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Experimental trials of species-specific bat flight responses to an ultrasonic deterrent
No full textUnintended consequences of increasing wind energy production include bat mortalities from wind turbine blade strikes. Ultrasonic deterrents (UDs) have been developed to reduce bat mortalities at wind turbines. Our goal was to experimentally assess the species-specific effectiveness of three emission treatments from the UD developed by NRG Systems. We conducted trials in a flight cage measuring approximately 60 m x 10 m x 4.4 m (length x width x height) from July 2020 to May 2021 in San Marcos, Texas, USA. A single UD was placed at either end of the flight cage, and we randomly selected one for each night of field trials. Trials focused on a red bat species group (Lasiurus borealis and Lasiurus blossevillii; n = 46) and four species: cave myotis (Myotis velifer; n = 57), Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis; n = 73), evening bats (Nycteceius humeralis; n = 53), and tricolored bats (Perimyotis subflavus; n = 17). The trials occurred during three treatment emissions: low (emissions from subarrays at 20, 26, and 32 kHz), high (emissions from subarrays at 38, 44, and 50 kHz), and combined (all six emission frequencies). We placed one wild-captured bat into the flight cage for each trial, which consisted of an acclimation period, a control period with the UD powered off, and the three emission treatments (order randomly selected), each interspersed with a control period. We tracked bat flight using four thermal cameras placed outside the flight cage. We quantified the effectiveness of each treatment by comparing the distances each bat flew from the UD during each treatment vs. the control period using quantile regression. Additionally, we conducted an exploratory analysis of differences between sex and season and sex within season using analysis of variance. Broadly, UDs were effective at altering the bats' flight paths as they flew farther from the UD during treatments than during controls; however, results varied by species, sex, season, and sex within season. For the red bat group, bats flew farther from the UD during all treatments than during the control period at all percentiles (p < 0.001), and treatments were comparable in effectiveness. For cave myotis, all percentile distances were farther from the UD during each of the treatments than during the control, except the 90th percentile distance during high, and low was most effective. For evening bats and Brazilian free-tailed bats, results were inconsistent, but high and low were most effective, respectively. For tricolored bats, combined and low were significant at the 10th-75th percentiles, high was significant at all percentiles, and combined was most effective. Results suggest UDs may be an effective means of reducing bat mortalities due to wind turbine blade strikes. We recommend that continued research on UDs focus on low emission treatments, which have decreased sound attenuation and demonstrated effectiveness across the bat species evaluated in this study
Nanocrystalline Cubic Phase Scandium-Stabilized Zirconia Thin Films
No full textThe cubic zirconia (ZrO2) is attractive for a broad range of applications. However, at room temperature, the cubic phase needs to be stabilized. The most studied stabilization method is the addition of the oxides of trivalent metals, such as Sc2O3. Another method is the stabilization of the cubic phase in nanostructures-nanopowders or nanocrystallites of pure zirconia. We studied the relationship between the size factor and the dopant concentration range for the formation and stabilization of the cubic phase in scandium-stabilized zirconia (ScSZ) films. The thin films of (ZrO2)1-x(Sc2O3)x, with x from 0 to 0.2, were deposited on room-temperature substrates by reactive direct current magnetron co-sputtering. The crystal structure of films with an average crystallite size of 85 Angstrom was cubic at Sc2O3 content from 6.5 to 17.5 mol%, which is much broader than the range of 8-12 mol.% of the conventional deposition methods. The sputtering of ScSZ films on hot substrates resulted in a doubling of crystallite size and a decrease in the cubic phase range to 7.4-11 mol% of Sc2O3 content. This confirmed that the size of crystallites is one of the determining factors for expanding the concentration range for forming and stabilizing the cubic phase of ScSZ films
Exploring the Gaseous Eruption in the 30-Doradus Starburst Region
No full textThe Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) exhibits significant galactic winds, particularly in the vicinity of the 30-Doradus starburst region, expelling vast amounts of gas into the surrounding circumgalactic medium (CGM). In this study, we investigate the kinematics, ionization, and gas distribution of the outflows on the near side of the LMC along 8 down-the-barrel sightlines within a projected radius of approximately 1.5 degrees from the 30-Doradus. Utilizing Hubble Space Telescope’s (HST) UV absorption-line data from the Ultraviolet Legacy Library of Young Stars as Essential Standards (ULLYSES) survey, along with 21-cm radio emissions data from Galactic Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (GASKAP) survey, we define the boundaries of the LMC’s disk. Additionally, we employ radio data from Parkes Galactic All-sky (GASS) Survey to estimate the H I column densities of the winds. Our Voigt profile fits to the UV absorption-line data reveal the presence of low-ion absorptions ranging from velocities as low as VLSR ~100 km/s to the disk boundary. Notably, we observe a direct association between gas in the velocity range 150 < VLSR (km/s) < (Disk Boundary) and the 30-Doradus region, as evidenced by the declining nature of column densities with increasing distance from the center. Our findings uncover predominantly ionized winds characterized by a multi-phase gas composition. Furthermore, observed ion ratios and photoionization modeling utilizing Cloudy indicate that up to 30% of refractory elements (Si, Fe) exist in the dust phase
Security and Privacy in E-Health Systems: A Review of AI and Machine Learning Techniques
No full textThe adoption of electronic health (e-health) systems has transformed healthcare delivery by harnessing digital technologies to enhance patient care, optimize operations, and improve health outcomes. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of e-health systems, tracing their evolution from traditional paper-based records to advanced Electronic Health Record Systems(EHRs) and examining the diverse components and applications that support healthcare providers and patients. A key focus is on the emerging trends in AI-driven cybersecurity for e-health, which are essential for protecting sensitive health data. AI’s capabilities in continuous monitoring, advanced pattern recognition, real-time threat response, predictive analytics, and scalability fundamentally change the security landscape of e-health systems. The paper discusses how AI strengthens data security through techniques like anomaly detection, automated countermeasures, and adaptive learning algorithms, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of threat detection and response. Furthermore, the paper delves into future directions and research opportunities in AI-driven cybersecurity for e-health. These include the development of advanced threat detection systems that adapt through continuous learning, quantum-resistant encryption to safeguard against future threats, and privacy-preserving AI techniques that protect patient confidentiality while ensuring data remains useful for analysis. The importance of automating regulatory compliance, securing data interoperability via blockchain, and prioritizing ethical AI development are also highlighted as critical research areas. By emphasizing innovative security solutions, collaborative efforts, ongoing research, and ethical practices, the e-health sector can build resilient and secure healthcare infrastructures, ultimately enhancing patient care and health outcomes
Impact of Screening on Mortality for Patients Diagnosed with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Safety-Net Healthcare System: An Opportunity for Addressing Disparities
No full textPurpose: We describe the impact of screening on outcomes of patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in an urban safety-net healthcare system compared to a non-screened cohort diagnosed with HCC. Methods: Patients diagnosed with HCC at John Peter Smith Health Network were identified by querying the hospital tumor registry and allocated to the screened cohort if they had undergone any liver imaging within one year prior to HCC diagnosis, while the remainder were allocated to the non-screened cohort. Kaplan�Meier methods and log-rank tests were used to compare 3-year survival curves from an index date of HCC diagnosis. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The Duffy adjustment was used to address lead-time bias. Results: A total of 158 patients were included (n = 53 screened, n = 105 non-screened). The median overall survival (OS) for the screened cohort was 19.0 months (95% CI: 9.9�NA) and that for the non-screened cohort was 5.4 months (95% CI: 3.7�8.5) [HR death (non-screened vs. screened) = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.6-3.6; log rank p < 0.0001]. The benefit of screening remained after adjusting for lead-time bias (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.4�3.3, p = 0.0002). Conclusions: In an urban safety-net population, screening for HCC was associated with improved outcomes compared to patients diagnosed with HCC outside of a screening protocol
In Vitro Modeling of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Lung-on-a-Chip Systems and Other 3D Cultures
No full textIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal disorder characterized by relentless progression of lung fibrosis that causes respiratory failure and early death. Currently, no curative treatments are available, and existing therapies include a limited selection of antifibrotic agents that only slow disease progression. The development of novel therapeutics has been hindered by a limited understanding of the disease's etiology and pathogenesis. A significant challenge in developing new treatments and understanding IPF is the lack of in vitro models that accurately replicate crucial microenvironments. In response, three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models have emerged as powerful tools for replicating organ-level microenvironments seen in vivo. This review summarizes the state of the art in advanced 3D lung models that mimic many physiological and pathological processes observed in IPF. We begin with a brief overview of conventional models, such as 2D cell cultures and animal models, and then explore more advanced 3D models, focusing on lung-on-a-chip systems. We discuss the current challenges and future research opportunities in this field, aiming to advance the understanding of the disease and the development of novel devices to assess the effectiveness of new IPF treatments
The influence of adverse events on emotion and emotion regulation as related to aggressive acts of youth in the legal system
No full textYouth in adolescence are prone to risky behaviors including unsafe sexual behaviors, risky driving, illicit drug use, increased acts of delinquency and criminal conduct. With hundreds of thousands of youth under the age of 18 being arrest annually and recidivism rates reaching up to 75%, understanding what mechanisms can reduce occurrences of delinquent behavior and recidivism among youth in the legal system (YLS) is vital. One possible mechanism for improving these outcomes is emotion regulation, which is influenced by emotion. However, as YLS are more likely to experience adverse events than the general population, it is necessary to understand how these events interact with emotion and emotion regulation. Utilizing data collected by a department of juvenile justice located in a southern state, the current study used a mixed method cross-section design to address the nuanced relationships among different forms of adverse event (i.e., abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction) and emotion (i.e., negative and positive affect), difficulties in emotion regulation, and aggressive acts. Bivariate correlations, linear regressions, mediation regressions, and serial mediation regression analyses were used to address four primary aims of the study, which examined the different relationships among the aforementioned concepts. Findings from the current study highlighted both similarities and important distinctions among different forms of adverse events in childhood and the associations to emotion, emotion regulation and assaults. Results showed that both childhood abuse and household dysfunction were linked to negative affect and difficulties in emotion regulation, as well as at least one type of assaults, while no significant relationships were found among neglect and other constructs. Furthermore, this study also provides initial descriptive insights into youths’ engagement in goal activation for emotion regulation processes, and how the youths’ knowledge of regulating strategies informs the quantitative results. Findings from this study expand current literature on emotion regulation and are informative for future research, as well as interventions focused on reducing aggressive acts as well as recidivism
Science, Art, and Christianity: Contribution to a Theology of Nature for our Time, 2nd edition
No full textThe title “Science, Art, and Christianity” implies that there is a unifying principle common to these widely separated fields. The content of this little book suggests that such a principle exists: synthesis. The philosophical purpose of science is to construct models of scientific reality that are moving ever closer to the Truth. Science has uncovered that Nature can self-construct through its historical (probabilistic) sequence of emergent events; novelty always emerges from integrating previously unified parts. In Art, whether in dance, music, or painting, composition arises from the unification of various steps, notes, colors, and shapes. The basic revelation of Christianity is that the Creator is Love. Therefore, He gives His creative Word away so that Creation can construct itself thanks to this Gift. The Word that the eternally existing God gives away is God, and therefore Trinitarian, One in the difference of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The fact that created existence emerges from syntheses, the unification of diversity into unity, can be seen as a trace of the Triune Word of God’s eternal “existence” in the ontological architecture of created existence. Please open this E-book with an EPUB reader
Detecting active sinkholes through combination of morphometric-cluster assessment and deformation precursors.
Get PDFSinkhole hazards pose considerable challenges in the west-central region of Texas. This study integrates multisource datasets and innovative techniques to detect early sinkhole development and identify the processes governing their formation. The techniques employed encompass feature extraction, cluster analysis, and deformation process monitoring. Potential sinkholes were initially mapped using high-resolution elevation data, and a circularity index (CI) threshold value of 0.85 was applied to filter out depressions with noncircular shapes. Subsequently, Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSInSAR) followed by the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic methods were used to identify statistically significant subsidence clusters with rates of <−2 mm/yr, indicating active sinkhole formation. The findings reveal the following: (1) surface deformation analysis revealed significant subsidence hotspots, particularly in areas underlain by units containing significant sequences of evaporites, which nominally belong to the Clear Fork Group and the Blaine Formation, compared with those dominated by carbonates; (2) potential sinkholes are undergoing displacement up to a rate of −11.31 mm/yr, and (3) extreme groundwater pumping of karst aquifers and the subsequent decline in groundwater levels are found to be the leading causes of the susceptibility of the region to sinkhole hazards. In such cases, the decline of the water table deprives the overlying bedrock of buoyant support provided by the groundwater in the cavity. The bedrock will undergo sagging subsidence under the influence of gravity and eventually form a sinkhole. Extensive oil and gas activity in the study area, including extreme withdrawal rates and the injection of fluids associated with the activity, are other potential causes of the observed sinkhole susceptibility in several parts of the study area. This study underscores the importance of understanding the geologic, hydrologic, and anthropogenic factors driving sinkhole hazards for effective mitigation strategies to protect public safety, infrastructure, and the environment
Tailoring Household Disaster Preparedness Interventions to Reduce Health Disparities: Nursing Implications from Machine Learning Importance Features from the 2018–2020 FEMA National Household Survey
No full textTailored disaster preparedness interventions may be more effective and equitable, yet little is known about specific factors associated with disaster household preparedness for older adults and/or those with African American/Black identities. This study aims to ascertain differences in the importance features of machine learning models of household disaster preparedness for four groups to inform culturally tailored intervention recommendations for nursing practice. A machine learning model was developed and tested by combining data from the 2018, 2019, and 2020 Federal Emergency Management Agency National Household Survey. The primary outcome variable was a composite readiness score. A total of 252 variables from 15,048 participants were included. Over 10% of the sample self-identified as African American/Black and 30.3% reported being 65 years of age or older. Importance features varied regarding financial and insurance preparedness, information seeking and transportation between groups. These results reiterate the need for targeted interventions to support financial resilience and equitable resource access. Notably, older adults with Black racial identities were the only group where TV, TV news, and the Weather Channel was a priority feature for household disaster preparedness. Additionally, reliance on public transportation was most important among older adults with Black racial identities, highlighting priority needs for equity in disaster preparedness and policy