bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DASHAT (DAPUR SEHAT ATASI STUNTING ): CHURROS MIX KELORINA SEBAGAI CEMILAN SEHAT CEGAH STUNTING
Authors: Widiyawati* Rina , Virgia Vera
Published: June 2024

Tingginya prevalensi stunting menjadi prioritas yang harus diselesaikan dengan sumber pangan lokal yang melimpah serta tinggi kandungan gizi salah satunya yaitu daun kelor (Moringa Oleifera), pemanfaatan sumber daya alam bisa berpengaruh dalam memberikan kesejahteraa manusia, dengan menjadikan perubahan yang lebih baik untuk kesehatan, salah satunya yaitu kelor. Di beberapa negara, di benua Afrika dan Asia daun kelor direkomendasikan sebagai suplemen yang kaya zat gizi untuk ibu menyusui dan anak pada masa pertumbuhan. Program DASHAT (Dapur Sehat Atasi Stunting) sebagai salah satu upaya pencegahan kejadian stunting. Program DASHAT (Dapur Sehat Atasi Stunting) merupakan program BKKBN yang merupakan kegiatan pemberdayaan masyarakat sebagai upaya pemenuhan gizi seimbang keluarga berisiko stunting (catin, bumil, busui, baduta/balita stunting) dengan memanfaatkan sumber bahan pangan lokal dan dapat juga dipadukan dengan sumberdaya atau kontribusi dari mitra lainnya. Tujuan pelatihan pembuatan produk churros dengan bahan dasar daun kelor ini adalah untuk pencegahan terjadinya stunting, dengan menjadikan produk ini sebagai PMT (pemberian makanan tambahan). Program PMT merupakan sebuah program yang bertujuan untuk kesehatan bayi dan balita, memastikan tumbuh kembang anak sesuai dengan umurnya, dan mencegah stunting. Kegiatan ini dilaksanakan dengan metode ceramah dan metode demontrasi pembuatan churros mix kelorina. Jumlah peserta kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini sebanyak 20 orang kader PKK Desa Sooko. Hasil dari kegiatan ini adalah kader PKK Desa Sooko mengetahui informasi tentang stunting dan memasak cemilan sehat untuk atasi stunting yaitu churros mix kelorina. Diharapkan kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini dapat meningkatkan pengetahuan, memotivasi ibu untuk terus memberikan cemilan sehat serta menumbuhkan jiwa usaha.
Assessment of Walking Index in Spinal Cord Injury Patients Admitted to Tertiary Hospital in Western Maharashtra
Authors: - Yukta Sonar , - Dr. Deepali Hande , - Dr. Noopur Mahajan , - Dr. Aditi khot
Published: June 2024

Background: Spinal cord is trauma or lesion to spinal cord which contains white matter [ascending tracts and descending tracts] and grey matter [ sensory neuron and motor neurons] that results in paralysis of muscles and affects sensory abilities and other body functions below the level of injury. Recovery of walking after paralysis of the muscles of the lower extremities, particularly following acute spinal cord injury is one of the primary goals of patients. In fact, in patients with some preserved walking ability, improvements in walking quality were placed higher than bowel, bladder and sexual function. Physical limitation for walking secondary to impairment is defined at the person level and indicates the ability of a person to walk after spinal cord injury. The development of this assessment index required a rank ordering along a dimension of impairment, from the level of most severe impairment (0) to least severe impairment (20) based on the use of devices, braces and physical assistance of one or more persons.

Aim: Assessment of walking index in spinal cord injury patients admitted to tertiary hospital in western Maharashtra.

Methodology: The study was conducted in a Smt. Sindhutai E. Vikhe Patil Pravara Spinal Cord Centre for SCI Patients according to inclusion criteria. Convenient sampling was done for 20 individuals. The walking index for SCI patients was measured by WISCI II Scale.
Outcome Measure: Walking index for spinal cord injury (WISCII).
Results: It is observational descriptive study, there were 20 participants in this study (females 6 and males14, average age = 27.43 (male) and average age = 27.83(female) (SD =8.41) .WISCI II average Score = 6.45 (SD = 5.52) were documented for the assessment of walking index in spinal cord injury patient, It was found that Average WISCI II score for ASIA SCALE A was (5) (SD = 4.19), average WISCI II score for ASIA SCALE B was (9) (SD = 8.33), average WISCI II score for ASIA SCALE C was (8) (SD = 4.58) for patients admitted to tertiary hospital in western Maharashtra.
Conclusion: The present study concludes strong relation between WISCI II and ASIA A, B, C for patients admitted to tertiary hospital in western Maharashtra. Mean Average WISCI II score for ASIA A is (5) which is ambulates in parallel bars, with no braces and no physical assistance, for 10 meters. Mean Average WISCI II score for ASIA B is (9) ambulates with walker, with braces and no physical assistance, for 10 meters. Mean Average WISCI II score for ASIA C is (8) which is ambulates with walker, no braces and physical assistance of one person, for 10 meters for patients admitted to tertiary hospital in western Maharashtra.
MONTE CARLO AND NUMERICAL METHODS TO SOLVE THE TIME SERIES MODEL
Authors:   Technical University of Civil Engineering, Bucharest, Center for Macroeconomic Modelling, CIUIU DANIEL ,   National Institute for Economic Research ''Costin C. Kiritescu'', Romanian Academy
Published: June 2024

In this paper we will solve the nonlinear system of equations in the parameters of the time series model by Monte Carlo methods and by numerical methods. When we identify the variance and the inter-covariances of time series, we obtain, dividing by variance, a quadratic nonlinear system of equation that does not contain the variance of wihite noise. We use only the autocorrelation function. AMS Subject Classification: 62M10, 91B84, 65C05.
Economic Freedom: A Hayekian Conceptualization
Authors: Kapás Judit , Czeglédi Pál
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we develop a conceptual framework for an understanding of economic freedom based on Hayek (1960), and, as a step further we propose a categorization of government actions, which allows us to conceptualize the measurement of economic freedom in a different way from that of the indexes of economic freedom. This method of proceeding, that is “theoretical framework first, and measurement after, if possible” differs from the one adopted by those who have constructed the indexes of economic freedom. An advantage of our concept of economic freedom is that it is compatible with a theory of growth, and this being so, it provides additional insights to a better understanding of how economic freedom leads to growth.
Membaca Bentuk Dan Pola Geometri Dalam Motif Batik Kawung
Authors: Anastasia Desmeria Br Ginting  , Dessy Kartika Sari  , Khairunnisa Nasution  , Immanuel Hasiholan Siregar  , Imel Fitaloca Tambunan
Published: June 2024

As one of Indonesia's cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO, the Kawung motif holds a wealth of deep aesthetic, philosophical, and symbolic values. Studies on the geometric forms and patterns in the Kawung motif not only offer a better understanding of cultural heritage, but also open up opportunities to explore the relationship between art, mathematics, and philosophy. This research aims to explore the geometric forms and patterns in the Kawung motif in depth, by integrating perspectives from art, mathematics, and philosophy. By analyzing the geometric structure and mathematical principles underlying this motif, as well as relating them to the symbolic and philosophical meanings contained within, it is expected to gain a more holistic understanding of Indonesia's cultural heritage and the intellectual wealth it possesses.
New record of the cirriped Striatobalanus tenuis (Hoek, 1883) from breakwaters at Faw city, Iraq
Authors: Naser Murtada , Yasser Amaal , Abdul-Sahib Ibtisam , Mohammed Dawood , Abdul-Sahib Azhar , Auda Nabaa
Published: June 2024

During intertidal stony shore surveys on the breakwaters at Faw city, Iraqi coast in November 2020, the cirriped Striatobalanus tenuis (Hoek, 1883) was recorded for the first time from the northwest of the Persian-Arabian Gulf attached on the bivalve Brachidontes sp. The morphological characteristics have been briefly discussed in the present paper.
Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Disorders in Patients with Glaucoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Cross-Sectional Surveys
Authors: Yin Junfei , Li Huijun , Guo Nina
Published: June 2024

Objective: Glaucoma is a chronic disease with an insidious onset that often brings severe psychological burden to patients. Therefore, based on a systematic review and meta-analysis, we explore the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety in glaucoma patients, and provide clinically valuable information for medical staff.
Methods: Computer searches were conducted for relevant studies in PubMed, Embase, ProQuest PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, and China VIP Database. The search date range was from the establishment of the database to December 2023. Literature was screened and data were extracted. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the literature, and RevMan5.4 was used for meta-analysis.
Results: The total sample size of the 15 included studies was 24,334 cases. All included studies were of high quality. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that, compared with control patients without glaucoma, patients with glaucoma were more likely to experience depression and to have more severe depressive symptoms [RR (Relative Risk) = 5.92, 95% CI (Confidence Interva) (3.29, 10.66), p < 0.01]; they were also more likely to experience anxiety and to have more severe anxiety symptoms [RR = 2.99, 95% CI (1.93, 4.64), p < 0.01]. The results of the sensitivity analysis showed that the two studies by Cumurcu E. 2005 and Yochim 2012 were the sources of heterogeneity in the meta-analysis of depression; and the three studies by Mabuchi 2012, Otori 2017, and Yochim 2012 were the sources of heterogeneity in the meta-analysis of anxiety disorders.
Conclusion: People with glaucoma are more likely to experience depression and anxiety than people without glaucoma. Medical staff should pay greater attention to patients' emotional problems and help patients improve their quality of life.
Is EEG Entropy a Useful Measure for Alzheimer's Disease?
Authors: Zúñiga Manuel A , Acero-González Ángela , Restrepo-Castro Juan C. , Uribe-Laverde Miguel Ángel , Botero-Rosas Daniel A , Ferreras Borja I , Molina-Borda María C , Villa-Reyes María Paula
Published: June 2024

Background: The number of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) has increased, and it is estimated to continue rising in the coming years. The diagnosis of this disease is challenging due to variations in onset and course, its diverse clinical manifestations, and the indications for measuring deposit biomarkers. Hence, there is a need to develop more precise and less invasive diagnostic tools. Multiple studies have considered using electroencephalography (EEG) entropy measures as an indicator of the onset and course of AD. Entropy is deemed suitable as a potential indicator based on the discovery that variations in its complexity can be associated with specific pathologies such as AD.
Methodology: Following PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was conducted in 4 scientific databases, and 40 articles were analyzed after discarding and filtering.
Results: There is a diversity in entropy measures; however, Sample Entropy (SampEn) and Multiscale Entropy (MSE) are the most widely used (21/40). In general, it is found that when comparing patients with controls, patients exhibit lower entropy (20/40) in various areas. Findings of correlation with the level of cognitive decline are less consistent, and with neuropsychiatric symptoms (2/40) or treatment response less explored (2/40), although most studies show lower entropy with greater severity. Machine learning-based studies show good discrimination capacity.
Conclusions: There is significant difficulty in comparing multiple studies due to their heterogeneity; however, changes in Multiscale Entropy (MSE) scales or a decrease in entropy levels are considered useful for determining the presence of AD and measuring its severity.
Brain Function and Marijuana: Are there Changes after Abstinence of Consumption? Preliminary Results
Authors: Neubauer Sonia , Dörr Anneliese , Lira Sebastián , Rojas Jaime , Seijas Daniel , Ibañez Carlos , Viani Sandra
Published: June 2024

Background: The legalization of cannabis use and false claims about the plant Cannabis sativa to be considered a pharmaceutical product have been found to increase consumption, lower risk perception, and lead to more health problems, without reducing criminal activity. Brain function, typically assessed by neuropsychological tests, shows abnormalities with acute marijuana use, but inconsistent results have been published after abstinence, with a maximum follow-up of 28 days. Our previous research, using neuropsychological tests and brain perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (neuroSPECT), demonstrated consistent abnormalities in brain function among schoolchildren who consume marijuana compared to their non-consuming peers. The aim of this study is to investigate whether brain function changes in 20 adult marijuana users after 6 months of abstinence.
Methodology: Comparison of neuropsychological tests (Rey Complex Figure; Porteus Maze; Four subtests of WAIS-IV Intellectual Tests; STROOP; D2) and perfusion neuroSPECT (functional images), obtained in relation to recent consumption and after 6 months of serial drug-screening test confirmed abstinence.
Results: In a one-year period (2020–2021) only five compliant participants were recruited. The COVID-19 pandemic was a limiting factor. Preliminary results of neuropsychological tests, functional brain perfusion images and limited statistical analysis are presented. The results of the neuropsychological tests of the three subjects who completed the abstinence period so far show some improvement in working memory and attention after abstinence. NeuroSPECT shows disorganized hypoperfusion of variable severity in relation to recent consumption, involving areas associated with cognitive function such as the posterior cingulate and temporal lobes, in our five initially enrolled patients, when compared to a normal database. Of these, only two participants have already been re-evaluated with neuroSPECT after 6 months of abstinence, one of whom showed some improvement on the post-abstinence images.
Conclusion: We analyze the methodological challenges of this research, including the pandemic, to incorporate the appropriate corrections in the next phase of our investigation. Our final findings may provide clinicians and users with information about the long-term effects of marijuana use on brain function.
Suicide Attempt without a Mental Health Diagnosis
Authors: Jimenez-Mayoral Andrea , Irigoyen-Otiñano María
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Suicide in people without a mental health diagnosis pose a clinical challenge that is still poorly understood by psychiatrists, generating the debate between respecting the patient's autonomy right or supporting involuntary admissions after a lethal gesture to rule out psychopathology.
Aims and Methods: The authors take a case of an 81-year-old man without mental health history who, after his first suicide attempt by ingesting floor cleaners, presented acute kidney failure that required to initiate haemodialysis to preserve his life. Despite being aware of the fatal outcome in case of rejecting it, he denied the dialysis and verbalize the persistence of suicide ideation. This publication complies with the agreements of the Declaration of Helsinki and the informed consent was obtained from his wife.
Results: It was finally considered that the patient maintained his capacity for judgment and no involuntary measures were taken, with family consent. Finally, he passed away ten days after carrying out the suicide attempt.
Discussion: He was evaluated up to three times by mental health professionals and, after deciding that he had preserved judgment, his decision was respected. The patient passed away ten days later.
Conclusions: This approach could help psychiatrics better understand suicide behaviour in cases we don't make a mental health diagnosis.
Building the Green Entrepreneur Spirit of Students: The Influence of Entrepreneurship Course and Entrepreneurial Motivation through Entrepreneurial Attitude
Authors: Alim Bahri  , Hasdiansa Ilma Wulansari
Published: June 2024

Entrepreneurship is something that is identified with what entrepreneurs or entrepreneurs have and do. This view is inaccurate because the entrepreneurial spirit and attitude are not only possessed by entrepreneurs, but also by everyone who thinks creatively and acts innovatively, for example farmers, employees, students, and teachers. Entrepreneurs are those who make creative and innovative efforts by developing ideas and gathering resources to find opportunities and improve life. The aim of this research is to explain the influence of entrepreneurship education on the motivation of Entrepreneurship students at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Makassar State University, considering that entrepreneurship education is not evenly distributed among students, or in other words, not all study programs in universities provide entrepreneurship courses. This research approach is a quantitative approach with a correlational research design. Population the research consisted of all 102 UNM Entrepreneurship Students. Meanwhile, the sampling technique uses the Proportional Random Sampling technique, which is calculated using Slovin with a sample of 100 respondents or 22% of the total population. The research method used in this research is quantitative. This research can be a source of information or reference for teaching staff or lecturers so that they can direct and guide students regarding developing entrepreneurial interests. Students are also expected to deepen their interests related to business management so that they are not only focused on the knowledge they produce but are also able to do business. business and develop it.
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Teaching Communication and Ethics in Data Science: A Case Study
Authors: Thatcher Scott , Alberts K. Scott , Beregovska Tetyana
Published: June 2024

By its nature, data science uses ideas and methodologies from computer science and statistics, along with field-specific knowledge, to describe, learn and predict. Recently, storytelling has been highlighted as an important extension of more traditional data science skills such as coding and modeling. Three courses in our new Master in Data Science and Analytic Storytelling program were designed to include interdisciplinary modules, mainly taught by faculty in storytelling-related disciplines, such as Communication and Art & Design. These courses were PDAT 622: Narrative, Argument, and Persuasion in Data Science; PDAT 624: Principles of Design in Data Visualization; and PDAT 625: Big Data Ethics and Security.
Our first cohort serves as a natural case study, allowing us to reflectively analyze our materials and an informal student survey to explore the effects of interdisciplinarity in these novel courses. Results of the student survey show that students generally found value in these interdisciplinary course components, especially in course “signature assignments,” which allow students to actively engage with course content while reinforcing technical skills from previous courses. Examples of these signature assignments are presented in this paper’s supplementary materials.
EL RÉGIMEN SANCIONADOR EN LA LOPSC: MECANISMOS DE ADAPTACIÓN AL PROCESO DESPENALIZADOR
Authors: Brasa Gayoso Julio , Díaz Franchy Raúl
Published: June 2024

Pocas materias son más importantes para garantizar la defensa del ejercicio de los derechos fundamentales reconocidos en las sociedades libres que la seguridad ciudadana y orden público. En esta obra se analiza la compleja relación entre seguridad ciudadana y derechos fundamentales en el contexto de la Ley Orgánica 4/2015, de 30 de marzo, cuando ha transcurrido casi una década desde su entrada en vigor. Los autores analizan la materia de la mano de la jurisprudencia del Tribunal Constitucional, desgranando las tensiones entre libertad y seguridad, así como los desafíos actuales en la protección de derechos constitucionales que se encuentran involucrados en el ámbito de esta norma. Diversos expertos, desde profesionales del derecho hasta miembros de las fuerzas de seguridad, aportan una visión multidisciplinar y práctica sobre esta ley, ofreciendo un enfoque integral que trasciende lo teórico para comprender su impacto en la realidad social y legal.
IDENTIFICACIÓN DE PERSONAS, RESTRICCIÓN DEL TRÁNSITO Y CONTROLES EN LAS VÍAS PÚBLICAS
Authors: Bustos Rubio Miguel
Published: June 2024

Pocas materias son más importantes para garantizar la defensa del ejercicio de los derechos fundamentales reconocidos en las sociedades libres que la seguridad ciudadana y orden público. En esta obra se analiza la compleja relación entre seguridad ciudadana y derechos fundamentales en el contexto de la Ley Orgánica 4/2015, de 30 de marzo, cuando ha transcurrido casi una década desde su entrada en vigor. Los autores analizan la materia de la mano de la jurisprudencia del Tribunal Constitucional, desgranando las tensiones entre libertad y seguridad, así como los desafíos actuales en la protección de derechos constitucionales que se encuentran involucrados en el ámbito de esta norma. Diversos expertos, desde profesionales del derecho hasta miembros de las fuerzas de seguridad, aportan una visión multidisciplinar y práctica sobre esta ley, ofreciendo un enfoque integral que trasciende lo teórico para comprender su impacto en la realidad social y legal.
REGULACIONES Y MEDIDAS DE CONTROL ESPECIALES EN LA SEGURIDAD CIUDADANA: ANÁLISIS DEL CAP. IV DE LA LOPSC 2015
Authors: Varela González José
Published: June 2024

Pocas materias son más importantes para garantizar la defensa del ejercicio de los derechos fundamentales reconocidos en las sociedades libres que la seguridad ciudadana y orden público. En esta obra se analiza la compleja relación entre seguridad ciudadana y derechos fundamentales en el contexto de la Ley Orgánica 4/2015, de 30 de marzo, cuando ha transcurrido casi una década desde su entrada en vigor. Los autores analizan la materia de la mano de la jurisprudencia del Tribunal Constitucional, desgranando las tensiones entre libertad y seguridad, así como los desafíos actuales en la protección de derechos constitucionales que se encuentran involucrados en el ámbito de esta norma. Diversos expertos, desde profesionales del derecho hasta miembros de las fuerzas de seguridad, aportan una visión multidisciplinar y práctica sobre esta ley, ofreciendo un enfoque integral que trasciende lo teórico para comprender su impacto en la realidad social y legal.
ESTUDO DA OBTENÇÃO E CARACTERIZAÇÃO DE MATERIAIS ABSORVEDORES DE RADIAÇÃO ELETROMAGNÉTICA (8,2 - 12,4 GHz) BASEADOS EM FILMES FINOS DE ÓXIDO DE COBRE, COBRE E ALUMÍNIO
Authors: Nohara Evandro Luís
Published: June 2024

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo estudar filmes finos absorvedores de radiação eletromagnética na faixa de frequências compreendidas entre 8,2 - 12,4 GHz, baseados nos elementos químicos cobre e alumínio, com espessuras entre 30 e 100 nm (em passos de 10 nm), depositados sobre substrato do polímero poli (tereftalato etileno), pela técnica magnetron sputtering. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que filmes de cobre com espessuras entre 30nm a 100nm possuem valores médios da energia absorvida entre 10 % (- 0,50 dB) a 48 % (- 2,85 dB), e para o alumínio entre 2,2% (- 0,10 dB) a 10% (- 0,50 dB). A menor absorção do alumínio em relação ao cobre está relacionada a menor condutividade elétrica do alumínio, o que diminui a energia dissipada pelo processo de despolarização elétrica, provocando uma menor absorção da energia da onda eletromagnética.
INTERFACE GRÁFICA APLICADA EM CÉLULA DE MONTAGEM MANUAL DE SUSPENSÃO PARA VEÍCULO AUTOMOTOR
Authors: Bizarria Francisco Carlos Parquet , Bizarria José Walter Parquet , Paula Rogério Oliveira de
Published: June 2024

Este trabalho apresenta uma proposta de arquitetura para sistema que utiliza a interface gráfica como elemento fundamental para auxiliar o desenvolvimento das atividades realizadas pelo operário de uma célula de montagem manual de suspensão para veículo automotor. A implementação desse sistema tem como objetivo estabelecer uma sistemática para a produção dessa célula que seja capaz de definir sequências preestabelecidas para a realização da montagem de cada tipo de suspensão e contribuir na minimização das perdas por montagens inadequadas. Os componentes virtuais elaborados para atender essa interface são expressivos e estão relacionados com cada sequência que é definida para efetuar a montagem da suspensão. A validação da funcionalidade dessa interface é obtida por meio da realização de testes em um protótipo que adota os elementos básicos previstos na mencionada arquitetura. Os resultados positivos observados nesses testes indicam que a interface gráfica proposta neste trabalho é adequada para a aplicação a qual se destina.
Nastoletnie matki jako podgrupa ninis w kontekście polityki urugwajskiej
Authors: Cupisz Jakub
Published: June 2024

Ninis to nazwa, pod jaką znane są w Ameryce Łacińskiej młode osoby, które ani się nie uczą, ani nie pracują, a za ich stereotypową reprezentantkę uważana jest kobieta będąca w ciąży lub posiadająca dziecko, która poświęca się macierzyństwu. Celem artykułu jest analiza sytuacji nastoletnich matek ninis w Urugwaju oraz zbadanie wpływu ciąży na ich relację z systemem edukacji. Problem umieszczony jest w kontekście rozwiązań i legislacji proponowanych ze strony rządowej w ramach polityk równościowych, które mają na celu poprawę sytuacji Urugwajek.
Scaling between cell cycle duration and wing growth is regulated by Fat-Dachsous signaling in Drosophila
Authors: Liu Andrew , O’Connell Jessica , Wall Farley , Carthew Richard W
Published: June 2024

The atypical cadherins Fat and Dachsous (Ds) signal through the Hippo pathway to regulate growth of numerous organs, including the Drosophila wing. Here, we find that Ds-Fat signaling tunes a unique feature of cell proliferation found to control the rate of wing growth during the third instar larval phase. The duration of the cell cycle increases in direct proportion to the size of the wing, leading to linear-like growth during the third instar. Ds-Fat signaling enhances the rate at which the cell cycle lengthens with wing size, thus diminishing the rate of wing growth. We show that this results in a complex but stereotyped relative scaling of wing growth with body growth in Drosophila. Finally, we examine the dynamics of Fat and Ds protein distribution in the wing, observing graded distributions that change during growth. However, the significance of these dynamics is unclear since perturbations in expression have negligible impact on wing growth.
Rule-based modulation of a sensorimotor transformation across cortical areas
Authors: Chang Yi-Ting , Finkel Eric A , Xu Duo , O'Connor Daniel H
Published: June 2024

Flexible responses to sensory stimuli based on changing rules are critical for adapting to a dynamic environment. However, it remains unclear how the brain encodes and uses rule information to guide behavior. Here, we made single-unit recordings while head-fixed mice performed a cross-modal sensory selection task where they switched between two rules: licking in response to tactile stimuli while rejecting visual stimuli, or vice versa. Along a cortical sensorimotor processing stream including the primary (S1) and secondary (S2) somatosensory areas, and the medial (MM) and anterolateral (ALM) motor areas, single-neuron activity distinguished between the two rules both prior to and in response to the tactile stimulus. We hypothesized that neural populations in these areas would show rule-dependent preparatory states, which would shape the subsequent sensory processing and behavior. This hypothesis was supported for the motor cortical areas (MM and ALM) by findings that (1) the current task rule could be decoded from pre-stimulus population activity; (2) neural subspaces containing the population activity differed between the two rules; and (3) optogenetic disruption of pre-stimulus states impaired task performance. Our findings indicate that flexible action selection in response to sensory input can occur via configuration of preparatory states in the motor cortex.
Movement patterns of two reintegrated African elephant (Loxodonta africana) herds: transitioning from captivity to free-living
Authors: Roos Tenisha , Purdon Andrew , Boult Victoria , Delsink Audrey , Mitchell Brett , Kilian Petrus Johannes
Published: June 2024

With the escalating challenges in captive elephant management, the study of elephant reintegration emerges as a pivotal area of research, primarily addressing the enhancement of animal welfare. The term ‘reintegration’ refers to the process of rehabilitating captive elephants to a natural system, allowing them to roam freely without intensive human intervention. There is a relative paucity of research addressing the behavioural adaptations post-reintegration, despite reintegration of over 20 elephants across various fenced reserves in South Africa. Our study centres on two distinct herds of reintegrated African elephants, monitoring their movement patterns in two South African reserves over a 57-month period post-release. The primary goal of the study was to establish whether the flexibility and adaptability of movement behaviour of reintegrated elephants can be considered as one of the indicators of determining the success of such an operation. The second aim of our study was to investigate if the reintegrated elephants demonstrated an adaptability to their environment through their hourly, daily, and seasonal ranging patterns after a period of free roaming that exceeded 4 years. Our findings indicated that reintegrated elephants, much like their wild counterparts (movement based on literature), displayed notable seasonal and diurnal variations in key movement parameters, such as utilisation distribution areas and reserve utilization. These patterns changed over time, reflecting an adaptive shift in movement patterns after several years of free roaming. Notably, the trajectory of changes in movement parameters varied between herds, indicating unique adaptation responses, likely resulting from differences in the reintegration process (familiarity of reserve, season of release, presence of wild elephants). Although our study is constrained by the limited number of reintegrated herds available for analysis, it underscores the potential of captive elephants to successfully adapt to a free-living environment, emphasising the promising implications of reintegration initiatives.
Targeting Uropathogenic Escherichia coli, a Virulent Stains of Urinary Tract Infection: In silico Study of Aloe Barbadensis Miller Phytoconstituents
Authors: S. Gurisha Mikidadi , Rao P.V.Kanaka , Cherupally Laxmikanth
Published: June 2024

The most frequent pathogen linked to the development of UTIs is Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Thus, inhibiting the UPEC protein target (PDB ID 8BVD) would be a viable treatment approach. This study used molecular docking and dynamics to investigate Aloe barbadensis miller antibacterial activity against UPEC bacteria. The Phytoconstituents of Aloe barbadensis miller such as aloe-emodin, cholic acid, and flavonol were downloaded from the PubChem database with nitrofurantoin as a control drug and investigated against the target molecule. Some potential parameters such as docking scores, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity (ADMET), oral bioavailability, root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), hydrogen bonding, radius of gyration, and total energy of the system were examined. According to the docking score results, all ligands showed excellent candidacy as an inhibitor of the 8BVD molecule. The score order was aloe-emodin (-6.6 kcal/mol), cholic acid (-6.8 kcal/mol), flavonol (-6.8 kcal/mol) and nitrofurantoin (-6.1 kcal/mol). Every ligand seemed to possess favorable drug-likeness characteristics and oral bioavailability. Molecular dynamics investigation showed that every ligand demonstrated a strong candidate for an inhibitor in its vicinity of 20 ns. Contrary to cholic acid, which appears to be more stable, aloe-emodin and flavonol showed comparatively high fluctuations. The results of this study imply that the chosen Phytoconstituents may be employed as 8BVD protein inhibitors to combat urinary tract infections. Nevertheless, the room is still available for more research to validate the particular mechanism of UTI treatment through clinical and experimental methods.
Abnormal Eating Behaviour in People with a Specific Phobia of Vomiting (Emetophobia)
Authors: Veale David , Costa Ana , Murphy Philip , Ellison Nell
Published: November 2011

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the eating behaviour in people with a specific phobia of vomiting (SPOV), and whether those identified as restricting their food had a greater degree of psychopathology and impairment than those who do not restrict their food.

Method

We recruited 94 participants with SPOV. They were divided into those who reported restricting their food (SPOV‐R) (n = 32) because of fear of vomiting and those who did not restrict their food (SPOV‐NR) (n = 62).

Results

People with SPOV frequently have abnormal eating behaviours to reduce the perceived risk of vomiting. Only 3.7% had a body mass index (BMI) of less than 17.5, and 8.5% had a BMI of less than 18.5. The SPOV‐R group had significantly higher frequency of psychopathology and abnormal eating behaviours than the SPOV‐NR group.

Discussion

Abnormal eating behaviour, BMI, and the degree of food restriction are important factors in the assessment of SPOV. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Synthesis and chemistry of new spiro‐Δ1‐pyrazoline
Authors: Louhichi Nesrine , Houas Amel , Hamadi Naoufel Ben , Msaddek Moncef
Published: November 2011

In explorations of syntheses and chemistry of spiroheterocycles, we found that the reaction of 2‐diazopropane with (E)‐α‐arylidenepyrrolin‐2‐one, (E)‐α‐arylidene‐γ‐butyrolactone, and (E)‐arylidene‐N‐arylsuccinimide derivatives produced spiro‐Δ1‐pyrazolines. The photolysis of Δ1‐pyrazolines has led to cyclopropanes. The structures of the obtained adducts have been assigned by means of spectroscopic measurements. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
Living syndiospecific polymerization of propylene promoted by C1‐symmetric titanium complexes activated by dried MAO
Authors: Long Ying‐Yun , Wang Yong‐Xia , Liu Jing‐Yu , Li Yue‐Sheng
Published: November 2011

A series of C1‐symmetric titanium complexes with both salicylaldiminato and β‐enaminoketonato as the ligands have been synthesized and investigated as the catalysts for propylene polymerization. In the presence of dried methylaluminoxane (dMAO), the complex with bulky substituent tert‐butyl ortho to alkyl oxygen can promote living polymerization of propylene with improved catalytic activity at ambient temperature, producing high molecular weight syndiotactic polypropylenes (rrrr 90.2%) with narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn = 1.07–1.22), via a propagation of 1,2‐insertion of monomer and chain‐end control of stereoselectivity. The propagation of polymer chain is completely different from that mediated by FI catalysts (the titanium complexes with phenoxy‐imine chelate ligands) which favor 2,1‐insertion of monomer. The interaction between a fluorine and a β‐hydrogen of a growing polymer chain, negligible chain transfer to monomer and dMAO without any free AlMe3 were responsible for the achievement of living propylene polymerization. The substituent ortho to alkyl oxygen determined the stereo structure of the resultant polypropylene. In the case of less steric congested complexes with two nonequivalent coordination positions, the growing polymer chain might swing back to the favorite coordination position (site‐epimerization), forming m dyads regioirregular units. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Elevated sweat chloride concentration in children without cystic fibrosis who are receiving topiramate therapy
Authors: Guglani Lokesh , Sitwat Bilal , Lower Darla , Kurland Geoffrey , Weiner Daniel J.
Published: November 2011

Background

Topiramate, which is used as an anticonvulsant and for migraine prophylaxis in children, causes oligohydrosis as a side‐effect, but its effect on sweat chloride concentrations has not been studied systematically.

Methods

Twenty‐one children receiving topiramate and 20 healthy controls with no signs or symptoms of pulmonary or gastrointestinal disease and a negative family history for cystic fibrosis (CF) underwent bilateral pilocarpine iontophoresis and sweat collection via Macroduct® system.

Results

Adequate samples (>15 µl volume) were obtained from 17/19 topiramate subjects (89%), and 19/20 (95%) controls. The mean sweat chloride concentration was 37.7 ± 18.8 mmol/L for patients receiving topiramate, and 15.9 ± 6.9 mmol/L for controls (p = 0.0001). The mean sweat volume was 29.1 ± 17.4 µl for patients receiving topiramate, and 41.2 ± 17.5 µl for controls (p = 0.037). Overall 8/17 (47%) of patients on topiramate with a measurable sweat chloride had either an intermediate (>40 mmol/L but <60 mmol/L) or elevated (>60 mmol/L) sweat chloride test result, while 0/19 control subjects had elevated sweat chloride (p = 0.0008). Further analysis of the in vitro activity of topiramate on cultured human bronchial epithelial cells in modified Ussing chambers showed no differences in chloride conductance measured in cells exposed to 10 or 50 µg/ml of topiramate when compared to non‐exposed cells.

Conclusions

This is the first report of a medication affecting sweat chloride values and shows that topiramate therapy can cause elevated sweat chloride concentrations in the absence of clinical manifestations of CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:429–433. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bioactivity of short‐chain aliphatic ketones against adults of the granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius (L.)
Authors: Germinara Giacinto S , De Cristofaro Antonio , Rotundo Giuseppe
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: The granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius (L.), is one of the most damaging pests of stored grains, causing severe quantitative and qualitative losses. Sustainable control means, alternative to the commonly used fumigants and broad‐spectrum contact insecticides, are urgently needed owing to legislative limits, the development of resistant insect strains and increasing consumer demand for safe food. Short‐chain aliphatic ketones, known to be emitted by cereal grains and previously identified as repellents to adult granary weevils, were evaluated for their ability to disrupt insect orientation towards wheat grains and as possible natural fumigants.

RESULTS: In behavioural bioassays, 2‐pentanone, 2‐hexanone, 2‐heptanone and 2,3‐butanedione significantly reduced insect orientation towards odours of wheat grains, with 2‐hexanone and 2‐heptanone being the most active. In fumigation tests, all compounds were effective in killing weevil adults, but they performed differently according to chemical structure, speed of action and presence of wheat grains. In the presence of grains, the highest fumigant toxicity was shown by 2‐pentanone (LC50 = 8.4 ± 1.0 mg L−1) after 24 h exposure, and by 2‐pentanone (LC50 = 4.5 ± 0.3 mg L−1), 2‐heptanone (LC50 = 7.1 ± 0.3 mg L−1) and 2‐hexanone (LC50 = 8.1 ± 0.6 mg L−1) 1 week after the treatment end.

CONCLUSION: Short‐chain aliphatic ketones have potential for applications in IPM programmes for the granary weevil because of their behaviour‐altering activity and fumigant toxicity. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Measurement of magnetic susceptibility in pulsed magnetic fields using a proximity detector oscillator
Authors: Ghannadzadeh S. , Coak M. , Franke I. , Goddard P. A. , Singleton J. , Manson J. L.
Published: November 2011

We present a novel susceptometer with a particularly small spatial footprint and no moving parts. The susceptometer is suitable for use in systems with limited space where magnetic measurements may not have been previously possible, such as in pressure cells and rotators, as well as in extremely high pulsed fields. The susceptometer is based on the proximity detector oscillator, which has a broad dynamic resonant frequency range and has so far been used predominantly for transport measurements. We show that for insulating samples, the resonance frequency behavior as a function of field consists of a magnetoresistive and an inductive component, originating, respectively, from the sensor coil and the sample. The response of the coil is modeled, and upon subtraction of the magnetoresistive component the dynamic magnetic susceptibility and magnetization can be extracted. We successfully measure the magnetization of the organic molecular magnets Cu(H2O)5(VOF4)(H2O) and [Cu(HF2)(pyz)2]BF4 in pulsed magnetic fields and by comparing the results to that from a traditional extraction susceptometer confirm that the new system can be used to measure and observe magnetic susceptibilities and phase transitions.
Compression of a magnetic flux in the intergrain medium of a YBa2Cu3O7 granular superconductor from magnetic and magnetoresistive measurements
Authors: Balaev D. A. , Popkov S. I. , Sabitova E. I. , Semenov S. V. , Shaykhutdinov K. A. , Shabanov A. V. , Petrov M. I.
Published: November 2011

A method to determine a value of the effective field in the intergrain medium of a granular superconductor is proposed. The space between superconducting grains is considered to be a Josephson medium where passage of the transport current causes dissipation and the effective field is superposition of external field H and the field induced by magnetic moments of superconducting grains. The method proposed is based on the comparison of hysteresis field dependences of magnetoresistance and magnetization and their relaxation at H = const. By the example of granular YBa2Cu3O7, it is shown that, in the region of weak fields, the effective field in the intergrain medium exceeds by far the external field, i.e., compression of a magnetic flux occurs.
A two-dimensional capillary discharge model considering the ablation and deposition processes
Authors: Li Rui , Li Xingwen , Jia Shenli , Murphy Anthony B.
Published: November 2011

A two-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) model of an ablation-dominated capillary discharge is developed. Special attention is paid to the interaction between the plasma and the capillary in two-dimensional geometry. The mass exchange process is taken into account by adopting a kinetic ablation model and a revised deposition model. The momentum and energy exchange processes associated with the ablated and deposited mass are also considered. By solving this model, key plasma parameters are calculated and presented in the paper. It is shown that distinct two-dimensional features exist in the distribution of these plasma parameters. Further, the calculated temperature results are consistent with previously presented measurements
Silicon nanocrystals doped with substitutional or interstitial manganese
Authors: Chen Xiaobo , Pi Xiaodong , Yang Deren
Published: November 2011

Manganese (Mn)-doped silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) in which Mn is in its most likely substitutional or interstitial location have been investigated. Large differences in magnetic moment are found between Si NCs doped with substitutional Mn and those doped with interstitial Mn. For all the doped Si NCs, quantum confinement affects the electronic states of majority spin more significantly than those of minority spin. As the NC size changes from 1.2 to 1.5 nm, the spin flipping of electronic transition across the NC optical gap occurs for Si NCs doped with substitutional Mn. This leads to significant changes in the optical absorption of Si NCs. It is likely that such spin-flipping also happens for larger (>1.7 nm) Si NCs doped with interstitial Mn.
Molecular dynamics simulation on deformation mechanisms in body-centered-cubic molybdenum nanowires
Authors: Wang Peng , Chou Wu , Nie Anmin , Huang Yang , Yao Haimin , Wang Hongtao
Published: November 2011

A systematic study on the deformation mechanisms of molybdenum (Mo) nanowires (NWs) was conducted using molecular dynamics simulations. Both axial orientation and wire thickness were found to play important roles in determining the deformation pathways. In the NWs with orientation 〈110〉/{111}, full dislocation plasticity is referentially activated on {110} planes. For both 〈100〉/{110} and 〈100〉/{100} NWs, twinning is the dominant mechanism with {112} being the coherent twin boundaries. A progressive slip process leads to a uniform elongation of 41% and the 〈100〉 wire axis reorients to 〈110〉. For 〈100〉/{100} NWs, the reorientation mechanism ceases to operate when the diameter d < 1 nm or d > 8 nm. The atomic chains are energetically preferred for ultrathin NWs after yielding due to the resemblance of the surface to the close-packed bcc planes, while multiple slip systems tend to be activated for larger NWs. Finally, a theoretical model is proposed to explain the underlying mechanism of size dependence of the yield stress.
Tunable magneto-photonic response of nickel nanostructures
Authors: Torrado J. F. , González-Díaz J. B. , Armelles G. , García-Martín A. , Altube A. , López-García M. , Galisteo-López J. F. , Blanco A. , López C.
Published: November 2011

In this letter, we present both experimental and numerical studies of the magneto-optical (MO) properties of nickel infiltrated opals. Ni can show interesting MO properties that can be controlled by nanostructuration through colloidal crystals templating. Nanostructuration allows the coupling of light to surface plasmon modes of Ni, and a clear dependence of the MO response as a function of the structural parameters of the template has been observed. This dependence can be used in future tunable devices such as switchers or MO modulators.
Near-infrared absorbing semitransparent organic solar cells
Authors: Meiss Jan , Holzmueller Felix , Gresser Roland , Leo Karl , Riede Moritz
Published: November 2011

We present efficient, semitransparent small molecule organic solar cells. The devices employ an indium tin oxide-free top contact, consisting of thin metal films and an additional organic capping layer for enhanced light in/outcoupling. The solar cell encorporates a bulk heterojunction with the donor material Ph2-benz-bodipy, an infrared absorber. Combination of Ph2-benz-bodipy with C60 as acceptor leads to devices with high open circuit voltages of up to 0.81 V and short circuit current densities of 5-6 mA/cm2, resulting in efficiences of 2.2%-2.5%. At the same time, the devices are highly transparent, with an average transmittance in the visible range (400-750 nm) of up to 47.9%, with peaks at 538 nm of up to 64.2% and an average transmittance in the yellow-green range of up to 61.8%.
Defect enhanced optic and electro-optic properties of lead zirconate titanate thin films
Authors: Zhu M. M. , Du Z. H. , Ma J.
Published: November 2011

Pb(Zr1-xTix)O3 (PZT) thin films near phase morphotropic phase boundary were deposited on (Pb0.86La0.14)TiO3-coated glass by radio frequency sputtering. A retrieved analysis shows that the lattice parameters of the as-grown PZT thin films were similar to that of monoclinic PZT structure. Moreover, the PZT thin films possessed refractive index as high as 2.504 in TE model and 2.431 in TM model. The as-grown PZT thin film had one strong absorption peak at 632.6 nm, which attributed to lead deficiency by quantitative XPS analysis. From the attractive properties achieved, electro-optic and photovoltaic characteristic of the films were carried out.