Efficient Program Research Articles

Medical Data Classification Using Genetic Programming: A Systematic Literature Review

ABSTRACTBackgroundMedical data classification has always been a growing area of research. While machine learning techniques have been successfully applied in this field, the vast amount of data generated and the complexity of applications necessitate more robust and powerful methods, especially in the absence of domain expertise. Genetic programming (GP) being a flexible evolutionary approach can autonomously craft efficient classification programs merely from example data and has thus gained significant attention across various classification domains.ContentThis article presents a literature survey on the application of genetic programming to medical data classification. Reported studies are evaluated based on the examination of datasets, classifier architecture, and achieved classification accuracy. Additionally, we also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of genetic programming with other algorithms, covering aspects like classification accuracy, computational efficiency, interpretability, and resource consumption. The limitations of existing GP techniques and future directions are also presented in this study.ConclusionThe study presented in this article indicates that GP‐based classifiers perform better than other classifiers in the medical domain. To the best of our knowledge, this article is the first of its kind which discusses the application of GP explicitly in medical data classification. Through this article, we aim to enlighten the readers on key concepts of GP and encourage them to build new classifiers by exploring the potential and limitations of genetic programming.

Income targeting in consumer energy efficiency programs

Income targeting in consumer energy efficiency programs

Comprehensive Review of Environmental Surveillance for Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus: A Practical Roadmap for Hospital Clinicians and Infection Control Teams

Abstract: As azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus emerges globally, healthcare facilities face mounting challenges in managing invasive aspergillosis. This review synthesizes worldwide azole resistance data to reveal profound regional variability, demonstrating that findings from other regions cannot be directly extrapolated to local settings. Consequently, hospital-level environmental surveillance is crucial for tailoring interventions to local epidemiology and detecting resistant strains in real-time. We outline practical approaches—encompassing sampling site prioritization, diagnostic workflows (culture-based and molecular), and PDCA-driven continuous improvement—so that even resource-limited facilities can manage resistant isolates more effectively. By linking real-time surveillance findings with clinical decisions, hospitals can tailor antifungal stewardship programs and swiftly adjust prophylaxis or treatment regimens. Our approach aims to enable accurate, ongoing evaluations of emerging resistance patterns, ensuring that institutions maintain efficient and adaptive programs. Ultimately, we advocate for sustained, collaborative efforts worldwide, where facilities adapt protocols to local conditions, share data through international networks, and contribute to a global knowledge base on resistance mechanisms. Through consistent application of these recommendations, healthcare systems can better preserve azole efficacy, safeguard immunocompromised populations, and refine infection control practices in the face of evolving challenges.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental coping and emergency ability of public health emergency in COVID-19 department healthcare workers in ICU nurses of Beijing in China

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has brought various opportunities and challenges to critical care nurses, whose emergency abilities in caring for critically ill patients are related to their safety, clinical effectiveness, and improved prognosis. Currently, there is a lack of research on the actual situation and influencing factors of ICU nurses' emergency ability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although empirical observations from different departments can provide valuable basis for the health system to formulate preventive measures, efficient training programs and future public emergencies.DesignA cross-sectional descriptive study.MethodsData were collected from 486 subjects through electronic surveys from November 8 to 15, 2022, in seven general public hospitals (all tertiary A hospitals) in Beijing, China.ResultsThe emergency ability of ICU nurses hover at the intermediate level (145.42 ± 23.29). The variables of work experience, participated in PHE rescue activities, participated in PHE education, cumulative rescue more than 10 times and positive coping were associated with the emergency ability of ICU nurses.ConclusionDespite the COVID-19 restrictions, the emergency ability of ICU nurses is acceptable, at a medium level. The ICU nurse of seniority, participated in PHE rescue activities, participated in PHE education, cumulative rescue more than 10 times had excellent emergency ability; The importance of positive coping style was also evident, which means that intervention in psychological is seen as necessary.

NT-proBNP for Heart Failure Screening in Primary Care in an Eastern European Country: What We Know and Proposed Steps.

Epidemiological studies indicate that heart failure (HF) prevalence and associated mortality are significantly higher among Eastern European countries as compared to their Western European counterparts. The significant financial burden on the healthcare system matches these sobering data. Thus, efficient programs for patients with HF have been called for. N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) represents a widely used, cost-effective, and readily available test that can be used to evaluate HF risk. However, it should not be used as a universal assessment, given the existing variability in proposed cut-off scores for various subgroups of patients. Thus, the clinical context needs to always be considered, and alternative diagnoses need to be ruled out. Based upon evidence from the literature for the above assumptions, the advantages and limitations of using NT-proBNP in primary care settings, along with other HF diagnostic modalities, are discussed in this paper. Also, this paper argues that an effective primary care network, in collaboration with specialist providers, may avoid a delay in HF diagnoses, may help provide on-time treatments, and may ultimately cut unnecessary healthcare expenditures associated with HF hospitalizations. Therefore, the present paper proposes an algorithm for diagnosing HF in primary care settings and discusses specific knowledge and skills that family physicians should be well equipped with in order to successfully respond to the needs of their patients with HF.

Smartphone or Laptop? Device Type Choice and Data Quality in Surveys of Commercial and Residential Utility Customers

In this study, we explore device type choice for residential and nonresidential (business/commercial) survey respondents and its relationship to data quality. We use data from a survey of energy efficiency program participants administered each month, from August 2023 to September 2024. Findings suggest that nonresidential survey respondents more often opt to use desktop or laptop computers to respond, whereas residential survey respondents are more likely to choose to use smartphones. Neither response time nor tendency to provide non-substantive responses were related to device type choice for residential or nonresidential respondents. We did not find a relationship between device type and straightlining either. Residential respondents’ device type choice related to the length of open-ended responses, while nonresidential respondents’ device type choice did not. Thus overall, we found minimal evidence to support the hypothesis that respondents who choose to respond using a smartphone may provide lower data quality.

Newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism: worldwide coverage 50 years after its start.

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a preventable cause of neurodevelopmental delay in children, detectable by newborn screening programs (NBS) for CH. Since NBS for CH was started in Canada in 1974, numerous countries have successfully implemented this public health strategy. However, in 2014, only 29.3% of newborns worldwide were screened by NBS for CH. This study aimed to assess the implementation of new NBS for CH programs over the past decade, and screening methods and coverage rates of current programs. Additionally, it sought to update the worldwide iodine status. We reviewed literature data on NBS programs for CH and their coverage rates for each country, using PubMed, Embase and Google searches. Currently, 29.6% of children worldwide are screened for CH. Europe, North America, Oceania, China, Japan and Israel have efficient programs with optimal coverage. Recently, some countries of Central and Western Asia implemented NBS for CH programs, and coverage has increased in several Asian countries. South America has also seen substantial improvements in coverage. In contrast, almost none of the African countries has widespread screening programs, but some attempts with pilot studies and local initiatives have been witnessed. Global iodine sufficiency has improved, with 149 of 193 countries achieving adequate iodine levels by 2023. Over the past decades several countries have launched NBS programs for CH or conducted pilot studies, and the coverage of most existing NBS programs increased. Nevertheless, approximately 70% of newborns worldwide still lack access to NBS for CH, predominantly in African and Asian countries, accounting for a significant part of annual births.

Dual RNA-seq reveals transcriptome changes during Fusarium virguliforme-Trichoderma afroharzianum interactions.

Trichoderma spp. are among the most studied biocontrol agents. While extensive work has been done to understand Trichoderma antagonistic mechanisms, additional research is needed to fully understand how Trichoderma spp. recognize the pathogen-host and the intra-species variability i frequently observed upon interaction with a specific pathogen-host. This study focuses on elucidating the mechanisms underlying observed phenotypic differences among the T. afroharzianum isolates Th19A and Th4 during confrontation with Fusarium virguliforme by investigating differences in their transcriptome at different stages of interaction. In a dual plate assay, Th19A overgrows F. virguliforme, whereas Th4 forms an inhibition zone. Significant differences were observed in the F. virguliforme transcriptome upon interaction with Th19A compared to Th4 and across the different stages of interaction. GO molecular function categories enriched for F. virguliforme genes differed, indicating possible transcriptional plasticity upon interaction with Th19A versus Th4. Significant transcriptome changes were also observed in T. afroharzianum, with several differences in GO-enriched categories between isolates. Several differentially expressed genes-encoding secreted proteins, including CAZymes and CBM1-domain-containing proteins, were up-regulated in Th19A and Th4 upon interaction with the pathogen, even before physical contact, demonstrating possible volatile-mediated recognition of both isolates by F. virguliforme. This study contributes to a better understanding of the interaction between T. afroharzianum and F. virguliforme, which is crucial for developing efficient biological control programs.

Influence of Unspecific Visual-Perceptual-Cognitive Task Constraints on Jump Ability and Reactive Strength in Federated Soccer Players.

Soccer players must react quickly and execute complex mental processes to adapt to competitive scenarios while maintaining peak physical performance. Perceptual-cognitive training methods integrate reaction tasks using nonspecific visual stimuli with game-like motor actions, but the impact on explosive strength responses is unclear. This study investigates the effect of nonspecific visual stimuli with varying perceptual-cognitive constraints on jump performance, including countermovement jump height, reactive strength index modified, action time, and reaction time. A total of 299 soccer players were randomly assigned to four groups to assess the impact of different perceptual-cognitive tasks on countermovement jump performance. The results showed a significant reduction in jump height in all groups, with the most pronounced effect in the divided/attention simple reaction time task group (Δ height = -4.74 cm; p < 0.001). Action time was significantly shorter in all experimental jumps compared with controls (p < 0.001), and the reactive strength index modified increased across perceptual-cognitive tasks (p < 0.001) except in the divided/attention simple reaction time (p = 0.593). Reaction time increased in all groups, with the highest in the complex elective reaction time task (487.32 ± 153.75 ms; p < 0.001). These findings suggest that nonspecific visual stimuli negatively affect countermovement jump performance, highlighting the importance of analyzing sport-specific perceptual-cognitive demands in the development of efficient training programs.

Research on the Core Role and Strategies of Cross-Cultural Communication in Cultivating Globally-Oriented Business Talents

As a result of globalization, intercultural communication is becoming a critical competence of the business people. This article looks at the role of the company in fostering the world's entrepreneurial talented people, and presents an efficient training program. The Committee points out that, although recognised, there is still a shortage of practice in entrepreneurial learning. In order to solve this problem, it analyses the cross-culture barriers that companies are confronted with and matches their requirements for developing education strategies. They enable students to achieve international success, as well as help businesses to deal with cross-culture conflicts and promote cooperation. This study has enhanced the theory basis of intercultural communication and provided new perspectives on business education, helping to develop people who have a global mind and good interpersonal skills.

The Infrastructure-an Indicator of Sustainable Development and Consumption in Integrated Plans of Bulgarian Cities

This paper focuses on urban infrastructure as an indicator of sustainable consumption at the city level. To achieve the objective of the study, three cities in Bulgaria were selected - the capital city - Sofia; a large regional city - Varna; and a small university city - Svishtov. The aim is to establish the presence or absence of regional differences by comparing the municipalities’ integrated development plans for 2021-2027 4. Energy efficiency programs and their implementation are analyzed. The study results can serve as a guide for future comparative analysis of sustainable urban development strategies within the EU and an examination of these strategies’ impact on achieving its various objectives.

SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF THE GAME «SHOOTING SIMULATION IN A SHOOTING RANGE»

The article examines the system analysis and design of the game «Shooting Simulation in a Shooting Range», which is a relevant area in the context of the modern gaming industry’s development. The research emphasizes the importance of using information technologies to create interactive products that combine high levels of graphic detail, realistic physical models, and user-friendly interfaces. The main purpose of the study is to develop software for a shooting simulation using modern tools and methods. The research identifies the key system requirements, describes the stages of project implementation, and proposes approaches to solving the main technical challenges. The paper provides a detailed explanation of the choice of development tools, specifically the use of the Unreal Engine 5 game engine and the Blender 3D editor. Unreal Engine 5 ensures high-quality graphics, efficient visual programming tools through the Blueprint system, and comprehensive developer support. Blender, as a powerful tool for creating three-dimensional models, was used to design objects such as targets and weapons. The choice of these tools is justified by their accessibility, functionality, and active community support. The game development methodology includes several stages: requirements analysis, architecture and interface design, code development, testing, and debugging. During development, modern approaches to modeling physical properties were applied, ensuring realistic simulation of shooting, including aspects such as bullet trajectory, object interactions, and acoustic effects. Realistic sound was achieved through the integration of high-quality audio files, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Special attention was given to the practical implementation of the game’s core features, including weapon selection, target customization, the use of optical sights, and the implementation of bonus shots under certain conditions. An important component is the interactive settings menu, allowing players to individually adjust game parameters. The game was tested on various hardware platforms, confirming its compatibility with a wide range of devices. The results of the study demonstrate the potential use of this product for both entertainment and training purposes. The shooting simulation can be beneficial for training in shooting disciplines and engaging users with top-tier gaming mechanics. The work underscores the importance of integrating innovative technologies into the process of creating gaming products that meet modern standards of quality and convenience. Thus, the presented development serves as an example of the successful application of modern technologies in the field of interactive entertainment and demonstrates the prospects for developing such projects in the context of the growing popularity of virtual games and simulators.

Manajemen Berbasis Sekolah Meningkatkan Otonomi dan Akuntabilitas

This article discusses the concept of School-Based Management (SBM) as an education management approach implemented in Indonesian schools. MBS aims to encourage schools to be independent, active, transparent and accountable in improving the quality of education. This article explains how SBM facilitates schools to develop education quality improvement programs according to their needs through participatory and democratic decision-making. School autonomy in decision-making results in more effective and efficient education programs, involving principals, teachers, staff, parents, students, school committees and communities. The article also discusses the importance of curriculum development and community participation in improving the quality of education in Indonesia.

CParty: hierarchically constrained partition function of RNA pseudoknots.

Biologically relevant RNA secondary structures are routinely predicted by efficient dynamic programming algorithms that minimize their free energy. Starting from such algorithms, one can devise partition function algorithms, which enable stochastic perspectives on RNA structure ensembles. As the most prominent example, McCaskill's partition function algorithm is derived from pseudoknot-free energy minimization. While this algorithm became hugely successful for the analysis of pseudoknot-free RNA structure ensembles, as of yet there exists only one pseudoknotted partition function implementation, which covers only simple pseudoknots and comes with a borderline-prohibitive complexity of O(n5) in the RNA length n. Here, we develop a partition function algorithm corresponding to the hierarchical pseudoknot prediction of HFold, which performs exact optimization in a realistic pseudoknot energy model. In consequence, our algorithm CParty carries over HFold's advantages over classical pseudoknot prediction in characterizing the Boltzmann ensemble at equilibrium. Given an RNA sequence S and a pseudoknot-free structure G, CParty computes the partition function over all possibly pseudoknotted density-2 structures G∪G' of S that extend the fixed G by a disjoint pseudoknot-free structure G'. Thus, CParty follows the common hypothesis of hierarchical pseudoknot formation, where pseudoknots form as tertiary contacts only after a first pseudoknot-free "core" G and we call the computed partition function hierarchically constrained (by G). Like HFold, the dynamic programming algorithm CParty is very efficient, achieving the low complexity of the pseudoknot-free algorithm, i.e. cubic time and quadratic space. Finally, by computing pseudoknotted ensemble energies, we unveil kinetics features of a therapeutic target in SARS-CoV-2. CParty is available at https://github.com/HosnaJabbari/CParty.

SKILLED WORKERS SHORTAGES IN THE PRINTING INDUSTRY: PERSPECTIVES FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS

The printing industry encounters substantial difficulties stemming from a deficiency of skilled workers, impacting production quality, efficiency, and competitiveness. This article examines the intricate difficulties associated with the skilled workers deficit in the printing sector. It analyze their significant impacts and suggests thorough remedies to tackle the problem. A comprehensive qualitative analysis of interviews with industry stakeholders revealed significant challenges, including employment practices, deficiencies in printing training institutes, and adverse industry perceptions. Challenges related to skilled workers shortages encompass diminished quality, lowered customer satisfaction, and decreased production efficiency. Strategies to mitigate these challenges encompass efficient human resources management, skills enhancement and training programs, technological advancement, and outsourcing. Future challenges, including technological disruption, demographic changes, and sustainability issues, necessitate proactive planning and collaboration to maintain the industry's viability and competitiveness.

Low Richness of Invasive Non‐Native Plants in New Zealand Indigenous Forests May Not Reflect Low Impact

ABSTRACTAimIdentifying habitats vulnerable to plant invasions is essential for developing efficient management programmes. We assessed trends in richness and cover of non‐native plants in indigenous shrublands and forests across New Zealand. We investigated whether species classed as invasive species exhibited higher levels of plant invasion than naturalised species and the extent to which this reflected plant life form.LocationNew Zealand.Time PeriodFrom January 2009 to March 2014.Major Taxa StudiedPlant.MethodsWe analysed 839 permanent 20 × 20 m plots spread across New Zealand that could be classified to a recognised forest type: mānuka‐kānuka shrubland, beech, beech‐broadleaved, beech‐broadleaved‐podocarp and broadleaved‐podocarp forests. Generalised additive models were run with native canopy richness or cover and spatial coordinates as co‐variables in order to compare non‐native plant richness and cover across forest types in relation to their invasive status and growth form.ResultsOverall, 35% of the plots had at least one non‐native species. Mānuka‐kānuka shrubland exhibited the highest mean non‐native richness (11 species) and cover (32%) with broadleaved‐podocarp forest presenting the next highest invasion level but to a much lesser extent (1.7 species and 3% cover). Despite presenting overall greater non‐native richness, naturalised species had lower cover than invasive species (4.2%, 13.5%, respectively). This pattern was mainly related to non‐native woody species that, despite their low richness, can reach greater cover than herbaceous species once established.Main ConclusionsDespite half the New Zealand flora being composed of non‐native plant species, relatively few were found in forest habitats. However, indigenous shrubland and early successional forests showed higher vulnerability to plant invasion. Woody species, which are overrepresented among invasive species, had higher cover than herbaceous species and were less limited by native canopy cover. Such findings highlight the threat posed by non‐native woody species and the need for more targeted management programmes.

Effectiveness and Components of Health Behavior Interventions on Increasing Physical Activity Among Healthy Young and Middle-Aged Adults: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses.

Physical inactivity contributes to various health risks; however, approximately one-third of the global population remains insufficiently active. Many researchers have attempted to increase physical activity levels; however, the effectiveness and the specific components of these interventions remain unclear. This systematic review with meta-analyses utilized a behavior change technique taxonomy to identify and extract effective intervention components, aiming to develop more efficient programs to promote physical activity. We searched the PubMed and Ichu-shi Web databases for studies targeting healthy young and middle-aged adults with data on physical activity changes and extracted the intervention components. A random-effects model was used for the primary meta-analysis, and a meta-regression was conducted for the selected outcomes. Overall, 116 studies were included, with 102 used for the primary analysis. The interventions showed a small effect on overall physical activity promotion. Subsequent meta-regressions identified 1.5 Review behavior goal(s) as a significant positive intervention component, as well as four and three potential positive and negative components, respectively. This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated the effectiveness of physical activity interventions and highlighted effective and negative components. These findings may inform the design of future programs aimed at promoting physical activity.

Solusi Praperencanaan Kepemilikan Rumah Bagi Generasi Z dengan menggunakan Pendekatan Design Thinking

This study explores the application of the design thinking approach in the pre-planning phase of subsidized homeownership for Generation Z in Indonesia. As Generation Z enters adulthood and begins to plan for the future, they face various challenges in achieving homeownership, particularly regarding financial issues and access to subsidized housing programs. The design thinking approach is used to gain a deeper understanding of the needs, desires, and barriers faced by Generation Z through the stages of empathy, problem definition, ideation, prototyping, and testing. By focusing on innovative and user-centered solutions, this research aims to design a more relevant and acceptable subsidized homeownership model for Generation Z. The findings of this study are expected to provide insights for housing developers and policymakers in designing more efficient and appropriate housing policies and programs that align with the socio-economic dynamics of Generation Z.

Near-complete telomere-to-telomere de novo genome assembly in Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum).

Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), also known as berseem clover, is an important forage crop to Semi-arid conditions that was domesticated in ancient Egypt since 6,000 years BC and introduced and well adapted to numerous countries including India, Pakistan, Turkey, and Mediterranean region. Despite its agricultural importance, genomic research on Egyptian clover has been limited to developing efficient modern breeding programs. In the present study, we constructed near-complete telomere-to-telomere-level genome assemblies for two Egyptian clover cultivars, Helaly and Fahl. Initial assemblies were established by using highly-fidelity long-read technology. To extend sequence contiguity, we developed a gap-targeted sequencing (GAP-Seq) method, in which contig ends are targeted for sequencing to obtain long reads bridging two contigs. The total length of the resultant chromosome-level assemblies was 547.7Mb for Helaly and 536.3Mb for Fahl. These differences in sequence length can be attributed to the expansion of DNA transposons. Population genomic analysis using single-nucleotide polymorphisms revealed genomic regions highly differentiated between two cultivars and increased genetic uniformity within each cultivar. Gene ontologies associated with metabolic and biosynthetic processes and developmental processes were enriched in these genomic regions, indicating that these genes may determine the unique characteristics of each cultivar. Comprehensive genomic resources can provide valuable insights into genetic improvements in Egyptian clover and legume genomics.

HighP5: Programming using Partitioned Parallel Processing Spaces

HighP5 is a new high-level parallel programming language designed to help software developers to achieve three objectives simultaneously: programmer productivity, program portability, and superior program performance. HighP5 enables this by fostering a new programming paradigm that we call hardware-cognizant parallel programming. The paradigm uses a uniform hardware abstraction and a declarative programming syntax to allow programmers to write hardware feature-sensitive efficient programs without delving into the detail of those feature implementations. This paper is the first comprehensive description of HighP5's design rationale, language grammar, and core features. It also discusses the runtime behavior of HighP5 programs. In addition, the paper presents preliminary results on program performance from HighP5 compilers on three different architectural platforms: shared-memory multiprocessors, distributed memory multi-computers, and hybrid GPU/multi-computers.