Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have evolved from theoretical constructs to transformative technologies permeating virtually every industry and aspect of modern life. This article examines the intricate landscape of AI and ML, tracing their historical foundations from the pioneering Dartmouth Conference through contemporary breakthroughs in deep learning and neural networks. It explores the taxonomic framework distinguishing narrow and general AI, the fundamental learning paradigms driving advancement, and the architectural innovations enabling unprecedented capabilities. The examination extends to industry-specific applications across healthcare, finance, retail, transportation, and natural language processing, highlighting how these technologies create value through enhanced prediction and decision-making capabilities. Despite remarkable progress, substantial challenges persist in data quality, computational requirements, and technical implementation. Ethical considerations surrounding fairness, accountability, transparency, privacy, and socioeconomic impact demand careful attention as these technologies become increasingly embedded in critical systems. Looking forward, promising directions in foundation models, neural-symbolic integration, few-shot learning, and human-AI collaboration suggest continuing evolution of capabilities, underscoring the need for responsible development practices that align technological advancement with human values and societal benefit
It has been previously demonstrated that heifers with excitable temperament have greater cortisol concentrations and decreased conception rates to timed-artificial insemination (TAI). Nevertheless, cortisol concentrations are decreased as the handling events of an estrus synchronization protocol (ES) progress. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of acclimating heifers to the facility during the handling events of an ES protocol on temperament and conception rates to TAI. Prior to enrollment in the study (Day -10), 622 Bos taurus commercial beef heifers from five locations in the Spring of 2023 and three locations in the Spring of 2024 were evaluated for reproductive tract scores (RTS), chute score (CS), and exit velocity (EV). To determine RTS, the following scale was used based on uterine horn diameter and uterine tone: 1=immature, < 20mm diameter and no tone; 2=20-25mm diameter and no tone; 3=20-25mm diameter with slight tone; 4=30mm diameter with good tone; 5= >30mm diameter with good tone. Chute scores were recorded on a scale where 1=calm and motionless; 2=restless movements; 3=frequent movement and vocalization; 4=constant movement, vocalization, shaking, and struggling; 5=violent and continuous struggling. Exit velocity was measured using an infrared sensor. Heifers were stratified based on CS and RTS to be acclimated to the handling facility during the handling events of the ES (TRT; n=307) or serve as control (CTRL; n=315), tagged accordingly and managed as one group. All heifers were enrolled in the 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol and received TAI. Before the ES protocol handling events (Days 0, 7, and 10), TRT heifers were sorted off and acclimated to the handling facility by running them through the chute without restraint. After acclimation, they were commingled with CTRL heifers and returned to the facility for the subsequent ES event. To assess temperament, CS and EV were collected for all heifers on Days 0, 7, and 10 of the study. Estrus detection patches were placed on Day 7 and scored on Day 10. Pregnancy status was determined approximately 40 days post-TAI by transrectal ultrasonography. No treatment effects were observed for RTS (P=0.78), CS (P=0.42) and EV (P=0.17) on Day -10. Exit velocities decreased as the protocol progressed for all heifers (P< 0.0001), but did not differ between treatments (P=0.27). Additionally, no difference was observed for estrus patch scores (P=0.46) between treatments. However, TRT heifers had decreased CS on Day 10 when compared to CTRL (P=0.001) and greater conception rates to TAI (54% for TRT and 45% for CTRL; P=0.02). These results suggest that acclimating heifers to the facility during the handling events of the 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR estrus synchronization protocol led to improved chute scores, indicating a potential improvement in temperament, and effectively improved conception rates to TAI.
This article describes evidence of the therapeutic value of expressive arts programming following a natural disaster. The authors created the ‘Art Relief Map’ to serve as a living online record of the therapeutic art-based offerings that emerged organically in western North Carolina, United States, in the wake of devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in late September 2024. By sharing the ‘Art Relief Map’ and its evolution alongside several stories of art-based programme development in the midst of a drastically changed landscape, the authors depict a topography of healing that may be adapted and applied during future climate-related crises.
This study investigates the relationship between financial literacy and loan repayment performance among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Puntland, Somalia, with a focus on the urban centres of Garowe and Galkacyo. SMEs play a vital role in economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation, yet many face challenges such as inadequate bookkeeping, weak budgeting, poor debt management, and limited understanding of credit policies. These gaps often result in poor loan repayment performance, threatening business sustainability and the financial stability of lending institutions. To address this issue, the study employed a quantitative explanatory research design. Primary data were collected from a sample of 193 SME owners, selected through stratified random sampling from a total population of 13,038 SMEs. Data collection was carried out using structured questionnaires designed to measure financial literacy dimensions bookkeeping, budgeting, debt management, and understanding of credit policies and their relationship with loan repayment performance. The collected data were analysed using SPSS Version 27, employing both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The results revealed that while more than half of the respondents acknowledged the importance of accurate financial record-keeping, a substantial proportion remained neutral or disagreed, indicating significant knowledge gaps. Furthermore, inferential analysis confirmed a positive and statistically significant relationship between financial literacy dimensions and loan repayment performance. The findings highlight the need for targeted financial literacy interventions tailored to the SME sector in Puntland. It is recommended that financial institutions integrate structured financial education programs into their lending processes and that policymakers create supportive frameworks for SME capacity building. Strengthening financial literacy will not only improve repayment performance and reduce loan defaults but also contribute to the resilience of SMEs and the broader economic stability of the region.
