bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introduction: Disciplinary cartographies and connectors
Authors: Martínez Francisco
Published: June 2024

This special section explores and problematises the disciplinary boundaries of European anthropology by studying the shifting conditions of our work and changing centres of gravity in the field. The contributors have been invited to think about what the concept of “European anthropology” brings actually to the fore, while working in a context of changing epistemic relations, labour conditions, institutional assessment and claims to disciplinary validity. This set of papers and commentaries proposes to approach European anthropology as a specific kind of relation between localities and practitioners, not an essence. Polemically, we argue that European anthropology does not exist as a single, easy to define entity precisely because it exceeds its conditions of possibility and goes beyond geographic relations and separations. Additionally, we pose as problematic not only the conjunction of the adjective European and the noun anthropology, but also the separate standing of each of them and what kinds of relations are established as a result (possession, placing, aspiration, rejection and so on). We conclude that a key feature characterising European anthropology is its transnational character – multiplying the relations with what has been traditionally considered non-anthropological and non-European, and troubling of the boundaries of the discipline.
Sostare ai margini: Richiedenti asilo tra confinamento e accoglienza diffusa
Authors: Altin Roberta
Published: June 2024

L’articolo analizza comparativamente tre diversi contesti e organizzazioni dell’accoglienza per richiedenti asilo nell’area di confine italo-slovena a partire dal 2015, dopo la riapertura della cosiddetta “rotta balcanica” come ingresso europeo via terra. Attraverso interviste e osservazione partecipante si evidenziano le differenze fra il CARA di Gradisca, confinato in una grande caserma militarizzata ai margini della vita sociale, un inserimento SPRAR nel Villaggio del Pescatore, fondato da una comunità di profughi del dopoguerra, ed il modello efficiente dell’accoglienza diffusa di Trieste che distribuisce i migranti in appartamenti con forme di autogestione coordinata. Lo scenario di Trieste include anche un insediamento abusivo in un luogo storico di precedenti migrazioni forzate, dove i migranti sfuggono alla logica dicotomica che contrappone assistenza/respingimento per collocarsi con strategie di posizionamento in un’area grigia nello spazio di frontiera tra regime autoritario e umanitario. L’interpretazione dei micro-contesti riesce a fare emergere l’esito di scelte divergenti sia nell’organizzazione e management dell’ospitalità (grosso centro militarizzato, ospitalità diffusa, SPRAR), sia nelle diverse rappresentazioni mediatiche e politiche, con ricadute nelle vite quotidiane di migranti, cittadini e operatori coinvolti.
The silence of trauma: Violence accumulated by home queens in old age
Authors: López-Pozos Cecilia , Carrasco Rivas Guillermo
Published: June 2024

The voices of rural women in this study narrate their lives from childhood to puberty to adolescence to adulthood to old age. Older women do not forget the events, conflicts, discrimination and acts of domestic violence experienced throughout their lives with their spouses. That is why we try to build unique and unforgettable histories both of the individuals and their communities. Histories of elderly women lived with inequality, discrimination, exclusions and disqualifications that are reflected in the theoretical and methodological aspects of the course of lives based on the testimonies of rural aging women. Lives linked to a historical continuum of real women and the domestic violence endured that translates into larger violence.
Differential increase of hippocampal subfield volume after socio-affective mental training relates to reductions in diurnal cortisol
Authors: Valk Sofie L. , Engert Veronika , Puhlman Lara , Linz Roman , Caldirou Benoit , Bernasconi Andrea , Bernasconi Neda , Bernhardt Boris C. , Singer Tania
Published: June 2024

The hippocampus is a central modulator of the HPA-axis, impacting the regulation of stress on brain structure, function, and behavior. The current study assessed whether three different types of 3-months mental Training Modules geared towards nurturing a) attention-based mindfulness, b) socio-affective or c) socio-cognitive skills may impact hippocampal organization by reducing stress. We evaluated mental training-induced changes in hippocampal subfield volume and intrinsic functional connectivity, by combining longitudinal structural and resting-state fMRI connectivity analysis in 332 healthy adults. We related these changes to changes in diurnal and chronic cortisol levels. We observed increases in bilateral cornu ammonis volume (CA1-3) following the 3-months compassion-based module targeting socio-affective skills (
Affect
module), as compared to socio-cognitive skills (
Perspective
module) or a waitlist cohort with no training intervention. Structural changes were paralleled by relative increases in functional connectivity of CA1-3 when fostering socio-affective as compared to socio-cognitive skills. Furthermore, training-induced changes in CA1-3 structure and function consistently correlated with reductions in cortisol output. Notably, using a multivariate approach, we found that other subfields that did not show group-level changes also contributed to changes in cortisol levels. Overall, we provide a link between a socio-emotional behavioural intervention, changes in hippocampal subfield structure and function, and reductions in cortisol in healthy adults.
Translational regulation enhances distinction of cell types in the nervous system
Authors: Ichinose Toshiharu , Kondo Shu , Kanno Mai , Shichino Yuichi , Mito Mari , Iwasaki Shintaro , Tanimoto Hiromu
Published: June 2024

Multicellular organisms are composed of specialized cell types with distinct proteomes. While recent advances in single-cell transcriptome analyses have revealed differential expression of mRNAs, cellular diversity in translational profiles remains underinvestigated. By performing RNA-seq and Ribo-seq in genetically-defined cells in the
Drosophila
brain, we here revealed substantial posttranscriptional regulations that augment the cell-type distinctions at the level of protein expression. Specifically, we found that translational efficiency of proteins fundamental to neuronal functions, such as ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors, was maintained low in glia, leading to their preferential translation in neurons. Notably, distribution of ribosome footprints on these mRNAs exhibited a remarkable bias towards the 5′ leaders in glia. Using transgenic reporter strains, we provide evidence that the small upstream open reading frames (uORFs) in the 5’ leader confer selective translational suppression in glia. Overall, these findings underscore the profound impact of translational regulation in shaping the proteomics for cell-type distinction and provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms driving cell-type diversity.
SntB triggers the antioxidant pathways to regulate development and aflatoxin biosynthesis in Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Wu Dandan , Yang Chi , Yao Yanfang , Ma Dongmei , Lin Hong , Hao Ling , Xin Wenwen , Ye Kangfu , Sun Minghui , Hu Yule , Yang Yanling , Zhuang Zhenhong
Published: June 2024

The epigenetic reader SntB was identified as an important transcriptional regulator of growth, development, and secondary metabolite synthesis in
Aspergillus flavus
. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is still unclear. In this study,
sntB
gene deletion (Δ
sntB
), complementary (Com-
sntB
), and HA tag fused to
sntB
(
sntB
-HA) strains were constructed by using the homologous recombination method, respectively. Our results revealed that deletion of
sntB
inhibited the processes of mycelia growth, conidial production, sclerotia formation, aflatoxin synthesis, and ability to colonize host compared to wild type (WT), and the defective phenotype of knockout strain Δ
sntB
could be restored in its complementary strain Com-
sntB
. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) of
sntB-
HA and WT and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of Δ
sntB
and WT strains revealed that SntB played key roles in oxidative stress response of
A. flavus
. The function of
catC
(encode a catalase) gene was further analyzed based on the integration results of ChIP-seq and RNA-seq. In Δ
sntB
strain, the relative expression level of
catC
was significantly higher than in WT strain, while a secretory lipase encoding gene (G4B84_008359) was down-regulated. Under the stress of oxidant menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB), the deletion of
sntB
obvious down-regulated the expression level of
catC
. After deletion of
catC
gene, the mycelia growth, conidial production, and sclerotia formation were inhibited, while ROS level and aflatoxin production were increased compared to the WT strain. Results also showed that the inhibition rate of MSB to Δ
catC
strain was significantly lower than that of WT group and AFB1 yield of the Δ
catC
strain was significantly decreased than that of WT strain under the stress of MSB. Our study revealed the potential machinery that SntB regulated fungal morphogenesis, mycotoxin anabolism, and fungal virulence through the axle of from SntB to fungal virulence and mycotoxin bio-synthesis, i.e. H3K36me3 modification-SntB-Peroxisomes-Lipid hydrolysis-fungal virulence and mycotoxin bio-synthesis. The results of the study shed light into the SntB mediated transcript regulation pathway of fungal mycotoxin anabolism and virulence, which provided potential strategy for control the contamination of
A. flavus
and its aflatoxins.
MftG is crucial for alcohol metabolism of mycobacteria by linking mycofactocin oxidation to respiration
Authors: Graça Ana Patrícia , Nikitushkin Vadim , Ellerhorst Mark , Vilhena Cláudia , Klassert Tilman E. , Starick Andreas , Siemers Malte , Al-Jammal Walid K. , Vilotijevic Ivan , Slevogt Hortense , Papenfort Kai , Lackner Gerald
Published: June 2024

Mycofactocin is a redox cofactor essential for the alcohol metabolism of Mycobacteria. While the biosynthesis of mycofactocin is well established, the gene
mftG
, which encodes an oxidoreductase of the glucose-methanol-choline superfamily, remained functionally uncharacterized. Here, we show that MftG enzymes strictly require
mft
biosynthetic genes and are found in 75% of organisms harboring these genes. Gene deletion experiments in
Mycolicibacterium smegmatis
demonstrated a growth defect of the Δ
mftG
mutant on ethanol as a carbon source, accompanied by an arrest of cell division reminiscent of mild starvation. Investigation of carbon and cofactor metabolism implied a defect in mycofactocin reoxidation. Cell-free enzyme assays and respirometry using isolated cell membranes indicated that MftG acts as a mycofactocin dehydrogenase shuttling electrons toward the respiratory chain. Transcriptomics studies also indicated remodeling of redox metabolism to compensate for a shortage of redox equivalents. In conclusion, this work closes an important knowledge gap concerning the mycofactocin system and adds a new pathway to the intricate web of redox reactions governing the metabolism of mycobacteria.
How compatible are the governing documents of Swedish authorities? A comparison between the Swedish National Agency for Education’s and the National Board of Health and Welfare’s competence requirements for elderly care staff – with a focus on norms and v
Authors: Kindevåg Åsa , Andersson Per
Published: June 2024

Vocational education at upper secondary level in Sweden is conducted both in upper secondary school and in adult education. Among the vocational students in adult education over 40 percent choose to study a healthcare programme, with about half of these students being foreign-born. Both the education programme and the occupation of assistant nurse have undergone significant changes as part of the efforts to ensure the competence of the elderly care workforce. The political actors, the National Agency for Education and the National Board of Health and Welfare, issue binding regulations that the communities of practice, here the vocational education and the elderly care, are expected to follow. Based on these binding regulations, an inductive document analysis has been conducted with a focus on norms and values. The documents have been compared and subsequently the analysis has been deepened further using the theory of situated learning. The regulations of both communities of practice exhibit a considerable alignment regarding the knowledge and competence expected of assistant nurses, with some exceptions. The National Agency for Education and the National Board of Health and Welfare don’t always employ the same conceptual frameworks, which is reflected in the legal frameworks emphasized by the political actors in their respective regulations. With regards to culture, norms, and values the students are expected to learn about other cultures and how care recipients with different backgrounds should be approached, according to the regulations. This can be interpreted as an expectation that the students already possess knowledge of and have embraced the Swedish norms and values and can work accordingly.  One conclusion that can be drawn is that more knowledge is needed regarding where and how norms and values are brought forward and discussed within the communities of practice of adult education and elderly care.
Conclusion
Authors: Friedman Jeffrey A.
Published: June 2024

This chapter covers the relationship between public opinion and foreign policy. It looks into the politics of US foreign policy under Donald Trump, referencing how the commander-in-chief test ultimately distorts the politics of US foreign policy. However, the politics of image-making steer US foreign policy in a direction that is more hawkish than what voters want. The chapter elaborates on foreign policies as indications of leadership strength since voters value good judgment in foreign policy, but good judgment is hard to evaluate quickly. It considers the need for a commander-in-chief test in principle since voters ask whether presidents and presidential candidates possess the right stuff to manage international affairs.
Transnational Peasant Politics in Central America
Authors: Edelman Marc
Published: June 2024

This chapter discusses transnational peasant politics in Central America. Since the late 1980s, peasants throughout Central America have begun to coordinate political and economic strategy. Agriculturalists from the five republics that constituted la patria grande of Spanish Central America (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica) as well as representatives from Panama and Belize have founded regional organizations that meet to compare experiences with free-market policies, share new technologies, develop sources of finance, and create channels for marketing their products abroad. The chapter specifically analyzes the formation, practice, and discourse of the principal regional peasant organization in Central America, the Asociación Centroamericana de Organizaciones Campesinas para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo (ASOCODE), which has member coalitions in all seven countries of the isthmus. The chapter considers what cross-border peasant organizing suggests about the representation of peasant identity in contemporary Central America. The chapter then examines the extent to which this regional campesino association has transcended traditional sources of weakness and division that afflict peasant organizations in Central America and elsewhere.
A comparison of the performance of bacterial biofilters and fungal–bacterial coupled biofilters in BTEp-X removal
Authors: Wang Hai , Xue Xiaojuan , Nan Xujun , Zhai Jian
Published: June 2024

Background

Conventional biofilters, which rely on bacterial activity, face challenges in eliminating hydrophobic compounds, such as aromatic compounds. This is due to the low solubility of these compounds in water, which makes them difficult to absorb by bacterial biofilms. Furthermore, biofilter operational stability is often hampered by acidification and drying out of the filter bed.

Methods

Two bioreactors, a bacterial biofilter (B-BF) and a fungal–bacterial coupled biofilter (F&B-BF) were inoculated with activated sludge from the secondary sedimentation tank of the Sinopec Yangzi Petrochemical Company wastewater treatment plant located in Nanjing, China. For approximately 6 months of operation, a F&B-BF was more effective than a B-BF in eliminating a gas-phase mixture containing benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and para-xylene (BTEp-X).

Results

After operating for four months, the F&B-BF showed higher removal efficiencies for toluene (T), ethylbenzene (E), benzene (B), and para-X (p-Xylene), at 96.9%, 92.6%, 83.9%, and 83.8%, respectively, compared to those of the B-BF (90.1%, 78.7%, 64.8%, and 59.3%). The degradation activity order for B-BF and F&B-BF was T > E > B > p-X. Similarly, the rates of mineralization for BTEp-X in the F&B-BF were 74.9%, 66.5%, 55.3%, and 45.1%, respectively, which were higher than those in the B-BF (56.5%, 50.8%, 43.8%, and 30.5%). Additionally, the F&B-BF (2 days) exhibited faster recovery rates than the B-BF (5 days).

Conclusions

It was found that a starvation protocol was beneficial for the stable operation of both the B-BF and F&B-BF. Community structure analysis showed that the bacterial genus Pseudomonas and the fungal genus Phialophora were both important in the degradation of BTEp-X. The fungal-bacterial consortia can enhance the biofiltration removal of BTEp-X vapors.
Prácticas discursivas y prácticas críticas en el epistolario inédito de José Donoso
Authors: Castillo Vial Joaquín
Published: June 2024

El epistolario inédito de José Donoso es un depositorio riquísimo para comprender el modo en que el escritor chileno construyó una figura autorial, aquello que, en términos de Jérôme Meizoz, podemos llamar su ‘postura literaria’. A partir de las cartas que se conservan en archivos de distintos escritores ubicados en la Firestone Library de la Universidad de Princeton, es posible dilucidar algunas de las estrategias de posicionamiento de Donoso, así como conocer las prácticas críticas que él llevó a cabo en esos diálogos epistolares. En este artículo quiero, por un lado, describir de modo somero el epistolario donosiano que se conserva en la Firestone Library y, por otro, profundizar en el modo en que el escritor chileno se comprende a sí mismo como creador y como crítico literario.
Exilio y deseo: Identidad sexual y nacional en las novelas “españolas” de José Donoso
Authors: Swanson Philip
Published: June 2024

Como es sabido, José Donoso escribió la mayoría de sus novelas más conocidas en el extranjero, sobre todo en España. Es más, muchas de sus novelas enfocan la cuestión extranjera o la experiencia de un chileno en el extranjero. ¿Por qué este enfoque reiterado en lo extranjero? En parte es la nostalgia del exiliado, aunque eso no explica por qué recrea la experiencia del exiliado voluntario de forma tan problemática. En parte es la devolución de la mirada eurocéntrica, pero eso no explica la obsesiva valoración de la cultura europea (y estadounidense) que acompaña la crítica de aspectos de estas culturas. Más específicamente “lo extranjero” en Donoso casi siempre se asocia con temas de género y sexualidad, sugiriendo, que, en el fondo, la exploración de lo extranjero es la expresión inconsciente de la ansiedad sexual masculina. Pero de interés especial es el enfoque en Barcelona y Cataluña, asociados por Donoso en su Historia personal del “boom”, con la “creación” de la nueva novela latinoamericana. Se verá cómo las novelas de Donoso iluminan las ansiedades del autor con respeto a la narrativa latinoamericana (sobre todo después del boom), y una especie de exilio de sí mismo en términos de una reprimida identidad sexual.
La isla sitiada: espectralidad y brujería en "La desesperanza" de José Donoso
Authors: Lorca Paulo Andreas
Published: June 2024

El siguiente trabajo reevalúa La desesperanza (1986) de José Donoso en atención a ciertas lecturas críticas sostenidas en procesos aparentemente irreconciliables, como son la ficción y la historia, el realismo y la fantasmagoría. A partir de las figuras del espectro y el brujo, atendiendo a diversos planteamientos teóricos de cada uno, como los de Jacques Derrida, Giorgio Agamben y Gilles Deleuze, se plantea una lectura de la novela que examina las operaciones narrativas que unen ambas figuras. En dicha unión, que se articula como una pregunta sobre la espectralidad, dichos polos o procesos sin reconciliación son revelados, en cambio, como realidades inseparables acerca de lo que la novela—y el autor—plantea tanto como su contemporaneidad como de su poética.
Presentación del monólogo "La micro", de Isidora Aguirre. Una micro que sin querer se nos pasó
Authors: Aliaga Sergio
Published: June 2024

Sin resumen
Imágenes parciales de la crítica literaria chilena. Una conversación con Soledad Bianchi
Authors: Walker Carlos
Published: June 2024

Sin resumen
Carmen García. "El lugar donde nacimos por última vez"
Authors: Bello Javier
Published: June 2024

Sin resumen
Diseño para la inclusión en conjuntos de vivienda asequible: Regeneración urbano-habitacional en terrenos de ex conjuntos de bloques C
Authors:   , Pozo Cifuentes Miguel Angel
Published: June 2024

La sociedad chilena, reconocida por su variada composición actual, ha experimentado transformaciones en la estructura familiar, alejándose del concepto tradicional de la familia nuclear. Según el Censo de 2017, aproximadamente el 49,5% de los hogares no se ajusta a esta estructura.El poder legislativo refleja estos cambios culturales, evidenciados por el aumento en la protección de los derechos de las minorías sociales y culturales. A pesar de estos avances, persisten la discriminación y la resistencia a aceptar plenamente la diversidad.En esta misma línea, el término “inclusión” busca resaltar positivamente la diversidad como un factor determinante para la convivencia en sociedad. Esto abarca desde las formas de relacionarse hasta la oportunidad de participación de cada individuo en diversos ámbitos de la vida. Surge la interrogante sobre cómo promover la inclusión en la sociedad para convivir con dicha diversidad.Desde la perspectiva arquitectónica, se critica la política de diseño habitacional en Chile desde la implementación del neoliberalismo hasta la actualidad. Esta crítica es esencial para comprender los efectos restrictivos del diseño en la diversidad de modos de vida de las personas y la falta de incentivos para promover comunidades más fuertes y cohesionadas.La investigación propone estrategias para lograr mayor inclusividad, destacando la importancia de incentivar formas diversas de relaciones sociales y diversificar los espacios que complementen la vivienda en las prácticas cotidianas. Posteriormente, se centra en el diseño de espacios de transición desde lo privado hasta lo público, incentivando la vida cotidiana en diferentes escalas y con diversas formas de relaciones sociales. Además, se exponen estrategias de diseño como la distribución de los espacios colectivos, atmósferas y flexibilidad espacial que fomentan el uso diverso de los espaciospara las prácticas cotidianas.Finalmente, a través de la investigación teórica, se presenta una propuesta de diseño en un terreno anteriormente ocupado por un conjunto de Bloques C demolido (política de diseño neoliberal), denominado Población Vicuña Mackenna en Rancagua. El desarrollo proyectual se centra principalmente en los espacios colectivos y públicos, prestando atención a los traspasos de escala y la variedad de espacios que permitan múltiples prácticas de apoyo a la vida cotidiana.
COVID-19: really weakening the effect of financial performance on corporate value of consumer cyclicals?
Authors: Reschiwati  , Sayekti Fran , Resmi Siti
Published: June 2024

Covid-19 is a disease outbreak that affects company performance and value. This study aims to test whether Covid-19 can strengthen the effect of financial performance on firm value. Financial performance is proxied by financial ratios consisting of the Current Ratio (CR), Debt to Asset Ratio (DAR), and Return on Assets (ROA). Meanwhile, the Company Value is proxied by Tobin” Q. The Cyclical Consumer Sector is the population of this study. Purposive Sampling is the sample selection method used. Twenty-eight companies meet the criteria. The data processed is quarterly from 2017 to 2021, so the number of observations is four hundred and twenty. The study results show that only DAR and ROA affect firm value and that Covid-19 is a quasi-moderating and strengthening effect of ROA on firm value. The novelty of this study is that Covid-19 is treated not as an independent variable but as a moderating variable, and the data is quarterly. The results of this study have implications for companies to be able to anticipate the arrival of disease outbreaks because it dramatically affects the performance and value of the company. The influence of this plague can be debilitating or strengthening.
Use of long-range wireless technology for air temperature monitoring in urban areas
Authors: Kato Paulo Pisconti , Mota Lia Toledo Moreira , Pezzuto Cláudia Cotrim , Carvalho Marcius Fabius Henriques de , Chaves Jô Vinícius Barrozo , Chaves Jean Victor Barrozo
Published: June 2024

Monitoring air temperature is absolutely crucial in smart cities for several reasons. It directly impacts the comfort and health of urban residents, significantly influencing their daily activities and well-being. Continuous monitoring of air temperature allows city authorities to identify areas prone to heat stress and implement targeted interventions, such as urban green spaces or cooling infrastructure, to effectively mitigate the effects of extreme heat events. Additionally, accurate temperature data plays a vital role in optimizing energy usage for heating and cooling systems, leading to more efficient resource allocation and a reduced environmental impact. Furthermore, understanding temperature variations across different city zones helps urban planners make informed decisions regarding urban design and infrastructure development to create more resilient and sustainable cities in the face of climate change. Integrating temperature monitoring into the framework of smart cities enhances livability, promotes environmental sustainability, and fosters resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions. This work proposes the usage of long-range data transmission technology for air temperature monitoring in urban areas.
Proverbs, Community Building and Governance: A Critical Analysis of the Proverbial Saying, “Kgosi ke Kgosi ka Batho” in Botswana
Authors: Nkomazana Fidelis , Tabalaka Abel
Published: June 2024

The paper examines an important Tswana proverb, “Kgosi ke kgosi ka batho”. It discusses how the proverb facilitates and strengthens human relations in all aspects of life: the political, social, religious and economic spheres. The overarching objective is to examine the functional role of proverbs in conflict resolutions, democratic principles and good governance based on delegation and consultation at all levels in an African community. The paper argues that proverbs are succinct summations of how success, in any given role of responsibility, in this case, the role of kingship, is not dependent solely on an individual’s intellect or their prowess. Rather, success in such positions of responsibility results from one’s willingness to tap into the available ‘democratic’ or communal wisdom and communal support. In discussing the proverb, Kgosi ke kgosi ka batho, the paper is not making any claim that this proverb is an actual representation of the conduct of kings in Botswana. Rather, the meaning behind the proverb is explored in terms of its potential in providing guidance and influencing the conduct of those in the position of kingship. The paper mainly depends on the review and analysis of existing literature in the field, which shows that the African worldview put strong emphasis on relationships in building the community. The paper concludes that the key purpose of proverbs is to promote a peaceful atmosphere through developing strong relationships in a society. Keywords: Proverbs, Community building, Governance, Kgosi, Ethics
Revisiting Blockchain Technologies and Smart Contracts Security: A Pragmatic Exploration of Vulnerabilities, Threats, and Challenges
Authors: Nzuva Silas Mutie
Published: June 2024

Aim: This study aims to offer a comprehensive examination of the security vulnerabilities associated with blockchain technology, with the aim of identifying critical challenges and formulating strategic solutions to bolster system integrity and enhance user trust.
Methods: The study employs a combination of literature review and case study analysis to explore specific vulnerabilities such as re-entrance attacks, transaction malleability, and the risks associated with third-party integrations. Various recommendations are offered to address the outlined vulnerabilities in blockchains and smart contacts.
Conclusion: Securing blockchain platforms against emerging threats requires a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses technological innovation, stringent regulatory oversight, and comprehensive user education. It advocates for ongoing research and collaborative efforts to develop robust security measures that ensure the sustainable integration of blockchain technology into global digital infrastructures, thereby maximizing its transformative potential while minimizing associated risks. Enhancing the understanding of blockchain's security needs and continuously adapting to emerging threats are crucial for the technology’s future resilience and widespread adoption.
Deterministic Parameters of Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as Influenced by Fractional Application of Nitrogen and Potassium
Authors: Akhter Sabia , Nabi Ambreen , Lone Bilal Ahmad , Ramzan Shazia , Yousuf Vaseem , Shakeel Bhinish , Zargar K. A. , Farooq Iram , Gulzar Himayat
Published: June 2024

An experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Budgam- Shere Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir, to evaluate the growth and yield variability of wheat as effected by split application of potassium (K) and nitrogen (N). The experiment was set up in a split-plot design replicated thrice with K splits as main plot factor and N splits as sub plot factor which resulted in 15 treatment combinations, viz. of K 30 kg/ha [K1: 100% as basal dose-(RFP); K2: 50% as basal dose + 50% at active tillering; K3: 25 % as basal dose + 75% at active tillering] and 5 treatments of N:120 kg/ha in split ratios of [N1 : 50% as basal + 25% at jointing + 25% at booting stage (RFP); N2:25% as basal dose + 75% at active tillering; N3 : 25% as basal dose +50% at active tillering + 25% at booting; N4 : 50% as basal + 50% at active tillering; N5 : 0% as basal + 75% at active tillering + 25% at booting]. The results revealed that growth parameters like dry matter accumulation, leaf area index, SPAD reading at various phenological stages and quality parameters like N content (%) of grain and straw, protein content of grain, yield and N use efficiency were significantly more with the application of K in two equal splits in the ratio of 50:50 as compared to the treatment where K was applied in one split as 100% basal dose. There was the non-significant effect of split application of K and N on days taken to different phenological stages. Increase in N content (%) of grain was 5.76 and 5.73% during the year 2020-21 and 2021-22, respectively. Average percent increase in grain yield, protein content of grain and N use efficiency (grain yield (kg)/kg N applied) with the application of K in two equal splits in the ratio of 50:50 during both the years was 12.46, 5.81 and 12.46% that was significantly higher as compared to recommended fertilizer application (K1).
Principal Component Analysis of Morphological Traits in Udaipuri Goats in Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Sarma Olympica , Barwal R S , Singh C V
Published: June 2024

Aims: To study the principal component analysis (PCA) of morphological traits in Udaipuri goats.
Place and Duration of Study: Pauri, Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India.
Methodology: Eight traits were measured in 407 adult (doe) and (buck) goats over a period of 2021-2022. The traits considered in the study were Horn Length (HL), Face length (FL), Ear Length (EL), Height at Withers (HW), Body Length (BL), Chest Girth (CG), Tail Length (TL) and Body Weight (BW). The data were analyzed for the estimation of mean, coefficient of variation (CV %), phenotypic correlation and PCA by using the software SPSS version 24.
Results: The descriptive statistics including the mean and CV % were estimated which revealed the lowest average and the highest average for horn length and chest girth, respectively. The horn length and ear length showed the highest and lowest CV %, respectively, and the phenotypic correlations were significant (P<0.01) for all the characters included in the study. Principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation method was applied and extracted a total variation of 66.01%. In all adult males and females, HL, HW, BL and CG were loaded as first component while FH, EL, TL and BW were loaded as second component.
Conclusion: Therefore, these findings indicated that PCA could serve as a valuable tool in breeding programmes, allowing for a significant reduction in the number of traits while still effectively capturing morphometric trends in Udaipuri goats.
Phytochemical Analysis and Investigation of the Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Aristolochia albida Root Extracts
Authors: N. N. Gambo , I.Y. Chindo , H.M. Adamu , D.E.A. Boryo , S. Lubis , K. B. Denji , B. Gomerep
Published: June 2024

Introduction: The increasing prevalence of antibacterial resistance has led to the deliberate laborious exploration of plants for new potent drugs. Over the years, plants have served as rich reservoirs of medicinal components that are used for the management of various ailments because of the belief that they exhibit minimal side effects and improved efficacy than other synthetic counterparts.
Aim: The aim of this research is to evaluate the phytochemical content, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the root extracts of A. albida; a shrub that is commonly used in North Central Nigeria for the management of some microbial infections, snakebite, stomach ailments and pain.
Methods: The roots of A. albida were harvested, washed with clean water, dried, ground, and extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water using the Soxhlet extractor. The phytochemical screening which indicated the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, terpenes, cardiac glycosides and tannins was done using standard methods. The antimicrobial activity was tested using agar well diffusion technique against five human pathogens namely: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Streptococcus pneumonae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa while the antioxidant activities were tested using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method.
Results: All extracts showed the antibacterial activity against all test organisms at all concentrations used. At 50 mg/cm3, S. aureus showed high sensitivities with 23.00 mm, 20.50 mm, 22.00 mm and 18.50 mm diameter of zone of inhibition for hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water extracts respectively. The results obtained in this study indicated that the MICs of the four extracts were weak (12.50-200.0 mg/cm3) when compared to the MIC range of most commonly available antibiotics having a range of 0.015-0.107 mg/cm3. The extracts demonstrated minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) range of 400-50 mg/cm3. All the extracts showed a DPPH scavenging activity which increased with increase in sample concentration. Among the solvents used, hexane extract gave the highest antioxidant activity, IC50 = 0.032 mg/cm3. Ethyl acetate and water extracts of A. albida had IC50 = 0.05 mg/cm3.
Conclusion: The results reported in this research work highlighted the potential use of A. albida extract as a source of phytochemicals with promising antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.
Effect of Growth Regulators and Growing Media on Seed Germination of Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana)
Authors: Maan Aman , E. Topno Samir , Jhajharia Naveen
Published: June 2024

The present investigation was carried out at Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad, during the period 2023. The experiment was laid in completely randomized block design with 11 treatments and was replicated three times. Berc.v. Gola Ber were collected from Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Science, Praygaraj. Seeds were Germinate in polybags. Seeds were soaked for 12 hours in both Ga3. The treatment T10 Soil + FYM + VC + PM (1:1:1:1) + GA3 @150ppm (Seed soaked for 12 hours) registered significantly maximum vegetative growth, Germination Percenatge % Stem diameter (mm). On the basis of our experimental finding it can be concluded that the best result was found in treatment T11 Soil + FYM +VC + PM (1:1:1:1) + IBA @50 ppm (Seed soaked for 12 hours) in term of vegetative growth parameters viz., plant height (cm), Number of leaves per plant Survival Percenatge %, leaf area (cm2) and, chlorophyll content of Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana) c.v. Gola ber.
Demonstration and Promotion of Improved Maize (Zea mays) Varieties for Green Ear Production: Evidence from the Central Highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Abenezer , Girma Endashaw , Tesfaye Mamaru
Published: June 2024

Maize is the third most consumed cereal in the world and an important source of carbohydrates, making it an energy-producing food source. The main objective of this study was to demonstrate and promote the use of improved maize varieties for green ear production. Participatory action research was employed as the research design. Sites and farmers are selected purposefully based on maize production potential and farmers' willingness to allocate their land and labor to implement the activity. Two improved maize varieties, Jibat and Ambo, were demonstrated and promoted using their full recommendation package. Green maize production has increased significantly because of its profitability. To ensure food security and revenue for urban and semi-urban populations, maize green ear production work was demonstrated and promoted in kebeles such as Mede Gudina, Birbirsa Siba, and Sademo on a land area of 0.6 ha. As a result, the findings of this study revealed that maize green ear production provided significant income and a high return for farmers. The production cost of maize green ear harvested at the dough stage in Mede Kebele is 38,610.80 ETB, but the income is 345,389.20 ETB. This shows that the maize green ear production business is profitable and feasible. However, production can be constrained by several factors, such as the time of harvest, fertilizer, irrigation requirements, variety selection, and disease. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest that future research and interventions should pay special attention to the factors mentioned earlier. Overall, expanding the green ear business to other study areas and similar agroecological regions can contribute to food security, income generation, and job opportunities, ultimately alleviating poverty.
Exploring Genetic Variability Parameters for Yield and Quality Traits in Urdbean Genotypes and Its Triple Test Cross F1 Hybrids
Authors: Rathore Tarun , Yadav R.K. , Kumar Sarvendra , Singh Lokendra , Rai Geeta , Maurya C.L.
Published: June 2024

Pulses play a vital role in providing nutrition to billions of individuals globally. Improving yield in the urdbean faces a significant challenge due to its narrow genetic base and limited exploitable variation. This research explores the genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance among 111 diverse lines of urdbean. 27 lines, three testers, and Eighty-one F1 hybrids were grown in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications during Kharif 2023 at the Crop Experimental Research Farm of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kalyanpur, Kanpur (U.P.). The analysis of variance for parents (27 lines and three testers) and their 81 triple test cross hybrids indicated highly significant genotypic differences across all traits under study. The PCV was higher compared to GCV for all the traits, While Maximum GCV and PCV were observed for primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, seed yield per plant, biological yield per plant, and harvest index. Broad-sense heritability (h2b) was high for all the traits examined ranging from 73.27% to 98.05%. Further, high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent over mean were recorded for all the traits except day to 50% flowering, day to 75% maturity, and protein content, where high heritability is observed with moderate genetic advance. These findings suggest the involvement of additive genetic effects in shaping the inheritance of these traits and phenotypic selection of these characters would be effective for further breeding purposes.
Erste österreichische Judikatur zur Umsetzung der Warenkauf-RL
Authors: Faber Wolfgang
Published: June 2024

Der Oberste Gerichtshof hatte in seiner ersten Entscheidung zu den Umsetzungsbestimmungen der Warenkauf-RL zum neu eingeführten Tatbestand des „derart schwerwiegenden Mangels“ sowie zum „geringfügigen Mangel“ Stellung zu nehmen.
The men of Nelson's navy: A comparative stable isotope dietary study of late 18th century and early 19th century servicemen from Royal Naval Hospital burial grounds at Plymouth and Gosport, England
Authors: Roberts Patrick , Weston Sam , Wild Bastien , Boston Ceridwen , Ditchfield Peter , Shortland Andrew J. , Pollard A. Mark
Published: March 2012

We present stable isotopic analyses of collagen from 80 servicemen excavated from the late 18th/early 19th century naval hospitals at Plymouth (50) and Haslar, Gosport (30) in southern England. Historical records suggest that, the diets of these two populations should be essentially identical. While δ15N of the rib collagen confirmed that naval servicemen were relatively well‐catered for in terms of meat allowance (Plymouth average δ15N = 11.1‰, Gosport = 11.9‰), stable carbon isotope analysis produced average values for the two assemblages, which were significantly different (Plymouth average δ13C = −18.8‰, Gosport = −20.0‰). We postulate that these differences stem from divergent naval postings, with a greater proportion of Plymouth individuals serving in areas that entailed a greater input of C4 foodstuffs. By comparison with published data from approximately contemporary burials at Snake Hill, Ontario, Canada and Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, we suggest that this area is the east coast of North America. For 15 of the 30 individuals from Gosport, we have data on ribs, femur, and dentine from the same skeleton, which appear to show that they came from a variety of locations in their preadolescence, but converged in dietary terms onto a “naval average,” which is consistent with historical evidence for recruitment patterns into the Navy at the time. By comparison with published data from skeletons recovered from the wreck of the Mary Rose (sank 1545), we conclude that this naval diet was virtually unchanged from the 16th century to the end of the 18th century. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of a 3‐month training program on muscular damage and neutrophil function in male university freshman judoists
Authors: Koga Toshihiko , Umeda Takashi , Kojima Arata , Tanabe Masaru , Yamamoto Yousuke , Takahashi Ippei , Iwasaki Hiroki , Iwane Kaori , Matsuzaka Masashi , Nakaji Shigeyuki
Published: March 2012

We studied the effects of a high intensity and high frequency 3‐month training program on muscle damage and neutrophil function in male judoists. The study included 15 male judoists who started intensive judo training program after a 6‐month break. Creatine kinase (CK), neutrophil counts and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production capability as well as phagocytic activity (PA) of neutrophils were measured at 2 stages; entering university (pre‐training) and after 3‐month training (post‐training). At both points, we investigated parameters three times: just before, immediately after and 24 h after a 2‐h practice session. Practice‐mediated change in CK was lower at post‐training than at pre‐training. Neutrophil count significantly increased after 2‐h practice but recovered 24 h later whereas it showed no subsequent and further increased at 24 h post‐practice. Although neutrophil ROS production capability and PA both decreased (breakdown) after practice session, ROS production capability increased and PA decreased (well‐adapted) at the post‐training. Long‐term training strengthened muscular function and improved neutrophil reaction against practice‐mediated stress. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐Assembled NaY(WO4)2 Hierarchical Dumbbells: Microwave‐Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis and Their Tunable Upconversion Luminescent Properties
Authors: Zhang Jingchao , Wang Wei , Li Benxian , Zhang Xinhao , Zhao Xudong , Liu Xiaoyang , Zhao Ming
Published: March 2012

Micronano self‐assembled NaY(WO4)2 hierarchical dumbbells were synthesized by a microwave‐assisted hydrothermal approach, followed by a heat treatment. The growth mechanism of the precursor was investigated and it was found that the amount of trisodium citrate plays a crucial role in the assembly process of the precursor. Under 980 nm excitation, Yb3+/Er3+, Yb3+/Tm3+, and Yb3+/Ho3+ codoped NaY(WO4)2 samples exhibit strong green, blue, and yellow emissions, respectively. The luminescence colors of Yb3+/Ho3+/Tm3+ tridoped NaY(WO4)2 samples can be tuned from blue through white to yellow by simply adjusting the doping concentrations of the activator ions under 980 nm excitation. The tunable luminescence may be potentially applied in fields such as light display systems and multicolor biological labeling.
MII/MIII‐Catalyzed ortho‐Fluoroalkylation of 2‐Phenylpyridine
Authors: Dudkina Yulia B. , Mikhaylov Dmitry Y. , Gryaznova Tatyana V. , Sinyashin Oleg G. , Vicic David A. , Budnikova Yulia H.
Published: March 2012

A one‐step catalytic method for the ortho‐fluoroalkylation of 2‐phenylpyridine has been developed that employs the less‐commonly used higher oxidation states of nickel or palladium by electro‐oxidation of stable MII precursors.