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Genomic population structure and adaptation of eastern Mediterranean loggerhead (Caretta caretta) nesting areas
Age at first marriage among women in Lesotho: Multilevel survival analysis- insight from 2023-24 demographic and health survey data
Background Early marriage remains a significant public health and social issue in Lesotho, with profound implications for women's health, education, and economic empowerment. Despite legal frameworks aimed at curbing the practice, a substantial proportion of women continue to marry before the age of 18, driven by sociocultural norms, economic constraints, and limited access to opportunities. This study investigates the timing and factors associated with first marriage among women in Lesotho using advanced multilevel survival analysis to inform targeted interventions. Methods We analyzed retrospective time-to-event data from the nationally representative, cross-sectional 2023−24 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS), employing a log-logistic accelerated failure time (AFT) model within a multilevel framework to account for individual, household, and community-level factors. The analysis included 6,413 women aged 15–49, with 48.76% having experienced first marriage (events) and 51.24% right-censored. Statistical computations were performed using R statistical software (version 4.4.3), incorporating survey weights to ensure representativeness. Results The median age at first marriage was 24 years (95% CI: 24–25), with significant variation across socioeconomic and contextual factors. Employment (TR = 1.072, 95% CI: 1.043–1.103), middle wealth quintile (TR = 1.060, 95% CI: 1.012–1.110), low community poverty (TR = 1.094, 95% CI: 1.045–1.145), and urban residence (TR = 1.079, 95% CI: 1.033–1.126) were statistically associated with later age at first marriage (p < 0.05). In contrast, primary education (TR = 0.856, 95% CI: 0.749–0.979), younger birth cohorts (1979–2003: TR range 0.774–0.907), richest wealth quintile (TR = 0.927, 95% CI: 0.875–0.981), and rural residence (TR = 0.927, 95% CI: 0.888–0.967) were associated with earlier age at first marriage. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC = 0.0029) indicated that only 0.3% of the variation in age at first marriage was attributable to community-level differences. Although statistically significant, the magnitude of these associations is modest. Conclusions The findings show that employment, middle wealth status, low community poverty, and urban residence are associated with a later age at first marriage, while primary education, younger birth cohorts, richest wealth quintile, and rural residence are associated with earlier marriage. The minimal community-level variation suggests that individual and household-level factors are more important determinants of marriage timing. Policymakers could consider prioritizing multisectoral interventions, including expanded educational access, economic empowerment programs, and poverty reduction strategies, with particular attention to rural-urban disparities. Addressing these structural factors may be relevant to achieving sustainable development goals related to gender equality and women's empowerment in Lesotho.
Behavioral and molecular characterization of fatigue-like manifestations triggered by acute restraint stress and LPS or saline
Minority Sites on Cu Surfaces Drive C–C Coupling in the Electrochemical Reduction of CO <sub>2</sub>
Faster turnover of taxonomic over functional bacterial composition during vermicomposting indicates increasing functional redundancy
Microbial taxonomy underpins microbial functionality; consequently, changes in taxonomic composition are expected to influence community functional profiles. However, functional redundancy—the ability of different microorganisms to perform similar functions—can sometimes decouple taxonomic and functional variation in microbial communities. In this study, we estimated the turnover rates of bacterial taxonomic and functional composition, as well as functional redundancy, across different substrates during vermicomposting. Our results showed that, during the early stages of vermicomposting, bacterial functional composition largely mirrored taxonomic composition across substrates. However, by the final stage, samples converged toward similar functional profiles despite remaining taxonomically distinct, indicating an increase in functional redundancy over time. Consistent with this pattern, the taxonomic turnover rate was approximately twelve times higher than the functional turnover rate. Functional redundancy increased throughout the process, with values ranging from 0.27 to 0.58 (on a scale from 0 to 1). The high turnover rates observed demonstrate that vermicomposting is an accelerated decomposition system with respect to both bacterial taxonomic and functional dynamics, exhibiting turnover rates more than 200 times higher than those reported for soil ecosystems. However, because this study did not include a non-earthworm control treatment, the accelerated turnover rates cannot be attributed exclusively to earthworm activity and should instead be interpreted as the result of the combined effects of earthworms and microorganisms. Future studies should incorporate non-worm controls to disentangle the specific contribution of earthworms and to evaluate how varying earthworm densities influence microbial turnover dynamics.
Development and psychometric validation of the AI chatbots acceptance and perception scale for higher education students
Abstract The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots in higher education has transformed student learning experiences and institutional operations, yet comprehensive measurement tools for assessing student usage patterns remain limited. This study presents the development and psychometric validation of the AI Chatbots Usage Scale, a comprehensive instrument measuring perceptual and attitudinal dimensions of AI chatbot acceptance among higher education students. Using a two-phase methodology, the research employed separate samples for Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) ( n = 374) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) ( n = 599) among university students aged 17–23 from the Faculty of Education in Egypt. The initial 25-item scale underwent rigorous expert validation and pilot testing before final administration. EFA revealed a four-factor structure comprising Ease of Use, Perceived Usefulness, Trust, and Accessibility, accounting for 42.48% of total variance. CFA demonstrated excellent model fit indices, with the multidimensional model significantly outperforming a unidimensional alternative. Internal consistency reliability was excellent across all factors, with coefficients ranging from 0.731 to 0.928. The validated scale demonstrates strong theoretical alignment with established technology acceptance frameworks while extending traditional models to accommodate AI-specific considerations. These findings provide researchers and educational institutions with a reliable, theoretically grounded instrument for assessing and optimizing AI chatbot implementation in higher education contexts.
Promising Room-Temperature Superconductor in the La–Sc–H System at High Pressure
A systematic review and meta-analysis on the epidemiology of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses in Ethiopia
Background Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are among the most prevalent work-related disorders affecting individuals across all age groups and professions. Nurses are highly vulnerable due to the nature of their professional duties. However, no comprehensive meta-analysis has been done on the prevalence of WMSDs among nurses. Thus, the purpose of this study was to provide the pooled prevalence and associated factors of WMSDs among nurses in Ethiopia. Methods This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251136383). To retrieve relevant studies, various electronic databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, HINARI, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to August 14, 2025. The Joana Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool was used for literature quality assessment. The necessary data were extracted and analyzed with STATA 17. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the pooled prevalence of WMSDs and associated factors while also evaluating heterogeneity and publication bias. Furthermore, a nonparametric trim and fill analysis and leave-one-out sensitivity analysis were conducted. Results A total of sixteen studies containing 5982 nurses were included in this study. The pooled prevalence of WMSDs among nurses in Ethiopia was 61.47% (95% CI: 55.08–67.87). Being female (PAOR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.08–1.75), job stress (PAOR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.34–2.56), prolonged standing (PAOR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.29–2.66), and work experience (≥ 5 years) (PAOR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.08–2.31) were factors significantly associated with WMSDs. Conclusion WMSDs among nurses in Ethiopia are considerably high. The finding of our study may warrant attention in workplace risk management such as supportive management and ergonomic training and education, especially for female nurses and those with work experience (≥ 5 years). However, job stress and prolonged standing factors should be interpreted cautiously due to the substantial variability of covariates observed across studies.
Cell wall changes and proteome remodelling induced by Sida hermaphrodita seed extract in Candida albicans
Abstract Candida albicans is the leading etiological agent of both superficial and systemic candidiasis. Difficulties in the treatment of fungal infections result from the limited efficacy and high toxicity of the most commonly used antibiotics. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of a protein extract from Sida hermaphrodita (Virginia mallow) seeds on cells of the clinical wild-type strain of C. albicans and to identify the cellular targets of this effect. Light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, flow cytometry, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and LC–MS/MS Quantitative SWATH-MS were used to perform detailed analysis of changes occurring in cells after incubation with the seed extract at various concentrations (0.76–100 µg mL − 1 ). It was demonstrated that the extract at all concentrations significantly limited the growth of C. albicans cells and reduced their viability, causing cell death via necrosis (MIC 50 was 25 µg mL − 1 ). After treatment with the extract, the cells were characterised by more intense and uneven fluorescence of individual cell wall layers: chitin and β-1,3-glucan. The SEM analysis revealed deformations in the cell shape and cells with numerous post-division scars located across the entire surface or at one of the poles. The flow cytometric analysis of the cell wall showed that the seed extract caused exposure of the β-1,3-glucan and chitin layers in the fungal cells, with a simultaneous reduction in mannans. These observations were confirmed by FTIR analyses, which revealed a decrease in the intensity of signals characteristic for cell wall polysaccharides, mannans, in the extract-treated cells. The AFM analysis showed changes in the nanomechanical properties of cells after treatment with extract at the highest concentration, i.e. an increase in elasticity, compared to control cells. The proteomic analyses revealed that the seed extract caused metabolic flexibility, reflected by the upregulation of mitochondrial and energy-associated proteins and the repression of ribosome-associated and biosynthetic proteins. Raman analysis provided information on the content of secondary protein structures in the extract. Immunoblotting using antibodies directed against lipid transfer protein and vicilins revealed proteins with molecular mass of 17, 63 kDa and 30, 35, 48, and 60 kDa, respectively. The extract is a promising material for the development of a new antifungal preparation with activity against C. albicans .
In vitro isolation and identification of entomopathogenic fungus (Metarhizium pinghaense) and assessment of its virulence against whiteflies and aphids
Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) and Aphis gossypii (Glover) are two notorious pests of vegetables grown in greenhouses and their outbreaks can be devastating and cause a significant loss in yield and quality. The prevail and effective control of the pests mainly relies on frequent applications of pesticides, which is likely to negatively impact environments and human health through residue, resurgence, and resistance. To avoid negative “3R” issues brought forth by chemicals, entomopathogenic fungus such as Metarhizium sp. are widely used as biocontrol agents even if they are different in their population, adaptability and pathogenicity among various species and isolates collected from different insect hosts and environments. To screen for the entomopathogenic fungi with optimal pathogenicity against the piercing-sucking pests B. tabaci and A. gossypii , we have isolated, purified four strains (SG-A, SG-B, SG-C, and SG-D) of Metarhizium sp. using yellow mealworms ( Tenebrio molitor ) as the bait, and identified them as Metarhizium pinghaense morphologically and molecularly. Bioassay results have indicated that four isolates of M. pingshaense infected both B. tabaci and A. gossypii with some differences in the virulence and median lethal time. Both B. tabaci and A. gossypii nymphs showed an increase in the mortality rate as the spore concentration rose. Four M. pingshaense strains also exhibited the different pathogenicity against B. tabaci and A. gossypii at various levels: At an inoculum concentration of 1 × 10 8 conidia/mL, the cumulative corrected mortality of B. tabaci nymphs 8 days post-treatment ranked in the order: SG‑A > SG‑C > SG‑B = SG‑D. For A. gossypii , the cumulative corrected mortality followed the order: SG‑A > SG‑B > SG‑D > SG‑C.Strain SG-A demonstrated the maximized pathogenicity against nymphs of B. tabaci and A. gossypii 8 days after the treatment (LC 50 = 7.00 × 10 4 and 4.21 × 10 5 conidia/mL, respectively). At the spore concentration at 1 × 10 8 conidia/mL, its cumulatively corrected mortality reached 94.44% and 96.67% (LT 50 = 4.13 d and 2.61 d, respectively). Strain SG-C showed an optimal pathogenicity against B. tabaci nymphs only with a cumulative corrected mortality of 87.78% and an LT 50 at 4.30 d 8 days after the treatment. In contrast, strain SG-B exhibited relatively high pathogenicity against A. gossypii nymphs only with a cumulative corrected mortality of 72.22% and an LT 50 at 2.31 d 8 days after the treatment. Therefore, M. pinghaense SG-A should be a potential biocontrol agent to manage whiteflies and aphids at their nymph stage during the vegetable production season.