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Evidence for the Keplerian orbit of a close companion around a giant star
No full textClose companions influence stellar evolution through tidal interactions, mass transfer, and mass loss effects. While such companions are detected around young stellar objects, main-sequence stars, red giants, and compact objects, direct observational evidence of close-in companions around asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars has remained elusive. Here, we present (sub)millimeter time-domain imaging spectroscopy revealing the Keplerian motion of a close-in companion around the AGB star pi1 Gruis. The companion, slightly more massive than the AGB star, is likely a main-sequence star. Unlike more evolved stars with companions at comparable distances, pi1 Gru's companion follows a circular orbit, suggesting an eccentricity-generating mechanism late- or post-AGB. Our analysis suggests that model-predicted circularization rates may be underestimated. Our results highlight the potential of multi-epoch (sub)millimeter interferometry in detecting the Keplerian motion of close companions to giant stars and open avenues for our understanding of tidal interaction physics and binary evolution
Group discussion insights on Distributed Ledger Technologies (Deliverable D3.3 of the Shaping the Metaverse (Phase II) project)
No full textESG investment among retail investors: a systematic literature review and future research agenda
No full textPurposeDespite firms increasingly using ESG disclosures to signal their sustainability practices, there is limited understanding of how retail investors–an increasingly influential group–engage with ESG information in investment decision-making. This study addresses this gap by systematically examining literature at the intersection of ESG investing and retail investor behaviour.Design/methodology/approachWe adopt a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology, screening 7,768 publications from 2004 to 2024. Detailed bibliometric and content analyses are conducted on 57 highly relevant studies, all published in journals rated 3* or above in the Academic Journal Guide.FindingsOur review identifies key factors shaping retail investors' ESG engagement: (1) activation and awareness driven by major ESG events and information searching, (2) attitudes shaped by the credibility and transparency of ESG data, influenced by assurance practices, (3) actions influenced by behavioural biases, nudging, and institutional constraints and (4) portfolio adjustments in response to ESG information updates. We propose revamping the 5 A model to incorporate retail investor heterogeneity and combined theories to examine their influence and triggers across each stage of the process.Originality/valueThis study presents the first SLR at the intersection of ESG investing and retail investor behaviour. We propose a novel classification based on issue focus (environmental, social, governance or integrated), revealing that retail investors typically treat ESG holistically. Key future research directions include cross-country and longitudinal analyses, applying machine learning to retail ESG data and further exploring how retail investors engage with different accounting-related ESG information, such as disclosures, sustainability reports, ratings and assurance.<br/
Novel tools for wave energy converter array representation in spectral wave models
No full textThis paper describes an experimental test campaign undertaken as part of the USI funded Control Co-Design of Heterogeneous Arrays of Wave Energy Converters in the Wide Wave Basin at Queen's Marine Laboratory.The overall aim of this project is the development and experimental validation of control strategies for arrays of wave energy converters of different size or shape. This paper focusses on the validation of the physical models and the experimental design, highlighting the levels of accuracy required to identify array interaction. Earlier studies have highlighted deficiencies in array optimization studies due to the spatial variation in wave height across the test facility and variations among individual WEC models build to the same specification. This campaign draws from earlier experience of similar tests and implements improvements to the drive trains, like double air bearings to minimise friction even during significant loading in surge direction and linear motors to provide versatile and programmable PTO modelling capability. Models will be build in identical pairs, such that each experiment can employ four WEC models with two different characteristics.Experiments will be repeated after swapping each identical pair of models to assess the effect of model variation. Array layouts will also be tested at different locations in the tank to asses wave climate homogeneity.Results will provide a clear understanding of the limitations for this type of experimental testing and inform future test campaigns, which are planned to trial novel control algorithms specifically developed for heterogeneous wave energy converter arrays
Human rights through the kaleidoscope: the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review
No full textThe Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the United Nations Human Rights Council has emerged as a distinct lens to view fulfilment of state obligations. It is one that has grown in prominence to now constitute a key part of observing human rights worldwide. However, thinking about the UPR as a lens has not yet been extensively undertaken. The present article illuminates this element of the mechanism’s identity, enhancing understanding of how the UPR’s lens works and the view that it offers. To do so, it looks to the concept of the kaleidoscope. The UPR demonstrates three components that map onto the kaleidoscope as an optical device: it produces a picture of human rights that is made up of many inter-connected elements; reflects these elements via mirrors that are built into the process; and generates an ever-changing picture that is capable of infinite variation. These components operate in a double-edged manner to pose potential challenges for viewing human rights as well as to offer utility. Ultimately, the article argues that sufficient grounds arise to justify the mechanism’s continued engagement as a lens, albeit this must be informed by more conscious conceptual foundations. Approached in this manner, the UPR offers a view through the kaleidoscope that brings human rights into focus in rich and textured ways
Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile in children and adolescents in the community in Cambodia
No full textClostridioides (Clostridium) difficile transmission between community and healthcare settings has been increasingly reported. We aimed to identify the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of C. difficile colonising adolescents and non-hospitalised children in Cambodia. Stool samples were collected from 266 students at the University of Health Sciences (UHS) in Phnom Penh, between July and August 2022, and 246 children ≥1 year old visiting the outpatient department (OPD) at Angkor Hospital for Children in Siem Reap, between January and August 2022. C. difficile culture, toxin gene detection and PCR ribotyping were performed. Overall, C. difficile was recovered from 07/266 specimens (2.6 %) from UHS students and 59/246 specimens (23.9 %) from OPD children. The overall prevalence of C. difficile in children peaked in April, and of toxigenic strains peaked in August. Children with loose stools were less likely to be colonised by C. difficile (COR = 0.05, 95 %CI: 0.008-0.32) than children with normal stools. UHS students were colonised only by toxigenic C. difficile. Of the 66 isolates, 36 % (24/66) were toxigenic: C. difficile ribotype (RT) 017 was the most predominant, followed by RTs 012, 046, 056, QX709, 001, 014/020 and QX710. Non-toxigenic strains accounted for 35 RTs including 32 novel RTs that had not been isolated previously. The findings of only toxigenic strains in adolescents and the high prevalence of C. difficile in OPD children suggest exposure to C. difficile within the community; thus, appropriate interventions may be needed. Genotypic identification of diverse C. difficile is important for molecular epidemiological purposes
Systematic evaluation of lower urinary tract sensations to improve management of LUTS: ICI-RS 2024
No full textAimsLower urinary tract (LUT) sensations form an essential part of diagnostic criteria for many LUT symptoms, additionally LUT sensations are used to evaluate the effectivity of therapeutic interventions. The accurate measurement of LUT sensations, however, is severely hampered by the subjective nature of these sensations.MethodsThis paper summarizes the discussions from the 2024 meeting of the International Consultation for Incontinence-Research Society (ICI-RS 2024) regarding systematic evaluations of LUT sensations and the design of more objective tools to measure these.ResultsHere, we discuss factors that influence sensations that are under the control of the caregiver/investigator, the signaling of sensations from the LUT toward the central nervous system, and currently used diagnostic tools to measure LUT sensations. Recent methodological advances to objectively measure factors that correspond with changes in LUT sensations are introduced along with recommendations for future research to optimally enable objective assessment of processes underlying LUT sensations.ConclusionsAdvancing the objective measurement of LUT sensations will require interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating insights from neuroscience, engineering, and clinical practice. Such efforts hold the potential to transform patient care by enabling more precise diagnostics and personalized therapeutic strategies
The role of WNT5a and TGF-β1 in airway remodelling and severe asthma
No full textBackground: Airway remodelling is a feature of severe asthma with airway epithelial damage observed frequently. We evaluated the role of WNT5a and TGF‐β1 in asthmatic airway biopsies and in sputum and bronchial brushings assessed their role in remodelling. Methods: WNT5a and TGF‐β1 protein expression were assessed in the lamina propria epithelium of people with asthma (GINA 1–3, n‐8 and GINA 4–5, n‐14) and healthy subjects (n‐9), alongside relevant remodelling markers. The effects of WNT5a and TGF‐β1 on BEAS‐2B epithelial cell wound healing and differentiation were assessed in vitro. Replication was performed in the Unbiased Biomarkers for the Prediction of Respiratory Disease Outcomes (U‐BIOPRED) study in sputum (n = 120) and bronchial brushes (n = 147). Results: WNT5a and TGF‐β1 protein expression were significantly increased in the airway epithelium and lamina propria in asthma patients with concurrent airflow limitation or severe disease. Furthermore, WNT5a protein expression in the lamina propria correlated with tissue eosinophils and vascular remodelling. Airway epithelial WNT5a was co‐localised predominantly to airway basal cells and correlated with Th17 gene expression (r = 0.40, p = 0.025) and both the % intact (rs = 0.54, p = 0.001) and % denuded epithelium (rs = −0.39, p = 0.003). Experiments in BEAS‐2B cells confirmed that WNT5a at maximal physiological concentrations (1 μg/mL), promoted epithelial wound healing, independently of TGF‐β1, as well as induction of EMT‐like morphology. WNT5a mRNA was associated with severe asthma, airflow limitation, sputum eosinophilia and Th2, and Th17 and neutrophil activation transcriptomes in sputum in U‐BIOPRED.ConclusionWNT5a is associated with both airway remodelling and severe asthma.T rial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT0198216
