bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indigenous Theatre Protocols
Authors: Sioui Durand Yves
Published: August 2024

How can existing and reimagined protocols contribute to the decolonization of performing arts practices among Indigenous artists? How can they allow us to reconnect with our languages and the pre-Columbian concepts they keep alive? Who we are and who we will be have not been captured by how we have been represented. Like all the peoples of the earth, we have our own theatre traditions. How can we repatriate or draw inspiration from non-Western forms of theatricality rooted in our ancient cultures? Artistic protocols are the walking sticks that might guide us towards discoveries and rediscoveries deeply rooted in who we truly are. They promise to lead us towards vital theatrical practices in an era in which ecological collapse threatens the future of humanity.
Respons(H)abileté : tisser des mots de responsabilité à travers les histoires
Authors: Belanger Mariel
Published: August 2024

Cet article est un T(ante / anti) (« AuNTIe ») essai qui appelle à de meilleures façons d’être et de faire que les pratiques du statu quo qui sont actuellement en place dans le monde universitaire. Une tantine autochtone en colère vous donne un cours en vous expliquant pourquoi les modes de connaissance autochtones ne sont pas des outils (comme le sont l’entrevue ou l’enquête) que les universitaires peuvent coloniser pour en faire un usage méthodologique libre et gratuit. Cette tantine aborde la démoralisation qui se produit lorsqu’on place l’« autre » autochtone, étudiant·e, dans la position où iel doit se faire professeur·e d’épistémologie pan-autochtone. Je discute de ma compréhension du devoir de diligence au sein de la recherche, en prenant des précautions pour prédire ce qui pourrait arriver à d’autres lorsque ce devoir est appliqué à la compréhension de la performance ethnographique dans un cours.
Partir du bon pied : ententes et protocoles de décolonisation, ou Souris traverse Rivière
Authors: Geller Philip Jonah Logan
Published: August 2024

Souris tente de traverser Rivière. Philip tente de créer du théâtre en contexte institutionnel. Une recette pour une réussite ou pour une catastrophe? Une proposition de décolonisation dans l’approche artistique et collaborative relationnelle. Quels protocoles, quelles pratiques et quelle compréhension sont nécessaires afin de partir du bon pied?
Objektorientēto tipu sistēmas izstrāde, lietojot projektēšanas šablonu metodoloģiju
Authors:   , Batdalovs Ruslans
Published: August 2024

Ir zināms, ka projektēšanas šablonos balstītu risinājumu sarežģītība bieži ir augstāka, nekā nepieciešams problēmas risināšanai. Viens no iespējamiem iemesliem ir programmēšanas valodu nepietiekama izteiksmība. Promocijas darbā tiek piedāvāts paaugstināt izteiksmību, vispārinot programmēšanas valodu tipiskās konstrukcijas, ierosinot vispārinātās datu salikšanas un skaitļošanas konstrukcijas aprakstīt šablonu veidā un formalizēt, izmantojot tipu teorijas rīkus. Piedāvāto izmaiņu iespējamā ietekme tiek analizēta, balstoties MIX iedomātā datora emulatora piemērā.
The deubiquitinase Ubp3/Usp10 constrains glucose-mediated mitochondrial repression via phosphate budgeting
Authors: Vengayil Vineeth , Niphadkar Shreyas , Adhikary Swagata , Varahan Sriram , Laxman Sunil
Published: August 2024

Many cells in high glucose repress mitochondrial respiration, as observed in the Crabtree and Warburg effects. Our understanding of biochemical constraints for mitochondrial activation is limited. Using a
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
screen, we identified the conserved deubiquitinase Ubp3 (Usp10), as necessary for mitochondrial repression. Ubp3 mutants have increased mitochondrial activity despite abundant glucose, along with decreased glycolytic enzymes, and a rewired glucose metabolic network with increased trehalose production. Utilizing
Δubp3
cells, along with orthogonal approaches, we establish that the high glycolytic flux in glucose continuously consumes free Pi. This restricts mitochondrial access to inorganic phosphate (Pi), and prevents mitochondrial activation. Contrastingly, rewired glucose metabolism with enhanced trehalose production and reduced GAPDH (as in
Δubp3
cells) restores Pi. This collectively results in increased mitochondrial Pi and derepression, while restricting mitochondrial Pi transport prevents activation. We therefore suggest that glycolytic-flux dependent intracellular Pi budgeting is a key constraint for mitochondrial repression.
Divergent downstream biosynthetic pathways are supported by L-cysteine synthases of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Khan Mehak Zahoor , Hunt Debbie M , Singha Biplab , Kapoor Yogita , Singh Nitesh Kumar , Prasad D V Sai , Dharmarajan Sriram , Sowpati Divya Tej , de Carvalho Luiz Pedro S , Nandicoori Vinay Kumar
Published: August 2024

Mycobacterium tuberculosis’s (Mtb) autarkic lifestyle within the host involves rewiring its transcriptional networks to combat host-induced stresses. With the help of RNA sequencing performed under various stress conditions, we identified that genes belonging to Mtb sulfur metabolism pathways are significantly upregulated during oxidative stress. Using an integrated approach of microbial genetics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, animal experiments, chemical inhibition, and rescue studies, we investigated the biological role of non-canonical L-cysteine synthases, CysM and CysK2. While transcriptome signatures of RvΔcysM and RvΔcysK2 appear similar under regular growth conditions, we observed unique transcriptional signatures when subjected to oxidative stress. We followed pool size and labelling (34S) of key downstream metabolites, viz. mycothiol and ergothioneine, to monitor L-cysteine biosynthesis and utilization. This revealed the significant role of distinct L-cysteine biosynthetic routes on redox stress and homeostasis. CysM and CysK2 independently facilitate Mtb survival by alleviating host-induced redox stress, suggesting they are not fully redundant during infection. With the help of genetic mutants and chemical inhibitors, we show that CysM and CysK2 serve as unique, attractive targets for adjunct therapy to combat mycobacterial infection.
TRIP13 localizes to synapsed chromosomes and functions as a dosage-sensitive regulator of meiosis
Authors: Chotiner Jessica Y , Leu N Adrian , Yang Fang , Cossu Isabella G , Guan Yongjuan , Lin Huijuan , Wang P Jeremy
Published: August 2024

Meiotic progression requires coordinated assembly and disassembly of protein complexes involved in chromosome synapsis and meiotic recombination. Mouse TRIP13 and its ortholog Pch2 are instrumental in remodeling HORMA domain proteins. HORMAD proteins are associated with unsynapsed chromosome axes but depleted from the synaptonemal complex (SC) of synapsed homologs. Here we report that TRIP13 localizes to the synapsed SC in early pachytene spermatocytes and to telomeres throughout meiotic prophase I. Loss of TRIP13 leads to meiotic arrest and thus sterility in both sexes. Trip13-null meiocytes exhibit abnormal persistence of HORMAD1 and HOMRAD2 on synapsed SC and chromosome asynapsis that preferentially affects XY and centromeric ends. These major phenotypes are consistent with reported phenotypes of Trip13 hypomorph alleles. Trip13 heterozygous mice exhibit meiotic defects that are less severe than the Trip13-null mice, showing that TRIP13 is a dosage-sensitive regulator of meiosis. Localization of TRIP13 to the synapsed SC is independent of SC axial element proteins such as REC8 and SYCP2/SYCP3. Terminal FLAG-tagged TRIP13 proteins are functional and recapitulate the localization of native TRIP13 to SC and telomeres. Therefore, the evolutionarily conserved localization of TRIP13/Pch2 to the synapsed chromosomes provides an explanation for dissociation of HORMA domain proteins upon synapsis in diverse organisms.
Polysaccharides induce deep-sea Lentisphaerae strains to release chronic bacteriophages
Authors: Wang Chong , Zheng Rikuan , Zhang Tianhang , Sun Chaomin
Published: August 2024

Viruses are ubiquitous in nature and play key roles in various ecosystems. Notably, some viruses (e.g. bacteriophage) exhibit alternative life cycles, such as chronic infections without cell lysis. However, the impact of chronic infections and their interactions with the host organisms remains largely unknown. Here, we found for the first time that polysaccharides induced the production of multiple temperate phages infecting two deep-sea Lentisphaerae strains (WC36 and zth2). Through physiological assays, genomic analysis, and transcriptomics assays, we found these bacteriophages were released via a chronic style without host cell lysis, which might reprogram host polysaccharide metabolism through the potential auxiliary metabolic genes. The findings presented here, together with recent discoveries made on the reprogramming of host energy-generating metabolisms by chronic bacteriophages, shed light on the poorly explored marine virus–host interaction and bring us closer to understanding the potential role of chronic viruses in marine ecosystems.
Damage-induced basal epithelial cell migration modulates the spatial organization of redox signaling and sensory neuron regeneration
Authors: Fister Alexandra M , Horn Adam , Lasarev Michael R , Huttenlocher Anna
Published: August 2024

Epithelial damage leads to early reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling, which regulates sensory neuron regeneration and tissue repair. How the initial type of tissue injury influences early damage signaling and regenerative growth of sensory axons remains unclear. Previously we reported that thermal injury triggers distinct early tissue responses in larval zebrafish. Here, we found that thermal but not mechanical injury impairs sensory axon regeneration and function. Real-time imaging revealed an immediate tissue response to thermal injury characterized by the rapid Arp2/3-dependent migration of keratinocytes, which was associated with tissue scale ROS production and sustained sensory axon damage. Isotonic treatment was sufficient to limit keratinocyte movement, spatially restrict ROS production, and rescue sensory neuron function. These results suggest that early keratinocyte dynamics regulate the spatial and temporal pattern of long-term signaling in the wound microenvironment during tissue repair.
Detection of TurboID fusion proteins by fluorescent streptavidin outcompetes antibody signals and visualises targets not accessible to antibodies
Authors: Odenwald Johanna , Gabiatti Bernardo , Braune Silke , Shen Siqi , Zoltner Martin , Kramer Susanne
Published: August 2024

Immunofluorescence localises proteins via fluorophore-labelled antibodies. However, some proteins evade detection due to antibody-accessibility issues or because they are naturally low abundant or antigen density is reduced by the imaging method. Here, we show that the fusion of the target protein to the biotin ligase TurboID and subsequent detection of biotinylation by fluorescent streptavidin offers an ‘all in one’ solution to these restrictions. For all proteins tested, the streptavidin signal was significantly stronger than an antibody signal, markedly improving the sensitivity of expansion microscopy and correlative light and electron microscopy. Importantly, proteins within phase-separated regions, such as the central channel of the nuclear pores, the nucleolus, or RNA granules, were readily detected with streptavidin, while most antibodies failed. When TurboID is used in tandem with an HA epitope tag, co-probing with streptavidin and anti-HA can map antibody-accessibility and we created such a map for the trypanosome nuclear pore. Lastly, we show that streptavidin imaging resolves dynamic, temporally, and spatially distinct sub-complexes and, in specific cases, reveals a history of dynamic protein interaction. In conclusion, streptavidin imaging has major advantages for the detection of lowly abundant or inaccessible proteins and in addition, provides information on protein interactions and biophysical environment.
Identifying images in the biology literature that are problematic for people with a color-vision deficiency
Authors: Stevens Harlan P , Winegar Carly V , Oakley Arwen F , Piccolo Stephen R
Published: August 2024

To help maximize the impact of scientific journal articles, authors must ensure that article figures are accessible to people with color-vision deficiencies (CVDs), which affect up to 8% of males and 0.5% of females. We evaluated images published in biology-and medicine-oriented research articles between 2012 and 2022. Most included at least one color contrast that could be problematic for people with deuteranopia (“deuteranopes”), the most common form of CVD. However, spatial distances and within-image labels frequently mitigated potential problems. Initially, we reviewed 4,964 images from
eLife
, comparing each against a simulated version that approximated how it might appear to deuteranopes. We identified 636 (12.8%) images that we determined would be difficult for deuteranopes to interpret. Our findings suggest that the frequency of this problem has decreased over time and that articles from cell-oriented disciplines were most often problematic. We used machine learning to automate the identification of problematic images. For hold-out test sets from
eLife
(n = 879) and PubMed Central (n = 1,191), a convolutional neural network classified the images with areas under the precision-recall curve of 0.75 and 0.38, respectively. We created a Web application (https://bioapps.byu.edu/colorblind_image_tester); users can upload images, view simulated versions, and obtain predictions. Our findings shed new light on the frequency and nature of scientific images that may be problematic for deuteranopes and motivate additional efforts to increase accessibility.
Opposing actions of co-released GABA and neurotensin on the activity of preoptic neurons and on body temperature
Authors: Tabarean Iustin V
Published: August 2024

Neurotensin (Nts) is a neuropeptide acting as a neuromodulator in the brain. Pharmacological studies have identified Nts as a potent hypothermic agent. The medial preoptic area, a region that plays an important role in the control of thermoregulation, contains a high density of neurotensinergic neurons and Nts receptors. The conditions in which neurotensinergic neurons play a role in thermoregulation are not known. In this study, optogenetic stimulation of preoptic Nts neurons induced a small hyperthermia. In vitro, optogenetic stimulation of preoptic Nts neurons resulted in synaptic release of GABA and net inhibition of the preoptic pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (Adcyap1) neurons firing activity. GABA-A receptor antagonist or genetic deletion of Slc32a1 (VGAT) in Nts neurons unmasked also an excitatory effect that was blocked by a Nts receptor 1 antagonist. Stimulation of preoptic Nts neurons lacking Slc32a1 resulted in excitation of Adcyap1 neurons and hypothermia. Mice lacking Slc32a1 expression in Nts neurons presented changes in the fever response and in the responses to heat or cold exposure as well as an altered circadian rhythm of body temperature. Chemogenetic activation of all Nts neurons in the brain induced a 4–5°C hypothermia, which could be blocked by Nts receptor antagonists in the preoptic area. Chemogenetic activation of preoptic neurotensinergic projections resulted in robust excitation of preoptic Adcyap1 neurons. Taken together, our data demonstrate that endogenously released Nts can induce potent hypothermia and that excitation of preoptic Adcyap1 neurons is the cellular mechanism that triggers this response.
Biochemical and neurophysiological effects of deficiency of the mitochondrial import protein TIMM50
Authors: Paz Eyal , Jain Sahil , Gottfried Irit , Staretz-Chacham Orna , Mahajnah Muhammad , Bagchi Pritha , Seyfried Nicholas T , Ashery Uri , Azem Abdussalam
Published: August 2024

TIMM50, an essential TIM23 complex subunit, is suggested to facilitate the import of ~60% of the mitochondrial proteome. In this study, we characterized a TIMM50 disease-causing mutation in human fibroblasts and noted significant decreases in TIM23 core protein levels (TIMM50, TIMM17A/B, and TIMM23). Strikingly, TIMM50 deficiency had no impact on the steady-state levels of most of its putative substrates, suggesting that even low levels of a functional TIM23 complex are sufficient to maintain the majority of TIM23 complex-dependent mitochondrial proteome. As TIMM50 mutations have been linked to severe neurological phenotypes, we aimed to characterize TIMM50 defects in manipulated mammalian neurons. TIMM50 knockdown in mouse neurons had a minor effect on the steady state level of most of the mitochondrial proteome, supporting the results observed in patient fibroblasts. Amongst the few affected TIM23 substrates, a decrease in the steady state level of components of the intricate oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial ribosome complexes was evident. This led to declined respiration rates in fibroblasts and neurons, reduced cellular ATP levels, and defective mitochondrial trafficking in neuronal processes, possibly contributing to the developmental defects observed in patients with TIMM50 disease. Finally, increased electrical activity was observed in TIMM50 deficient mice neuronal cells, which correlated with reduced levels of KCNJ10 and KCNA2 plasma membrane potassium channels, likely underlying the patients’ epileptic phenotype.
Consumer-priced wearable sensors combined with deep learning can be used to accurately predict ground reaction forces during various treadmill running conditions
Authors: Carter Josh , Chen Xi , Cazzola Dario , Trewartha Grant , Preatoni Ezio
Published: August 2024

Ground reaction force (GRF) data is often collected for the biomechanical analysis of running, due to the performance and injury risk insights that GRF analysis can provide. Traditional methods typically limit GRF collection to controlled lab environments, recent studies have looked to combine the ease of use of wearable sensors with the statistical power of machine learning to estimate continuous GRF data outside of these restrictions. Before such systems can be deployed with confidence outside of the lab they must be shown to be a valid and accurate tool for a wide range of users. The aim of this study was to evaluate how accurately a consumer-priced sensor system could estimate GRFs whilst a heterogeneous group of runners completed a treadmill protocol with three different personalised running speeds and three gradients. Fifty runners (25 female, 25 male) wearing pressure insoles made up of 16 resistive sensors and an inertial measurement unit ran at various speeds and gradients on an instrumented treadmill. A long short term memory (LSTM) neural network was trained to estimate both vertical $(GRF_v)$ and anteroposterior $(GRF_{ap})$ force traces using leave one subject out validation. The average relative root mean squared error (rRMSE) was 3.2% and 3.1%, respectively. The mean $(GRF_v)$ rRMSE across the evaluated participants ranged from 0.8% to 8.8% and from 1.3% to 17.3% in the $(GRF_{ap})$ estimation. The findings from this study suggest that current consumer-priced sensors could be used to accurately estimate two-dimensional GRFs for a wide range of runners at a variety of running intensities. The estimated kinetics could be used to provide runners with individualised feedback as well as form the basis of data collection for running injury risk factor studies on a much larger scale than is currently possible with lab based methods.
Assessment of inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the Luna EMG robot as a tool for assessing upper limb proprioception in patients with stroke—a prospective observational study
Authors: Leszczak Justyna , Pniak Bogumiła , Drużbicki Mariusz , Poświata Anna , Mikulski Michał , Roksela Anna , Guzik Agnieszka
Published: August 2024

Background

The aim of the study was to assess the inter-rater and intra-rater agreement of measurements performed with the Luna EMG (electromyography) multifunctional robot, a tool for evaluation of upper limb proprioception in individuals with stroke.

Methods

The study was conducted in a group of patients with chronic stroke. A total of 126 patients participated in the study, including 78 women and 48 men, on average aged nearly 60 years (mean = 59.9). Proprioception measurements were performed using the Luna EMG diagnostic and rehabilitation robot to assess the left and right upper limbs. The examinations were conducted by two raters, twice, two weeks apart. The results were compared between the raters and the examinations.

Results

High consistency of the measurements performed for the right and the left hand was reflected by the interclass correlation coefficients (0.996–0.998 and 0.994–0.999, respectively) and by Pearson’s linear correlation which was very high (r = 1.00) in all the cases for the right and the left hand in both the inter-rater and intra-rater agreement analyses.

Conclusions

Measurements performed by the Luna EMG diagnostic and rehabilitation robot demonstrate high inter-rater and intra-rater agreement in the assessment of upper limb proprioception in patients with chronic stroke. The findings show that Luna EMG is a reliable tool enabling effective evaluation of upper limb proprioception post-stroke.
The World Council of Churches Programme to Combat Racism: A South African response changes in global mission polic
Authors: Duncan Graham Alexander
Published: August 2024

The introduction of the Special Fund of the Programme to Combat Racism (PCR) by the World Council of Churches (WCC) in 1970 was a natural expression of international opposition to racism. It also indicated a change in global mission policy from mission as a traditional evangelical activity to the emerging paradigm of mission as God’s activity in the world. Though focussed in Africa and South Africa, in particular, the controversial PCR drew the ire of the apartheid government and many white members of Churches of European origin (CEO), gaining support mainly from black church members and churches. This article attempts to analyse the origin, process and outcome of this heavily contested programme in one particular white dominated CEO, the Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa, spearheaded by its Ecumenical Relations Committee, which came to radically different conclusions from the majority of the church membership regarding the nature, purpose and function of the church.
Principal Component Analysis and Genetic Divergence Studies for Yield and Quality Related Attributes of Hybrid Rice
Authors: Karoda Kuldeep , Singh Yogendra , Singh S.K. , Prajapati Pramod Kumar , Kumar Vinod
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the genetic divergence and yield and quality-related attributes of hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.) through principal component analysis (PCA) and genetic divergence studies. Conducted during the Kharif 2022 season at the Seed Breeding Farm, Rice Improvement Project, Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, JNKVV, Jabalpur, the research focused on 98 genotypes, evaluating 30 agronomic attributes based on DUS guidelines. Genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation, path coefficient, D2 analysis, and PCA were employed to analyze the data.The findings reveal significant genetic diversity among the genotypes, with traits like stem length, fertile spikelet, and panicle weight contributing notably to genetic divergence. PCA identified eight principal components accounting for 81.97% of the total variability, with the first component alone contributing 22.34%. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding genotypic and phenotypic characteristics for effective selection and breeding of diverse genotypes, ultimately enhancing hybrid rice technology and regional adaptability.The research highlights key traits contributing to genetic divergence and provides insights into the genetic architecture of hybrid rice, aiding in the development of high-yield, quality rice varieties. The comprehensive analysis of yield and quality traits offers a valuable resource for breeders aiming to improve hybrid rice cultivars, ensuring food security and nutritional value for the global population.
Influence of Soil Application through Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Characteristics of Sweet Orange Orchard in Gird Region of Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Dawar Intjar Singh , Singh K.V. , Lekhi R. , Rathour Shubham Singh , Poonam
Published: August 2024

The experiment was carried out from November 2020 to March 2022 at the RVSKVV College of Agriculture's Research Farm, located in Gwalior (M.P.), in the Department of Horticulture. Three replications and a Randomized Block Design were used to set up the experiment. The all soil characteristics analysis both initial and final level after experiment respectively minimum soil pH (7.05, 7.49), EC dsm-1 (0.225, 0.220) and maximum Organic carbon % (2.117, 3.263), Nitrogen Kg ha-1 (177.14,187.29), Phosphorus Kg ha-1 (13.38, 13.58) and Potassium Kg ha-1 (207.88, 229.45) quality parameters were most effectively achieved with treatment T5 RDF 90 % + Vermicompost + (Azotobacter + PSB + KMB) + (Zn + Cu + Fe + Boron). Because sweet orange orchards are located in the Gird Region of Madhya Pradesh, this particular treatment is most suited for use there.
Biophysical Factors Influencing Fall Armyworm Damage in Maize: Insights from Morphological Traits and Cob Characteristics
Authors: Sugeetha G. , Adwaitha M. V. , Reddy K. S. Nikhil , Mahadevu P.
Published: August 2024

Aims: Influence of different morphological (biophysical) parameters on the incidence of fall armyworm.
Sample: All the observations on plant morphological traits and collection of plant samples for biochemical analysis were made at two respective crop growth stages of maize i.e., five leaf stage (V5) and at tasseling stage (VT) which coincides at 30 and 60 days after sowing respectively. Whereas, cob samples were collected at reproductive stage of the crop.
Study Design: Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD).
Place and Duration of Study: Zonal Agricultural Research Station (ZARS), V. C. Farm, Mandya duringKharif2020-21.
Methodology: The plant height, leaf length and leaf width of the crop was recorded with the help of a measuring tape. The stem diameter of the crop was recorded using Vernier. The trichomes of a leaf were counted under a binocular microscope from 1 cm2 area of a leaf. The number of stomata on leaves was counted by using compound microscope from  an area of 1 mm2 of a leaf. The leaf colour was recorded using 1 to 4 colour index. The length of central spike of a tassel was recorded with the help of measuring tape. The height of the cob above the soil level was recorded with the help of measuring tape up to the node position of cob at silking stage. The cob length and cob diameter were measured using measuring tape and vernier calipers respectively and then the mean was calculated.
Results: The morphological traits like plant height (0.56* & 0.10) and leaf length (0.46* & 0.04) are positively correlated, whereas, leaf width had a positive (0.63**) and negative correlation (-0.23) with leaf damage at 30 and 60 DAS, respectively. Stem girth (-0.33 & -0.67**) and trichome no. (-0.71** & -0.60**) were negatively correlated, leaf color had a negative (-0.05) and positive (0.32) correlation, no. of leaves had a positive (0.43) and negative correlation (-0.06) at 30 and 60 DAS, respectively, whereas, stomatal density on upper (-0.33) and lower (-0.32) leaves was negatively correlated with leaf damage at 30 DAS. The biophysical parameters in cob samples like tassel length (-0.144) had negative, cob length (0.561*) had positive, cob diameter (-0.47*) had positive and ear height (-0.161) had negative association with leaf damage rating.
Conclusion: Morphological traits of maize inbreds influence fall armyworm infestation. At 30 DAS, infestation positively correlated with plant height, leaf length, leaf width, but negatively with trichomes. At 60 DAS, infestation correlated negatively with trichomes and stem girth positively with leaf color.
Evaluating the Impact of Agri-startups on Technology Transfer: Insights from Farmers in Madurai and Dindigul Districts, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Sabarish T K , Velusamy R , Ramakrishnan K , Selvarani G , Prabhakaran K
Published: August 2024

Agri-startups are emerging as transformative agents in the agricultural sector, particularly in developing regions. This study explores the critical role of Agri-Startups in facilitating technology transfer to farmers in the Madurai and Dindigul districts of Tamil Nadu, India. Through a survey of 150 farmers associated with five prominent Agri-Startups, the research delves into the financial, technological, and marketing contributions of these startups, as well as farmers' perspectives on their impact. The findings reveal that Agri-Startups significantly attract investment for agricultural innovation (72.7% agreement), promote the adoption of new technologies (81.3% agreement), and identify market opportunities (72% agreement). Despite these advancements, farmers' overall agreement on the role of Agri-Startups in technology transfer is varied, with 44% expressing low agreement, 43.33% medium agreement, and only 12.7% showing high agreement. This disparity underscores the need for Agri-Startups to strengthen their engagement with farmers, particularly in areas of education, after-sales support, and demonstrating the practical benefits of their innovations. The study offers valuable insights into the Agri-Startup ecosystem in rural India, highlighting both its potential and the challenges that must be addressed to enhance the effectiveness of technology transfer in agriculture.
Engineering Properties of Groundnut for Designing a Battery-operated Decorticator
Authors: Ugargol Megha , Gowtham  , Santosh
Published: August 2024

Design of groundnut decorticators needs a substantial knowledge of physical properties of groundnut, whose outcome will be an efficient decorticating machine. A properly designed groundnut decorticator will have less brokens and more whole kernels. Thus, it is necessary to study about the physical properties of groundnut before designing a groundnut decorticator. The important physical properties which effect the battery-operated groundnut decorticator were size (length and width) of kernels, size (length, width and thickness), 1000 pod mass, bulk density, angle of repose, moisture content and rupture force of groundnut pods. The size of kernels and groundnut pods were measured using a vernier caliper. It was observed that the average length of pod was 30.84, 28.02 and 36.80 mm, average width of pod was 12.01, 12.59 and 14.33 mm and average thickness of pod was 10.79, 10.91 and 14.31 mm for variety 1, 2 and 3 respectively. For varieties 1, 2 and 3, the average kernel length was 16.68, 19.28, and 18.70 mm and the average kernel width was 11.59, 9.080 and 8.00 mm respectively. The bulk density was determined by finding the mass/volume relationship. The bulk densities of groundnut pods were found to have an average value of 0.36, 0.35 and 0.26 g/cm3 for variety 1, 2, 3 respectively. The angle of repose was calculated by lifting a cylinder filled with groundnuts. The average angle of repose values for variety 1, 2 and 3 was 26.59°, 26.54° and 24.22°. The moisture content was determined using the oven method. The average values of moisture content were found to have 5.37%, 4.52% and 4.5% for variety 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Rupture force was calculated by using Texture Analyzer. The average rupture force for breaking shell of variety 1, 2 and 3 was 237.61 N, 231.01 N and 337.86 N. These values of physical properties will form a basis for designing a battery-operated groundnut decorticator.
Antimicrobial Materials for Medical Devices
Authors: Szycher Michael
Published: September 2015

Antimicrobial materials and technologies, including antimicrobial polymers and polymeric biocides, silver, and copper antimicrobial technologies, and antimicrobial textiles exhibit antimicrobial activity: the ability to inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, yeast, and algae. The design and application of antimicrobial materials is a rapidly growing field. There is an urgent need for infection prevention strategies that do not require the use of antibiotics, which exacerbate the rise of multidrug‐ and pan‐drug‐resistant infectious microorganisms, particularly in the medical field.

The article presents antimicrobial polymeric systems, their mechanism of action, and various applications for medical and health care use: industrial, agricultural, architectural, heating, ventilation, and air‐conditioning (HVAC), and consumer goods. Related aspects of antimicrobial resistance, multidrug‐resistant organisms, and biofouling are also discussed.
Oxidative Cleavage of Furans
Authors: Merino Pedro
Published: September 2015

Oxidative ring cleavage reactions of furans constitute a group of important transformations that have found wide utility in synthetic organic chemistry. These processes have been used to prepare a variety of 1,4‐dicarbonyl compounds including 1,4‐dioxoalkenes, 4‐oxoalkenals, 4‐oxoalkenoic acids, and their derivatives such as 4‐hydroxybutenolides and 2,5‐dialkoxydihydrofurans. Oxidations of furfuryl alcohols (Achmatowicz reaction) and furfuryl amines (aza‐Achmatowicz reaction) provide access to highly functionalized heterocyclic structures that have been employed as intermediates in synthetic routes for the preparation of complex molecules including carbohydrates and alkaloids. Complete oxidative degradation of the furan ring affords carboxylic acids; thus the oxygen heterocycle has served as a masked carboxyl group in many synthetic studies. These transformations and their applications in total syntheses are covered in this chapter.
Carbozincation Reactions of Carbon–Carbon Multiple Bonds
Authors: Sklute Genia , Cavender Hannah , Marek Ilan
Published: September 2015

This review summarizes the field of carbozincation of alkenes and alkynes. It includes uncatalysed‐, catalyzed‐, and promoted‐addition of orgnozinc derivatives across the unsaturated bond in alkenes and alkynes. For each reaction, the scope and limitations are discussed with specific emphasis on mechanism and stereochemistry. Experimental conditions and procedures are also presented.
Water consumption patterns as a basis for water demand modeling
Authors: Avni Noa , Fishbain Barak , Shamir Uri
Published: September 2015

Future water demand is a main consideration in water system management. Consequently, water demand models (WDMs) have evolved in past decades, identifying principal demand‐generating factors and modeling their influence on water demand. Regional water systems serve consumers of various types (e.g., municipalities, farmers, industrial regions) and consumption patterns. Thus, one of the challenges in regional water demand modeling is the heterogeneity of the consumers served by the water system. When a high‐resolution, regional WDM is desired, accounting for this heterogeneity becomes all the more important. This paper presents a novel approach to regional water demand modeling. The two‐step approach includes aggregating the data set into groups of consumers having similar consumption characteristics, and developing a WDM for each homogeneous group. The development of WDMs is widely applied in the literature and thus, the focus of this paper is to discuss the first step of data aggregation. The research hypothesis is that water consumption records in their original or transformed form can provide a basis for aggregating the data set into groups of consumers with similar consumption characteristics. This paper presents a methodology for water consumption data clustering by comparing several data representation methods (termed Feature Vectors): monthly normalized average, monthly consumption coefficient of variation, a combination of the monthly average and monthly variation, and the autocorrelation coefficients of the consumption time series. Clustering using solely normalized monthly average provided homogeneous and distinct clusters with respect to monthly consumption, which succeed in capturing different consumer characteristics (water use, geographical location) that were not specified a‐priori. Clustering using the monthly coefficient of variation provided different, yet homogeneous clusters, clustering consumers characterized by similar variation trends that were closely related to consumer water use type. The concatenation of these two Feature Vectors provided further insight into the relationship between consumption patterns and variability of consumers. An autocorrelation Feature Vector provided results that can form a basis for constructing a time‐series model that is based on a group of resembling time series. The approaches presented here are steps toward utilizing the increasing amount of available water consumption data and data analysis techniques to facilitate the modeling of water demands in larger and heterogeneous regions with sufficient resolution.
Coupling atmospheric mercury isotope ratios and meteorology to identify sources of mercury impacting a coastal urban‐industrial region near Pensacola, Florida, USA
Authors: Demers Jason D. , Sherman Laura S. , Blum Joel D. , Marsik Frank J. , Dvonch J. Timothy
Published: September 2015

Identifying the anthropogenic and natural sources of mercury (Hg) emissions contributing to atmospheric mercury on local, regional, and global scales continues to be a grand challenge. The relative importance of various direct anthropogenic emissions of mercury, in addition to natural geologic sources and reemission of previously released and deposited mercury, differs regionally and temporally. In this study, we used local‐scale, mesoscale, and synoptic‐scale meteorological analysis to couple the isotopic composition of ambient atmospheric mercury with potential sources of mercury contributing to a coastal urban‐industrial setting near a coal‐fired power plant in Pensacola, Florida, USA. We were able to broadly discern four influences on the isotopic composition of ambient atmospheric mercury impacting this coastal urban‐industrial region: (1) local to regional urban‐industrial anthropogenic emissions (mean δ202Hg = 0.44 ± 0.05‰, 1SD, n = 3), (2) marine‐influenced sources derived from the Gulf of Mexico (mean δ202Hg = 0.77 ± 0.15‰, 1SD, n = 4), (3) continental sources associated with north‐northwesterly flows from within the planetary boundary layer (mean δ202Hg = 0.65 ± 0.04‰, 1SD, n = 3), and (4) continental sources associated with north‐northeasterly flows at higher altitudes (i.e., 2000 m above ground level; mean δ202Hg = 1.10 ± 0.21‰, 1SD, n = 8). Overall, these data, in conjunction with previous studies, suggest that the background global atmospheric mercury pool is characterized by moderately positive δ202Hg values; that urban‐industrial emissions drive the isotopic composition of ambient atmospheric mercury toward lower δ202Hg values; and that air‐surface exchange dynamics across vegetation and soils of terrestrial ecosystems drive the isotopic composition of ambient atmospheric mercury toward higher positive δ202Hg values. The data further suggest that mass‐independent fractionation (MIF) of both even‐mass‐ and odd‐mass‐number isotopes, likely generated by photochemical reactions in the atmosphere or during reemission from terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, can be obscured by mixing with anthropogenic emissions having different MIF signatures.
Initiation of an intraseasonal oscillation in an aquaplanet general circulation model
Authors: Maloney Eric D. , Wolding Brandon O.
Published: September 2015

MJO initiation is studied in an aquaplanet general circulation model that has strong and highly regular MJO‐like variability. About 80% of MJO events in the model are found to be successive events, immediately preceded by another strong MJO event. Hence, the dynamics of MJO initiation in the model are dominated by interactions with preceding events. Rossby gyres associated with the previous cycle of suppressed MJO convection to the east are shown to help initiate the next cycle of MJO convection in the western warm pool, consistent with the recent study of Zhao et al. (2013). Meridional and vertical moisture advection associated with the anomalous Rossby gyres help to moisten the MJO initiation region in advance of convective onset. An experiment is conducted in which circumnavigating Kelvin waves and their influence on the MJO initiation region are suppressed. While MJO activity in the model is just as regular with suppression of circumnavigation, MJO amplitude is reduced relative to the control simulation, especially in the western part of the warm pool. Possible physical mechanisms responsible for this change in MJO amplitude are discussed, including the role of low‐level moisture convergence anomalies induced by circumnavigating Kelvin waves, and interactions with mean state changes.
Learning from the Harvard Clean Energy Project: The Use of Neural Networks to Accelerate Materials Discovery
Authors: Pyzer‐Knapp Edward O. , Li Kewei , Aspuru‐Guzik Alan
Published: September 2015

Here, the employment of multilayer perceptrons, a type of artificial neural network, is proposed as part of a computational funneling procedure for high‐throughput organic materials design. Through the use of state of the art algorithms and a large amount of data extracted from the Harvard Clean Energy Project, it is demonstrated that these methods allow a great reduction in the fraction of the screening library that is actually calculated. Neural networks can reproduce the results of quantum‐chemical calculations with a large level of accuracy. The proposed approach allows to carry out large‐scale molecular screening projects with less computational time. This, in turn, allows for the exploration of increasingly large and diverse libraries.
Excellent Anti‐Icing Abilities of Optimal Micropillar Arrays with Nanohairs
Authors: Shi Weiwei , Wang Lei , Guo Zhenyu , Zheng Yongmei
Published: September 2015

Anti‐icing abilities are achieved on surfaces of micropillar arrays with nanohairs that are fabricated by methods of soft replication and crystal growth, i.e., different micropillar arrays with the similar nanohairs, different nanohairs with the same micropillar arrays. It is demonstrated that an optimal micropillar array with nanohairs contributes an excellent anti‐icing or antifogging property at low temperature below zero. As a result, the longest icing delay time is achieved effectively up to ≈9839 s at −10 °C on the optimal surface. As for the optimal surface in humidity, the condensed droplets merge into each other, and meanwhile jump off easily. Accordingly, a largest dry area is up to ≈90.5% at −5 °C in ≈1020 s after breeze action. It is attributed to the stability of less liquid–solid fraction on an optimal surface under low temperature, in addition to cooperation between micropillar arrays and nanohairs in sizes. This finding provides an insight into the design of structure size on micro–nanostructured surface for anti‐icing/antifogging ability effectively, which can be extended into the applications in some surfaces of systems, e.g., microdevices worked in cold or humid environment.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Clinical phenotype among a high‐risk group of children and adolescents in Korea
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Seung. , Jones Kenneth Lyons. , Lee Hae Kook. , Chambers Christina D.
Published: September 2015

Little is known about the prevalence and phenotype of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) or spectrum disorders (FASD) in Korea. This study was performed to describe the distribution of alcohol‐related physical features in a genetically homogeneous sample of children and adolescents in institutional settings in Korea. Children and adolescents receiving services in one of seven institutions in Seoul, Korea were screened for growth deficiency. Those who screened positive were assessed using a structured protocol for the key cardinal features of FAS, and for 11 additional alcohol‐related dysmorphologic features. Based on these findings, children and adolescents were categorized as FAS, Deferred (some characteristic features of FAS), and No FAS. Groups were compared on the prevalence of specific additional features and number of additional features, stratified by gender and age. Of 307 children and adolescents screened, 87 received the dysmorphology evaluation. Thirteen were classified as FAS, 44 Deferred, and 30 No FAS. The frequency of 10 of the 11 additional alcohol‐related features did not differ significantly by FAS category. Palmar crease abnormalities were more common in FAS (53.8%) than in the Deferred category (25.0%) or the No FAS category (6.7%) (P = 0.003). A high prevalence across all groups was found for midfacial hypoplasia and epicanthal folds, whereas only one child exhibited ptosis. This study suggests that an FASD phenotype variant related to ethnic differences in the range of defects specific to prenatal alcohol exposure may be present in the Korean population. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Symphyseal surface strain during in vitro human mandibular wishboning
Authors: Pampush James D. , Daegling David J.
Published: September 2015

Objectives

This research theoretically models and empirically records symphyseal surface strain during in vitro human mandibular wishboning (lateral transverse bending) in order to test one aspect of the hypothesis that the chin is an adaptive response to masticatory stresses. From a perspective of optimality, three questions were tested: 1) Do human mandibles function as curved beams during wishboning? 2) Is the presence of a chin associated with lower than predicted curved beam effects? 3) Are there relatively low strain gradients on the lingual and labial symphyseal surfaces respectively?

Materials and Methods

Based on morphometric criteria, theoretical wishboning strains were calculated for five dentate adult human mandibles. The same mandibles were fitted with strain gauges and subjected to simulated wishboning loads. From the empirically‐recorded strains, relative strains were calculated by dividing all strains by the absolute lowest strain in a given specimen. The theoretical and empirical results were compared in order to address the three related questions guiding this research.

Results

Human mandibles behave as curved beams during wishboning (question 1). Empirical strain measures showed greater disparity both between and within the labial and lingual symphyseal surfaces than the theoretical models predictions (questions 2 and 3).

Discussion

Human symphyseal form, with its distinctive chin, is unlikely to be adapted for countering wishboning loads. Chins are associated with larger than expected strain gradients within and between symphyseal surfaces, which runs counter to the optimality criterion typically invoked in assessing trait performance for signs of adaptation. The implications are twofold: 1) wishboning may not, in fact, be a regular feature of human mastication or 2) wishboning may not pose the same structural risks in human jaws as this load does in other anthropoid primates. Am J Phys Anthropol 159:256–266, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using elliptical best fits to characterize dental shapes
Authors: Bauer Catherine C. , Bons Paul D. , Benazzi Stefano , Harvati Katerina
Published: September 2015

A variety of geometric morphometric methods have recently been used to describe dental shape variation in human evolutionary studies. However, the applicability of these methods is limited when teeth are worn or are difficult to orient accurately. Here we show that elliptical best fits on outlines of dental tissues below the crown provide basic size‐ and orientation‐free shape descriptors. Using the dm2 and M3 as examples, we demonstrate that these descriptors can be used for taxonomic purposes, such as distinguishing between Neanderthal and recent modern human teeth. We propose that this approach can be a useful alternative to existing methodology. Am J Phys Anthropol 159:342–347, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.