This study assesses whether a hybrid prediction–optimisation workflow can be used as an exploratory exercise for Brazilian federal budget allocation under severe data constraints. Using executed expenditure by budgetary function (2000–2023; N = 24), a multi-output XGBoost model is estimated to link spending profiles to GDP growth, inflation, and the Gini index; Bayesian optimisation (Tree-structured Parzen Estimator/Optuna) is then applied to search, within explicit bounds and penalties, for allocation vectors that maximise a stated objective function favouring higher growth and lower inflation and inequality. To mitigate data scarcity, the short series is augmented with 1048 synthetic observations generated through controlled noise injection, bootstrapped resampling and variational autoencoder reconstruction. Under randomised K-fold cross-validation on the augmented dataset, the model achieves mean R2 = 0.97 and mean MSE = 0.04, while diagnostics indicate larger errors at extreme values and a persistent training–validation gap. A secondary robustness check uses an anti-leakage design by applying cross-validation to the 24 real observations and generating synthetic data only within each training fold. This yields markedly weaker generalisation for GDP growth and inflation (overall mean MSE = 1.03; overall mean R2 = −0.45), with positive performance remaining only for the Gini index (R2 = 0.60). Under these conditions, the optimisation step identifies a scenario that satisfies the objective function on standardised outputs (GDP growth = 1.15; inflation = −0.04; Gini = −0.17). The results support the use of the workflow to compare scenarios under explicit assumptions, rather than to produce prescriptive budget guidance.

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, and published estimates determined the pooled prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode parasites affecting free-ranging chickens in Africa. Peer-reviewed articles published between 1993 and 2024 were systematically searched and screened. Prevalence estimates based on 76 eligible articles showed that of the 74,789 free-ranging chickens screened, 13,625 were infected with gastrointestinal nematodes with an overall pooled prevalence of 15% (95% CI: 13–18%). Twenty-seven nematode species were recorded, of which Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum were the commonly reported species. Southern Africa recorded the highest pooled prevalence (22%; 95% CI: 13–33%), and western Africa had the lowest (5%; 95% CI: 0–2%) despite recording the highest nematode species diversity. Tetrameridae had the highest family-level pooled prevalence of 46% (95% CI: 28–64%), and Spiruridae had the lowest 1% (95% CI: 0–3%). Most studies were conducted between the period 2014 and 2024; however, the highest pooled prevalence was observed between 1993 and 2002 (17%; 95% CI: 11–24%). The necropsy technique recorded the highest pooled prevalence (17%; 95% CI: 14–20%) compared to coproscopy (10%; 95% CI: 7–14%). The quality effects model revealed a high heterogeneity and publication bias among studies due to the diagnostic method used (P <0.05). This systematic review provided insightful information on the occurrence and potential burden of gastrointestinal nematode species of free-ranging chickens in Africa, highlighting the need for enhanced biosecurity and further research to safeguard their health, production, and food security of rural economies.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a population-scale condition with life-course health consequences, yet nutrition support remains inconsistently embedded in routine pathways. Food selectivity is common in ASD and is associated with restricted dietary variety, nutritional imbalance, gastrointestinal morbidity and cardiometabolic vulnerability. Current responses are predominantly clinic-and family-centred and are difficult to scale equitably. This commentary argues that institutional food services (schools, day-care and residential settings) are an underused public health platform to improve inclusion and accountability through sensory-accessible, nutritionally adequate meals. Because these services are commissioned, standardised and audited, sensory accessibility can be operationalised via procurement specifications and quality indicators, enabling benchmarking across sites. Evidence from sensory-informed menu adaptation and implementation work suggests feasibility within routine operations and supports evaluation using system-relevant outcomes (acceptability, nutritional adequacy, waste, feasibility and maintenance). Three policy actions are proposed: embed sensory accessibility in institutional standards, integrate nutrition across sectors and fund scale-up using implementation science.