The significance of human milk in an infant’s diet is well-established, yet accurately measuring human milk intake remains challenging. Current methods are either unsuitable for large-scale studies, such as the dose-to-mother stable isotope technique, or rely on set amounts of human milk, regardless of known variability in individual intake(1). There is a paucity of data on how much infants consume, particularly in later infancy (>6 months) when complementary foods have been introduced. This research aimed to estimate human milk intakes and total infant milk intakes (including infant formula) in New Zealand infants aged 7-10 months, explore factors that predict these intakes, and develop and validate equations to predict human milk intake using simple measures. Human milk intake data were obtained using the dose-to-mother stable isotope technique in infants aged 7-10 months and their mothers as part of the First Foods New Zealand study (FFNZ)(2). Predictive equations were developed using questionnaire and anthropometric data (Model 1) and additional dietary data from diet recalls (Model 2)(3). The validity of existing methods to estimate human milk intake (NHANES and ALSPAC studies) was compared against the dose-to-mother results. FFNZ included 625 infants, with 157 mother-infant dyads providing complete data for determining human milk volume. Using the dose-to-mother data, the measured mean (SD) human milk intake was 785 (264) g/day. Older infants had lower human milk and total milk intakes, male infants consumed more total milk. The strongest predictors of human milk intake were infant age, infant body mass index, number of breastfeeds a day, infant formula consumption, and energy from complementary food intake. When the predictive equations were tested, mean (95% CI) differences in predicted versus measured human milk intake (mean, [SD]: 762 [257] mL/day) were 0.0 mL/day (-26, 26) for Model 1 and 0.5 mL/day (-21, 22) for Model 2. In contrast, the NHANES and ALSPAC methods underestimated intake by 197 mL/day (-233, -161) and 175 mL/day (-216, -134), respectively. The predictive equations are presented as the Human Milk Intake Level Calculations (HuMILC) tool, designed for use in large-scale studies to more accurately estimate human milk intakes of infants. The use of objective quantifiable assessment methods enhances our understanding of infant human milk intakes, improving our ability to accurately assess nutritional adequacy in infants.

Current evidence underscores a need to transform how we do clinical research, shifting from academic-driven priorities to co-led community partnership focused programs, accessible and relevant career pathway programs that expand opportunities for career development, and design of trainings and practices to develop cultural competence among research teams. Failures of equitable research translation contribute to health disparities. Drivers of this failed translation include lack of diversity in both researchers and participants, lack of alignment between research institutions and the communities they serve, and lack of attention to structural sources of inequity and drivers of mistrust for science and research. The Duke University Research Equity and Diversity Initiative (READI) is a program designed to better align clinical research programs with community health priorities through community engagement. Organized around three specific aims, READI-supported programs targeting increased workforce diversity, workforce training in community engagement and cultural competence, inclusive research engagement principles, and development of trustworthy partnerships.

The Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP) offers powerful new capabilities for studying the polarised and magnetised Universe at radio wavelengths. In this paper, we introduce the Polarisation Sky Survey of the Universe’s Magnetism (POSSUM), a groundbreaking survey with three primary objectives: (1) to create a comprehensive Faraday rotation measure (RM) grid of up to one million compact extragalactic sources across the southern $\sim50$% of the sky (20,630 deg$^2$); (2) to map the intrinsic polarisation and RM properties of a wide range of discrete extragalactic and Galactic objects over the same area; and (3) to contribute interferometric data with excellent surface brightness sensitivity, which can be combined with single-dish data to study the diffuse Galactic interstellar medium. Observations for the full POSSUM survey commenced in May 2023 and are expected to conclude by mid-2028. POSSUM will achieve an RM grid density of around 30–50 RMs per square degree with a median measurement uncertainty of $\sim$1 rad m$^{-2}$. The survey operates primarily over a frequency range of 800–1088 MHz, with an angular resolution of 20” and a typical RMS sensitivity in Stokes Q or U of 18 $\mu$Jy beam$^{-1}$. Additionally, the survey will be supplemented by similar observations covering 1296–1440 MHz over 38% of the sky. POSSUM will enable the discovery and detailed investigation of magnetised phenomena in a wide range of cosmic environments, including the intergalactic medium and cosmic web, galaxy clusters and groups, active galactic nuclei and radio galaxies, the Magellanic System and other nearby galaxies, galaxy halos and the circumgalactic medium, and the magnetic structure of the Milky Way across a very wide range of scales, as well as the interplay between these components. This paper reviews the current science case developed by the POSSUM Collaboration and provides an overview of POSSUM’s observations, data processing, outputs, and its complementarity with other radio and multi-wavelength surveys, including future work with the SKA.

Although food insecurity affects a significant proportion of young children in New Zealand (NZ)(1), evidence of its association with dietary intake and sociodemographic characteristics in this population is lacking. This study aims to assess the household food security status of young NZ children and its association with energy and nutrient intake and sociodemographic factors. This study included 289 caregiver and child (1-3 years old) dyads from the same household in either Auckland, Wellington, or Dunedin, NZ. Household food security status was determined using a validated and NZ-specific eight-item questionnaire(2). Usual dietary intake was determined from two 24-hour food recalls, using the multiple source method(3). The prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake was assessed using the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) cut-point method and full probability approach. Sociodemographic factors (i.e., socioeconomic status, ethnicity, caregiver education, employment status, household size and structure) were collected from questionnaires. Linear regression models were used to estimate associations with statistical significance set at p <0.05. Over 30% of participants had experienced food insecurity in the past 12 months. Of all eight indicator statements, “the variety of foods we are able to eat is limited by a lack of money,” had the highest proportion of participants responding “often” or “sometimes” (35.8%). Moderately food insecure children exhibited higher fat and saturated fat intakes, consuming 3.0 (0.2, 5.8) g/day more fat, and 2.0 (0.6, 3.5) g/day more saturated fat compared to food secure children (p<0.05). Severely food insecure children had lower g/kg/day protein intake compared to food secure children (p<0.05). In comparison to food secure children, moderately and severely food insecure children had lower fibre intake, consuming 1.6 (2.8, 0.3) g/day and 2.6 (4.0, 1.2) g/day less fibre, respectively. Severely food insecure children had the highest prevalence of inadequate calcium (7.0%) and vitamin C (9.3%) intakes, compared with food secure children [prevalence of inadequate intakes: calcium (2.3%) and vitamin C (2.8%)]. Household food insecurity was more common in those of Māori or Pacific ethnicity; living in areas of high deprivation; having a caregiver who was younger, not in paid employment, or had low educational attainment; living with ≥2 other children in the household; and living in a sole-parent household. Food insecure young NZ children consume a diet that exhibits lower nutritional quality in certain measures compared to their food-secure counterparts. Food insecurity was associated with various sociodemographic factors that are closely linked with poverty or low income. As such, there is an urgent need for poverty mitigation initiatives to safeguard vulnerable young children from the adverse consequences of food insecurity.

Microbial processing of soil organic matter is a significant driver of C cycling, yet we lack an understanding of what shapes the turnover of this large terrestrial pool. In part, this is due to limited options for accurately identifying the source of C assimilated by microbial communities. Laboratory incubations are the most common method for this; however, they can introduce artifacts due to sample disruption and processing and can take months to produce sufficient CO2 for analysis. We present a biomass extraction method which allows for the direct 14C analysis of microbial biomolecules and compare the results to laboratory incubations. In the upper 50 cm soil depths, the Δ14C from incubations was indistinguishable from that of extracted microbial biomass. Below 50 cm, the Δ14C of the biomass was more depleted than that of the incubations, either due to the stimulation of labile C decomposition in the incubations, the inclusion of biomolecules from non-living cells in the biomass extractions, or differences in C used for assimilation versus respiration. Our results suggest that measurement of Δ14C of microbial biomass extracts can be a useful alternative to soil incubations.

Data from a national survey of 348 U.S. sports field managers were used to examine the effects of participation in Cooperative Extension events on the adoption of turfgrass weed management practices. Of the respondents, 94% had attended at least one event in the previous 3 yr. Of this 94%, 97% reported adopting at least one practice as a result of knowledge gained at an Extension turfgrass event. Half of the respondents had adopted four or more practices; a third adopted five or more practices. Nonchemical, cultural practices were the most-adopted practices (65% of respondents). Multiple regression analysis was used to examine factors explaining practice adoption and Extension event attendance. Compared to attending one event, attending three events increased total adoption by an average of one practice. Attending four or more events increased total adoption by two practices. Attending four or more events (compared to one event) increased the odds of adopting six individual practices by 3- to 6-fold, depending on the practice. This suggests that practice adoption could be enhanced by encouraging repeat attendance among past Extension event attendees. Manager experience was a statistically significant predictor of the number of Extension events attended but a poor direct predictor of practice adoption. Experience does not appear to increase adoption directly, but indirectly, via its impact on Extension event attendance. In addition to questions about weed management generally, the survey asked questions specifically about annual bluegrass management. Respondents were asked to rank seven sources of information for their helpfulness in managing annual bluegrass. There was no single dominant information source, but Extension was ranked more than any other source as the most helpful (by 22% of the respondents) and was ranked among the top three by 53%, closely behind field representative/local distributor sources at 54%.

In recent years, there has been significant momentum in applying deep learning (DL) to machine health monitoring (MHM). It has been widely claimed that DL methodologies are superior to more traditional techniques in this area. This paper aims to investigate this claim by analysing a real-world dataset of helicopter sensor faults provided by Airbus. Specifically, we will address the problem of machine sensor health unsupervised classification. In a 2019 worldwide competition hosted by Airbus, Fujitsu Systems Europe (FSE) won first prize by achieving an F1-score of 93% using a DL model based on generative adversarial networks (GAN). In another comprehensive study, various modified and existing image encoding methods were compared for the convolutional auto-encoder (CAE) model. The best classification result was achieved using the scalogram as the image encoding method, with an F1-score of 91%. In this paper, we use these two studies as benchmarks to compare with basic statistical analysis methods and the one-class supporting vector machine (SVM). Our comparative study demonstrates that while DL-based techniques have great potential, they are not always superior to traditional methods. We therefore recommend that all future published studies of applying DL methods to MHM include appropriately selected traditional reference methods, wherever possible.

Background: Visual impairment can impact 70% of individuals who have experienced a stroke. Identification and remediation of visual impairments can improve overall function and perceived quality of life. Our project aimed to improve visual assessment and timely intervention for patients with post-stroke visual impairment (PSVI). Methods: We conducted a quality improvement initiative to create a standardized screening and referral process for patients with PSVI to access an orthoptist. Post-stroke visual impairment was identified using the Visual Screen Assessment (VISA) tool. Patients filled out a VFQ-25 questionnaire before and after orthoptic assessment, and differences between scores were evaluated. Results: Eighteen patients completed the VFQ-25 both before and after orthoptic assessment. Of the vision related constructs, there was a significant improvement in reported outcomes for general vision (M=56.9, SD=30.7; M=48.6, SD=16.0), p=0.002, peripheral vision (M=88.3, SD=16; M=75, SD=23.1), p= 0.027, ocular pain (M=97.2, SD=6.9; M=87.5, SD=21.4), p=0.022, near activities (M=82.4, SD=24.1; M=67.8, SD=25.6), p<0.001, social functioning (M=90.2, SD=19; M=78.5, SD=29.3), p=0.019, mental health (M=84.0, SD=25.9; M=70.5, SD=31.2), p=0.017, and role difficulties (M=84.7, SD=26.3; M=67.4, SD=37.9), p=0.005. Conclusions: Orthoptic assessments for those with PSVI significantly improved perceived quality of life in a numerous vision related constructs, suggesting it is a valuable part of a patient’s post-stroke recovery.

Background: The novel corona virus pandemic presented the Saskatoon Stroke Program with challenges related to patient- and caregiver-centered communication. Keeping all parties informed of a patient’s health status and plan of care in the setting of extreme visitation restrictions was difficult. Virtual interdisciplinary bedside rounds (VIDR) were introduced to enhance communication for stroke patients. Methods: A video conferencing application was adopted by the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Consent to participate was obtained by a social worker. Bedside nurses facilitated patient participation in VIDR on either a tablet or workstation on wheels, while caregivers were able to attend virtually. Each team member accessed the VIDR from an individual device to maintain social distancing. A structured questionnaire has been initiated to capture participant reported experiences and satisfaction with VIDR (data collection ongoing). Results: Most patients and caregivers were amiable to participate in VIDR. Challenges included: accessing appropriate technology for both family and staff members; rural and remote internet reliability; and maintaining a reasonable duration of rounds. There was overwhelming anecdotal positive feedback from participants. Conclusions: We implemented VIDR to enhance communication during the pandemic. Caregivers felt connected to the care team and up-to-date in the plan of care.

Background: Visual impairment exists for an estimated 70% of individuals who have experienced a stroke. Identification and remediation of visual impairments can improve overall function and perceived quality of life. Our project aims to improve visual assessment and timely intervention for patients with post-stroke visual impairment (PSVI). Methods: We conducted a quality improvement initiative to create a standardized screening and referral process for patients with PSVI to access an orthoptist. Post-stroke visual impairment was assessed by way of the Visual Screen Assessment (VISA) tool, administered by an occupational therapist. Patients filled out a VFQ-25 questionnaire before and after orthoptic assessment and intervention. The VFQ-25 is a validated post-stroke survey assessing a patient’s perceived quality of life. Differences between pre- and post-orthoptic assessment scores will be evaluated. Results: Data collection currently ongoing.The benefits of a standardized screen for PSVI, standardized referral to, and experience with an orthoptist assessment will be determined. Learnings gained will also inform how we can expand the program to benefit a wider demographic of patients. Conclusions: The data gathered and the subsequent analysis will be instrumental in guiding ongoing improvement initiatives for patients with PSVI.

We present an overview of the Middle Ages Galaxy Properties with Integral Field Spectroscopy (MAGPI) survey, a Large Program on the European Southern Observatory Very Large Telescope. MAGPI is designed to study the physical drivers of galaxy transformation at a lookback time of 3–4 Gyr, during which the dynamical, morphological, and chemical properties of galaxies are predicted to evolve significantly. The survey uses new medium-deep adaptive optics aided Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) observations of fields selected from the Galaxy and Mass Assembly (GAMA) survey, providing a wealth of publicly available ancillary multi-wavelength data. With these data, MAGPI will map the kinematic and chemical properties of stars and ionised gas for a sample of 60 massive (${>}7 \times 10^{10} {\mathrm{M}}_\odot$) central galaxies at $0.25 < z <0.35$ in a representative range of environments (isolated, groups and clusters). The spatial resolution delivered by MUSE with Ground Layer Adaptive Optics ($0.6-0.8$ arcsec FWHM) will facilitate a direct comparison with Integral Field Spectroscopy surveys of the nearby Universe, such as SAMI and MaNGA, and at higher redshifts using adaptive optics, for example, SINS. In addition to the primary (central) galaxy sample, MAGPI will deliver resolved and unresolved spectra for as many as 150 satellite galaxies at $0.25 < z <0.35$, as well as hundreds of emission-line sources at $z < 6$. This paper outlines the science goals, survey design, and observing strategy of MAGPI. We also present a first look at the MAGPI data, and the theoretical framework to which MAGPI data will be compared using the current generation of cosmological hydrodynamical simulations including EAGLE, Magneticum, HORIZON-AGN, and Illustris-TNG. Our results show that cosmological hydrodynamical simulations make discrepant predictions in the spatially resolved properties of galaxies at $z\approx 0.3$. MAGPI observations will place new constraints and allow for tangible improvements in galaxy formation theory.

The first demonstration of laser action in ruby was made in 1960 by T. H. Maiman of Hughes Research Laboratories, USA. Many laboratories worldwide began the search for lasers using different materials, operating at different wavelengths. In the UK, academia, industry and the central laboratories took up the challenge from the earliest days to develop these systems for a broad range of applications. This historical review looks at the contribution the UK has made to the advancement of the technology, the development of systems and components and their exploitation over the last 60 years.

A physical oceanographic, geophysical and marine geological survey of Edward VIII Gulf, Kemp Coast, collected data from conductivity–temperature–depth casts, multi-beam bathymetric swath mapping and 3.5 kHz sub-bottom surveying. Modified circumpolar deep water (mCDW) is observed in Edward VIII Gulf, as well as notable bathymetric features including mega-scale glacial lineations and a 1750 m-deep trough. Sedimentological, geochemical, rock-magnetic and micropalaeontological analysis of two kasten cores document regional palaeoclimate and palaeo-oceanographic conditions over the past 8000 years, with a warm period occurring from c. 8 to 4 ka and a shift to cooler conditions beginning at c. 4 ka and persisting until at least 0.9 ka. Sediment packages > 40 m thick within deep troughs in Edward VIII Gulf present potential targets for higher-resolution Holocene and deglacial climate studies. Despite the presence of mCDW on the shelf, inland bed topography consisting of highland terrain suggests the likelihood of relative stability of this sector of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet.