Disentangling microbial coupled fillers mechanisms for the permeable layer optimization process in multi-soil-layering systems.

The multi-soil-layering (MSL) systems is an emerging solution for environmentally-friendly and cost-effective treatment of decentralized rural domestic wastewater. However, the role of the seemingly simple permeable layer has been overlooked, potentially holding the breakthroughs or directions to addressing suboptimal nitrogen removal performance in MSL systems. In this paper, the mechanism among diverse substrates (zeolite, green zeolite and biological ceramsite) coupled microorganisms in different systems (activated bacterial powder and activated sludge) for rural domestic wastewater purification was investigated. The removal efficiencies performed by zeolite coupled with microorganisms within 3 days were 93.8% for COD, 97.1% for TP, and 98.8% for NH4+-N. Notably, activated sludge showed better nitrification and comprehensive performance than specialized nitrifying bacteria powder. Zeolite attained an impressive 89.4% NH4+-N desorption efficiency, with a substantive fraction of NH4+-N manifesting as exchanged ammonium. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that aerobic and parthenogenetic anaerobic bacteria dominated the reactor, with anaerobic bacteria conspicuously absent. And the heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification (HN-AD) process was significant, with the presence of denitrifying phosphorus-accumulating organisms (DPAOs) for simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal. This study not only raises awareness about the importance of the permeable layer and enhances comprehension of the HN-AD mechanism in MSL systems, but also provides valuable insights for optimizing MSL system construction, operation, and rural domestic wastewater treatment.

Lipid content and G6PDH activity in relation to ooplasm morphology and oocyte maturational competence in the domestic cat model.

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between ooplasm morphology, lipid content, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity (G6PDH) and maturation potential of domestic cat oocytes. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were classified according to ooplasm morphology: evenly dark (dCOC), heterogeneous/mosaic (hCOC), or light/transparent (lCOC), however only dCOCs are thought to be the best-quality, the remaining ones are usually rejected, therefore little is known about their intracellular properties. Lipid droplets (LDs) were visualized and quantified using Oil Red O. G6PDH activity was assessed before in vitro maturation (IVM), using the brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) test. IVM-control oocytes underwent IVM without BCB staining. The dCOCs and hCOCs had different patterns of LD spatial distribution, but similar amounts of lipid, although this tended towards being lower in hCOCs. Low G6PDH activity (BCB+) was observed in 74 %, 60 % and 24 % (P < 0.01) of dCOCs, hCOCs, and lCOCs, respectively. Significantly more BCB+ /oocytes than BCB-/oocytes reached the metaphase II stage in all groups. The maturation rate of BCB+ /hCOCs was higher than that of IVM/hCOC-controls (40 % v.s. 20 %, P < 0.001), and was comparable to that of BCB+ /dCOCs (54 %; P > 0.05). lCOCs were the smallest (P < 0.01), contained fewer (P < 0.01) lipids than dCOCs or hCOCs, and displayed reduced maturational potential. Overall, LD content and distribution, as well as G6PDH activity, in cat oocytes were strongly associated with ooplasm morphology and oocyte maturational competence. Deeper understanding of the intrinsic properties of oocytes with different ooplasm morphology using the domestic cat model, may be particularly important in the context of the conservation of endangered felids.

Strengthening the enrichment of anaerobic ammonia oxidizing bacteria in biofilms through sludge concentration control.

Controlling sludge concentration is an effective means to achieve PN. In this article, the reactor used domestic sewage as raw water and promoted the high enrichment of anammox bacteria by controlling the MLVSS of flocs to 1000-1500 mg/L and increasing the concentration of filler sludge. The measures to reduce the concentration of flocculent sludge increased the proliferation rate of the biofilm and provided sufficient substrate for AnAOB. After 102 days of operation, the abundance of Candidatus Brocadia increased from 0.43% during inoculation to 23.56% in phase VI. The ability of the microbial community to utilize energy metabolism and produce ATP was significantly improved, and the appropriate distribution of anammox bacteria and nitrifying, denitrifying bacteria in the ecological niche led to its high enrichment. In summary, this study proposes a strategy to promote the high enrichment of anammox bacteria in mainstream domestic sewage without adding any chemicals.

Successful ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up (OPU) and subsequent in vitro embryo production in a domestic cat.

Ovum Pick Up (OPU) is a minimally invasive technique widely used in cattle and mares for oocyte retrieval, involving ultrasound-guided puncture of ovarian follicles. It has been demonstrated that this technique is safe for its repeated use in the same female without affecting her reproductive health, allowing for the retrieval of oocytes in individuals regardless of their reproductive status. The oocytes obtained through OPU can subsequently be used for in vitro embryo production (IVP) using assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) or be cryopreserved in biobanks for their future use. Traditionally, the minimally invasive technique of choice performed in vivo in domestic and wild felines was LOPU (laparoscopic-guided ovum pick up). The present study was designed to explore if ultrasound-guided OPU in the domestic cat is safe and effective. In an initial series of ex vivo experiments (n = 92 ovaries, n = 434 oocytes), the effect of different aspiration pressures for oocyte collection was explored. These experiments identified 43 mmHg as the optimal aspiration pressure, resulting in the highest recovery rate and a favorable maturation and blastocyst rate. Subsequently, 16 grade I and II oocytes were retrieved by OPU and 101 oocytes were retrieved following ovariectomy and slicing. Sixteen oocytes obtained with each technique were subjected to in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). A total of 14 presumptive zygotes were selected for in vitro culture (IVC) from each group (OPU and slicing), obtaining a cleavage rate of 57.1 % and 64.2 %, a morula rate of 28.5 % in both groups, and a blastocyst rate of 7.14 % and 14.2 % respectively. The hormonal stimulation protocol was well-tolerated, with no adverse effects observed. Moreover, no complications arose during the ovariectomy performed post-OPU. The use of this technique in domestic cats represents a significant step forward in terms of safety, replicability, and invasiveness, serving as a valuable model for its application in wild felids species. Additional research involving a greater number of animals is required to validate these encouraging findings.

Association Between Domestic Violence and Mental Health Among Nepalese Women: Results from a Nationally Representative Sample.

This study aims to examine the association between exposure to domestic violence and mental health outcomes, such as symptoms of depression and anxiety among married women in Nepal. The 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey was used. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed. A complex sampling frame was used to ensure the accuracy of the sample. A total of 4,211 women aged 14 to 49 years were analyzed. Among women between the ages of 15 and 49, 22.8% experience anxiety, and 22.5% experience depressive symptoms. Nearly 50% of women who had experienced domestic violence had symptoms of anxiety and depression. At the multivariate level, in Model 1, the study found that wealthy women were less likely to have anxiety (OR = 0.75; 95% CI [0.58, 0.96] and depression (OR = 0.70; 95% CI [0.54, 0.91]) than poor women. Similarly, women of the former untouchable caste were more likely to have anxiety (OR = 1.51; 95% CI [1.14, 2.00]) and depression (OR = 1.20; 95% CI [0.91, 1.58]) than high-caste women. In Model 2, the odds of anxiety and depressive symptoms were 1.70 (95% CI [1.29, 2.24]) and 1.99 (95% CI [1.48, 2.67]), respectively, for those women who had experienced severe physical violence. The odds of experiencing anxiety and depression were 2.88 (95% CI [2.28, 3.64]) and 3.04 (95% CI [2.32, 3.98]) times, respectively, for those women who had experienced emotional abuse. Similarly, women who had been sexually assaulted had 2.34 (95% CI [1.72, 3.20]) and 1.67 times (95% CI [1.23, 2.26]) more likely to experience anxiety and depression than women who had never been sexually assaulted. We found a strong association between mental health problems and women's experience of domestic violence. To address the mental health of Nepalese women, it is critical to strengthen domestic violence prevention programs, especially those targeting the lowest social strata of the population.

The Role of Identity and Gender Beliefs in Self-Identification of Abuse for Male Victims of IPV.

Men experience numerous barriers in seeking help or resources after intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization, with one barrier being a reluctance or lack of ability to identify that they have been victims of IPV. This study examines factors relating to male victims of IPV self-identification of abuse. Using a gender socialization approach, demographics and facets of masculine honor ideology were tested to see whether they were significantly related to self-identifying as experiencing abuse in their relationship. Using a sample of 289 men, the frequency of individuals who self-identified as someone who had been in an abusive relationship was compared to the number of individuals who indicated IPV victimization on the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2), and percentages of correct identification were calculated. In addition, a binary logistic regression was run to examine factors that were related to someone identifying as a victim of IPV compared to those that were not. When directly asked if they had ever experienced abuse in a romantic relationship, a total of 41 (14.2%) men self-identified as having been a victim of IPV. However, when examining scores on the CTS2, 69 (23.9%) reported some sexual IPV, 201 (69.6%) indicated psychological abuse, and 59 (20.4%) indicated physical abuse. Subscales of the Masculine Honor Belief Scale were not found to have a significant relationship with self-identification, but differences were found among types of IPV and demographics. Specifically, men who identify as LGBTQ+ were significantly more likely to identify when they experienced IPV victimization. Barriers to male self-identification and treatment are discussed.

Endogenous retrovirus ERV-DC8 highly integrated in domestic cat populations is a replication-competent provirus.

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections in vertebrate genomes and are inherited by offspring. ERVs can produce pathogenic viruses through gene mutations or recombination. ERVs in domestic cats (ERV-DCs) generate feline leukemia virus subgroup D (FeLV-D) through viral recombination. Herein, we characterized the locus ERV-DC8, on chromosome B1, as an infectious replication-competent provirus. ERV-DC8 infected several cell lines, including human cells. Transmission electron microscopy of ERV-DC8 identified the viral release as a Gammaretrovirus. ERV-DC8 was identified as the FeLV-D viral interference group, with feline copper transporter 1 as its viral receptor. Insertional polymorphism analysis showed high ERV-DC8 integration in domestic cats. This study highlights the role, pathogenicity, and evolutionary relationships between ERVs and their hosts.

Examination of parents' sensitivity levels to violence against children during the COVID-19: A post-pandemic evaluation.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate parents' thoughts, and sensitivity levels about violence against children during the COVID-19 period after the pandemic. DESIGN AND METHODS: The population of this descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational, and multicenter study consisted of parents registered in six family health centers in a city in southern Turkey. Study data were collected between April and November 2023 using information forms that included questions about parents' personal information, and their thoughts about violence against children during the pandemic and the Sensitivity to Violence Against Children Scale and analyzed. RESULTS: According to 42.3% of parents, children's exposure to violence increased during the pandemic; 64.7% stated that children experienced emotional violence the most. Parents who thought that there was a decrease in the reports of violence due to school closures, social distancing, and restriction of children's access to health, and social and legal services had higher SVACS mean scores than those who did not think so (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the parents thought that children's exposure to violence increased and reports of violence decreased during the pandemic. In addition, parents' thoughts toward violence against children during the pandemic period were associated with their level of sensitivity to violence against children. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: During the pandemic period, it is important that pediatric nurses, who are in direct contact with children, are in contact with parents and take an active role in the process in the prevention, early detection and reporting of violence against children.

An evaluation of education videos for women experiencing domestic and family violence in healthcare settings: protocol for a mixed methods systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Domestic and family violence (DFV) is a significant public health issue that poses a high risk to women, globally. Women experiencing DFV have higher rates of healthcare utilisation than women not experiencing DFV. Healthcare services are therefore well placed to address DFV and deliver education and awareness interventions to women. Video interventions are a strategy to deliver education to women, while overcoming barriers such as language, literacy, lack of rapport with clinician, or unwillingness to disclose. The current review will aim to further understand the characteristics, methods of evaluation, and outcomes of DFV video education interventions for perinatal women. METHODS: The review will be reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement. A systematic search will be conducted of the following databases: Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts against the inclusion criteria, followed by a full text screening of eligible articles. A third reviewer will resolve discrepancies. All study types will be included. Only studies published in English will be included. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies (QuADS) tool. Data will undergo an aggregate mixed method synthesis informed by The Joanna Briggs Institute, before being analysed using a thematic approach. DISCUSSION: This systematic review will provide evidence on best practice for the creation, delivery, and evaluation of DFV video interventions for women in the peripartum. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42023475338.

Effect of Training of Adolescents on Household Environmental Safety from Childhood Injuries in a Rural Area of Delhi.

Introduction: The environment poses an important risk in the causation of injuries in children. Simple measures in improving the safety of the domestic and peri-domestic environment can go a long way in preventing injuries. This study was conducted to assess the effect of training of the adolescents in the families, on the household environmental safety regarding childhood injuries. Materials and Methods: A pre- and post-intervention study was conducted over 16 months, on 116 families of two villages of Delhi. Data were collected regarding domestic and peri-domestic environments along with danger points with respect to injuries, of the enrolled houses, during the pre- and post-intervention phases of 4 months each. The intervention comprised training of the eldest adolescent of the family, on causes of common injuries and role of environment in injury causation. Scores were assigned to all relevant aspects, and the total environmental safety scores were calculated. The comparison was made between pre- and post-intervention scores of the two areas. Results: Environmental safety scores were more than 70% in both areas at the baseline with no difference between the two areas. In the intervention area, there was statistically significant improvement of scores after the intervention, in the domestic environment and danger signs within the houses. Conclusion: Training adolescents about the prevention of injuries and motivating them to remain vigilant over domestic environment are effective in bringing about significant change in the household environment with regard to safety from injuries in children. Repeated visits by health workers also increase awareness and change the household environment making it safer for children.

COVID-Related Financial Issues Experienced by Women-Identifying Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on the economic well-being of women, particularly those experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). While some scholars have included common economic risk factors in their studies on COVID-related IPV experiences, fewer have looked specifically at the nature of the financial issues experienced. As such, the purpose of this study was to better understand the types of financial issues that survivors experienced because of the COVID-19 pandemic and their association with different forms of IPV. In July 2022, a sample of 571 women-identifying IPV survivors living in the United States participated in an online survey via Qualtrics panel service. The mean age of participants was 42, and 69% identified as White, non-Hispanic. On average, participants experienced approximately three COVID-related financial issues. After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, economic abuse and economic abuse-related financial debt were both significantly associated with COVID-related financial issues. Study findings have important implications for economically supporting IPV survivors through research, policy, and practice.

A Brief Online Motivational Tool to Promote Early Help-Seeking in Men Using Abuse and Violence in Relationships: A Feasibility Trial.

Men's use of domestic violence is a major public health issue globally. However, the potential for technology to address this issue has been limited within research and practice. This study aimed to test the feasibility and acceptability of an online healthy relationship tool (BETTER MAN) for men who have used domestic violence to encourage help-seeking. A pre- and postsurvey with a 3-month follow-up was used. One hundred and forty men enrolled, with retention rates of 79% (111) immediately after BETTER MAN and 62% (86) at 3 months. Participants were diverse men (mean age of 32 years, 33% born outside Australia, 19% in same-sex relationships, and 2% Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander). The majority (70%, 58) of men reported behaviors classified as moderate risk (e.g., checked partner's phone, picked on partner, and controlled money) and 24% (20) as high-risk behaviors (e.g., scared partner, physical force, and unwanted sexual activities). Post BETTER MAN, there was a significant increase in mean intention to contact counseling service (baseline 5.8, immediately 6.7, and 3-month follow-up 7.2) and mean confidence in the ability to seek help (baseline 3.7, immediately 5.1, and 3-month follow-up 7.2). Men's readiness to make changes in behavior median score significantly moved from baseline (5.9-I am not ready to take action), immediately (6.7-I am ready to make some changes), and 3-month follow-up (7.2-I have begun to change my behavior). At 3-month follow-up, 55% (47/86) of men reported accessing counseling services compared with 34% (46/140) of men at baseline. Findings suggest that it is feasible that BETTER MAN might work to engage men to seek help and is acceptable to men using domestic violence. However, a large-scale randomized controlled trial is needed to determine the effectiveness of BETTER MAN on help-seeking behaviors for men's use of domestic violence.

The Sounds of Silence: Making Sense of the Absence of Domestic Violence Victims Help Seeking During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Increased concern was raised globally at the outbreak of COVID-19 that victims of domestic violence would be even more at risk when isolated with a violent partner and out of reach of support due to restrictions. Swedish staff in violence against women services prepared for increased calls for help. Instead, a worrying silence arose in a time and place of high uncertainty. This article analyzes the narratology of risk, when staff members in violence against women services, reflect upon their accounts, responses, and experiences, during the pandemic. The analysis is based on three themes, accounting for expected increased influx, making sense of silence and accounting for mobilization. The findings are discussed by applying the relational theory of risk.

Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii and potential tick vectors infesting domestic ruminants and community perception of the disease in pastoral areas of south Omo zone, southern Ethiopia.

Background: Q fever is a worldwide occurring neglected zoonotic disease with great economic importance. The etiological agent, Coxiella burnetii, is a bacterium usually associated with subclinical infections in livestock, but may also cause reproductive pathology and spontaneous abortions in artiodactyl species including goats, sheep and cattle which are deemed to be the primary reservoirs of this disease. Aims: The present cross-sectional and questionnaire survey was undertaken in three districts of the South Omo zone with the aims to comprehend the community perception of livestock keepers and professionals about the disease, estimate the seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) in cattle and small ruminants and to determine the species of potential tick vectors of C. burnetii infesting cattle, sheep and goats. Methods: A standard questionnaire was used to assess the community perception of livestock keepers and animal health professionals in the area about Q fever. Sera samples were collected from 1350 ruminants comprising 450 cattle, 450 goats and 450 sheep to detect C. burnetii antibodies using the ELISA technique. Furthermore, a total of 279 cattle, 197 goats and 73 sheep were examined for the presence of ticks, and overall, 2720 ticks were collected (1299 from cattle, 1020 from goats and 401 from sheep) and identified to the species level using morphologically identification keys. Results: Findings of the study indicated that 43% of animal owners were aware of the main symptoms of the disease while the remaining 57% did not notice these symptoms in their animals. Additionally, majority of animal health professionals 76.2% in the area reported they were familiar with the causative agent of Q fever, while 23.8% expressed uncertainty regarding the cause of coxiellosis. An overall seroprevalence of C. burnetii of 37.6% in cattle (37.4% in female and 37.8% in male cattle) and 28.7% in small ruminants was recorded (which is significantly higher in goats than in sheep). The study indicated statistically significantly higher seroprevalence of C. burnetii (49.8%) in cattle infested with ticks than in those cattle free of ticks (24.2%), with three times higher seropositivity (OR = 2.97, p = 0.000) as compared to those cattle free of ticks (24.2%). Similarly, statistically significantly higher seroprevalence of C. burnetii was recorded in both sheep and goats infested with ticks (43.6%) as compared to those animals without ticks (22.9%), with the former being twice as likely to test seropositive (OR = 2.15, p = 0.000). A total of nine different tick species were identified, namely Amblyomma variegatum (Am. variegatum) with 26.3% (342; 217 males, 101 females and 24 nymphs), Amblyomma cohaerens (Am. cohaerens) with 47.96% (370 males, 253 females), Amblyomma gemma (Am. gemma) with 4.00% (52; 29 males, 23 female), Rhipicephalus pulchellus (Rh. pulchellus) with 10.6% (138; 87 males, 51 females), Rhipicephalus pravus (Rh. pravus) with 0.2% (3; 2 males, 1 females), Rhipicephalus evertsi (Rh. evertsi) with 4.7% (61; 39 males, 22 females), Rhipicephalus praetextatus (Rh. praetextatus) with 0.8% (10; 7 males, 3 females), Rhipicephalus decoloratus (Rh decoloratus) with 2.9% (38; 4 males, 34 females) and Hyalomma truncatum (Hy. truncatum) with 2.5% (32 females). Conclusion: The present study highlighted the significance of Q fever in ruminants and compiled information about the community perception of livestock keepers and veterinary professionals of the study areas. The role of ruminants and their ticks in the epidemiology of C. burnetii requires further research using molecular tools to better understand appropriate method of intervention that will help to reduce negative impacts on the productivities of livestock and the health of humans in Ethiopia.

Validating the concept of top scavenger: the Andean Condor as a model species.

Vultures provide the key ecosystem service of quickly removing carrion, so they have recently been assumed to be top scavengers. To challenge the concept of top scavenger (i.e. the most influential in the scavenging community and process), between 2012 and 2019, we recorded the consumption of 45 equine carcasses available for two different avian scavenger guilds in the Tropical Andes; each guild included the Andean Condor, the alleged top scavenger. The carcasses eaten by Andean Condors were consumed, on average, 1.75 times faster than those they did not eat. Furthermore, the greater abundance of feeding condors shortened carcass consumption time more than a greater abundance of any other species by 1.65 to 5.96 times, on average. These findings support the hypothesis that the Andean Condor significantly drives scavenging dynamics and is, therefore, an unrestricted top scavenger. Additionally, we established a gradient of tolerance of avian scavengers to domestic dog disturbance at carcasses, from highest to lowest: vultures > caracaras > condors. Our study framework holds great potential for advancing in food webs' comprehension through quantifying the relative functional role of scavenging communities' members and for guiding efforts to weigh up the ecological contributions of top scavengers and foster their conservation.

Validation of Scales for Researching Stakeholders' Attitudes Toward Domestic Violence in China.

Domestic violence (DV) is a significant concern within China. Currently, there are few standardized measurement tools to gauge Chinese stakeholders' perceptions and beliefs concerning DV. This research sought to validate tools to be used with such stakeholders. Factor analyses were utilized on cross-sectional, survey data from a purposive sample of 683 Chinese DV professionals working in four institutions in Guangdong. Analyses developed three scales for measuring DV Definitions, DV Attitudes, and DV Policing. The development of these scales is beneficial to advance the already growing research related to DV in China in ways that are relevant to the Chinese context.

Physiological Auricular and Cornual Asymmetries of the Sanmartinero Creole Bovine.

Asymmetric studies can indicate disturbances in the developmental process. Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) is considered an indicator of stress. The Sanmartinero (SM) creole bovine is native to the department of Meta (Colombian Orinoquia) and its adaptation process has allowed it to live in extreme tropical environments. The aim of this cross-sectional and descriptive study was to present the current state of the knowledge of asymmetries in some cephalic characters of the SM creole bovine. A total of 94 animals were studied (18 uncastrated males and 76 females) from three different farms, with an age range of 0.5-10 years. For each animal, two measurements of the ear (width and length) and two measurements of the horn (perimeter and length) were obtained in vivo. The degree of asymmetry was calculated as (R - L)/(R + L). Bilateral differences pointed towards a fluctuating asymmetry (e.g., a random variation in the trait that is expected to be perfectly symmetrical) biased towards right for ear width and horn perimeter, and towards left for ear and horn length. Since the development of these structures-ears and horns-is under the control of the same set of genes, the fluctuating asymmetry could constitute a reflection of a normal condition.

Insufficient criminal justice system response to the severity of domestic violence during the pandemic in Indonesia.

Domestic violence increased dramatically in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the previous pandemic. This article analyses how Indonesia's criminal justice system responded to domestic violence during the pandemic. This article used secondary data gathered from various online resources and legal publications. This article demonstrated that during the pandemic, victims of domestic violence in Indonesia were unable to access justice due to two significant barriers. Before filing a formal complaint with the appropriate official, victims would prefer to discuss the matter with their relatives. Furthermore, the victims could not report their cases to the responsible official due to mobility constraints. This case demonstrates that in patriarchal societies, the criminal justice system could not handle domestic violence cases more effectively. As a result, the technical operation of the criminal justice system necessitates the development of a novel method of case filing. This article proposes that the Indonesian criminal justice system establish a complaint system based on social media to provide victims of domestic violence with prompt justice. Furthermore, the legal advocacy role of the community in assisting domestic violence victims is critical.

Evidence of zoonotic rickettsiae in ixodid ticks of domestic animals in some communal farms in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Objective: The abundance of tick populations in South Africa represents a probable risk for both animal and human health. Rickettsia spp. and Borrelia spp. are well-known agents of emerging human tick-borne infectious diseases worldwide. Nevertheless, the epidemiology of their infections has been underreported in South Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to profile zoonotic Rickettsia and Borrelia species from ticks infesting domesticated animals in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Materials and Methods: Morphological and molecular identification techniques were conducted on 1,200 tick samples collected from domestic animals before screening for the target bacterial pathogens. The molecular identification of the tick samples was based on the amplification of the 12S rRNA mitochondrial Deoxyribonucleic acid. At the same time, those of Rickettsia and Borrelia species were carried out by amplifying fragments of gltA and ompB genes for Rickettsia and flaB gene for Borrelia spp. Thereafter, the positive amplicons for Rickettsia ompB were sequenced and further analyzed. Borrelia PCRs were negative; therefore, sequencing could not be performed. Results: Eight species of ticks belonging to three genera; Rhipicephalus, Amblyomma, and Haemaphysalis, were identified. A total of 27% (320/1,200) samples were confirmed positive for Rickettsia, of which 23% (74/320) were positive for ompB genes. Phylogenetic analysis of ompB revealed a high homology to rickettsial reference strains from GenBank, with no positive result for Borrelia. The generated sequences showed homology with R. africae-KX227790 (100%), R. parkeri-KY113111 (99.8%), R. peacockii (99.3%), and R. slovaca-JX683122 (99.1%) representative sequences in GenBank. Conclusion: The findings from this study revealed that ticks harbored Rickettsia species with possible zoonotic potential.

Evaluating the Functional Impairment of Assault Victims in a Judicial Context: A Multicentered Retrospective Study in Seven French Forensics Units.

Functional impairment is of major importance in the evaluation of assault victims. French law assesses the seriousness of the violence in terms of the functional impairment experienced by the victims, quantified by the duration of the victims' inability to fulfill their usual daily activities, measured in days of "total incapacity to work" (TIW). Significant variations in the duration of TIW have been reported depending on the examination centers or physician. To date, few studies, all monocentric, have focused on the determinants of this variability. We aimed to study the functional impairment of assault victims by searching for determinants of TIW. We conducted a retrospective multicenter study, including assault victims from seven forensic medicine units. The data were automatically extracted from the medical certificates drawn up and gathered within the ORFéAD database. Thirty-eight variables were studied, relating to the victim's characteristics, the circumstances of the examination and the assault, the physical and psychological symptoms, and the duration of TIW. A total of 5,663 victims were included, including 2,438 (43%) women. The median age was 32 years (min; max [10; 98]). The median duration of TIW was 2 days (min; max [0; 182]). Male gender, age, time to examination, examination center, traumatic injuries (ecchymosis, hematoma, wound, bone fracture), use of a weapon, and functional limitation were associated with the duration of TIW (p < .05). The associations formerly identified in a monocentric setting were confirmed and new determinants were identified. This study has allowed a better understanding of the factors influencing the evaluation of functional impairment and determination of the TIW of assault victims. This first study using ORféAD is intended to be supplemented by the participation of other forensic units, and the inclusion of other variables, such as violence type, victim categories, or the examining physician.