Separate Types Research Articles

Abstract 4948: Automated tumor microenvironment analysis for multiple samples by image-based spatial transcriptomics on tissue microarray

Abstract Introduction. Tissue Microarrays (TMAs), widely utilized in the field of pathology, have now found a powerful ally in Image-based Spatial Transcriptomics (ST). By analyzing various gene expression data with high resolution, image-based ST data on TMA can provide the heterogeneous patterns of tumor microenvironment in multiple samples. However, an efficient method for processing multiple samples post-data acquisition is still under development. A streamlined process would expedite the discovery of spatial gene expression patterns, thereby enhancing our understanding of the tumor microenvironment and its implications for cancer diagnostics and treatment strategies. Methods. Our automated pipeline is initiated by automatic segmentation of every core in the whole TMA, derived from the processed output of the MERSCOPE or Xenium platform. Then, it subsequently removes QC failed cells unrelated to any core. Each core receives sequential naming and undergoes automated cell type mapping utilizing a reference single-cell RNAseq data. Additionally, the pipeline computes neighborhood enrichment between cell types, providing a nuanced comprehension of spatial relationships and interactions among diverse cell populations within the tissue microenvironment from multiple samples on the TMA. Results. The automated pipeline we've developed provides several key advantages. It enables the simultaneous analysis of multiple tissue cores, effectively minimizing batch effects and ensuring the reliability of results across diverse tissue samples. Furthermore, by automating core separation, labeling, and cell type mapping, our pipeline significantly streamlines the time and effort required for TMA data analysis. This cost-effective approach allows researchers to optimize resource allocation, making our automated pipeline a valuable tool in cancer research. It facilitates the exploration of gene expression patterns within specific tissue regions, ultimately contributing to the advancement of our understanding of cancer biology. Conclusion. By seamlessly integrating TMA data with image-based ST technologies such as Xenium and MERSCOPE, we can perform comprehensive spatial transcriptomics analyses and provide detailed statistical information on cell type proportions within the tumor microenvironment. This automated pipeline not only ensures robust and reliable results across diverse tissue samples but also optimizes resource allocation by minimizing batch effects and reducing analysis time. This cost-effective solution empowers researchers to delve deeper into spatial gene expression patterns, enhancing our comprehension of the tumor microenvironment. Citation Format: Dongjoo Lee, Seungho Cook, Yeonjae Jung, Myunghyun Lim, Jae Eun Lee, Hyung-Jun Im, Daeseung Lee, Hongyoon Choi. Automated tumor microenvironment analysis for multiple samples by image-based spatial transcriptomics on tissue microarray [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 4948.

The dualistic legal nature of the contract for the performance of development work

The research is conducted in order to develop practical recommendations for the further development and improvement of various forms or sources of law, individual legal acts, norms and institutions. The main objective of the article is to highlight the problems of legal regulation in the theory of legal science and in law enforcement practice, the elaboration of legal mechanisms and recommendations for improving current legislation, overcoming legal gaps.The subject of the research is the norms of Russian legislation regulating relations in the field of development work, legal positions reflected in judicial practice. The object of research is public relations related to the legal institution of a contract for the performance of development work. These agreements belong to the group of consensual, retaliatory and mutual, that is, bilaterally binding agreements that are considered concluded from the moment the parties reach all essential conditions.This type of contract has the features characteristic of both contracts for the performance of work and contracts for the provision of services. The practice of using this legal institution shows the dualistic legal nature of contracts of this type and the need to separate it into a separate independent type of contract – a contract of design activities and special legal regulation. Today in Russia, the contract for the implementation of the R&D is considered adjacent to the contract for the performance of work and is regulated by Chapter 38 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation.The purpose of this article is to study the main features of the contract for the performance of experimental design work, generalization or isolation of its general and specific features, analysis of various points of view on the issue of its legal nature, review of Russian legislation, as well as Russian judicial practice, their positive and negative aspects.Methodology. In order to best solve the task, a systematic approach was used in combination with a logical method. This allowed us to study the theoretical, factual and legal foundations of the phenomenon of the contract for the implementation of R&D. The comparative legal method was also used by comparing single legal concepts and processes, contrasting legal norms and identifying similarities and differences between them, using conclusions by analogy, relying on the similarity of the signs of the facts being studied, which will allow transferring the signs from one phenomenon being studied to another.Main results and scope of application. The article outlines the main features of the contract for the implementation of R&D, different points of view on the definition of the legal nature of this type of contract. The results of the study contribute to the identification of problems of legal regulation in the theory of legal science and in law enforcement practice, the elaboration of legal mechanisms and recommendations for improving current legislation, overcoming legal gaps.

Prospects of drawing on the results of researches are with application of poligrafe in finishing telling

In the presented article general directions and prospects of drawing on the results of researches are exposed with application of lie-detector in the process of finishing telling in criminal realizations. On the basis of the obtained data about economic feasibilities poligrafe and him software the list of spheres in that drawing on the results of such researches in Ukraine of most effective is exposed. The value of results of poligraf expert researches is reflected in the system of proofs. It is marked that except a tactical value in the process of finishing telling, the conclusion of expert can become founding of acceptance of such important decisions an inquisitional judge in realization, as realization of searches, temporal access to the things and documents, realization of complex of secret inquisitional (of criminal investigation) actions, setting of other judicial examinations and others like that.
 Certainly, that the results of judicial examination got in time with the use of poligrafe not only can come forward as basis for the construction of versions during investigation and determination of corresponding near-term inquisitional (of criminal investigation) actions but also included in the complex of proofs that there is base on a prosecution. It is marked that possibilities of judicial psychological examination with the use of methodology of lie-detector research are the unique method of realization of right for any personality to confirm veracity of the testimonies (including alibi), fix the position of collaboration with investigation, to lead to the openness.
 The list of psychical and physiology aspects, that can be set by an expert during application to the lie-detector for persons that is checked for involvement to offence, is presented. To such aspects, the following is attributed: to accentuation of personality or propensity to the feasance of separate types of offences; signs of pathological sexual perversions (paedophilias, necrophilias); presence of tracks bits are in memory of person about the circumstances of commission of crime; signs of twisting, saying nothing or constructing of information. Vision is exposed in relation to the complex of measures on the increase of prospect of deployment of possibilities of expert technology of the use of lie-detector in the process of finishing telling in criminal realizations.

Reconsidering the Price equation: Benchmarking the analytical power of additive partitioning in ecology

The Price approach allows the partitioning of composite variables into a set of additive components and has become an important tool in evolutionary and ecological research. However, because such components are not mutually independent and might be constrained by the inherent data structure, comparing and interpreting Price partitions among different datasets is not straightforward and has contributed to controversy in ecology.Here we discuss and develop null model approaches that might be used as statistical standards to normalise partition values and reduce collinearity between partitions. We use a simulation approach to estimate Price partitions of artificial data and their randomisations. Using structural equation modelling we then reveal the degree of collinearity between raw and standardised partitions.We first demonstrate that the degree of collinearity between partitions strongly depends on the data structure and then provide a general framework for null model selection. Null models that require limited additional information on the possible distribution of species richness and abundance perform best. These null models consistently reduce, but do not fully eliminate, collinearity between partitions. They assign separate type I and II error levels to each partition that differed among partitions.We argue in favour of null models that strike a balance between information need (simplicity) and complexity of additional information, but we discourage the use of simple permutation approaches that have been successful for analysing other biodiversity measures such as species richness. We highlight that the interpretation of additive partitions of complex ecological data will benefit from analyses of the dependence among partitions.

High-Throughput CO2 Solubility Measurement in Miscible and Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation Types of Amine Solvent Using Headspace Gas Chromatography

High-Throughput CO₂ Solubility Measurement in Miscible and Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation Types of Amine Solvent Using Headspace Gas Chromatography

Benefits of Photon-Counting CT Myelography for Localization of Dural Tears in Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension.

Photon-counting CT is an increasingly used technology with numerous advantages over conventional energy-integrating detector CT. These include superior spatial resolution, high temporal resolution, and inherent spectral imaging capabilities. Recently, photon-counting CT myelography was described as an effective technique for the detection of CSF-venous fistulas, a common cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. It is likely that photon-counting CT myelography will also have advantages for the localization of dural tears, a separate type of spontaneous spinal CSF leak that requires different myelographic techniques for accurate localization. To our knowledge, prior studies on photon-counting CT myelography have been limited to techniques for detecting CSF-venous fistulas. In this technical report, we describe our technique and early experience with photon-counting CT myelography for the localization of dural tears.

Measuring social and emotional functioning as a facet of positive youth development among children and adolescents in special education and mental health treatment

AbstractThis study assessed the validity of a set of social and emotional functioning constructs derived from the PYD short form (PYD‐SF) measure within a sample of children and adolescents with one or more mental health diagnoses related to social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. Using repeated measures design, responses to the PYD‐SF and the Social‐emotional assets and resilience scale were collected over two years from 369 students enrolled in special education. Multilevel factor analyses parsed within‐person variability from between‐person differences to understand the internal consistency of the target measures when used with clinical and special education populations. Associations between the social‐emotional constructs from the PYD‐SF and an assessment of social‐emotional assets and resilience were examined. A two‐level confirmatory factor analysis using seven PYD factors and the Social‐Emotional Assets and Resilience Scale indicated a very good model fit; all factor loadings were statistically significant at both levels. Results supported the validity and internal reliability of the social‐emotional constructs from the PYD‐SF measure for assessing the social and emotional competencies of youth with social, emotional, and/or behavioral challenges, but with the caveat that researchers should consider a higher degree of specificity when using it with youth from this population. The broad factors utilized in previous work should be reframed to emphasize separate types of connection. When keeping this revised framing in mind, the social‐emotional constructs of the PYD‐SF measure provide a tool for teachers, parents, and clinicians to use in treatment planning and identifying strategies to support positive development for diverse youth.

Abstract P25: Identification of biological components and novel clinical subsets of NPM1-mutated AML using an integrated, multi-omics approach

Abstract P25: Identification of biological components and novel clinical subsets of <i>NPM1</i>-mutated AML using an integrated, multi-omics approach

Principles and Requirements of Battery Membranes: Ensuring Efficiency and Safety in Energy Storage

This critical review highlights the latest improvements and special features regarding the membrane separators available for lead-acid, alkaline, metal-metal, metal-gas, and metal-ion batteries such as lithium-ion. In the recent years, there has been a surge in the intensive work aimed at developing innovative separators for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, for example, electric vehicles (EVs), portable electronics and for energy storage in power grid. The separator finds itself in a very important place as it provides physical separation between two electrodes. It also acts as an electrical insulator. This separator is known as an electrolyte gateway which helps the movement of ions during charge/discharge cycles. This review addresses the requirements for battery separators and explains the structure and properties of various types of membrane separators; there are several types of membranes such as microporous membranes, modified microporous membranes, nonwoven mats, composite membranes and electrolyte membranes. Similarly, each type of separator has inherent advantages and disadvantages which in turn directly affects the performance of batteries. This review article systematically deals with the structures and working principle of separators, properties and main requirements and their characterization method of separators, generation, improvements, and function assessments of these separators. Furthermore, this study also enlightens the emerging research path and future prospects.

Hydrohelical ESP Gas Separator Increases Flow Range, Improves Reliability

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 214723, “New High-Performance ESP Gas Separator,” by Barry Nicholson, SPE, and Scott R. Harryman, SPE, Oxy, and Donn J. Brown, SPE, Halliburton, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ The complete paper presents research, design, and field testing of a new type of mechanical gas separator for electrical submersible pump (ESP) systems that increases operating flow range and separation efficiency while decreasing erosion problems and improving reliability. The hydrohelical separator system has been proved effective in different types of wells. Background Several methods and techniques exist for avoiding gas in ESPs, including inverted shrouds, passive separators, mechanical gas separators, and tandem gas separators. Most share the limitations of limited flow capabilities and reduced performance at higher total flow rates. The many variables associated with complex two-phase flow behavior, internal and external pressure variations, separation methods, velocity and viscosity of fluids, effect of the pump bolted above, inherent erosion issues, and single vs. tandem designs add to the challenge of basic mechanical gas-separator operation. In 2016, a program was initiated that featured investment in both experienced personnel and advanced testing technology to unravel the aforementioned challenges and improve understanding of the operation of downhole mechanical gas separation. The team investigated innovative methods of testing and created a transparent testing system that allowed visual observation of individual internal flow regimes as well as component performance. Using a combination of high-speed photography, computational fluid dynamics validation, and specialized instrumentation, every component of a mechanical separator system was enhanced for higher flow capabilities, improved separation efficiency, and higher reliability for a variety of downhole conditions. The result was the development of a new type of mechanical gas separator for ESP use. Development Most gas separators ingest multiphase fluid into a separation chamber, separate the gas and liquid phases, eject the separated gas phase into the well annulus, and provide sufficient liquid phase fluid to the pump to enable efficient pumping. Existing designs vary, but they share separation methods that result in decreased efficiency at higher flow rates and low maximum flow rates compared with the pumps they feed. The hydrohelical gas separator is the first downhole, dynamic gas-separator design improvement in more than 30 years designed to address these deficiencies (Fig. 1). The design was aimed at the following main objectives: - Increase total fluid flow rate through the separator - Maximize efficiency of every internal and external component of the system - Reduce erosion characteristics common in traditional gas-separator designs - Improve reliability The design of the hydrohelical gas separator is based on a stationary helical vortex inducer and pump stages that enable movement of large quantities of fluid while remaining immune to gas locking. The stationary helical vortex inducer design enables increased efficiency and flow rate through the separator by reducing turbulence in remixing regions within the helical inducer and separation chamber.

Arrangements of mutually non-attacking chess pieces of mixed type

Abstract We present placements of mutually non-attacking chess pieces of mixed type that occupy more than half of the squares of an m × n board. If both white and black pawns are allowed as separate types, there are arrangements, which we also present, that occupy at least two-thirds of the board squares.

Technology Focus: Artificial Lift (March 2024)

The industry is now in its second year beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, and the workforce has changed in many ways, but issues facing production performance remain. Major conferences saw 116 submissions from 28 countries, with 64% regarding electrical submersible pumps (ESPs), and 18% and 8% devoted to gas lift and rod lift, respectively. Many of the papers dealt with case history successes. That is all well and good, but it doesn’t necessarily drive reader interest if it can’t be applied to their asset. The top three papers were selected on the guidelines of clarity of the abstract in addressing the scope, methods/procedures/process, results/observations/conclusions, and novel or additive information. The papers described here focus on novel unconventional horizontal downhole pump card signatures, carbon reduction through alternative energy to pump wells, and predicting downhole-discharge pressure of ESPs. Paper SPE 214723 presents a discussion of the design, evaluation, and field testing of a new type of mechanical gas separator with what the authors term a “hydrohelical” design. The separator, in Permian Basin tests, almost doubled the flow capacity of conventional gas separators with a high level of efficiency. The authors draw particular attention to the improvement of ESP operations under multiphase conditions. Carbon reduction is a hot topic, and paper OTC 32671 does not disappoint as it looks at the use of a 10-MW floating solar photovoltaic power system to meet the energy needed for 10 ESP wells on an oil platform in the Brazil equatorial region. Collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and its System Advisor Model was used with extensive meteorological and wind data to examine the sustainability of green energy use for the petroleum industry and offer valuable guidance for future renewable energy projects in regions with similar characteristics. Finally, paper SPE 216598 comes from Sudan and Saudia Arabia and focuses on digital solutions for the challenge of knowing the downhole-discharge pressure of an ESP system. Most ESP systems do not have downhole gauges, so an artificial neural network (ANN) approach is used to predict the ESP discharge pressure for performance optimization. Forty wells and more than 12,000 data points were reduced to 16 inputs plus one hidden layer of seven neurons to provide a high degree of accuracy in prediction of discharge pressure. The authors state that the ability to accurately predict discharge pressure can lead to the early detection of possible anomalies, which can prevent costly failures and reduce downtime. Artificial intelligence technology may improve the accuracy of ANNs, but, for now, ANNs are worth a look to obtain much-needed ESP discharge pressure. Other notable papers dealt with gas separation, ESP reliability, and the increasing challenges of low rates, low pressures, and high gas fractions. Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org. SPE 214913 Solved: ESP Shutdowns and Restart Issues—Novel Pump Protection and Active 3D Dispersion System Improve ESP Performance in Multiple Wells by A. Bhattacharjee, SLB, et al. SPE 215474 A New Artificial Lift Approach in Telisa Low-Productivity Reservoir: Utilized Very Low-Rate ESP by Agus Aryanto, Medco E&amp;P Indonesia, et al. SPE 215170 A Comprehensive Study of a Novel Submersible Pump by Hattan Banjar, Saudi Aramco, et al. SPE 214722 Case Study: Predicting Electrical Submersible Pump Failures Using Artificial Intelligence and Physics-Based Hybrid Models by Shejuti Silvia, Baker Hughes, et al. SPE 214733 Gas-Flow-Management Technology Designed To Decrease Downtime and Improve ESP Efficiency by S. Fulwider, ConocoPhillips, et al.

Artificial-to-Real Domain Adaptation for Lunar Landscape Semantic Segmentation

From Apollo 11 to India’s Chandrayaan-3, humans have put a vast amount of effort into exploring the moon. While analysis on the lunar surface provides valuable information for humans, costly and risk-taking problems of lunar exploration resulted in such scant amount of data accessible to the lunar landscape to this day. Nonetheless, study on lunar landscape remains pivotal for probing resources, detecting hazards, and studies on moon evolution. In addition, analysis on the lunar surface is the ground for future development on the moon as a potential site of resources, identifying safe landing sites, and further civilization. In this study, I propose a machine learning-based lunar landscape image semantic segmentation system. Given lunar landscape images, the proposed method outputs semantic segmentation maps that separate different types of objects such as the ground, sky, and rocks. These segmented objects potentially provide valuable insights for guiding autonomous investigation rovers. The proposed method is trained on a synthetic lunar landscape dataset and evaluated on both synthetic and real lunar landscape samples. Through comprehensive experiments, it is demonstrated that the proposed method exhibits domain adaptation capabilities, achieving state-of-the-art performance on real lunar landscape images.

ABOUT THE HISTORICAL PREREQUISITES OF THE FORMATION OF PUBLIC SAFETY CENTERS IN THE CONDITIONS OF UKRAINE

The purpose of publication is analysis of literary and archival sources in order to establish the historical stages of the formation of the Service of Emergency Situations, ascertaining of its main tasks, and mainly to identify the features of the structural and functional organization of historical prototypes for modern centers of public safety. In general, the process of formation and development of the fire protection system, its transformation into an emergency service has so deep roots, starting with the laws of the state Kievan Rus until today. An analysis of the development of the fire service on the example of separate cities of Ukraine showed, that in the process of its development it was placed in buildings of sacred (churches) and administrative (town halls) purpose. Later, a single network of a separate type of architectural objects was gradually formed (watchtowers, fire stations), which were expanding according to the development of the city. Buildings where fire service personnel were placed, contained all the necessary means for notifying the population, quick reaction, and counter measuring in the case of an emergency situation and updated with the advent of modern technologies. It should be noted separately that during certain periods of fire protection development this service was located together with the police service, which is an important prerequisite for the formation of a structural and functional organization of modern centers of public safety. Also noteworthy is the fact that the civilian population was involved in fire protection on a voluntary basis. In general, we can say that during the development of the fire service of Ukraine prototypes of networks of public safety centers in cities already existed, but they were not considered as a separate typological group of architectural and urban planning objects. Historically, it happened that the fire service, and in the 20th century - also the civil defense service (which initially was developing separately), during the last decade were united into a single state structure – SESU. The main stages (periods) of the development of which begin with the historical period (before 1494) and end with the modern period of development (arrangement of SESU) from 2012 to the present time.

Preliminary Investigation on the Effect of Termites on Wood Decay in Selected Sri Lankan Timber Species

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Wood in suitable environmental conditions can be attacked by bacteria, fungi, insects, marine borers and some other biological organisms. Wood is the main biodegradation material which is naturally occurred in surrounding environment. As heartwood of wood consist most of the nonliving cells it shows more resistance to decay than sapwood. But insects can cause degrade in both heartwood and sapwood which are not preserved well. Termites belong to Class: Insecta, Order: Isoptera which are one of the most important as ecological contributors by breaking down the organic material of the wood structures directly. This study was done to analyze the effect of termites of selected 27 species with having different densities varying from 400 kg/m3 to 1100 kg/m3 at 12% moisture content. Ten pieces of each and every species of Wewarana, Jack, Badidel, Halmilla, Dawata, Walukeena, Hulanhik, Kaluwara, Hora, Pihimbiya, Damaniya, Godakirilla, Pelan, Hik, Etamba, Lunumidella, Diya Na, Palu, Mora, Kirihembiliya, Nedun, Kon, Kumbuk, Dummala, Milla, Kirikon and Burutha were stored in a separate same type wooden boxes and kept in same environmental conditions where termites can be seen in high densities for one year of time period in Head Office premises of State Timber Corporation at Battaramulla. According to the naked eye observations taken after one year time period Hora, Dummala, Godakirilla species were severely attack by termites while Halmilla, Walukeena, Pihimbiya, Damaniya, Pelan, Etamba, Lunumidella, Diya Na, Kirikon also attack at considerable level by termites. Other species were not attack by termites. Therefore altogether out of 27 species 12 were degraded by termites for the allocated one year time period. The other species of Wewarana, Jack, Bedidel, Dawata, Hulanhik, Kaluwara, Hik, Palu, Mora, Kirihembiliya, Nedun, Kon, Kumbuk, Milla, Burutha species were resistant to the termite attack during one year time period. However further studies are underway to develop the relationships of degradation due to termite attack with climatic conditions, geographical conditions, timber properties such as strength properties as well as the densities, mechanical properties with considerable time period which allocated to degrade.&#x0D; Keywords: Ttermites, Decay, Density, Time period&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

LET-381/FoxF and its target UNC-30/Pitx2 specify and maintain the molecular identity of C. elegans mesodermal glia that regulate motor behavior

While most glial cell types in the central nervous system (CNS) arise from neuroectodermal progenitors, some, like microglia, are mesodermally derived. To understand mesodermal glia development and function, we investigated C. elegans GLR glia, which envelop the brain neuropil and separate it from the circulatory system cavity. Transcriptome analysis shows that GLR glia combine astrocytic and endothelial characteristics, which are relegated to separate cell types in vertebrates. Combined fate acquisition is orchestrated by LET-381/FoxF, a fate-specification/maintenance transcription factor also expressed in glia and endothelia of other animals. Among LET-381/FoxF targets, the UNC-30/Pitx2 transcription factor controls GLR glia morphology and represses alternative mesodermal fates. LET-381 and UNC-30 co-expression in naive cells is sufficient for GLR glia gene expression. GLR glia inactivation by ablation or let-381 mutation disrupts locomotory behavior and promotes salt-induced paralysis, suggesting brain-neuropil activity dysregulation. Our studies uncover mechanisms of mesodermal glia development and show that like neuronal differentiation, glia differentiation requires autoregulatory terminal selector genes that define and maintain the glial fate.

Bioinspired cell membrane-based nanofiltration membranes with hierarchical pore channels for fast molecular separation

Owing to intrinsic perm-selectivity, cell membranes have attracted considerable attention in the field of biomimetic membranes. Herein, largest possible cell membranes of E.coli were prepared and then used as two-dimensional (2D) materials to fabricate high-performance nanofiltration (NF) membranes. The structure parameters of the selective layer of the E.coli-NF membrane could be finely tailored through the loading mass of cell membranes and the applied pressure during vacuum filtration. The E.coli-NF membrane exhibited a high rejection towards dyes (98.5%, brilliant blue R), antibiotics (91.1%, erythromycin), and divalent ions (64.8%, sodium sulfate). The membrane effective pore size was found to be significantly smaller than the interlayer spacing because of the small intrinsic nanochannels inside the E.coli cell membranes, which is distinct from GO and MXene-based 2D membranes. Moreover, the membrane water permeance was 52.6 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, higher than that of most of the reported 2D materials-based NF membranes. The E.coli-NF membrane exhibited the typical separation behavior of the negatively charged NF membranes governed by Donnan effect and size exclusion. This work gives some insights into the fabrication of the selective membranes using cell membranes as 2D materials with intrinsic nanochannels and fruitful choices in nature.

Adjunctive interventions: change methods directed at recipients that support uptake and use of health innovations

BackgroundImplementation science groups change methods into two categories: (1) clinical, behavioral, or biomedical intervention targeting recipient’s health outcomes and (2) implementation strategies targeting the delivery system. Differentiating interventions from strategies based on their intended functions is critical to accurately attributing their effects to health or implementation outcomes. However, in coordinating 200+ HIV implementation research projects and conducting systematic reviews, we identified change methods that had characteristics of both interventions and strategies that were inconsistently categorized. To alleviate confusion and improve change method specification, we propose that implementation science should adopt an extant but rarely used term—adjunctive interventions—to classify change methods that are distinct from the common intervention/strategy taxonomy.Main textAdjunctive interventions as change methods that target recipients (e.g., patients, participants) of a health intervention but are designed to increase recipients’ motivation, self-efficacy, or capacity for initiating, adhering to, complying with, or engaging with the health intervention over time. In two of our published reviews on implementation of HIV interventions, 25 out of 45 coded change methods fell into this gray area between strategy and intervention. We also noted instances in which the same change method was labelled as the intervention (“the thing”), as an adjunctive intervention, or an implementation strategy in different studies—further muddying the waters. Adjunctive interventions are distinguished from other change methods by their intended targets, desired outcomes, and theory of action and causal processes. Whereas health interventions target recipients and have a direct, causal effect on the health outcome, adjunctive interventions enhance recipients’ attitudes and behaviors to engage with the intervention and have an indirect causal link to the health outcome via increasing the probability of recipients’ utilization and adherence to the intervention. Adjunctive interventions are incapable of directly producing the health outcome and will themselves require implementation strategies to effectively impact sustained uptake, utilization, and adherence. Case examples, logic modeling, and considerations (e.g., relationship to consumer engagement strategies) for adjunctive intervention research are provided.ConclusionConceptualizing adjunctive interventions as a separate type of change method will advance implementation research by improving tests of effectiveness, and the specification of mechanisms and outcomes.

Armed group formation in civil war: ‘Movement’, ‘insurgent’, and ‘state splinter’ origins

AbstractHow do non-state armed groups form in intra-state armed conflicts? Researchers have started to disaggregate armed groups, but we still know little about how armed groups emerge in different ways. Drawing on the literature on social movements, civil wars, and civil–military relations, we generate a typology of ‘movement’, ‘insurgent’, and ‘state splinter’ origins of armed groups. We argue that fundamentally different dynamics of conflict shape armed group origins in the context of broad-based mobilisation, peripheral challenges to the state, and intra-regime fragmentation. Armed groups that emerge in these contexts in general differ in their initial membership and leadership, the basic organisational dimensions that we focus on. We demonstrate the utility of our typology by mapping different origins of armed groups onto existing cross-national data and charting type narratives in illustrative cases. This discussion advances recent efforts to understand the importance of armed group emergence for outcomes of interest to conflict scholars by moving beyond either separate types of origins or highly disaggregated organisational analyses to broader conflict dynamics through which armed groups form, with implications for how these groups act. Future research should consider different origins which we identify in comparison through an in-depth analysis of armed groups’ complex histories.

Плагиат, заимствование и законное использование: проблема разграничения понятий

The article notes that in the legislation of the Russian Federation the term “plagiarism” is used only in relation to the deliberate appropriation of authorship, which entails criminal liability, while in scientific publications this term is used in relation to a wider range of borrowings that are not criminal offenses. The authors conclude that the negative consequence of such a blurring of legal terminology is the complication of classification of those legal phenomena that are encountered in practice. It is argued that for the further development of legislation, judicial and business practice it is necessary to provide a unified understanding of such legal phenomena as plagiarism, on the one hand, and other cases of illegal borrowing, on the other hand, with the division of the latter into separate types of borrowing, taking into account the peculiarities of certain areas of activity, including the establishment of different criteria for recognizing the fact of illegal borrowing for scientific activity, for film production, fiction and other areas of use of the results of creative activity and certain types of works.