Coverage Analysis Research Articles

Genetic factors acting prior to dormancy in sour cherry influence bloom time the following spring.

Understanding the process of Prunus species floral development is crucial for developing strategies to manipulate bloom time and prevent crop loss due to climate change. Here, we present a detailed examination of flower development from initiation until bloom for early- and late-blooming sour cherries (Prunus cerasus) from a population segregating for a major bloom time QTL on chromosome 4. Using a new staging system, we show floral buds from early-blooming trees were persistently more advanced than those from late-blooming siblings. A genomic DNA coverage analysis revealed the late-blooming haplotype of this QTL, k, is located on a subgenome originating from the late-blooming P. fruticosa progenitor. Transcriptome analyses identified many genes within this QTL as differentially expressed between early- and late-blooming trees during the vegetative-to-floral transition. From these, we identified candidate genes for the late bloom phenotype, including multiple transcription factors homologous to Reproductive Meristem B3 domain-containing proteins. Additionally, we determined that the basis of k in sour cherry is likely separate from candidate genes found in sweet cherry-suggesting several major regulators of bloom time are located on Prunus chromosome 4.

Teaching foreign languages in Poland – the ongoing search for efficient ways

Teaching foreign languages in Poland – the ongoing search for efficient ways

The details that matter: Racism in Norwegian media during the Covid-19 pandemic

This article is about the role of the media in the phenomenon of contemporary racism. More specifically, it outlines the discursive mechanisms through which insidious, hidden forms of racism are able to exist “invisible in plain sight,” even in the media and public discourse of countries, like Norway, that regard themselves as democratic and tolerant. The study is part of a broader investigation into the role of the media in the life-experience of immigrants. It addresses the question: How did Norwegian media portray immigrants during the Covid-19 pandemic? Based on a discourse analysis of media coverage, the study demonstrates how racism is hidden “between the lines,” in the assumptions behind a text. It also explains how racism is produced and reproduced covertly, yet systematically, through a media text’s small, even “irrelevant”-looking details. The analysis, importantly, reveals the presence of already existing and widely shared racist scripts which, although they became more noticeable during the Covid-19 crisis, actually underlie public- and media discourse at all times. The results of the study, while related to the case of Norway and the pandemic crisis, help us more broadly understand how and why racism, under the shape of “normality,” tends to remain practically unchallenged.

Reframing a community in crisis: an Intersectional discourse analysis of media responses to state of emergency declarations in Attawapiskat

ABSTRACT During the height of the Idle No More movement over the winter of 2012–2013, then Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence undertook a ceremonial fast, widely framed by the mainstream Canadian media as a hunger strike. This event responded to a housing related State of Emergency declaration in her community. During the cold Canadian winter, for six-weeks Chief Spence survived on medicinal fish broth and tea while catalyzing unprecedented social mobilization. Her actions sparked dialogue about the failures of the Canadian government and the general public to understand and uphold treaty relations. From an interpretive critical policy studies perspective, this paper presents an intersectional discourse analysis of mainstream coverage of her community and highlights themes of crisis, accountability and blame. In doing so, this paper seeks to interrupt these hegemonic frames with an account alternative counterstories grounded in community voices. Drawing upon interpretive policy analysis this paper argues that these predominant frames misrepresented Spence’s core request: a revitalized dialogue about treaty relations. Spence’s story and the voices of community-members speak back to and intervene upon the colonial status quo in Canada. This paper presents some insights and lessons learned for critical policy studies based on counterstories articulated in a community-engaged mixed media storytelling research project entitled Reimagining Attawapiskat.

Feasibility analysis of China's medical insurance coverage of assisted reproductive technology

There are millions of patients experiencing infertility in China, but assisted reproductive technology (ART) is performed at the patient's expense and is difficult to afford. With the sharp decline in China's birth rate, there is a growing controversy over the inclusion of ART in medical insurance (MI). This study aims to explore the feasibility of ART coverage by MI for the first time. We obtained basic data such as the prevalence of infertility, the cost of ART, and the success rate in China with the method of meta-analysis and consulting the government bulletin. Then, we calculated the number of infertile couples in China and the total financial expenditure of MI covering ART. Finally, we discussed the feasibility of coverage, and analyzed the population growth and economic benefits after coverage. According to our research results, it was estimated that there were 4.102–11.792 million infertile couples in China, with an annual increase of 1.189–1.867 million. If MI covered ART, the fund would pay 72.313–207.878 billion yuan, accounting for 2–6% of the current fund balance, and the subsequent annual payment would be 20.961–32.913 billion yuan, accounting for 4–7% of the annual fund balance. This was assuming that all infertile couples would undergo ART, and the actual cost would be lower. The financial input‒output ratio would be 13.022. Benefiting from the inclusion of ART in MI coverage, there would be 3.348–9.624 million new live infants, and 8–13% newborns would be born every year thereafter, which means that by 2050, 37–65 million people would be born. Due to its affordable cost, high cost-effectiveness and favourable population growth, it may be feasible to include ART in MI.

Identification of two female-specific DNA markers in Verasper variegatus

Sex-specific DNA markers are powerful tools for genetic sex identification and sex control breeding of fish. Spotted halibut (Verasper variegatus) is a kind of marine flatfish with important nutritional and economic value, which exhibits significant sex-related growth dimorphism that the female individuals grow faster than the male individuals. However, there is no rapid, effective and universal sex-specific DNA marker used for genetic sex identification and sex control breeding in spotted halibut up to date. In the present study, whole genome resequencing was performed on 17 male and 17 female spotted halibut individuals to identify sex-specific markers. A total of 325.36 Gb and 328.99 Gb data were obtained from females and males, respectively. After reads mapping, sequencing depth and coverage analysis, 359 potential female-specific DNA sequences were identified. Then, after two rounds of verification, two female-specific 66 bp and 68 bp insertions were identified as female-specific markers which can accurately identify the genetic sex of spotted halibut through PCR amplification and 2% agarose gel electrophoresis. Subsequently, these two female-specific DNA markers and the PCR method were further validated using 117 spotted halibut individuals from another breeding population to confirm their genetic sex, which was in accordance with their phenotypic sex determined by histological section of the gonads. This may be the first two rapid, accurate and effective female-specific DNA markers used for genetic sex identification in spotted halibut. The identification of these two female-specific DNA markers will not only provide important genetic evidence to elucidate the sex determination mechanism of spotted halibut, but also help to advance the process of sex control breeding in spotted halibut.

Coverage Analysis and Trajectory Optimization for Aerial Users With Dedicated Cellular Infrastructure

Coverage Analysis and Trajectory Optimization for Aerial Users With Dedicated Cellular Infrastructure

Stimulation of the collective memory of the 1999 Turkey earthquake through the Turkish media coverage of the 2023 earthquake

Turkey has been struck by several powerful earthquakes. Since the 1999 earthquake was the most recent and devastating earthquake before the last one happened in February 2023, many of these media channels’ depictions of the 2023 earthquake in Turkey may have been impacted by the collective memory of the 1999 earthquake. Collective memory of disasters and conflicts frequently takes on special significance as a mechanism for society to cope with the catastrophic events they have witnessed. Collective memory aids societies in dealing with the consequences of such events by giving a feeling of continuity as well as a structure for interpreting and comprehending what occurred. The media and social media are important in developing and conveying collective memory. They play an important role in framing events, transmitting details, and providing a forum for public debate. Social media, in addition to traditional media, has emerged as an innovative platform for the construction and diffusion of collective memory. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the Turkish media depicted the collective memory of the 1999 earthquake in the aftermath of the 2023 earthquake. If the collective memory of the 1999 earthquake is invoked in media coverage of the 2023 earthquake, how is it depicted in terms of lessons learned, public response, and influence on Turkish society? The study’s findings indicate that the analysis of Turkish media coverage pertaining to the 2023 earthquake has demonstrated a restricted collective recollection of the 1999 earthquake.

Computational Approaches To Design Multi Epitope-Based Vaccine Designing of Dengue virus -2 Enveloped Protein For Dengue Virus

Dengue Fever (DF) is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes and is a global concern. A successful vaccine for dengue should induce both neutralizing antibodies and cell-mediated immunity. However, no vaccine currently exists for DF. A multi-epitope vaccine offers a promising strategy for preventing such infections. Objective: To create a dengue virus-2 strain multi-epitope vaccine that is safe, non-allergic, and stimulates a strong immune response. Methods: Leveraging in silico tools, we retrieved and analyzed Dengue virus-2 protein sequences, determining antigenicity using VaxiJen version 2.0 and assessing allergenicity using AllerTop. T-cell epitopes were identified via Immune Epitope Database (IEBD) server for Major Histocompatibility Complex -I (MHC-I) and Major Histocompatibility Complex -II (MHC-II) binding and B-cell epitopes were anticipated through IEBD Linear Epitope Prediction Tool v2.0. Analysis of population coverage estimated the prevalence of MHC alleles interacting with the identified epitopes. A multi-epitope vaccine construct integrated adjuvants, universal linkers, and epitopes, evaluated for physicochemical properties, toxicity, secondary, and tertiary structures. Results: Antigenicity analysis identified highly antigenic Dengue virus-2 protein sequences with low allergenicity. T-cell epitopes revealed multiple epitopes with diverse MHC-I and MHC-II affinity, encompassing conserved regions for potential universal vaccine development. Nine non-toxic, non-allergenic B-cell epitopes were identified. Population coverage analysis demonstrated over 71% prevalence of MHCs binding to identified epitopes across diverse populations. Physicochemical assessments revealed favorable characteristics, including immunogenicity and stability. Tertiary structure prediction illustrated the vaccine's 3D arrangement, validated through Ramachandran plots, exhibiting high-quality protein structure. Conclusions: This multieiptope based vaccine is more immunogenic but further in-vitro and in-vivo study is required for its clinical use

Analysis of greenery coverage of the area of the City ofWarsaw on the quality of life of residents on the basis of spatial and statistical data

Biologically active areas play an extremely important role in the structure of a city and increasing their coverage, especially in large urban centres, is an activity with a number of advantages. This article compares, in terms of green spaces, two European cities of similar size – Warsaw (517.2 km2) and Oslo (454 km2). Both cities are capitals of their respective countries but implement different spatial policies in the scope of the Green Deal. In Warsaw, many industrial and post-industrial areas still exist and simultaneously urban green areas are decreasing year by year. In Oslo, a strategy based on deindustrialisation of the city and possible maximum use of urban greenery and public spaces is implemented. The research described in this article involved analysing the coverage of the analysed cities and their districts with biologically active area and then checking the correlation with other indicators that can be affected by this coverage. These included data on the incidence of the most common diseases among residents, the attractiveness of living for the elderly and families with children, as well as air and soil pollution and the occurrence of negative effects of climate change. The correlation of urban space use in terms of the presence of industrial land in relation to currently existing green spaces in the districts concerned was subsequently determined.

Vitamin A Supplementation in Madagascar: Coverage and Multifaceted Analysis of Influencing Factors During Transition to Routine Mode

Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) is a key public health intervention to reduce child mortality and morbidity. In Madagascar, the VAS program has transitioned from a vertical program to integration into the routine health system (RHS). This study assesses the coverage of VAS and its associated factors during the last campaign mode and first implementation into routine. A national cross-sectional household survey selected 4410 households using multistage random sampling. After consent, mothers of children aged 6–59 months were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire. In addition to socioeconomic and program information from selected communities, 2,972 children aged 6-59 months were verified for vitamin A capsule uptake within the six months before the survey and during the April 2019 campaign. Bivariate analysis and multilevel mixed logistic regression were used to estimate VAS coverage and its associated factors. Overall, VAS coverage was 79.1% (CI 95%: 76.6%-82.0%) in the campaign and 50.6% (CI 95%: 47.7%-53.5%) in routine mode. In regression analysis adjusted for confounders, community exposure to mass media campaigns on VAS, Vitamin A knowledge, Antenatal care visits, household wealth index, and urban residence were positively associated with VAS uptake in routine mode. In contrast, the number of children under 5 per household and age was negatively associated. This study suggests that VAS coverage in Madagascar is suboptimal and that improving the identified socioeconomic and programmatic factors associated with VAS uptake is recommended. These findings can inform strategies to increase VAS coverage during the transition to the RHS.

Design and Analysis of a Spatial 2R1T Remote Center of Motion Mechanism for a Subretinal Surgical Robot

With advances in minimally invasive ophthalmic surgery (MIOS), novel vitreoretinal surgeries have been proposed to treat retinal diseases. Due to the limitations of manual techniques, surgical robots have been introduced for such surgeries. Among ophthalmic surgical robots, the remote center of motion (RCM) mechanism is widely used due to its unique advantages. In this paper, a novel RCM is proposed. Based on the configuration, the kinematics and singularity are analyzed. Subsequently, the planar workspace is analyzed based on ocular anatomy and the requirements of MIOS. The optimal configuration is selected according to the workspace coverage analysis, and the three-dimensional workspace is obtained. Finally, a prototype is built, and the motion is validated. When compared with the related prior RCM mechanisms, the resulting design has qualified workspace coverage, more concise kinematics, and reduced motion coupling with all actuators placed at the distal end of the base. The proposed RCM mechanism is suitable for common MIOS. Future research will further optimize the mechanical structure and control algorithm to improve the accuracy of the prototype.

"Death Is a Possibility for Those without Shelter": A Thematic Analysis of News Coverage on Homelessness and the 2021 Heat Dome in Canada.

Among the most vulnerable to the health-harming effects of heat are people experiencing homelessness. However, during the 2021 Heat Dome, the deadliest extreme heat event (EHE) recorded in Canada to date, people experiencing homelessness represented the smallest proportion of decedents (n = 3, 0.5%)-despite the impacted region (British Columbia) having some of the highest rates of homelessness in the country. Thus, we sought to explore the 2021 Heat Dome as a media-based case study to identify potential actions or targeted strategies that were initiated by community support agencies, individuals and groups, and communicated in the news during this EHE that may have aided in the protection of this group or helped minimize the mortality impacts. Using media articles collated for a more extensive investigation into the effects of the 2021 Heat Dome (n = 2909), we identified a subset which included content on people experiencing homelessness in Canada (n = 274, 9%). These articles were thematically analysed using NVivo. Three main themes were identified: (i) public warnings issued during the 2021 Heat Dome directly addressed people experiencing homelessness, (ii) community support services explicitly targeting this population were activated during the heat event, and (iii) challenges and barriers faced by people experiencing homelessness during extreme heat were communicated. These findings suggest that mass-media messaging and dedicated on-the-ground initiatives led by various organizations explicitly initiated to support individuals experiencing homelessness during the 2021 Heat Dome may have assisted in limiting the harmful impacts of the heat on this community.

Designing a Novel Multiepitope Vaccine from the Human Papilloma Virus E1 and E2 Proteins for Indonesia with Immunoinformatics and Molecular Dynamics Approaches.

One of the deadliest malignant cancer in women globally is cervical cancer. Specifically, cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer in Indonesia. The main infectious agent of cervical cancer is the human papilloma virus (HPV). Although licensed prophylactic vaccines are available, cervical cancer cases are on the rise. Therapy using multiepitope-based vaccines is a very promising therapy for cervical cancer. This study aimed to develop a multiepitope vaccine based on the E1 and E2 proteins of HPV 16, 18, 45, and 52 using in silico. In this study, we develop a novel multiepitope vaccine candidate using an immunoinformatic approach. We predicted the epitopes of the cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and helper T lymphocyte (HTL) and evaluated their immunogenic properties. Population coverage analysis of qualified epitopes was conducted to determine the successful use of the vaccine worldwide. The epitopes were constructed into a multiepitope vaccine by using AAY linkers between the CTL epitopes and GPGPG linkers between the HTL epitopes. The tertiary structure of the multiepitope vaccine was modeled with AlphaFold and was evaluated by Prosa-web. The results of vaccine construction were analyzed for B-cell epitope prediction, molecular docking with Toll like receptor-4 (TLR4), and molecular dynamics simulation. The results of epitope prediction obtained 4 CTL epitopes and 7 HTL epitopes that are eligible for construction of multiepitope vaccines. Prediction of the physicochemical properties of multiepitope vaccines obtained good results for recombinant protein production. The interaction showed that the interaction of the multiepitope vaccine-TLR4 complex is stable based on the binding free energy value -106.5 kcal/mol. The results of the immune response simulation show that multiepitope vaccine candidates could activate the adaptive and humoral immune systems and generate long-term B-cell memory. According to these results, the development of a multiepitope vaccine with a reverse vaccinology approach is a breakthrough to develop potential cervical cancer therapeutic vaccines.

Transformative organizational and programmatic change? Civil society responses to the Canadian Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP)

AbstractMotivationThe article aims to examine how Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) shaped efforts of civil society organizations to address gender equality through organizational and programmatic change. FIAP and other feminist policies have direct implications as to how organizations design and administer their work to address gender inequality and on how funding agencies and foundations administer and support this work.Research QuestionWhat are the opportunities and limitations to FIAP's implementation based on the experiences of civil society organizations' efforts to address gender inequality?Approach and methodsData collection for this article took place between 2019 and 2021, beginning two years after the launch of FIAP. This research adopted a mixed‐methods grounded theory approach, where the collected data shaped the conceptual framework. An online survey, interviews, participatory workshops, and media analysis were included in the data collection. Staff from civil society organizations and the University of Ottawa supported the research design process. A response rate of 50% was achieved with a total of 42 respondents out of 83 organizations responding to the survey. A total of 15 interviews were conducted with gender equality specialists based in Canadian international organizations.FindingsAnalysis from data collected in 2019 with gender specialists and civil society organization (CSO) staff, as well as analysis of media coverage of challenges faced by feminist organizations in 2020 and 2021 revealed that the potential for CSO investment through staff support (financial, training and government guidance) could only be partially realized within the “unfeminist” structural landscape in which development programmes oversee the administration of under‐represented groups.Policy implicationsThis study demonstrates the limitations around building stronger linkages between policy formation and implementation processes, and also the opportunities. The authors argue that strengthening engagement with feminist networks globally could align policy priorities with those identified by grassroots movements, while influencing how funding agencies value feminist practice in CSOs.

Abstract 3448: A novel liquid biopsy lung cancer detection method using a coverage and fragment end motif machine learning analysis

Abstract Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. One reason for this high mortality is that >40% of cases are diagnosed at a late stage, where the 5-year survival rate is low. Liquid biopsy molecular testing has transformed lung cancer care through the identification of driver mutations when tissue is inaccessible. It also has promise as a tool in early detection and diagnosis, thereby reducing mortality. The existing paradigm for lung cancer screening and diagnosis includes low dose CT (LDCT) scans and tissue biopsy. LDCT scans yield a visualization of lung abnormalities. However, many of these abnormalities are difficult to characterize and next steps are often unclear to physicians. One option is to continue to monitor the patient, which may risk a delay in cancer treatment. Up to 15% of all individuals who are put on a monitoring regime will ultimately be diagnosed with lung cancer. A second option is to biopsy the nodule, which risks unnecessary invasive procedures and expenses to patients. 42-62% of indeterminate nodules detected by LDCT are found to be benign after biopsy. Furthermore, 15% of transthoracic needle biopsies result in complications. Genece Health aims to decrease uncertainty in cancer diagnosis and improve patient outcomes through a minimally invasive liquid biopsy assay that detects the presence of lung cancer. The technology utilizes a proprietary algorithm that leverages machine learning models to detect lung cancer signals in low-pass whole genome sequencing (LP-WGS) of patient cfDNA isolated from plasma. To establish assay performance, 50 clinical lung cancer samples from a commercial biobank, and 100 presumed normal samples were collected in Streck cfDNA BCT Devices. Following cfDNA extraction from plasma, LP-WGS was performed. Sequencing data was then processed to generate fragment end-motif and size (FEMS) and fragment coverage data that was input into Genece Health’s proprietary machine learning classifier to generate a final cancer prediction score. In addition, a limit of detection was determined using three late-stage lung cancer samples, with tumor fractions estimated using whole exome sequencing and ichorCNA scores. Our results show >80% specificity, >90% sensitivity, and a limit of detection of <1% tumor fraction. Through this testing, we demonstrate the assay’s ability to detect lung cancer across various lung cancer stages, including early stage disease, and histologies. Genece has developed a highly sensitive and specific lung cancer detection liquid biopsy assay. We present this assay as a cost-effective approach to discriminate between benign and malignant nodules identified by LDCT. In addition, this assay has the potential to be applied across the cancer care continuum. For example, future work will involve characterizing the assay’s ability to be applied in early cancer screening. Citation Format: Bryan Leatham, Michael Salmans, Molly Smith, Mengchi Wang, Andrew Carson, Kristin Fathe, Byung In Lee. A novel liquid biopsy lung cancer detection method using a coverage and fragment end motif machine learning analysis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3448.

Norway’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade: a discourse analysis of media coverage and implications for education

Norway’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade: a discourse analysis of media coverage and implications for education

Media interpretation of sports-related concussion in Irish rugby union: reinforcing or reshaping the sport ethic?

Given that ‘sports injury reaches most people indirectly as a set of images transmitted by the mass media’, this article examines the role that the Irish media performs in promoting narratives surrounding sports-related concussion (SRC). Through a thematic analysis of the media coverage of two elite Irish rugby players’ concussion experiences, the article critiques whether the media’s presentation of SRC challenges the traditional norms of competitive team sport. A central dual narrative emanated out of the media’s framing of SRC, demonstrating both growing concern over the injury and a culture of risk continuing to exist. While concerns over SRC were emphasised, the narrative that playing through pain is a core ethos of sports participation was also reinforced. As such, the Irish media can be seen to simultaneously promote notions of caution towards SRC whilst solidifying the idea that certain ‘sport ethic’ dimensions remain significant to athletes themselves.

Measuring Monetary Policy Shocks in Emerging Economies: Evidence from India

AbstractIn this paper, we provide a template for constructing monetary policy shocks for emerging economies. Our approach synthesizes financial data with a narrative analysis of central bank communication and related media coverage. We create a publicly available time‐series database of policy dates and shocks for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Our shocks suggest that financial markets infer information about the future path of policy rate from RBI communication. Bond and stock markets react strongly to these monetary shocks but exhibit heterogeneity across governor regimes. Finally, we use the shocks as external instruments to identify the impact on macro‐economic variables.

Geographical coverage analysis and usage suggestions of temporal averaged aerosol optical depth product from GOES-R satellite data

ABSTRACT Geostationary satellites have the capability to offer AOD products with a higher frequency of observation within a given period, thus improving the geographical coverage of averaged AOD products compared to polar satellites. Moreover, the averaged AOD of geostationary satellites is more reflective of the average aerosol load as compared to AOD products derived from polar orbit satellites. Despite this, there is still an absence of comprehensive research on the comparative representativeness of AOD mean products from geostationary and polar orbit satellites, and most current research only focuses on retrieval accuracy. This paper compares the geographical coverage of averaged AOD products released by the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) sensor on the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R (GOES-R) (09:00 UTC-23:00 UTC) with AOD products released by the Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) (16:00 UTC and 19:00 UTC) on hourly, daily, semi-monthly and monthly scales. Moreover, the Aerosol Robotic Network datasets were used to evaluate the accuracy of ABI AOD and to propose usage suggestions. In terms of daily AOD products, the AOD daily mean generated by the geostationary satellite GOES-R/ABI consistently outperforms the AOD daily mean generated by MODIS AOD in terms of spatial coverage. However, on monthly scales, the difference is no longer significant. With regard to accuracy, it is proved that when the time scale of averaging is gradually expanded, root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) gradually decrease. On the season scale, ABI AOD exhibits the highest level of accuracy during the autumn season (September, October, November); on the spatial scale, ABI AOD exhibits the best accuracy in North America. Therefore, if the daily, semi-monthly or monthly averaged ABI AOD datasets are used, the recommended time is autumn, and the study area is North America.