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Achieving reliable rainfall forecasting through ensemble deep learning, fuzzy systems, and advanced feature selection
Get PDFClassical Machine Learning (ML) models, like Random Forests, struggle with weather variability. Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) models, though designed for time-dependent predictions, also face challenges with unseen data and extended rainfall forecasts. To address these, the Fuzzy-Integrated Deep Ensemble for Rainfall Forecasting with advanced Feature Selection (FIDERFFS) is developed, combining LSTM and GRU with Fuzzy Inference Systems to create Fuzzified LSTM and GRU hybrids, integrating them with a Transformer model, and leveraging Fuzzy Rough Feature Selection to improve accuracy, generalisation, and interpretability. Tested on meteorological datasets (Aberystwyth and Bath, UK), the Enhanced Ensemble Model outperforms benchmarks and the Foundational Ensemble Model by 12.26% (MAE), 3.21% (RMSE), and 8.77% (RMSLE), in Aberystwyth’s complex terrain. Results show how topography and maritime proximity influence forecasting and position FIDERFFS as a superior alternative to Classical ML while complementing Numerical Weather Prediction, by reducing computational demands and time lags
Gerontology and geriatrics:care and context. Towards integration
Get PDFGerontology, the multidisciplinary study of ageing within the wider social and cultural context and geriatrics, which focuses more on the medical care of older people, are often seen as very separate and distinct. Both focus on improving the lives of older people, but have differing origins, philosophies and practices. Yet the impact of both on society and on the older person themselves is not always easily distinguished. In reality, the difference between the two might represent a false dichotomy and by bridging the (oft false) gap between the two disciplines and creating an integrated model of ageing may lead to improvements in the lives and care of older people
Genomic evidence for hybridization, mitochondrial capture and cryptic invasions in the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Varunidae):Genomic evidence for hybridization, mitochondrial capture and cryptic invasions
Get PDFEnhanced genetic diversity arising from interspecific hybridisation and from multiple introductions from different source populations has played a major role in the evolution of invasive traits in introduced populations. Across Europe, mitochondrial haplotypes associated with the Japanese mitten crab Eriocheir japonica have been discovered in populations of the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis, one of Europe's highest priority aquatic invasive non-native species, suggesting a possible cryptic invasion of a second Eriocheir species. Analysis of the nuclear genomes of mitten crabs from one of these populations based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained through genotyping by sequencing, combined with landmark analysis of carapace morphology indicates that the crabs resemble E. sinensis in their morphology and nuclear genomic background, regardless of whether they carry an E. sinensis or E. japonica mitochondrial haplotype. This suggests interspecific introgression of mitochondrial DNA originating in the Japanese mitten crab Eriocheir japonica at some point in the population's history, either in its native range or following introduction to Europe. A discrete cluster of SNP genotypes is associated with the E. japonica mitochondrial haplotype in samples from 2015 but not from 2020, suggesting an intraspecific cryptic invasion of genetically distinct mitten crabs into a previously established population, followed by interbreeding. Genetically diverse and novel hybrid biological invaders require particularly careful monitoring since they are likely to display enhanced evolutionary potential, with their life cycles and ecology possibly diverging from that of ancestral populations in their native range. In addition, mitochondrial environmental DNA and DNA barcoding of mitochondrial markers are increasingly relied upon to detect and identify aquatic non-native species. The potential for mitochondrial introgression between species to confuse these methods must be considered
The privilege of virtue and the need for reward:An examination of patronage, elites and power relations within civil society
Get PDFThis paper considers the ideological discourses underpinning voluntary action of elites within civil society organisations. Drawing together literatures on elite reproduction, organisational recruitment and volunteer motivations we consider how patterns of patronage play out in Welsh urban and rural localities, and the interrelationships between cultural, social, political, and economic capitals. Findings reveal senior volunteer recruitment to meet resource needs variously referring to meritocratic processes, achieving representation or garnering status, and new insights on rewards as an elite formation mechanism. The study identifies an inverse relationship between privilege and benefits, whereby the most privileged are attributed a stronger moral authority. This masks underlying social and political gains. Our findings have conceptual and practical implications: The research highlights complexity in elite reproduction and the importance of recognising the dual directional advances in symbolic capital. It also draws attention to established organisational cultures and the challenges associated with securing greater equality in practice
Mass Media Exposure and Cervical Cancer Screening in Rural Sub-Saharan Africa:A Multi-Country Cross-Sectional Analysis
Get PDFBackground and AimsCervical cancer is a pressing global public health challenge, with sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) experiencing disproportionately high incidence and mortality rates compared to other regions. Early detection through screening and timely treatment is essential for mitigating the burden of this disease. Evidence suggests that mass media exposure can play a pivotal role in increasing cervical cancer screening uptake. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of cervical cancer screening in SSA and to identify factors associated with screening uptake, with a specific focus on the influence of mass media among rural women.MethodsThe analysis utilized data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted in 11 SSA countries, encompassing responses from 72,565 rural women of reproductive age (15–49 years). The primary outcome variable was cervical cancer screening status. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and cross-tabulations, were employed to characterize the sample. Given the skewed distribution of the outcome variable, complementary log-log regression models were applied to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) in both bivariate and multivariable analyses. Robustness of the statistical models and their fitness were rigorously assessed to ensure the validity of the findings.ResultsThe overall prevalence of cervical cancer screening among women in the 11 countries was 8.47%. Women with exposure to mass media were significantly more likely to undergo screening. Specifically, women who watched television less than once a week (AOR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07–1.38) or at least once a week (AOR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.26–1.53) had higher odds of being screened compared to those with no exposure to television. Similar positive associations were observed for radio and newspaper/magazine exposure. Women who listened to the radio at least once a week (AOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.45–1.74) and those who read newspapers/magazines at least once a week (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.48–1.90) demonstrated increased odds of undergoing screening. Additional predictors of screening included older age, higher education levels, greater wealth, higher parity, and fewer barriers to accessing healthcare, such as not needing permission or assistance to seek care.ConclusionThis study highlights the critical role of mass media—television, radio, and newspapers/magazines—in promoting cervical cancer screening among rural women in SSA. Public health stakeholders and governments should prioritize leveraging these platforms to design and disseminate culturally tailored campaigns aimed at overcoming barriers to screening in rural communities. By optimizing the reach and effectiveness of mass media, particularly traditional channels prevalent in rural SSA, cervical cancer screening rates can be significantly improved, thereby reducing the disease burden in the region
Mapping the molecular signature of ABA-regulated gene expression in germinating barley embryos
Get PDFBACKGROUND: Abscisic acid (ABA) regulates key plant processes, including seed germination, dormancy, and abiotic stress responses. While its physiological role in germination is well-documented, the molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. To address this, we analyzed transcriptomic and metabolomic changes in ABA-treated germinating barley (Hordeum vulgare) embryos. To map ABA-responsive gene expression across embryonic tissues, we employed the Visium Spatial Transcriptomics (10× Genomics). This approach, which remains technically challenging to be applied in plant tissues, enabled the precise localization of gene expression across six embryo regions, offering insights into tissue-specific expression patterns that cannot be resolved by traditional RNA-seq.RESULTS: Transcriptomic analysis indicated that ABA acts primarily as a germination repressor. Gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses linked ABA-inhibited genes to energy metabolism, lignin biosynthesis, cell wall organization, and photosynthesis, while induced genes were associated with environmental adaptation and phytohormone signaling. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) correlated with metabolites involved in phytohormone pathways, including gibberellins, jasmonates, brassinosteroids, salicylic acid, auxins, and ABA metabolism. Comparisons with developing seed transcriptomes suggested an ABA-associated gene expression signature in embryos. Spatial transcriptomics technique made possible the precise identification of ABA-induced transcriptional changes within distinct embryonic tissues.CONCLUSIONS: Integrating transcriptomics, metabolomics and spatial transcriptomics defined the molecular signature of ABA-induced modulation of phytohormonal crosstalk, energy metabolism, and tissue-specific gene activity in germinating seeds. The successful use of spatial transcriptomics adds a novel layer of resolution for understanding tissue-specific ABA responses during barley seed germination. These findings offer new insights into the ABA role in seed germination and potential strategies for enhancing crop resilience.</p
Self-Compassion Around the World:Measurement Invariance of the Short Form of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-SF) Across 65 Nations, 40 Languages, Gender Identities, and Age Groups
Get PDFObjectives: The 12-item Self-Compassion Scale–Short Form (SCS–SF) is a widely used instrument for the assessment of self-compassion. To date, there have been few examinations of this instrument’s psychometric properties, particularly across nations and languages. Therefore, we used data from the Body Image in Nature Survey (BINS) to assess measurement invariance of the SCS–SF across nations, languages, gender identities, and age groups. Methods: Participants (N = 56,968) from 65 nations completed the SCS–SF in 40 languages. Using these data, we tested various hypothesised models of the SCS–SF in the total sample and, using multi-group confirmatory factor analysis, tested for invariance of the optimal model across national groups, languages, gender identities, and age groups. Results: In the total dataset, we found that an 11-item, 2-factor model (i.e., SCS-11) provided best fit to the data, with the two factors tapping distinct constructs of compassionate and uncompassionate self-responding. The SCS-11 was found to be partially scalar invariant across national groups and languages, and fully scalar invariant across gender identities and age groups. There was wide variation in latent means for the two factors, particularly across national groups and languages. Further analyses showed negligible associations between the two factors and sociodemographic variables, including marital status, financial security, and urbanicity. Conclusions: Our results suggest that it may be possible to derive a stable 2-factor model of the SCS–SF for use in cross-cultural research, but also highlight the likelihood of cross-national and cross-linguistic variations in the way that self-compassion is understood.</p
Suicidal ideation and clinical breast examination among rural women aged 25 to 49 in Senegal
Get PDFObjectives: Breast cancer is a significant public health concern and early detection through screening is crucial for improved outcomes. Previous studies have highlighted the influence of socio-demographic and economic factors on the uptake of breast cancer examination. An often-overlooked dimension influencing clinical breast examination (CBE) in the literature is mental health. This study investigates the relationship between suicidal ideation and CBE uptake among rural women in Senegal. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: A sample of 4532 rural women (25–49 years) was drawn from the 2023 Senegal Continuous Demographic and Health Survey data. Clinical breast examination (CBE) and having suicidal thoughts were the outcome and explanatory variables of interest, respectively. We applied a binary logistic multivariable regression model to assess the relationship between suicidal thoughts and CBE. Results: Only 19.49 % of the women had a health professional examine their breasts for cancer. Also, 20.08 % of the women have had suicidal thoughts. The study revealed that women with suicidal thoughts were 41 % less likely to undergo CBE compared to those without (AOR = 0.59, 95 % CI: 0.44–0.79). The study further revealed that an increase in wealth, being employed, and frequently listening to the radio are positively associated with the uptake of CBE, whereas older age is negatively associated. Conclusions: The negative relationship between suicidal ideation and the uptake of CBE underscores the need to integrate mental health services with preventive health programs like cancer screenings.</p
Population genomics uncovers loci for trait improvement in the indigenous African cereal tef (Eragrostis tef)
Get PDFTef (Eragrostis tef) is an indigenous African cereal that is gaining global attention as a gluten-free "superfood" with high protein, mineral, and fibre contents. However, tef yields are limited by lodging and by losses during harvest owing to its small grain size (150× lighter than wheat). Breeders must also consider a strong cultural preference for white-grained over brown-grained varieties. Tef is relatively understudied with limited "omics" resources. Here, we resequence 220 tef accessions from an Ethiopian diversity collection and also perform multi-locational phenotyping for 25 agronomic and grain traits. Grain metabolome profiling reveals differential accumulation of fatty acids and flavonoids between white and brown grains. k-mer and SNP-based genome-wide association uncover important marker-trait associations, including a significant 70 kb peak for panicle morphology containing the tef orthologue of rice qSH1-a transcription factor regulating inflorescence morphology in cereals. We also observe a previously unknown relationship between grain size, colour, and fatty acids. These traits are highly associated with retrotransposon insertions in homoeologues of TRANSPARENT TESTA 2, a known regulator of grain colour. Our study provides valuable resources for tef research and breeding, facilitating the development of improved cultivars with desirable agronomic and nutritional properties.</p
Learning and cognitive flexibility in two-choice visual discrimination tasks are similar in juvenile and adult sheep
Get PDFThe sheep is a valuable species for studying neurodevelopment. The two-choice visual discrimination-reversal task is a widely used set-shifting task assessing function of fronto-striatal brain networks but whether lambs can complete this task has not yet been evaluated. Here we compared cognitive performance in mature adult Texel ewes (n = 12, 1.4–6.4 years old at start of training) and their weaned Texel lambs (n = 5 females, n = 8 non-castrated males, 4.1–5.5 months old) during training and testing in visual attention and two-choice discrimination-reversal tasks within a semi-automated operant system. Adult ewes completed the visual attention task in fewer sessions than lambs (p = 0.030) and a greater proportion of ewes than lambs completed the visual attention task within 10 training sessions (ewes: 8/12; lambs: 3/13; p = 0.028). Numbers of trials taken to reach the learning criterion in the two-choice visual discrimination-reversal task, however, did not differ between adult ewes and lambs during the first acquisition (p = 0.494), or the first (p = 0.955) or second reversal (p = 0.314) phases. Adult ewes completed the second acquisition phase in fewer trials than lambs (p = 0.031). This study confirms that learning and cognitive flexibility can be evaluated using a two-choice visual discrimination-reversal task in growing lambs as well as adult ewes, but that visual attention may take longer to achieve in lambs. This allows longitudinal assessment of the impacts of pregnancy exposures and responses to interventions in sheep models.</p