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Accelerating Shortest Path Counting on Road Networks
No full textCounting the number of shortest paths between two query vertices on road networks has a wide range of applications and has recently drawn significant research attention. The state-of-the-art solution builds a tree-based index using the concept of tree decomposition. However, its performance deteriorates when the tree decomposition results in an unbalanced tree and may not perform well when the query vertices are close to each other. This paper aims to improve the efficiency of shortest path counting. We propose a novel indexing scheme that combines hub labeling with a balanced tree hierarchy. This approach significantly reduces the number of visited labels compared to the state-of-the-art solution. Furthermore, we introduce several optimizations to enhance the efficiency of index construction and minimize its size. Extensive experiments conducted on real-world road networks demonstrate that our method achieves up to 4.1 times higher query efficiency and reduces the index size by a factor of 2.35 compared to the state-of-the-art solution
Academic community pharmacy: a pilot Delphi study aimed at establishing a future common definition at the international level.
Get PDFINTRODUCTION: The Granada statements promote the consistent use of appropriate terminology in pharmacy practice research. This pilot study aims to define the term Academic Community Pharmacy (ACP), providing a foundation for a forthcoming international study aimed at establishing a globally accepted definition. METHODOLOGY: A Delphi study was conducted in 2023 among academic entities from all five Swiss universities involved in pharmacy practice research and education. The first definition comprised four kex elements: place of practice, clinical and academic activities and links with universities. Anonymous survey rounds were conducted where panellists assessed agreement with and clarity of the statements using a Likert scale. Additionally, free comments and proposals for changes were allowed. Consensus for each statement was defined as ≥66 % agreement. RESULTS: The panel consisted of nine members. Two Delphi rounds were needed to reach consensus for the final definition: "An ACP is a facility providing professional pharmacy services (according to a commonly accepted definition in the location of the considered ACP) to the community, conducting research and education on such services, and that has formal links (e.g., financial or contractual) with a university". CONCLUSION: Establishing a clear and consistent definition of ACPs will support their characterization and further development
Negative Air Ions Dynamics in Green Walls: Assessing Plant and Environmental Contributions
No full textNegative Air Ions (NAIs) refer to a group of negatively charged molecules or ions in the air, which have been found to offer numerous physical and psychological benefits. These include improving sleep quality, supporting cardiovascular and respiratory health, and alleviating chronic depression. NAIs also play a critical role in air quality improvement, particularly their effectiveness in reducing airborne particulate matter (PM). Among the known sources of NAIs, water shearing and plant-released oxygen-based ions exhibit significant potential for further exploration. However, research on plant-generated NAIs, as well as the factors influencing their production, remains insufficient, especially in indoor environments. The interplay between NAIs and plants in improving indoor air quality represents a key research gap. Active green walls, which integrate mechanical ventilation with traditional plant walls, represent an emerging green infrastructure whose NAI production and contributions are yet to be fully understood. This study explored the NAI production capacities of various plant species under different environmental conditions. Around 30 indoor and outdoor plant species were evaluated, emphasizing their biological structures and NAI production potential. Passive and active green walls were also examined under varying light, temperature, and humidity conditions to identify differences in their NAI output. This study aimed to clarify the principles underlying NAI variations across plant species while quantifying the influence of environmental factors and their correlations with NAI production
Australia’s Federal Sustainable Construction Policies: A 2023 Innovation Review
No full textThe infrastructure construction industry accounts for approximately 40% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (World Green Building Council in Bringing embodied carbon upfront, 2019) and 30–40% of landfill (Kabirifar et al. in J Clean Prod 263:121265, 2020; Lopez et al. in J Clean Prod 248:119238, 2020). This poses substantial challenges and opportunities for sustainable infrastructure development. This study analyses Australia’s Federal Government policies, which aim to reduce embodied carbon and waste generation in the infrastructure construction industry, and more specifically, the Federal Government’s ability to outline and provide specific guidelines on innovation adoption. The background of this research stems from the urgent need to mitigate the environmental impact of the infrastructure construction industry. The research methodology comprises a systematic review of Federal Policy artefacts, legislative frameworks, and relevant academic literature. Data collected from multiple sources was synthesised and analysed to gauge the presence or absence of specific innovation references in Federal Australian policies. The review revealed the need for Federal Policy to outline iterative innovation requirements for the infrastructure construction industry. The results of this desktop study serve as a baseline guide for the need to formulate future policies and initiatives that support the reduction of embodied carbon and waste generation. This paper acknowledges the limits of employing a broad-brush approach and emphasises the necessity for conducting more nuanced research that centres on state-level initiatives to focus on investigating the congruence between policies at the state level and broader national and international commitments
Mental Fatigue and Physical Function of Older People: A Scoping Review.
No full textBackground: Mental fatigue is a common complaint of older adults. The possible impact of mental fatigue on the physical function of older people is concerning since physical function losses are associated with more visits to medical centres and higher medical expenses. The review examined studies that investigated the effects of mental fatigue on the physical function of older people. We searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Methods: The review tracked the state of studies through the categorisation of studies by features, a tabular summary of study characteristics, and risk of bias analysis. Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Publications on the effects of mental fatigue in the older adult's population are relatively scarce. Results: The most common combined method to induce mental fatigue was mental maths and quiet sitting, but when analysing experimental and control conditions separately, the most common methods were laboratory-based tasks for induction with low ecological validity and the use of a movie, documentary or reading as a control condition. The review suggested the lack of experimental research design. Most studies were interested in understanding the differences in mental fatigue effects between age groups of healthy participants. Conclusion: Overall, older people display greater force fluctuations. Studies have mainly examined balance and muscle function using low ecological fatigue induction and a combination of subjective and objective measures for manipulation checks. Chronic conditions are underrepresented. The existing evidence calls for more rigorous research to inform healthcare decisions
Phylogenomic Sequence Analysis of Xanthomonas citri Pathovars anacardii and mangiferaeindicae Reveals a Diversity of Pathogenicity Factors
No full textXanthomonas citri comprises phytopathogenic pathovars that can cause disease in mangoes and cashews. X. citri pv. mangiferaeindicae (Xcm) causes mango bacterial black spot and X. citri pv. anacardii (Xca) causes cashew bacterial black spot. Currently, there are a limited number of complete genomes available for these pathovars, hindering pathogenicity studies. Here, we collected 53 isolates of Xcm and Xca from mango hosts and generated 50 Xcm (18 complete and 32 scaffold level) and three complete non-pigmented Xca genome assemblies using Illumina and Nanopore sequencing. We used comparative genomics to identify virulence-associated genes of both pathovars and found that transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs), which aid in host-plant infection, were present in complete and circularised assemblies of Xcm. One to three plasmids were identified amongst the complete Xcm assemblies, while no plasmids were observed in Xca. Analysis of complete and circularised genomes revealed the presence of 14 TALE classes either in chromosome or plasmid positions. Amongst them, only the TalKC class was shared across all strains. Although no plasmid was found in Xca, the TalKS class genes were found in the bacterial chromosome. Virulence-associated genes varied at the interspecies level, with Xca and Xcm shown to have distinct sets of type III effectors. We observed that xopB, xopAG2 and xopAM were present in all Xca strains but absent in Xcm. In contrast, xopAW was present in all Xcm but absent in Xca. Further functional investigation of these genes could reveal those that play a critical role in pathogenicity and/or host specificity
Brick by brick, shell by shell: (Bio)material practices for regeneration, repair and resilience
No full textThis chapter examines the emergence of biodesign as a transdisciplinary field responding to pressing environmental challenges, including the climate crisis, resource scarcity, and the degradation of biodiversity. Specifically, it investigates the potential for creative practices that move beyond exploitative industrial systems rooted in fossil fuel dependency. Central to the chapter is an exploration of other forms of growth and (bio)material practices that promote regenerative and reparative approaches, positioning living organisms – algae, fungi, and oysters – as active collaborators within design processes.
Drawing on the work of Australian artists and designers Jessie French, Alia Parker and Megan Cope, the chapter highlights alternative methods of designing with other living organisms that resist the extractive legacies of colonialism. It attempts to critique the often oversimplified “designing with biology” narrative, revealing how these are often co-opted to serve corporate economic interests and perpetuate exploitative forms of bioprospecting. Through the practices of French, Parker and Cope, this chapter advocates for a decoupling of growth from scale and argues that there are relational, respectful and reciprocal ways of designing with and for other species. By foregrounding (bio)material practices rooted in care, reparative intention and respect for Country, this chapter illustrates the potential of biodesign to support ecological transitions, envisioning and enabling more-than-human futures for our planet
Feasibility of a Randomised Clinical Trial Comparing 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate and Folic Acid Prenatal Multivitamins in Couples with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Get PDFTo assess the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial comparing 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) and folic acid (FA) in couples with RPL. Pregnancy loss affects up to 15% of pregnancies, with over half of cases remaining unexplained. Emerging evidence suggests that folate metabolism, particularly in individuals carrying methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms such as C677T and A1298C variants, may influence reproductive outcomes. A double-blind, RCT feasibility trial was conducted in Australia with 22 reproductive dyads randomised to receive either 5-MTHF or FA prenatal multivitamins. Participants adhered to dietary restrictions, abstained from conception for two cycles, and completed regular assessments. Primary outcomes included feasibility, adherence, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy based on biochemical markers and pregnancy outcomes. The trial demonstrated high acceptability (86% in arm A (MTHF-A) and 94% in arm B (FA-B)) and adherence rates for supplement use over 78% in each arm. Unmetabolised folic acid concentration decreased in the 5-MTHF group but rose significantly in the FA group. A critical finding was the degradation of 5-MTHF in retained samples, highlighting formulation instability as a confounder. A fully online RCT comparing 5-MTHF and FA is feasible. Future trials should address formulation stability and expand sample size to evaluate clinical efficacy and personalised folate strategies
Likelihood of Primary Cesarean Section Following Induction of Labor in Singleton Cephalic Pregnancies at Term, Compared With Expectant Management: An Australian Population-Based, Historical Cohort Study
No full text( Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand . 2024;103:946–954. doi:10.1111/aogs.14785) In high-income countries, there has been a clear trend toward earlier deliveries and a rise in the use of labor induction (IOL) and cesarean deliveries (CD) for women with term pregnancies. From 1990 to 2018, the average CD rate in high-income settings increased from 12% to 27% and is expected to reach 37% by 2030. Likewise, the rate of IOL rose from 20% in 1990 to 30% in 2019. Subsequently, the average length of pregnancy at delivery has dropped in the United States and Australia from 40 to 39 weeks. Australia has seen greater IOL and CD rates than other affluent nations. From 2010 to 2020, there was a rise in IOL rates from 25% to 37%, and CD rates increased from 31% to 36% for pregnancies at full term. There is concern that Australia’s CD rate may hit 45% by 2030. Cesarean delivery imparts increased risk for maternal and neonatal morbidity as well as substantial financial challenges for individuals and health care systems. This study investigated the probability of needing a CD after IOL in women with single, head-first pregnancies at 37 to 40 weeks, compared to women with spontaneous labor
Albumin Reduces Hepatic Steatosis and Inflammation in High-Fat-Diet-Fed Mice.
Get PDFThere are currently no approved therapeutic treatments targeting metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Albumin, a liver-produced plasma protein with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, is reduced in advanced liver disease. Considering the role of chronic obesity-induced inflammation in MASLD pathogenesis, we investigated whether albumin administration could prevent disease progression to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). MASLD was induced in mice using a high-fat and high-cholesterol (PC) treatment for 8 weeks, followed by treatment with bovine serum albumin (BSA; 0.8 mg/kg) every three days for another 8 weeks. This regimen prevented time-dependent weight gain, regardless of diet, with 57% and 27% reductions in mice fed a standard chow (Std Chow) or PC diet, respectively. Further, supplementation reduced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation by 2.8-fold (p = 0.0328) in PC-fed mice, consistent with albumin's known anti-inflammatory properties. Unexpectedly, albumin also reduced hepatic neutral lipid accumulation and circulating non-esterified fatty acids. While PC-fed mice did not exhibit full progression to MASH, albumin treatment significantly increased hepatic matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression, suggesting the inhibition of early fibrotic signalling. While further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, these findings offer new insight into the potential of albumin, either alone or in combination with other therapies, to reduce hepatic steatosis in MASLD
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