bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Krænkelse, moderstolthed og vrede islændinge
Authors: Nielsen Gremaud Ann-Sofie
Published: January 2024

In the early summer of 1905, a colonial exhibition opened in the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, where visitors could meet people and see objects from more distant parts of the Danish kingdom: the West Indies, Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Iceland. Both before and during the exhibition, a dispute arose in the Danish and Icelandic media about the reasonableness of Iceland being part of such a setting. The disagreement was about the representational logic that was the foundation of the exhibition, about the title of the exhibition, and about whether Iceland belonged in the “company” that the other countries constituted. In this article, the author draws attention to the emotionality that characterized the debate that Danish and Icelandic writers took part in. The examples show how the Icelanders’ protests against the exhibition are framed as unreasonably emotional and the Icelanders as sensitive and ungrateful. Thus, the author argues that there are similarities with the strategies used in contemporary debates about reasonable responses to violations and insults in Scandinavia.
Fortolkning, betydning og magt
Authors: Rudloff Maja
Published: January 2024

Advertising images have been a focal point of feminist activism and protest since the 1960s, and criticism of the negative impact of commercially mediated gender stereotypes has also been met with political attention. As an EU member state, Denmark is obliged to integrate the objectives of eliminating the media’s stereotypical representations of gender into their respective national legislation and guidelines. Nevertheless, a review of the Danish Consumer Ombudsman’s (FO) and the Radio and TV Board’s (RTN) practices, which are the two Danish bodies that regulate advertising in Denmark, demonstrates a reluctance in prohibiting the dissemination of advertising that may be perceived as offensive or sexist. Through analysis of advertising examples that have been accused of gender discrimination, and their case processing by the two above-mentioned authorities, the article here focuses on advertising as an arena for different and often conflicting agendas and discourses. The article revolves around the importance of advertising images’ representations of gender as well as their regulation and politicization and it demonstrates how visual messages and their significance for equality are up for constant debate. By questioning the way in which Danish authorities evaluate gender discrimination in advertising it thus enters a broader international and political discussion about the formative power of commercial images.
Antiracistiske protester i sport-spectacles
Authors: Haas Claus
Published: January 2024

As two Afro-American sprinters, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, were staged to receive the gold and bronze medals at the Olympic Games in Mexico 1968, they transformed the victory ceremony, one of the most well-known rituals in global sport – og popular culture, into an anti-racist protest. The image of Smith and Carlos at the victory stand went around the world. In this article, the writer interrogates, why this more than 50-year-old image functions as an image with iconic appeal also today. First, this is carried out, by positioning the issue within a social constructivist theory of culture, and a theory of the concept sports-spectacle. Secondly, by taking a closer look at the signifying rituals and symbols, ingrained in the ideological hyper-structure of the Olympic Games. Thirdly, by showing how the meaning of Smith and Carlos’ protest has been revitalized in the aftermath of the NFL quarterback Colins Kaepernicks kneeling protest in 2016, strikingly enough, also among Danish athletes and within Danish public debate. The conclusion is that by closer look, the seemingly consensus about the iconic status of the image of Smith and Carlos is precarious and conflictual, mobilizing both counter protest and polarization. Not least due to the fact that sport-spectacles to an increasing degree are enmeshed in the prevailing dynamics and conflicts concerning ‘race’ and identity formation in liberal democracies in general.
Stormen på Kongressen
Authors: Bolt Mikkel
Published: January 2024

On 6 January 2021 far-right protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington DC, seat of the US Congress. The protesters were a mixed bag, some wore bulletproof vests, helmets and rifles, other came clad in Braveheart clothes, some were waving Confederate flags, some explicitly fascist ones. Once inside the building many protesters walked around taking selfies and stealing stuff from the offices of the Congress members who were hiding in the basement of the building. Other protesters sought to find specific members of Congress, including Nancy Pelosi, and Vice-President Mike Pence in order to hang them. The whole scene was chaotic, at once frightening and comic. The article proposes an analysis of the event as an instance of image politics using concepts and insights from Guy Debord and Walter Benjamin.
”Hope Dies – Action Begins”
Authors: Dahlberg Leif
Published: January 2024

The article explores the use of civil disobedience and non-violent direct action (NVDA) as a strategy and method in climate activism in Sweden, with a particular focus on the group Extinction Rebellion (XR). The article describes and analyzes a number of XR actions carried out in 2019-2022, with a focus on meaning-making practices. The uses of civil disobedience and NVDA are presented within a historical, cultural and social context; the question of the role and legitimacy of civil disobedience in democratic societies is discussed.

XR has civil disobedience and NVDA as central strategy and in this way the group has put these protest methods in focus, and after each major action there is a need to both explain and justify their use. This is more noticeable in a Swedish cultural context that is characterized by consensus and a stigmatization of disobedience. This relationship in turn affects the planning and execution of disobedient and disruptive protest actions in Sweden. The article explores how activists in XR Sweden relate to this specific cultural context and how they try to influence it; hence XR Sweden works not only to influence those in power and public opinion regarding the climate crisis, but also on the possibilities and forms of civil political protests.The article is based on participant observation. These began in the spring of 2019 and are still ongoing. The study has an anthropological perspective, with an emphasis on semiotics and hermeneutics.
Helbredelsen
Authors: Finsten Jensen Marie
Published: January 2024

On November 29, 2020, 500 inhabitants gathered in a parade around the public housing neighborhood AKB Lundtoftegade in Copenhagen. Uniting spiritual, aesthetic, and political forms and under the name The Healing, the inhabitants fought against the Danish government’s so-called ”Ghetto Law” – a set of comprehensive laws and policies targeting low-income, largely minority public housing neighborhoods.

The present paper examines The Healing using Judith Butler’s elucidation of transient, public assembly and precarity – in this case, the ”Ghetto Law’s” destruction of the conditions of livability – in Notes Toward a Performative Theory of Assembly (2015).

While The Healing as a public assembly exemplifies the critical potential of a transient, unexpected political and aesthetic assembly, the paper emphasizes how the aesthetic and spiritual elements help to ensure that The Healing can be repeated – that the fight against the ”Ghetto Law” can be recurring, caring, and healing.

The Healing, I argue, is thus both a transient prefiguration, and a proof of AKB Lundtoftegade’s historical democratic, vivid, and caring way of organizing that is made invisible by the current discourse surrounding the ”Ghetto Law” describing social housing as AKB Lundtoftegade as ”ghettoes”, ”holes in the map of Denmark”, and ”stone deserts”.
L’écriture collaborative dans des cours de français langue seconde : un résumé de trois études
Authors: Lindberg Rachael , Stotz Quinton , Ammar Ahlem , McDonough Kim
Published: January 2024

Il est reconnu que le dialogue collaboratif contribue à la maîtrise d’une langue seconde et additionnelle (Ahmadian et Tajabadi, 2020; Mackey, 2012; Payant et Maatouk, 2022), particulièrement lors des tâches d’écriture interactives où les étudiants sont amenés à collaborer avant, pendant, ou après la rédaction d’un texte. Cet article résume les conclusions principales de trois études auprès de trois classes d’étudiants de français langue seconde à Montréal où chaque classe a travaillé avec un partenaire à différentes étapes du processus d’écriture : soit lors d’une planification interactive, d’une écriture collaborative ou d’une révision interactive. Nous visions à découvrir ce dont les étudiants parlent pendant les tâches d’écriture collaborative (et en quelle langue), afin de savoir si cela entraîne des effets sur leur écriture ultérieure, et aussi à comprendre comment les perceptions des étudiants affectent leur engagement dans ces discussions. L’ensemble des résultats démontre la contribution de la planification interactive au développement des compétences langagières et souligne le rôle de l’anglais en tant que ressource linguistique supplémentaire. De plus, nous constatons que les étudiants avec des attitudes plus positives envers les tâches interactives s’engagent plus profondément dans des discussions métalinguistiques. La synthèse de ces études offre des applications pratiques pour les enseignants de langue seconde.
Discovery of lipid binding sites in a ligand-gated ion channel by integrating simulations and cryo-EM
Authors: Bergh Cathrine , Rovšnik Urška , Howard Rebecca , Lindahl Erik
Published: January 2024

Ligand-gated ion channels transduce electrochemical signals in neurons and other excitable cells. Aside from canonical ligands, phospholipids are thought to bind specifically to the transmembrane domain of several ion channels. However, structural details of such lipid contacts remain elusive, partly due to limited resolution of these regions in experimental structures. Here, we discovered multiple lipid interactions in the channel GLIC by integrating cryo-electron microscopy and large-scale molecular simulations. We identified 25 bound lipids in the GLIC closed state, a conformation where none, to our knowledge, were previously known. Three lipids were associated with each subunit in the inner leaflet, including a buried interaction disrupted in mutant simulations. In the outer leaflet, two intrasubunit sites were evident in both closed and open states, while a putative intersubunit site was preferred in open-state simulations. This work offers molecular details of GLIC-lipid contacts particularly in the ill-characterized closed state, testable hypotheses for state-dependent binding, and a multidisciplinary strategy for modeling protein-lipid interactions.
STAT3 is a genetic modifier of TGF-beta induced EMT in KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer
Authors: D'Amico Stephen , Kirillov Varvara , Petrenko Oleksi , Reich Nancy C
Published: January 2024

Oncogenic mutations in KRAS are among the most common in cancer. Classical models suggest that loss of epithelial characteristics and the acquisition of mesenchymal traits are associated with cancer aggressiveness and therapy resistance. However, the mechanistic link between these phenotypes and mutant KRAS biology remains to be established. Here, we identify STAT3 as a genetic modifier of TGF-beta-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Gene expression profiling of pancreatic cancer cells identifies more than 200 genes commonly regulated by STAT3 and oncogenic KRAS. Functional classification of the STAT3-responsive program reveals its major role in tumor maintenance and epithelial homeostasis. The signatures of STAT3-activated cell states can be projected onto human KRAS mutant tumors, suggesting that they faithfully reflect characteristics of human disease. These observations have implications for therapeutic intervention and tumor aggressiveness.
Autoacetylation-mediated phase separation of TIP60 is critical for its functions
Authors: Dubey Shraddha , Gupta Himanshu , Gupta Ashish
Published: January 2024

TIP60 is an important lysine acetyl transferase protein that participates in various essential cellular activities by catalyzing the post-translational acetylation of lysine residues on histones and various non-histone protein substrates. TIP60 typically localizes to the nucleus in a punctate foci pattern, although defining factors and mechanisms regulating the assembly of TIP60 foci and their spatial distribution inside the nucleus are not understood. In the present study, we report that TIP60 can undergo phase separation to form liquid like droplets in the nuclear compartment, which is facilitated by the presence of an intrinsically disordered region (IDR) located between its chromodomain and catalytic domain. Importantly, we identified that autoacetylation on lysine 187, located within the IDR region of TIP60, is important for nuclear localization, oligomer formation and phase separation. Finally, we observed that the phase separation of TIP60 promotes its interaction with its partner proteins and actively contribute to its cellular functions.
Reassessing the substrate specificities of the major Staphylococcus aureus peptidoglycan hydrolases lysostaphin and LytM
Authors: Antenucci Lina , Virtanen Salla , Thapa Chandan , Jartti Minne , Pitkänen Ilona , Tossavainen Helena , Permi Perttu
Published: January 2024

Orchestrated action of peptidoglycan (PG) synthetases and hydrolases is vital for bacterial growth and viability. Although the function of several PG synthetases and hydrolases is well understood, the function, regulation, and mechanism of action of PG hydrolases characterised as lysostaphin-like endopeptidases have remained elusive. Many of these M23 family members can hydrolyse glycyl-glycine peptide bonds and show lytic activity against Staphylococcus aureus whose PG contains a pentaglycine bridge, but their exact substrate specificity and hydrolysed bonds are still vaguely determined. In this work, we have employed NMR spectroscopy to study both the substrate specificity and the bond cleavage of the bactericide lysostaphin and the S. aureus PG hydrolase LytM. Yet, we provide substrate-level evidence for the functional role of these enzymes. Indeed, our results show that the substrate specificities of these structurally highly homologous enzymes are similar, but unlike observed earlier both LytM and lysostaphin prefer the D-Ala-Gly cross-linked part of mature peptidoglycan. However, we show that while lysostaphin is genuinely a glycyl-glycine hydrolase, LytM can also act as a D-alanyl-glycine endopeptidase.
Multiple guidance mechanisms control axon growth to generate precise T-shaped bifurcation during dorsal funiculus development in the spinal cord
Authors: Curran Bridget M , Nickerson Kelsey R , Yung Andrea R , Goodrich Lisa V , Jaworski Alexander , Tessier-Lavigne Marc , Ma Le
Published: January 2024

The dorsal funiculus in the spinal cord relays somatosensory information to the brain. It is made of T-shaped bifurcation of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory axons. Our previous study has shown that Slit signaling is required for proper guidance during bifurcation, but loss of Slit does not affect all DRG axons. Here, we examined the role of the extracellular molecule Netrin-1 (Ntn1). Using wholemount staining with tissue clearing, we showed that mice lacking Ntn1 had axons escaping from the dorsal funiculus at the time of bifurcation. Genetic labeling confirmed that these misprojecting axons come from DRG neurons. Single axon analysis showed that loss of Ntn1 did not affect bifurcation but rather altered turning angles. To distinguish their guidance functions, we examined mice with triple deletion of Ntn1, Slit1, and Slit2 and found a completely disorganized dorsal funiculus. Comparing mice with different genotypes using immunolabeling and single axon tracing revealed additive guidance errors, demonstrating the independent roles of Ntn1 and Slit. Moreover, the same defects were observed in embryos lacking their cognate receptors. These in vivo studies thus demonstrate the presence of multi-factorial guidance mechanisms that ensure proper formation of a common branched axonal structure during spinal cord development.
Prolonged cell cycle arrest in response to DNA damage in yeast requires the maintenance of DNA damage signaling and the spindle assembly checkpoint
Authors: Zhou Felix Y , Waterman David P , Ashton Marissa , Caban-Penix Suhaily , Memisoglu Gonen , Eapen Vinay V , Haber James E
Published: January 2024

Cells evoke the DNA damage checkpoint (DDC) to inhibit mitosis in the presence of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) to allow more time for DNA repair. In budding yeast, a single irreparable DSB is sufficient to activate the DDC and induce cell cycle arrest prior to anaphase for about 12–15 hr, after which cells ‘adapt’ to the damage by extinguishing the DDC and resuming the cell cycle. While activation of the DNA damage-dependent cell cycle arrest is well understood, how it is maintained remains unclear. To address this, we conditionally depleted key DDC proteins after the DDC was fully activated and monitored changes in the maintenance of cell cycle arrest. Degradation of Ddc2ATRIP, Rad9, Rad24, or Rad53CHK2 results in premature resumption of the cell cycle, indicating that these DDC factors are required both to establish and maintain the arrest. Dun1 is required for the establishment, but not the maintenance, of arrest, whereas Chk1 is required for prolonged maintenance but not for initial establishment of the mitotic arrest. When the cells are challenged with two persistent DSBs, they remain permanently arrested. This permanent arrest is initially dependent on the continuous presence of Ddc2, Rad9, and Rad53; however, after 15 hr these proteins become dispensable. Instead, the continued mitotic arrest is sustained by spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) proteins Mad1, Mad2, and Bub2 but not by Bub2’s binding partner Bfa1. These data suggest that prolonged cell cycle arrest in response to 2 DSBs is achieved by a handoff from the DDC to specific components of the SAC. Furthermore, the establishment and maintenance of DNA damage-induced cell cycle arrest require overlapping but different sets of factors.
An improved lightweight object detection algorithm for YOLOv5
Authors: Luo Hao , Wei Jiangshu , Wang Yuchao , Chen Jinrong , Li Wujie
Published: January 2024

Object detection based on deep learning has made great progress in the past decade and has been widely used in various fields of daily life. Model lightweighting is the core of deploying target detection models on mobile or edge devices. Lightweight models have fewer parameters and lower computational costs, but are often accompanied by lower detection accuracy. Based on YOLOv5s, this article proposes an improved lightweight target detection model, which can achieve higher detection accuracy with smaller parameters. Firstly, utilizing the lightweight feature of the Ghost module, we integrated it into the C3 structure and replaced some of the C3 modules after the upsample layer on the neck network, thereby reducing the number of model parameters and expediting the model’s inference process. Secondly, the coordinate attention (CA) mechanism was added to the neck to enhance the model’s ability to pay attention to relevant information and improved detection accuracy. Finally, a more efficient Simplified Spatial Pyramid Pooling—Fast (SimSPPF) module was designed to enhance the stability of the model and shorten the training time of the model. In order to verify the effectiveness of the improved model, experiments were conducted using three datasets with different features. Experimental results show that the number of parameters of our model is significantly reduced by 28% compared with the original model, and mean average precision (mAP) is increased by 3.1%, 1.1% and 1.8% respectively. The model also performs better in terms of accuracy compared to existing lightweight state-of-the-art models. On three datasets with different features, mAP of the proposed model achieved 87.2%, 77.8% and 92.3%, which is better than YOLOv7tiny (81.4%, 77.7%, 90.3%), YOLOv8n (84.7%, 77.7%, 90.6%) and other advanced models. When achieving the decreased number of parameters, the improved model can successfully increase mAP, providing great reference for deploying the model on mobile or edge devices.
PHARMACEUTICAL-ANALYTICAL STUDY OF VRANAMRITHA SHWETHA MALAHARA
Authors: KR Anusha , TS Prakruthi , Sharma Mandvi , KB Pallavi , Hussain Gazala
Published: January 2024

Background: Malahara is a recently introduced dosage form in Ayurvedic system of medicine. Vranamritha shwetha malahara is a unique herbo-mineral formulation comprising of Karpoora, Tankana, Siktha and Tila taila. It is indicated in Shuddha vrana (Fresh wound), Purana vrana (Chronic wound) and Agni Dagdha vrana (Burn wound). Aim: To develop preliminary standards for Vranamritha shwetha malahara. Materials and methods: Karpoora, Siktha, Tila taila and Shuddha Tankana were taken in mentioned quantity and Vranamritha shwetha malahara was prepared. The prepared malahara was subjected to organoleptic and physico-chemical parameters. Observations and results: The results of organoleptic characters like appearance, odour, taste and physico-chemical parameters like pH and loss on drying were carried out. Discussion and conclusion: Vranamritha shwetha malahara is indicated in Vrana. It helps in filling up the fresh wounds (Shuddha vrana), helps in removing the secretions from chronic wounds (Purana vrana) and helps in burn wounds (Agni Dagdha vrana) by giving cooling effect.
Impact of Urbanisation on Land Use Pattern in Tamil Nadu: An Economic Analysis
Authors: E. Gayathri  , Devi K. Sita
Published: January 2024

Changes in land use that eventually resulted in less land being used for agriculture and more space being used for housing in most metropolitan populations. Land use changes have a variety of ecological effects on both urban and rural locations. One of the most notable land use dynamics is the conversion of land that occurs around the periphery of large cities due to a variety of economic and demographic causes. The specific objectives set forth for the study are, to analyse the temporal changes in the land use pattern of the study area and also to estimate the dynamic changes of land use categories and the loss of agricultural land in the study area. The changes in the land use pattern were estimated for the period from 2000-01 to 2019-2020 and further discussed as two decadal periods. The results revealed that there had been a significant decline in the net area sown, while the area under land put to non-agricultural uses and fallow lands, had a sharp increase. This shift in the land use categories might be due to the increasing demand for urbanization and infrastructure development, as a result of population pressure.
Agricultural and Manufacturing Pollution: Labor Health and Technology Progress
Authors: Cheng Fangfang , Chen Lihui , Wang Dianshuang
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we hold that it is the input of capital in agricultural production that is the main reason for agricultural pollution in developing countries under existing technical conditions. We try to integrate agricultural pollution into a general equilibrium model with environmental pollution caused by labor movement by setting up environmental "health factor" and undertake a comparative static analysis about the impacts of manufacturing and agricultural technology progress. The main conclusions of this article are that manufacturing and agricultural technology progress improve the environment under the model with agricultural pollution; however, the economic impacts of manufacturing and agricultural technology progress are different: manufacturing technology progress drops manufacturing output, while agricultural technology progress raises agricultural output.
Effects of Financial Literacy on Sustainable Entrepreneurship among the Youths in Bomet County, Kenya
Authors: Bii Philip Kiprotich , Mutai Nelly Chelangat , Rotich Richard Kipkorir
Published: January 2024

There is growing unemployment in Kenya and the youths are bearing the blunt of this worrying trend, despite the numerous interventions by both state and non-state actors in encouraging the youths to venture into entrepreneurship. This study sought to establish the role of Financial Literacy on the development of sustainable business ideas and innovations. The study was conceptualized with the intention of investigating the role that financial literacy plays in influencing sustainable entrepreneurship among the youthful entrepreneurs. The population of interests was the business enterprises run by youthful entrepreneurs across various sectors of business in Bomet Municipality located in Bomet County; Kenya. The study used primary data with a sample size of 473 respondents which achieved 100% response rate, with male response of 53% and 47% female. The measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion and Regression model were used to find out the relationship and correlation of the variables. The study established that there was a significant relationship between gender and sustainable entrepreneurship, further found, that financial literacy had weak a positive significant relationship with business sustainability. The study recommends that emphasis should be placed on financial literacy as a significant determinant of sustainable businesses among the youth entrepreneurs and that training as tool to provide more knowledge on entrepreneurial skills to be factored in the trade policy.
Learning Media Design Based on Local Potential Developed at Vocational School
Authors: Lestari Dian Hardianti Eka , Nur Hasanah , Jamaluddin
Published: January 2024

This research aims to develop local potential-based learning media in Visual Communication Design subjects at SMK Gowa, with the aim of improving students' creativity and learning outcomes. The research method used is Research and Development (R&D) with development stages adapted from the ADDIE and Borg & Gall models. The pilot test was conducted at SMK Negeri 1 Gowa and SMK Negeri 4 Gowa, Somba Opu District, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi, in the odd semester of 2023/2024. The subjects of this research were students of class X Multimedia Department in Visual Communication Design subject at SMK Gowa. The trial involved 3 people for the one to one trial, 10 people for the small group trial, and 25 people for the extended trial. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of learning media that are relevant to local potential, as well as improve the creativity and learning outcomes of students at SMK Gowa. Local potential-based learning media fulfils practical criteria as indicated by the implementation of the learning process, the response of students and educators. The use of video learning media has a very high effect on learner learning outcomes. Video learning media is very effective in the learning process at every level of education.
Benefits and Skills Acquired during Coronavirus (COVID-19) Quarantine Period
Authors: Mustafa Hassanat E.
Published: January 2024

Background: A pandemic and novel coronavirus disease in China 2019. All world countries took a series of protective and quarantine measures to prevent the spread of the virus. These measures led to various behaviors and attitudes during the period.

Aim: To assess the positive attitudes and benefits, that the participants acquired during the health precaution or quarantine period of (COVID-19) at Makkah Al- Mukaromah.

Methods: A descriptive study was carried out in 2020. A snowball sampling method was adopted. The number of participants was 150 who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and completed an online questionnaire. The questionnaire evaluated the physical social, and scientific benefits that were acquired during the period of quarantine.

Results: The findings of the study expressed positive changes in behavior and attitudes among participants, such as memorizing the Qur'an, attending qualifying courses, acquiring (23%) reading and (20%) drawing skills. More than 22% learned different types of sports and exercises. (9%) of them participated in health education and. social work.

The quarantine was the best period for (19%) of participants there were improvement in communication with their families.

Conclusion: Participants acquired physical social, and scientific benefits and skills during the COVID-19 quarantine period especially memorizing the Quran and acquiring cooking food skills.
Implications of Climate Change on Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Production and Asset Ownership among Farmers in Kahama District, Tanzania
Authors: Zella Adili Y.
Published: January 2024

This study delves into the impact of climate change on rice (Oryza sativa L.) farmers and their asset ownership in Tanzania's Kahama District, aiming to assess the specific challenges and risks posed by climate change and understand their implications for asset ownership. Employing surveys, interviews, and analysis of historical climate data, both quantitative and qualitative research methods were utilized. Five wards were purposively selected from the three councils constituting Kahama District. Two villages known for prominent rice production were specifically chosen from each ward. The sampling frame comprised household lists from the selected villages, with households serving as the sampling unit. A total of 312 households were randomly selected as the sample size from the study villages. Statistical analysis of quantitative data was performed using SPSS and Excel software, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis procedures. Findings revealed that climate change significantly impacts rice production, leading to reduced crop yields due to alterations in temperature and rainfall patterns. The majority of respondents (80.1%) were immigrants born within the district but outside the study villages, drawn to the better agricultural climate in the study villages. A significant proportion (73.7%) cited unfavorable climate as the primary reason for leaving their previous hamlets. Analysis of data from the Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) highlighted varied decreases in annual and monthly rainfall during the rainy season, with distinct years exhibiting extreme values. Additionally, the study identified a trend of increasing annual average minimum temperatures and decreasing annual average maximum temperatures. However, farmers faced challenges related to water scarcity, irrigation issues, market conditions, and production costs, impacting their revenue and profitability. Adaptation strategies employed by farmers included water-saving techniques and diversification of income sources. Limited access to financial resources, education, and market opportunities further intensified farmers' vulnerabilities. Thus, to enhance farmers' resilience and safeguard their asset ownership in the context of climate change, targeted interventions are necessary. These interventions should address issues such as improved access to financial resources, knowledge-sharing platforms, and market linkages. The study contributes valuable insights to the existing body of research on climate change's effects on agriculture, providing policymakers and practitioners with crucial information to formulate effective strategies and policies for supporting farmers in Kahama District and similar contexts.
Biology of Maize Stem Borer Chilo partellus [Swinhoe] under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Rajak Ravi Kumar , Kumar Pankaj , Devi Ragni , Chandra Umesh , Singh Sameer Kumar , Sharma Kamal Ravi , Veer Ram
Published: January 2024

Maize is one of the main cereal crops that is grown worldwide for food, fodder, and raw materials. It's a great source of vitamins, carbohydrates, and proteins. Because of the daily attacks by over 250 insect species and mites, maize yield is declining. The most damaging insect pest to maize production is Chilo partellus, sometimes known as the maize stem borer. A laboratory setting was used to grow the corn stem borer, C. partellus, in Department of Entomology, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, U.P. during 2023. The complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa and adult) was recorded in C. partellus. The egg incubation period was 3.80 ± 0.79 days on average. There were six larval instar of C. partellus and total larval period was 29-37 days. The development phase of first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth larval instar was 3-4, 4-6, 6-7, 7-8, 7-8 and 2-4 days respectively on maize leaves. The average pupal period was 7.00±0.96 days. The female was long lived than male. The total developmental period from egg to adult was 37-51 days.
Climate's Imprint on America's Food Lifeline: A Critical Analysis of Supply Chain Adaptations in the Face of Environmental Shifts
Authors: Raffington Andrew Everton , Adesiyan Joseph Seun
Published: January 2024

In the unfolding narrative of climate change, its impact on the stability and resilience of food supply chains is becoming increasingly critical. "Climate's Imprint on America's Food Lifeline" delves into a comprehensive analysis of how the U.S. food supply chain is adapting to the challenges posed by environmental shifts. This research navigates through the intricate interplay between climate change and supply chain management, spotlighting innovative resilience strategies against emerging threats.

Employing a mixed-method approach, the study integrates quantitative data with business case  insights from industry experts. It begins by dissecting the multifaceted impacts of climate change on agricultural production and logistics, including extreme weather events and their cascading effects like price volatility and supply shortages. This exploration extends to evaluating the socioeconomic repercussions that these supply chain disruptions entail.

At its core, the research investigates adaptive measures ranging from diversification of sourcing to the adoption of sustainable practices and cutting-edge technologies. The efficacy of these strategies is critically assessed, focusing on their capacity to fortify supply chain resilience and promote sustainability.

Further, the paper delves into the policy landscape, examining how governmental actions and regulations are shaping supply chain responses. It underscores the significance of public-private partnerships and policy support in steering the industry toward resilience.

The findings reveal a paradigm shift towards more integrated and proactive risk management in the face of climate change. Despite formidable challenges, the paper identifies substantial opportunities for innovation and industry transformation.

Concluding with actionable recommendations, this study serves as a vital resource for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers. It underscores the imperative for collaborative efforts in tackling the multifaceted challenges climate change poses to the food supply chain, highlighting the need for robust, adaptive strategies to safeguard the future of America's food lifeline.
Biology and Morphometry of Gram Pod Borer Helicoverpa armigera Hubner Infesting Gram Cicer arietinum L.
Authors: Purabiya P. N. , Patel P. B. , Jena M. K.
Published: January 2024

Aims: To investigate the biology and morphometry of gram pod borer Helicoverpa armigera Hubner infesting gram Cicer arietinum L.

Place and Duration of Study: The investigation was conducted in the PG Research Laboratory, Department of Entomology, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India under laboratory conditions at 26.7±1.66°C temperature and 51.11±6.35 per cent relative humidity during 2021-22.

Methodology: The Helicoverpa armigera was reared from eggs to the adult stage under laboratory conditions. Twenty-five samples of eggs, larval instars, pre-pupa, pupa, and adults were used for morphometrics measurement and fifty samples of each stage were used for determining the biological parameters.

Results: The Helicoverpa armigera female laid eggs singly or in batches of 2 to 3 during nighttime. The incubation period was 2.84±0.58 days with 58.39±4.22 per cent hatching. The larvae passed through six different instars having durations, 2.54±0.50, 4.04±0.88, 4.04±0.88, 4.24±0.77, 4.50±0.51, and 4.92±0.80 days of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth instars, respectively. The mean larval, pre-pupal, pupal, pre-oviposition, oviposition, and post-oviposition periods were 23.12±1.83, 1.64±0.69, 13.40±1.25, 2.60±0.49, 6.94±0.82, and 1.62±0.49 days, respectively. The lengths of egg, first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth instar larvae, prepupa, pupa, and male and female adults, were 0.49±0.05, 1.56±0.12, 4.27±0.38, 8.47±0.70, 13.50±0.95, 21.84±0.97, 32.58±0.99, 25.03±0.97, 19.95±0.96, 17.25±0.56, and 20.32±0.95mm, respectively. Whereas, the breadths were 0.50±0.04, 0.46±0.03, 0.72±0.04, 2.45±0.03, 2.72±0.07, 3.22±0.11, 4.12±0.16, 3.88±0.39, 5.26±0.31, 34.44±1.09, and 39.86±1.03mm, respectively. The lengths of head capsules of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth instar larvae were 0.23±0.01, 0.45±0.01, 0.63±0.02, 1.12±0.01, 2.19±0.02, and 2.61±0.04, respectively which was not studied before. Whereas, the breadths were 0.26±0.01, 0.50±0.01, 0.73±0.01, 1.28±0.01, 2.22±0.01, and 2.70±0.05, respectively. The sex ratio of male to female was 1:0.76±0.05. The fecundity of gravid females was 544.85±63.89 eggs/female. The adult longevity was 9.04±0.78 and 10.54±0.99 days in males and females, respectively. The total life span was recorded as 47.20±2.57 and 48.70±2.79 days in males and females, respectively

Conclusion: The Helicoverpa armigera adults completed their life cycle in 43 to 56 days. The adult longevity was higher in females than males. The males were smaller than the females. The sex ratio was male-biased. The various biological parameters would be useful in the planning of integrated management strategy under field conditions.
Simple Tests for n-th Roots of Natural Numbers being Natural Numbers and Elementary Methods to Determine Their Values
Authors: Wolfinger Bernd E.
Published: January 2024

In this paper we tackle the challenging problem to determine, in a simple but reliable way, whether – for a given, arbitrary number x, x \(\geq\) 2 – the n-th root of x produces a rational or an irrational result, i.e. we determine whether  \(\sqrt[n]{x}\) \(\epsilon\) Q or \(\sqrt[n]{x}\) \(\notin\) Q. To solve this problem in a straightforward manner we make use of the prime factorization of x. As a main contribution we present a generally applicable algorithm to decide whether \(\sqrt[n]{x}\) \(\epsilon\) Q (for n,x\(\epsilon\)N\{1} ) and if so, to determine the resulting value. Moreover, we design several tests which can be applied to determine, for which values of n, \(\sqrt[n]{x}\) \(\epsilon\) Q if the natural number x satisfies a given set of properties. Quite often the tests proposed will allow us to answer the question “ \(\sqrt[n]{x}\) \(\epsilon\) Q ?” in a matter of seconds. Finally, we demonstrate that, for a very high percentage of all natural numbers x, x \(\geq\) 2, it is impossible to find even a single n \(\epsilon\) N, n \(\geq\) 2 such that \(\sqrt[n]{x}\) \(\epsilon\) Q.
The Strategy for Local Community Participation in Tourism Planning Around Conservation Areas in Indonesia
Authors: Adikampana I Made
Published: January 2024

Taman Nasional Bali Barat (TNBB) is a nature conservation areas in Indonesia. TNBB has been designated by the government as a nature tourism destination that admits development precedence because it is one of the national tourism strategic areas (NTSA). The sustainability of tourism in conservation areas is significantly determined by the level of local community participation in the tourism planning process. However, based on previous research, the level of local community participation in the tourism planning process in TNBB is low. This research aims to formulate a strategy for local community participation in the tourism planning process around the conservation areas. The method employed to achieve this objective is Appreciative Inquiry (AI). AI is a qualitative approach in participatory tourism planning. Data is collected and analyzed by following the AI stages or 4D cycle. The results show that local communities participate in tourism decision-making. The level of dialogue that has been taking place so far shows a pattern of decision-making or tourism planning process based on conservation areas. Starting from personal conversations in the context of friendship, then developing into organizational discourse, and later formulated as a shared vision and mission to optimize the function of conservation areas as tourism destinations. The involvement of local communities in the level of dialogue is a strategy for local community participation in the tourism planning process in TNBB.
Pelatihan Brand Awareness Bagi Pelaku UMKM Handycraft, Kecamatan Sukolilo
Authors: Fidiana Fidiana , Retnani Endang Dwi , Widyawati Dini , Rochdianingrum Widhi Ariestianti , Mustika Hindah
Published: January 2024

Brand awareness merupakan kemampuan mengukur sejauh mana pengetahuan tentang keberadaan suatu brand atau dapat dikatakan bahwa brand awareness sebagai kesanggupan seorang pembeli untuk mengenali atau mengingat kembali bahwa suatu brand sebagai bagian dari kategori produk tertentu dimana konsumen akan lebih cenderung memilih brand yang sudah dikenal dan mudah di dapat karena konsumen merasa sudah memahami, nyaman dan aman dengan brand tersebut. Pelaku usaha dapat menggunakan dan mempertahankan brand awareness sebagai sarana untuk memberikan informasi yang lebih detail dan mudah tersampaikan kepada para konsumen, disisi lain dengan adanya brand awareness dapat menjadi tolok ukur besar kecilnya suatu pangsa pasar usaha, salah satu bagian dari brand awareness yaitu packaging yang memiliki peran yang penting untuk kesuksesan suatu produk, packaging sebagai titik awal para konsumen ketika melihat suatu produk dan sebelum para konsumen memutuskan untuk membeli. Packaging merupakan suatu proses untuk melindungi dan menginformasikan orang-orang seputar produk yang dihasilkan oleh suatu brand. Packaging juga menjadi cerminan identitas dari sebuah brand yang ditunjukkan melalui produknya. Di samping itu, packaging juga membuat sebuah produk lebih marketable, aman, dan tetap bersih hingga sampai di tangan konsumen. Hasil dari pelatihan berupa pemberian materi pentingnya brand awareness menjadikan para ibu-ibu pelaku handycraft khususnya kecamatan Sukolilo, Kota Surabaya merasa dan memahami akan banyaknya manfaat dari pelatihan. Para ibu-ibu semangat dengan mempraktikkan secara langsung bagaimana memilah packaging yang sesuai dengan produk yang di hasilkan terutama terkait ukuran produk dengan ukuran packaging dan mencari nama akan merk (labelling). Senuah kombinasi yang membuat handycraft untuk asesoris (bross kerudung), connector masker, jenis huruf, warna dan ukuran dari merk. Hal menarik dari pelatihan ini menjadikan ibu-ibu pelaku UMKM handycraft lebih mengenal dan memanfaatkan lebih jauh bahwa inovasi yang berupa pemberian brand dan packaging suatu hal yang perlu di perhatikan karena hal ini menjadi daya tarik pembeli ketika pertama kali melihat produk, tetapi tidak mengesampingkan adanya kualitas.
Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of knee osteoarthritis progression over two years and correlation with clinical symptoms and radiologic changes
Authors: Pierre Raynauld Jean‐ , Martel‐Pelletier Johanne , Berthiaume Marie‐Josée , Labonté Françoys , Beaudoin Gilles , de Guise Jacques A. , Bloch Daniel A. , Choquette Denis , Haraoui Boulos , Altman Roy D. , Hochberg Marc C. , Meyer Joan M. , Cline Gary A. , Pelletier Jean‐Pierre
Published: February 2004

Objective

To evaluate the change in osteoarthritic (OA) knee cartilage volume over a two‐year period with the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to correlate the MRI changes with radiologic changes.

Methods

Thirty‐two patients with symptomatic knee OA underwent MRI of the knee at baseline and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Loss of cartilage volumes were computed and contrasted with changes in clinical variables for OA and with standardized semiflexed knee radiographs at baseline at 1 and 2 years.

Results

Progression of cartilage loss at all followup points was statistically significant (P < 0.0001), with a mean ± SD of 3.8 ± 5.1% for global cartilage loss and 4.3 ± 6.5% for medial compartment cartilage loss at 6 months, 3.6 ± 5.1% and 4.2 ± 7.5% at 12 months, and 6.1 ± 7.2% and 7.6 ± 8.6% at 24 months. Discriminant function analysis identified 2 groups of patients, those who progressed slowly (<2% of global cartilage loss; n = 21) and those who progressed rapidly (>15% of global cartilage loss; n = 11) over the 2 years of study. At baseline, there was a greater proportion of women (P = 0.001), a lower range of motion (P = 0.01), a greater circumference and higher level of pain (P = 0.05) and stiffness in the study knee, and a higher body mass index in the fast progressor group compared with the slow progressor group. No statistical correlation between loss of cartilage volume and radiographic changes was seen.

Conclusion

Quantitative MRI can measure the progression of knee OA precisely and can help to identify patients with rapidly progressing disease. These findings indicate that MRI could be helpful in assessing the effects of treatment with structure‐modifying agents in OA.
Treatment with a neutralizing anti‐murine interleukin‐17 antibody after the onset of collagen‐induced arthritis reduces joint inflammation, cartilage destruction, and bone erosion
Authors: Lubberts Erik , Koenders Marije I. , Oppers‐Walgreen Birgitte , van den Bersselaar Liduine , Coenen‐de Roo Christina J. J. , Joosten Leo A. B. , van den Berg Wim B.
Published: February 2004

Objective

Interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) is a proinflammatory cytokine that is expressed in the synovium of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. This T cell cytokine is implicated in the initiation phase of arthritis. However, the role of IL‐17 during the effector phase of arthritis has still not been identified; this was the objective of the present study.

Methods

Mice with collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) were treated with polyclonal rabbit anti‐murine IL‐17 (anti–IL‐17) antibody–positive serum or normal rabbit serum after the first signs of arthritis. In addition, during a later stage of CIA mice were selected and treated with anti–IL‐17 antibody or control serum. Arthritis was monitored visually, and joint pathology was examined radiologically and histologically. Systemic IL‐6 levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and local synovial IL‐1 and receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL) expression was analyzed using specific immunohistochemistry.

Results

Treatment with a neutralizing anti–IL‐17 antibody after the onset of CIA significantly reduced the severity of CIA. Radiographic analysis revealed marked suppression of joint damage in the knee and ankle joints. Histologic analysis confirmed the suppression of joint inflammation and showed prevention of cartilage and bone destruction after anti–IL‐17 antibody therapy. Systemic IL‐6 levels were significantly reduced after anti–IL‐17 antibody treatment. Moreover, fewer IL‐1β–positive and RANKL‐positive cells were detected in the synovium after treatment with neutralizing IL‐17. Interestingly, initiation of anti–IL‐17 antibody therapy during a later stage of CIA, using mice with higher clinical arthritis scores, still significantly slowed the progression of the disease.

Conclusion

IL‐17 plays a role in early stages of arthritis, but also later during disease progression. Systemic IL‐6 was reduced and fewer synovial IL‐1–positive and RANKL‐positive cells were detected after neutralizing endogenous IL‐17 treatment, suggesting both IL‐1–dependent and IL‐1–independent mechanisms of action. Our data strongly indicate that IL‐17 neutralization could provide an additional therapeutic strategy for RA, particularly in situations in which elevated IL‐17 may attenuate the response to anti–tumor necrosis factor/anti–IL‐1 therapy.