bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and development of microcontroller based instrumentation for studying complex bioelectrical impedance of fruits using electrical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Chowdhury A. , Datta S. , Bera Tushar K. , Ghoshal D. , Chakraborty Badal 
Published: November 2017

AbstractElectrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is an electrical impedance technique to characterize the fruits and vegetables in terms of their frequency dependent bioimpedance profile. Standalone, portable, and low‐cost instrumentation is always preferred for conducting EIS procedures. This article reports the studies on the design and development of a Microcontroller based portable impedance measurement system to conduct the EIS studies on the fruits during ripening and storage. The proposed laboratory based EIS system is developed with a Microcontroller ATmega16, a Direct Digital Synthesizers based constant current source AD5930, a current to voltage converter, a low pass filter, and a DSO. To test and evaluate the developed system, the cucumber impedance is studied under the storage condition using EIS to characterize the cucumber freshness from the electrical impedance data. The real parts, imaginary parts of the cucumber impedance are calculated and the Nyquist diagrams are analyzed to study the equivalent circuit analysis. The developed system is compared with a standard impedance analyzer and it is observed that the results obtained from the developed system closely match with the data measured by the commercial impedance analyzer. The developed system is also found suitable for EIS studies of fruits, vegetables, and other biological tissues. The developed system is found low‐cost, fast, and user friendly. PCB based version of the proposed system with display unit will be found as a portable, standalone, and EIS system suitable for outdoor measurement in agricultural‐field applications.Practical applicationsMicrocontroller based low cost electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has been developed and is studied for EIS based fruit ripening analysis. The system is compared with the standard commercial impedance analyzer and it is found suitable fruit ripening characterization, vegetable freshness detection, and health studies of other biological tissues. The microcontroller based EIS system is found portable, low cost, fast, and user friendly device which can be used in laboratory, cultivation fields, cold storages and shops and markets. The developed system allows nontechnical person to operated and collect the data from fruit and vegetable samples. The system acquired data significantly correlate the bioimpedance variation with the ripening states which can be potentially utilized to study the fruit ripening noninvasively at low cost. Hence the product‐form of the developed devise could even be operated by field persons, farmers, and other common men to evaluate the fruit ripening and vegetable freshness.
Design, fabrication, and testing of a pulper for Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.)
Authors: Hmar Baby Z. , Mishra Sabyasachi , Pradhan Rama Chandra 
Published: November 2017

AbstractKendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.) is a minor forest produce commercially grown in India for its leaves for traditional cigarette‐making. Though the fruit has high nutritive value, it is not used for diet purpose. This may be due to the difficulty in extracting the pulp. To address this issue, a brush type pulping machine was developed for Kendu. The pulper consists of the feed hopper, feed rollers, barrel housing, stainless steel cylinder, and a shaft with two nylon brushes. The feed rollers are provided with conical spikes to compress and shear the hardcover of the fruit. The pulper has an overall dimension of 1.2 m × 0.75 m × 0.40 m and a throughput of 50 kg/hr. The housing field area of the machine is 1.130 m2. The overall extraction efficiency of the pulper is 78.36% at an optimized speed and feed rate of 260 rpm and 2.5 kg/min, respectively.Practical applicationsA small‐scale pulper has been designed and fabricated for Kendu fruit, an underutilized minor forest produce. As such, there is no machine to extract pulp from Kendu. Manual removal of hardcover and seeds and separation of the pulp are labor intensive and time consuming. This problem limits the potential use of the fruit. The designed machine will serve as a milling cum pulping machine and would address the issue of underutilization of the fruit. The highly nutritious pulp thus extracted by the pulper can be further processed to various value‐added products. This would certainly increase the commercial use of the fruit and boost income generation to support the livelihood of the people. The designed pulper can also be used for other fruits of similar structure.
Associations of Adolescent Weight Status and Meeting National Obesity‐Related Recommendations
Authors: Cook Jessica A. , McCormick Emily V. , Mickiewicz Theresa E. , Davidson Arthur J. , Main Deborah S. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDAdolescent overweight and obesity are serious health risks, with prevalence varying by sociodemographic group. Studies link children's weight status and sex/race–ethnic differences with meeting recommendations for physical activity and diet. But, research examining the intersection of sociodemographic characteristics, behavior, and weight status is limited. This paper aims to identify sociodemographic differences in the association between adolescent weight status and meeting 6 national obesity‐related recommendations.METHODSIn 2011–2012, the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey was administered to all Denver high school students. Using descriptive and multivariate modeling, we examined subgroup associations between students' self‐reported weight status and physical activity and diet.RESULTSStudents (N = 6652) who met at least 1 recommendation were less likely to be at an unhealthy weight (OR = 0.87); also true for students who met at least 1 physical activity recommendation (OR = 0.80). However, the association varied across subgroups. The association between weight status and meeting at least 1 nutritional recommendation (OR = 0.91) was inconsistent across subgroups. Unexpected patterns also emerged in subgroup associations between meeting specific recommendations and weight status.CONCLUSIONSIdentifying subgroup differences in meeting recommendations and the association with weight status is important in identifying high risk groups and improving policy and programs that target childhood obesity prevention.
Associations Between Health Literacy and Health Behaviors Among Urban High School Students
Authors: Park Aesoon , Eckert Tanya L. , Zaso Michelle J. , Scott‐Sheldon Lori A. J. , Vanable Peter A. , Carey Kate B. , Ewart Craig K. , Carey Michael P. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDHealth literacy is crucial to develop health‐related knowledge, adopt healthy lifestyles, and benefit from health care services. However, research on the association between health literacy and adolescent health outcomes, particularly on their prospective associations, is rare. We assessed health literacy using 3 validated measures, and examined cross‐sectional and prospective associations between health literacy and adolescent health behaviors and outcomes.METHODSWe conducted a short‐term prospective study of 250 adolescents (mean age = 14 years; 57% female; 48% African American) who were entering or in the ninth grade in an urban school district. Health literacy was assessed by individual interviews at baseline, and health‐related behaviors and outcomes were assessed by a paper‐and‐pencil survey at baseline and at a 6‐month follow‐up.RESULTSNearly half of the sample was reading at least 2 grades below expected levels. Lower baseline health literacy was associated with a lower self‐rating of general health, unhealthier diet, heavier weight, and greater engagement in problem behaviors and sexual behaviors at baseline. Lower baseline health literacy also was associated with a greater increase in substance use over time.CONCLUSIONSResults point to the pressing need to improve health literacy in urban high school students.
The Physical Activity Environment and Academic Achievement in Massachusetts Schoolchildren
Authors: Amin Sarah A. , Wright Catherine M. , Boulos Rebecca , Chomitz Virginia R. , Chui Kenneth , Economos Christina D. , Sacheck Jennifer M. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDA supportive school‐based physical activity environment (PAE) is integral to children's physical activity behaviors, but less understood is its association with academic achievement. We aimed to assess the association between PAE and academic performance and whether a stronger relationship exists in lower‐income schools (LIS) compared to middle‐income schools (MIS).METHODSSchoolchildren (grades 3rd to 5th) were recruited from 17 Massachusetts public schools. Schools were classified based on geographic characteristics and free/reduced‐price lunch (FRPL) eligibility (LIS = 7, Median FRPL = 86%; MIS = 10, Median FRPL = 20%). PAE was measured using a 10‐item survey. Mixed‐effects logistic regression models were used to examine associations between PAE and scoring Advanced/Proficient on standardized Math and English Language Arts (ELA) tests.RESULTSDemographic characteristics differed between LIS (N = 278, 5% non‐Hispanic white) and MIS (N = 297, 73% non‐Hispanic white). In LIS, PAE was associated with Math (odds ratio = 5.40, 95% CI = 2.52‐11.54 p < .001), but not ELA test scores (p > .05). There was no relationship between PAE and MIS test scores (p > .05). Schooltime moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity was not associated with test scores (p > .05).CONCLUSIONSA beneficial relationship exists between a high‐PAE and test scores among LIS children, suggesting that the PAE may be associated with a more supportive environment and may be more fundamentally important for lower‐income students.
Fossil charcoals from the Lower Jurassic challenge assumptions about charcoal morphology and identification
Authors: Crawford A. J. , Baker S. J. , Belcher C. M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCharcoal morphometry is increasingly employed in the analysis of Quaternary sediments, but has not been applied in studies of earlier sediments. We present findings relating to charcoal morphometry and morphotypes in a Toarcian sequence, which contains a preponderance of highly elongate forms, and morphometric values well outside expected ranges. SEM imaging reveals elongate particles of two distinct kinds. One originates in conifer xylem, and may be associated with formation at high levels of heating. It is proposed that the other may derive from tree ferns, or from plants with similar growth forms. Our results show the importance of recognizing the wide morphological variation that exists in sedimentary charcoal. Failing to do so may result in serious errors in its identification, interpretation and quantification.
Unfunded Mandates and Fiscal Structure: Empirical Evidence from a Synthetic Control Model
Authors: Ross Justin M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAn unfunded expenditure mandate occurs when governments are required to provide a good or service by a higher level of government without an accompanying revenue source. There are no empirical studies providing causal evidence on the fiscal influence of intergovernmental mandates. This article examines Florida's 1990 constitutional Amendment 3, which sought to limit unfunded state mandates on municipal and county governments. The synthetic control method, an empirical technique for drawing causal inferences from case studies, estimates the effect of Amendment 3 on state expenditures and total transfers to local governments. The results indicate that state expenditures increased by an annual average of 9.5 percent, while state transfers to all local governments were unaffected. However, the municipalities protected by Amendment 3 saw intergovernmental revenue from the state decrease by 10 percent annually, which suggests that remaining mandates likely targeted special districts, encouraging the fragmentation of local public service delivery.
Productivity growth from an international trade perspective
Authors: Lewrick Ulf , Mohler Lukas , Weder Rolf 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis paper presents a framework to assess the relative importance of three key sources of productivity growth that international trade research focuses on: (1) inter‐industry specialization; (2) intra‐industry reallocation of resources across heterogeneous firms; and (3) technological progress. We illustrate how to apply the framework by deciphering the productivity dynamics of the Swiss manufacturing industry. We find that intra‐industry reallocations are the most important source of growth in aggregate total factor productivity, spurred by the productivity growth of large, incumbent firms and the entry of new firms. Inter‐industry specialization and general technological progress, nevertheless, remain important supplementary sources of productivity growth.
(Asymmetric) trade costs, real exchange rate hedging, and equity home bias in a multicountry model
Authors: Pyun Ju Hyun 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThere has been controversy between (two‐country) theory and the empirics about whether hedging against real exchange rate fluctuations in the goods market influences foreign equity holdings. This study reconciles the theory with the empirics by introducing a multicountry framework with asymmetric trade costs. We find that the incentive to hold foreign equities to hedge real exchange rate risk is negligible because multiple trade partners act as a hedging channel for real exchange rate fluctuations. Further, our theory calls for a country's covariance–variance ratio to be constructed as the sum of the bilateral covariance–variance ratios of the multiple partners. The empirical analysis of 24 advanced countries confirms the theoretical prediction.
Indigenous Marital Therapy: A Case of Botswana
Authors: Moeti Bakadzi , Mokgolodi Hildah L. 
Published: October 2017

Botswana has a long history of indigenous marital therapy. This indigenous therapy is embodied in the indigenous philosophy of motho ke motho ka batho (I am because we are). This philosophy promotes togetherness, connectedness, collectiveness, compassion, love and harmony and the building of sustainable relationships among families. The paper explores some of the indigenous therapeutic marital approaches used during wedding ceremonies amongst them, songs, proverbs and group counselling. It also argues that these indigenous marital approaches build family relations and are a continuous source of therapy for the married couple; in addition to relieving women from marital stress and maintaining strong family relationships even after the marriage has ended.
Fetal sheep central haemodynamics and cardiac function during occlusion of the ascending aorta
Authors: Huhta Heikki , Junno Juulia , Haapsamo Mervi , Erkinaro Tiina , Ohtonen Pasi , Davis Lowell E. , Hohimer A. Roger , Acharya Ganesh , Rasanen Juha 
Published: November 2017

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
The fetal aortic isthmus has an important physiological role, allowing communication between the left and right ventricular outputs, which are arranged in parallel. Can the aortic isthmus provide unrestrictive communication between the left and right ventricular circulations during occlusion of the ascending aorta?

What is the main finding and its importance?
During occlusion of the ascending aorta, fetal carotid artery perfusion pressure fell significantly, showing that the aortic isthmus failed to redirect blood flow and pressure from the ductus arteriosus to the aortic arch. This suggests that the aortic isthmus cannot provide unrestrictive communication between left and right ventricular circulations.

The fetal aortic isthmus (AoI) allows communication between left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) outputs and represents an arterial watershed between the brachiocephalic (brain) and subdiaphragmatic (placenta) circulations. To understand the capability of the AoI to maintain the balance between the upper and lower body circulations, we performed a complete occlusion of the fetal ascending aorta in nine chronically instrumented sheep at near term gestation. We hypothesized that the occlusion would significantly decrease LV output and concomitantly increase RV output in order to maintain adequate systemic cardiac output and perfusion pressure to the fetal brain circulation through retrograde filling of the AoI. Fetal cardiac function and haemodynamics were assessed by pulsed and tissue Doppler at baseline, 15 and 60 min after occlusion of the ascending aorta and 15 min after occlusion was released. Carotid artery and jugular vein pressures were monitored. Occlusion of the ascending aorta increased (P < 0.002) RV output from [mean (SD)] 684 (369) to 907 (414) ml min−1 and decreased (P < 0.0001) LV output from 440 (136) to 40 (16) ml min−1. Combined cardiac output decreased (P < 0.02) from 1125 (494) to 946 (417) ml min−1. During occlusion, carotid artery mean pressure decreased from 32 (7) to 12 (7) mmHg (P < 0.0001). Systemic venous pressure was unaffected. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic function deteriorated during occlusion. Right ventricular systolic function improved, while diastolic dysfunction developed. Fetal carotid artery perfusion pressure decreased significantly during occlusion of the ascending aorta, demonstrating that AoI failed to redirect blood flow and pressure from the ductus arteriosus to the aortic arch. Our finding suggests that at near term gestation the aortic AoI cannot provide unrestrictive communication between LV and RV circulations.
Evolution of life in urban environments
Authors: Johnson Marc T. J. , Munshi-South Jason 
Published: November 2017

Welcome to the city
Human populations are shifting en masse to cities, which is leading to rapid increases in the number and extent of urban areas. Such changes are well known to cause declines in many species, but they can also act as alternative selection pressures to which some species are able to adapt. Johnson and Munshi-South review the suite of pressures that urban environments exert, the ways in which species may (or may not) adapt, and the larger impact of these evolutionary events on natural processes and human populations. Understanding such urban evolution patterns will improve our ability to foster species persistence in the face of urbanization and to mitigate some of the challenges, such as disease, that adaptation can bring.

Science
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Ribosomopathies: There’s strength in numbers
Authors: Mills Eric W. , Green Rachel 
Published: November 2017

Molecular mechanisms behind ribosomopathies
Ribosomopathies are t issuespecific disorders that result from mutations in ribosomal proteins or ribosome biogenesis factors. Such disorders include Diamond-Blackfan anemia, isolated congenital asplenia, and Treacher Collins syndrome. Mills and Green review the underlying mechanisms of tissue-specific defects in these and related disorders. Because ribosomes are central to all cellular life, it is puzzling why mutations in components of the ribosome disproportionately affect certain tissues. The authors suggest that ribosome homeostasis is an overarching and simplifying principle that governs the sensitivity of specific cells and tissue types to mutation in components of the translational machinery.

Science
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Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Subchondral Bone Deterioration and Inhibits Cartilage Degeneration in Ovariectomised Rats
Authors: Zhou Jun , Zhong Peirui , Liao Ying , Liu Jing , Liao Yuan , Xie Haitao , Li Neng , Li Xinhong , Sun Guanghua , Zeng Yahua 
Published: November 2017

Objectives To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on subchondral bone mass and cartilage degeneration in an experimental animal model of osteoarthritis (OA) induced by ovariectomy (OVX). Methods Ninety 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following three groups (n = 30 each): sham operation without treatment (control group); OVX without treatment (OVX group);, and ovariectomy with EA treatment (EA group). Rats in the EA group received EA treatment from the day of OVX. Ten rats in each group were randomly killed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after operation. Results EA reduced urine C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen from 4 weeks after OVX, reduced C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type II collagen and body weight from 8 weeks after OVX, and increased serum 17β-oestradiol from 4 weeks after OVX compared with the OVX group (all p<0.01). In the EA group, trabecular bone volume ratio, trabecular thickness and trabecular number increased, and trabecular separation were reduced at each time point compared with the OVX group (p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively). In the EA group, osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression was increased and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) expression was reduced at each time point compared with the OVX group (p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively). Mankin scores and mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) were lower in EA versus OVX groups at 12 weeks after OVX (both p<0.01). Conclusion The results suggest that EA inhibits subchondral bone loss by regulating RANK/RANKL/OPG signalling and protects articular cartilage by inhibiting MMP-13 in OVX rats.
Whole grain-rich diet reduces body weight and systemic low-grade inflammation without inducing major changes of the gut microbiome: a randomised cross-over trial
Authors: Roager Henrik Munch , Vogt Josef K , Kristensen Mette , Hansen Lea Benedicte S , Ibrügger Sabine , Mærkedahl Rasmus B , Bahl Martin Iain , Lind Mads Vendelbo , Nielsen Rikke L , Frøkiær Hanne , Gøbel Rikke Juul , Landberg Rikard , Ross Alastair B , Brix Susanne , Holck Jesper , Meyer Anne S , Sparholt Morten H , Christensen Anders F , Carvalho Vera , Hartmann Bolette , Holst Jens Juul , Rumessen Jüri Johannes , Linneberg Allan , Sicheritz-Pontén Thomas , Dalgaard Marlene D , Blennow Andreas , Frandsen Henrik Lauritz , Villas-Bôas Silas , Kristiansen Karsten , Vestergaard Henrik , Hansen Torben , Ekstrøm Claus T , Ritz Christian , Nielsen Henrik Bjørn , Pedersen Oluf Borbye , Gupta Ramneek , Lauritzen Lotte , Licht Tine Rask 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveTo investigate whether a whole grain diet alters the gut microbiome and insulin sensitivity, as well as biomarkers of metabolic health and gut functionality.Design60 Danish adults at risk of developing metabolic syndrome were included in a randomised cross-over trial with two 8-week dietary intervention periods comprising whole grain diet and refined grain diet, separated by a washout period of ≥6 weeks. The response to the interventions on the gut microbiome composition and insulin sensitivity as well on measures of glucose and lipid metabolism, gut functionality, inflammatory markers, anthropometry and urine metabolomics were assessed.Results50 participants completed both periods with a whole grain intake of 179±50 g/day and 13±10 g/day in the whole grain and refined grain period, respectively. Compliance was confirmed by a difference in plasma alkylresorcinols (p<0.0001). Compared with refined grain, whole grain did not significantly alter glucose homeostasis and did not induce major changes in the faecal microbiome. Also, breath hydrogen levels, plasma short-chain fatty acids, intestinal integrity and intestinal transit time were not affected. The whole grain diet did, however, compared with the refined grain diet, decrease body weight (p<0.0001), serum inflammatory markers, interleukin (IL)-6 (p=0.009) and C-reactive protein (p=0.003). The reduction in body weight was consistent with a reduction in energy intake, and IL-6 reduction was associated with the amount of whole grain consumed, in particular with intake of rye.ConclusionCompared with refined grain diet, whole grain diet did not alter insulin sensitivity and gut microbiome but reduced body weight and systemic low-grade inflammation.Trial registration numberNCT01731366; Results.