Periodic Variability Research Articles

CEERS: Increasing Scatter along the Star-forming Main Sequence Indicates Early Galaxies Form in Bursts

Abstract We present the star formation rate–stellar mass (SFR–M *) relation for galaxies in the Cosmic Evolution Early Release Science survey at 4.5 ≤ z ≤ 12. We model the JWST and Hubble Space Telescope rest-UV and rest-optical photometry of galaxies with flexible star formation histories (SFHs) using BAGPIPES. We consider SFRs averaged from the SFHs over 10 Myr (SFR10) and 100 Myr (SFR100), where the photometry probes SFRs on these timescales, effectively tracing nebular emission lines in the rest-optical (on ~10 Myr timescales) and the UV/optical continuum (on ~100 Myr timescales). We measure the slope, normalization and intrinsic scatter of the SFR–M * relation, taking into account the uncertainty and the covariance of galaxy SFRs and M *. From z ~ 5 to 9 there is larger scatter in the SFR10–M * relation, with σ ( log S F R 100 ) = 0.4 dex, compared to the SFR100–M * relation, with σ ( log S F R 10 ) = 0.1 dex. This scatter increases with redshift and increasing stellar mass, at least out to z ~ 7. These results can be explained if galaxies at higher redshift experience an increase in star formation variability and form primarily in short, active periods, followed by a lull in star formation (i.e., “napping” phases). We see a significant trend in the ratio R SFR = SFR10/SFR100 in which, on average, R SFR decreases with increasing stellar mass and increasing redshift. This yields a star formation “duty cycle” of ~40% for galaxies with log M * / M ⊙ ≥ 9.3 at z ~ 5, declining to ~20% at z ~ 9. Galaxies also experience longer lulls in star formation at higher redshift and at higher stellar mass, such that galaxies transition from periods of higher SFR variability at z ≳ 6 to smoother SFR evolution at z ≲ 4.5.

Evaluation of a pilot reintroduction program for dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) juveniles in inshore marine areas off the southeast Brazilian coast

The dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) is a widely distributed epinephelid species. It inhabits the eastern and southwestern Atlantic Ocean, western Indian Ocean, and Mediterranean Sea. Populations of this species have faced significant threats due to various anthropogenic activities, including environmental degradation and intensified fishing effort. To address declining populations, management strategies involving the release of hatchery-reared juveniles have been implemented. This study evaluated the success of a pilot reintroduction program for juvenile dusky grouper by measuring the potential increase in population size in the area. Inshore marine areas along the southeastern Brazilian coast were previously evaluated to determine the best areas for the reintroduction Twenty thousand juvenile dusky groupers (5–10 cm SL) were released at five locations across five selected areas. Assessments were conducted by underwater visual censuses (UVCs) to quantify the presence of juvenile dusky grouper in the selected areas both before and after the releases. Statistical analysis was performed using a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) to estimate the relationship between predictor (number of individuals) and response (release period, depth and sampling points) variables. The results showed a significant increase in juvenile dusky grouper populations at three of the five release areas post-introduction. The methodology employed for stocking dusky grouper juveniles into areas with declining populations demonstrates promise for future conservation efforts aimed at enhancing abundance of this vital marine resource. Results of this research provide valuable insights for the development and implementation of effective conservation programs targeting the recovery of dusky grouper populations.

Critical reproductive behaviors in Scaled Quail and Northern Bobwhite are affected by thermal variability and mean temperature.

Animals can respond differently to shifting thermal variability versus thermal averages, both of which are changing due to climate warming. How these thermal variables affect parental care behaviors can reveal the ability of parents to modify their behaviors to meet the competing demands of their offspring's thermal needs and self-maintenance, which becomes critical in suboptimal thermal conditions. Further, the time frame used to examine the interplay between temperature and behavioral shifts (e.g., seasonal patterns in care vs. drivers of individual care decisions) can provide different information about the plasticity of parental care behavior. We investigated the relationship between thermal means, thermal variability, and incubation behaviors across multiple timescales in Scaled Quail and Northern Bobwhite. Both species decreased off-bout length during periods of high thermal variability, a novel finding among studies of avian parental behavior. Further relationships between thermal endpoints (mean vs. variation) and behavior differed depending on the temporal scale. For instance, total daily time spent off the nest was not influenced by daily average temperature, yet individual off-bout duration increased with increasing average temperature in the 2h prior to the off-bout. These results provide evidence that thermal-behavioral relationships differ across scales and likely represent a bird's ability to modify their incubation strategy to rapidly respond to the immediate thermal environment (altering individual off-bout length based on temperature) to meet self-maintenance needs while resulting in a similar outcome for their nest (total daily off-bout time). However, longer off-bout durations during high temperature events can come with reproductive costs, sometimes resulting in acute offspring mortality when eggs or chicks experience lethal temperatures.

A Framework for Analysing Multi‐Timescales Evolution Patterns in Precipitation–Streamflow Relationship

ABSTRACTThe precipitation–streamflow relationship (PSR) is one of the most crucial aspects of hydrological process studies. Previous studies have analysed the changes of the PSR at specific timescales (e.g., annual or seasonal), overlooking the characteristics of the PSR across multiple timescales and the changes that occur over time. This study presented an integrated framework to address these issues from three perspective: the inconsistencies, the response sensitivity of streamflow to precipitation and the PSR across multiple oscillation periods. This study analysed monthly streamflow and precipitation data from three representative reaches located in the upper and middle sections of the Yellow River Basin from 1961 to 2021. The results indicate that the proposed integrated framework effectively reveals the evolving patterns of the PSR. The evolution patterns of PSR vary across different time scales. Notably, the inconsistencies in PSR variations in the middle and upper reaches of the Yellow River are significant and manifest differently across various timescales. These differences were particularly pronounced in the middle reaches when comparing the periods before and after 2000. The changes in PSR varied among different oscillation periods, and an examination of the resonant period variability revealed a shift from strong‐to‐weak resonance within the 32–64‐month period, followed by a weak‐to‐strong transition within the 128‐month period. This study has significantly enhanced our understanding of the evolution of the PSR and has provided valuable insights for effectively managing hydrological processes in a changing environment.

Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants and their impact on the epidemic period in Villa Clara, Cuba

Epidemiological and clinical aspects of COVID-19 are modified according to the variant circulating, hence the importance of identifying the variables in each epidemic period. The objective of the research consisted in characterizing the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants, and its repercussion in the epidemic period in Villa Clara province, Cuba. A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out in the Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Villa Clara, in the period from December 2020 to May 2023. In the province, the epidemic period was divided into three, in the first one, the circulation of D614G was detected; in the second one, the one with the highest incidence and mortality, the beta and delta variants were identified, and in the third one, omicron and its sublineages were sequenced. It is concluded that in Villa Clara the D614G, beta, delta and omicron variants were the ones that originated the epidemic waves. The most intense epidemic period was concentrated in four months, from July to October 2021. The responsibility for this high incidence and mortality was attributed to the beta and delta variants, without being able to specify whether it was one or both of them.

Long-term optical spectroscopy of B[e] star CI Cam in a quiet state

High-resolution optical spectra of the B[e] star CI Cam were obtained on arbitrary dates 2002–2023 using the 6-meter BTA telescope with the echelle spectrograph NES. The variability over time of the powerful emissions of Hα and He I profiles is found. For two-peaked emissions with «rectangular» profiles, the intensity ratio of blue-shifted and red-shifted peaks is V / R ≥ 1 , except one date. A decrease in the intensity of all two-peak emissions with «rectangular» profiles was revealed as they moved away in time from the 1998 outburst. The average radial velocity for emissions of this type for all observation dates varies in the range Vr(emis – d ) = –(50.8 – 55.7) + 0.2 km/s. The half-amplitude of the change (standard deviation) is equal to ∆Vr= 2.5 km/s. The velocity for single-peaked ion emissions (Si III, Al III, Fe III) differs little from the values of Vr(emis – d ) , but the measurement accuracy for these emissions is worse: the average error for different dates ranges from 0.4 to 1.3 km/s. The systemic velocity is assumed to be Vsys = –55.4 + 0.6 km/s according to the stable position of the forbidden emission [N II] 5754 Å. The position of single-peak emissions [O III] 4959 and 5007 Å is also stable: Vr([O III]) = –54.2 + 0.4 km/s. Emissions [O I] 5577, 6300, 6363 Å, [Ca II] 7291 and 7324 Å are absent from the spectra. Appearance of the emission near 4686 Å is an infrequent event, its intensity rarely exceeds the noise level. Only a wide asymmetric emission with an intensity of about 16% above the continuum was registered in the spectrum for 03.09.2015. Questions arise about the use of this emission to estimate the period of variability of the star and about localization of this feature in the CI Cam system. The photospheric absorptions of N II, S II, and Fe III with a variable position are identified.

A Systematic Search for Redback and Black Widow Candidates Based on the 4FGL-DR3 Unassociated Sources and the Zwicky Transient Facility Data

Spider pulsars represent a unique subclass of radio millisecond pulsars in binaries, and are further categorized into black widows and redbacks according to the mass of the low-mass companion. These pulsars, observable across multiple wavelengths, exhibit periodic variability in optical. The discovery and study of additional spider-type pulsars are crucial for a fuller understanding the evolution of binary stars in close orbits and the recycling theory of millisecond pulsars. In this work, we systematically searched for spider pulsar binary systems using time-domain variability data from the Zwicky Transient Facility and unassociated gamma-ray sources from the Fermi 4FGL-DR3 catalog. We developed a time-domain data processing pipeline that employs the Lomb–Scargle periodogram algorithm. As a result, we identified a total of 194 ellipsoidal variables and irradiation-type binary stars. Further refinement using the Gaia Hertzsprung–Russell diagram resulted in a selection of 24 spider pulsar candidates. Incorporating the 4FGL 95% confidence error ellipse reduced the sample to 19 candidates. An additional filter using the Gaia color-reduced proper motion diagram yielded nine “gold sample” candidates. These newly identified spider pulsar candidates will guide future observational campaigns in radio, X-ray, and optical spectroscopy, aiding in the comprehensive validation of their nature.

A Systematic Search for Candidate Supermassive Black Hole Binaries Using Periodic Mid-infrared Light Curves of Active Galactic Nuclei

Periodic variability in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) is a promising method for studying subparsec supermassive black hole binaries (SMBHBs), which are a challenging detection target. While extensive searches have been made in the optical, X-ray, and gamma-ray bands, systematic infrared (IR) studies remain limited. Using data from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), which provides unique decade-long mid-IR light curves with a six-month cadence, we have conducted the first systematic search for SMBHB candidates based on IR periodicity. Analyzing a parent sample of 48,932 objects selected from about half a million AGNs, we have identified 28 candidate periodic AGNs with periods ranging from 1268 to 2437 days (in the observer frame), by fitting their WISE light curves with sinusoidal functions. However, our mock simulation of the parent sample indicates that stochastic variability can actually produce a similar number of periodic sources, underscoring the difficulty in robustly identifying real periodic signals with WISE light curves, given their current sampling. Notably, we find no overlap between our sample and optical periodic sources, which can be explained by a distinct preference for certain periods due to selection bias. By combining archived data from different surveys, we have identified a candidate exhibiting periodic behavior in both the optical and IR bands, a phenomenon that warrants further validation through observational tests. Our results highlight the potential of IR time-domain surveys, including future missions such as the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, for identifying periodic AGNs, but complementary tests are still needed to determine their physical origins, such as SMBHBs.

Unmet health care needs among the working-age population: Evidence from the Great Recession in Spain (2008-2012).

This study examines the relationship between unmet healthcare needs and employment status, with a focus on how this relationship was influenced by the Spanish economic recession of 2008-2012. Data were obtained from the Spanish National Health Survey for 2006 and 2011-2012. The outcome variable was the presence of unmet healthcare needs, describing its reasons. The analysis included the period (pre-crisis/crisis), demographic variables (sex, age, Spanish citizenship), employment status, social factors (level of education, marital status, social-class), and health indicators (self-assessed health, chronic conditions, and limitations). Logistic regression was used to predict unmet health needs based on the period, employment status, and control variables. The frequency of unmet healthcare needs was low and decreased further during the crisis (5% pre-crisis vs 3% during the crisis). Unmet healthcare needs were more strongly associated with health status than with employment status. However, among the unemployed, unmet healthcare needs increased during the crisis compared to the pre-crisis. The most vulnerable groups, characterized by higher unmet healthcare needs, included women, individuals with lower levels of education, and those in poorer health. These groups may require more targeted attention. These findings should be interpreted in the context of the Spanish National Health System, which is fully decentralized and provides healthcare and protection to all residents.

Effect of Personality, Individual Characteristics, and Safety Management on Safety Performance at PT PAL Indonesia

Introduction: PT PAL Indonesia is one of the largest shipyard industries in Indonesia, Based on the results of the survey conducted, there were several unsafe acts and unsafe conditions observed. The aims of this study aim to analyze the effect of personality, characteristics of individuals and safety management practices on safety performance of workers in the Commercial Ship Division of PT PAL Indonesia Surabaya. Method: This study used a cross-sectional design and simple random sampling method, involving 104 worker samples from a population of 139 workers. The dependent variable was personal safety performance, while the independent variables were personal awareness, safety management practices safety training and individual characteristics. Primary data were collected through questionnaires, observations and interviews. This study includes univariate analysis, bivariate analysis with Chi-square test and multivariate analysis using logistic regression analysis. Results: Based on the results of logistic regression analysis, the effect of conscientiousness personality with safety performance (ρ=0.013), the effect of safety management practices with safety training (ρ=0.000), the effect of age variables with safety performance (ρ=0.024) and the effect of working period variables with safety performance (ρ=0.024). Conclusion: There are effects of conscientiousness, personality, age, working period, safety management practices, and safety training on safety performance of workers at PT PAL Indonesia in 2023. This research can improve work safety performance by understanding the factors that influence it and companies can design more effective safety strategies.

Synchronized Rhythmic Activity of Ants with Distributed Rest Periods

Synchronization is a prevalent phenomenon in biological systems, including social insects such as ants. Certain ant species exhibit remarkable synchronization of their activities within the nest. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this coordinated behavior, we propose an integro-differential equation model that captures the autocatalytic nature of ant activation. Active ants can stimulate inactive individuals, leading to a cascade of arousal. By incorporating a stochastic component to represent variability in rest periods, we explore the conditions necessary for synchronization. Our analysis reveals a critical threshold for fluctuations in rest duration. Exceeding this threshold disrupts synchronization, driving the system towards a stable equilibrium. These findings offer valuable insights into the factors governing ant activity synchronization and highlight the delicate balance between model parameters required to generate rhythmic patterns.

Comparison of the impact of carotid endarterectomy and stenting on autonomic and baroreflex regulations: a one-year follow-up randomized study

Patients with carotid stenosis can receive indication for either carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS), with both techniques having an impact on the autonomic function and baroreflex control.Seventy carotid stenosis patients randomly assigned to CEA or CAS were enrolled. After exclusion of some recordings, 33 CEA (age 67.79 ± 5.32 yrs, 26 males) and 25 CAS (age 70.32 ± 3.63 yrs, 14 males) were admitted to analysis. Autonomic and baroreflex sensitivity markers were derived from the analysis of heart period and systolic arterial pressure spontaneous variability derived in supine position and during active standing (STAND), before (PRE) the intervention and after a 6 and 12-month follow-up (FU6, FU12).CEA had a preserved response of autonomic and baroreflex control to STAND in PRE and FU6, suggesting an early improvement. CAS had a similar response at PRE but a blunted one at the follow-ups. When directly compared, the two groups had a similar autonomic function, with CAS having a reduced baroreflex control in PRE and lower autonomic function at FU6. All the differences disappeared at the long-term follow-up, showing a similar long term effect of the surgical procedures, suggesting that CEA and CAS induced a similar long-term impairment of autonomic and baroreflex controls.

Identification and characterization of Capsicum mutants using, biochemical, physiological, and single sequence repeat (SSR) markers

Identification and characterization of crop mutants through molecular marker analysis are imperious to develop desirable traits in mutation breeding programs. In the present study, macromolecular variations with altered morphological, quantitative, and biochemical traits were generated through chemically induced mutagenesis via alkylating agents and heavy metals. Statistical analysis based on quantitative traits indicating enhanced mean value in mutant lines selected from the M4 generation as compared to previous generations. Identification and characterization of morphology in selected mutant lines are based on altered phenotypes (e.g. tall and dwarf mutant with high yield, fruits with thick texture and bold seeds, etc.) in comparison to control populations. The useful mutations were recorded in phytochemicals (e.g. capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin) and macro and micro nutrients profile (e.g. protein, iron, copper, cadmium and zinc) in selected mutant lines of Capsicum annuum L. Single Sequence Repeats (SSRs) markers analysis in selected mutant lines revealed genetic diversity in Capsicum. annuum L. The total of 44 alleles were observed with average number of allele 4.00. The Unweighted Pair Group Arithmetic Mean Method (UPGMA) showed maximum dissimilarity was recorded between mutant A-III and F-III followed by mutant G-III and C-III, while mutant B-III and G-III showed the lowest dissimilarity to each other followed by mutant L-III and mutant J-III. Correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed genetic diversity among mutant lines indicating their prioritization over other traits in indirect selection and also revealed that mutants treated with lower and medium concentrations were divergent. These mutant lines could be suitable in crop improvement programs for the broadening the genetic base of C. annuum L. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) grouped the mutants into two clusters with variable euclidean distance indicated heterogeneous mutant lines developed from induced mutagenic treatments. Thus beneficial mutations could be induced in chilli genotypes via mutation breeding to enhance genetic variability in limited resources, period, and efforts.

Impact of random variations in the sampling period on the stability of embedded control systems

Abstract Control of embedded systems is a key task in many industrial and technological applications, and their performance and stability are critically dependent on the ability to effectively implement control algorithms within limited computational and time resources. One of the main challenges in this area is the need to process data with a random variable that comes to processing randomly and with variable periodicity. This variability in the sampling period can cause a decrease in the quality of the control, which threatens the stability of the entire system. The article examines the limits to which this variability can be tolerated without losing the stability of the controlled system. The study includes an analysis of systems dynamics with a variable sampling period and determining the necessary period of system discretization. It is also essential to consider the impact of the random component of the sampling period on the system’s transient response. The proposal is based on determining the permissible limits of the period change based on analysis and simulation. The result of this research provides recommendations for the design and implementation of control systems that can maintain high-quality regulation even with unpredictable changes in sampling periodicity. The present article also opens space for further research in the field of control of systems with variable periodicity, especially regarding their practical implementation in real embedded devices.

O003 Higher central circadian temperature amplitude is associated with greater metabolite rhythmicity in humans

Abstract Introduction Robust circadian rhythms are essential for optimal health. The central circadian clock controls temperature rhythms, which are known to organize the timing of peripheral circadian rhythms in rodents. In humans, however, it is unknown whether temperature rhythms relate to the organization of circadian rhythms throughout the body. Methods We assessed core body temperature amplitude and the rhythmicity of 929 blood plasma metabolites across a 40-hour constant routine protocol, controlling for behavioral and environmental factors that mask endogenous temperature rhythms, in 23 healthy individuals (mean [±SD] age = 25.4±5.7 years, 5 females). Valid core body temperature data were available in 17/23 (mean [±SD] age = 25.6±6.3 years, 1 female). Results Individuals with higher core body temperature amplitude had a greater number of metabolites exhibiting circadian rhythms (R²=0.37, p=.009). Higher core body temperature amplitude was also associated with less variability in the free-fitted periods of metabolite rhythms within an individual (R²=0.47, p=.002). Discussion These findings indicate that a more robust central circadian clock is associated with greater organization of circadian metabolite rhythms in humans. Metabolite rhythms may therefore provide a window into the strength of the central circadian clock.

The effects of COVID-19 lockdown and reopening on rest-activity rhythms in Singaporean working adults: A longitudinal age group comparison study

Study objectivesCOVID-19 mobility restrictions disrupted daily rhythms worldwide, but how this rhythm disruption differs across age groups is unclear. We examined the course of age-related differences in trajectories of rest-activity rhythm during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and reopening in Singapore. We also evaluated the association of these patterns with mental well-being. Methods24-hour step count data (Fitbit) were obtained from 617 younger (age range: 21-40) and 602 older adults (age range: 55-70) from January 2020 (baseline) through lockdown (April 2020) and reopening periods until August 2021. Nonparametric rest-activity rhythm metrics: interdaily stability, intradaily variability and most active 10-hour period (M10) were computed. Longitudinal changes in rest-activity rhythm, age-related differences in changes, and the associations between mental well-being and these changes were assessed using nonlinear latent-growth models. ResultsIn younger adults, mobility restrictions during lockdown caused significant decline in interdaily stability and M10, alongside significant increase in intradaily variability. However, in older adults, changes were confined to increased intradaily variability and decreased M10. Older adults also showed less change in intradaily variability and M10 compared to younger adults. Gradual recovery of rest-activity rhythm metrics during reopening was observed, with interdaily stability and M10 remaining lower after 15months post-lockdown. In younger but not older adults, a larger decline in interdaily stability was associated with poorer mental well-being 15months post-lockdown. ConclusionYounger adults appear more vulnerable than older adults to mobility restrictions as reflected in their rest-activity rhythm metrics. A significant disruption of daily routine may have long-lasting effects on younger adults’ mental well-being. Statement of significanceAlthough stringent mobility restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 were imposed primarily to protect older adults, we found that younger adults were more vulnerable to rhythm disruption arising from mobility restrictions. Disrupted rhythm stability was associated with poorer mental well-being 15months after the lockdown ended in younger but not older adults. These asymmetric long-term effects on mental health on younger relative to older adults should be kept in mind when planning for large-scale catastrophes linked to mobility restrictions.

Holding a mirror to society? The socio-demographic characteristics of students commencing health professional programmes, and all courses, at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka (the University of Otago), 1994-2023.

To present selected key findings from a longitudinal analysis of the socio-demographic characteristics of students entering all courses at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka (the University of Otago), all health professional programmes combined, and 11 individual health professional programmes between 1994 and 2023. Data sources: 1) university electronic collections of student data (programme details, demographics, schooling, home address), and 2) publicly available datasets (some socio-demographic variables). Analyses included counts and proportions of commencing students, disaggregated by time period and socio-demographic variables, and commencement rates per 100,000 population aged 18-29 years. During this 30-year period, there was a notable increase in the overall proportion of domestic health professional programme students who were Māori or Pacific, and an increase in enrolments of students from rural backgrounds. The socio-economic profile of incoming students remained unchanged, with students being highly skewed towards those from more socio-economically privileged backgrounds. The proportion of domestic health professional programme students who were female increased across all years, reaching nearly two-thirds by the study end. While efforts to enhance health professional student diversity have had a positive impact, the university's vision of a health workforce that represents Māori and the diverse contexts of Aotearoa New Zealand's society will require long-term ongoing commitment.

Spatiotemporal diversity of bacterial endophyte microbiome of mandarin (Citrus reticulata) in the northern Persian Gulf and its HCN production and N2 fixation.

Endophytes are symbionts that live in healthy plants and potentially improve the health of plant holobionts. Here, we investigated the bacterial endophyte community of Citrus reticulata grown in the northern Persian Gulf. Bacteria were isolated seasonally from healthy trees (root, stem, bark, trunk, leaf, and crown tissues) in four regions of Hormozgan province (i.e., Ahmadi, Siyahoo, Sikhoran, Roudan), a subtropical hot region in Iran. A total of 742 strains from 17 taxa, 3 phyla, and 5 orders were found, most of which belonged to Actinobacteria (Actinobacteriales) as the dominant group, followed by Firmicutes (Bacillales), Proteobacteria (Sphingomonadales, Rhizobiales), and Cyanobacteria (Synechoccales). The genera included Altererythrobacter, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, Cellulosimicrobium, Curtobacterium, Kocuria, Kytococcus, Methylopila, Mycobacterium, Nocardioides, Okiabacterium, Paracraurococcus, and Psychrobacillus. The most frequently occurring species included Psychrobacillus psychrodurans, Kytococcus schroetri, and Bacillus cereus. In addition, the overall colonization frequency and variability of endophytes were higher on the trunks. The leaves showed the lowest species variability in all sampling periods. The frequency of endophyte colonization was also higher in summer. The Shannon-Wiener (H') and Simpson indices varied with all factors, i.e., region, season, and tissue type, with the maximum in Roudan. Furthermore, 52.9% of the strains were capable of nitrogen fixation, and 70% produced antagonistic hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Thus, C. reticulata harbors a variety of bioactive bacterial endophytes that could be beneficial for host fitness in such harsh environments.

Interactions between pregnant women's nutrition habits, psychological well-beings, sleep quality and biochemical parameters.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause various changes in biological, physiologic and psychosocial areas. The main objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between dietary habits, psychological well-being, sleep quality and biochemical parameters of pregnant women. The study was conducted on a total of 93 patients who applied to Ankara Koru Sincan Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Outpatient Clinic for routine pregnancy control between November-December 2023, were between the ages of 18-45, had a live singleton fetus, had no diagnosed psychiatric disease or chronic disease, and agreed to participate in the study. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical findings of the individuals were recorded with a questionnaire including the psychological well-being scale (PWBS) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). According to the study, PSQI scores during the second and third trimesters are significantly higher than the first trimester. It was observed that while individuals have bad sleep quality during the second and third trimesters, they have good sleep quality during the first trimester (χ2 = 14.736; P < 0.001). In the biochemical results, the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) value in the second trimester was higher (P > 0.05). Weight gain during pregnancy, age and trimester have a negative effect on sleep quality. When the effects of lifestyles and eating habits of pregnant women on the process are considered, there is a relationship between smoking/alcohol consumption, less physical activity, poor eating habits, sleep quality and depressive symptoms. Factors such as age, educational background, trimester period and other basic sociodemographic variables are also involved.

Rapid adsorptive removal of congo red using Cu/Fe/Al mixed metal oxides obtained from layered double hydroxide nanomaterial: Performance and optimization evaluation using BBD-RSM approach

This work utilized a one-pot synthesis method to synthesize Cu/Fe/Al mixed metal oxide (MMO) from layered double hydroxide (LDH) calcination. The adsorption potentials of Cu/Fe/Al LDH and Cu/Fe/Al MMOs were evaluated using Congo Red (CR) aqueous solution. Various advanced techniques were used to characterize the synthesized nanomaterial. XRD confirmed the successful synthesis of trimetallic carbonate intercalated LDH and MMO, while FE-SEM revealed their flaky morphology. EDX and FT-IR analyses supported the dye removal mechanism, showing that MMOs had greater adsorptive removal of CR molecules than LDH. This was primarily due to the MMOs' larger surface area and microporous structure (132 m²/g) which favoured greater adsorption. The adsorption kinetics reveal that the adsorptive removal of CR on LDH and MMOs follows a pseudo-second-order reaction. Moreover, as predicted by Freundlich the maximum adsorptive removal was obtained by LDH-derived MMO (96%) which was higher than the LDH (90%). The thermodynamics indicates that adsorption was exothermic and thus more favorable at room temperature. In addition, the Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was adopted for Response Surface Methodology (RSM) due to its simplicity in analysis and effectiveness in systematically evaluating the impact of pH, dosage of adsorbent, dye concentration, contact period, and temperature variables. The pHzpc of 7.9 indicated that lower pH enhances adsorption, and a +5.1 mV charge on the MMO surface, measured by zeta potential, supported electrostatic interaction with the anionic dye. Lastly, LDH and LDH-derived MMO were regenerated using 1 M NaOH and effectively reused for up to 5 cycles. MMOs demonstrated superior reusability compared to LDH for anionic dye removal. Thus, the synthesised Cu/Fe/Al MMO, with its large surface area, offers a superior adsorbent for removing organic pollutants.