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Instrumental articulatory techniques investigating lingual variability in typically developing children : a scoping review
Get PDFThis scoping review was designed to provide an overview of instrumental articulatory techniques used to investigate lingual variability in typically developing children. Despite extensive research on phonological acquisition, the development of speech motor control in children is less understood. Kinematic studies in this area have focused on children under 10, but adolescents’ speech and the attainment of adult-like motor control remains under-researched. This review includes studies using instrumental techniques such as Ultrasound Tongue Imaging (UTI), Electropalatography (EPG) and Electromagnetic Articulography (EMA) to measure spatial and temporal articulatory features using a variety of metrics. Studies show greater articulatory variability in children compared to adults; however, inconsistencies in methodologies and participant samples limit the ability to synthesise findings effectively. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies spanning childhood and adolescence, using techniques that are easily incorporated into clinical practice. A detailed understanding of typical articulatory variability across different age ranges is crucial for identifying speech disorders and improving clinical interventions
Transmission of extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and antimicrobial resistance gene flow across One Health compartments in eastern Africa : a whole-genome sequence analysis from a prospective cohort study
Get PDFBackground The One Health paradigm considers interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health. However, there is little evidence from high-income countries to support the importance of a One Health approach to addressing spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Given AMR is a global threat, understanding how the close interactions of humans with animals and the environment in low-income settings affect the spread of AMR is important. We aimed to investigate diversity and transmission of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli across household-linked One Health compartments using genomic data. Methods We sequenced whole genomes of ESBL-producing E coli isolates from humans, animals, and the environment from a prospective, longitudinal cohort study conducted in Malawi (April 29, 2019, to Dec 3, 2020) and Uganda (July 16, 2020, to Aug 6, 2021). In the cohort study, 259 households were enrolled at baseline in Malawi and 92 in Uganda from a mix of urban, peri-urban, and rural areas. Households were followed up at months 1, 3, and 6 in Malawi and at months 1, 2, and 4 in Uganda. Samples collected at each visit included human and animal stool, environmental samples from hand-contact areas, food, and water, and broader environmental samples such as river water. Samples were cultured in buffered peptone water and then ESBL chromogenic agar to isolate ESBL-producing E coli. ESBL-producing E coli isolates underwent whole-genome sequencing. We performed phylogenetic analyses, and in-silico multi-locus sequence typing, characterised AMR determinants and linked genotypes with sample location, ecological source, and other covariates. We performed fine-scale single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and network analysis to infer strain and plasmid transmission across ecological compartments. The primary outcome was colonisation with ESBL-producing E coli. Secondary outcomes were genomic clusters and ESBL genomic determinants within and between One Health compartments. Findings We found high diversity of ESBL-producing E coli, with 170 sequence types and 166 genomic clusters identified from 2344 genomes, including 1814 genomes from Malawi (907 human, 221 animal, and 686 environmental) and 530 genomes from Uganda (380 human, 147 animal, and three environmental). Sequence type (ST)131 dominated in Malawi (209 [11·5%] of 1814 genomes), and ST10 dominated in Uganda (45 [8·5%] of 530 genomes). Common ESBL genes blaCTX−M−15 (1604 [68·4%] of 2344 genomes) and blaCTX−M−27 (336 [14·3%] of 2344 genomes) were carried on a complex network of 55 and 30 different plasmids. This diversity of plasmids presented multiple pathways for dissemination and revealed high force of selection. Phylogenetic analyses revealed common intermixing of isolates between humans, animals, and the environment. SNP transmission analysis revealed ecologically overlapping clusters, suggesting ESBL-producing E coli co-circulation both within and between compartments with frequent spillover events. Applying a five-SNP threshold, we inferred 463 human–environment transmission events, 146 human–animal events, and 142 animal–environment events. Interpretation Our work suggests that a One Health approach is crucial to addressing AMR in eastern Africa. Improving water, sanitation, and hygiene systems will create a safer environment, reduce spillovers of AMR bacteria between compartments, and eventually reduce AMR reservoirs in the environment and in animals
Black hole spectroscopy and tests of general relativity with GW250114
Get PDFThe binary black hole signal GW250114, the loudest gravitational wave detected to date, offers a unique opportunity to test Einstein's general relativity (GR) in the high-velocity, strong-gravity regime and probe whether the remnant conforms to the Kerr metric. Upon perturbation, black holes emit a spectrum of damped sinusoids with specific, complex frequencies. Our analysis of the postmerger signal shows that at least two quasinormal modes are required to explain the data, with the most damped remaining statistically significant for about one cycle. We probe the remnant's Kerr nature by constraining the spectroscopic pattern of the dominant quadrupolar (ℓ=m=2) mode and its first overtone to match the Kerr prediction to tens of percent at multiple postpeak times. The measured mode amplitudes and phases agree with a numerical-relativity simulation having parameters close to GW250114. By fitting a parametrized waveform that incorporates the full inspiral-merger-ringdown sequence, we constrain the fundamental (ℓ=m=4) mode to tens of percent and bound the quadrupolar frequency to within a few percent of the GR prediction. We perform a suite of tests-spanning inspiral, merger, and ringdown-finding constraints that are comparable to, and in some cases 2-3 times more stringent than those obtained by combining dozens of events in the fourth Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog. These results constitute the most stringent single-event verification of GR and the Kerr nature of black holes to date, and outline the power of black-hole spectroscopy for future gravitational-wave observations
On shortening universal words for multi-dimensional permutations
Get PDFA universal word (u-word) for d -dimensional permutations of length n is a 2-dimensional word with d−1 rows, any size n window of which is order-isomorphic to exactly one permutation of length n , and all permutations of length n are covered. It is known that u-words (in fact, even u-cycles, a stronger claim) for d -dimensional permutations exist. In this paper, we use the idea of incomparable elements to prove that u-words of length (n!) d−1+n−1−i(n−1), for d≥2 and 0≤i≤2 d−1n−1[(1+(n−1)!) d−1−(1+(n−1)!2) d−1], for d -dimensional permutations of length n exist, which generalizes the respective result of Kitaev, Potapov and Vajnovszki for “usual” permutations (d=2)
Objective physical activity and sedentary behaviour patterns among informal carers in the BCS70 cohort
Get PDFWhile the health benefits of physical activity (PA) and reduced sedentary behaviour (SB) are well established, informal carers remain an under-researched group. Despite being known to face many barriers to PA, informal carers’ activity levels remain unclear due to mixed findings from previous research. Specifically, objective PA and SB levels of informal carers in Great Britain are currently unknown. The aim of this study was to examine PA and SB among informal carers using accelerometer data from the ‘Age 46’ Survey of the 1970 British Cohort Study (BCS70). Analyses of Covariance and Logistic Regressions were performed to: (i) compare carers’ and non-carers’ PA and SB, (ii) examine the impact of caring hours on PA and SB, and (iii) identify predictors of adherence to the UK Chief Medical Officers’ PA guidelines. After adjusting for covariates, (i) no differences were observed in PA or SB outcomes between carers and non-carers (p > 0.05) (e.g., mean daily step count 9316.06 vs. 9554.11 and mean sitting time 1.09 h/day vs. 1.19 h/day, respectively). (ii) Caring hours were not associated with differences in PA or SB (p > 0.05). (iii) Logistic regressions revealed very low adherence to PA guidelines among carers: 2% met the moderate-to-vigorous PA guideline, 26% met the muscle-strengthening guideline, and only 1% met the combined recommendations. Demographic and health variables did not explain adherence to these guidelines. This study found no significant differences in objectively measured PA and SB between informal carers and non-carers or caring hours. However, adherence to the UK CMOs’ PA guidelines among carers was extremely low. These findings provide the first objective benchmark of carers’ PA and SB patterns in Great Britain and highlight guideline adherence as a key area for future interventions. Future research should consider the wider context of caring in order to develop flexible, tailored interventions that can support carers in achieving an active lifestyle whilst managing responsibilities
Restriction endonuclease selective inhibition by β-cyclodextrin sulfate
Get PDFRestriction endonucleases (REs) are sequence-specific DNA-cleaving enzymes that are widely used as tools in molecular biology. Although REs is not typically considered therapeutic targets, their inhibition provides a useful framework for understanding how DNA-binding enzymes can be differentially modulated. In this present study, we investigated the inhibitory activity of β-cyclodextrin sulfate (β-CDsul), a highly anionic macrocycle previously reported to act as a non-selective inhibitor of restriction enzymes. Using NdeI-linearised pBR322 as a defined substrate, we quantified the inhibition of EcoRI, HindIII, and VspI under optimised digestion conditions. β-CDsul inhibited EcoRI with substantially greater potency than HindIII or VspI, exhibiting a 13- to 27-fold difference in IC50 values. In contrast, EDTA inhibited all three enzymes with comparable potency, consistent with non-selective divalent metal ion chelation. Selective inhibition of EcoRI by β-CDsul was maintained in a dual-enzyme system containing both EcoRI and VspI, supporting an enzyme-dependent mode of action. These findings demonstrate that β-cyclodextrin sulfate acts as a selective inhibitor of EcoRI and highlight the potential of polyanionic macrocycles as biochemical probes for differential endonuclease activity
Green minds, green outcomes : green intellectual capital drives environmental performance via creativity, moderated by leadership and regulations in Ghana
Get PDFEnvironmental sustainability has gained more scholarly attention because of the dangers of business and human activities to the natural environment. To mitigate the environmental problems, scholars have advocated for the deliberate development of the green intellectual capital of firms. Drawing on the natural resource-based view (NRBV) theory, the study examined the impact of green intellectual capital (GIC) on environmental performance (ENVP) mediated by green creativity (GC), moderated by green transformational leadership (GTL) and environmental regulations (ENREGs). A survey of 264 managers and owners in Ghana's transport and logistics sector was analysed using PROCESS macro. The findings demonstrated that GC mediates the relationship between GIC and ENVP. Furthermore, the effect of GIC on ENVP via GC depends on GTL and ENREG. These findings advance theoretical understanding of GIC mechanisms and provide practical guidance for environmentally responsible leadership in emerging economies
Navigating gravity : competing effects result in opposing taxis for different Janus swimmers
Get PDFMicroorganisms often employ tactic behaviors as a survival strategy, enabling them to move in response to different stimuli. One fascinating example is the use of gravity for their orientation, where gravity provides a directional cue for swimming. Separately, when microswimmers move near solid surfaces, hydrodynamic interactions with the wall can alter their trajectories and reorientation dynamics. This study investigates the combined effects of gravitational torque and wall-induced hydrodynamics on the orientation and movement of Janus colloids coated with either platinum or copper, swimming toward their inert side (Pt) or the catalytic half (Cu), respectively. Both particle types exhibit alignment with the gravitational direction on inclined substrates due to bottom-heaviness; however, Cu@SiO2 particles, with lighter metal caps, show a significantly narrower orientation distribution compared to Pt@SiO2 particles. This enhanced alignment is attributed to the distinct hydrodynamic coupling of catalytic-forward type swimmers near boundaries. Using these differences, a simple yet effective method for separating active particles based on their gravitactic behavior is presented. Furthermore, we demonstrate that active and passive particles can develop a lateral distribution analogous to that of a Galton board, highlighting potential applications in educational tools and microfluidic-based computational systems
Psychometric validation of the Community Antimicrobial Use Scale (CAMUS) in primary healthcare and the implications for future use
No full textBackground/Objectives: Patient-level factors strongly influence antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through the pressure applied to healthcare professionals to prescribe antibiotics even for self-limiting viral infections, enhanced by knowledge and attitude concerns. This includes Africa, with high levels of AMR. However, validated measurement tools for African primary healthcare (PHC) are scarce. This study evaluated the reliability, structural validity, and interpretability of the Community Antimicrobial Use Scale (CAMUS) in South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1283 adults across 25 diverse public PHC facilities across two provinces. The 30-item theory-based tool underwent exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA/CFA), reliability, and validity testing. Results: EFA identified a coherent five-factor structure: (F1) Understanding antibiotics; (F2) Social and behavioural norms; (F3) Non-prescribed use; (F4) Understanding of AMR; and (F5) Attitudes. Internal consistency was strongest for knowledge and misuse domains (alpha approximation 0.80). Test-retest reliability was good-to-excellent (ICC: 0.72-0.89). CFA confirmed acceptable composite reliability (CR ≥ 0.63). Although average variance extracted (AVE) was low for broader behavioural constructs, indicating conceptual breadth, it was high for AMR knowledge (0.737). Construct validity was supported by positive correlations with health literacy (r = 0.48) and appropriate use intentions (r = 0.42). Measurement error metrics (SEM = 1.59; SDC = 4.40) indicated good precision for group-level comparisons. Conclusions: CAMUS demonstrated a theoretically grounded structure with robust performance in knowledge and misuse domains. While social and attitudinal domains require refinement, we believe the tool is psychometrically suitable for group-level antimicrobial use surveillance and programme evaluation in South African PHC settings and wider to help with targeting future educational programmes among patients
Working against the backdrop of extreme marginalisation : stigma and the social relational model for the setting of mental health conditions
Get PDFThis paper investigates how employees with mental health conditions (MHCs) experience and respond to working in the contemporary UK workplace. Employing the Social Relational Model (SRM) of disability, the paper positions stigma as an organising structural force that actively produces Social and Relational disabling barriers—impairment effects, barriers to doing, and barriers to being—that shape the working lives of employees with MHCs. Qualitative data from 42 interviewees working for varied employers—including small, medium and large enterprises, public and private sector— reveals how workplace processes and practices assume norms of the ‘ideal worker’, a worker characterised by uninterrupted productivity and emotional stability. We explore how these norms contribute to the stigmatisation of workers managing MHCs and how consequently these workers avoid workplace stigmatisation. By explicitly linking understandings of structural stigma to the SRM, we advance understanding of how stigma operates in often indirect and subtle ways to disable employees with MHCs. Conclusions with implications for HRM include the need to confront normative ideals and institutional practices that sustain stigma by advocating for practices that dismantle stigma, challenge ableist constructs, support diverse mental health experiences and, focus on creating ideal workplaces, rather than continuing to valorise the ideal worker
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