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Signatures of Magnetic Flux Expulsion from Neutron Star Cores
No full textShortly after a neutron star is born, the protons in its core begin to form a superconductor. In terrestrial materials, the hallmark of superconductivity is an associated expulsion of magnetic flux, but whether this expulsion process can be effective in neutron stars remains an open question—one with major implications for the phenomenology of pulsars and magnetars. Earlier theoretical arguments suggested flux must be trapped within the core, yet models of magnetars rely on it being expelled from the core and confined to the crust, where it can evolve on kiloyear timescales. We show that if expulsion is not complete, a qualitatively new evolutionary branch for neutron stars arises, which can account for the properties of newly discovered long-period radio transients and fast radio bursts in older environments. One recently proposed model that could create such field topologies has additional implications for gravitational-wave emission and predicts a characteristic energy release that, if observed, will corroborate the role of reconnection at the onset of superconductivity and can constrain the superconducting proton gap
Structural Accommodation as a Coastal Adaptation Response to Sea-Level Rise:Lessons From Europe
No full textGlobal sea-level rise is intensifying pressures on coastal regions, increasing the need for adaptation strategies (e.g., protect, retreat, accommodate). At the same time, decision makers require a better understanding of the available responses to address the widening adaptation implementation gap. Structural measures aimed at reducing the impacts of coastal hazards as part of the accommodation strategy have received limited attention in the coastal adaptation literature with few studies looking at how it is currently considered to address sea-level rise. We first advance a conceptual framework that separates structural from non-structural accommodation, recognizing that this distinction is essential to accurately define the adaptation “solution space.” Building on this framework, we synthesize scientific and gray literature, conduct a multilevel review of policy and technical documents, and draw on expert input to not only evaluate the current state of structural accommodation in Europe but also to highlight generic lessons for its potential implementation. This includes consideration of its advantages and disadvantages. Uptake remains fragmented and highly localized, embedded mainly in municipal spatial planning rather than national adaptation agendas, and is hampered by financial, institutional, and technical constraints. We argue that stronger policy integration and dedicated financial incentives could overcome these barriers and harness accommodation's value as a flexible option capable of reducing risk and avoiding long-term lock-in. This study improves our understanding of how this strategy can contribute to coastal resilience in Europe and beyond
Human hepatic cell line 5: In-vitro model for hepatic immunobiology
Get PDFBackground: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major global health burden, partly due to the lack of physiologically relevant in vitro models that accurately recapitulate early host-virus interactions and immune responses. Human Hepatocyte Line 5 (HHL-5) is an immortalized hepatocyte cell line that retains key liver-specific functions. This study aimed to characterize the phenotypic, genetic, and metabolic features of HHL-5 cells and evaluate their suitability as a non-cancerous hepatic model, in comparison with the HCC cell line HepG2. Methods and results: Morphological and phenotypic assessment of cells showed smaller cell and nuclear areas and slower proliferation with markedly longer doubling time of HHL-5 cells than HepG2 cells. Genomic analyses using whole-exome sequencing revealed enrichment of immune-related pathways in HHL-5 cells, including antigen processing and presentation, whereas HepG2 cells showed predominance of DNA replication pathways. Metabolomic profiling of cells by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed hepatocyte-like oxidative profiles of HHL-5 cells, in contrast to the glycolytic phenotypes of HepG2 cells. Moreover, Western blotting for selected proteins showed reduced expression of oncogenic and stress-response markers, including c-Myc, pSTAT3, pNrf2, and select cytochrome P450 enzymes. Conclusion: Our findings support HHL-5 cells as a robust non-cancerous in vitro model for investigating liver diseases, viral infection, and early events in hepatocarcinogenesis. Clinical Trial Registration: Not applicable
Elaborating the Motivations and Attitudes Driving Interest in Voluntary Biodiversity Credits
Get PDFGlobal biodiversity loss has prompted the search for new sources of conservation finance, such as voluntary biodiversity credits (VBCs). However, despite optimistic market projections, current uptake of VBCs is limited. Adopting an interpretive approach, we analyse 21 semi-structured interviews with early market actors (buyers, sellers, intermediaries) in the United Kingdom to elaborate the motivations and attitudes fuelling interest in VBCs. Specifically, our findings show the drivers (including economic, environmental, socio-cultural) and barriers (including financial, reputational, methodological, capacity and policy) that are shaping the nascent market for VBCs. Our study has implications for theorising a changing interpretive domain in which biodiversity loss is becoming more central to strategy. We also offer practical implications from our findings on factors affecting market development
Autonomous structural health monitoring of composite wind turbine blades using guided waves and machine learning
Get PDFThis research paper presents a guided wave (GW)-driven framework for structural health monitoring of composite wind turbine blades, leveraging both experimental and numerical data in conjunction with a hybrid machine learning (ML) approach for accurate damage identification and classification. High-fidelity ultrasonic GW signals were collected under controlled laboratory conditions for pristine and damaged blade states, including erosion damage, longitudinal debonding, and transverse debonding. Finite element simulations, incorporating a tri-array of sensors, were further employed to enhance spatial resolution and replicate complex wave-damage interactions. All GW signals were converted into time–frequency representations using scalogram analysis, enabling rich feature encoding of frequency dispersion characteristics for each damage case. These scalogram images were used as input to a two-stage ML classifier based on transfer learning, which first performs binary damage detection, followed by multi-class classification of damage types. The proposed model achieved high classification accuracy across both synthetic and experimental datasets, with statistical confidence intervals confirming the robustness of predictions. This methodology demonstrates the viability of integrating physics-informed data with ML to enable automated, high-resolution health status monitoring of composite blades and supports its scalability for deployment in operational wind energy systems
Two novel S-methyltransferases confer dimethylsulfide production in Actinomycetota
Get PDFHydrogen sulfide (H2S), methanethiol (MeSH), and dimethylsulfide (DMS) are abundant sulfur gases with crucial roles in global sulfur cycling, chemotaxis, and climate regulation. Microorganisms can S-methylate H2S and MeSH, which can be cytotoxic, to yield non-toxic DMS via MddA or MddH enzymes in largely terrestrial or marine environments, respectively. However, the potential of many important and abundant bacteria like Actinomycetota is underestimated due to unknown Mdd enzymes. Here, two novel S-adenosine-methionine-dependent H2S and MeSH S-methyltransferases, MddM1 and MddM2 are identified, in the DMS-producing actinomycete Mycolicibacterium poriferae (M. poriferae) ZYF656, isolated from the Mariana Trench. M. poriferae ZYF656 MddM1 and MddM2 likely detoxify H2S and MeSH and alleviate oxidative stress, since mddM1 and mddM2 transcription is induced by H2S, MeSH, and oxidative stress, and their expression in E. coli enhances H2S, MeSH, and oxidative stress tolerance. MddM1 and/or MddM2 are in >50% of actinomycetota, including the model Streptomyces species, S. venezuelae, but are also seen in some Chloroflexota, Acidobacteriota, and Proteobacteria. mddM1 is always more abundant than mddM2 in diverse environments and is prevalent in soils and marsh sediments. This study highlights the significance of H2S- and MeSH-dependent DMS production and, principally, of Actinomycetota in global DMS production and sulfur cycling
Knowledge and Confidence of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) in a sample of Clinical Psychologists in East Anglia
Get PDFThe Mental Capacity Act (2005; MCA) entered into force in 2007, some 18 years ago. Since its implementation, several authors have identified gaps in knowledge and confidence in different professional groups. There has, however, been very little research considering this question in relation to Clinical Psychologists, and many wider surveys are now dated. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge and confidence in working with the MCA in a group of practicing Clinical Psychologists. A bespoke survey assessed knowledge and confidence in key domains of the MCA specific to the role of a Clinical Psychologist, including a scenario-based vignette and qualitative responses to address additional training needs. A total of 58 HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologists responded to the survey. In the scenario Clinical Psychologists demonstrated good knowledge of applying principles of the MCA to a psychology-specific scenario. However, confidence seemed lower, and not all psychologists considered the MCA as very important to their work. Research limitations include using a bespoke survey and likely self-selection bias which may mean knowledge and confidence is over-represented. A number of different areas for potential training were identified by the participants. Whilst various studies (Marshall and Sprung, 2016; Scott et al., 2020) have explored the knowledge and confidence of the MCA in different professional groups, there has been limited reported data on the knowledge and confidence of a psychological workforce
Too much of a good thing? Exploring the inverted U-shaped relationship between perceived CSR and voluntary pro-environmental behavior in luxury hotels
No full textPrevious research has suggested that perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) indirectly influences hotel employees’ voluntary pro-environmental behavior. Drawing upon the social exchange theory and the "too-muchof-a-good-thing" effect, this study proposes that the relationship between perceived CSR and employee voluntary pro-environmental behavior can be nonlinear, mediated by felt obligation. Using survey data collected from 603 employees working in China Macau’s four-and five-star hotels, we found that the relationship between perceived CSR and felt obligation follows an inverted U-shape, while felt obligation is positively associated with voluntary pro-environmental behavior. Consequently, felt obligation mediates the nonlinear indirect effect of perceived CSR on voluntary pro-environmental behavior. These findings contribute to the literature on micro-CSR and employees’ discretionary behavior, offering practical implications for luxury hotels aiming to promote em-ployees’ pro-environmental actions
Investigating the Effect of Tumour Necrosis Factor Antagonist on Olfaction
No full textObjectives: Tumour Necrosis factor antagonists is a potent anti-inflammatory medication and has shown to improve olfactory function in murine models. The primary aim was to determine the effect of TNF antagonists on olfactory performance in humans. Secondary aim is to generate pilot data on the suitability of TNF for a randomised controlled trial in patients with smell disorders. Design: This study is a single centre observatory prospective proof of concept cohort study. Adult patients are recruited from a tertiary rheumatology centre, who are to be initiated on TNF antagonists therapy (adalimumab biosimilar) for the first time. Participants were assessed with a simple questionnaire and a baseline olfactory assessment with the extended Sniffin’ Stick Test. Participants were then brought back after 3 months of treatment for a repeat questionnaire and Sniffin’ Sticks Test. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome was to determine the difference between smell test scores in the Sniffin’ Sticks TDI score before and after 3-months of treatment. Secondary outcomes include changes in visual analogue score from baseline to follow-up (questionnaire). Results: Sixty-three participants were recruited in the study; 21 were lost to follow up and two had stopped taking their medication, hence 40 were included in the analysis. There was no statistically significant improvement in TDI score of all participants at 3 months after treatment (p value = 0.08). However, analysis of participants who had olfactory dysfunction at baseline (n = 20, TDI < 31 or 30.5 if aged 20–30) showed a statistically significant improvement in TDI score after 3 months (p value = 0.012). Conclusion: TNF antagonists have the potential to improve olfactory function in those with olfactory dysfunction and should be subjected to further study in a selected group of patients with olfactory dysfunction