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Design and Fabrication of High Dielectric GRIN Lens for a Directive Antenna Using a Hybrid Filled Voxel Additive Manufacturing Technique
Get PDFAdditive manufacturing (AM) has been used to produce materials and structural components with graded or anisotropic mechanical properties, primarily through variations in local porosity. However, beyond structural applications, there are significant technological opportunities for additively manufactured devices with spatial gradations of functional properties, such as magnetic and dielectric properties, to provide novel device functionality. This paper describes a hybrid filled voxel AM technique for producing devices with 3D, spatially graded relative permittivity. The approach is illustrated through simulation‐informed design, fabrication, and microwave characterization of a filled voxel dielectric gradient refractive‐index (GRIN) lens that combines a 3D‐printed polymer lattice with a manual additive assembly of pre‐densified dielectric voxels of tailored permittivity. The hybrid‐AM GRIN lens enabled a significant reduction in the length of a transmitting microwave antenna horn by 50%, while also enhancing its directivity from 6.75 to 7.74 dB at 15 GHz. We demonstrate the potential of filled voxel hybrid‐AM graded devices to improve microwave device performance and to facilitate miniaturization
Learning from the past: Intergenerational transmission of aggressive conflict resolution between intimate partners predicts harsh and inconsistent parenting
Get PDFThe study examined the intergenerational transmission of aggressive conflict resolution toward intimate partners from Generation 1 (G1) parents during Generation 2's adolescence to both G2 and their partners (G2 partner), and the potential spillover effects from G2 and G2 partner's aggressive conflict resolution to G2's harsh and inconsistent parental discipline towards Generation 3 (G3) children. Using data from the Research on Adolescent Development and Relationships (RADAR) project, G1, G2 (51.5% girls; M age = 14.82 in mid‐adolescence, M age = 29.66 in parenthood), and later G2's partner and G3 were followed from G2's adolescence to adulthood. The sample comprised 1178 G1–G2 dyads, including 222 G1–G2–G3 triads. Path analyses provided evidence for (1) intergenerational transmission, that is, G1's aggressive conflict resolution in G2's mid‐adolescence weakly predicted G2's aggressive conflict resolution in G2's adulthood and (2) spillover effects, that is, G2's aggressive conflict resolution predicted G2's harsh and inconsistent discipline toward G3 children. Most of the intergenerational transmission and spillover relations did not differ across G1 and G2 gender. Overall, the findings highlight the intergenerational transmission of aggressive conflict resolution towards intimate partners and its subsequent relation with harsh and inconsistent discipline. Future prevention could target both parental figures in G1 and G2 to disrupt the cycle of aggressive conflict resolution and prevent problematic discipline practices
The first Cheliferidae (Pseudoscorpiones: Cheliferoidea) from mid‐Cretaceous Kachin amber
Get PDFPseudoscorpiones are a group of small‐sized to medium‐sized arachnids under the species‐rich Chelicerata. They are found in many terrestrial habitats, normally cryptic, including leaf litter and soil, under tree bark or rocks. The fossil record of pseudoscorpions is mainly composed of species belonging to extinct genera in extant families, with a small number of taxa described from the famous Kachin amber, sometimes referred to as Burmese amber or Burmite (12 species in six families). Here, we describe a well preserved male specimen of pseudoscorpion from mid‐Cretaceous Kachin amber, representing the first fossil record of Cheliferidae from Burmese amber. This new taxon, Echinochelifer curvatus gen. & sp. nov., is characterized by elongate tubercle‐bearing pedipalps and several trichobothrial features. Based on these, we discuss the systematic placement and palaeoecological implications of the new taxon in Burmese amber
Improving Collaborative Engagement in Health State Valuation: A Scoping Review of Current Practices and Emerging Recommendations
Get PDFBackground and Objective
Collaborative engagement with individuals invested in or affected by health research, beyond researchers themselves, is advantageous and encouraged by major funding bodies. However, the degree of collaborative engagement in health state valuation is unclear. A scoping review was conducted to (i) identify recommendations on best practice in collaborative engagement in health economics and related literature; (ii) identify examples of collaborative engagement in valuation studies; and (iii) map (ii) onto (i) to identify current practice and future recommendations.
Methods
Eight databases were searched in March-May 2024, with grey literature searches in August-September 2024. For objective (i), reports or manuscripts in health economics or patient-reported outcome measure development/evaluation of any date providing recommendations for collaborative engagement were included. For objective (ii), articles published since 2019 featuring health state valuation and collaborative engagement were included. Best practice recommendations were extracted and thematically synthesised. Examples of collaborative engagement were extracted and mapped against recommendations.
Results
Twenty-two records featuring recommendations and 15 valuation studies were included. A 15-item framework of emerging best practice recommendations for collaborative engagement was synthesised. Most examples of collaborative engagement involved patients and/or experts helping inform health states for valuation. There was no evidence for 9 out of 15 synthesised recommendations having been applied in any of the valuation studies and only minimal evidence was extracted for the remaining six.
Conclusions
Collaborative engagement in health state valuation is underdeveloped and unaligned with literature recommendations. A 15-point framework has been developed as a strategic starting point for developing guidance to improve practice in the fiel
Domain mapping of disease mutations reveals pathogenic SORL1 variants in Alzheimer’s disease
Get PDFBackground: Protein truncating variants (PTVs) in SORL1 are observed almost exclusively in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) cases, but the effect of rare SORL1 missense variants is unclear. Methods: To identify high-priority missense variants (HPVs), we applied ‘domain mapping of disease mutations’ for the 637 unique coding SORL1 variants detected in 18,959 AD-cases and 21,893 non-demented controls. Results: In this sample, PTVs and HPVs associated with respectively a 35- and 10-fold increased risk of early onset AD and 17- and 6-fold increased risk of overall AD. The median age at onset (AAO) of PTV- and HPV-carriers was 62 and 64 years, and APOE-genotype contributed to AAO-variability. The median AAO of PTV- and HPV-carriers is ~8–10 years earlier than wild-type SORL1 carriers, matched for APOE-genotype. Specific HPVs are highly penetrant and lead to earlier AAOs than PTVs, suggesting possible dominant negative effects. Conclusion: Our results justify a debate on whether HPV carriers should be considered for clinical counseling
‘It is all about bringing the archive back into visibility’: Ichi: Marks in time
Get PDFAnthropologist Paul Basu and filmmaker Christopher Thomas Allen discuss their collaborative documentary Ichi: Marks in time (2023), which documents the return of colonial‐era photographs to the Umudioka community in Neni, Nigeria. The film follows community responses to images from 1911 of facial scarification marks (ichi) taken by British anthropologist Northcote Thomas. Basu and Allen reflect on community‐initiated collaboration, the theory of affordances applied to colonial collections, and how archival repatriation can generate joy and creativity. Through extensive image captions featuring film participants’ voices, the piece demonstrates how bringing colonial archives back into visibility activates their decolonial affordances for descendant communities
Functional diversity of Brazilian bees: revealing the unique patterns of the Neotropics
Get PDFBees are essential for ecosystem functioning, pollinating many wild and crop plant species. Predicting which species are most vulnerable to global changes, and how their loss may impact ecosystems and human well-being, is critical. Comprehensive information on bee response and effect traits is fundamental to these assessments. However, the Raunkiærian shortfall—insufficient trait data—remains significant for bees, particularly in the Neotropics. Moreover, it remains uncertain whether conservation strategies based on functional diversity from temperate regions can be generalized to the Neotropics. To address this gap, we compiled a comprehensive and validated dataset on Brazilian bee traits, covering 24 traits related to sociality (100% of the species with some information), nesting (88%), body size (71%), and buzzing capacity (42%) on 2,066 Brazilian bee species. The trait data here presented is a crucial resource for evaluating bee species' pollination effectiveness and susceptibility to global change. Comparative analysis with regions with ample trait data—USA, Europe, and China—revealed notable differences. Brazilian bees exhibited a higher prevalence of aboveground nesting species, especially compared to Europe. The proportion of eusocial species was also greater than in Europe and the United States, and more similar to China. Differently from other regions, Brazilian eusocial bees were significantly smaller than their non-eusocial counterparts. These cross-regional comparisons highlight the importance of geographically tailored conservation strategies and underscore the need for extensive trait data to accurately predict regional vulnerabilities and ecological impacts in a rapidly changing world
Barriers and Facilitators of Hypertension Care Among PLHIV at Yaoundé Central Hospital, Cameroon. Qualitative Research 2024
Get PDFBackground: In Cameroon, people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) have a high prevalence of hypertension (HTN) and an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. Managing HTN in this population is a major challenge. This qualitative study, conducted at the Yaoundé Central Hospital, Cameroon, in 2024, explored the barriers and facilitators to hypertension management in PLHIV. Methods: The study involved 15 participants, including 9 PLHIV diagnosed with hypertension, 03 healthcare providers, and 03 psychosocial agents. A quota sampling approach was used to recruit participants. Data was collected through 12 in-depth interviews and a focus group with 3 psychosocial agents. Data collection took place over a period of 5 months, from January to May 2024. A semistructured interview guide was used to explore participants’ perceptions of hypertension management. Data analysis was based on the COM-B model to interpret the results, using NVivo software. Results: Identified barriers included a lack of knowledge about hypertension, difficulties in accessing medications due to high costs, and psychosocial issues such as family stress affecting treatment adherence. Additionally, cultural and religious beliefs, such as a preference for traditional treatments and miraculous healings, limited engagement with conventional medicine. However, facilitators included regular visits for ART follow-up, which allowed for hypertension screening, and financial support from families that facilitated access to treatment. The proactive involvement of healthcare providers and continuous communication also contributed to treatment adherence. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for interventions that address socio-economic, cultural, and medical barriers to improve hypertension management in PLHIV, particularly through enhancing access to care and raising awareness
Biomarkers in Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy: Current Evidence and Future Directions
Get PDFStereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) has revolutionized the management of patients with oligometastatic and selected primary cancers due to its ability to deliver highly conformal, high-dose radiation in few fractions with minimal toxicity. However, the biological heterogeneity among patients treated with SABR results in variable outcomes, emphasizing the need for predictive and prognostic biomarkers to guide patient selection and post-treatment management. This narrative review discusses the current landscape of biomarker development in the context of SABR across tumor types. Key classes include circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), extracellular vesicles (EVs), radiomic features, and immunological markers. We highlight the role of each biomarker category in refining therapeutic approaches, their integration into ongoing clinical trials, and future directions for personalized SABR paradigms. Translating these promising biomarker strategies into clinical SABR workflows will require further standardisation, validation, and regulatory alignment