Flat Body Research Articles

A review of Chinese Prosopistomatidae with a description of the first Asian Prosopistoma imago of a new species (Insecta: Ephemeroptera)

Abstract Previously, no adult of the Asian Prosopistomatidae had been reported despite that this region has over half species of the family. Similarly, while six species have been discovered in China, they have never been systematically compared. In this study, we provide detailed photos of all Chinese Mainland species, including a new one named Prosopistoma wuchang sp. nov. In nymphs, the new species has a flat body and a distinct carapace color pattern. In adults, it exhibits clear sexual dimorphism in both color and structure. Males can be recognized by unnotched posterior flange of imaginal head, U-shaped median notch of imaginal penes and hooked claw of subimagos. Females can be recognized by uniformly brown body, non-branching veins of hindwings, postero-lateral projections of abdominal segments and the white filament arising from mesonotum. Taxonomically, this new species represents the first known adult from Asia and the first nymph-adult association via molecular sequences. Biologically, the nymphs of this new species live in the rapid currents of a wide river in southwestern China, while the adults emerge at dawn.

Three-dimensional shape of natural riblets in the white shark: relationship between the denticle morphology and swimming speed of sharks.

The ridges of the dermal denticles of migratory sharks have inspired riblets to reduce the frictional drag of a fluid. In particular, the dermal denticles of white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) are characterized by a high middle ridge and low side ridges. The detailed morphology of their denticles and their variation along the body, however, have never been investigated. Moreover, the hydrodynamic function of high-low combinations of ridges is unknown. In this article, the ridge spacings and heights of the white shark denticles were three-dimensionally quantified using microfocus X-ray computed tomography. Then, the swimming speed at which the ridges would reduce drag was hydrodynamically calculated with a flat plate body model and previous riblet data. High ridges with a large spacing were found to effectively reduce drag at a migration speed of 2.3 m s-1, while adjacent high and low ridges with a small spacing reduced drag at a burst hunting speed of 5.1 m s-1. Moreover, the above hydrodynamic calculation method was also applied to the shortfin mako shark and an extinct giant shark (called megalodon) with known ridge spacings, resulting in the estimated hunting speeds of 10.5 m s-1and 5.9 m s-1, respectively.

Comparative results of computational and theoretical study of the annular nozzle with a flat central body

One of the ways to improve specific characteristics of the power plant of a launch vehicle for ladeploying payload to the near-Earth space is to provide the possibility of operation of a fixed nozzle in the design mode over the whole active leg of the flight trajectory. The nozzle should be compact, lightweight, well-cooled. For detailed testing of the possibility of introducing a nozzle into the rocket engine chamber it is necessary to be able to quickly assess the true value of the thrust and the specific impulse the chamber with such a nozzle can achieve. This article presents the results of comparison of the thrust and specific impulse, obtained during calculations using engineering methods, numerical modeling for the atmospheric section and high-altitude sections of the trajectory. The results of the calculation are compared with the experimental values of the specific impulse obtained on the rocket engine test-bed under atmospheric operating conditions. These results can be effectively applied both to evaluate new and to improve existing nozzle designs of wide-range rocket engines.

The Neuroanatomical Basis of the 5-HT Syndrome and Harmalineinduced Tremor.

The 5-HT syndrome in rats is composed of head weaving, body shaking, forepaw treading, flat body posture, hindlimb abduction, and Straub tail. The importance of the brainstem and spinal cord for the syndrome is underlined by findings of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT)-induced denervation supersensitivity in response to 5-HT-stimulant drugs. For head weaving and Straub tail, supersensitivity occurred when the neurotoxin was injected into the cisterna magna or spinal cord, for forepaw treading in cisterna magna, and for hindlimb abduction in the spinal cord. Although 5,7- DHT-related body shaking increased in the spinal cord, the sign decreased when injected into the striatum, indicating the modulatory influence of the basal ganglia. Further details on body shaking are provided by its reduced response to harmaline after 5-HT depletion caused by intraventricular 5,7-DHT, electrolytic lesions of the medial or dorsal raphe, and lesions of the inferior olive caused by systemic injection of 3-acetylpyridine along with those found in Agtpbp1pcd or nr cerebellar mouse mutants. Yet the influence of the climbing fiber pathway on other signs of the 5-HT syndrome remains to be determined.

Foot health and physical fitness: investigating the interplay among flat feet, body balance, and performance in junior high school students

Background and Study Aim. Foot health and physical fitness in children are closely interconnected, playing a vital role in ensuring their overall well-being and performance. This study aims to determine the relationship between flat feet, body balance, and physical performance of junior high school students. Material and Methods. A total of 109 junior high school students from five schools in Surabaya, Indonesia, with ages ranging from 12 to 14 years, participated in this research. Data collection was through the wet footprint test, stork standing balance test, Bass test, Y-agility Test, and Illinois Change of Direction Test. The correlation of flat feet with static and dynamic balance and physical performance in the school environment was analyzed using the non-parametric Spearman Rank statistical test. Results. The results showed significant relationships between foot grade and static balance, dynamic balance, agility, and change of direction. These relationships were indicated by correlation coefficients that showed statistical significance at p < 0.05. Additionally, static and dynamic balance exhibited a negative correlation, while agility and change of direction showed a positive correlation. This suggests that higher foot grades corresponded to longer durations in static and dynamic balance tests and shorter completion times in agility and change of direction tasks. Conclusions. The findings of this study highlight the importance of investigating the relationship between flat feet, body balance, and physical performance among junior high school students. Understanding these correlations is crucial for optimizing the overall well-being and performance of adolescents.

Detection of Fasciola sp. in the Livers of Slaughtered Cattle at a Slaughterhouse in North Lombok Regency

Background: Fasciola sp. has been identified as a highly pathogenic organism and has a significant health impact on both animals and humans. However, there is a lack of data and information on fasciolosis in North Lombok Regency. Purpose: This study aims to detect the presence of Fasciola sp. in livers of slaughtered cattle at the Tanjung Sub-district Slaughterhouse, North Lombok Regency. Methods: This study was conducted on the livers of slaughtered cattle, with a total of 30 samples collected between August and September 2023. Results: A total of 30 liver samples from slaughtered cattle at the Tanjung Sub-district Slaughterhouse, North Lombok Regency were examined for the presence of Fasciola sp. worms. The examination involved observing changes in color, size, consistency, and palpation of the organ. Following the incision of the liver and bile ducts and subsequent inspection of several areas with pathological-anatomical changes due to the infestation of Fasciola sp., an average length and width measurements of Fasciola sp. worms were found to be 26 mm and 6.4 mm, respectively. This indicated the worms belong to the Fasciola gigantica species. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that Fasciola sp. worms were found in the livers of slaughtered cattle at the Tanjung Sub-district Slaughterhouse, North Lombok Regency. The worms were identified as belonging to the Fasciola gigantica species, characterized by an average length of 26 mm and width of 6.4 mm, having a narrow shoulder, a blunt posterior end, a flat leaf-like body shape, dorsoventrally flattened, a brownish-gray color, and an oral sucker at the anterior end.

Phenotype Characteristics of Diiti Cattle in the Coastal Region of Tomini Bay-Gorontalo, Indonesia

This study aims to determine the qualitative and quantitative traits of Diiti cattle in the coastal area of Tomini Bay, Gorontalo, Indonesia. A total of 201 phenotypes (qualitative and quantitative) of Diiti cattle were collected, consisting of 138 females and 63 males aged 4-5 years. Qualitative observations were focused on body color, face shape, horn, and dewlap. Quantitative traits were focused on the eight traits that were influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The methods used were descriptive and chi-square analysis. IBM Statistics SPSS 22 was used to analyze the data obtained. Female Diiti cattle had nine body colors, while the males had seven body colors. Based on the front view, male and female Diiti cattle have hexagonal, triangular, and perpendicular facial shapes of 7.94%, 49.20%, 42.68% and 36.95%, 5.80%, 57.25%, respectively. The body sizes of male and female Diiti cattle were different. The body size p-values of male and female Diiti cattle ranged between 0.00-0.063. Diiti cattle have various body colors. Female cattle were reddish white, whitish red, and white, while male cattle were black, brown, and white. Female cattle do not have a hump, and generally have a hexagonal face shape, flat face line, body size, and weight almost the same as Bali cattle, but smaller than PO cattle. Further characterization of Diiti cattle was required as basic information of Diiti cattle as Gorontalo local cattle.

A Dual-Band Low SAR Microstrip Patch Antenna with Jean Substrate for WBAN Applications

This paper presents a low-profile dual-band microstrip patch antenna operated at the 2.45/5.8 GHz ISM bands, targeting wireless body area network (WBAN) applications. The proposed antenna is fabricated on a jean substrate measuring 74×82 mm2. The four corners of the conventional rectangular patch are cut to activate an additional operating frequency and to enhance the radiation pattern. The circular slot is added to the radiating patch to fine-tune the desired frequencies. The measured impedance bandwidth of the proposed antenna at 2.45 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands is 3.68% (2.40 GHz–2.49 GHz) and 3.81% (5.67 GHz–5.89 GHz), respectively. The measured maximum gains are 3.08 dBi at 2.45 GHz and 2.15 dBi at 5.8 GHz. Moreover, the antenna’s performance when placed on flat and rounded body surfaces is also investigated. The proposed antenna achieves stable radiation pattern and low specific absorption rate (SAR) value with low complexity in design. The results indicate that the proposed antenna can be a promising candidate for WBAN applications.

On the Analytical Determination of the Contour of Well - Styeamlined Bodies

The problem is solved with the help of a modified Prandtl equation applied to the case under study. This is a two-dimensional problem of flowing around a flat body when the essential factor is to take into account the limitation of its dimensions in the longitudinal and transverse directions. Thanks to the above Prandtl equation it was possible to reduce the problem to a self-similar equation. An analytical solution has been found. Thanks to this solution the shape of the body is analytically determined when the resistance is at its lowest. An analysis of the solution of the problem for different Reynolds numbers is carried out. The resulting equation is solved numerically for different values of its included parameters. With the help of a graphic illustration the different shapes of such contours are shown.

Stunting technique innovation for increasing milkfish production on traditional ponds in Usto Village, Mare District, Bone

Milkfish (Chanos chanos) is a fish of high economic value with nutritional content and good taste (savory) like milk, with an oblong flattened body shape which is ideal as a bait for skipjack, mackarel, and tuna fish. Various efforts were made to increase pond productivity, including changing the orientation of cultivation from the target of consumption milkfish production to feed milkfish production. One technique that can be done to increase pond productivity is stunting techniques for bait milkfish cultivation. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of stunting techniques for increasing production of bait milkfish on traditional ponds in Usto Village, Mare District, Bone Regency. The research method used is quantitative research with the type of experimental research, where the effectiveness of stunting techniques is measured through measuring fish growth starting from the initial cultivation phase (post-stunting) to the harvest phase (end cultivation). The study was conducted for three months, from August to October (early November). The results of the study found that stunting techniques can increase fish productivity, by triggering the growth rate of milkfish in the cultivation phase with an average growth of 0.85-1.5 cm per week or 0.12-0.20 cm per day. Stunting techniques also pose a high risk, especially in size and mortality inequality in fish and reduce survival rates, due to high density. The stunting technique with a stocking density of 100,000 seed per hectare, is able to produce bait milkfish measuring 100-200 grams per pieces, which is 6-8 tons per hectare with an Survival Rate (SR) rate of 80%. Thus, this technique is considered good enough to increase pond production, especially in cultivation of bait milkfish.

System design study of a VLEO satellite platform using the IRS RF helicon-based plasma thruster

To achieve a feasible lifetime of several years, most satellites are deployed in orbits higher than 400 km. Drag of residual atmosphere causes a slow orbit decay, resulting in the deorbit of the spacecraft. However, e.g. optical instruments or communication devices would significantly benefit from lower altitudes in the range of 150–250 km. A solution to achieve this could be the application of atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP), where the residual atmosphere is used to generate continuous thrust that compensates the drag.Within the EU-funded DISCOVERER project, the Institute of Space Systems (IRS) developed an electrode-less RF Helicon-based Plasma Thruster (IPT) suitable for such applications. Ignition and preliminary discharge characterizations of the IPT have been carried out at IRS facilities, using argon, nitrogen and oxygen. To further characterize the plasma plume, a torsional pendulum has been designed to determine the (local) momentum flux in the plasma jet, as well as a three-axis magnetic B-dot probe to carry out time-varying magnetic field measurements. Various intake designs were investigated, opening the possibility to conduct studies on potential satellite platforms within the frame of the ESA-funded project RAM-CLEP.A design study for an Earth Observation and Telecommunication satellite operating at 150–250 km with an extended mission lifetime is currently being carried out. The first system assessment focused on the comparison of different spacecraft configurations (“slender body” and “flat body”) and intake designs (specular or diffuse) with regard to overall drag and ABEP performance requirements.In this contribution, the design approaches for the current thruster and the diagnostic methods are depicted. Moreover, the current status of the system assessment is presented. Upcoming experimental studies of the ABEP system e.g. within the ESA-project RAM-CLEP and additional activities planned on system assessment are outlined.

Defensive phragmosis and cathaptosis in Trichoptera larvae

Phragmosis, or the use of specially modified body parts and associated behaviors to block an opening as defense against predators, is a commonly observed phenomenon in certain ants and termites that block entrances of their subterranean nests with large, flat heads. It has been reported in some beetles and other insects and even in some frogs. Common features of phragmosis in caddisfly larvae include a hard and usually flat body surface, with or without stout spines, and the behavior of fitting that body surface tightly in the opening of its case. A different defensive strategy occurs in snails and case-making larvae of camptosomate leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae and Lamprosomatinae) that protect themselves from predators by securing the openings of their shells or cases firmly against the substrate, a behavior we call “cathaptosis.” Common features of cathaptosis in caddisfly larvae include a case with its vulnerable opening oriented parallel with the substrate and accompanied by behavior that grips the substrate, fixing the case opening firmly against it when threatened. We suggest that these defensive strategies have evolved multiple times in Trichoptera, especially in case-making larvae. We demonstrate some examples and provide tentative lists of caddisflies whose larvae may have evolved these defensive strategies.

Morphological and molecular identification of java barb (Barbonymus gonionotus) from East Java Province

This study aims is compare the identification of Java barb fish (Barbonymus gonionotus) in East Java Province by morphometric and molecular identification. Molecular identification was conducted using mitochondrial DNA based on the Cytochrome Oxidase Sub Unit I (COI) region. Java barb fish samples were collected from various regions in East Java Province including Gresik, Mojokerto, Madiun, Malang, and Banyuwangi. The identification results by morphological and molecular methods showed the same results, namely Barbonymus gonionotus. Based on the morphological identification, Barbonymus gonionotus has a long and flat body shape with a raised back, terminal mouth position, silver body colour with a darker dorsal area, dorsal fin shape with weakly hardened rays, and homocercal caudal fin shape. The morphometric measurements of Java barb fish using the one-way ANOVA test showed that the five locations differed significantly. The results of the molecular research showed that all java barb fish sequences were successfully amplified with the COI gene (648 bp). The BLASTN results show the percentage identity ranges from 99.85-100%.

Possible dependence of sternum non-metric features on sex, age, and stature from a forensic viewpoint: a study in an Iranian population

Morphological traits of the sternum are rarely evaluated in forensic studies. This study evaluates these features in sex-, age-, and stature-specific groups. A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted including 400 chest CT scans from 2020 to 2021 which were categorized based on three factors of sex (N = 400; male and female), age (N = 400; group 1: 20–39 years, group 2: 40–59 years, and group 3: >60 years), and stature (N = 190; group 1: 150–159 cm, group 2: 160–169 cm, group 3: 170–179 cm, and group 4: >180 cm). Non-metric parameters of the manubrium, body of sternum, and xiphoid process were investigated. Sex-related distribution of morphologic features of the manubrium in all of the participants demonstrated a significantly higher presence of the arch-shaped prominence (ASP) in males (N = 212, 94.22%) compared with females (N = 135, 77.14%). Morphologic features of the body of the sternum related to sex in all of participants demonstrated a significantly higher flat body shape (BS) in males (N = 142, 63.4%) compared with females (N = 85, 48.3%), and a significantly lower O shape BS in males (N = 5, 2.23%) compared with females (N = 19, 10.8%). Although non-metric morphological traits of the sternum represent a great variety in different studies, some of the features can be considered as possible factors specific to sex (ASP is higher in males than females), age (denticulate costal incisura is higher in <40 than >40 years), and stature (flat BS is higher in >170 than <170 cm).

Subcortical life, evolution of flattened body, and constrained mating posture in the earwig Platylabia major (Insecta: Dermaptera: "Anisolabididae").

Many animals take advantage of the shaded, humid, and protected environments in subcortical spaces, i.e., thin spaces under the loosened bark of dead trees. Permanent inhabitants of subcortical spaces often show specialized morphologies, such as a miniaturized or dorsoventrally flattened body. However, the evolutionary consequences of these specialized morphologies on behavioral, ecological, and life-history traits have been little studied. We studied the mating biology and anatomy of Platylabia major (usually placed in the family Anisolabididae), which is an obligate inhabitant of subcortical spaces with a paper-like flattened body, and compared them with those of two thicker, spongiphorid earwigs, Nesogaster amoenus and Paralabellula curvicauda. Mating trials in various settings showed that Pl. major requires thin spaces sandwiched by two planes to accomplish genital coupling and insemination. In contrast, the thicker species, although also frequently found in subcortical spaces, could mate on a single horizontal plane due to the ability of the male to twist its abdomen through approximately 180°. Examination by micro-computed tomography and a reagent-based clearing technique revealed no substantive differences in the configuration of mid-abdominal musculature between the species. The dorsal and lateral muscles of Pl. major, which are almost parallel to the antero-posterior body axis for accommodation within the thin abdomen, seemed incapable of producing the power to twist the abdomen. The abdominal musculature conforms to a simple pattern in both male and female earwigs, which is repeated in each of the pregenital segments. We conclude that small differences in the range of motion of each abdominal segment can result in large differences in possible mating postures and positions. Surgical experiments also demonstrated that both right and left penises of Pl. major are competent and used for insemination with no lateral bias, as in most other earwigs with twin penises studied to date.

The “Bothropoma” species in the Red Sea

The use of the genus Bothropoma for Red Sea colloniid species is incorrect. Of the four presumptive Red Sea species one of them usually indicated as Bothropoma bellula (H. Adams, 1873) is not a Colloniinae but probably belongs to the subfamily Liotopomatinae and is here considered a junior synonym of Depressipoma (?) pentegoniostoma (Carpenter, 1856). The shells of the other species are to be attributed to the genus Neocollonia and are very variable, but in general they can be distinguished on the basis of the development of three major spiral cords of the body whorl: Neocollonia pilula (Dunker, 1860) has a rounded profile without any protruding spiral cord and Neocollonia isseli (Thiele, 1924) has a rounded/angulated shell mainly with first spiral cord here termed number 1 protruding. These two Neocollonia may even be extreme morphs of the same species, but only molecular investigation will allow testing this hypothesis. Neocollonia munda (H. Adams, 1873) has a slightly flattened body whorl with similarly prominent spiral cords here named number 2 and 3. I consider the recently described species Neocollonia diversicolor, N. splendida and N. kantori (all Poppe Tagaro &amp; Huang, 2023) within the intraspecific variation of N. pilula and thus junior synonyms.

On Flexibility of a Sliding Vertical Support of a Flat Structure

A flat body on hinged supports is considered. One of the supports is connected to the body by means of a slipping attachment. A flexibility of the support rods is modeled by a hinge with a helical spring of sufficient stiffness to prevent relative rotation. It is shown that the linearization of the equilibrium equations makes it impossible to estimate the equilibrium position. The equilibrium position is sought in the form of a series in terms of the reciprocal of the stiffness coefficient of the helical spring. It is shown that as the coefficient of stiffness of the helical spring tends to infinity, the moment of the helical spring, which models the internal bending forces in the rods, tends to infinity. For the case of vertical equilibrium, an estimate is given for a tangential reaction in the support hinge, which occurs when additional loads are introduced and in the case of small oscillations. In all the cases considered, the reaction that occurs in the supports is much greater than the weight of the body.

Body Indices and Population Dynamics of Setipinna breviceps (Cantor, 1849) from Batang Lassa Estuary, Sarawak, Malaysia

The Setipinna breviceps is a commercially important and highly esteemed food fish. This species has scant of scientific formation particularly on population parameters like growth, mortality and recruitment. The present study aimed to estimate the body indices and population parameters of Setipinna breviceps of Batang Lassa Estuary (BLE). Samples were collected between April 2019 and September 2020. A local made bag net known as Gnian (mesh size 1.25 to 4.00 cm) was used for sampling the fish. A total of 287 qualified specimens were used for this study. The length and weight of individual fish was measured to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.01 g, respectively. The length ranged from 5.50 to 24.00 cm and growth coefficient (b) was 2.563 (R2 = 0.87) which clearly indicated a negative allometric growth. About 50% of individuals showed flat or slender body (Kn&lt;1) and 47% of the specimens were rounded shaped (Kn&gt;1) while 2.44% of fishes measured an ideal shape (Kn = 1). The parameters of growth L∞, K and ϕ’ were estimated at 24.15 cm, 0.23 yr-2 and 2.13, respectively. The estimated natural mortality and fishing mortality were 0.74 and 0.29 yr-2, respectively and exploitation rate was 0.28. The recruitment pattern during the study was observed at two possible unequal peaks. The present study concluded that the anchovy was under exploited (E&lt;0.5) as demonstrated by the under-sized fishes caught with small mesh size net. However, considering the minimum lengths and length at first catch, the BLE could be a productive nursery ground for S. breviceps. Therefore, management actions are required to avoid juvenile catches.

First record of the genus Eulomalus (Coleoptera: Histeridae) from late Eocene Baltic amber

ABSTRACT We describe the first fossil species of the extant genus Eulomalus (Coleoptera: Histeridae: Dendrophilinae: Paromalini) from the Eocene Baltic amber. Eulomalus balticus sp. nov. has a flattened body shape typical for the Histeridae living under the bark of decaying trees. The newly described species is the only European representative of the genus, which is presently distributed chiefly in the Indomalayan realm. http://urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7D6209FE-5D98-4580-9CF6-E409CA27E536

A monopole antenna with cotton fabric material for wearable applications

A monopole antenna operated at 2.45 GHz and embedded with artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) for wearable communication systems is investigated in this article. The proposed antenna is composed of a metalized loop radiator with a coplanar waveguide microstrip feedline which is affixed on a cotton fabric material substrate. As well, a cotton-based AMC surface is utilized to eliminate the body’s absorbed radiation and enhance the gain of the antenna. It is composed of 5 × 5 array unit cells etched with I-shaped slots. Using this configuration, simulations show that the specific absorption rate (SAR) level was significantly reduced. Considering flat and rounded body parts, it was found that the SAR values averaged over 10 g at a distance of 1 mm away from the tissues model were only 0.18 W/kg and 0.371 W/kg, respectively. Additionally, the antenna gain was improved up to 7.2 dBi with an average radiation efficiency of 72%. Detailed analysis with experimental measurements of the cotton-based antenna for different operation scenarios is introduced. The measured data show a good correlation with the electromagnetic simulation results.