bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochemical analysis to study wild-type and polyglutamine-expanded ATXN3 species
Authors: Quinet Grégoire , Paz-Cabrera María Cristina , Freire Raimundo
Published: December 2024

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a cureless neurodegenerative disease recognized as the most prevalent form of dominantly inherited ataxia worldwide. The main hallmark of SCA3 is the expansion of a polyglutamine tract located in the C-terminal of Ataxin-3 (or ATXN3) protein, that triggers the mis-localization and toxic aggregation of ATXN3 in neuronal cells. The propensity of wild type and polyglutamine-expanded ATXN3 proteins to aggregate has been extensively studied over the last decades. In vitro studies with mass spectrometry techniques revealed a time-dependent aggregation of polyglutamine-expanded ATXN3 that occurs in several steps, leading to fibrils formation, a high status of aggregation. For in vivo experiments though, the techniques commonly used to demonstrate aggregation of polyglutamine proteins, such as filter trap assays, SDS-PAGE and SDS-AGE, are unable to unequivocally show all the stages of aggregation of wild type and polyglutamine-expanded ATXN3 proteins. Here we describe a systematic and detailed analysis of different known techniques to detect the various forms of both wild type and pathologic ATXN3 aggregates, and we discuss the power and limitation of each strategy.
Examination of common culture medium for human hepatocytes and engineered heart tissue: Towards an evaluation of cardiotoxicity associated with hepatic drug metabolism in vitro
Authors: Horiuchi Shinichiro , Koda Nanae , Ikeda Yui , Tanaka Yuto , Masuo Yusuke , Kato Yukio , Yamazaki Daiju
Published: December 2024

Cardiotoxicity associated with hepatic metabolism and drug–drug interactions is a serious concern. Predicting drug toxicity using animals remains challenging due to species and ethical concerns, necessitating the need to develop alternative approaches. Drug cardiotoxicity associated with hepatic metabolism cannot be detected using a cardiomyocyte-only evaluation system. Therefore, we aimed to establish a system for evaluating cardiotoxicity via hepatic metabolism by co-culturing cryopreserved human hepatocytes (cryoheps) and human iPS cell-derived engineered heart tissues (hiPSC-EHTs) using a stirrer-based microphysiological system. We investigated candidate media to identify a medium that can be used commonly for hepatocytes and cardiomyocytes. We found that the contraction length was significantly greater in the HM Dex (-) medium, the medium used for cryohep culture without dexamethasone, than that in the EHT medium used for hiPSC-EHT culture. Additionally, the beating rate, contraction length, contraction speed, and relaxation speed of hiPSC-EHT cultured in the HM Dex (-) medium were stable throughout the culture period. Among the major CYPs, the expression of CYP3A4 alone was low in cryoheps cultured in the HM Dex (-) medium. However, improved oxygenation using the InnoCell plate increased CYP3A4 expression to levels comparable to those found in the human liver. In addition, CYP3A4 activity was also increased by the improved oxygenation. Furthermore, expression levels of hepatic function-related gene and nuclear receptors in cryoheps cultured in HM Dex (-) medium were comparable to those in the human liver. These results suggest that the HM Dex (-) medium can be applied to co-culture and may allow the evaluation of cardiotoxicity via hepatic metabolism. Moreover, CYP induction by typical inducers was confirmed in cryoheps cultured in the HM Dex (-) medium, suggesting that drug–drug interactions could also be evaluated using this medium. Our findings may facilitate the evaluation of cardiotoxicity via hepatic metabolism, potentially reducing animal testing, lowering costs, and expediting drug development.
Influences of aging and mating history in males on paternity success in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Kawakami Renya , Matsumura Kentarou
Published: December 2024

The investment of males in reproductive traits is often associated with their age. For example, several empirical and theoretical studies have demonstrated that older males make greater investment in reproduction compared with younger males. However, with regards to post-copulatory sexual selection, male reproductive success might be influenced by decreasing sperm quality with male age and the interaction between aging and mating experience in males. However, only a few studies that investigated influences of male aging as well as male mating experience on their post-copulatory sexual selection. In this study, we investigated paternity success influenced by the post-copulatory sexual selection of males at different ages in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. To investigate the effects of the mating experience, the paternity success of older males who had experienced multiple matings (mated male) was compared with older males who had not experienced mating (naive male). The results of this study revealed that paternity success was not affected by male aging. In fact, naive old males exhibited significantly higher paternity success compared with old males who had previously mated. These results suggest that an interaction between male aging and their mating experience affected their paternity success, but not male aging. Our study has demonstrated that male aging affects their reproductive success in a complex interaction of multiple factors in T. castaneum.
Allelopathic effects of six alfalfa varieties at three stubbles on the germination, seedling and root growth of green foxtail and barnyardgrass
Authors: Li Meixuan , Gai Xiaohan , Bai Qian , Xu Fanru , Cheng Shipu , Miao Fuhong , Liang Qingwei , Sun Juan , Xu Yufang
Published: December 2024

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is known to release allelopathic substances to affect the germination and growth of other plants, which have the potential to be applied in controlling weeds. Green foxtail (Setaria viridis) and barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli), as malignant weeds worldwide, also pose a serious threat to alfalfa in northern China. In this study, the sensitivity of the two weeds to the extracts from the first, second, and third stubbles of six varieties were investigated to further reveal the allelopathic interference of different varieties of alfalfa on notorious weeds. The germination rate, the length and fresh weight of seedlings, the length and fresh weight of roots were measured to elucidate the allelopathy of alfalfa extracts on the two weeds. The results suggested that: (1) The allelopathy of six alfalfa varieties tested showed obvious intraspecific differences, the inhibition of Zhongmu No.3 on green foxtail and barnyardgrass was weaker than other varieties, with the values of synthetical allelopathic effect (SAE) were -0.55 and -0.29, respectively. (2) The inhibitory effect of alfalfa extracts on green foxtail was enhanced with the increase of stubbles, while the differences between three stubbles on barnyardgrass were not clear, especially between the first and second stubbles. (3) Compared with barnyardgrass (SAE = -0.39 ~ -0.29), green foxtail (SAE = -0.65 ~ -0.52) was generally more susceptible to the extracts. (4) The inhibitory effect of alfalfa extracts on root was stronger than seedling in the same weed. For example, the third stubble extracts of Baoding variety inhibited 88.00% of the roots at the concentration of 0.01 g mL-1, but did not affect the seedlings of green foxtail. The study may help to comprehensively reveal the allelopathic effect of different alfalfa varieties in the first three stubbles on green foxtail and barnyardgrass, providing scientific evidence for weed control based on natural plant extracts in the future.
Left ventricle remodeling by CMR in treated patients with primary aldosteronism and primary systemic arterial hypertension
Authors: Reiser Carolina S. , Assuncao Antonildes N. , Araujo-Filho Jose A. B. , Dantas Roberto N. , Bortolotto Luiz A. , Parga-Filho Jose R.
Published: December 2024

Background

Increased cardiac after load and multiple non-hemodynamic stimuli implicate in adverse left ventricular remodeling (LVR). This is particularly identifiable in treatment-resistant and secondary hypertension contexts, like primary hyperaldosteronism (PA), however little data exists on post-treatment residual LVR in these individuals.

Methods

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with T1 mapping were performed in 14 patients with treated PA matched with 15 treated patients with primary hypertension (PH) and 15 healthy individuals. Blood pressure (BP) control was defined as < 140 x 90mmHg.

Results

Treated PA and PH patients had similar indexed left ventricular, extracellular matrix and intracellular masses (respectively 68 ± 12g/m2, 17 ± 3g/m2 and 52 ± 10g/m2 for PA vs 63 ± 18g/m2, 16 ± 5g/m2 and 47 ± 14g/m2 for PH, p > 0.05 for all), that were significantly higher than normal individuals (47 ± 8g/m2, 11 ± 2g/m2 and 36 ± 6g/m2, respectively, p < 0.05 for all). Patients with uncontrolled BP exhibited greater cardiomyocyte hypertrophy than those controlled (55 ± 11 g/m2 vs 43 ± 11 g/m2, p = 0.01), regardless of the cause of hypertension. PH individuals had strong correlations between BP measurements and LVR parameters of the CMR, while in PA correlations were weaker.

Conclusions

In treated patients with PA and PH, CMR detected similar residual tissue LVR in both groups. Uncontrolled BP was more related to the observed LVR than to the etiology of hypertension. BP levels were more strongly correlated to CMR LVR parameters in PH than PA patients.
A comparative study evaluating three line immunoassays available for serodiagnosis of equine Lyme borreliosis: Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato-specific antibodies in serum samples of vaccinated and non-vaccinated horses
Authors: Broeckl Cornelia V. , Hiereth Stephanie , Straubinger Reinhard K.
Published: December 2024

Diagnosis of equine Lyme borreliosis (LB), an infection caused by members of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex (Bbsl), is challenging due to the nonspecific clinical signs of the disease and due to the variety of non-standardized serological tests. Specific vaccine-induced antibodies against LB, providing an effective protection against the infection, complicate the issue further. The standard for the detection of specific antibodies against Bbsl is a two-tier test system based on an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFA) for antibody screening combined with a qualitative, highly specific immunoassay (e. g. line immunoassay (LIA)) for confirmation. In this study, three LIAs available for detection of antibodies in equine serum samples were evaluated and compared. A total of 393 serum samples of 131 horses with known serostatus were used. It included groups of non-vaccinated horses, immunized horses (vaccinations against LB on days 0 and 14), and horses that had received an initial immunization plus an additional booster on day 180. Sera were collected on days 0, 135 and 210 of the study. Results were compared considering the tests’ sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic outcome, and the operability of each test. Agreements of the diagnostic results among the LIAs were calculated for overall test results and single antigen-antibody-complex signal results. They are presented as inter-rater agreement and statistic reliability, represented by the Fleiss’ kappa coefficient. Agreement scores ranged from poor to moderate depending on group and time-point of blood sample collection. Depending on LIA used, deficiencies were observed in the form of non-sufficient sensitivity of antigen signals on the LIA strips (especially for outer surface protein A (OspA) or variable major protein like sequence expressed (VlsE)) or as an inappropriate test interpretation of the OspA signal. Operability of the three LIAs was equally user-friendly with minor variations. In two LIAs, test-evaluation was simplified by a supplied scanner and evaluation software. To improve functionality of available LIAs for equine serum samples it is advisable to adjust sensitivity and specificity of single test antigen signals and establish appropriate evaluation protocols.
Immunodominant extracellular loops of Treponema pallidum FadL outer membrane proteins elicit antibodies with opsonic and growth-inhibitory activities
Authors: Delgado Kristina N. , Caimano Melissa J. , Orbe Isabel C. , Vicente Crystal F. , La Vake Carson J. , Grassmann André A. , Moody M. Anthony , Radolf Justin D. , Hawley Kelly L.
Published: December 2024

The global resurgence of syphilis has created a potent stimulus for vaccine development. To identify potentially protective antibodies against Treponema pallidum (TPA), we used Pyrococcus furiosus thioredoxin (PfTrx) to display extracellular loops (ECLs) from three TPA outer membrane protein families (outer membrane factors for efflux pumps, eight-stranded β-barrels, and FadLs) to assess their reactivity with immune rabbit serum (IRS). We identified five immunodominant loops from the FadL orthologs TP0856, TP0858 and TP0865 by immunoblotting and ELISA. Rabbits and mice immunized with these five PfTrx constructs produced loop-specific antibodies that promoted opsonophagocytosis of TPA by rabbit peritoneal and murine bone marrow-derived macrophages at levels comparable to IRS and mouse syphilitic serum. Heat-inactivated IRS and loop-specific rabbit and mouse antisera also impaired viability, motility, and cellular attachment of spirochetes during in vitro cultivation. The results support the use of ECL-based vaccines and suggest that loop-specific antibodies promote spirochete clearance via Fc receptor-independent as well as Fc receptor-dependent mechanisms.
Discovery of Nanosota-EB1 and -EB2 as Novel Nanobody Inhibitors Against Ebola Virus Infection
Authors: Bu Fan , Ye Gang , Morsheimer Kimberly , Mendoza Alise , Turner-Hubbard Hailey , Herbst Morgan , Spiller Benjamin , Wadzinski Brian E. , Eaton Brett , Anantpadma Manu , Yang Ge , Liu Bin , Davey Robert , Li Fang
Published: December 2024

The Ebola filovirus (EBOV) poses a serious threat to global health and national security. Nanobodies, a type of single-domain antibody, have demonstrated promising therapeutic potential. We identified two anti-EBOV nanobodies, Nanosota-EB1 and Nanosota-EB2, which specifically target the EBOV glycoprotein (GP). Cryo-EM and biochemical data revealed that Nanosota-EB1 binds to the glycan cap of GP1, preventing its protease cleavage, while Nanosota-EB2 binds to critical membrane-fusion elements in GP2, stabilizing it in the pre-fusion state. Nanosota-EB2 is a potent neutralizer of EBOV infection in vitro and offers excellent protection in a mouse model of EBOV challenge, while Nanosota-EB1 provides moderate neutralization and protection. Nanosota-EB1 and Nanosota-EB2 are the first nanobodies shown to inhibit authentic EBOV. Combined with our newly developed structure-guided in vitro evolution approach, they lay the foundation for nanobody-based therapies against EBOV and other viruses within the ebolavirus genus.
Cultural presentations and extension of self from the artefacts of tableware
Authors: Chiu Shui Kau
Published: December 2024

The artefacts of tableware have been designed to facilitate the essential and ineluctable daily practice of dining in western and Chinese cultures. Apart from performing their function, the artefacts also reflect the corresponding cultures. This study investigated how the artefacts of fork and knife vs. chopsticks daily embody and present western and Chinese cultures, respectively, as evidenced by literature and everyday life practice. Owing to complementary considerations, this study combined etic and emic approaches by applying individualism and collectivism and Chinese cultural concepts including guanxi, mianzi and yin yang as the theoretical framework. Driven by individualism, fork and knife capture features of specialization, division of labour, equality and expressiveness in western culture. On the contrary, powered by collectivism, chopsticks epitomize attributes of harmony, unity and complementarity in Chinese culture. Moreover, instead of being objectified and passive artefacts, this article argued that fork and knife vs. chopsticks have implicitly and reversely shaped the thoughts and deeds of their users in their respective cultures.
Developing haptic attribute models as creative instruments for a hybrid food design community
Authors: Akner Koler Cheryl , Billing Mischa , Göran Rodell Annika
Published: December 2024

Interest in haptic perception is growing within the food design community due to the expanding knowledge of multi-sensory experiences across the design spectrum. Our aim was to investigate how haptic perception can be explored, defined and illustrated by interweaving our professional experiences and methods that reflect creative strategies from our aesthetic disciplines: industrial design, culinary arts and hospitality. We developed and conducted a series of practice-based research methods starting with three playful ‘aesthetic labs’ (A-labs), followed by the ‘five basic features-method’ (FBF). This resulted in unfolding four distinct ‘haptic attribute models’: the first three are designed for the ‘hand’, ‘mouth’ and ‘nose’ with the gestalt intention to ‘make’, and the fourth model is designed to guide an ‘embodied presence’ session to facilitate ‘awareness’. The configuration and definition of attributes in each model relate to each author’s professional experiences and emotions, which strengthen the connection between our respective aesthetic disciplines. The models serve as creative instruments to inspire a hybrid food design community for food and non-food applications and support practitioners, educators and researchers interested in haptics. We are dedicated to prototype new haptic attribute models to support research in haptics that are rooted in professional subjective experiences and facilitate ways of connecting disciplines within and beyond the field of aesthetics. We invite readers to share insights gained from applying these models to further their development and relevance.
An examination of the gastronomic landscape in riverside cities of Thailand
Authors: Krasae-in Aracha , Yodsurang Patiphol , Jiarakul Dolruthai , Suksong Kanittha , Kiatthanawat Asadaporn
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to examine the potential of gastronomic tourism development related to built environment context for attractiveness and competitiveness in three riverside cities near Bangkok: Pad-Rew, Tha-Chalom and Mae-Klong, which are often perceived as less known tourism destinations. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research analysed restaurant type and location utilizing Google Maps data and conducted field surveys to assess restaurant menus and their integration with the built environment, focusing on establishments offering local specialties. We identified the relationship between local materials, the restaurants and their location in the landscape of the cities. The findings revealed a limited number of restaurants that truly represented the local gastronomy, but also provided opportunities to develop gastronomic tourism. The study recommended leveraging the abundance of local gastronomic assets to create new activities and businesses related to gastronomic tourism, capitalizing on their unique culinary heritage.
Finding Dark Matter
Authors: T Le Dieu
Published: December 2024

This article investigates the enigmatic nature of dark matter, hypothesized to make up approximately 70% of the universe's total mass. Despite decades of research using state-of-the-art equipment such as the Large Underground Xenon (LUX) experiment, direct detection of dark matter remains elusive, leading to skepticism and calls to revise existing theoretical frameworks. Rather than abandoning the search, this paper proposes an alternative investigative approach inspired by detective methodologies: using indirect evidence to infer the characteristics of an unseen phenomenon. The hypothesis presented posits that dark matter is a dual-component system comprising a superfluid-like medium and spherical particles. This system facilitates wave propagation, reduces cosmic friction, and supports the dynamic structure of the universe. Drawing analogies from structural engineering and mechanics, the article conceptualizes dark matter as a network of interconnected tunnels that allow the seamless movement of subatomic particles and waves. Finally, the study underscores the continued importance of dark matter research, asserting its pivotal role in explaining cosmic phenomena and the structure of the universe.
SOCIO-ONTOLOGICAL MULTI-AGENT NEUROCOGNITIVE METHOD OF ROBOTIC CONTROL OF PROCESS REGULATIONS IN THE WORKING AREA OF A RETAIL ENTERPRISE
Authors:   Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of the RAS, Anchekov M.I. , Bzhikhatlov K.Ch. ,   Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of the RAS, Makoeva D.G. ,   Institute of Computer Science and Problems of Regional Management – branch of Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of the RAS, Nagoev Z.V. ,   Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of the RAS, Nagoeva O.V. ,   Institute of Computer Science and Problems of Regional Management – branch of Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of the RAS, Pshenokova I.A. ,   Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of the RAS
Published: December 2024

The paper considers the scientific problem of organizing robotic control of violations of process regulations in the working area of a retail enterprise. It investigates the possibility of using an intelligent agent based on a multi-agent neurocognitive architecture in designing a behavior control system for an autonomous retail robot. It also describes an original socio-ontological method for synthesizing behavior control strategies for autonomous robots as part of a human-machine team when solving problems of automating work processes in a retail enterprise. The paper presents the results of computational experiments and comparisons of empirical and socio-ontological multi-agent neurocognitive methods for identifying and ontologizing violations of the working environment processes of a hypermarket sales area using an autonomous mobile retail robot.
SIMULATION OF EMERGENCIES USING ALMOST PERIODIC ANALYSIS OF IMAGES OF TYPHOON STRUCTURE
Authors:   Institute of Information Technologies RTU MIREA, Paramonov A.A. , Kalach A.V. ,   Institute of Information Technologies RTU MIREA,   Voronezh Institute of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia
Published: December 2024

The paper considers the method of transforming images from rectangular coordinate system to polar coordinate system for further near-periodic analysis of typhoon structure based on generalized shear function. The basic method of near-periodic analysis involves dividing the data into highfrequency oscillatory components and low-frequency trends based on the proportion theory, which can identify near-periodic characteristics. The paper shows that near-periodic analysis is applicable to both radius-vector and angle image data in a polar coordinate system. The practical component of the work is demonstrated by analyzing an image of a tropical cyclone. Experiments performed using horizontal and vertical sections of the image revealed significant near-periods corresponding to certain pixel values, such as 600 pixels in the horizontal section and 900 pixels in the vertical section. An angular analysis was performed for the polar coordinate system, which revealed additional almost-periods that accounted for the periodicity of the angular coordinates. Extending the angular interval to 720 and 1080 degrees confirmed the robustness of the almost-periodic analysis results, indicating that a twofold interval is sufficient for qualitative analysis. Thus, the proposed method can analyze image data more accurately and efficiently by identifying significant near-periods, which opens new perspectives for prediction and data processing in various scientific and applied problems of data analysis with ordered argument.
MODEL REGRESI LOGISTIK PENCIPTAAN PROTOTIPE SEBAGAI LUARAN AKTIVITAS LITBANG INDUSTRI
Authors: Sugiono Shiddiq , Purnomo Dimas Hardy , Dinati Dindha Fadhilah
Published: December 2024

Persaingan ketat di sektor Industri telah memaksa setiap perusahaan untuk berinovasi pada produknya. Sebagai salah satu hasil penelitian dan pengembangan di sektor industri, prototipe memainkan peran untuk mendukung terciptanya inovasi produk. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk memodelkan dampak belanja, jumlah personil, skema jenis kerjasama litbang dan skala industri terhadap status penciptaan prototipe dalam lingkup industri. Analisis dilakukan pada data hasil Survei Litbang Industri Indonesia tahun 2021 melalui regresi logistik. Adapun regresi yang dilakukan menggunakan stepwise untuk menghasilkan model dengan variabel yang memiliki tingkat signifikansi terbaik. Hasil penelitian menyebutkan bahwa jumlah personil litbang, skala industri, kerjasama SDM dengan institusi asing dan kerjasama pendanaan dengan pemerintah pusat menjadi faktor yang signifikan dalam menghasilkan luaran prototipe. Industri skala menengah cenderung lebih banyak menghasilkan prototipe jika dibandingkan skala besar. Adapun kerjasama pendanaan dari Pemerintah Pusat merupakan aspek yang memiliki signifikansi paling tinggi dalam mempengaruhi luaran prototipe. Investasi SDM litbang yang kompeten bisa menjadi solusi untuk mengantisipasi kecilnya nilai odds ratio pada variabel jumlah SDM litbang. Selain itu, otoritas yang berwenang perlu terus meningkatkan ekosistem pendanaan riset industri yang lebih baik. [Logistic Regression Model of Prototype Creation as an Output of Industrial R&D Activities] Intense competition has forced every company to innovate its products. As one of the research and development outputs in the industrial sector, prototypes play a role to support the creation of product innovation. The purpose of this study is to model the impact of expenditure, number of personnel, type of R&D cooperation scheme and industry scale on the status of prototype creation in the industrial scope. The analysis was carried out on the data from the Indonesian Industrial R&D Survey 2021 through logistic regression. The regression was carried out using stepwise to produce the best model. The results stated that the number of R&D personnel, industry scale, HR cooperation with foreign institutions and funding cooperation with the central government were significant factors in producing prototype output. Medium-scale industries tend to produce more prototypes than large-scale ones. Funding cooperation from the central government is the aspect that has the highest significance in influencing prototype output. Investment in competent R&D human resources can be a solution to anticipate the small value of the odds ratio on the variable number of R&D human resources. In addition, the competent authority needs to continue to improve a better industrial research funding ecosystem.Keywords: industrial R&D; prototypes; R&D expenditure; R&D personnel; R&D cooperation; R&D resources
Comparative analysis of weed management techniques in taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott)
Authors: Paul S , Rahman MH , Tamanna M , Halder D , Kobir MS , Munshi MH , Hajong P , Anwar MB
Published: December 2024

Weed management poses a significant challenge in taro cultivation since it’s a long-duration crop grown during the monsoon season. The warm, humid conditions of its extended growing period promote rapid weed germination and growth, complicating weed management efforts. To address this issue, a study was conducted at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Jashore, in 2021 and 2022 to evaluate sustainable weed management strategies for taro. The experiment, designed as a randomized complete block (RCB) with three replications, tested seven weed control methods: T1= straw mulching (SM), T2= pre-emergence herbicide+SM, T3= poly mulching (PM), T4= pre-emergence herbicide+PM, T5= intercropping+two hand-weeding, T6= pre-emergence herbicide, and T7= four hand-weeding, alongside T8= weed-free and T9= weedy control treatments. Results indicated that all mulching treatments achieved 70% to 80% weed control efficiency, significantly reducing weed growth up to 120 days after emergence (DAE). The intercropping+hand-weeding treatment provided 75% to 80% weed control up to 90 DAE. Among the mulches, straw mulching resulted in the tallest and widest plant base girths, leading to the highest yield and benefit-cost ratio, followed by other mulch and intercropping+hand-weeding treatments. Pre-emergence herbicide treatments were ineffective due to their short duration of action. Additionally, combining mulching (SM & PM) with pre-emergence herbicide offered no advantage over mulching alone. These findings highlight straw mulch as the most effective weed management strategy for taro, eliminating the need for herbicides. Where mulch is unavailable, intercropping combined with hand weeding can be a viable alternative for effective weed control.
Evaluation of different passion fruit genotypes based on morphological, quantitative traits and molecular marker (ISSR)
Authors: Snekha S , Geethalakshmi I , Saraswathy S , Malini N , Sakthivel K , Geethanjali S
Published: December 2024

Passion fruit (Passiflora spp.), an underutilized and unexplored fruit crop, holds significant potential for improving nutritional health in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to characterize various genotypes of passion fruit including yellow (G1, G3, G5), purple (G2, G4, G10), sweet (G6, G7, G9) and giant (G8), collected from different regions in Tamil Nadu, India, based on morphological, yield and biochemical traits. A comprehensive evaluation of morphological, yield and quality traits, combined with advanced statistical analysis, including correlation studies and principal component analysis (PCA), identified genotypes with desirable traits, offering valuable resources for breeding programs to improve passion fruit cultivation. The analysis included biometric data, yield performance and quality traits, complemented by molecular diversity assessment using ISSR markers. Significant variation was observed across morphological and biochemical traits; genotype G8 showed the highest fruit weight and juice content, while genotype G7 had the highest total soluble solids and sugar content. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering revealed distinct groupings, providing insights into their genetic diversity and potential for future crop improvement. These findings suggest that specific genotypes could be strategically targeted for breeding programs to enhance yield, fruit quality and resilience in passion fruit cultivation.
An empirical study on maize value chain in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Aruna Prabha S , Venkatesa Palanichamy N , Murugananthi D , Shivakumar KM , Kalpana M , Balakrishnan M
Published: December 2024

Maize is one of the leading staple cereals in the world in terms of production and it is termed as a most versatile and multipurpose industrial and energy crop. Due to varied number of value-added products evolving in the recent years, maize has a major shift towards indirect consumption in Tamil Nadu. Therefore, the study is selected to analyse market efficiency of different marketing channels in the maize value chain in Tamil Nadu. The primary data on cultivation of maize is collected from 60 maize producers of Perambalur and Salem districts of Tamil Nadu. Value chain analysis of maize includes producers, traders, commission agents, processors (poultry feed units), wholesalers, retailers and the consumers (livestock farmers). Price spread and marketing efficiency of different marketing channels is calculated. Among the three existing marketing channels of maize in Tamil Nadu, Channel III is considered to be the best channel by the maize producers and it is confirmed by the Acharya’s approach which have higher marketing efficiency. The farmers share in consumer rupee in the marketing channel III was high compared to other marketing channels. The study is intended to help the maize farmers in adopting a better marketing channel where they can get better profit in maize cultivation by adopting less intervention of market intermediaries.
Enhancing the nutritional profile of rice by targeting starch branching enzymes using CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Jayavigneshwari M , Kokiladevi E , Kumar KK , Uma D , Manonmani S
Published: December 2024

Rice is a fundamental staple in many Asian countries; however, excessive consumption can lead to significant health concerns, including diabetes. One effective strategy to mitigate these concerns is to increase the amylose content in rice, which enhances its resistant starch (RS) levels. Higher RS not only improves the nutritional profile of rice but also positively impacts its cooking qualities, offering various health benefits. Recent research highlights the role of dietary fibers like RS in modulating gut microbiota composition, presenting a promising approach for addressing non-communicable diseases. RS enhances the fermentation activity of gut microbiota, leading to production of beneficial metabolites that support gut barrier function, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and influence metabolic pathways related to obesity and diabetes. This multifaceted impact on chronic disease outcomes emphasizes the need for rice varieties with increased amylose and consequently higher RS levels, to meet consumer nutritional demands. CRISPR/Cas9, a powerful genome editing tool, allows precise modifications of the targeted genes. This technology can effectively edit starch synthesis-related genes in rice to enhance starch content. This review focuses on the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in increasing RS content in rice and the potential health benefits it could provide to populations that rely on rice as a dietary staple. By integrating genetic innovation with nutritional science, healthier rice varieties can be developed, that align with the dietary needs of consumers.
Viruses unleashed: Revolutionary approaches to gene transfer in plants
Authors: Bowmiya K , Arul L , Sathiyamurthy VA , Djanaguiraman M , Kumar KK
Published: December 2024

Gene editing has become the new era for crop improvement. Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer and tissue culture for that plant regeneration have become the bottleneck for the gene transfer. Plant viral vectors have emerged as a significant tool in plant genome editing. Vectors like tobacco rattle virus (TRV) and potato virus X (PVX) are particularly effective due to their broad host range, enabling their use across various plant species for crop improvement, disease resistance and functional genomics. An ideal viral vector should achieve high gene transfer efficiency while maintaining transient expression to minimize lasting genetic alterations for optimal results. Recent advancements in techniques such as virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and virus-induced genome editing (VIGE) showcase the potential of these vectors for precise gene modifications is also discussed VIGS leverages the plants' innate antiviral response to silence target genes, enabling rapid functional analysis without permanent changes, while VIGE uses viral vectors to deliver cas9 components for targeted genome editing, minimizing off-target effects. However, challenges such as cargo size limitations and regulatory hurdles persist. The future direction of this field is anticipated to advance genome engineering via viral vectors in more sophisticated ways, including using these vectors for genome editing and cargo capacity optimization. This progress will open up new possibilities for the scientific community in plant genome engineering. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the current and future potential of virus-mediated gene transfer in plant biotechnology, from the selection of suitable viral vectors to the stable integration of foreign genes into the plant genome and insights into the challenges and future prospects of virus-mediated gene transfer in plants are also presented.
Using continuous assessment with feedback loops to generate useful data for learning analytics
Authors: Bjælde Ole Eggers , Lindberg Annika Büchert
Published: December 2024

The combination of feedback loops and continuous assessment through learning management systems can enhance student learning and produce data to illustrate it, to both students and educators. This paper presents learning designs, examples and data, representing this combination, in which students receive feedback from different sources and are given the opportunity to apply the feedback to improve their performance, hereby closing a feedback loop. The examples and data, presented in this paper, come from higher education in Denmark where assessment since 2016 has been in a transition phase from single end-of-semester exams to continuous assessment. Data in this transition phase is extremely helpful in documenting the effect of the learning design and in informing the teaching and learning process, for example in demonstrating how students use feedback to increase their scores and in allowing educators to identify students at risk of failing or dropping out. The generic learning design will be used as inspiration for educators to ensure that student learning is supported by both continuous assessment and feedback loops. In addition, the design will be developed further to strengthen the focus on the development of students’ evaluative judgement.
Parts of speech in Bloom’s Taxonomy Classification
Authors: Von Konsky Brian R. , Zheng Longwei , Parkin Eric , Huband Simon , Gibson David C.
Published: December 2024

This paper analyses parts of speech in a training corpus with 13,189 learning outcomes in which Bloom’s Taxonomy levels were previously classified by human experts for 3,496 subjects offered at an Australian university. This paper explores the automatic identification of verbs and other parts of speech impacting the semantic meaning and Bloom’s classification of learning outcome statements. The frequency with which words in learning outcomes appear as different parts of speech and at different Bloom’s levels is described as a preliminary step of a larger project that aims to automatically classify Bloom’s levels using a combination of table lookup and machine learning approaches. It is indicated that automated parts of speech classification can assist human learning and teaching designers to write clearer learning outcome statements. This is in addition to playing a role in automated Bloom’s Taxonomy classification, and identifying cases requiring review in conjunction with normal institutional curriculum management processes.
Thinking out-of-the-box
Authors: Tanti Miriam
Published: December 2024

The uptake of digital technologies in education is a significant issue for governments and organisations across the world as concerns are expressed about students’ lack of progress in these areas. As a result, the inclusion of digital technologies is often unquestioned and caught up in a largely aspirational discourse of inevitability, where the belief is that using digital technologies will lead to curriculum reform. The case study of Slow, presented here, aims to enlighten the conversation with examples from research in different education jurisdictions in Australia. Slow is a national vision for digitally rich education through a different lens. This new theoretical framework of Slow comprises four convergent themes: state of mind, time, process and connectedness. These themes are offered through interdisciplinary, technology-rich secondary school examples that highlight the potential of Slow to re-imagine the way we think about education. Important critique offered throughout the concise paper signposts diverse interpretations of the digital technologies agenda that is often missing from ‘click-bait’ media snapshots and in recent government reports. Examinations of understandings and practices in some Australian education contexts offer universal and readily transferable treasures that suggest powerful options and ripostes for policy, education leaders, teachers and young people.
Polish and Danish regulations on the search for portable antiquities ‒ remarks upon the recent amendment of the law in Poland
Authors: Artemiuk Jakub
Published: December 2024

The Act of 13th July 2023 amending the Act on the Protection and Care of Monuments constitutes a radical change to the previously existing regulations concerning the search for portable antiquities in Poland using electronic or technical devices. The main modification is waiving the requirement to obtain permission from the Provincial Heritage Conservation Officer for an amateur search for portable antiquities, including archaeological finds. In its place, a system of reporting the surveys via a mobile application will be introduced. This paper compares the current and the new Polish regulations with the solutions successfully adopted in Denmark and analyses the effectiveness of the existing Polish regulations using the available statistical data and considering critical opinions.
Odsłonić – udostępnić – uczytelnić. Dziedzictwo kulturowe in situ ‒ przykład ruiny zamku biskupów krakowskich w Iłży
Authors: Zapłata Rafał
Published: December 2024

The text refers to issues from the border of museology (in the open air), as well as archaeology and historic architecture. The aim of the article is to provide an introductory discussion of contemporary problems and issues related to revealing, making available and making readable cultural heritage – especially immovable historic objects, including architectural monuments and their subsurface elements – in situ, in the open air. The article is a voice in the discussion on the forms and methods of exhibiting cultural heritage in situ, with reference to the example of the ruins of the castle of the Crakow bishops in Iłża, in particular to those elements of historic buildings that are gradually being uncovered by archaeological research.
Różne przejawy cenzury wobec serialu Dom Jana Łomnickiego
Authors: Śmiałowski Piotr
Published: December 2024

The historical series Home (1980–2000), which took 20 years in the making, provides excellent material for analyzing how censorship functioned at sensitive moments in history. The first seven episodes of Home were created before August 1980, the next five during the period of Solidarity domination and after the introduction of martial law. Although the temporal distance is small, it is clear that the episodes shot in the 1980s belong to three different eras. In the article, I compare two groups of sources regarding the censorship of this series. On the one hand, I refer to the documents prepared by the television and cinema authorities, which constituted the official interpretation of the interference. On the other hand, I quote the creators’ memoirs, commenting on the restrictions affecting Home. Various types of censorship emerge from this: from obvious ones, involving interference with the text of the script and the finished film material, through attempts to broadcast Home without some episodes, to intentions to make cuts without the consent of the authors.
Pozycja aktora w obliczu rozwoju platform streamingowych
Authors: Cebera Marta
Published: December 2024

The article analyzes an actor’s position in the face of the development of streaming services. The author uses the comparative method to present analogies and differences in how the old study system and the new streaming system function, with particular emphasis on the hierarchy in the industry, attitude to actors, work culture and wage inequalities. She draws attention to the advantages of the flourishing VOD platforms and contrasts this with the losses suffered by actors. The article recalls earlier disputes between artists and studios, which are compared with such issues as reasons of SAG-AFTRA strike in 2023, residuals for creators on the digital market, and artificial intelligence in filming. History has come the full circle: platforms have grown into a hegemon in this business and replicate old strategies.
Oranges on the Telly: Films and Series in the Christmas Programming of Polish Socialist Television
Authors: Klejsa Konrad , Piepiórka Michał
Published: December 2024

Whilst much has been written about both the organizational structure and particular shows produced and screened by Telewizja Polska (TVP) during the People’s Republic of Poland era, there have been few attempts to investigate this broadcaster’s film programming policy. The article discusses the programming strategies of Polish state television broadcaster TVP in the period 1960–1989. The main focus of the paper is on comparing Christmas schedules with samples of “ordinary weeks” (both: working days and weekends). This proves that the predominance of Western content over productions from Poland and other countries of the Soviet Bloc was typical of Christmas schedules and partially in accordance with the weekend scheme. Furthermore, the article investigates the interference in the television schedule and religious practices. The final section focuses on content analysis of several films most frequently broadcast during Christmas, with a closer look at Polish productions in the final section. The programming policy of Telewizja Polska was to avoid not only Christian content but also movies and tv series which depicted Christmas celebrations in affluent societies. By combining quantitative and qualitative explorations of carefully gathered data on television schedules, the study seeks to propose a new perspective on the history of TVP, thus facilitating future research into other patterns of television programming.
Industrial high saline water desalination by activated carbon in a packed column- an experimental and CFD study
Authors: Mahmoodabadi Hamideh , Goharrizi Ataallah Soltani
Published: December 2024

Salt adsorption from water onto the activated carbon was studied by a set of batch adsorption tests. Isotherms (Langmuir, Freundlich, Halsey and Redlich-Peterson) were used to study the experimental data for the adsorption isotherm analyzed. For magnesium, R
2 is equal to 0.98 for all isotherms, and for calcium, the Langmuir value is 0.97, while for sodium, the Langmuir value is 0.98, which is more suitable than the other isotherms. The experimental data were examined using three kinetic models, including first-second-order and intra-diffusion ones with R

2
value of 0.96, 0.67 and 0.93 respectively. According to the kinetic models, the first -order isotherm model better fit adsorption on the surface of activated carbon, as compared to other models. Similarly, the results of the experiment were provided via the computational fluid dynamics evaluation. Moreover, the results obtained by CFD were compared with the experimental data, and their accuracy was proved. Subsequently, the effects of changing the design and operating parameters, including flow rate (6, 12, 30 L min−1) and bed height (5, 10, 20 cm), on the performance of this tower were studied. The results showed that by reducing the adsorbent, the adsorbed metals increased and a longer bed was required for adsorption, which was not cost-effective. The amount of adsorption decreased as the flow rate increased, indicating that there was little contact between the metals and the adsorbent.
Hypnosis, Aesthetics, and Sociality: On How Images Can Create Experiences
Authors: Arlandis Castro Jaime
Published: December 2024

In this article, I use Object Oriented Ontology’s (OOO) account of metaphor as a perspective on the topic of hypnosis and some related phenomena. This analysis shows the potential of OOO’s theory of aesthetics to be informative outside of the usual realm of aesthetics, while simultaneously highlighting some of its shortcomings. Understanding hypnosis from this aesthetic point of view can be illustrative of the ways in which our experience is more generally mediated by factors outside of our conscious awareness. In particular, I will take advantage of this understanding to convey a message of caution regarding how we carry out psychological experiments and scientific research at large. At the same time, the connections drawn in this work highlight the central role played by social dimensions in aesthetic situations and should serve to highlight the need to bring forth such dimensions when thinking about aesthetics in OOO.