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Both chemical and mechanical processes act together to control the weathering rate of rocks. In rocks with micrometer size grains, enhanced dissolution at grain boundaries has been observed to cause the mechanical detachment of particles. However, it remains unclear how important this effect is in rocks with larger grains, and how the overall weathering rate is influenced by the proportion of high- and low-reactivity mineral phases. Here, we use a numerical model to assess the effect of grain size on chemical weathering and chemo-mechanical grain detachment. Our model shows that as grain size increases, the weathering rate initially decreases; however, beyond a critical size no significant decrease in the rate is observed. This transition occurs when the density of reactive boundaries is less than ∼ 20 % of the entire domain. In addition, we examined the weathering rates of rocks containing different proportions of high- and low-reactivity minerals. We found that as the proportion of low-reactivity minerals increases, the weathering rate decreases nonlinearly. These simulations indicate that for all compositions, grain detachment contributes more than 36 % to the overall weathering rate, with a maximum of ∼ 50 % when high- and low-reactivity minerals are equally abundant in the rock. This occurs because selective dissolution of the high-reactivity minerals creates large clusters of low-reactivity minerals, which then become detached. Our results demonstrate that the balance between chemical and mechanical processes can create complex and nonlinear relationships between the weathering rate and lithology.

Placental elasticity may be modified in women with placental insufficiency. Shear wave elastography (SWE) can measure this, using acoustic radiation force, but the safety of its use in pregnant women has not yet been demonstrated. Transient elastography (TE) is a safer alternative, but has not yet been applied to the placenta. Moreover, the dispersion of shear wave speed (SWS) as a function of frequency has received relatively little study for placental tissue, although it might improve the accuracy of biomechanical assessment. To explore the feasibility and reproducibility of TE for placental analysis, to compare the values of SWS and Young's modulus (YM) from TE and SWE, and to analyze SWS dispersion as a function of frequency ex vivo in normal placentas. Ten normal placentas were analyzed ex vivo by an Aixplorer ultrasound system as shear waves were generated by a vibrating plate and by using an Aixplorer system. The frequency analysis provided the value of the exponent n from a fractional rheological model applied to the TE method. We calculated intra- and interobserver agreement for SWS and YM with 95% prediction intervals, created Bland-Altman plots with 95% limits of agreement, and estimated the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The mean SWS was 1.80 m/s +/- 0.28 (standard deviation) with the TE method at 50 Hz and 1.82 m/s +/-0.13 with SWE (P = 0.912). No differences were observed between the central and peripheral regions of placentas with either TE or SWE. With TE, the intraobserver ICC for SWS was 0.68 (0.50-0.82), and the interobserver ICC for SWS 0.65 (0.37-0.85). The mean parameter n obtained from the fractional rheological model was 1.21 +/- 0.12, with variable values of n for any given SWS. TE is feasible and reproducible on placentas ex vivo. The frequency analysis of SWS provides additional information about placental elasticity and appears to be able to distinguish differences between placental structures.

Previous studies of fetal effects have suggested that intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is associated with a higher rate of adverse neonatal outcomes including preterm birth, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and stillbirth. The objective was to compare the neonatal and maternal consequences in pregnancies affected by intrahepatic cholestasis and normal pregnancies. This case-control study compares pregnancies affected by intrahepatic cholestasis (pruritus and bile acid ≥ 10 μmol/L) with low-risk pregnancies managed between December 2006 and December 2014 at a French university hospital center. There were 83 (59.3%) cases of mild cholestasis (10≤ BA ≤39 μmol/L), 46 (32.8%) of moderate cholestasis (40≤ BA ≤99 μmol/L), and 11 (7.9%) of severe cholestasis (BA ≥100 μmol/L). No in utero fetal deaths occurred in the 140 women with cholestasis or the 560 controls analyzed. The rate of respiratory distress syndrome was higher in neonates of women with intrahepatic cholestasis (17.1% vs. 4.6%, P<0.001; crude OR 4.46 (CI95% 2.49-8.03)). This risk was also significant after adjustment for gestational age at birth and mode of delivery, adjusted OR 2.56 (CI95%1.26-5.18). The postpartum hemorrhage rate was twice as high among the case mothers (25% versus 14.1% for controls, P = 0.002). After adjustment on the confounding factors we found a higher rate of respiratory distress syndrome and neonatal morbidity among neonates of the cholestasis group.

Financial inclusion is a cornerstone for both individual welfare and national economic prosperity; however, persistent rural-urban inequalities in Tanzania continue to limit equitable access to and utilisation of financial services and products. Employing 2021 Global Findex data, this study applies the Recentered Influence Function (RIF)-Oaxaca decomposition analysis, supported by Erreygers concentration index to examine the factors associated with these inequalities. The results show financial inclusion is predominantly concentrated among wealthier individuals, which also leaves rural communities at a disadvantage. The significant factors associated with rural-urban inequalities in financial inclusion in Tanzania are financial literacy, mobile phone ownership, individual income and internet access, while being in the workplace plays a comparatively weaker role. The findings align with the global and national agenda of empowering underprivileged groups, particularly rural areas, and enhancing financial inclusion for all. These findings suggest that policy interventions should prioritise rural-targeted financial literacy programmes, expansion of digital infrastructure and inclusive product design to ensure equitable financial inclusion. This study provides novel empirical evidence on socioeconomic drivers of rural-urban disparities in financial inclusion in Tanzania. By employing advanced decomposition techniques, the research identifies key barriers such as limited digital access, financial literacy and income inequality that disproportionately affect rural populations. The findings offer actionable insights for policymakers and development practitioners to design inclusive financial strategies, supporting national goals for equitable economic participation and poverty reduction.

This study explores the role of financial literacy in shaping rural–urban inequalities in Mobile Money (MoMo) account ownership in Tanzania. While digital financial services have expanded rapidly, the findings show that access alone is insufficient for equitable inclusion; the capability to use digital finance effectively remains unevenly distributed. Using data the 2021 Global Findex survey (n = 1,000) and applying the Recentred Influence Function (RIF)-Oaxaca decomposition, the study identifies a 0.150-point rural-urban gap in MoMo ownership. Approximately 67% of this disparity is explained by observable characteristics, with financial literacy accounting for 22.6%, a larger contribution than most other determinants, including mobile phone ownership, internet access and employment status. Regression results further show that the effect of financial literacy strengthens across income levels, highlighting that higher-income users convert financial knowledge into adoption more effectively than the poorest groups. These findings highlight that digital inclusion is both an infrastructural and capacity challenge. Addressing rural–urban and income-based inequalities therefore requires integrating targeted, pro-poor financial literacy initiatives into digital finance policy. Tailored approaches that strengthen foundational financial skills among low-income and rural populations can enhance meaningful engagement with MoMo services and promote more equitable participation in Tanzania’s digital financial ecosystem.

In a similar way to solute transport, heat transfer in porous media is governed by advection and dispersion processes, and “non‐Fourier” behavior, characterized by early breakthrough and long tailing, might also be expected to occur. While “non‐Fickian” solute transport has been studied extensively and an effective mathematical framework (the Continuous Time Random Walk (CTRW)) has been developed to describe it, there has been little experimental or numerical investigation of non‐Fourier thermal transfer in porous media. As a result of different transfer rates for heat and solute transport, it is unclear if non‐Fourier may occur or when it can be adequately modeled by an advection‐diffusion equation. We conducted high‐resolution finite element–finite volume numerical simulations of heat transfer in two geologically realistic fractured porous domains. We calculated thermal breakthrough curves at various locations in the domains and analyzed them with a CTRW model adapted for heat transfer. Our analysis shows that heat transport in the first, well‐connected fracture network is Fourier‐like, even though the thermal front is highly irregular. Consequently, it can be modeled by an advection‐diffusion equation using macroscopic dispersivities. By contrast, heat transport in the second, poorly connected fracture pattern is highly non‐Fourier. Hence, the classical advection‐diffusion equation is unable to capture the main features, but they can be modeled successfully by CTRW. The occurrence of non‐Fourier behavior has important implications for a range of processes including geothermal reservoir engineering, radioactive waste storage, and enhanced oil recovery.

To quantify transplacental transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus and antibody transfer in pregnant women and their newborns according to the gestational age at maternal infection. A prospective observational multicenter study including pregnant women with a positive RT-PCR or a positive serology for SARS-CoV-2 and compatible symptoms, from April to December 2020, in 11 French maternities. The study was designed to obtain a systematic collection of mother-infant dyad’s samples at birth. SARS-CoV-2 viral load was measured by RT-PCR. IgG and IgM antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antibody concentrations and transplacental transfer ratios were analyzed according to the gestational age at maternal infection. The primary outcome was the rate of SARS CoV-2 materno-fetal transmission at birth. The secondary outcome was the quantification of materno-fetal antibody transfer. Maternal and neonatal outcomes at birth were additionally assessed. Among 165 dyads enrolled, one congenital infection was confirmed {n = 1 (0.63%) IC 95% [0.02%; 3.48%]}. The average placental IgG antibody transfer ratio was 1.27 (IC 95% [0.69–2.89]). The transfer ratio increased with increasing time between the onset of maternal infection and delivery ( P Value = 0.0001). Maternal and neonatal outcomes were reassuring. We confirmed the very low rate of SARS-CoV-2 transplacental transmission (< 1%). Maternal antibody transfer to the fetus was more efficient when the infection occurred during the first and second trimester of pregnancy.

IntroductionAdnexal torsion is a gynaecological emergency in which prompt diagnosis and management are critical to preserving ovarian function. However, the clinical presentation is often non-specific, and diagnosis primarily relies on pelvic ultrasound, a modality with limited sensitivity that can lead to misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has emerged as a promising imaging technique that may enhance diagnostic accuracy by better characterising adnexal vascularisation.The aim of this study is to assess whether the addition of CEUS to standard diagnostic procedures can reduce the rate of unnecessary emergency surgeries. Specifically, we compare two diagnostic strategies in cases of high clinical suspicion of adnexal torsion: the current standard approach versus an experimental strategy incorporating CEUS. The primary outcome is the rate of inappropriate surgical interventions, defined as emergency surgery performed within 6 hours without intraoperative confirmation of torsion.Methods and analysisThis is a prospective, open-label, multicentre, randomised (1:1), controlled, superiority trial. A total of 256 women presenting with a high clinical suspicion of adnexal torsion will be enrolled over a period of 36 months. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the standard diagnostic strategy or an experimental strategy that includes CEUS. The primary endpoint is the proportion of emergency surgical procedures (performed within 6 hours of hospital admission) in which adnexal torsion is not confirmed.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the French Ethics Committee, the CPP (Comité de Protection des Personnes) on 28 October 2024. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant national and international conferences. The ethical approval number from the CPP is 6115.Registration numberNCT06677554; 2024-511720-13-00.

Background The potential protective effect of mediolateral episiotomy for obstetrical anal sphincter injuries (OASIs) remains controversial during operative vaginal delivery because of the difficulties to take into account the risk factors and clinical conditions at delivery; in addition, little is known about the potential benefits of mediolateral episiotomy on neonatal outcomes. The objectives were to investigate the associations between mediolateral episiotomy and both OASIs and neonatal outcomes, using propensity scores. Methods We performed a retrospective population-based observational study from a perinatal registry that includes all births in a French region between 2010 and 2017. All nulliparous women with singleton pregnancy delivering by operative vaginal deliveries at 37 weeks gestational age or later were included. Inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting with propensity scores was used to minimize indication bias. OASIs was defined as third and fourth-degree tears according to Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Two neonatal outcomes were studied: condition at birth (5-min Apgar score less than 7 and/or umbilical artery pH less than 7.10), and admission to neonatal intensive care unit. Results The study population consisted of 7589 women; 2880 (38.0%) received mediolateral episiotomy. After applying propensity scores, episiotomy was associated with a lower rate of OASIs in forceps/spatula delivery (2.3 vs 6.8%, Risk Ratio (RR) 0.38, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.28–0.52) and in vacuum delivery (1.3 vs 3.4%, RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.20–0.38) as compared with no episiotomy. Mediolateral episiotomy was associated with better condition at birth in case of forceps/spatula delivery (4.5 vs 8.8%, RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.39–0.81). In cases of fetal distress (40.7%), mediolateral episiotomy was associated with better condition of infant at birth in women who delivered by forceps/spatula (4.2 vs 13.5%, RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.31–0.89). No association was found with neonatal unit admission (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.50–1.74). Conclusions Use of mediolateral episiotomy was associated with a lower rate of OASIs during operative vaginal delivery, and in infants it was associated with better condition at birth following forceps/spatula delivery.

An approach to describe heat transfer in porous media is presented on the basis of the continuous time random walk (CTRW) framework. CTRW is capable of quantifying both local equilibrium and non-equilibrium heat transfer in heterogeneous domains, and is shown here to match published experimental data of non-equilibrium thermal breakthrough. It is argued that CTRW will be particularly applicable to the quantification of heat transfer in naturally heterogeneous geological systems, such as soils and geothermal reservoirs.