The First Large Absorption Survey in H i (FLASH) is a large-area radio survey for neutral hydrogen in and around galaxies in the intermediate redshift range $0.4\lt z\lt1.0$, using the 21-cm H i absorption line as a probe of cold neutral gas. The survey uses the ASKAP radio telescope and will cover 24,000 deg$^2$ of sky over the next five years. FLASH breaks new ground in two ways – it is the first large H i absorption survey to be carried out without any optical preselection of targets, and we use an automated Bayesian line-finding tool to search through large datasets and assign a statistical significance to potential line detections. Two Pilot Surveys, covering around 3000 deg$^2$ of sky, were carried out in 2019-22 to test and verify the strategy for the full FLASH survey. The processed data products from these Pilot Surveys (spectral-line cubes, continuum images, and catalogues) are public and available online. In this paper, we describe the FLASH spectral-line and continuum data products and discuss the quality of the H i spectra and the completeness of our automated line search. Finally, we present a set of 30 new H i absorption lines that were robustly detected in the Pilot Surveys, almost doubling the number of known H i absorption systems at $0.4\lt z\lt1$. The detected lines span a wide range in H i optical depth, including three lines with a peak optical depth $\tau\gt1$, and appear to be a mixture of intervening and associated systems. Interestingly, around two-thirds of the lines found in this untargeted sample are detected against sources with a peaked-spectrum radio continuum, which are only a minor (5–20%) fraction of the overall radio-source population. The detection rate for H i absorption lines in the Pilot Surveys (0.3 to 0.5 lines per 40 deg$^2$ ASKAP field) is a factor of two below the expected value. One possible reason for this is the presence of a range of spectral-line artefacts in the Pilot Survey data that have now been mitigated and are not expected to recur in the full FLASH survey. A future paper in this series will discuss the host galaxies of the H i absorption systems identified here.

Little guidance exists for developing institutional policies and procedures that support financial management of community-engaged research, including those related to compensating community partners equitably and efficiently for their expertise and time. To address this gap at our institution, the North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) pursued an iterative, multi-pronged approach to identify and address institutional barriers and facilitators related to community partner compensation for research engagement. This case study describes the approach used to involve research administrative leadership, research teams, and community partners at UNC in the identification of institutional barriers to efficient partner compensation. It also elucidates our efforts to develop policies, processes, and resources to address these barriers. The approaches and solutions described can be adapted by other academic research institutions to enhance compensation processes and to facilitate incorporation of community perspectives into the design and implementation of institutional processes that directly impact their engagement in research.

The Automated Meteorology—Ice—Geophysics Observation System 3 (AMIGOS-3) is a multi-sensor on-ice ocean mooring and weather, camera and precision GPS measurement station, controlled by a Python script. The station is designed to be deployed on floating ice in the polar regions and operate unattended for up to several years. Ocean mooring sensors (SeaBird MicroCAT and Nortek Aquadopp) record conductivity, temperature and depth (reported at 10 min intervals), and current velocity (hourly intervals). A Silixa XT fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing system provides a temperature profile time-series through the ice and ocean column with a cadence of 6 d−1 to 1 week−1 depending on available station power. A subset of the station data is telemetered by Iridium modem. Two-way communication, using both single-burst data and file transfer protocols, facilitates station data collection changes and power management. Power is supplied by solar panels and a sealed lead-acid battery system. Two AMIGOS-3 systems were installed on the Thwaites Eastern Ice Shelf in January 2020, providing data well into 2022. We discuss the components of the system and present several of the data sets, summarizing observed climate, ice and ocean conditions.

The Organisation for Economic and Cultural Development (OECD) works with countries worldwide to implement testing in the areas of science, mathematics and reading through the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) every three years, and this process is recognised to influence education systems through areas such as curriculum. Over the past decade, the OECD increasingly has acknowledged the need to include a greater emphasis on environmental issues, including developing student competencies specifically in this area. For the 2025 PISA round, we were invited as environmental science education experts to contribute to the Science Framework, which underpins the science assessment. This paper explains how we responded to that invitation, including foregrounding the urgent need to understand the competencies of 15 year-olds to address critical socio-ecological challenges such as climate change. We argue that this provides environmental education practitioners and scholars with a powerful opportunity to gain world-scale data for research and advocacy, which could enhance the visibility and leverage for our field in curriculum, whilst also recognising the political process within which we were engaged.

We present the fourth data release (DR4) of the SkyMapper Southern Survey (SMSS), the last major step in our hemispheric survey with six optical filters: u, v, g, r, i, z. SMSS DR4 covers 26 000 deg$^{2}$ from over 400 000 images acquired by the 1.3 m SkyMapper telescope between 2014-03 and 2021-09. The 6-band sky coverage extends from the South Celestial Pole to $\delta=+16^{\circ}$, with some images reaching $\delta\sim +28^{\circ}$. In contrast to previous DRs, we include all good-quality images from the facility taken during that time span, not only those explicitly taken for the public Survey. From the image dataset, we produce a catalogue of over 15 billion detections made from $\sim$700 million unique astrophysical objects. The typical 10$\sigma$ depths for each field range between 18.5 and 20.5 mag, depending on the filter, but certain sky regions include longer exposures that reach as deep as 22 mag in some filters. As with previous SMSS catalogues, we have cross-matched with a host of other imaging and spectroscopic datasets to facilitate additional science outcomes. SMSS DR4 is now available to the worldwide astronomical community.

The beef industry is facing increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, driven by environmental, economic, and social concerns. Designing effective policies that satisfy industry demands while aligning with public interests is a complex challenge. Using a nationally representative survey of 3,001 U.S. residents, we employ a best–worst scaling approach to assess preferences for nine beef sustainability policies. Results reveal consumers prioritize affordability of beef products and welfare of cattle as most important sustainability policies. Conversely, policies addressing greenhouse gas emissions from cattle production are least important, with less than 6% of respondents preferring them.

Contemporary understanding of the mechanisms of disease increasingly points to examples of “genetic diseases” with an infectious component and of “infectious diseases” with a genetic component. Such blurred boundaries generate ethical, legal, and social issues and highlight historical contexts that must be examined when incorporating host genomic information into the prevention, outbreak control, and treatment of infectious diseases.

In an effort to respond to the large surge in COVID-19 cases in Arizona that began between May and July 2020, the Arizona State University (ASU) Student Outbreak Response Team (SORT) formed a remote, volunteer-based case investigation team that worked in partnership with a local public health department through delegated public health authority.

Prenatal vitamin D deficiency is widely reported and may affect perinatal outcomes. In this secondary analysis of the UK Pregnancies Better Eating and Activity Trial, we examined vitamin D status and its relationship with selected pregnancy outcomes in women with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) from multi-ethnic inner-city settings in the UK. Determinants of vitamin D status at a mean of 17 ± 1 weeks’ gestation were assessed using multivariable linear regression and reported as percent differences in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). Associations between 25(OH)D and clinical outcomes were examined using logistic regression. Among 1089 participants, 67 % had 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/l and 26 % had concentrations < 25 nmol/l. In fully adjusted models accounting for socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics, 25(OH)D was lower among women of Black (% difference = −33; 95 % CI: −39, −27), Asian (% difference = −43; 95 % CI: −51, −35) and other non-White (% difference = −26; 95 % CI: −35, −14) ethnicity compared with women of White ethnicity (n 1086; P < 0·001 for all). In unadjusted analysis, risk of gestational diabetes was greater in women with 25(OH)D < 25 nmol/l compared with ≥ 50 nmol/l (OR = 1·58; 95 % CI: 1·09, 2·31), but the magnitude of effect estimates was attenuated in the multivariable model (OR = 1·33; 95 % CI: 0·88, 2·00). There were no associations between 25(OH)D and risk of preeclampsia, preterm birth or small for gestational age or large-for-gestational-age delivery. These findings demonstrate low 25(OH)D among pregnant women with obesity and highlight ethnic disparities in vitamin D status in the UK. However, evidence for a greater risk of adverse perinatal outcomes among women with vitamin D deficiency was limited.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The NC Translational and Clinical Sciences (NC TraCS) Institute’s Latine Community Review Board (CRB) provides expertise to researchers seeking to culturally adapt interventions and improve language access in clinical and translational science. Early efforts aimed to expand CRB membership, build member capacity, and assess CRB impact. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Founded in 2021, the NC TraCS Latine CRB is an advisory group of natively Spanish-speaking, Latine North Carolinians who contract with research teams (RTs) to review Latine community-facing study materials (e.g., decision aids, scales, recruitment scripts) and provide feedback for improving or validating materials’ linguistic accuracy and cultural relevance. Bilingual staff facilitate members’ review of materials, use focus group methods to solicit feedback, and report key findings and suggested revisions to RTs. In 2023, we recruited new age-, gender-, and racially diverse members; and implemented process and impact evaluation, via (1) post surveys of RTs and (2) assessment of members’ experiences and visions for growth utilizing the Focused Conversation Method (Top-network, 2021). RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Since 2021, NC TraCS has conducted 11 Latine CRB review sessions to support 7 research studies. Current CRB members (n=8) report that (1) their work effectively supports Latine inclusion in research; (2) increased group size and diversity help ensure study materials are comprehensible to heterogenous Latine populations; and (3) an hourly member compensation rate equal to the hourly rate of TraCS’ staff accurately represents member contributions. Members also cited that they value open communication, continuous improvement, communication via email and group chat, periodic programming meetings, and RT updates on study outcomes. Post-session RT surveys to date (n=3) show that RTs would recommend this program to other researchers (pending survey responses from RTs this year will provide additional impact data). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Early data highlight the value of fairly compensated, bilingually coordinated input from diverse Latine community members for improving studies’ inclusion of heterogeneous, multilingual communities. Our approach can inform the development, growth, and continuous improvement of multilingual review boards at other research institutions.

The role of adsorbed and structural Fe3+ in palygorskite and sepiolite with respect to the oxidation of hydrocortisone in aqueous suspension has been evaluated using electron spin resonance and UV-visible spectroscopy. Natural surface-adsorbed Fe3+ showed an important activity in the oxidation process, although smaller than octahedral Fe3+. The kinetics of oxidative degradation of hydrocortisone by palygorskite appear to be composed of two apparent first order reactions which may be associated with two kinds of sites for Fe in palygorskite. The lower oxidizing power of sepiolite for hydrocortisone degradation is due to its very low Fe3+ content.

A standardless method of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence in conjunction with scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze selected areas of clay-size particles of talc, pyrophyllite, and kaolinite supported by a carbon planchet. Peak intensity ratios of fluorescing elements relative to silicon were converted directly to weight or mole ratios using conversion factors determined theoretically. The conversion factors depend upon particle thickness and mass adsorption coefficients of the sample for the elements analyzed. The effects of particle thickness become significant above ~0.1 μm. Without using particle thickness corrections, the mean molar ratios of metal to Si agreed to within 6.1,0.5, and 9.7% of the theoretical ratios for kaolinite, pyrophyllite, and talc, respectively.

Many of the presently oxidized Georgia kaolins probably existed originally in the reduced (gray) state. For that reason, the distribution of iron sulfides in presently gray kaolins may elucidate features observed in oxidized kaolins. An understanding of the nature of gray kaolins may also aid in the development of processing strategies for the exploitation of these abundant resources. The size, morphology, and degree of crystallite bonding of iron sulfides (pyrite and marcasite) in three gray kaolin cores from the Macon, Georgia kaolin district were examined by X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, and other physical and chemical methods. Pyrite and marcasite were identified as dominantly gravel- and sand-size equant crystals and crystal aggregates, rather than as framboids. Pyrite crystals commonly showed rough octahedral faces, which extended over minor cube faces. Locally, spiral growth dislocations were also observed. Marcasite was found in radiating, prismatic, and tabular crystals. In general, the marcasite crystal aggregates were much more fragile than those of pyrite. The dominance of octahedral crystal shapes and textures of the pyrite suggest inorganic precipitation from solutions supersaturated with respect to octahedral crystal faces.

The prioritization of English language in clinical research is a barrier to translational science. We explored promising practices to advance the inclusion of people who speak languages other than English in research conducted within and supported by NIH Clinical Translational Science Award (CTSA) hubs. Key informant interviews were conducted with representatives (n = 24) from CTSA hubs (n = 17). Purposive sampling was used to identify CTSA hubs focused on language inclusion. Hubs electing to participate were interviewed via Zoom. Thematic analysis was performed to analyze interview transcripts. We report on strategies employed by hubs to advance linguistic inclusion and influence institutional change that were identified. Strategies ranged from translations, development of culturally relevant materials and consultations to policies and procedural changes and workforce initiatives. An existing framework was adapted to conceptualize hub strategies. Language justice is paramount to bringing more effective treatments to all people more quickly. Inclusion will require institutional transformation and CTSA hubs are well positioned to catalyze change.

There are numerous challenges pertaining to epilepsy care across Ontario, including Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) bed pressures, surgical access and community supports. We sampled the current clinical, community and operational state of Ontario epilepsy centres and community epilepsy agencies post COVID-19 pandemic. A 44-item survey was distributed to all 11 district and regional adult and paediatric Ontario epilepsy centres. Qualitative responses were collected from community epilepsy agencies. Results revealed ongoing gaps in epilepsy care across Ontario, with EMU bed pressures and labour shortages being limiting factors. A clinical network advising the Ontario Ministry of Health will improve access to epilepsy care.

One Tertiary and two Cretaceous gray kaolin sites in Georgia were examined using X-ray radiography of core sections to determine the processes of formation of the deposits. The Tertiary kaolin was oxidized in the upper 3 m of the deposit and reduced below that point. The two Cretaceous kaolins were reduced from the top of the deposit to an abrupt boundary with oxidized red kaolin below. Radiography of the first Cretaceous core revealed thin laminar bedding in the gray kaolin and in the underlying red kaolin. The laminae continue without interruption across the gray kaolin/red kaolin boundary. The laminae were not visible in the gray kaolin except in radiographs. Sedimentary bedding was not observed visually or radiographically at the Tertiary site nor in sections of the core from the second Cretaceous site where kaolinite was recrystallized to large vermiforms. The original sedimentary structure in the first Cretaceous kaolin was preserved possibly due to the inhibition of kaolinite recrystallization by a higher organic matter content. Recrystallization of kaolinite and iron compounds may have destroyed sedimentary structures in part or all of the other two kaolin cores. It is hypothesized that the first Cretaceous physical and biological mixing. The same hypothesis may apply to the other two kaolins but recrystallization after deposition has destroyed sedimentary structures.