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Simulation of multi-body floating structures under wave actions using DualSPHysics+
No full textWith the growing application of modular multi-body floating structures (e.g., offshore floating photovoltaics, wave energy devices, etc.), the hydrodynamic response characteristics of such systems in complex marine environments have become a critical concern. This study extends the recently developed open-source SPH (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics) code, i.e., DualSPHysics+, to simulate the hydrodynamic responses of moored multi-body floating structures through developing a numerical wave tank. The key features of the SPH model include δR-SPH for mitigating numerical dissipation, HPDC (Hyperbolic/Parabolic Divergence Cleaning) and VEM (Velocity Error Mitigation) for suppressing pressure fluctuations and VCS (Volume Conservation Shifting) for enhancing volume conservation. The accuracy of the numerical wave tank is validated against three benchmark examples of regular/freak wave interaction with single/multi-body floating structures and a wave flume experiment of a three-dimensional hinged superficial photovoltaic array under the action of regular waves. The results demonstrate that the numerical wave tank is capable of simulating the hydrodynamic responses of modular floating systems under wave action, including highly-deformed wave profiles, floating-body motions, hinge forces and mooring tensions. This provides reliable technical support for optimization and design of such systems
Leaders Under Pressure: How Supervisors' Negative Family Events Translate into (or Undermine) Family-Supportive Behaviors
No full textThis study draws on cognitive appraisal theory to unpack the paradoxical effects of supervisors’ negative family events on their engagement in family-supportive supervisor behaviors. We theorize that negative family events act as a double-edged sword: While such events may deplete personal resources, they may also trigger self-reflection and growth, depending on how supervisors regulate work–family demands. Specifically, we propose that supervisors’ action regulation at the work–family interface moderates how these events are appraised—as either challenges that inspire efficacy and support or hindrances that undermine confidence. Across four time points, using matched data from 299 supervisor–follower dyads, we find that when action regulation is high, negative family events are associated with greater challenge appraisal, which sequentially boost work–family balance self-efficacy and ultimately family-supportive supervisor behaviors. In contrast, when action regulation is low, negative family events lead to hindrance appraisal, which do not predict self-efficacy or family-supportive supervisor behaviors. These findings illuminate the cognitive and motivational mechanisms through which family challenges can either activate or suppress leadership supportive behaviors, thereby advancing theorizing on the integration of nonwork experiences into leadership functioning
Sex‐specific elevated incidence of glaucoma associated with topiramate versus valproate or lamotrigine in epilepsy, not migraine: A population‐based cohort study
Full text linkObjective: Topiramate has been linked to increased glaucoma risk, potentially through mechanisms involving ocular fluid shifts. However, comparative risks vs other antiseizure medications (ASMs) and variation by sex or indication remain uncertain. This study evaluates glaucoma incidence in topiramate initiators compared to valproate or lamotrigine users among patients with epilepsy or migraine. Methods: We conducted a retrospective active‐comparator, new‐user cohort study using electronic health records from the IQVIA Medical Research Data among patients with epilepsy or migraine initiating topiramate, valproate, or lamotrigine. Patients with prior ASM use, limited washout period and follow‐up, or pre‐existing glaucoma were excluded. The outcome was incident glaucoma within 1 year, censored at glaucoma occurrence, death, discontinuation, switch, or September 30, 2023. Covariates included age, sex, race, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and medication history. Propensity score–based inverse probability weighting balanced characteristics, and crude and weighted Cox models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were conducted by sex, age, and indication. Results: The cohort included 688 topiramate, 4490 valproate, and 4179 lamotrigine initiators. After weighting, the 1‐year absolute risk increase was approximately 2.4% when comparing topiramate to valproate, and about 2.0% compared to lamotrigine. Topiramate was associated with higher glaucoma risk vs valproate (adjusted HR 2.66, 95% CI 1.12–6.32) and lamotrigine (adjusted HR 3.57, 95% CI 1.76–7.26). Risks were elevated in female (vs valproate: HR 5.31, 95% CI 1.48–19.08; vs lamotrigine: HR 5.73, 95% CI 2.38–13.79) or epilepsy patients (vs valproate: HR 2.23, 95% CI 1.04–4.76; vs lamotrigine: HR 5.08, 95% CI 2.32–11.14), but not in male or migraine patients. Significance: Topiramate use substantially increases glaucoma risk compared with valproate and lamotrigine, particularly among female or epilepsy patients. No significant association in male or migraine patients was observed. These findings may inform targeted ophthalmologic monitoring in high‐risk groups and use of alternative ASMs
The complexity of coexistence: Dutch perspectives on multiculturalism and Muslim integration
Full text linkThis paper interrogates the coexistence of broad multicultural ideals with persistent anti-Muslim sentiment in the Netherlands; a nation historically celebrated for tolerance but increasingly marked by tensions over integration. Drawing on original analysis of a 2023 EC-funded H2020 project survey (N = 1963), we reveal a sharp divide: while Dutch respondents express moderate support for multiculturalism as a principle (M = 4.60), attitudes toward Muslim communities remain starkly negative (M = 3.22). A significant minority (12%) exhibits what we identify as forbearance tolerance, a conflicted state of endorsing diversity in the abstract while perceiving Muslims as incongruent with national values. We argue this orientation is a unsurprising result of attitudinal ambivalence, a psychological state produced by the confluence of the Netherlands’ secular heritage, its colonial legacy, and contemporary populist politics. The Netherlands’ post-pillarisation secular heritage established a model of tolerance-through-separation, while its postcolonial legacy and the populist securitisation of Islam have fostered a ‘progressive nativism’ that frames Muslim integration as a threat to liberal norms. Educated urban elites, though theoretically tolerant, exhibit heightened cultural anxieties, reflecting how ambivalence is most pronounced among those exposed to competing egalitarian and threat-based narratives. Urban centres such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam amplify these tensions, where systemic inequities in housing, labour markets, and surveillance reinforce exclusion. Our findings challenge assimilationist policy narratives, highlighting how structural Islamophobia, entrenched in colonial othering and modern identity politics, perpetuates a fragile and damaging form of coexistence. The Dutch case illuminates broader European struggles with integration, urging a shift from symbolic tolerance to policies that address the roots of ambivalence and institutional discrimination
A Fast Dominance Move Calculation Using Mixed-Integer Programming for Many-objective Optimization
No full textThe Dominance Move (DoM) is a binary quality indicator used to compare non-dominated solution sets in multi-and many-objective optimization. Despite its intuitive interpretation, the computational burden of calculating DoM is significant, as the complexity of existing mixed-integer programming (MIP) models scales poorly with the number of solutions. This paper proposes a new, compact MIP formulation that improves computational efficiency. Extensive experiments on 3 to 30-objective problems show that the proposed model reduces runtime by up to two orders of magnitude, thereby enhancing the practicality and applicability of the DoM indicator for real-world optimization problems
Food-grade fungal pellets as edible scaffolds for bovine stem cell expansion
Full text linkThe scalability of cultivated meat production depends on cost-effective, edible scaffolds that support attachment, proliferation and differentiation of adherent cells whilst meeting food safety and sensory requirements. However, most existing microcarriers are synthetic or of animal-origin, limiting their compatibility with food applications, increasing downstream processing costs, and raising ethical and environmental concerns associated with animal use. For the first time, we present mycelia-based microcarriers derived from food-grade Penicillium strains used in cheese production, as scaffolds for cultivated meat. Eight strains, including novel variants developed through non-GMO techniques (sexual breeding and ultraviolet mutagenesis), were screened for cytotoxicity using bovine adipose-derived stem cells. Out of these, four strains (P. camemberti Myc1; P. roqueforti Myc2, Myc3 and Myc4) were selected for further evaluation based on non-cytotoxic behaviour, ease of handling and pellet size comparable to commercial microcarriers. Morphological characterisation revealed that these strains form highly porous, fibrous pellets with estimated specific surface areas of approximately 4400–5100 cm2/g, providing a favourable architecture for cell growth. All four microcarriers supported strong initial cell attachment, meeting or exceeding industry benchmarks for mesenchymal stem cells in both serum-containing and animal-free media. Growth kinetics diverged between strains, with Myc3 and Myc4 displaying the highest growth rates (≥2-fold increase; μ ≈ 0.015 h−1), and doubling times of 47–48 h. These findings highlight the great promise of fungal pellets for the development of edible scaffolds for cultivated meat production, helping to address a central bottleneck in bringing affordable, high-quality protein to consumers
A Single Centre Study to Describe the Changes in Serum Testosterone Concentration Following Application of Testosterone Gel in Post-Menopausal Women With Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSSD) Already Receiving This as Part of Usual Care in Conjunction With Oestrogen-Containing Hormone Replacement Treatment (HRT)
Full text linkABSTRACT Introduction Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is characterized by a long-term decrease in sexual desire (low-libido) causing personal distress. HSDD predominantly affects post-menopausal women or following oophorectomy. Despite the clear indication that testosterone action could overcome the symptoms of HSDD by elevating testosterone levels, there is little research concerning this. For decades many post-menopausal women have been prescribed off-label testosterone, an approved therapy for men, at a modified dose. The purpose of this study was to conduct an exploratory pharmacokinetic analysis in post-menopausal women with low sexual desire consistent with HSDD already established on treatment with Testosterone gel (Testogel 16.2?mg/g Gel in Pump, Besins Healthcare (UK) Ltd.). Methods Twenty-four women applying Testogel 16.2?mg/g via pump once every 3 or 4 days and had been prescribed Testogel 16.2?mg/g for at least 6 months were included. All were additionally taking oestrogen-based hormone replacement therapy (HRT). They attended for a testosterone day curve with Testogel 16.2?mg/g at the dose of 20.25?mg applied after an initial blood test. Samples were taken 2-hourly for 10?h and at 24?h post-Testogel 16.2?mg/g application. Testosterone was measured by mass spectrometry. The Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI) was completed by the women. Pharmacokinetic parameters of maximum concentration (Cmax), average concentration (Cavg), time to Cmax (Tmax), Area under curve (AUC) and half-life (t1/2) were determined with and without adjustment for baseline testosterone. Results Mean age of the women was 53.7?±?6.8 years, and the mean BMI was 27.4?±?4.3?kg/m2. Mean blood pressure was 126/75?mmHg. The unadjusted median Cmax testosterone concentration was 6.25?nmol/L (range 1.3?26.1), and Cavg was 4.51 nmol/L (range 0.93?20.21). AUC testosterone varied substantially from 35.9 to 458?nmol.h/L (median 121.8). The baseline-adjusted median Cmax was 3.55?nmol/L and the Cavg was 1.64?nmol/L. There was considerable variability between individuals in both measured Cmax in testosterone through the day (1.3?26.1 nmol/L) The AUC testosterone ranged from 39.45 to 181.8 nmol.h/L. FSFI median score was 26.5/36 (25%?75% interquartile range 18?30) with the highest domain scores for sexual satisfaction and arousal (4.2/6) and slightly lower scores for orgasm and desire (4.0/6), and no reported issues regarding pain on intercourse. All women subjectively reported an improvement in sexual function with Testogel 16.2?mg/g. No symptoms of hyperandrogenism were reported. Conclusion We found considerable variation in all parameters relating to testosterone pharmacokinetics in women applying 20.25?mg testosterone gel in a 3 or 4-day regime. All women described clinical benefit prior to the study, with no reports of androgen-related side-effects. Progression to a daily licensed topical formulation of testosterone, where this is not available, would be a positive step for women's health
Intervention Strategies for Healthcare Workers to Promote Vaccine Uptake in Ethnic Minority Populations: A Systematic Review of Behaviour Change Techniques
Full text linkBackground/Objectives: Healthcare workers (HCWs) have a crucial role in addressing vaccine hesitancy in ethnic minority populations as they are a trusted source of information. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesise and evaluate behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and strategies in interventions aimed at HCWs to promote vaccine uptake among ethnic minority populations. Methods: The literature was systematically searched in peer-reviewed databases and the grey literature. Studies were included if they reported interventions for respiratory and routinely recommended vaccine-preventable diseases which were delivered by HCWs to increase vaccine uptake in ethnic minority groups. Interventions were coded using the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) and BCT Taxonomy. Results: From 7250 records identified, 14 studies were included in the review. Vaccines targeted by interventions included influenza, pneumococcal disease, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, meningitis and hepatitis B. Seven BCW intervention types, six policy options and 22 BCTs were identified. Main intervention types used were persuasion, enablement and education. Effective interventions had multi-components and were tailored to specific populations. Staff training to improve vaccine recommendation and dialogue with patients, and prompts/cues were associated with positive effects, but there was no strong evidence to recommend one specific intervention strategy over another as effectiveness was linked to a multitude of BCTs and intervention types. Conclusions: Several strategies aimed at HCWs can be used and tailored to increase vaccine uptake among ethnic minority communities; however, this does not address all issues related to low vaccine uptake. While HCWs are necessary, without system-level enablement, they cannot fully address barriers to vaccine uptake
Maximum Dispersion, Maximum Concentration:Enhancing the Quality of MOP Solutions
No full textMulti-objective optimization problems (MOPs) often require a trade-off between conflicting objectives, maximizing diversity and convergence in the objective space. This study presents an approach to improve the quality of MOP solutions by optimizing the dispersion in the decision space and the convergence in a specific region of the objective space. Our approach defines a Region of Interest (ROI) based on a cone representing the decision maker’s preferences in the objective space, while enhancing the dispersion of solutions in the decision space using a uniformity measure. Combining solution concentration in the objective space with dispersion in the decision space intensifies the search for Pareto-optimal solutions while increasing solution diversity. When combined, these characteristics improve the quality of solutions and avoid the bias caused by clustering solutions in a specific region of the decision space. Preliminary experiments suggest that this method enhances multi-objective optimization by generating solutions that effectively balance dispersion and concentration, thereby mitigating bias in the decision space
Roadmap for light interaction with biophotonic surfaces and their diverse applications
Full text linkSignificance Biophotonics has advanced through many discoveries, yet challenges remain, including label-free biomolecular specificity, quantitative imaging, and single-molecule detection. Progress is further constrained by the need for cheaper, lighter, miniaturized materials that still meet strict optical, electrical, and mechanical specifications. This limitation can be overcome if bioinspired structures are developed. One of the developed areas in which solutions in nature are used is micro and nanostructures including nanosurfaces. It offers a way to increase biomolecular specificity and develop lightweight, low-cost devices for biomedicine. However, it requires measuring phenomena in materials and testing these materials in applications, e.g., sensing systems. Aim We offer a concise, authoritative overview of biophotonics—from nanoscale light–biomolecule interactions to bioinspired materials, phantoms, test methods, and sensor development. Approach A coherent and comprehensive analysis of the crucial problems related to the development of bioinspired materials and devices was carried out. Recent advances in light scattering by biological surfaces enable structure characterization, disease diagnosis, red-blood-cell analysis, drug discovery, and optical imaging and sensing. Structural and genetic bases of biological photonic surfaces were examined, alongside key performance factors in bio-inspired materials—biocompatibility, biodegradability, structure-optics coupling (e.g., dynamic color change), and scalability limits. We survey chiral nanomaterials, silica frustules, and artificial surfaces that emulate peacock feathers, butterfly wings, iridescent fruits, plant petals, and beetle cuticles, highlighting complementary diagnostics—omics, hyperspectral, and terahertz imaging—for structural analysis and material innovation. We examine bio-inspired phantoms for medical calibration, recent advances in Monte Carlo tissue light-transport modeling, and the resulting applications of these materials and diagnostic tools. Results Results confirm a broad set of tunable bio-inspired materials: key optical phenomena were mapped, structures fabricated and modeled, phantoms validated, and strong sensor potential demonstrated. Conclusions We survey emerging biophotonics, review material and system requirements, and emphasize simplifying and miniaturizing sensors for biomedical use
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