bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El misticismo fisiológico de George Bataille, o sobre el cumplimiento del espíritu trágico
Authors: Esteban Ortega Joaquín
Published: January 2024

Nietzsche wanted to affirm life in its totality without dispensing with either the joy of affirmation or the tragic energy of the most terrible that it implies. His thought and his life bore witness to this. However, a task of such magnitude requires the affinity of other spirits who are capable of traveling other paths than those of ascent. Bataille's immanent mysticism knows that in the sovereignty of excess the limitlessness of expenditure allows us to descend into the sacred spaces of the curse. The present work wants to delve into such a physiological inner experience to see whether the Nietzschean affirmation can be consummated in this way.

Como sabemos Nietzsche quiso afirmar la vida en su totalidad sin prescindir ni de la alegría misma de la afirmación, ni de la energía trágica de lo más terrible que ello implica. Sin embargo, una tarea de esa magnitud requiere la afinidad de otros espíritus que sean capaces de recorrer otras vías distintas a las del ascenso. El misticismo inmanente de Bataille sabe bien que en la soberanía del exceso la ilimitación del gasto nos permite descender a los espacios sagrados de la maldición. La afirmación nietzscheana parece querer consumarse de este modo.
¿Una oración común a las tres grandes religiones? Diálogo leibniziano apócrifo en dos escenas y un prólogo
Authors: Rovira Rogelio
Published: January 2024

G. E. Guhrauer, uno de los primeros biógrafos de Leibniz, atribuyó erróneamente al filósofo de Hanóver la composición de una oración que podría rezar todo el que reconoce la existencia de un Dios único, sea cual sea su religión. La oración, expuesta en una reunión en casa de Antoine Arnauld, fue desaprobada por el filósofo francés. Investigaciones posteriores demostraron que la oración la compuso en realidad el Landgrave von Hessen-Rheinfels. Sobre la base de estos datos históricos, y apoyándose en pasajes de las obras de los citados autores, en el presente artículo se construye un diálogo ficticio –un «diálogo leibniziano apócrifo»– entre el Landgrave von Hessen-Rheinfels, Arnauld y Leibniz, que puede contribuir al planteamiento más riguroso de algunos de los problemas que presenta el hoy llamado «diálogo interreligioso».
Truenos sobre Europa (Nota crítica sobre INSAUSTI, Gabriel (2022). Pasos en el atrio: Kafka, Roth y Buber. Sevilla: Thémata).
Authors: De Navascués Martínez Nicolás
Published: January 2024

¿Qué confluencias se dieron entre las obras de dos literatos como Kafka y Roth? ¿Es posible descubrir una raíz oculta de corte hasídico, a partir de la renovación espiritual que Buber llevó a cabo, en la obra de aquellos dos grandes escritores? ¿Cómo hacer dialogar a la filosofía y la literatura desde los problemas que el pensamiento judío finisecular tuvo que enfrentar? De estos problemas se ocupa el último libro de Gabriel Insausti, que desde prismas muy diferentes pero con un fuerte componente filosófico nos pone ante el problema fundamental de la existencia judía y la experiencia de la extranjería en los albores del corto siglo XX.
Fall risk detection mechanism in the elderly, based on electromyographic signals, through the use of artificial intelligence
Authors: Arias-Poblete Leónidas , Álvarez‐Arangua Sebastián , Jerez-Mayorga Daniel , Chamorro Claudio , Ferrero‐Hernández Paloma , Ferrari Gerson , Farías‐Valenzuela Claudio
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The tests used to classify older adults at risk of falls are questioned in literature. Tools from the field of artificial intelligence are an alternative to classify older adults more precisely. Objective: To identify the risk of falls in the elderly through electromyographic signals of the lower limb, using tools from the field of artificial intelligence. Methods: A descriptive study design was used. The unit of analysis was made up of 32 older adults (16 with and 16 without risk of falls). The electrical activity of the lower limb muscles was recorded during the functional walking gesture. The cycles obtained were divided into training and validation sets, and then from the amplitude variable, select attributes using the Weka software. Finally, the Support Vector Machines (SVM) classifier was implemented. Results: A classifier of two classes (elderly adults with and without risk of falls) based on SVM was built, whose performance was: Kappa index 0.97 (almost perfect agreement strength), sensitivity 97%, specificity 100%. Conclusions: The SVM artificial intelligence technique applied to the analysis of lower limb electromyographic signals during walking can be considered a precision tool of diagnostic, monitoring and follow-up for older adults with and without risk of falls.
Relación del consumo de oxígeno directo y estimado en el Yo-Yo test de resistencia intermitente en mujeres futbolistas profesionales
Authors: Cofré-Bolados Cristian , Rosemblat Marcelo , Barriga-González Diego , Farias-Valenzuela Claudio , Espoz-Lazo Sebastián , Segales-Gill Dulce
Published: January 2024

In professional women's soccer there has been significant growth in recent decades, game analysis determines that distances between 8.5 and 10.3 km are covered, defining power and aerobic capacity as determining factors in the conditional physical profile of the players. The evaluation of aerobic power through maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) is essential. The objective of this study was to compare the aerobic power determined by the Yo-Yo intermittent resistance test measured directly with a gas and metabolite analyzer v/s the calculation proposed by the Bansgbo estimation formula. The study methodology consisted in the evaluation of the Yo-Yo intermittent resistance test on the soccer field in 25 professional soccer players. The results of the study gave direct average relative values ​​of 42.53 ml/kg-min and estimated VO2max of 41.96 ml/kg-min, without significant differences (p= 0.22). It is concluded that the Yo-Yo test and the Bansgbo formula are relevant for the estimation of aerobic power in professional Chilean soccer players.

En el futbol profesional femenino ha presentado un importante crecimiento en las últimas décadas, el análisis del juego determina que se recorren distancias de entre 8,5 y 10,3 km definiendo a la potencia y capacidad aeróbica como factores determinantes en el perfil físico condicional de las jugadoras. La evaluación de la potencia aeróbica a través del consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO2max) es fundamental. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la potencia aeróbica determinada por el Yo-Yo test de resistencia intermitente medido en forma directa con analizador de gases y metabolitos v/s el cálculo propuesto por formula de estimación de Bansgbo. La metodología del estudio consistió en la evaluación del Yo-Yo test de resistencia intermitente en cancha de futbol en 25 jugadoras de fútbol profesional. Los resultados del estudio entregaron valores relativos promedio de VO2max directo de 42,53 ml/kg-min y estimado de 41,96 ml/kg-min, sin diferencias significativas (p= 0,22). Se concluye que el test Yo-Yo y la fórmula Bansgbo son pertinentes para la estimación de potencia aérobica en jugadoras profesionales de fútbol chilenas.
Efecto del entrenamiento con oclusión vascular sobre la potencia muscular en el ejercicio de press banca en adultos entrenados
Authors: Arenas-Sánchez Giovanny , Mamani-Tapia Braulio , Inostroza-Téllez Eduardo , Peiret-Villacura Luis , Farias-Valenzuela Claudio , Orellana-Montini Javier , Espinoza-Salinas Alexis
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT), combines exercise and partial blood flow reduction with positive effects on the development of muscle hypertrophy. However, there is still a marked inconsistency in the effects it generates on the development of muscle power. Objective: This study aims to analyze the effect of upper extremity vascular occlusion training on muscle power in trained adults. Methods: Quasi-experimental study with control group in 12 subjects, mean age 28 (± 1.3) years. Purposive, non-probabilistic sampling. Divided into two groups; i) intervened group, which performed an BFRT protocol at 30% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM); ii) traditional training group, performed training at 70% of 1RM. Each group performed 12 bench press training sessions. Results: BFRT increased mean power (p = 0.01); concentric power (p = 0.04) and eccentric power (p = 0.01). Discussion: El EOV mostró mejoras en potencia muscular, lo que se condice por lo reportado en la literatura en otras poblaciones. Se debe considerar que la presión de oclusión debe ser adaptada para cada participante para evitar riesgos en la salud. Conclusion: 12 sessions of low-load muscular strength training with vascular occlusion improve the muscular power of the upper extremities in the bench press exercise in a sample of trained adults.

Introducción: El entrenamiento con oclusión vascular (EOV), combina ejercicio y reducción parcial del flujo sanguíneo con efectos positivos sobre el desarrollo de la hipertrofia muscular. Sin embargo, sigue habiendo una marcada inconsistencia en los efectos que genera sobre el desarrollo de la potencia muscular. Objetivo: Analizar el efecto del entrenamiento de oclusión vascular en la potencia muscular extremidades superiores de adultos entrenados. Métodos: Estudio cuasi-experimental la muestra la conformaron 12 sujetos, edad promedio 28 (± 1,3) años. Muestreo intencional, no probabilístico. Divididos en dos grupos; i) grupo intervenido (n=6), que realizó un protocolo de EOV al 30% de 1 repetición máxima (1RM); ii) grupo entrenamiento tradicional (n=6), realizó un entrenamiento al 70% de 1RM. Cada grupo realizó 12 sesiones de entrenamiento de press de banca. Resultados: El EOV, aumentó la potencia media (p =0,01); concéntrica (p = 0,04) y excéntrica (p =0,01). Conclusión: 12 sesiones de entrenamiento de fuerza muscular de baja carga con oclusión vascular mejoran de la potencia muscular de las extremidades superiores en el ejercicio de press banca en una muestra de adultos entrenados.
MACHINE LEARNING FOR PREDICTIVE DIAGNOSTICS, APPLICATION IN INDUSTRIAL SITES
Authors: MORENO GUTIERREZ SILVIA SOLEDAD , TLANEPANTLA  PANTOJA DANIEL , LOPEZ PEREZ SOCRATES , SILICEO  CANTERO HÉCTOR HUGO
Published: January 2024

Environmental pollution is a risk factor for chronic diseases (CD), which today are identified as the main cause of death in the world, 80% in low- and middle-income countries, in people of all ages. Given that industrial areas maintain a high rate of air pollution, their inhabitants are considered highly vulnerable, such is the case of the Metropolitan Area of Tula Hgo., in Mexico. At the request of the World Health Organization to integrate vulnerable populations to the quality of life through innovative strategies, the present study aims to build prediction models for CD of higher frequency in the area, to support predictive diagnosis through machine learning algorithms, recognized for their high performance in health areas. Based on the CRISP-DM methodology, requirements, characteristics and data behavior were analyzed, exhaustive cleaning and minmax scaler normalization were performed, the models were trained and validated with 80% - 20% of records, dropout and early stopping were applied to combat overtraining. The comparative analysis between 9 built models demonstrated the best performance of 3 of them, one for each EC; the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for respiratory diseases and Random Forest (RF) for diabetes and high blood pressure. Its results of accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity and F1-score were 99%, 99%, 100%, 99% and 99.49% respectively for ANN, the RF model for diabetes obtained 98%, 100%, 97%, 100% and 98.7% and for arterial hypertension 95%, 97%, 94, 97% and 95.47%, these models were integrated into a graphical interface. The proposal constitutes a high-precision technological strategy for prevention and early diagnosis of CD in industrial areas, aimed at reducing mortality and improving the quality of life of the inhabitants.
Methodological research on digital rubbing of artifacts
Authors:   The Korean Association of University Museums, Heo Ui-hang
Published: January 2024

The study of artifact rubbing methods has only been briefly mentioned in the fields of engineering and photography as a discussion of technical procedures and representations of visibility. However, recent research on artifact rubbings has marked a turning point in the discussion as it has been adapted to the digital age. As previous methods of drawing artifacts, such as measuring and tracing, have been digitized, manual rubbing has begun to be replaced. In the process, there have been discussions on digital methodologies for measuring and tracing artifacts, but there has been a lack of discussion on the application of digital methods for rubbing. Some research on digital applications of rubbing has focused on the mapping of scanned modeling materials of artifacts from a technical perspective. Nowadays, the application of algorithms through artificial intelligence is leading to tangible research on tablets. However, it has not yet advanced as a research topic. Recognizing this problem, this paper discusses the transition to the digital application of rubbing and its methodology. In particular, we aimed to show how it can be applied to investigations and research beyond the existing technical process of rubbing, and how to optimize it.
The process of digital rubbing was applied in two main ways. The first is to visualize the mapping results through the existing AO map texture extraction method as an image, and the second is to produce original artifacts in the form of high polygon and low polygon artifacts to map and visualize black and white textures. In order to extract the optimal tabletop image, the low-polygon artifact is smoothed to provide an appropriate numerical criterion. The digital tabletop material was then used to flatten and expand the tabletop image by applying the Streching technique, and the image was imaged to provide a direction for the editorial drawings of the report.
Book Review – The Political Logic of Experience: Expression in Phenomenology by Neal DeRoo
Authors: Kelly Molly
Published: January 2024

Review of Neal DeRoo’s book, The Political Logic of Experience: Expression in Phenomenology (Fordham University Press, 2022).
The Influence of Mongolian Mother Coaching Competency and Parenting Behavior on Young Children’s Social Development
Authors:   The Korea Parents Education Association, r Gantuya , Do Mi-Hyang
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship and effect of coaching competency and parenting behavior on the social development of infants in Mongolian mothers with early childhood children. The subjects of this study were 210 Mongolian mothers with children aged 3 to 5 living in South Korea. The mean and standard deviation, frequency and percentage, and Cronbach's ɑ coefficient were calculated, and Pearson's momentum correlation analysis and hierarchical multiple regression analysis were performed. As a result, first, the study found that there was a positive correlation between mother's coaching ability and infant social development. Among the subfactors of the mother's parenting behavior and the infant's social development, there was a positive correlation between the mother's limit setting, warmth, and encouragement, but there was no significant correlation between the mother's rejection, neglect, overprotection, and acceptance. Second, among the factors of the mother's coaching competency, expression of intention and social competency have the greatest impact on the social development of infants, followed by limit setting, warmth, and encouragement among the factors of the mother's parenting behavior. Based on the above findings, this study discusses implications related to the impact of Mongolian mothers' coaching capabilities and parenting behavior on infants' social development, and presents limitations and directions for subsequent studies.
Comparative Studies on Toxoplasmosis in Different Provinces of Afghanistan
Authors:   Medical Sciences Research Center, Ghalib University, Kabul, Afghanistan, Qarluq Abdul Wakil , Bakhtyar Shapoor ,   Medical Sciences Research Center, Ghalib University, Kabul, Afghanistan
Published: January 2024

Toxoplasmosis a zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma Gondii (T.gondii) is a serious health problem for most undeveloped countries including Afghanistan. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis in Afghanistan varies between different provinces, with rural areas showing a higher risk of infection compared to urban areas. This may be due to the lifestyle and environmental factors in these regions, such as agricultural practices, contact with animals, and consumption of contaminated food and water. The high prevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women is particularly concerning, as it can lead to severe complications for both the mother and the unborn child. Overall, addressing toxoplasmosis in Afghanistan requires a multifaceted approach that considers the unique social, cultural, and environmental factors influencing its transmission and impact on human health. This may involve targeted interventions in rural areas, where the risk of infection is higher, as well as broader public health campaigns to raise awareness and promote preventive measures across the country. By addressing these factors, it may be possible to reduce the burden of toxoplasmosis and improve the overall health outcomes for the population of Afghanistan.
All that Glitters Is Wine? Viticultural Capitalists and the Creation of Britain’s Colonial Wine Industry
Authors: Davis Chelsea
Published: January 2024

The mineral revolutions of the nineteenth century served as a turning point in the colonial wine industries of South Australia and the Cape Colony. The discovery of gold and diamonds not only facilitated early efforts of industrialization, but equally created a class of “viticultural capitalists,” meaning settler colonialists who would invest their wealth into wine. This article will examine two case studies of viticultural capitalists who consolidated the processes of colonial wine production in the British Empire. These white settlers cultivated a space for corporate expansion, political “say” in management of each colony, and access to growing social and economic networks, which they used to import vines, technologies, ideas, and even people. Such privileges served to isolate small winegrowers and exploit viticultural labourers, especially individuals of colour. These viticultural capitalists and the creation of large-scale wine companies sought to transform wine into a colonial commodity for the empire.
El porqué de una ciencia ficción neoindigenista
Authors: Prado Sejas Ivan
Published: January 2024

La ciencia ficción neoindigenista es un subgénero emergente y resalta aspectos relacionados con el realismo mágico, la expresión apasionada de afectos y de experiencias de vida, una expansión de la capacidad de expresión narrativa y su proyección a una realidad más amplia. En estas circunstancias, surgen obras de ciencia ficción como Inka Kutimunña, De cuando en cuando Saturnina y Antología de Literatura Fantástica Neoindigenista I que se proyectan en el marco que hace a la literatura neoindigenista planteada por Antonio Cornejo y son analizadas para mostrar los elementos que hacen a una postura neoindigenista. Igualmente, se comentan sobre otras obras de ciencia ficción de autores latinoamericanos y específicamente de autores bolivianos, las cuales presentan elementos indigenistas de distintas culturas. La literatura neoindigenista surge como una necesidad frente a los cambios sociales y políticos en el mundo y refleja una nueva forma de encarar la literatura de ciencia ficción.
Tiempo, tecnologías y paradojas
Authors: Creus Amalia
Published: January 2024

En el libro titulado The Acceleration of Life in Digital Capitalism, la socióloga Judy Wajcman reflexiona sobre cómo la cultura digital ha transformado nuestra experiencia del tiempo. Nos brinda una estimulante discusión sobre la relación entre la aceleración de la vida, la presión del tiempo y el constante proceso de desarrollo tecnológico que caracteriza las actuales sociedades capitalistas digitales.
Long-read single-cell sequencing reveals expressions of hypermutation clusters of isoforms in human liver cancer cells
Authors: Liu Silvia , Yu Yan-Ping , Ren Bao-Guo , Ben-Yehezkel Tuval , Obert Caroline , Smith Mat , Wang Wenjia , Ostrowska Alina , Soto-Gutierrez Alejandro , Luo Jian-Hua
Published: January 2024

The protein diversity of mammalian cells is determined by arrays of isoforms from genes. Genetic mutation is essential in species evolution and cancer development. Accurate long-read transcriptome sequencing at single-cell level is required to decipher the spectrum of protein expressions in mammalian organisms. In this report, we developed a synthetic long-read single-cell sequencing technology based on LOOPSeq technique. We applied this technology to analyze 447 transcriptomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and benign liver from an individual. Through Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection analysis, we identified a panel of mutation mRNA isoforms highly specific to HCC cells. The evolution pathways that led to the hyper-mutation clusters in single human leukocyte antigen molecules were identified. Novel fusion transcripts were detected. The combination of gene expressions, fusion gene transcripts, and mutation gene expressions significantly improved the classification of liver cancer cells versus benign hepatocytes. In conclusion, LOOPSeq single-cell technology may hold promise to provide a new level of precision analysis on the mammalian transcriptome.
PARP-1 cooperates with histone methyltransferase to regulate transcription
Authors: Bamgbose Gbolahan , Bordet Guillaume , Lodhi Niraj , Tulin Alexei
Published: January 2024

PARP-1 is central to transcriptional regulation under both normal and heat stress conditions, with the governing mechanisms yet to be fully understood. Biochemical and ChIP-seq-based analyses showed that PARP-1 binds specifically to active histone marks, particularly H4K20me1. PR-Set7, the sole H4K20 mono-methylase, and PARP-1 mutants undergo developmental arrest during larval-pupal shift in
Drosophila
. RNA-seq analysis showed a positive correlation between PR-Set7-and PARP-1-dependent gene expression in third-instar larvae, suggesting co-regulation during developmental phases. During heat stress, PARP-1 repositions from the
Hsp70
promoter to its gene body, facilitating gene activation. PARP-1 and PR-Set7 are essential for activating
Hsp70
and a subset of heat shock genes during heat stress, with a notable increase of H4K20me1 at their gene body. We propose that H4K20me1 plays a critical role in facilitating PARP-1 binding and the regulation of specific genes during both development and heat stress.
Conformational dynamics of a nicotinic receptor neurotransmitter site
Authors: Singh Mrityunjay , Indurthi Dinesh C , Mittal Lovika , Auerbach Anthony , Asthana Shailendra
Published: January 2024

Agonists enhance receptor activity by providing net-favorable binding energy to active over resting conformations, with efficiency (η) linking binding energy to gating. Previously, we showed that in nicotinic receptors, η-values are grouped into five structural pairs, correlating efficacy and affinity within each class, uniting binding with allosteric activation (Indurthi and Auerbach, 2023). Here, we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the low-to-high affinity transition (L→H) at the Torpedo α−δ nicotinic acetylcholine receptor neurotransmitter site. Using four agonists spanning three η-classes, the simulations reveal the structural basis of the L→H transition where: the agonist pivots around its cationic center (‘flip’), loop C undergoes staged downward displacement (‘flop’), and a compact, stable high-affinity pocket forms (‘fix’). The η derived from binding energies calculated in silico matched exact values measured experimentally in vitro. Intermediate states of the orthosteric site during receptor activation are apparent only in simulations, but could potentially be observed experimentally via time-resolved structural studies.
Comparative transcriptomics reveal a novel tardigrade specific DNA binding protein induced in response to ionizing radiation
Authors: Anoud M. , Delagoutte E. , Helleu Q. , Brion A. , Duvernois-Berthet E. , As M. , Marques X. , Lamribet K. , Senamaud C. , Jourdren L. , Adrait A. , Heinrich S. , Toutirais G. , Hamlaoui S. , Gropplero G. , Giovannini I. , Ponger L. , Gèze M. , Blugeon C. , Coute Y. , Guidetti R. , Rebecchi L , Giovannangeli C. , De Cian A. , Concordet J-P.
Published: January 2024

Tardigrades, microscopic animals found in virtually all ecosystems, are renowned for their remarkable ability to withstand extreme conditions. Recent studies have identified novel tardigrade specific protein families that aid in resistance to desiccation and ionizing radiation (IR). Notably, a tardigrade specific DNA binding protein called Dsup (for DNA damage suppressor) has been found to protect from X-ray damage in human cells and from hydroxyl radicals
in vitro
. However, Dsup has only been found in two species within the Hypsibioidea superfamily.To better understand mechanisms underlying radio-resistance in the Tardigrada phylum, we first characterized DNA damage and repair in response to IR in the model species
Hypsibius exemplaris
. By analysis of phosphorylated H2AX, we demonstrated the induction and repair of DNA double-strand breaks after IR exposure. Importantly, the rate of single-strand breaks induced was roughly equivalent to that in human cells, suggesting that DNA repair plays a predominant role in the remarkable radio-resistance of tardigrades. In order to identify novel tardigrade specific genes involved, we next conducted a comparative transcriptomics across three species,
H. exemplaris
,
Acutuncus antarcticus
and
Paramacrobiotus fairbanksi
, the latter belonging to the Macrobiotoidea superfamily known to lack Dsup homologs. In all three species, many genes of DNA repair were among the most strongly overexpressed genes alongside a novel tardigrade specific gene, named
T
ardigrade
D
NA damage
R
esponse protein
1
(TDR1). We found that TDR1 protein interacts with DNA and forms aggregates at high concentration suggesting it may condensate DNA and act by preserving chromosome organization until DNA repair is accomplished. Remarkably, when expressed in human cells, TDR1 improved resistance to Bleomycin, a radiomimetic drug. Based on these findings, we propose that TDR1 is a novel tardigrade specific gene responsible for conferring resistance to IR. Our study sheds light on mechanisms of DNA repair helping to cope with high levels of DNA damage. Furthermore, it suggests that at least two tardigrade specific genes, respectively for Dsup and TDR1, have independently evolved DNA-binding functions that contribute to radio-resistance in the Tardigrada phylum.
Intraspecific predator interference promotes biodiversity in ecosystems
Authors: Kang Ju , Zhang Shijie , Wang Xin
Published: January 2024

Explaining biodiversity is a fundamental issue in ecology. A long-standing puzzle lies in the paradox of the plankton: many species of plankton feeding on a limited type of resources coexist, apparently flouting the competitive exclusion principle (CEP), which holds that the number of predator (consumer) species cannot exceed that of the resources at steady state. Here, we present a mechanistic model and show that the intraspecific interference among the consumers enables a plethora of consumer species to coexist at constant population densities with only one or a handful of resource species. The facilitated biodiversity is resistant to stochasticity, either with the stochastic simulation algorithm or individual-based modeling. Our model naturally explains the classical experiments that invalidate CEP, quantitatively illustrates the universal S-shaped pattern of the rank-abundance curves across a wide range of ecological communities, and can be broadly used to resolve the mystery of biodiversity in many natural ecosystems.
A visual efference copy-based navigation algorithm in Drosophila for complex visual environments
Authors: Canelo Angel , Kim Yeon , Park Jeongmin , Kim Anmo J
Published: January 2024

Drosophila
visuomotor processing has been intensively studied in recent years, leading to a qualitative understanding of individual neural circuits. However, the collective operation of these circuits during naturalistic behaviors, in which flies encounter a mixture of complex visual stimuli—including those caused by their own actions—remains unexplored. In this study, we developed an integrative model of
Drosophila
visuomotor processing, wherein multiple visuomotor circuits interconnect through an efference copy (EC) mechanism. To derive the model experimentally, we analyzed the wingbeat responses of flying
Drosophila
to individual, rotating visual patterns. We then combined these models to build an integrative model for superposed visual patterns, using three different strategies: the addition-only, the graded EC, and the all-or-none EC models. We compared orientation behaviors of these models with those of flying
Drosophila
that rotates their body freely in response to complex visual patterns. Results of these experiments support the all-or-none EC model, in which the amplitude of the flight turn is unimpeded by the background scene, irrespective of the visual environment. Together, our “virtual fly” model provides a formal description of vision-based navigation strategies of
Drosophila
in complex visual environments and offers a novel framework for assessing the role of constituent visuomotor neural circuits in real-world contexts.
Species composition, relative abundance, and habitat association of birds in Dodola dry evergreen afro-montane forest and sub-afro-alpine scrubland vegetation, southeast Ethiopia
Authors: Yilma Zenebe Ageru , Mengesha Girma , Girma Zerihun
Published: January 2024

Background

Birds’ functional groups are useful for maintaining fundamental ecological processes, ecosystem services, and economic benefits. Negative consequences of loss of functional groups are substantial. Birds are usually found at a high trophic level in food webs and are relatively sensitive to environmental change.

Methods

The first surveillance bird study was carried out southeast of Ethiopia adjacent to Bale Mountain National Park aimed at investigating the composition, relative abundance, and distribution of Aves. Using regular systematic point transact sampling, the density and species composition were analyzed through the mark recapture distance sampling engine assisted by R statistical software.

Results

This study recorded a total of seventy-eight bird species over two distinct seasons. Among these, fifteen species were exclusive to Erica habitats, twenty-six were found in natural forest habitats, and three were specific to plantation forest habitats. The study also discovered three endemic species. Based on the 2018 IUCN Red List categories, six of the species are globally threatened, three are near threatened, and the remaining sixty-nine are classified as least concern. The relative abundance of birds did not significantly differ across habitats and seasons, but variations were observed among blocks. Bird density was found to fluctuate across the three habitats and two seasons; however, these habitat differences were not influenced by seasonal changes.

Conclusion

The findings of this study reveal that the differences in composition and relative abundance are not merely seasonal changes in the forest and Erica habitats. Instead, these habitats create microclimates that cater to specific bird species. However, this localized endemism also presents challenges. The concentration of endemic species and potential resource constraints could pose a threat to these habitat-specialist birds.
Medicine Crisis Indicators in the Pharmaceutical System of Iran: A Descriptive Strategic Analysis
Authors: Mohebby Sadegh , Hajinabi Kamran , Majdabadi Mahmoud Mahmoudi , Tabibi Seyed Jamaledin
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Iran is one of the countries that frequently encounters natural disasters. Providing and delivering medicine and initiating treatment for the injured in the early stages of disasters and crisis play a significant role in reducing pain, fatal injuries, and increasing the chances of recovery and survival for the injured individuals. Aim: To design a model for drug management during crises and hazards in Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted from October 2019 to November 2020 at Department of Health Services Management, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. The opinions of 30 health and drug experts from the Food and Drug Administration and the Ministry of Health in Iran were considered in developing the initial conceptual model. Subsequently, a questionnaire was designed, and its validity and reliability were confirmed. The questionnaire evaluated seven parameters, including supply chain, policy-making, organisation, guidance and leadership, crisis instances, planning, and education. These parameters were scored on a Likert scale from 1 to 5. The total number of respondents was 403. Direct or reverse encoding was applied depending on the nature of the positive or negative questions. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) version 22 software. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to develop the final model for drug management during crises and hazards. Results: The results highlighted the importance of factors such as supply chain, policy-making, organisation, guidance and leadership, crisis instances, planning, and education in influencing drug management during crises and disasters. These findings were based on the perspectives of intermediate and senior managers in the medicine supply and distribution system in Iran. Conclusion: The model presented in the present study presents and emphasises the crucial factors that impact drug management during crises and disasters.
Effect of 5% Dextrose Infusion on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomised Controlled Study
Authors: Lakshmi BR , Nanjundappa Roopashree , Kulkarni Vithal
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) is defined as nausea, vomiting, or retching occurring in the postanaesthesia care unit within the first 24 hours of postoperative period. It is most common following laparoscopic cholecystectomy, causing postoperative discomfort and increasing patients’ stay in the postanaesthesia care unit. Aim: To evaluate the effect of a 500 mL infusion of 5% dextrose on PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Materials and Methods: A randomised controlled study was conducted at Department of Anaesthesiology, ESICMC PGIMSR, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India from January 2019 to June 2020, involving 90 consenting patients who were randomly assigned to two groups. One group (Group-C) received a 500 mL infusion of 5% dextrose, while the other group (Group-D) received Ringer’s lactate 30 minutes before the end of surgery. Anaesthesia and surgical techniques were standardised for all cases. Postoperatively, primary parameters such as the incidence of nausea, vomiting, and retching, and secondary parameters such as rescue antiemetic consumption and changes in blood glucose changes were recorded. The Bellville scale was used to assess PONV. Data were analysed using the Chi-square (χ2 ) test, with a significance level of 0.05. Continuous variables were reported as mean±Standard Deviation (SD), and categorical variables were reported as proportions. Results: Demographic parameters such as age (p=0.601), gender (p=0.259), weight (p=0.802), height (p=0.391), and Body Mass Index (BMI) (p=0.806) were comparable between the two study groups. A 5% dextrose infusion during laparoscopic cholecystectomy reduced nausea and vomiting during the postoperative period (p<0.05), decreased the overall incidence of PONV (p<0.001), and also reduced the requirement for rescue antiemetic dose (p<0.004). When comparing blood sugar levels, Group-D and Group-C showed no significant difference at T1, but there was a significant difference between the both groups at T2 (T1: p=0.211, T2: p<0.001). Conclusion: A 5% dextrose infusion during laparoscopic cholecystectomy reduces the incidence of PONV and decreases the need for rescue antiemetic medication. Additionally, comparing blood sugar levels, Group-D and Group-C showed a significant difference after the drug infusion. Therefore, a 5% dextrose infusion can be recommended as an effective and safe method for the prophylaxis of PONV in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
A Cross-sectional Study to Assess the Need for Standardisation of the Modified Mallampati and Friedman’s Scoring System
Authors: Abraham Jithin Mathew , Jacob Leno Ninan , Varghese Sangeetha Merrin , Mathai Ashu Sara
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The Modified Mallampati (MM) grading and Friedman’s Tongue Position (FTP) scores are two major scoring systems used to evaluate the oropharyngeal space. However, the current descriptions of performing these scores do not specify the route of breathing taken by the patient during the examination. The dynamic changes in the tongue and palate, in relation to the route of breathing, may contribute to the high interobserver variability in MM scoring. Aim: To explore the differences in MM scores and Friedman’s scores obtained during mouth breathing and nose breathing in order to standardise the scoring system. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Departments of Anaesthesiology and Community Medicine at Believers Church Medical College Hospital in Central Kerala, India between April 2022 and October 2022, on 702 adults. MM scores and FTP scores were recorded separately for each person during mouth breathing and nose breathing. Socio-demographic variables such as age, gender, and Body Mass Index (BMI) were also collected. The data was analysed using the Z-test for proportions. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 3.58±16.42 years. The majority of the participants were females (69.2%), and more than half (59%) were above 50 years of age. Out of the 135 participants with an MM Score-1 during mouth breathing, 99 (73.3%) had higher scores during nose breathing. For the 196 individuals with an MM Score-2 during mouth breathing, 87 (44.3%) had higher scores during nose breathing. Similarly, out of the 220 people with an MM score of -3 during mouth breathing, 106 (48.2%) had a Score-4 during nose breathing. A similar pattern was observed for the FTP scores. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates significant variability in MM and FTP scores obtained during oral and nasal breathing, highlighting the need to standardise the route of breathing during examination. The study suggests that advising patients to breathe through the mouth may relax the tongue and improve the predictive value of MM grading.
Древние насекомые-опылители, "Природа"
Authors: Храмов А.В.
Published: January 2024

Изучение ротовых частей ископаемых насекомых и пыльцы, сохранившейся на их теле и в кишечнике, позволило уточнить представления об эволюции насекомоопыления. В частности, было показано, что задолго до появления цветковых к услугам насекомых-опылителей могли прибегать различные группы голосеменных растений. В статье приводится обзор наиболее важных исследований в области палеоэнтомологии, которые проливают свет на возникновение и развитие мутуалистических отношений между растениями и насекомыми-опылителями.
Многослойные гетероструктуры титаната бария-стронция и манганита лантана на монокристаллических подложках оксида магния, "Наука юга России"
Authors: Мухортов В.М. , Головко Ю.И.
Published: January 2024

Представлены результаты получения и рентгендифрактометрического исследования структуры многослойных гетероструктур титаната бария-стронция и манганита лантана на монокристаллических подложках оксида магния с различной ориентацией кристаллитов в слоях относительно плоскости подложки. Для создания многослойных пленочных структур применялся метод высокочастотного катодного распыления керамических мишеней BaSrTiO и LaMnO при высоких давлениях рабочего газа кислорода (~1 Торр). В зависимости от условий роста и последовательности расположения слоев BaSrTiO и LaMnO можно получать монокристаллические или поликристаллические пленки. При использовании в качестве первого слоя LaMnO пленки LaMnO и BaSrTiO являются поликристаллическими с ярко выраженной текстурой (001) и (011). Для многослойной гетероструктуры с первым слоем BaSrTiO пленки BaSrTiO и LaMnO являются эпитаксиальными, кристаллографические оси которых ориентированы параллельно кристаллографическим осям подложки. Разориентировки кристаллографических осей не превышают 0,7°. Во всех слоях многослойных пленочных структур в плоскости подложки присутствуют сжимающие напряжения.
Knowledge Level of Tribal Farmers on Processing of Non-Timber Forest Products in Meghalaya, India
Authors: Dkhar Deinichwa , Raghuprasad K. P.
Published: January 2024

The study entitled “Knowledge Level of Tribal Farmers on Processing of Non-Timber Forest Products in Meghalaya” aimed to explore the knowledge level of tribal farmers regarding the processing of NTFPs, to find out the relationship between knowledge and profile characteristics of tribal farmers and to enlist the constraints faced by the tribal farmers in two districts of Meghalaya i.e., East Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi district, with respondents from eight villages. An ex-post facto research design was followed and based on the availability of NTFPs in the villages and dependency, a total of 160 participants belonging to Khasi tribes were purposively selected for data collection using pre-tested interview scheduled. The study revealed a mean knowledge score of 28.17 with a half-standard deviation of 1.48. Among the respondents, more than two third i.e., 68.75 per cent had low to medium knowledge and 31.25 per cent demonstrated high knowledge levels. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationship between knowledge level and educational status, material possession, annual income, extension contacts and scientific orientation at the 0.01 level of significance. Marketing pattern and market orientation showed significance at the 0.05 level, while fatalism exhibited a negative correlation at the same level. The top three constraints faced by tribal farmers were insufficient infrastructure for processing and storage, lack of adequate knowledge and difficulties in accessing markets due to remote locations and poor transportation networks which need policy interventions by the concerned governmental bodies or agencies including departments or ministries of agriculture, rural development, food processing and transportation.
21st Century Skills of Fourth Year Teacher Education Students of Saint Michael College, Cantilan, Incorporated, Cantilan, Surigao Del Sur
Authors: Orzales Germana A. , Mabalay Rizalita A.
Published: January 2024

In order to remain competitive, education must adapt to the demands of the 21st century. Saint Michael College, Cantilan Incorporated (SMCCI), a prominent private higher education institution in Surigao Del Sur Mindanao, Philippines, recognizes the importance of equipping its learners with the necessary 21st century skills. This study aimed to assess the extent to which fourth-year Teacher Education students at SMCCI possess and practice these skills. The study utilized a descriptive research design, with the fourth-year students of the 2016-2017 academic year as respondents. Data were collected through a questionnaire adapted from Corpuz and Salandanan (2013) and the 2008 Partnership for the 21st century skills framework. Statistical analysis, including frequency count and weighted mean, was applied to the gathered data. The findings revealed that among the five 21st century skills, the SMCCI fourth-year Teacher Education students excelled in Information, Media, and Technology Skills. They also demonstrated proficiency in Life and Career Skills, as well as Social and Cross-Cultural Skills. However, their Communication Skills and Learning and Innovative Skills were identified as areas that require improvement, as they received lower mean scores. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the SMCCI fourth-year Teacher Education students are well-informed about technological advancements and social media trends. The integration of technology and technological literacy is evident in their life and career skills. Additionally, the students have shown strong skills in their educational practices, but continuous guidance and support from teachers are necessary to encourage the development of their communication skills and innovativeness.
The Effects of Social Media Advertising on Consumers’ Brand Loyalty: With Special Reference to the Apparel Retailers
Authors: Kulawardena L. K. R. D. , Kalpana R. A. S.
Published: January 2024

The apparel industry faces increased competition from newcomers and imports, making it crucial for local companies to maintain brand loyalty. This research aimed to determine the most significant features of social media advertising (informativeness, entertainment, irritation, credibility) that influence apparel consumers' brand loyalty. The findings showed that social media advertising significantly impacts consumer brand loyalty in the Sri Lankan apparel retail industry. There was no significant relationship between informativeness and brand loyalty, but there were significant relationships between entertainment, irritation, and credibility. The data did not support a positive relationship between informativeness and brand loyalty, but entertainment had the greatest impact. The researcher has notified the Sri Lankan apparel retail industry to act on the findings and suggests future research in another industry to determine if these dimensions are correlated with the dependable variable.