bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DANINY PUBLICZNE A EWOLUCJA PODATKÓW MAJĄTKOWYCH
Authors: Białek Ryszard , Bogacki Sylwester , Duboviska Lenka
Published: January 2020

Daniny publiczne są elementem charakterystycznym każdego systemu prawnego, a ich ewolucja jest efektem zmian społeczno-gospodarczych oraz ewolucji systemów podatkowych poszczególnych krajów. Szczególnie ciekawa wydaje się ewolucja danin publicznych na przykładzie podatków majątkowych. Analizie poddano reakcje rynkowe podatników na opodatkowanie, z uwzględnieniem zasady sprawiedliwości opodatkowania.
The effectiveness of therapeutic massage in treating back pain – a case study
Authors: Mroczek Agata
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The Effect of Temperature on the Mechanical Performance of Steel and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Tensegrity System
Authors: Olofin IfeOlorun , Liu Ronggui
Published: January 2020

This paper compares the behavioral pattern of steel and carbon fiber reinforced polymer tensegrity system in a suspen-dome that has a span of 4-m span and a 0.4-m, using the finite element method software – namely ANSYS – to undertake the analysis at various temperature regimes. These comparisons were undertaken in order to validate the performance of carbon fiber reinforced polymer cables. Under cold and hot temperatures, the elastic modulus usually reduces as a result of changes in molecular structure. Previous analysis has shown that carbon fiber reinforced polymer cables are able to resist cold and hot temperatures more than steel cables do as the integrity of steel system begins to deform at high temperatures. However, with their low thermal expansion and esthetic properties, carbon fiber reinforced polymer cables can provide structural stability for a tensegrity system in a suspen dome in regions with high temperature conditions.
mHealth-Based Microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chip for International Health Security
Authors: Abdul Aleem Baig Mirza
Published: January 2020

The increasing threats of emerging and reemerging infectious disease outbreaks demand research and development (R&D) of effective and fit-for-all-purpose tools and technologies for international public health security. Recent advances in biomedical engineering, mostly related to the convergence of communication and network technology in health, i.e., mobile health with microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chip technology can improve the international public health crises and employ in international public health security. Lab-on-a-Chip technology is now commonly found in most research centers, hospitals, and clinics where health care infrastructure is weak, and access to quality and timely medical care is challenging. Microfluidic devices—also known as Lab-on-a-Chip (LoC)—are an alternative for accessible, cost-effective, and early detection medical trials. The mHealth-based microfluidic LoC technology has been under rapid development, and they are becoming influential tools in a wide range of biomedical research and international public health applications. The perspective in this chapter demonstrates a potentially transformative opportunity for the deployment of mHealth with LoC with the fabrication protocols and their potential for strengthening and improving the international public health security. This attempt is not conclusive and exhaustive, and it is anticipated that such a discussion will enable the exchange of ideas between biomedical engineering, microfluidic LoC technology professionals, international public health, and health security experts.
Neuroprotection: The Way of Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Authors: Mendel Nzogang Patrice , Boris Donkeng Martial
Published: January 2020

Neurons are basic structural and functional units of the nervous system with major function being that of integration and interpretation of neuronal input or information. The lifespan of a nerve cell generally last throughout the individual lifetime. However, some physiologic or pathologic processes may affect the neuron causing premature death of this cell or tissue. This premature neurological death caused by pathologic circumstances is what we call neurotoxicity. The biochemical mechanisms put forward to explain neurotoxicity are not fully known. Nonetheless, whatever the mechanism involved, the outcome usually results in apoptosis, pyropoptosis, or necrosis. Examples of these mechanisms include excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, glial cell destruction, vascular interruptions, and inflammation. The idea about possibly protecting neurons against insults using pharmacologic means leads to the birth of the neuroprotection concept. This new concept has emerged based on ongoing research, suggesting it is possible through physical and pharmacological means to prevent or avoid neurotoxicity by the abovementioned mechanisms but with the exception of vascular interruption mechanisms. We will present in this chapter a synoptic view of the inflammatory mechanisms implicated in neurotoxicity and bring out the possible implications in neuroprotection.
Induction and Synchronization of Estrus
Authors: Pal Prasanna , Rayees Dar Mohammad
Published: January 2020

Estrus cycle is a rhythmic change that occur in the reproductive system of females starting from one estrus phase to another. The normal duration of estrus cycle is 21 days in cow, sow, and mare, 17 days in ewe, and 20 days in doe. The species which exhibit a single estrus cycle are known as monstrous and species which come into estrus twice or more are termed polyestrous animals. Among them some species have estrus cycles in a particular season and defined as seasonal polyestrous. It includes goats, sheep, and horses. On the other hand, cattle undergo estrus throughout the year. The estrus inducers can grossly be divided into two parts, that is, non-hormonal and hormonal. Non-hormonal treatments include plant-derived heat inducers, mineral supplementation, uterine and ovarian massage, and use of Lugol’s iodine. The hormones that are used in estrus induction are estrogen, progesterone, GnRH, prostaglandin, insulin, and anti-prolactin-based treatment. Synchronization can shorten the breeding period to less than 5 days, instead of females being bred over a 21-day period, depending on the treatment regimen. The combination of GnRH with the prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α)- and progesterone-based synchronization program has shown a novel direction in the estrus synchronization of cattle with the follicular development manipulation.
The Impact of Collaborative Writing and The Stream of Consciousness Technique on Writing
Authors: Dimililer Çelen , Kurt Mustafa
Published: January 2020

This experimental research study attempted to examine the effectiveness of an advanced writing course integrating the stream of consciousness technique and collaborative writing. The writing course was designed for eleven undergraduate English as foreign language students studying at the English language teaching department. Adopting a mixed methods research design, qualitative and quantitative data were used to answer the research questions. Qualitative data were gathered from pre and post-intervention interviews and the quantitative data from the pre and post-tests. The results revealed that a great majority of the participants made considerable progress in terms of creativity and overall writing performance. The fact that the intervention was effective was apparent in a great majority of the participants’ preference for collaborative writing over individual writing and all participants’ preference for the stream of consciousness technique over traditional writing modes. In terms of the use of the stream of consciousness technique and collaborative writing, it was found that collaborative writing was a more pleasing experience. It was also found that due to the intervention they not only made good progress in terms of their writing skills but also their attitudes changed in a positive way towards writing.
Taxonomic revision of the South American subgenus Canthon (Peltecanthon) Pereira, 1953 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Deltochilini)
Authors: Nunes Luis Gabriel de O.A. , Nunes Rafael V. , Vaz-De-Mello Fernando Z.
Published: January 2020

Canthon (Peltecanthon) is revised in this work. The subgenus now includes four species: C. (P.) staigi (Pereira, 1953), C. (P.) haroldi nom. nov., C. (P.) splendidus Schmidt, 1922 and C. (P.) terciae sp. nov. All species occur in the Atlantic Forest. Maps, natural history information, specimen data and illustrations are provided.
Estudo comparativo da estabilidade global em diferentes tipos de lajes
Authors: Oliveira Murylo Rodrigues Cândido de , Silva Marcos Vinicius Dias da , Teixeira Mateus Borba , Santos Douglas Freitas Augusto dos
Published: January 2020

A verificação da estabilidade global em edifícios de concreto armado é um parâmetro bastante complexo no que tange a resistência e durabilidade da estrutura. Neste trabalho, analisou-se um modelo estrutural para três tipos de lajes, modeladas pelo software AltoQi Eberick v10. O primeiro modelo considera o pórtico com laje maciça. O segundo considera o edifício com laje nervurada e o terceiro, com laje treliçada. Os resultados a serem considerados são o coeficiente Gama-Z e rigidez lateral. Essas análises foram comparadas, e observou-se uma diferença na distribuição das cargas para as vigas, os deslocamentos e, consequentemente, a estabilidade do Edifício, percebeu-se também que os valores de Gama-Z não alteraram de forma significativa, mostrando que as formações de pórtico têm a maior contribuição. Desse modo, os resultados obtidos comprovaram a importância de um estudo comparativo entre as lajes antes da elaboração de projetos estruturais, ressaltado também, é claro, o custo-benefício.
Redução da amplitude térmica por meio de tecnologia verde: estudo de caso no inverno de São Carlos/SP
Authors: Gallardo Nuria Pérez , Oliveira Antonio Carlos Nascimento Passos de , Borges Alan Monteiro , Sousa Flaviany Luise Nogueira de , Costa Stéfane Mireles da Silva
Published: January 2020

A intensificação da densificação urbana vem produzindo uma concentração de edifícios nos centros urbanos que têm aumentado a incidência de impactos ambientais negativos, os quais afetam tanto no microclima urbano quanto nas temperaturas internas das habitações. A vegetação é um indicativo de qualidade ambiental do ambiente construído devido as inúmeras propriedades que auxiliam na redução dos efeitos negativos da densificação nas urbes. O uso de vegetação na arquitetura é uma técnica capaz de proporcionar benefícios térmicos fomentando ambientes internos mais agradáveis e com maior eficiência energética. Considerando isso, esse trabalho objetiva analisar e delimitar os benefícios térmicos que os sistemas vegetais podem oferecer aos ambientes internos. Para isso, foi realizado um estudo experimental com o intuito de compreender o comportamento térmico de quatro células de teste: um protótipo sem vegetação e três protótipos com diferentes combinações nas coberturas e fachadas, instalados numa região de clima tropical, na cidade de São Carlos/SP. Com base nos registros das temperaturas superficiais internas e da temperatura interna do ar foi possível obter a diferença de temperatura entre as células de teste (2,5°C) e mensurar capacidade da vegetação de isolar termicamente. Os resultados apontam que as células que apresentam vegetação possuem amplitudes térmicas menores, o que significa um comportamento mais constante e temperaturas mais atenuadas.
Evaluación del riesgo de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en pacientes afectados con tuberculosis
Authors: Velasco Yánez Jonathan Romel , Cunalema Fernandez Jesus Alberto , Basurto Ivana M. , Eguiguren Chavez Melba , Lozano Milka M.
Published: January 2020

Introducción: La diabetes mellitus y la tuberculosis son problemas de salud emergentes a nivel mundial, su incidencia anual cada vez es mayor pese a todos los esfuerzos que se hacen por mitigarlas y su asociación podría ser un futuro problema de salud a enfrentar. A través de los años, diferentes investigaciones han demostrado que la Diabetes mellitus incrementa el riesgo de contraer tuberculosis entre 2 y 4 veces, es decir, es un factor predisponente pero no existen investigaciones que definan este riesgo de forma inversa. Objetivo: Determinar el riesgo de desarrollar DM2 en pacientes afectados con tuberculosis.Material y método: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo y transversal, la población fueron 60 usuarios que asisten a tomar el tratamiento antifímico en 4 unidades operativas del Distrito de Salud 09D04, zona 8 a quienes se les aplico el test de Findrisc. Resultados: El género masculino presenta un mayor riesgo de desarrollar DM2 junto con el grupo etario de <45 años y 45 – 54 años, de forma general el 48% tienen un nivel de riesgo bajo. Conclusión: La población de pacientes afectados con tuberculosis, aunque presentan niveles de riesgo bajo, este se encuentra presente y es necesario tomar medidas para mitigar este riesgo y prevenir comorbilidades.

Introduction: The diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis are emergent health problems around the world its impact has been growing and growing every year even though health professionals do their best effort to eradicate them and these diseases mutations could be a real health problem to fight against in the future. Through the years, different researches have demostrate that Diabetes mellitus increase the risk of getting sick of tuberculosis 2 and 4 times more frequently, it means it is a predisposing factor, but there are not researches that define this risk in a backward effect. Target: Establish risks of developing Diabetes Mellitus type 2 in patients affected by tuberculosis. Material and Method: A Quantitative, descriptive and transversal study was done, the statistical population was 60 users that take antifimic treatment in 4 Health Centers of District 09D04, zone 8. These users were tested through Findrisc Test. Results: Male patients have more risk of developing Diabetes Mellitus type 2 at the age below 45 years old and between 45 and 54 years old, in general form 48% of patients have a low level risk. Conclusion: The population of patients affected by tuberculosis has a low risk level and it is necessary take actions to mitigate this risk and prevent comorbidity.
Obese Subjects with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Have a Higher Risk of Thyroid Dysfunction
Authors: Kim Minyoung , Kim Soo Kyoung , Jung Jaehoon
Published: January 2020

Objectives The effects of obesity on thyroid function have not been well established. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of body mass index (BMI) and/or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on thyroid function. Methods A retrospective longitudinal analysis was conducted among subjects who underwent comprehensive health check-ups at least four times between 2008 and 2017. Thyroid function was investigated according to BMI or presence of NAFLD at the end of follow-up. The subjects were divided into four groups: control (n = 216), subjects with obese (n = 94), subjects with NAFLD (n = 48), and subjects with obese + NAFLD (n = 93). Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Results During the mean follow-up of 6.8 years (6.8 ± 1.2 years), 42 of the 451 subjects (9.3%) had subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) but no subjects developed overt hypothyroidism. In multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, and baseline thyroid stimulating hormone level, obese subjects with NAFLD had a higher risk of SCH than the control group. Conclusions The obese subjects with NAFLD had a higher risk for SCH in the future.
Tree Pollen Sensitization and Cross-Reaction of Children with Allergic Rhinitis or Asthma
Authors: Park Ye Jin , Hwang Yoon Ha
Published: January 2020

Objectives Tree pollen causes allergic rhinitis and asthma. We investigated children who diagnosed as rhinitis or asthma, living in Busan, for tree allergen sensitization, component allergen, oral allergy syndrome, and the relationship between pollen counts and allergen sensitization. Methods Pollen were collected in Busan, from January 1 to December 31, 2017, using a Rotorod sampler and enumerated using a microscope. We conducted a study of children with rhinitis or asthma at Busan St. Mary's Hospital in 2017, administered an ISAAC questionnaire, and an oral allergy syndrome survey. Serum specific Ig E tests were performed. Results Among the 57 patients, the mean age was 9.3 years. The pollen counts in decreasing order were as follows: pine, alder, oak, juniper, beech, ginkgo, and birch. For sensitization, birch and alder 35.1%, Japanese cedar 19.3%, juniper 17.5%, pine 10.5%, and Japanese cypress 8.2%. The component Ig E was tested in 27 patients. Bet v 1 had a high correlation with birch, alder, and peach. Bet v 2 showed a statistically significant correlation with all tree pollen except cypress. Bet v 4 did not have any apparent correlation. Bet v 6 had the same pattern as Bet v 2, but correlation coefficient was higher than that of Bet v 2. Oral allergy syndrome was noted in 7 patients, including peach, peanut, apple, tomato, kiwi, and sesame. Conclusions Alder and juniper are clinically important tree pollens in Busan. These pollens cause sensitization to birch and Japanese cedar by cross-reaction.
Financial Position Analysis of Livestock Producers in the Republic of Srpska
Authors: Stojanović Tamara , Drinić Ljiljana
Published: January 2020

Our research focuses on the most important indicators of the livestock producers' financial position calculated from the available financial statements. The analysis cover financial data of approximately 85 livestock producers and 315 agricultural companies for the six year period (2010-2015) and is based on the scientific and research methods such as: trend analysis, compilation and comparison, structural analysis, descriptive statistics, calculation of financial indicators and method of inference. The analysis results show that the financial position of livestock production companies in the Republic of Srpska is not acceptable. This means that the livestock industry does not meet the requirements of liquidity (current ratio and quick ratio are below the criteria and the industry average), level of indebtedness (high and above the industry average), interest coverage (negative in average) and solvency level (below the criteria and industry average). Such results indicate that the livestock industry has serious financial problems and needs both internal and systemic measures in order to become more efficient and therefore more profitable and financially sustainable.
Total Number of Cattle in the Republic of Serbia after an Outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease
Authors: Lazić Marko , Nikitović Jelena , Antić Marina , Spasić Zvonko , Pešić Bratislav , Stolić Nikola
Published: January 2020

Numerous studies conducted worldwide indicate a tendency towards a continuous decline in number of cattle. Appropriate measures should be taken to prevent the reduction of the number of cattle and to increase the concentration of animals per farm. In this regard, the objective of this study was to analyze the total number of cattle after an outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in the Republic of Serbia. Due to the occurrence of this highly dangerous infectious disease in the Balkans and Eastern Europe, emergency and preventive vaccination was performed in infected and vulnerable areas in the Republic of Serbia. To prevent the spread of LSD, competent authorities banned public gatherings of cattle at fairs, exhibitions, livestock markets and purchase places, which resulted in economic losses for certain farmers. This disease is believed to have impacted the total number of cattle slaughtered and the number of deaths, as well as the import and export of live cattle, animal products and by-products of animal origin. The comparison between indices for the number of cattle shows a decline in the total number of cattle in the analyzed period across statistical territorial units. Results on the total number of cattle can be used, among other things, to create new and more complex questions arising from current and future farming problems.
The Influence of the Sprayer Control on the Increase in the Productivity of the Machine-Tractor Aggregate in the Protection of Orchards
Authors: Maličević Zoran , Jugović Milan , Mitrić Siniša , Mitrović Dragoljub
Published: January 2020

For the chemical protection of orchards, a research on the surface area of 150 ha was carried out, and a method of spraying was applied. In this method, machines known as orchard sprayer are used, in which, in the presence of the produced air current, liquid disintegration is also carried out at a drop size of 50 to 150 μm. The aim of the research is to improve the precision of work within the control of the device, where the emphasis on the nozzle capacity is primarily augmented, and therefore increases the productivity of the device. The results obtained on the basis of a 10-hour working time prove that the exploitation of the controlled orchard sprayer ensures greater productivity by 2.24 ha on a plot distanced 50 m from the location of the tank refill, i.e., 2.20 ha on a plot distanced 2000 m from the location of the tank refill, for the drawn sprayer of 1.000 l volume. By analyzing the total energy inputs of orchard protection, different application models point to a smaller energy input when using controlled devices on a 50 m range for 7.58%. Energy inputs on a longer distance plot are by 24.68% lower in favor of the treatment of controlled sprayer.
Genomic Selection in Horse Breeding
Authors: Gregić Maja , Dokić Dragan , Bobić Tina , Gantner Vesna
Published: January 2020

The aim of this paper was to present the general aspects of genomic selection in horse breeding and also to provide an overview of existing applications in horses breeding, with particular emphasis on the challenges of implementation and long-term use. Based on conducted review, it could be concluded that breeding organizations must convince horse breeders that genomic selection can be a valuable tool to increase selection success either in sports or in other horse breeding. Genomic selection (GS) allows breeders to evaluate the important traits of offspring even before its birth. GS uses genetic markers to test all relevant traits, including those that are currently very difficult to measure, such as disease resistance, meat quality, horse’s crest height, etc. Finally, to establish the relevant genomic selection in individual breeds or breeding types of horses, it is necessary to create a network of collaboration between breeding associations in order to gather all necessary data.
Determination of Relative Advantages in the Cattle Production of Milk and Meat by Using the Comparative Analysis of Production in the Osijek-Baranja County and Krapina-Zagorje County
Authors: Dokić Dragan , Gregić Maja , Gantner Vesna
Published: January 2020

The use of relative advantages in practice implies that one area concentrates on the products for which there is lower opportunity cost. The Osijek-Baranja County is rich in arable agricultural land. Compared with the Krapina-Zagorje County, where the agricultural land is less represented, it could be said that the Osijek-Baranja County has an advantage in terms of agricultural production. Using the comparative model of production opportunities, this paper analyses that it is necessary to use natural resources and put them into operation after profit. Free trade increases the overall production and consumption of all participants in trade because it enables production specialization in which specific areas have more relative and not absolute efficiency (products with fewer relative marginal costs). The comparative model of production opportunities is the model that points to the production orientation of the goods achieving maximum benefit.
The Fluctuation in Wild Boar Population in the Hunting Area in Eastern Croatia
Authors: Gavran Mirna , Gregić Maja , Tolušić Zrinka , Gantner Vesna
Published: January 2020

Considering the great importance of the wild boar population in Croatia, the objective of this study was to determine the fluctuations of all categories (offspring, young, middle-aged, and mature) of wild boar population in the hunting area in Eastern Croatia during the analyzed period from 2008 to 2018. Based on the conducted analysis, the following can be emphasized: the last recorded maximum of offspring (male, and female) was in 2013, the highest number of young (male, and female) was determined in 2018, the last recorded maximum of middle-aged (male, and female) was in 2014, and the last recorded maximum of mature (male, and female) was in 2013. Considering the situation in the hunting area in 1955, the number of wild boars redoubled in the last 10 years. Compared to 1995 and given the fact that the hunting area today has much more resources available and there is significant human activity that can recreate the wildlife population by releasing heads, there is a possibility that the number of wild boars could increase slowly in the coming years.
Transcriptional adaptation in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Serobyan Vahan , Kontarakis Zacharias , El-Brolosy Mohamed A , Welker Jordan M , Tolstenkov Oleg , Saadeldein Amr M , Retzer Nicholas , Gottschalk Alexander , Wehman Ann M , Stainier Didier YR
Published: January 2020

Transcriptional adaptation is a recently described phenomenon by which a mutation in one gene leads to the transcriptional modulation of related genes, termed adapting genes. At the molecular level, it has been proposed that the mutant mRNA, rather than the loss of protein function, activates this response. While several examples of transcriptional adaptation have been reported in zebrafish embryos and in mouse cell lines, it is not known whether this phenomenon is observed across metazoans. Here we report transcriptional adaptation in C. elegans, and find that this process requires factors involved in mutant mRNA decay, as in zebrafish and mouse. We further uncover a requirement for Argonaute proteins and Dicer, factors involved in small RNA maturation and transport into the nucleus. Altogether, these results provide evidence for transcriptional adaptation in C. elegans, a powerful model to further investigate underlying molecular mechanisms.
The Norway rat, from an obnoxious pest to a laboratory pet
Authors: Modlinska Klaudia , Pisula Wojciech
Published: January 2020

The laboratory rat was the first mammal domesticated for research purposes. It is descended from wild Norway rats, Rattus norvegicus, which despite their name likely originated in Asia. Exceptionally adaptable, these rodents now inhabit almost all environments on Earth, especially near human settlements where they are often seen as pests. The laboratory rat thrives in captivity, and its domestication has produced many inbred and outbred lines that are used for different purposes, including medical trials and behavioral studies. Differences between wild Norway rats and their laboratory counterparts were first noted in the early 20th century and led some researchers to later question its value as a model organism. While these views are probably unjustified, the advanced domestication of the laboratory rat does suggest that resuming studies of wild rats could benefit the wider research community.
Dynamic post-translational modification profiling of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected primary macrophages
Authors: Budzik Jonathan M , Swaney Danielle L , Jimenez-Morales David , Johnson Jeffrey R , Garelis Nicholas E , Repasy Teresa , Roberts Allison W , Popov Lauren M , Parry Trevor J , Pratt Dexter , Ideker Trey , Krogan Nevan J , Cox Jeffery S
Published: January 2020

Macrophages are highly plastic cells with critical roles in immunity, cancer, and tissue homeostasis, but how these distinct cellular fates are triggered by environmental cues is poorly understood. To uncover how primary murine macrophages respond to bacterial pathogens, we globally assessed changes in post-translational modifications of proteins during infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a notorious intracellular pathogen. We identified hundreds of dynamically regulated phosphorylation and ubiquitylation sites, indicating that dramatic remodeling of multiple host pathways, both expected and unexpected, occurred during infection. Most of these cellular changes were not captured by mRNA profiling, and included activation of ubiquitin-mediated autophagy, an evolutionarily ancient cellular antimicrobial system. This analysis also revealed that a particular autophagy receptor, TAX1BP1, mediates clearance of ubiquitylated Mtb and targets bacteria to LC3-positive phagophores. These studies provide a new resource for understanding how macrophages shape their proteome to meet the challenge of infection.
The inner junction complex of the cilia is an interaction hub that involves tubulin post-translational modifications
Authors: Khalifa Ahmad Abdelzaher Zaki , Ichikawa Muneyoshi , Dai Daniel , Kubo Shintaroh , Black Corbin Steven , Peri Katya , McAlear Thomas S , Veyron Simon , Yang Shun Kai , Vargas Javier , Bechstedt Susanne , Trempe Jean-François , Bui Khanh Huy
Published: January 2020

Microtubules are cytoskeletal structures involved in stability, transport and organization in the cell. The building blocks, the α- and β-tubulin heterodimers, form protofilaments that associate laterally into the hollow microtubule. Microtubule also exists as highly stable doublet microtubules in the cilia where stability is needed for ciliary beating and function. The doublet microtubule maintains its stability through interactions at its inner and outer junctions where its A- and B-tubules meet. Here, using cryo-electron microscopy, bioinformatics and mass spectrometry of the doublets of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Tetrahymena thermophila, we identified two new inner junction proteins, FAP276 and FAP106, and an inner junction-associated protein, FAP126, thus presenting the complete answer to the inner junction identity and localization. Our structural study of the doublets shows that the inner junction serves as an interaction hub that involves tubulin post-translational modifications. These interactions contribute to the stability of the doublet and hence, normal ciliary motility.
Structure of the human BBSome core complex
Authors: Klink Björn Udo , Gatsogiannis Christos , Hofnagel Oliver , Wittinghofer Alfred , Raunser Stefan
Published: January 2020

The BBSome is a heterooctameric protein complex that plays a central role in primary cilia homeostasis. Its malfunction causes the severe ciliopathy Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS). The complex acts as a cargo adapter that recognizes signaling proteins such as GPCRs and links them to the intraflagellar transport machinery. The underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Here we present a high-resolution cryo-EM structure of a human heterohexameric core subcomplex of the BBSome. The structure reveals the architecture of the complex in atomic detail. It explains how the subunits interact with each other and how disease-causing mutations hamper this interaction. The complex adopts a conformation that is open for binding to membrane-associated GTPase Arl6 and a large positively charged patch likely strengthens the interaction with the membrane. A prominent negatively charged cleft at the center of the complex is likely involved in binding of positively charged signaling sequences of cargo proteins.
Editorial
Authors: Strom Katie , Ringrose Jessica , Osgood Jayne , Renold Emma
Published: January 2020

This Special Issue offers PhEmaterialisms as a way to explore the world asvital and complex, while simultaneously being response-able to the multiple ethical imperatives of late-stage capitalism. We argue that PhEmaterialist thinking and practices can help us grapple with growing educational complexities, enabling strategies toresist and create alternatives to the patterns of injustice occurring across the world, from burgeoning ethno-nationalist and neo-fascist political movements, to rising global poverty levels, to massive population displacements, to environmental degradation, to toxic internet movements grounded in misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia (Strom & Martin, 2017a). To understand, enquire into, and generate action worthy of the complexity of our times requires a fundamental shift in our thinking and research practice. This shift disrupts the foundational logic on which dominant thinking in education (and indeed, all Western society) is based—humanism and anthropocentrism (Braidotti, 2013; Murris, 2016; Snaza et al, 2014). Instead, we argue that we need to put theories/concepts to work in education and educational research which can better account for the multiple, entangled, ever-shifting, difference-rich nature of processes of teaching, learning, schooling, and activism. For this work, we also draw on a rich feminist legacy attentive to unequal power relations (e.g., Ahmed, 1998; Anzaldua, 1999; hooks, 1994; Spivak, 1978), and our critical approach to rethinking Vitruvian “man” is especially informed by posthuman/new materialist feminist thinkings and thinkers, including Rosi Braidotti, Donna Haraway, and Karen Barad.
Reimagining health and fitness materials: an affective inquiry into collaging
Authors: Safron Carrie
Published: January 2020

This paper, or ‘experiment,’ draws on data from a health and fitness scrapbooking project with four Black and Latinx youth. While the data are part of a longer 18-month visual ethnography (Pink, 2013), the focus here began to consider one week of the project in which the four youth and I interacted with health and fitness related magazines. In that week, we created magazine re-assemblages in our scrapbooks. To reimagine what ‘matters’ for education research and pedagogical practices in health, fitness and physical culture, I re-visited data (Levy, Halse & Wright, 2016) through an affective lens (Deleuze & Guattari, 1987), drawing on PhEmaterialism (Ringrose, Warfield & Zarbadi, 2019). The affective lens produced a collage inquiry entangled with doubt (Holbrook & Pourchier, 2014), wonder (MacLure, 2013a) and slowness (Renold, 2018), which began to open up possibilities to think-see-feel my way through the data and the process differently.
Feeling Medusa: Tentacular Troubling of Academic Positionality, Recognition and Respectability
Authors: Zarabadi Shiva , Taylor Carol A. , Fairchild Nikki , Moxnes Anna Rigmor
Published: January 2020

This article explores a series of tentacular troublings inspired by Donna Haraway’s (2016) concept of String Figuring (SF). We consider these troublings as relational entanglements which produce perturbations of our gender, positioning, recognition, and respectability as feminist academics in Higher Education. We activate tentacular troublings as a refrain for contemplating differences/ings in our academic lives and as a critique of contemporary neo-liberal academia which ossifies, fixes, and freezes feminist flows. The article makes two contributions. The first is to deploy string figuring as a proposition for feminist thinking which troubles the notion of fixed positions in favour of position(ings)-plural in motion. The second is to enact string figuring as a mode of ecriture feminine (Cixous, 1976) in which connections are made, dropped, and picked up in tentacular relays and patterns of entangled encounters, thereby perturbing normative modes of writing and troubling traditional modes of knowledge making. Feeling Medusa helps us with this work. Medusa, as powerful woman, Amazon goddess and gorgon, and vilified proto-feminist whose glance turns men to stone is knotted into our perturbations and troublings; her presence informs and inspires our SF-ing.
Losing my Religion: Bodily Confessions of an Organism Trying to Make a Body without Organs
Authors: Nordstrom Susan Naomi
Published: January 2020

This article is a script of a performance at the 2018 PhEmaterialism conference in London, UK. In this script, I offer a series of bodily confessions, experimental tales of making a Body without Organs (Deleuze & Guattari, 1987) on the neoliberal academic stratum.  Each tale moves between the stratifying forces of the neoliberal academy that seek to organize my organism and experimentations that seek to produce different and more freeing organizations for my organs.  Each tale talks back to the priests of the neoliberal academy by telling what happens to an organism, my organism-my body, as I try to make a Body without Organs.

To situate the script, I provide a lengthy appendix that details narrative reflexivity (Spry, 2011) decisions about the script and performance.  Like any performance piece, the piece is to be viewed, heard, and experienced, rather than read.  Performance pieces are not and should not be read as typical journal articles. They are their own genre of writing that eschews traditional notions of writing.  With this in mind, this appendix provides narrative reflexivity about the performance (Spry, 2011) for readers who may need it.
A Gender Gap in Literacy? Exploring the Affective Im/materiality and “Magic” of Allure with/in a First Grade Classroom
Authors: Dernikos Bessie P.
Published: January 2020

Within this article, I think with (Jackson & Mazzei, 2012) posthumanist theories of affect and assemblage (Deleuze & Guattari, 1987) to argue that literacy learning within a first grade classroom (NYC) involved allure (Thrift, 2008), or more-than-human technologies of public intimacy that were affectively contagious and seemed to take on a life of their own. By doing so, I contribute a new dimension to literacy-gender debates by exploring how the im/material practices of allure emerge to produce entanglement, bliss, and even violence. While male students’ entangled reading practices disrupted popular assumptions of “failing boys,” thereby making new gendered and literate subjectivities possible, these practices, at times, further reinforced rigid heteronormativities. Ultimately, attending to literacy learning as alluring invites more ethically response-able (Barad, 2007) considerations that take seriously how the forces of gender, sexuality, and race work to animate/contain bodies, spaces, and things, as well as shape the un/making of students as “successfully literate.”
Patchworking Response-ability in Science and Technology Education
Authors: Higgins Marc , Mahy Blue , Aghasaleh Rouhollah , Enderle Patrick
Published: January 2020

Within science and technology education, concepts of justice, in/equity, and ethics within science education are simultaneously ubiquitous, necessary, yet un(der)theorized. Consequently, the potential for reproducing and reifying systems of power remains ever present. In response, there is a recent but growing movement within science and technology education that follows the call by Kayumova and colleagues (2019) to move “from empowerment to response-ability.” It is a call to collectively organize, reconfigure, and reimagine science and technology education by taking seriously critiques of Western modern science and technology from its co-constitutive exteriority (e.g., feminist critiques). Herein, we pursue the (re)opening of responsiveness with/in methodology by juxtaposing differential, partial, and situated accounts of response-ability: de/colonizing the Anthropocene in science teacher education in Canada (Higgins); speculative fiction at the science-ethics nexus in secondary schooling in Australia (Mahy); and a reciprocal model for teaching and learning computational competencies with Latinx youth in the US (Aghasaleh and Enderle).
Effects of Spacing and Nitrogen Fertilizer on Growth and Biomass Yield of Mezrut Grass (Echinochloa spp.) under Rain Fed Condition in Western Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Gebrekidan Gebreslasie , Maru Gebrekiros , Markos Shishay
Published: January 2020

Mezrut grass (Echinochloa spp.), which was one of the locally available grass, was released by Humera Agricultural Research Center (HuARC) by intended to contribute paramount role in addressing feed shortage of the area, but yet it is not documented with its appropriate agronomic practices such as nitrogen fertilizer and spacing. This study was conducted at Humera, Kebabo, Banat, Zerbabit and Ruwasa, western zone of Tigray, northern Ethiopia in 2018 under rain fed condition to determine effect of spacing and nitrogen fertilizer on growth and biomass yield of Mezrut grass (Echinochloa spp.). The experiment was arranged in a split plot design with six nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 11.5, 23.0, 34.5, 46.0 and 57.5 kgNha-1) applied in the form of urea and four spacing (40, 60, 80 and 100 cm), with Echinochloa spp. as a test crop. Data were recorded on dry matter yield (DMY), 50% flowering date, plant height and number of tillers at harvest. Statistical significant difference (p<0.05) due to nitrogen fertilizer was observed on DMY, 50% flowering date and plant height at harvest. Similarly, the study also revealed that spacing had significant (p<0.001) effect on DMY and plant height at harvest. Relatively higher DMY and plant height at harvest were obtained from 23.0, 34.5, 46.0 and 57.5 kg Nha-1 as compared with the other treatments set up. Moreover, higher and lower values of DMY and plant height at harvest were obtained from 40 and 80cm spacing, respectively. The study suggested that application of 23.0 kgNha-1 and 40 cm spacing improved biomass yield and plant height at harvest of Mezrut grass (Echinochloa spp.) under rain fed condition and recommended to be implemented. Therefore, application of 23.0 kgNha-1 and 40cm spacing to boost biomass yield and plant height of Echinochloa spp. should be demonstrated and popularized in the study area and other similar agro ecologies of the country.
Techno-Economic Analysis of a Hybrid Mini-grid in Rural Areas: A Case Study of Bangladesh
Authors: Ali Tausif , Ma Hongzhong , Nahian Ahmed Jaudat
Published: January 2020

A techno-economic analysis of a hybrid PV-Diesel mini-grid system in rural Bangladesh is presented in this study. The case-study is done using data from Patar Char village in Patuakhali district of Bangladesh, considering non-electrified households. HOMER simulation compares three system designs: Hybrid PV-Diesel-Battery, PV-Battery, and Diesel-Battery. Hybrid PV-Diesel-Battery system yielded optimum results in terms of the lower cost of energy (COE) of around USD 0.182/kWh. Overall carbon emission of this system is around 307 kg/year, which is lower than the Diesel-Battery system, but higher than PV-Battery system. A sensitivity analysis of PV-Diesel-Battery system is performed, by considering and varying some of the indicators to prove system sustainability and feasibility. The impact of price variability in diesel price, discount rate on COE, and total net present cost (TNPC) showed that PV-Diesel-Battery system is the most feasible option. Finally, a SWOT analysis is also presented to address participatory planning strategy of developing the hybrid energy system.
Contraceptive Use among Senior Secondary School Students in Abakaliki Metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Authors: Ossai Edmund Ndudi , Eze Irene Ifeyinwa , Elechi Chinwe Angela , Elohi Eyiuche Anulika , Umeobieri Ancilla Kate
Published: January 2020

Aims: To determine the use of contraceptives among senior secondary school students in Abakaliki metropolis, Ebonyi State.

Study Design:  A cross-sectional study design was used.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in public secondary schools in Abakaliki metropolis, Ebonyi Nigeria, for a duration of six months

Methodology: A two-stage sampling method was used to select 400 students from 6 out of 18 public secondary schools in Abakaliki metropolis. Information was obtained using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Chi square test and multivariate logistic regression were used in the analysis and level of statistical significance was determined by p value of <0.05.

Results: The mean age of respondents was 17.4±2.3 years and majority (51.5%) were females. More than one fifth (21.5%) have been exposed to sexual intercourse. Majority of the respondents (61.8%) were aware of contraceptives. The major sources of information were school lessons (46.0%) and health workers (40.8%). The contraceptives mostly known included male condom (42.0%), female condom (22.3%) and natural methods (15.3%). Out of the 400 respondents, a small proportion (8.5%) have ever used any method of contraception, and the male condom, was the most used method (82%). Logistic regression showed predictors of contraceptive use to include being <18 years (AOR=0.4; 95% CI: 0.2-0.9), being male (AOR=6.0, 95% CI: 2.0-17.7) and being in senior secondary three class (AOR=0.2, 95% CI: 0.1-0.6).

Conclusion: Only a small proportion of the respondents who were sexually active used any method of contraception. With school lectures as the main source of information on contraception, there is need for more comprehensive sexuality education to be included in the school curriculum.
Circulating ceramide ratios and risk of vascular brain aging and dementia
Authors: McGrath Emer R. , Himali Jayandra J. , Xanthakis Vanessa , Duncan Meredith S. , Schaffer Jean E. , Ory Daniel S. , Peterson Linda R. , DeCarli Charles , Pase Matthew P. , Satizabal Claudia L. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Beiser Alexa S. , Seshadri Sudha
Published: January 2020

Background

We determined the association between ratios of plasma ceramide species of differing fatty‐acyl chain lengths and incident dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia in a large, community‐based sample.

Methods

We measured plasma ceramide levels in 1892 [54% women, mean age 70.1 (SD 6.9) yr.] dementia‐free Framingham Offspring Study cohort participants between 2005 and 2008. We related ratios of very long‐chain (C24:0, C22:0) to long‐chain (C16:0) ceramides to subsequent risk of incident dementia and AD dementia. Structural MRI brain measures were included as secondary outcomes.

Results

During a median 6.5 year follow‐up, 81 participants developed dementia, of whom 60 were diagnosed with AD dementia. In multivariable Cox‐proportional hazards analyses, each standard deviation (SD) increment in the ratio of ceramides C24:0/C16:0 was associated with a 27% reduction in the risk of dementia (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.56–0.96) and AD dementia (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.53–1.00). The ratio of ceramides C22:0/C16:0 was also inversely associated with incident dementia (HR per SD 0.75, 95% CI 0.57–0.98), and approached statistical significance for AD (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.53–1.01, P = 0.056). Higher ratios of ceramides C24:0/C16:0 and C22:0/C16:0 were also cross‐sectionally associated with lower white matter hyperintensity burden on MRI (−0.05 ± 0.02, P = 0.02; −0.06 ± 0.02, P = 0.003; respectively per SD increase), but not with other MRI brain measures.

Conclusions

Higher plasma ratios of very long‐chain to long‐chain ceramides are associated with a reduced risk of incident dementia and AD dementia in our community‐based sample. Circulating ceramide ratios may serve as potential biomarkers for predicting dementia risk in cognitively healthy adults.