV may be more sensitive in differentiating Panama FC III from II. HRV may improve actigraphy's utility in pediatric PAH.

Cobalt associated with potassium phosphite improves the post-harvest quality of mango cv. Palmer

Mango is a highly perishable climacteric fruit with a short post-harvest period. Therefore, to extend shelf life, the mangoes were treated pre-harvest with a potassium phosphite solution (1.4 g/mL KH2PO4) and a control solution (0 g/mL KH₂PO) associated with different doses of cobalt (0; 48; 64; 80; 112 ml.plant-1) at a density of 1.30 g/mL. The work measured physical, chemical, and biochemical variables. Cobalt and potassium phosphite favored maintaining color and firmness and reduced the respiratory rate. The treatments significantly affected the chemical variables, reduced the soluble solids content, conserved ascorbic acid, and preserved the pH. Foliar application of cobalt and potassium phosphite at pre-harvest is an efficient technique for improving shelf life and maintaining mango quality during storage at room temperature.

The results of a magnetic field on flow past an inclined isothermal vertical plate with heat and varying mass diffusion

This work describes the influence of a magnetic environment on the circulation of matter and thermal energy over an accelerating advanced inclined isothermal sectional surface. The temperature is elevated to . The proximity intensity is increased to . The Laplace-transform approach is applied to solve the dimensionless analytical equation. In this research work different physical variables including thermal grashof number (Tg), mass grashof number (Tm), Schmidt number (Sc), Prandtl number(Pr), time(t), velocity profile ( ), temperature ( ), and intensity ( ) are investigated. The output of the graph produced by the Matlab software commands an energy equation, momentum equation, and concentration equation. The values are shown in an aligned pattern for a variety of flow variables. Diagrammatic representations of the fluid velocity profiles are provided. The velocity rises corresponding to different Tg and the velocity rises corresponding to different Tm. As the angle is decreased, the velocity increases differently. , As the different magnetic environment values lower, the velocity rises. Elevated values of angle ( ), Sc, Pr, and contribute to an enhancement in local skin friction, and an upsurge in Gr, Gc, and t leads to a reduction. A tabulated presentation of Nusselt quantities reveals a positive correlation with increasing Pr. Similarly, Sherwood quantities, as tabulated for various parameters, demonstrate a proportional increase with rising Sc.

Structure Analysis for Plate Components Using an Advanced Boundary Element Method

Accurate and effective evaluation of physical variables is of great significance to the design safety and stability of plate structure. In this paper, an advanced boundary element method is developed to perform the structure analysis for plate components. The method is implemented as follows: Firstly, a novel interpolation method is developed to improve the simulation accuracy of the physical quantities on various structural models of plate components, which can improve the order of interpolation polynomials without changing the degrees of freedom of system equations, and eliminate the influence of the fitting error of physical variable in integral equation; And then an integral transformation frame is employed to remove the influence of the singular and nearly singular integrals in integral equation and ensure the accurate calculation of elastic parameters of plate components; Finally, several numerical examples (a porous plate, a deck framing and a propeller structure are included) are given to verify the feasibility of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method can accurately evaluate the physical variables of the plate components.

Consequence of Orange Theory Fitness Training on Selected Health Related Physical Fitness Variables among Obese

Abstract The main task of the study was to find out Consequence of orange theory fitness training on Selected Health Related Physical Fitness Variables among Obese. To achieve the task of the study Forty class-I obese school boys were selected from various schools in Tuticorin were selected as subjects and their age ranged from 12-15 years only. The selected subjects were divided into two equal groups namely experimental group (20) and control group (20). The experimental group participated in orange theory fitness training. Pre and post-test method were followed. The experimental training was adopted for eight weeks on three days a week and control group was not exposed to experimental treatment. The selected variables namely flexibility, cardio respiratory endurance and muscular endurance. The above selected variables were tested through Flexibility (sit and reach in centimetre), Cardio Vascular Endurance (1.6 mile run in five minutes), and Muscular Endurance (bent knee sit-ups). The collected data were statistically analyses using dependent 't' test. The level of confidence was fixed at 0.05 for all cases. The result of the study showed that there was a significant improvement in flexibility, cardio respiratory endurance and muscular endurance among class -I obese school boys due to orange theory fitness training.

Phenomenological Theory of the Critical Point and the Fundamental Equation of State in Physical Variables

Phenomenological Theory of the Critical Point and the Fundamental Equation of State in Physical Variables

Cognitive behavioral therapy for symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: effects on physical activity, sleep and heart rate variability

Abstract Background We have devised a novel psychological intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF-CBT), that targets symptom preoccupation and avoidance behaviour. AF-CBT significantly improved cardiac anxiety and quality of life (QoL) in a randomized trial. To what extent this may be attributed to changes in physiological parameters is yet to be determined. Purpose A) to assess changes in objective and subjective measures of physical activity and sleep. B) to evaluate potential treatment effects on heart rate variability (HRV). Methods Patients with paroxysmal AF on optimal medical therapy (65.4±8.3 years, 58% women) and European Heart Rhythm Association Symptom Score ≥2b were randomized to a 10-week therapist-led online AF-CBT (n=65) or a control group (n=62), with the primary outcome of Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-life (AFEQT). A Patch-Holter with an integrated accelerometer was applied for five days at baseline, post-treatment, and at three months follow-up. Each recording was divided into day and night (sleep time) based on posture, heart rate, and activity. HRV was analysed in both time and frequency domains, excluding AF episodes and aberrant beats. Results AFEQT increased from 62.4±14.3 to 83.7± 13.8 points in the AF-CBT group at the 3-month follow-up with a relative difference of 15.0 points. At baseline, the participants walked 8040±2600 steps/day and slept 8.0 ± 1.1 hours. AF-CBT did not increase physical activity, and there were no significant changes in objective sleep duration. The Insomnia Severity Score went from subclinical (12.2±6.7) to near normal values (8.1±5.6), which was significant as compared to controls (p=0.032). AF burden increased from 5.3% to 7.3% in the AF-CBT group and 5.0% to 9.2% in the control group, with no difference between the groups (p=0.59). We did not observe any change in heart rate or HRV indices at rest during the day or at night. Conclusion AF-CBT did not mediate its effects on QoL by improving objective physiological variables. Thus, our findings underline the importance of subjective, psychological, and behavioural aspects and indicate that AF-CBT might fill a void beyond medical and lifestyle interventions in comprehensive AF care.

Identifying Clusters of Curatively-Treated Esophageal Cancer Patients Using Patient-Reported Outcome Measures at Three Months from Discharge: A Secondary Analysis from a Longitudinal Single Center Study.

This study aims to identify meaningful clusters based on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) in curatively-treated esophageal cancer patients at three months post-discharge. This secondary analysis of a longitudinal single-center study included 46 esophageal cancer patients who underwent curative surgery. Patients were selected based on their completion of PROMs surveys at three months post-discharge, were aged 18 years or older, and had undergone surgical resection (esophagectomy) with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. The analysis utilized t-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) for dimensionality reduction and hierarchical clustering to analyze PROMs data collected three months post-discharge. Clustering was performed on physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning variables, symptom burden, and health literacy. Three distinct clusters were identified: Cluster 1 (n = 24) with higher functioning and moderate symptoms, Cluster 2 (n = 14) with moderate functioning, higher symptoms, and lower health literacy, and Cluster 3 (n = 8) with the highest functioning, lowest symptoms, and highest health literacy. Significant differences between squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma subtypes were observed across several PROMs domains, including critical health literacy, general health status/quality of life, nausea and vomiting, and insomnia. These clusters provide an exploratory framework for tailoring post-operative interventions to enhance patient recovery, which necessitates further confirmatory investigations, including outcomes such as complications and mortality, in the analysis. This study fills a research gap by demonstrating the utility of PROMs in identifying distinct recovery patterns in esophageal cancer patients post-surgery. The findings support the use of PROMs to guide personalized post-operative care, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Further research is needed to validate these findings in larger, diverse populations.

Development of physics-guided neural network framework for acid-base treatment prediction using carbon dioxide-based tubular reactor

Accurate acid-base treatment prediction is necessary to achieve the required yield, given the inherent complexity, high nonlinearity, and restricted availability of data samples; to address this challenge, a data-driven approach was developed. However, the technique is constrained by the need for sufficient data to construct an accurate model and lacks both process insight and physical consistency. Therefore, this study introduces a physics-guided neural network model for acid-base treatment prediction in a dynamic tubular reactor using the fundamental physical intermediate variables obtained through the derivation process of the reaction schematic. By integrating batch experimental data, which provides key intermediate variables such as residence time and hydroxide ion concentration, the model addresses the challenge of high nonlinearity and limited data availability. The result shows that the physics-guided potential of a hydrogen predictor had outstanding performance in terms of prediction accuracy (greatest coefficient of determination value of 0.9381). The proposed model demonstrated an average improvement of 24.92% in pH prediction accuracy compared to traditional models without physical guidance, with a maximum improvement of up to 64.95% under limited data conditions. Moreover, downsampling tests revealed that the proposed model maintained robust performance with minimal accuracy reduction even when data was limited without overfitting implication.

Mediterranean Diet-Based Sustainable Healthy Diet and Multicomponent Training Combined Intervention Effect on Body Composition, Anthropometry, and Physical Fitness in Healthy Aging

Background: Diet and exercise interventions have been associated with improved body composition and physical fitness. However, evidence regarding their combined effects in older adults is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a combined 12-week Mediterranean diet-based sustainable healthy diet (SHD) and multicomponent training (MT) intervention on body composition, anthropometry, and physical fitness in older adults. Methods: Diet intervention groups received a weekly SHD food supply and four sessions, including a SHD culinary practical workshop. The exercise program included MT 50 min group session, three times a week, on non-consecutive days. Body composition and physical fitness variables were assessed through dual X-ray absorptiometry, anthropometric measurements, and senior fitness tests. Repeated measures ANOVA, with terms for group, time, and interaction, was performed. Results: Our results showed that a combined intervention significantly lowered BMI and total fat. Also, significant differences between assessments in all physical fitness tests, except for aerobic endurance, were observed. Adjusted models show significant differences in BMI (p = 0.049) and WHR (p = 0.037) between groups and in total fat (p = 0.030) for the interaction term. Body strength (p &lt; 0.001), balance tests (p &lt; 0.001), and aerobic endurance (p = 0.005) had significant differences amongst groups. Considering the interaction term, differences were observed for upper body strength (p = 0.046) and flexibility tests (p = 0.004 sit and reach, p = 0.048 back scratch). Conclusions: Our intervention study demonstrates the potential of implementing healthy lifestyle and sustainable models to promote healthy and active aging.

Enhanced efficiency of water purification plant by combined riverbank filtration

Water shortages occur due to several factors, with drought being one of the biggest drivers. Another major environmental issue related to the contamination of freshwater systems worldwide is thousands of micropollutants, although they generally occur at low concentration levels. The provision of safe drinking water to the population in rural developing nations remains a problem, in particular when surface water and shallow wells or non-watertight headworks wells serve as sources of drinking water. Dramatically changing raw water qualities, floods and high rainfall events anthropogenic pollution, lack of electricity supply in developing regions demand new and adapted solutions for treatment and rendering water safe for distribution. Our study aimes to find another source of water supply using riverbank filtration (RBF). The RBF is a water treatment method that removes water from rivers by pumping wells into a nearby alluvial aquifer. Several physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur underground improve the quality of surface water and eliminate the need for traditional potable water treatment. Additional treatment techniques in this process include biological degradation, sorption, and filtration. Physical, chemical, and microbiological variables were used to assess the effectiveness of the RBF system in Upper Egypt. Our study proposes a workable water treatment strategy that replaces RBF treatment or pretreatment technique for high-quality Nile water to eliminate or reduce surface water pollutants without the use of chlorine.

The chain mediating effect of psychological inflexibility and stress between physical exercise and adolescent insomnia

Exploring the impact of physical exercise on adolescent insomnia and the chained mediating role of psychological inflexibility and stress between them. In September 2023, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 416 adolescents in Xiangxi Prefecture, collecting data on physical activity, insomnia, psychological inflexibility, stress, and related variables. Statistical analysis was performed, involving 215 boys and 201 girls with an average age of 15.37 ± 0.54 years. (1) Adolescent physical exercise showed significant negative correlations with stress (r =−0.329, P < 0.01), Psychological inflexibility (r =−0.251, P < 0.01), and insomnia (r =−0.286, P < 0.01). Stress exhibited significant positive correlations with Psychological inflexibility (r = 0.746, P < 0.01) and insomnia (r = 0.601, P < 0.01). Psychological inflexibility also demonstrated a significant positive correlation with insomnia (r = 0.555, P < 0.01). (2) Psychological inflexibility and stress were found to mediate the relationship between physical exercise and adolescent insomnia. This study found that the relationship between physical exercise and adolescent insomnia can be mediated by psychological inflexibility and stress, thereby further enriching the understanding of the psychological mechanisms linking these variables. It is recommended that governments and schools implement corresponding measures to promote adolescent participation in physical exercise. These initiatives can help reduce adolescents’ levels of Psychological Inflexibility, alleviate stress and insomnia issues, and simultaneously enhance their sleep quality, thereby promoting comprehensive development of their physical and mental health.

Physical and Mental Health of Informal Carers from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and Non-CALD Groups in Australia.

Empirical evidence shows that many family carers, especially immigrants, experience considerable health disadvantages and poorer quality of life. Australia has a rapidly increasing multicultural population, officially referred to as Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) people. This paper explores similarities and differences in the carer profile and physical and mental health of CALD and non-CALD family carers. A cross-sectional anonymous survey was conducted of self-reported family carers aged 18 years and older. Identical paper and online survey modes were provided to enable choice. Key variables included demographic and carer profile, diagnosed chronic physical health conditions, and validated scales such as CESD-12 and MOS-SF12, including derivative composite Physical and Mental Component Summary (PCS and MCS, respectively) scores. The sample comprised 649 participants (CALD = 347, non-CALD = 302). The analyses included univariate, bivariate, and multivariable linear regression analyses for three outcome variables: PCS, MCS, and CESD-12. CALD carers were comparatively younger and married, and 54% had university-level education (29% in the gfvnon-CALD group). Women were primary carers in both groups (67.4% versus 72.2%). The weekly care hours were higher for non-CALD carers. Both groups had below population-referenced scores for mean PCS and MCS values. For CESD-12, non-CALD respondents had higher scores (17.5 vs. 11.2, p < 0.022). Regression analyses showed significant differences for demographic, carer, and physical health variables across the three outcome variables. Women have a higher domestic workload, which, when combined with high care hours, adversely impacts physical and mental health. The need for improved and culturally aligned care support systems is required.

Towards a sustained and fit-for-purpose European ocean observing and forecasting system

The EU funded project EuroSea brought together key actors of the European ocean observing and forecasting communities with key users of the ocean observing products and services in order to better integrate existing ocean observation systems and tools, and to improve the delivery of ocean information to users. EuroSea was constructed around the ocean observing value chain that connects observations to users of ocean information, and, just as intended, the value chain concept was a useful prism to improve the system. In this article, we summarize some of the main take-home messages from EuroSea on the needs for developing the European Ocean Observing System and its links with modeling and forecasting systems. During the project, the challenges and gaps in the design and coordination of the European ocean observing and forecasting system were identified and mapped. Many gaps and challenges related to the observations of physical, chemical and biological Essential Ocean Variables were identified. Some of these gaps are related to technological developments, while others are caused by insufficient and short-term funding leading to a not sustainable system, management, and cooperation between different entities, as well as limitations in foresight activities, policies and decisions. This article represents a compilation of the broader needs for advancing the observing and forecasting system, and is meant as a guide for the community, and to funders and investors to advance ocean observing and the delivery of ocean information in Europe. To enhance the sustainability of ocean observations, which is paramount for a reliable provision of quality oceanographic data and services, several recommendations were compiled for ocean observing networks, frameworks, initiatives, as well as the ocean observing funders within the European nations, and the European Commission.

PPCon 1.0: Biogeochemical-Argo profile prediction with 1D convolutional networks

Abstract. Effective observation of the ocean is vital for studying and assessing the state and evolution of the marine ecosystem and for evaluating the impact of human activities. However, obtaining comprehensive oceanic measurements across temporal and spatial scales and for different biogeochemical variables remains challenging. Autonomous oceanographic instruments, such as Biogeochemical (BGC)-Argo profiling floats, have helped expand our ability to obtain subsurface and deep-ocean measurements, but measuring biogeochemical variables, such as nutrient concentration, still remains more demanding and expensive than measuring physical variables. Therefore, developing methods to estimate marine biogeochemical variables from high-frequency measurements is very much needed. Current neural network (NN) models developed for this task are based on a multilayer perceptron (MLP) architecture, trained over point-wise pairs of input–output features. Although MLPs can produce smooth outputs if the inputs change smoothly, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are inherently designed to handle profile data effectively. In this study, we present a novel one-dimensional (1D) CNN model to predict profiles leveraging the typical shape of vertical profiles of a variable as a prior constraint during training. In particular, the Predict Profiles Convolutional (PPCon) model predicts nitrate, chlorophyll, and backscattering (bbp700) starting from the date and geolocation and from temperature, salinity, and oxygen profiles. Its effectiveness is demonstrated using a robust BGC-Argo dataset collected in the Mediterranean Sea for training and validation. Results, which include quantitative metrics and visual representations, prove the capability of PPCon to produce smooth and accurate profile predictions improving upon previous MLP applications.

The structure and statistics of language jointly shape cross-frequency neural dynamics during spoken language comprehension

Humans excel at extracting structurally-determined meaning from speech despite inherent physical variability. This study explores the brain’s ability to predict and understand spoken language robustly. It investigates the relationship between structural and statistical language knowledge in brain dynamics, focusing on phase and amplitude modulation. Using syntactic features from constituent hierarchies and surface statistics from a transformer model as predictors of forward encoding models, we reconstructed cross-frequency neural dynamics from MEG data during audiobook listening. Our findings challenge a strict separation of linguistic structure and statistics in the brain, with both aiding neural signal reconstruction. Syntactic features have a more temporally spread impact, and both word entropy and the number of closing syntactic constituents are linked to the phase-amplitude coupling of neural dynamics, implying a role in temporal prediction and cortical oscillation alignment during speech processing. Our results indicate that structured and statistical information jointly shape neural dynamics during spoken language comprehension and suggest an integration process via a cross-frequency coupling mechanism.

Importance of tides and winds in influencing the nonstationary behaviour of coastal currents in offshore Singapore

Abstract. Coastal currents significantly impact port activities, coastal landform morphodynamics, and ecosystem functioning. It is therefore necessary to understand the physical characteristics and natural variability of these currents within coastal settings. Traditional methods, such as harmonic analysis, assume stationarity of tide-driven currents and may thus not be applicable to systems modulated by variable nontidal inputs and processes. Here we deployed eight tilt current meters in shallow (&lt; 5 m) coral reef environments in southern Singapore. Tilt current meters were positioned around the reefs at the main compass bearings to analyse the spatiotemporal variability of coastal currents in the frequency domain for 1 year (March 2018 to March 2019). Tidal motions were the primary mechanism of current flow on reefs and account for between 14 % and 45 % of total variance across all sites, with diurnal currents having either a similar or greater proportion of energy compared to semidiurnal currents. The relationship between currents and wind stress was then investigated across various frequencies. There is high correlation at low frequencies during the northeast monsoon, when the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) is more active, thus generating currents that propagate either in phase or ahead of the MJO. At diurnal frequencies, the interaction between P1 and K1 results in a semi-annual cycle where currents are stronger during the monsoon seasons. This interaction could help to explain the seasonal variation in correlation as well as the K1 amplitude, the latter of which could be further enhanced by the diurnal wind stress. The phase relationship between currents and wind stress is highly complex due to the variable bathymetry and could only be partially accounted for by the orientation of the coastlines relative to that of the wind. Given the importance of wind, we thus require longer time-series datasets to examine the role of atmospheric phenomena at greater timescales to improve our understanding of the variability of coastal currents.