bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Literacy in Creasing Awareness of Waste Management
Authors: Wulandari Silvia Dwi
Published: June 2024

This research aimed to analyze the role of literacy in increasing awareness of waste management. This research utilized a qualitative method. The results indicated that addressing waste management issues also requires the integration of technology. Digital media usage significantly influences the shift in individuals' mindsets. Enhancing waste literacy can be achieved through social media platforms. Educational initiatives can leverage various features provided by these platforms. Tailoring educational approaches to the age group of the target audience is crucial for effective information delivery. Merely providing education and knowledge is insufficient to cultivate self-awareness among individuals. It would be advantageous if education is complemented by tangible actions, such as community service, outreach programs, and training sessions. These activities should be customized to suit different age groups and environments.
The technology of "Debate" in history lessons: the conditions of occurrence, the technique of conducting, educational opportunities.
Authors: Kamradinov Erzhan , Sugirbaeva Gulzhan
Published: June 2024

The integration of debate as a pedagogical technology in educational settings has gained significant attention for its potential to enhance critical thinking, communication skills, and student engagement. This paper examines the historical development of the "Debate" methodology in classroom settings, focusing on the conditions that facilitated its emergence and the management techniques required for its successful implementation. It explores the educational opportunities provided by debate, including fostering a deeper understanding of subject matter, promoting active learning, and encouraging diverse perspectives. Through a comprehensive analysis of case studies and existing literature, this study identifies best practices for managing debate technology in lessons and highlights the impact of debate on student learning outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of structured debate formats, teacher facilitation, and supportive classroom environments in maximizing the educational benefits of this interactive teaching approach.
Digital Health Services Through the Lens of Data Privacy
Authors: S Indumathi
Published: June 2024

Pandemic has showcased to the world the need for having seamless health data exchange. One of the major reasons for India’s success in vaccinating her vast population is use of digital technology to ensure an easy mechanism for the people to register for vaccinations, get appointment dates as well as the jabs itself. This ease of use has made even the rural population appreciate the need for seamless data exchange to provide excellent health care. Keep this viewpoint in mind, the Indian government has chosen to usher in unique health id for each person based on their KYC / Aadhar card number. This is a welcome change albeit riddled with privacy concerns. In this article the author seeks to analyze the strength of digital health data framework upon the touchstone of privacy and informed consent. The author seeks to find out if the existing policies and laws are strong enough to ally privacy concerns or if there is an emergent need to ensure that unique digital health id does not result in data and privacy breaches across the digital health data framework. The author also seeks to find out if the data policies of the government are followed in practice at the ground level, wherein the people might be unaware of ‘informed consent.’
THE ROLE OF EFFECTIVE STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT IN SECONDARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN TEACHING MOTIVATION OF V-XI CLASS TEACHERS
Authors: Sharifov Galib , Fatullayev Vagif , Karimova Jala
Published: June 2024

This article explores the role of effective strategic management in schools in the teaching motivation of teachers in grades 5-11. The study found that creating a more motivating learning environment for teachers, a more stimulating learning environment for students and, finally, improving the quality of education is directly related to existing principles of strategic management. The article analyzes effective management measures based on teachers' responses, aimed at increasing pedagogical motivation and ensuring more active participation of students in the educational process.
EFFECTS OF TEACHER CERTIFICATION IN AZERBAIJAN ON INCREASING MOTIVATION
Authors: Suleymanova Afat
Published: June 2024

This research investigates the interplay between teacher certification, work motivation, and teacher performance in Azerbaijan's educational system. Using quantitative methods and regression analysis, the study reveals that teacher certification has a partially positive and significant impact on performance, while teacher work motivation also contributes positively. The combined influence of certification and motivation significantly enhances teacher performance. The findings underscore the need for a holistic approach in educational policy, emphasizing both formal certification processes and motivational factors to cultivate a highperforming teaching cadre in Azerbaijan. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers aiming to improve teacher quality and overall educational outcomes in the country.
RELEVANCE OF DISTANCE EDUCATION IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE INFORMATION SOCIETY
Authors: Isazade Nubar
Published: June 2024

Distance learning is an effective way to increase students' independence, activity, awareness and creativity compared to traditional education methods. This way helps to effectively solve the strategic issues used in the information society, modern teacher training. In addition, it plays an important role in increasing the quality and efficiency of higher education and ensures the relevance of distance education planning and organization. Distance education is also very beneficial in terms of providing students with the same educational opportunities regardless of their place of residence, health status, standard of living and financial security. Distance education allows you to study without paying additional costs (transportation, housing, etc.). These facts show the importance and relevance of the chosen topic of research. Integration into the world, globalization and the rapid development of information cause significant changes in various areas of society and further increase the role of human capital in the successful development of the state. The changes taking place in the education system, especially in higher education, require the provision of skilled and creative thinking specialists who can meet the needs of society and the state, and this, together with their competence, puts the informatization of education in front of you as the main requirement.
CURRENT PROBLEMS IN REGIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN, FORTHCOMING TASKS
Authors: Chunayev Mahammad
Published: June 2024

The article highlights the organization and development of regional higher education institutions after our country gained independence, the high role of these institutions in education for citizens of the country, accessibility and continuity of education, clarifications of existing problems and tasks facing them, a new action plan for the development of regional higher education institutions and their integration into the global system education in the future, at the same time, proposals were put forward, by allocating special scholarships and a number of benefits in order to attract applicants to regional higher education institutions in the future.
Orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis in adults: a 21-year experience
Authors: Jeon Yung Jin , Jin Woohyen , Joo Yeon-Hee , Cho Hyun-Jin , Kim Sang-Wook
Published: June 2024

Background: Orbital complications arising from acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) are a major concern for clinicians and serve as important warning indicators of ARS. Prompt recognition and appropriate management are crucial for preventing potential vision-threatening sequelae. Orbital complications of rhinosinusitis are markedly more common in children than in adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of orbital complications of ARS in adult patients.Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study analyzed the medical records of 176 patients admitted for orbital cellulitis/abscess (ICD code: H050) who underwent orbit or paranasal computed tomography from January 2001 to February 2022 at a tertiary hospital.Results: Eighteen adults with a mean age of 53.2±18.9 years were diagnosed with orbital complications due to ARS: five (27.8%) had preseptal cellulitis, eight (44.4%) had orbital cellulitis, and five (27.8%) had subperiosteal orbital abscess. None of the patients had an orbital abscess or cavernous sinus thrombosis. All patients had unilateral orbital complications (7 right and 11 left) and were managed with intravenous antibiotics for an average of 10.3±6.6 days. Five patients with subperiosteal orbital abscesses underwent intranasal endoscopic drainage at an average of 1.4±1.9 days after admission, while two patients required additional external drainage. Complete recovery was observed in all patients.Conclusions: Conservative antimicrobial therapy can be effective for treating orbital complications from ARS, and not all adult patients require immediate surgical intervention for subperiosteal abscesses. Nonetheless, careful monitoring is essential, and an ophthalmologist must check patients’ visual acuity to prevent irreversible blindness.
Viewing the influence of Vkhutemas on the Bauhaus from the perspective of production art: Main concepts and directions
Authors: Pu Anyuan
Published: June 2024

After the October Revolution of 1917, the Russian avant-garde established close relations with the German left wing. Vkhutemas, as the center of the Russian avant-garde, also had an important influence on the development of the Bauhaus. This study examines the specific path and results of the influence of Vkhutemas on the Bauhaus in terms of concept, structural transformation and production strategy in order to clarify the relationship between them. In this work, Vkhutemas is taken as the center, based on the analysis of conceptual principles, structural transformations and production strategies, specific ways and manifestations of the influence of the Russian avant-garde on the Bauhaus in various periods of the 1920s are explored. This comprehensive and multidimensional Russian influence not only develops the modern system of design education and finally consolidates the historical status of the Bauhaus, but also lays the foundation for its final fate. Firstly, on an ideological level, the goals of Russian production are directly related to the construction of socialism, to the creation of a system of proletarian culture, which Avartov calls proletarian, which largely coincides with the left-wing ideals of Gropius. Secondly, at the level of artistic thought, productivism and constructivism, as new ideas of the early 20th century, represented the contribution of the Russian avant-garde to modernist design. Finally, at the level of educational practice, thanks to the introduction of Russian constructivism by Moholy Nagy, the Bauhaus created a prototype of the three main components of modern design education, taking lessons from teaching composition by Vkhutemas, and opened the transition from expressionism to function. This was a new stage in the transformation of socialism, and thus formed the classic image of the Bauhaus for the outside world.
Tracking the neurodevelopmental trajectory of beta band oscillations with optically pumped magnetometer-based magnetoencephalography
Authors: Rier Lukas , Rhodes Natalie , Pakenham Daisie O , Boto Elena , Holmes Niall , Hill Ryan M , Reina Rivero Gonzalo , Shah Vishal , Doyle Cody , Osborne James , Bowtell Richard W , Taylor Margot , Brookes Matthew J
Published: June 2024

Neural oscillations mediate the coordination of activity within and between brain networks, supporting cognition and behaviour. How these processes develop throughout childhood is not only an important neuroscientific question but could also shed light on the mechanisms underlying neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, measuring the neurodevelopmental trajectory of oscillations has been hampered by confounds from instrumentation. In this paper, we investigate the suitability of a disruptive new imaging platform – optically pumped magnetometer-based magnetoencephalography (OPM-MEG) – to study oscillations during brain development. We show how a unique 192-channel OPM-MEG device, which is adaptable to head size and robust to participant movement, can be used to collect high-fidelity electrophysiological data in individuals aged between 2 and 34 years. Data were collected during a somatosensory task, and we measured both stimulus-induced modulation of beta oscillations in sensory cortex, and whole-brain connectivity, showing that both modulate significantly with age. Moreover, we show that pan-spectral bursts of electrophysiological activity drive task-induced beta modulation, and that their probability of occurrence and spectral content change with age. Our results offer new insights into the developmental trajectory of beta oscillations and provide clear evidence that OPM-MEG is an ideal platform for studying electrophysiology in neurodevelopment.
A microRNA that controls the emergence of embryonic movement
Authors: Menzies Jonathan A. C. , Chagas Andre M. , Baden Tom , Alonso Claudio R.
Published: June 2024

Movement is a key feature of animal systems, yet its embryonic origins are not fully understood. Here we investigate the genetic basis underlying the embryonic onset of movement in
Drosophila
focusing on the role played by small non-coding RNAs (microRNAs, miRNAs). To this end, we first develop a quantitative behavioural pipeline capable of tracking embryonic movement in large populations of fly embryos, and using this system, discover that the
Drosophila
miRNA
miR-2b-1
plays a role in the emergence of movement. Through the combination of spectral analysis of embryonic motor patterns, cell sorting and RNA
in situs
, genetic reconstitution tests, and neural optical imaging we define that
miR-2b-1
influences the emergence of embryonic movement by exerting actions in the developing nervous system. Furthermore, through the combination of bioinformatics coupled to genetic manipulation of miRNA expression and phenocopy tests we identify a previously uncharacterised (but evolutionarily conserved) chloride channel encoding gene – which we term

Mo
vement Modula
tor

(
Motor)
– as a genetic target that mechanistically links
miR-2b-1
to the onset of movement. Cell-specific genetic reconstitution of
miR-2b-1
expression in a null miRNA mutant background, followed by behavioural assays and target gene analyses, suggest that
miR-2b-1
affects the emergence of movement through effects in sensory elements of the embryonic circuitry, rather than in the motor domain. Our work thus reports the first miRNA system capable of regulating embryonic movement, suggesting that other miRNAs are likely to play a role in this key developmental process in
Drosophila
as well as in other species.
Synthesis and Biological Assessment of Chalcone and Pyrazoline Derivatives as Novel Inhibitor for ELF3-MED23 Interaction
Authors: Hwang Soo-Yeon , Jeon Kyung-Hwa , Lee Hwa-Jong , Moon Inhye , Jung Sehyun , Kim Seul-Ah , Jo Hyunji , Park Seojeong , Ahn Misun , Kwak Soo-Yeon , Na Younghwa , Kwon Youngjoo
Published: June 2024

HER2 overexpression significantly contributes to the aggressive nature and recurrent patterns observed in various solid tumors, notably gastric cancers. Trastuzumab, HER2-targeting monoclonal antibody drug, has shown considerable clinical success, however, readily emerging drug resistance emphasizes the pressing need for improved interventions in HER2-overexpressing cancers. To address this, we proposed targeting the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between ELF3 and MED23 as an alternative therapeutic approach to trastuzumab. In this study, we synthesized a total of 26 compounds consisting of 10 chalcones, 7 pyrazoline acetyl, and 9 pyrazoline propionyl derivatives, and evaluated their biological activity as potential ELF3-MED23 PPI inhibitors. Upon systematic analysis, candidate compound
10
was selected due to its potency in downregulating SEAP activity and its effect on HER2 protein and mRNA levels. Compound
10
effectively disrupted the binding interface between the ELF3 TAD domain and the 391-582 amino acid region of MED23, resulting in successful inhibition of the ELF3-MED23 PPI. This intervention led to a substantial reduction in HER2 levels and its downstream signals in the HER2-positive gastric cancer cell line. Subsequently, compound
10
induced significant apoptosis and anti-proliferative effects, demonstrating superior
in vitro
and
in vivo
anticancer activity overall. We found that the anticancer activity of compound
10
was not only restricted to trastuzumab-sensitive cases, but was also valid for trastuzumab-refractory clones. This suggests its potential as a viable therapeutic option for trastuzumab-resistant gastric cancers. In summary, compound
10
could be a novel alternative therapeutic strategy for HER2-overexpressing cancers, overcoming the limitations of trastuzumab.
Metastasis of colon cancer requires Dickkopf-2 to generate cancer cells with Paneth cell properties
Authors: Shin Jae Hun , Park Jooyoung , Lim Jaechul , Jeong Jaekwang , Dinesh Ravi K. , Maher Stephen E. , Hong Jun Young , Wysolmerski John , Choi Jungmin , Bothwell Alfred L. M.
Published: June 2024

Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Paneth cells provide stem cell niche factors in homeostatic conditions, but the underlying mechanisms of cancer stem cell niche development are unclear. Here we report that Dickkopf-2 (DKK2) is essential for the generation of cancer cells with Paneth cell properties during colon cancer metastasis. Splenic injection of
Dkk2
-knockout (KO) cancer organoids into C57BL/6 mice resulted in a significant reduction of liver metastases. Transcriptome analysis showed reduction of Paneth cell markers such as lysozymes in KO organoids. Single cell RNA sequencing analyses of murine metastasized colon cancer cells and patient samples identified the presence of lysozyme positive cells with Paneth cell properties including enhanced glycolysis. Further analyses of transcriptome and chromatin accessibility suggested Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-alpha (HNF4A) as a downstream target of DKK2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing analysis revealed that HNF4A binds to the promoter region of
Sox9
, a well-known transcription factor for Paneth cell differentiation. In the liver metastatic foci, DKK2 knockout rescued HNF4A protein levels followed by reduction of lysozyme positive cancer cells. Taken together, DKK2-mediated reduction of HNF4A protein promotes the generation of lysozyme positive cancer cells with Paneth cell properties in the metastasized colon cancers.
High-content high-resolution microscopy and deep learning assisted analysis reveals host and bacterial heterogeneity during Shigella infection
Authors: López-Jiménez Ana T. , Brokatzky Dominik , Pillay Kamla , Williams Tyrese , Güler Gizem Özbaykal , Mostowy Serge
Published: June 2024

Shigella flexneri
is a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen and causative agent of bacillary dysentery.
S. flexneri
is closely related to
Escherichia coli
but harbors a virulence plasmid that encodes a Type III Secretion System (T3SS) required for host cell invasion. Widely recognized as a paradigm for research in cellular microbiology,
S. flexneri
has emerged as important to study mechanisms of cell-autonomous immunity, including septin cage entrapment. Here we use high-content high-resolution microscopy to monitor the dynamic and heterogeneous
S. flexneri
infection process by assessing multiple host and bacterial parameters (DNA replication, protein translation, T3SS activity). In the case of infected host cells, we report a reduction in DNA and protein synthesis together with morphological changes that suggest
S. flexneri
can induce cell-cycle arrest. We developed an artificial intelligence image analysis approach using Convolutional Neural Networks to reliably quantify, in an automated and unbiased manner, the recruitment of SEPT7 to intracellular bacteria. We discover that heterogeneous SEPT7 assemblies are recuited to actively pathogenic bacteria with increased T3SS activation. Our automated microscopy workflow is useful to illuminate host and bacterial dynamics at the single-cell and population level, and to fully characterise the intracellular microenvironment controlling the
S. flexneri
infection process.
Copy number variation and population-specific immune genes in the model vertebrate zebrafish
Authors: Schäfer Yannick , Palitzsch Katja , Leptin Maria , Whiteley Andrew R , Wiehe Thomas , Suurväli Jaanus
Published: June 2024

Copy number variation in large gene families is well characterized for plant resistance genes, but similar studies are rare in animals. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has hundreds of NLR immune genes, making this species ideal for studying this phenomenon. By sequencing 93 zebrafish from multiple wild and laboratory populations, we identified a total of 1513 NLRs, many more than the previously known 400. Approximately half of those are present in all wild populations, but only 4% were found in 80% or more of the individual fish. Wild fish have up to two times as many NLRs per individual and up to four times as many NLRs per population than laboratory strains. In contrast to the massive variability of gene copies, nucleotide diversity in zebrafish NLR genes is very low: around half of the copies are monomorphic and the remaining ones have very few polymorphisms, likely a signature of purifying selection.
Mitigating NaCl stress in Vigna radiata L. cultivars using Bacillus pseudomycoides
Authors: Bilal Bushra , Siddiq Zafar , Iftikhar Tehreema , Hayyat Muhammad Umar
Published: June 2024

Salt stress is one of the significant abiotic stress factors that exert harmful effects on plant growth and yield. In this study, five cultivars of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) were treated with different concentrations of NaCl and also inoculated with a salt-tolerant bacterial strain to assess their growth and yield. The bacterial strain was isolated from the saline soil of Sahiwal District, Punjab, Pakistan and identified as Bacillus pseudomycoides. Plant growth was monitored at 15-days interval and finally harvested after 120 days at seed set. Both sodium and potassium uptake in above and below-ground parts were assessed using a flame photometer. Fresh and dry mass, number of pods, seeds per plant, weight of seeds per plant and weight of 100 seeds reduced significantly as the concentration of NaCl increased from 3 to 15 dSm−1. There was a significant reduction in the growth and yield of plants exposed to NaCl stress without bacterial inoculum compared to the plants with bacterial inoculum. The latter plants showed a significant increase in the studied parameters. It was found that the cultivar Inqelab mung showed the least reduction in growth and yield traits among the studied cultivars, while Ramzan mung showed the maximum reduction. Among all the cultivars, maximum Na+ uptake occurred in roots, while the least uptake was observed in seeds. The study concludes that NaCl stress significantly reduces the growth and yield of mung bean cultivars, but Bacillus pseudomycoides inoculum alleviates salt stress. These findings will be helpful to cultivate the selected cultivars in soils with varying concentrations of NaCl.
Nutrient, Phytonutrient Composition, and Antioxidant Activity Analysis of Fresh and Cabinet Dried Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Inflorescence
Authors: Vinod Nikhila.P. , D Jancy Rani
Published: June 2024

Background: Lately manufactories with medicinal properties play an important part in food and medicinal diligence for their capacities on disease prevention and treatment. Phytonutrients and antioxidant are the naturally occurring compounds found in the plant materials which has positive effects to avoid the oxidative stress-related diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Antioxidant protects cells from the damage caused by the free radicals and to slow down or prevent oxidation of the other molecules. Antioxidants are extremely important in many plant base foods. Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) inflorescence are rich in Phytonutrients and antioxidants. Nutrient are compound in the food which provide energy that facilitates repair, growth and also helps to carry out different life processes. They can help in reducing the risk of diseases and improves overall health. Hence for the objectives of the present study is to determine the nutrient composition and to estimate the phytonutrients and to analyse the antioxidant activity of fresh and the cabinet dry (45℃for 24h) Cocos nucifera (L.) inflorescence.
Methods and Results: Nutrients such as carbohydrate (0.23g,0.19g), protein (24.7g,21.5g), fibre (11%,34.3%), iron(0.115mg,0.135), vitamin-C (0.01mcg,0.0062mcg), calcium (2.8mg,1.6mg) were analyzed by the AOAC method. The Preliminary qualitative phytonutrient analysis was carried out by the standard methodology with extraction of the plant material through the maceration process to identify the secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids, quinons, phenol, saponin, tannin, terpenoids and steroids in various solvents of aqueous, ethanol, methanol, acetone, petroleum ether and chloroform. Antioxidant activity were analyzed by the DPPH method.
Conclusion: Cabinet dried sample have a better profile of the phytonutrients and antioxidant activity compared to fresh sample. So it is better to utilize cabinet dried sample in product development and supplementation of Cocos nucifera (L.) inflorescence.
Comparative Efficacy and Economics of Selected Chemicals with Neem Oil against Mustard Aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbench)
Authors: J C Jeena , Kumar Ashwani
Published: June 2024

The research was carried out at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Central Research Field, during Rabi season from november 2023- march 2024.  The insecticide management experiment was conducted under Randomized Block Design (RBD) with the eight treatments and three replications by undertaking two spraying with fifteen-day intervals. The insecticides tested significantly reduced the pest population compared to control. Among the eight treatments evaluated for their efficacy in field condition against mustard aphids was recorded in treatment Neem oil 5% + Imidacloprid 17.8 SL (6.95) which was the minimum aphid population, followed by Imidacloprid 17.8 SL (8.46), Neem oil 5% + Acetamiprid 20% SP (9.78), Acetamiprid 20% SP (10.45), Neem oil 5% + Cypermethrin 10% EC (11.27), Cypermethrin 10% EC (11.55) and Neem oil 5% (12.01). The maximum aphid population was recorded in control plot (23.33 per 5 plant). Based on the results obtained in the investigation it is concluded that Imidacloprid 17.8SL with Neem oil and chemicals combined with neem oil could be utilized as a component in Integrated Pest Management of Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) on mustard. Similarly, the result revealed that the maximum C:B was recorded by treatment Neem oil 5%+ Imidacloprid 17.8% SL (1:2.77) followed by Imidacloprid 17.8% SL (1:2.67) and the minimum Cost Benefit Ratio was recorded in the control plot (1:1.27). The combination of Neem oil 5% and Imidacloprid 17.8 SL has offered cost-effective solutions that they effectively control aphid populations at lower costs. Thus, integrated pest management (IPM) approaches combining chemical treatments with cultural, biological, and mechanical controls may provide sustainable and cost-effective solutions in the long term.
Study of Factors Influencing the Intestinal Microbiota in Children from 0 to 3 Months at the Mother and Child Hospital of Bingerville, Ivory Coast during 2023
Authors: Miedjim Grace Kemsol , Valérie Gbonon Mbengue , Evelyne Akaffou Adja , Assal Ndôh Ngrabé Nodje- , Mathias Ndri Kouamé , Marius Guede Cataud , Stanislas Assohoun Egomli , Ettien Marcelle Money , Gnahoré Franck Djéda , Kintossou Ambroise Kouamé , Clarisse Kouamé , Tatiana Kangah , Arlette Afran Sidjè , Flore Diplo , Olivier Setchi Luc , Stéphane Koffi , Mireille Dosso
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Every human being builds a symbiosis with a diverse ecosystem of microorganisms: the intestinal microbiota. Its establishment, maturity, and composition evolving throughout life are dynamic processes influenced during their establishment by various factors such as gestational age, birth and feeding modalities, environment, and antibiotic use. The aim of this article is to identify the epidemiological characteristics (factors influencing the establishment and development of the intestinal microbiota) of populations of children from 0 to 3 months studied at the Mother and Child Hospital of Bingerville.
Methods: A longitudinal and prospective birth cohort of populations of children from Day 0 to Month 3 was conducted. Epidemiological data were collected from the mother after signing the informed consent form. Data collection tools included the survey form, information sheet, and informed consent form. Statistical analyses were performed using XLSTAT software version 2018. Chi-square test (significance test) was used on variables such as sex and gestational age, mode of delivery, gestational age and birth mode, and birth weight.
Results: A total of 52 infants were included. The socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of these newborns and their mothers were examined. Analysis of birth weight distribution according to mode of delivery and feeding mode did not reveal any significant association. Each studied characteristic was then discussed.
Conclusion: The objective of the study has been achieved. However, further research is needed to obtain more generalizable results.
Addressing Production and Marketing Constraints of Arecanut Growers: Insights from Tumcos in Davanagere, Karnataka, India
Authors: YH Preeti , A Thirumal , K Anil, , R Rahul Prasad , YH Priya , B Arpitha, H
Published: June 2024

This study was conducted in the Davanagere district of Karnataka to analyze the constraints faced by TUMCOS member and non-member arecanut growers and to propose solutions for overcoming these challenges. A total of 120 areca producers (60 members and 60 non-members) were randomly selected from five TUMCOS branch regions. Data were collected through personal interviews and analysed using frequency, per cent and rank order method. The majority of farmers (90.83%) identified labor shortages as a primary production constraint. Financial challenges included inadequate subsidies (58.33%), while marketing challenges were high transportation costs (69.17%) and remote market locations (66.67%). A significant portion of farmers (65%) suggested improving market infrastructure, including transportation, storage, and weighing facilities, to address these issues.
Influence of Various Nitrogen Levels and Herbicides Application on Nutrient Uptake and Quality Parameters of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Singh Vikash , Kumar Rajesh , Azam Kamaran , Singh Manju , Marufi Mohammad Nabi , Kumar Neeraj
Published: June 2024

The present study determines the Influence of Various Nitrogen Levels and Herbicides Application on Nutrient Uptake and Quality Parameters of Rice (Oryza sativa L.). A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season 2022 and 2023 at Agronomy research farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology Kumarganj, Ayodhya Uttar Pradesh, (India), which consisted of three levels of nitrogen 80, 120 and 160 Kg/ha in main plot and five weed management practices Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10 % WP @ 20g a.i/ha (PE) at 0-3 DAT,  Bispyribac sodium 10 % SC @ 25g a.i/ha (PoE) at 25 DAT, Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10 % WP @ 20g a.i/ha (PE) at 0-3 DAT fb Bispyribac sodium 10 % SC @ 25g a.i/ha (PoE) at 25 DAT, Weed free and Weedy check in subplot thereby, making fifteen treatment combinations and replicated thrice  in split plot design . Results indicated that protein content and protein yield, N, P and K content in grain and straw and their uptake after harvest were maximum recorded with the application of 160 Kg N ha-1 and Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10 % WP @ 20g a.i/ha (PE) at 0-3 DAT fb Bispyribac sodium 10 % SC @ 25g a.i/ha (PoE) at 25 DAT which was comparable to weed free during both the years of investigation on transplanting rice.
High‐Speed Multineuron Calcium Imaging Using Nipkow‐Type Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Takahashi Naoya , Oba Shigeyuki , Yukinawa Naoto , Ujita Sakiko , Mizunuma Mika , Matsuki Norio , Ishii Shin , Ikegaya Yuji
Published: October 2011

Conventional confocal and two‐photon microscopy scan the field of view sequentially with single‐point laser illumination. This raster‐scanning method constrains video speeds to tens of frames per second, which are too slow to capture the temporal patterns of fast electrical events initiated by neurons. Nipkow‐type spinning‐disk confocal microscopy resolves this problem by the use of multiple laser beams. We describe experimental procedures for functional multineuron calcium imaging (fMCI) based on Nipkow‐disk confocal microscopy, which enables us to monitor the activities of hundreds of neurons en masse at a cellular resolution at up to 2000 fps. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 57:2.14.1‐2.14.10. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Microscope Objectives
Authors: LoBiondo Joseph , Abramowitz Mortimer , Friedman Marc M.
Published: October 2011

The objective is the most crucial image‐forming component of a microscope. A knowledge of the many types of objectives available and their characteristics is critical to the selection of appropriate objectives for image cytometry. This unit discusses aberrations in image formation and their correction, construction, and types of objectives, and objectives for other microscopy applications, explaining the advantages and limitations of each one. Curr. Protoc. Cytom. 58:2.2.1‐2.2.15. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Pain as an important predictor of psychosocial health in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Courvoisier Delphine S. , Agoritsas Thomas , Glauser Jérôme , Michaud Kaleb , Wolfe Fred , Cantoni Eva , Perneger Thomas V. , Finckh Axel ,   Swiss Clinical Quality Management Program for Rheumatoid Arthritis,   National Data Bank for Rheumatic Diseases
Published: October 2011

Objective

To examine the evolution of psychosocial aspects of health‐related quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and to identify their predictors.

Methods

All patients within a Swiss RA cohort and a US RA cohort who completed a Short Form 36 (SF‐36) scale at least twice within a 4‐year period were included. The primary outcome was psychosocial health as measured by the mental component summary (MCS) score of the SF‐36. The evolution of this outcome over time was analyzed using structural equation models, which distinguish between the stable, the variable, and the measurement error components of the outcome's variance.

Results

A total of 15,282 patients (48,323 observations) were included. MCS scores were mostly stable over time (between 69% and 75% of the variance was not due to measurement error). The variable component of the SF‐36 was mostly due to fluctuations at the moment of measurement and not to a global time trend of psychosocial health. Pain was the most important predictor of both the stable and variable components of psychosocial health, explaining ∼44% of the observed psychosocial health variance.

Conclusion

This large cohort study demonstrates that pain is the most important predictor of a patient's psychosocial health in RA patients. This suggests that physicians should place greater emphasis on pain management.
Self‐management strategies in overweight and obese Canadians with arthritis
Authors: Bernatsky S. , Rusu C. , O'Donnell S. , Mackay C. , Hawker G. , Canizares M. , Badley E.
Published: October 2011

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obese Canadians with arthritis and to describe their use of arthritis self‐management strategies, as well as explore the factors associated with not engaging in any self‐management strategies.

Methods

Respondents to the 2009 Survey on Living with Chronic Diseases in Canada, a nationally representative sample of 4,565 Canadians age ≥20 years reporting health professional–diagnosed arthritis (including more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions), were asked about the impact of their arthritis and how it was managed. Among the overweight (body mass index [BMI] 25–29.9 kg/m2) and obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) individuals with arthritis (n = 2,869), the use of arthritis self‐management strategies (i.e., exercise, weight control/loss, classes, and community‐based programs) were analyzed. Log binomial regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with engaging in none versus any (≥1) of the 4 strategies.

Results

More than one‐quarter (27.4%) of Canadians with arthritis were obese and an additional 39.9% were overweight. The overweight and obese individuals with arthritis were mostly female (59.5%), age ≥45 years (89.7%), and reported postsecondary education (69.0%). While most reported engagement in at least 1 self‐management strategy (84.9%), less than half (45.6%) engaged in both weight control/loss and exercise. Factors independently associated with not engaging in any self‐management strategies included lower education, not taking medications for arthritis, and no clinical recommendations from a health professional.

Conclusion

Fewer than half of the overweight and obese Canadians with arthritis engaged in both weight control/loss and exercise. The provision of targeted clinical recommendations (particularly low in individuals that did not engage in any self‐management strategies) may help to facilitate participation.
Modified Phalen's test as an aid in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Bilkis Sayeeda , Loveman Donald M. , Eldridge James A. , Ali Shabnam Asgher , Kadir Abdul , McConathy Walter
Published: October 2011

Objective

We developed a modified Phalen's test (MPT), which uses sensory testing in Phalen's position, as a diagnostic screening tool for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This study was designed to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the MPT for diagnosis of CTS.

Methods

Electrodiagnostic nerve conduction studies (EDS) were used as the gold standard. MPT was performed by a blinded examiner on patients prior to EDS. MPT was recorded as either positive or negative based on the presence or absence of a median nerve sensory deficit while the hand was in Phalen's position.

Results

Sixty‐six hands were included in this study. Chi‐square for the MPT compared to EDS as the gold standard was 41.449 (P < 0.001), and the validity coefficient (phi) was 0.792 (P < 0.01). The traditional Phalen's test (TPT) compared to the EDS demonstrated a chi‐square of 15.349 (P < 0.001) and a phi coefficient of 0.482 (P < 0.01). ROC curve estimates for the MPT revealed a sensitivity of 84.4% compared to 50% for the TPT. The standard error of the estimate for sensitivity was 3.3% for the MPT and 5.8% for the TPT.

Conclusion

The MPT is a highly useful screening diagnostic tool for CTS. The MPT demonstrates greater accuracy than the TPT for predicting CTS. The MPT also demonstrates greater sensitivity than the TPT in predicting a positive electrodiagnostic test for CTS.
Exponential l2 − l∞ filtering for discrete‐time switched systems under a new framework
Authors: Zong Guangdeng , Hou Linlin , Wu Yuqiang
Published: October 2011

In this paper, a robust exponential l2 − l∞ filtering problem is addressed for discrete‐time switched systems with polytopic uncertainties. The purpose of robust exponential l2 − l∞ filtering is to design a filter such that the resulting filtering error system is robustly exponentially stable with a decay rate and a prescribed exponential l2 − l∞ performance index. The robust exponential l2 − l∞ filtering problem is solved via an average dwell time approach. Sufficient conditions in terms of strict LMI are derived for checking the robust exponential stability of a filter. An explicit expression for the desired robust exponential filter is also given. Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the potential and effectiveness of the proposed method. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geophagy in chacma baboons: patterns of soil consumption by age class, sex, and reproductive state
Authors: Pebsworth Paula A. , Bardi Massimo , Huffman Michael A.
Published: October 2011

Despite baboons' widespread distribution across Africa, geophagy among all subspecies has been poorly documented. We used video camera traps and soil analyses to investigate geophagy in chacma baboons (Papio cynocephalus ursinus) inhabiting the Western Cape of South Africa. During an 18‐month study, from August 2009 to January 2011, we continually monitored the largest and most frequently visited geophagy sites with camera traps for 545 days and captured soil consumption at one or more sites on 266 of those days (49%). In 3,500 baboon visits to geophagy sites, video camera traps captured 58.6 hr of geophagy. From these data, we evaluated site preference based on time spent consuming soil among these four geophagy sites. One hundred and seventy days of soil consumption data from the most frequently visited geophagy site allowed us to look for demographic trends in geophagy. Selected consumed soils from geophagy sites were analyzed for mineral, physical, and chemical properties. The baboons spent more time consuming white alkaline soils with high percentages of clay and fine silt, which contained higher concentrations of sodium than non‐white acidic soils that contained higher concentrations of iron. Our data indicate that pregnant chacma baboons spent more time consuming soil at monitored geophagy sites than baboons of any other age class, sex, or reproductive state. Based on analytical results, the soils consumed would be effective at alleviating gastrointestinal distress and possibly supplementing minerals for all age/sex classes, but potentially for different age/sex requirements. Am. J. Primatol. 74:48–57, 2012. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Capuchin monkeys (Cebus nigritus) use spatial and visual information during within‐patch foraging
Authors: Gomes Daniela Fichtner , Bicca‐Marques Júlio César
Published: October 2011

Foraging in large‐scale (navigation between patches), small‐scale (choice of within‐patch feeding sites), and micro‐scale (close inspection of food items) space presents variable cognitive challenges. The reliability and usefulness of spatial memory and perceptual cues during food search in a forest environment vary among these spatial scales. This research applied an experimental field design to test the ability of a free‐ranging group composed of eight black‐horned capuchin monkeys, Cebus nigritus, inhabiting a forest fragment in Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, to use food‐associated spatial, visual, olfactory, and quantitative (amount of food) cues during small‐scale foraging decisions. The experimental design involved the establishment of a feeding station composed of eight feeding platforms distributed in a circular arrangement. A series of six experiments, each lasting 20 days, was conducted from March to August 2005. Two feeding platforms in each experimental session contained a food reward (real banana), whereas the remaining six platforms contained either a sham banana or an inaccessible real banana. Data on capuchin monkey foraging behavior at the feeding stations were collected by the “all occurrences” sampling method. The performance of the capuchins in the experiments was analyzed based on the first two platforms inspected in each session. The study group inspected feeding platforms in 571 occasions during 113 sessions. Capuchins used visual cues and spatial information (and adopted a win–return strategy) for finding the platforms baited with real bananas and showed weak evidence of the integration of spatial and quantitative cues, but failed to show evidence of using olfactory cues. In addition, individual differences in social rank and foraging behavior affected opportunities for learning and the performance in the cognitive tasks. Am. J. Primatol. 74:58–67, 2012. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigating the effect of PGA on physical and mechanical properties of electrospun PCL/PGA blend nanofibers
Authors: Aghdam Rouhollah Mehdinavaz , Najarian Siamak , Shakhesi Saeed , Khanlari Samaneh , Shaabani Keyvan , Sharifi Shahriar
Published: October 2011

In the field of tissue engineering there is always a need for new engineered polymeric biomaterials which have ideal properties and functional customization. Unfortunately the demands for many biomedical applications need a set of properties that no polymers can fulfill. One method to satisfy these demands and providing desirable new biomaterials is by mixing two or more polymers. In this work, random nanofibrous blends of poly (ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and polyglycolic acid (PGA) with various PCL/PGA compositions (100/0, 80/20, 65/35, 50/50, and 0/100) were fabricated by electrospinning method and characterized for soft‐tissue engineering applications. Physical, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of PCL/PGA blend nanofibers were measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), porosimetry, contact angle measurement, water uptake, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), and tensile measurements. Morphological characterization showed that the addition of PGA to PCL results in an increase in the average diameter of the nanofibers. According to these results, when the amount of PGA in the blend solution increased, the hydrophilicity and water uptake of the nanofibrous scaffolds increased concurrently, approaching those of PGA nanofibers. Differential scanning calorimetric studies showed that the PCL and PGA were miscible in the nanofibrous structure and the mechanical characterization under dry conditions showed that increasing PGA content results in a tremendous increase in the mechanical properties. In conclusion, the random nanofibrous PCL/PGA scaffold used in this study constitutes a promising material for soft‐tissue engineering. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of thermal fatigue on the mechanical properties of epoxy matrix composites reinforced with olive pits powder
Authors: Papanicolaou G. C. , Koutsomitopoulou A. F. , Sfakianakis A.
Published: October 2011

This study is focused on the investigation of the effect of thermal shock cycling on the mechanical properties of cellulose based reinforced polymer composites. Polymer composites reinforced with olive pits powder at different filler‐volume fractions were manufactured. An increase in the bending modulus on the order of 48% was achieved. On the other hand, results showed that the bending strength remained almost unaffected from the amount of filler introduced. Next, the effect of thermal shock cycling on the mechanical behaviour of the thus manufactured composites was investigated. Theoretical predictions for both the properties variation with number of thermal shock cycles applied as well as with filler‐volume fraction were derived using the residual properties model (RPM) and the modulus predictive model (MPM), respectively. Predicted values were compared with respective experimental results. In all cases, a fair agreement between experimental findings and theoretical predictions was found. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012