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Micro-macro decomposition of particle swarm optimization methods

(American Institute of Mathematical Sciences, 2026-02) Herty, Michael; Veneruso, Sara

Solving non-convex minimization problems using multi-particle metaheuristic derivative-free optimization methods is still an active area of research. Popular methods are Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) methods, that iteratively update a population of particles according to dynamics inspired by social interactions between individuals. We present a modification to include constrained minimization problems using exact penalization. Additionally, we utilize the hierarchical structure of PSO to introduce a micro-macro decomposition of the algorithm. The probability density of particles is written as a convex combination of microscopic and macroscopic contributions, and both parts are propagated separately. The decomposition is dynamically updated based on heuristic considerations. Numerical examples compare the results obtained using the algorithm in the microscopic scale, in the macroscopic scale, and using the new micro-macro decomposition.

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Chemically mediated multitrophic interactions and their role in crop protection

(Elsevier, 2026-02) Torto, Baldwyn; Kihika-Opanda, Ruth; Khamis, Fathiya Mbarak

Agricultural production is primarily constrained by biotic stresses, with insect pests being the most significant contributors. Effective pest management is essential for sustainable crop protection and relies on understanding how plants interact with pests (herbivores), their natural enemies (predators and parasitoids), other plants, and beneficial organisms such as pollinators. These interactions, which are also frequently influenced by microorganisms, collectively referred to as multitrophic interactions, play a crucial role in shaping agroecosystems. Recent research highlights that in agricultural systems, multitrophic interactions are primarily mediated by volatile organic compounds and other specialized metabolites through microbial activity. A deeper understanding of these chemically mediated mechanisms in pest, natural enemy, and pollinator attraction/repellence, and plant defense priming, offers new opportunities for developing ecologically sustainable pest management strategies. This review aims to synthesize emerging evidence on the role of plant- and microbial-derived specialized metabolites in mediating multitrophic interactions and potential applications for crop protection. It also identifies knowledge gaps and explores how recent advances are shaping the development of innovative crop protection technologies. HIGHLIGHTS • Multitrophic interactions play a key role in agricultural systems and food productivity. • Plant volatiles and secondary metabolites contribute to shaping multitrophic interactions. • Microbial-mediated specialized metabolites also contribute to shaping multitrophic interactions. • Diverse chemical classes influence multitrophic interactions. • Understanding multitrophic interactions facilitates development of innovative crop protection technologies.

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Mapping evidence on the regulations affecting the accessibility, availability, and management of snake antivenom globally : a scoping review

(MDPI, 2025-08) Majeed, Ramsha; Bester, Janette; Kgarosi, Kabelo; Strydom, Morné; morne.strydom@up.ac.za

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared snakebite envenoming (SBE) as a neglected tropical disease in 2017. Antivenom is the gold standard of treatment, but many healthcare barriers exist, and hence, affected populations are often unable to access it. The challenge is further perpetuated by the lack of attention from national health authorities, poor regulatory systems and policies, and mismanagement of antivenom. This study aims to map the evidence regarding snake antivenom regulations globally and identify gaps in the literature to inform future research and policy. This review was conducted using the original Arksey and O’Malley framework by three independent reviewers, and the results were reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A search strategy was developed with assistance from a librarian, and six databases were searched: PubMed, SCOPUS, ProQuest Central, Africa Wide Web, Academic Search Output, and Web of Science. Screening was conducted independently by the reviewers, using Rayyan, and conflicts were resolved with discussions. A total of 84 articles were included for data extraction. The major themes that emerged from the included studies were regarding antivenom availability, accessibility, manufacturing, and regulations. The study revealed massive gaps in terms of policies governing antivenom management, especially in Asia and Africa. The literature does not offer sufficient evidence on management guidelines for antivenom in the endemic regions, despite identifying the challenges in supply. However, significant information from Latin America revealed self-sufficient production, involvement of national health bodies in establishing efficient regulations, effective distribution nationally and regionally, and technology sharing to reduce SBE-related mortality.

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Consensus nomenclature for radionuclide therapy : initial recommendations from nuclear medicine global initiative

(Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, 2025-05) Al-Ibraheem, Akram; Scott-, Andrew M.; Abdlkadir, Ahmed Saad; Vrachimis, Alexis; Lamoureux, Francois; Trujillo, Patricia Bernal; Bailey, Dale L.; More, Stuart; Giammarile, Francesco; Kumar, Rakesh; Nonnekens, Julie; Cutler, Cathy S.; Urbain, Jean-Luc C.; Dibble, Elizabeth H.; Sathekge, Mike Machaba; Bomanji, Jamshed; Cerci, Juliano J.; Thomas, Elizabeth; Small, William; Louw, Lizette; Hyun, O. Joo; Lee, Sze Ting; Nadel, Helen; Jacene, Heather; Watabe, Tadashi; Bom, Henry Hee-Seung; Bouyoucef, Salah Eddine; Weston, Charlotte; Wadsley, Jonathan; Irwin, Andy G.; Croasdale, Jilly; Zanzonico, Pat; Paez, Diana; Ghesani, Munir

Since its inception in 2012, the Nuclear Medicine Global Initiative (NMGI) of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has played an important role in addressing significant challenges in the field of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. The first 3 projects were dedicated to standardizing pediatric nuclear medicine practices, addressing the global challenges of radionuclide access and availability, and assessing the educational and training initiatives on theranostics across the globe. These efforts aimed to advance human health, foster worldwide educational collaboration, and standardize procedural guidelines to enhance quality and safety in nuclear medicine practice. In its latest project, NMGI aimed to develop a unified nomenclature for systemic radionuclide therapy in nuclear medicine, addressing the diverse terminology currently used. An online survey was distributed to NMGI member organizations, drawing participation from various geographical locations and disciplines. The survey anonymously collected responses from physicians, physicists, scientists, radiopharmacists, radiopharmaceutical scientists, dosimetrists, technologists, and nurse managers, totaling 240 responses from 30 countries. Findings revealed a prevailing use of the term targeted radionuclide therapy for radionuclide therapy, with 52% of respondents expressing a preference for this term. In contrast, approximately 37% favored “radiopharmaceutical therapy,” whereas 11% favored “molecular radionuclide therapy.” Other key terms under the umbrella of targeted radionuclide therapy were also discussed to achieve a consensus on terminology. NMGI efforts to standardize terminology in this dynamic and fluid field should improve communication within the field, better reflect the technology used, enable comparison of results, and ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.

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Constraints to healthy eating guide food choices in an emerging economy

(Elsevier, 2026-02) Dlamini, Nomzamo N.; Tuorila, Hely; De Kock, Henrietta Letitia; u13034929@tuks.co.za

The 31-item food choice questionnaire (FCQ-EE), developed by Dlamini et al. (2024), accounts for seven motives relevant to people living in emerging economies: Healthy eating constraints (HEC); Meat appeal (MA); Emotional eating (EE); Quality seeking (QS); Weather (WE); Frugality (FR); and Cooking constraints (CC). In an online survey, their predictive ability was tested in a forced choice between 10 paired products. Three pairs had sorghum-based foods (sorghum represents the more sustainable option) as choice options. One pair contrasted a meat-based product with a plant-based alternative. Other pairs targeted choices related to healthfulness, cooking constraints and weather suitability. Each pair was displayed on screen visually and by names, and the eating context was defined. Demographic traits: age groups in years 18–35 (42 %), 36–45 (29 %), and 46–65+ (29 %) of the population (n = 814); income (low, middle, high) and gender: 69 % women, were also included as potential predictors. HEC was the most prominent predictor of choices as it informed the selection of the generally less healthy option in nine of 10 product pairs. EE was the second most important predictor in four of the 10 food pairs. QS consistently predicted the choice for the more sustainable option. Demographic traits, especially age, contributed to the selection for three pairs. Overall, all motives identified in the FCQ-EE predicted at least one choice, suggesting the usefulness of this tool in the prediction of food choice in an emerging economy. HIGHLIGHTS • People rated items describing food choice motives using a food choice questionnaire for emerging economies (FCQ-EE). • They were tasked to select an option in a forced choice between 10 product pairs and indicate their age, income and gender. • Healthy Eating Constraints (HEC) was the most prominent predictor of food selection, followed by Emotional Eating (EE). • The more sustainable options were mainly predicted by Quality Seeking (QS). • Age contributed to the selection between three pairs.