What role for local knowledge in ocean governance?

Recent years have seen a significant reappraisal of ‘local knowledge’ and its value in science policy and global science governance. This type of knowledge, often interchangeably used with the term ‘traditional knowledge’, was already discussed and embedded in the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the ensuing Nagoya Protocol adopted in 2010 on Access to Genetic Resources and Equitable Sharing of Benefits arising from their utilization. The Nagoya Protocol refers to “traditional knowledge” of “Indigenous and local communities”. In 2022, the Conference of the Parties of the CBD made a Decision adopting the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) which importantly promotes coherence and cooperation across biodiversity and other relevant multilateral agreements4 engaging with what it terms as “best available data” and “traditional knowledge

Cognitive factors in code-switching:In response to Bentahila and Davies (1992)

Bilinguals’ tendency to switch between their languages (also known as code-switching) and the cognitive processes driving it are now known to be predicted by a variety of cognitive factors specific to the individual. In this review paper, we reflect on 30 years of progress in the study of the cognitive factors that determine how and when bilinguals switch between languages since Bentahila and Davies’ (1992) chapter on the relationship between code-switching and language dominance. We discuss how their work reflected a growing emphasis on moving beyond a strictly linguistic framework to focus on the psychological and social context in which code-switching occurs, and on the speaker-specific factors that affect the behaviour. We review and evaluate some of the substantial body of subsequent quantitative research about language switching and its relationship to language dominance, lexical access, cognitive control and interactional contexts. Some of these areas, like cognitive control, have seen considerable progress in understanding in the last thirty years and have substantially contributed to the development of psychological theories of bilingualism. Others we are only more recently beginning to understand, such as the effect of interactional contexts on the cognition of code-switching. The data yield a complex and sometimes contradictory picture but overall demonstrate that a range of social and psychological factors affect code-switching behaviours in ways that offer insights into the cognitive basis of code-switching

Deep Learning Joint Extremes of Metocean Variables Using the SPAR Model

This article presents a novel deep learning framework for estimating multivariate joint extremes of metocean variables, based on the Semi-Parametric Angular-Radial (SPAR) model. When considered in polar coordinates, the problem of modelling multivariate extremes is transformed to one of modelling an angular density, and the tail of a univariate radial variable conditioned on angle. In the SPAR approach, the tail of the radial variable is modelled using a generalised Pareto (GP) distribution, providing a natural extension of univariate extreme value theory to the multivariate setting. In this work, we show how the method can be applied in higher dimensions, using a case study for five metocean variables: wind speed, wind direction, wave height, wave period and wave direction. The angular variable is modelled empirically, while the parameters of the GP model are approximated using fully-connected deep neural networks. Our data-driven approach provides great flexibility in the dependence structures that can be represented, together with computationally efficient routines for training the model. Furthermore, the application of the method requires fewer assumptions about the underlying distribution(s) compared to existing approaches, and an asymptotically justified means for extrapolating outside the range of observations. Using various diagnostic plots, we show that the fitted models provide a good description of the joint extremes of the metocean variables considered

Pharmabiome analyses in tandem with chemometrics can help trace the provenance of falsified medicines :A proof-of-concept study

A lack of robust analytical approaches limits our ability to investigate the clandestine manufacturing origins of falsified medicines. We conducted a proof-of-concept study to test the feasibility of geolocating the production sites of falsified medicines, based on the identification of site-specific biological and chemo-isotopic features using a combination of environmental DNA metabarcoding, Direct Analysis in Real Time - Mass Spectrometry and Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry as profiling techniques. We produced tablets at two distant locations (England vs. Thailand), using controlled manufacturing methods, excipient composition and environmental conditions. Sets of tablets produced at separate locations showed distinct bacterial and eukaryotic diversity, particularly influenced by the incorporation of water used during tableting and the background environmental biosignatures of the production site. Tablets showed corresponding site-specific chemometric profiles, but the factors contributing to the observed chemical differences were unclear. When reference samples of known origin are available, our study suggests that site-specific biological and chemical features can be used in modelling approaches to successfully predict product origin. We developed a new mapping approach to exploit the geographic information within the eukaryotic pharmabiome of the falsifications; based on eDNA-derived species identification and the integration of publicly available species distribution data. In the absence of reference samples of known origin, the application of this workflow to our dataset provided partial clues about the product's origin, with limitations likely due to taxonomic resolution and the presence of species with wide distribution ranges. Collectively, our research provides experimental support for the development of integrated, multifaceted tools for tracing the origin of falsified medicines, advancing efforts to combat this pervasive but neglected global health problem.</p

Absorbance of two light wavelengths through human fingertip during small changes in hand position, using a light transmission probe

Absorbance of two light wavelengths through human fingertip during small changes in hand position, using a light transmission probe (Nellcor DS100A Adult SpO2 sensor) These are data from a paper submitted to Physiological Measurement. This journal has a policy that data be shared in a data repository. The study “Effect of venous pressure on light absorbance by the finger” was ethically approved by the School of Engineering Ethics Officer in the University of Edinburgh. At the time the study was done, this process involved a standard form that was submitted to, and approved by, the department’s research administrator. The Principal Investigators were Dr Gordon Drummond (School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine) and Dr Jamie Marland (School of Engineering). Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects. Conditions. The subjects were non smokers and had not recently taken food or caffeine. They were allowed time to acclimatise to a warm environment. The study room was quiet and dimly lit. The mean room air temperature was 23.7(SD 0.9) °C, and never cooler than 22°C: relative humidity was between 34 and 45%. The subject sat in a comfortable upholstered armchair with full back and head support. The left arm and hand, with hand pronated and the fingers outstretched, were supported in a padded trough with the elbow flexed at about 30° from the extended position. The entire arm was aligned in a horizontal plane at the level of the shoulder, using arm supports suspended using a pulley system so that the arm could be promptly moved, with no subject effort, to either raise or lower the hand by exactly 5 cm above and below the original position, with an axis of rotation close to the shoulder. Measurements A standard sphygmomanometer cuff, (14 cm x 48 cm) containing a flexible elastic bladder (10×28 cm) was loosely wrapped around the subject’s left wrist and lower forearm and firmly secured. When deflated, this cuff did not constrict the wrist. A pulse oximeter transmission probe (Nellcor DS100A Adult SpO2 sensor, Covidien, Mansfield, MA02048 USA), with two light emitting diodes (LEDs, 660 nm and 905 nm wavelengths) and a photodiode detector, was applied to the middle finger. We made sure the end of the fingertip did not touch the inside of the probe. During recording, the hand was covered first in a black felt glove and then an opaque black plastic bag. The probe was connected to a commercial pulse oximeter analogue front-end board (AFE4490SPO2EVM, Texas Instruments, Dallas, Tx USA). Data were sampled at 370 Hz using the manufacturer’s GUI software (Texas Instruments), recorded to a battery powered laptop computer, and subsequently processed using Python3 software. Before each study, the light intensity from the LEDs in the probes was measured without the finger present. The probe was fixed open using black vertical cardboard props at each edge of the finger location, so that it was held open in the position it would take when the finger was inserted, and all extraneous light was excluded. The power settings for the LEDs were adjusted to prevent saturation of the photodiode sensor pathway, and then not changed for the duration of the study. These values were used as measures of the incident radiant flux (ϕi). Absorbance was later calculated as log10 (ϕi / ϕt), where ϕt was the recorded signal. After recording started there was an initial 2 minute run-in period. The arm was then moved to the first study position, either 5 cm above or below the horizontal. To minimise any order effect, this position was randomised for each subject, either up or down, using allocation by sealed envelope. The starting position is indicated in the subject data. After five minutes in the first position, the arm was moved to the alternative position for another five minutes, and then placed horizontally for a recovery period of two minutes. In the second phase of the study, the arm was moved into the up position for 5 minutes of observation. The wrist cuff was then inflated, in less than five seconds, to a pressure of 10 cm water (water manometer) and this pressure was sustained for a further 5 minute period of observation. The times of these events are stated in the data. Each CSV file is for a single subject. The data have been processed to represent Absorbance, as stated above in this description The columns are labelled. Time is in seconds from the recording start. The file basic data contains Subject numbers, physical data, times of recording periods, and hand position for the first and second time periods. Skin pigment noted if not white

Advances in MoS2 composites for electrocatalytic energy conversion: Synthesis, applications, and future perspectives in hydrogen, oxygen, nitorgen, and CO2 reactions

The significant increase in energy demand and environmental challenges requires sustainable technologies to preserve the climate and minimize CO2 emissions. Electrocatalysis for energy conversion applications, such as hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), and CO2 reduction reactions (CCR), are essential in renewable energy technologies. State-of-the-art catalysts are highly needed to enhance energy conversion efficiencies. Recently, Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with its distinguished physiochemical properties has been verified as a potential energy conversion material for catalyzing electrochemical reactions, ensuring excellent performance.Aside from graphene, which is unsuitable in some fields due to its zero-energy bandgap, alternative 2D materials like MoS2 have been developed and investigated. MoS2 nanostructures, with a relatively brief history, are emerging as suitable candidates in several applications, especially in electrocatalysis. Enhancing charge transfer and combining MoS2 with other materials can improve energy and environmental application performance.The excellent electrocatalytic progress of MoS2-based composites has been reported alongside enhanced and tunable properties like rich active edges, high density of structural defects, excellent conductivity, well-defined size dispersion, good electrode contact, favorable exposed crystal facets, and maximized phases. These properties, critical in electrocatalysis, are reviewed herein.We describe different methodologies for preparing MoS2 composite materials, illustrating their advantages and limitations for catalysis applications. We discuss the figure of merit of MoS2 composite nanostructures in electrocatalysis and present the challenges and outlooks for this new material class based on recent developments and potential applications in energy and the environment, suggesting promising research directions for the future

A Tamed Euler Scheme for SDEs with Non-Locally Integrable Drift Coefficient

In this article we show that for SDEs with a drift coefficient that is non-locally integrable, one may define a tamed Euler scheme that converges in L p at rate 1/2 to the true solution. The taming is required in this case since one cannot expect the regular Euler scheme to have finite moments in L p. Our proof strategy involves controlling the inverse moments of the distance of scheme and the true solution to the singularity set. We additionally show that our setting applies to the case of two scalar valued particles with singular interaction kernel. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first work to prove strong convergence of an Euler-type scheme in the case of non-locally integrable drift.</p

Moving through menopause:A mixed methods study of UK women’s experiences of being physically active during the menopause life stage

Objective: There is growing evidence for the benefits of physical activity during the menopause life stage. However, limited research has explored physical activity behavior of UK women. Using a mixed-methods approach, two-phases of research were undertaken to: 1) assess physical activity levels and examine the relationship with menopausal symptoms, and 2) use the COM-B theoretical framework to understand the influence of Capability, Opportunity and Motivation on physical activity Behavior.MethodsIn Phase 1, participants completed an online survey (n=655; mean age= 49.9yrs). Descriptive analyzes were supplemented with Chi-Squared tests, with Bonferroni correction. In Phase 2, four online focus groups (n=24; mean age=52.7yrs) were undertaken and thematically analyzed.ResultsIn Phase 1, 75% reported achieving 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity/week, although 57% reported activity levels had decreased during the menopause life stage. Twelve out of 14 symptoms were experienced by &gt;50%, with changes in mood and brain fog most common (&gt;80%). There was no significant difference in the proportion meeting the moderate to vigorous physical activity guidelines between those women who did or did not experience individual symptoms, although for 10/14 symptoms, &gt;50% indicated a negative impact on likelihood to engage in activity. In Phase 2, capability (e.g., menopausal symptoms), opportunity (e.g., social support) and motivation (e.g., low confidence) were all influential on behavior. Conclusion These findings enhance our understanding of UK women’s experiences of being physically active during the menopause, and provide insight into potential intervention strategies to support women to be active at that time.<br/

Enhanced Hydrogeochemical Baseline of a CO2 Injection Facility in Southern Alberta, Canada

Geological storage of CO2 is anticipated to play a significant role in the management and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Monitoring of CO₂ injection facilities is essential to provide reassurance of the containment of the injected CO2. Here, we report results over six years (2018–2023) for a hydrogeological and geochemical (gas compositions, δ13CCH4, δ13CCO2, δ2HCH4 and noble gas concentration and isotopes) monitoring program at a small-scale CO2 injection facility located near Brooks, Alberta, Canada with injection ∼300 m below ground. The results provide a comprehensive record of the subsurface hydrological and geochemical conditions over the six-year period. Injected CO2 was not detected in samples from the injection zone. There was also no indication of injected CO2 in samples collected from surface casing vents of the three ∼300 m deep wells, nor was injected CO2 observed in samples from the six shallow groundwater wells (&lt;105 m deep). Various compositional and isotopic changes have been observed over time which are interpreted to either be indirectly related to CO2 injection or completely unrelated indicating non-CO2 injection related variability in the baseline conditions of the site. Additionally, a progressive reduction in hydraulic head has been observed in some shallow aquifers consistent with drought conditions in the region. Our study implies that complex subsurface changes may occur at CO2 storage sites which may be unrelated to human activity, complicating the monitoring of CO2 injection

Spatial and social cognition jointly determine multimodal demonstrative reference:Experimental evidence from Turkish and Spanish

All languages in the world have demonstrative terms such as ‘this’ and ‘that’ in English, which have traditionally been treated as spatial words. Here we aim to provide experimental evidence that demonstrative choice is jointly determined by spatial considerations (e.g., whether the referent is near or far) and socio-cognitive factors (e.g., the listener's attention focus). We also test whether demonstrative choice varies depending on the speaker's use of pointing, to provide evidence for a multimodal account of demonstrative systems. We focus on the Turkish system and compare it with the Spanish one to better understand the cross-linguistic variability of 3-term demonstrative systems. Corpus studies have suggested that the Turkish proximal ‘bu’ and distal ‘o’ mark a spatial contrast between near and far space, whereas the medial ‘şu’ is used to direct the listener's attention to a new referent. Supporting this analysis, an online experiment using a picture-based demonstrative-choice task revealed that the medial form ‘şu’ was preferred when the listener was looking at the wrong object. The results of a second experiment using video stimuli further showed that the medial ‘şu’ was preferred when the speaker pointed to the referent to direct the listener's attention, whereas the proximal demonstrative was used in near space and the distal in far space, mostly in joint attention and without pointing. The results of a third experiment in Spanish showed radically different patterns of demonstrative-pointing use. The medial ‘ese’ was preferred in joint attention, whereas the proximal ‘este’ and distal ‘aquel’ were selected to direct the listener's attention towards the intended referent but without an effect of pointing. Our results confirm that demonstrative choice within a given system is determined by both spatial and socio-cognitive factors, interacting with pointing patterns and varying across languages. Leveraging recent experimental work in several languages, we interpret these findings as further evidence for the weighted parameters framework (e.g., referent position and listener attention), which explains demonstrative choice beyond previous categorical analyses