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Predicting the uniaxial capacity of plate anchors in spatially variable clay using metamodels
No full textThis paper investigates the effect of spatial variability in undrained shear strength on the uniaxial capacity of a deeply embedded plate anchor. The study was undertaken using the random field finite element method, and the results show that the ultimate uniaxial capacity is significantly influenced by strength heterogeneity, which is influenced by the different mobilised failure mechanisms and leads to a widely distributed probability of failure. Interpretation of the results also shows that it is possible to relate the statistical distribution of an operative undrained shear strength to the probability of failure of the plate, using close to constant uniaxial capacity factors. These findings simplify the assessment of plate capacity to the determination of the operative undrained shear strength, without needing to resort to computationally expensive finite element analyses. Additionally, the operative undrained shear strength obtained from random field modelling can be accurately emulated by metamodelling, which can then be used to correlate the input variables to the statistical distribution of the operative undrained shear strength. Through reference to a specific foundation geometry and set of soil variability parameters, this paper illustrates the potential of a simple and computationally cost-effective analytical procedure which, by combining random field finite element analyses and metamodels, relates site-specific field input variables to the probability of failure of a deeply embedded plate anchor in a spatially variable clay
Chromosome-Contiguous Reference Genome for Spirometra to Underpin Future Discovery Research
No full textSparganosis is a neglected food- and water-borne zoonotic disease caused by members of the tapeworm genus Spirometra. More than 1600 human cases have been reported in the literature, primarily in Korea and China; however, the clinical significance of sparganosis is likely underestimated. The control of this disease is challenging in endemic regions because of the complexity of its lifecycle and the involvement of many animal host species, and treatment of clinical disease in humans and animals with selected drugs (e.g., mebendazole and/or praziquantel), even at elevated doses, is often ineffective, such that novel interventions are needed. It is anticipated that the use of molecular technologies should allow the identification of new intervention targets in crucial biological processes and/or pathways of Spirometra spp. While some draft genomes of Spirometra have been produced, their assemblies are incomplete. Here, we employed an advanced DNA sequencing-informatic approach to assemble and annotate the first high-quality genome of an isolate of Spirometra from Australia, with chromosome-level contiguity and a curated gene set. This improved genome provides a useful resource to support fundamental and applied molecular investigations of Spirometra species and should assist in the design of new tools for the intervention against sparganosis of companion animals (including dogs and cats) and humans
Spatiotemporal Variations in Strain Release and Seismic Rupture in Multifault Systems: An Example from Panamint Valley, Southeastern California
No full textAbstract
Geometrically complex, multifault ruptures have been observed in recent, damaging earthquakes in southeastern California, sparking renewed efforts to identify physical conditions that promote or inhibit fault discontinuity-spanning coseismic ruptures. The likelihood of ruptures propagating across fault discontinuities is thought to be partly controlled by fault geometries, rupture direction, and the history of strain release. However, these parameters vary in space and time over multiple earthquake cycles, making it difficult to forecast the likelihood that an earthquake on one fault will trigger rupture on a nearby fault. Here we use tectono-geomorphic mapping of a geometrically complex fault zone in Panamint Valley, southeastern California, to assess spatiotemporal variations of paleo-rupture patterns and geometries of fault discontinuities over multiple earthquake cycles. First, we identify ten generations of late Pleistocene to Holocene alluvium using geomorphic parameters and luminescence dating to constrain ages of alluvium and bracket late Holocene earthquake timing. Then, we quantify slip kinematics using high-resolution structure from motion digital surface models. We find the Panamint Valley transtensional relay (PVTR) hosted four late Holocene earthquakes, bracketed to ~5.8–3.4 ka, ~3.8–2.2 ka, ~2.4–0.6 ka, and ~0.64–0.16 ka, with ~0.6–1.1 m of slip per event, correlative to Mw ≈ 6.7–6.9 earthquakes. Additionally, we find similarities in earthquake timing on the Ash Hill, PVTR, and Panamint Valley faults and similarities in the slip magnitude and slip kinematics between the Ash Hill and PVTR faults, implying that the PVTR may co-rupture with nearby faults. Paleo-rupture patterns indicate that seismogenic strain transfer may occur through the PVTR, along different combinations of fault segments and jump distances, over multiple earthquake cycles. These data highlight the utility of tectono-geomorphic mapping in evaluating paleo-rupture patterns and suggest that the PVTR may act to propagate and/or arrest rupture between the Ash Hill and Panamint Valley faults
Scaling Up Species Delimitation From DNA Barcodes to Whole Organelle Genomes: Strong Evidence for Discordance Among Genes and Methods for the Red Alga Dasyclonium
No full textMolecular sequence data have become a ubiquitous tool for delimiting species and are particularly important in organisms where morphological traits are not informative about species boundaries. A range of statistical methods have been developed to derive species limits from molecular data, for example, by quantifying changes in branching patterns in phylogenetic trees. We aim to investigate how such methods scale up from single genes to whole organelle genomes. We gathered chloroplast genome data from 38 samples of the red algal genus Dascyclonium and analysed them with the popular species delimitation methods Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning (ASAP), General Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC), and Poisson Tree Processes (PTP). We show extensive variation in inferred species boundaries depending on the method and dataset used. Genome-scale analyses differed substantially between methods, with ASAP predicting the fewest species, PTP intermediate, and GMYC inferring many species. Based on a series of simulations, we identify a tendency of GMYC to overestimate species numbers as alignments increase in length, while the other two methods are not sensitive to this scaling. Gene-by-gene analyses show strong differences in predicted species limits, which is unexpected seeing that all genes are on a single uniparentally inherited chromosome, and highlight that choosing a particular gene as a DNA barcode has significant consequences for species diversity estimates. We show extensive cryptic diversity in the genus Dasyclonium and propose a consensus solution for species limits based on our combined results, enriched with biogeographic and morphological interpretations. Finally, we make recommendations for interpreting the results and improving the inferences drawn from species delimitation methods
Generation Victoria (GenV): protocol for a longitudinal birth cohort of Victorian children and their parents
No full textBACKGROUND: In a world confronted with new and connected challenges, novel strategies are needed to help children and adults achieve their full potential, to predict, prevent and treat disease, and to achieve equity in services and outcomes. Australia's Generation Victoria (GenV) cohorts are designed for multi-pronged discovery (what could improve outcomes?) and intervention research (what actually works, how much and for whom?). Here, we describe the key features of its protocol. METHODS: GenV is a whole-population longitudinal platform open to all ≈150,000 children born within a two-year window and residing in the state of Victoria and their parents. GenV is guided by its 6 principles of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Sustainability, Enhancement, Systematised Processes and Value and enabled by large-scale biobanking, IT and novel high-throughput technology infrastructure. Successive recruitment phases were designed to maximise GenV's inclusivity: (1) a smaller Advance Cohort from December 2020; (2) Newborn recruitment, with presence in 58 Victorian maternity services supporting face-to-face approach to parents of babies born 4 October 2021-3 October 2023; (3) Intensive remote recruitment to mid-2024 targeting those missed around birth; and (4) Ongoing indefinite enrolment of in-age children and their parents. Participants consent to universal (1) data linkage (e.g., state and federal physical and mental health, education, social, geospatial, ecological); (2) biosamples storage and use (e.g., residual clinical pregnancy and newborn screening, GenV-collected perinatal parent/infant saliva); (3) phenotypic and biosamples collection waves at child ages 6, 11 and 16 years, likely in schools and remotely for parents; and (4) opportunities for collaborative research integrated into GenV as a population registry (e.g., trials, natural experiments, depth subcohorts). Many participants supplement universal data with additional biosamples (e.g., infant stool, breast milk) and brief digital remote 'GenV and Me' assessments over the first 5 years. GenV will make all research data available, adhering to the principles of Open Science. DISCUSSION: Launched in the COVID-19 pandemic and committed to diversity and inclusivity, GenV's parallel consented child and pre-midlife cohorts will be positioned to help address today's pressing issues such as chronic mental and physical health conditions, inequity, public health crises such as pandemics, and climate harm. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05394363; retrospectively registered 23 May 2022 (8 months into recruitment)
A systematic review of pre-pandemic resilience factors and mental health outcomes in adolescents and young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic
No full textAdolescence and young adulthood are sensitive developmental periods to environmental influences. Investigating pre-emptive measures against stressors, such as those associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, on mental health is crucial. We aimed to synthesize evidence on pre-pandemic resilience factors shaping youth mental health outcomes during this period. For this pre-registered systematic review, we searched seven databases for longitudinal studies of youth populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, assessing a priori defined resilience factors at the individual, family, or community level before the pandemic. Studies required validated mental health or wellbeing measures collected both before and during the pandemic. Study quality was assessed using the corresponding NIH Quality Assessment Tool. From 4,419 unique records, 32 studies across 12 countries were included, using 46 distinct resilience measures. Due to the heterogeneity of study designs, we applied a narrative synthesis approach, finding that resilience factors were generally associated with better mental health outcomes both prior to and during the pandemic. However, most factors did not mitigate pandemic-related mental health effects. Nonetheless, family-level resilience factors emerged as promising under specific conditions. Study quality was generally fair, with concerns in resilience assessment and sampling quality. Future research should prioritize rigorous study designs and comprehensive resilience assessments
Making affordable rental housing unaffordable: Evaluating the impacts of the centralized leasing in Shenzhen, China
No full textThis study critically examines Shenzhen's centralized leasing initiatives aimed at transforming urban villages into Affordable Rental Housing (ARH) to address housing affordability for migrant workers. By analyzing three cases—the Ningmeng Talented Apartment (government-led), the Wancun Plan (private enterprise-led), and the V-town Apartment (state-owned enterprise-led)—the research highlights the complexities of balancing state intervention, market forces, and social objectives. Despite intentions to improve living conditions, these initiatives have often resulted in unaffordable rents, displacement of low-income residents, and exacerbation of social inequalities. The projects illustrate the limitations of both market-driven and state-led models in achieving inclusive housing policies. The study underscores the need for comprehensive approaches that prioritize the needs of all migrant tenants, suggesting that without careful management and policy adjustments, such redevelopment efforts may inadvertently perpetuate social stratification and undermine the goals of urban inclusivity and equity
Vineyard proximal sensing using multispectral imaging to evaluate grape ripening and quality traits using artificial neural networks modeling
No full textMultispectral proximal sensing from vineyards at the fruit zone, combined with machine learning modeling, can serve as a reliable and accurate tool for estimating grape quality traits and ripeness. In this study, machine learning models were developed using a multispectral camera with six bands: blue (475-nm), green (560 nm), red (668 nm), red edge (717 nm), near-infrared (842 nm), and thermal (8–14 μm) to estimate important chemometric properties as inputs. The physicochemical variables included total soluble solids (TSS), acidity, pH, and phenols in Cabernet, Merlot, and Parellada, a anthocyanins for the red cultivars (Cabernet and Merlot). The modeling strategies included eleven artificial neural networks (ANN) models: two general models for red cultivars (Cabernet and Merlot) and Parellada, focusing on total soluble solids (TSS), acidity, pH, and important phenolic compounds, with anthocyanins, included only for red cultivars, plus nine individual models for each of these physicochemical compounds. The ANN models demonstrated strong performance, with R2 values of 0.89, 0.81, and 0.83 for TSS, acidity, and pH in Cabernet and Merlot and 0.93, 0.97, and 0.94 for these parameters in Parellada. These variables are closely linked to grape ripeness. The general models for red cultivars and Parellada that describe all physicochemical parameters achieved R2 values of 0.79 and 0.70, respectively. Importantly, none of the models exhibited statistical signs of overfitting or underfitting. Implementing these ANN models could enable the use of multispectral imagery to assess grape quality traits, advancing precision viticultural practices
Integrating Virtual Reality, Neurofeedback, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Auditory Verbal Hallucinations (Hybrid): Protocol of a Pilot, Unblinded, Single-Arm Interventional Study
No full textBACKGROUND: Current treatments for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders have limited efficacy, with high rates of nonresponse to "gold standard" treatments. New approaches are therefore urgently required. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this pilot study are to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and usability of Hybrid treatment (primary aim); and to explore Hybrid's treatment efficacy and engagement of treatment targets (secondary aim). The primary aim will be assessed via face-to-face user experience surveys on a (self-assessed) 5-point Likert scale (and qualitative open-ended questions) examining: (1) acceptability, (2) helpfulness, (3) engagement, and (4) perceived safety. We will also examine consent and completion rates, and the number of sessions attended. Our threshold for moving on to efficacy trials will be at least 70% of our participants to rate 3 and above (which corresponds to agree or strongly agree) that the intervention package was acceptable, feasible, and safe. The secondary aims will be assessed by observing whether individuals achieve self-directed modulation of high-β neurophysiological activity (neural target) and progression upwards through the VR-based exposure hierarchy (psychological target), and by assessing symptom change scores. This study developed a new treatment approach for auditory verbal hallucinations, a major symptom of psychotic disorders, that integrates advances in psychological therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis), technology (virtual reality, VR), and neuroscience (electroencephalography-based neurofeedback). METHODS: Hybrid takes a "symptom capture" approach using individually tailored VR-based exposure exercises. Participants (N=10) will receive the intervention package weekly over 12 face-to-face sessions. Here, participants will be progressively exposed to symptom triggers and develop methods of downregulating neural activity associated with these symptoms (neurofeedback component) while concurrently receiving clinician-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis. RESULTS: As of February 2025, Hybrid has commenced (unblinded) recruitment activities from Orygen clinical services in Northwestern Melbourne, Australia. A total of 75 individuals have been approached and 64 individuals have been prescreened (41 individuals were deemed eligible, 15 individuals were ineligible, and 8 individuals declined or did not respond to contact attempts) and 5 individuals have been included in the study. Of the 5 individuals who have commenced the Hybrid treatment, 4 are actively engaged in the program and 1 individual has withdrawn. We expect recruitment to conclude in July 2025 and for the results to be published in 2026. CONCLUSIONS: The Hybrid study is piloting a novel approach that has the potential to address the shortcomings of current treatments for psychotic symptoms. If there is favorable evidence for the acceptability, feasibility, safety and usability of Hybrid, the study team will move on to efficacy trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12624000357550; https://tinyurl.com/24ey8hpy. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/63405
Teaching social determinants of First Nations health in medical and health curricula: A review of the literature
No full textPurpose This review examines contemporary curricular approaches to teaching the social determinants of health (SDoH) for First Nations peoples in Australian medical and health education. The purpose was to synthesise existing literature, identify common themes and gaps, and assess how tertiary education equips health professionals to address inequities in healthcare delivery for First Nations communities. Methods A narrative literature review was conducted between 2020 and 2024. Search terms reflected tertiary health education, SDoH, and First Nations health. Grey literature, frameworks, policies, and reports were also included. A total of 43 relevant sources were analysed thematically. Main findings The review found that First Nations health has been recognised as an accreditation standard since 2006, yet teaching approaches remain highly variable across institutions. Five recurring themes were identified: the impact of colonisation on health outcomes; recognition of Indigenous ways of health and healing; centring Indigenous voices and leadership; embedding anti-racism teaching; and highlighting health inequities within the healthcare system. Recommended practices included horizontal and vertical integration of Indigenous health content, community-based and immersion learning, and the adoption of holistic frameworks such as the Social and Emotional Wellbeing Wheel and Two-Eyed Seeing. Principal conclusions Despite multiple frameworks and guiding principles, no nationally consistent or comprehensive approach to teaching SDoH for First Nations health currently exists across Australian tertiary institutions. Curriculum redesign is essential, grounded in decolonising pedagogies and First Nations leadership