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Multi-level gains of fat activism and their impact on sustained activism for fat justice
Get PDFFunding: European Association of Social Psychology Seed Corn Grant.Previous research has indicated that outcomes of collective action can occur at the individual, group, and societal levels. Taken together, we argue that multi-level outcomes can influence sustained involvement in social movements. We aimed to examine the multi-level outcomes of fat activism across two studies. In our first study, we conducted semi-structured interviews with fat activists (N = 20) to learn what they believe are the multi-level outcomes of fat activism. At the individual level, activists reported greater health, well-being, and self-esteem; at the group level, they reported a sense of community and increased clothing options; and at the societal level, they reported change in toxic cultures around dieting. By building on the findings of Study 1, Study 2 (N = 464) aimed to understand how fat individuals’ past collective action participation may predict their future collective action participation through individual-, group-, and societal-level gains. Results indicate that greater collective action participation in the past predicts greater willingness to engage in collective action through the pathway of higher beliefs in individual and societal gains of fat activism, but not through group-level gains, even after we control for identification with fat and fat activist identities. We discuss these findings in relation to the importance of multi-level outcomes in collective action and sustained involvement in social movements.Peer reviewe
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest complicated by hyperthermia
Get PDFBackground The aims of this study were to establish epidemiology, clinical management and outcomes in cases of adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest complicated by hyperthermia attended by the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust between January 2018 and December 2019. Where evidence is available in relation to this sub-set of cardiac arrest patients it is generally limited to small case series and we therefore we sought to improve knowledge and target therapeutic interventions. Methods and results Retrospective analysis of 253 cases was undertaken following abstraction from an established cardiac arrest database. Age ranged from 18-99 years with a median of 72 years (IQR 28) and 53.4% (n = 135) of patients were female. Overall thirty-day mortality was 94.5% (n = 239), with 48.2% (n = 122) of patients recognised life extinct in the out-of-hospital phase following termination of resuscitation. No significant differences in clinical characteristics stratified according to temperature group were identified. The presumed aetiology was infective in 62.8% (n = 159) of patients, and due to drug ingestion or heat illness in 7.5% (n = 19) and 2% (n = 5) respectively. In the remaining cases (27.7%, n = 70) it was not possible to determine the likely cause of the arrest. Conclusions Previous research relating to cardiac arrest complicated by hyperthermia is limited to case reports and small case series, suggesting that the current study represents the most comprehensive analysis of this sub-group of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients currently available. Most cases were associated with evidence of infection compared with drug related aetiologies and heat illness. Where indicated, cooling was applied infrequently using inconsistent methods.Peer reviewe
Understanding and expanding zinc cation/amine frustrated Lewis pair catalyzed C-H borylation
Get PDFFunding: This project has received funding from the EPSRC (EP/V03829X/1 and EP/T019867/1) and the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No 769599).[(NacNac)Zn(DMT)][B(C6F5)4], 1 , (NacNac = {(2,6-iPr2H3C6)N(CH3)C}2CH), DMT = N,N-dimethyl-4-toluidine), was synthesized via two routes starting from either (NacNac)ZnEt or (NacNac)ZnH. Complex 1 is an effective (pre)catalyst for the C–H borylation of (hetero)arenes using catecholborane (CatBH) with H2 the only byproduct. The scope included weakly activated substrates such as 2-bromothiophene and benzothiophene. Computational studies elucidated a plausible reaction mechanism that has an overall free energy span of 22.4 kcal/mol (for N-methylindole borylation), consistent with experimental observations. The calculated mechanism starting from 1 proceeds via the displacement of DMT by CatBH to form [(NacNac)Zn(CatBH)]+, D , in which CatBH binds via an oxygen to zinc which makes the boron center much more electrophilic based on the energy of the CatB-based LUMO. Combinations of D and DMT act as a frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) to effect C–H borylation in a stepwise process via an arenium cation that is deprotonated by DMT. Subsequent B–H/[H-DMT]+ dehydrocoupling and displacement from the coordination sphere of zinc of CatBAr by CatBH closes the cycle. The calculations also revealed a possible catalyst decomposition pathway involving hydride transfer from boron to zinc to form (NacNac)ZnH which reacts with CatBH to ultimately form Zn(0). In addition, the key rate-limiting transition states all involve the base, thus fine-tuning of the steric and electronic parameters of the base enabled a further minor enhancement in the C–H borylation activity of the system. Outlining the mechanism for all steps of this FLP-mediated process will facilitate the development of other main group FLP catalysts for C–H borylation and other transformations.Peer reviewe
Selectivity of Rh⋅⋅⋅H−C binding in a σ-alkane complex controlled by the secondary microenvironment in the solid state
No full textFunding: The authors are grateful to SCG Chemicals, the EPSRC (M024210) and the Leverhulme Trust (RPG-2015-447) for fundingSingle-crystal to single-crystal solid-state molecular organometallic (SMOM) techniques are used for the synthesis and structural characterization of the σ-alkane complex [Rh(tBu2PCH2CH2CH2PtBu2)(η2,η2-C7H12)][BArF4] (ArF=3,5-(CF3)2C6H3), in which the alkane (norbornane) binds through two exo-C−H⋅⋅⋅Rh interactions. In contrast, the bis-cyclohexyl phosphine analogue shows endo-alkane binding. A comparison of the two systems, supported by periodic DFT calculations, NCI plots and Hirshfeld surface analyses, traces this different regioselectivity to subtle changes in the local microenvironment surrounding the alkane ligand. A tertiary periodic structure supporting a secondary microenvironment that controls binding at the metal site has parallels with enzymes. The new σ-alkane complex is also a catalyst for solid/gas 1-butene isomerization, and catalyst resting states are identified for this.Peer reviewe
Multi-feature unsupervised domain adaptation (M-FUDA) applied to cross unaligned domain-specific distributions in device-free human activity classification
Get PDFHuman–computer interaction (HCI) drives innovation by bridging humans and technology, with human activity recognition (HAR) playing a key role. Traditional HAR systems require user cooperation and infrastructure, raising privacy concerns. In recent years, Wi-Fi devices have leveraged channel state information (CSI) to decode human movements without additional infrastructure, preserving privacy. However, these systems struggle with unseen users, new environments, and scalability, thereby limiting real-world applications. Recent research has also demonstrated that the impact of surroundings causes dissimilar variations in the channel state information at different times of the day. In this paper, we propose an unsupervised multi-source domain adaptation technique that addresses these challenges. By aligning diverse data distributions with target domain variations (e.g., new users, environments, or atmospheric conditions), the method enhances system adaptability by leveraging public datasets with varying domain samples. Experiments on three public CSI datasets using a preprocessing module to convert CSI into image-like formats demonstrate significant improvements to baseline methods with an average micro-F1 score of 81% for cross-user, 76% for cross-user and cross-environment, and 73% for cross-atmospheric tasks. The approach proves effective for scalable, device-free sensing in realistic cross-domain HAR scenarios.Peer reviewe
Functionalization of doped ZnO through solution route synthesis : a study using spectroscopy & density of states
Get PDFFunding: This research was partly funded by Amity University, Kolkata, as a part of Degree course credit courses based on the research aspect. Financial and infrastructural support from Amity University Kolkata is gratefully acknowledged.ZnO is one of the widely studied materials for multidimensional applications, viz. semiconductor material, catalysts, solid-state devices, etc. The primary functionalization is carried out by doping the required element (s) within the ZnO matrix, which can exist in either zinc blend or the wurtzite form. The present research reports synthesis of ZnO doped by Cr, Y, and Eu at two dopant concentrations. The synthesis technique is optimized using dual fuels during solution auto combustion synthesis. Detailed analysis of X-ray diffraction study reveals a comparative analysis of the peak area and FWHM magnitude. The influence of the doping element on the ZnO is studied in terms of UV and photoluminescence spectra. The highest bandgap of 3.08 eV is reported with Eu as the dopant within ZnO compared to Y, which shows lower bandgap energy of 2.44 eV. The density of states study of ZnO is found to be continuous with a significant nodal region within -3.4 to -2.4 eV. However, in the doped systems, irrespective of the dopant, nodal regions are more with specific band regions in the ZnO-Y/ZnO-Eu system. Irrespective of dopant type, doping within ZnO significantly influences the states in the conduction band.Peer reviewe
Processes and characteristics of sedimentary carbon in Loch Etive, Scotland
No full textClimate change is one of the most severe global challenges, requiring innovative solutions to mitigate its effects. Conserving and managing natural long-term carbon sinks are amongst the most important climate mitigation and adaptation strategies and often represent a low-cost, low-risk, nature-positive strategy. Fjordic systems are increasingly recognised as important long-term carbon stores, sequestering carbon on geological timescales within their sediments. They have distinct processes and characteristics which make them ideal sedimentary carbon sinks. By investigating these in Loch Etive, a mid-latitude fjord in Scotland, this thesis contributes to the necessary knowledge base to understand and protect these long-term carbon stores.
This study employs an interdisciplinary approach, combining in situ sediment sampling with hydrodynamic and particle tracking modelling for the first time within Loch Etive, to resolve the processes relating to sedimentary carbon (Figure 1). Analysis of the sediment within Loch Etive shows clear along-fjord gradients in sediment properties, highlighting processing of sedimentary organic carbon throughout the fjord. The results demonstrate that the terrestrial environment is a vital contributor to the sedimentary carbon sink in Loch Etive with bulk organic carbon ages of fjordic sediments indicating a redistribution of aged organic carbon from land to fjord. The dominant hydrographical features, simulated through three-dimensional numerical modelling, show that the fjord is governed by a two-layer estuarine circulation. In the upper basin, freshwater flux modulates the circulation, while tides generate highly energetic exchange in the lower basin. Application of a random-walk particle tracking model illustrates that this particular fjordic hydrography results in depositional hotspots in the deepest part of the upper basin, while the energetic lower basin is less conducive to sediment accumulation. After six weeks, particle retention in the upper fjord exceeds 40%, confirming that the upper basin in Loch Etive is an effective sediment trap at the land-ocean interface."Thanks to SUPER DTP for funding this project, as well as SAGES, the University of St Andrews, and the NEIF Radiocarbon NRCF010001 (allocation number 2283.042) for additional financial support."--Fudnin
Fifty years of social work education : analysis of motivations and outcomes
No full textSummary This article uses the 50th anniversary of social work education provision at one of north-east Scotland’s universities as an opportunity to reflect on social work education outcomes and motivations for undertaking training. This empirical assessment is based on the detailed responses to questionnaires and interviews with social work graduates who studied between 1968 and 2012 to evaluate social work training and education among graduates. We use the Kirkpatrick model to evaluate social work education. Findings We highlight the combination of prior experience with social work and a sense of altruism that served to motivate students to engage in training. We discuss the levels of preparedness for practice based on training and note that it is the combination of teaching and placements that benefits students most. We reflect on the centrality of a common set of social work values that arise from a period of introspection during education, and we show that these values are incorporated into both professional and personal life. Applications We show that ‘big picture’ and evaluations of social work education are important in order to orient social work education in line with political and social change. We also suggest that educators should be cognisant of the importance of personal development and growth that are central to the training of social workers. Rather than seeing personal development as a by-product of social work education, we argue that training that strengthens social work values of justice and empathy is imperative.Peer reviewe
Grey Hill zircon – a natural high 176Yb/177Hf zircon reference material for LA-MC-ICP-MS Hf isotope measurement
Get PDFFunding: This study was supported by the Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow Grant (FL150100133) awarded to ZXL. PABS would like to acknowledge Curtin University for PhD scholarship no. RES55354. The IONTOF M6 ToF-SIMS at the John de Laeter Centre, Curtin University, was obtained using funding from the Australian Research Council LIEF programme (LE190100053). The NPII MC-ICP-MS was obtained via funding from the Australian Research Council LIEF program (LE150100013) and upgraded to an NPIII with funding from AuScope.Accurate measurements of Hf isotope ratios in zircon rely on adequate correction for isobaric interferences, which increase in complexity as the ratio of heavy rare earth elements (HREE) to Hf increases. Currently, synthetic high-HREE zircons are commonly used to bracket the highest naturally occurring HREE/Hf zircon grains during laser ablation-based measurement but these are in limited supply. We present results for Grey Hill zircon, a new high 176Yb/177Hf zircon with a weighted mean age of 482.97 ± 0.17 Ma (2s). We show that Hf is homogeneously distributed at the microscale in Grey Hill zircon, whereas Yb is heterogeneously distributed in oscillatory- and sector-zones following observed cathodoluminescence patterns. Atom probe tomography measurements show that Hf and Yb are homogeneously distributed at the nanoscale. Chemical abrasion solution multi-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (CA-S-MC-ICP-MS) yielded a mean 176Hf/177Hf of 0.282854 ± 0.000023 (2s, n = 15), with a correlation to 176Lu/177Hf that corresponds to radiogenic ingrowth since ca. 483 Ma. If analyses are back-calculated to the crystallisation age, the CA-S-MC-ICP-MS data yield a 176Hf/177Hf(t) of 0.282805 ± 0.000010 (2s), which we recommend be used as the reference ratio for Grey Hill zircon. Non-abraded, in situ LA-MC-ICP-MS analyses yielded results consistent with the CA-S-MC-ICP-MS mean. Importantly, LA-MC-ICP-MS analyses do not show any correlation with HREE, and there is no apparent difference in measured 176Hf/177Hf between pristine and altered domains. The grains have 176Yb/177Hf (0.094–0.48) and 176Lu/177Hf (0.0028–0.014) ratios that are much higher than all commonly used natural reference materials. Thus, Grey Hill zircon is a useful natural reference material for LA-MC-ICP-MS Hf isotope measurement to guarantee accurate isobaric interference correction across the full spectrum of naturally occurring zircon grains. Grey Hill zircon concentrates can be requested from the authors.Peer reviewe
Phylogenetic methods meet deep learning
Get PDFFunding: This work was supported by Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) (BBW00768/1 and BB/Y513842/1 awarded to C.K. and S.B.). R.B. was funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) (10.55776/P34524 and 10.55776/P37050). S.B. was also supported by the Medical Research Council Cross Disciplinary Fellowship (XDF) Programme (MC_FE_00035).Deep learning (DL) has been widely used in various scientific fields, but its integration into phylogenetics has been slower, primarily due to the complex nature of phylogenetic data. The studies that apply DL to sequencing data often limit analyses to four-taxon trees. Many of these studies serve as “proof of principle” and perform similarly to traditional phylogeny reconstruction methods. New ways of using training data, such as encoding with compact bijective ladderized vectors or transformers, enable the handling of much larger trees and genomic data sets. This short perspective focuses on the application of DL in phylogenetics, introducing prevalent DL architectures. We highlight potential problems in the field by discussing the risks of using simulation-based training data and emphasize the importance of reproducibility and robustness in computational estimates. Finally, we explore promising research areas, including the combination of phylogenetics and population genetics in DL, the analysis of neighbor dependencies, and the potential to significantly reduce computational cost compared to traditional methods. This perspective illustrates the potential of DL in complementing traditional phylogeny reconstruction methods and aiding the advancement of phylogenetic analysis, especially in performing computationally demanding tasks such as model selection or estimating branch support values.Peer reviewe
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