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Abstract Many factors influence the health and well-being of children and the adults they will become. Yet there are significant gaps in how trajectories of healthy development are measured, how the potential for leading a healthy life is evaluated, and how that information can guide upstream policies and investments. The Gross Developmental Potential (GDP2) is proposed as a new capabilities-based framework for assessing threats to thriving and understanding progress in achieving lifelong health and wellbeing. Moving beyond the Gross Domestic Product’s (GDP) focus on economic productivity as a measure of progress, the GDP2 focuses on seven essential developmental capabilities for lifelong health and wellbeing. The GDP2 capability domains include Health -living a healthy life; Needs-satisfying basic human requirements; Communication-expressing and understanding thoughts and feelings; Learning-lifelong learning; Adaption -adapting to change; Connections -connecting with others; and Community -engaging in the community. The project team utilized literature reviews and meetings with the subject and technical experts to develop the framework. The framework was then vetted in focus groups of community leaders from three diverse settings. The community leaders' input refined the domains and their applications. This prototype GDP2 framework will next be used to develop specific measures and indices and guide the development of community-level GDP2 dashboards for local sense-making, learning, and application.

The CPU is the core part of all integrated circuits. Although some homemade CPUs of proprietary intellectual property rights are rapidly developed, few high-performance chipsets are available, especially in server domains, to match them. Thus, the total systems designed using these CPUs and low-performance chipsets do not have proper performance. The Loongson CPU faces the same problem. To seek better chipsets for it, certain architecture and some methods are designed and implemented to adapt different types of chipsets. In this architecture, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is linked between a CPU and these chipsets. An FPGA is divided into three domains: an HT (hyper transport) bus domain, a processing domain for important but temporarily indeterminate signals, and a CPLD (complex programmable logic device) function domain. In these adaption processes, HT bus signals, the temporarily indeterminate signals, and power signals in CPUs and chipsets are respectively linked into three domains in an FPGA and treated by a programming FPGA to perform all types of possible signal combinations. The power sequence between the CPU and chipsets is coordinated to the right order using an FPGA. The signal integrity difference between them is avoided and trimmed to the right state by amending their signals in the FPGA. In this system, the experimental results show that this architecture and these methods simultaneously make more chipsets work together to be adapted than before in a single motherboard. This combination avoids researching and developing many different motherboards for every type of possible chipset and greatly reduces costs. High-performance server chipsets can be found to properly match the Loongson CPU and have better specifications and higher performance than those currently used for the Loongson CPU. A prototype system composed of the Loongson CPU and five types of chipsets is designed and implemented. Using the above architecture and methods, a type of optimal server chipsets SR5690 + SP5100 has been found, and the matching principles or correct settings for the signal connection and power sequence have been concluded. The Loongson 3B4000 two-way SMP motherboard with SR5690 + SP5100 chipsets is also produced. On this motherboard, the results of evaluation experiments on computing performance tests by the SPEC CPU 2006 program, storage performance tests by the IO zone program, and network performance tests by the Netperf program are performed. Compared with the current Loongson 3B4000 server with a 7A1000 chipset, the test results show the performance on three items is improved by approximately 10%. The combination of the Loongson CPU and this type of server chipset provides wider applications in the server market and promotes the development of the Loongson CPU in its ecosystem.

We prove lower bounds for the randomized approximation of the embedding ℓ 1 m ↪ ℓ ∞ m based on algorithms that use arbitrary linear (hence non-adaptive) information provided by a (randomized) measurement matrix N ∈ R n × m . These lower bounds reflect the increasing difficulty of the problem for m → ∞ , namely, a term log m in the complexity n. This result implies that non-compact operators between arbitrary Banach spaces are not approximable using non-adaptive Monte Carlo methods. We also compare these lower bounds for non-adaptive methods with upper bounds based on adaptive, randomized methods for recovery for which the complexity n only exhibits a (log log m) -dependence. In doing so we give an example of linear problems where the error for adaptive vs. non-adaptive Monte Carlo methods shows a gap of order n 1 / 2 (log n) − 1 / 2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme weather events and weather anomalies are on the rise, creating unprecedented struggles for the electrical power grid. With the aging of the United States power grid, the status quo for maintaining the transmission and distribution system, demand, generation, and operations will no longer suffice under the current and future conditions. Such conditions will require a shift in thinking and operating the power grid toward a weather-driven power system. This paper conducts a comprehensive review of each component of the power grid regarding the current leading weather events related to major power outages in the United States. For each event, contemporary issues and possible adaptations are presented, following a parallel comparison of the power grid development and knowledge of global climate modeling. Further, a background in global climate modeling is provided through the lens of an energy professional to aid in emission scenarios used in future studies. Overall, this paper works toward bridging the gap between weather and climate-related studies and operating the power grid in an uncertain climatic landscape while offering possible adaptations and solutions at a short-term and long-term scale.

The escalation of climate-induced natural disasters—such as hurricanes, floods, droughts, and wildfires—constitutes an increasing hazard to populations and infrastructure globally. This research examines the incorporation of risk assessment models in forecasting, assessing, and alleviating the effects of severe calamities. We evaluate the susceptibility of different locations to climate-related risks by conducting a thorough analysis of historical climate data and use sophisticated risk modeling methodologies. Catastrophe modeling (CAT), geographic information systems (GIS), and statistical hazard analysis are used to delineate high-risk areas and assess possible losses. The results highlight the significance of early warning systems and sustainable adaption measures, particularly for areas increasingly impacted by severe climatic events. The research underscores the constraints of existing models and stresses the need for cohesive, data-informed strategies to enhance the prediction and management of catastrophe risks.

Flying fishes, which use their wing-like pectoral fins and hypocercal caudal fin to glide through the air to avoid underwater predators, have independently evolved flight behavior, making them ideal for the study of adaptive evolution. To investigate the adaptation of flight behavior in flying fishes and the origin of Beloniformes fishes, this study obtained the complete mitochondrial genomes of Cheilopogon nigricans and Oxyporhamphus micropterus and constructed the DNA sequences extracted from these newly sequenced mitochondrial genomes with the DNA sequences of 32 previously published mitochondrial genomes into a dataset for reconstructing the phylogenetic relationships of Beloniformes fishes. The phylogeny that emerged strongly supported the possibility that flying fishes developed from halfbeaks and the progressive transition of flying fishes from two-wing to four-wing gliding. The divergence time analysis showed that the split between the suborder Belonidei and the family Adrianichthyidae occurred roughly 77.08 Mya, which fell within the period of evolution of the Indian plate in the late Cretaceous. Selection analyses revealed that flying fishes have a lower dN/dS ratio than the other members of Beloniformes, indicating that flying fishes experienced stronger purifying selection to eliminate deleterious mutations to maintain efficient energy metabolism to adapt to flight behavior. Moreover, this work found the positively selected signal in the ND4 gene, suggesting that different mitogenomic genes might have undergone different selective patterns during adaptive evolution.

The adoption and use of climate-smart agricultural practices are critical for improving the productivity and sustainability of smallholder farming systems. However, the gendered dimensions of access to and use of climate-smart agriculture in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production remain unexplored among smallholder farmers in Burundi. A mixed methods research design was employed to investigate gender dynamics in common bean production among smallholder common bean farmers in the communes of Kirundo, Bwambarangwe, and Muyinga in Burundi. In addition, how the adoption and use of climate-smart agricultural practices differed by gender in Burundi. A multivariate probit model was employed to evaluate how improved bean seed, pesticide use, irrigation, conservation agriculture and other factors contribute to reducing gender gaps and influencing access to and uptake of climate-smart agriculture. The results revealed existing gender gaps and differences in access to and use of climate-smart agriculture practices, with women being the most vulnerable. Disproportionate experiences of production challenges emerged as critical obstacles to gender equality in bean production. Drought affected women and young farmers more severely than men. Joint decision-making, access to information, and collective action in groups reduced gender gaps in bean production and gender differences in access to and use of climate-smart technologies.

IntroductionThe war in Ukraine is causing significant disruption to global agri-food systems, which are still recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Australia, these global shocks followed a series of localized climate-induced crises from forest fires, floods and drought. There is a pressing need to increase our understanding of ways to strengthen the resilience of agri-food systems to multiple shocks and stresses that co-occur or follow on each other. The aims of this study in Melbourne, Australia, were to investigate how forest fire and pandemic shocks affected the agri-food system, to identify vulnerabilities in the system, and to explore opportunities to build resilience to future shocks and stresses.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted during 2020-21 with 41 key stakeholders from government, industry and civil society organizations.Results and discussionVulnerabilities identified in agri-food supply chains included geographic and corporate concentration, complex “just in time” supply chains, critical infrastructure and logistics, and workforce availability. Strategies identified to build the resilience of agri-food systems include increasing the diversity of supply chains, decentralization, collaboration throughout agri-food supply chains, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.ConclusionOur study highlights the cascading effects of multiple shocks and stresses on agri-food systems, and the need for greater policy focus on transformative actions that build the resilience of agri-food systems to any future shock, and that counter the cumulative effects of underlying environmental stresses.

Leishmania are kinetoplastid pathogens that cause leishmaniasis, a debilitating and potentially life-threatening infection if untreated. Unusually, Leishmania regulate their gene expression largely post-transcriptionally due to the arrangement of their coding genes into polycistronic transcription units that may contain 100s of functionally unrelated genes. Yet, Leishmania are capable of rapid and responsive changes in gene expression to challenging environments, often instead correlating with dynamic changes in their genome composition, ranging from chromosome and gene copy number variations to the generation of extrachromosomal DNA and the accumulation of point mutations. Typically, such events indicate genome instability in other eukaryotes, coinciding with genetic abnormalities, but for Leishmania, exploiting these products of genome instability can provide selectable substrates to catalyse necessary gene expression changes by modifying gene copy number. Unorthodox DNA replication, DNA repair, replication stress factors and DNA repeats are recognised in Leishmania as contributors to this intrinsic instability, but how Leishmania regulate genome plasticity to enhance fitness whilst limiting toxic under-or over-expression of co-amplified and co-transcribed genes is unclear. Herein, we focus on fresh, and detailed insights that improve our understanding of genome plasticity in Leishmania. Furthermore, we discuss emerging models and factors that potentially circumvent regulatory issues arising from polycistronic transcription. Lastly, we highlight key gaps in our understanding of Leishmania genome plasticity and discuss future studies to define, in higher resolution, these complex regulatory interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the reasons for the increase in the frequency of sand and dust storms in the Middle East and to identify their sources and mitigate them. A set of climatic data from 60 years (1960–2022) was analyzed. Sand storms in Iraq are a silty sand mature arkose composed of 72.7% sand, 25.1% silt, and 2.19% clay; the clay fraction in dust storms constitutes 70%, with a small amount of silt (20.6%) and sand (9.4%). Dust and sand storms (%) are composed of quartz (49.2, 67.1), feldspar (4.9, 20.9), calcite (38, 5), gypsum (4.8, 0.4), dolomite (0.8, 1.0), and heavy minerals (3.2, 6.6). Increasing temperatures in Iraq, by an average of 2 °C for sixty years, have contributed to an increase in the number of dust storms from 75 to 200 times annually. North African storms affect the Middle East, with a monthly average exceeding 300 g/m3 in peak dust seasons. To reduce the negative impacts on public health, property, and infrastructure, the study suggests solutions to mitigate them, including reducing carbon dioxide gas emissions to prevent the expansion of drought and the afforestation of the desert with plants adapted to drought using advanced techniques and avoiding land overuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, we conducted a comparative genomics approach to explore the convergent evolution of high-altitude adaptation mechanisms in six independently evolved mammals belonging to four orders. The results showed that the convergent evolution of the six species was mainly reflected at the level of rapidly evolving genes, and the functions of these rapidly evolving genes were mainly related to hypoxia response and DNA damage repair. In addition, we found that the convergence of the gene family contraction of high-altitude species is much greater than that of expansion, revealing a possible pattern of species in adapting to high-altitude. Furthermore, we detected a positive selection signature in four genes related to hypoxia response and ultraviolet radiation damage in these six species (FYCO1, ERBIN, SCAMP1 and CXCL10). In general, our study reveals that hypoxia response and UV-radiation might play an important role in the adaptation of independently evolved species to a high-altitude environment, providing a basic perspective for further exploring the high-altitude adaptation mechanism of different related species in the future. The species living in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau provide an excellent model system for studying the relationship between molecular convergent evolution and adaptation. Distant species experiencing the same selection pressure (i.e., hypoxia, low temperature and strong ultraviolet radiation) are likely to evolve similar genetic adaptations independently. Here, we performed comparative genomics studies on six independently evolved high-altitude species. The results also showed that the convergent evolution of the six species was mainly reflected at the level of rapidly evolving genes, and the functions of these rapidly evolving genes were mainly related to hypoxia response and DNA damage repair. In addition, we found that high-altitude species had more gene family changes than their low-altitude relatives, except for the order Lagomorpha. The results also show that the convergence of the gene family contraction of high-altitude species is much greater than that of expansion, revealing a possible pattern of species in adapting to high-altitude. Furthermore, we detected a positive selection signature in four genes related to hypoxia response and ultraviolet radiation damage in these six species (FYCO1, ERBIN, SCAMP1 and CXCL10). Our study reveals that hypoxia response might play an important role in the adaptation of independently evolved species to a high-altitude environment, providing a basic perspective for further exploring the high-altitude adaptation mechanism of different related species in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of global warming, adapting plants to a new area may reduce the damage of climatic changes. Indian almond seedlings were planted in pots subjected to calcium and potassium (250 and 500 mg l-1) to reduce the negative impact of high field temperature. Compared with the control, all treatments improved the height plant, branch numbers, leaf numbers, and leaf area. The treatments increased total chlorophyll and carotenoid. However, the treatments modulated proline, total soluble carbohydrate, phenolic, and ascorbic acid contents. Heat stress increased abscisic acid content and electrolyte leakage percentage, whereas calcium and potassium treatments decreased abscisic acid and electrolyte leakage. The treatments modulated protein profile in the number of proteins separated into bands on the gel. The thickness and density of these bands indicate differences in the molecular weights of proteins by treatments. The seedlings responded to heat stress during the second week of July, and the untreated plants were more responsive to the temperature rise than the treated plants. The adaptability of the Indian almond during the summer in semi-tropical regions to high temperatures by using calcium and potassium to reduce heat stress damage on the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crucial importance of parenting for human development is well known, yet there has been little investigation, particularly regarding infancy parenting. This study investigates mother- and infant-related characteristics affecting parenting styles in the first year after birth. Additionally, adapting an Infancy Parenting Styles Questionnaire (IPSQ) to Turkish is aimed. In total, 110 mothers with babies in the first year of their lives (M age in months  = 6.39, SD age in months  = 3.72; 70 girls) participated in the study. Mothers filled out the IPSQ, Early Parenting Attitudes Questionnaire (EPAQ), Karitane Parental Self-Confidence Scale (KPSC), and Parental Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF). Four components emerged: involvement, discipline, anxiety, and routine. The IPSQ was found to be reliable (α = .81) and valid. The findings revealed that income, the number of children, and parental confidence were significant predictors for involvement; maternal education, parental confidence, parenting stress, and sleep wellness of the baby were significant predictors for discipline; and the number of caregivers and parental confidence were significant predictors for routine sub-components. Also, results indicated higher involvement and lower discipline in primiparous compared to multiparous mothers. The findings were discussed in light of the literature regarding the antecedents of parenting and its developmental outcomes., (© 2025 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.)

The Qingzang Plateau, with its harsh environmental conditions-low oxygen, high ultraviolet radiation and significant temperature fluctuations-demands specialised adaptations for survival. While genetic adaptations have been extensively studied, gene expression's role in amphibian adaptation to high elevations remains understudied. This study analysed pulmonary gene expression in 119 amphibians across the plateau to explore how genetic and environmental factors shape expression evolution. Transcriptomic analyses revealed significant interspecies variation, driven by environmental factors like temperature, oxygen levels, UVB radiation and precipitation. Principal Component and Mantel analyses found no significant correlation between gene expression divergence and genetic distance. Instead, species-specific traits and environmental pressures were pivotal in shaping expression patterns. PERMANOVA analysis showed environmental factors had varying impacts on species. For instance, Bufo gargarizans exhibited a strong gene expression response to multiple environmental factors, while Scutiger boulengeri was less influenced, reflecting diverse adaptive strategies. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted convergence in key biological processes, such as energy metabolism, apoptosis and autophagy, despite species-specific gene expression differences. These processes are critical for surviving the plateau's extremes. The findings suggest that gene expression evolution in amphibians on the Qingzang Plateau is shaped by both genetic diversity and environmental pressures. Although gene expression profiles vary, they converge on essential functions, offering insights into adaptation mechanisms in extreme environments., (© 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: There is limited evidence of high-quality, accessible, culturally safe, and effective digital health interventions for Indigenous mothers and babies. Like any other intervention, the feasibility and efficacy of digital health interventions depend on how well they are co-designed with Indigenous communities and their adaptability to intracultural diversity., Objective: This study aims to adapt an existing co-designed mobile health (mHealth) intervention app with health professionals and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander mothers living in South Australia., Methods: Potential participants include Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander pregnant women and mothers of children aged 0-5 years, non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women who are mothers of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander babies, and health professionals who predominantly care for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies. Participants will be recruited from multiple Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander-specific health services under the local health networks around metropolitan South Australia. In this study, data collection will be carried out via culturally safe, and family-friendly yarning circles, facilitated by Aboriginal research staff to collect feedback on the existing mHealth app from approximately 20 women and 10 health professionals, with the aim to achieve data saturation. This will inform the changes required to the mHealth app. All focus groups and interviews will be audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data will be inductively analyzed using realist epistemology via NVivo software (Lumivero). Themes about the mHealth app's cultural acceptability, usability, and appropriateness will be used to inform the changes applied to the app., Results: With the feedback received from participating women and health professionals, changes in the smartphone app will be made to ensure the intervention is supportive and meets the needs of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander mothers and families in South Australia. Participation of community members will promote ownership, community engagement, and implementation., Conclusions: A co-designed, culturally sensitive, and effective digital health intervention is likely to support Indigenous mothers and their children facing health disparities due to the disruption of Indigenous culture by colaying a foundation for a potential clinical trial and wider implementation., International Registered Report Identifier (irrid): PRR1-10.2196/53748., (©Sana Ishaque, Ola Ela, Chris Rissel, Karla Canuto, Kerry Hall, Niranjan Bidargaddi, Annette Briley, Claire T Roberts, Sarah Jane Perkes, Anna Dowling, Billie Bonevski. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (https://www.researchprotocols.org), 10.01.2025.)

Background: Cancer requires interdisciplinary intersectoral care. The Care Coordination Instrument (CCI) captures patients' perspectives on cancer care coordination. We aimed to translate, adapt, and validate the CCI for Germany (CCI German version)., Methods: The original English version contains 29 items in three domains, measured on a 4-point Likert scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree). Validation was conducted in three phases (mixed methods): (I) translation; (II) adaptation: pilot testing and revision in an iterative process using semi-structured, cognitive interviews with patients and professionals (physicians specializing in cancer), with interviews transcribed and qualitatively analyzed by inductive coding; and (III) validation: quantitative validation performed online (LimeSurvey), of at least 80 German patients, each with common cancer (breast, prostate) and rare cancer (different entities), with examination of factor structure (factor analysis) and determination of internal consistency (Cronbach's α) as well as potential influencing factors such as gender, education, or migration background (multivariable regression)., Results: Six patients and six professionals tested the translated instrument for comprehensibility, readability, and acceptability. Two items were consistently problematic for interviewees. A 31-item version (29 items + 2 alternative items) was validated in 192 patients. The alternative items had a higher variance in response behavior and were better understood; therefore, they replaced the two problematic items. However, the three original domains could not be confirmed statistically. Exploratively, a two-factorial structure (with cross-loadings) emerged, which can be interpreted as "communication/information" (16 items) and "need-based navigation" (17 items). Overall, the instrument had a high internal consistency (total score α = 0.931, M = 47.16, SD = 14.25; communication/information α = 0.924, M = 30.14, SD = 8.93; need-based navigation α = 0.868, M = 23.99, SD = 8.37). Significant factors on the care coordination score are treatment location (hospital vs. private practice oncologist M = -9.83 score points, p = 0.011) and gender (women vs. men M = 8.92 score points, p = 0.002)., Conclusion: The CCI German version is a valid instrument for measuring patients' perceptions of cancer care coordination. Both domains reflect important aspects of care. The sensitivity of the CCI should be examined in future studies involving different cancer entities., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Abstract Background The introduction of new tools can bring unintended consequences for organizational routines. Cancer Patient Pathways (CPP) were introduced into the Swedish healthcare system in 2015 to shorten time to diagnosis and treatment. Primary healthcare (PHC) plays a central role since cancer diagnosis often begins in PHC units. Our study aimed to understand how PHC units adjusted organizational routines to utilizing CPPs. Method Six PHC units of varied size from both urban and rural areas in northern Sweden were included. Grounded theory method was used to collect and analyse group interviews at each unit. Nine group interviews with nurses and physicians, for a total of 41 participants, were performed between March and November 2019. The interviews focused on CPPs as tools, the PHC units’ routines and providers’ experiences with using CPPs in their daily work. Results Our analysis captured how PHC units adjusted organizational routines to utilizing CPPs by fusing existing practices with new practices to offer better quality of care. Specifically, three overarching organizational routines within the PHC units were identified. First, Manoeuvring diverse patient needs with easier patient flow, the PHC units handled the diverse needs of the population while simultaneously drawing upon CPPs to ease the patient flow within the healthcare system. Second, (Dis) integrating internal know-how, the PHC units drew upon internal competence even when PHC know-how was not taken into account by those driving the CPP initiative. Third, Coping with unequal relationships toward secondary care, the PHC units dealt with being in an unequal position while adopting CPPs instead further decreased possibilities to influence decision-making between care-levels. Conclusion Adopting CPPs as a tool within PHC units brought various unintended consequences in organizational routines. Our study from northern Sweden illustrates that the PHC know-how needs to be integrated into the healthcare system to improve the use of new tools as CPP. Further, the relationships between different levels of care should be taken in account when introducing new tools for healthcare. Also, when adopting innovations, unintended consequences need to be further explored empirically in diverse healthcare contexts internationally in order to generate deeper knowledge in the research area.

Objective (s): This research aimed to identify residential environment’s characteristics, which are important how to adapt to new quarantine lifestyle. Methods: This was a cross section study. A sample of 813 individuals answered to an online questionnaire distributed on social media. The data were analyzed based on descriptive statistics, and a machine learning method named decision tree model. Results: Most of changes made by the residents have been applied in bedroom, living room, reception room, balcony and entrances. The satisfaction with the responsibility of house to quarantine conditions, used spaces and activities performed during the quarantine, color variety and the predominant color of the house, the possibility of exercising at house, and the type of house during the quarantine period were the most important characteristics that contributed to residents' adaptability with quarantine. Conclusion: House environmental conditions affect the level of adaptation of people to quarantine. Flexible living environments that might allow the residents to interact with each other could be more successful in helping people to adapt with confinement. In order to improve the adaption, the possibility of exercising at house, communication with nature and smart use of colors in indoor spaces and household density should be receive more attention.

Abstract Background In population genomics, polymorphisms that are highly differentiated between geographically separated populations are often suggestive of Darwinian positive selection. Genomic scans have highlighted several such regions in African and non-African populations, but only a handful of these have functional data that clearly associates candidate variations driving the selection process. Fine-Mapping of Adaptive Variation (FineMAV) was developed to address this in a high-throughput manner using population based whole-genome sequences generated by the 1000 Genomes Project. It pinpoints positively selected genetic variants in sequencing data by prioritizing high frequency, population-specific and functional derived alleles. Results We developed a stand-alone software that implements the FineMAV statistic. To graphically visualise the FineMAV scores, it outputs the statistics as bigWig files, which is a common file format supported by many genome browsers. It is available as a command-line and graphical user interface. The software was tested by replicating the FineMAV scores obtained using 1000 Genomes Project African, European, East and South Asian populations and subsequently applied to whole-genome sequencing datasets from Singapore and China to highlight population specific variants that can be subsequently modelled. The software tool is publicly available at https://github.com/fadilla-wahyudi/finemav . Conclusions The software tool described here determines genome-wide FineMAV scores, using low or high-coverage whole-genome sequencing datasets, that can be used to prioritize a list of population specific, highly differentiated candidate variants for in vitro or in vivo functional screens. The tool displays these scores on the human genome browsers for easy visualisation, annotation and comparison between different genomic regions in worldwide human populations.

Leishmania are kinetoplastid pathogens that cause leishmaniasis, a debilitating and potentially life-threatening infection if untreated. Unusually, Leishmania regulate their gene expression largely post-transcriptionally due to the arrangement of their coding genes into polycistronic transcription units that may contain 100s of functionally unrelated genes. Yet, Leishmania are capable of rapid and responsive changes in gene expression to challenging environments, often instead correlating with dynamic changes in their genome composition, ranging from chromosome and gene copy number variations to the generation of extrachromosomal DNA and the accumulation of point mutations. Typically, such events indicate genome instability in other eukaryotes, coinciding with genetic abnormalities, but for Leishmania, exploiting these products of genome instability can provide selectable substrates to catalyse necessary gene expression changes by modifying gene copy number. Unorthodox DNA replication, DNA repair, replication stress factors and DNA repeats are recognised in Leishmania as contributors to this intrinsic instability, but how Leishmania regulate genome plasticity to enhance fitness whilst limiting toxic under- or over-expression of co-amplified and co-transcribed genes is unclear. Herein, we focus on fresh, and detailed insights that improve our understanding of genome plasticity in Leishmania. Furthermore, we discuss emerging models and factors that potentially circumvent regulatory issues arising from polycistronic transcription. Lastly, we highlight key gaps in our understanding of Leishmania genome plasticity and discuss future studies to define, in higher resolution, these complex regulatory interactions.

Flood risk reduction in Indonesia is primarily still focused on structural measures with limited research assessing community adaptation strategies. The response and adaptation strategies carried out by the community have been recognized as playing an important role in planning future mitigation actions. Community adaptation strategies are key factors in disaster risk reduction. This study aimed to determine the responses and adaptation strategies to manage tidal floods by the coastal community of Langsa City. An in-depth interview with village heads and officials, youth leaders and the community was performed to generate data. The results showed that the local community ignored the dangers of tidal floods and disregarded them as life-threatening. Furthermore, they carried out adaptations, such as raising the house level using wood materials and building dams along the coastline autonomously without government intervention. The adaptations were carried out through communal work referred to as ‘gotong royong’ (mutual cooperation). Contribution: These findings highlight the importance of ‘gotong royong’ as social capital in disaster risk reduction and government attention to conduct integrated coastal area management.

Successful plant establishment in a particular environment depends on the root architecture of the seedlings and the extent of edaphic resource utilization. However, diverse habitats often pose a predicament on the suitability of the fundamental root structure of a species that evolved over a long period. We hypothesized that the plasticity in the genetically controlled root architecture in variable habitats provides an adaptive advantage to worldwide-distributed wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum, Rr) over its close relative (R. pugioniformis, Rp) that remained endemic to the East Mediterranean region. To test the hypothesis, we performed a reciprocal comparative analysis between the two species, growing in a common garden experiment on their native soils (Hamra/ Sandy for Rr, Terra Rossa for Rp) and complementary controlled experiments mimicking the major soil compositions. Additionally, we analyzed the root growth kinetics via semi-automated digital profiling and compared the architecture between Rr and Rp. In both experiments, the primary roots of Rr were significantly longer, developed fewer lateral roots, and showed slower growth kinetics than Rp. Multivariate analyses of seven significant root architecture variables revealed that Rr could successfully adapt to different surrogate growth conditions by only modulating their main root length and number of lateral roots. In contrast, Rp needs to modify several other root parameters, which are very resource-intensive, to grow on non-native soil. Altogether the findings suggest an evo-devo adaptive advantage for Rr as it can potentially establish in various habitats with the minimal tweak of key root parameters, hence allocating resources for other developmental requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roots are important plant organs for the uptake of water and nutrient elements. Plant root development is finely regulated by endogenous signals and environmental cues, which shapes the root system architecture to optimize the plant growth and adapt to the rhizospheric environments. Carotenoids are precursors of plant hormones strigolactones (SLs) and ABA, as well as multiple bioactive molecules. Numerous studies have demonstrated SLs and ABA as essential regulators of plant root growth and development. In addition, a lot carotenoid-derived bioactive metabolites are recently identified as plant root growth regulators, such as anchorene, β-cyclocitral, retinal and zaxinone. However, our knowledge on how these metabolites affect the root architecture to cope with various stressors and how they interact with each other during these processes is still quite limited. In the present review, we will briefly introduce the biosynthesis of carotenoid-derived root regulators and elaborate their biological functions on root development and architecture, focusing on their contribution to the rhizospheric environmental adaption of plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entrepreneurship research has developed and upheld the distinction between two fundamental notions of how entrepreneurial action might proceed, one being the predictive approach (causation) and the other being non-predictive or adaptive (effectuation). However, while a definite distinction between prediction and adaption may be justifiable for analytical purposes, it is artificial and, as such, of limited practical value. Neither is the predictive approach non-adaptive and nor is the adaptive approach non-predictive. Entrepreneurship necessarily involves both prediction and adaption, which ought therefore not to be treated as mutually exclusive categories that might at best overlap or occur simultaneously. This paper seeks to pave the way to a judgment-based unified notion of predictive-adaptive entrepreneurial action arguing that both prediction and adaption inevitably co-occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to obtain the calibration law of rock macro and meso parameters under three-dimensional conditions, based on the parallel bond model, starting with the basic theory of PFC and the qualitative relationship between macro and meso parameters, an orthogonal experimental scheme is designed. An improved BP algorithm is proposed, which has a function with gradient factor, adaptive Nesterov momentum method, and adaptive learning rate for the lightweight analysis of meso parameters. The sensitivity between macro and meso parameters is quantified, and the key meso parameters are screened out. Based on the lightweight model, the correlation and influence mechanisms between macro and meso parameters are analyzed. It was found that the elastic modulus increases linearly with the increase in equivalent modulus. The parallel bond stiffness ratio can inhibit the growth of the elastic modulus, and the elastic modulus decreases greatly when the stiffness is relatively high. There is a linear relationship between Poisson's ratio and stiffness ratio, and the increase in the friction coefficient will cause the nonlinear decrease in it. The strength parameters have an incentive effect on the peak strength. When the tensile and shear strengths of the parallel bond are at a high level, the combination has the most significant effect on the increase in the peak strength. The internal friction angle mainly has a certain influence on the postpeak strength of the rock, because it has a control effect on the particle sliding on both sides of the shear zone when the sample is loaded after the peak. Based on the central composite experimental design and response surface method, a nonlinear model of macro–meso parameters described by multiple subresponse surfaces is obtained. Finally, the mathematical model of parameter calibration is established, and the optimal solution of rock meso parameters is obtained by using optimization techniques. Through the example verification, it was found that the numerical experiment and laboratory test results are close in the stress characteristics, stress evolution, and failure mode of the sample, which proves the effectiveness and reliability of the calibration method. The research results have a certain reference value for PFC parameter calibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Duration is a rarely investigated marker of exercise prescription. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of the methodological approach, assessing effects of different duration constant-load exercise (CLE) on physiological responses (internal load) and recovery kinetics. Seven subjects performed an incremental exercise (IE) test, one maximal duration CLE at 77.6 ± 4.8% V ˙ O 2 m a x , and CLE's at 20%, 40%, and 70% of maximum duration. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate (La), and glucose (Glu) concentrations were measured. Before, 4, 24, and 48 h after CLE's, submaximal IE tests were performed. HR variability (HRV) was assessed in orthostatic tests (OT). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was obtained during all tests. CLE's were performed at 182 ± 27 W. HRpeak, Lapeak, V ˙ E peak , and RPEpeak were significantly higher in CLE's with longer duration. No significant differences were found between CLE's for recovery kinetics for HR, La, and Glu in the submaximal IE and for HRV or OT. Despite no significant differences, recovery kinetics were found as expected, indicating the feasibility of the applied methods. Maximum tests and recovery tests closer to CLE's termination are suggested to better display recovery kinetics. These findings are a first step to prescription of exercise by both intensity and duration on an individual basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivated by the close relation of predictive coding and activeinference to cognition, we introduce a dynamic artificial neu-ral network-based (ANN) adaptation process, which we termREPRISE: REtrospective and PRospective Inference SchEme.REPRISE first executes a retrospective inference process, in-ferring the unobservable contextual state that best explains itsrecently encountered sensorimotor experiences. It then exe-cutes a prospective inference process, inferring upcoming mo-tor activities in the light of the inferred contextual state anda given goal state. First, the ANN – a recurrent neural net-work – is trained to learn one sensorimotor temporal forwardmodel, that is, the sensorimotor contingencies generated by thebehavior of three moving or flying vehicles. During training,additional three bits are provided as input, indicating whichmode currently applies. After training, goal-directed controland system state inference are activated: Given a goal state,the system imagines a motor command sequence optimizing itwith the prospective objective to minimize the distance to thegoal. Meanwhile, the system evaluates the encountered sen-sorimotor contingencies retrospectively, adapting its vehicleestimation activities and, in order to maintain coherence, theneural hidden states accordingly. This ANN’s ’mind’ is thuscontinuously imagining the future and reflecting on the past –showing superior performance on the posed control problems.The architecture effectively demonstrates that neural error sig-nals and neural activities can be projected into the past and intothe future, respectively, optimizing both neural context codesthat approximately generate the recent past and upcoming be-havior in the light of desired goal states.

Successful plant establishment in a particular environment depends on the root architecture of the seedlings and the extent of edaphic resource utilization. However, diverse habitats often pose a predicament on the suitability of the fundamental root structure of a species that evolved over a long period. We hypothesized that the plasticity in the genetically controlled root architecture in variable habitats provides an adaptive advantage to worldwide-distributed wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum, Rr) over its close relative (R. pugioniformis, Rp) that remained endemic to the East Mediterranean region. To test the hypothesis, we performed a reciprocal comparative analysis between the two species, growing in a common garden experiment on their native soils (Hamra/Sandy for Rr, Terra Rossa for Rp) and complementary controlled experiments mimicking the major soil compositions. Additionally, we analyzed the root growth kinetics via semi-automated digital profiling and compared the architecture between Rr and Rp. In both experiments, the primary roots of Rr were significantly longer, developed fewer lateral roots, and showed slower growth kinetics than Rp. Multivariate analyses of seven significant root architecture variables revealed that Rr could successfully adapt to different surrogate growth conditions by only modulating their main root length and number of lateral roots. In contrast, Rp needs to modify several other root parameters, which are very resource-intensive, to grow on non-native soil. Altogether the findings suggest an evo-devo adaptive advantage for Rr as it can potentially establish in various habitats with the minimal tweak of key root parameters, hence allocating resources for other developmental requirements.

The harsh environment of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) imposes strong selective stresses (e.g., hypoxia, high UV-radiation, and extreme temperature) to the native species, which have driven striking phenotypic and genetic adaptations. Although the mechanisms of high-altitude adaptation have been explored for many plateau species, how the phylogenetic background contributes to genetic adaption to high-altitude of Vulpes is largely unknown. In this study, we sequenced transcriptomic data across multiple tissues of two high-altitude Vulpes (Vulpes vulpes montana and Vulpes ferrilata) and their low-altitude relatives (Vulpes corsac and Vulpes lagopus) to search the genetic and gene expression changes caused by high-altitude environment. The results indicated that the positive selection genes (PSGs) identified by both high-altitude Vulpes are related to angiogenesis, suggesting that angiogenesis may be the result of convergent evolution of Vulpes in the face of hypoxic selection pressure. In addition, more PSGs were detected in V. ferrilata than in V. v. montana, which may be related to the longer adaptation time of V. ferrilata to plateau environment and thus more genetic changes. Besides, more PSGs associated with high-altitude adaptation were identified in V. ferrilata compared with V. v. montana, indicating that the longer the adaptation time to the high-altitude environment, the more genetic alterations of the species. Furthermore, the result of expression profiles revealed a tissue-specific pattern between Vulpes. We also observed that differential expressed genes in the high-altitude group exhibited species-specific expression patterns, revealed a convergent expression pattern of Vulpes in high-altitude environment. In general, our research provides a valuable transcriptomic resource for further studies, and expands our understanding of high-altitude adaptation within a phylogenetic context.

Background: Acceptance of others' death is inherently difficult; therefore, throughout history, humans have avoided facing the reality of death. Mourning is a difficult experience in itself, and with Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), it may become more complicated.Aim: This study aimed to explain the experience of bereaved families of patients with COVID-19.Method: This qualitative descriptive study used the conventional content analysis method. In total, 20 participants were purposefully selected and included in the study. The data were obtained through in-depth semi-structured interviews. Participants' contact numbers were extracted from the archives of deceased COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the COVID-19 wards of educational hospitals of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences from August 22, 2020, to May 21, 2021, Tehran, Iran. The interviews continued until the data saturation. The interview lasted between 35 and 40 minutes. MAXQDA software (version 10) was used to analyze information.Results: The final theme of adaptation to the new world includes psychological symptoms (disbelief mourning and disease, and social stigma), role conflict (threatening context of multiple roles, bottleneck of mental and work hazards, and uncertain future), and miracle of belief and faith (inner peace with praying and distraction of thoughts).Implications for Practice: Given that one of the main concerns of the world following the COVID-19 pandemic is incomplete mourning and the resulting psychological disorders in the family, it is important to find a solution to support bereaved families to adapt to the new world without the deceased.

Abstract Background As flatfish, turbot undergo metamorphosis as part of their life cycle. In the larval stage, turbot live at the ocean surface, but after metamorphosis they move to deeper water and turn to benthic life. Thus, the light environment differs greatly between life stages. The visual system plays a great role in organic evolution, but reports of the relationship between the visual system and benthic life are rare. In this study, we reported the molecular and evolutionary analysis of opsin genes in turbot, and the heterochronic shifts in opsin expression during development. Results Our gene synteny analysis showed that subtype RH2C was not on the same gene cluster as the other four green-sensitive opsin genes (RH2) in turbot. It was translocated to chromosome 8 from chromosome 6. Based on branch-site test and spectral tuning sites analyses, E122Q and M207L substitutions in RH2C, which were found to be under positive selection, are closely related to the blue shift of optimum light sensitivities. And real-time PCR results indicated the dominant opsin gene shifted from red-sensitive (LWS) to RH2B1 during turbot development, which may lead to spectral sensitivity shifts to shorter wavelengths. Conclusions This is the first report that RH2C may be an important subtype of green opsin gene that was retained by turbot and possibly other flatfish species during evolution. Moreover, E122Q and M207L substitutions in RH2C may contribute to the survival of turbot in the bluish colored ocean. And heterochronic shifts in opsin expression may be an important strategy for turbot to adapt to benthic life.

Quran is a text that needs to be interpreted for its intentions to be understood. After understanding these intentions, using them for the purpose of human guidance in the process of adaption (Tatbīq) is in order. The question is how can one grasp these intentions from the text of the Quran and then perform the process of adaption. Analyzing the process of interpretation leads to the following conclusions: As text could be written or non-written, the concept of frameworks of interpretation (maqāmāt tafsīrī) is put forward and Understanding the meaning is only possible in one of these frameworks. These frameworks are: apparent signification (sībāq), the occasion and environment of revelation of verse, context (sīyāq), the occasion and environment of revelation of chapters, written discourse of Quran in written discourse of Quran, and spoken discourse of Quran in spoken discourse of Quran. There is no conflict between these frameworks and to achieve the interpretation of a verse in its entirety, we need to study all of these frameworks. Analyzing the process of adaption leads to the following conclusions: The scope of this process is all verses. This process is different from the process of interpretation and is done with relationship and aim. This process is performed at one modus ponens and in conflict of recipients with apparent signification or the occasion and environment of revelation of one verse. This adaption is acceptable when there is no conflict between the adaption of one verse and the frameworks of interpretation in other verses.

Lysobacter species have attracted increasing attention in recent years due to their capacities to produce diverse secondary metabolites against phytopathogens. In this research, we analyzed the genomic and transcriptomic patterns of Lysobacter capsici CK09. Our data showed that L. capsici CK09 harbored various contact-independent biocontrol traits, such as fungal cell wall lytic enzymes and HSAF/WAP-8294A2 biosynthesis, as well as several contact-dependent machineries, including type 2/4/6 secretion systems. Additionally, a variety of hydrolytic enzymes, particularly extracellular enzymes, were found in the L. capsici CK09 genome and predicted to improve its adaption in soil. Furthermore, several systems, including type 4 pili, type 3 secretion system and polysaccharide biosynthesis, can provide a selective advantage to L. capsici CK09, enabling the species to live on the surface in soil. The expression of these genes was then confirmed via transcriptomic analysis, indicating the activities of these genes. Collectively, our research provides a comprehensive understanding of the biocontrol potential and soil adaption of L. capsici CK09 and implies the potential of this strain for application in the future.

Many factors influence the health and well-being of children and the adults they will become. Yet there are significant gaps in how trajectories of healthy development are measured, how the potential for leading a healthy life is evaluated, and how that information can guide upstream policies and investments. The Gross Developmental Potential (GDP2) is proposed as a new capabilities-based framework for assessing threats to thriving and understanding progress in achieving lifelong health and wellbeing. Moving beyond the Gross Domestic Product's (GDP) focus on economic productivity as a measure of progress, the GDP2 focuses on seven essential developmental capabilities for lifelong health and wellbeing. The GDP2 capability domains include Health -living a healthy life; Needs-satisfying basic human requirements; Communication-expressing and understanding thoughts and feelings; Learning-lifelong learning; Adaption -adapting to change; Connections -connecting with others; and Community -engaging in the community. The project team utilized literature reviews and meetings with the subject and technical experts to develop the framework. The framework was then vetted in focus groups of community leaders from three diverse settings. The community leaders' input refined the domains and their applications. This prototype GDP2 framework will next be used to develop specific measures and indices and guide the development of community-level GDP2 dashboards for local sense-making, learning, and application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The few-shot relationship extraction task is a hot issue in natural language processing. It aims to train the relationship extraction model using low-cost label data. The widely used prototype network has some problems, such as inaccurate and incomplete expression of class prototypes. This paper proposed an Adaptive Capsule Network (ACNet) to solve this problem. ACNet generates a class prototype with the inductive capability of the capsule network. On this basis, the dynamic routing process is evaluated so that it can adjust network parameters adaptively to different samples. At the same time, a memory iteration mechanism is introduced in ACNet to help the model determine the class representation quickly. Experiments on a few-shot relational dataset FewRel show that ACNet can handle few-shot relational extraction tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outdoor and semi-outdoor thermal comfort on the university campus is essential for encouraging students' outdoor activities and interactions and reducing energy consumption in occupied buildings. For this reason, the current study presents on-site measurements and questionnaire surveys on a university campus in Tehran, Iran. It aims to investigate the most applicable thermal indices in Tehran's cold and hot seasons. Measurements were conducted over winter and summer days; in addition, the survey collected 384 responses. The results confirm that the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) indices are better predictors of semi-outdoor thermal comfort in summer and winter than Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and New Standard Effective Temperature (SET*), respectively, highlighting the importance of considering accurate thermal indices in different seasons. Finally, all analyses were gathered in a predictive empirical model, knowledge of which may be helpful in the planning and design of outdoor and semi-outdoor environments in Tehran and similar climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consequences of a spinal cord injury (SCI) entail much more than damage to the spinal cord. The lives of people with SCI, along with those around them, experience profound long-lasting changes in nearly every life domain. SCI is a physical (biological) injury that is inextricably combined with various psychological and social consequences. The objective of this review is to present psychosocial challenges following SCI through the biopsychosocial model, beginning with acknowledgement of the larger societal effects of ableism and stigma before addressing the many unique psychosocial aspects of living with SCI. Included in this review are qualitative studies and systematic reviews on current psychosocial outcomes and consequences. This paper attempts to structure this information by dividing it into the following sections: relationships and family; changes in finances and employment; issues related to the person's living situation; community reintegration; factors associated with mood and coping (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance use, and PTSD); self-harm behaviors (ranging from nonadherence to suicide); effects of traumatic brain injury; considerations regarding sexual health; aging with SCI; and concludes with a brief discussion about post-traumatic growth. Cultivating an understanding of the unique and interrelated psychosocial consequences of people living with SCI may help mitigate the psychosocial aftermath and serve as a reminder to providers to maintain a person-centered approach to care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]