bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HOUSING NATURE, REPRESENTING »NATURE«: ARCHITECTURE OF CONSERVATORIES, GREENHOUSES AND THEIR TRANS-PROGRAMMATIC SCIONS
Authors: Šukalo Ognjen , Milić Aleksić Maja , Peulić Slobodan
Published: December 2023

Buildings intended specifically for growing plants – greenhouses, glasshouses, conservatories, orangeries and similar – represent relatively recent addition to the history and repertoire of architecture. In their three centuries of notable existence these structures managed to not only enable cultivation of climatically-exotic plants far away from their natural range, but also to form a particular genre of architecture, which developed through different phases, from high exclusivity to near irrelevance. Starting, not only from historical examples, but also form the general promise of enclosed ecologies, this paper aims both to analyze the phenomenon of greenhouse, as well as to propose directions for its possible further developments.
ANALYSIS OF DYNAMIC LOAD OF SIMPLE BEAMS USING GEODETIC AND GEOTECHNICAL SENSORS IN LABORATORY CONDITIONS
Authors: Šarkanović Bugarinović Milka , Ristić Aleksandar , Bugarinović Željko , Vrtunski Milan , Jovanović Dušan
Published: December 2023

In this paper, the analysis of the dynamic load of the beam using geodetic and geotechnical sensors was performed. From the group of geodetic sensors, GPS/GNSS receivers were used, while from the group of geotechnical sensors, an accelerometer was used. The measurements were performed in laboratory conditions, and the experiment itself was designed so that the measurements from several series were independent of each other. For the experiment, a construction was made on which all sensors are mounted, which ensures their smooth operation in real time, as well as the setting of different loads. Based on the obtained measurement results, the analysis was performed and conclusions were drawn, as well as the directions of future development.
USING AND MODELING GROUND PENETRATING RADAR ON DENSELY REINFORCED SLABS
Authors: Nikolić Dragan , Bojović Dragan , Ćirović Goran
Published: December 2023

Ground Penetrating Radar - GPR by modern equipment has grown in importance in recent years in non-destructive testing. Estimating steel rebar position and diameter is the main focus for assessment of existing reinforcement concrete facilities. This paper presents the latest modern non-destructive technique – suitable for testing reinforcement concrete members. The capabilities of this technique for locating reinforcement bars in unilaterally accessible, densely reinforcement slab are described.
“O que os pais vão falar?”: gênero, sexualidade e círculos dialógicos com educadoras
Authors: França Fabiane Freire
Published: December 2023

“O que os pais vão falar?” Essa foi a pergunta realizada por uma professora da Educação Infantil expressa também em falas de outras 18 educadoras. Para a maioria delas, o trabalho sobre gênero e sexualidade precisa ser abordado no espaço escolar. Todavia, as educadoras consideram que ‘a sociedade não está preparada para este tipo de embate’. E como problematizar essas discussões? Encontramos nos círculos dialógicos a coexistência de vários pontos de vista das participantes e do grupo como um caminho possível para tais reflexões.
Molecular mechanisms of microbiome modulation by the eukaryotic secondary metabolite azelaic acid
Authors: Shibl Ahmed A. , Ochsenkühn Michael A. , Mohamed Amin R. , Isaac Ashley , Coe Lisa S. Y. , Yun Yejie , Skrzypek Grzegorz , Raina Jean-Baptiste , Seymour Justin R. , Afzal Ahmed J. , Amin Shady A.
Published: December 2023

Photosynthetic eukaryotes, such as microalgae and plants, foster fundamentally important relationships with their microbiome based on the reciprocal exchange of chemical currencies. Among these, the dicarboxylate metabolite azelaic acid (Aze) appears to play an important, but heterogeneous, role in modulating these microbiomes, as it is used as a carbon source for some heterotrophs but is toxic to others. However, the ability of Aze to promote or inhibit growth, as well as its uptake and assimilation mechanisms into bacterial cells are mostly unknown. Here, we use transcriptomics, transcriptional factor coexpression networks, uptake experiments, and metabolomics to unravel the uptake, catabolism and toxicity of Aze on two microalgal-associated bacteria,
Phycobacter
and
Alteromonas
, whose growth is promoted or inhibited by Aze, respectively. We identify the first putative Aze transporter in bacteria, a ‘C
4
-TRAP transporter’, and show that Aze is assimilated through fatty acid degradation, with further catabolism occurring through the glyoxylate and butanoate metabolism pathways when used as a carbon source.
Phycobacter
took up Aze at an initial uptake rate of 3.8×10
-9
nmol cell
-1
hr
-1
and utilized it as a carbon source in concentrations ranging from 10 μM
-1
mM, suggesting a broad range of acclimation to Aze availability. For inhibited bacteria, we infer that Aze inhibits the ribosome and/or protein synthesis and that a suite of efflux pumps is utilized to shuttle Aze outside the cytoplasm. We demonstrate that seawater amended with Aze becomes enriched in bacterial families that can catabolise Aze, which appears to be a different mechanism from that in soil, where modulation by the host plant is required. This study enhances our understanding of carbon cycling in the oceans and how microscale chemical interactions can structure marine microbial populations. In addition, our findings unravel the role of a key chemical currency in the modulation of eukaryote-microbiome interactions across diverse ecosystems.
Myomatrix arrays for high-definition muscle recording
Authors: Chung Bryce , Zia Muneeb , Thomas Kyle A , Michaels Jonathan A , Jacob Amanda , Pack Andrea , Williams Matthew J , Nagapudi Kailash , Teng Lay Heng , Arrambide Eduardo , Ouellette Logan , Oey Nicole , Gibbs Rhuna , Anschutz Philip , Lu Jiaao , Wu Yu , Kashefi Mehrdad , Oya Tomomichi , Kersten Rhonda , Mosberger Alice C , O'Connell Sean , Wang Runming , Marques Hugo , Mendes Ana Rita , Lenschow Constanze , Kondakath Gayathri , Kim Jeong Jun , Olson William , Quinn Kiara N , Perkins Pierce , Gatto Graziana , Thanawalla Ayesha , Coltman Susan , Kim Taegyo , Smith Trevor , Binder-Markey Ben , Zaback Martin , Thompson Christopher K , Giszter Simon , Person Abigail , Goulding Martyn , Azim Eiman , Thakor Nitish , O'Connor Daniel , Trimmer Barry , Lima Susana Q , Carey Megan R , Pandarinath Chethan , Costa Rui M , Pruszynski J Andrew , Bakir Muhannad , Sober Samuel J
Published: December 2023

Neurons coordinate their activity to produce an astonishing variety of motor behaviors. Our present understanding of motor control has grown rapidly thanks to new methods for recording and analyzing populations of many individual neurons over time. In contrast, current methods for recording the nervous system’s actual motor output – the activation of muscle fibers by motor neurons – typically cannot detect the individual electrical events produced by muscle fibers during natural behaviors and scale poorly across species and muscle groups. Here we present a novel class of electrode devices (‘Myomatrix arrays’) that record muscle activity at unprecedented resolution across muscles and behaviors. High-density, flexible electrode arrays allow for stable recordings from the muscle fibers activated by a single motor neuron, called a ‘motor unit,’ during natural behaviors in many species, including mice, rats, primates, songbirds, frogs, and insects. This technology therefore allows the nervous system’s motor output to be monitored in unprecedented detail during complex behaviors across species and muscle morphologies. We anticipate that this technology will allow rapid advances in understanding the neural control of behavior and identifying pathologies of the motor system.
Base editing strategies to convert CAG to CAA diminish the disease-causing mutation in Huntington's disease
Authors: Choi Doo Eun , Shin Jun Wan , Zeng Sophia , Hong Eun Pyo , Jang Jae-Hyun , Loupe Jacob M. , Wheeler Vanessa C. , Stutzman Hannah E. , Kleinstiver Benjamin P. , Lee Jong-Min
Published: December 2023

An expanded CAG repeat in the huntingtin gene (
HTT
) causes Huntington’s disease (HD). Since the length of uninterrupted CAG repeat, not polyglutamine, determines the age-at-onset in HD, base editing strategies to convert CAG to CAA are anticipated to delay onset by shortening the uninterrupted CAG repeat. Here, we developed base editing strategies to convert CAG in the repeat to CAA and determined their molecular outcomes and effects on relevant disease phenotypes. Base editing strategies employing combinations of cytosine base editors and gRNAs efficiently converted CAG to CAA at various sites in the CAG repeat without generating significant indels, off-target edits, or transcriptome alterations, demonstrating their feasibility and specificity. Candidate BE strategies converted CAG to CAA on both expanded and non-expanded CAG repeats without altering
HTT
mRNA and protein levels. In addition, somatic CAG repeat expansion, which is the major disease driver in HD, was significantly decreased by a candidate BE strategy treatment in HD knock-in mice carrying canonical CAG repeats. Notably, CAG repeat expansion was abolished entirely in HD knock-in mice carrying CAA-interrupted repeats, supporting the therapeutic potential of CAG-to-CAA conversion base editing strategies in HD and potentially other repeat expansion disorders.
BRAIDing receptors for cell-specific targeting
Authors: Chen Hui , Lee Sung-Jin , Li Ryan , Sura Asmiti , Suen Nicholas , Dilip Archana , Pomogov Yan , Vuppalapaty Meghah , Suen Timothy T. , Lu Chenggang , Post Yorick , Li Yang
Published: December 2023

Systemic toxicity is a major challenge in the development of therapeutics. Consequently, cell-type-specific targeting is needed to improve on-target efficacy while reducing off-target toxicity. Here, we describe a cell-targeting system we have termed BRAID (

BR

idged

A

ctivation by

I

ntra/intermolecular

D

ivision) whereby an active molecule is divided into two inactive or less active parts that are subsequently brought together via a so-called ‘bridging receptor’ on the target cell. This concept was validated using the WNT/β-catenin signaling system, demonstrating that a multivalent WNT agonist molecule divided into two inactive components assembled from different epitopes via the hepatocyte receptor βKlotho induces signaling specifically on hepatocytes. These data provide proof-of-concept for this cell-specific targeting strategy and in principle, this may also allow activation of multiple signaling pathways where desirable. This approach has broad application potential for other receptor systems.
BMP signaling maintains auricular chondrocyte identity and prevents microtia development by inhibiting protein kinase A
Authors: Yang Ruichen , Chu Hongshang , Yue Hua , Mishina Yuji , Zhang Zhenlin , Liu Huijuan , Li Baojie
Published: December 2023

Elastic cartilage constitutes a major component of the external ear, which functions to guide sound to the middle and inner ears. Defects in auricle development cause congenital microtia, which affects hearing and appearance in patients. Mutations in several genes have been implicated in microtia development, yet, the pathogenesis of this disorder remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that Prrx1 genetically marks auricular chondrocytes in adult mice. Interestingly, BMP-Smad1/5/9 signaling in chondrocytes is increasingly activated from the proximal to distal segments of the ear, which is associated with a decrease in chondrocyte regenerative activity. Ablation of Bmpr1a in auricular chondrocytes led to chondrocyte atrophy and microtia development at the distal part. Transcriptome analysis revealed that Bmpr1a deficiency caused a switch from the chondrogenic program to the osteogenic program, accompanied by enhanced protein kinase A activation, likely through increased expression of Adcy5/8. Inhibition of PKA blocked chondrocyte-to-osteoblast transformation and microtia development. Moreover, analysis of single-cell RNA-seq of human microtia samples uncovered enriched gene expression in the PKA pathway and chondrocyte-to-osteoblast transformation process. These findings suggest that auricle cartilage is actively maintained by BMP signaling, which maintains chondrocyte identity by suppressing osteogenic differentiation.
Conditional chemoconnectomics (cCCTomics) as a strategy for efficient and conditional targeting of chemical transmission
Authors: Mao Renbo , Yu Jianjun , Deng Bowen , Dai Xihuimin , Du Yuyao , Du Sujie , Zhang Wenxia , Rao Yi
Published: December 2023

Dissection of neural circuitry underlying behaviors is a central theme in neurobiology. We have previously proposed the concept of chemoconnectome (CCT) to cover the entire chemical transmission between neurons and target cells in an organism and created tools for studying it (CCTomics) by targeting all genes related to the CCT in Drosophila. Here we have created lines targeting the CCT in a conditional manner after modifying GFP RNA interference, Flp-out, and CRISPR/Cas9 technologies. All three strategies have been validated to be highly effective, with the best using chromatin-peptide fused Cas9 variants and scaffold optimized sgRNAs. As a proof of principle, we conducted a comprehensive intersection analysis of CCT genes expression profiles in the clock neurons, uncovering 43 CCT genes present in clock neurons. Specific elimination of each from clock neurons revealed that loss of the neuropeptide CNMa in two posterior dorsal clock neurons (DN1ps) or its receptor (CNMaR) caused advanced morning activity, indicating a suppressive role of CNMa-CNMaR on morning anticipation, opposite to the promoting role of PDF-PDFR on morning anticipation. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of conditional CCTomics and its tools created here and establish an antagonistic relationship between CNMa-CNMaR and PDF-PDFR signaling in regulating morning anticipation.
Movies reveal the fine-grained organization of infant visual cortex
Authors: Ellis C. T. , Yates T. S. , Arcaro M. J. , Turk-Browne N. B.
Published: December 2023

Studying infant minds with movies is a promising way to increase engagement relative to traditional tasks. However, the spatial specificity and functional significance of movie-evoked activity in infants remains unclear. Here we investigated what movies can reveal about the organization of the infant visual system. We collected fMRI data from 15 awake infants aged 5–23 months who attentively watched a movie. The activity evoked by the movie reflected the functional profile of visual areas. Namely, homotopic areas from the two hemispheres responded similarly to the movie, whereas distinct areas responded dissimilarly, especially across dorsal and ventral visual cortex. Moreover, visual maps that typically require time-intensive and complicated retinotopic mapping could be predicted from movie-evoked activity in both data-driven analyses (i.e., independent components analysis) at the individual level and by using functional alignment into a common low-dimensional embedding to generalize across participants. These results suggest that the infant visual system is already structured to process dynamic, naturalistic information and that fine-grained cortical organization can be discovered from movie data.
Amphibian mast cells serve as barriers to chytrid fungus infections
Authors: Hauser Kelsey A , Garvey Christina N , Crow Ryley S , Hossainey Muhammad RH , Howard Dustin T , Ranganathan Netra , Gentry Lindsey K , Yaparla Amulya , Kalia Namarta , Zelle Mira , Jones Elizabeth J , Duttargi Anju N , Rollins-Smith Louise A , Muletz-Wolz Carly R , Grayfer Leon
Published: December 2023

Global amphibian declines are compounded by deadly disease outbreaks caused by the chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Much has been learned about the roles of amphibian skin-produced antimicrobial components and microbiomes in controlling Bd, yet almost nothing is known about the roles of skin-resident immune cells in anti-Bd defenses. Mammalian mast cells reside within and serve as key immune sentinels in barrier tissues like skin. Accordingly, we investigated the roles of Xenopus laevis frog mast cells during Bd infections. Our findings indicate that enrichment of X. laevis skin mast cells confers anti-Bd protection and ameliorates the inflammation-associated skin damage caused by Bd infection. This includes a significant reduction in infiltration of Bd-infected skin by neutrophils, promoting mucin content within cutaneous mucus glands, and preventing Bd-mediated changes to skin microbiomes. Mammalian mast cells are known for their production of the pleiotropic interleukin-4 (IL4) cytokine and our findings suggest that the X. laevis IL4 plays a key role in manifesting the effects seen following cutaneous mast cell enrichment. Together, this work underscores the importance of amphibian skin-resident immune cells in anti-Bd defenses and illuminates a novel avenue for investigating amphibian host–chytrid pathogen interactions.
Amphibian mast cells: barriers to deadly chytrid fungus infections
Authors: Hauser Kelsey A. , Hossainey Muhammad R. H. , Gentry Lindsey K. , Garvey Christina N. , Ranganathan Netra , Yaparla Amulya , Kalia Namarta , Zelle Mira , Jones Elizabeth J. , Duttargi Anju N. , Rollins-Smith Louise A. , Muletz-Wolz Carly R. , Grayfer Leon
Published: December 2023

Global amphibian declines are largely driven by deadly disease outbreaks caused by the chytrid fungus,
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
(
Bd
). In the time since these disease outbreaks were first discovered, much has been learned about the roles of amphibian skin-produced antimicrobial components and skin microbiomes in controlling
Bd
. Yet almost nothing is known about the roles of skin-resident immune cells in anti-
Bd
defenses. Notably, mammalian mast cells reside within and serve as key immune sentinels in barrier tissues like the skin. Thus, they are critical to immune recognition of pathogens and to orchestrating the ensuing immune responses. Accordingly, we investigated the roles of
Xenopus laevis
frog mast cells during
Bd
infections. Our findings indicate that enrichment of
X. laevis
skin mast cells confers significant anti-
Bd
protection and ameliorates the inflammation-associated skin damage caused by
Bd
infection. Moreover, enriching
X. laevis
mast cells promotes greater mucin content within cutaneous mucus glands and protects frogs from
Bd
-mediated changes to their skin microbiomes. Together, this work underlines the importance of amphibian skin-resident immune cells in anti-
Bd
defenses and introduces a novel approach for investigating amphibian host-chytrid pathogen interactions.
Autophagosome development and chloroplast segmentation occur synchronously for piecemeal degradation of chloroplasts
Authors: Izumi Masanori , Nakamura Sakuya , Otomo Kohei , Ishida Hiroyuki , Hidema Jun , Nemoto Tomomi , Hagihara Shinya
Published: December 2023

Plants distribute many nutrients to chloroplasts during leaf development and maturation. When leaves senesce or experience sugar starvation, the autophagy machinery degrades chloroplast proteins to facilitate efficient nutrient reuse. Here, we report on the intracellular dynamics of an autophagy pathway responsible for piecemeal degradation of chloroplast components. Through live-cell monitoring of chloroplast morphology, we observed the formation of chloroplast budding structures in sugar-starved leaves. These buds were then released and incorporated into the vacuolar lumen as an autophagic cargo termed a Rubisco-containing body. The budding structures did not accumulate in mutants of core autophagy machinery, suggesting that autophagosome creation is required for forming chloroplast buds. Simultaneous tracking of chloroplast morphology and autophagosome development revealed that the isolation membranes of autophagosomes interact closely with part of the chloroplast surface before forming chloroplast buds. Chloroplasts then protrude at the site associated with the isolation membranes, which divide synchronously with autophagosome maturation. This autophagy-related division does not require DYNAMIN-RELATED PROTEIN 5B, which constitutes the division ring for chloroplast proliferation in growing leaves. An unidentified division machinery may thus fragment chloroplasts for degradation in coordination with the development of the chloroplast-associated isolation membrane.
Investigating the origin of insect metamorphosis
Authors: Belles Xavier
Published: December 2023

Experiments exploring the role of juvenile hormone during the life cycle of firebrat insects provide clues about the evolution of metamorphosis.
Diagnostic structure of visual robotic inundated systems with fuzzy clustering membership correlation
Authors: Manoharan Hariprasath , Selvarajan Shitharth , Aluvalu Rajanikanth , Abdelhaq Maha , Alsaqour Raed , Uddin Mueen
Published: December 2023

The process of using robotic technology to examine underwater systems is still a difficult undertaking because the majority of automated activities lack network connectivity. Therefore, the suggested approach finds the main hole in undersea systems and fills it using robotic automation. In the predicted model, an analytical framework is created to operate the robot within predetermined areas while maximizing communication ranges. Additionally, a clustering algorithm with a fuzzy membership function is implemented, allowing the robots to advance in accordance with predefined clusters and arrive at their starting place within a predetermined amount of time. A cluster node is connected in each clustered region and provides the central control center with the necessary data. The weights are evenly distributed, and the designed robotic system is installed to prevent an uncontrolled operational state. Five different scenarios are used to test and validate the created model, and in each case, the proposed method is found to be superior to the current methodology in terms of range, energy, density, time periods, and total metrics of operation.
O papel da educação empreendedora no processo de ensino-aprendizagem no ensino superior: caso da Delegação Académica da Escola Superior de Jornalismo em Manica
Authors: Lamas Marco Aurélio Ribeiro , Ninlova Xavier da Ilda Alexandre
Published: December 2023

A ligação entre o empreendedorismo e o campo da educação tem merecido destaque com investigações relacionadas ao processo de ensino-aprendizagem, sendo que na actualidade se apresenta como um dos temas de grande importância na sociedade, mas ainda com reduzida aplicação a Moçambique. Assim, o presente artigo tem como objectivo principal compreender a educação empreendedora no processo de ensino aprendizagem no ensino superior em Moçambique. Trata-se de um estudo de caso e a metodologia utilizada é mista. A população do estudo são 411 estudantes dos cursos de Relações Públicas, Biblioteconomia e Documentação e Jornalismo, cuja amostragem é composta por 125. As técnicas de recolha de dados são a análise documental, o inquérito por questionário, a entrevista semi-estuturada e a observação participante. Tendo em conta os resultados da investigação, recomendamos a instituição a criar melhores canais para o diálogo entre os professores e estudantes, também a promoverem investimento na área das Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação para potenciar um melhor ambiente de aprendizagem. É ainda considerado fundamental apostar na contratação de professores com alguma experiência no ramo empresarial para puderem inspirar os estudantes a empreenderem. Ou seja, não basta que o professor tenha domínio da competente teórica tal como foi comprovado na investigação. Não se pode falar de Educação para o Empreendedorismo sem a incorporação do saber-fazer, que implica uma necessidade de abertura de parcerias entre as Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES), o mundo empresarial e a sociedade no seu todo.
A inserção de profissionais técnicos no mercado de trabalho
Authors: Da Silva Joel Dimas , Gomes Matheus Carvalho , Sartorello Silvio , Carrer Celso da Costa , De Lima César Gonçalves , Cardoso João Augusto , Ribeiro Marcelo Machado De Luca de Oliveira
Published: December 2023

A inserção de profissionais técnicos no mercado de trabalho desempenha um papel crucial na economia de qualquer país. Esses profissionais são treinados em cursos específicos que lhes proporcionam habilidades práticas e conhecimento especializado em diversas áreas, tais como eletrônica, mecânica, saúde, tecnologia da informação, construção civil, entre outras. A demanda por profissionais técnicos é constante e, eles são altamente valorizados por sua capacidade de resolver problemas práticos e contribuir para a eficiência operacional em uma variedade de setores. A inserção de profissionais técnicos no mercado de trabalho pode ocorrer de várias maneiras. Alguns podem encontrar emprego imediatamente após a conclusão de seus programas de formação técnica, enquanto outros podem passar por estágios ou programas de aprendizado para adquirir experiência prática antes de ingressar no mercado de trabalho em tempo integral. O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar a inserção de profissionais técnicos no mercado de trabalho. A metodologia utilizada para a elaboração do estudo se trata de uma pesquisa qualitativa, por meio de uma revisão bibliográfica. Conclui-se que a formação técnica desempenha um papel crucial no desenvolvimento econômico e na competitividade de uma nação e, é essencial que haja investimento e valorização contínuos nessa área para atender às demandas do mercado de trabalho em constante evolução.
COVID-19 in a Newborn Caught on Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Case Report
Authors: Karanth Krishna Kiran Somashekar , Praveen BK , Abna Aysha N
Published: December 2023

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains a global public health threat. It is generally believed that children, especially neonates, are relatively spared from the disastrous effects of COVID-19 compared to adults. Most symptomatic children experience only mild respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. Central Nervous System (CNS) complications in COVID-19 are unusual in children and neonates. In this report, the authors present the case of a five-day-old COVID-19 positive neonate who presented with convulsions and tachypnoea. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings suggested a cytotoxic oedematous pattern. This child made a complete recovery after receiving appropriate management. There is limited data available regarding COVID-19 in neonates, and only a few similar cases of neonatal involvement have been described in the literature. The aim of this report is to highlight the unusual imaging manifestations of COVID-19 in a neonate.
Effect of Bilateral Salpingectomy versus Bilateral Tubal Ligation on Ovarian Reserve for Patients Seeking Permanent Sterilisation: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Medhi Robin , Boro Rumen Chandra , Ahmed Kafiluddin , Dhar Gautami , Singh Neha
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy in women with a high mortality rate, necessitating effective preventive measures. The American Cancer Society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, in their newer guidelines, suggest that patients undergoing tubectomy have an opportunity for the prevention of ovarian carcinoma by undergoing Prophylactic Bilateral Salpingectomy (PBS) instead of tubectomy in average-risk women. However, salpingectomy is not widely accepted as a method of sterilisation over tubectomy during caesarean section due to concerns about its potentially detrimental effect on ovarian reserve. Aim: To determine the effect of Bilateral Salpingectomy (BLS) and Bilateral Tubectomy (BLT) on ovarian reserve over a period of six months from surgery and to compare salpingectomy and tubectomy for their intraoperative and postoperative complications. Materials and Methods: The study is a hospital-based prospective cohort study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital (FAAMCH), Barpeta, Assam, India, from Sept 2020 to Aug 2021, over a period of one year, involving women between 32-35 years undergoing sterilisation during caesarean section. Mean Antimullerian Hormone estimation was done preoperatively, at the 3rd month, and at the 6th month to assess changes in ovarian reserve following salpingectomy and tubectomy. Intraoperative blood loss, surgery time, surgical complications, postoperative complications, recovery period, histopathological study of the fallopian tube, etc., were analysed and compared between the two groups. All data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant at a 5% confidence level. Results: A total of 114 patients were enrolled in the study, of which 9.64% dropped out midway, while the remaining 103 (90.36%) patients were part of the study until its completion. The mean age of the participants was 33 years and six months. There was no significant intergroup variation in preoperative, 3rd month, and 6th month mean Antimullerian Hormone (AMH) values (p>0.05). However, in each group, the preoperative mean AMH was lower than its 3rd month and 6th month values, which were in the normal range. This was attributed to ovarian suppression during pregnancy, which normalised following delivery and showed an increasing trend thereafter. However, on average, salpingectomy required approximately 10 minutes more than tubectomy. Conclusion: Salpingectomy does not affect ovarian reserve in the short-term of six months. Other than being more timeconsuming compared to tubectomy, salpingectomy is on par with traditional tubectomy. Therefore, it may be adopted as a routine sterilisation method considering its role in the prevention of ovarian cancers.
Association of Lipid Accumulation Product with Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Vijayalakshmi P , Manjula HS , Usha SMR
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The increased incidence of diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is attributed to the rising obesity rates, which is one of the major factors contributing to Insulin Resistance (IR). Although there is a close relationship between obesity and IR, not all cases of obesity lead to cardiometabolic complications. Visceral fat is considered to be the primary cause of IR. Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) is postulated as a new continuous biomarker of visceral adiposity. Aim: To determine the association between LAP and IR in T2DM. Materials and Methods: This institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of three months at the Department of Biochemistry, Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. A total of 60 Type 2 diabetic patients (including newly diagnosed and known cases) were recruited as cases, along with 30 healthy controls. Height, weight, and Waist Circumference (WC) were measured. Fasting blood samples were collected for laboratory biochemical estimation of glucose, Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), and fasting insulin. Statistical analysis for continuous variables was performed using unpaired Student’s t-test, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test was used for group comparisons. Results: Fasting serum insulin (p-value=0.007), Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (p-value=0.001), and LAP index (p-value<0.001) were significantly higher in the case group. LAP index was divided into quartiles, Insulin and HOMA-IR showed statistical significance across the quartiles (p-value=0.005). The lipid profile analysis across LAP quartiles revealed a progressive increase in TG levels (p<0.001) and a decrease in HDL levels from Q1 to Q4 quartiles. Conclusion: The study concludes that increased LAP levels are associated with IR in T2DM. LAP can serve as a useful marker for cardiometabolic risk in early-stage T2DM, enabling better disease stratification for improved prognosis.
NA TRAMA DAS IMAGENS: REPRESENTAÇÕES DE CORPOS, GÊNEROS E SEXUALIDADES NOS DESENHOS DE ESTUDANTES DE UMA ESCOLA PÚBLICA
Authors: Silva Junior Jonas Alves da , Silva Leandro Rodrigues Nascimento da
Published: December 2023

Este ensaio objetiva aquilatar quatro representações imagéticas feitas por alunos/as de uma escola pública do Rio de Janeiro. Essas representações costumeiramente são chamadas de “rabiscos” ou “pichações” por serem realizadas em múltiplos espaços da escola. Discutiremos, nestas reflexões, a partir das imagens, gênero e sexualidades, bem como problematizaremos os corpos e os desejos em trânsito no ambiente escolar. As imagens que serão apresentadas fazem parte de um grupo de 22 fotografias realizadas por nós em doze salas de aula. Para desenvolver a discussão, recorreremos às contribuições de pesquisadores/as de gênero e dos Estudos Culturais. Nossa escolha por analisar imagens se deu por acreditarmos nas potencialidades discursivas não-verbais das representações gráficas. Concluímos que todo texto – imagético ou verbal – não é apenas reprodução, mas também produção de significados factuais do autor/a ou de outrem.
Analysis of Strategic Planning Practices and School Performance: Evidence from Public Secondary Schools in Tanzania
Authors: Ibrahim Richard , Kyando Newton , Kiwonde Flora
Published: December 2023

Aims: This study sought to analyse the nature of strategic planning practices adopted by public secondary schools in enhancing school performance in Tanzania. Specifically, it determined the extent to which the adopted strategic options in the school management reflect strategic analysis practices; examined the extent to which the adopted strategic options in the school management reflect strategic choice practices; and evaluated the extent to which the adopted strategic options in the school management reflect strategic implementation practices.

Study Design: The study employed a concurrent triangulation design within the framework of a mixed methods approach.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in two Districts of Mwanza Region namely: Nyamagana and Magu in which data were collected from public secondary schools between August 2022 and January 2023.

Methodology: The sample size involved a total of 354 respondents including 266 members of the School Management Teams (SMTs), 76 members of the School Governing Boards (SGBs), 10 Ward Education Officers (WEOs) and 2 District Education Officers (DEOs). Research data were collected through questionnaire, interview and documentary review. The quantitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics in terms of mean and skewness, while the qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis.

Results: The results revealed that, the strategic options adopted by public secondary schools in enhancing school performance reflect strategic analysis practices by (22.2%, M=1.27); strategic choice practices by (25.7%, M=1.24); and strategic implementation practices by (55.5%, M=1.94).

Conclusion: The study concluded that, the nature of strategic planning practices adopted by public secondary schools in enhancing school performance is compatible with the strategic planning process advocated by the Johnson and Scholes model.
Response of Tomato Quality and Yield to Elevated Temperatures under Controlled Environment
Authors: Vijayakumar Amrutha , Beena R.
Published: December 2023

The experiment was carried out during 2020-2021 at the Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University. The experiment was carried out with the aim of characterization of contrasting tomato genotypes for high temperature tolerance under high temperature condition and control condition to identify key quality and yield traits controlling high temperature tolerance in tomato. The experiment was designed in completely randomized design (CRD) with 2 treatment levels- control and high temperature conditions (36+/-2oC) wherein 3 tolerant and 3 susceptible genotypes were selected for the study. These genotypes were selected from the summer varietal screening experiment performed during the summer months of 2021 from March to May. The best performing genotypes were selected in terms of pollen viability, leaf membrane thermo-stability, chlorophyll fluorescence, number of fruits, fruit set %. One set of treatment was maintained under ambient condition and the other set with high temperature stress was maintained under polyhouse facility from transplanting stage to the harvesting stage. The quality parameters and yield traits were analysed at the harvesting stage of the crop. From this study it can be understood that many of the quality parameters like lycopene content, total sugars, flavanol content was found decreasing in both tolerant and susceptible genotypes but the extend of this reduction was considerate in tolerant ones. In case of ascorbic acid content and firmness of fruit at the time of ripening these were found to be improved in heat stress (HS) conditions. Yield related qualities like number of fruits, yield per plant, and root-shoot ratio was found decreasing whereas root dry weight, total dry weight and intensity of fruit drop and flower drop was increased under HS. Therefore, this study focused on tomato genotypes reported to be resilient to high-temperature stress, and comparing them to the susceptible cultivars under stress and control settings for analyzing the variations in terms of quality and yield traits in tropical hot climate regions of India. The study performed here highlights the possibility for future breeding programs utilizing the key quality and yield traits enhancing thermo-tolerance in tomato and to develop new genotypes that can combine good yield performances and fruit nutritional quality at high temperatures.
Studies on Variability of Rainfall over North-Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka: A Statistical Analysis
Authors: Hallad Sachin C. , Ravikant  , Prabhu  , Reddy G. V. Srinivasa , Kavan Kumar V.  , Kumbar Dayanand , Ramappa
Published: December 2023

The mean annual rainfall over different stations of North Eastern dry zone of Karnataka varied between 630.1 mm to 744.3 mm. The mean annual rainfall received relatively more at North side and middle of the zone in comparison to south side lying stations within the North Eastern dry zone of Karnataka. The percentage of seasonal rainfall contribution towards annual rainfall varied between 66-74%, 16-20% and 10-14% for Kharif, rabi and summer seasons respectively. The drought characterization revealed that, out of 35 years (1986-2020) of study period, all the stations have experienced one or the other kind of drought situation during 17 to 20 years which accounts for 49 to 57 per cent, which means, most of the stations have experienced either mild or moderate drought conditions for 50% of the years.
Effect of Crop Load on Yield and Quality Parameters in Apple cv. Gala Redlum
Authors: Khan Ishtiyaq A. , Hassan Saima , Mir M. A. , Khalil Aroosa , Nazir Nowsheen , Nisar Shemoo , Ganie Shabir Ahmad , Amin Zakir
Published: December 2023

The present study was conducted at the experimental field of the Division of Fruit Science, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir during the year 2021-2022. The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of varying crop loads on the growth, yield, quality, and return bloom of Gala Redlum apples, with specific emphasis on trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA). The experimental design involved a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, utilizing 4-year-old Gala Redlum plants. The trees were subjected to manual thinning, resulting in crop loads of 4, 6, 8, 10 fruits per cm² of TCSA, with a non-thinned control group. Notably, the maximum fruit yield (18.52 kg/tree) was observed in the control group (no thinning), while the minimum yield (7.57 kg/tree) was recorded in the C2 group (4 fruits per cm² of TCSA), followed by C3 (11.03 kg/tree). Furthermore, the impact of different TCSA ranges on fruit yield was statistically significant. The maximum fruit yield (14.45 kg/tree) was observed in the S2 group (10-12 cm² TCSA), while the minimum yield (12.16 kg/tree) was noted in the S1 group (8-10 cm² TCSA). Yield efficiency, measured as yield per unit of TCSA, reached its highest (1.838 kg/cm²) in the control group and is lowest (0.766 kg/cm²) in the C2 group (4 fruits per cm² of TCSA). The results further revealed that the C2 group (4 fruits per cm² of TCSA) exhibited the maximum Total Soluble Solids (TSS) content (14.73 °Brix), total sugars (11.62%), and TSS: Acid ratio (61.45). Similarly, the C3 group (6 fruits per cm² of TCSA) demonstrated elevated TSS (14.20 °Brix), total sugars (10.99%), and TSS: Acid ratio (54.66). Additionally, the S2 group (10-12 cm² TCSA) recorded the highest TSS (13.75 °Brix), total sugars (10.51%), and TSS: Acid ratio (50.53). The combination of C2S2 and C3S2 treatments exhibited superior results, with the highest TSS (14.82 °Brix), total sugars (11.77%), and TSS: Acid ratio (62.64). Fruit firmness (8.81 kg/cm²) and fruit acidity (0.327%) were maximized in the C1S1 treatment combination.
Trends in ITN Use Prevalence among Children Attending for Malaria Diagnosis in the Main Sentinel Site for Malaria Surveillance of Gabon: Data from 2010 to 2020
Authors: Ditombi Bridy Chesly Moutombi , Mihindou Coella Joyce , Ognagosso Fanny Bertrande Batchy , Moussavou Dimitri Ardin Mabika , Nguema Ornella Anaïse Mbang , M’Bondoukwé Noé Patrick , Ngomo Jacque Mari Ndong , Boulingui Charleine Manomba , Owone Michèle Marion Ntsame , Mebale Magalie Essomeyo , Bouyou-Akotet Marielle Karine , Mawili-Mboumba Denise Patricia
Published: December 2023

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the trends of ITN use and age disparities among children attending for malaria diagnosis in the main sentinel site for malaria surveillance of Gabon.

Methodology: Data were collected from September 2023 to October 2023 at the malaria sentinel site for malaria survey of the Regional Hospital of Melen in Gabon. Data from 2010 to 2020, including age, gender, years of screening and ITN use the night before the consultation were reported on a case report form.

Results: Data from 13687 children were analyzed, the rate of ITN use was 57.7% (n=7902). The trend of ITN use decreased significantly from 76.2% in 2011 to 41.9% in 2017, with a slight increase until 2019 (54.9%). According to age, use of ITN was more frequently reported in infants (64.1%) and children aged between 2 to less than 5 years (57.1%) compared to older children (53.1%) and adolescents (51.2%) (P<0.01). Although the rate of mosquito net use significantly decreased in all the age groups, the odds of net use remained the highest in children under 5 years and lowest among the adolescents (P<0.01).

Conclusion: The ITN use coverage is still insufficient in Libreville. Efforts should be done to achieve the universal coverage of ITN ownership and use toreduce malaria transmission in Gabon.
Building Optimisation Vis-À-Vis Solar Shading for Improved Comfort and Energy Efficiency in Classrooms
Authors: Alegbe Mark , Chukwuemeka Lawrence , Lekwauwa Kalu John , Eke-Nwachukwu Amaka
Published: December 2023

Excessive solar radiation negatively affects classroom occupants' perfor­mance and thermal comfort, especially in buildings with West and East-facing glazed openings. This study utilises fixed external shading devices and triple-glazed low-emissivity windows to optimise a classroom building in Nigeria. Employing hybrid ventilation mode in EnergyPlus simulations, the optimised model shows a 44% reduction in discomfort hours, a 23% decrease in cooling load, and a 16% drop in energy demand compared to the original design. Comparative analysis of the optimised model with the as-built and West-East oriented classroom reveals a 16% and 10% reduction in energy consumption per conditioned area, along with 56 KWh/m² and 32 KWh/m² savings in cooling demand, respectively. Despite the effectiveness of fixed shading in curbing solar gains, occasional glare persists. This research underscores that shading alone may not fully meet thermal comfort requirements, emphasising the importance of building fabrics, building orientation and climate-sensitive design.
Cotton and Other Textile Dusts
Authors: Tefera Yifokire
Published: December 2023

Byssinosis is an acute and chronic respiratory disease caused by occupational exposure to textile and vegetable dust. Characterized by chest tightness, it can occur after an absence from regular exposure to dust. Cotton production commonly leads to contamination with organic matter, and the endotoxin found in cotton dust is associated with an increased risk of byssinosis. Symptoms of chest tightness have also been observed with exposure to a variety of other organic dust, but this is not referred to as byssinosis outside of textile processing settings. To assess exposure to cotton dust, a standard air sampling of the inhalable or respirable dust fraction should be performed in the worker's breathing zone. Studies have also shown that exposure to vegetable dust can lead to an increased prevalence of nonspecific airway symptoms, modest cross‐shift declines in spirometry, and progressive declines in lung function among those with long exposure. Linear dose–response relationships have been observed between byssinosis prevalence, cross‐shift declines in FEV
1
, and concentration of inhalable cotton dust and endotoxin. Byssinosis is not a curable disease, and so far treatment interventions aim to reduce symptoms. Occupational exposure limit values for cotton dust have been continuously improved in several countries as a result of updated knowledge of the disease. Dust control is an important aspect of preventing lung disease among textile workers, but an integrated program including regulations, exposure risk assessment, health surveillance, and workplace health promotion activities are needed to protect workers' respiratory health.
Aluminum Industrial Health and Safety
Authors: Willhite Calvin C. , Karyakina Nataliya A. , Yenugadhati Nagarajkumar , Momoli Franco , Wisniewski Thomas , Krewski Daniel
Published: December 2023

Due to its versatility and unique properties, aluminum finds use in a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications. Occupational exposure to aluminum‐containing particulates or fumes at high levels can lead to potential occupational health risks.

The inhalation toxicity of low soluble aluminum oxide is determined in most by particulate effects, including particle overload. Long‐term inhalation can cause pulmonary irritation, fibrosis, and occupational asthma. Accumulation of low soluble aluminum particles can overwhelm alveolar clearance and play a dominant role in lung irritation.

The role of aluminum in the etiology of “potroom asthma” is uncertain due to the presence of co‐pollutants such as fluorides and sulfur dioxide. At present, there remains no convincing evidence that exposure to aluminum contributes to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Aluminum smelter workers have been shown to be at increased risk of lung and bladder cancer, but this is ascribed to pitch smoke and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. No epidemiologic studies have examined pulmonary response after long‐term inhalation of aluminum oxide or hydroxide‐engineered nanomaterials.

The European Chemicals Agency has developed new guidance on the development of health‐based occupational exposure limits in order to align REACH guidance with occupational health and safety legislation.