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We investigate the dynamics of inertial heavy particles in three-dimensional homogeneous isotropic turbulence, both with and without gravitational settling, by means of direct numerical simulation over a range of Stokes numbers ($0.05\leqslant \,\textit{St}\leqslant 5$) and at a Taylor-microscale Reynolds number $ \textit{Re}_\lambda = 204$. Utilising a modified Voronoi tessellation, we compute the divergence, curl and helicity of particle velocities to quantify particle cloud self-organisation, including clustering, as well as vortical and swirling motions within particle clouds. We perform a novel graph-based multiresolution analysis by applying a wavelet decomposition to the divergence and curl of the particle velocities, and thus assess the clustering dynamics across multiple scales. Scales at which cluster formation and destruction are most active can hence be identified. In addition, we quantify and analyse the impact of the Stokes numbers and gravity on the divergence, rotational and swirling motions of particle clouds. As quantified in the wavelet energy spectra, gravitational settling is shown to affect the scale distribution of divergence and curl. We observe that the dominant particle dynamics is shifted toward larger scales while amplitude decrease for large Stokes numbers. In the absence of gravity the activity becomes increasingly concentrated at smaller scales for large Stokes numbers, consistent with the emergence of caustics. These gravitational effects become more pronounced at higher Stokes numbers, where particle motion transitions from relatively erratic without gravity to more coherent swirling patterns with gravity, as also reflected by the helicity of the particle velocity, which indicates an increased alignment and anti-alignment between the particle velocity and the particle vorticity.
Seasonal variation in temperature and precipitation affects food availability for organisms. Tropical bats are trophically diverse, representing many feeding guilds, and can represent about half of mammalian diversity in tropical areas. Stable isotope analysis of nitrogen (δ15N) in animal tissues permits inference on phenology of diet and trophic level through repeated sampling of a single tissue over time or by simultaneous sampling of multiple tissues that vary in isotopic turnover rate. The goal of our study was to use multi-tissue stable isotope analysis to investigate the phenology of diet (i.e., trophic-level switching) in bats. We sampled tissues of museum specimens from five tropical bat species representing different trophic guilds (insectivores, frugivores) and movement capacities (wide-ranging, narrow-ranging). We measured δ15N in three metabolically latent (hair, skin, bone) and four active (heart, kidney, spleen, liver) tissues and generated mathematical model predictions of expected δ15N values of these tissues based on their foraging guild. Specifically, we predicted that species with more sedentary movement patterns (i.e., narrow-ranging species) would have high among-tissue variation in δ15N and species that move further and more often (i.e., wide-ranging) would have less δ15N variation among tissues. Our results supported our predictions and suggest that the phenology of diet is detectable by multi-tissue isotope analysis using δ15N.
This study investigates how structured co-design approaches foster team mental models (TMMs) sharedness in interdisciplinary design teams engaged in information visualization projects. Interdisciplinary collaboration faces challenges including communication barriers, diverse domains and complex informational environments that hinder shared understanding and cohesion. Drawing from literature on team mental models, team cognition and co-design practices, the study formulates four research questions related to specific interventions, integrative activities, evocative artifacts, framing guides and guided reflexivity. An exploratory mixed-methods approach involved two design teams through brainsketching workshops, with one experiencing structured co-design interventions and an unfacilitated group without interventions. Data analysis integrated qualitative verbal protocol coding with quantitative transition matrices to capture sequential interaction patterns. Chi-square analysis revealed distinct behavioral patterns, with the intervention group exhibiting richer communicative sequences. Findings reveal that integrative activities enhanced early team integration and supported divergent thinking. Evocative artifacts facilitated semantic alignment and novel idea development, while framing guides helped establish adaptive decision-making. Guided reflexivity encouraged procedural strategies around complex problem spaces. The unfacilitated group experienced difficulties, particularly in task framing and reflection processes. This research contributes a procedural framework mapping verbal activity types to team cognition stages, offering approaches for fostering TMMs in interdisciplinary design contexts.
Spatial risk models for Lassa fever (LF) generally predict the primary reservoir, Mastomys natalensis, is restricted to rural landscapes. This study integrates multispecies biotic interactions and anthropogenic land-use into a high-resolution framework to evaluate LF’s urban potential. I implemented an integrated multispecies occupancy model to reconstruct the reservoir’s realized niche, accounting for sampling bias and invasive rodent competitors. A socio-economic filter, proxied by night-time lights, was introduced to model the dampening effect of urban infrastructure on spillover. Annual infections were estimated using a demographic compartmental model incorporating empirical seroreversion rates. Results indicate high biological hazard across the peri-urban fringes of major West African cities. However, an infrastructure-driven socio-economic shield decouples this hazard from human incidence in dense urban cores. Accounting for spatial shielding and antibody waning yields an estimated 2.6 million annual Lassa virus infections. Comparing predictions to clinical data reveals substantial surveillance gaps, identifying highly suitable silent districts in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo with zero reported cases. LF possesses the biological potential to become a peri-urban disease; addressing these surveillance gaps at the peri-urban interface is a critical public health priority.
Framed within Social Interdependence Theory, this study investigated how learner factors (interaction mindsets and task perceptions) relate to learner engagement, task completion, and lexical learning. One hundred and five L2 learners of English completed an interaction-mindsets questionnaire and a lexical pre-test, performed two interactive tasks (i.e., collaborative spatial planning task vs. asymmetric visual comparison task), completed an engagement questionnaire, and participated in a post-test and a debriefing. Learner interactions were coded for engagement (semantically engaged talk, responsiveness, LREs), while survey and interview data were analyzed using inferential statistics and thematic analysis. Our results showed that interaction mindsets predicted various dimensions of engagement (i.e., cognitive, social, and emotional) and lexical learning. Most learners viewed tasks positively despite their differing foci. Follow-up tests revealed the impact of task type on engagement, which in turn predicted task completion. The results evidence links between learner factors, engagement, and learning outcomes, which highlights the need to foster positive interaction mindsets and task perceptions to enhance engagement and learning.
SJT reducibility between sets $A,B \subseteq \mathbb N$ is defined by $A \le _{SJT} B$ if for each computable function h that is unbounded and nondecreasing, there is an h-bounded uniformly B-c.e. trace $(T_n)_{n \in \mathbb N} $ such that for each n, the value $J^A(n)$ of the jump is in $T_n$, if defined. This reducibility is slightly weaker than Turing reducibility. We study SJT reducibility, and as a main result give several characterisations of it on the K-trivial sets. This is the first case of extending the three lowness paradigms, weak as an oracle, computed by many, and inert, to the setting of weak reducibilities.
A quality improvement project was implemented across a large primary care network to decrease antibiotic use and improve guideline-concordant therapy for acute sinusitis. The multifaceted intervention included education, EHR decision support, and individual prescriber feedback with peer comparison. The program was associated with improvements in guideline-concordant prescribing.
Several groups in democratic polities are legally excluded from voting. Are they thus also excluded from democratic representation? In this article, we focus on the political inclusion of underage youth and migrants. We theorize that proxy representation of their interests might occur through two mechanisms: mechanical or solidarity representation. Drawing on parallel citizen and politician surveys in 14 countries (N citizens = 27,465; N national politicians = 1,185), we find that both groups have some preferences that are not automatically matched by either the general electorate or politicians. While underage youth’s preferences are at least matched by young voters (aged 18 to 25 years), this is not the case for migrant non-voters. Second, we show that citizens and politicians largely consider youth, children, and future generations – but not migrants – to deserve political representation equal to that of adult citizens. In sum, our evidence suggests proxy representation is a weak alternative to enfranchisement, especially for the migrant population.
This study investigates the relationship between trauma and caregiver depression in Haiti, a country burdened by ongoing political unrest, natural disasters, and economic hardship. A preponderance of evidence shows the substantial impact of caregiver mental health on child development and intergenerational vulnerability. This cross-sectional analysis examined data from the Grandi Byen randomized controlled trial, including 480 caregiver-infant dyads in Cap-Haitien. Depression risk was assessed using the Zanmi Lasante Depression Symptom Inventory (ZLDSI), and trauma exposure was measured with a survey adapted from the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5). Negative binomial and ordinal logistic regression models assessed the relationship between caregiver trauma and depression, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental conditions. The analysis revealed that trauma exposure was significantly associated with higher odds of depression risk (OR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.001, 1.193). Household composition was identified as a protective factor for depression (OR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.664, 0.910). Trauma exposure was significantly associated with caregiver depression in Haiti, likely exacerbating the mental health challenges faced by caregivers in the context of political, economic and environmental stressors. Given the limited mental health data available in Haiti, this study provides essential insights into the trauma and challenges Haitians experience amidst ongoing crises.
The emergence of complex cropping systems involving dual land use raises new questions regarding plant growth under intermittent shade conditions. Recent meta-analyses have investigated the dose–response relationships of several plant traits to light availability, highlighting the strong interest in understanding plant responses to light temporal variation. However, these studies also reveal significant gaps in our knowledge, particularly concerning plant responses to low-light conditions and the determinants of crop yield under shade. In this context, physiological mechanisms related to photosynthesis, growth, reproduction and, more broadly, carbon allocation appear to play a central role. This article emphasizes the major implications of carbon allocation, storage and use under prolonged and fluctuating shaded conditions for crop production.
Nebraska has significant acreage under a continuous corn production system each year, in which managing volunteer corn remains a persistent challenge for growers. A new premix of glufosinate/quizalofop (Zalo®) was recently registered for weed control in glufosinate-resistant canola, cotton, and soybean. The objectives of this study were to (1) compare glufosinate/quizalofop (Zalo®) with quizalofop (Assure® II) applied at V3 or V6 growth stages for control of glufosinate/glyphosate-resistant volunteer corn in corn resistant to aryloxyphenoxypropionates (Enlist® corn), and (2) evaluate interactions with 2,4-D and their effects on volunteer corn density, biomass, and corn yield. Field experiments were conducted in 2023 and 2024 near Clay Center, NE (three site-years) and in 2024 near Rosemount, MN (one site-year). Glufosinate/quizalofop applied at 706 or 948 g ai ha–1 provided 98% to 99% control of volunteer corn, as well as reductions in density and biomass 28 days after application (DAA), regardless of volunteer corn planting density and corn growth stage at herbicide application, and these outcomes were comparable to quizalofop applied at 65 or 86 g ai ha–1. When the lower rate of glufosinate/quizalofop (706 g ai ha–1) was mixed with 2,4-D (1,064 g ae ha–1), volunteer corn control ranged from 84% to 92% at 14 DAA across two site-years. Volunteer corn control improved to ≥ 96% by 28 DAA or when the higher rate of glufosinate/quizalofop (948 g ai ha–1) was mixed with 2,4-D 14 DAA. Enlist corn yield increased in the plots sprayed with herbicides compared with the nontreated control, with no difference among herbicide programs and it was comparable to the weed-free treatment. The results of this study indicate that glufosinate/quizalofop could provide an effective postemergence herbicide option for managing glufosinate/glyphosate-resistant volunteer corn, pending registration for use in Enlist® corn.
North Carolina farmers have extensively relied on atrazine for effective weed control in corn, particularly for Palmer amaranth. In 2016, a grower from Washington County, NC, reported a control failure of Palmer amaranth in a corn field treated with atrazine. Greenhouse studies were conducted with the objectives to confirm if the Washington County Palmer amaranth population was resistant to atrazine and to determine other effective postemergence herbicides. Two atrazine-susceptible Palmer amaranth populations collected from Edgecombe and Johnston County were used for comparison. Greenhouse response assays confirmed the Washington County population is resistant, with a lethal dose causing 50% mortality (LD50) of 1,253 g ai ha-1. This population was 7- and 9-fold less susceptible to atrazine compared with the Edgecombe (LD50: 208 g ai ha-1) and Johnston County (LD50: 155 g ai ha-1) populations, respectively. Additionally, the LD80 (lethal dose causing 80% mortality) of the Washington County population (12,107 ga ai ha-1) was more than five times greater than the maximum labeled rate for atrazine. A subsequent herbicide screen that utilized field labeled rates suggested that 2,4-D, dicamba, fomesafen, glufosinate, and mesotrione provide at least 79% or greater control of the Washington County population. The Washington County population was not effectively controlled by thifensulfuron or glyphosate, both of which have widespread resistance documented throughout North Carolina. The results of these experiments provide evidence that the Washington County population is resistant to atrazine, glyphosate, and thifensulfuron, and effective herbicides to manage this population were confirmed.
The eastern Jebilet successions record major palaeogeographic and tectono-sedimentary changes during the Variscan orogeny, but the chronology of key events remains incompletely constrained because of the many allochthonous carbonate units and the strong deformation. Here, three autochthonous outcrops and six allochthonous units of the eastern Jebilet nappe were sampled for microfossils, with emphasis on Viséan foraminifers recovered from washed residues and thin sections. Forty-five out of 155 samples yielded diagnostic assemblages which allowed a more precise biostratigraphy. The base of the Kharrouba Formation is dated for the first time as at least middle Viséan Cf5, and the middle and upper parts are Asbian Cf6γ1-2. An Upper Devonian age for the pre-Viséan deposits of eastern Jebilet is indicated by reworked Famennian conodonts collected from the base of the Kharrouba Formation. Most allochthonous units contain upper Viséan foraminiferal associations. These new data provide improved chronological constraints on (i) the Viséan transgression in eastern Jebilet, (ii) the emplacement of the eastern Jebilet nappe, (iii) the provenance of the nappe units and (iiii) the regional correlations between the Meseta and adjacent domains. Our results confirm a marine connection with the Palaeotethys Ocean, suggesting the proximity of the Meseta to Gondwana.
Echinococcosis is a global zoonotic infection caused by larval stages of Echinococcus species. In sub-Saharan Africa, cystic echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus is prevalent, but comprehensive data are limited. This study investigates the role of lions (Panthera leo) as potential hosts for Echinococcus species, particularly E. equinus and E. felidis, in Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa. Four lion intestinal samples were macroscopically examined. High burdens of Echinococcus spp. worms were observed in 2 lions, a low-level infestation was detected in 1 lion and no parasites were identified in the fourth lion due to advanced decomposition of the sample. PCR analysis identified E. equinus in 2 samples and E. felidis in 1. Morphological and scanning electron microscopy studies provided detailed descriptions of the adult form, confirming the presence of these parasites. The findings underscore the importance of lions in the sylvatic cycle of echinococcosis and suggest potential implications for the epidemiology of the disease in African wildlife ecosystems. This study contributes to the understanding of the transmission dynamics of Echinococcus species in southern Africa.
Carditis, the main determinant of long-term morbidity in acute rheumatic fever, may be detected by echocardiography even in the absence of clinical signs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of silent carditis in asymptomatic children with elevated antistreptolysin O titers and to evaluate associations with demographic and laboratory parameters.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, 61 asymptomatic children with incidentally detected elevated antistreptolysin O titers between September 2020 and September 2021 were evaluated. Demographic characteristics, inflammatory markers, and standardised Doppler echocardiographic assessments based on World Heart Federation criteria were analysed.
Results:
Silent carditis was identified in 8 of 61 patients (13.1%; 95% confidence interval 6.9 to 23.3). In the silent carditis group, 75% were female, and the median age was 12 years (interquartile range 9 to 14). Echocardiographic findings showed isolated mitral regurgitation in four patients and combined mitral and aortic regurgitation in four. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was the only parameter that differed significantly between patients with and without silent carditis (p = 0.001). Antistreptolysin O levels showed weak negative correlations with haemoglobin (rho = −0.322, p = 0.011) and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (rho = −0.270, p = 0.036).
Conclusions:
Some asymptomatic children with elevated antistreptolysin O titers had echocardiographic findings consistent with silent carditis. However, antistreptolysin O levels and most inflammatory markers were not reliable predictors of valvular involvement. Echocardiography in selected cases may help detect subclinical cardiac involvement. Findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited sample size and cross-sectional design.