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An efficient smart phone application for wheat crop diseases detection using advanced machine learning

Globally, agriculture holds significant importance for human food, economic activities, and employment opportunities. Wheat stands out as the most cultivated crop in the farming sector; however, its annual production faces considerable challenges from various diseases. Timely and accurate identification of these wheat plant diseases is crucial to mitigate damage and enhance overall yield. Pakistan stands among the leading crop producers due to favorable weather and rich soil for production. However, traditional agricultural practices persist, and there is insufficient emphasis on leveraging technology. A significant challenge faced by the agriculture sector, particularly in countries like Pakistan, is the untimely and inefficient diagnosis of crop diseases. Existing methods for disease identification often result in inaccuracies and inefficiencies, leading to reduced productivity. This study proposes an efficient application for wheat crop disease diagnosis, adaptable for both mobile devices and computer systems as the primary decision-making engine. The application utilizes sophisticated machine learning techniques, including Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and AdaBoost, combined with feature extraction methods such as Count Vectorization (CV) and Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF). These advanced methods collectively achieve up to 99% accuracy in diagnosing 14 key wheat diseases, representing a significant improvement over traditional approaches. The application provides a practical decision-making tool for farmers and agricultural experts in Pakistan, offering precise disease diagnostics and management recommendations. By integrating these cutting-edge techniques, the system advances agricultural technology, enhancing disease detection and supporting increased wheat production, thus contributing valuable innovations to both the field of machine learning and agricultural practices.

Modeling nearshore-offshore water exchange in Lake Ontario

The water quality and resources of Lake Ontario’s nearshore ecosystem undergo heightened stress, particularly along the northwest shoreline. Hydrodynamic processes linking the distinct nearshore and offshore trophic structures play a crucial role in transporting nutrient-loaded water along and across the shore. Despite the pivotal connection between algae growth and the development of nuisance proportions, the scales over which these processes operate remain poorly understood. This study delves into the exchange dynamics between nearshore and offshore areas of Lake Ontario throughout 2018, employing a validated three-dimensional numerical model. A virtual passive age tracer is utilized to discern horizontal mixing time scales between nearshore regions of the lake (water depth < 30 m) and offshore locations. The dispersal pattern, as revealed by a passive tracer released from eight points around the model lake’s perimeter, indicates more extensive diffusion in late summer when lake-wide stratification is established, compared to the mixed period. Coastal upwelling events, leading to intrusions of hypolimnetic waters, significantly contribute to net cross-shore transport, with the most pronounced effects observed in May and June when the offshore thermocline is shallow. In the northern part of the lake, dispersal predominantly occurs alongshore, mirroring the prevailing cyclonic (counterclockwise) coastal circulation during the stratified season. This pattern is a consequence of a 45% increase in upwelling events compared to three decades ago. In the northwestern and southern sectors of the lake, elevated cross-shore mixing is attributed to geomorphology-induced cross-basin currents.

Denovo variants in POGZ and YY1 genes: The novel mega players for neurodevelopmental syndromes in two unrelated consanguineous families

Novel denovo variants of exome sequences are major cause of pathogenic neurodevelopmental disorders with a dominant genetic mechanism that emphasize their heterogeneity and complex phenotypes. White Sutton syndrome and Gabriele-de-Vries syndrome are congenital neuro-impairments with overlap of severe intellectual disability, microcephaly, convulsions, seizures, delayed development, dysmorphism of faces, retinal diseases, movement disorders and autistic traits. POGZ gene codes for pogo transposable element-derived zinc-finger protein and YY1 gene regulates transcription, chromatin, and RNA-binding proteins that have been associated with White Sutton and Gabriele-de-Vries syndromes, in recent data. We present probands of two unrelated consanguineous families with complicated, unexplained neurocognitive syndromic characteristics clinically undiagnosed. Objectives of the study were to identify altered genetics and protein characteristics underlying molecular pathological pathways in both the patients. Whole exome sequencing identifies novel, denovo missense variant NM_015100.4: c.776 C>T (p. Pro259Leu) in exons 19 of POGZ gene and non-frameshift variant NM_003403.5: c.141_143delGGA (p. Glu47del) in exon 1 of YY1 gene for White Sutton syndrome in eight years five-month-old girl and Gabriele-de-Vries syndrome in seven years eight months old boy residing in Rawalpindi and Chakwal districts of Punjab, Pakistan respectively. Protein modelling for identified variants predicts size and conformation modifications in mutated amino acid residues that lead to damaging effects in the conserved domains expressed as neurological pathophysiology. The present study widens the diversely ethnic and highly inbred gene pool of Punjab, Pakistan population for spontaneously originated deleterious mutations and contributes to the continuously expanding phenotypic canvas. Molecular genetic identification and personalized diagnosis for the patients suffering from complicated neurodevelopmental phenotypes, for better care, management of day-to-day activities and prolonged life span are the utmost hopes.

Phenotypic identification of Metallo-ß- lactamase resistance Gram negative bacteria from a clinical specimen in Sidama, Ethiopia

Background Metallo-beta lactamase resistance is one of the carbapenem resistances that worsen the world nowadays. A new variant of carbapenem-resistant has only limited reports from Africa including Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine Metallo -ß- lactamase resistance Gram-negative bacteria in Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital January–June 2023. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in which consecutive patients infected with Gram-negative bacteria were included in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data with oriented nurses if the patients/or caregivers gave consent to participate in the study. Clinical specimens are processed based on the standard operating procedure of the Microbiology laboratory and Clinical laboratory standard institute guidelines. Culture and sensitivity testing was used to isolate the bacteria. Gram staining and biochemical tests was used to identify the bacteria to genus and species. Kirby disc diffusion technique was used to determine the susceptibility of antibiotics. Statistical Software for Social Science (SPSS) version 21 is used for data entry and analysis. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to interpret the data. The odds ratio at 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value < 0.05 were taken as a statistically significant association. Result Our study included 153 isolates from different specimens, 83 (54.2%) were from male patients and 70 (45.8%) were from females. Klebsiella pneumonia was the predominant 43, followed by Escherichia coli 32, Acinetobacter spp 25, Pseudomonas spp 15, Enterobacter agglomerus 9, Klebsiella ozaenae 6, Enterobacter cloacae 5, Klebsiella oxytoca 4, (Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis, Proteus mirabilis and Morganella morganii) 3, Providencia stuartii 2 and (Citrobacter spp & Proteus vulgaris) 1. The rates of multi, extensive and pan-drug resistance bacteria accounted for 128/153 (83.7%), 77 /153(50.3%), and 26/153 (17.0%), respectively. Carbapenem resistance was 21 (13.7%), of this 7.2% were Enterobacteriaceae, 5.2% were Acetinobacter spp. and 1.3% Pseudomonas spp. Metallo-beta-lactamase was 17 (11.1%), of this, Enterobacteriaceae were 9(5.9%), Acetinobacter spp. 7(4.6%), and Pseudomonas spp. 1(0.7%). There were no variables statistically significantly associated with metallo-beta-lactamase-resistant. Conclusion Our study revealed that Metallo-beta-lactamase resistance was circulating in the study area. There was a high rate of carbapenem resistance, multi, extensive and pan-drug resistance. Therefore, a measure should be taken to alleviate the emerging threat that leaves the patients without the option of treatment.

Differences in gene expression between high and low tolerance rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to acute thermal stress

Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the adaptive response of ectotherms to rising temperatures is key to mitigate the effects of climate change. We assessed the molecular and physiological processes that differentiate between rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with high and low tolerance to acute thermal stress. To achieve our goal, we used a critical thermal maximum trial in two strains of rainbow trout to elicit loss of equilibrium responses to identify high and low tolerance fish. We then compared the hepatic transcriptome profiles of high and low tolerance fish relative to untreated controls common to both strains to uncover patterns of differential gene expression and to gain a broad perspective on the interacting gene pathways and functional processes involved. We observed some of the classic responses to increased temperature (e.g., induction of heat shock proteins) but these responses were not the defining factors that differentiated high and low tolerance fish. Instead, high tolerance fish appeared to suppress growth-related functions, enhance certain autophagy components, better regulate neurodegenerative processes, and enhance stress-related protein synthesis, specifically spliceosomal complex activities, mRNA regulation, and protein processing through post-translational processes, relative to low tolerance fish. In contrast, low tolerance fish had higher transcript diversity and demonstrated elevated developmental, cytoskeletal, and morphogenic, as well as lipid and carbohydrate metabolic processes, relative to high tolerance fish. Our results suggest that high tolerance fish engaged in processes that supported the prevention of further damage by enhancing repair pathways, whereas low tolerance fish were more focused on replacing damaged cells and their structures.

Hospital and physician-based mental healthcare during 12 months of opioid agonist treatment for opioid use disorder: Exploring costs and factors associated with acute care

Background Individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) have a high prevalence of co-occurring mental health disorders; however, there exists little information on mental health service use for this population. We aimed to determine the prevalence of non-substance use-related mental health emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and outpatient physician visits for individuals receiving treatment for OUD over one year. We also explored individual-level characteristics associated with mental health care service use and estimated the costs of this care. Methods We linked observational cohort data collected from 3,430 individuals receiving treatment for OUD in Ontario, Canada, with health administrative records available for all individuals enrolled in Ontario’s public health insurance program. Eligible participants were receiving medication treatment for OUD and were recruited between 2011 and 2021 Starting on the day of cohort enrolment, we included health service data for up to 12 months. We identified ED visits and hospitalizations for non-substance use-related mental health disorders using ICD-10-CA diagnostic codes. Outpatient mental health visits to primary care providers and psychiatrists were ascertained by examining the diagnostic codes of physician billing claims. We used logistic regression to explore the association between demographic and clinical factors of interest and mental health-related ED visits or hospitalizations. Mean one-year mental healthcare costs, calculated in 2022 Canadian dollars, were estimated. We fit a two-part zero-inflated negative binomial model to explore the association between factors of interest and healthcare costs. Findings Altogether, 14.9% of individuals had mental health-related acute care ED visits or hospitalizations and 37.3% had outpatient mental health visits during the follow up period. For participants with at least one visit, we determined the mean number of ED visits (1.93, standard deviation [SD] = 2.15), hospitalizations (1.46, SD = 1.05), primary care visits (3.51, SD = 4.31), and psychiatry visits (4.04, SD = 4.73). Lower odds of ED use and hospitalization were associated with older age (46+ compared to less than 25 years: odds ratio [OR] 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.29, 0.63) and being employed (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.37, 0.61). Higher odds of ED use and hospitalization was associated with positive opioid urine drug screens (50% positive urine drug screens compared to 0%: OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.05, 2.01), having more comorbid conditions (7+ health conditions compared to 0–2 health conditions: OR 3.76, 95% CI 2.60, 5.44), and receipt of outpatient mental healthcare (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.95, 2.92) were associated with higher odds of ED visits or hospitalizations. Mean one-year mental healthcare costs for individuals receiving ED visits or hospitalizations totaled $9,117.80 (95% CI 7,372.90, 10,862.70) per person. Mean one-year costs for individuals with outpatient mental healthcare alone totaled $382.30 (95% CI 343.20, 421.30) per person. Conclusions Individuals receiving treatment for OUD receive care in EDs, inpatient units, and outpatient clinics for mental health conditions other than substance use-related diagnoses. Healthcare costs were considerably higher for those receiving acute care treatment for mental health conditions. Studying integrated mental health and substance use disorder treatment in the outpatient setting should be a priority to bolster care for this population.

SEMdag: Fast learning of Directed Acyclic Graphs via node or layer ordering

A Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) offers an easy approach to define causal structures among gathered nodes: causal linkages are represented by arrows between the variables, leading from cause to effect. Recently, industry and academics have paid close attention to DAG structure learning from observable data, and many techniques have been put out to address the problem. We provide a two-step approach, named SEMdag(), that can be used to quickly learn high-dimensional linear SEMs. It is included in the R package SEMgraph and employs a two-stage order-based search using previous knowledge (Knowledge-based, KB) or data-driven method (Bottom-up, BU), under the premise that a linear SEM with equal variance error terms is assumed. We evaluated our framework’s for finding plausible DAGs against six well-known causal discovery techniques (ARGES, GES, PC, LiNGAM, CAM, NOTEARS). We conducted a series of experiments using observed expression (or RNA-seq) data, taking into account a pair of training and testing datasets for four distinct diseases: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Breast cancer (BRCA), Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The results show that the SEMdag() procedure can recover a graph structure with good disease prediction performance evaluated by a conventional supervised learning algorithm (RF): in the scenario where the initial graph is sparse, the BU approach may be a better choice than the KB one; in the case where the graph is denser, both BU an KB report high performance, with highest score for KB approach based on topological layers. Besides its superior disease predictive performance compared to previous research, SEMdag() offers the user the flexibility to define distinct structure learning algorithms and can handle high dimensional issues with less computing load. SEMdag() function is implemented in the R package SEMgraph, easily available at https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=SEMgraph.

The hidden drivers: Unraveling the impact of density, moisture, and scale on Hermetia illucens rearing

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is a saprophagous insect known for bioconverting organic waste, potentially offering environmental benefits, such as contributing to waste reduction and nutrient cycling. The performance of larvae varies significantly with factors substrate moisture, larval density, and scale of production. Three experiments were conducted using a mix of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) and chicken feed (CF). In the first experiment, 250 larvae were reared on 100 g dry matter (DM) feed at moisture levels of 65–75%. Results showed that the average individual larval weight, total biomass, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved with increased moisture. In the second experiment, 300 and 350 larvae/box were tested at 70% and 75% moisture. The highest average individual larval fresh weight (158.6 mg) was observed at 70% moisture with 250 larvae, while the highest biomass was achieved at 75% moisture with 300 larvae. Finally, different scales (10–2,500 g feed with 25–6,500 larvae) were tested with a similar feeding rate. The highest individual larval weight was recorded at the 100 g scale, with no clear correlation between weight and scale. However, the 50 g scale achieved the highest substrate reduction (33.2%). Overall, this study underscores the need to adjust moisture, density, and scale to nutrient conversion efficiency when using SMS, CF or other diets. The optimal results for the SMS feed mix were observed at 75% substrate moisture, 250 larvae per 100 g DM, and at approximately 2 larvae per cm2.

HEalth professionals Responding to MEn for Safety (HERMES): Mixed methods evaluation of a pilot sexual health intervention for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men experiencing domestic violence and abuse

Background Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is a violation of human rights that damages the health and well-being of—gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). Sexual health services provide a unique opportunity to assess for DVA and provide support. This study explores the feasibility and acceptability of Healthcare Responding to Men for Safety (HERMES), a pilot intervention aimed to improve the identification and referral of gbMSM experiencing DVA in a London NHS Trust. Methods The before and after mixed method evaluation of the intervention included semi-structured interviews with 21 sexual health practitioners, 20 matched pre-post questionnaires, and an audit of 533 patient records to assess identification and referral of gbMSM experiencing DVA. Results HERMES increased practitioners’ self-reported preparedness and confidence in enquiring, identifying and responding to gbMSM experiencing DVA. HERMES increased staff awareness of DVA among these patients, which led to higher identification practices in their work. There was a significant increase in the identification and reporting practices of trained staff (0% to 30%), with 6 (5%) DVA cases identified. However, as far as we could determine, none of these patients contacted the support agency. Conclusions HERMES proved successful in raising staff awareness, provided tools that increased identification and a referral pathway to an external specialist DVA service for the LGBT community. However, the poor uptake of the referral service indicates a need for further exploration of the help-seeking behaviour of gbMSM experiencing DVA and whether they would prefer to receive support within a sexual health service. Reinforcement training and clinical supervision is needed to sustain positive changes in practice over time and address potential challenges posed by staff turnover. Initial training should be conducted through face-to-face sessions with a combination of in-person and e-learning materials and followed by in-person and online reinforcement activities.

Spiky fossils Punk and Emo change our understanding of molluscan evolution

Eutrophication triggered changes in network structure and fluxes of the Comacchio Lagoon (Italy)

Coastal lagoons, which cover about 13% of coastline, are among the most productive ecosystems worldwide. However, they are subject to significant stressors, both natural and anthropogenic, which can alter ecosystem services and functioning and food web structure. In the Comacchio Lagoon (Northern Italy), eutrophication, among other minor factors, transformed the ecosystem in the early 1980s. Here, we compiled available data for the lagoon into trophic networks (pre- and post-transformation), analyzed the ecosystem using local and global network analysis, and computed trophic fluxes of the two periods. For comparability, the networks of two periods (i.e., pre- and post- transformation) were aggregated into food webs with 23 nodes. We found differences in the trophic networks before and after eutrophication, resulting in some decrease in complexity, increase of flow diversity, and an overall shortening of the food chain. A crucial aspect of this change is the disappearance of submerged vegetation in the lagoon and the increased importance of cyanobacteria in the post-eutrophication period. We provide an approach to better understand ecosystem changes after severe disturbances which can be extended to biodiversity conservation and for the management of coastal resources in general.

Empirical research of foreign direct investments efficiency in the European Union on the edge of pandemic outbreak

The study focuses on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and foreign direct investments in the European Union countries. Using data envelopment analysis constant and variable returns to scale models, and the Malmquist productivity index, we measured the efficiency of economic resource utilization concerning foreign direct investments and gross domestic product. These efficiencies were assessed in 2019, before the full outbreak of COVID-19, and in 2020, when uncertainty and the consequences of the pandemic were most pronounced. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the European Union displayed economic resilience in the first year, with no significant reduction in foreign direct investment efficiency. Lower-income European Union countries saw an increase in foreign direct investment efficiency, attributing this to positive changes in managerial efficiency. This suggests that decisions made by authorities positively impacted foreign direct investment flows in economically less developed European Union regions despite restrictive measures and market uncertainties.

Risk factors for human infection with mpox among the Mexican population with social security

Background The 2022 mpox outbreak marked a significant shift in the epidemiology of this zoonotic disease, traditionally confined to Central and West Africa. With over 80 countries reporting cases, this outbreak was characterized by a rapid spread in non-endemic regions, leading to more than 70,000 confirmed cases globally. Objective To quantify the cumulative incidence of mpox and identify associated factors of mpox among the Mexican population affiliated by the Mexican Social Security Institute during the 2022–2023 outbreak. Material and methods A retrospective observational study using a cross-sectional survey to assess the cumulative incidence and factors associated with mpox. The cumulative incidence of laboratory confirmed mpox cases was calculated by dividing the number of confirmed cases by the insured population in the Mexican Social Security Institute as of mid-2022, per 100,000 individuals, this was analyzed by sex, age group, sexual orientation and people living with HIV. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with mpox infection. Results A total of 2,956 probable cases were reported, with 1,744 (59%) laboratory-confirmed mpox cases. Most confirmed cases were male, with a median age of 32 years. The overall cumulative incidence was 4.05 per 100,000 persons, significantly higher in men and men who have sex with men. Logistic regression revealed that male sex was significantly associated with higher odds of laboratory-confirmed mpox. Age groups 30–34, 35–39, and 40–44 had an elevated risk of infection. Men who have sex with men showed a substantially increased likelihood of mpox, while individuals living with HIV were at higher risk compared to those without HIV. Key clinical predictors included fever, arm rash, and inguinal lymphadenopathy. Conclusion The 2022 mpox outbreak revealed significant disparities in infection risk, particularly among men, men who have sex with men, and individuals living with HIV.

Understanding uptake of the COVID-19 vaccination among the homeless: A mixed methods evaluation

Background Ensuring effective access to vaccinations for people experiencing homelessness is crucial to protecting the health of a vulnerable, yet often overlooked population. Reaching this goal takes more than a one size fits all approach. This study evaluates how a dedicated health team collaborated with multiple agencies to register and deliver the COVID-19 vaccine to people experiencing homelessness. Methods This is a mixed methods study co-designed with the Adult Homeless Integrated Team, a multi-disciplinary team who work with local agencies to provide care to people experiencing homelessness in Cork, Ireland’s second largest city. Quantitative data collected at the point of vaccine registration described socio-demographics of the population. To explain the quantitative findings, eleven agencies involved in provision of homeless services were invited to participate in interviews. A manager in each of the agencies acted as a gatekeeper to clients. Interviews explored experiences with the pandemic and the delivery (staff) or receipt (clients) of the COVID-19 vaccine. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, transcriptions were thematically analysed. Results There were 728 vaccine doses administered to people experiencing homelessness during the first roll-out of vaccines; 401 first doses and 325 second doses. Of those who received a vaccine, the majority were male (76%), and more than half were Irish (55%). Ten semi-structured interviews, seven staff members and three clients, were conducted. There were three themes that provided further insights into the quantitative findings: Adapting to unprecedented times, Misinformation causing vaccine hesitancy and The importance of building relationships. Conclusions This study provides valuable insights into how a multidisciplinary approach resulted in a successful well received vaccination programme among a traditionally hard to reach group.

Barriers and facilitators to conducting human subjects research at a safety net institution from the perspective of researchers

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic revealed glaring problems with clinical research enterprise. Faced with crisis, several trials opened rapidly but enrolled homogenous populations with few Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals. Inclusive trial enrollment is important to inspire trust and confidence in BIPOC populations that have been historically excluded or harmed from research and to improve the generalizability of research findings. Safety-net hospitals and institutions often care for BIPOC populations, and thus it is essential to improve equitable participation in research at these institutions. In this study, we sought to understand barriers and facilitators to research participation at safety net institutions. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews among principal investigators, research assistants, research coordinators, and research nurses who conducted human subjects research at an urban, safety-net hospital from October, 2022 to December, 2022. We used inductive qualitative methods to identify themes associated with barriers and facilitators to clinical research participation. Results We completed 28 interviews and identified five themes: (1) compared to non-safety net systems, safety-net systems were perceived to require additional resources and funding to achieve comparable research recruitment and retention; (2) language barriers and translational processes are burdensome for researchers; (3) interactions between research staff and patients impact trust; (4) social determinants of health specific to safety-net populations are a barrier to participation; (5) competing priorities between clinical staff and researchers exist. Conclusion Safety net institutions face several barriers to conducting human subjects research. However, identified facilitators may help inform future efforts to reduce inequities in research participation.

The return of raptors to Scotland’s skies: Investigating the diets of reintroduced red kites and white-tailed eagles using stable isotopes

Species reintroductions are increasingly seen as important methods of biodiversity restoration. Reintroductions of red kites Milvus milvus and white-tailed eagles Halieaeetus albicilla to Britain, which were extirpated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, represent major conservation successes. Here, we measured stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in feather keratin and bone collagen of museum specimens of red kites and white-tailed eagles, which were collected from across Scotland between the 1800s and 2010s. Our objectives were to investigate dietary differences between species and between the pre- and post- reintroduction periods. Among reintroduced birds, δ13C values were significantly less negative and δ15N values higher in feather keratin and bone collagen of white-tailed eagles compared to red kites, likely reflecting a greater reliance on marine resources by the former. Our stable isotope data showed a wide range, confirming the dietary diversity observed in conventional diet studies of both taxa, with white-tailed eagles, in particular, having wide dietary niches and a considerable degree of inter-individual variability. Isotopic data from pre-introduction red kites mostly fell within the range of post-reintroduction birds, suggesting they had similar diets to the pre-reintroduction birds, or the prey base for modern birds is isotopically indistinguishable from that of their historic counterparts. For white-tailed eagles, several pre-reintroduction birds were isotopically distinct from the post-reintroduction population. These differences may indicate a changing prey base, although these conclusions are complicated by shifting distributions and small population samples. Overall, our study demonstrates the utility of natural history collections in examining changes in diet, environment, and interactions with humans in reintroduced species compared with pre-extirpation indigenous populations.

Nonlinear dynamic wave properties of travelling wave solutions in in (3+1)-dimensional mKdV−ZK model

The (3+1)-dimensional mKdV−ZK model is an important framework for studying the dynamic behavior of waves in mathematical physics. The goal of this study is to look into more generic travelling wave solutions (TWSs) for the generalized ion-acoustic scenario in three dimensions. These solutions exhibit a combination of rational, trigonometric, hyperbolic, and exponential solutions that are concurrently generated by the new auxiliary equation and the unified techniques. We created numerous soliton solutions, including kink-shaped soliton solutions, anti-kink-shaped solutions, bell-shaped soliton solutions, periodic solutions, and solitary soliton solutions, for various values of the free parameters in the produced solutions. The attained solutions are displayed geometrically in the surface plot (3-D), contour, and combined two-dimensional (2-D) figures. The combined 2-D figure would make it easier to understand the impact of the speed of the wave. Based on time, the influence of the nonlinear parameter β on wave type is comprehensively investigated using various figures, demonstrating the significant impact of nonlinearity. These graphical representations are based on specific parameter settings, which help to grasp the model’s intricate general behavior. However, the results of this research are compared with the outcomes obtained in published literature executed by other scholars. The results indicate the approach’s effectiveness and reliability, making it suitable for widespread use in a range of sophisticated nonlinear models. These techniques successfully generate inventive soliton solutions for various nonlinear models, which are crucial in mathematical physics.

Coping strategies of COVID-19 recovered patients at the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre

Background The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is a disease with diverse effects on multiple organ systems, leading to varying presentations and severe complications. As the pandemic progresses, the challenges faced by those who recovered from the disease evolved as various coping strategies were adopted post recovery. Aim This study investigated the coping strategies used by individuals recovering from COVID-19 to manage the physical, psychological, and social impacts of the disease. It further explored the factors influencing these strategies and their correlation with post-recovery quality of life. Methods This cross-sectional quantitative study involved 150 participants who attended the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre’s post-COVID-19 review clinic between January and June 2021. Coping mechanisms were evaluated using the Brief-COPE questionnaire, which covers 28 strategies across three styles: Problem-focused coping, emotional-focused coping, and avoidant coping. Participants rated their coping strategies on a 4-point Likert scale. Analysis of variance was used to determine differences in use of coping strategies. Quality of life was assessed with the EuroQol Group Association five-domain, five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and the EQ-VAS scale. Spearman correlation analyzed the relationship between coping strategies and quality of life. Results Majority of the study participants used problem-focused (2.71 ± 0.64 SD) type of coping strategy, followed by emotional-focused coping (2.32 ± 0.43 SD). The least strategy used was avoidant coping (1.57 ± 0.39 SD). Older participants, non-healthcare workers, and those with complications or persistent symptoms exhibited higher scores in avoidant and problem-focused coping. Those with persistent symptoms had higher emotional-focused coping scores. Better quality of life was associated with less reliance on all types of coping strategies. Conclusion Patients recovering from COVID-19 at the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre used positive coping mechanisms effectively. Key predictors of coping strategies included age, persistent symptoms, and complications. Improved quality of life is correlated with reduced use of coping strategies.

Inadequate soft tissue coverage and bone loss/comminution are the typical risk factors of surgical site infection in open fractures of the hand: A nomogram prediction model

Background Different from other parts of long bone fractures, surgical site infections (SSI) often occurs in open fractures of the hand (OFH) due to the anatomical characteristics and injury mechanisms. Our aim of the study is to investigate the particular risk factors of SSI after emergency surgery in OFH and develop a prediction nomogram model. Methods In our traumatic center, patients with OFH not less than 18 years old were retrieved between October 2020 and April 2024. We excluded patients with other fractures, non-traumatic fractures or surgery before admission. The data of these patients were processed by univariate and multivariate analysis using SPSS (24.0) in order to identify the independent risk factors for SSI. Based on the predictors, the nomogram was constructed and validated by R software (R 4.1.0). Results The incidence of SSI was 6.96% (43/618). Body mass index (BMI), albumin (ALB), neutrophils (NEU), inadequate soft tissue coverage, and bone loss/comminution were identified as the independent risk factors of post-operative SSI in OFH and enrolled in the prediction nomogram model. The nomogram exhibited a high level of discrimination, with an area under the curve of 0.856 (95%CI 0.790–0.921) in the training group and 0.931 (95%CI 0.848–1.000) in the test group. Hosmer-Lemeshow (H-L) test revealed optimal consistency between the probability of prediction model and the actual probability (training group: X2 = 5.706, P = 0.680; test group: X2 = 3.886, P = 0.867). The calibration curve of both groups demonstrated excellent consistency. Decision curve analysis (DCA) showed favorable applicability of the prediction model. Conclusions Inadequate soft tissue coverage, serum ALB level, NEU level, bone loss/comminution and BMI were the independent risk factors for post-operative SSI in OFH. The nomogram of this predictors can be used as an effective tool to predict SSI risk in OFH.

Creativity research in medicine and nursing: A scoping review

Background Creativity fuels societal progress and innovation, particularly in the field of medicine. The scientific study of creativity in medicine is critical to understanding how creativity contributes to medical practice, processes, and outcomes. An appraisal of the current scientific literature on the topic, and its gaps, will expand our understanding of how creativity and medicine interact, and guide future research. Objectives We aimed to assess the quantity, trends, distribution, and methodological features of the peer-reviewed on creativity in medicine. Methods We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases for peer-reviewed primary research publications on creativity in medicine. Screening, full-text review, and data extraction were performed independently and in duplicate by pairs of reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. We performed descriptive analyses, graphically displaying the data using charts and maps where appropriate. Results Eighty-one studies were eligible for review, enrolling a total of 18,221 physicians, nurses and midwifes across all studies. Most research on creativity in medicine was published in the last decade, predominately in the field of nursing (75%). Researchers from Taiwan (22%) and the United States (21%) produced the most eligible publications, and the majority research was cross-sectional in nature (54%). There was substantial variability in the definitions of creativity adopted, and most studies failed to specify a definition of creativity. Forty-five different measurement tools were used to assess creativity, the most popular being divergent thinking tests such as the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (24%) and Guilford Creativity Tests (16%). Conclusions Peer-reviewed scientific research on creativity in medicine, mostly conducted in the nursing profession, is sparse and performed on variable methodological grounds. Further scientific research on the topic, as well as the development of medicine-specific definitions and measurement tools, is required to uncover the utility of creativity in the medical domain.