We study quasi-stationary distributions and quasi-limiting behaviour of Markov chains in general reducible state spaces with absorption. First, we consider state spaces that can be decomposed into two successive subsets (with communication possible in a single direction), differentiating between three situations, and characterize the exponential order of magnitude and the exact polynomial correction, called the polynomial convergence parameter, for the leading-order term of the semigroup for large time. Second, we consider general Markov chains with finitely or countably many communication classes by applying the first results iteratively over the communication classes of the chain. We conclude with an application of these results to the case of denumerable state spaces, where we prove existence for a quasi-stationary distribution without assuming irreducibility before absorption, but only aperiodicity, existence of a Lyapunov function, and existence of a point with almost surely finite return time.

This study documents and analyzes arthropod trackways from the Upper Cretaceous Wapiti Formation, located in west-central Alberta, Canada. In general, the ichnotaxonomy of arthropod trackways is problematic due to inconsistent use of diagnostic criteria in previous studies. Thus, the trackways from the Wapiti Formation are described following recently defined criteria to facilitate future ichnotaxonomic reevaluations. Judging primarily from the number and morphology of the imprints and the symmetry of the track series, the trackways are identified as Octopodichnus cf. O. raymondi Sadler, 1993. Other relevant track attributes include heteropody and great imprint depth. The mudstone slabs bearing the trackways also contain other well-preserved invertebrate trace fossils along with abundant silicified plant material. The silicified plant fragments, taken together with bentonite overlying the trace-bearing surface, suggest volcanic ash played a role in preserving the trackways. The associated traces include burrows, fecal mounds, and surficial marks and contribute to a diverse invertebrate trace-fossil assemblage. The Wapiti Formation trackways are attributed to crayfish or similar decapods and were emplaced in a succession interpreted to have been deposited in a swampy floodplain environment. By contrast, previously described examples of Octopodichnus have typically been attributed to arachnids in aeolian/desert environments. This paper expands the ichnological record of crayfish-like arthropods from the Late Cretaceous and contributes to the underexplored invertebrate fossil record of the Wapiti Formation and, more broadly, Cretaceous strata in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin.

This paper proposes a broadband, low-profile, dual-circularly polarized (CP) active phased array modular subarray. The subarray elements adopt dual-CP stacked microstrip patch antennas to expand the bandwidth. Each subarray has a complete structure and function, which can be used independently or extended to meet the requirements of different application scenarios. The impact of asymmetric plane is counteracted by a mirror-feed technique, which improves the consistency of scanning gain and axial ratio (AR) at both positive and negative angles. Meanwhile, the subarray can simultaneously form two beams of left-handed circular polarization (LHCP) and right-handed circular polarization (RHCP) for scanning. Finally, a modular subarray prototype with an 8 × 8 array scale was simulated, fabricated, and measured. The simulation results show that the scanning gain decreases by less than 2.19 dB at ±45° and 5.4 dB at ±60° at the frequency of 12.1 GHz. Moreover, within the frequency range of 10.23–12.77 GHz (22.08%), the active voltage standing wave ratios (VSWR) of LHCP and RHCP in the azimuth and elevation dimensions of the subarray are below 2, and the AR in the beam scanning range of ±45° and ±60° are less than 3 and 6 dB, respectively.

What are the benefits of access to the bond market for unlisted firms, and how does it affect their bank lending conditions? Using a regulatory reform that allowed unlisted firms to issue minibonds, we address these questions comparing new bank loans to issuers with concurrent loans to matched non-issuers. After the first minibond issuance, issuers obtain lower interest rates on bank loans of similar maturity, largely reflecting a shift in the seniority structure of corporate debt, and reduce the use of bank loans while increasing their total financial debt. They also increase turnover, total and fixed assets, particularly intangible assets.

This study aimed to investigate (1) the longitudinal associations between food patterns and body weight in young adulthood and (2) how food patterns of young adults relate to food consumption in early, middle and late childhood. The study sample includes 700 participants of the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development. During childhood, frequency of consumption of various foods was reported on ten occasions between 1·5 and 13 years. At age 22 years, food frequency questions (with quantities) were used to derive four food patterns (labelled healthy, beverage rich, protein rich and high energy density) through exploratory factor analysis. Self-reported height and weight were collected at 22 and 23 years. Regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between (1) food patterns and weight outcomes a year later (BMI, BMI change and overweight status) and (2) frequency of consumption of eight food groups in childhood and food patterns in adulthood. Dietary habits characterised by the consumption of vegetables, fruit, plant-based sources of protein and whole-grain cereal products were related to a lower risk of obesity a year later. Conversely, dietary habits characterised by a high consumption of energy-dense foods, of animal sources of proteins and, among women, of high quantities of liquids were associated with higher risk of excess weight a year later. Healthier food choices in childhood were associated with healthier food patterns in young adulthood. These findings reinforce the value of preventive dietary interventions in the early years to foster eating environments that favour healthy eating and healthy weights in adulthood.

The leptomedusa Dichotomia cannoides is reported for the first time from the Red Sea, extending its known distribution beyond the western Atlantic and western Pacific Ocean. Five specimens were documented in the northern Gulf of Aqaba, and one was collected for molecular analysis. In situ photography was used to extract diagnostic characters and natural habitus. DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial COI gene showed 98.03% identity with D. cannoides from Florida. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed its placement within D. cannoides, distinct from related leptothecate taxa. This finding increases the number of Leptothecata species recorded in the region to 15. The delayed detection of D. cannoides in the Red Sea may be due to its small size, limited seasonality or a recent introduction via ballast water or hull fouling. The species remains known only from its medusa stage. We further discuss how environmental DNA may help uncover its life cycle and those of other hydrozoans.

This paper uses a novel georeferenced cross-sectional dataset to explore which factors influenced the funding of hospitals and dispensaries in colonial India, emphasizing land tenure systems as a cause of regional variation. Where land was owned by cultivators, healthcare facilities received more resources from local public bodies and were better funded compared to regions where land was owned by landlords. In contrast, in landlord regions they received more private donations and subscriptions from Indians.

A compact low-SAR antenna for the Wireless Body Area Network is tailored using Characteristic Mode Analysis exciting the dominant modes. The novel antenna structure produces resonance at 2.45 and 5.9 GHz. The antenna with the dimensions of 0.286λ₀ × 0.265λ₀ × 0.012λ₀, for free-space wavelength. To make the antenna compatible with the human body, an Artificial Magnetic Conductor is incorporated. This engineered periodic structure achieves 0° reflection phase at 2.45 and 5.9 GHz, effectively mimicking a perfect magnetic conductor at these frequencies. The AMC-coupled antenna had resilience to body effects providing isolation. This also makes the antenna human compatible by reducing the Specific Absorption Rate of the antenna below 1.6 W/kg and enhancing the gain of the antenna. The fabricated prototype is experimentally validated using minced meat as a biological phantom. This confirms the feasibility of magnetically engineered reflective surfaces for antenna making it suitable for human wearable applications.

Using a comparative reading of Antigone and Iphigenia, the paper illuminates how differing modes of finality within a political moment can be construed along gender lines. For feminine characters whose political life never experiences a birth while ensconced in the Athenian apparatus of male political oppression, understanding how Antigone and Iphigenia both become politically born by entering a mode of finality aids in pinpointing one of the very few agentic methods available to women in ancient Athens. Through a careful understanding of Greek tragedy, the place of women in Ancient Athens, and a discussion of views of gender during the time, the paper offers a multi-disciplinary view, understanding the text for what it is within a contemporary reading of gender. What does Antigone’s suicide imply about gendered power inside a political situation and what does Iphigenia’s sacrifice take away? Antigone’s suicide effectively makes her a masculine actor in the eyes of an Ancient Athenian spectator while Iphigenia’s sacrifice is uniquely feminine. This paper also represents preliminary work into the importance and significance of persons who are politically cornered but have open to them an intentional mode of finality.