bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Storage Life of Cucumber
Authors: Sahel Nasir Ahmad , Yosufi Monira , Foshanji Ahmad Shafiq , Masoumi Abdullah , Rahimi Basir Ahmad
Published: October 2024

Fruits and vegetables are among the most important horticultural products that play an important role in meeting food needs and human health. This group of agricultural products are perishable due to high moisture content and major part of them are destroyed after harvest. According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, every person should consume 2-4 units of fruits and 3-5 units of vegetables daily. In some regions the climatic changes cause fruits and vegetables not to be produced in all seasons, endangers the health of the people in those areas. Making this important food group available in such conditions improves nutritional status. This research was conducted to investigate the effect of modified atmosphere packaging to increase the storage life of cucumber in the year of 2019 in the Food Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Herat University. Cucumbers packed in different plastic and stored at ambient temperature25 ± 5°C and RH of 35 ± 5%. The result indicated that plastic materials were more efficient in maintaining quality of cucumber by providing microclimate around the products which could increase the storage life of cucumbers up to 18 days compared to unpackaged cucumbers which had only 6 days of storage life. Modified atmosphere packaging acts as an excellent technique in preventing loss and maintaining the quality of these products for long term storage and transportation.  By Applying MAP techniques fresh products can be available throughout the year in all regions.
Effect of Climate Change and Recent Droughts on Quantitative and Qualitative Performance of Horticultural Crops in Badghis
Authors: Orfany Abdul Naser , Moazam Haqmal , Basir Ahmad Sarvari
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to investigate the impact of climate change on horticultural crops in Badghis province, Afghanistan. Data was collected through a questionnaire completed by gardeners and experts in the horticulture department. Descriptive statistics are used to analyze the data, and the results showed that climate change had a significant negative impact on the performance of horticultural crops, including decreased yield and quality and an increase (33%) in plant pests and diseases. The study highlights the need for complete and comprehensive measures to mitigate the effects of climate change and recent droughts on horticulture in Badghis province. The majority of interviewers (51%) reported a decrease in yield and quality of their crops due to changes in temperature and rainfall patterns. In addition, many interviewers reported an increase in plant pests and diseases (54%), which they attributed to climate change. The study also found that orchards in Badghis have adopted some adaptation strategies, such as changing their planting schedules and using more efficient irrigation methods. However, these strategies are not enough to fully address the challenges posed by climate change.
CLIMATE-SMART RICE PRODUCTION: A REVIEW
Authors: Salihi Mohammad Sadiq , Fazli Ehsanullah , Baray Shah Mahmood
Published: October 2024

‌Rice is one of the world's most important crops and the primary source of nutrition for the world's more than half population. Currently, the world rice production is 495.78 million tons, while it will increase to 525 tons in 2050, which is not sufficient for the world's increasing population. At the same time, various climatic factors affect rice production, such as air temperature, atmospheric CO2, light, water, and soil nutrients. For instance, high temperature was the main climate factor that caused yield variation by affecting the rice maturity periods, spikelet fertility, and spikelet number. Thus, it is an urgent need to improve rice production and reduce the negative effects of climate change on rice production. In order to solve above-mentioned problem, one of the most important options is using climate-smart practices, which are planting improved rice varieties, soil and water conservation techniques, and adjusting planting and harvesting dates. The importance of adapting climate smart practices is an increase in rice yield by 15.87%. Climate-smart rice production and climate-smart practices in rice needs still to be investigated widely. The review objective is to describe climate-smart practices in rice cultivation, in order to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on rice production.
Study on Problems Associated with Climate Change Vulnerability Under Nuristan Circumstances
Authors: Omari Mohammad Gulab , Sadat Mohammad Ismail , Rashad Ahmad Sherzad
Published: October 2024

Nuristan is among the top 34 most prone and highly vulnerable province experiencing intense and worsening extreme temperature weather conditions and natural disasters, including floods, landslide, mining, deforestation, human health, droughts, storms, avalanches and earthquakes. These disasters destroyed ecosystems and force people to leave their homes, displacement and provoke conflict over scarce natural resources. The populations reliant on agriculture to survive, small changes to the climate have enormous impacts on growth times and yields, making food shortages more likely. These issues are increasing in frequency as a result of climate change and years of environmental degradation, eroding future resilience, exposing people to critical losses in livelihoods and assets. The province is face a major climate change crisis, including unrelenting deforestation, losses of vegetative cover, overgrazing, and land and pasture degradation. Once-thriving communities are now losing their livestock and livelihoods, which worsens economic hardship. Nuristan most vulnerable and least equipped prepared to deal with the consequences adapt to climate change. As they have limited capacity to adapt to the changing conditions, often using outdated techniques that are no longer suitable or effective. Success in adapting to climate change depend on the availability of necessary resources including financially, technical capacity and institutional capacity all are critical constraints for Nuristan and more adequate institutional capacity is key requirements
The Effects on Climate Change Due to Kitchen Waste Composting and Emissions of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Ali Ahmad , Husnain Riaz , Bakht Munir Baber , Tasawar Iqbal
Published: October 2024

The emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere due to anthropogenic activities, including the disposal of large quantities of organic kitchen waste into the environment. There is currently no evidence suggesting the likelihood of a future reversal or pause in emissions. The process of carbon sequestration serves to mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases from kitchen organic waste through the creation of compost. Composting is proposed as a potentially effective and cost-efficient solution to address the issue production of kitchen organic waste, which is contributing to environmental pollution. The escalation in complete carbon dioxide and microbial biomass carbon emissions can be attributed to a concurrent reduction in the levels of dissolved organic carbon as the treatments experienced a noteworthy decrease in dissolved organic carbon concentrations. The application of banana and potato compost has been found to have a positive impact on the macro aggregates of soil, leading to an increase in soil stability due to the compost's ability to stabilize soil particles. The study indicate that composting represents the most effective approach for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions originating from kitchen organic waste, while also enhancing the biological and physicochemical characteristics of soil.
A tributação da Previdência Complementar: os impactos dos investimentos para aposentadoria particular no contexto da Emenda Constitucional nº 132/2023
Authors: Bressan Linhares Gaudenzi Patricia
Published: October 2024

This study examines the impacts of taxation on investments in complementary retirement plans in the context of tax reform. Focusing on private retirement, we investigate how proposed changes affect private pension plans and their beneficiaries. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach that combines economic and legal analysis, we explore the implications of current and proposed tax policies for investors and the pension system as a whole. Our analysis reveals important insights into tax incentives and challenges faced by participants in complementary retirement, providing a comprehensive view of the effects of tax reform on this crucial aspect of retirement financial security.
Mandatory Legal Teleworking the AGU experience during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Albuquerque Lima Fábio
Published: October 2024

In this article, qualitative research is reported on the experience of federal public lawyers in compulsory teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brasília, Federal District. The research aimed to analyze the perception of AGU members from March 2020 to March 2022 regarding efficiency, control, communication, and flexibility. The results pointed to an efficient adaptation of Public Advocacy with increased or maintained production without presenting problems concerning supervision and communication. In the findings, there is a majority preference for teleworking and, in many cases, for the hybrid work management model.
Contribuição Previdenciária sobre a Receita Bruta em Substituição à Contribuição sobre a Folha de Pagamento: reflexos no orçamento previdenciário
Authors: De Paula Sebastião , Teixeira Glória
Published: October 2024

O presente artigo analisa se a instituição da Contribuição Previdenciária Sobre a Receita Bruta (CPRB), em substituição à contribuição social sobre a folha de pagamento, poderá ter a natureza jurídica transformada e, a depender da conjuntura político-financeira, suscitar o interesse dos setores públicos e privados na destinação dos recursos oriundos dessa fonte para cobrir as despesas de outras áreas para além da previdência social.
The Right to Social Security from the perspective of the Internacional System for the Protetion of Human Rights and the Decisions of the Federal Supreme Court
Authors: Pedroza Elenice Hass de Oliveira
Published: October 2024

This article aims to underscore the Federal Supreme Court's significant role in shaping the understanding of social security as a human and fundamental right. It will delve into the concept and characterization of human and fundamental social rights, emphasizing the dignity of the human person, a principle that recognizes the inherent worth and value of every individual. The right to social security, including its perspective in the International System, will be explored. The article will argue that the right to social security must be universally recognized as a human and fundamental right. Finally, the decisions of the Federal Supreme Court, which hold immense weight in this context, will be thoroughly analyzed.
Cidadania global, hospitalidade planetária e bem-estar em correlação com o ambiente, a tecnologia e a Previdência Social: a responsabilidade que advém da proteção de direitos
Authors: Rossetto Geralda Magella de Faria , Ben Ana Cristina
Published: October 2024

Este estudo revisa os aspectos jurídico-normativos que envolvem o surgimento, a disposição e o avanço dos conceitos de cidadania global e de hospitalidade planetária reforçados por outros dois conceitos, o do patrimônio comum da humanidade e o do patrimônio mundial. É dada especial ênfase aos significados das categorias cidadania global e hospitalidade planetária e à utilidade da concepção jurídica internacional das categorias patrimônio comum da humanidade e patrimônio mundial, as quais se reforçam mutuamente pela própria expressão de universalidade que lhes é inerente. A tecnologia, o ambiente e a previdência social são tomados como âncoras, especiais pontos de referência, a revelar o estilo de vida e a experiência humana na organização do Estado que necessita urgentemente socorrer e reforçar a proteção e a garantia de especiais direitos, reveladores do desenvolvimento sustentável (ambiente e tecnologia) e bem-estar (previdência social).  A pesquisa recorre ao método hipotético dedutivo, jurídico-comparativo, jurídico-histórico e sistêmico, por meio de matriz bibliográfica e documental-legal, com ênfase na revisão nacional e internacional, centrada nos métodos de análise e síntese jurídica. Em conclusão, foi constatado que o ser humano – no plano individual, coletivo e organizacional (cidadania universal) – necessita reforçar seu agir em direção à responsabilidade pelo desenvolvimento sustentável e o bem-estar, e consequentemente, garantir a proteção de direitos.
A Defesa dos Agentes Públicos pela Advocacia-Geral da União sob a Perspectiva da Teoria da Agência
Authors: Lucena Aluizo
Published: October 2024

This article aims to examine the phenomenon of the representation of public agents by the AGU (Advocacia-Geral da União), investigating its relationship with agency problems. This is a qualitative exploratory research executed through the content analysis method, using as secondary data the rules that govern the matter, news reports on the procedure, and the list of judicial proceedings in which the AGU represented public agents, obtained in compliance with the Law of Access to Information. As primary data, interviews were conducted with AGU members who acted in the authorization process of representation of public agents by the AGU or in the judicial process itself, scrutinizing the agency dilemma. A high success rate of AGU was found. The data analysis justifies the legal body’s action, recognizing the legitimacy of the procedure without pointing out any conflict of interest. Studies indicate that information asymmetry and flawed incentive systems do not explain any agency conflict in the investigated phenomenon but indicate that agent error or subjective sentiment forming political-ideological bias can cause an agency dilemma.
Investigation Of Strength Development In Conventional And High Strength Concrete Under Different Curing Conditions
Authors: Çebi Yakup Murat
Published: October 2024

The composite material obtained by blending cement, aggregate, water and, when necessary, an additive, placing a mixture with carefully adjusted proportions into molds of the desired shape and size without gaps and hardening under appropriate maintenance conditions, is called concrete or traditional concrete. In the 1960s, concretes with compressive strengths of 41 MPa and 52 MPa were used on the market in the USA. In the recent past, concretes with compressive strengths varying between 80 MPa and 100 MPa have been commercially applied in structures made with in-situ concrete and prestressed concrete structural elements. Strength developments of traditional and high-strength concretes under different curing conditions will be examined. For this purpose, central pressure tests were carried out on cube samples produced. For concrete production; For each aggregate class, cement, saturation water, mixed water and high strength concretes; It was prepared by weighing silica fume and superplasticizer. The prepared samples were stored in standard or cold water for 3 days, 7 days, 28 days and 90 days. In this study, the strength development of traditional and high-strength concretes under different curing conditions was examined experimentally. In accordance with the experimental work plan determined for this investigation, concrete cube samples were produced and these samples were subjected to the central pressure test. The concretes produced are in C55, C20 and C12 classes. As a result, although similar behaviors were observed in high-strength and conventional concretes cured in different environments, it was determined that the difference in curing temperature was more effective on the strength development than the inadequacy of curing in water. It should be noted here that it would be beneficial to conduct similar studies on different types of concrete.
Analisis Terhadap Pembatasan Dan Pengawasan Kewenangan Kepolisian Di Indonesia
Authors: DM Mohd. Yusuf
Published: October 2024

Analisis terhadap pembatasan dan pengawasan kewenangan kepolisian di Indonesia merupakan kajian yang sangat penting dalam memastikan bahwa tugas dan fungsi kepolisian dilaksanakan secara profesional, proporsional, dan akuntabel. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi batasan-batasan kewenangan kepolisian serta mekanisme pengawasan yang ada guna mencegah penyalahgunaan wewenang dan pelanggaran hak asasi manusia. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian normatif dengan pendekatan perundang-undangan dan konseptual.  Penelitian ini mengkaji berbagai peraturan perundang-undangan yang mengatur kewenangan kepolisian, termasuk Undang-Undang Nomor 2 Tahun 2002 tentang Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia, serta peraturan terkait lainnya. Selain itu, penelitian ini juga menganalisis mekanisme pengawasan internal dan eksternal terhadap kepolisian, seperti pengawasan oleh Komisi Kepolisian Nasional (Kompolnas) dan Ombudsman Republik Indonesia. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa meskipun terdapat peraturan yang cukup komprehensif terkait pembatasan kewenangan kepolisian, implementasi di lapangan masih menghadapi berbagai tantangan. Beberapa kasus penyalahgunaan wewenang oleh oknum polisi menunjukkan bahwa pengawasan yang ada belum sepenuhnya efektif. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan penguatan terhadap mekanisme pengawasan, baik dari segi regulasi maupun pelaksanaannya di lapangan. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa untuk meningkatkan akuntabilitas dan profesionalisme kepolisian, perlu adanya reformasi yang lebih mendalam dalam sistem pengawasan dan penegakan hukum terhadap pelanggaran yang dilakukan oleh aparat kepolisian. Selain itu, partisipasi aktif masyarakat dalam pengawasan juga merupakan kunci untuk menciptakan kepolisian yang berintegritas dan dipercaya oleh publik.
Mengungkap Kasus Jembatan Siak IV Sebagai Dampak Korupsi Politik di Riau
Authors: Ginting Nabila Marsiadetama , Aziz Ichwan Ria
Published: October 2024

Korupsi politik di Indonesia telah lama menjadi hambatan signifikan bagi pembangunan dan pertumbuhan ekonomi, terutama pada proyek-proyek infrastruktur seperti Jembatan Siak IV. Praktik korupsi ini mengakibatkan pemborosan dana publik dan tertundanya penyelesaian proyek, yang merugikan masyarakat. Untuk mengatasi masalah ini, penerapan tata kelola yang transparan dan akuntabel sangat penting. Penelitian ini mengungkap bahwa dalam kasus korupsi terkait pembangunan Jembatan Siak IV, terdapat perbedaan pandangan hukum dalam menjatuhkan hukuman kepada pelaku korupsi, menunjukkan ketidakkonsistenan dalam penegakan hukum yang mempengaruhi efektivitas pemberantasan korupsi. Dengan menggunakan metode yuridis normatif, penelitian ini menganalisis berbagai perspektif hukum dan mengevaluasi efektivitas penerapan hukum dalam menangani korupsi politik. Metode yuridis normatif melibatkan analisis peraturan perundang-undangan, doktrin, serta putusan pengadilan yang relevan untuk mengidentifikasi kelemahan dan kekuatan sistem hukum. Penelitian ini juga mempertimbangkan faktor sosial dan politik yang mempengaruhi penegakan hukum serta dampak pandangan hukum yang berbeda terhadap pemberantasan korupsi. Melalui pendekatan ini, diharapkan dapat ditemukan solusi yang tepat untuk menghadapi korupsi politik dan dampaknya terhadap proyek infrastruktur. Penelitian ini menekankan pentingnya reformasi hukum dan peningkatan kapasitas lembaga penegak hukum untuk menangani kasus korupsi secara efektif dan adil. Dengan demikian, penelitian ini memberikan kontribusi penting dalam memperbaiki tata kelola pemerintahan, memastikan proyek pembangunan berjalan efektif dan efisien, serta membawa manfaat maksimal bagi masyarakat, menciptakan lingkungan kondusif bagi pembangunan berkelanjutan, dan mengurangi risiko korupsi di masa depan.
Henry Miller, Anaïs Nin : fusion amoureuse ou cannibalisme ?
Authors: Schmidt-Dohna Jessica
Published: October 2024

La relation amoureuse d’Anaïs Nin et d’Henry Miller a tôt fait d’être réduite à un rapport d’inspiration. Une autre dimension se dessine dans la critique qu’a écrite Henry Miller de l’oeuvre de son amante, ainsi que dans les journaux de cette dernière, une relation de dévoration qui se transforme en esthétique cannibale. Cette relation amoureuse mais également littéraire construit cette esthétique, au détriment parfois de l’oeuvre de la diariste. Toutefois leur relation ne peut se résumer à un rapport de domination, car elle explore les expériences primitives de lien oral et de confusion à l’autre, pour révéler une écriture de soi qui s’apparente à de la survie psychique. L’écriture de soi au féminin d’Anaïs Nin interroge encore l’exploration du corps de la femme, et les enjeux de la construction d’un sentiment d’identité.
La ira: una aproximación multidisciplinar
Authors: Hoyos Sánchez Inmaculada
Published: October 2024

This article explores the key themes of current research on anger and to identify challenges to address in future studies. More research on anger across diverse cultural contexts is needed, particularly in non-Western societies, and for comparative studies that consider both historical and cross-cultural perspectives. Some widely held beliefs about anger must be challenged, including the idea that it is the primary driver of social action against injustice, without acknowledging the potential role of positive emotions in motivating such action. There is also a need for contemporary studies that examine the intersections between anger and gender, as well as the social and political implications of anger. Finally, an important area of study involves the links between anger and illness from the standpoint of modern medicine. Addressing these challenges requires the development of multidisciplinary approaches that can capture the complexity and nuance of anger from various perspectives—historical, literary, philosophical, anthropological, gender studies, sociology, politics, psychology, and medicine, among others—using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
La razón que zozobra: la ira como naufragio en la literatura española del siglo XVII
Authors: Ruiz Carrie L.
Published: October 2024

This study explores the representation of wrath in relation to the topic of shipwreck in literary texts from 17th-century Spain. As seen in the Emblematic genre of the time, as well as in novellas and theatre plays, wrath is represented as the shipwreck of reason. The lack of control and the destruction of the mind as consequences of anger are associated with the capsizing of ships by marine storms. From the Renaissance well into the late 17th century, a sound mind is figuratively equivalent to the tranquil voyage in which the ship is in control of the maritime space. By contrast, the reckless and uncontrollable mind is comparable to the ship tossed and destroyed by the tempest, incapable of return from the abyss of the ocean depths. As the literary texts of the time demonstrate, to let the mind be taken over by the passions, particularly wrath and love, was frequently correlated to madness and, thus, to moral decline since under contemporaneous thought, insanity was connected to ethical degeneration and conversely, sanity with Christian virtues. Moreover, the symbolic implication of the shipwreck motif in Early Modern Spanish literature also reflected the medical notions of the time—namely those related to the bodily humors. Within these sociocultural coordinates, wrath and unrequited love are correlated to choleric and melancholic natures that can lead to madness and social unrest. In sum, the connection of wrath to nautical devastation is an effective means to convey social and political commentary and transmit didactic messages.
La ira de los espíritus: ritual, danza e integración social entre los onges de las islas Andamán
Authors: Lagunas David
Published: October 2024

Drawing on A. R. Radcliffe-Brown’s seminal work The Andaman Islanders, this article analyzes anger as a cultural focal point in a non-Western society. The discussion navigates various themes related to anger through an ethnographic dialogue. In the Andamanese worldview, anger is linked to the wrath of spirits and is regarded as an antisocial force. The study reveals that the interplay between different codes—mythological, techno-economic, symbolic, matrimonial, and acoustic—partially corresponds with the patterns noted by Lévi-Strauss in his Mythologiques series. Pandya’s thesis suggests that Andamanese rituals are designed to harness power to reconcile oppositions, particularly between humans and spirits. The text’s originality lies in highlighting the role of dance as a medium for communication between humans and spirits, aimed at soothing the spirits’ anger. The article also underscores Radcliffe-Brown’s identification of two foundational concepts in anthropology during his study of the Andaman Islands: first, the Durkheimian notion of organic solidarity, and second, a unique experience of solidarity expressed through dance. Dance is interpreted as a language of social integration, serving as a key cultural practice in countering the spirits’ wrath and the resulting destruction.
Entre la tristeza y la ira: emociones en disputa en las narrativas sobre un crimen cometido por una mujer (São Paulo, Brasil, 1939)
Authors: Wadi Yonissa Marmitt
Published: October 2024

In 1939, Marília, a thirty-year-old Brazilian housewife, residing in São Paulo, killed her lover, Armando, with an axe and gunshots. She turned herself in to the police and was admitted by her brother-in-law to the Pinel Sanatorium, a psychiatric institution catering to the city's more affluent social groups. The sources for this research include clinical documents—such as a medical report, lab tests, prescriptions, and a letter written by Marília—as well as newspaper articles from São Paulo that reported on the crime. Drawing on theoretical and methodological frameworks from the socio-cultural history of emotions, the history of women and gender, and the history of madness and psychiatry, this article identifies the emotions that surface in the different documents recounting Marília's story. Our primary objective is to analyze these emotions, not to explore their specific meanings, but to understand what they produce. I aim to comprehend how the collection of these emotions, as articulated across the various narratives I examine, operates through shared meanings to construct both an event and a subject: Marília. The different narratives about her life, including her own, and the crime she committed, highlight two central emotions: sadness and anger. This analysis demonstrates that these emotions operate within an emotional framework that defines places, possibilities, and limitations for women, grounded in the perception of their interconnected bodies and minds, social markers of difference, and expert discourses. It also reveals that emotional resistances are persistent.
La identidad social como mediadora entre las emociones y la participación en acciones colectivas: una investigación en estudiantes peruanos y chilenos
Authors: Chaparro Hernán , Zúñiga Claudia , Fuentes-Tobar Cristian , Uribe-Bravo Karla A. , Ruiz-Dodobara Fernando
Published: October 2024

This article explores the mediating role of social identity in the relationship between emotions—both positive and negative—and participation in collective action. The study sample included university students from Peru (N = 599; M = 24.5 years) and Chile (N = 592; M = 22.2 years). A structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was used to analyze the data. The findings reveal that, in both countries, social identity mediated the relationship between emotions and collective action, and positive emotions were the key drivers of students’ inclination to engage in collective action. The study concludes that emotions predict collective action through identification with a social movement—in this case, the student movement. Furthermore, the indirect effect of social identity was stronger among Chilean students compared to their Peruvian counterparts.
Dynamic basis of lipopolysaccharide export by LptB2FGC
Authors: Dajka Marina , Rath Tobias , Morgner Nina , Joseph Benesh
Published: October 2024

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) confer resistance against harsh conditions, including antibiotics, in Gram-negative bacteria. The lipopolysaccharide transport (Lpt) complex, consisting of seven proteins (A-G), exports LPS across the cellular envelope. LptB2FG forms an ATP-binding cassette transporter that transfers LPS to LptC. How LptB2FG couples ATP binding and hydrolysis with LPS transport to LptC remains unclear. We observed the conformational heterogeneity of LptB2FG and LptB2FGC in micelles and/or proteoliposomes using pulsed dipolar electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Additionally, we monitored LPS binding and release using laser-induced liquid bead ion desorption mass spectrometry. The β-jellyroll domain of LptF stably interacts with the LptG and LptC β-jellyrolls in both the apo and vanadate-trapped states. ATP binding at the cytoplasmic side is allosterically coupled to the selective opening of the periplasmic LptF β-jellyroll domain. In LptB2FG, ATP binding closes the nucleotide binding domains, causing a collapse of the first lateral gate as observed in structures. However, the second lateral gate, which forms the putative entry site for LPS, exhibits a heterogeneous conformation. LptC binding limits the flexibility of this gate to two conformations, likely representing the helix of LptC as either released from or inserted into the transmembrane domains. Our results reveal the regulation of the LPS entry gate through the dynamic behavior of the LptC transmembrane helix, while its β-jellyroll domain is anchored in the periplasm. This, combined with long-range ATP-dependent allosteric gating of the LptF β-jellyroll domain, may ensure efficient and unidirectional transport of LPS across the periplasm.
A Preliminary Investigation of the Relationship between Sleep and Nap Behavior of NCAA Division 1 Football Student-Athletes
Authors: Lever Jonathon R , Metoyer Casey J , Cernugel Sarah , Huebner Alan , Hauenstein Jonathan D. , Coleman Meghan , Hunt Robert , Leiszler Matthew , Hale Fred , Ramaeker Joey , Appelman Alexa , Wagle John P
Published: October 2024

Background of Study: Sleep is critical to basic human function and of utmost importance for recovery and performance for athletes. Student-athletes unique demands of concurrent athletic and academic commitments place further emphasis on the need for adequate sleep quality and quantity. Objective: This study describes the sleep and nap behavior of NCAA Division 1 Student-Athletes and assess the relationship between naps and nocturnal sleep. Method: A retrospective and observational design was used. Objective sleep data were collected using the OURA ring across two collegiate Football seasons. Results were categorized into sleep and nap occurrences. Univariate linear mixed models were used to assess the relationship between the presence and duration of a nap and a participants sleep. Results: The relationship between the presence of a nap (p = 0.012) and duration of a nap (p 0.001) and total sleep duration was observed. The presence (0.022) and duration (p 0.001) of a nap also significantly impacted the light phase of sleep. Conclusion: The use and duration of naps among student-athletes significantly impacts nighttime sleep, by means of decreasing total sleep duration and light phase sleep duration. These results highlight the need for educational intervention with such cohorts to enhance nighttime sleep and encourage healthy and evidence-based usage of naps.
Reliability and Relationship between Hip Muscle Strength and Change of Direction Performance among Basketball Players
Authors: Faulks Tom , Drury Mark , Walter Sibi
Published: October 2024

Background: Basketball change of direction (COD) tests are not specific to the defensive lateral shuffling movement, and no COD tests assesses the relationship between hip muscle strength and basketball specific lateral movements. Objective: We assessed the reliability of a COD test (2-2 shuffle test) performance and investigated its relationship to hip muscle strength. Methods: Using a prospective observational cohort design, data were collected from competitive male basketball players (n = 21; age 20.0 ± 3.5 years; height 194.7 ± 7.0 cm; weight 93.9 ± 14.7 kg). Participants performed two trials of the hip abductors/adductors isometric muscle strength assessment and the 2-2 shuffle test. Intraday reliability of the 2-2 shuffle test was computed using Bland-Altman plots, intraclass correlations (ICCs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and coefficient of variations (CVs). Pearson correlations with 95% CIs determined the relationship between shuffle test time and hip muscle’s isometric strength. Results: The 2-2 shuffle test time for left (ICC = 0.91, CV = 7.7%) and right (ICC = 0.86, CV = 8.4%) directions met acceptable reliability thresholds (ICC 0.8, CV 10%). The relationships observed between 2-2 shuffle test time and hip abductors/adductors were non-significant and unclear across parameters (p = 0.05, r = ≤ -0.26). Conclusion: Physical performance coaches may use the 2-2 shuffle test as the test time is a reliable metric. The hip abductors/adductors maximal isometric strength accounts for a trivial proportion of explained variance in the 2-2 shuffle test, suggesting other technical and physical abilities account for test performance.
Effect of Yoga Training and High Probiotic Food Supplements on Insulin-Resistance in Polycystic-Ovarian-Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: ELBanna Mai M. , Kamel Dalia M. , Shaaban Ahmed , Botla Afaf M. , Hamoda Reham E.
Published: October 2024

Background of the study: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder that affects 5% to 10% of females globally during their reproductive years and can lead to other complications, such as diabetes. While PCOS can develop due to various factors, insulin resistance (IR) is a crucial underlying cause. Objective: The study aimed to investigate the effects of Yoga, high probiotic-food supplements, and the Mediterranean diet on insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Methods: In this RCT, 52 females diagnosed with PCOS and IR participated. The subjects were assigned into two groups, with the study group (n=26) following to a Mediterranean diet rich in probiotics and engaging in daily one-hour yoga sessions. In contrast, the control group (n=26) practiced Yoga for 1 hour daily. The intervention duration in both groups was 12 weeks. We planned a Mediterranean diet rich in probiotics and Yoga practice. The diet was prepared as the macronutrient of 55–60% of calories from carbohydrates (with simple sugars representing less than 10%), 10–15% of calories from protein, and 30–35% of calories from fat (mostly monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fats) following WHO recommendations. The Yogo practice includes “warming-up exercises (Jathi(s))”, “characteristic body postures (Asana(s))”, “symbolic gestures (Mudra(s))”, “chanting of sacred sounds (Om japa)”, and “breathing techniques (Pranayama)”. The primary outcome measures, including FBG, homeostatic model assessment of IR, and serum insulin, were measured at pretest and after twelve weeks. The homeostatic model assessment of IR was calculated using a specific formula. Serum insulin levels were measured using an ELISA kit. Secondary outcomes such as body weight, BMI, and waist circumference (WC) were also assessed. Results: After twelve weeks of treatment, both groups showed important enhancements in insulin resistance, serum insulin, and fasting blood glucose (p 0.05). Group A significantly improved weight, BMI, hip circumference, insulin resistance, serum insulin, and fasting blood glucose than group B (p 0.05). There was no significant difference in waist circumference between the groups (p 0.05). Conclusion: Integrating high-probiotic supplements into the diet alongside Yoga for 12 weeks significantly enhances various health parameters, including serum insulin levels, homeostatic model assessment of IR, fasting blood glucose, and body measurements such as waist and hip circumference, as well as BMI, in women with PCOS, compared to practicing Yoga alone.
The Comparison of Electromyography (EMG) During Blocking in Elite Sepaktakraw Athletes
Authors: Udomtaku Kacha , Wongseangtian Patitta
Published: October 2024

Background: Blocking is a major indicator of the sepaktakraw game’s results. The analysis of muscle activity involved in blocking provides coaches or amateur athletes with additional information about the importance of muscle groups that influence effective blocking. Objective: This research aimed to compare the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC)during blocking elite sepaktakraw athletes in different muscles. Methods: This research is a cross-sectional study design with fourteen male sepaktakraw athletes (striker position) in the Sepaktakraw Thailand League, aged 20-40 years. All participants completed an informed consent by the ethical committee of Thailand National Sports University (TNSU-SCI 043-2566), and were placed electrodes on five muscle groups, including the rectus abdominis (RA), left rectus femoris (LRF), left gastrocnemius medialis (LGM), right rectus femoris (RRF) and right gastrocnemius medialis (RGM). The collection of blocking is divided into 3 phases: takeoff, flight and landing. Results: The LGM had the highest and was significantly with RA in takeoff phase and landing phase (P0.05), RGM had the highest in flight phase and significantly different with takeoff (p0.05). Moreover, RA during flight and landing significantly differed from takeoff (p0.05). Conclusion: The information this research will help coaches and amateur athletes understanding the blocking in elite athletes. Additionally, they need a specific muscle training program.
Bacurau
Authors: Hoefel Diego , Baltar Mariana
Published: October 2024

When released in theatres, Bacurau sparked a massive controversy due to its graphic depiction of violence and its alleged connection to Brazil’s socio-political climate, marked in recent years by profound political polarisation and cultural wars. This article explores an often-overlooked aspect of the film: the use of humour and its articulation with horror and science fiction imaginations. Our argument is that humour plays a key role in Bacurau, establishing connections between speculative fiction and historical reality, which underpins the film’s political work. We look at the significant attention that the interactions between humour, horror, and science fiction have received in Brazilian cinema produced over the last decade, and we conduct a detailed analysis of the use of humour in Bacurau, one of the most prominent films produced in the country during this period. We seek to understand how the interweaving of humour and speculative fiction is employed in the film, and if it is used to address controversial issues such as identity politics, racism, regionalism, and colonial legacies. We also investigate the extent to which this unconventional combination serves as a strategic tool for engaging with Brazil’s contemporary landscape of social and political unrest.
Longitudinal relations between non-suicidal self-injury and both depression and anxiety among senior high school adolescents: a cross-lagged panel network analysis
Authors: Zhao Haiyan , Zhou Aibao
Published: October 2024

Background

Comorbidity between non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and depression and anxiety was common. In the framework of network theory, the examination of directionality and gender differences in longitudinal relationships at the symptom level made a significant contribution to the understanding of comorbidity. Therefore, this study employed cross-lagged panel network analysis to investigate the longitudinal interrelations between NSSI and depression and anxiety in Chinese adolescents, with a focus on gender differences.

Method

The study was conducted with a sample of 884 senior high school students (F/M: 481/403; mean age: 15.19 ± 0.48 years) from Jinchang City, Gansu Province, China. All respondents completed the Adolescent Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Assessment Questionnaire and the two subscales (depression and anxiety) of the Brief Symptom Inventory at two intervals. The data were estimated in R 4.2.0 to construct the cross-lagged panel network (CLPN).

Results

The CLPN results uncovered the gender differences. For boys, self-hitting and feeling scared emerged as central symptoms. Cutting predicted subsequent feelings of sadness (β =  − 0.57), tension (β =  − 0.52) and indifference (β =  − 0.49), potentially serving as a bridge connecting NSSI to depression and anxiety. For girls, biting themselves and feeling scared were central symptoms. Carving and skin rubbing predicted subsequent feelings of indifference (β =  − 0.31, −0.21), bridging NSSI to depression and anxiety. In addition, feeling scared emerged as the key bridge symptom connecting depression and anxiety.

Conclusion

The findings showed the gender-specific developmental characteristics of the directional relations between NSSI and depression and anxiety at the symptom level. They provided new insights into the comorbidity of NSSI and depression and anxiety, carrying important implications for the screening and intervention of adolescent NSSI.
Genome-wide association study reveals genetic basis and candidate genes for chlorophyll content of leaves in maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Liu Peng , Xiang Chenchaoyang , Liu Kai , Yu Hong , Liao Zhengqiao , Shen Yaou , Liu Lei , Ma Langlang
Published: October 2024

The chlorophyll content (CC) directly affects photosynthesis, growth, and yield. However, the genetic basis of CC is still unclear in maize (Zea mays L.). Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study using mixed linear model for CC of the fifth leaves at seedling stage (CCFSS) and the ear leaves at filling stage (CCEFS) for 334 maize inbred lines. The heritability estimates for CCFSS and CCEFS, obtained via variance components analysis using the lme4 package in R, were 70.84% and 78.99%, respectively, indicating that the CC of leaves is primarily controlled by genetic factors. A total of 15 CC-related SNPs and 177 candidate genes were identified with a p-value < 4.49 × 10−5, which explained 4.98–7.59% of the phenotypic variation. Lines with more favorable gene variants showed higher CC. Meanwhile, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis implied that these candidate genes were probably related to chlorophyll biosynthesis. In addition, gene-based association analyses revealed that six variants in GRMZM2G037152, GRMZM5G816561, GRMZM2G324462, and GRMZM2G064657 genes were significantly (p-value < 0.01) correlated with CC, of which GRMZM2G064657 (encodes a phosphate transporter protein) and GRMZM5G816561 (encodes a cytochrome P450 protein) were specifically highly expressed in leaves tissues. Interestingly, these candidate genes were previously reported to involve in the regulation of the contents of chlorophyll in plants or Chlamydomonas. These results may contribute to the understanding of genetic basis and molecular mechanisms of maize CC and the selection of maize varieties with improved CC.
Clinical Evaluation of Masticatory Performance of Pre and Post-mandibular Guidance Therapy in Hemi-mandibulectomy Patients: A Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Surwase Swateja Kiran , Adaki Raghavendra V , Huddar Dayanand A , Sankeshwari Banashree S , Fulari Deepti S , Kanitkar Aditi A
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Surgical removal of the lower jaw is the most common cause of mandibular deviation due to benign or malignant neoplasms. The Palatal Guide Flange Prosthesis (PGFP) is a recommended corrective appliance to reduce this clinical manifestation. The primary goals of rehabilitation with PGFP are to train the mandibular muscles and restore a healthy occlusal relationship so that the patient can effectively control their mouth opening and closing movements. In the present article, the Masticatory Performance (MP) of patients who had undergone hemi-mandibulectomy surgery was evaluated both before and after receiving an interim PGFP. Aim: To clinically evaluate MP pre- and post-mandibular guidance therapy in hemi-mandibulectomy patients. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on patients selected from the Outpatient Department of the Department of Prosthodontics at Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College and Hospital, Sangli, Maharashtra, India, from January 2021 to July 2022, and were included as the sample size for the study. A total of 10 samples were selected. The study design was quasi-experimental. All cancer patients had lost their mandibular continuity and showed mandibular deviation toward the affected side. PGFPs were fabricated using Heat Cure Acrylic Resin (DPI) for each participant (n=10). Corn flakes (Kellogg’s) were given to the participants to chew, and the samples were sieved using a US standard 8-mesh sieve and collected at three different time intervals: T0 (preprosthesis), T1 (8th week), and T2 (16th week post-prosthesis). Data were entered into Microsoft Excel Version 13 and analysed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, including mean and standard deviation for continuous variables and frequency analysis for categorical variables. For categorical variables, a Chi-square proportion test was utilised, and MP was evaluated between T0-T1 and T0-T2. We utilised a 95% confidence interval and a p-value of less than 0.05. Results: When comparing the MP between T0, T1 and T2 time intervals, it was found that the difference in mean MP was statistically significant (p<0.05), with MP increasing from 26.2% to 43% to 61.2%, respectively. Conclusion: The occlusion restored with the guide flange prosthesis, along with continuous use over a longer period, helped correct the deviated mandible and, in turn, improved the MP.