Cardinal Directions Research Articles

Development and Application of a High-Precision Portable Digital Compass System for Improving Combined Navigation Performance.

There are not many high-precision, portable digital compass solutions available right now that can enhance combined navigation systems' overall functionality. Additionally, there is a dearth of writing about these products. This is why a tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor-based high-precision portable digital compass system is designed. First, the least-squares method is used to compensate for compass inaccuracy once the ellipsoid fitting method has corrected manufacturing and installation errors in the digital compass system. Second, the digital compass's direction angle data is utilized to offset the combined navigation system's mistake. The final objective is to create a high-performing portable TMR digital compass system that will enhance the accuracy and stability of the combined navigation system (abbreviated as CNS). According to the experimental results, the digital compass's azimuth accuracy was 4.1824° before error compensation and 0.4580° after it was applied. The combined navigation system's path is now more accurate overall and is closer to the reference route than it was before the digital compass was added. Furthermore, compared to the combined navigation route without the digital compass, the combined navigation route with the digital compass included is more stable while traveling through the tunnel. It is evident that the digital compass system's design can raise the integrated navigation system's accuracy and stability. The integrated navigation system's overall performance may be somewhat enhanced by this approach.

Use of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System for the Analysis of Urban Development: A Case Study of Banyumas Regency, Indonesia

The change in land-use/land-cover (LULC) is one of the physical factors in urban development and the rapid growth in population has necessitates the need for space, driven by high socio-economic activities. Banyumas is a regency that had experienced rapid population growth in the last two decades, establishing an activity and service center in the Barlingmascakeb region. This rapid population growth has led to massive changes in LULC. Therefore, this study aimed to observe the changes in LULC in 2000 and 2020 to determine the direction of urban development in Banyumas Regency within 20 years. Multispectral classification with a Maximum Likelihood algorithm was used to extract LULC information from Landsat images. The changes obtained by crosstab analysis on the multispectral classification results were used as a reference to observe the direction of urban development. This procedure used four quadrants according to the cardinal directions and Standard Deviational Ellipse (SDE). The result showed that LULC in the forest class experienced the highest change of 142,584.3 km², accounting for 48%. Based on the increase in built-up land over 20 years, the direction of urban development according to the cardinal directions showed that the most dominant increase was in quadrant II (Southeast), which is 56.44% or 21.95 km². It was concluded that the direction of urban development was oriented toward the southeast.

A climate analog approach to evaluate seed transfer and vegetation transitions

IntroductionThere is growing recognition that restoring species diversity is crucial to maintaining ecological functions and services. Increasing the diversity of species used in restoration programs has placed greater emphasis on determining the seed transfer needs for a wider array of plants. However, many plants, outside of commercial forestry, lack information that would provide guidance on seed transfer for current or future climates. Generalized seed transfer approaches use climate partitioning to approximate adaptive differentiation among populations and provide an estimation of seed transfer distance for such species.MethodsHerein, we describe a generalized seed transfer approach that uses Euclidean distance of 19 climate variables within North America (from northern Honduras to the Arctic). Euclidean distances are used to identify climate analogs from vegetation databases of about 685,000 plots, an average density of 1 plot per 32 km2. Analogs are classified into three thresholds (strong, moderate, and weak) that correspond to altitudinal climate gradients and are guided by the scientific literature of observed adaptive variation of natural tree populations and seed transfer limits.ResultsFor strong threshold observations, about 97% of the analogs had climate distances equivalent to ≤300 m elevation, whereas for the weak threshold observations, 53% had an elevation equivalence of ≤300 m. On average 120, 267, and 293 m elevation separated two points under strong, moderate, and weak thresholds, respectively. In total, threshold classification errors were low at 13.9%.DiscussionWe use examples of plot data identified from a reference period (1961–1990) and mid-century (2056–2065) analogs across North American biomes to compare and illustrate the outcomes of projected vegetation change and seed transfer. These examples showcase that mid-century analogs may be located in any cardinal direction and vary greatly in spatial distance and abundance from no analog to hundreds depending on the site. The projected vegetative transitions will have substantial impacts on conservation programs and ecosystem services. Our approach highlights the complexity that climate change presents to managing ecosystems, and the need for predictive tools in guiding land management decisions to mitigate future impacts caused by climate change.

Azimuth Angle for Eight Cardinal Directions to Decrease Energy Imports in On-Grid Rooftop Solar PV System: a Case Study of Indonesia

Azimuth Angle for Eight Cardinal Directions to Decrease Energy Imports in On-Grid Rooftop Solar PV System: a Case Study of Indonesia

Cone-Opponent Ganglion Cells in the Primate Fovea Tuned to Noncardinal Color Directions.

A long-standing question in vision science is how the three cone photoreceptor types-long (L), medium (M), and short (S) wavelength sensitive-combine to generate our perception of color. Hue perception can be described along two opponent axes: red-green and blue-yellow. Psychophysical measurements of color appearance indicate that the cone inputs to the red-green and blue-yellow opponent axes are M vs. L + S and L vs. M + S, respectively. However, the "cardinal directions of color space" revealed by psychophysical measurements of color detection thresholds following adaptation are L vs. M and S vs. L + M. These cardinal directions match the most common cone-opponent retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the primate retina. Accordingly, the cone opponency necessary for color appearance is thought to be established in the cortex. While neurons with the appropriate M vs. L + S and L vs. M + S opponency have been reported in the retina and lateral geniculate nucleus, their existence continues to be debated. Resolving this long-standing debate is necessary because a complete account of the cone opponency in the retinal output is critical for understanding how downstream neural circuits process color. Here, we performed adaptive optics calcium imaging to noninvasively measure foveal RGC light responses in the living Macaca fascicularis eye. We confirm the presence of L vs. M + S and M vs. L + S neurons with noncardinal cone opponency and demonstrate that cone-opponent signals in the retinal output are more diverse than classically thought.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ПРОЦЕССА ОСВЕТЛЕНИЯ ЯБЛОЧНОГО СУСЛА С ПРИМЕНЕНИЕМ РАЗЛИЧНЫХ ВСПОМОГАТЕЛЬНЫХ СРЕДСТВ

The quality of clarification of apple must from various varieties of apples of domestic and foreign breeding, different ripening periods, growing at the Research and Breeding Collection of Genetic Resources of Horticultural Crops, located in the Central Joint Stock Company, Krasnodar, was studied. Sampling of apples was carried out at optimal ripeness from different sides of the tree crown in relation to the cardinal directions. Apple processing was carried out using a crusher-grinder, followed by pressing the pulp on a hydraulic press. The enzyme preparations SQzyme PCL, Grainzyme NL and Fructozyme R were used in the experiments. Apple must was clarified using bentonite (BENTOVIN), plant (pea) and animal (gelatin) protein. As a result of the studies, it was established that self-clarification of the must without the use of enzyme preparations was slow. Slow self-clarification with the formation of voluminous loose and mobile sediments was observed only in certain variants (Ekzotika, Orfey, Liberti, Renet Platona). The addition of enzyme preparations, especially SQzyme PCL, contributed to an increase in must yield by 12-17 % relative to the control. The most “responsive” to the use of enzyme preparations were apples of the varieties Dzhin, Ekzotica, Orfey, Margo, Prikubanskoe, Bagryanets Kubani, Liberti, Renet Platona, forms 12/1-20-16 and 12/1-20-33. With the addition of enzyme preparations in the pulp, the rate of must extraction increased. Gradual clarification was noted in the next 3-4 hours. The greatest increase in must yield was noted during the processing of apple varieties such as Enterprise, Margo, Ketni, Renet Platona – by 12-17 % compared to the control (without the use of enzyme preparations). The use of only one sorbent – bentonite, animal or vegetable protein – did not lead to high-quality clarification of the must at the given dosages. At the same time, complex processing made it possible to significantly improve the quality of clarification and reduce the turbidity of the must. The highest quality clarification of the must, regardless of the apple variety, was obtained by complex treatment of the pulp with enzyme preparations followed by dosing of proteins and bentonite. Key words: APPLE MUST, CLARIFICATION, ENZYME PREPARATIONS, BENTONITE, PROTEIN SORBENTS

Binocular luster elicited by isoluminant chromatic stimuli relies on mechanisms similar to those in the achromatic case.

The phenomenon of binocular luster can be evoked by simple dichoptic center-surround stimuli showing a luminance contrast difference between the eyes. Previous findings support the idea that this phenomenon is mediated by a low-level conflict mechanism that integrates the monocular signals from different types of contrast detector cells. Also, isoluminant stimuli with different chromatic contrasts between eyes can trigger sensations of luster. Here, we investigate whether the lustrous impression in such purely chromatic stimuli depends on interocular contrast differences and in particular on interocular contrast polarity pairings in a similar way as in the achromatic case. In our experiments, we measured the magnitude of the lustrous response using a series of isoluminant dichoptic center-ring-surround stimuli with varying ring width whose chromatic properties were varied along the red-green and blue-yellow cardinal directions. The trends in the data were very similar to those of our former study with achromatic stimuli, indicating similar mechanisms in both cases. The empirical luster data could also be predicted fairly well by a chromatic version of our interocular conflict model (with overall R2 values between 0.577 and 0.639), for which two different receptive field models were used, simulating the behavior of color-sensitive double-opponent cells in V1.

Pollen‐mediated gene flow from herbicide‐resistant yellow corn to non‐genetically engineered food‐grade white corn

AbstractNebraska is the number one producer of food‐grade white corn in the United States. Pollen‐mediated gene flow (PMGF) from genetically engineered high alpha‐amylase corn, known as Enogen corn, to food‐grade white corn can have undesirable outcomes. Alpha‐amylase can convert starch in white corn to sugar during or after its processing, degrading the quality of processed products. Thus, proximity to Enogen corn puts white corn production at risk. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the PMGF from herbicide‐resistant yellow corn to food‐grade white corn and assess the significance of wind speed and direction. Field experiments were set up using a Nelder‐wheel design in 2021 and 2022 in Nebraska, with yellow field corn as pollen donor in the center and white corn surrounding it as pollen receptor. At the end of the season, samples of white corn cobs were collected up to 50 and 70 m from four cardinal and ordinal directions, respectively. PMGF was detected by counting the number of yellow kernels on the white cobs. More than 4 million kernels were screened and the highest frequency of PMGF (0.0621–0.1950) was detected at the nearest distance (1 m). PMGF decreased exponentially with distance; however, it was still observed (0.0020–0.0032) at the greatest distance (70 m) evaluated in this study. Wind profile played a significant role in PMGF. Wind frequency (r = 0.58 ≤ 0.86) and wind run (r = 0.36 ≤ 0.95) were moderately to strongly correlated with PMGF in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The results are concerning for white corn growers due to the coexistence of Enogen corn and food‐grade white corn.

Impact of paving surface material on thermal conditions within a residential building

This paper presents the impact of paving surface material on thermal comfort in a residential building. The aim of the study was to demonstrate differences in temperature, measured near a building’s walls, depending on their location (relative to the cardinal directions) and the type of paving surface material outside the building (in its immediate vicinity, considering the cardinal directions). The study found differences in temperature values recorded near walls located on the south-west side, which faced a garden and a grassy surface, compared to the temperature of the walls that faced a street with asphalt and concrete paving blocks. It should be noted that the study was carried out in the summer, when the interior of the building was not heated. The facade of the building had not been additionally insulated and retained its original historical form (facade render). The method used in the study consisted of temperature measurements taken near the building’s walls using a Steinberg System weather station’s sensors. The measurement results supported the hypothesis that wall temperature varies depending on a space’s placement relative to the cardinal directions and the surface paving material in the space adjoining the building. The results of the study are presented using line graphs. The study is of scientific value and the results may also be useful in site development planning practice. The thermal conditions are a major factor that affecting the comfort of various types of buildings, including housing.

The Symbolic Meaning of The Javanese Tradition of Munggahna Kuda-Kuda in The Community of Malang District

The procession of installing the roof frame of a house, which is termed as Munggahna Kuda-kuda in Javanese society, is carried out with a procession. This is done as a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation and is believed to prevent the owner of the house from bad luck that might happen in the future. The purpose of this research is 1) to describe the procession of Munggahna Kuda-kuda Malang Regency, 2) the symbolic meaning of offerings in Munggahna Kuda-kuda Malang Regency. This type of research is descriptive qualitative with a semiotic approach in studying the culture of the local community. The sampling technique in this study used nonprobability sampling with purposive sampling. Research data and data sources in the form of the Mungahna Kuda-kuda tradition in Javanese society, especially in Malang Regency. The data collection technique in this research is by conducting interviews with sources of literature study on manuscripts. The results of this study are in the form of a procession in this tradition starting with determining the naga tahun or cardinal direction in accordance with the month in the Javanese calendar. second, determining the naga dina or good day in accordance with community beliefs. Third, a joint prayer event attended by workers and local residents with a dish consisting of sega golong and jenang sengkolo or glutinous rice porridge consisting of two colors, red and white. The fourth is the process of installing the roof of the house which is accompanied by the installation of offerings. Each offering consists of rice, corn, sugar cane, bananas, a red and white flag, and a set of clothes (sewek, shirt, and veil). Each symbol has its own meaning. The determination of the direction of the wind, the day, and the symbols in the offerings and selamatan dishes have a good purpose, namely as a manifestation of gratitude and prayers for safety to the Almighty in accordance with community beliefs.

The Temple of Apollo in Didyma

The Temple of Apollo in Didyma, located on the Aegean coast of southwestern Turkey, is not aligned towards the cardinal directions: GPS measurements and satellite imagery indicate that the azimuth of the temple is 55.117°. Lack of prominent geological features in the surrounding landscape raise the idea of a probable celestial orientation. Various orientation studies have suggested bright stars of Gemini, sunrise direction during the summer solstice or the heliacal rising direction of Cygnus and Lyra during the winter solstice as potential vantage directions, and we propose that the temple is aligned towards the heliacal rising direction of Castor (a Geminorum). During the Hellenistic period Castor’s heliacal rise also coincided with the summer solstice, and we believe this alignment serves calendrical and symbolic purposes. We rest our case on astronomical computations, classical texts, archaeological evidence and the unique architectural plan of the temple.

Spread of Multi-drug Resistant Aerosolised Salmonella sp and Escherichiacoli from Dumpsites in Built Environment of Abraka Town, Nigeria

Waste dumpsites are known to be hot spots for the development of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogenic microorganisms, which can be dispersed via aerosols. The dispersal of MDR Salmonella sp and E. coli in dumpsite-infested neighbourhoods of Abraka, a university town, was therefore investigated. Eosine Methylene Blue and Bismuth Sulphite agar plates were used to isolate airborne E. coli and Salmonella sp, respectively using settling plate technique. Air sampling was carried out at 3 neighbourhood dumpsites and at intervals of 50m up to 200m away from the dumpsites along the cardinal directions. The isolates were tested for antibiotics resistance using 10 antibiotics and those with multiple antibiotics resistance (MAR) index≥0.3 were considered MDR and subsequently subjected to plasmid curing, and re-tested for antibiotics resistance. The population of both organisms varied with cardinal directions and dumpsites, but generally declined as the distance from dumpsites increased (E. coli, 2.96-1.72 log cfu/m3 ; Salmonella sp, 2.65-0.00 cfu/m3 ). By overall assessment, mean MAR index for E. coli isolates was 0.39±0.01-0.64±0.04 and 0.37±0.02-0.68±0.03 for Salmonella sp isolates. MDR E. coli and Salmonella sp constituted 26.7-45.7 and 0.0-47.1% of the total population, respectively; and were encountered up to 200m away from the dumpsites at all directions although with decreasing numbers. There were significant reductions (P<0.05) in the MAR indexes of both organisms after curing thereby indicating plasmid involvement in the MDR. In conclusion, the aerosolised plasmid-encoded and chromosome-based genes in MDR organisms from dumpsites can be dispersed in neighbourhoods; and plasmids can spread antibiotics resistant genes by horizontal transfer and compound therapeutic options

Tree‐ and stand‐scale variability of xylem water stable isotope signatures in mature beech, oak and spruce

AbstractIn ecohydrology, water isotopologues are used to assess potential sources of root water uptake by comparing xylem water signatures with source water signatures. Such comparisons are affected by the variability and uncertainty of the isotope signatures of plant water and water sources. The tree‐scale and stand‐scale variabilities of the isotope signatures in stem xylem water are often unknown but are important for sampling design and uncertainty estimation in assessing the sources of tree water uptake. Here, we quantified tree‐scale and stand‐scale variabilities of xylem water isotope signatures in beech, oak and spruce trees in a mature forest on the Swiss plateau. For stem xylem water, sub‐daily replicates and replicates in different cardinal directions showed no systematic differences, but we found systematic differences with sampling height. The observed variability of isotope signatures at different heights along the stem suggests that water residence times within trees need to be considered, along with their effects on the isotope signatures in different compartments (stem, branches, leaves). Further, concerning the hydrogen signatures, we found height‐ and species‐specific offsets (SW‐excess δ2H). Stem xylem water's tree‐scale variability was similar in magnitude to its stand‐scale variability and smaller than the variabilities in branch xylem and bulk soil water around each tree. Xylem water from stem cores close to the ground, therefore, can give a more precise estimate of the isotopic signal of the most recent root water uptake and facilitate more accurate source water attribution.

Regional Analysis of Myocardial Strain to Wall Thickness Ratio in Cardiac Amyloidosis and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Increased left ventricular wall thickness is a hallmark of cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Several other disease states, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), share this common feature. Myocardial strain has emerged as a diagnostic and prognostic tool to differentiate causes of increased left ventricular wall thickness. We sought to determine if regional strain differences were present in CA when compared with HCM when indexed to wall thickness as well as adjusting for important factors such as ejection fraction (EF), age, sex, and hypertension. We performed a multicenter, retrospective analysis of 122 patients in 3 groups: CA (n=40), HCM (n=44), and controls (n=38). Using commercially available software, we determined peak systolic strain measurements in the base, mid, and apical segments in all 3 cardinal directions of radial strain, circumferential strain, and longitudinal strain. The regional strain was indexed to wall thickness to create a strain to wall thickness (STT) ratio. Analysis of Variance was performed to examine the association of each strain parameter with the disease group, adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, and EF. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to determine which combination of variables can potentially be used to best model the disease group. Ratios of STT at all 3 levels were significantly different with respect to the cardinal directions of radial, circumferential, and longitudinal strain in a multivariable analysis adjusting for age, sex, and hypertension. Specifically, with respect to the basal segments, the STT ratio across CA, HCM, and normal were significantly different in radial (1.13±0.34 vs. 3.79±0.22 vs. 4.12±0.38; P <0.0001), circumferential (-0.79±0.10 vs. -1.62±0.07 vs. -2.25±0.11; P <0.0001), and longitudinal directions (-0.41±0.09 vs. -1.03±0.06 vs. -1.41±0.10; P <0.0001). When adjusting for age, sex, hypertension and EF, only the base was significantly different between the CA and HCM groups in the radial (1.49±0.37 vs. 3.53±0.24; P <0.0001), circumferential -1.04±0.10 vs. -1.44±0.06; P <0.005), and longitudinal (-0.55±0.10 vs -0.94±0.06; P =0.007) directions. Using multinomial logistic regression, the use of age, left ventricular EF, global longitudinal strain, and basal radial strain yielded a diagnostic model with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.98. A model excluding age, despite being likely an independent predictor in our cohort, yielded an overall AUC of 0.90. When excluding age, the overall AUC was 0.91 and specifically when discriminating CA from HCM was 0.95. Regional myocardial strain indexed to wall thickness with an STT ratio can differentiate between etiologies of increased left ventricular wall thickness. Differences in myocardial deformation may be independent of wall thickness. Differences in basal strain when indexed to wall thickness in all 3 cardinal directions between CA and HCM are independent of EF. Multinomial logistic regression analysis using strain parameters differentiates CA and HCM with excellent diagnostic accuracy.

Scientific Substantiation of Vastu Shastra

Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian science, intricately weaves together the art of construction and the orchestration of harmonious living spaces in consonance with natural laws and cosmic energies. It’s based on the belief that the laws of nature and the universe can profoundly influence the well-being, fortune and prosperity of individuals who live or work in a building. The principles of Vastu Shastra revolve around the five basic components of nature (water, earth, fire, air, and space) and the cardinal directions (north, south, east, west, and center). While this belief has been fervently embraced by some, others remain skeptical due to the dearth of empirical substantiation. This paper delves into Vastu Shastra’s essence, unfurling it under scientific scrutiny. By melding empirically validated proof, it compellingly supports Vastu Shastra’s core principles. Navigating architecture, cosmology, and well-being, it confirms how our surroundings intertwine with our lives. This scientific exposition not only illuminates the principles of Vastu Shastra but also offers pragmatic insights for aligning our homes with cosmic harmony. By merging ancient wisdom and modern empiricism, our living spaces will resonate with the universe, nurturing abundance and serenity.

Characterization of Upper Extremity Kinematics Using Virtual Reality Movement Tasks and Wearable IMU Technology.

Task-specific training has been shown to be an effective neuromotor rehabilitation intervention, however, this repetitive approach is not always very engaging. Virtual reality (VR) systems are becoming increasingly popular in therapy due to their ability to encourage movement through customizable and immersive environments. Additionally, VR can allow for a standardization of tasks that is often lacking in upper extremity research. Here, 16 healthy participants performed upper extremity movement tasks synced to music, using a commercially available VR game known as Beat Saber. VR tasks were customized to characterize participants' joint angles with respect to each task's specified cardinal direction (inward, outward, upward, or downward) and relative task location (medial, lateral, high, and/or low). Movement levels were designed using three common therapeutic approaches: (1) one arm moving only (unilateral), (2) two arms moving in mirrored directions about the participant's midline (mirrored), or (3) two arms moving in opposing directions about the participant's midline (opposing). Movement was quantified using an XSens System, a wearable inertial measurement unit (IMU) technology. Results reveal a highly engaging and effective approach to quantifying movement strategies. Inward and outward (horizontal) tasks resulted in decreased wrist extension. Upward and downward (vertical) tasks resulted in increased shoulder flexion, wrist radial deviation, wrist ulnar deviation, and elbow flexion. Lastly, compared to opposing, mirrored, and unilateral movement levels often exaggerated joint angles. Virtual reality games, like Beat Saber, offer a repeatable and customizable upper extremity intervention that has the potential to increase motivation in therapeutic applications.

Common Kyushu-Ryukyuan substratum in maritime vocabulary: A preliminary analysis

This paper constitutes a preliminary linguistic test of the hypothesis which postulates that shared Kyushu-Ryukyuan lexicon related to maritime knowledge provides evidence for a Kyushu-Ryukyuan subgrouping within the Japonic cladogram. The paper introduces Kyushu-Ryukyuan cognates and potential shared lexical innovations in seafaring vocabulary, cardinal directions and navigation, and marine fauna, all of which suggest a shared Kyushu-Ryukyuan navigation culture, as well as common maritime subsistence and lifestyle patterns. The case is reinforced by several promising cases of common morphological features between Kyushu and Ryukyuan. The overall conclusion is that the compared linguistic data does support the Kyushu-Ryukyuan clade. Finally, we identify a mismatch between lexical and morphological evidence concerning lower-unit classification of the South Japonic node. We observe that while shared innovative vocabulary allows to postulate Proto-Satsugū-Ryukyuan within Kyushu-Ryukyuan as the most direct mainland ancestor of Ryukyuan languages – the predecessor pre-Proto-Ryukyuan language that was still spoken in Kyushu in the first millennium AD – shared grammatical features do not suggest any particular subdivision of Kyushu-Ryukyuan.

Exploring expressions for cardinal directions in Tshiluba

This paper presents the outcomes of a pilot study that explores expressions for cardinal directions in Tshiluba, a Bantu language primarily spoken in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Language data were collected from a native Tshiluba speaker using three elicitation methods and an online dictionary. The results reveal several potential nomenclatural strategies and conceptual sources that Tshiluba uses to linguistically encode cardinal directions, including references to body parts, geographical and environmental landmarks and features, and celestial bodies and events. Meanwhile, a comprehensive exploration of the inherent characteristics of these Tshiluba cardinal direction expressions remains a subject of further investigation. The paper also includes reflections and suggestions regarding research methodologies on this topic. This paper contributes to cross–linguistic exploration and documentation of cardinal direction expressions, both within and beyond the Bantu language family. It also encourages further research on spatial language as a whole, which is a pursuit of great importance in advancing our understanding of human spatial cognition and our interactions with the external world.

Population Distribution of Rats (Rattus argentiventer) and the Damage Intensity on Rice and Other Crops in Pleret, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Rice field rats is one of the main pests of rice in Indonesia and other Asian countries that can cause a crop failure. The availability food sources might affect the rat foraging in the field. The research aimed to determine the distribution of rat population and their nests in the field with different crop and to examine the level of crop damage caused by rats. The research was conducted from January to April 2023 in Pleret district, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The 1000 m2 TBS (Trap Barrier System) was installed in the middle of the 225 ha observation area to trap rats. Crop damage inside TBS was observed using a diagonal sampling method. Crop damage outside TBS was observed using the line transect method in the 4 cardinal directions with a distance of 250m, 500m, and 750m from TBS. Rat nest’s locations were mapped using GPS. The results showed that the number of rats trapped was low in the early and late stage of rice growth and peaked when the rice aged 12 weeks after planting (WAP). Rice crop damage inside TBS occurred when rice entered 12 WAP. There was no damage on rice crops around the TBS. Rats also attacked corn and sugarcane which caused heavy damage to these crops. There were 157 active holes found in 225ha observation area and they mostly were found in rice field bunds, irrigation embankments, and vacant land. This study implied that understanding the distribution of rat’s population and their nest will support the rat control.

Standing Reactive Postural Responses of Lower Limbs With and Without Self-Balance Assistance in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury Receiving Epidural Stimulation.

Spinal cord epidural stimulation can promote the recovery of motor function in individuals with severe spinal cord injury (SCI) by enabling the spinal circuitry to interpret sensory information and generate related neuromuscular responses. This approach enables the spinal cord to generate lower limb extension patterns during weight bearing, allowing individuals with SCI to achieve upright standing. We have shown that the human spinal cord can generate some standing postural responses during self-initiated body weight shifting. In this study, we investigated the ability of individuals with motor complete SCI receiving epidural stimulation to generate standing reactive postural responses after external perturbations were applied at the trunk. A cable-driven robotic device was used to provide constant assistance for pelvic control and to deliver precise trunk perturbations while participants used their hands to grasp onto handlebars for self-balance support (hands-on) as well as when participants were without support (free-hands). Five individuals with motor complete SCI receiving lumbosacral spinal cord epidural stimulation parameters specific for standing (Stand-scES) participated in this study. Trunk perturbations (average magnitude: 17 ± 3% body weight) were delivered randomly in the four cardinal directions. Participants attempted to control each perturbation such that upright standing was maintained and no additional external assistance was needed. Lower limb postural responses were generally more frequent, larger in magnitude, and appropriately modulated during the free-hands condition. This was associated with trunk displacement and lower limb loading modulation that were larger in the free-hands condition. Further, we observed discernible lower limb muscle synergies that were similar between the two perturbed standing conditions. These findings suggest that the human spinal circuitry involved in postural control retains the ability to generate meaningful lower limb postural responses after SCI when its excitability is properly modulated. Moreover, lower limb postural responses appear enhanced by a standing environment without upper limb stabilization that promotes afferent inputs associated with a larger modulation of ground reaction forces and trunk kinematics. These findings should be considered when developing future experimental frameworks aimed at studying upright postural control and activity-based recovery training protocols aimed at promoting neural plasticity and sensory-motor recovery.