bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WRKY1 represses the WHIRLY1 transcription factor to positively regulate plant defense against geminivirus infection
Authors: Sun Shaoshuang , Li Shupeng , Zhou Xueping , Yang Xiuling
Published: April 2023

Geminiviruses constitute the largest group of known plant viruses and cause devastating diseases and economic losses in many crops worldwide. Due to limited naturally occurring resistance genes, understanding plant antiviral defense against geminiviruses is critical for finding host factors of geminiviruses and development of strategies for geminivirus control. Here we identified NbWRKY1 as a positive regulator of plant defense against geminivirus infection. Using tomato yellow leaf curl China virus/tomato yellow leaf curl China betasatellite (TYLCCNV/TYLCCNB) as a representative geminivirus, we found that NbWRKY1 was upregulated in response to TYLCCNV/TYLCCNB infection. Overexpression of NbWRKY1 attenuated TYLCCNV/TYLCCNB infection, whereas knockdown of NbWRKY1 enhanced plant susceptibility to TYLCCNV/TYLCCNB. We further revealed that NbWRKY1 bound to the promoter of the NbWHIRLY1 (NbWhy1) transcription factor and inhibited the transcription of NbWhy1. Consistently, NbWhy1 negatively regulates plant response against TYLCCNV/TYLCCNB. Overexpression of NbWhy1 significantly accelerated TYLCCNV/TYLCCNB infection. Conversely, knockdown of NbWhy1 led to impaired geminivirus infection. Furthermore, we demonstrated that NbWhy1 interfered with the antiviral RNAi defense and disrupted the interaction between calmodulin 3 and calmodulin-binding transcription activator-3. Moreover, the NbWRKY1-NbWhy1 also confers plant antiviral response toward tomato yellow leaf curl virus infection. Taken together, our findings suggest that NbWRKY1 positively regulates plant defense to geminivirus infection by repressing NbWhy1. We propose that the NbWRKY1-NbWhy1 cascade could be further employed to control geminiviruses.
Proposed Institutional Diagnostic Reference Levels in Computed and Direct Digital Radiography Examinations in Two Teaching Hospitals
Authors: Gyan Emmanuel , Amoako George , Inkoom Stephen , Subaar Christiana , Maamah Barry Rahman
Published: April 2023

Background: The detectors of both computed radiography (CR) and direct digital radiography (DR) have a wide dynamic range that could tolerate high values of exposure factors without an adverse effect on image quality. Therefore, this study aims to assess patient radiation dose and proposes institutional diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for two teaching hospitals in Ghana.Materials and Methods: CR and DR systems were utilized in this study from two teaching hospitals. The CR system was manufactured by Philips Medical Systems DMC GmbH, while the DR system was manufactured by General Electric. The entrance skin doses (ESDs) were calculated using the standard equation and the tube output measurements. Free-in-air kerma (μGy) was measured using a calibrated radiation dosimeter. The proposed institutional DRLs were estimated using 75th percentiles values of the estimated ESDs for nine radiographic projections.Results and Discussion: The calculated DRLs were 0.4, 1.6, 3.4, 0.5, 0.4, 1.1, 1.0, 1.2, and 1.7 mGy for chest posteroanterior (PA), lumbar spine anteroposterior (AP), lumbar spine lateral (LAT), cervical spine AP, cervical spine LAT, skull PA, pelvis AP, and abdomen AP, respectively in CR system. In the DR system, the values were 0.3, 1.6, 3.1, 0.4, 0.3, 0.7, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.3 for chest PA, lumbar spine AP, lumbar spine LAT, cervical spine AP, cervical spine LAT, skull PA, pelvis AP, and abdomen AP, respectively.Conclusion: Institutional DRLs in nine radiographic projections have been proposed for two teaching hospitals in Ghana for the first time. The proposed DRLs will serve as baseline data for establishing local DRLs in the hospitals and will be a valuable tool in optimizing patient doses.
Probenecid slows disease progression in a murine model of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Arkhipov Sergey N. , Potter D'Anna L. , Sultanova Regina F. , Ilatovskaya Daria V. , Harris Peter C. , Pavlov Tengis S.
Published: April 2023

Development of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) involves renal epithelial cell abnormalities. Cystic fluid contains a high level of ATP that, among other effects, leads to a reduced reabsorption of electrolytes in cyst‐lining cells, and thus results in cystic fluid accumulation. Earlier, we demonstrated that Pkd1RC/RC mice, a hypomorphic model of ADPKD, exhibit increased expression of pannexin‐1, a membrane channel capable of ATP release. In the current study, we found that human ADPKD cystic epithelia have higher pannexin‐1 abundance than normal collecting ducts. We hypothesized that inhibition of pannexin‐1 function with probenecid can be used to attenuate ADPKD development. Renal function in male and female Pkd1RC/RC and control mice was monitored between 9 and 20 months of age. To test the therapeutic effects of probenecid (a uricosuric agent and a pannexin‐1 blocker), osmotic minipumps were implanted in male and female Pkd1RC/RC mice, and probenecid or vehicle was administered for 42 days until 1 year of age. Probenecid treatment improved glomerular filtration rates and slowed renal cyst formation in male mice (as shown in histopathology). The mechanistic effects of probenecid on sodium reabsorption and fluid transport were tested on polarized mpkCCDcl4 cells subjected to short‐circuit current measurements, and in 3D cysts grown in Matrigel. In the mpkCCDcl4 epithelial cell line, probenecid elicited higher ENaC currents and attenuated in vitro cyst formation, indicating lower sodium and less fluid retention in the cysts. Our studies open new avenues of research into targeting pannexin‐1 in ADPKD pathology.
Different aspects of hand grip performance associated with structural connectivity of distinct sensorimotor networks in chronic stroke
Authors: Schranz Christian , Srivastava Shraddha , Seamon Bryant A. , Marebwa Barbara , Bonilha Leonardo , Ramakrishnan Viswanathan , Wilmskoetter Janina , Neptune Richard R. , Kautz Steve A. , Seo Na Jin
Published: April 2023

Knowledge regarding the neural origins of distinct upper extremity impairments may guide the choice of interventions to target neural structures responsible for specific impairments. This cross‐sectional pilot study investigated whether different brain networks explain distinct aspects of hand grip performance in stroke survivors. In 22 chronic stroke survivors, hand grip performance was characterized as grip strength, reaction, relaxation times, and control of grip force magnitude and direction. In addition, their brain structural connectomes were constructed from diffusion tensor MRI. Prominent networks were identified based on a two‐step factor analysis using the number of streamlines among brain regions relevant to sensorimotor function. We used regression models to estimate the predictive value of sensorimotor network connectivity for hand grip performance measures while controlling for stroke lesion volumes. Each hand grip performance measure correlated with the connectivity of distinct brain sensorimotor networks. These results suggest that different brain networks may be responsible for different aspects of hand grip performance, which leads to varying clinical presentations of upper extremity impairment following stroke. Understanding the brain network correlates for different hand grip performances may facilitate the development of personalized rehabilitation interventions to directly target the responsible brain network for specific impairments in individual patients, thus improving outcomes.
Testing distributed trajectory planning in the cyber-physical mobility lab
Authors: Kloock Maximilian , Scheffe Patrick , Alrifaee Bassam
Published: April 2023

This article presents the testing of distributed trajectory planning algorithms using our rapid prototyping platform, the Cyber-Physical Mobility Lab (CPM Lab). We propose two algorithms for distributed trajectory planning which plan trajectories at intersections, highway on- and off-ramps, and lane changes for networked and autonomous vehicles. The algorithms avoid collisions between vehicles using a synchronization-based and a prioritized Distributed Model Predictive Control (DMPC) strategy. We test two algorithms in the CPM Lab which is able to handle parallel, sequential, and hybrid computations. The CPM Lab achieves reproducible experiments under non-deterministic computation times and stochastic communication times. Our evaluation shows that different algorithms for distributed trajectory planning can be efficiently tested in different in-the-loop tests.
Interaktive Trajektorienplanung mittels gemischt-ganzzahliger quadratischer Programmierung
Authors: Burger Christoph , Königshof Hendrik , Stiller Christoph
Published: April 2023

Die Bewegungsplanung für automatisierte Fahrzeuge in gemischtem Verkehr, bei dem sich automatisierte und von Menschen gesteuerte Fahrzeuge die Straße teilen, ist eine anspruchsvolle Aufgabe. Um die Komplexität dieser Aufgabe zu reduzieren, gehen moderne Planungsansätze oft davon aus, dass die zukünftige Bewegung umliegender Fahrzeuge unabhängig vom Verhalten des automatisierten Fahrzeugs prädiziert werden kann. Die Trennung der Prädiktion anderer von der eigenen Planung kann, insbesondere in stark interaktiven Verkehrssituationen, zu suboptimalem, übermäßig konservativem Fahrverhalten führen. In dieser Arbeit wird ein Ansatz zur Planung von kooperativem, interaktionsbewusstem Verhalten auf Basis einer Multi-Agenten-Trajektorienplanung vorgestellt. Hierbei wird die Prädiktion anderer sowie die eigene Planung, mittels gemischt-ganzzahliger quadratischer Programmierung gemeinsam gelöst. Unsicherheiten im Verhalten anderer Verkehrsteilnehmer werden mittels unterschiedlicher Intentionsmodelle berücksichtigt. Die Anwendbarkeit des Ansatzes wird anhand numerischer Experimente für ein Fahrstreifenwechselszenario in dichtem Verkehr demonstriert.
Bibliotheken 2040 – mehr Utopien als Dystopien
Authors: Scholze Frank
Published: April 2023

Bibliotheken sind 2040 intelligente Räume in dem Sinne, dass sie eine physische und digitale Umgebung bilden, in denen Menschen und technologiegestützte Systeme in zunehmend offenen, verbundenen, koordinierten und intelligenten Ökosystemen zusammenwirken. Generative künstliche Intelligenz und Graphentechnologien werden bei diesem Zusammenwirken eine wichtige Rolle spielen.
In-situ visualization of hydrogen atom distribution at micro-indentation in a carbon steel by scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy
Authors: Li Yuan , Cheng Yufeng Frank
Published: April 2023

In this work, a scanning Kelvin probe force microscope was used to in-situ visualize distribution of hydrogen atoms at micro-indentation and metallurgical phases contained in a carbon steel. Topographic profiles and Volta potentials of the steel upon various times of hydrogen-charging were measured. The hydrogen atom distribution at the micro-indentation was analyzed. Results demonstrate that the micro-indentation can serve as a preferential site to accumulate hydrogen atoms. Particularly, the vertex of the indention shows the greatest hydrogen atom enrichment, while the indentation bottom possesses a slightly lower hydrogen atom concentration. More hydrogen atoms accumulate in ferrite than in pearlite in the steel.
Estimation method of corrosion current density of RC elements
Authors: Recha Faustyn
Published: April 2023

The work is theoretical with the use of analytical calculations, subsequently confirmed by a numerical method, in which an attempt was made to verify the method of estimating the corrosion current density based on the deflection of reinforced concrete (RC) elements affected by reinforcement corrosion. The focus was on the possibility of estimating the corrosion current intensity on the basis of external measurements of deflections of RC elements subjected to reinforcement corrosion. The method can be used as an element supporting the diagnosis of RC structures. The article presents an example of analytical and numerical deflection calculations, on the basis of which an attempt was made to estimate the corrosion current density. The obtained results were considered satisfactory, which is sent for further considerations, and above all for experimental verification of the proposed method. The analysis was based on the theoretical work of a simply supported beam, whose analytical results were verified using the finite element method. For the purposes of theoretical considerations, the impact of corrosion of the beam reinforcement was assumed in the form of a history of changes in the intensity of the corrosion current obtained in another research work. Finally, the obtained results confirmed the assumptions regarding the possibility of estimating the corrosion current density on the basis of the deflection of the analyzed beam.
Emerging technologies and language learning: mining the past to transform the future
Authors: Hubbard Philip
Published: April 2023

This paper is an expanded version of a keynote presentation for the 2022 ChinaCALL Conference on the theme of “emerging technologies”. Today’s emerging technologies—artificial intelligence, machine learning, conversational robots, virtual worlds, virtual reality, augmented reality, automated assessment, and so on—are full of promise and seem poised to revolutionize language teaching and learning over the next decade. However, rather than looking forward, I review lessons I have learned over a four-decade career in CALL, focusing on those lessons that have continuing relevance for accommodating these and future technologies as they emerge. In the first part, I present a simple model for technology-mediated language learning as a foundation for the remaining discussion. In the second, I review seven challenges that I worked on in CALL, starting in the 1980s. I describe how I came to be aware of the issues involved and how through a combination of reviewing research, collaborating with colleagues, and drawing on my own experience, I came to learn lessons of enduring value. The final part briefly explores the potential for converting these and other lessons learned into principles to guide current and future encounters with technologies for language teaching and learning.
Mitigation of nonlinearities in long-haul DWDM soliton-based communication system
Authors: Kaur Paramjit , Dhawan Divya , Gupta Neena
Published: April 2023

The ongoing challenge of research and development is focusing on increasing the overall capacity of the transmission medium, achieving a high bit rate, and designing long-haul optical communication systems. The main requirement of the transmission system in supporting high bit rates in optical communication systems is their tolerance to nonlinear fiber impairments. Optical soliton pulses that preserve their shape over long distances are the straightforward solution to this problem. In this paper, DWDM soliton-based optical communication system is designed to mitigate the nonlinear effects at a data rate of 10 Gbps with channel spacing of 100 GHZ by using a microring resonator (MRR) device which acts as an add/drop filter that generates a filter narrowband wavelength from a wider optical spectrum. The transmission link of the optical fiber has a total length of 180 km and MRR is inserted at the end of the loop which provides the required bandwidth. The high bit rate signals can be transmitted through this MRR system to get the filtered signal which is less affected by the nonlinearities. This filtered signal is observed at a total transmission distance of 54,000 km. Also, by using dispersion compensation techniques, the impact of four-wave mixing (FWM) is mitigated. The performance of the designed system is evaluated based on the quality factor (Q-factor) along with the bit error rate (BER) obtained.
Liver abscess complicated with multiple organ invasive infection caused by hematogenous disseminated hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae: A case report
Authors: Chen Qingyun , Zhang Ye , Zhang Lei , Xian Shaojing , Huang Linhui , Ding Xiuxiu , Wu Hua , Xia Han , Yang Xuying , Cai Xingjun
Published: April 2023

Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) causes increasing infections in healthy individuals from the community. In severe cases, it can cause multiple organ infection with invasive metastasis of blood sources, seriously threatening the patients’ life. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of the pathogen becomes the key to timely antibiotic treatment to improve the prognosis. This article reports a case of liver abscess complicated with multiple organ invasive infection caused by hematogenous-disseminated hvKp. K. pneumoniae was identified by culture and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) using blood and liver abscess drainage fluid. The isolates from the two samples were subsequently identified with high homology (99.999%) by whole genome sequencing. In addition, multiple virulence genes were detected in the two isolates and the string test was positive, indicating hvKp with hypermucoviscosity phenotype. Multiple antibiotic treatments were given. The conditions of the patient were stable but the temperature remained high. Surgical drainage treatment was performed, and the patient’s body temperature immediately dropped to normal. He finally recovered after 6 months of follow-up. mNGS using body fluids can facilitate the rapid diagnosis of pathogens. For hvKp infection, choosing a better antibiotic therapy and receiving surgical drainage can significantly improve the prognosis of the patient.
Versatile biomimetic nanomedicine for treating cancer and inflammation disease
Authors: Zhao Zhiwen , Wang Dangge , Li Yaping
Published: April 2023

Nanosized drug delivery systems (NDDSs) have emerged as a powerful tool to optimize drug delivery in complex diseases, including cancer and inflammation. However, the therapeutic effect of NDDSs is still far from satisfactory due to their poor circulation time, low delivery efficiency, and innate toxicity. Fortunately, biomimetic approaches offer new opportunities to develop nanomedicine, which is derived from a variety of native biomolecules including cells, exosomes, bacteria, and so on. Since inheriting the superior biocompatibility and versatile functions of natural materials, biomimetic nanomedicine can mimic biological processes, prolong blood circulation, and lower immunogenicity, serving as a desired platform for precise drug delivery for treating cancer and inflammatory disease. In this review, we outline recent advances in biomimetic NDDSs, which consist of two concepts: biomimetic exterior camouflage and bioidentical molecule construction. We summarize engineering strategies that further functionalized current biomimetic NDDSs. A series of functional biomimetic NDDSs created by our group are introduced. We conclude with an outlook on remaining challenges and possible directions for biomimetic NDDSs. We hope that better technologies can be inspired and invented to advance drug delivery systems for cancer and inflammation therapy.
Dangerous politeness? Understandings of politeness in the COVID-19 era and beyond
Authors: Sifianou Maria
Published: April 2023

What (im)politeness means changes over time. As these changes are usually gradual, we tend to be relatively unaware of them. However, when changes are abrupt, people not only notice but are also concerned with them. The COVID-19 pandemic entailed such abrupt changes involving new rules most of which are at odds with the rather automatic conventions of politeness that we follow. My aim in this paper is to explore what politeness means to non-academics in the context of the pandemic and how similar or different their understandings are from academic accounts. To this end, I will draw from an online article entitled “Your politeness is a public health hazard”, which appeared at the onset of the pandemic, and the user-generated comments it triggered. The discussion is placed within the discursive turn in (im)politeness research, considering its key distinction between first-order and second-order conceptualisations of politeness. The findings suggest that politeness in the pandemic is still mostly understood as consideration for the other, an understanding shared with (im)politeness research. However, posters’ views are broader overlapping with understandings of ‘civility’. These views manifest their knowledge as observers and participants of social reality but also reveal that they are in dialogue with work in philosophy, sociology and psychology.
Poorer White Matter Microstructure Predicts Slower and More Variable Reaction Time Performance: Evidence for a Neural Noise Hypothesis in a Large Lifespan Cohort
Authors: McCormick Ethan M. ,   Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience, Kievit Rogier A.
Published: April 2023

Most prior research has focused on characterizing averages in cognition, brain characteristics, or behavior, and attempting to predict differences in these averages among individuals. However, this overwhelming focus on mean levels may leave us with an incomplete picture of what drives individual differences in behavioral phenotypes by ignoring the variability of behavior around an individual's mean. In particular, enhanced white matter (WM) structural microstructure has been hypothesized to support consistent behavioral performance by decreasing Gaussian noise in signal transfer. Conversely, lower indices of WM microstructure are associated with greater within-subject variance in the ability to deploy performance-related resources, especially in clinical populations. We tested a mechanistic account of the “neural noise” hypothesis in a large adult lifespan cohort (Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience) with over 2500 adults (ages 18-102; 1508 female; 1173 male; 2681 behavioral sessions; 708 MRI scans) using WM fractional anisotropy to predict mean levels and variability in reaction time performance on a simple behavioral task using a dynamic structural equation model. By modeling robust and reliable individual differences in within-person variability, we found support for a neural noise hypothesis (Kail, 1997), with lower fractional anisotropy predicted individual differences in separable components of behavioral performance estimated using dynamic structural equation model, including slower mean responses and increased variability. These effects remained when including age, suggesting consistent effects of WM microstructure across the adult lifespan unique from concurrent effects of aging. Crucially, we show that variability can be reliably separated from mean performance using advanced modeling tools, enabling tests of distinct hypotheses for each component of performance.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTHuman cognitive performance is defined not just by the long-run average, but trial-to-trial variability around that average. However, investigations of cognitive abilities and changes during aging have largely ignored this variability component of behavior. We provide evidence that white matter (WM) microstructure predicts individual differences in mean performance and variability in a sample spanning the adult lifespan (18-102). Unlike prior studies of cognitive performance and variability, we modeled variability directly and distinct from mean performance using a dynamic structural equation model, which allows us to decouple variability from mean performance and other complex features of performance (e.g., autoregression). The effects of WM were robust above the effect of age, highlighting the role of WM in promoting fast and consistent performance.
Vietnam in 2022
Authors: Bui Thiem H. , Malesky Edmund J.
Published: April 2023

Vietnam in 2022 was beset with numerous dramatic political developments and diplomatic uncertainties but also recorded significant economic achievements. Changes in the top echelons of power took place in an unprecedented manner due to the intensifying anticorruption campaign, exposing the malleability of elite Vietnamese governing institutions and shrinking the space for civil society organizations. Meanwhile, Vietnam was recognized for its outstanding recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic with remarkable economic performance. The country’s “bamboo diplomacy” was put under stress amid challenges caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the US–China strategic rivalry. Navigating the turbulence and uncertainty of domestic and international affairs while maintaining the momentum of economic recovery will be the main challenge for Vietnam in 2023.
Thailand in 2022
Authors: Selway Joel Sawat
Published: April 2023

Thailand’s military-aligned government saw its popularity plummet in polls throughout 2022. Yet former head of the armed forces and current prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was resilient in the face of mass party defections, a falling-out with his fellow party leader and long-time friend Prawit Wongsuwon, a censure debate, and even a constitutional court case threatening to remove him from office. The mass street protests that were a constant feature of the previous three years evaporated as conservative forces used the controversial Section 112 Royal Defamation Law to silence the various movements’ leaders. Political attention was focused on the impending elections, which shook up the party system with rampant party mergers and switching. Meanwhile a return to the 2011 electoral rules fueled talk of another Pheu Thai landslide in the next elections. The economy began to improve with the relaxing of COVID rules and the return of tourism, throwing a lifeline to a rapidly sinking Prayut, who himself switched to a new political party before the year’s end.
Malaysia in 2022
Authors: Ostwald Kai , Nadzri Muhamad M. N.
Published: April 2023

Malaysia held a general election in 2022 that was expected to resolve ongoing political instability. Instead, it produced a hung parliament, reflecting a deeply divided electorate and growing support for Islamist politics. Following a royal intervention, Anwar Ibrahim’s progressive coalition formed a unity government with the long-dominant UMNO and East Malaysian parties; this unprecedented arrangement faces evolving social, political, and economic challenges that will test its stability and the very nature of Malaysian politics.
The fifth element: a novel eIF2α kinase in microglia
Authors: Ruggieri Alessia
Published: April 2023

The cellular integrated stress response (ISR) is a central signaling pathway that tunes translation initiation in response to a wide range of cellular insults to promote cell survival. The critical node of this regulation involves the phosphorylation of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) by stress kinases. In this issue of EMBO reports, Wu et al (2023) report FAM69C as a novel eIF2α kinase that promotes ISR activation and stress granule (SG) assembly in microglia in response to oxidative stress. This work proposes a protective role for FAM69C and SGs in limiting damaging inflammatory responses commonly associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Chemically treated Borneo sago (Metroxylon sagu) starch reinforced poly lactic acid bio-composites
Authors: Rahman Md. Rezaur , Hamdan Sinin , Baini Rubiyah Binti , Bakri Muhammad Khusairy Bin , Adamu Muhammad , Nyuk Khui Perry Law , Kakar Akshay , Sanaullah Khairuddin
Published: April 2023

Properties of Borneo sago starch reinforced poly-(lactic acid) (PLA) composites were evaluated, with attention to the effects of treatment with acrylic acid, benzene diazonium chloride, and tetrahydrofuran. The PLA-sago composites treated with tetrahydrofuran had the highest tensile strength, with a maximum value of 0.85 MPa at 20 wt%; whereas the PLA-sago composites treated with benzene diazonium chloride had the highest modulus of elasticity, with a maximum modulus of elasticity of 28 kPa at 5 wt%. Scanning electron microscopy images of the surfaces showed good interfacial contact between the PLA and the sago starch treated with benzene diazonium chloride. The Fourier-transform infrared spectra revealed the functional group characteristics of the chemicals composition of the materials. According to the thermogravimetric analysis results, all of the composites displayed thermal stability up to a temperature of 300 °C. The differential scanning calorimetry analysis revealed that the poly lactic acid-sago composites treated with benzene diazonium chloride had the highest melting point.
Effect of physical properties of softwoods on embedment strength performance of self-tapping screws
Authors: Lee In-Hwan , Kim Keon-Ho
Published: April 2023

The embedment strength performance of the self-tapping screw (STS) connector, used as a cross-laminated timber fastener, was evaluated considering tree species’ density and load direction as parameters. The STS had a diameter of 8, 10, and 12 mm. Considering the characteristics of the STS, the embedment strength of the threaded area and the shank area were compared. A larger diameter of the STS resulted in a higher yield load in all directions of the respective wood. The effective embedment area can estimate a more accurate value for the embedment strength. The embedment strength of the longitudinal cross section as the embedment area was higher than that of the radial and tangential sections. For the loading direction, the ratio of the embedment strength parallel and perpendicular to the grain of the specimens was 0.40 to 0.58 by wood species. The embedment strength predicted based on the specific gravity and diameter of the fastener differed considerably by 38% to 56% from the actual embedment strength of STS using the effective embedment area. This paper provides data for setting the adjustment factors predicting the embedment strength of STS connection.
Sex determination using mastoid process length in dry skulls of Nigerian population
Authors: Orish Chinna Nneka , Fawehinmi Hakeem B
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Identification of an individual is very crucial in any medicolegal investigation. Age, sex and stature are the primary factors that help in the identification. Skull is important in this regard as it resists adverse environmental conditions over time. The present study aims to determine sexual dimorphism of mastoid length in Nigerian skulls. Material and methods: One hundred adult dry skulls, (78 males, and 22 females) free from damage and deformities collected from eleven Departments of Anatomy in Nigerian Universities were used. Automatic digital caliper was used to measure mastoid length. Data was analyzed with Graph Pad Prism 5.03. The mean, coefficient of variation, correlation, linear regression, percentiles, sexual dimorphism ratio were computed. Results: The left mastoid length (mm) of male and female skulls were 34.27±0.49 and 30.41±0.32mm respectively while the mean of right mastoid length (mm) of male and female were 35.48±0.37 and 31.25±0.36mm respectively. Male parameter was significantly higher than female atp<0.5. Correlation of craniometric parameters of Nigerian male/female population showed left female mastoid length versus right had no correlation {Y=0.02x+30.65(0.017)} and the fit line was straight while male mastoid length left versus right had positive significant correlation{Y=0.67x+12.62(0.59*) and the fit line sloped upward. Conclusion: The result of this study will be of importance in providing new perspectives on human osteology and in sex determination in forensic anthropology.
Mechanical and chemical results in plasma-surface contact a study of sheath parameters
Authors: CL Xaplanteris , SC Xaplanteris
Published: April 2023

Many works have been carried out on the plasma behavior in touch with a solid surface; when the surface material consists of chemical compounds (e.g. oxides of metals), then the plasma chemistry takes place. The present paper contains the final work of Plasma Laboratory at “Demokritos”, which consists of an elaboration of plasma sheath parameters adapted to experimental conditions, a suitable choice of plasma gases (either H2 or N2), and an electric potential current enforcement on objects. Additionally, a brief theory is given to explain the results, with a short reference to both boundary phenomena in thermonuclear reactors and low pressure plasma of glow discharges, so that to reveal the similarities and differences of those two cases. An extensive examination of the treated objects by XRD method gives results, in agreement with theoretical predictions. Using this improvement on plasma restoration system, (a combination of electric current on metallic object into suitable plasma), it is shown that we have better results on the cleaning and conservation of archaeological objects.
Maternal SARS-CoV-2, Placental Changes and Brain Injury in 2 Neonates
Authors: Benny Merline , Bandstra Emmalee S. , Saad Ali G. , Lopez-Alberola Roberto , Saigal Gaurav , Paidas Michael J. , Jayakumar Arumugam R. , Duara Shahnaz
Published: April 2023

Long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae are a potential concern in neonates following in utero exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We report 2 neonates born to SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers, who displayed early-onset (day 1) seizures, acquired microcephaly, and significant developmental delay over time. Sequential MRI showed severe parenchymal atrophy and cystic encephalomalacia. At birth, neither infant was SARS-CoV-2 positive (nasopharyngeal swab, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction), but both had detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and increased blood inflammatory markers. Placentas from both mothers showed SARS-CoV-2-nucleocapsid protein and spike glycoprotein 1 in the syncytiotrophoblast, fetal vascular malperfusion, and significantly increased inflammatory and oxidative stress markers pyrin domain containing 1 protein, macrophage inflammatory protein 1 βη, stromal cell-derived factor 1, interleukin 13, and interleukin 10, whereas human chorionic gonadotropin was markedly decreased. One infant (case 1) experienced sudden unexpected infant death at 13 months of age. The deceased infant’s brain showed evidence of SARS-CoV-2 by immunofluorescence, with colocalization of the nucleocapsid protein and spike glycoprotein around the nucleus as well as within the cytoplasm. The constellation of clinical findings, placental pathology, and immunohistochemical changes strongly suggests that second-trimester maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection with placentitis triggered an inflammatory response and oxidative stress injury to the fetoplacental unit that affected the fetal brain. The demonstration of SARS-CoV-2 in the deceased infant’s brain also raises the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 infection of the fetal brain directly contributed to ongoing brain injury. In both infants, the neurologic findings at birth mimicked the presentation of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy of newborn and neurologic sequelae progressed well beyond the neonatal period.
Percepção do bem-estar animal na pecuária familiar de leite em Unaí, Minas Gerais
Authors: Rezende Nathaly Silva , Amaral Regiane Rosa , Pereira Anderson Alvarenga , Mota Diego Azevedo , Redin Ezequiel , Melo Thiago Vasconcelos
Published: April 2023

Relações inadequadas entre homens e animais influenciam negativamente no bem-estar dos animais, na produtividade e na qualidade dos alimentos. Desta forma esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar, de uma maneira geral, o entendimento de bem-estar animal segundo a percepção de agricultores familiares imersos na cadeia produtiva do leite no município de Unaí, MG. Para isso foram realizadas 50 entrevistas por meio de um formulário estruturado e posteriormente os dados obtidos foram organizados em uma planilha utilizando o programa Microsoft Excel, para análise estatística descritiva dos resultados. Foi realizado uma análise de cluster utilizando o método hierárquico, pelo modelo Ward. Com base nos resultados analisados nesta pesquisa, pode-se afirmar, de uma maneira geral, que os pecuaristas familiares produtores de leite da região de Unaí possuem, em sua maioria, noções básicas a respeito do bem-estar animal e os benefícios que proporciona na cadeia produtiva do leite. Todavia, ainda não é perceptível para a maioria, uma vez que existem relatos contraditórios e compreensão distintas entre os pesquisados. Desta forma é importante que estes produtores tenham acesso a assistência técnica sobre o bem-estar animal, o que proporciona uma melhora significativa na produção de leite da região.
Inclusión (¿o exclusión?) laboral de personas con discapacidad. Apuntes para el estado de Guanajuato, México
Authors: Caldera González Diana del Consuelo , Ramírez Barba Éctor Jaime , Martínez Tafolla Plinio Manuel
Published: April 2023

Las personas con discapacidad conforman uno de los grupos más vulnerables en cualquier sociedad. El objetivo de este trabajo es reflexionar respecto a los términos inclusión y exclusión laboral de las personas con discapacidad en México y en específico en el estado de Guanajuato, lo cual contribuya a comprender qué sucede con las iniciativas gubernamentales de atención y apoyo a este sector de la población, el cual se encuentra aún lejos de ejercer plenamente su derecho al trabajo y a una vida independiente. Se trata de una investigación teórica, de alcance descriptivo y con enfoque no experimental.Las conclusiones apuntan a que las sociedades son cada vez más conscientes de la diversidad, sin embargo, aún prevalece la exclusión para las personas con discapacidad en distintas esferas, en especial la laboral, lo cual se refuerza por estereotipos que limitan el ejercicio de sus derechos humanos.
“Brasil, decime qué se siente”: a study of agglomeration in a stadium in the World Cup
Authors: Quezado Izabelle , Mesquita Rafael Fernandes de , Costa Josimar Souza , Matos Fátima Regina Ney , Bugarim Maria Clara Cavalcante
Published: April 2023

This study investigates visitor reactions to the human and spatial agglomeration of World Cup stadiums, relating the variable of crowding perception to emotions and consumer’s satisfaction. The largest world event based on a single sport, the Cup moves millions of tourists during the period of its accomplishment. Constantly explored in previous research, the perception of crowding presents a gap in the tangent to relationships established in entertainment environments. The quantitative research, based on the Machleit, Kellaris and Eroglu (1994) scale, presented 270 cases analyzed using the Structural Equation Modeling method. The results indicate that the crowding of people in football stadiums during the World Cup triggers positive emotions in the consumer, contrary to most previous studies conducted in other types of environments. The perception of spatial crowding, in turn, maintained the negative character mostly attested by the literature, relating negatively to positive emotions. There was evidence that perception of human crowding influences more intensely on satisfaction than the perception of space crowding.
ELABORAÇÃO E CARACTERIZAÇÃO DE IOGURTE DESNATADO SABORIZADO COM GELEIA DE FIGO DA ÍNDIA Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck
Authors: Moreira Silva Bárbara , Machado Trombete Felipe , De Almeida Carlos Lanamar , Nanci Kobori Cíntia , Tinoco Vilela Junior Edmilson , Azevêdo da Silva Washington , Sampaio Rigueira Ubaldo Juliana Cristina
Published: April 2023

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi desenvolver um iogurte desnatado com potencial funcional, saborizado com geleia de figo da índia. Foram analisadas as características físico-químicas da polpa do figo da índia, do leite UHT desnatado e do iogurte desenvolvido. Também foram realizadas pesquisas microscópicas e de sólidos solúveis totais da geleia do fruto, além da textura, capacidade antioxidante e teor de compostos fenólicos do iogurte saborizado. A análise da cor foi realizada na polpa de figo da índia e no produto desenvolvido. O iogurte foi elaborado em três repetições e as análises realizadas em triplicata. A polpa apresentou os valores médios 87,13% de umidade, 0,38% de cinzas, 0,54% de proteínas, 0,08% lipídeos, pH 6,07, 0,04% de acidez e sólidos solúveis totais de 7,63 ° Brix. O iogurte saborizado com geleia de figo da índia destacou-se por seus altos níveis de compostos fenólicos (640,69 mg EAG/100g) e de atividade antioxidante (72,7 µMOL Trolox/g). Também se observou que o fruto pode ser usado como corante natural mesmo em baixas concentrações no iogurte, dispensando o uso de corantes artificiais. Na pesquisa microscópica da geléia de figo da índia foi detectada a presença de espinhos do tipo gloquídeo, o que revela a necessidade de uma técnica eficiente para retirada dos mesmos e assim garantir a segurança do consumidor. Conclui-se que o iogurte elaborado no presente estudo é uma boa alternativa para as pessoas que buscam alimentos e bebidas sensorialmente agradáveis, nutritivos e que trazem benefícios à saúde.
CARACTERIZAÇÃO FÍSICO-QUÍMICA DE BANANAS ‘MAÇÃ’ E ‘WILLIAMS’ EM SISTEMA ORGÂNICO DE PRODUÇÃO
Authors: Dias Nildo da Silva , Sarmento José Darcio Abrantes , De Freitas Jayny Myrelle Chagas , Souza João Victor Goulart de Azevedo , Soares Carla Sonale Azevedo , Silva Saulo Candido de Andrade , De Morais Patrícia Lígia Dantas , Araújo José Edson de Albuquerque
Published: April 2023

A banana é uma fruta de grande importância mundial, consumida em todo o mundo e com demanda crescente a cada ano, principalmente, por frutos orgânicos tanto no mercado interno quanto no externo. Por ser fundamental a caracterização das propriedades físico-químicas das frutas para garantir sua aceitabilidade no mercado, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar tais características físico-químicas da banana ‘Maçã’ e ‘Williams’ produzidas em sistema orgânica de produção. Foram avaliadas as características físicas e físico-químicas: massa fresca, comprimento, diâmetro, coloração (escala – 1 a 7, cromaticidade, ângulo hue e luminosidade), rendimento de polpa, firmeza do fruto(casca) e de polpa, acidez titulável (AT), sólidos solúveis, relação SS/AT e pH. Essas avaliações foram realizadas em buquês com 12 frutos. Os dados foram submetidos a análise descritiva por meio de médias e desvio padrão. A banana ‘Maçã’ e ‘Williams’ produzidas em sistema orgânico são classificadas na categoria Extra. A banana ‘Maçã’ atingiu o amadurecimento completo aos 8 dias de armazenamento em condições ambiente (25,4 ± 0,07 °C e 59,3 ± 1,77% UR), já a ‘Williams’ aos 16 dias nas mesmas condições, apresentando maior vida útil pós-colheita. A banana ‘Maça’ e ‘Williams’ em sistema orgânico apresentam características físicas e físico-químicas adequadas para o consumo.
ACIDENTES E INCIDENTES EM BARRAGENS BRASILEIRAS: UMA ANÁLISE DOS DADOS DISPONÍVEIS NOS RELATÓRIOS DE SEGURANÇA DE BARRAGENS E DA LEGISLAÇÃO VIGENTE.
Authors: Amaro da Silva Romário Stéffano , Silva de Medeiros Allan Benício , Oliveira Júnior Afrânio Pereira , Freitas Neto Osvaldo de , Santos Júnior Olavo Francisco dos
Published: April 2023

No Brasil, o desenvolvimento da engenharia de barragens se vê diretamente relacionado ao próprio desenvolvimento social e econômico do país. Embora fundamentais, as atividades de construção e operação de barragens invariavelmente envolvem algum grau de risco. Este risco deve ser gerenciado através de diversos mecanismos e ferramentas amparados por uma legislação adequada à realidade a qual se aplica.Objetiva-se neste trabalho analisar os dados sobre acidentes e incidentes contidos nos relatórios da Agência Nacional de Águas (ANA), publicados anualmente desde a promulgação da Política Nacional de Segurança de Barragens (PNSB).Essas informações foram catalogadas e analisadas sob diversos filtros, buscando identificar tendências quanto aos tipos de acidentes e incidentes, tipos de materiais componentes do barramento e tipos de empreendedores responsáveis, bem como disparidades entre os dados disponíveis das distintas regiões do Brasil. Todavia, notou-se a ausência de dados básicos sobre diversos eventos reportados, dificultando a elaboração de análises estatísticas mais aprofundadas. Frente à situação constatada, percebeu-se a recorrência desse tipo de falha e discutiu-se a necessidade de melhoria nas metodologias empregadas para a aplicação das diretrizes do PNSB.
Desenvolvimento de Sistemas de Pêndulos Invertidos como Ferramentas Didáticas em Cursos de Engenharia de Controle e Automação
Authors: Breganon Ricardo , Alves Uiliam Nelson Lendzion Tomaz , Ribeiro Fernando Sabino Fonteque , Barbara Gustavo Vendrame , De Almeida João Paulo Lima Silva , Pivovar Luiz Eduardo , Montezuma Marcio Aurelio Furtado , Mendonça Marcio
Published: April 2023

Atualmente, os cursos de engenharia possuem grande carga horária dedicada a estudos teóricos e, com base na aquisição destes conteúdos, um período muito curto do curso é dedicado ao reconhecimento prático e a aplicações dos conceitos investigados. Neste sentido, uma das metodologias para o ensino que introduz a contextualização prática ao estudante consiste na utilização de ferramentas didáticas para a realização de experimentos, tais como bancadas e equipamentos, os quais se tornam elementos chaves no processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Esta metodologia se aplica, principalmente, aos conteúdos relacionados a controle de processos, como por exemplo em sistemas dinâmicos, não lineares, com perturbações, presentes em cursos de engenharia que envolvem controle e automação. Dada a importância das ferramentas didáticas para compreender os conteúdos abordados de maneira teórica, este artigo relata o desenvolvimento de duas ferramentas didáticas para complementar o estudo teórico de sistemas de controle, a saber: um aeropêndulo e um pêndulo Furuta. Em geral, os sistemas de pêndulo invertido apresentam desafios tanto na etapa de modelagem quanto no projeto de controladores. Deste modo, os pêndulos apresentados neste artigo são ferramentas importantes para o ensino de conteúdos relacionados ao controle de sistemas. Uma vez que os protótipos dos sistemas propostos sejam validados por meio de experimentos de controle, os mesmos serão utilizados como ferramentas didáticas em componentes curriculares em cursos de engenharia como, por exemplo, em disciplinas de: sistemas de controle, sistemas realimentados, controle multivariável e controle não linear.
OS OBJETIVOS DO ENSINO DE BIOLOGIA NA CONCEPÇÃO DOCENTE: UM ESTUDO FENOMENOLÓGICO COM PROFESSORES DE ENSINO MÉDIO
Authors: Andrade Maria José Dias , Duré Ravi Cajú , Silva Thayse Azevedo , Abílio Francisco José Pegado
Published: April 2023

A presente pesquisa teve como finalidade investigar as concepções de professores sobre os objetivos didático-pedagógicos do ensino de Biologia. A metodologia foi desenvolvida a partir da abordagem qualitativa com base no método fenomenológico, recorrendo à saturação teórica para o fechamento amostral. Foram realizadas oito entrevistas semiestruturadas com professores de Biologia de escolas públicas de cidade x, estado x, investigando a visão dos professores sobre os objetivos do ensino de Biologia. Os resultados apontam que na concepção dos professores a contextualização dos conteúdos com aspectos do cotidiano dos alunos é o objetivo central, sendo um tema que apareceu na entrevista de todos os docentes entrevistados. Os docentes também lançaram atenção ao fomento de aulas que preparem os alunos para os vestibulares; desenvolvimento da compreensão sobre o funcionamento da natureza; compreensão da linguagem científica; de noções sobre os processos que envolvem o método científico; e a importância da contextualização dos conteúdos da Biologia com os de outras disciplinas escolares. De forma geral, foi possível concluir que as concepções docentes apontam um comprometimento com a formação científica e cidadã dos alunos, mas o direcionamento à preparação para o vestibular pode representar uma distorção dos objetivos de um ensino de Biologia comprometido com a atuação social e com a formação crítica dos estudantes.