Identification Of Individuals Research Articles

Persistent Luminescence for Night‐Time Individual Identification Based on Quantum Tunneling

AbstractNight‐time individual identification requires recognizing a specific object from a bunch of homogeneous entities through night‐vision devices. It will facilitate more effective coordinated actions in night‐time disaster rescue or enforcement actions. In this work, the near infrared (NIR) persistent luminescent materials are proposed as the technology solution, which can emit the non‐visible photons continuously for hours without the external excitation. In a magnetoplumbite‐type structure, Cr3+ ions are incorporated to realize NIR emissions. By co‐doping lanthanide ions and constitutional modulation, the afterglow signal can be clearly traced under the night‐vision device over 144 h. A series of spectral measurements are utilized to reveal the mechanism behind this prolonged afterglow duration, and quantum tunneling accounts for the carrier pumping from the deep traps. It avoids the quick exhaust of carriers stored in the shallow traps, and extends the afterglow duration. In a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, the synthesized powders are used to make a quick response pattern, which can be clearly visualized in a dark room by the night‐vision devices. This work is expected to promote the research and development of persistent luminescent materials within NIR region, and to accelerate the applications in night‐time monitoring and recognition.

DESIMINASI PEMBERIAN TANDA PADA TERNAK SAPI POTONG DI DESA LIANG KECAMATAN SALAHUTU MALUKU TENGAH

Cattle farming in rural areas is often considered a form of investment or living savings. Farmers maintain cattle as assets that can be sold at any time when they need urgent funds, such as for healthcare, education, or other expenses. Liang Village, located in Salahutu District, Central Maluku, has great potential for the development of beef cattle farming. However, its productivity remains low, partly due to a lack of proper livestock management. One important aspect of livestock management is individual identification. Without proper identification, it is difficult for farmers to track the growth of livestock, control diseases, and increase the market value of the cattle. This community service activity aims to raise awareness among farmers in Liang Village about the importance of livestock identification and technical assistance in the implementation of appropriate tagging methods. The desired outcome is that farmers will be able to manage their operations more effectively, especially in terms of livestock identification systems. Farmers have responded positively, as they view this as a beneficial and innovative approach. It is recommended that ongoing support be provided in the form of training on cattle tagging so that farmers can effectively monitor their livestock.

ПСИХОЛОГІЧНІ ОСОБЛИВОСТІ СТАНОВЛЕННЯ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ ІДЕНТИЧНОСТІ ОСОБИСТОСТІ

The current stage of the formation and development of the Ukrainian state is characterized by the special relevance of the issue of the formation of the national identity of its citizens. This is so, because a high level of an individual's ethnic identity is a significant aspect of the successful formation and development of the state and the harmony of its citizens. At the same time, the public consciousness of Ukrainians is currently filled with political interests and the latest ideological slogans. The latter, in turn, causes the destruction of the national system of values. Globalization and migration processes lead to increased interaction between different cultures and nations, which makes the study of national identity more relevant. Personality is a complex system influenced by both internal personal factors and the external environment, including cultural, social, and historical factors. The study of psychological features of national identity helps to understand how the self-awareness of an individual is formed in the context of its cultural roots and interaction with other cultures. This is important for many areas of life. The study of the psychological features of national identity involves the study of the following aspects: cultural stereotypes, values, self-esteem, a sense of belonging to a certain nation or ethnic group, etc. Understanding these psychological features will contribute to the development of a more tolerant society, as well as the identification of ways to support positive self-determination and identity in different cultural contexts. National identity is the recognition of the people themselves; knowledge and respect for history; national culture, territory, and the people's awareness of their own special features, as well as the understanding of the representatives of the national group of their own interests, goals, and needs. "National identity" is a category whose main elements are national self-determination, national self-awareness and traditional culture. A significant condition for the formation of the national (ethnic) identity of an individual is systematic interaction with the reference group for the purpose of forming common goals, vision and support of the national identity. Such interactions will help to confirm a high level of national identity of an individual and activate the mechanism of ethnic identification. And also to intensify socio-psychological factors and develop the components of the national identity of the individual.

Development of <i>Acomys cahirinus</i> in the laboratory conditions

The Cairo spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus) is a unique animal model for studying ontogenesis and regeneration. At the same time, the features of its biology, in particular, the small number of pups in the litter, significantly complicate research work. The aim of the article was to study the behavior and reproduction of the Cairo spiny mice and to create the reproductive nucleus of the colony in our laboratory. This article describes the husbandry of Cairo spiny mice, and techniques of working with them, such as optimizing the diet and housing conditions, handling and marking for individual identification, and also some reproductive parameters of the colony. We have optimized the animal diet by adding dry arthropods, an important component of the spiny mice natural diet, as well as enriched the environment by placing to each cage the running wheels, tunnels and houses. As a result, an increase in the number of animals was obtained by more than 50% over 9 months; the overall survival rate of the offspring was 98%.

Acute Coronary Syndrome After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Incidence, Risk Factors and Impact on the Outcome

Background and Objectives: Development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) strongly affects further neuro-intensive care management. We aimed to analyze the incidence, risk factors and clinical impact of ACS in aSAH patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis included 855 aSAH cases treated between 01/2003 and 06/2016. The occurrence of ACS during 3 weeks of aSAH was documented. Patients’ demographic, clinical, radiographic and laboratory characteristics at admission were collected as potential ACS predictors. The association between ACS and the aSAH outcome was analyzed as the occurrence of cerebral infarcts in the computed tomography scans and unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin scale > 3) at 6 months after aSAH. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. Results: ACS was documented in 28 cases (3.3%) in the final cohort (mean age: 54.9 years; 67.8% females). In the multivariable analysis, there was a significant association between ACS, an unfavorable outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.43, p = 0.027) and a borderline significance with cerebral infarcts (aOR = 2.5, p = 0.066). The final prediction model for ACS occurrence included five independent predictors (age > 55 years [1 point], serum sodium < 142 mmol/L [3 points], blood sugar ≥ 170 mg/dL [2 points], serum creatine kinase ≥ 255 U/L [3 points] and gamma-glutamyl transferase ≥ 36 U/L [1 point]) and showed high diagnostic accuracy for ACS prediction (AUC = 0.879). Depending on the cumulative score value, the risk of ACS in the cohort varied between 0% (0 points) and 66.7% (10 points). Conclusions: ACS is a rare, but clinically very relevant, complication of aSAH. The development of ACS can reliably be predicted by the presented prediction model, which enables the early identification of aSAH individuals at high risk for ACS. External validation of the prediction model is mandatory.

Multimodal Biometric Authentication System for Military Weapon Access: Face and ECG Authentication

Unimodal or Single factor biometric systems refer to biometric systems that employ only one form of biometric data to authenticate an individual’s identity. These kinds of biometrics are susceptible to higher error rates and security vulnerabilities because it relays on a single trait for authentication. To overcome this, multimodal biometrics method is proposed. Multi-modal biometric system can authenticate more than once and some advantages include; highaccuracy, low error rate, and large population coverage. These biometrics systems increase integrity and privacy since it will contain several biometric features of every customer. So, here designed a multimodal biometrics project utilizing deep learning to enhance authentication security by combining face and Electrocardiogram(ECG) signals. VGG-16 model, a deep learning architecture used to capture complex patterns in accurate individual identification with both ECG and Facial data. The high-resolution convolutional filters capture the intricate details of the face and ECG waveform, ensuring high accuracy in distinguishing different individuals.

Altered body as a source of interactional problems in the family of individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 - A polish study.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder, whose clinical picture is dominated by visible body changes as well as numerous somatic and behavioural abnormalities. The aim of the study was to explore the ways in which the individual experiences NF1 in everyday life, with particular emphasis on the impact of the altered body on family interactions, in addition to the personal and social identity of individuals with NF1. A qualitative study was performed using individual in-depth interviews with 93 individuals with NF1 (median age: 36.69; range: 18 to 64; 26% males). Body changes caused by NF1 determine the specificity of social interactions in the families of the sick. The strength and direction of the impact of body changes on social interactions depends on their type (visibility, invisibility), as well as the meanings given to them. The visibility of disease lesions triggers an attitude of excessive control and stigmatization in the family, especially on the part of the mothers of individuals with NF1, and prompts a tendency to define the individual through the prism of the disease and its bodily manifestations. In turn, the lack of visibility of disease symptoms gives rise to, especially on the part of the fathers of the sick, opposing attitudes of disease denial, normalization of its symptoms and a tendency to question the disease identity of individuals with NF1. The great intensity of interactional problems concerns especially those families in which NF1 was transmitted through inheritance, and family members blame each other for the disease. This leads to repression and denial of the disease, excluding it from the scope of issues discussed in the family, which is an attempt to avoid the attribution of blame for the disease. The body changes resulting from NF1 have social consequences that are of critical importance in the lives of the sick. The impact of NF1 on family interactions depends on the ways in which the disease is understood by the sick individual and his or her family members. The obtained patient-driven data constitute a convenient starting point for designing personalized interventions supporting individuals with NF1 and their families.

Mapping lymphatic filariasis morbidities in 24 endemic districts of Ethiopia through the health extension program.

The primary strategy for achieving the second goal of the Global Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) is morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP), aimed at alleviating the suffering of affected populations. A significant challenge in many LF-endemic areas is the effective registration and identification of individuals with LF, which is crucial for planning and ensuring access to MMDP services. This study seeks to map the geographical distribution of LF-related morbidities across 24 endemic districts in Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted to identify individuals affected by LF in 24 endemic districts using primary health care units (PHCUs). The study involved 946 trained health extension workers (HEWs) conducting house-to-house visits to identify and register cases of lymphedema and hydrocele, with support from 77 trained supervisors and 87 team leaders coordinating the morbidity mapping. Certified surgeons performed confirmatory evaluations through clinical assessments on a randomly selected sample of cases to validate HEW diagnoses, ensuring accurate identification of lymphedema and hydrocele. Statistical analysis of the data, including the severity of lymphedema and acute attacks, was conducted using STATA 17. This study involved 300,000 households with nearly 1.2 million individuals, leading to the identification of 15,527 LF cases-14,946 (96.3%) with limb lymphedema and 581 (3.7%) with hydrocele. Among those with lymphedema, 8396 (54.1%) were women. Additionally, 13,731 (88.4%) patients resided in rural areas. Of the 14,591 cases whose acute attack information was recorded, 10,710 (73.4%) reported experiencing at least one acute attack related to their lymphedema in the past 6months, with a notable percentage of males (74.5%; n = 4981/6686). Among the 12,680 recorded cases of leg lymphedema, the percentage of acute attacks increased with severity: 64% (n = 5618) mild cases, 68% (n = 5169) moderate cases and 70% (n = 1893) severe cases. This study successfully mapped the geographical distribution of LF morbidities across 24 LF-endemic districts in Ethiopia, identifying a substantial number of lymphedema and hydrocele cases, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access is limited. The findings underscore the potential of Ethiopia's health extension program to identify affected individuals and ensure they receive necessary care. The findings inform targeted interventions and access to MMDP services, contributing to Ethiopia's goal of eliminating LF by 2027.

Construction and validation of a nomogram prediction model for the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation following percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction patients.

The objective of this study was to investigate risk factors for new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), aiming to develop a predictive nomogram for NOAF risk. A retrospective cohort study involving 397 AMI patients who underwent PCI at a tertiary hospital in Anhui, China, from January 2021 to July 2022 was performed. Patients were divided into NOAF (n = 63) and non-NOAF (n = 334) groups based on post-PCI outcomes. Clinical data were extracted from the hospital information system (HIS) and analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent risk factors. A nomogram was generated utilizing R software (version 3.6.1), with its performance evaluated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), and Bootstrap resampling. Independent risk factors for NOAF included age, left atrial diameter (LAD), Gensini score, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), alanine transaminase (ALT), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), and ventricular rate (P < 0.05). The nomogram's ROC curve demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.925 (95% CI: 0.887-0.963), supported by a Bootstrap-verified AUC of 0.924 (95% CI: 0.883-0.954), reflecting strong discriminative capability. The calibration curve indicated a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.031 and 0.017 prior to and following Bootstrap verification, respectively, signifying robust calibration. The DCA curve illustrated that the nomogram offered optimal clinical net benefit for patients with a threshold probability of NOAF ranging from 0.01 to 0.99. The nomogram developed from independent risk factors for NOAF exhibits significant predictive accuracy and clinical relevance for evaluating the risk of NOAF in AMI patients following PCI, thereby enabling the identification of high-risk individuals for targeted interventions.

The challenges of cascade genetic testing in hereditary cancer syndromes: A few ethical considerations.

Progress in the discovery and understanding of cancer susceptibility genes and ever-cheaper genomic technologies are generating precious opportunities to optimize the identification of individuals with a hereditary cancer predisposition.Any such effort will have a more significant impact if it prioritizes those most at risk of developing cancer. This premise is central to cascade genetic testing, in which healthcare professionals encourage cancer patients carrying a predisposing gene variant to discuss the implications of their test results with their at-risk relatives so that, ideally, all the at-risk individuals in that family have the option to seek genetic counseling and testing in turn. Among the relatives found to have the gene variant, those who have developed cancer can then access targeted treatment and follow-up, those who are asymptomatic can benefit from enhanced preventive measures, while those who test negative can avoid unnecessary, costly, and time-consuming screening.Despite its life-saving potential, cascade genetic testing in hereditary cancer syndromes is often reported to have disappointing uptake rates, particularly among historically disadvantaged and underrepresented communities, for reasons that include barriers in intrafamilial genetic risk communication and low health and genetic literacy.This paper will discuss the challenges of cascade genetic testing in hereditary cancer syndromes, addressing some of the ethical questions arising from its current model, from strategies aimed at improving its uptake, as well as from alternative approaches to identifying asymptomatic individuals who may carry a cancer- associated pathogenic variant.

Abstract 4119941: Identification of individuals who benefit from omega-3 fatty acid supplementation to prevent coronary heart disease: A machine-learning analysis of the VITAL

Backgrounds: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated benefits of marine omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 FA) supplementation for the prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, it has not been clear which individuals would benefit the most from the supplementation. We sought to predict the individual treatment effect of omega-3 FA supplementation on CHD prevention and to develop an omega-3 effect score to stratify individuals according to their expected benefit from the supplementation. Methods: Among the 25,871 randomized participants without history of CVD in the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL), we applied machine-learning (ML) approaches to predict individual treatment effect of omega-3 FA supplementation on 5-year CHD risk (a composite of myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and CHD death) using 11 covariates pre-specified in the VITAL trial protocol. A 10-fold cross-validation was used and held-out test dataset was used for the evaluation. An omega-3 effect score was developed such that each covariate contributed linearly, and utility of the score was further evaluated by transportability analysis using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data as the target population. Results: Omega-3 FA intervention led to absolute 0.48% [SE: 0.20] reduction in CHD in the total population. ML algorithms effectively stratified participants by their expected benefit according to individual factors; decreased CHD risk was observed in those with quintile 1 and 2 of the expected benefit (absolute CHD risk reduction %: 1.30 % [0.55] and 1.32 % [0.51] in quintile 1 and 2, respectively). Race, diabetes, and fish intake most contributed to the omega-3 effect score. CHD incidence rates per 1000 person-year were 5.5 [0.44] if treated and 8.5 [0.55] if not treated (35.3% reduction) in individuals with the score ≥11 (upper 40th percentile), and 3.9% [0.31] if treated and 3.4% [0.55] if not treated (14.7% increase) in those with the score &lt;11, respectively. The transportability of the utility of the score to baseline NHANES data was confirmed. Conclusion: In VITAL, ML approaches identified individuals who experienced greater CHD reduction from the omega-3 FA intervention, and an omega-3 effect score stratified the expected benefit. Although it warrants testing in a new RCT, the omega-3 effect score holds promise for guiding the indication of omega-3 FA supplementation in US primary prevention population.

A Novel Electrocardiographic Marker to Predict the Development of Preeclampsia: Frontal QRS-T Angle—A Prospective Pilot Study

Background and Objectives: Preeclampsia, a pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorder, shares cardiovascular characteristics in etiology, prognosis, and fetomaternal risks. Electrocardiography plays a pivotal role in assessing cardiovascular risks. Beyond conventional predictors, identifying easily obtainable and reproducible electrocardiographic markers may significantly contribute to the early identification of individuals at risk of preeclampsia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the value of the Frontal QRS-T angle and other electrocardiographic parameters in predicting the development of preeclampsia. Materials and Methods: A total of 62 pregnant patients diagnosed with preeclampsia and 50 healthy pregnant patients as the control group were included in this study. The first- and third-trimester electrocardiographic parameters were compared within groups and between groups. Results: The Frontal QRS-T angle was significantly elevated in patients with preeclampsia compared to the controls (55.0 ± 40.8 vs. 19.5 ± 15.1; p = 0.002). The first-trimester Frontal QRS-T angles in the patients with preeclampsia were higher than those of the controls (29.5 ± 25.0 vs. 15.3 ± 11.5; p = 0.015). A high Frontal QRS-T angle independently marked preeclampsia development in antenatal and late pregnancy (p = 0.003 and p = 0.042, respectively). The diagnostic accuracy of the Frontal QRS-T angle in predicting preeclampsia surpassed other electrocardiographic parameters. Conclusions: This study shows that the Frontal QRS-T angle may be a candidate to be an independent predictor for the development of preeclampsia. In this context, the Frontal QRS-T angle, which is an electrocardiographic parameter, seems promising.

Abstract 4137169: Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Electrocardiography For The Prediction of Future Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes present a significant global health challenge. Artificial Intelligence-enabled electrocardiography (AI-ECG) has shown promise in identifying subtle ECG changes in a wide range of subclinical diseases. Opportunistic ECG screening could identify prediabetic patients, enabling early interventions to prevent T2DM and adverse cardiovascular events. Aims: To develop the AI-ECG Risk Estimator to diagnose prevalent T2DM and predict future T2DM (AIRE-DM) Methods: AIRE-DM was trained on a real-world secondary care cohort from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) of 1,163,401 ECGs and externally validated in the UK Biobank (UKB, N = 65,606). AIRE-DM employs a residual neural network architecture with a discrete-time survival loss function. Results: AIRE-DM accurately identifies prevalent T2DM (AUROC: BIDMC – 0.712 (0.705-0.719), UKB - 0.731 (0.725 - 0.741) and predicts future T2DM (C-index: BIDMC - 0.666 (0.658-0.675), UKB 0.689 (0.663-0.715). In subjects without T2DM, the high-risk quartile shows a markedly increased risk of future T2DM (HR: BIDMC - 4.67 (4.01-5.45), UKB - 10.10 (5.87-17.40), adjusted for age and sex. Adding AIRE-DM to clinical risk factors in BIDMC and to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) score in the UKB significantly enhanced predictive accuracy for future T2DM (C-index improvement: BIDMC - 0.0359 (0.0354-0.0363), UKB: 0.0337 (0.0324-0.0350), continuous net reclassification index: BIDMC - 0.407 (0.360-0.445), UKB - 0.391 (0.259-0.503)). Using phenome- and genome-wide association studies, we identified biologically plausible associations for AIRE-DM, including glucose regulation, cardiac morphology, diastolic dysfunction, arterial stiffness and lipid metabolism. We identified variants adjacent to CASQ2 , TBX3 , NOS1AP , TKT , VGLL2 and PRDM6 , which are known regulators of cardiac morphology, arterial stiffness and glucose metabolism. Conclusion: AIRE-DM can predict future T2DM in non-diabetics and enhances T2DM risk prediction when integrated with clinical risk scores. Its application holds promise for early identification of individuals at high risk of T2DM, enabling early lifestyle and pharmacological interventions.

Analyses of mwoch: Acholi nicknames

Rationale of Study – Mwoch is an Acholi term for various poetic pronouncements. Depending on the frequency of use and popular reaction, such pronouncements can define individual identity or become community nicknames that work like national anthems. In general, mwoch are folkloric, metaphoric or panegyric statements of opinion on life; in this article, we translate mwoch as nicknames whose main cultural landscape is the Acholi of Northern Uganda. Methodology – Discourse analysis, participant observation, and interviews dating back to the 1940s were among the parameters we used. Yet, we fear that overindulgence in mainstream research methods will ‘get us stuck in a tar baby’ (Disney Walt, 1946). Findings – Though ‘getting stuck in a tar baby’ is culturally North American, it is similar to the Acholi folktale entitled ododo pa apwoyo, oculli ki won poto ngor (tale of the hare, wildcat and the owner of a field of cowpeas). The Hare and Wildcat used to steal the cowpeas; the owner noted goings-on but could not catch the culprits. The theft continued until the owner conceived and crafted a beautiful girl (tar baby) from the latex of a rubber tree and placed it in his field of cowpeas. When the two came to steal the crop, they saw the tar baby, engaged with it and got stuck. Implications – Although Acholi and American folktales strike similar notes, Acholi folktales are often different since they are largely verbal rather than visual and metaphoric rather than overt. Unless analysed and discussed, meanings in such expressions may remain hidden and rather useless to stakeholders, including scholars. Originality – This is an original article whose main goal is to unravel the meanings, if not the knowledge, of a few selected Acholi nicknames.

The Dialectic of Values and Globalisation Virtual Communities and Identity Construction

This study is part of a body of research that seeks to understand an individual's social and cultural identity through their intensive use of social media and membership of virtual communities. It explores the impact of this engagement on their religious, moral and social values. The researcher drew on a variety of specialist references to uncover this social phenomenon. It was found that virtual communities represent a parallel social life to real society, serving as an alternative space. Individuals have begun to replace their real communities with virtual ones, where they find fulfilment of their desires and achievement of their social aspirations, often neglecting their social values. This shift leads to the globalisation of their ideas and beliefs, resulting in the formation of a new identity with unclear characteristics.

Proof of life: Human remains and memory in the Philippine Drug War

This paper examines the aftermath of the Philippine government’s anti-drug campaign under President Rodrigo Duterte, focusing on the impact on families of victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs). Drawing on fieldwork conducted in Manila, the research explores how these families navigate loss and attempt to reclaim dignity and humanity for their loved ones. The study reveals the formation of a community of "necro-activists" comprising journalists, religious figures, and medical professionals who support victims’ families in seeking justice and remembrance. Through interviews with photojournalists and victims’ families. This paper highlights the transformative role of human remains in asserting the victims’ agency beyond death. The research shows how forensic processes and religious rituals contribute to the reclamation of individual identities and challenge the state’s dehumanizing narratives. By examining the evolving meanings of EJK victims’ remains, this study sheds light on the broader socio-political implications of state violence and memory-making in the Philippines. The analysis situates this research within a global context of human rights and memory studies, drawing parallels with other regions affected by state-sponsored violence. Ultimately, this paper argues that the remains of EJK victims serve as powerful symbols that challenge state impunity and embody the resilience of communities seeking accountability and dignity amid pervasive violence.

Parental Reconstruction from a Half-Sib Population of Stoneless Jujube Ziziphus jujuba Mill. Based on Individual Specific SNP Markers Using Multiplex PCR

The selection of unique and individual-specific SNPs is important as compared with universal SNPs for individual identification. Therefore, the main significance of this research is the selection of specific SNPs in male parent and the identification of offspring with these specific SNPs in their genome by multiplex PCR, which is utilized for genotyping of 332 half-sib plants of Ziziphus jujuba.This cost-effective method makes as much as possible to utilize the same amount of each pair of various targeted loci primers. After PCR amplification of targeted genome parts, the mixed products can be directly used in a next-generation sequencing platform. We concomitantly amplified 10 unique SNP loci at 10 different chromosomes of male JingZao 39 plants in 332 half-sib plants and sequenced them on the Illumina Novaseq 6000 platform. Analysis of SNP genotyping accuracy of 332 half-sib plants showed that all 10 unique SNPs in all 332 plants were correctly amplified in this multiplex PCR method. Furthermore, based on Mendelian inheritance, we identified 124 full-sib plants that have 10 unique SNPs in their genomes. These results were further confirmed by whole genome resequencing of 82 randomly selected half-sib plants, and the identity-by-descent values of all full-sib plants were between 0.4399 to 0.5652. This study displayed a cost-effective multiplex PCR method and proper identification of pollen parent through specific SNPs in half-sib progenies and firstly obtained a full-sib population between ‘Wuhezao’ and ‘JingZao 39’, segregating for stone and stoneless fruit.

Sex Estimation Using Heel-Ball Index: A Metric-Based Comparative Study on Foot and Footprint Dimensions.

Background: Sexual dimorphism plays a vital role in individual identification, and body dimensions can contribute to establishing a biological profile for identification purposes. Aims and Objectives: To determine the reliability of the Heel-Ball Index (HBI) in estimating sex from foot dimensions and footprint dimensions and also to investigate the potential of dimensions and indices, using a standardized value, in estimating sex, from foot dimensions and footprint dimensions. Materials and Methods: In this study, a group of 112 young Indian adults aged 18 to 22, consisting of 56 males and 56 females, was examined. The foot breadth at ball (BBAL) and foot breadth at heel (BHEL) of both feet were measured using sliding digital calipers from foot and footprint dimensions. Results: Significant sexual dimorphism was observed in BBAL, BHEL, and HBI (HBI = BHEL/BBAL × 100) measurements in both feet of both sexes. Conclusion: HBI yielded better accuracy for foot dimensions than footprint dimensions. It was also found that utilizing absolute foot dimensions (BBAL and BHEL) yielded more accurate results in estimating sex compared to the HBI, which is calculated as a ratio of absolute measurements.

Association of METS-IR index with Type 2 Diabetes: A cross-sectional analysis of national health and nutrition examination survey data from 2009 to 2018.

With rising global diabetes prevalence, precise early identification and management of diabetes risk are critical research areas. The metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR), a novel non-insulin-based tool, is gaining attention for quantifying insulin resistance using multiple metabolic parameters. Despite its potential in predicting diabetes and its precursors, evidence on its specific relationship with diabetes is limited, especially in large-scale population validation and mechanistic exploration. This study aims to analyze the association between METS-IR and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in American adults. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2009 to 2018. Participants aged 20 years and above were included, excluding individuals with missing data on BMI, fasting blood glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol glycated hemoglobin and diabetes status. Logistic regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and restricted cubic spline analysis were used to assess the association between METS-IR and T2DM, controlling for potential confounding factors. After adjusting for age, gender, race, education level, smoking status, drinking habits, depression, physical activity, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, we found a positive association between METS-IR and the risk of T2DM. Specifically, each unit increase in METS-IR was associated with a 7% increase in the risk of T2DM (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.08). Subgroup analysis showed that the association between METS-IR and T2DM incidence was significantly positive in the highest quartile group, particularly among Mexican Americans over 40 years old and those diagnosed with depression, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia. Our study revealed a significant positive association between METS-IR and the prevalence of T2DM, indicating that this relationship persists even after controlling for various confounding factors. Therefore, monitoring METS-IR may provide a valuable tool for the early identification of individuals at risk of glucose metabolism disorders. Further research should focus on the applicability of METS-IR in different populations and its potential impact on clinical practice.

Exploring Identity in Poetry: Love, Loss, and Belonging in Sylvia Plath and Elizabeth Bishop through the Lens of Social Identity Theory

This study leverages Social Identity Theory (SIT) to explore themes of identity, belonging, and relationships in Sylvia Plath's "Mad Girl's Love Song" and Elizabeth Bishop's "One Art." Using a comparative qualitative approach, the research examines how personal and social identities influence the speakers' experiences of love and loss. Plath's poem illustrates a crisis of social identity marked by the speaker's detachment and internal conflict, reflecting struggles with isolation and idealization. In contrast, Bishop portrays loss as a communal experience, highlighting an evolving identity characterized by resilience and acceptance. The findings reveal that while both poets illustrate identity transformations shaped by relationships and loss, they utilize different coping mechanisms—Plath through fantasy and Bishop through pragmatic acceptance. This analysis underscores the intricate relationship between social identity and emotional responses, enhancing our understanding of how societal contexts impact individual identity formation.