Specific Concern Research Articles

Historical Overview of Equivalence in Translation Studies

The concept of equivalence has been of specific concern to many Western translation scholars. It was an essential feature of translation theories in the 1960s and 1970s, which sited it within the framework of structural linguistics. This paper will primarily discuss the notion of equivalence in a comprehensive way according to translation scholars since the 1950s. The first part of this paper will review the earlier debate on meaning and equivalence as one of the key linguistics issues in the 1950s. The general view of equivalence at that time attempted to explain how the source text (henceforth ST) and target text (henceforth TT) share some kind of similarity. This is followed by further efforts to explain this term according to the perspectives and approaches of several theorists. The second part focuses on contemporary translation scholars investigating equivalence in broader terms. Contemporary theorists have shifted from looking at differences in each type of equivalence and the effect of meaning to another perspective where equivalence is seen as a relationship between two texts.

Engagement in ‘prevailing societal challenges’ as a contribution to wellbeing? An analysis of interdisciplinary topics in the Norwegian curriculum (LK20)

ABSTRACT Objective This paper explores the expectations of teachers to contribute to fostering students’ wellbeing in the revised Norwegian curriculum. A new construct in the curriculum is three interdisciplinary topics – health and life skills; democracy and citizenship; and, sustainable development – included to give priority to prevailing societal challenges. Our specific concern is the content of these topics, and the extent to which they provide a framework for connecting with complex health and social issues. Method Thematic analysis is used to examine how wellbeing is framed in the curriculum texts. Results Our analysis reveals an emphasis on individualism, the responsibilizing of choice, and the importance attached to individual agency and skills in the three interdisciplinary topics. The topics emphasise the importance of informed, ethical, and wise choices in a way that disconnects people from the world around them. This limits opportunities for students to be introduced to a socioecological perspective on human existence as well as overlooking opportunities for developing a sociocritical approach to students’ wellbeing through engagement with the real world. Conclusion More emphasis on collective challenges and dilemmas might stimulate students’ engagement and could thereby connect wellbeing to empowerment and to a sense of meaning in belonging to a larger whole.

In-situ biosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles using Allium sativum and Chondrilla juncea extract: characterization and application in dye decolorization

The synthesis of catalysts has gained specific concern due to their versatile applications in particular azo dye decolorization. In the current work, metallic nanoparticles (copper and silver) were In-situ biosynthesised using Allium sativum and Chondrilla juncea extract. The obtained Allium-copper oxide and Allium-silver oxide materials were analyzed using SEM, TEM, FT-IR, TGA-DTG, SEM, TEM, and XRD techniques. Allium peels had a rough surface, with nanoparticles equally distributed over it. The crystal structure of Allium peels was altered after the addition of CuO and AgO nanoparticles. The highest residual mass values in the prepared materials indicated that the metallic nanoparticles were, in situ, formed. The prepared materials had worse thermal stability than Allium peel powders. The azo dyes, Calmagite and Naphthol Blue Black B were tested in the catalytic power of the resulting materials. The decolorization process was affected by the dye structure, amount of H2O2, dye concentration, time of reaction, and temperature of the bath. The activation energy values for Allium-CuO were 18.44 kJ mol−1 for calmagite, and 23.28 kJ mol−1 for naphthol blue black, respectively. Nevertheless, the energy values for Allium-AgO were 50.01 kJ mol−1 for calmagite and 12.44 kJ mol−1 for Naphthol blue black. The calculated low energy values for the prepared materials suggested the high efficiency of the use of these catalysts in azo dye decolorization under the change of some main experimental conditions.

P2.17A.03 Preoperative Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: Predictive Factors and Specific Concerns and Fears

P2.17A.03 Preoperative Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: Predictive Factors and Specific Concerns and Fears

Surface Damage by Physical Cleans during Semiconductors Manufacturing

This paper investigates surface damage caused by physical cleaning processes during semiconductor manufacturing. The study focuses on various materials, including FDSOI wafers and polymer films, subjected to high-velocity sprays and cryogenic cleans. Thanks to the supplier process performances and quality control, FDSOI films do not present any specific concern linked with this failure mode. This latter can be observed on whatever films exposed to aggressive physical cleans and the wafers are cleverly used as a test vehicle to evidence surface defects with a revelation method using a wet etchant. It enables the detection of nano-cracks and other damages. Same defects are observed in bulk silicon wafers, and solutions exist to avoid these damages. Different spray types are compared, highlighting the impact of droplet energy distribution on surface integrity. Additionally, a direct characterization method using polymer films is developed to assess physical cleaning damage. The findings emphasize the importance of optimizing cleaning processes to balance defect removal efficiency and surface preservation. Emerging cleaning solutions like polymer coat and peel methods are also discussed for their potential to offer high cleaning performance with minimal surface damage.

The Role of Systemic Inflammation in Psychiatric Disorders Development in Children: Literature Review

There has been significant increase in mental disorders prevalence in pediatric population around the world. Increasing incidence of autism, intellectual incapacity, hyperkinetic disorders, and schizophrenia gives causes for specific concern. Clarifying mental disorders’ etiology and pathogenesis is the priority of researchers. The role of systemic inflammation in psychiatric disorders development currently remains the least studied. However, it can already be stated that generalized peripheral inflammation is the important factor associated with the development of mental disorders both in adults and children. This review presents latest data, as well as an authors’ assessment of systemic inflammation role in the most common mental disorders development in children. Comparative analysis of acute and chronic systemic inflammation manifestations has been performed. The major pathogenetic mechanisms of “systemic damage” in mental disorders have been identified.

Mapping the vicious cycles of community gold mining (CGM): a case study of the CGM sites at Sukabumi Regency, Indonesia

Abstract Community Gold Mining (CGM) in Indonesia faces significant challenges, with a specific concern being the use of mercury. Mercury is a highly toxic chemical commonly utilized in the Trommel Mercury (TM) gold extraction method, known locally as the Glundung method. Although the government has initiated programs to reduce mercury usage, such as encouraging researchers to develop non-mercury gold extraction methods, progress has been slow, and the impact has been limited. The growth of new CGM sites is outpacing these efforts, leading to an increased use of mercury and unmanageable chemical risks. Previous research has identified a vicious cycle within the CGM sector. However, no existing model illustrates this cycle. This study seeks to map the scope of CGM at its essential stages and translate them into variables to create a causal and basic model. However, Sukabumi Regency in Indonesia hosts numerous CGM sites, and a case study was conducted in the Simpenan Sub-District between 2018 and 2020. A recent site visit in August 2023 revealed continued growth in CGM site numbers within the broader area. This growth corresponds to an increase in mercury released into the environment, which poses a growing threat to public health. The study employed ArcGIS and Powersim 10 System Dynamics Software, utilizing data collected through observations, investigative methods, and reference studies. The results include two significant contributions: first, a model of current CGM activities in the form of a Causal Loops Diagram (CLD) called “the Turtle Map CLD Model of the CGM”. Second, a model depicting “the vicious cycle of CGM” highlights problematic stages within CGM. Both models represent the current state of CGM in Indonesia, showcasing the existence of vicious cycles in ongoing CGM sites. These models can guide future efforts to identify progressive solutions, especially in support of programs aimed at reducing mercury usage.

Infectious diseases risk framing in Bulgarian media during early COVID-19 pandemic and the Ebola crisis

IntroductionSocial forces, in conjunction with biological variables, play a crucial role in shaping the overall health of a community, particularly in the context of infectious disease outbreaks. Mass media calibrates risk perception among the public. The present study's aims are to review risk framings in the Bulgarian National Television in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and to compare results with the communication strategies employed when Ebola was exported outside of Africa. The research seeks to provide a quantitative and qualitative understanding of how the media communicated risk during the two crises. It also aims to determine the extent to which messages altered based on the distinct epidemiological characteristics of the two epidemics. MethodsWe used interdisciplinary analysis, combining methods from the social sciences and epidemiology. It is based on a controlled study of media content comparing the share and presentation of information on infections during two different outbreaks caused by newly emerging pathogens (in 2014 and 2020), as well as during periods with no specific concern for novel public health threats (JAN 2019 and OCT-NOV 2019). A content analysis was carried out. ResultsThe findings of the study indicate that during the Ebola crisis, medical frames were used in 92 % of the cases, whereas the majority of the analyzed media coverage of COVID-19 focused on the socio-political frame (97 %). During control periods, the extent of coverage using a medical framework varies between 100 and 86 %. In terms of geographic coverage, the presentation of content followed the principle of proximity. In non-emergency circumstances, clinical practitioners are often preferred candidates for interviews. However, during health crises, the media tends to highlight individuals holding administrative positions and authoritative functions. ConclusionThe present research confirms the hypothesis that public health emergencies increase the volume of infectious disease content on the news. The most frequently selected speaker categories should be briefed timely on outbreak developments in order to feed the media with accurate information.

Responsibility Gap(s) Due to the Introduction of AI in Healthcare: An Ubuntu-Inspired Approach

Due to its enormous potential, artificial intelligence (AI) can transform healthcare on a seemingly infinite scale. However, as we continue to explore the immense potential of AI, it is vital to consider the ethical concerns associated with its development and deployment. One specific concern that has been flagged in the literature is the responsibility gap (RG) due to the introduction of AI in healthcare. When the use of an AI algorithm or system results in a negative outcome for a patient(s), to whom can or should responsibility for that outcome be assigned? Although the concept of the RG was introduced in Anglo-American and European philosophy, this paper aims to broaden the debate by providing an Ubuntu-inspired perspective on the RG. Ubuntu, deeply rooted in African philosophy, calls for collective responsibility, and offers a uniquely forward-looking approach to address the alleged RG caused by AI in healthcare. An Ubuntu-inspired perspective can serve as a valuable guide and tool when addressing the alleged RG. Incorporating Ubuntu into the AI ethics discourse can contribute to a more ethical and responsible integration of AI in healthcare.

ENHANCING STUDENT ENGAGEMENT WITH AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT IN TECHNOLOGY-BASED PROGRAM: A MULTI-FACETED APPROACH

This paper builds upon a preliminary investigation into the effectiveness of authentic assessment within a Mobile Application Development course. Aligning with Luan & Cowling (2015), authentic assessment has been shown to enhance student motivation and satisfaction through engagement with real-world client projects. However, while the initial pilot study revealed increased motivation and satisfaction among most students engaged with real clients, a minority expressed concerns regarding performance pressure. This earlier pilot highlighted student anxiety associated with performance expectations in authentic assessment contexts. Notably, the current research on authentic assessment in mobile application development fails to adequately address this specific concern. To address these concerns and further investigate student acceptance of authentic assessment, this study proposes a novel multi-faceted approach for a Technology-based program offered at Central Queensland University. The approach integrates real-world client involvement with faculty-provided support resources. Clients will offer project insights, while faculty will curate relevant websites and examples to bridge the gap between client expectations and student understanding. This combined approach aims to leverage the benefits of authentic assessment (client interaction, real-world application) while mitigating student anxieties by providing targeted academic support. The study will evaluate the impact of this multi-faceted approach on student acceptance of authentic assessment and their motivation to complete the assessment task. The study will evaluate the impact of this multi-faceted approach on student acceptance of authentic assessment and their motivation to complete the assessment task.

Cadaveric Study: Sign of Leser-Trélat Associated with Breast Cancer

INTRODUCTION: Seborrheic keratoses (SK) is considered the most common benign skin lesions found in individuals that are middle aged and older. In dermatology practice, these lesions pose no threat to the individual but can be concerning for cosmetic and underlying malignancy reasons when they cover most of the skin surface. Of specific concern is the sign of Leser-Trélat, which has been documented as a cutaneous harbinger of underlying malignancy associated with proliferation of the size and/or number seborrheic keratoses. The rare sign is usually caused by malignancies such as gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma, but also lung, kidney, liver, or pancreatic cancer. This case report will describe the histology of the skin lesions in Lesar Trélat and analyze the current literature regarding its association with breast cancer, which is quite rare. RESOURCES: For this case study, a cadaver from the body donor program in Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), South Georgia was used. Skin samples were sent to Colquitt Regional Center for processing, where sections were embedded in paraffin and were stained with H&E stain. A pathologist reported histopathological findings of the skin lesions and the breast tissue samples. DESCRIPTION: Multiple SK lesions covering the face, abdomen, back, as well as both upper and lower extremities were observed in one of the cadavers in the gross anatomy laboratory. Due to the significant number of pigmented, verrucous lesions, the sign of Leser-Trélat was clinically postulated, later confirmed during routine laboratory dissection of the breast tissue. Histology sections confirmed not only multiple SK lesions in the skin, but also revealed an associated breast cancer in the form of an infiltrative ductal carcinoma. SIGNIFICANCE: The sign of Leser-Trélat is rare by itself and its association with breast cancer is even more uncommon. Once a clinician recognizes the multiple SK eruptions, the patient should be meticulously investigated for not only for an underlying GI malignancy, but also for other cancers like breast cancer. Additionally, a case report confirmed malignant melanoma that mimicked sign of Leser-Trélat, warranting the importance of further analyzing the pathology diagnosis when there is a proliferation of multiple seborrheic keratoses.Therefore, biopsy and histology diagnosis is crucial for ruling out both cutaneous as well as underlying malignancies and should be encouraged when patients present in clinic rather than assuming the typical benign characteristics of seborrheic keratosis.

Bugarska vanjska politika i priznanje Bosne i Hercegovine

This paper explains that Bulgaria took the responsibility to be the only country to recognise the independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina already in January 1992, with the deep conviction that only in this way equality could be achieved between all former Yugoslav republics, and specifically for Bosnia and Herzegovina – the impending tragedy could be prevented. The chronological framework of the article presents Bulgarian foreign policy from the mid-1980s to the international recognition of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s statehood in April 1992. In the early 1990s Bulgaria had a special interest and a specific concern regarding the process of rethinking the existing relations between the detached republics in the multinational Yugoslav federation. When negotiations on the future of Yugoslavia ended in failure in the spring of 1991, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry developed a new approach in relations with Yugoslavia. The emphasis shifted from contacts with the leadership of the federation to contacts with the leaderships of the republics. As soon as Croatia and Slovenia declared their independence on June 25, 1991, the official Bulgarian position followed that of the European Community (EC), which had initially advocated the preservation of the Yugoslav federation. At the same time, Sofia expressed its principled view that the individual Yugoslav republics were free to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination. Already during the early autumn of 1991, Sofia officially received guests at government level from Croatia, Slovenia and Macedonia. After them, Bulgaria’s attention turned to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Bulgarian ambassador in Belgrade visited Sarajevo on 22 and 23 October 1991. He held an impressive number of meetings covering the whole spectrum of state and party institutions. At the end of 1991 Bulgaria was preparing to establish full relations with the Yugoslav republics. It was ready to recognise their independence, but it had stated an official position that it would synchronise concrete steps in this respect with the moves of the EC. The positions of Turkey and Greece were also important for Bulgaria. On January 13, 1992, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry decided to include Bosnia and Herzegovina „in a package” with the other Yugoslav republics to be recognised as independent states. The Bulgarian government’s decision was officially announced on 15 January 1992. Some Bulgarian politicians had some concerns about Bosnia and Herzegovina, which had not even yet held a referendum on secession from Yugoslavia. The opinion of the Bulgarian Prime Minister Philip Dimitrov was decisive: „It was more beneficial for me to look incompetent in constitutional and legal terms on the issue of Bosnia than to create a mess for me and be one of the people who encouraged Milosevic to enter Bosnia”. Although it claimed that it was relying on the criteria adopted by the EC, Bulgaria actually went much further than the EC, which only recognised Slovenia and Croatia. Sofia’s recognition of Bosnia and Herzegovina was symbolically important because it came in a moment of rising extreme internal conflict when the whole of Europe was silent and hesitant how to react.

Authority as (qualified) indubitability

ABSTRACT Self-ascriptions of one's current mental states often seem authoritative. It is sometimes thought that the authority of such self-ascriptions is, in part, a matter of their indubitability. However, they do not seem to be universally indubitable. How, then, should claims about self-ascriptive indubitability be qualified? Here I consider several such qualifications from the literature. Finding many of them wanting, I nevertheless settle on multiple specifications of the thesis that self-ascriptions are authoritatively indubitable. Some of these specifications concern how other agents ought to treat one's self-ascriptions, while a final specification concerns how one is entitled to respond to others’ doubts about one's self-ascriptions. The result is a pluralistic view of self-ascriptive indubitability: different types of mental state self-ascriptions are indubitable in different ways, and for different people.

A novel perspective on the selection of an effective approach to reduce road traffic accidents under Fermatean fuzzy settings.

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) pose a significant hazard to the security of the general public, especially in developing nations. A daily average of more than three thousand fatalities is recorded worldwide, rating it as the second most prevalent cause of death among people aged 5-29. Precise and reliable decisionmaking techniques are essential for identifying the most effective approach to mitigate road traffic incidents. This research endeavors to investigate this specific concern. The Fermatean fuzzy set (FFS) is a strong and efficient method for addressing ambiguity, particularly when the concept of Pythagorean fuzzy set fails to provide a solution. This research presents two innovative aggregation operators: the Fermatean fuzzy ordered weighted averaging (FFOWA) operator and the Fermatean fuzzy dynamic ordered weighted geometric (FFOWG) operator. The salient characteristics of these operators are discussed and important exceptional scenarios are thoroughly delineated. Furthermore, by implementing the suggested operators, we develop a systematic approach to handle multiple attribute decisionmaking (MADM) scenarios that involve Fermatean fuzzy (FF) data. In order to show the viability of the developed method, we provide a numerical illustration encompassing the determination of the most effective approach to alleviate road traffic accidents. Lastly, we conduct a comparative evaluation of the proposed approach in relation to a number of established methodologies.

Variation in population assemblage of Acanthuridae and Scaridae across human concentration levels during a bleaching event affecting the coral reefs of Guna Yala, Panama

Abstract Coral reefs are the ocean's most productive ecosystem, supporting a huge amount of biodiversity, and are relied upon by millions of people worldwide. As we progress into the Anthropocene, coral reef ecosystems are increasingly threatened by a swath of pressures. Of the most impactful are El-Niño Southern Oscillation-related heat pulses, which result in the bleaching and potential mortality of coral reefs. Bleaching events, in synergy with other threats, are increasing algal-dominated reefs, which impact the productiveness of coral reef ecosystems. Herbivorous fish are the prominent algal consumers and are essential in controlling algal blooms. Species from the family Acanthuridae and Scaridae are the most conspicuous of herbivorous fish on coral reefs, and through a diverse array of physiological differences compose several unique functional groups. The population distribution of Acanthuridae and Scaridae are directly correlated with coral reef characteristics and composition and can suffer from bleaching events as well. Despite their importance in maintaining reef health and improving resilience to disturbances, there is a very scarce collection of literature that describes the population assemblage of Acanthuridae and Scaridae spp. during bleaching events. This study aims to contribute to this underreported phenomenon. Visual surveys of Acanthuridae and Scaridae species were conducted to measure the average density, mean size, and biomass in terms of coral reef characteristics across a human concentration gradient in Guna Yala, Panama. Results suggest a similar overall abundance of herbivorous fish between the two reef locations, with significantly larger sizes and biomass of A. coeruelus, S. aurofrenatum, S. viride, and S. iseri in reefs further away from human concentration. This correlates with significantly higher rugosity on these reefs. The mean size of each respective species appears to be lower than previously reported across the Caribbean. Additionally, the biomass distribution was strikingly skewed by S. viride which corresponds to almost ¾ of the total biomass. This indicates that the current bleaching event is having drastic impacts on the distribution of herbivorous fish populations, which is exacerbated by proximity to human concentration. This can have very negative consequences for the recovery of these reefs following the bleaching event. Of specific concern are the coral reefs closer to humans. Data from benthic composition surveys show that macroalgae cover and overall coral bleaching are significantly higher compared to reefs far from humans. This study provides vital information that may be useful for future studies to identify coral reef resilience to bleaching events through the scope of Acanthuridae and Scaridae population distribution. Lay Summary The ocean is a crucial and largely unexplored part of our planet. One area that has begun to receive sufficient scientific attention is coral reefs. This is because, despite only covering less than 1% of the ocean’s surface, coral reefs support a quarter of all marine life. This rich environment provides more than a billion people with their primary source of protein and offers coastal protection to hundreds of millions of people. However, the future of coral reefs is under threat. Due to climate change and human pressures, coral reefs are facing mortality on a worldwide scale. Of the most lethal are bleaching events, when the water temperature rises past the threshold of coral, and they turn white and die. At the same time, corals face a daily threat from increasing algae coverage, which can smother and kill the coral. These threats have intensified in the recent few decades and may permanently alter the biodiversity and productivity of coral reefs. Understanding these changes is of utmost importance, and one way to do so is to study the animals that eat algae and give coral a chance to thrive—herbivorous fish. This paper analyzes the population distribution of two herbivorous fish families: Acanthuridae (surgeonfish) and Scaridae (parrotfish) during a bleaching event. Learning how a bleachingevent can impact the presence of these essential species among coral reefs has rarely been accomplished in scientific literature, so this paper offers valuable contributions to a more comprehensive understanding of reef health during bleaching events and our changing world.

Attitudes towards Medication Intake in Patients with Mental Illness are influenced by Their Own and Relatives’ Beliefs about Medication

Aim: In patients with psychiatric illness, beliefs and attitudes towards psychotropic medications influence their treatment adherence, in turn on treatment outcomes. Purpose: We examined the components of a relative’s beliefs about medication influencing the components of the patient’s beliefs about medication that in turn influences drug taking attitudes. Subjects and Methods: Patients and their relatives attending Psychiatry department who consented were both administered BMQ (Beliefs about Medication questionnaire). For patients, Drug attitude Inventory (DAI) was administered. Medication adherence was ascertained. Pearson’s correlation on the Patient’s BMQ sub-scales, relatives BMQ sub-scales and DAI was done. Multiple linear Regression analysis with Relatives and Patient BMQ sub scale on DAI was done. A mediation analysis to assess strengths of Direct and Indirect effects on the dependent variable as DAI was done. Results: 79 subjects participated in the study. Mediation analysis showed that DAI is directly negatively influenced by the Patient’s BMQ specific concern, coefficient (- 0.99), 95 % CI (-1.44, -0.55) and positively by patient’s BMQ specific necessity coefficient (0.55), 95 % CI (0.22, 0.88). Total indirect effect of Pt. Specific concerns through pt. specific necessity on DAI was coefficient (0.24), 95 % CI (0.05, 0.53). Patient specific concerns are in turn influenced by relatives specific concern, coefficient (0.43), 95 % CI (0.202, 0.507) and relative’s specific necessity, coefficient (0.295, 05 % CI [0.117, 0.387). Conclusion: Patient’s with high concerns about medication have more negative attitude towards medication intake which are in turn influenced by relative’s concerns and need for medication intake. Identification of such targets could help in counseling about medication use.

Occurrence, virulence, and resistance genes in Salmonella enterica isolated from an integrated poultry company in Jordan

Salmonella is considered one of the most common foodborne pathogens worldwide. The annual number of hospitalizations and deaths related to zoonotic salmonellosis, which is transmitted from animals to humans and infects poultry and meat, is expected to be significant. Hence, the primary aims of this research were to isolate and characterize Salmonella species obtained from an integrated poultry company and identify some virulence, and antimicrobial resistance, with a specific concern about colistin resistance genes. A total of 635 samples collected from various sources in an integrated company in Jordan were screened for Salmonella species accompanying their virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes. Samples were collected from parent stock house drag swabs, broiler farms, premix, cecum at the slaughterhouse level, pre-chilling and post-chilling stages, and the final product. Salmonella species were detected in 3% (6\\200) of investigated parent stock house drag swabs, 13.8% (11/80) from cloacal swabs from broiler farms, 16.9% (11/65) from boiler farms premix, 24.4% (11/45) from the cecum at slaughterhouse level, 16.4% (9/55) from the pre-chilling stage, 37.8% (17/45) from the post-chilling stage and 53.3% (24/45) from the final product stage. No isolates were detected in feed mills (0/20), parents' premix (0/40), or hatcheries (0/40). Salmonella isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin (91.0%), nalidixic acid (86.5%), doxycycline (83.1%), tetracycline (83.1%), sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim (79.8%) and ampicillin (76.4%). Serotyping shows that S. Infantis was the predominant serovar, with 56.2%. Based on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test, 39.3% (35/89) of the isolates were resistant to colistin; however, no mcr genes were detected. Among antimicrobial-resistant genes, blaTEM was the most prevalent (88.8%). Furthermore, the spvC, ompA, and ompF virulence genes showed the highest percentages (97.8%, 97.8%, and 96.6%, respectively). In conclusion, Salmonella isolates were found at various stages in the integrated company. S. Infantis was the most prevalent serotype. No mcr genes were detected. Cross-contamination between poultry production stages highlights the importance of good hygiene practices. Furthermore, the presence of virulence genes and the patterns of antimicrobial resistance present significant challenges for public health.

Human cytomegalovirus seropositivity and its influence on oral rotavirus vaccine immunogenicity: a specific concern for HIV-exposed-uninfected infants.

Oral rotavirus vaccines demonstrate diminished immunogenicity in low-income settings where human cytomegalovirus infection is acquired early in childhood and modulates immunity. We hypothesized that human cytomegalovirus infection around the time of vaccination may influence immunogenicity. We measured plasma human cytomegalovirus-specific immunoglobulin M antibodies in rotavirus vaccinated infants from 6 weeks to 12 months old and compared rotavirus immunoglobulin A antibody titers between human cytomegalovirus seropositive and seronegative infants. There was no evidence of an association between human cytomegalovirus serostatus at 9 months and rotavirus-specific antibody titers at 12 months (geometric mean ratio 1.01, 95% CI: 0.70, 1.45; P = 0.976) or fold-increase in RV-IgA titer between 9 and 12 months (risk ratio 0.999, 95%CI: 0.66, 1.52; P = 0.995) overall. However, HIV-exposed-uninfected infants who were seropositive for human cytomegalovirus at 9 months old had a 63% reduction in rotavirus antibody geometric mean titers at 12 months compared to HIV-exposed-uninfected infants who were seronegative for human cytomegalovirus (geometric mean ratio 0.37, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.77; P = 0.008). While the broader implications of human cytomegalovirus infections on oral rotavirus vaccine response might be limited in the general infant population, the potential impact in the HIV-exposed-uninfected infants cannot be overlooked. This study highlights the complexity of immunological responses and the need for targeted interventions to ensure oral rotavirus vaccine efficacy, especially in vulnerable subpopulations.

Blockchain Technology Adoption Through the UTAUT Model

This paper studies the adoption of blockchain technology under the scope of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Previous results on Management Information Systems (MIS) research are divergent about the significance of UTAUT variables in explaining the adoption behaviour of blockchain technology. The paper focuses on this specific concern and tries to contribute to existing studies by testing the model in a specific context (Tunisia) and by considering the individual variable “trust in technology” as a mediating one. For this aim, a structural equation approach is adopted among 95 Tunisian professional respondents operating in technology-based sectors. The findings stipulate the importance of facilitating conditions and performance expectancy as drivers of the adoption intention. Additionally, the study reveals that trust in technology is significant in its mediating role in influencing the intention of adoption with the facilitating conditions and the social influence constructs. Moreover, the paper uncovers a direct relationship with the same variable. These findings provide valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners in understanding the factors that influence blockchain technology adoption in the Tunisian context and stress the indirect role of trust in technology with which decision-makers should be concerned.

Enhancing open-set domain adaptation through unknown-filtering multi-classifier adversarial network

Domain adaptation is a fundamental research problem that aims to address the domain shift issue during the transfer of a model from a labeled source domain to an unlabeled target domain. In traditional domain adaptation scenarios, it is assumed that the class spaces of both the source and target domains are identical. However, real-world applications often entail situations where the target domain contains private classes that are absent in the source domain. Forcing the alignment of these two domains may result in negative transfer. This specific concern is addressed by the emerging field of Open-set Domain Adaptation (OSDA). Previous OSDA methods attempted to align the known classes between the source and target domains while separating the unknown samples. However, these methods are inadequate in effectively discerning instances from the unknown classes. Therefore, we propose Enhancing Open-Set Domain Adaptation through Unknown-Filtering Multi-Classifier Adversarial Network (UFMCAN), which leverages multiple classifiers including a weighted auxiliary classifier, an open-set recognizer, a primary classifier and a three-way domain discriminator through adversarial learning to effectively filter instances from the unknown classes present in the target domain while concurrently aligning the source and target-known distribution. Experiments on extensive benchmarks (Office-31, Office-Home, VisDA-2017 and Office-Mix) demonstrate the superior performance of UFMCAN compared to existing state-of-the-art methods.