University of Warwick Science Park

WE commend the RCVS for taking a thoughtful approach in its ongoing discussions regarding the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change's proposal to promote plant-only diets.1 This is a complex issue that intersects public health, sustainability and socioeconomic considerations. Public confidence in veterinary and animal health professionals depends on impartiality and scientific integrity. Aligning too closely with a plant-only agenda risks creating the perception that the RCVS is advocating ideology rather than evidence. Instead, the college can lead by promoting dietary diversity, sustainability and animal welfare without excluding responsibly produced animal-source foods. Animal-source foods provide highly bioavailable protein, calcium, iodine, vitamin B12, iron, zinc and selenium – nutrients often under consumed in the UK. As an example, haem iron from meat is absorbed far more efficiently than non-haem iron from plants. Recent evidence shows that iron deficiency is twice as common in vegetarians and vegans compared to omnivores.2 A blanket move to plant-only diets could exacerbate deficiencies unless supported by supplementation and careful planning, which is not always practical or accessible for all population groups. “Global recommendations do not always reflect national realities Biodiversity impacts further highlight the complexity of these issues. Grazing livestock play a vital role in maintaining ecosystems, from preventing scrub encroachment in peatlands6 to supporting diverse wetlands7 and enhancing butterfly and bird diversity in upland systems.8 We support the RCVS in maintaining a neutral, science-led stance. We would welcome the opportunity to collaborate on developing guidance that reflects these principles.

Abstract We compute the asymptotic probability that a random pair of Sylow 2-subgroups in S n S_{n} or A n A_{n} intersects trivially. This calculation complements recent work of Diaconis, Giannelli, Guralnick, Law, Navarro, Sambale, and Spink.

Synthetic data is often positioned as a solution to replace sensitive fixed-size datasets with a source of unlimited matching data, freed from privacy concerns. There has been much progress in synthetic data generation over the last decade, leveraging corresponding advances in machine learning and data analytics. In this survey, we cover the key developments and the main concepts in tabular synthetic data generation, including paradigms based on probabilistic graphical models and on deep learning. We provide background and motivation, before giving a technical deep-dive into the methodologies. We also address the limitations of synthetic data, by studying attacks that seek to retrieve information about the original sensitive data. Finally, we present extensions and open problems in this area.

Abstract In recent years, the automotive field has exposed a significant surge in electrification, presenting a pivotal solution to environmental concerns. However, addressing the challenge of driving mileage remains a critical aspect in the realm of electric vehicles (EVs). Among the various factors influencing battery energy consumption during operation, aerodynamic force emerges as a primary contributor. Mitigating this force holds the key to substantial improvements in driving mileage, making it a focal point of exploration in this research. The impact of aerodynamic force extends beyond mere energy consumption; it intricately influences battery size, vehicle mileage, performance, stability, and passenger comfort. Navigating this multifaceted terrain poses a formidable challenge for automotive engineers engaged in the development of electric vehicles. This study undertakes the optimization of rear-end design factors for a hatchback electric vehicle, specifically addressing drag, lift, and aerodynamic noise objectives. Five critical geometric factors of the rear end – Rear Spoiler Length, Rear Spoiler Angle, Rear Diffuser Angle, Boat Tail Angle, and 5th Door Height – are identified as key design parameters. The interplay of these factors and their impact on objectives is systematically investigated through a Design of Experiment (DoE) approach. To enhance the efficiency of the investigation, a fractional factorial design method is utilized, effectively reducing the number of individual case studies. The formulation of regression equations, capturing the essence of significant terms for each objective, lays the groundwork for a subsequent multi-objective optimization process. This optimization, driven by the maximization of a composite desirability function, identifies optimal levels for each design factor. The research culminates in the selection of a model with optimum rear-end factors based on a comprehensive evaluation of drag, lift, and aerodynamic noise objectives. The aerodynamic performance surrounding this optimal model is intricately described, offering valuable insights into the holistic impact of the chosen design parameters on the electric vehicle's aerodynamics.

Recent research into membrane interactions has uncovered a diverse range of therapeutic opportunities through the bioengineering of human and non-human macromolecules.Although the majority of this research is focussed on fundamental developments, emerging studies are showcasing promising new technologies to combat conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer's and inflammatory and immune-based disease, utilising the alteration of bacteriophage, adenovirus, bacterial toxins, type 6 secretion systems, annexins, mitochondrial antiviral signalling proteins and bacterial nano-syringes. To advance the field further, each of these opportunities need to be better understood, and the therapeutic models need to be further optimised.Here, we summarise the knowledge and insights into several membrane interactions and detail their current and potential uses therapeutically.

The major constraint limiting crop yield in developing countries globally and especially in the tropical Africa is soil infertility. In order to improve the fertility of the soils for maximum food production and supplies, the use of inorganic (chemical) fertilizers was adopted and used extensively. However, the scarcity and high cost of the inorganic fertilizers in recent times due to economic and global challenges like covid 19 pandemic and wars is worrisome. Also, research has shown that the continuous use of inorganic fertilizer and total dependence on it for agricultural production have led to a decline in soil fertility, land degradation and rottening of certain crops especially tubers, hence the need for an alternative. This review work studies the need of producing organic fertilizers from various organic wastes (such as agricultural waste, sewage sludge, animal waste, municipal solid waste, food waste, etc) as alternative soil amendment using the technology advancement for solid organic waste management as obtained in the developed countries. This when adopted will not only enhance and sustain soil productivity but will help to free the environment of pollution and encourage economic growth. The work also provides insight to the production line of the organic fertilizer, sources or raw materials and advantages of substituting chemical (inorganic) fertilizer with organic fertilizer. It is obvious that organic fertilizer when produced will be affordable, available, cheaper and will improve and sustain the physical, chemical and biological conditions of the soils.

SummaryBackgroundThe PERFORM study aimed to understand causes of febrile childhood illness by comparing molecular pathogen detection with current clinical practice.MethodsFebrile children and controls were recruited on presentation to hospital in 9 European countries 2016–2020. Each child was assigned a standardized diagnostic category based on retrospective review of local clinical and microbiological data. Subsequently, centralised molecular tests (CMTs) for 19 respiratory and 27 blood pathogens were performed.FindingsOf 4611 febrile children, 643 (14%) were classified as definite bacterial infection (DB), 491 (11%) as definite viral infection (DV), and 3477 (75%) had uncertain aetiology. 1061 controls without infection were recruited. CMTs detected blood bacteria more frequently in DB than DV cases for N. meningitidis (OR: 3.37, 95% CI: 1.92–5.99), S. pneumoniae (OR: 3.89, 95% CI: 2.07–7.59), Group A streptococcus (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.13–6.09) and E. coli (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.02–6.71). Respiratory viruses were more common in febrile children than controls, but only influenza A (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.11–0.46), influenza B (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02–0.37) and RSV (OR 0.16, 95% CI: 0.06–0.36) were less common in DB than DV cases. Of 16 blood viruses, enterovirus (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.23–0.72) and EBV (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.56–0.90) were detected less often in DB than DV cases. Combined local diagnostics and CMTs respectively detected blood viruses and respiratory viruses in 360 (56%) and 161 (25%) of DB cases, and virus detection ruled-out bacterial infection poorly, with predictive values of 0.64 and 0.68 respectively.InterpretationMost febrile children cannot be conclusively defined as having bacterial or viral infection when molecular tests supplement conventional approaches. Viruses are detected in most patients with bacterial infections, and the clinical value of individual pathogen detection in determining treatment is low. New approaches are needed to help determine which febrile children require antibiotics.FundingEU Horizon 2020 grant 668303.

Water content of the skin is an important parameter for controlling the penetration rate of chemicals through the skin barrier; therefore, for transdermal patches designed for drug delivery to be successful, the effects of the patches on the water content of the skin must be understood. Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is a technique which is being increasingly investigated for biomedical applications due to its high sensitivity to water content and non-ionizing nature. In this study, we used THz measurements of the skin (in vivo) to observe the effect of partially and fully occlusive skin patches on the THz response of the skin after the patches had been applied for 24 h. We were able to observe an increase in the water content of the skin following the application of the patches and to identify that the skin remained hyper-hydrated for four hours after the removal of the fully occlusive patches. Herein, we show that THz spectroscopy has potential for increasing the understanding of how transdermal patches affect the skin, how long the skin takes to recover following patch removal, and what implications these factors might have for how transdermal drug patches are designed and used.