Uniform Response Research Articles

Identification of potential vaccine targets for elicitation of host immune cells against SARS-CoV-2 by reverse vaccinology approach

The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a critical global health crisis, demanding urgent and effective strategies for containment. While some knowledge exists about epitope sequences recognized by human immune cells and their activation of CD8+ T cells within the HLA context, comprehensive information remains limited. This study employs reverse vaccinology to explore antigenic HLA-restricted T-cell epitopes capable of eliciting durable immunity. Screening reveals 187 consensus epitopes, with 23 offering broad population coverage worldwide, spanning over 5000 HLA alleles. Sequence alignment analysis highlights the genetic distinctiveness of these peptides from Homo sapiens and their intermediate to high TAP binding efficiency. Notably, these epitopes share 100 % sequence identity across strains from nine countries, indicating potential for a uniform protective immune response among diverse ethnic populations. Docking simulations further confirm their binding capacity with the HLA allele, validating them as promising targets for SARS-CoV-2 immune recognition. The anticipated epitopes are connected with suitable linkers and adjuvant, and then assessed for its translational efficacy within a bacterial expression vector through computational cloning. Through docking, it is observed that the chimeric vaccine construct forms lasting hydrogen bonds with Toll-like receptor (TLR4), while immune simulation illustrates an increased cytotoxic response aimed at CD8+ T cells. This comprehensive computational analysis suggests the chimeric vaccine construct's potential to provoke a robust immune response against SARS-CoV-2. By delineating these antigenic fragments, our study offers valuable insights into effective vaccine and immunotherapy development against COVID-19, contributing significantly to global efforts in combating this infectious threat.

Precision Loading and Delivery of Molecular Cargo by Size-Controlled Coacervation of Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with Elastin-like Peptides.

Thermoresponsive elastin-like peptides (ELPs) have been extensively investigated in biotechnology and medicine, but little attention has been paid to the process by which coacervation causes ELP-decorated particles to aggregate. Using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with a cysteine-terminated 96-repeat of the VPGVG sequence (V96-Cys), we show that the size of the clusters that reversibly form above the ELP transition temperature can be finely controlled in the 250 to 930 nm range by specifying the concentration of free V96-Cys in solution and using AuNPs of different sizes. We further find that the localized surface plasmon resonance peak of the embedded AuNPs progressively red-shifts with cluster size, likely due to an increase in particle-particle contacts. We exploit this fine control over size to homogeneously load precise amounts of the dye Nile Red and the antibiotic Tetracycline into clusters of different hydrodynamic diameters and deliver cargos near-quantitatively by deconstructing the aggregates below the ELP transition temperature. Beyond establishing a key role for free ELPs in the agglomeration of ELP-functionalized particles, our results provide a path for the thermally controlled delivery of precise quantities of molecular cargo. This capability might prove useful in combination photothermal therapies and theranostic applications, and to trigger spatially and temporally uniform responses from biological, electronic, or optical systems.

Characterisation of a customised 4-chip Timepix3 module for charged-particle tracking

Ion-beam radiotherapy is a growing cancer treatment modality because it offers a superior dose distribution in the patient compared with conventional radiotherapy using X-rays. Thanks to their versatility, application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) increasingly gain interest for research into ion imaging and ion-beam characterisation. Timepix3 is a hybrid semiconductor pixel detector, which offers nanosecond time binning as well as dead-time-free and noise-free data-driven readout at a pixel pitch of 55µm × 55µm. In this work, a novel 4-chip Timepix3 mini-tracker (quad module) was characterised in a therapeutic proton beam. The quad module has two detection layers equipped with two Timepix3 chips each, which are stacked like a particle telescope at a distance of 20.3mm. In a detection layer, two Timepix3 chips share the same sensitive silicon sensor. The surface area of the silicon sensor is approximately 28mm × 14mm. Apart from the pixels at the chip edges and the masked pixels, the quad module showed a uniform counting response to the mono-energetic proton irradiation without noticeable defects. The measurement accuracy of the energy deposition was found to be better than 1% at 340keV. The synchronisation between the four chips of the quad module showed systematic delays of up to 25ns. When these delays are corrected, the time resolution of the quad module is (1.17 ± 0.03)ns. The time resolution could be further improved with the implementation of a time-walk correction. It is concluded that the quad module fulfils the requirements to be used as a charged-particle tracker in ion-beam radiotherapy. Future testing will focus on the radiation hardness, dose-rate dependence and response to high-LET radiation.

Forms of Sexual Abuse Prevention Education for Primary School Students Based on Life Skills Approach

This study evaluates various forms of sexual abuse prevention education for primary school students in Phu Tho province, Vietnam, by examining the perspectives of teachers, parents, and students. Participants utilized a Likert scale to rate different prevention approaches, revealing nuanced insights. Integrating prevention education with regular teaching activities and collective educational efforts received positive responses, emphasizing the potential benefits of seamless integration within the curriculum. Organizing dedicated educational activities also demonstrated positive outcomes, emphasizing the efficacy of targeted interventions. Conversely, organizing school counseling and consultation received a lower mean score, indicating a less preferred approach among participants. The use of mass media in sexual abuse prevention education garnered a positive response with some variability in opinions, suggesting the importance of multimedia campaigns. Additionally, opening educational training courses on sexual abuse prevention displayed a slightly higher standard deviation, indicating a more diverse range of opinions. Specialized education topics and meetings revealed nuanced perceptions, with varying mean scores and standard deviations. Establishing a club for sexual abuse prevention showed more varied opinions among participants. Lastly, educational coordination between Family, School, and Society received a relatively uniform response. The overall mean score for the evaluated forms of sexual abuse prevention education was 2.14, with a standard deviation of 0.15, indicating moderate agreement among participants. This detailed evaluation provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, contributing to the development of effective strategies to address the critical issue of sexual abuse prevention among elementary school students in Phu Tho province.
 
 Received: 16 December 2023 / Accepted: 19 February 2024 / Published: 5 March 2024

Portable Thomson scattering system for temporally resolved plasma measurements under low density conditions.

We present the development of a portable Thomson scattering diagnostic system allowing simultaneous spatially and temporally resolved plasma property measurements for low density plasmas. The setup uses a compact pulsed Nd:YAG laser (532nm) as the light source with suppression by two volume Bragg grating notch filters and dispersion with a single-stage spectrometer before measurement with an intensified camera. A key issue is the detailed light collection and how it impacts the sensitivity and elastic light suppression, for which we have investigated two optical configurations, one based on a 7 × 1 linear fiber bundle and the other based on a slit spatial-filter. We find that the configuration with the slit spatial-filter provides a higher sensitivity by a factor of ∼2 along with more uniform spatial response. We have developed a custom pulsed-plasma setup with a modulation at 20kHz, representative of the Hall thruster breathing mode oscillation, to show the possibility of temporally resolved measurements for electric propulsion applications. We have successfully recorded the variations in electron number density and temperature with sub-mm spatial resolution and capturing ten temporal points over the 50 µs modulation period. The detection limit of electron density (with the spatial-filter configuration) is ∼1.6 × 1017m-3, which is ∼1/10 of the plasma density in the acceleration channel of Hall thrusters.

Spatially-coded Fourier ptychography: flexible and detachable coded thin films for quantitative phase imaging with uniform phase transfer characteristics.

Fourier ptychography (FP) is an enabling imaging technique that produces high-resolution complex-valued images with extended field coverages. However, when FP images a phase object with any specific spatial frequency, the captured images contain only constant values, rendering the recovery of the corresponding linear phase ramp impossible. This challenge is not unique to FP but also affects other common microscopy techniques -- a rather counterintuitive outcome given their widespread use in phase imaging. The underlying issue originates from the non-uniform phase transfer characteristic inherent in microscope systems, which impedes the conversion of object wavefields into discernible intensity variations. To address this challenge, we present spatially-coded Fourier ptychography (scFP), a new method that synergizes FP with spatial-domain coded detection for true quantitative phase imaging. In scFP, a flexible and detachable coded thin film is attached atop the image sensor in a regular FP setup. The spatial modulation of this thin film ensures a uniform phase response across the entire synthetic bandwidth. It improves reconstruction quality and corrects refractive index underestimation issues prevalent in conventional FP and related tomographic implementations. The inclusion of the coded thin film further adds a new dimension of measurement diversity in the spatial domain. The development of scFP is expected to catalyse new research directions and applications for phase imaging, emphasizing the need for true quantitative accuracy with uniform frequency response.

Optimization of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) juice fermentation process and analysis of its metabolites during fermentation.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a nutritious fruit and vegetable. Fermentation can be used to enhance their nutritional value. In this study, the tomato juice was co-fermented with multistrains, optimized by uniform experimental design and response surface methodology. Superoxide dismutase activity reached 496.67 U/g and lycopene content reached 77.12μg/g when P. pentosaceus (53.79%), L. casei (13.17%), L. plantarum (19.87%), L. fermentum (13.17%). To gain insight into the dynamics of metabolites during the tomato fermentation juice process multivariate statistical analysis was performed using the UHPLC-QE-MS/MS method. The main metabolites are peptides, amino acids carbohydrates, organic acids, and phospholipids. Carbohydrates were fully retained at the end of fermentation.The content of galactitol increased from the initial 5.389 to 6.607 while the content of cytarabine decreased by 29% and uridine by 44%. Meanwhile, phospholipids (PS, PE, PC, PG, PI) were all retained by more than 70%. Terpenoids (16-deacetylgairin, (+)-Royleanone, artemisinin) were increased to varying degrees, which gives them good nutritional value and biological activity. Organic acids (malic and citric) were reduced and lactic acid content was increased, changing its original flavor and making it more palatable to the general population. The research results have demonstrated the benefits of lactic acid bacteria fermentation on tomato juice, providing a theoretical basis and reference for the fermentation metabolism process of tomato juice.

Full-scale experimental and structural characterization study of shield tunnel reinforcement under ground stacking loads

To investigate the internal force response characteristics and reinforcement effects of the shield tunnel segment structure in the presence of ground load disturbances in the Hangzhou Metro, full-scale tests were conducted on three-ring misaligned assembled segments using a self-developed "Shield Tunnel Segment Hydraulic Loading System." The study examined the structural characteristics of tunnel segments under the influence of different ground resistance coefficients (λ) and eccentric loads (P), and explored the reinforcement effects of the internal tension ring method from multiple perspectives. The research results indicate that under different ground resistance coefficients (λ), the sensitivity of internal force response is concentrated in the waist concrete, with a maximum bending moment reduction of 88.8%. The effective rate of bending stiffness tends to flatten, joint bending moment transfer effects strengthen, and the bearing capacity of the segments significantly increases after reinforcement, leading to a more uniform overall structural response. Under different eccentric loads (P), the bending moment of the segments after reinforcement approximates central symmetry with a reduced distribution range. The rate of change of the effective bending stiffness (η) shifts from "rapid" to "slow," and the variation of joint bending moment transfer coefficient (ζ) stabilizes. The reinforcement with steel rings significantly enhances the overall stiffness of the segments and reinforces the joint bending moment transfer effect. The reinforcement effect of the segments can be evaluated through the bending moment transfer coefficient and effective bending stiffness. After reinforcement, the bearing capacity of the segments is noticeably enhanced, and significant forces are observed at two locations in the right waist joint, where the combination of steel plates and segments exhibits optimal performance.

Detection of CTLA-4 level and humeral immune response after the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine in certain Iraqi provinces participants.

Evaluating immune responses following COVID-19 vaccination is paramount to understanding vaccine effectiveness and optimizing public health interventions. This study seeks to elucidate individuals' immune status after administering a second dose of diverse COVID-19 vaccines. By analyzing immune responses through serological markers, we aim to contribute valuable insights into the uniformity of vaccine performance. A total of 80 participants were enrolled in this study, with demographic and COVID-19 infection-related data collected for categorization. Serum samples were acquired within a specified timeframe, and SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG rapid tests were conducted. Moreover, CTLA-4 levels were measured through ELISA assays, allowing us to assess the immune responses comprehensively. The participants were divided into eight groups based on various factors, facilitating a multifaceted analysis. The outcomes of our investigation demonstrated consistent immune responses across the diverse types of COVID-19 vaccines administered in Iraq. Statistical analysis revealed no significant distinctions among the vaccine categories. In contrast, significant differences were observed in CTLA-4 among the control group (non-infected/non-vaccinated, infected/non-vaccinated) and infected/Pfizer, non-infected/Pfizer, and infected/Sinopharm, non-infected/sinopharm (P = 0.001, < 0.001, 0.023, respectively). This suggests that these vaccines exhibit comparable effectiveness in eliciting an immune response among the study participants. In conclusion, our study's results underscore the lack of discriminatory variations between different COVID-19 vaccine types utilized in Iraq. The uniform immune responses observed signify the equitable efficacy and performance of these vaccines. Despite minor quantitative discrepancies, these variations do not hold statistical significance, reaffirming the notion that the various vaccines serve a similar purpose in conferring protection against COVID-19.

Comparative Responses of Orange-Foot and Common-Foot Haliotis gigantea to Carotenoid-Enriched Diets: Survival, Heat Tolerance, and Bacterial Resistance.

Carotenoids, known to enhance survival, heat tolerance, and bacterial resistance, play an essential role in the nutrition of economically important aquatic animals. This study specifically examined their impact as feed additives on the abalone Haliotis gigantea. We prepared 13 compound feeds with varying levels of astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, and β-carotene, and administered them to both common-footed and orange-footed H. gigantea. The survival rate of H. gigantea was about 70-80%, with no significant differences in survival observed among the various carotenoid-supplemented feeding groups or when compared with the control group, nor between orange-footed and common-footed individuals. In heat attachment duration experiments, orange-foot abalones exhibited longer attachment durations with certain concentrations of astaxanthin and zeaxanthin, whereas common-foot abalones showed extended durations with astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, and β-carotene, indicating that common-foot abalones might benefit more from these carotenoids. Additionally, our results showed similar patterns and levels of Vibrio harveyi AP37 resistance in both orange-footed and common-footed H. gigantea, suggesting a uniform response to carotenoid supplementation in their bacterial defense mechanisms. This study suggests the potential benefits of carotenoid supplementation in H. gigantea and contributes to the theoretical basis for developing high-quality artificial compound feeds.

Wideband close perfect meta surface absorber for solar photovoltaic and optical spectrum applications

The leading research challenge is to develop a meta-surface absorber design for optimal performance across ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared wavelengths. In ongoing research, a meta-surface absorber is being introduced, designed to achieve near-perfect absorption of 99% across the 250–2500 nm UV–Vis-NIR spectrum for both Transverse electric (TE) and Transverse magnetic (TM) polarized waves. The aimed design features a symmetrical resonator pattern, resulting in a polarization-insensitive absorption response. Additionally, the absorption response demonstrates robustness when altering the geometric parameters of the meta-surface unit cell. Precise simulation and modelling of the proposed meta-surface absorber are achieved by Employing a Finite Difference Frequency Domain (FDFD) solver, coupled with the Finite Integration Technique (FIT) and a tetrahedral mesh component. Verification of absorption characteristics is conducted through three frameworks: impedance matching, interference, and an equivalent circuit model. The suggested meta-structure design exhibits a uniform absorption response, as determined through considerations of impedance matching, interference theory, and the equivalent circuit theory. The PCR value is significantly lower than recent studies, reinforcing that the proposed meta-surface primarily serves as an absorber, not a polarization converter. The absorption response of the suggested meta-structure design remains consistent across the range of electromagnetic wave polarization angles from 0 to 90 for both TE and TM waves. Furthermore, the absorption response of the proposed design demonstrates stability up to an incident angle of 70 for electromagnetic waves. The distribution of electric and magnetic fields, along with surface current density on the proposed design, validates the existence of localized, propagating, and cavity surface plasmon resonance. These collectively create anti-parallel current flow, leading to the absorption of incident EM waves. Furthermore, the suggested design achieves a solar energy thermal conversion efficiency of 99% across the operational spectrum at a working temperature of 573 K, substantiating its potential for use as a solar absorber. Thus, this study presents a meta-structure unit cell that addresses the challenge with near-perfect absorption, polarization independence, and angle robustness. Applications include photodetection, thermal mapping, solar harvesting, and photo-trapping.

Covid-19 severity, government responses and stock market reactions: a study of 14 highly affected countries

PurposeThis study undertakes a comprehensive investigation into the far-reaching repercussions of Covid-19 stimulus packages and containment policies on stock returns, meticulously examining a diverse array of 14 distinct markets.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed the Panel SVAR model to analyze the relationships between various policies and stock market performance during the Covid-19 outbreak. The sample comprises 5432 daily observations spanning from December 2020 to January 2022 for the 14 selected markets, with missing data excluded.FindingsThe findings reveal three consistent impacts across all 14 markets. Firstly, stock returns immediately reversed and decreased within a day when Governments tightened containment policies. Secondly, economic stimulus packages led to a fall in stock returns. Thirdly, an increasing death rate caused the stock return to decrease in the following two days. These findings are supported by the uniform impulse responses in all three shocks, including common, composite and idiosyncratic shocks. Furthermore, all inverse root tests satisfy the stability conditions, indicating the stability and reliability of Panel SVAR estimations.Practical implicationsOne vital implication is that all government decisions and measures taken against the shock of Covid-19 must consider economic impacts to avoid unnecessary financial losses and support the effective functioning of stock markets during similar shocks. Secondly, investors should view the decline in stock returns due to Covid-19 effects as temporary, resulting from anxiety about the outbreak. The study highlights the importance of monitoring the impact of policies on financial markets and the broader economy during crises. Overall, these insights can prove helpful for investment decisions and policymaking during future crises.Originality/valueThis study constitutes a noteworthy addition to the literature on behavioural finance and the efficient market hypothesis, offering a meticulous analysis of the multifaceted repercussions of Covid-19 on market interactions. In particular, it unveils the magnitude, duration and intricate patterns of market volatilities linked to significant shock events, encompassing a comprehensive dataset spanning 14 distinct markets.

Control of excitation selectivity in pulse EPR on spin-correlated radical pairs with shaped pulses.

Spin-correlated radical pairs generated by photoinduced electron transfer are characterised by a distinctive spin polarisation and a unique behaviour in pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Under non-selective excitation, an out-of-phase echo signal modulated by the dipolar and exchange coupling interactions characterising the radical pair is observed and allows extraction of geometric information in the two-pulse out-of-phase electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) experiment. The investigation of the role of spin-correlated radical pairs in a variety of biological processes and in the fundamental mechanisms underlying device function in optoelectronics, as well as their potential use in quantum information science, relies on the ability to precisely address and manipulate the spins using microwave pulses. Here, we explore the use of shaped pulses for controlled narrowband selective and broadband non-selective excitation of spin-correlated radical pairs in two model donor-bridge-acceptor triads, characterised by different spectral widths, at X- and Q-band frequencies. We demonstrate selective excitation with close to rectangular excitation profiles using BURP (band-selective, uniform response, pure-phase) pulses and complete non-selective excitation of both spins of the radical pair using frequency-swept chirp pulses. The use of frequency-swept pulses in out-of-phase ESEEM experiments enables increased modulation depths and, combined with echo transient detection and Fourier transformation, correlation of the dipolar frequencies with the EPR spectrum and therefore the potential to extract additional information on the donor-acceptor pair geometry.

Improved active sub-terahertz imaging system for parcel inspection

Terahertz radiation has emerged as a prominent solution for imaging and detection beyond visible and infrared. Active terahertz imaging is a widely used technology in this context especially for security applications and screening. Such systems are built around an illuminating source, a detecting module and a beam shaping system to match the detectors geometry. The overall system performance is largely dependent on an optimized choice of these modules. In this work, an active sub-terahertz scanning system working at 100 GHz frequency is proposed to detect concealed objects in parcels and mail. The system is optimized based on an adapted design of the beam shaper and a preprocessing correction of the images to ensure uniformity of response and cleanness. The proposed system demonstrated through experimentation improved resolution with a uniform response along its detection area.

Optimization of resting tension for wire myography in male rat pulmonary arteries.

Wire myography to test vasomotor functions of blood vessels ex-vivo are well-established for the systemic circulation, however, there is no consensus on protocols for pulmonary arteries. We created a standardized wire myography protocol for healthy rat PAs and validated this in a pulmonary hypertension (PH) model. Vessels stretched to higher initial tensions (5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 mN) exhibited a uniform response to phenylephrine, a larger dynamic range, and lower EC50 values. The endothelium-mediated relaxation showed that moderate tensions (7.5 and 10.0 mN) produced robust responses with higher maximum relaxation and lower EC50 values. For endothelium independent responses, the higher initial tension groups had lower and more consistent EC50 values than the lower initial tension groups. Pulmonary arteries from rats with PH were more responsive to vasoactive drugs when subjected to a higher initial tension. Notably, vessels in the PH group subjected to 15.0 mN exhibited high dynamic ranges in contractile and relaxation responses without tearing. Lastly, we observed attenuated cholinergic responses in these vessels-consistent with endothelial dysfunction in PH. Therefore, a moderate initial tension of 7.5-10.0 mN is optimal for healthy rat pulmonary arteries and a higher initial tension of 15.0 mN is optimal for pulmonary arteries from animals with PH.

Analyzing the Impact of Green Marketing Strategies on the Environmental Performance and market performance of Companies in the Consumer Goods Sector

This study explores the impact of green marketing strategies on the environmental and market performance of companies in the consumer goods sector, with a specific focus on Pakistan—a developing economy facing rapid urbanization and environmental challenges. Recognizing the growing consumer demand for sustainable practices, this research delves into how green marketing can serve as a vital tool for companies to align their business objectives with environmental responsibilities. Through a qualitative case study approach, involving semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and analysis of sustainability reports and consumer feedback, the study aims to uncover the effectiveness of green marketing strategies. These strategies encompass sustainable product development, eco-labeling, environmentally friendly packaging, and eco-centric promotional activities. Findings indicate that green marketing significantly contributes to improving a company's environmental performance, evidenced by carbon footprint reduction, waste management efficiency, and sustainable sourcing. Moreover, such strategies positively affect market performance, enhancing sales growth, brand loyalty, and consumer perception. Importantly, the study highlights the challenges of greenwashing and consumer skepticism, emphasizing the need for authenticity in green marketing efforts. Additionally, gender analysis revealed uniform responses across male and female participants regarding the recognition of sustainability efforts and the impacts of green marketing, suggesting a broad consensus on the value of green practices irrespective of gender. This research not only bridges the gap in literature by focusing on the dynamics of green marketing in a developing country but also provides practical insights for companies and policymakers aiming to navigate the sustainability landscape in the consumer goods sector. The study underscores the strategic importance of green marketing initiatives in driving sustainable business growth and environmental stewardship, offering a pathway towards a more sustainable future.

Analisis Aselerasi Riwayat Waktu pada Wilayah Spesifik di Yogyakarta dengan Sumber Gempa Subduksi Berdasarkan Peta Gempa 2002

Indonesia is a country that is very prone to earthquake disasters. Earthquakes cause damage especially to buildings. In building planning, the usual earthquake load is the earthquake load from the spectral response. The use of earthquake loads from time history is very rarely used because of the difficulty of finding accurate data for an area. In this study, Alana Hotel and Apartment were chosen as research objects to find artificial time history. All earthquake data affecting Yogyakarta region were collected from several sources. Seismic hazard analysis in this study uses the PSHA (Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis) method by calculating the main earthquake only. The selection of attenuation functions is based on the similarity of geological and tectonic conditions in Indonesia. These attenuation functions produce a seismic hazard curve and a uniform hazard spectrum response. The selection of time history data for bedrock is based on the results of the deaggregation process in the form of dominant magnitude and dominant distance from the subduction earthquake source. It is necessary to adjust the spectrum response in the time history data to fit the research location. Furthermore, earthquake waves from the bedrock are propagated to the surface. The results show that the peak time history acceleration value after surface propagation increased by 1.51 times than the time history in bedrock.

Islamic Eco-Theology: Religious Narratives in the Climate Crisis in Indonesia

This article delves into the adaptation of Islamic eco-theology as an analytical lens to dissect religious narratives surrounding the climate crisis in Indonesia. With insights derived from a spectrum of interpretations and diverse affiliations, this eco-theology provides a foundation for varied understandings and reactions to environmental challenges. The study is designed to synthesize theory and hermeneutics within a critical-qualitative framework, exploring the interplay between theology and ecology. Ecological and theological behavioural theories are employed to elucidate the data. The findings reveal two main aspects: Firstly, the representation of eco-theology in Islam has undergone a metamorphosis, expanding from its role as a catalyst for uniform responses to environmental issues to a factor enriching the dynamics of understanding and response. Secondly, although the network of Islamic eco-theology influences the perspectives of the Muslim community, its capacity to reach a broader spectrum is still limited. The study underscores that Islamic eco-theology plays a pivotal role as a subsystem in navigating responses to environmental crises, particularly in responding to the climate crisis increasingly integrated within the framework of religious thought and practice in Indonesia.

Design energy spectra for Peninsular India: A preliminary step towards energy-based design in India

Force-based and displacement-based approaches in seismic codes have been widely used in structural design practices for decades. These methods use either the peak forces or the maximum deformations to quantify the destructive potential of a structure subjected to ground motion and does not account for either the duration of ground motion or the loading history on the structure. Hence, several studies proposed many energy-based parameters, of which, the equivalent velocity (VEA) considered as a stable measure and an effective tool in energy-based seismic design. As a preliminary step towards energy-based design in India, we propose design energy spectra for the Peninsular India (PI) in this study as it can provide an improved means of framework in the earthquake resistant design. In order to quantify the probability of exceedance in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA), a ground motion model (GMM) for VEA is derived for the PI region using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) technique. Since the ground motion data is limited in the PI shield, records from a similar tectonic region, such as the Central and Eastern America (CENA) database, are used for deriving the GMM. In the GMM, magnitude (Mw), rupture distance (Rrup), average shear wave velocity of the soil in the top 30 m (Vs30), and focal mechanism, are used as predictor variables; and the target variable constitutes the logarithm of VEA at 24 spectral periods. Consequently, uniform hazard energy response spectra (UHERS) for a 2475-year return period are obtained. In addition, acceleration spectra corresponding to the resulting UHERS are compared with that of the Indian Standard (IS) code recommended design spectra to observe for any underestimations. Finally, a tripartite Design Energy Spectra (DES) is proposed for the entire PI shield, for ease of access.

Wavelet MRE: Imaging propagating broadband acoustic waves with wavelet-based motion-encoding gradients.

To demonstrate a novel MR elastography (MRE) technique, termed here wavelet MRE. With this technique, broadband motion sensitivity is achievable. Moreover, the true tissue displacement can be reconstructed with a simple inverse transform. A wavelet MRE sequence was developed with motion-encoding gradients based on Haar wavelets. From the phase images' displacement was estimated using an inverse transform. Simulations were performed using a frequency sweep and a transient as ground-truth motions. A PVC phantom was scanned using wavelet MRE and standard MRE with both transient (one and 10 cycles of 90-Hz motion) and steady-state dual-frequency motion (30 and 60 Hz) for comparison. The technique was tested in a human brain, and motion trajectories were estimated for each voxel. In simulation, the displacement information estimated from wavelet MRE closely matched the true motion. In the phantom test, the MRE phase data generated from the displacement information derived from wavelet MRE agreed well with standard MRE data. Testing of wavelet MRE to assess transient motion waveforms in the brain was successful, and the tissue motion observed was consistent with a previous study. The uniform and broadband frequency response of wavelet MRE makes it a promising method for imaging transient, multifrequency motion, or motion with unknown frequency content. One potential application is measuring the response of brain tissue undergoing low-amplitude, transient vibrations as a model for the study of traumatic brain injury.