Ape-like or hominid-like? The positional behavior of Oreopithecus bambolii reconsidered

Comparative morphological and functional analyses of the skeletal remains of Oreopithecus bambolii, a hominoid from the Miocene Mediterranean island of Tuscany–Sardinia (Italy), provides evidence that bipedal activities made up a significant part of the positional behavior of this primate. The mosaic pattern of its postcranial morphology is to some degree convergent with that of Australopithecus and functionally intermediate between apes and early hominids. Some unique traits could have been selected only under insular conditions where the absence of predators and the limitation of trophic resources play a crucial role in mammalian evolution.

Phalangeal curvature and positional behavior in extinct sloth lemurs (Primates, Palaeopropithecidae)

Recent paleontological discoveries in Madagascar document the existence of a diverse clade of palaeopropithecids or “sloth lemurs”: Mesopropithecus (three species), Babakotia (one species), Palaeopropithecus (three species), and Archaeoindris (one species). This mini-radiation of now extinct (“subfossil”) lemurs is most closely related to the living indrids (Indri, Propithecus, and Avahi). Whereas the extant indrids are known for their leaping acrobatics, the palaeopropithecids (except perhaps for the poorly known giant Archaeoindris) exhibit numerous skeletal design features for antipronograde or suspensory positional behaviors (e.g., high intermembral indices and mobile joints). Here we analyze the curvature of the proximal phalanges of the hands and feet. Computed as the included angle (θ), phalangeal curvature develops in response to mechanical use and is known to be correlated in primates with hand and foot function in different habitats; terrestrial species have straighter phalanges than their arboreal counterparts, and highly suspensory forms such as the orangutan possess the most curved phalanges. Sloth lemurs as a group are characterized by very curved proximal phalanges, exceeding those seen in spider monkeys and siamangs, and approaching that of orangutans. Indrids have curvatures roughly half that of sloth lemurs, and the more terrestrial, subfossil Archaeolemur possesses the least curved phalanges of all the indroids. Taken together with many other derived aspects of their postcranial anatomy, phalangeal curvature indicates that the sloth lemurs are one of the most suspensory clades of mammals ever to evolve.

Skeletal variability of the fibular ends and evolutionary implications

This thesis investigates the morphological variations of fibular extremities in humans and non-human hominids using a 3D Geometric Morphometric approach. The study has three objectives: (1) to assess the shape, form, and size variations of fibular epiphyses within the human species, highlighting sexually dimorphic features; (2) to explore interpopulation variability of fibular extremities from the Upper Paleolithic to the 20th century, comparing subsistence, mobility, and lifestyles; and (3) to examine interspecific variations in fibular ends, testing potential associations with locomotor and positional behavior among extant hominid taxa. In terms of intraspecific variations, sex-related differences in fibular form and size were observed, suggesting distinct functional requirements for the lower limb between sexes. Interpopulation variations revealed a decline in activity level over time, influenced by terrain and footwear use. Hunter-gatherer groups exhibited greater joint mobility, loading, and range of motion compared to sedentary pre- and post-industrial populations. Interspecific variations demonstrated significant morphological differences among hominid taxa, indicating functional implications related to both phylogeny and specific loading patterns on the lower limb. The study identified features indicative of bipedalism in humans, as well as shared characteristics among non-human great apes. Furthermore, distinguishing features were found between Asian and African apes, along with unique morphological signals associated with distinct positional behavior in each hominid taxa. By comprehensively analyzing fibular morphology, this research sheds light on the importance of this bone in knee support, ankle stabilization, and overall locomotor function. The findings contribute to our understanding of the evolutionary and functional aspects of the fibula across human populations and non-human hominids throughout history.

Critical behavior of a system with orientational and positional degrees of freedom: A Monte Carlo simulation study

The critical behavior of a system constituted by molecules with a preferred symmetry axis is studied by means of a Monte Carlo simulation of a simplified two-dimensional model. The system exhibits two phase transitions, associated with the vanishing of the positional order of the center of mass of the molecules and with the orientational order of the symmetry axis. The evolution of the order parameters and the specific heat is also studied. The transition associated with the positional degrees of freedom is found to change from a second-order to a first-order behavior when the two phase transitions are close enough, due to the coupling with the orientational degrees of freedom. This fact is qualitatively compared with similar results found in pure liquid crystals and liquid-crystal mixtures.

Two dimensional analysis of inflatable structures by the positional FEM

This paper presents a, simple two dimensional frame formulation to deal with structures undergoing large motions due to dynamic actions including very thin inflatable structures, balloons. The proposed methodology is based on the minimum potential energy theorem written regarding nodal positions. Velocity, acceleration and strain are achieved directly from positions, not. displacements, characterizing the novelty of the proposed technique. A non-dimensional space is created and the deformation function (change of configuration) is written following two independent mappings from which the strain energy function is written. The classical New-mark equations are used to integrate time. Dumping and non-conservative forces are introduced into the mechanical system by a rheonomic energy function. The final formulation has the advantage of being simple and easy to teach, when compared to classical Counterparts. The behavior of a bench-mark problem (spin-up maneuver) is solved to prove the formulation regarding high circumferential speed applications. Other examples are dedicated to inflatable and very thin structures, in order to test the formulation for further analysis of three dimensional balloons.

Alternative positional FEM applied to thermomechanical impact of truss structures

This paper presents a formulation to deal with dynamic thermomechanical problems by the finite element method. The proposed methodology is based on the minimum potential energy theorem written regarding nodal positions, not displacements, to solve the mechanical problem. The thermal problem is solved by a regular finite element method. Such formulation has the advantage of being simple and accurate. As a solution strategy, it has been used as a natural split of the thermomechanical problem, usually called isothermal split or isothermal staggered algorithm. Usual internal variables and the additive decomposition of the strain tensor have been adopted to model the plastic behavior. Four examples are presented to show the applicability of the technique. The results are compared with other authors` numerical solutions and experimental results. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ball Recovery in the Handball Tournament of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games: Sequential Analysis of Positional Play as Used by the Spanish Team’s Defence

In sport there is a great need to obtain as much information as possible about the factors which affect the dynamics of play. This study uses sequential analysis and temporal patterns (T-patterns)to examine the evolution of defence (against an equal number of attackers)as used by the Spanish handball team at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The aim is to help handball coaches (during their training and gathering of professional experience)to understand the importance of the structure of defensive systems. This can be achieved through observational processes that reveal the evolution and adaptation of these defensive systems according to different variables: the match score, the response of the opposing team and progress through the tournament.

In situ dehydration behavior of zeolite-like cavansite: A single-crystal X-ray study

To track dehydration behavior of cavansite, Ca(VO)(Si4O10)·4H2O space group Pnma, a = 9.6329(2), b = 13.6606(2), c = 9.7949(2) Å, V = 1288.92(4) Å3 single-crystal X-ray diffraction data on a crystal from Wagholi quarry, Poona district (India) were collected up to 400 °C in steps of 25 °C up to 250 °C and in steps of 50 °C between 250 and 400 °C. The structure of cavansite is characterized by layers of silicate tetrahedra connected by V4+O5 square pyramids. This way a porous framework structure is formed with Ca and H2O as extraframework occupants. At room temperature, the hydrogen bond system was analyzed. Ca is eightfold coordinated by four bonds to O of the framework structure and four bonds to H2O molecules. H2O linked to Ca is hydrogen bonded to the framework and also to adjacent H2O molecules. The dehydration in cavansite proceeds in four steps.At 75 °C, H2O at O9 was completely expelled leading to 3 H2O pfu with only minor impact on framework distortion and contraction V = 1282.73(3) Å3. The Ca coordination declined from originally eightfold to sevenfold and H2O at O7 displayed positional disorder.At 175 °C, the split O7 sites approached the former O9 position. In addition, the sum of the three split positions O7, O7a, and O7b decreased to 50% occupancy yielding 2 H2O pfu accompanied by a strong decrease in volume V = 1206.89(8) Å3. The Ca coordination was further reduced from sevenfold to sixfold.At 350 °C, H2O at O8 was released leading to a formula with 1 H2O pfu causing additional structural contraction (V = 1156(11) Å3). At this temperature, Ca adopted fivefold coordination and O7 rearranged to disordered positions closer to the original O9 H2O site.At 400 °C, cavansite lost crystallinity but the VO2+ characteristic blue color was preserved. Stepwise removal of water is discussed on the basis of literature data reporting differential thermal analyses, differential thermo-gravimetry experiments and temperature dependent IR spectra in the range of OH stretching vibrations.

Effects of pitch area-restrictions on tactical behavior, physical and physiological performances in soccer large-sided games

The aim of this study was to identify how pitch area-restrictions affects the tactical behavior, physical and physiological performances of players during soccer large-sided games. A 10 vs. 9 large-sided game was performed under three experimental conditions: (i) restricted-spacing, the pitch was divided into specific areas where players were assigned and they should not leave it; (ii) contiguous-spacing, the pitch was divided into specific areas where the players were only allowed to move to a neighboring one; (iii) free-spacing, the players had no restrictions in space occupation. The positional data were used to compute players’ spatial exploration index and also the distance, coefficient of variation, approximate entropy and frequency of near-in-phase displacements synchronization of players’ dyads formed by the outfield teammates. Players’ physical and physiological performances were assessed by the distance covered at different speed categories, game pace and heart rate. Most likely higher values were found in players’ spatial exploration index under free-spacing conditions. The synchronization between dyads’ displacements showed higher values for contiguous-spacing and free-spacing conditions. In contrast, for the jogging and running intensity zones, restricted-spacing demanded a moderate effect and most likely decrease compared to other scenarios (~20-50% to jogging and ~60-90% to running). Overall, the effects of limiting players’ spatial exploration greatly impaired the co-adaptation between teammates’ positioning while decreasing the physical and physiological performances. These results allow for a better understanding of players’ decision-making process according to specific task rules and can be relevant to enrich practice task design, such that coaches acknowledge the differential effect by using specific pitch-position areas restrictions.

Discovery Of A Rare Pterosaur Bone Bed In A Cretaceous Desert With Insights On Ontogeny And Behavior Of Flying Reptiles.

A pterosaur bone bed with at least 47 individuals (wing spans: 0.65-2.35 m) of a new species is reported from southern Brazil from an interdunal lake deposit of a Cretaceous desert, shedding new light on several biological aspects of those flying reptiles. The material represents a new pterosaur, Caiuajara dobruskii gen. et sp. nov., that is the southermost occurrence of the edentulous clade Tapejaridae (Tapejarinae, Pterodactyloidea) recovered so far. Caiuajara dobruskii differs from all other members of this clade in several cranial features, including the presence of a ventral sagittal bony expansion projected inside the nasoantorbital fenestra, which is formed by the premaxillae; and features of the lower jaw, like a marked rounded depression in the occlusal concavity of the dentary. Ontogenetic variation of Caiuajara dobruskii is mainly reflected in the size and inclination of the premaxillary crest, changing from small and inclined (∼ 115°) in juveniles to large and steep (∼ 90°) in adults. No particular ontogenetic features are observed in postcranial elements. The available information suggests that this species was gregarious, living in colonies, and most likely precocial, being able to fly at a very young age, which might have been a general trend for at least derived pterosaurs.

Bile And Liver Metallothionein Behavior In Copper-exposed Fish.

The present study analyzed metallothionein (MT) excretion from liver to bile in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to sub-lethal copper concentrations (2mgL(-1)) in a laboratory setting. MTs in liver and bile were quantified by spectrophotometry after thermal incubation and MT metal-binding profiles were characterized by size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography coupled to ICP-MS (SEC-HPLC-ICP-MS). Results show that liver MT is present in approximately 250-fold higher concentrations than bile MT in non-exposed fish. Differences between the MT profiles from the control and exposed group were observed for both matrices, indicating differential metal-binding behavior when comparing liver and bile MT. This is novel data regarding intra-organ MT comparisons, since differences between organs are usually present only with regard to quantification, not metal-binding behavior. Bile MT showed statistically significant differences between the control and exposed group, while the same did not occur with liver MT. This indicates that MTs synthesized in the liver accumulate more slowly than MTs excreted from liver to bile, since the same fish presented significantly higher MT levels in liver when compared to bile. We postulate that bile, although excreted in the intestine and partially reabsorbed by the same returning to the liver, may also release MT-bound metals more rapidly and efficiently, which may indicate an efficient detoxification route. Thus, we propose that the analysis of bile MTs to observe recent metal exposure may be more adequate than the analysis of liver MTs, since organism responses to metals are more quickly observed in bile, although further studies are necessary.

[the Perception Of Behavior Related To Mindfulness And The Brazilian Version Of The Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory].

Mindfulness is a practice and a form of consciousness which has been the basis for innovative interventions in care and health promotion. This study presents mindfulness, describes and discusses the process of cultural adaptation of The Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI) to Brazilian Portuguese. From the original version of this pioneering instrument for assessing mindfulness two translations and two back-translations were made. These were evaluated by a committee of 14 experts (Buddhists, linguists, health professionals), who helped to create two versions for the first pre-test, based on which suggestions were made by a sample of 41 people of the population through interviews. Considering the difficulties in understanding the concepts that are unfamiliar to the Brazilian culture, a new version was prepared with additional explanations, which underwent a further evaluation of the experts and a second pre-test with 72 people. This process aimed at addressing the limitations and challenges of evaluating mindfulness in a country of western culture through a self-report instrument based on Buddhist psychology. With appropriate levels of clarity and equivalence with the original instrument, the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory adapted for Brazil is presented.

Beliefs Related To Adherence To Oral Antidiabetic Treatment According To The Theory Of Planned Behavior.

to identify salient behavioral, normative, control and self-efficacy beliefs related to the behavior of adherence to oral antidiabetic agents, using the Theory of Planned Behavior. cross-sectional, exploratory study with 17 diabetic patients in chronic use of oral antidiabetic medication and in outpatient follow-up. Individual interviews were recorded, transcribed and content-analyzed using pre-established categories. behavioral beliefs concerning advantages and disadvantages of adhering to medication emerged, such as the possibility of avoiding complications from diabetes, preventing or delaying the use of insulin, and a perception of side effects. The children of patients and physicians are seen as important social references who influence medication adherence. The factors that facilitate adherence include access to free-of-cost medication and taking medications associated with temporal markers. On the other hand, a complex therapeutic regimen was considered a factor that hinders adherence. Understanding how to use medication and forgetfulness impact the perception of patients regarding their ability to adhere to oral antidiabetic agents. medication adherence is a complex behavior permeated by behavioral, normative, control and self-efficacy beliefs that should be taken into account when assessing determinants of behavior.

Changes In Motor Behavior During Pregnancy In Rats: The Basis For A Possible Animal Model Of Restless Legs Syndrome.

Pregnant women have a 2-3 fold higher probability of developing restless legs syndrome (RLS - sleep-related movement disorders) than general population. This study aims to evaluate the behavior and locomotion of rats during pregnancy in order to verify if part of these animals exhibit some RLS-like features. We used 14 female 80-day-old Wistar rats that weighed between 200 and 250 g. The rats were distributed into control (CTRL) and pregnant (PN) groups. After a baseline evaluation of their behavior and locomotor activity in an open-field environment, the PN group was inducted into pregnancy, and their behavior and locomotor activity were evaluated on days 3, 10 and 19 of pregnancy and in the post-lactation period in parallel with the CTRL group. The serum iron and transferrin levels in the CTRL and PN groups were analyzed in blood collected after euthanasia by decapitation. There were no significant differences in the total ambulation, grooming events, fecal boli or urine pools between the CTRL and PN groups. However, the PN group exhibited fewer rearing events, increased grooming time and reduced immobilization time than the CTRL group (ANOVA, p<0.05). These results suggest that pregnant rats show behavioral and locomotor alterations similar to those observed in animal models of RLS, demonstrating to be a possible animal model of this sleep disorder.

Behavior Of Listeria Monocytogenes In A Multi-species Biofilm With Enterococcus Faecalis And Enterococcus Faecium And Control Through Sanitation Procedures.

The formation of mono-species biofilm (Listeria monocytogenes) and multi-species biofilms (Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, and L. monocytogenes) was evaluated. In addition, the effectiveness of sanitation procedures for the control of the multi-species biofilm also was evaluated. The biofilms were grown on stainless steel coupons at various incubation temperatures (7, 25 and 39°C) and contact times (0, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8days). In all tests, at 7°C, the microbial counts were below 0.4 log CFU/cm(2) and not characteristic of biofilms. In mono-species biofilm, the counts of L. monocytogenes after 8days of contact were 4.1 and 2.8 log CFU/cm(2) at 25 and 39°C, respectively. In the multi-species biofilms, Enterococcus spp. were present at counts of 8 log CFU/cm(2) at 25 and 39°C after 8days of contact. However, the L. monocytogenes in multi-species biofilms was significantly affected by the presence of Enterococcus spp. and by temperature. At 25°C, the growth of L. monocytogenes biofilms was favored in multi-species cultures, with counts above 6 log CFU/cm(2) after 8days of contact. In contrast, at 39°C, a negative effect was observed for L. monocytogenes biofilm growth in mixed cultures, with a significant reduction in counts over time and values below 0.4 log CFU/cm(2) starting at day 4. Anionic tensioactive cleaning complemented with another procedure (acid cleaning, disinfection or acid cleaning+disinfection) eliminated the multi-species biofilms under all conditions tested (counts of all micro-organisms<0.4 log CFU/cm(2)). Peracetic acid was the most effective disinfectant, eliminating the multi-species biofilms under all tested conditions (counts of the all microorganisms <0.4 log CFU/cm(2)). In contrast, biguanide was the least effective disinfectant, failing to eliminate biofilms under all the test conditions.