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Uniform, circular, and shallow enamel pitting in hominins: Prevalence, morphological associations, and potential taxonomic significance.
Get PDFThis study explores a particular form of enamel pitting originally identified in Paranthropus robustus. We call this uniform, circular, and shallow (UCS) pitting to distinguish it from more irregular and nonuniform defects often associated with enamel hypoplasia. We pose the hypothesis that UCS pitting is unique to the genus Paranthropus. We test this by investigating hominin dental remains from the ca. 3.4 Ma to ca. 1.1 Ma fossiliferous sequence at Omo, Ethiopia (n = 76) to look for evidence of UCS pitting in an assemblage that includes at least three hominin genera (Australopithecus, Paranthropus, and Homo). We also examine the correlation between UCS pitting, tooth size, enamel thickness, and cusp proportions in samples from both eastern Africa (Omo) and southern Africa (Drimolen Main Quarry ∼2.04-1.95 Ma, Swartkrans ∼1.9-1.4 Ma, and Kromdraai ∼1.95-1.78 Ma). In the Omo specimens, we found UCS pitting similar to that seen in P. robustus. While we observed this pitting on five of 24 permanent teeth and two deciduous molars from both Paranthropus aethiopicus and Paranthropus boisei, we also identified UCS pitting on five of 13 non-Paranthropus hominin permanent posterior teeth from Member B (∼3.0 Ma). Our correlation studies yielded no association between the presence of UCS pitting and variation in tooth size, enamel thickness, or cusp proportions. The consistent appearance and characteristics of UCS pitting suggest a shared etiology. Our findings also suggest that UCS pitting may result from a genetic effect related to enamel formation, potentially in association with specific environmental or dietary factors
Conservation priorities in Central Asia: the Shorsuv Massif IPA and its role in the Fergana Valley’s biodiversity
Get PDFIntroduction: The Fergana Valley (FV), a hotspot of endemicity and one of the most densely populated regions in Central Asia, faces increasing anthropogenic pressure.
Methods: In this study, geospatial conservation assessment and grid-based mapping of wild flora were integrated with traditional IPA identification methods recommended by Plantlife, resulting in a significant enhancement of the standard IPA approach.
Results: The Shorsuv Massif and its surrounding areas were identified as an IPA, meeting Criteria A and C of the IPA criterion developed by Plantlife. Given the unique biodiversity of the FV, the lack of IUCN Category I protected areas in the Uzbek part, and the increasing pressure of human activities, documentation and conservation of the plant diversity according to Plantlife criteria is of global importance. As a continuation of research in this direction, this paper details the identification of a third IPA in FV, located in the variegated outcrops of the Turkestan Range in the southwest of FV. Detailed field surveys and grid mapping documented 349 vascular plant species, including 42 threatened species under Criterion A of Plantlife International. However, the site and its surroundings are critically threatened by large-scale mining activities (Criterion C).
Conclusions: The first results of this study and their discussion with authorized representatives provides crucial data for informing the government’s decision to establish a new protected area in the FV. According to Decree No. PP-171 of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, dated 31 May 2023, a national park will be created, encompassing 100,000 hectares, including the Shorsuv IPA site and adjacent areas. This initiative also supports global conservation targets outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC)
Decentralized static output feedback sliding mode control for a class of nonlinear interconnected systems
No full textIn this paper, a class of nonlinear interconnected systems is considered, where the nominal isolated systems are allowed to have unmodeled dynamics. A decentralized sliding mode control based on static output feedback is designed. A composite sliding surface, which is a function of the system output variables, is proposed and the stability of the corresponding sliding mode dynamics is analysed. A new reachability condition is developed such that the proposed decentralized sliding mode control can drive the system states to the sliding surface in finite time and maintain a sliding motion thereafter. Both uncertainties and interconnections are allowed to be unmatched and have more general forms. A power system example is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method
The Advent of PhyloCode: The Continuing Evolution of Biological Nomenclature. By Michel Laurin. 2024. CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, Boca Raton. 209 pp.
Get PDFSystem states and disturbance estimation using adaptive integral terminal sliding mode observer for U‐Tube steam generator model in nuclear power plant
Get PDFDesigning water level control for a U‐tube steam generator (UTSG) in nuclear power plants (NPP) remains a challenge, especially at low power demand due to unreliable steam flow measurements. This paper addresses the steam flow rate as a disturbance to the plant, treating it as an inaccessible variable. To estimate the disturbance (steam flow rate) and system states, an adaptive integral terminal sliding mode observer is developed. These estimated values can be utilized in the water level control design to enhance the reliability and performance of the control system. An adaptive observer is developed such that the augmented systems formed by the error dynamical systems and the designed adaptive laws are globally uniformly ultimately bounded. This technique is applied to a non‐minimum phase system model representing the UTSG system to improve water level control and prevent possible serious consequences. Various disturbance signal forms with different amplitudes are simulated to demonstrate the reliability of the proposed technique. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the method proposed in this paper
Performance of community health volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic: assessing the enablers and challenges in Machakos County, Kenya
Get PDFThis study explored the enablers and challenges influencing the performance of community health volunteers (CHVs) in Machakos County, Kenya, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare systems globally, with particularly severe impacts in developing countries. Community health workers (CHWs) played a critical role in crisis communication, community engagement, case detection, referrals, and maintaining care continuity. However, limited evidence exists on the factors enabling and hindering their performance during the pandemic. This study employed a convergent mixed-methods design, integrating focus group discussions (FGDs), in-depth interviews (IDIs), and structured data extraction from the Kenya Health Information System (KHIS). Analysis of the data was guided by Agarwal et al.'s conceptual framework for measuring community health workforce performance with the quantitative data being analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data being analyzed through thematic analysis. CHVs effectively disseminated COVID-19 information, addressed vaccine hesitancy, and mobilized communities, supported by training, supervision, and community recognition. Their efforts led to significant improvements in healthcare services, including increased household visits, immunizations, and maternal health referrals. Despite their contributions, CHVs faced challenges such as delayed stipends, limited resources, and occasional community stigma, which hindered performance. Social support networks, community appreciation, and priority healthcare access emerged as key enablers, fostering resilience and motivation. Improved reporting mechanisms also highlighted CHVs' expanded roles during the pandemic. This study underscores the critical role of CHVs in sustaining healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite facing financial, logistical, and social barriers. Their resilience and adaptability led to significant improvements in key health services, supported by effective supervision and training. Strengthening systemic support, integrating CHVs into long-term strategies, and enhancing community recognition are essential to maximize their impact in future health challenges
Staff feedback within an acute mental health hospital: a qualitative interview study
Get PDFIntroduction: Bringing about lasting improvements and change to staff practice in mental health (MH) hospitals is urgently needed but difficult to achieve and maintain. Feedback is a common factor supporting interventions to improve MH practice but does not occur within a tabula rasa.
Method: This study explored the existing feedback experiences of 11 staff and managers working in a MH hospital using semi-structured interviews.
Results: Four main themes with sub-themes emerged: Structure and feedback mechanisms varied by role and profession, feedbacks were either formal and procedural or informal during interactive flows, feedback focus and mechanisms differ along professional lines, and feedback can be individualized to roles and personal factors. The overall feedback environment was shown to be complex.
Discussion: Overall organizational feedback interventions may not be effective, and applying the “two systems of thinking” and “teachable moments” ideas to current formal and informal feedbacks may support more effective feedback. Existing formal and informal feedback mechanisms and focus have strengths and weaknesses which can be used to improve care once these have been carefully assessed.
Conclusions: Using concepts such as systems of thinking and teachable moments for linking formal structured and informal “in the moment” feedbacks may present useful approaches to improving professional feedback within MH services
Minimising the impact of infectious outbreaks on resident quality of life: A qualitative proof of concept study using the Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit (ASCOT)
Get PDFIntroduction: Infection control measures (ICMs) used to mitigate the effects of infectious outbreaks in care homes impact on resident quality of life (QoL). This qualitative proof-of-concept study explored whether the Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit (ASCOT) could feasibly support care home staff in recognising and minimising these impacts. Methods: There were two phases involving online interviews with six care home managers/deputies from five homes who had managed notifiable outbreak(s) in the previous six months in two regions of England. Phase 1, using an incident analysis approach, explored the impact of outbreaks and ICMs on resident QoL, mapping data to the eight ASCOT domains. Phase 2 assessed the usefulness of using ASCOT to identify, monitor and minimise impacts on resident QoL during infectious outbreaks. Follow-up interviews were conducted with four care homes from phase 1 and six healthcare professionals with ICM responsibilities. Online interviews were analysed using framework analysis. Findings: Phase 1: three types of outbreaks (COVID-19, norovirus, chest infections) were discussed. All were managed using standard ICMs: isolation, increased cleaning, and staff wearing personal protection equipment. The impacts of these measures on resident QoL were described. Phase 2: two overarching themes identified: (i) ICMs as a personal cost for the greater good and (ii) the potential of ASCOT in minimising impacts of infectious outbreaks on resident QoL as a tool to support care planning and mitigating impacts. Conclusion: ASCOT can support planning to mitigate the effects of ICMs for infectious outbreaks on resident QoL
Does Adjuvant Metformin Reduce Olanzapine‐Induced Metabolic Adverse Effects in Patients Diagnosed With Schizophrenia
Get PDFBackground: Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic used in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. In comparison to conventional antipsychotics, it demonstrates superiority in binding to serotonin 5HT-2A than to dopamine D2 receptors, thus presenting as an alternative in having lower extrapyramidal side effects. However, over time, it has become clear that olanzapine carries other prominent adverse effects associated with its use. These relate to the endocrine system and include body weight gain, increased adiposity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidaemia, all of which contribute to metabolic syndrome. Several studies included in this review involved patients with these broader psychiatric diagnoses, not only schizophrenia. This systematic review, therefore, assesses the evidence for the effectiveness of utilizing adjuvant metformin to reduce olanzapine-induced metabolic adverse effects across these populations.
Methods: Due to the heterogeneity in available data, this systematic review was conducted via a narrative synthesis method. Initially, the search question was formulated utilizing the PICO tool, then a rigorous search strategy was applied to four search engines. Utilizing the PRISMA flow diagram for visualization of the flow of articles, the initial search revealed a total of 71 articles, whereby strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, revealing the final six articles included in the review. Detailed analysis of the articles allowed key themes and outcomes to be drawn upon, including body weight/BMI, waist circumference, glucose/insulin level changes, and lipid profile. This allowed key data to be grouped and narratively analyzed, resulting in the confident formulation of conclusions regarding the ability of metformin to reduce the metabolic adverse effects of olanzapine.
Results: Through this review, adjunctive metformin was shown to play a role in reducing metabolic adverse effects associated with olanzapine. Most notably, its positive effect in reducing weight gain/BMI, triglycerides, liver fat content, and insulin resistance—all of which contribute to metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, the addition of metformin was shown to have no impact on waist circumference and certain lipid parameters such as LDL and total cholesterol, warranting further research. However, employing this evidence in the production of guidelines to benefit patients with schizophrenia remains a challenge due to the lack of evidence in the form of randomized controlled trials surrounding the dose-dependent effects, as well as age and gender differences of metformin on olanzapine therapy.
Conclusion: Metformin addition to olanzapine therapy showed variable effects on some metabolic parameters such as waist circumference and certain lipid parameters. However, it did show consistent effects in managing body weight/BMI, insulin resistance, triglycerides, and liver fat content. This conforms to previous but limited evidence surrounding the use of metformin in reducing metabolic adverse effects of olanzapine therapy. Based on evidence gaps, this review also proposes areas of additional research and offers recommendations, including the use of longer RCTs, larger demographics to determine if the data can be extrapolated to a wider population, and the use of varying doses to ascertain the dose-dependent effects of metformin in alleviating metabolic adverse effects associated with olanzapine therapy
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