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A novel LC-MS/MS multi-group method for simultaneous determination of antimicrobial residues in legume-based alternative proteins
No full textA novel liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous analysis of three different classes of veterinary drugs-antibiotics, antifungals, and antiparasitics-in legume-based alternative protein samples, e.g. beans, peas, and nuts. The sample preparation process utilized a modified dilute-and-shoot (DnS) technique, achieving recoveries ranging from 72.08 to 108.11% for 18 of the 26 target analytes. The method demonstrated excellent repeatability (n = 12) with relative standard deviations (RSD) between 1.39 and 9.26%, and intermediate precision (over three days, n = 18) ranging from 5.76 to 19.94%. Limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.04 to 15.64 ng.g and 0.10 and 47.40 ng.g , respectively, with good linearity. The optimized method was applied to 97 legume samples (primary and processed products) originating from domestic and international markets. Occurrence analysis revealed that all analytes monitored were below the detection limits, suggesting that antimicrobial contamination in legumes-based alternative protein products is low within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region
Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months postpartum: a prospective mixed-method cohort study
No full textBackgroundExclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates at 6 months postpartum remain low globally and in Hong Kong. This prospective mixed-method study examined the barriers to and facilitators of sustaining EBF until 6 months postpartum.MethodsNine hundred forty-two pregnant women completed baseline and at least one of the five follow-up surveys: immediate (<7 days) (T1), 1 month (T2), 2 months (T3), 4 months (T4), and 6 months postpartum (T5). The response rates were 81.0% (T1), 69.9% (T2), 67.3% (T3), 65.8% (T4) and 81.4% (T5). Eighteen participants and 6 partners participated in either individual or focus group interviews at 6 months postpartum.ResultsThe quantitative study found that mothers who worked full-time, had attained lower levels of education, lacked breastfeeding experience, and had caesarean sections were less likely to practise EBF at 6 months postpartum. In contrast, mother-in-law’s breastfeeding experience, higher breastfeeding intention and better breastfeeding knowledge were positively associated with EBF at 6 months postpartum. Qualitative data identified perceived insufficient breast milk and returning to work as the main barriers, while support from family was the key facilitator.ConclusionsIn addition to education and support for mothers, in order to sustain EBF, it is crucial to engage with family members and for workplaces to create more conducive environments.ImpactThis large-scale mixed methods cohort study describes mothers’ feeding practices and perspectives from the immediate postpartum period until 6 months.Factors associated with EBF at 6 months included (1) mother and infant attributes, (2) workplace and employment, (3) family and community, and (4) health systems and services.Policies and strategies extending to family members, workplace and health system will create a more conducive environment for sustaining EBF.<br/
Superluminous supernovae: diverse rise times explain diverse spectra
No full textType I superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) are a diverse class of exceptionally bright massive star explosions, which typically exhibit absorption from ionised oxygen in their early spectra. While their photometric properties (luminosity and duration) both span an order of magnitude, population studies suggest that these distributions are continuous. However, spectroscopic samples have shown some indications of distinct sub-types, either through similarity to certain prototype objects, or in terms of their velocity evolution. Here we show that a well-observed SLSN, PTF12dam, completely changes its O II absorption profile as it rises to maximum light, moving from one proposed sub-type to another. This supports an interpretation where spectroscopic diversity is driven by the ejecta temperature at maximum light, rather than fundamental differences in the explosion or progenitor. Motivated by this, we develop a new diagnostic, the Brightness-Timescale-Temperature-Radius diagram, and a simple toy model for the evolution of the photospheric velocity, to show that diversity in the light curve rise time (likely due to differences in ejected mass) naturally explains why SLSNe with broader light curves generally have weaker O II lines, lower photospheric velocities after maximum, and slower changes in photospheric velocity over time. We show that the velocity distribution of the known SLSN population favours a relatively flat ejecta density profile, consistent with a hot bubble inflated by a central engine
Frequency-constrained dispatch for integrated power and transportation system considering frequency response from EV charging stations
No full textThe increasing penetration of renewable energy threatens frequency security in future power systems, while electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) can provide flexible and fast frequency response (FR). This paper develops a frequency-constrained dispatch scheme for the integrated power–transportation system (IPTS) considering FR from EVCSs to co-optimize unit commitment, generation dispatch, FR, and traffic routing. The IPTS dispatch model incorporates the constraints of the power system, transportation system, and EVCSs, and assesses the impacts of EVCS-provided FR on both systems. To address the model’s nonconvexities, tailored model reformulation methods are designed to transform the original model into a mixed-integer second-order cone programming (MISOCP) form. Case studies on two test systems show that the proposed scheme maintains frequency security while reducing operating cost and carbon emissions
Joint deployment and routing for hybrid AI services and microservices in edge via deep reinforcement learning
No full textThe big data era has accelerated the development of artificial intelligence (AI). The Model-as-a-Service (MaaS) paradigm has been used to address the substantial challenges associated with the organization and development of AI services. However, the successful delivery of complete AI applications is contingent upon the robust collaboration between microservice architectures and AI services. In this case, hybrid orchestration of AI services and microservices is highly necessary, but it still brings challenges. Furthermore, due to the heterogeneity of servers, resource competition, and multi-instance, the difficulty of hybrid orchestration modeling is enlarged. When considering intricate service dependencies among AI services and microservices, the tight coupling of deployment and routing leads to complex joint optimization problems, vastly aggravating the pressure of hybrid orchestration. Nonetheless, extant literature largely failed to address the intricate competitive and collaborative relationships between AI services and microservices, and fine-grained latency analysis with multi-instance modeling in hybrid orchestration problem. Therefore, we study joint deployment and routing for hybrid AI services and microservices in heterogeneous edge. Firstly, we conduct a precise analysis of latency and energy consumption, based on queuing networks and multi-instance models. Secondly, we propose a reinforcement learning method based on potential functions and segmented rewards (PS_SAC) to optimize end-to-end latency and system energy consumption, achieving efficient hybrid orchestration. Finally, through extensive simulation experiments, the algorithm demonstrates significant advantages in reducing latency, improving resource utilization, and lowering system energy consumption
A famous rhizoma dioscoreae herbal formula (Wubi Shanyao pill) delays renal aging in natural aging mice
No full textBackground Renal aging is particularly important in systemic organ injuries caused by aging, characterized by the accumulation of p53 and the consequent cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Wubi Shanyao pills (WBSY), a classic formula based on traditional Chinese medicine theory, have been widely used to treat patients with spleen-kidney deficiency for centuries. In this study, we investigated the retarding effect of WBSY on kidney natural aging process and its possible molecular mechanisms. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of WBSY in delaying the natural aging process of kidneys and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms involving the p53 signaling pathway. Methods We treated the natural aging BALB/c mice by intragastrical administration of WBSY (0.375, 0.75 and 1.5 g/kg/d) for 10 weeks and investigated the effect of WBSY on aging symptoms and renal function. In addition, the detection of senescence and injure in mouse kidneys via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), immunofluorescence (IF), senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Finally, by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and western blotting (WB), we examined the expression levels of senescence-associated biomarkers and p53 signaling pathways (including the cell cycle and apoptosis pathways) in the kidneys of mice. Results The findings showed that treatment of WBSY significantly improved the aging-induced physiological changes and renal injury in aging mice. Meanwhile, WBSY treatment delayed telomere shortening as well as down regulated the positive expression of β-galactosidase, phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX), p16 and p19 in the kidney tissues. Furthermore, mechanistic investigations revealed that WBSY treatment reduced p53 expression at both the transcriptional and translational levels, thereby down-regulating its downstream p21, Bcl-2 associated X (Bax) and Caspase-3 expression, while up-regulating cyclin dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), retinoblastoma (Rb) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) expression. Conclusion Taken together, WBSY inhibited factors related to aging, cell cycle and apoptosis, and ameliorated kidney aging in naturally aged mice
“I wasn’t prepared for that”: UK social worker experiences of training in and knowledge of acquired brain injury
No full textSummaryAcquired brain injury is a major cause of death and disability. Due to the impact of acquired brain injury on an individual's and a family's functioning, social workers are likely to encounter individuals and families affected by the condition. This study aimed to (1) identify the existing level of knowledge and skills of social workers in working with individuals with acquired brain injury and their families and (2) examine the training needs of social workers to improve their knowledge and skills in working with those with acquired brain injury. A series of semi-structured interviews with newly qualified social workers (six), brain injury specialist social workers (nine), team leaders (two), and commissioners (three) were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis.FindingsThe data highlighted that social workers in England and Wales have no formal training around acquired brain injury but felt there was a need for different levels of training and guidance for social workers. Participants also discussed the need for better integration with health care and a greater focus on relational working to enact positive change for individuals and families.ApplicationsSocial work training should be embedded within prequalification training with additional postqualification training where appropriate. Work and training within social work should take an interdisciplinary approach. The authors have taken the data to develop a freely available online training program for social workers
Network-orchestrated security protocol for the Internet of Drones in O-RAN
No full textThe rapid evolution of open radio access network (O-RAN) technology has produced many innovations and increased adoption of drones across various industries, including delivery systems, search and rescue, and surveillance. However, as the adoption of drones becomes more widespread, there is an increased likelihood of security breaches, which can be disastrous, particularly in disaggregated scenarios. Compromised communication channels can make drone communications vulnerable to attacks by an adversary, leading to sensitive data leaks or disruption of services. This paper examines the current approaches to solve this problem and their associated drawbacks, such as requiring computationally expensive cryptographic operations unsuitable for resource-constraint drones. Following this, an efficient and secure scheme is proposed that employs chameleon hash functions to enable mutual authentication and key agreement between user and drone that allows access to real-time information. To demonstrate the protocol’s resilience against known security attacks, both an informal and formal analysis utilising Tamarin have been presented. A proof of concept has been implemented to display the feasibility of the solution along with a comparison to the state-of-the-art approaches.<br/