47011 research outputs found
Sort by
Generative AI technologies, multiliteracies, and language education
No full textGenerative AI Technologies, Multiliteracies, and Language Education is a comprehensive edited volume that examines the integration of Generative AI (GenAI) technologies within the framework of multiliteracies pedagogies to enhance language teaching and learning.This collection of chapters offers an in-depth understanding of how GenAI can transform language education through theoretical insights and empirical research. Featuring contributions from leading scholars in the field, this innovative volume provides both foundational concepts and innovative practices alongside evidence-based methodologies and practical strategies for educators, enhancing both teaching effectiveness and student engagement in multiliteracies environments. The book investigates the role that GenAI grounded in multiliteracies can play in language education, providing readers with comprehensive theoretical and pedagogical bases for the use of GenAI technologies in language teaching and learning, empirical evidence from research work, and solid guidelines and recommendations for practice and implementation in the language classroom.Generative AI Technologies, Multiliteracies, and Language Education will be of interest to those involved in teaching, researching, or developing curriculum that integrates technology and multiliteracies with language learning
Cost of referral treatment for colic in the UK – what has changed in the last 5 years?
Get PDFBackgroundReferral treatment costs and insurance status impact treatment decisions for colic.ObjectivesTo evaluate changes in the cost of referral treatment for colic, and insurance cover and premiums in the United Kingdom between 2018 and 2023.Study DesignCross sectional study.MethodsThirty UK equine referral hospitals were contacted in January 2024 and asked about their colic caseload and costs of the last three cases across six categories (surgical +/− resection, euthanasia before, during or after surgery, and medical treatment), using similar methodology to a 2018 study. Data are reported as mean/median (range). A standardised case was used to retrieve data on veterinary fees, insurance cover, and monthly premiums from five companies. Findings were compared with actual and inflation-adjusted 2018 data. Readability of insurance documents were assessed using the Flesch Kincaid Reading Ease (FKRE) score and the Gunning Fog Score (GFS). The FKRE is ranked from 0 to 100 (easy to read-hard to read); FKRE scores below are 65 recommended. The GFS estimates the years of formal education needed to understand text; GFS scores higher than 12 are too complex for most people to read.ResultsEighteen hospitals responded, contributing costings for 248 cases in total. Mean/median (range) costs for cases euthanised without surgery (n = 41) were £1200 (£500–£4389), for medical cases (n = 44) were £2379 (£683–£13,762), and for all surgical cases that survived surgery (n = 122) were £7905 (£3023–£20,343). When compared with inflation-adjusted 2018 data, medical treatment and euthanasia without surgery costs had increased; surgery costs had decreased. Maximum insurance cover was between £5000 and £7500. The actual cover value had not changed for 3/5 companies since 2018, and was reduced for 4/5 companies after inflation adjustment. Monthly premiums ranged from £42.76 to £97.23, and were all increased compared with 2018 inflation-adjusted data (£34.01–£59.39). Insurance document FKRE Scores ranged from 31.2 to 54.8, and GFS ranged from 13.6 to 20.6. All were outside the recommended range.Main LimitationsSmall case numbers, UK population only.ConclusionsCosts of referral treatment have largely risen in line with inflation, and now frequently exceed maximum insurance cover. Insurance premiums have increased above inflation, and insurance documents remain complex and hard to read
RNA elements and their biotechnological applications in plants
Get PDFEngineering of plants for improved traits and efficient heterologous protein production can be achieved by modifying or introducing cis- or trans-acting RNA elements. The function of these elements depends not only on their nucleotide sequence but also on their highly dynamic higher order structures. In this review, we explore RNA regulatory elements with established or potential application in plant biotechnology. We discuss RNA elements involved in translational control, transcript stability, and protein coproduction, as well as RNA domains that mediate conditional expression, RNA decay, or cap-independent initiation. While some of these elements can be used in transiently or stably transformed plants, others have proven valuable in plant-based in vitro expression systems. Additionally, we highlight RNA elements important for plastid gene expression. Finally, we examine RNA elements that are yet to be applied in plant biotechnology but have been successfully used in other organisms or require further understanding before they can be effectively utilized
Transferrin-Functionalized Liposomes Enhance MAPT-ASO Transport Across a 3D Blood–Brain Barrier Microvascular Network Model
Get PDFTau pathology is a defining hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), closely associated with cognitive decline. Antisense oligonucleotides targeting the tau-encoding gene MAPT (MAPT-ASO) have shown promise in clinical trials, but their therapeutic potential is limited by poor delivery across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). In this study, we developed transferrin (TF)-functionalized liposomes encapsulating MAPT-ASOs and evaluated their transport across a 3D self-assembled microvascular BBB model composed of human brain microvascular endothelial cells, astrocytes, and pericytes embedded in a fibrin hydrogel. Following confirmation of MAPT-ASO efficacy in reducing tau levels and protecting against glutamate-induced axonal degeneration, we observed significantly enhanced extravascular accumulation and sustained delivery of MAPT-ASOs with TF-functionalized liposomes over 24 h, compared to non-functionalized control liposomes. This study presents a novel delivery strategy for a functionally effective tau-targeting anti-sense oligonucleotide (ASO), potentially enabling systemic delivery rather than intrathecal administration. In addition, this study demonstrates the utility of the 3D in vitro BBB model for screening and optimizing brain delivery of nucleic acid-based therapeutics
Peatfr: An R package to forecast tropical peatland fire risk with stochastic, machine learning, and optimisation methods
Get PDFEarly detection of tropical peatland fire is crucial to anticipate and mitigate fire risks effectively. However, existing software packages for predicting the occurrence of fires often lack comprehensive integration of methods and techniques, which potentially limits their application. Here, we propose peatfr, a novel R package to forecast tropical peat fire risk with stochastic, machine learning, and optimisation methods. The peatfr is designed with three main functions, which comprise of data imputation, time series forecasting, and fire risk prediction. The data imputation process addresses missing or incomplete time series data, ensuring that the dataset remains reliable for the subsequent analysis and forecasting. This package provides stochastic and machine learning methods, including ARIMA with Box-Cox transformation, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), to forecast time series data that significantly influence tropical peatland fire. The fire risk is calculated through Peat Fire Vulnerability Index, which employs Nelder-Mead optimisation method to obtain the optimal parameters. This approach allows peatfr to update the parameters automatically based on the input data, which results in a reliable package. Furthermore, because the peatfr operates independently without relying on external software to forecast the fire event, this package becomes straightforward and user-friendly. The capability to update parameters automatically and self-contained framework enhance its potential as an early warning tool for tropical peatland fire. We demonstrate the application of peatfr to predict the occurrence of tropical peatland fire in Sabangau, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
Comparative Analysis of Gut Microbiota in Culex pipiens pallens and Culex tritaeniorhynchus from Four Regions in Chinese: Composition, Function, and Antibiotic Resistance
Get PDFBackground: Understanding the composition, structure, and function of mosquito gut microbiota is critical for developing microbial-based strategies to control mosquito-borne diseases. Regional variations in gut microbial diversity and abundance may influence pathogen transmission and facilitate the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).Methods: Adult Culex pipiens pallens and Culex tritaeniorhynchus mosquitoes were collected from four provinces in China. The gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing targeting the V3–V4 hypervariable region. Taxonomic profiles were determined at the phylum and genus levels, and functional characteristics of the gut bacterial community were inferred from 16S rRNA gene data using predictive functional profiling tools. In addition, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on 49 cultured bacterial isolates to identify antibiotic and insecticide resistance genes.Results: At the phylum level, Proteobacteria (49.87–99.69%) and Firmicutes (3.43–49.81%) dominated the mosquito gut microbiota. At the genus level, Wolbachia (13.67–61.96%), Acinetobacter (1.46–29.57%), Staphylococcus (0.53–37.80%), and Providencia (13.64–19.20%) were predominant. Functional profiling revealed regional variation in microbial communities, particularly in genes associated with metabolic processes. WGS analysis of bacterial isolates demonstrated a high prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes, especially those conferring multiclass resistance, whereas insecticide resistance genes were detected at lower frequencies.Conclusion: This study reveals significant regional differences in the composition and functional potential of mosquito gut microbiota, accompanied by widespread antimicrobial resistance among cultured isolates. These findings provide critical insights for identifying microbial targets and developing region-specific microbial or genetic control strategies for mosquito-borne diseases
‘Remember, You Are Not Alone’: A Qualitative Internet‐Mediated Study of Anxiety Among Adolescents on Reddit
Get PDFRecent evidence indicates that social anxiety disorders are increasing alongside a growing sense of disconnection from communities. However, anxiety disorders are often overlooked or perceived as ‘less serious’ mental health issues. Consequently, young people may avoid formal psychological interventions or discussions with family members for fear of being misunderstood, increasingly turning instead to online spaces for support. This study aimed to explore how adolescents (aged 12–18) use Reddit to share their experiences of anxiety. A total of 105 posts, made between January 2021 and January 2022, were thematically analysed. Three themes were identified: Perceived barriers in seeking mental health support; Reddit as a last resort: motivators leading to anonymous posts; and ‘Remember you are not alone’: empathy and support through distance. The findings highlight adolescents' fear of stigma and rejection, as well as limited access to appropriate mental health services. For many, online help-seeking provided opportunities to share distress, seek advice, and connect with empathetic peers. Understanding social media's role in adolescents' emotional regulation, identity, and peer support can inform empathetic, tailored care. Encouraging open dialogue about online experiences supports safe coping and strengthens therapeutic relationships. Professionals should help adolescents build digital literacy and consider the potential therapeutic value of weak online ties, while research on practicalities, safeguarding, and outcomes is needed before implementation
Assessing genetic diversity and performing genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using multiple marker types across desi, kabuli, and wild accessions in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Get PDFGenetic diversity is a key aspect of the selection of superior genotypes in crop varietal improvement. Breeding activities in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) have successfully enhanced the genetic diversity by introducing variations from wild relatives and landraces. Such diversity was characterized by employing various molecular markers, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions and deletions (indels), presence/absence variations (PAVs), and so forth. These marker types through different studies provided different levels of genetic variations from single base to gene structure level. The use of multi-marker types for diversity analysis and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) represents a powerful strategy. In the current study, whole genome re-sequencing data from 593 select chickpea genotypes representing desi, kabuli, and wild types, with over 21 million SNPs, 10 million indels, and 16,117 PAVs, were analyzed. This study demonstrated enhanced diversity in both desi and kabuli types, with wild accessions showing higher diversity compared to landraces. A more comprehensive understanding and broader range of genetic diversity within and between desi, kabuli, and wild accessions, as well as landraces, cultivars, and breeding lines, were captured. The identified novel alleles and gene variations through this analysis offer effective breeding strategies for key traits such as yield, and biotic and abiotic stress tolerance that can significantly contribute to chickpea improvement. Overall, this study highlights the importance of balanced population design, use of multiple marker types in identifying diverse gene pool, and novel marker-trait associations for key/optimal traits paving the way for the development of more resilient chickpea varieties
Access Repository Dashboard
Do you manage Open Research Online? Become a CORE Member to access insider analytics, issue reports and manage access to outputs from your repository in the CORE Repository Dashboard! 👇