bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Future Outlook of Building Indonesia National Hornbill Monitoring Protocol
Authors:   Universitas Indonesia, L. Winarni Nurul , Hadiprakarsa Yok-Yok ,   Universitas Indonesia, Hunow Iwan ,   Wildlife Conservation Society
Published: February 2024

Hornbills (Bucerotidae) are endangered bird species and current trade issues become major threats which surpass the information available on hornbill population. Differences in survey protocol from various regions in Indonesia may lead to acquisition of low quality data. Using Distance Sampling data from Sumatra and Sulawesi gathered from various projects, we examined different protocols for hornbill population estimation. The results demonstrated that most of hornbill species are distributed in the undisturbed forests of protected areas. The higher the efforts of the survey, the more observations are obtained. Density estimations were similar for Sumatran species except for the Rhinoceros Hornbill. Density estimation for Sulawesi hornbills was inconsistent, probably due to difference in site (mainland versus island). Line transect seemed more effective to achieve detections compared to point count suggest that detection at initial location may be violated in point count. These results suggested that understanding distance sampling is important in standardising protocols. Additionally, improvement on detections and hornbill identification is needed. Thus, training is crucial to ensure that a national hornbill monitoring protocol can be established and applied throughout Indonesia.
Camera Trapping: A Tool to Study Hornbills?
Authors: Jailan Thaqifah S. , Ka Yi Melynda Cheok , Kaicheen Sally S. , Nurul-Asna Hidayah , Pengiran Philovenny , Mohd-Azlan Jayasilan ,   Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
Published: February 2024

Of the 57 species of hornbills in the world, 25 species are recorded in Africa, 32 species are recorded in Asia but only eight occur in Borneo. However, due to logging, hunting and forest fragmentation, the Bornean lowland forest often does not host all the species at once. The study of using remotely triggered infrared cameras in avifauna research is commonly used for medium to large terrestrial mammals, and birds, such as pheasants. Documentation of rare and new species presence records, behavioural studies, and activity patterns could also be included in the application of camera trapping in the study of birds. From the 304 camera trapping sites distributed throughout Sarawak, two species of hornbills were photographed during the study period: the White-Crowned Hornbill Berenicornis comatus and Asian Black Hornbill Anthracoceros malayanus. These images represent approximately 0.01% (34 out of 29,618 images) of the overall independent photos from a total effort of 29,470 camera trapping nights. Although data are insufficient to support the activity overlap between these two species, some baseline information on the behaviour of hornbills has been observed.
Community Structure of Hornbills in an Oil Palm Landscape in East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors:   Indonesian Palm Oil Association, Jakarta-Indonesia, Ramadhan Gilang Fajar , Sahari Bandung ,   Indonesian Palm Oil Association, Jakarta-Indonesia, Supriyono Joko ,   Indonesian Palm Oil Association, Jakarta-Indonesia
Published: February 2024

Conserved land in human dominated landscapes such as oil palm plantations provide habitat for many animal taxa including hornbills. The aim of the study is to quantify species richness, distribution, population size and sex ratio of hornbill community in oil palm landscapes with retained native forest patches. Ecological sampling was conducted in an oil palm plantation in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Birds were observed using fixed radius point count method. We found that there were six hornbill species belonging to four genera of Bucerotidae including Helmeted Hornbill, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Wrinkled Hornbill, Black Hornbill and Oriental Pied Hornbill that occurred in the study site. Population density varied among species ranging from 0.17 to 4.72 individual per km2 in 2012 and 0.34 to 3.35 individual per km2 in 2013. Rhinoceros Hornbill was the most abundant species observed in one location with highest number of individual per group of about 21 individuals during flocking. Sex ratio (M:F) was ranged from 0.31 to 0.95. The dispersion of hornbill species was generally random. Our results show that retention of forest patches on oil palm plantations can help to maintain the diversity and abundance of hornbills in the region.
Artificial Nest Boxes for Hornbill Conservation: A Case Study in Kinabatangan, Malaysia
Authors:   University of Malaya, Kaur Ravinder , Ramli Rosli ,   University of Malaya, Ancrenaz Marc ,   Kinabantangan Orang-utan Conservation Prgramme
Published: February 2024

Five artificial nest boxes for hornbills were erected along the river in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Reserve, Malaysia in 2013. The nest boxes were built by a French non-government organization (i.e HUTAN/KOCP) and two zoos from United Kingdom and France (i.e. Chester Zoo and Beauval Zoo). After the artificial nest boxes were erected in the forest, a comparative study between natural cavities and nest boxes was conducted from September 2014 to February 2015, to measure internal humidity and temperature. It is assumed that these two parameters are important factors for nest box occupancy. Data loggers (RHT 10 USB EXTECH) were used to measure temperature and humidity inside and outside of the natural cavities (n = 3) and artificial nest boxes (n = 4). For nest boxes, internal temperature ranged from 21.8 to 35.0°C while internal humidity ranged from 40.1 to 99.4%. On contrary, internal temperature for natural cavity remained low (from 22.5 to 27.5°C) while its internal humidity ranged from 95.9 to 100%. Camera traps recorded several species of hornbills such as Rhinoceros (Buceros rhinoceros), Wrinkled (Rhabdotorrhinus corrugatus), Bushy-crested (Anorrhinus galeritus), and Oriental Pied (Anthracoceros albirostris convexus) hornbills that visited the nest boxes. Rhinoceros Hornbill had attempted to seal the entrance of the artificial nest boxes while Oriental Pied Hornbill was the only species that occupied one of the nest boxes. These responses indicate that nest boxes could play an important role in providing alternative nesting sites for hornbills.
Do People Care? The Awareness of Local Communities in Miri Towards Hornbills at Piasau Nature Reserve, Sarawak
Authors:   Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Jenang Mathew , Mergie Laman Charlie Justin ,   Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
Published: February 2024

Hornbills are a major attraction for ecotourism at the Piasau Nature Reserve, near Miri, Sarawak. Hornbills, in general, are believed to play important ecological roles in tropical forests, especially as agents of seed dispersal. At the Piasau Nature Reserve, the Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris) is the most popular species and has caught the attention of some conservationists. This survey was conducted to investigate the perception of local communities in the Miri area about hornbills at this Park. Our survey suggests that the Miri residents are positive towards hornbill conservation at this park after the case of a Oriental Pied Hornbill called Faridah that was killed. More than half of our respondents are aware of the existence of this hornbill species at Piasau.
Developing A Structural Model of Psychological Factors Affecting Women's Sexual Function
Authors: Kazemi Mojarad Maliheh , Khalatbari Javad , Moazedian Ameneh , Sotodeh Asl Nemat
Published: February 2024

Aim: Several factors have a role in the formation of sexual activity, some of which have been identified in previous studies. In this regard, the aim of this study was to investigate and determine the psychological factors affecting women's sexual function and develop its structural model. Method: The method of this study is correlation (structural equation modelling). From the study population, which included all Iranian women present in cyberspace in 2020, 386 people were selected using available sampling method. Amos software was used to analyze the research data to present the model. Results: The findings of the present study showed that sexual knowledge, sexual attitude, sexual self-efficacy and sexual self-efficacy had indirect effect on sexual function through sexual redress (P<0.05). Also, sexual attitude, sexual self-efficacy and sexual self-efficacy had indirect effects on sexual function through sexual intimacy (P<0.05). Conclusion: It seems that when women have certain rights for themselves in performing sexual activities such as demanding sexual activity, accepting intimacy in sexual relationships, they gain a positive perception about how sexual activity in marital relationships can contribute to optimal sexual activity.
Comparing the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) on tension headaches and blood pressure in women with somatic symptom disorder
Authors: Sadeghi Nisiani Sara , Ghanifar Mohammad Hassan , Shahbazizadeh Fatemeh
Published: February 2024

Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) on tension headaches and blood pressure in patients with physical symptoms disorder. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test and follow-up design with a witness group. The statistical population of the research included all women with physical symptoms disorder who referred to Sara counseling centers and Imam Zaman (AS) Helping Association in Isfahan city in the first half of 2021. And then, justifying the objectives of the research and having the consent to participate in the research, they were randomly placed in two experimental and control groups. The data were obtained using headache questionnaire and blood pressure measurement and were analyzed by repeated measurement analysis method and SPSS software. Results: The results showed that the treatment based on acceptance and commitment (ACT) was effective on tension headaches, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05). But compassion-focused therapy (CFT) was effective only on tension headaches (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of tension headaches (p<0.05). But the effect of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) was greater than Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the treatment based on acceptance and commitment had a greater effect compared to the treatment focused on compassion in the blood pressure of women with physical symptoms disorder and it can be considered as a suitable approach to improve the problems of these patients.
The effectiveness of realistic acceptance and commitment therapy (RACT) on distress tolerance and resilience of divorced women
Authors: Moradi Sara
Published: February 2024

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of realistic acceptance and commitment therapy (RACT) on couples' distress tolerance and resilience. Method: The purpose of the present research was applied and its method was quasi-experimental with a pre-test and post-test design with an experimental group and a control group and a two-month follow-up period. The statistical population of the study included all divorced women who referred to private counseling centers in the 9th district of Tehran, 30 people were selected by available sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group (15 people) and a control group (15 people). Then, a group intervention test based on realistic acceptance and commitment therapy (RACT) was conducted on the group based on the package developed by Afshari et al. (2022). The research tools included Simmons and Gaher (2005) distress tolerance and Connor and Davidson (2003) resilience questionnaire. SPSS-26 software and mixed variance analysis with three-stage repeated measures were used for statistical analysis of data. Results: Based on the findings, there was a significant difference between the stress tolerance and resilience scores of the experimental and control groups in the pre-test, post-test and follow-up stages. The results of the analysis of the findings indicate that the realistic acceptance and commitment therapy (RACT) had a significant effect on the distress tolerance and resilience of the experimental group. The effectiveness of this intervention was stable in the follow-up phase according to the Bonferroni post hoc test. Conclusion: Based on the available findings, it can be concluded that to increase the distress tolerance and resilience of divorced women, the method of treatment based on realistic acceptance and commitment (RACT) can be used in family counseling and couple therapy centers.
İş Kazaları Dışındaki Olaylara Bağlı Olarak Gelişen Travma Sonrası Stres Bozukluğu Olgularının Meslekte Kazanma Gücü Kaybı Açısından Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: SOĞUKPINAR Veysel Osman , TABO Abdulkadir , GÜRPINAR Kağan
Published: February 2024

Giriş: Çalışmamızda, Adli Tıp Kurumu Adli Tıp İkinci Üst Kurulunda ve Adli Tıp Genel Kurulunda karara bağlanan iş kazaları dışındaki olaylara bağlı meydana gelen travma sonrası stres bozukluğu tanılı vakalar ele alınmıştır. Bu vakaların yaşı, cinsiyeti, travma ve yaralanma tipi, tanı süreçleri, psikiyatrik takip-tedavileri, işlevsellik düzeyleri, üst birime gönderilme nedenleri ile kurul kararları eşliğinde meslekte kazanma gücü kaybı açısından değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır.

Yöntem: Çalışmamızda, 01/01/2014-31/12/2018 tarihleri arasında Adli Tıp Kurumu Adli Tıp İkinci Üst Kurulunda ve Adli Tıp Genel Kurulunda maluliyet açısından karara bağlanmış, en az bir kez Adli Tıp Kurumu bünyesinde psikiyatri muayenesi yapılmış travma sonrası stres bozukluğu tanılı 110 vaka retrospektif incelenmiştir.

Bulgular: Toplam 110 vakanın 67’si (%60,9) erkektir ve yaşlarının ortalaması 32,59±15,07’dir. Olayların %82,8’i trafik kazasına bağlı yaralanma niteliğinde olup çoğunluğunu (%46,4) birden fazla branşın ilgilendirdiği görülmüştür. 67 vakanın özgeçmişinde (%60,9) psikiyatrik hastalık tanısı bulunmamaktadır. Vakaların olay sonrası %79,1’inde psikiyatri takibi yapılmışken %72,7’sinde psikiyatrik tedavi uygulanmıştır. Muayenede vakaların %34,5’inde hafif işlevsellik kaybı saptanmıştır. 64 vakada (%58,2) dosyaların gönderilme sebebi dış merkez ile ilgili adli tıp ihtisas kurulu kararları arasında bulunan çelişkidir. Adli Tıp İkinci Üst Kurulunda ve Adli Tıp Genel Kurulunda, 45 vakanın (%40,9) travma sonrası stres bozukluğu tanısına bağlı maluliyet oranı hesaplanmışken 14 vakada (%12,7) 1/5 oranında takdir uygulanmıştır. Adli Tıp İkinci Üst Kurulu ve Adli Tıp Genel Kurulu ile ilgili adli tıp ihtisas kurulunun travma sonrası stres bozukluğu tanısına bağlı maluliyet yönünden kararları karşılaştırıldığında 100 vakada (%90,9) kararın değişmediği görülmektedir.

Sonuç: Travma sonrası stres bozukluğu tanısına bağlı maluliyet değerlendirilmesinde ilgili yönetmeliğin güncellenmesi, tıbbi belgelere ulaşımın kolaylaştırılması, psikiyatri muayenelerinde standardizasyonun sağlanması, psikiyatriste başvurmada toplumsal farkındalığı artırıcı çalışmaların yapılması gerektiği düşüncesine varılmıştır.
Consideraciones perioperatorias en pacientes con ingestión excesiva de Attaya (té verde) en el Hospital General de Kanifing, Gambia
Authors: Díaz Rodríguez Jorge Humberto , Pérez Quiala Ayde María , Yosleiny Díaz Reyes
Published: February 2024

Introducción: el Attaya es un tipo de té verde de consumo frecuente en La Gambia. Su ingesta implica, más que la bebida real, un ritual de hospitalidad. Objetivo: conocer las implicaciones perioperatorias que tiene su ingesta excesiva en los pacientes sometidos a cirugía electiva. Método: se realizó un estudiodescriptivo transversalen 50 pacientes con ingestión excesiva de té verde, que serían sometidos a intervención quirúrgica electiva no cardiaca, en el Hospital General de Kanifing, Gambia, en el período comprendido de enero a diciembre de 2020. Resultados: existió predominio del sexo masculino, así como el grupo de edad de 61 a 69 años; el mayor porciento de pacientes ingería entre 5 y 7 tazas diarias. Durante la valoración preoperatoria, los pacientes refirieron con frecuencia insomnio, cefalea y nerviosismo. Al evaluar la función hepática, aparecieron alteraciones de la alanina transaminasa, de la aspartato transaminasa y en la evaluación de la coagulación existió prolongación del tiempo de sangrado y del tiempo de coagulación en varios pacientes. Las complicaciones durante el transoperatorio fueron la taquicardia sinusal y extrasístole supraventricular. Conclusiones: las complicaciones observadas durante el transoperatorio pueden estar relacionadas con el consumo excesivo de té verde, debido a los componentes del mismo asociados a procesos de interacción enzimática y daño celular, interferencia con sistemas de respuesta biológica y reacciones metabólicas. En el caso de ingesta excesiva de té verde en pacientes evaluados para cirugía electiva, sería recomendable suspender su consumo por lo menos tres semanas antes del acto quirúrgico.
Multiple myeloma in a young patient
Authors: Quetzal Miguel Ricardo , Soler González Jorge
Published: February 2024

Multiple myeloma is a type B blood cancer characterized by clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cells. The median age at diagnosis is 70 years, however, it is rare among younger patients, and less than 0.5% are younger than 30 years. A 33-year-old man, who began with progressive acute kidney injury is presented, accompanied by a severe lower back pain and impossibility to walk. A dorso-lumbar spine CT scan showed an extensive process consisting of multiple osteolytic lesions at T12, L2, ribs, pelvic and proximal femur. Radiology, along with histology, bone marrow aspiration and protein electrophoresis analysis allowed to establish the diagnosis of stage III multiple myeloma, after which the patient received chemotherapy. Despite the rarity of multiple myeloma among young patients, this diagnosis should be evoked when clinical, biological and radiological signs are in favour. There appears to be no difference between younger and older patients in disease presentation, although longer survival was reported among younger patients.
Report on ethnopharmacological uses of ethno-medicinal plants by tribes of District Jashpur, Chhattisgarh, India
Authors:   Department of Botany, Government College, Birsinghpur Pali, Umaria- 484551, Madhya Pradesh., AHIRWAR RAMESH KUMAR
Published: February 2024

This is a survey report about some ethnomedicnal plants used by various tribal communities of district dashpur, Chhattisgarh, India. A record on 34 plants species belonging to 22 families, used for curing various human and animal ailments has been compiled for future bio-prospection and scientific validation studies.
Medicinal plants of Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh used in Ayurvedic system of medicine: A preliminary survey
Authors:   Department of Botany, Govt. Arts & Science PG College, Ratlam-457001 (M. P.), India., JADHAV DINESH
Published: February 2024

An attempt has been made in this study to prepare a detailed account of Ayurvedic medicinal plants of Ratlam district. In the present compilation a total of 250 medicinal plant species belonging to 212 genera and 79 families are described. Of these, 103 species are herb, 67 trees, 45 shrubs & undershrub, 22 climber, 7 grass, 3 twine, 1 palm, 1 bamboo and 1 sedge. Different Plants parts, such as leaves (34. 8%), roots/rhizome/tuber/corm (29.2%), fruits (26. 4%), flowers (11.6 %), seeds (9.6%), whole plant (7.6%), root bark (5. 2%) and stem bark (3.6 %) etc. are being used as medicine.
Registration of variety: CIM-Snigddha: A methyl cinnamate rich and high essential oil yielding variety of French basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Authors:   CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR) P.O. CIMAP,, LAL RK , CHANOTIYA CS , GUPTA AK , SINGH VR , SHASANY AK , SINGH SMITA , SARKAR SOUGATA , MAURYA RANJANA , DHAWAN OP , KALRA A , SINGH HP , DHAWAN SS , GUPTA PANKHURI , KUMAR B , TOMAR VKS , KUMAR SANJAY , TANDON S , SINGH SAUDAN , SRIVASTAVA PRITI , ZAIM M , YADAV ANJU
Published: February 2024

Basil belongs to the family "Lamiaceae" The essential oil of basil is extensively used in flavour, fragrance, food, oral health and traditional medicines. Methyl cinnamate- one of the important constituent of essential oil of Ocimum basilicum is widely used in aroma, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. A newstrain of O. basilicum (OBH-3 now christened as CIM-Snigdha) has been developed by CSIR-CIMAP through intensive breeding efforts for improved herb and essential oil yield coupled with high methyl cinnamate content (78. 7%). The variety has consistently recorded a higher biomass and oil yield with high methyl cinnamate content in the field evaluation trials. The potential average herb and oil yield of this new variety is 221 q/ha and 190 kg/ha, respectively. The variety matures within a short duration of 80-90 days and hence fits very well into crop rotation/ intercropping cycle between wheat and paddy along with other vegetable crops. The distinct leaf morphology and high tolerance to cold conditions are the two important economic features of this variety that also satisfy DUS criteria.
Classification a sensorimotor task level of complexity for athletes based on physiological indicators using machine learning methods
Authors: Kovaleva Anastasia
Published: February 2024

The study aimed to identify the most sensitive autonomic indicators reflecting the level of complexity of the sensorimotor task performed by athletes using various machine learning methods (classification algorithms). As tasks of two levels of difficulty, we used the audio-motor synchronization task: to tap in synchrony with a metronome rhythmic sound (a simple task) and to tap the same rhythm without auditory cues (rhythm memory task, a complex task). Heart rate, respiratory parameters, skin conduction, and EEG were recorded. The most accurate classification was demonstrated by the Classification and Regression Trees (C&RT) model – the error was 18.3%.
Sloboda i zakon
Authors: Ardekani Reza Davari
Published: February 2024

The notion of “freedom” in the age of neoliberalism is under the strong influence of technology and in a great measure it is different from the concept of freedom in the age of liberalism. In neoliberalism man’s freedom is projected and defined within the frameworks that are shaped by technology while in an earlier period man was called to shaping the laws of freedom. We always hear about knowledge being one of the basic human rights, but nobody says that which man should know. It seems to be that what is meant by that are the topics which are spoken of on a daily basis, and which presents the basic preoccupation of some people, and that is the relativization and suppression of moral norms. The sentence “knowledge is the right of all people” has become a catchphrase according to which everyone has the right to do as they will and everybody has the right to usurp the private life and intimacy of every individual. It must be said that pure acquaintance with raw information does not represent knowledge. The piling of information is the greatest enemy of common human sense and reasoning. In case freedom has to be connected to the very spirit of one community, the question is posed; whether a general call for freedom comes out of the spirit and need of that community or whether it is the result of the manipulation of others who have tendentious and wicked intentions. In any case, even though democracy presents the manifestation of collective human gravity and will, it is not possible to implement it everywhere or at the very least not until it comes to certain changes in society. The following question is posed: what is freedom’s treatment of the individual and collective rights like and what bears greater meaning in a free society? The possessing of human qualities is a condition for the establishment of the freedom of thought, however in society and in politics personal and collective interests go hand-in-hand. Is political development the precondition for economic growth or is it in reverse? There are arguments which give advantage to the first and the second claim. However, it is visible that the development of any dimension of society influences the development of other dimensions and there are no special rules there. There are certain preconditions which are necessary for the development of society and they are interconnected. Every country that thinks of development must ponder upon the freedoms and civil rights of its inhabitants. Although the claims that humanity is going to the direction of freedom and peace are not correct it should be said that freedom is the question of human honor and that everybody is obliged to fight for it in his own way. Key words: Freedom, development, liberalism, neoliberalism, technology, individual interest and collective interest.
Quantum Mechanics and Cellular Biology: A Holistic Approach to Remote Work and Achieving Work-Life Balance
Authors: Ukpene A. O. , Molua Collins O. , Igborgbor J. C. , Vwavware J. O. , Emagbetere J. U. , Nwachuku D. N.
Published: February 2024

In this groundbreaking study, an exploration is made of the nexus of quantum mechanics, cellular biology, and the dynamic landscape of remote work. Drawing parallels between the microscopic principles governing quantum phenomena and the intricate processes within cellular biology, we unveil a tapestry of insights that offer profound implications for achieving work-life balance in the digital age. The study synthesizes theoretical frameworks and practical strategies through a comprehensive methodology encompassing literature reviews, interviews with remote work professionals, integration of quantum-cellular insights, expert validation, and ethical considerations. The findings underscore the importance of fostering connectivity, adaptability, and equilibrium in remote work dynamics. As it delves into the quantum-inspired symphony of interconnectedness, suggested recommendations provide actionable steps for organizations to navigate the challenges of remote work, ensuring a harmonious and thriving professional landscape. This study contributes to the discourse on reshaping the future of work. It is a guiding beacon for individuals and organizations seeking balance in the quantum dance of professional existence.
An important role for triglyceride in regulating spermatogenesis
Authors: Chao Charlotte F. , Pesch Yanina-Yasmin , Yu Huaxu , Wang Chenjingyi , Aristizabal Maria J. , Huan Tao , Tanentzapf Guy , Rideout Elizabeth J.
Published: February 2024

Drosophila
is a powerful model to study how lipids affect spermatogenesis. Yet, the contribution of neutral lipids, a major lipid group which resides in organelles called lipid droplets (LD), to sperm development is largely unknown. Emerging evidence suggests LD are present in the testis and that loss of neutral lipid- and LD-associated genes causes subfertility; however, key regulators of testis neutral lipids and LD remain unclear. Here, we show LD are present in early-stage somatic and germline cells within the
Drosophila
testis. We identified a role for triglyceride lipase
brummer
(
bmm
) in regulating testis LD, and found that whole-body loss of
bmm
leads to defects in sperm development. Importantly, these represent cell-autonomous roles for
bmm
in regulating testis LD and spermatogenesis. Because lipidomic analysis of
bmm
mutants revealed excess triglyceride accumulation, and spermatogenic defects in
bmm
mutants were rescued by genetically blocking triglyceride synthesis, our data suggest that
bmm
- mediated regulation of triglyceride influences sperm development. This identifies triglyceride as an important neutral lipid that contributes to
Drosophila
sperm development, and reveals a key role for
bmm
in regulating testis triglyceride levels during spermatogenesis.
Binding to nucleosome poises human SIRT6 for histone H3 deacetylation
Authors: Smirnova Ekaterina , Bignon Emmanuelle , Schultz Patrick , Papai Gabor , Ben-Shem Adam
Published: February 2024

Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) is an NAD
+
dependent histone H3 deacetylase that is prominently found associated with chromatin, attenuates transcriptionally active promoters and regulates DNA repair, metabolic homeostasis and lifespan. Unlike other sirtuins, it has low affinity to free histone tails but demonstrates strong binding to nucleosomes. It is poorly understood how SIRT6 docking on nucleosomes stimulates its histone deacetylation activity. Here we present the structure of human SIRT6 bound to a nucleosome determined by cryogenic electron microscopy. The zinc finger domain of SIRT6 associates tightly with the acidic patch of the nucleosome through multiple arginine anchors. The Rossmann fold domain binds to the terminus of the looser DNA half of the nucleosome, detaching two turns of the DNA from the histone octamer and placing the NAD
+
binding pocket close to the DNA exit site. This domain shows flexibility with respect to the fixed zinc finger and moves with, but also relative to, the unwrapped DNA terminus. We apply molecular dynamics simulations of the histone tails in the nucleosome to show that in this mode of interaction, the active site of SIRT6 is perfectly poised to catalyze deacetylation of the H3 histone tail and that the partial unwrapping of the DNA allows even lysines close to the H3 core to reach the enzyme.
Mediodorsal thalamic nucleus mediates resistance to ethanol through Cav3.1 T-type Ca2+ regulation of neural activity
Authors: Latchoumane Charles-Francois V. , Lee Joon-Hyuk , Kim Seong-Wook , Kim Jinhyun , Shin Hee-Sup
Published: February 2024

Thalamocortical activity is known to orchestrate sensory gating and consciousness switching. The precise thalamic regions involved, or the firing patterns related to the unconsciousness remain unclear. Interestingly, the thalamically highly-expressed T-type calcium currents have been considered as a candidate for the ionic mechanism for the generation of thalamic-driven change in conscious state. Here, we tested the hypothesis that Ca
v
3.1 T-type channels in the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus (MD) might control neuronal firing during unconsciousness using Ca
v
3.1 T-type channel knock-out (KO) and knock-down (KD) mice under natural sleep and ethanol-induced unconsciousness. During natural sleep, the MD neurons in KO mice showed general characteristics of sustained firing across sleep stages. We found that KO and MD-specific KD mice showed enhanced resistance to ethanol. During ethanol-induced unconscious state, wild-type (WT) MD neurons showed a significant reduction in neuronal firing from baseline with increased burst firing, whereas Ca
v
3.1 KO neurons showed well sustained neural firing, within the level of wakefulness, and no burst firing. Further, 20 Hz optogenetic and electrical activation of MD neurons mimicked the ethanol resistance behavior in WT mice. These results support that the maintenance of MD neural firing at a wakeful level is sufficient to cause resistance to the ethanol hypnosis in WT mice. This work has important implications for the design of treatments for consciousness disorders using thalamic stimulation of deeper nuclei including the targeting of the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus.
Overflow metabolism originates from growth optimization and cellheterogeneity
Authors: Wang Xin
Published: February 2024

A classic problem in metabolism is that fast-proliferating cells use seemingly wasteful fermentation for energy biogenesis in the presence of sufficient oxygen. This counterintuitive phenomenon, known as overflow metabolism or the Warburg effect, is universal across various organisms. Despite extensive research, its origin and function remain unclear. Here, we show that overflow metabolism can be understood through growth optimization combined with cell heterogeneity. A model of optimal protein allocation, coupled with heterogeneity in enzyme catalytic rates among cells, quantitatively explains why and how cells choose between respiration and fermentation under different nutrient conditions. Our model quantitatively illustrates the growth rate dependence of fermentation flux and enzyme allocation under various perturbations and is fully validated by experimental results in
Escherichia coli
. Our work provides a quantitative explanation for the Crabtree effect in yeast and the Warburg effect in cancer cells and can be broadly used to address heterogeneity-related challenges in metabolism.
Folk Customs And Beliefs In Kosovo And Metohija Between The Two World Wars
Authors:   Institute for Recent History of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia, Slavković Mirić Božica
Published: February 2024

The geographical region of Kosovo and Metohija in the period between the two world wars was characterised by traditional societies and a large number of folk customs and beliefs. In my paper, I will deal with the customs and beliefs that marked the daily life of the population in this area, based on ethnographic literature and the press from that period. Folk customs and beliefs had almost always accompanied many actions that people performed on various occasions. The custom of wearing amulets was widespread, especially among the Muslim population. There were many customs related to folk medicine, wedding and married life, holiday celebrations, as well as customs relating to death and funerals. In the house and family it was the women who preserved the customs, faith and tradition. A good proportion of those customs and beliefs have been preserved to this day in Kosovo and Metohija.
Love Magic: Spells Using Menstrual Blood in Lithuania
Authors:   Vilnius Institute for Advanced Studies (VILIAS), Balikienė Monika , Navickas Vytautas ,   Vilnius Institute for Advanced Studies (VILIAS)
Published: February 2024

Among menstrual superstitions circulating in Lithuania a belief that it is possible to put a spell on a man using menstrual blood is the least examined. Our article proposes to describe and analyse this superstition. Analysis is based on individual interview data collected in between 2000 and 2020. The number of respondents totals 323. All of them are women. Respondents were asked about the use of menstrual blood for love magic. Only 67 replied that they knew nothing about it. Respondents who learned about blood spells in their youth many decades ago stated that rumours of bewitchment are still circulating even now. The attitude to blood spells is strictly negative. Respondents who thought that the spells were absolutely ineffective regarded them as something stupid and dirty; believers in the power of menstrual blood magic thought that the spells were dangerous, immoral or even equivalent to witchcraft. Adding a few drops of blood to a drink or other liquid is a well-known practice in Lithuania. Less often blood is added to food. The consequences can be tragic: a handsome and bright youth becomes addicted to an old hag; a model husband and father leaves his family. Unfavourable physical effects are also common with spells, for example, triggering serious diseases. Relationships with the seductress are unsuccessful. The removal of a love spell based on menstrual blood is intricate; the techniques of doing so that we recorded are scant, filthy and risky.
Bees in folk belief and practices before and now
Authors:   Department of Folkloristics, Estonian Literary Museum, Tartu, Estonia, Kõiva Mare
Published: February 2024

The article traces changes in human cognitive and social development using the example of the domesticated insect, the bee. From the 13th to the 20th century, forest bee-keeping spread, using live trees as beehives, and later also log hives on the ground. The ways of keeping bees changed fundamentally in the 19th century with the introduction of new types of hives, and they also consolidated beliefs in relation to bees. Bees had numerous special names, euphemisms were used when talking about them and in incantations, in which bees were called men/workers or other kinship terms were used, and they were also called domestic animals of the guardian fairies. The article presents beliefs about bees as soul animals and various legends that were associated with the journey of the soul, as well as the popular belief about the connection between the death of the owner and the bees. While earlier on honey denoted an abundant and ideal life in the minds of people, the bee represented a hardworking, loyal person, and bees were the epitome of the motherland in texts expressing national identity.
Narrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 2023: An Estonian Case Study on AI Lore
Authors:   Department of Folkloristics, Estonian Literary Museum, Tartu, Estonia, Tins Andrus
Published: February 2024

With the rapid emergence of new technologies in contemporary societies, new reflections of human experience arise. One of the recent technologies introducing massive changes in human life as well as in human reactions is artificial intelligence (AI). In the spring of 2023, about six months after the text-based AI ChatGPT was made available to the masses (Pistilli 2023), the public discussion about AI was most intense in Estonian society. The aim of this article is to analyse the narrative motifs and ways of narrating (including a proposed typology) AI-related topics in the Estonian mainstream and alternative online media chat groups in May and September 2023 respectively. Six general types of narration on AI were detected. The collected material showed that Estonian AI lore is considerably polarised between strongly negative and positive stories. Especially during the first wave of AI discussion in May 2023 the majority of narratives had negative or doubtful tonality. One of the factors that triggers a negative or cautionary tone in AI lore seems to be the lack of transparency in AI development. In addition to AI story types, this article tries to map the archetypes of plot characters (actants) of AI lore based on Propp’s classification of fairy tales which distinguishes between seven behavioural patterns. In addition, this study revealed a specific fluidity beyond genre boundaries that has also been observed in urban legends.
Mordva material in Estonian collections and Mordvin (Erzya and Moksha) diasporas in Estonia in the late 20th–early 21st centuries
Authors:   Department of Folkloristics, Estonian Literary Museum, Tartu, Estonia, Ermakov Natalia
Published: February 2024

This article is based mainly on materials collected in the period between 1994 and 2016 from the journal KUDO published by the Estonian Mordvin Society and reflecting the diverse life of the diaspora. We have also analysed recorded biographical data of Erzya and Moksha people residing in the Republic of Estonia and the archival material of the Estonian Mordvin Society. The article reviews the history of the first settlers, their number, formation of cultural societies and their interaction with other organisations, integration into Estonian society, information about the first Estonian expeditions to the places of the Erzya and Moksha as well as cultural and education ties between Estonia and Mordovia. All this reveals the activities of compatriots, trends in population change in this group, mechanisms of preservation of national identity and the role of Mordvin national and cultural non-profit organisations in the preservation and development of ethnic culture in the Republic of Estonia.
Interpretation, Truth, And Feelings: Legends and Rumors In Culture: Conference at the Estonian Literary Museum, Tartu, On September 18, 2023
Authors:   Department of Folkloristics, Estonian Literary Museum, Tartu, Estonia, Kalda Mare
Published: February 2024

The conference organized by the Department of Folkloristics under the heading Interpretation, Truth, and Feelings: Legends and Rumors in Culture, focusing on the study of modern traditions, was held at the Estonian Literary Museum in Tartu. Eda Kalmre’s main area of research is legends and rumors and their functioning in society. She is equally familiar with traditional legends and contemporary folklore.
Dreams Achieved and Denied: Mexican Intergenerational Mobility
Authors: Smith Robert
Published: February 2024

In Dreams Achieved and Denied, Robert Courtney Smith follows Mexican immigrant children in New York City over time, collecting and analyzing extensive data on them and their families. Smith finds that U.S.-born Mexicans in New York City have experienced strong and even exceptional single generation mobility, made more impressive by the relatively low income and educational levels of their immigrant parents. Study participants and their families who all had legal status or were born in the United States became upwardly mobile through specific family and individual strategies, whose efficacy was increased by specific policies, practices, and conditions in New York City and New York State, which treat immigrants and their families as fellow New Yorkers—as “us,” not “them.” Smith also finds that the lives and mobility of “long-term undocumented Americans”— those who were brought to the United States as children but have been unable to legalize their status by adulthood—are blocked by their lack of legal status, even when engaging in the same strategies and practices as their upwardly mobile, U.S. citizen peers. Moreover, the help their U.S.-born peers received from many mobility-promoting New York City and New York State policies and practices was blocked by their lack of legal status. These divergent trajectories underline the reality that structural inclusion or exclusion of immigrants and their children—having or lacking legal status, respectively—has become an enduring feature of American life that affects intergenerational mobility and well-being.
Geotermia aplicada à estabilização de temperaturas internas de edificações brasileiras
Authors: Durante Luciane Cleonice , Arêdes Fernanda Marques Botelho , Callejas Ivan Julio Apolonio , Andrade Gabriel Durante , Bonaldo Jakson Paulo , Teixeira Raoni Florentino da Silva , Gomes Ana Cláudia Franca , Rosseti Karyna de Andrade Carvalho
Published: February 2024

Uma das formas possíveis de aproveitamento dos recursos geotérmicos destina-se à estabilização da temperatura de edificações, por meio de sistemas de dutos enterrados, cujo desempenho depende das características do solo, profundidade e tipo do sistema, sendo uma tecnologia incipientemente adotada no Brasil. A partir do resgate conceitual da tecnologia de sistemas de dutos enterrados, o objetivo deste artigo é mapear as experiências já implementadas de geotermia para fins de estabilização da temperatura de edificações no território brasileiro, analisando a aplicabilidade e as potenciais inovações. A metodologia é qualitativa, com dados obtidos por meio de pesquisas sistemática, documental e de campo. Na pesquisa sistemática, buscaram-se publicações científicas que apresentassem resultados de desempenho de sistemas de dutos enterrados implementados; na pesquisa documental, buscaram-se fontes amplas e diversas que versavam sobre o tema, porém, foram selecionadas apenas as que apresentaram suficiente confiabilidade e grau de detalhamento do conteúdo; e, na pesquisa de campo, coletaram-se informações construtivas de um sistema geotérmico em funcionamento. Os resultados contribuem com a disseminação do conhecimento sobre geotermia, descrevem o funcionamento de sistemas de dutos enterrados, permitindo compreendê-los como uma tecnologia limpa, renovável e sustentável, fornecendo subsídios para estudos futuros sobre o tema.
Flexible Pressure Sensor Based on Carbon Black/PVDF Nanocomposite
Authors: Samoei Victor K. , Jayatissa Ahalapitiya H. , Sano Keiichiro
Published: February 2024

A piezoresistive flexible pressure sensor was fabricated using carbon black and Poly (vinylidene fluoride) (CB/PVDF) composite. The conductive CB/PVDF composite was prepared by a wet-cast method and deposited onto a flexible polyethylene (PE) substrate. The surface morphology, crystal structure, and material properties were studied using SEM and X-ray diffraction methods. This flexible pressure sensor was tested in a wide pressure range of about 0 - 76 kPa, and its response time was less than 0.43 s. The sensitivity, response time, and recovery time were studied for different pressures and vibration modes. The repeatability and reproducibility characteristics of the sensors were studied, and it was found that the sensors exhibited excellent characteristics. The sensor was subjected to different loading and unloading pressures, and the resistance of the sensor remained stable, indicating that the sensor had a high degree of reproducibility. Owing to its flexible properties and the materials used, the proposed device can be applied in the next generation of smart sensors for biomedical, robotic, and automotive sensing applications.
Mild phenotypes in a series of patients with Opitz GBBB syndrome with MID1 mutations
Authors: So Joyce , Suckow Vanessa , Kijas Zofia , Kalscheuer Vera , Moser Bettina , Winter Jennifer , Baars Marieke , Firth Helen , Lunt Peter , Hamel Ben , Meinecke Peter , Moraine Claude , Odent Sylvie , Schinzel Albert , van der Smagt J.J. , Devriendt Koen , Albrecht Beate , Gillessen‐Kaesbach Gabriele , van der Burgt Ineke , Petrij Fred , Faivre Laurence , McGaughran Julie , McKenzie Fiona , Opitz John M. , Cox Timothy , Schweiger Susann
Published: November 2004

Opitz syndrome (OS; MIM 145410 and MIM 300000) is a congenital midline malformation syndrome characterized by hypertelorism, hypospadias, cleft lip/palate, laryngotracheoesophageal (LTE) abnormalities, imperforate anus, developmental delay, and cardiac defects. The X‐linked form (XLOS) is caused by mutations in the MID1 gene, which encodes a microtubule‐associated RBCC protein. In this study, phenotypic manifestations of patients with and without MID1 mutations were compared to determine genotype‐phenotype correlations. We detected 10 novel mutations, 5 in familial cases, 2 in sporadic cases, and 3 in families for whom it was not clear if they were familial or sporadic. The genotype and phenotype was compared for these 10 families, clinically diagnosed OS patients found not to have MID1 mutations, and 4 families in whom we have previously reported MID1 mutations. This combined data set includes clinical and mutation data on 70 patients. The XLOS patients with MID1 mutations were less severely affected than patients with MID1 mutations reported in previous studies, particularly in functionally significant neurologic, LTE, anal, and cardiac abnormalities. Minor anomalies were more prevalent in patients with MID1 mutations compared to those without mutations in this study. Female MID1 mutation carriers had milder phenotypes compared to male MID1 mutation carriers, with the most common manifestation being hypertelorism in both sexes. Most of the anomalies found in the patients of the present study do not correlate with the MID1 mutation type, with the possible exception of LTE malformations. This study demonstrates the wide spectrum of severity and manifestations of OS. It also shows that XLOS patients with MID1 mutations may be less severely affected than indicated in prior reports. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.