bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, optimization, debugging, and simulation of an agricultural biomimetic hexapod robot
Authors: Zhang Wentao
Published: April 2024

This paper comprehensively studies the model establishment, kinematic analysis, hardware design, software development, and agricultural applications of hexapod robot, laying a solid foundation for their practical application in the agricultural field and proposing prospects for future research and development. This article mainly conducts in-depth research on the mechanical design, kinematic analysis, hardware implementation, software development, and application in the agricultural field of hexapod robots. Firstly, a brief introduction to biomimetic robots will be provided, and a comparative analysis will be conducted on existing common legged robots. Afterwards, use solidworks-2021 for 3D modeling to draw the legs and main structure of the robot. In terms of kinematic analysis, by studying the mechanism structure and motion characteristics of hexapod robot, the forward and inverse kinematic equations are derived, and the gait planning and motion control algorithms of the robot are analyzed in detail. These analyses provide a theoretical basis for the robot's program and actual motion. In terms of hardware, a lightweight and high-performance hexapod robot hardware platform has been designed using mainstream controllers such as Borboardino and ultrasonic sensors. This hardware platform has excellent responsiveness and adaptability, and can efficiently move and operate in complex agricultural environments. In terms of software, a comprehensive control system has been developed, including motion planning, action execution, and obstacle avoidance modules. By integrating triangular gait technology and related algorithms, robot can achieve navigation and obstacle avoidance, and perform tasks such as crop planting and spraying in the agricultural field. The simulation file of the hexapod robot was established using CoppeliaSim software, achieving motion based on the robot body, six legs, and end effectors. Finally, a 3D-printer is used to print and assemble all components, and complete the design through debugging and verification. The hexapod robot is capable of autonomous cruising in farmland, completing tasks such as planting and watering crops, providing efficient and intelligent agricultural production solutions for farmers.
High-flow nasal oxygen in resource-constrained, non-intensive, high-care wards for COVID-19 acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure: Comparing outcomes of the first v. third waves at a tertiary centre in South Africa
Authors: Audley G , Raubenheimer P , Symons G , Mendelson M , Meintjes G , Ntusi N A B , Wasserman S , Dlamini S , Dheda K , Van Zyl-Smit R , Calligaro G
Published: April 2024

Background. High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) is an accepted treatment for severe COVID-19-related acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure (AHRF).
Objectives. To determine whether treatment outcomes at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, during the third COVID-19 wave would be affected by increased institutional experience and capacity for HNFO and more restrictive admission criteria for respiratory high-care wards and intensive care units.
Methods. We included consecutive patients with COVID-19-related AHRF treated with HFNO during the first and third COVID-19 waves. The primary endpoint was comparison of HFNO failure (composite of the need for intubation or death while on HFNO) between waves.
Results. A total of 744 patients were included: 343 in the first COVID-19 wave and 401 in the third. Patients treated with HFNO in the first wave were older (median (interquartile range) age 53 (46 - 61) years v. 47 (40 - 56) years; p<0.001), and had higher prevalences of diabetes (46.9% v. 36.9%; p=0.006), hypertension (51.0% v. 35.2%; p<0.001), obesity (33.5% v. 26.2%; p=0.029) and HIV infection (12.5% v. 5.5%; p<0.001). The partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) ratio at HFNO initiation and the ratio of oxygen saturation/FiO2 to respiratory rate within 6 hours (ROX-6 score) after HFNO commencement were lower in the first wave compared with the third (median 57.9 (47.3 - 74.3) mmHg v. 64.3 (51.2 - 79.0) mmHg; p=0.005 and 3.19 (2.37 - 3.77) v. 3.43 (2.93 - 4.00); p<0.001, respectively). The likelihood of HFNO failure (57.1% v. 59.6%; p=0.498) and mortality (46.9% v. 52.1%; p=0.159) did not differ significantly between the first and third waves.
Conclusion. Despite differences in patient characteristics, circulating viral variant and institutional experience with HFNO, treatment outcomes were very similar in the first and third COVID-19 waves. We conclude that once AHRF is established in COVID-19 pneumonia, the comorbidity profile and HFNO provider experience do not appear to affect outcome.
Sémiotique et critique
Authors: Levesque Simon
Published: April 2024

Introduction au 10enuméro de la revueCygne noir, sous le thème « Sémiotique et critique », digiré par Simon Levesque, Fabien Richert et Emmanuelle Caccamo. L’esprit dans lequel le rapprochement entre la critique et les études sémiotiques a été effectué est précisé. La part intrinsèquement critique de la sémiotique est examinée. Une question dirige ensuite la réflexion : comment concilier critique et rationalité ? Puis, les articles composant le dossier sont présentés un à un. Enfin, un constat est posé qui concerne la réflexivité dans les sciences interprétatives. Dans l’ensemble, ce numéro montre que les études sémiotiques peuvent servir au développement d’une, voire de plusieurs perspectives critiques sur le contemporain.
Thomas Sebeok
Authors: Petrilli Susan
Published: April 2024

Partie 1 de 9. Cet entretien a été réalisé en anglais, puis traduit en français et édité par Simon Levesque.
Critique et idéologie
Authors: Petrilli Susan
Published: April 2024

Partie 4 de 9. Cet entretien a été réalisé en anglais, puis traduit en français et édité par Simon Levesque.
Symptomatologie sociale
Authors: Petrilli Susan
Published: April 2024

Partie 8 de 9. Cet entretien a été réalisé en anglais, puis traduit en français et édité par Simon Levesque.
Interface as a Mirror: Reflexivity of the Individual and the Collective
Authors: Aliev Rastyam Tuktarovich
Published: April 2024

In the era of global digitalization, interfaces have become an essential part of social and cultural life, defining the interaction between the individual and the collective. The subject of this article is to analyze the relationship between interface design and socio-ethical aspects of society. The research focuses on how interfaces reflect and shape social norms and ethical values, influencing the processes of self-identification and social integration in the context of global digitalization. Special attention is given to the mechanisms through which interfaces contribute to the formation of personal and collective identity, as well as how they participate in cultivating cultural identities and ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in the digital space. The main goal of the research is to analyze the role of interfaces in the process of forming personal and collective identity, and their impact on the socio-ethical aspects of public life. The research methodology is based on an interdisciplinary approach, combining elements of social philosophy, cultural studies, and design analysis. Qualitative methods, including theoretical literature analysis and case studies, are used to investigate the influence of interfaces on social processes. The study highlights that interfaces facilitate social integration and cultural exchange, influencing socio-cultural identities and norms. Interface design, with its accessibility and inclusiveness, is crucial for social justice and ethical standards in the digital realm. It underscores the importance of ethical considerations in interface development, which significantly affects technology-society interaction and impacts social and cultural dynamics. The research advocates exploring interfaces' social and ethical implications in the digital era, suggesting new academic and practical research directions.
Fungal-bacteria interactions provide shelter for bacteria in Caesarean section scar diverticulum
Authors: Chen Peigen , Chen Haicheng , Liu Ziyu , Pan Xinyi , Liu Qianru , Yang Xing
Published: April 2024

Caesarean section scar diverticulum (CSD) is a significant cause of infertility among women who have previously had a Caesarean section, primarily due to persistent inflammatory exudation associated with this condition. Even though abnormal bacterial composition is identified as a critical factor leading to this chronic inflammation, clinical data suggests that a long-term cure is often unattainable with antibiotic treatment alone. In our study, we employed metagenomic analysis and mass spectrometry techniques to investigate the fungal composition in CSD and its interaction with bacteria. We discovered that local fungal abnormalities in CSD can disrupt the stability of the bacterial population and the entire microbial community by altering bacterial abundance via specific metabolites. For instance,
Lachnellula suecica
reduces the abundance of several
Lactobacillus spp
., such as
Lactobacillus jensenii
, by diminishing the production of metabolites like
Goyaglycoside A
and
Janthitrem E
. Concurrently,
Clavispora lusitaniae
and
Ophiocordyceps australis
can synergistically impact the abundance of
Lactobacillus spp
. by modulating metabolite abundance. Our findings underscore that abnormal fungal composition and activity are key drivers of local bacterial dysbiosis in CSD.
Glutamatergic Supramammillary Nucleus Neurons Respond to Threatening Stressors and Promote Active Coping
Authors: Escobedo Abraham , Holloway Salli-Ann , Votoupal Megan , Cone Aaron L , Skelton Hannah E , Legaria Alex A. , Ndiokho Imeh , Floyd Tasheia , Kravitz Alexxai V. , Bruchas Michael R. , Norris Aaron J.
Published: April 2024

Threat-response neural circuits are conserved across species and play roles in normal behavior and psychiatric diseases. Maladaptive changes in these neural circuits contribute to stress, mood, and anxiety disorders. Active coping in response to stressors is a psychosocial factor associated with resilience against stress-induced mood and anxiety disorders. The neural circuitry underlying active coping is poorly understood, but the functioning of these circuits could be key for overcoming anxiety and related disorders. The supramammillary nucleus (SuM) has been suggested to be engaged by threat. SuM has many projections and contains a poorly understood diversity of populations. We identified a unique population of glutamatergic SuM neurons (SuM
VGLUT2+
::POA) based on projection to the preoptic area of the hypothalamus (POA) and found SuM
VGLUT2+
::POA neurons have extensive arborizations. SuM
VGLUT2+
::POA neurons project to brain areas that mediate various features of the stress and threat responses including the paraventricular nucleus thalamus (PVT), periaqueductal gray (PAG), and the habenula (Hb). Thus, SuM
VGLUT2+
::POA neurons are positioned as a hub, connecting to areas implicated in regulating stress responses. Here we report SuM
VGLUT2+
::POA neurons are recruited by diverse threatening stressors, and recruitment of SuM
VGLUT2+
::POA neurons correlated with active coping behaviors. We found that selective photoactivation of the SuM
VGLUT2+
::POA population drove aversion but not anxiety like behaviors. Activation of SuM
VGLUT2+
::POA neurons in the absence of acute stressors evoked active coping like behaviors and drove instrumental behavior (selective port activations) (
Figure 6
). Also, activation of SuM
VGLUT2+
::POA neurons was sufficient to convert passive coping strategies to active behaviors during acute stress. In contrast, we found activation of GABAergic (VGAT+) SuM neurons (SuM
VGAT+
) neurons did not alter drive aversion or active coping, but termination of photostimulation was followed by increased mobility in the forced swim test. These findings establish a new node in stress response circuitry that has projections to many brain areas, evokes flexible active coping behaviors, and offers new opportunities for furthering our neurobiological understanding of stress.
Transposable elements regulate thymus development and function
Authors: Larouche Jean-David , Laumont Céline M. , Trofimov Assya , Vincent Krystel , Hesnard Leslie , Brochu Sylvie , Côté Caroline , Humeau Juliette , Bonneil Éric , Lanoix Joël , Durette Chantal , Gendron Patrick , Laverdure Jean-Philippe , Richie Ellen R. , Lemieux Sébastien , Thibault Pierre , Perreault Claude
Published: April 2024

Transposable elements (TE) are repetitive sequences representing ∼45% of the human and mouse genomes and are highly expressed by medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC). In this study, we investigated the role of TEs on T-cell development in the thymus. We performed multi-omic analyses of TEs in human and mouse thymic cells to elucidate their role in T cell development. We report that TE expression in the human thymus is high and shows extensive age- and cell lineage-related variations. TE expression correlates with multiple transcription factors in all cell types of the human thymus. Two cell types express particularly broad TE repertoires: mTECs and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC). In mTECs, transcriptomic data suggest that TEs interact with transcription factors essential for mTEC development and function (e.g., PAX1 and REL), and immunopeptidomic data showed that TEs generate MHC-I-associated peptides implicated in thymocyte education. Notably, AIRE, FEZF2, and CHD4 regulate small yet non-redundant sets of TEs in murine mTECs. Human thymic pDCs homogenously express large numbers of TEs that likely form dsRNA, which can activate innate immune receptors, potentially explaining why thymic pDCs constitutively secrete IFN LJ/β. This study highlights the diversity of interactions between TEs and the adaptive immune system. TEs are genetic parasites, and the two thymic cell types most affected by TEs (mTEcs and pDCs) are essential to establishing central T-cell tolerance. Therefore, we propose that orchestrating TE expression in thymic cells is critical to prevent autoimmunity in vertebrates.
The αC-β4 loop controls the allosteric cooperativity between nucleotide and substrate in the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A
Authors: Olivieri Cristina , Wang Yingjie , Walker Caitlin , Subrahmanian Manu V. , Ha Kim N. , Bernlohr David A. , Gao Jiali , Camilloni Carlo , Vendruscolo Michele , Taylor Susan S. , Veglia Gianluigi
Published: April 2024

Allosteric cooperativity between ATP and substrates is a prominent characteristic of the cAMP-dependent catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKA). Not only this long-range synergistic action is involved in substrate recognition and fidelity, but it is also likely to regulate PKA association with regulatory subunits and other binding partners. To date, a complete understanding of the molecular determinants for this intramolecular mechanism is still lacking.Here, we integrated NMR-restrained molecular dynamics simulations and a Markov State Model to characterize the free energy landscape and conformational transitions of the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKA-C). We found that the apoenzyme populates a broad free energy basin featuring a conformational ensemble of the active state of PKA-C (ground state) and other basins with lower populations (excited states). The first excited state corresponds to a previously characterized inactive state of PKA-C with the αC helix swinging outward. The second excited state displays a disrupted hydrophobic packing around the regulatory (R) spine, with a flipped configuration of the F100 and F102 residues at the αC-β4 loop. To experimentally validate the second excited state, we mutated F100 into alanine (F100A) and used NMR spectroscopy to characterize the structural response of the kinase to ATP and substrate binding. While the catalytic efficiency of PKA-C
F100A
with a canonical peptide substrate remains unaltered, this mutation rearranges the αC-β4 loop conformation, interrupting the structural coupling of the two lobes and abolishing the allosteric binding cooperativity of the enzyme. The highly conserved αC-β4 loop emerges as a pivotal element able to control the synergistic binding between nucleotide and substrate. These results may explain how mutations or insertions near or within this motif affect the function and drug sensitivity in other homologous kinases.
Single cell multi-omics analysis of chronic myeloid leukemia links cellular heterogeneity to therapy response
Authors: Warfvinge Rebecca , Ulfsson Linda Geironson , Dhapola Parashar , Safi Fatemeh , Sommarin Mikael N.E. , Soneji Shamit , Hjorth-Hansen Henrik , Mustjoki Satu , Richter Johan , Thakur Ram Krishna , Karlsson Göran
Published: April 2024

The advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a paradigm in molecularly targeted cancer therapy. Nonetheless, TKI insensitive leukemia stem cells (LSCs) persist in most patients even after years of treatment. The sustained presence, heterogeneity and evolvability of LSCs are imperative for disease progression as well as recurrence during treatment-free remission (TFR). However, dynamic changes among LSC sub-populations upon TKI therapy impede their measurement and targeting. Here, we used cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing (CITE-seq) to generate high-resolution single cell multiomics maps from CML patients at diagnosis, retrospectively stratified by BCR::ABL1
IS
(%) following 12 months of TKI therapy as per European LeukemiaNet (ELN) recommendations. Simultaneous measurement of global gene expression profiles together with >40 surface markers from the same cells revealed that each patient harbored a unique composition of stem and progenitor cells at diagnosis demonstrating that cellular heterogeneity is a hallmark of CML. The patients with treatment failure after 12 months of therapy had markedly higher abundance of molecularly defined primitive cells at diagnosis compared to the optimal responders. Furthermore, deconvolution of an independent dataset of CML patient-derived bulk transcriptomes (n=59) into constituent cell populations showed that the proportion of primitive cells versus lineage primed sub-populations significantly connected with the TKI-treatment outcome. The multiomic feature landscape enabled visualization of the primitive fraction as a heterogenous mixture of molecularly distinct Lin
−
CD34
+
CD38
−/low
BCR::ABL1
+
LSCs and BCR::ABL1
−
hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in variable ratio across patients and guided their prospective isolation by a combination of CD26 and CD35 cell surface markers. We for the first time show that BCR::ABL1
+
LSCs and BCR::ABL1
−
HSCs can be distinctly separated as CD26
+
CD35
−
and CD26
−
CD35
+
respectively. In addition, we found the relative proportion of CD26
−
CD35
+
HSCs to be higher in optimal responders when compared to treatment failures, at diagnosis as well as following 3 months of TKI therapy, and that the LSC/HSC ratio was increased in patients with prospective treatment failure. Collectively, the patient-specific cellular heterogeneity multiomics maps build a framework towards understanding therapy response and adapting treatment by devising strategies that either extinguish TKI-insensitive LSCs or engage the immune effectors to suppress the residual leukemogenic cells.
Drosophila HCN mediates gustatory homeostasis by preserving sensillar transepithelial potential in sweet environments
Authors: Lee MinHyuk , Park Se Hoon , Joo Kyeung Min , Kwon Jae Young , Lee Kyung-Hoon , Kang KyeongJin
Published: April 2024

Establishing transepithelial ion disparities is crucial for sensory functions in animals. In insect sensory organs called sensilla, a transepithelial potential, known as the sensillum potential (SP), arises through active ion transport across accessory cells, sensitizing receptor neurons such as mechanoreceptors and chemoreceptors. Because multiple receptor neurons are often co-housed in a sensillum and share SP, niche-prevalent overstimulation of single sensory neurons can compromise neighboring receptors by depleting SP. However, how such potential depletion is prevented to maintain sensory homeostasis remains unknown. Here, we find that the
Ih
-encoded hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide gated (HCN) channel bolsters the activity of bitter-sensing gustatory receptor neurons (bGRNs), albeit acting in sweet-sensing GRNs (sGRNs). For this task, HCN maintains SP despite prolonged sGRN stimulation induced by the diet mimicking their sweet feeding niche, such as overripe fruit. We present evidence that
Ih
-dependent demarcation of sGRN excitability is implemented to throttle SP consumption, which may have facilitated adaptation to a sweetness-dominated environment. Thus, HCN expressed in sGRNs serves as a key component of a simple yet versatile peripheral coding that regulates bitterness for optimal food intake in two contrasting ways: sweet-resilient preservation of bitter aversion and the previously reported sweet-dependent suppression of bitter taste.
Self-reported side effects of COVID-19 vaccines among health professions students in India
Authors: Majumder Md Anwarul Azim , Bharatha Ambadasu , Kumar Santosh , Chatterjee Madhuri , Gupta Subir , Harewood Heather , Singh Keerti , Johnson WMS , Rajasundaram Archana , Dutta Sudeshna Banerjee , Prasad Sangishetti Vijay , Rahman Sayeeda , Kabir Russell , Parsa Ali Davod , Gaur Uma , Rabbi Ahbab Mohammad Fazle , Krishnamurthy Kandamaran , Mohammad Shegufta , Chode Vikram , Haque Mainul , Campbell Michael H.
Published: April 2024

Studies focusing on the safety and common side effects of vaccines play a crucial role in enhancing public acceptance of vaccination. Research is scarce regarding the usage of COVID-19 vaccines and the side effects experienced by health professions students in India and other countries. This study aimed to document self-reported side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccination among medical and dental students of six medical and dental colleges and teaching hospitals in four states (Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal) of India. A cross-sectional survey using purposive sampling of medical and dental students was conducted from 26 April to 26 May 2021. Data was collected using a Google Forms questionnaire capturing information regarding receiving COVID-19 vaccines, side effects and symptoms, onset and duration of symptoms, use of treatment to alleviate symptoms, awareness of haematologic risks associated with vaccination, and side effects from previous (non-COVID-19) vaccinations. The majority (94.5%) of participants received both doses of the Covishield/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Among participants (n = 492), 45.3% (n = 223) reported one or more side effects. The most frequently reported side effects were soreness of the injected arm (80.3%), tiredness (78.5%), fever (71.3%), headache (64.1%), and hypersomnia (58.7%). The two most common severe symptoms were fever (14.8%) and headache (13%). Most side effects appeared on the day of vaccination: soreness of the injection site (57%), fever (43.1%), and tiredness (42.6%). Most reported symptoms persisted for one to three days–soreness of the injection site (53%), fever (47.1%), and headache (42.6%). Logistic regression showed that women were almost 85% less likely to report side effects. The study’s findings corroborate the safety of the Covishield/AstraZeneca vaccine’s first dose, evidenced by the relatively minor and transient nature of the side effects. However, the study underscores the necessity for ongoing research to assess the long-term impacts of COVID-19 vaccines, especially in the context of booster doses, thereby contributing to the global understanding of vaccine safety and efficacy.
Aproximaciones al límite: sistema lineal de reparación de humedales urbanos atravesados por infraestructuras viales
Authors:   , Rodríguez Jaime Miguel Ángel
Published: April 2024

La discusión sobre los límites en arquitectura ha sido desarrollada de manera extensa, tanto en el área de la teoría como en la práctica. Sin embargo, la mayoría de las aproximaciones destacan por una visión antropocéntrica dominante, que obvia las condiciones de habitabilidad de especies no humanas tales como; aves, insectos, hongos o árboles y arbustos. En este contexto, se propone explorar el límite más allá de esta visión, para dar con nuevas problemáticas de conflicto, contacto y coexistencia, a través de un enfoque sistemático que proponga relaciones desde los límites entre diferentes especies. Conforme a ello, esta tesis proyectual se compone de tres capítulos. El primero es de carácter técnico y de diagnóstico del problema y los dos restantes son ensayos, que permiten pensar el límite de dos formas distintas: como línea divisoria (para separar) y como espesor (para unir). Como problemática, se señala a los humedales urbanos atravesados por infraestructuras viales, entendiéndolo como ejemplos del roce en los límites interespecie. Así, ante la pregunta de cómo imaginar un sistema que sea capaz de (re)mediar la relación entre las infraestructuras viales y los humedales afectados por ellas para definir grados de coexistencia favorables para plantas, animales y humanos, se propone un sistema parásito autónomo que se ancla a las infraestructuras viales, con variables de diseño que reparen los daños producidos por las altas temperaturas, la velocidad de los vientos y los altos niveles de ruido que se generan en las infraestructuras viales y que han destruido los humedales de forma permanente. Además, dada la escala del problema, se percibe como una oportunidad de explorar los dispositivos de mediación y definir estrategias de intervención que puedan ser sistematizadas a nivel nacional, frente a la urgencia de la problemática.
Defesa de terceiro em execução como direito da personalidade: requisitos para embargos de terceiro e o êxito no cancelamento da penhora do bem
Authors: Soares Marcelo Negri , Centurião Luís Fernando , Medina Carmem Emanuele Garcia , Padilha Keila
Published: April 2024

O objetivo dessa pesquisa é apontar caminhos para o problema relativo à pertinência dos requisitos para embargos de terceiro como direito da personalidade e o êxito no cancelamento da penhora do respectivo bem. Os embargos de terceiros tem o seu trâmite sob procedimento especial, previsto no Código de Processo Civil, sendo possível sua utilização por quem, não sendo parte no processo, sofre constrição ou sofre ameaça de constrição sobre bens que possua ou sobre os quais tenha direito incompatível com o ato constritivo, poderá́ solicitar o seu cancelamento ou inibição por meio de embargos de terceiros, considera-se terceiro para efeitos da lei o seguinte quem sofre constrição judicial de seus bens por força de desconsideração da personalidade jurídica, que tenha sido parte no incidente, os embargos de terceiros é uma ação autônoma defensiva, uma vez que visam prevenir ou resgatar bens ou direitos ou partes deles, pertencentes a terceiros, de coerção judicial decorrente de processos com os quais não tenham qualquer vinculo. O método científico utilizado para a realização do estudo foi o dedutivo, orientado através de pesquisa bibliográfica e jurisprudencial, chegando-se a conclusão de que alguns direitos da personalidade podem vir a serem violados em uma constrição judicial, motivo pelo qual os embargos de terceiro podem ser medida de proteção dos direitos personalíssimos.
Is Waist to Height Ratio Better than Other Indices of Obesity in Determining Cardiovascular Risk?
Authors: Salawu Abdulkareem , Ojedokun Samson , Akande Joel , Oloyede Taiwo
Published: April 2024

Background: The indices of obesity (measured by Body Mass Index, waist circumference, and weight-to-height ratio) have been observed to be strongly associated with cardiovascular risk. Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of general obesity while waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) are used to measure central obesity, with the latter suggested to be the indicator for the prediction of cardiovascular risks. This study aimed to determine the advantage of WHtR for cardiovascular risk over the use of other indices of obesity.
Methods: The study was a cross-sectional descriptive design carried out among 441 participants at the Metabolic Research Laboratory LTH Ogbomoso excluding pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, thyroid disease, those diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia, those on blood-pressure, blood-glucose or lipid-lowering medications; those on weight-control medications or supplements. A structured self-administer questionnaire was distributed to obtain socio-demographic data of participants. Physical examination was done with anthropometry measurements. Fasting blood samples were obtained for blood glucose and lipid profiles. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21.
Results: The study included 441 subjects with male to female ratio of 1:1.47 mean age of 37.92±11.80 and 34.72±12.16 respectively. Blood pressure, pulse rate, height and other obesity indices except waist circumference were all statistically significantly higher in the males than in the females p <0.05. There was a statistically significant difference in the BMI between the sexes for all categories with the majority of female subjects having abnormal BMI and waist circumference. There was a statistically significant relationship between all the obesity indices (BMI, WHtR & WC) and the cardiovascular risk factors excluding TG and HDLC P <0.05.
Conclusion: It was observed that all indices of obesity measured in this study were sensitive and significant in determining cardiovascular risk. It could be concluded that WHtR does not have a special or greater advantage over BMI and WC as all indices showed a significant association with cardiovascular risks. Also, the level of statistical significance suggested  that either of these obesity indices could be used independently as a predictor of cardiovascular risk.
Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield and Quality of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Ghosh Mandira , Saha Sajal , Kumar Jitendra
Published: April 2024

A field experiment was conducted at Instructional farm, DCAAS College Rampur, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, during the Rabi season of 2022-2023 to evaluate the performance of potato under different integrated nutrient management (INM) options. The experiment was placed in randomised block design (RBD) with five nutrient management options. Various parameters related to plant growth, tuber formation, and tuber weight and yield were examined across different treatment conditions. The results revealed that T5 (Vermicompost + Urea + FYM + Neemcake), representing an integrated nutrient management approach, consistently exhibited the highest plant weight (23.633cm) at different growth stages (30 DAS, 60 DAS, 90 DAS), indicating a positive effect on plant growth. Additionally, T3 (Urea) displayed superior performance regarding the number of tubers in different weight categories (0-25g, 25-50g, 50-75g, and 75g), suggesting enhanced tuber formation. However, the most significant outcome was the consistent superiority of T5 in terms of tuber weight and yield. T5 consistently produced the highest weight of tubers in all weight categories and achieved the highest tuber yield per plot (9.243q h-1). These findings underscore the positive impact of integrated nutrient management practices on tuber weight and overall crop productivity in potatoes. It is important to note that specific details regarding the nutrient management practices used were not provided, necessitating further research to identify the particular combination and types of nutrients employed in T5. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of implementing integrated nutrient management strategies to enhance the growth and yield of potato crops, encouraging further investigation into the optimization of plant growth and tuber yield through nutrient management practices.
Concentration Weathering of some Agrochemicals in Runoff and Soil Interface on the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) Farm, Ilorin, Nigeria
Authors: I. H. Manta, , T. P. Abegunrin, , P.A. Adeoye, , O.K. Fagbenro, , I. A. Abdulsalam , F. B. Akande,
Published: April 2024

Agrochemicals are needed to boost agricultural productivity, but substantial quantities are either transported into surface water through runoff or leached into groundwater, which may eventually lead to environmental degradation and pollution. Although several studies have been carried out on the effects of agrochemicals o soil and water qualities but the rate of dissipation of agrochemicals along their pathways are not fully understood yet. The aim of this study therefore was to investigate the level of dissipation of agrochemical elements and compounds as they moved along the furrow. Four experimental fields - NPK fertilizer, urea fertilizer, pesticides (organochlorine) and herbicides (glyphosate) were prepared for this study. The selected agrochemicals were applied on the experimental field and the concentration of chemical elements (electrical conductivity, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, magnesium, potassium, glyphosate and organochlorine) along the furrow were measured at intervals (1 m on a 20 m row) using standard techniques. The range of electrical conductivity, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, magnesium and potassium concentrations for runoff from NPK fertilizer applied field were: 95.75 - 174.51 µS/cm, 5.72 - 7.54, 0.21 - 0.68%, 0.09 - 0.36%, 0.1 - 0.47 mg L-1, 0.25 - 0.66 mg L-1, 4.63 - 7.88 mg L-1 and 7.28 - 16.15 mg L-1; for runoff from Urea fertilizer applied field, the range were: 176.25 - 186.33 µS/cm, 7.14 - 7.64, 0.21 - 0.48 %, 0.21 - 0.38%, 0.41 - 0.65 mg L-1, 0.23 - 0.49 mg L-1, 5.48 - 7.64 mg L-1and 8. 23 - 10.46 mg L-1. The range of electrical conductivity, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, manganese, zinc and magnesium concentrations for runoff from glyphosate applied field were: 114.00 - 283.78 µS/cm, 6.49 - 7.82, 0.13 - 0.67 mg/kg, 0.03 - 0.09%, 0.41 - 1.60 mg L-1, 0.45 - 2.59 mg L-1, 8.35 - 12.76 mg L-1; and for runoff from organochloride applied field the range were: 344.37 - 380.48 µS/cm, 6.66 - 7.86, 0.30 - 0.56 mg/kg,  0.05 - 0.18%, 0.68 - 0.91 mg L-1, 0.81 - 1.45  mg L-1 12.48 - 14.68 mg L-1. The concentration of agrochemical elements and compounds disintegrate along the furrows on all agrochemical fields except in the case of pH.
Queen Bee Rearing Trials: Making the Hive to the Production of Queen Cells
Authors: Mawussi Koudegnan Comlan , Abdounazirou Agouna , Gabriel Belei Essotolom , Matéyendou Lamboni , Atti Tchabi , Kouami Kokou
Published: April 2024

With a view to implementing a method of producing and breeding bees to ensure their increase in hives, replace aging queens and create new colonies in the event of desertion, an experimental study of breeding trials of queens of the bees were conducted in the C2GA beekeeping farm (Gassana Gafolai Cooperative of Affem Boussou) in the prefecture of Tchamba, canton of Affem, located 18 km from the town of Tchamba to the East (in the Central region). Given the time of the research internship which was granted to us for the writing of our dissertation with a view to obtaining the Professional License in Agricultural Sciences, this experience only lasted three (03) months. She particularly took into account the first stages of breeding: from the manufacture of the hive to the production of the queen cells. The last stage, which concerns the production of queens, was not reached due to an unfavorable beekeeping season and lack of time. The experiment was carried out on ten (10) Dadant-type hives subjected to three (03) methodologies and distributed as follows: two (02) hives for the grafting method, three (03) hives for the Alley method and five (05) hives for the natural method. The results obtained were more conclusive with the natural method. In fact, only the natural method allowed us to obtain queen cells. This study must be summarized and continued during the different honey flow periods and extended to other farms to better facilitate the choice of the best method of production and breeding of queen bees adapted to Togo.
Prática da Lembrança: Perspectivas Teóricas e a Hipótese do Aprendizado Baseado na Simulação Construtiva
Authors: O. Gonçalves Ariel , Jaeger Antônio
Published: April 2024

A large number of recent studies demonstrates that the act of remembering previously studied contents is an eff ective strategy to promote the long-term retention of these contents. This strategy, known as “retrieval practice”, has been viewed as an eff ective strategy to improve learning in diff erent educational settings. However, there is still no consensus about which cognitive mechanisms produce its benefi ts. The present work is a narrative review which covers the main theories about the cognitive mechanisms underlying the benefi ts of retrieval practice. After critically reviewing such theories, we propose a new theoretical account, which is based on cognitive neuroscience fi ndings and intends to resolve inconsistencies found in previous theories. This new hypothesis assumes that the benefi t of retrieval practice results from the engagement of constructive episodic simulations, which are sustained by neural structures of the default mode network. More importantly, while such episodic simulation processes can be engaged by memory tasks, such as retrieval practice, they can be also engaged by tasks involving semantic elaboration or imaginative processes. Consequently, the present hypothesis predicts that the benefi ts of retrieval practice can be reproduced by non-retrieval tasks, as long as they engage constructive episodic simulations. Keywords: Retrieval practice, constructive episodic simulation, memory, learning, cognition
6FDA‐TAPOB hyperbranched polyimide‐silica hybrids for gas separation membranes
Authors: Suzuki Tomoyuki , Yamada Yasuharu , Itahashi Kumi
Published: April 2008

Physical and gas transport properties of hyperbranched polyimide‐silica hybrid membranes were investigated. Hyperbranched polyamic acid as a precursor was prepared by polycondensation of a triamine, 1,3,5‐tris(4‐aminophenoxy) benzene (TAPOB), and a dianhydride, 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA), and subsequently modified a part of end groups by 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTrMOS). The hyperbranched polyimide‐silica hybrid membranes were prepared by sol–gel reaction using the polyamic acid, water, and alkoxysilanes. 5% weight‐loss temperature of the hybrid membranes increased with increasing silica content, indicating effective crosslinking at polymer‐silica interface mediated by APTrMOS moiety. On the other hand, glass transition temperature of the hybrid membranes prepared with methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) showed a minimum value at low silica content region, suggesting insufficient formation of three‐dimensional SiOSi network compared to the hybrid membranes prepared with tetramethoxysilane (TMOS). CO2, O2, N2, and CH4 permeability coefficients of the hybrid membranes increased with increasing silica content. Especially for TMOS/MTMS combined system, the hybrid membranes showed simultaneous enhancements of gas permeability and CO2/CH4 separation ability. It was concluded that the 6FDA‐TAPOB hyperbranched polyimide‐silica hybrid membranes have high thermal stability and excellent CO2/CH4 selectivity and are expected to apply to high‐performance gas separation membranes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Structure and properties of new reversibly crosslinked iPP/LDPE blends
Authors: Bouhelal S. , Cagiao M. E. , Khellaf S. , Benachour D. , Baltá Calleja F. J.
Published: April 2008

Reversibly crosslinked blends of isotactic polypropylene and low density polyethylene (iPP/LDPE) were prepared in the presence of crosslinking agents using reactive extrusion. The structure and properties of the modified blends were investigated by means of wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and macro‐ and micro‐mechanical measurements. The crystallinity of the modified samples (LDPE, iPP, and their blends) does not seem to be so much affected by the crosslinking process. Results show that the microhardness of the iPP/LDPE blends notably increases with the iPP content. The micromechanical properties of the modified blends only improve slightly as a consequence of the crosslinking process. In the iPP samples, and also in the iPP/LDPE blends, this process gives rise to the appearance of new, crystalline ethylenic chains, as evidenced by the calorimetric measurements. Furthermore, the impact strength of the modified materials is improved as compared with that of the original ones, while some of the crosslinked blends show a ductile fracture behavior. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
DIN 1052:2004 – Neue Grundlagen für Entwurf, Berechnung und Bemessung von Holzbauwerken – Teil 3: Bemessung von einteiligen Holzbauteilen
Authors: Lißner Karin , Rug Wolfgang , Steinmetz Dieter
Published: April 2008

Es werden die Nachweise für die Grenzzustände der Tragfähigkeit für einteilige Holzbauteile unter Zug‐, Druck‐ und Biegebeanspruchung beschrieben.
Structural propensities in the heme binding region of apocytochrome b5. II. Heme conjugates
Authors: Davis Ronald B. , Lecomte Juliette T. J.
Published: April 2008

In the absence of heme cofactor, the water‐soluble domain of rat microsomal cytochrome b5 (cyt b5) contains a long flexible region within its 42‐residue heme‐binding loop. Heme capture induces this region to fold into a well‐defined structure containing helices H3‐H5, each separated by a turn, with His39 and His63 serving as axial ligands to the heme iron. We have shown that the H4 region of the apoprotein has the greatest tendency for disorder within the isolated binding loop. Here, the effect of the His63‐iron bond and proximity of heme plane on the population of helical conformation in H4 and H5 was investigated by synthesis and characterization of a peptide‐sandwiched mesoheme construct in which two H4‐H5 peptides were covalently attached to a single cofactor. Spectroscopic data indicated that a holoprotein‐like bis‐histidine coordination state was achieved over a pH range from 7 to 9. Trifluoroethanol titrations of the construct and the analogous free peptide under these pH conditions revealed that heme proximity and iron ligation were insufficient to promote helix formation in H4 and H5. These observations were used to assess the role of disordered regions in heme capture and the loop‐scaffold interface in holoprotein folding and stability. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 90: 556–566, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Oxidation of Aromatic Alcohols in Irradiated Aqueous Suspensions of Commercial and Home‐Prepared Rutile TiO2: A Selectivity Study
Authors: Augugliaro Vincenzo , Caronna Tullio , Loddo Vittorio , Marcì Giuseppe , Palmisano Giovanni , Palmisano Leonardo , Yurdakal Sedat
Published: April 2008

The photocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol (BA) and 4‐methoxybenzyl alcohol (MBA) has been performed in pure water by using commercial TiO2 samples (Sigma‐Aldrich, Merck, Degussa P25) and rutile TiO2 prepared from TiCl4 at low temperature. Particular attention has been devoted to the identification of the produced aromatic compounds along with the formed CO2. Oxidation products such as the corresponding aromatic aldehyde and acid, as well as mono‐ and dihydroxylated aldehydes have been detected. The home‐prepared rutile sample showed a marked selectivity towards the formation of the aromatic aldehyde (38 and 60 % for BA and MBA, respectively), resulting in a three‐ to sevenfold improvement relative to commercial samples, with the only byproduct being CO2. This catalyst was found to be the most selective in the formation of aldehyde in water. By using the commercial or the calcined home‐prepared samples, many hydroxylated aromatic compounds were detected besides the aldehyde and the acid. This finding points to a higher selectivity performance of the home‐prepared rutile relative to the commercial TiO2 samples. Some of the home‐prepared samples were also dialysed to check the influence of the presence of Cl− species on catalyst reactivity and selectivity. We have attempted to explain the different reaction rate and selectivity observed for MBA and BA.
Grenzflächeneffekte bei Markenartikeln. Reinigungsmittel und Kosmetika
Authors: Nordskog Anette , von Rybinski Wolfgang
Published: April 2008

Das komplexe Leistungsprofil chemischer Markenartikel für das Waschen und Reinigen sowie in der Kosmetik und ihre Zusammensetzung aus zahlreichen Wirkstoffen erfordern eine genaue Kenntnis der physikalisch‐chemischen Eigenschaften und der Wechselwirkung der Einzelkomponenten. Speziell physikalisch‐chemische Grenzflächeneffekte beeinflussen die Wirkung dieser Produkte. An grundlegenden Ergebnissen zum Ablaufverhalten wässriger Tensidlösungen von harten Oberflächen, der Bildung von Tensidschäumen und der Herstellung von stabilen dünnflüssigen Emulsionen wird aufgezeigt, welche Bedeutung die Grenzflächenforschung für Produkte für den Endverbraucher hat und welche Fortschritte erzielt werden konnten.
Modellmembranen auf Oberflächen. Verankert und doch mobil
Authors: Steinem Claudia , Janshoff Andreas
Published: April 2008

Membranmodelle, die auf Festkörperoberflächen verankert sind, ermöglichen es, elektrische Verfahren sowie oberflächenanalytische und abbildende Methoden einzusetzen. So kann mit Membranen auf Oberflächen die laterale Organisation von Lipiden und Proteinen bis in den Nanometerbereich hinein visualisiert werden. Gleichzeitig sind diese Membranen sehr stabil und damit attraktiv für verschiedene Bereiche der Biosensorik. Durch eine individuelle Adressierung kleinster mikrometergroßer Membranareale mit verschiedenen Lipidkompositionen ist es möglich geworden, die Bindung von Proteinen an funktionale Membranen auf kleinstem Raum zu quantifizieren und zu parallelisieren. Für die Untersuchung von Transmembranproteinen haben sich neben den klassischen freitragenden und festkörperunterstützten Lipidmembranen in den letzten Jahren neue Systeme entwickelt, die als Hybrid dieser beiden Membrantypen angesehen werden können. Diese Entwicklungen sind gerade für die Wirkstoffforschung von Interesse, da die Mehrzahl aller Zielstrukturen von Wirkstoffen Transmembranproteine sind.
Alltägliche Phänomene. Grenzflächenchemische Spezialitäten
Authors: Venzmer Joachim
Published: April 2008

In vielen Bereichen des täglichen Lebens begegnen wir Grenzflächen, an denen sowohl kationische Tenside als auch Silikontenside eine wichtige Rolle spielen, aber dies passiert wahrscheinlich für die meisten Verbraucher mehr oder weniger unbewusst. Zum einen wird in diesem Artikel darauf eingegangen, wie die Trocknungshilfe in der Autowaschanlage wirkt und welche Vorgänge hinter Haarkonditionieren und Wäscheweichspülen stehen. Zum anderen wird gezeigt, welche im Grunde genommen widersprüchlichen Funktionen durch Silikontenside erfüllt werden können, von der Schaumstabilisierung in Polyurethanschäumen bis zum Entschäumen von Ölen.
Maßgeschneiderte Organische Oberflächen. Dünnstschichten
Authors: Kind Martin , Wöll Christof
Published: April 2008

Physik und Chemie an organischen Oberflächen stellen ein hochinteressanes Forschungsgebiet dar. Modellsysteme, die durch die Selbstassemblierung von Organothiolen hergestellt werden, bieten optimale Voraussetzungen für eine systematische Erkundung der grundlegenden Eigenschaften derartiger “weicher” Oberflächen. Dieser Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die Charakterisierung von SAMs (selbst‐assemblierten Monolagen) mit einer Vielzahl von oberflächenanalytischen Methoden und vermittelt grundlegende Einblicke in die hohe strukturelle Qualität und die enorme Vielseitigkeit der damit hergestellten organischen Oberflächen – bei einer gleichzeitig bestechenden Einfachheit der Herstellung. Der Artikel beschreibt auch einige grundlegende Anwendungsbeispiele wie die Deponierung von Metallen, die Herstellung biokompatibler Oberflächen und die Verankerung von Proteinen oder hochporösen molekularen Gitterstrukturen.