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Crowdsourcing Software Development (CSD) platforms, i.e., TopCoder, function as intermediaries connecting clients with developers. Despite employing systematic methodologies, these platforms frequently encounter high task abandonment rates, with approximately 19% of projects failing to meet satisfactory outcomes. Although existing research has focused on task scheduling, developer recommendations, and reward mechanisms, there has been insufficient attention to the support of platform moderators, or copilots, who are essential to project success. A critical responsibility of copilots is estimating project duration; however, manual predictions often lead to inconsistencies and delays. This paper introduces an innovative machine learning approach designed to automate the prediction of project duration on CSD platforms. Utilizing historical data from TopCoder, the proposed method extracts pertinent project attributes and preprocesses textual data through Natural Language Processing (NLP). Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) are employed to convert textual information into vectors, which are then analyzed using various machine learning algorithms. Zero-shot learning algorithms exhibit superior performance, with an average accuracy of 92.76%, precision of 92.76%, recall of 99.33%, and an f-measure of 95.93%. The implementation of the proposed automated duration prediction model is crucial for enhancing the success rate of crowdsourcing projects, optimizing resource allocation, managing budgets effectively, and improving stakeholder satisfaction.

Transformational leaders must constantly monitor their environments to identify and develop significant internal and external exposure to multiple points of view. Transformational leaders serve as role models for bridging organizational boundaries and proactive outreach to external stakeholders to communicate information, develop inter-organizational cooperation, establish coalitions, and harness resources. The major goal of this article is to examine the dynamics that drive organizational project success, specifically the impact of transformational leadership on external and internal social capital in management teams. This research analyzed transformational leadership and project success relationships in Pakistan’s construction industry setting along with the moderating role of the project manager subordinate’s social capital and the mediating role of the project manager subordinate’s self-efficacy. The data were collected from196 subordinates of project managers of different private organizations. Data were examined through correlation, regression, and the Hayes model through SPSS. According to the results, transformational leadership is positively associated with project success and substantially associated with social capital. Additionally, self-efficacy is positively associated with transformational leadership and project success, and it mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and project success. Social capital moderates the relationship between transformational leadership and project success, according to additional findings. This study sheds light on the relationship between transformational leadership and self-efficacy in the context of project success.

Competitive Crowdsourcing Software Development (CCSD) is popular among academics and industries because of its cost-effectiveness, reliability, and quality. However, CCSD is in its early stages and does not resolve major issues, including having a low solution submission rate and high project failure risk. Software development wastes stakeholders’ time and effort as they cannot find a suitable solution in a highly dynamic and competitive marketplace. It is, therefore, crucial to automatically predict the success of an upcoming software project before crowdsourcing it. This will save stakeholders’ and co-pilots’ time and effort. To this end, this paper proposes a well-known deep learning model called Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) for the success prediction of Crowdsourced Software Projects (CSPs). The proposed model is trained and tested using the history data of CSPs collected from TopCoder using its REST API. The outcomes of hold-out validation indicate a notable enhancement in the proposed approach compared to existing methods, with increases of 13.46%, 8.83%, and 11.13% in precision, recall, and F1 score, respectively.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CD44 gene, specifically in the 3'UTR region (rs13347) and intronic region (rs187115), on the cell surface expression of CD44 protein and the risk of development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)., Materials and Methods: The study involved analysis of 85 samples and 85 healthy controls. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and flow cytometry were used to assess cell surface protein expression using CD44 antibody. DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections was isolated and amplified using targeted primers. Sanger sequencing of the resultant amplified products was performed to determine the genotypes of the CD44 rs13347 and rs187115 SNPs. GTEx and RegulomeDB were queried to evaluate the genotypic effects of these variants on target gene expression and regulation., Results: A comparison between patients with HNSCC and healthy controls revealed a significant association between CD44 rs13347 and an increased risk of HNSCC in all the analyzed models, especially the TT genotype showed a significantly higher risk with an odds ratio of 8.69 (95% CI, 2.35 to 32.09; P = .0003). However, no significant association was found between CD44 rs187115 and HNSCC in any of the models analyzed (all P > .05). Other notable findings included significant associations between CD44 rs13347 genotype and age ( P = .031), number of CD44-positive tumor cells ( P = .049), CD44 staining intensity (SI; P = .039), and CD44 immunoreactivity score (IRS) status ( P = .019)., Conclusion: The T allele and homozygous TT genotype of CD44 rs13347 SNP were associated with increased susceptibility to HNSCC and decreased proportion of CD44-positive tumor cells, low SI, and reduced IRS.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting toxicant commonly used in the plastics industry, as a result, it is present in large quantities in the environment. Therefore, current study was designed to assess BPA induced neurotoxicity and molecular fate within common carp (Cyprinus carpio), largely used edible fish. Following 6 weeks exposure to BPA 1/5th of 96 h LC 50 (1.31 mg/L), brain exhibited oxidative damage, which was evidenced by compromised antioxidant system (CAT, SOD, GSH) and increased level of biomacromolecule peroxidation (MDA and 8-OHDG). Functional damage to the brain observed in the form of blood-brain barrier disruption (decreased tight junction gene expression) and nerve conduction impairment (reduced acetylcholinesterase activity). Mechanistically, apoptotic cell death indicated by characteristic alteration in key biomarkers (bcl-2, caspase, and p53-related gene family). Whereas, coadministration of powdered PP (pomegranate peel) (8 %) with BPA effectively mitigated the BPA toxicity, as evidenced by the restoration of the above-mentioned bioindicators. Thereby, BPA-induced neurotoxicity could be potentially detoxified by applying PP dietary enrichment., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background and Aim: Trypanosomiasis, a parasitic infection caused by various Trypanosoma species, poses a significant threat to global livestock, affecting both human health and economic sectors. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, focusing on key ruminant species, including camels, cattle, buffaloes, goats, and sheep., Materials and Methods: A total of 240 blood samples, comprising 48 samples from each animal species (camel, cattle, buffaloes, goat, and sheep) were collected from three districts in Southern Punjab. The collected samples were subjected to thin smear microscopy, DNA extraction, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. The molecular characterization was conducted using the TBR primer set, which targeted repeated satellite DNA regions and the cytochrome oxidase II gene of T . evansi ., Results: About 22.08% (53/240) of overall samples were positive for trypanosomiasis, with prevalence rates being 23.75% (19/80), 21.25% (17/80), and 21.75% (17/80) for districts Muzaffargarh, Lodhran, and Bahawalpur, respectively. 5.83% (14/240) of samples tested for T. evansi using PCR were positive in the districts of Muzaffargarh 7.50% (6/80), Lodhran 5.00% (4/80), and Bahawalpur 5.00% (4/80). Among the animals tested, camels had the highest positivity rate. The microscopic examination confirmed infection rates of 45.83% (22/48) for camels, 18.75% (9/48) for cattle, 8.33% (4/48) for buffaloes, 18.75% (9/48) for goats, and 18.75% (9/48) for sheep (p < 0.001). PCR results did not reveal substantial differences (p < 0.05) in prevalence: camels 12.50% (6/48), cattle 6.25% (3/48), buffaloes 0% (0/48), goats 8.33% (4/48), sheep 2.08% (1/48); while distinct disparities were detected district-wise: Muzaffargarh 23.75% (19/80), Lodhran 21.25% (17/80), and Bahawalpur 21.25% (17/80). The PCR results for these districts were insignificantly different: 7.50% (6/80), 5% (4/80), and 5% (4/80). The microscopic infection rate in camels from Bahawalpur was 56.30% (9/16). The microscopic analysis in Buffaloes reported a 6.30% (1/16) infection rate, but PCR results indicated no infections (0%) in any district. A significant difference (p < 0.001) in identifying Trypanosoma species was found between positively and negatively tested animals in both microscopic and PCR methods., Conclusion: This study emphasizes the necessity of regularly using PCR-based screening for its superior sensitivity and specificity over traditional microscopy. The varying occurrence of trypanosomiasis among districts reflects the intricate nature of this diseases epidemiology in the region. Reducing economic losses from trypanosomiasis in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, requires targeted interventions, such as vector control measures and farmer education., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright: © Tariq, et al.)

Insects are becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable and nutritious alternative protein source in poultry feeds, due to their high protein content, low environmental impact, and efficient feed conversion rates. Using insect-based feeds can reduce the need for traditional protein sources like soybean meal (SBM), which often contribute to environmental issues such as deforestation and high water consumption. The current experiments were devised to assess the impacts of the partial replacement of SBM with the American cockroach Periplaneta americana and black soldier fly Hermetia illucens on the performances, hematology, gut morphometry, and meat quality of male broilers (Ross 308). A total of 350, 1-day-old chicks weighing 40.05 ± 0.27 g were divided into 7 dietary treatments (5 pens/treatment and 10 birds/pen) at random, i.e., a 4, 8, or 12% SMB replacement with P. americana and H. illucens . Soybean meal was used as a basal diet and taken as a control. The results indicated that broilers fed on 12% P. americana or H. illucens showed significant improvements ( p < 0.05) in feed conversion ratio, live weight, and daily weight gain. Hematological traits significantly improved ( p < 0.05). A gut histology showed increased villus height, villus width, crypt depth, and villus height/crypt depth ratios, indicating improved nutrient absorption. Broiler meat fed on 12% P. americana meal had significantly higher redness and yellowness ( p < 0.05). Substituting soybean meal with up to 12% P. americana or H. illucens meal in poultry feed can enhance the broilers' growth performance, hematology, gut morphometry, and meat quality. Hence, these findings imply that P. americana or H. illucens meal are viable and constructive alternative protein sources in poultry nutrition, offering a sustainable approach to meet the increasing demand for animal protein across the world.

Cypermethrin (CYP) is a chemical of emerging concern which has persistent and bioaccumulating impacts as it can be found extensively in freshwater ecosystem and agricultural products. It has exposure risk and toxic effects over human edible fish, as common carp. Four groups were designed for toxicity assessment and detoxification approach: control group (CL), CYP exposure group (CYP), CYP + 10% M. oleifera leaves and 10% M. oleifera seeds (CMO group), 10% M. oleifera leaves and 10% M. oleifera seeds (MO group). Trial period was forty days during which cohort of 240 fish in CYP and CMO group was exposed to 1/5 of 96h LC 50 of CYP (0.1612 μg/L). CYP-exposed carp exhibited lower growth parameters, but carp fed with 10% M. oleifera seeds and leaves showed significant improvement in growth rate (SGR, RGR) and weight gain (WG) as compared to the control group. CYP exposure negatively affected haemato-biochemical parameters. Moreover, CYP exposure also led to oxidative stress, damaged immunological parameters, genotoxicity and histopathological damage in liver and intestinal cells. Whereas, M. oleifera supplementation has ameliorated these conditions. Thereby, supplementation with M. oleifera is potential and novel therapeutic detoxication approach for common carp and human health against persistent and bioaccumulating emerging chemicals., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

The widespread application of herbicides raises concerns about their impact on non-target aquatic organisms. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of a commercially available herbicide formulation containing Bromoxynil+MCPA (2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid) on Cirrhinus mrigala (economically significant fish). A total of 210 juvenile fish were subjected to a triplicate experimental setup, with 70 fish allocated to each replicate, exposed to seven different concentrations of herbicide: 0 mg/L, 0.133 mg/L, 0.266 mg/L, 0.4 mg/L, 0.5 mg/L, 0.66 mg/L, and 0.8 mg/L, respectively, for a duration of 96 h. The median lethal concentration (LC50) was determined to be 0.4 mg/L. Significant hematological alterations were observed, including decreases in RBC counts, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and lymphocyte counts, along with an increase in erythrocyte indices. Biochemical analysis revealed elevated levels of neutrophils, WBCs, bilirubin, urea, creatinine, ALT, AST, ALP, and glucose in treated groups. Morphological abnormalities in erythrocytes and histopathological changes in gills, liver, and kidneys were noted. Pathological alterations in gills, liver and kidneys including epithelial cell uplifting, lamellar fusion, hepatolysis, and renal tubule degeneration were observed. Oxidative stress biomarkers such as TBARS (Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substance), ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species), and POD (Peroxides) activity increased, while antioxidant enzymatic activities decreased as toxicant doses increased from low to high concentrations. The study reveals that Bromoxynil+MCPA significantly disrupts physiological and hematobiochemical parameters in Cirrhinus mrigala, which highlights the substantial aquatic risks. In conclusion, the herbicide formulation induced significant alterations in various fish biomarkers, emphasizing their pivotal role in assessing the environmental impact of toxicity. This multi-biomarker approach offers valuable insights regarding the toxicological effects, thereby contributing substantially to the comprehensive evaluation of environmental hazards., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background & Objectives: JIA is a disease with different immunological characteristics and a complicated genetic foundation. HLA B27 is a risk factor for the development of JIA, and its impact on immunopathogenesis of the disease is also an area of interest. To determine whether HLA B27 and immune markers varied between JIA patients and healthy population., Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Immunology Department of University of Health sciences (UHS), Lahore from February 2018 till August 2021. A total of (71) JIA patients and (34) healthy controls were enrolled. B cells were enumerated by flowcytometry, ELISA was used for serum cytokines estimation and HLA B27 allele was detected by SPSS polymerase chain reaction., Results: The HLA B27 allele was significantly more in the control group than in the patient group, suggesting it is a protective allele to prevent JIA. Peripheral blood B cell counts and percentages were significantly lower in the HLA B27 positive group than in the HLA B27 negative group of control population. Serum cytokine levels were not significantly different between the HLA B27 positive and HLA B27 negative allele of the two study populations., Conclusion: In this study B cells are different between the two groups of control population however; serum cytokines are comparable between the study groups. Though, it was indicated that HLA B27 may be a preventive allele in the onset of JIA., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: Head of ethical review committee of UHS, Lahore is also a co-author of this article., (Copyright: © Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences.)

Objectives: To probe cervical cancer screening practices in local women positive for human immunodeficiency virus, and to determine the cervical cytological changes in them., Methods: The serial cross-sectional study was conducted at the Jinnah Hospital and Services Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from April 2019 to October 2020, and comprised female patients aged 18-45 years who were positive for human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and were registered with the relevant programme being run by the provincial government in Punjab. Blood samples of all the patients were collected for the determination of human immunodeficiency virus viral load and cluster of differentiation 4+ count. Cervical smears were taken for cytopathological analysis, while the swabs were analysed for culture sensitivity. The same individuals were subjected to the same testing one year later, and the status of the disease and clinical stability or disease progression was explored. Data was analysed using SPSS 25., Results: There were 150 women with mean age 32.08±7.13 years (range: 21-45 years). Age at marriage/sexual activity was 17.33±4.73 years in 15(10%) subjects. Cytological examination showed atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance in 6(4%) of the cases whereas 3(2%) cases showed atypical squamous cells, which cannot rule out high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion on cytology, while the rest were classified as negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy. Cervical microbial changes revealed methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus infection in 9(6%) cases, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase in 15(10%) cases, whereas fungal infection and trichomonas vaginalis infection were found in 30(20%) smears. There was a significant association between cluster of differentiation 4+ cell count and stability of high-risk patients (p<0.001). After one year, 84(56%) patients remained clinically stable, while 51(34%) developed some chronic illness. There was a significant association between cluster of differentiation 4+ cell count <200/mm3 and the risk of developing a chronic illness (p<0.001)., Conclusions: There was a dire need to educate healthcare workers to offer regular cervical screening to patients with high-risk sexually-transmitted infections to prevent them from the morbidity and mortality related to cervical cancer.

The rice fish system represents an innovative and sustainable approach to integrated farming, combining rice cultivation with fish rearing in the same ecosystem. However, one of the major challenges in this system is the pesticidal pollution resulting from various sources, which poses risks to fish health and overall ecosystem balance. In recent years, dietary polyphenols have emerged as promising bioactive compounds with potential chemo-preventive and therapeutic properties. These polyphenols, derived from various plant sources, have shown great potential in reducing the toxicity of pesticides and improving the health of fish within the rice fish system. This review aims to explore the novel aspects of using dietary polyphenols to mitigate pesticidal toxicity and enhance fish health in the rice fish system. It provides comprehensive insights into the mechanisms of action of dietary polyphenols and their beneficial effects on fish health, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification properties. Furthermore, the review discusses the potential application methods of dietary polyphenols, such as direct supplementation in fish diets or through incorporation into the rice fields. By understanding the interplay between dietary polyphenols and pesticides in the rice fish system, researchers can develop innovative and sustainable strategies to promote fish health, minimize pesticide impacts, and ensure the long-term viability of this integrated farming approach. The information presented in this review will be valuable for scientists, aqua-culturists, and policymakers aiming to implement eco-friendly and health-enhancing practices in the rice fish system., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Pakistan is one of two countries globally still endemic for poliovirus. While increasing immunization coverage is a concern, providing equitable access to care is also a priority, especially for conflict-affected populations. Recognizing these challenges, Naunehal , an integrated model of maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH), immunization, and nutrition services delivered through community mobilization, mobile outreach, and private-sector engagement was implemented in conflict-affected union councils (UCs) with high poliovirus transmission, including Kharotabad 1(Quetta, Balochistan) and Bakhmal Ahmedzai (Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). A quasi-experimental pre-post-design was used to assess the impact of the interventions implemented between April 2021 and April 2022, with a baseline and an endline survey. For each of the intervention UCs, a separate, matched-control UC was identified. At endline, the proportion of fully immunized children increased significantly from 27.5% to 51.0% in intervention UCs with a difference-in-difference (DiD) estimate of 13.6%. The proportion of zero-dose children and non-recipients of routine immunization (NR-RI) children decreased from 31.6% to 0.9% and from 31.9% to 3.4%, respectively, with a significant decrease in the latter group. Scaling up and assessing the adoption and feasibility of integrated interventions to improve immunization coverage can inform policymakers of the viability of such services in such contexts.

Background: The eradication of poliovirus and improving routine immunization (RI) coverage rates present significant challenges in Pakistan. There is a need for interventions that focus on strengthening community engagement to improve routine immunization coverage. Our primary objective is to assess the impact of an integrated strategy designed to enhance community engagement and maternal and child health immunization campaigns on immunization coverage in Pakistan's high-risk union councils of polio-endemic districts., Method: We implemented an integrated approach for routine immunization and maternal and child health in the polio-endemic district of Pakistan. This approach involved setting up health camps and actively engaging and mobilizing the local community. An independent team conducted surveys at three key points: baseline, midline, and endline, to evaluate immunization coverage among children under the age of five. The primary outcome measures for the study were coverage of OPV, IPV, and changes in the proportion of unvaccinated and fully vaccinated children. To select clusters and eligible households in each cluster, we utilized a 30 × 15 cluster sampling technique. Multivariable associations between socio-demographic factors and changes in the proportion of fully vaccinated children at the UC level were assessed using hierarchical linear regression models., Results: A total of 256,946 children under the age of five (122,950 at baseline and 133,996 at endline) were enrolled in the study. By the endline, full immunization coverage had increased to 60% or more in all three study areas compared to the baseline. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the coverage of both OPV and IPV across all three provinces at the endline. The full immunization rates were assessed on three levels of the framework: the distal, intermediate (access and environment), and proximal level (camp attendance and effectiveness). At the distal level, on multivariate analysis, family size was found to be a significant predictor of change in immunity within the families (β = 0.68; p ≤ 0.0001). At the intermediate level, the likelihood of full immunization decreased with the decrease in knowledge about vaccination (β = -0.38; p = 0.002), knowledge about polio vaccine (β = -0.25; p = 0.011), and knowledge about IPV (β = -0.06; p = 0.546). Perceived obstacles to vaccination were fear of adverse events (β = -0.4; p ≤ 0.0001) and lack of education (β = 0.23; p = 0.031), which were found to be significant in bivariate and multivariate analyses. At the proximal level, community mobilization (β = 0.26; p = 0.008) and attendance at health camp (β = 0.21; p ≤ 0.0001) were found to enhance full immunization coverage. On the other hand, the most prominent reason for not attending health camp included no need to attend the health camp as the child was not ill (β = -0.13; p = 0.008)., Conclusions: This study found that community mobilization and attendance at health camps significantly enhanced full immunization coverage. The findings highlight the importance of community engagement and targeted interventions in improving immunization coverage and addressing barriers to healthcare seeking.

Background: Intellectual disability (ID) can be associated with different syndromes such as Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) and can also be related to conditions such as metabolic encephalomyopathic crises, recurrent,with rhabdomyolysis, cardiac arrhythmias and neurodegeneration. Rare congenital RSTS1 (OMIM 180849) is characterized by mental and growth retardation, significant and duplicated distal phalanges of thumbs and halluces, facial dysmorphisms, and an elevated risk of malignancies. Microdeletions and point mutations in the CREB-binding protein (CREBBP) gene, located at 16p13.3, have been reported to cause RSTS. By contrast, TANGO2-related metabolic encephalopathy and arrhythmia (TRMEA) is a rare metabolic condition that causes repeated metabolic crises, hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, arrhythmias and encephalopathy with cognitive decline. Clinicians need more clinical and genetic evidence to detect and comprehend the phenotypic spectrum of this disorder., Methods: Exome sequencing was used to identify the disease-causing variants in two affected families A and B from District Kohat and District Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Affected individuals from both families presented symptoms of ID, developmental delay and behavioral abnormalities. The validation and co-segregation analysis of the filtered variant was carried out using Sanger sequencing., Results: In the present study, two families (A and B) exhibiting various forms of IDs were enrolled. In Family A, exome sequencing revealed a novel missense variant (NM 004380.3: c.4571A>G; NP&#95;004371.2: p.Lys1524Arg) in the CREBBP gene, whereas, in Family B, a splice site variant (NM 152906.7: c.605 + 1G>A) in the TANGO2 gene was identified. Sanger sequencing of both variants confirmed their segregation with ID in both families. The in silico tools verified the aberrant changes in the CREBBP protein structure. Wild-type and mutant CREBBP protein structures were superimposed and conformational changes were observed likely altering the protein function., Conclusions: RSTS and TRMEA are exceedingly rare disorders for which specific clinical characteristics have been clearly established, but more investigations are underway and required. Multicenter studies are needed to increase our understanding of the clinical phenotypes, mainly showing the genotype-phenotype associations., (© 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Gene Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)