Poor Class Research Articles

Soil quality indicator-based land productivity modelling for agricultural sustainability.

Rapid population expansion has made food security a global concern for humanity, necessitating a sustainable assessment of natural resources. Well evaluated and managed soil is one of the most significant resources that can assist close the gap between supply and demand for food to attain food security. A precise assessment of land productivity (LP) is essential for sustainable land use management. The primary aim of this research is to predict the land productivity index (LPI) for certain locations on Egypt's northwest coast under current conditions using soil quality indicators (SQIs). Additionally, the study proposed relevant management actions to boost land productivity in the future. To achieve this aim, a spatial model was created to assess LPI for some areas in the north western coast of Egypt. LP equation was used to estimate current land productivity index (CLPI) and potential land productivity index (PLPI). Results found that the study area mainly located under two classes of CLPI, e.g., average (class ⅡⅠ) represents an area of 13322.63 ha (67.55%) and good grade (class Ⅱ) covers an area of 4339.78 ha (22%). PLPI grades were good (II) and average (III) with an area of 16192.54 ha (82.10%) and 1903.23 ha (9.65%), respectively. The finding showed that more than 60% of the studied area was converted from poor and average class to good class after applying the proposed solutions of soil improvement. The methodology presented here can easily be replicated under similar circumstances in arid zones, allowing local governments and decision-makers to utilize the quantitative results obtained to ensure sustainable development.

Woody species composition and diversity of agroforestry homegardens along altitudinal gradient in southwest Ethiopia.

Homegarden agroforestry systems that integrate trees with agricultural practices are usually valued for the conservation of farm biodiversity. Despite the system having a significant conservation role, litle is known on woody species composition and diversity following the elevation belt of southwest Ethiopia. A complete enumeration of 72 homegardens (24 each from altitudinal gradient) was purposively selected for woody species inventory. A total of 55 woody species belonging to 31 families and 45 genera were recorded. Of which, 56.4% of woody species are indigenous and two are endemic to Ethiopia. Family Fabaceae was the most represented family with eight species. The highest species richness (42) was observed at high altitudes followed by 39 species at middle and 31 species at low altitudes but no significant difference between them. Species richness significantly (P < 0.001) increased with increasing wealth status. The overall richness distribution was 46, 40, and 27 across rich, medium, and poor wealth classes respectively. Shannon diversity index differed significantly between poor and rich households. Pearson correlation result shows a strong positive and significant correlation between richness and wealth status. The mean woody species density was 89.06±9.25 and 1236.22±131.42 per garden and hectare, respectively. Stem density was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in wealthier farms. We found that, in southwestern Ethiopia wealthier agroforestry farms can support more woody species diversity in homegardens.

تأنق الرجال بالملابس منذ عصر النبوة وحتى نهاية العصر الأموي

The subject of the study is highlighted: ((Men's dressing in clothes from the era of the prophecy until the end of the Umayyad era _historical study_))). The light is on the elegance of men in clothes, starting from the headwear such as the turban and the skullcap, passing through the clothes of the rest of the body, which were numerous and varied, such as the jubbah, the suit, the shirt, the cape, the tie, the capes, and the pajama. Note that dress-up shows a person with a decent appearance, as recommended by the Prophet (PBUH), in the era of the Prophethood and the Rightly Guided Caliphate, taking into account the poor classes, as the Prophet (PBUH) and his successors - except Othman bin Affan - did not like to appear and dress up in clothes that distinguish them from the subjects or the public so that they do not feel class differences. The nature of simplicity was common in dress, even if it was elegant, but the matter was different in the Umayyad era, as the expansion of the borders of the Arab Islamic state and the returns from abundant funds due to the Islamic conquests contributed to these and other reasons, and the indifference of the Umayyad rulers to the prohibitions of the Prophet (PBUH) regarding silk and embroidered clothes. Gilded and transparent clothing and spreading a style of dress-up for men resembled the kings of other nations and their inhabitants, and even sophistication in the materials, inscriptions and colors of clothes, if they formed a clear difference to what was prevalent in the era of prophecy and the Rightly Guided Caliphate, and a challenge to a large extent.

Spatiotemporal evaluation of environmental quality of Karawang regency based on remote sensing ecological index

Abstract As urban areas expand, the growth of human activities increasingly degrades the ecological environment, causing a significant decline in vegetation, soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, temperature elevation, and other adverse effects. If left unchecked, these effects can have severe consequences for the living organisms inhabiting those areas. Evaluating the correlation between development activities and the ecological environment has become an urgent matter requiring attention from all countries, particularly in establishing effective and systematic environmental quality measures. Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI) is one remote sensing method designed to analyze the ecological environmental quality using four parameters: wetness, greenness, dryness, and temperature. The aim of this research is to spatiotemporally assess the RSEI parameters and the ecological environmental quality using the RSEI method in Karawang Regency. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) results range from 70% to 80%. The findings indicate that high wetness, high temperature, and open and built-up land are negative driving factors. The year 2021 had the largest extent of the poor classification class, reaching 917.11 Km2, while the year 2019 had the smallest extent of the poor classification class, only 21.31 Km2.

Influence of Classroom Dynamics on Students’ Academic Performance in Day Secondary Schools in Mwingi East Sub County, Kitui County, Kenya

The study aimed to investigate the influence of classroom dynamics on student academic performance in day secondary schools in Mwangi East Sub-County, Kitui County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were: To evaluate the influence of class size on academic performance, To examine the influence of school rules and regulations, To assess the influence of parental involvement in school activities and To examine the influence of teacher's class supervision on academic performance. Goal-Centered Theory (GCT) was used to explain the dynamics of learning. The target population of the study was 2280. 341 responses were obtained using Slovin sample formulae. The random sampling method was used to select schools, while the stratified sampling method was used to select the sample size from principals, class teachers and students from selected secondary schools. Data collection was done using questionnaires, interview schedules and observations. Validity and reliability of Research Instruments were conducted to ascertain the internal consistency and legitimacy of the research instruments. Data analysis was done using SPSS (version 25). Analyzed data was presented in the form of frequency tables, percentages, graphs and charts. The researcher found that on the first objective, the test of hypothesis r-calculated value of 4.88 was greater than the R-critical value of 2.17 at a p-value ~ 0.05, and the null hypothesis was rejected. On the second objective, the test of hypothesis r-calculated value of 4.88 is greater than the R-critical of value 2.17 at p-value ~ 0.05, and the null hypothesis was rejected. On the third objective, the test of hypothesis r-calculated value of 4.11 is greater than the R-critical of value 3.1 at p-value ~ 0.05, and the null hypothesis was rejected. Lastly, on the fourth objective, the test of hypothesis r-calculated value of 5.2 was greater than the R-critical of value 4.2 at p-value ~ 0.05, and the null hypothesis was rejected. The study concluded that there was evidence of reduced class time for syllabus completion for teachers and low mastery of contents due to pressed instructional time. Rules and instructions in the classroom environment help to improve the class learning procedures, as evidenced by the respondent responses. Timely class attendance was paramount for students' academic performances. Interactive demonstrations for problem-solving techniques were used by selected teachers, thus making teachers have different opinions, and there have been high records of insufficient learning materials that resulted in poor class management and attributed to the contribution of poor performance. The researcher recommended that teachers learn different methods of managing class sizes. Headteachers and teachers should coordinate in drafting and enforcing school rules and regulations, and every teacher should have working strategies that promote class integration.

Serum Albumin and Its Trajectory Are Associated With Therapeutic Outcomes in Ulcerative Colitis.

The relationship between serum albumin levels and therapeutic outcomes in ulcerative colitis (UC) has been debated. Additionally, the dynamic changes in albumin levels remain understudied. We conducted a pooled analysis of 5 clinical trials involving 3268 patients with UC. Short- and long-term therapeutic outcomes were assessed at the end of the induction and maintenance phases. Multivariate logistic regression and random effects models were used to pool the predictive effects of albumin levels. The dynamic trajectory of albumin was fitted using latent class growth mixed models. Baseline and week-2 albumin were independent predictors of short-term outcomes, with pooled adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of 1.07 (95% confidence interval [CI],1.05-1.09) and 1.11 (95% CI, 1.08-1.15) per 1 g/L increase for clinical response, respectively. Higher post-induction albumin levels predicted better long-term outcomes, including clinical (aOR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.12-1.21), endoscopic (aOR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.10-1.16), and histologic remission (aOR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03-1.18). Furthermore, there are 3 classes of albumin trajectories: sustained medium-to-high, rapidly ascending, and poor response. Compared with the sustained medium-to-high class, patients in the poor response class had a lower probability of long-term endoscopic remission (aOR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.23-0.50; P < .001), whereas no significant difference was observed between the rapidly ascending class and the sustained medium-to-high class. Higher albumin levels were associated with better therapeutic outcomes in patients with UC. However, patients with low but rapidly ascending albumin levels would achieve outcomes comparable to those with medium-to-high levels of albumin.

Enhancing Cover Management Factor Classification Through Imbalanced Data Resolution

This study addresses the persistent challenge of class imbalance in land use and land cover (LULC) classification within the Shihmen Reservoir watershed in Taiwan, where LULC is used to map the Cover Management factor (C-factor). The dominance of forests in the LULC categories leads to an imbalanced dataset, resulting in poor prediction performance for minority classes when using machine learning techniques. To overcome this limitation, we applied the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) and the 90-model SMOTE-variants package in Python to balance the dataset. Due to the multi-class nature of the data and memory constraints, 42 models were successfully used to create a balanced dataset, which was then integrated with a Random Forest algorithm for C-factor classification. The results show a marked improvement in model accuracy across most SMOTE variants, with the Selected Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (Selected_SMOTE) emerging as the best-performing method, achieving an overall accuracy of 0.9524 and a sensitivity of 0.6892. Importantly, the previously observed issue of poor minority class prediction was resolved using the balanced dataset. This study provides a robust solution to the class imbalance issue in C-factor classification, demonstrating the effectiveness of SMOTE variants and the Random Forest algorithm in improving model performance and addressing imbalanced class distributions. The success of Selected_SMOTE underscores the potential of balanced datasets in enhancing machine learning outcomes, particularly in datasets dominated by a majority class. Additionally, by addressing imbalance in LULC classification, this research contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 15, which focuses on the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

Buying and selling in the Balkans: the case of Kosovo

The study analyzes from the anthropological viewpoint the transformation of trade relations, trade transactions, the inclusion of men and women of different ages, representatives of various ethnic groups, religions and strata of society in the circulation of goods and services in the territory of Kosovo/Kosovo and Metohija at the turn of the 20th-21st centuries. From a quiet “province” of the Ottoman Empire, royal Yugoslavia and the SFRY, the historical region has turned into the forefront of confrontation between both Balkan elites and international forces. Leaving aside, as far as possible, the multi-vector discussion regarding the status of the territory/region/state, the author focuses on the social and cultural aspects of the type of activity and economic sphere that directly and acutely affect all residents of the region without exception – be they Albanians, Serbs, Turks, Gorans or Roma, Muslims or Christians, rich, poor or middle class – namely, trade. Growing all over the world, both in the business community and among professional researchers studying culture and society, the interest in corporate anthropology is due to the importance of the ethnic factor in the development strategy of individual states and the global economy, and this involves the collection of empirical data and an attempt to assess the risks of conducting business, trade, scientific and other projects that directly affect people’s lives and influence their social “well-being”.

Groundwater geochemistry using modified integrated water quality index (IWQI) and health indices with special emphasis on nitrates and heavy metals in southern parts of Tirupati, South India.

Groundwater is particularly vulnerable to pollution in places with a high population density and extensive human usage of the land, especially in southern parts of Tirupati, India. To assess this, 60 bore-well samples were obtained and assessed for physical specifications, ion chemistry, and heavy metals during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons 2022. The current investigation employed a modified integrated water quality index (IWQI), conventional graphical and human health risk assessment (HHRA) of nitrates and heavy metals to know the groundwater chemistry and its detrimental health effects on humans. The major ions were analyzed using American public health association (APHA)standards, whereas heavy metals were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry(ICP-OES). Additionally, pH Redox Equilibrium and C (PHREEQC),a geochemical model written in C programming language was employed to determine the saturation indices of mineral facies and ArcGIS 10.3.1 was used for spatial distribution patterns of IWQI. Then, the HHRA of nitrates and heavy metals was performed using United States environmental protection agency (USEPA)guidelines. The noteworthy outcomes include elevated levels of Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, NO3-, Cu,Fe, Mn, and Pb, demonstrating rock-water interaction, silicate weathering, Ca-Mg-HCO3 followed by mixed water facies, dissolution/precipitation, reverse exchange, and anthropogenic contamination are the major controlling processes in groundwater of southern Tirupati, India. The modified IWQI reveals that most groundwater samples (38%) fall under the bad quality class, with (47%) in the poor quality class and only (15%) classified as medium qualityclass in pre- and post-monsoon seasons. Elevated IWQI were observed in all directions except in the east, which is suitable for drinking. Moreover, the major hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI)for nitrates (NO3-) and heavy metals like copper(Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) are above the critical value of 1, revealing potential risk to humans, especially infants, followed by children and adults, entailing the instantaneous implementation of proper remedial measures and stringent policies to reduce the risk associated with groundwater pollution in the southern parts of Tirupati.

EVALUATION OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT NEED AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH SELF-ESTEEM AND ORAL HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS RECEIVING CARE AT SAIDU COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY, SWAT

Orthodontic treatment needs can impact both self-esteem and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The relationship between these factors, particularly in a developing region, remains underexplored. Objective: To investigate the relationship between orthodontic treatment needs, self-esteem and oral health-related quality of life among patients at Saidu College of Dentistry, Swat. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Saidu College of Dentistry, Swat and included 115 participants aged 8-30 years. Data were collected using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Needs (IOTN), Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) over a six-month period. Demographic variables such as age, gender and socioeconomic status were also analyzed. Descriptive statistics and statistical tests such as chi-square and t-tests were employed to evaluate associations between variables, with significance set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: Of the 115 participants, 59.1% were male and 40.9% were female. Age groups were distributed as 33% (8-15 years), 39.1% (15-22 years) and 27.8% (22-30 years). Socioeconomic analysis revealed that 25.2% belonged to the upper class, 49.6% to the middle class and 25.2% to the poor class. Severe orthodontic treatment needs were identified in 36.5% of participants. Self-esteem scores were unaffected by gender, age, or socioeconomic status. In contrast, oral health impact scores were notably high, with a mean OHIP-14 score of 19.77±17.7, indicating a significant need for comprehensive oral health care. Conclusion: Despite high orthodontic treatment needs, participants exhibited stable self-esteem levels, suggesting resilience in psychosocial health. The findings emphasize the strong connection between orthodontic needs, OHRQoL and patient demographics, providing important insights for oral health professionals in addressing both clinical and psychological aspects of care.

Evaluation of gold mineralisation potential using AHP systems and weighted overlay analysis

The demand for sustainable development goals and the absence of systematic development and organised exploration for gold has prompted this study to integrate magnetic and radiometric datasets with lithology to evaluate the gold mineralisation potential in the Ilesha schist belt. This study considers 3168.72 km2 of the Ilesha schist belt in southwestern Nigeria, a frontier belt for gold deposits. The high-resolution airborne magnetic and radiometric datasets were processed using enhancement techniques, including the analytical signal, lineament density, and K/Th ratio. CET grid analysis, Euler deconvolution, and analytical signal depth estimation methods were used to aid the interpretation. The spatial integration and interpolation were performed using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and weighted overlay analytical tools within the ArcGIS environment. The dominant structural controls for potential mineralisation are ENE–WSW and ESE–WNW trends. The depth of the magnetic sources revealed by the analytical signal ranged from 63.17 to 629.47 m, while depths ranging from 47.32 to 457.22 m were obtained from Euler deconvolution. The delineated highly magnetic edge sources, dense lineaments, radiometrically highlighted alteration zones, and lithological hosts for gold mineralisation were integrated to establish the gold mineralisation potential map. The AHP deductions reveal that 10.52% of the study site is within the high mineralisation potential class, a remarkable 60.39% falls within the moderate class, a significant portion (28.86%) falls within the poor class, and 0.23% is considered unfavourable. The result was optimised by validation using known mines, with 94% (i.e., 15 out of 16 mining sites) plotting within the high mineralisation potential class. This assessment provides invaluable insight for stakeholders and policymakers to embark on gold exploration and exploitation and promote sustainable mineral development.

Preoperative measures of pain at rest and movement-evoked pain in knee arthroplasty: Associations with pain and function outcome trajectories from a prospective multicentre longitudinal cohort study.

The study of pain at rest (PAR) and movement-evoked pain (MEP) in persons with musculoskeletal pain has received substantial attention. Despite strong interest, relatively little attention has been directed to the psychometric development of these constructs. Our purpose was to explore the relationship between PAR and MEP and to examine the prognostic utility of these measures in persons with knee arthroplasty. We used prospectively collected data from persons scheduled for knee arthroplasty who had moderate to high levels of pain catastrophizing. Preoperative latent variables for PAR and MEP were developed and used to determine if they were associated with a binary latent variable of good versus poor pain and function outcome trajectories. Factor correlations were used to determine the extent to which the variance for PAR and MEP was overlapping. PAR and MEP are significant predictors of good versus poor pain and function classes. Odds ratios ranged from 1.21 to 1.64 (p < 0.001) indicating a significant increase in the likelihood of poor outcome. Correlation between PAR and MEP latent variables was high (r = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.86-0.92) indicating substantially overlapping variance. PAR and MEP, as defined in our study, can be used to make prognostic judgements regarding risk of poor postoperative outcome trajectory following knee arthroplasty. However, PAR and MEP showed substantially overlapping variance indicating that measurements of both are not necessary when making prognostic assessments. Preoperative PAR and MEP latent variables, as defined in our study, had prognostic significance for 1 year pain and function outcome trajectories. PAR and MEP latent variables had substantially overlapping variance which suggested that only one is needed to make prognostic judgements. The prognostic significance of PAR and MEP as well as their substantially overlapping variance is new to the field prognostic research in knee arthroplasty.

Representation Strategies of the Rich and Poor Classes in the Squid Game

The Squid Game's high ratings are well documented, and although the Squid Game is a battle royale type of episode, it contains many depictions of class inequality as well as the power of choice. The episodes use stark contrasts of colour and setting to establish situations of identity inequality for the audience. Inequality of identity also means inequality of choice and having to be forced to keep the game going. By analysing the images and plot of the episode, the game is used as a vehicle for the reality of class inequality.

SOSIALISASI HUKUM RIBA TERHADAP PENGGUNA GOPAYLATTER DI DESA BERINGAN KECAMATAN ALALAK KABUPATEN BARITO KUALA

The Islamic ban of usury is an attempt to eradicate economic injustice. This is against Islamic teachings, which emphasize helping the poor and middle class so that the wealthy don't take advantage of them. Reason being that Islamic economics teaches a commitment to social order and humanity, while also rejecting the idea of injustice and the vicious cycle it creates, which in turn leads to poverty. Users of Gopaylartter in Beringin Village, Alalak District, Barito Kuala Regency will be educated on usury legislation and given an overview of Islamic perspectives on debt and credit, which do not include usury. Although there are still obstacles to solve before Islamic banking can be more widely and effectively implemented, there have been good outcomes from socializing usury legislation on GoPayLater users, such as improved knowledge, comprehension, and interest.

AS THE IMPOVERISHED GET EVEN POORER: AN ANALYSIS ON THE IMPACT OF PHILIPPINE TRAIN LAW TO THE MINIMUM WAGE EARNER

In the Philippines, the TRAIN Law or tax reform for acceleration and inclusion legislation was put into effect in 2018. This law sought to significantly alter the nation's tax structure in order to increase money for poverty alleviation, healthcare, and infrastructure. One of the features of the law was to increase the income threshold below which minimum wage earners would not be required to pay income tax. But it also resulted in higher costs for goods and services, which had an effect on Metro Manila's level of living. This qualitative research examines the significant data and information based on the participant's experiences with the TRAIN law. Semi-structured questions were used in the in-depth interview to facilitate deeper clarification and additional discussion. The results show that the majority of the impact of the law on the poor is related to basic needs like food, for which they must cut their budget in order to survive because there are other expenses to consider, such as utility bills and debts. Moreover, it impacts an individual's emotional and overall health, including mental health concerns brought on by financial difficulties. Additionally, it has an impact on their social interaction because they tend to engage with others less frequently because they are preoccupied with the things that need significant financial outlays. Thus, it may be inferred that the poor income class households' standard of living declined with the introduction of TRAIN law. KEYWORDS: tax reform law, poverty alleviation, minimum wage earner

The Student Labor Camp Movement, Postcolonial Development, and the Shaping of Citizens-to-Be in Independent India, 1954–65

The Government of India organized over ten thousand student labor camps for the purposes of village development between 1954 and 1965. This camp movement functions as a key to the novel idealizations of youth in the postcolonial world and the shifting development agendas of independent India. The image of the toiling and vigorous camper committed to serving the newly created nation-state came to be constructed as India's model citizen-to-be, and this figure embodies the emergent forms of postcolonial nationalist politics and ideologies of the 1950s and 1960s. This youthful labor force was depicted in the developmentalist imagination of India as literally building and metaphorically embodying the nation-state and its ideologies of physical fitness, secularism, anti-casteism, and national discipline. This article will argue that camp life negotiated a hierarchy of citizens that made the educated youth the agent of development and the villager the object of development. The running of these camps by volunteer movements such as the National Cadet Corps, the Bharat Scouts and Guides, and the Bharat Sevak Samaj brings to light how the developmental apparatus in India worked or did not work in practice for the students and the poorer classes.

Research on the trajectory and influential factors of poly-victimization: A longitudinal study of Chinese adolescents

BackgroundPoly-victimization is more detrimental to adolescents' physical and mental health than is a single type of victimization. However, there has been limited research on the trajectory of poly-victimization among Chinese adolescents. ObjectiveIdentify the different developmental trajectories of poly-victimization among Chinese adolescents over time and examine the influencing factors of poly-victimization trajectories. MethodsData from four surveys conducted between 2020 and 2022, encompassing a cohort of 319 adolescents who had experienced poly-victimization, were utilized to identify their developmental trajectories via group-based trajectory modeling. Potential influencing factors were screened and compared using ANOVA or chi-square tests, while factors affecting the developmental trajectories of poly-victimization were analyzed through multinomial logistic regression. ResultsWe identified three poly-victimization trajectories among adolescents: increasing poly-victimization (n = 39, 12.2 %), relieved poly-victimization (n = 228, 71.5 %), and fluctuating poly-victimization (n = 52, 16.3 %). Our findings indicate that boys, and those with poor class grade ranking, a lower level of parental education, lower household economy, smoking, drinking, suicide attempts, and suicide ideation, constitute the primary focus for the prevention and treatment of poly-victimization. ConclusionWe identified three poly-victimization trajectories, highlighting a significant heterogeneity in poly-victimization development. Understanding the characteristics of these developmental trajectories is crucial for realizing the dynamics of different poly-victimization subgroups and informing effective interventions.

The Development of Mutual Aid Tontines in Nineteenth-Century Ireland

A tontine is a shared fund in which surviving investors benefit financially from the deaths of other members. Since the mid-seventeenth century it has been used variously across Europe as a tool to raise state revenue, as a private investment tool, and as a method to raise capital for building projects. In nineteenth-century Ireland, the tontine developed to include a mutual aid scheme directed at the country's working classes and poor. This form of tontine existed within a wider sphere of microcredit and microfinance instruments – including loan funds, pawnbrokers and Mont de Piété banks - directed at Ireland's poorer classes. These provided services to a section of Irish society neglected by the country's banks and other financial institutions. The mutual aid tontine was therefore very much an indigenous financial instrument developed for the needs of Irish society. Like the Irish themselves it travelled. The scheme also proved to be popular in England during the nineteenth century, predominantly in areas of high Irish immigration. This article argues that this was as a direct result of the transplantation of Irish communities and support structures into England.

Genetics of immune response to Epstein-Barr virus: prospects for multiple sclerosis pathogenesis.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection has been advocated as a prerequisite for developing multiple sclerosis (MS) and possibly the propagation of the disease. However, the precise mechanisms for such influences are still unclear. A large-scale study investigating the host genetics of EBV serology and related clinical manifestations, such as infectious mononucleosis (IM), may help us better understand the role of EBV in MS pathogenesis. This study evaluates the host genetic factors that influence serological response against EBV and history of IM and cross-evaluates them with MS risk and genetic susceptibility in the Swedish population. Plasma IgG antibody levels against EBV nuclear antigen-1 [EBNA-1, truncated = amino acids (aa) (325-641), peptide = aa(385-420)] and viral capsid antigen p18 (VCAp18) were measured using bead-based multiplex serology for 8744 MS cases and 7229 population-matched control subjects. The MS risk association for high/low EBV antibody levels and history of IM was compared to relevant clinical measures along with sex, age at sampling, and associated HLA allele variants. Genome-wide and HLA allele association analyses were also performed to identify genetic risk factors for EBV antibody response and IM history. Higher antibody levels against VCAp18 [odds ratio (OR) = 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.60-1.88] and EBNA-1, particularly the peptide (OR = 3.13, 95% CI = 2.93-3.35), were associated with an increased risk for MS. The risk increased with higher anti-EBNA-1 IgG levels up to 12× the reference risk. We also identified several independent HLA haplotypes associated with EBV serology overlapping with known MS risk alleles (e.g. DRB1*15:01). Although there were several candidates, no variants outside the HLA region reached genome-wide significance. Cumulative HLA risk for anti-EBNA-1 IgG levels, particularly the peptide fragment, was strongly associated with MS. In contrast, the genetic risk for high anti-VCAp18 IgG levels was not as strongly associated with MS risk. IM history was not associated with class II HLA genes but negatively associated with A*02:01, which is protective against MS. Our findings emphasize that the risk association between anti-EBNA-1 IgG levels and MS may be partly due to overlapping HLA associations. Additionally, the increasing MS risk with increasing anti-EBNA-1 levels would be consistent with a pathogenic role of the EBNA-1 immune response, perhaps through molecular mimicry. Given that high anti-EBNA-1 antibodies may reflect a poorly controlled T-cell defence against the virus, our findings would be consistent with DRB1*15:01 being a poor class II antigen in the immune defence against EBV. Last, the difference in genetic control of IM supports the independent roles of EBNA-1 and IM in MS susceptibility.

Groundwater Potential Assessment in the Rural Loulouni Municipality (Southern Mali): Decision Tree Approach

Groundwater Potential Assessment in the Rural Loulouni Municipality (Southern Mali): Decision Tree Approach