Distinct Groups Research Articles

Examining the Interplay of Sociodemographic and Sociotechnical Factors on Users’ Perceived Digital Skills

The rapid pace of technological advancements of the last decades, accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic, has increased the importance of digital skills for individuals, businesses, and society. However, despite efforts to increase digital ownership and educational initiatives, the digital divide remains a persistent issue and a barrier to social inclusion. Digital exclusion is not limited to access vs. no access but encompasses a spectrum of participation influenced by factors such as geographical location, skills, motivation, and identity. The study explores what sociodemographic and sociotechnical aspects shape users’ digital skills. It is based on an online survey of English internet users aged between 20–55 with school-aged children (<em>N</em> = 2,004), to measure their digital skills across six dimensions and analyzes the relationship between these skills and sociodemographic and sociotechnical variables. Results show that among the sociodemographic aspects, including gender, age, education level, employment status, income, and residential area, only income significantly contributes to distinguishing groups per level of digital skills. The study also shows that motivation gap, access gap, usage gap, and social support, are all associated with individuals’ digital skills.

Genetic Characterization of Criolla and European Grapevines Recently Found in Chile: A Key Step for Their Rescue and Conservation

Genetic erosion of grapevine is becoming a serious worldwide problem and preserving its germplasm is an urgent task. Chile is not an exception to this scenario, where diverse factors led by the replacement of traditional varieties by renown cultivars have reduced the vineyard diversity. Therefore, discovering and characterizing minor varieties were the main objectives of this study. In addition to the official catalogue of around 100 grapevine varieties used to produce wine, we present here 89 genotypes not previously described as present in Chile, widely dispersed in the main wine valleys, which were retrieved from vineyards, small collections, and city gardens. Strikingly, we found 49 grapevines with allele patterns not described before. Ten of these may be old European varieties; the other 39 have allele patterns similar to Criolla varieties (e.g., descendants from the crossing of European varieties born in America). A parentage analysis performed with 15 SSR markers in these 39 N.N. samples revealed that most of them are descendants of the so-called foundational varieties Listán Prieto and Muscat of Alexandria, plus others in lower proportion such as Mollar Cano and Muscat à petit grains blancs, as well as known Criollas varieties such as Italiona and Moscatel Rosado. The 89 genotypes not described in Chile structured in three distinguishable groups: Criolla varieties, Central European varieties, and a third group enriched in Iberic varieties. The prevalence of each Criolla accession was quite variable, some corresponding to a single or a few vines found at a single place, while others were spread in several vineyards, even in different valleys, suggesting they were positively selected and propagated at some time. All the new Criolla varieties were different than the recently described Criollas found in Argentina. The discovery, rescue, and documentation of this rich heritage of Vitis vinifera L. genotypes found in Chile is the first step of a long-term work that should be continued with the evaluation of their enological characteristics, yield, and optimal management systems, aiming for the diversification of the local wine industry.

Neurotrophins and vascular endothelial growth factor in oral fluid of elderly patients: diagnostic value for chronic periodontitis and oral lichen planus

Objective. To evaluate the vascular endothelial growth factor A and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the oral fluid of mature and elderly patients with chronic periodontitis and oral lichen planus. Materials and methods. The study involved 56 participants. The control group consisted of healthy volunteers aged 18–44 (n=10). The comparison group included relatively healthy elderly people aged 60–74 (n=12). The distinguished groups of patients with age-associated dental diseases included: moderate chronic periodontitis mature patients of 45–59 years (n=10) and elderly patients (n=14), as well as elderly patients with oral lichen planus (n=10). The patients underwent dental examination. The content of neurotrophins and vascular endothelial growth factor A in saliva (BDNF/ NGF beta/ VEGF-A Human ProcartaPlex Simplex Kit, Invitrogen, USA) was determined by the multiparametric fluorescence analysis with magnetic microspheres (xMAP, Luminex 200, USA) in compliance with the manufacturer protocol. Results. The groups reveal no differences in the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor beta. The elderly patients with oral lichen planus were found to obtain the highest angiogenesis factor, which diagnostic value was assessed by ROC-analysis. The test appears moderately accurate (AUC=0.875). Conclusion. Vascular endothelial growth factor A can be considered for laboratory monitoring of elderly patients with oral lichen planus.

Which are the most promising protein sources for meat alternatives?

Meat alternatives have the potential to shift people’s diets into a more sustainable direction. To improve consumers’ attitudes to meat alternatives and increase the likelihood of their consumption, it is important to identify the most promising protein sources from a consumer perspective. This study investigated expectations toward 17 specific protein sources applied in meat alternatives and four conventional animal-based protein sources across six rating dimensions in an online survey with 916 participants from the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Additionally, several relevant consumer characteristics, namely food neophobia, health consciousness, preference for naturalness, environmental identity, and consumers’ attitudes to meat and meat alternatives, were assessed. Meat alternatives containing potato, lentil, chickpea, and pea achieved the highest acceptance scores. Other protein sources, such as algae, insects, and different types of cultured meat, did not achieve high acceptance. Multiple regressions were used to investigate further the influence of consumer characteristics. For different types of protein sources, different consumer characteristics were identified as barriers, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing groups of consumers and types of protein sources. The study also showed that people’s commitment to meat has no influence on their acceptance of alternative proteins; rather, negative attitudes to meat alternatives are the problem. Future efforts should therefore focus on optimizing the properties of meat alternatives, instead of demonizing the consumption of meat. One way to optimize the acceptance of meat alternatives is to use ingredients that consumers already have positive expectations toward, such as potato, lentil, chickpea, and pea.

Network pharmacology analysis of the renal protective effects of bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) using experimental data obtained in an avian (quail) hyperuricemia model.

To investigate the nephroprotective potential of orally administered bracken Pteridium aquilinum extract against renal damage in quails, induced by a high-purine diet, to form a foundation for subsequent clinical studies and applications. A mass spectrometry analysis was conducted on the pteridophyte subjected to steam explosion. Network pharmacological methods were then utilized to pinpoint shared targets and pathways, which suggested that Pteridium aquilinum has a capability to counteract renal injury. A total of 48 specific-pathogen-free (SPF) "Difaku" quails were selected and segregated into six distinct groups. The control group received a standard diet, whereas the other groups were fed a high-purine diet. Beginning on day 14, each group was subjected to designated therapeutic measures. The study continued for 40 days, after which relevant biological markers were assessed. Active compound peaks from the steam-exploded Pteridium aquilinum were isolated. Subsequently, 101 targets and several pathways associated with renoprotective effects were discerned, indicating that the Pteridium aquilinum achieves its nephroprotective function through comprehensive regulatory mechanisms. The high-purine diet successfully induced hyperuricemia in the quails, resulting in renal impairment. Following intervention with varied Pteridium aquilinum dosages, renal protective outcomes were evident, though xanthine oxidase activity remained unaffected. Histological analyses demonstrated a notable decrease in renal lesion dimensions post-intervention. The steam-exploded bracken Pteridium aquilinum may provide nephroprotective benefits against hyperuricemia-induced renal damage in quails through comprehensive regulatory processes. This highlights the Pteridium aquilinum's potential as an innovative nephroprotective therapeutic and dietary solution, presenting a promising avenue for hyperuricemia and renal damage treatment and prevention.

Modeling agricultural and methane emission data: a finite mixture regression approach

In this paper, the method for unsupervised learning of finite mixture regression (FMR) models is presented for evaluation using agricultural and emissions data sets. The FMR models can be written as problems with incomplete data, and the expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm can be used to estimate unknown variables. The goals of this research are to find the best clustering model with different sets of training and test data and examine the relationship between crop production index and methane emissions in 22 countries from 1990 to 2019 using FMR. In this study also use machine learning process for a FMR model from real world data. According to the findings, the performance of the random training data (RDM) in time series is preferable to that of the fixed training data (FXM). In addition, both RDM and FXM are capable of classifying the 22 countries into two distinct groups and constructing the parameters for the regression model. However, selecting training and test data will result in a good prediction; it is dependent on the data collected. Picking the right training and test data is crucial for accurate predictions-it all comes down to having good data in the first place.

Stent Insertion for Inoperable Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Comparison Between Unilateral Radioactive Stent and Bilateral Normal Stent.

To comparatively analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of unilateral radioactive stent (RS) insertion versus bilateral normal stent (NS) insertion in patients with inoperable hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC). Patients with inoperable HC were treated in our hospital from January 2016 to December 2020. The treatment approach included the insertion of either unilateral RS or bilateral NS, evaluating the efficacy and safety of therapy in 2 distinct groups. A total of 58 individuals experienced the insertion of a unilateral RS, whereas 57 patients underwent the insertion of bilateral NS. No statistically significant difference between the unilateral RS and bilateral NS groups was seen in the technical success rates (98.3% vs 94.7%, P = 0.598) and clinical success rates (98.2% vs 100%, P = 0.514). While there is no statistically significant difference in the rates of stent restenosis (19.3% vs 9.3%, P = 0.132) between the two groups, the unilateral RS group demonstrated substantially longer stent patency (202 vs 119 d, P = 0.016) and overall survival (229 vs 122 d, P = 0.004) compared with the bilateral NS group. Moreover, 8 patients (14.0%) in the unilateral RS group and 14 patients (25.9%) in the bilateral NS group had postoperative complications with no significant difference ( P = 0.116). When inserting stents for inoperable HC, both unilateral RS and bilateral NS insertion procedures have demonstrated favorable therapeutic efficacy. Nevertheless, inserting a unilateral RS provided a longer duration of stent patency and overall survival than implantation of bilateral NS.

TRADE CREDIT POLICY AND THE FINANCIAL SITUATION OF DAIRY COOPERATIVES

Aim: The aim of the study is to examine the financial health of dairy cooperatives in relation to their credit position and trade credit strategy. Methods: Using the author’s synthetic indicator, the position and strategy for granting trade credit were determined, and the levels of profitability, liquidity, debt, and management efficiency were assessed in separate groups of entities: conservative, moderate, and aggressive recipients, versus conservative, moderate, and aggressive providers. The research carried out in the field of trade credit management at dairy cooperatives allowed us to establish that the financial position of the analyzed entities varied depending on their credit position and trade credit strategy. Results: The highest level of ROE was found in the group of entities categorized as conservative recipients, where this indicator was 11.1%. Simi­larly, the group of moderate providers also had a high level of 7.1%. On the other hand, the lowest level was found in the return on sales indicator, which was 0.3% and 0.4% in the moderate recipient and aggressive provider groups, respectively. Additionally, cooperatives following a conservative trade credit strategy had a higher level of return on sales compared to the cooperatives classified in the aggressive provider group. Conclusions: The profitability of assets, funds, and sales, as well as the level of liquidity, varied among the distinguished group of cooperatives based on their position and commercial credit strategy. However, there was no variation observed in terms of the level of indebtedness.

Comparative bonding performance of coronal dentin disks and CAD/CAM resin composite disks for biological restoration: The impact of resin-coating technique.

This study evaluated the bonding performance of coronal dentin disks, designed for biological restoration, and CAD/CAM resin composite disks when bonded to flat dentin surfaces using dual-cure resin cements, with and without a resin-coating (RC) technique. Three distinct groups were established within the non-RC group, each using one of the two types of resin cements in a self-adhesive mode: one-step self-etch adhesive (1-SEA) without light-cure, 1-SEA with light-cure, and a separate group using an alternate cement. Within the RC group, a subgroup was established for each cement. The microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of the disk-dentin beam was tested after 0 and 10,000 thermocycles in a 5°C/55°C. No significant μTBS difference was observed among the non-RC groups. However, when using RC, the μTBSs of coronal dentin disks significantly exceeded those of CAD/CAM resin composite disks. Thermocycle aging did not affect μTBS in any of the bonding methods, except in self-adhesive mode.

Comprehensive Assessment of Ischemic Stroke in Nonhuman Primates: Neuroimaging, Behavioral, and Serum Proteomic Analysis.

Ischemic strokes, prevalence and impactful, underscore the necessity of advanced research models closely resembling human physiology. Our study utilizes nonhuman primates (NHPs) to provide a detailed exploration of ischemic stroke, integrating neuroimaging data, behavioral outcomes, and serum proteomics to elucidate the complex interplay of factors involved in stroke pathophysiology. We observed a consistent pattern in infarct volume, peaking at 1-month postmiddle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and then stabilized. This pattern was strongly correlated to notable changes in motor function and working memory performance. Using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), we detected significant alterations in fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values, signaling microstructural changes in the brain. These alterations closely correlated with the neurological and cognitive deficits that we observed, highlighting the sensitivity of DTI metrics in stroke assessment. Behaviorally, the monkeys exhibited a reliance on their unaffected limb for compensatory movements, a common response to stroke impairment. This adaptation, along with consistent DTI findings, suggests a significant impact of stroke on motor function and spatial perception. Proteomic analysis through MS/MS functional enrichment identified two distinct groups of proteins with significant changes post-MCAO. Notably, MMP9, THBS1, MB, PFN1, and YWHAZ were identified as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ischemic stroke. Our results underscore the complex nature of stroke and advocate for an integrated approach, combining neuroimaging, behavioral studies, and proteomics, for advancing our understanding and treatment of this condition.

Exploring factors and customer perceptions of airport services: A quantitative textual analysis

<span lang="EN-GB">This study conducted an analysis of 1500 user generated content from Google Travel to examine the factors influencing airport services and customer perceptions. Quantitative textual analysis is employed to extract meaningful insights. Our findings highlighted the most frequently used words in airport user generated content, reflecting critical aspects of airport experiences such as the airport itself, the quality of service, and international travel. A cluster analysis revealed five distinct clusters, representing flight operations, location, views, customer feelings, and intangible services. A co-occurrence network analysis showed strong correlations among keywords associated with positive experiences, underscoring the importance of service quality and infrastructure in customer satisfaction. Furthermore, through topic modeling, we categorized words into five distinct groups: airport flights, ground services, international services, customer experience, and location. The practical implications of this study are substantial. The insights can help airport management identify strengths and areas needing improvement, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and the overall airport experience.</span>

Heterozygous Pyrin (MEFV) E148Q allele carriers indicate a reduced glaucoma risk for Turkish population: a prospective clinical analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose The MEFV gene encodes pyrin, a protein linked to increased severity of symptoms in Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). We consider that inflammation due to MEFV variants would increase eye inflammation and damage aqueous humor regulation. The present study is the first analysis investigating a MEFV (E148Q) variant as a marker protecting from glaucoma. Methods In this prospective clinical analyze, we performed detailed gene sequencing focusing on 22 specific regions of the pyrin (MEFV) gene. The study involved two distinct groups: individuals diagnosed with glaucoma (n = 200) and control subjects without glaucoma (n = 100). Both groups were carefully selected to exclude individuals with symptoms or a previous diagnosis of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). The diagnosis of glaucoma for each participant was rigorously established through comprehensive direct ophthalmic examinations. Results A significant odds ratio for protection against glaucoma was found in carriers of the subclinical E148Q allele (OR:2.22; 95%CI: 1.098–4.485). No significant differences were found for other variants. One mutant E148Q-allele could decrease the probability of glaucoma development by approximately 68,9%. We observed no differences in the genotype frequency between glaucoma and healthy for the other MEFV gene variants. Conclusion The pyrin variant of the MEFV gene resulting in a subclinical phenotype appears to reduce the incidence of glaucoma, and heterozygous pyrin (MEFV) E148Q allele carriers confer protection against glaucoma. It is important to consider the limitations arising from the relatively small number of studies conducted on this topic.

Unraveling sources of cyanate in the marine environment: insights from cyanate distributions and production during the photochemical degradation of dissolved organic matter

Cyanate is a nitrogen and energy source for diverse marine microorganisms, playing important roles in the nitrogen cycle. Despite the extensive research on cyanate utilization, the sources of this nitrogen compound remain largely enigmatic. To unravel the sources of cyanate, distributions and production of cyanate during photochemical degradation of natural dissolved organic matter (DOM) were investigated across various environments, including freshwater, estuarine, coastal areas in Florida, and the continental and slope regions of the North American mid-Atlantic Ocean (NATL). Cyanate production was also examined during the photochemical degradation of exudates from a typical strain of Synechococcus, an important phytoplankton component. To deepen our understanding of the sources and production mechanisms of cyanate, its production was assessed during the photochemical degradation of a natural seawater DOM supplemented with five nitrogen–containing compounds with distinguishing structures and functional groups. Generally, cyanate exhibited higher concentrations in the Florida coastal, estuarine, and freshwater environments than the NATL. However, cyanate distribution did not consistently align with its production rates. Despite significantly low concentrations in the NATL, DOM from this region exhibited cyanate production rates comparable to estuarine and Florida coastal environments. Although relatively high cyanate concentrations were observed in the freshwaters, DOM in this environment exhibited very low cyanate production rates. A highly significant correlation was observed between cyanate and chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentrations in these areas. Moreover, in most estuarine and NATL stations, cyanate concentration and production rate in the Chl a maximum layer were significantly higher than in other layers. Cyanate was produced during the photochemical degradation of the Synechococcus exudates. The cyanate production was significantly enhanced when the natural seawater DOM was supplemented with GlycylGlycine, 4-(methylamino) benzoic acid, 4-[ethyl(methyl)amino] benzaldehyde or methyl 2-aminobenzoate. Our study implies that photochemical degradation of marine DOM, especially phytoplankton-derived DOM, is a substantial source of cyanate in the ocean. Additionally, cyanate may form during the degradation of peptides and small aromatic compounds in DOM, providing novel insights into the nitrogen cycle.

Comprehensive phenotypic evaluation by fruit quality traits and analysis of the genetic diversity of promising elite walnut forms bred in the North Caucasian Federal Scientific Center of Horticulture, Viticulture, and Winemaking

Walnuts are a source of benefi cial nutrients (fatty acids, vitamins, phenolic compounds) and are high in calories. In the breeding of this cultivated plant, one of the key areas is selection for fruit quality. A modern cultivar must meet the standards of fruit appearance (large fruit, light kernel color, round shape, easy shell-kernel separation). The study of the genetic structure of walnut collections using microsatellite markers is no less relevant. The article aims to comprehensively evaluate the economically valuable traits of fruits and analyze the genetic diversity of promising elite walnut forms bred by the North Caucasian Federal Scientific Center of Horticulture, Viticulture, and Winemaking employing microsatellite DNA markers. Morphological fruit evaluation was carried out according to 13 traits. The biochemical analysis included total fat content, phenolic compounds, macronutrients (Na, K, Mg, Ca), and water-soluble solids. The molecular genetic analysis was performed using eight SSR markers: WGA001, WGA069, WGA376, WGA276, WGA009, WGA202, WGA089, WGA321. The comprehensive phenotypic and biochemical evaluation of fruits resulted in the identifi cation of elite forms superior to the check cultivar. For these elite forms, the fruit weight was 17-1-18 (13.36 g), MP-82 (14.80 g), YaB-18 (13.47 g); the kernel content was 17-2-23 (61.24 %), 17-5-5 (58.49 %), 17-2-16 (57.7 %); the fat content – MP-34 (68 %), 17-1-18 (61 %), 17-2-16 (62 %), MP-39 (60 %), YaB-5 (60 %). The microsatellite analysis revealed an average allele value per locus of 7.13, which indicates a high level of genetic heterogeneity in the studied sample of elite forms. Using the UPGMA clustering method and PCoA analysis, we revealed the presence of two genetically distinct groups. Th e first one includes large-fruited samples that exceed the check cultivar in terms of fruit weight (MP-82, YaB-18). In the second group, high-oil-bearing forms with a large percentage of kernel yield (17-1-18, YaB-5, 17-2-23, 17-2-16, MP-39, MP-34, 17-5-5) and forms with good shell-kernel separation (17-2-5, 17-2-16, 17-5-5, 17-5-10, MP-39, MP-67, MP-69, MP-170) predominated. Th us, it can be concluded that crossing genetically distant forms is promising not only for solving breeding issues, but also for preserving and increasing the genetic heterogeneity of the breeding walnut gene pool.

Familial adversity: association with discontinuation of adjuvant hormone therapy and breast cancer prognosis.

Many studies have examined patient-related factors affecting adjuvant hormone therapy adherence in breast cancer patients. Our study aimed to examine associations of family-related factors with adjuvant hormone therapy discontinuation and breast cancer-specific mortality. By cross-linking seven Swedish health registers, we performed a cohort study including all breast cancer patients who initiated adjuvant hormone therapy during 2006-2019 in Sweden (N = 10,701). A group-based multi-trajectory model was used to identify familial adversity groups based on three dimensions: material deprivation, negative family dynamics, and loss or threat of loss. Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate associations of familial adversity with hormone therapy discontinuation and breast cancer-specific mortality. We identified five distinctive familial adversity groups among the cohort participants. Compared to women with low familial adversity, higher risks to discontinue adjuvant hormone therapy were observed among women with material deprivation (hazard ratio (HR), 1.31; 95% CI, 1.20-1.43), negative family dynamics (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.06-1.28), loss or threat to loss (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.00-1.32), or high familial adversity (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.40-1.68). Furthermore, women with material deprivation (HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.05-1.79), negative family dynamics (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.01-1.97), or high adversity (HR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.26-2.23) were at higher risks of dying from breast cancer. Familial adversity is associated with a higher risk of adjuvant hormone therapy discontinuation and breast cancer-specific mortality. Family-related factors identified in our study may help identify high-risk patients for interventions to prevent treatment discontinuation and subsequently improve breast cancer outcomes.

Periodontal disease indicators in adults with and without physical activity: a comparative analysis

Introduction: The intriguing link between periodontal disease severity and physical activity remains largely understudied, particularly in the Saudi Arabian population. Thus, the current research was intended to ascertain the effect of physical activity on the prevalence and indicators of periodontal diseases. Materials: The cross-sectional approach with convenience sampling was applied to the recruitment of 160 adult subjects attending gymnasiums, sports clubs, malls, primary health centres, and community dental health programs. Based on IPAQ scores, the participants were split into two distinct groups: a physically active group and a physically inactive group. The two study groups were compared with one another in terms of recorded parameters. The gathered data subsequently underwent statistical processing using SPSS 20.0. Results: Of the 160 subjects, 66.87% (n = 107) had gingivitis and 33.12% (n = 53) periodontitis. A lower mean PI (1.62±0.31) was observed in the physically active group compared to the physically inactive group (6.91±1.12). The physically active group had a mean BI of 19.01±4.53 and the inactive group 69.98±9.29. For physically active and inactive groups, mean PD measurements were 2.49±0.33 mm and 4.61±0.07 mm, respectively.Physically active individuals had a significantly lower mean CAL (2.98±0.88 mm) compared to the inactive group (5.37±1.02 mm). Parametric variances between groups are statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Insufficient engagement in physical activity has undeniably been identified as a risk factor for the development and severity of periodontal disease, marked by escalated indicators of gingivitis and periodontitis. The study findings unequivocally endorse the adoption of a consistent physical activity regimen as strategic initiatives to proactively address the incidence of inflammatory periodontal diseases. Many patients with different psychophysical characteristics seek periodontal therapy at dental clinics. This study alerts clinicians to the impact of physical inactivity in a wide-spectrum population and helps identify periodontal risk in sedentary patients. It also aids in treatment planning for these periodontally risky, physically inactive people. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.23 (Special Issue) 2024 p.S20-S25

Acoustic Characteristics of Greek Vowels Produced by Adult Heritage Speakers of Albanian

Investigating heritage language (HL)-contact effects on the dominant language has received limited attention despite its importance in understanding the dynamic interplay between linguistic systems in situations of bilingualism. This study compares the acoustic characteristics of Greek vowels produced by heritage speakers (HSs) of Albanian and monolingual Greek speakers, aiming to identify potential differences and explain them. The participants were adult second-generation HSs of Albanian with Greek as their dominant language, born and raised in Greece. A control group of age-matched monolingual Greek speakers was included for comparison purposes. All participants engaged in a controlled speech production task, with the data segmented to extract acoustic values pertaining to the first three formants and the duration of Greek vowels. Bayesian regression models were employed for the subsequent statistical analysis. The results demonstrated differences in the first three formants of certain vowels and the duration of all vowels. These differences can be attributed to the crosslinguistic effect of HL on the dominant language, as well as the interplay between the dynamic and internalized language system of the speakers and the complex effect of the sociophonetic context. These outcomes contribute to the hypothesis positing the emergence of deflected phonetic categories among a distinctive group of bilinguals, namely HSs. Furthermore, this study underscores the significance of a comprehensive exploration of the sociophonetic context of HSs for a nuanced understanding of their phonetic patterns.

The development and diversity of religious cognition and behavior: Protocol for Wave 1 data collection with children and parents by the Developing Belief Network.

The Developing Belief Network is a consortium of researchers studying human development in diverse social-cultural settings, with a focus on the interplay between general cognitive development and culturally specific processes of socialization and cultural transmission in early and middle childhood. The current manuscript describes the study protocol for the network's first wave of data collection, which aims to explore the development and diversity of religious cognition and behavior. This work is guided by three key research questions: (1) How do children represent and reason about religious and supernatural agents? (2) How do children represent and reason about religion as an aspect of social identity? (3) How are religious and supernatural beliefs transmitted within and between generations? The protocol is designed to address these questions via a set of nine tasks for children between the ages of 4 and 10 years, a comprehensive survey completed by their parents/caregivers, and a task designed to elicit conversations between children and caregivers. This study is being conducted in 39 distinct cultural-religious groups (to date), spanning 17 countries and 13 languages. In this manuscript, we provide detailed descriptions of all elements of this study protocol, give a brief overview of the ways in which this protocol has been adapted for use in diverse religious communities, and present the final, English-language study materials for 6 of the 39 cultural-religious groups who are currently being recruited for this study: Protestant Americans, Catholic Americans, American members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jewish Americans, Muslim Americans, and religiously unaffiliated Americans.

Testing Two Online Symptom Checkers With Vulnerable Groups: Usability Study to Improve Cognitive Accessibility of eHealth Services.

The popularity of eHealth services has surged significantly, underscoring the importance of ensuring their usability and accessibility for users with diverse needs, characteristics, and capabilities. These services can pose cognitive demands, especially for individuals who are unwell, fatigued, or experiencing distress. Additionally, numerous potentially vulnerable groups, including older adults, are susceptible to digital exclusion and may encounter cognitive limitations related to perception, attention, memory, and language comprehension. Regrettably, many studies overlook the preferences and needs of user groups likely to encounter challenges associated with these cognitive aspects. This study primarily aims to gain a deeper understanding of cognitive accessibility in the practical context of eHealth services. Additionally, we aimed to identify the specific challenges that vulnerable groups encounter when using eHealth services and determine key considerations for testing these services with such groups. As a case study of eHealth services, we conducted qualitative usability testing on 2 online symptom checkers used in Finnish public primary care. A total of 13 participants from 3 distinct groups participated in the study: older adults, individuals with mild intellectual disabilities, and nonnative Finnish speakers. The primary research methods used were the thinking-aloud method, questionnaires, and semistructured interviews. We found that potentially vulnerable groups encountered numerous issues with the tested services, with similar problems observed across all 3 groups. Specifically, clarity and the use of terminology posed significant challenges. The services overwhelmed users with excessive information and choices, while the terminology consisted of numerous complex medical terms that were difficult to understand. When conducting tests with vulnerable groups, it is crucial to carefully plan the sessions to avoid being overly lengthy, as these users often require more time to complete tasks. Additionally, testing with vulnerable groups proved to be quite efficient, with results likely to benefit a wider audience as well. Based on the findings of this study, it is evident that older adults, individuals with mild intellectual disability, and nonnative speakers may encounter cognitive challenges when using eHealth services, which can impede or slow down their use and make the services more difficult to navigate. In the worst-case scenario, these challenges may lead to errors in using the services. We recommend expanding the scope of testing to include a broader range of eHealth services with vulnerable groups, incorporating users with diverse characteristics and capabilities who are likely to encounter difficulties in cognitive accessibility.

Molecular Characterization of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp Collection based on ISSR Markers

Background: In Azerbaijan, cow pea is one of the fundamental legumes. This study was carried out at the Institute of Genetic Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences to evaluate genetic diversity in 28 cowpea accessions from Azerbaijan national gene bank. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotypic diversity, relatedness and population structure among local cow pea resources available in Azerbaijan and the cultivated VIR accessions based on ISSR markers. Methods: The studies were conducted in 2017-2019 at the Institute of Genetic Resources (IGR) of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) of Azerbaijan. 28 samples were used as research material: 10 of them were local forms and 18 were samples obtained from VIR. Sowing of collection samples was carried out in duplicate with an area of food of one plant 10 ´ 45 cm at the optimum time, in the at the end of April. Result: In the study, 28 alleles were synthesized for the collection with five ISSR markers, with an average polymorphism index of 75%. The rich genetic diversity (GMO = 0.80; PIC = 0.34) was found in the collection. Statistical analyzes have shown that the efficiency of the UBC 835 and the UBC 818 premieres was high. The average genetic distance index in the cow pea collection was 0.33. 71% of the samples were genetically identifiable and 29% revealed that the genotype was identical across the studied loci. PCoA and cluster analysis identified 3 genetically distinct groups within the collection, with the first two coordinates explaining 57% of this genetic variation.