bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Academic Interest and Self-esteem as Correlates of Secondary School Students’ Academic Achievement in English Language in Nigeria
Authors: A. Akuezuilo, J. , U. Mbachu, C. , I. Akunne, L.
Published: May 2022

Aims: This study examined academic interest and self-esteem as correlates of secondary school students’ academic achievement in English language in Nigeria.

Study Design: Correlational survey

Place and Duration of Study: Anambra State, Nigeria, conducted between December 2021 and March 2022.

Method: The accessible population for this study comprises 18,297 senior secondary school two SS2 students from 261 secondary schools situated in the six education zones in Anambra state, the sampling technique adopted was the proportionate stratified random sampling technique. This was use to select 2,160 SS 2 students. The instruments adopted for data collection are: students’ academic interest scale, self-esteem scale and students’ academic achievement scores in English language. Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Multiple Regression Analysis were statistical tools adopted for data analysis.

Results: Table 1, 2 and 3 revealed a moderate positive relationship between secondary school students’ academic interest, self-esteem jointly with their academic achievement in English language. Similarly, hypothesis in Table 4, 5 and 6 reports that at 0.05 level of significance and 2158df, the t-test statistic value 15.95 with a Pvalue of 0.00 is less than 0.05, hence the second hypotheses is rejected. This implies that the relationship existing between self-esteem and academic achievement of secondary school students in English language in Anambra State is significant. Furthermore, at 0.05 level of significance 3df numerator and 2045df denominator, the F statistics value 314.12, with Pvalue of 0.00 is less than 0.05, the third null hypothesis is rejected. This goes to show that the relationship existing among secondary school students’ academic interest and self-esteem jointly with academic achievement in English language is significant.

Conclusion: This study concludes that the joint relationship existing among academic interest, self-esteem jointly with the academic achievement of secondary school students in English language was reported to be moderate and also positive. This implies that the coefficient was close to 1.00 (perfect relationship). Justifying this, it could be likened to the fact that students only spend 45 to 90 minutes per day in school with each teacher, so it is nearly impossible for them to unconsciously transmit all of the knowledge they need to get to them within that time frame. So therefore, there is need for parents as well to fulfil their first job, which is to be a teacher to their children. In the same vein, the relationship existing among secondary school students’ academic interest and self-esteem jointly with academic achievement in English language is statistically significant.
Scale to Measure Performance of Extension Personnel in Promoting Sustainable Dry Farming
Authors: Sachin V. R. , Mishra Prasanta , Valamannavar Shridevi , Saikia Hemanta
Published: May 2022

The scale was developed to measure the performance level of extension personnel in promoting sustainable dry farming in central dry zone of Karnataka. Dry farming areas are the areas which receives an annual rainfall of 750 mm or less than that and there is no irrigation facility for raising crops. Dry farming is the scientific management of soil and crops under dry lands without irrigation. In total 38 statements were framed in scale with review of literature, experts’ suggestion and the role & responsibilities prescribed by State Department of Agriculture, Karnataka to their staff. The edited statements in form of questionnaires were sent to 109 judges to rate the relevancy of statements with the help of online platform ‘Google Forms’. Out of 109, 21 completely filled questionnaires were received in the span of 3 months with many reminders through mail and phone calls. In total 20 statements were selected out of 38 which were having mean relevancy score more than 4.00 and relevancy percentage more than 80. Then t-test has been administered for item analysis and all the 20 selected statements were found to have t-value more than the standard value i.e., 1.75 and hence all 20 statements were retained to the final scale. The r-value was found to be 0.78 and hence the scale was found to be reliable and valid to use in future for the similar investigations.
Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer on Growth, Yield and Nutritional Quality of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)
Authors: Kehinde-Fadare A. F. , Olufunke Olajide Olubunmi , Olayemi A. O.
Published: May 2022

The application of organic and inorganic fertilizer on agricultural farming as a management practice has tremendously brought about a great boost to crop yield due to improvement in soil fertility. The thrust of this experiment was to compare the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer on the growth, yield and nutritional qualities of cucumber (cucumis sativus). The research was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti in 2019 using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatment consisted of sole application of NPK fertilizer, sole application of goat manure, sole application of poultry, NPK + goat manure, NPK fertilizer + poultry manure and control. Parameters assessed include vine length (cm), stem girth (cm), number of leaves, fruit weight (g), length of fruit (cm), fruit diameter (cm) and number of fruit plant-1. The results revealed that poultry manure (PM) significantly influenced all the agronomic parameters and yield of cucumber than other treatments. There were significant differences among the agronomic parameters measured including yield in all the treatments except the number of fruits plant-1. Poultry manure had the highest fruit yield followed by goat manure, NPK fertilizer and poultry manure respectively. For the proximate test, it was observed in the results that there were slight differences in the composition of the proximate of cucumber based on the treatments, suggesting that fertilization can influence the proximate of fruit and vegetables. The overall assessment of the research suggested that poultry manure is the best fertilizer for cucumber growth and yield performance.
Varicella-Zoster Meningoencephalitis in a Patient Exposed to HIV/AIDS: A Case Report
Authors: Santos Michele Paula Dos , Soares Carolina Boeira , Giacomet Livia , Loro Leonardo Bongiovani , Gomes Luane Pereira , Maman Raquel Silveira de , Lima Barbara Adelmann De , Merten Fernanda Bercht , Costa Bartira Ercilia Pinheiro Da , Baron Miriam Viviane
Published: May 2022

Aims: To report an unusual case of herpes zoster meningoencephalitis in an immunocompetent patient exposed to HIV/AIDS.

Presentation of Case: The present report deals with an immunocompetent patient who was diagnosed with meningoencephalitis caused by Herpes Zoster, an opportunistic infection that presented complications.

Discussion: Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a pathogenic human herpes virus that causes chickenpox as a primary infection, after which it becomes latent in the peripheral ganglia. Later, the virus can be reactivated spontaneously or after a series of triggers to cause herpes zoster. Chickenpox and its complications are more severe in immunosuppressed patients.

Conclusion: An unusual case of varicella-zoster meningoencephalitis in an immunocompetent patient that deserves to be shared with colleagues.
A Comprehensive Outline of the Gulf Nations' Cosmetics Review and Approval Process: GSO Standards
Authors: Shree G. Ramya , Venkatesh M. P. , Bose P. Subhash Chandra
Published: May 2022

The GCC is an economic and political union of six countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The council's main office is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. To ensure that cosmetic products are safe, the Gulf Cooperation Council Standardization Organization (GSO) recently recommended GSO 1943: 2015, "Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products." The GCC Standardization Organization, a comparable agency, can develop standards that apply to everybody. The product must have entire pork and detachable flesh, be devoid of any unclean or rotting construction, and be safe for human and environmental health. Cosmetics are tightly controlled in GCC nations, following EU guidelines. Before items are utilized by customers, they must be registered and meet all safety criteria. This has led to the formation of GCC cosmetic standards. The Gulf Cooperation Council cosmetics legislation closely follows the EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. However, it has some of its own criteria when it comes to processes, ingredients, labelling and claims.
Teaching Readiness, Workload Analysis and Performance of Teachers in Luna District
Authors: Agcaoili McDonald C. , Bascos-Ocampo Rema
Published: May 2022

Aims: This study analyzed the workload of teachers as to teaching load, other assignment/s and total workload and determined the profile of the teachers in terms of demographic profile, professional profile and administrative profile; teachers’ teaching readiness; performance of teachers; relationship of the profile and teaching readiness of teachers, profile and performance of teachers, profile and workload, teaching readiness and performance of teachers and workload and performance of teachers.

Study Design:  The researchers used the documentary analysis method.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the secondary schools of Luna, Apayao, from January 2018 to June 2018.

Methodology: Sixty-five teachers were chosen as respondents through the simple random sampling.  Data were collected through the survey questionnaire and School Form 7 and analyzed through frequency counts, percentage, mean and Pearson (r). 

Results: Majority of the respondents are 38 years old, females, married, Roman Catholic, Ilocano, Teacher I, 10 years in the service, master’s degree holder, eligible to teach, and English majors, and have attended 3 trainings or seminars related to their field of specialization.  Majority are very ready in their teaching career with 37 or 56.92 percent of them.  The respondents’ average workload is 23, most of them are given 2 other assignments and have an average weekly workload of 25 hours. Majority perform “Very Satisfactory” in their task as a whole.  There is a significant relationship between age and teaching readiness, plantilla positions, length of service and performance of the teachers. There is no significant relationship between the profile of the teachers and workload, teaching readiness and performance of teachers, performance and workload of teachers.

Conclusion: There is so much room for professional growth among the teachers They do there tasks with competence, are service-oriented and are reliable even in doing assigned tasks different from their workload.
The Statistical Measurement System of High-Quality Development Level of Cities - Based on Yangtze River Delta Region of China
Authors: Fan Hongjie , Wang Kai
Published: May 2022

Combining China's development concepts of innovation, coordination, green, openness and sharing, the paper constructs a high-quality development measurement system of Yangtze River Delta of China, which contains five dimensions: the optimization of economic structure, the efficient allocation of resource, the stable growth of economic, the regional development coordination and the presentation of economic achievements. Using 2019 municipal data, the entropy weighted TOPSIS method was used to statistically measure the level of high-quality development level of 27 cities in the Yangtze River Delta region. And four categories of cities, namely excellent, good, normal and lagging, were classified. The results show that Shanghai has the highest level of high-quality development, and most cities have lower scores in the subsystem of the stable growth of economic. Finally, this paper makes targeted reasonable suggestions for cities, especially the lagging cities.
LASSA Fever: A 1400% Fold Increase in Infection Rate among Health Care Workers in Nigeria-a Cause for Concern and a Comparative Analysis of NCDC 2021 and 2022 Situation Reports
Authors: Ehimen Ferguson Ayemere , Betiku Omobamidele Benson
Published: May 2022

Background: Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness {fever} caused by Lassa virus, which is hosted by rodents in the Mastomys natalensis species. It is found in abundance in West, East, and Central Africa. Lassa fever is caused by an arenavirus, which is a single-stranded, bisegmented RNA virus that is enclosed. Lassa fever was originally documented in 1969 in the Borno State town of Lassa in Nigeria, when two missionary nurses died of the sickness. Unfortunately, despite the fact that the first case was recorded 53 years ago, hundreds of thousands of cases are reported each year without proper epidemic preparedness and prevention strategies.

Objectives: The study's goal is to characterize the different percentage increases in the various Lassa fever report indicators as reported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), with the goal of giving a comparative analysis of the Lassa fever report in 2021 and 2022 using the 7th week epidemiological report of 2021 and 2022.

Methods: Data and information for this article was obtained in Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) 7th week epidemiological situation report of 2022.

Results: A comparison of the Lassa fever situation report for week 7 epidemiology report for 2021 and 2022 revealed a 1400 percent rise in the infection rate in health care workers in 2022 compared to the previous year, 2021. Other report indicators (suspected/confirmed cases, state and local government involvement, etc.) increased by more than 100 percent in the 2022 report compared to the 2021 report.

Conclusion: This comparative analysis has revealed the lack of an epidemic preparation strategy for such an annual epidemic, which is eye-opening for all health care workers, administrators, and governments. As a result, establishing an emergency preparation strategy and implementing several prevention strategies (deratization, health-care training, community sensitization etc) that can lead to a reduction in the number of cases and deaths each year is critical.
Effect of Photoperiod and Nutritional-Shock on Increasing the Number of Minitubers from Apical Rooted Cuttings Grown in Coco-Peat
Authors: Chau Mai Hai , Nhuan Nguyen The
Published: May 2022

Currently, a variety of techniques for producing potato minituber have been investigated, including soilless aeroponic, hydroponic and deep-water culture systems. However, minitubers potato production in the greenhouse from apical rooted cutting grown coco-peat under a photoperiod and nutritional - shock system is a new and creative idea. Therefore, the objective of the study was to optimize the effect of photoperiod and nutritional-shock on growth performance and yield of first generation potato tuber production of potato plants. Potato variety ‘Atlantic’ was treated under 5 photoperiod – (8 h/day, 9 h/day, 10 h/day, 11 h/day and natural light) under nutritional-shock process with reducing N concentration in nutrient solution (0;25%; 50%;75% and 100%), the growth stage of plant to conduct nutritional-shock (30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 DAT), the implementation time of nutritional-shock (12, 24, 48 and 60 hours) and the combination of photoperiod (9 h/day, 10 h/day) and nutritional-shock (75%, 100%) on the formation and development of minitubers. The study revealed that photoperiod at 10h/day showed the best result with 7.4 tubers/ plant and 569.7 tubers m-2. The number of tuber stolons, average number of tubers and tuber yield was directly proportional to the decreasing in N concentration in the nutrient solution, in which the highest was the 100% reduction in N concentration with 9.3 tubers/plant, higher than the control treatment 300%. The nutrient shock treatment at 30 DAT in 48 ours gave the best tuber production efficiency. There was a strong interaction between photoperiod and nutritional-shock on the formation and yield of potatoes (10.6 tubers/plant, 308 tubers m-2).
Harmonic Centrality and Centralization of Some Graph Products
Authors: Ortega Jose Mari E. , Eballe Rolito G.
Published: May 2022

Harmonic centrality calculates the importance of a node in a network by adding the inverse of the geodesic distances of this node to all the other nodes. Harmonic centralization, on the other hand, is the graph-level centrality score based on the node-level harmonic centrality. In this paper, we present some results on both the harmonic centrality and harmonic centralization of graphs resulting from some graph products such as Cartesian and direct products of the path P2 with any of the path Pm, cycle Cm, and fan Fm graphs.
Economic Analysis of Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Production as Influenced by Different Organic Nutrient Sources under Mid Hill Condition of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Hameedi Atal , Thakur Kuldeep Singh , Nesar Nesar Ahmad , Attri Meenakshi , Stanikzai Rahmat Gul , Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Satesh
Published: May 2022

A field investigation was conducted during the Kharif of 2016 at the Department of Vegetable Science, UHF, Nauni, Solan to explore the economic analysis of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) production as influenced by organic nutrient sources. The experiment was designed in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) Factorial with three replications comprising 10 different treatments. The study indicated that vermicompost @ 7 t/ha + Jeevamrut (Drenching @ 5% + Foliar spray @ 3%) highly affected yield and yield attributing traits of bell pepper and documented higher fruit weight (59.33 g), no. of fruits/plant (29.13), fruit yield/plot (24.73 kg), and fruit yield/ha (366.42 q) along with the highest gross income (₹ 916,050.00/ha) and net return (₹ 713,795.00/ha) whereas the greatest B: C ratio (5.43) was attained with no organic manure + Jeevamrut (Drenching @ 5% + Foliar spray @ 3%). As a result, from an economic standpoint, Jeevamrut (Drenching @ 5% + Foliar spray @ 3%) application and Vermicompost @ 7 t/ha in combination with Jeevamrut (Drenching @ 5% + Foliar spray @ 3%) application for high yield may be suggested for commercial production.
Assessment of Long Term Spatio-temporal Climatic Changes Over the Central India: A GIS Approach
Authors: Sahu Nisha , Reddy G. P. Obi , Dash B. , Kumar Nirmal , Singh S. K.
Published: May 2022

The climatic data of 107 meteorological stations of Central India were collected and maps of various climatic parameters were generated by using ArcGIS 10.5 software. Potential evapotranspiration (PET), rainfall, water deficit and moisture index trends were analyzed for 30 years (1988-2018). PET was computed by using Modified Penman-Monteith method as recommended by FAO. It concludes that though the amount of mean annual rainfall is moreover same but the variation in duration and distribution exists. The analysis shows that number of rainy days has decreased in this long period, which led to increase the PET. High water deficit resulted in shifting of bio-climate towards arid condition. The results indicates that Maximum mean annual rainfall was observed in Mahabaleswar station of Maharashtra (6098 mm) and minimum mean annual rainfall also reported in Malegaon (545 mm) of Maharashtra, in Central India. It was observed that western districts of Madhya Pradesh (Barwani, Alirajpur) are shifting significantly towards drier side during the period of 30 years. Thus, information of long term spatial climatic changes can be effectively used for contingent crop planning, irrigation scheduling and diversification of crops.
Effect of Thermal Indices on Yield of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Varieties under Variable Weather Conditions of South Saurastra Agro-climatic Zone of Gujarat, India
Authors: Savaliya A. V. , Godhani H. S. , Korat H. V. , Chopada M. C.
Published: May 2022

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi (spring) season of year 2017-2018 at Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat, India. Four varieties of Garlic (GG-4, GJG-5, Promising and Local variety) were sown on four different dates for generating different weather condition during various phenological stages of crop. Results revealed that sowing between 7th to 21st November produced significantly higher growth due to fulfillment of optimum thermal requirement for various plant processes. Timely sown garlic crop recorded significantly higher GDD (growing degree days), HTU (helio-thermal units) and PTU (photo-thermal units) and HTU (Heat use efficiency). Delay in sowing (after 21st November) reduced the crop duration and yield. Yield had higher value in local variety followed by GG-4and GJG-5 in all weather conditions. Yield was more in timely sown crop as compared to late and very late sown crop. Local variety was found more conducive for growth and higher thermal unit.
Effect of Row Spacing and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)
Authors: Beulah S. , Umesha C.
Published: May 2022

The field Study was conducted during Rabi season of 2021 at experimental field of the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj and Uttar Pradesh, India to determine the “Effect of row spacing and zinc on growth and yield of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)”. This experiment embodied of 3 row spacings 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm and 3 levels of zinc fertilizer of 5 kg/ha, 10 kg/ha and 15 kg/ha. The experiment was layed out in statistical design of Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Full doses of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium fertilizers were applied as basal. The used variety was Varuna T-59. Report of the study indicates that, among different row spacings and zinc the treatment with row spacing 40 cm and zinc at 15 kg/ha produced significantly highest plant height (202.36 cm), higher number of branches (11.18), dry weight/plant (32.96g). The treatment combination with row spacing 30 cm and zinc 15 kg/ha produces the highest number of siliquae per plant (295.65), number of seeds per siliqua (15.47), test weight (3.87 g), seed yield (2.10 t/ha), stover yield (4.53 t/ha), and Harvest index (31.66%). However, the treatment with row spacing 30 cm and zinc at 15 kg/ha was found to be effective in highest gross return (126420 INR/ha), net return (89638.4 INR/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.43) when compared to the other treatments.
Impact of Spent Mushroom Substrate Integration with Trichoderma harzianum on Yield and Gummosis Disease Incidence in Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria)
Authors: Kumar Satish , Chugh Rakesh Kumar , Singh Jagdeep
Published: May 2022

Bottle gourd is a commonly grown cucurbitaceous vegetable crop in India. It is affected by various pathogens but gummosis, a soil borne fungal disease is a serious disease of bottle gourd. The symptoms are color change to reddish brown at the collar region. The oozing of brownish gum on affected part is the first sign of disease. The research work carried out in the world has proved that soil application of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) after weathering increased yield and decreased soil borne diseases in different vegetable crops. Keeping in view of its importance, it was felt to study the impact of soil application of SMS enriched with T. harzianum on seed germination, yield and gummosis disease incidence of bottle gourd.   The twelve months old SMS and well rotten farm yard manure (FYM) were applied in soil alone as well as enriched with T. harzianum in the experimental trials conducted from 2019 to 2021.  It revealed that soil application of SMS and FYM applied alone or enriched with T. harzianum didn’t have adverse effect on its germination. The maximum yield at 5752 kg/ha was obtained when SMS enriched with T. harzianum was applied followed by 5630 kg/ha when SMS was applied alone in soil. The minimum yield at 4806 kg/ha was obtained in control. A minimum disease incidence of 4.8 per cent was observed when SMS enriched with T. harzianum was applied, followed by 6.5 per cent when it was applied alone. The maximum disease incidence of 11.7 per cent was observed in control. Therefore, soil application of SMS enriched with T. harzianum before sowing at 25 tonnes/ha significantly increased yield and decreased disease incidence at the maximum rate as compared to other treatments and control.
Effect of Nitrogen and Phosphorus on Growth and Yield of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata L.]
Authors: Vineeth Bonthala , Singh Shikha , Reddy Vangala Siva Nagi , Rajasekhar Mahendrakar
Published: May 2022

A field study was conducted during the growing season of 2021 at the crop research farm of the Department of Agronomy at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences, Prayagraj in the North Eastern plains of Eastern Uttar Pradesh with the objective of studying the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth, yield, and economics of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Var. Gomati VU 89 under a randomised block design, comprising of 9 treatments, of which treatments (T1-T9) with different combinations of nitrogen and phosphorus, which are replicated thrice. The experimental results revealed that 25 kg N/ha + 50 kg P/ha recorded Maximum plant height (69.02 cm), number of branches/plant (12.33), number of nodules/plant (4.0), highest plant dry weight (15.32 gm), crop growth rate (4.80 g/m2/day), test weight (18.57 g), number of pods/plant (20.13), number of seeds/pod (15.1), seed yield (1243.97 kg/ha), harvest index (32.0%). T9 25 kg N/ha + 50 kg P/ha resulted in a higher net return (34.05 x 103/ha), gross return (63.44 x 103/ha), and benefit-cost ratio (2.16).
Integrated Management of Root Rot Disease Complex of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Incited by Concomitant Occurrence of Rhizoctonia solani and Meloidogyne javanica
Authors: Sagwal Aradhna , Kumar Satish , Raj Kushal
Published: May 2022

Tomato (S. lycopersicum L.) is an important vegetable crop not only for its economic importance but also because of its nutritional value. The root rot disease complex of tomato is considered as a common problem in tomato fields of Haryana due to concomitant occurrence of R. solani and M. javanica. It is very difficult to manage the disease complex through fungicides and nematicides alone which despite of being costly are not eco-friendly as well. Therefore, in this study, an attempt was made to explore and exploit other methods of root rot disease complex management in an integrated manner. The different treatments like organic amendment (mustard cake), fungicide (Carbendazim 50 % WP), mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus mosseae) and biocontrol agent (Trichoderma harzianum) were evaluated in different combinations for the integrated management of root rot disease complex in tomato cv. Hisar Arun (Selection 7). The evaluation of different treatments and their combinations under in vivo condition revealed that a significantly low disease incidence (10.5 per cent) and a maximum disease control of 83.4 per cent was observed when seeds were dressed with Carbendazim 50 % WP @ 2g/kg seed and sown in soils incorporated with T. harzianum (10g/kg soil), G. mosseae (200 sporocarps/kg soil) and mustard cake (2g/kg soil). It was followed by disease incidence of 13.7 per cent when Carbendazim dressed seeds (2g/kg seed) were sown in soil incorporated with T. harzianum (10g/kg soil) and mustard cake (2g/kg soil). It is possible to manage the disease complex only by the use of integration of different treatments including seed dressing with carbendazim, soil incorporation of T. harzianum, G. mosseae and soil amendments with mustard cake which acted in a synergistic way.
Determining the Influence of Boron and Sulphur on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)
Authors: Yadav Vikas , Dawson Joy , Yadav Shankar Lal
Published: May 2022

A field experiment was carried out during the rabi season of 2021-22 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj to study the response of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L)] to different levels of sulphur and boron. The experiment was comprised of 9 treatments with including all the combination of three sulphur levels (0, 10 and 20 kg/ha) and three levels of boron (0, 2 and 4 kg/ha). Results revealed that the highest plant height, plant dry weight (g/plant), crop growth rate (g/m2/day), relative growth rate (g/g/day), Number of siliqua per plant, Number of seed per siliqua, test weight (gm), Seed yield (q/ha), Stover yield (q/ha) were recorded with combination Boron (2 kg/ha) + Sulphur (20 kg/h) and application of (control) recorded maximum harvest index (%). Maximum gross return, net return and B:C ratio were also recorded with application of Boron 2 kg/ha + Sulphur 20 kg/ha.
A Massive Cholera Outbreak in Shaheed Benazir Abad, Sindh, Pakistan
Authors: Mehraj Sandeep , Dass Gordhan , Hussain Mudassar , Baig Amir , Memon Naveed Masood , Sand Aurangzeb , Memon Sohail Ahemd , Channa Mukhtiyar , Jhatiyal Hussian
Published: May 2022

Background: A team of Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training fellows were deputed to investigate the cholera outbreak reported from Village Laiq Rahoo Taluka Daulat Pur of district Shaheed Benazir Abad on 14 June 2016 after reporting of 56 diarrheal cases from the district.

Methods: The study was conducted from 15-19 June 2016. A case was defined any person who has presented with 3 or more episodes of watery stools or vomiting since last day, with or without; fever, nausea, abdominal cramps, blood or mucous in stool. Active case search was conducted in village. A case control study was carried out preceded by descriptive study. Data was collected on pretested questionniare. Environmental assessment was done. Stool samples were sent to National Institute of Health, Islamabad.

Results: A total of 132 diarrheal cases were identified with Case Fatality Rate of 3%. Age range was 1 year to 60 years (Mean=18 years). Of all casaes males were 73 (56%). Population of village was 3308, so the overall attack rate was 4%. Commonly affected age group was 30-34 years with attack rate of 11% (22/206). Diarrhea n=132 (100%) and vomiting n=47 (45%) were leading symptoms among cases. Water source near the toilets < less than 10 feet> (OR: 11, 95% CI: 6-20, p: <0.001), Eating from common OR=7.3, 95% CI: 4.2-12.6, p<0.001) were the factors associated with outbreak. Vibrio Cholera was detected in 3 out of 5 stool samples and 4 out of 5 water samples revealed coliforms.

Conclusion: Diarrhea outbreak was likely due to close proximity of water and sewage sources. It is recommended that hand pump should be installed away from toilets.
Capillary Pressure Behavior of CO2 - Shale System at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Almutairi Abrar , Al-Bazali Talal
Published: May 2022

In this study, changes in capillary entry pressure of shale when interacting with CO2, under different temperatures have been investigated. The combined impact of temperature and petrophysical properties of shale (water content, water activity, permeability and porosity) on capillary entry pressure was addressed.  Pressure breakthrough measurements were used to evaluate the minimum entry pressure of CO2 through shale.  A heavy-duty oven was used to vary the temperature in order to investigate the impact of temperature on CO2 capillary entry pressure through shale.  Results showed that capillary entry pressure of shale when interacting with CO2 was highly affected by temperature. Higher temperatures decreased capillary entry pressure of shale. We believe that pore dilation, where pore throat size expands due to the application of heat, may have caused this decrease in capillary entry pressure.  However, in some cases higher temperature activated clay swelling that may have caused an apparent decrease in pore throat radii of shale which translated into higher capillary entry pressure.  Results also showed that there exists no distinct relationship between petrophysical properties of shale and its measured capillary entry pressure when interacting with CO2 at different temperatures.  Heat could alter pore throat radii and cause pore dilation which may alter measured capillary entry pressure.  Interfacial tension decreases with increasing temperature and that can be attributed to the weakening of intermolecular forces at the two immiscible fluids interface. Swelling of clay could be related to temperature-induced transition from passive to an active clay.
Clinical Significance of Haematologic Indices as Indicators for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Activity
Authors: Alhelby Samar Darwish Mostafa , Hodeib Hossam AbdElmohsen , Gawaly Amr Mohamed , El-Sheikh Ebaa Hussein
Published: May 2022

Background: Lupus erythematosus is a diverse autoimmune disorder that is capable of afflicting a variety of organs and has a clinical history that is inconsistent. Despite substantial improvements in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient survival, the pathophysiology of the disease remains unexplained, despite the fact that genes play a key role in its propensity.

Objective: To evaluate the several hematological indicators (neutrophil- to- lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet -to- lymphocyte ratio (PLR), platelet distribution width (PDW), red cell distribution width (RDW), mean platelet volume (MPV) in SLE patients and their correlation with disease manifestations.

Patients and Methods: In our study, a cross-sectional comparative study that enrolled 100 SLE patients (30 male and 70 female patients) aged from 18-55y who are recruited from the Internal Medicine Department, Rheumatology Unit (inpatient wards and outpatient clinics) the patients were categorized into three groups according to the (SLE disease activity index 2000. (SLEDAI-2K): Group (I): Inactive (SLEDAI-2K, <6) Include thirty-one patients. Group (II): Moderately active (SLEDAI-2K, 6-10) Include twenty-nine patients. Group (III):  Highly active (SLEDAI-2k, ≥11) Include forty patients.

Results: Our study showed clinical parameters such as vasculitis, nephritis, serositis, CNS involvement are significant and indicate severe activity. Also, our study showed laboratory data as ESR, ANA, anti-dsDNA, and consumption of complement showed a significant correlation with systemic lupus activity. The highly active group had higher PLR, NLR, PDW, and MPV than other groups. However, the highly active group showed a decrease in lymphocyte median. CNS symptoms indicated a negative correlation that is statistically significant with lymphocytes. While it demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation, with NLR, however, CNS showed a significant positive correlation with PDW. Nephritis had a significant positive correlation with NLR and PLR. Vasculitis had a positive highly significant correlation with lymphocytes and a positive significant correlation with PLR.

Conclusion: Patients with SLE in both high and moderate activity of disease exhibited significant renal manifestations, vasculitis, serositis, CNS symptoms, consumed C3 and C4 while ESR and Anti-dsDNA were elevated in all groups. The highly active group had higher NLR, PLR, PDW, and MPV than other groups. However, it showed a decrease in lymphocyte median. Further, CNS symptoms revealed a negative correlation that is statistically significant with lymphocytes, while it showed a positive statistically significant correlation with PDW and NLR. Nephritis had a positive significant correlation with NLR, and PLR and vasculitis had a positive highly significant correlation with lymphocytes and PLR.
Histopathological Spectrum in Whipple’s Resection Specimens – a Six Years Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Imam Zeenat Sarmadi , Rabab Shadan , Singh Reecha , Kumar Bipin , Mandal Manish , Singh Rakesh Kumar , Haider Md. Zeeshan
Published: May 2022

Aims and Objectives: To study the demographic distribution and histomorphological variations of Whipple’s pancreaticoduodenectomy specimens in regard to tumour site, size, type, grade, marginal status, lymph node metastasis, perineural invasion (PNI) and lymphovascular invasion (LVI). This study will also highlight the incidental pathological lesions occurring in Whipple’s specimens. Hence it will further facilitate to analyse the prognostic significance of all these parameters in order to co-relate the overall spectrum of these cases.

Study Design and Place of Study: An observational retrospective time bound descriptive study conducted at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna after approval of ethical committee.

Materials and Methods: A total of 150 Whipple’s resection specimens received in the Department of Pathology, IGIMS, Patna from January 2015 to December 2020 were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criterias. Details were collected from histopathology request forms and hospital record sheets. Gross and microscopic features were analysed and recorded. Slides were reviewed and the parameters were calculated.

Results: Statistical analysis showed that out of 150 Whipple’s pancreaticoduodenectomy specimens, 141 (94%) cases were malignant tumours, 6(4%) cases had low malignant potential and 3 (2%) cases were of benign nature. Periampullary carcinomas were the predominant malignant tumours (78.66%), followed by ampullary carcinomas (14%) and pancreatic endocrine tumours (1.33%). Tumours with low malignant potential were constituted by SPN (solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas) (2.67%), GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumours) (0.67%) and mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas (0.67%). Mean age incidence was 49.57 years with a male to female sex ratio of 1.4:1. Most of the malignant tumours (more than 75%) were moderately differentiated and were in stage 2 category. Out of the total 141 malignant tumours, 71 (50.35%) cases showed LVI, 50 (35.46%) cases had PNI and 84 (81.67%) had tumour deposits in the lymph nodes.

Conclusions: Our study emphasizes the importance of tumour grade, tumour stage, presence of LVI, PNI, positive margins and lymph node metastasis as strong prognostic factors for patient survival. This is well corroborated by the significant P value in our study. Most of our cases were diagnosed at a locally advanced stage. Hence a more precise assessment and clinical evaluation can lead to early detection of cancer, improving the survival rates.
Good Building Design and Construction Practices in Barangay Baybay, Catarman, Northern Samar
Authors: Licas Felix S.
Published: May 2022

The Extension program conducted entitled “Good Building Design and Construction Practices” an adopt a Barangay program was undertaken in Barangay Baybay, Catarman, Northern Samar. It aimed to provide consultancy services on civil engineering practices. It undertakes a campaign information drive for safe building construction practices. There were 40 participants in attendance mostly composed of skilled workers. The module presented focuses on design construction, materials principles, and safety construction principles. Pre-tests and post-tests were given before and after the training program. From the administered pre-test, the lowest score was seven and the highest score was 14 out of 15 items conducted, while from the post-test examination they got a perfect score and obtained a lowest 10 points score. The result on the House Building Checklist as to the type of house building structures was derived; there was 3.66 percent on concrete houses, 43.09 percent on mixed concrete and timber house, 46.74 percent were made of steel, concrete, and timber houses, and 6.51 percent are constructed with the indigenous house. The results on indicators of house building checklist revealed that most of the structures do not have occupancy building certificates. The foundation was mostly built on sand because of its location facing the shoreline. The materials used were rivers stone and round. Most walls were covered with either concrete or hollow blocks and were tied to the column at 40 cm intervals. The roofing systems were made of more than 50 percent triangular trusses. For site drainage plan, almost 50 percent observed proper drainage plan and 65 percent of their walls are located nearer to their septic tank and 55 percent are located to floodable waterways and swampy areas. The structures are non-compliant with the building permit issuance. There were 200 structures were built within a radius of 15 meters from the seashore. The structures need to undergo repair because of the appearance of deteriorating construction materials. The results of the interview revealed that they have  malpractice in the handling of construction materials and proper observation of the construction method.
Is Tramadol Hydrochloride with Adrenaline an Alternative to Lignocaine Hydrochloride with Adrenaline in Dental Implant Surgery ?? – A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Parlawar Akshita , Mundada Bhushan Prakashchand , Gupta Aishwarya
Published: May 2022

Background: When used as infiltration anesthesia, tramadol is known to provide a local anesthetic effect. 

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the anesthetic potency of local infiltrations of 5% tramadol hydrochloride with adrenaline and 2% lignocaine hydrochloride with adrenaline in dental implant procedures. To assess tramadol postoperative analgesia's onset, duration, potency, and effectiveness as a local anesthetic agent. 

Methodology: A split mouth study was conducted in the Outpatient Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, of Sharad Pawar Dental College, Sawangi, district Wardha, Maharashtra.  A total number of 80 patients (split-mouth) who needed dental implants was chosen and divided into two groups of 40 people each.  Patients were chosen at random, regardless of their gender, caste, or religion. A written consent was obtained from all the patients. 

Expected Result: The study was carried out to check potency of Tramadol hydrochloride with adrenaline to lignocaine hydrochloride in dental implant surgery, it had similar efficacy and used as an alternative where lignocaine was contraindicated. 

Conclusion: Tramadol hydrochloride with adrenaline was used as an alternative to lignocaine hydrochloride in selected cases, if the study proves.
Design and Evaluation of Sorafenib Tosylate Nanoparticles Including Assessment of IC50 Values using PC Cell Lines
Authors: Sailaja P. B. , Jyothi B. Jeevana
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Sorafenib tosylate is an anticancer drug used for treatment of pancreatic cancer. In the present research work, Sorafenib tosylate is converted to nanoparticles with an aim to assess its anticancer activity with reduced concentration expecting less side effects of the parent drug.

Objective: The aim of the present research work is preparation of nanoparticles of Sorafenib tosylate, evaluation at in-vitro level and to carry out promising nanoparticles for anti cancer activity for treatment of pancreatic cancer by MTT Assay method using PC cell lines including comparison of IC50 values of sorafenib tosylate nanoparticles and pure drug

Methodology: The nanoparticles of sorafenib were prepared by salting out method using Eudragit S-100, sodium CMC and Zinc sulphate. Eight formulations were tried using varied drug to polymer ratios.

Results: The promising formulation produced with drug to polymer ratio of 1:2 has particle size of 231.6nm and highest dissolution rate 76.2± 0.35% in 60 min and 82.5% in 90 min. These nanoparticles assessed by MTT assay method revealed reasonably reduced IC50 value of 0.848±0.217 compared to 1.92±0.14 in case of pure sorafenib tosylate.

Conclusion: Sorafenib tosylate nanoparticles can be produced successfully by salting out method using drug to polymer (Sorafenib tosylate: Eudragit L-100) ratio of 1:3 by salting out method to possess ideal drug release characteristics. IC50 values of nanoparticles of sorafenib tosylate are reasonably reduced compared to pure drugs indicating very chances of reduced side effects with nanoparticles to treat pancreatic cancer effectively with reduced side effects.
Complete sequence and characterization of the major sperm nuclear basic protein from Mytilus trossulus
Authors: Rocchini Corinne , Rice Philip , Ausio Juan
Published: July 2002

We have characterized the major protamine‐like protein (PL‐III) from the sperm of the mussel Mytilus trossulus. The molecular mass of the main protein component of PL‐III, determined by mass spectrometry using fast atom bombardment and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization was 11304 ± 6 Da. The complete protein sequence was established by Edman degradation and the molecular mass derived from this sequence coincides with that experimentally determined. The protein has a sedimentation coefficient s
20,w = 1.15 ± 0.5 S which is consistent with a random coil of radius of gyration 34.3 ± 1.4 A.
Oligomerization state in solution of the cell cycle regulators p13suc1 from the fission yeast and p9cksphy from the myxomycete Physarum, two members of the cks family
Authors: Birck Catherine , Raynaud-Messina Brigitte , Samamaa Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2002

The cks proteins (for cdc2 kinase subunit) are essential cell cycle regulators. They interact strongly with the mitotic cdc2 kinase, but the mechanism and the biological function of this association still await understanding. The oligomerization state in solution of two members of this ubiquitous protein family, the sucl gene product from the fission yeast and the newly cloned cksphy gene product from the myxomycete Physarum, was investigated by small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and biochemical methods. We found that the major molecular species are monodispersed monomeric proteins. Minor amounts of dimeric sucl proteins were also found, but no equilibrium between the two forms was observed and surprisingly, the hexameric assemblies observed in the crystal structure of the human ckshs2 homolog were not detected. These apparent discrepancies between proteins that display cross‐complementation address the question of the control of the cks oligomerization process and its link to the biological function.
Cellular and molecular aspects of iron metabolism in plants
Authors: Briat Jean‐François , Fobis‐Loisy Isabelle , Grignon Nicole , Lobréaux Stéphane , Pascal Nadine , Savino Gil , Thoiron Séverine , Von Wirén Nicolaus , Van Wuytswinkel Olivier
Published: July 2002

Summry— Iron is an essential element for plant metabolism because of its redox properties. Its long distance and intracellular trafficking require specialized proteins and low molecular mass chelates because of its insolubility and toxicity in presence of oxygen. Iron deficiency induces various morphological and biochemical changes. They include root hair morphogenesis, differentiation of rhizodermal cells into transfer cells, yellowing of leaves and ultrastructural disorganisation of chloroplasts and mitochondria, as well as increased synthesis of organic acids and phenolics, and activation of root systems responsible for an enhanced iron uptake capacity. Upon iron resupply, these alterations disappeared within few days and a transient accumulation of the iron storage protein ferritin in the plastids is one of the early events in this process. Iron excess can also occur in plants where it elicits an oxidative stress leading to necrotic spots in the leaves. Induction of ferritin synthesis is again an early event of the plant response to this iron toxicity. Plant hormones such as auxin, abscisic acid and ethylene, as well as reactive oxygen intermediates play an important role in the transduction pathways, allowing plants to respond to these iron‐deficiency and excess stresses. Similarities and differences among the various mechanisms responsible for iron uptake and storage in mammals, higher plants and yeast are outlined. Relationships between iron and copper metabolism are also indicated.