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Focusing on three 'Instagram-ready' art installations, this article suggests that a special kind of consumer – the 'creative child' – is being developed at the intersection between immersive art spaces and social media technologies. Using a multi-method approach blending ethnography in art exhibitions and netnography on Instagram, the study elaborates on how a consumer 'becoming' – a never-ending process of forming the self – emerges from affordances of these environments that foster the elements of childlike creativity: imaginativeness, emotiveness and playfulness. It argues that 'becoming' goes beyond the social media performance of the self. Through approaching adult consumers as 'creative children', the study illustrates how the consumer is enabled to tap into creativity in novel ways, and how following the therapeutic ethos and reconnecting to the 'inner child' can create a sense of an open future, full of possibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the meshing mechanism of classic conic worm drive and provide a theoretical basis for creating other types of worm drive, a complete meshing theory on the proposed worm pair and its meshing performance are investigated. A new mathematical model containing a full set of geometric parameters on this drive is established using differential geometry. The formulae for calculating the reference point coordinates in different coordinate systems are attained, and then the blank size of the conical worm wheel is given. To build tooth surface boundaries, the meshing theory based on reference point is applied, which ensures the location of this point on the tooth surface. By solving multivariate nonlinear equation system in MATLAB environment, these conjugate regions and instantaneous contact lines are plotted within the axial section of the conic worm pair, at the same time, these values of sliding angle and induced principal curvature at meshing points are calculated. Finally, a numerical study is performed and the results verify that the conic worm pair has a relatively high tooth surface utilization ratio and favorable conditions for contact stress and lubrication, which is consistent with the practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this manuscript, we explore the potential therapeutic use of helminths. After analyzing helminths' role in connection with human health from the perspective of their symbiotic and evolutionary relationship, we critically examine some studies on their therapeutic applications. In doing so, we focus on some prominent mechanisms of action and potential benefits, but also on the exaggerations and theoretical and methodological difficulties of such proposals. We conclude that further studies are needed to fully explore the potential benefits of this perspective, and we encourage the scientific community in doing so. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An animal's locomotor rate is an important indicator of its motility. In studies of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), assays of the frequency of body bending waves have often been used to discern the effects of mutations, drugs, or aging. Traditional manual methods for measuring locomotor frequency are low in throughput and subject to human error. Most current automated methods depend on image segmentation, which requires high image quality and is prone to errors. Here, we describe an algorithm for automated estimation of C. elegans locomotor frequency using image invariants, i.e. shape-based parameters that are independent of object translation, rotation, and scaling. For each video frame, the method calculates a combination of 8 Hu's moment invariants and a set of maximally stable extremal regions (MSER) invariants. The algorithm then calculates the locomotor frequency by computing the autocorrelation of the time sequence of the invariant ensemble. Results of our method show excellent agreement with manual or segmentation-based results over a wide range of frequencies. We show that compared to a segmentation-based method that analyzes a worm's shape and a method based on video covariance, our technique is more robust to low image quality and background noise. We demonstrate the system's capabilities by testing the effects of serotonin and serotonin pathway mutations on C. elegans locomotor frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an interview with Neuron , Cori Bargmann discusses C. elegans as a model organism, the importance of considering the animal's own world (thinking like a worm), choosing a scientific problem, and her experience as head of science at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and co-chair of the BRAIN Initiative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural communities in parts of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe rely heavily on mopane worms (imbrasia belina) as a livelihood, particularly during times when the households have limited livelihood options. While mopane worms are a vital source of protein and income for rural communities, climate change and variability are putting the sustainability of this vital natural resource under threat. As such, a critical evaluation of the harvesting methods and the associated dynamics is necessary to establish ways of sustaining this resource. This study thus sought to examine the existing mopane worm harvesting practices and evaluate their viability in the wake of climate change and variability. The study focused on Garanyemba Ward 13 of Gwanda District in south-western Zimbabwe. It assessed the harvesting practices and their impact on the environment and the sustainability of mopane worm populations. A qualitative research approach involving participant observation, focus group discussions, and interviews was employed. The findings show that the harvesting of mopane worms in the area was achieved predominantly through climbing up or shaking the trees, plucking worms from branches, and gathering worms that would otherwise be crawling on the ground. Socio-environmental impacts of the existing methods of harvesting revealed include vegetation damage leading to decreased mopane woodland densities, the emergence of squatter communities during outbreak times and the associated land pollution. The study concludes that the influx of foreign harvesters, which eventually exposed the habitat of mopane worms over-harvesting was attributed to limited institutional control. The study recommends control of harvesters by strick enforcement of regulatory frameworks, adherence to selective harvesting to ensure the preservation of worms for future production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "Author Index" is a document that lists authors and their publications in the journal Contact Dermatitis. It includes authors from different countries and covers topics related to dermatitis and skin allergies. This index can be a valuable resource for library patrons conducting research in the field of dermatology, as it provides a comprehensive list of authors and their works. It is a useful tool for exploring specific topics within the field. [Extracted from the article]

The diversity of Neotropical velvet worms (Onychophora, Neopatida) is significantly underestimated, particularly within the Andean clade represented by the genus Oroperipatus, the last species of which was described more than 70 years ago. Here, we describe a new species of Oroperipatus from the Amazonian lowlands of Ecuador, bringing the total number of described species on mainland Ecuador to seven and in western Amazonia to three. The new species, Oroperipatus tiputini sp. nov., can be distinguished from its congenerics by the following combination of characters: two variations of primary papillae alternated between dorsal plicae; four scale ranks in the apical piece of primary papillae; reduced fifth spinous pad of legs IV and V; four supraocular papillae; occasionally reduced anterior papilla; males with two crural tubercles per leg in the first pregenital pair and a single crural tubercle per leg in the next pair; and some accessory papillae with one lateral rudimentary apical piece. We also discuss novel morphological similarities and differences with other Neopatida genera, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of lightweight design, there will be problems such as stress concentration and structural weakening. In order to improve the design defect of serious insufficient life caused by the bending failure of worm gear, the bending stress of worm gear tooth root was analyzed by solution method and finite element simulation method. The main research contents include: firstly, the bending stress of worm gear is calculated by analytical solution method; Secondly, CAD is used to reconstruct the model; Finally, HyperMesh is used for analysis of the structure. The maximum bending stress obtained from theoretical calculation is 34.56Mpa, and the maximum stress from simulation is 39.3Mpa, 29.6Mpa and 26.3Mpa respectively in the three areas of gear root A, B and C (figure 7). Compared with the finite element, the maximum stress difference between them is 4.74Mpa. The stress concentration point is determined, and the structure optimization is carried out; CAE analysis of the optimized model shows that stresses in A, B and C regions of the worm gear root are 33.4 MPa, 22.5 MPa and 5.9 MPa, respectively. After optimization, the maximum stress difference between the two is 1.16Mpa.The above analysis results provide theoretical support for the design of worm gear reducer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cylindrical worm is usually manufactured by forming methods, such as whirling or milling; however, the aforementioned methods are restricted to machining time and control machining profile with stock. Therefore, this paper introduces a novel machining process designed for ZC concave worms, simultaneously enhancing machining efficiency and profile control ability. Accordingly, a skiving cutter with multiple inserts on an internal helical gear tooth is proposed. A curve-fitting model of the generating rack is first illustrated to generate the ZC worm flanks when considering grinding stock conveniently. The position of the cutting edge is then analyzed via the geometry of an internal barrel worm to ensure non-interference during the cutting process. In addition, the insert body is generated based on the helicoid motion of the cutting edge. Subsequently, it also presents a machining process to grind the insert body. Furthermore, the skiving process employing multiple inserts on a multi-axis CNC machine is presented. Finally, the meshing and boundary points of the cutting trajectory are concurrently defined during the skiving process. The numerical results demonstrate the high precision and absence of overcutting in skived worm profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fibrinolytic kinase identified in the nereid worm (Perinereis aibuhitensis Grub) displays exceptional kinase activity, stability, and specificity, suggesting its potential as a promising candidate for the advancement of new thrombolytic drugs. In this study, a process was optimized for the production of fibrinolytic kinase using Escherichia coli, and the effects of factors such as inoculum, pH, OD, temperature, inducer concentration, and time on the protein yield were investigated. The optimum points of key parameters were determined by single-factor experiments, and the initial pH, OD, and time were determined to be significant by PB (Plackett–Burman design) with six factors at two levels of experiments. The response surface experiments highlighted the key roles of initial pH and induced OD values, and the convergence of the model and experimental data confirmed the optimal conditions and reasonable fluctuation intervals, which proved the reliability of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mirai, an IoT malware that emerged in 2016, has been used for large-scale DDoS attacks. The Mirai source code is publicly available and continues to be a threat with a variety of variants still in existence. In this paper, we propose an implementation system for malicious and white-hat worms created using the Mirai source code, as well as a general and detailed implementation method for white-hat worms that is not limited to the Mirai source code. The white-hat worms have the function of a secondary infection, in which the white-hat worm disinfects the malicious worm by infecting devices already infected by the malicious worm, and two parameters, the values of which can be changed to modify the rate at which the white-hat worms can spread their infection. The values of the parameters of the best white-hat worm for disinfection of the malicious botnet and the impact of the value of each parameter on the disinfection of the malicious botnet were analyzed in detail. The analysis revealed that for a white-hat worm to disinfect a malicious botnet, it must be able to infect at least 80% of all devices and maintain that situation for at least 300 s. Then, by tuning and optimizing the values of the white-hat worm's parameters, we were able to successfully eliminate the malicious botnet, demonstrating the effectiveness of the white-hat botnet's function of eliminating the malicious botnet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial Fourier encoding is popular in single‐shot (ss) diffusion‐weighted (DW) echo planar imaging (EPI) because it enables a shorter echo time (TE) and, hence, improves the signal‐to‐noise‐ratio. Motion during diffusion encoding causes k‐space shifting and dispersion, which compromises the quality of the homodyne reconstruction. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the artifacts in homodyne reconstruction of partial Fourier ss‐DW‐EPI data in the presence of motion‐induced phase and proposes the motion‐induced phase‐corrected homodyne (mpc‐hdyne) reconstruction method to ameliorate these artifacts. Simulations with different types of motion‐induced phase were performed to provide an understanding of the potential artifacts that occur in the homodyne reconstruction of partial Fourier ss‐DW‐EPI data. To correct for the artifacts, the mpc‐hdyne reconstruction is proposed. The algorithm recenters k‐space, updates the partial Fourier factor according to detected global k‐space shifts, and removes low‐resolution nonlinear phase before the conventional homodyne reconstruction. The mpc‐hdyne reconstruction is tested on both simulation and in vivo data. Motion‐induced phase can cause signal overestimation, worm artifacts, and signal loss in partial Fourier ss‐DW‐EPI data with the conventional homodyne reconstruction. Simulation and in vivo data showed that the proposed mpc‐hdyne reconstruction ameliorated artifacts, yielding higher quality DW images compared with conventional homodyne reconstruction. Based on the understanding of the artifacts in homodyne reconstruction of partial Fourier ss‐DW‐EPI data, the mpc‐hdyne reconstruction was proposed and showed superior performance compared with the conventional homodyne reconstruction on both simulation and in vivo data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology has been progressively developed recently and used extensively in all disciplines. These nanoscale particles overpower the use of conventional technological metal particles. Applications of Cu nanoparticles in agriculture enhance production and soil fertility, albeit their usage in excess amounts causes toxicity for soil fauna. So, we studied and collated the toxicity research trends of copper nanoparticles in the worm’s species (earthworms and enchytraeids) and their activities to assess the consequences of copper nanoparticles in varied sizes and oxidation states. Various Cu NPs have a high capacity for adsorbing biomolecules and interacting with biological receptors. Cu NPs can interact with the host organism’s inherent immunity and impair the host’s immune system when confronted with different dose concentrations. These artificially induced nanoparticles interpret the biological cell system and manipulate cell receptors in situ. Nations all across the world are currently attempting to establish a global policy on the regulation of nanomaterials as per their ecological safety. In some cases, they have been reported to be more hazardous than the comparable ions and micromaterials in some cases. As a result, nanoparticle safety research has far-reaching ramifications for national economies. These studies will be extremely significant in regulating the environmental outcome of nanoparticles.

Organismal invasions have repeatedly been cited as a driving force behind the loss of biodiversity. Unlike many other impacts of invasion, the effect of invasion on native symbiont communities has received less attention. The introduction of invasive hosts presents a potential opportunity to native symbionts; invasive hosts could benefit native symbionts through providing a novel host environment that improves symbiont fitness relative to their fitness on native hosts. Alternatively, invasive hosts could noncompetent hosts for native symbionts, resulting in negative impacts on native symbiont abundance and diversity. Crayfish in the northern hemisphere host diverse assemblages of obligate annelid symbionts (P: Anellida, O: Branchiobdellida). Two invasive crayfish hosts in the genus Faxonius have been introduced and are interacting with the native crayfish hosts and their symbionts in three watersheds in western Virginia, USA. Previous studies suggest that the invasive host F. cristavarius is a less competent host for symbionts compared to native hosts in the genus Cambarus. We carried out an extensive survey in these watersheds to determine impacts of varying degrees of invasion on branchiobdellidan abundance and diversity. We also conducted a complementary host replacement experiment to investigate how increases in the relative abundance of invasive hosts contributes to observed patterns of symbiont abundance and diversity in the field. In our survey, as the proportion of invasive hosts at a site increased, branchiobdellidan abundance and diversity declined significantly. In the experiment, the worms dispersed onto both native and invasive hosts. As the percentage of noncompetent F. cristavarius hosts increased, the survival of branchiobdellidans declined. Both symbiont survival and opportunities for successful dispersal are reduced as this noncompetent invasive host progressively displaces native hosts, which imperils the integrity of native host-symbiont systems. Given that many native hosts accrue significant fitness benefits from their relationships with native symbionts, including hosts in our study system, losses of beneficial symbionts may produce a positive feedback loop that decreases invasion resistance of native species, exacerbates the effects of invasions, and presents a major conservation issue in invaded systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper introduces innovative solutions for worm gears, aiming at adaptive reduction of side clearance to improve accuracy. It addresses manufacturing challenges affecting tooth dimensions and deviations in shape, examining the impact of adjustment settings on clearance components. The document outlines patented solutions and identifies the causes of inaccuracies in worm gears, with a specific focus on the efficiency of a compliant worm in reducing side clearance. Comprehensive analyses were conducted using Matlab, CAD, and empirical data to investigate the impact of adjustments on clearance statistics, correlation, and spectral analyses before and after corrections. It establishes correlations between clearance parameters and assesses positioning accuracy using a rolling screw system. By demonstrating significant improvements in accuracy without the need for gear disassembly during operation, the developed gear compensates for manufacturing deviations. The paper also suggests assembly procedures for precision worm gears in small-scale production, taking into account various criteria for accuracy assessment. • Design solutions for worm gears. • Backlash statistics. • The correlation analysis, and spectral analysis of backlash. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phengodidae (Coleoptera: Elateroidea), commonly known as glowworm beetles, are a small family of bioluminescent and paedomorphic beetles. There are few phylogenetic studies of Phengodidae, and these are mostly discordant, especially when comparing morphology-based and molecular-based phylogenetic hypotheses. Here, we used the anchored hybrid enrichment approach to undertake the first phylogenomic analysis of Phengodidae (≤358 loci and 39 taxa) and evaluate the higher-level classification of the group. In agreement with previous molecular studies, we recovered Phengodidae as sister to Rhagophthalmidae, and the Old World Cydistinae as sister to all New World Phengodidae. In contrast to previous hypotheses, both Phengodinae and Mastinocerinae were each recovered as monophyletic. Cenophengus was found to be sister to Mastinocerinae, in contrast to some previous hypotheses that placed it as sister to all New World Phengodidae. Considering its morphological divergence, we here establish Cenophenginae subfam. nov. Despite the largest and most comprehensive sampling of Phengodidae in any molecular-based study to date, we had only limited success in revealing the relationships among genera within the most species-rich subfamily, Mastinocerinae. Further studies should focus on the phylogeny and classification of this taxonomically neglected subfamily, on the phylogenetic placement of enigmatic Penicillophorinae, and on seeking morphological support for the main clades of Phengodidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Securing complete control of complex systems comprised of tens of thousands of interconnected nodes holds immense significance across various fields, spanning from cell biology and brain science to human-engineered systems. However, depending on specific functional requirements, it can be more practical and efficient to focus on a pre-defined subset of nodes for control, a concept known as target control. While some methods have been proposed to find the smallest driver node set for target control, they either rely on heuristic approaches based on k-walk theory, lacking a guarantee of optimal solutions, or they are overly complex and challenging to implement in real-world networks. To address this challenge, we introduce a simple and elegant algorithm, inspired by the path cover problem, which efficiently identifies the nodes required to control a target node set within polynomial time. To practically apply the algorithm in real-world systems, we have selected several networks in which a specific set of nodes with functional significance can be designated as a target control set. The analysed systems include the complete connectome of the nematode worm C. elegans, the recently disclosed connectome of the Drosophila larval brain, as well as dozens of genome-wide metabolic networks spanning major plant lineages. The target control analysis shed light on distinctions between neural systems in nematode worms and larval brain insects, particularly concerning the number of nodes necessary to regulate specific functional systems. Furthermore, our analysis uncovers evolutionary trends within plant lineages, notably when examining the proportion of nodes required to control functional pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative day fasting (ADF) has been shown to enhance the lifespan of animals. However, human trials evaluating the efficacy of ADF have only recently emerged, presenting challenges due to the extreme nature of this dietary regimen. To better understand the effects of ADF, we investigated its impact using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. Our findings reveal that ADF extends the lifespan of worms nourished on animal‐based protein source, while those fed with plant‐based protein as the primary protein source do not experience such benefits. Remarkably, initiating ADF during midlife is sufficient to prolong lifespan, whereas implementation during youth results in developmental damage, and in older age, fails to provide additional extension effects. Furthermore, we discovered that midlife ADF up‐regulates the expression of two cysteine protease cathepsin B genes, cpr‐2 and cpr‐5, which preserve lysosomal integrity and enhance its function in digesting aggregated proteins, as well as enhancing lipid metabolism and ameliorating neurodegenerative disease markers and phenomena during aging. This suggests that midlife ADF has long lasting anti‐aging effects and may delay the onset of related diseases, specifically in animals consuming animal‐based protein source. These findings offer valuable insights into the effects of ADF and provide guidance for future research and potential applications in individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory neurons specialize in detecting and signaling the presence of diverse environmental stimuli. Neuronal injury or disease may undermine such signaling, diminishing the availability of crucial information. Can animals distinguish between a stimulus not being present and the inability to sense that stimulus in the first place? To address this question, we studied Caenorhabditis elegans nematode worms that lack gentle body touch sensation due to genetic mechanoreceptor dysfunction. We previously showed that worms can compensate for the loss of touch by enhancing their sense of smell, via an FLP-20 neuropeptide pathway. Here, we find that touch-deficient worms exhibit, in addition to sensory compensation, also cautious-like behavior, as if preemptively avoiding potential undetectable hazards. Intriguingly, these behavioral adjustments are abolished when the touch neurons are removed, suggesting that touch neurons are required for signaling the unavailability of touch information, in addition to their conventional role of signaling touch stimulation. Furthermore, we found that the ASE taste neurons, which similarly to the touch neurons, express the FLP-20 neuropeptide, exhibit altered FLP-20 expression levels in a touch-dependent manner, thus cooperating with the touch circuit. These results imply a novel form of neuronal signaling that enables C. elegans to distinguish between lack of touch stimulation and loss of touch sensation, producing adaptive behavioral adjustments that could overcome the inability to detect potential threats. Sensory loss deprives animals of important information. This study shows that Caenorhabditis elegans worms lacking touch sensation show cautious-like behaviors, indicating that the touch neurons provide not only information about the presence or absence of touch stimuli, but also about the unavailability of touch information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a critical global health challenge with limited therapeutic options, prompting the exploration of alternative strategies. A key pathology in AD involves amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregation, and targeting both Aβ aggregation and oxidative stress is crucial for effective intervention. Natural compounds from medicinal and food sources have emerged as potential preventive and therapeutic agents, with Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract (NLE) showing promising properties. Methods: In this study, we utilized transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) models to investigate the potential of NLE in countering AD and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Various assays were employed to assess paralysis rates, food-searching capabilities, Aβ aggregate accumulation, oxidative stress, lifespan under stress conditions, and the expression of stress-resistance-related proteins. Additionally, autophagy induction was evaluated by measuring P62 levels and the formation of LGG-1+ structures, with RNAi-mediated inhibition of autophagyrelated genes to confirm the mechanisms involved. Results: The results demonstrated that NLE significantly reduced paralysis rates in CL4176 and CL2006 worms while enhancing food-searching capabilities in CL2355 worms. NLE also attenuated Aβ aggregate accumulation and mitigated Aβ-induced oxidative stress in C. elegans. Furthermore, NLE extended the lifespan of worms under oxidative and thermal stress conditions, while concurrently increasing the expression of stress-resistance-related proteins, including SOD-3, GST-4, HSP-4, and HSP-6. Moreover, NLE induced autophagy in C. elegans, as evidenced by reduced P62 levels in BC12921 worms and the formation of LGG-1+ structures in DA2123 worms. The RNAi-mediated inhibition of autophagy-related genes, such as bec-1 and vps-34, negated the protective effects of NLE against Aβ-induced paralysis and aggregate accumulation. Discussion: These findings suggest that NLE ameliorates Aβ-induced toxicity by activating autophagy in C. elegans. The study underscores the potential of NLE as a promising candidate for further investigation in ADmanagement, offering multifaceted approaches to mitigate AD-related pathology and stress-related challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolutionary rise of powerful new ecosystem engineering impacts is thought to have played an important role in driving waves of biospheric change across the Ediacaran–Cambrian transition (ECT; c. 574–538 Ma). Among the most heavily cited of these is bioturbation (organism‐driven sediment disturbance) as these activities have been shown to have critical downstream geobiological impacts. In this regard priapulid worms are crucial; trace fossils thought to have been left by priapulan‐grade animals are now recognized as appearing shortly before the base of the Cambrian and represent some of the earliest examples of bed‐penetrative bioturbation. Understanding the ecosystem engineering impacts of priapulids may thus be key to reconstructing drivers of the ECT. However, priapulids are rare in modern benthic ecosystems, and thus comparatively little is known about the behaviours and impacts associated with their burrowing. Here, we present the early results of neoichnological experiments focused on understanding the ecosystem engineering impacts of priapulid worms. We observe for the first time a variety of new burrowing behaviours (including the formation of linked burrow networks and long in‐burrow residence times) hinting at larger ecosystem engineering impacts in this group than previously thought. Finally, we identify means by which these results may contribute to our understanding of tracemakers across the ECT, and the role they may have had in shaping the latest Ediacaran and earliest Cambrian biosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ciliated and non-ciliated mechanosensory cells in invertebrates have intricate cytoskeletal structures that, combined with microtubules, act as a mechanical link between external stimulus and signal processing. As a result, they can perceive forces like touch, cuticle deformation, gravity and sound. Through the expression of antibodies against serotonin (5-HT), calbindin, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and a-smooth muscle actin (aSMA), this research aims to investigate mechanosensory cells in the integument of Lumbricus terrestris (Linnaeus, 1758) in an evolutionary perspective. In the epidermis, we discovered isolated mechanosensory cells that were immunopositive to every antibody examined. Our findings improve the knowledge and the evolution of annelid sensory biology adding new insights on the sensory signal transduction and help to better understand the morpho-structural adaptations of invertebrate skin on an evolutionary scale and to give more taxonomic data for species distinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myzostoma khanhkhoaense is a cyst-to-free-moving myzostomid associated with the comatulid crinoid Clarkcomanthus albinotus. It induces deformations of the skeletal elements of the host's arms, thereby making protective "baskets" in which to hide from predators. Each "basket" is inhabited by a dense aggregation up to 25 worms of different sizes. The size-abundance structure of some subpopulations (these being defined as the inhabitants of one host) shows a clear peak, which may be related to the worm's reproductive cycle. Some subpopulations show two such peaks, which may be evidence of colonization by two different generations of worms. No subpopulations with more than two peaks were found, what is probably an indication that these worms have a short lifetime. We believe that a newly settled generation of M. khanhkhoaense undergoes no more than two reproductive cycles, starting with initial settlement, growth, and reproduction, and then — evident as the larger-size peak if a second generation of larvae settles on the same host — another round of growth and reproduction, and finally death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guinea worm, variously called nwori, akwara, or ehu among the Igbo of Southeastern Nigeria, was particularly endemic in the Abakaliki area of Nigeria during the colonial era. Abakaliki was tagged the 'guinea worm reservoir' in comparison with other parts of Nigeria that equally experienced guinea worm disease. This was attributable to a severe lack of potable water supply in the area and a high rate of cyclops contamination. Scholars have focused attention on the microbiological causes, transmission, and consequences of various guinea worm eradication programmes; much has also been written about how the colonial administration contributed to the rapid spread of the disease, but there is little scholarly research on the post-eradication era. That is, whether those colonial factors have been addressed sustainably. Thus, this paper examines the role of the British colonial government in guinea worm endemicity vis-à-vis the contemporary governance structures. The paper adopts the qualitative method of historical research, relying mainly on data sourced from primary and secondary sources. Findings suggest that the colonial government's lack of commitment to providing a safe and adequate water supply, poor maintenance of public water sources, lack of effective health education, and discriminatory localisation of public water supplies contributed significantly to the spread of guinea worm disease in Abakaliki during the period of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jujubae Fructus, the fruit of Ziziphus jujuba Mill has been used as one of the medicine food homology species for thousands of years in China. Studies have shown that the active ingredients of Jujubae Fructus have a variety of biological effects, but its role in the aging process still lacks knowledge. Here, we investigated the effect of Jujubae Fructus extract (JE) on Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan and its potential mechanism. The lifespan of C. elegans treated with JE was signifificantly increased in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, JE treatment prolonged the reproductive period and increased normal activity during aging in C. elegans. Similarly, JE supplementation also enhanced the resistance to heat and oxidative stress in C. elegans. Furthermore, the mutant worms' lifespan assays demonstrated that JE requires daf-16 to prolong lifespan. DAF-16::GFP analysis of TJ356 showed that JE treatment translocates DAF-16::GFP to nucleus in transgenic worms. By analyzing the downstream of daf-16, we identify that JE may regulate sod3 downstream of daf-16. Mutant worms' lifespan and transgenic reporter gene expression assays revealed that increasing SOD-3 expression was critical for extending longevity in C. elegans with JE therapy. Collectively, these data indicate that JE may have an important role in C. elegans longevity that is dependent on DAF-16 and SOD-3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consistent differences among individuals in the boldness-shyness continuum have been described in a variety of species. Environments with higher levels of predation are likely to select for shyer behavioural responses, due to the increased susceptibility of being 'fearless' in a high-risk environment. In this study, we compared the behavioural responses in two populations of South Island robin (Petroica australis), one of which is sympatric with a range of introduced predators (Kaikoura mainland) and one with no introduced predators (Motuara Island). We found robins on Motuara Island were significantly bolder than mainland robins. This was evidenced by robins in this low-risk environment being more likely to approach mealworms placed closer to a researcher. Robins in Kaikoura were also significantly slower than Motuara Island robins in latency (time to approach mealworms) but faster to remove five mealworms placed nearest to a researcher (handling time). These differences may be driven by bolder individuals having a disadvantage on the mainland as it exposes them to a higher risk from introduced predators. Although the extent to which these differences have a genetic basis is unknown, our results suggest that sympatry with introduced predators may favour more risk-averse behaviours in robins and other native species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the synergism between a phytosterol, β-sitosterol (BS) and a chitin synthesis inhibitor, triflumuron (TFM) to manage Helicoverpa armigera larvae. Both dietary TFM and dietary BS imparted significant growth inhibitory effects on the larvae resulting in diminished growth and adult emergence; more pronounced effects were imparted by TFM-diet. Binary combinations of TFM and BS (1:1, 1:5 and 1:10) augmented the effects with respect to BS-diet, while only TFM + BS (1:1)-diet exerted higher efficacy than TFM-diet, indicating synergism when BS and TFM are in equal proportion. Compared to the BS-diet and TFM-diet, the combined diet reduced the IE30, IE50, and IE90 values by 0.048, 0.064, and 0.019-fold and by 0.51, 0.36, and 0.15-fold, respectively. Larvae reared on IE30 TFM + BS (1:1) gained just 54.37% weight until pupation, as against the those reared on TFM-diet (81.30%), BS-diet (140.83%), and control diet (216.44%). The larvae showed moulting disruptions, underdeveloped cuticle and declined survival. The TFM + BS (1:1) diet caused 30% adult emergence as against 94%, 70% and 48% with control, BS-diet and TFM-diet, respectively. This is the first report demonstrating the synergism between β-sitosterol and triflumuron for Helicoverpa management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal fertilizer comes from animal waste and has undergone a decomposition process. The use of animal fertilizer has a potential risk to farmers' health if they do not heed Occupational Health and Safety (K3) standards for the personal safety of coffee farmers. The impact is that coffee farmers can be infected with worms transmitted through the soil (Soil Transmitted Helminth). This community service activity aims to increase the knowledge of Cibulao coffee farmers about preventing Soil-Transmitted Helminth worm infections in the application of animal fertilizer through counselling and technical guidance. The community service partners are the Cibulao coffee farmer group. The methods used are counselling, technical guidance and evaluation. The number of participants who attended this technical guidance was 17 coffee farmers. The training occurred in Telaga Saat Village, Cisarua District, Bogor Regency. The results of this community service activity show that there has been an increase in understanding of measures to prevent STH infection when using animal fertilizer. This increase can be seen from the pre-test and post-test results carried out before and after providing the material and technical guidance. The success of this program can be seen in farmers who are skilled in applying animal fertilizer using K3 and the desire for sustainable technical guidance regarding the maintenance and health care of goats and sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

São Paulo's Minhocão (Big Worm) is a 3.5 km elevated expressway that cuts across a dense part of the central city. Opened in 1971, it was controversial from the start, and widely held responsible for the decline of the city's historic centre in the 1970s and 1980s. However, it has been gradually tamed over the years, first closed to traffic at night, and then at weekends and on holidays, becoming an impromptu park, the Parque Minhocão, which has had official status since 2014. Those informal closures have been accompanied by numerous architectural schemes over the years to make the Minhocão a permanent park on the lines of New York's High Line. The Parque Minhocão in its present condition represents a stand-off between various interest groups, all of whom have claims on it as public space. The paper explores the history of the Parque Minhocão since 1969 through different forms of visualisation, arguing that its present condition, however imperfect, keeps multiple and contradictory interests in balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sparganophilidae are one of the few non monotypic families of earthworms with no reported parasites, pathogens, or endosymbionts. While conducting a survey of the Sparganophilidae across North America we took the opportunity to examine a population from an exposed lakebed for endoparasites. Worms were dissected after anesthetizing them in clove water; 4 of 24 worms (16%) harboured a new species of Stomatophora (Apicomplexa: Monocystidae) and one worm harbored a juvenile Rhabditida (Nematoda). Based on these collections we described Stomatophora benhami n. sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study sheds light on the genetic blueprints of chaetogenesis (bristle formation), a complex biomineralization process essential not only for the diverse group of bristle worms (annelids) but also for other spiralians. We explore the complex genetic mechanisms behind chaetae formation in Osedax japonicus, the bone-devouring deep-sea worm known for its unique ecological niche and morphological adaptations. Results: We characterized the chaetal structure and musculature using electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry, and combined RNAseq of larval stages with in-situ hybridization chain reaction (HCR) to reveal gene expression patterns integral to chaetogenesis. Our findings pinpoint a distinct surge in gene expression during the larval stage of active chaetogenesis, identifying specific genes and cells involved. Conclusions: Our research underscores the value of studying on non-model, "aberrant" organisms like Osedax, whose unique, temporally restricted chaetogenesis provided insights into elevated gene expression across specific larval stages and led to the identification of genes critical for chaetae formation. The genes identified as directly involved in chaetogenesis lay the groundwork for future comparative studies across Annelida and Spiralia, potentially elucidating the homology of chaetae-like chitinous structures and their evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The grinding process of transmission gear with worm grinding wheel usually relies on the manual parameter setting by experienced engineers, but the reliability and validity are quite hard to control due to many grinding factors that affect the surface quality (e.g. structure, size, and materials of gear, heat treatment process, surface accuracy requirements). Therefore, it is necessary to set up a decision system for assisting engineers with designing the process plan efficiently and reasonably. A modified model of the revision method based on the radial basis function (RBF) neural network and case-based reasoning (CBR) considering evaluation index was proposed in this paper. A similar case retrieval mainly relies on the soft likelihood function considering a compound evaluation index model, where the score value of each new case execution test is converted into the corresponding index to achieve effective case storage. Process solutions for similar cases that perform better will be recommended from the case database by means of CBR. These candidates can be revised systematically based on a self-learning model. A modified RBF neural network trained by the existing cases will apply the learned experience to revise solution in part or in whole, which utilizes a self-filtering attribute method based on the correlation coefficient matrix so as to gain the primary attributes. In the case of the grinding gear with worm grinding wheel, the applicability of this technology was demonstrated. A decision-making system applying this method was developed by using.Net framework4.0 and SQL Server. Consequently, the technique can quickly generate a feasible process plan for specific gear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worm snail Thylacodes adamsii (Mörch, 1859) (Littorinimorpha: Vermetidae) is a sessile gastropod that mainly inhabits rocky shores along the warm temperate to tropical ocean. Herein, the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of T. adamsii from South Korea was characterized. The genome is 14,913 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes. The genome organization and base composition of T. adamsii are similar to those of other vermetids. A phylogenetic tree was reconstructed using maximum likelihood based on the nucleotide sequences of the 13 PCGs; this tree supported the monophyly of Vermetidae. The complete mitogenome of T. adamsii can assist with molecular species identification and vermetid phylogenetic research in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present design of a set of worm gears used in a soot blower produced by a certain manufacturer has an efficiency of 68.8%. A soot blower is one of the most critical components in industrial applications for removing the large amounts of soot generated by boilers and is required to be operational 24×7. The energy consumption of the soot blower depends on its working efficiency and ultimately the design of its set of worm gears. This paper focuses mainly on the design and analysis of available industrial worm-gear sets used in soot blowers. The theoretical, experimental, and finite-element analysis approaches are validated for the stability of the worm gear set under typical input conditions. This paper also describes an analytical design of experiments (DOE) approach to identify the most significant factor for performance (efficiency) improvement and suggests some design improvements for the worm gear set using the profile modification approach. These ensure the efficiency improvement of the current industrial design of the set of worm gears used in a soot blower. The analytical DOE approach helped identify that the number of worm wheel teeth (Z2) and gear module (m) are the two most significant factors affecting performance. Accordingly, based on the improved design, the final efficiency increased from 68.8% to 74.6% (~8.5% increment), resulting in lower power consumption during industrial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces an approximate grinding method (AGM) and tooth flank deviation correction strategies for helical face gears (HFGs) generated by grinding worm, addressing the issue of singularities on the grinding worm thread surface that hinders HFGs grinding properly. Firstly, the tooth flanks of the face gear and grinding worm are derived, and singularities on the grinding worm are determined. Then, based on the grinding generation theory of HFGs, the AGM is proposed to solve the challenge of grinding HFGs with a large helix angle. Next, the tooth flank deviation of HFG generated by the grinding worm with the AGM is investigated; meanwhile, the tooth contact pattern and transmission error analysis are conducted. In addition, the correction method of the HFG tooth flank deviation is researched. Finally, a grinding experiment is performed and demonstrates the validity of the theoretical analysis of the AGM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult planarians can grow when fed and degrow (shrink) when starved while maintaining their whole-body shape. It is unknown how the morphogens patterning the planarian axes are coordinated during feeding and starvation or how they modulate the necessary differential tissue growth or degrowth. Here, we investigate the dynamics of planarian shape together with a theoretical study of the mechanisms regulating whole-body proportions and shape. We found that the planarian body proportions scale isometrically following similar linear rates during growth and degrowth, but that fed worms are significantly wider than starved worms. By combining a descriptive model of planarian shape and size with a mechanistic model of anterior-posterior and medio-lateral signaling calibrated with a novel parameter optimization methodology, we theoretically demonstrate that the feedback loop between these positional information signals and the shape they control can regulate the planarian whole-body shape during growth. Furthermore, the computational model produced the correct shape and size dynamics during degrowth as a result of a predicted increase in apoptosis rate and pole signal during starvation. These results offer mechanistic insights into the dynamic regulation of whole-body morphologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]