bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Parasitic Infections in Buffaloes in and around Ludhiana District, Punjab, India: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Singh Nirbhay Kumar , Singh Harkirat , . Jyoti , Haque Manjurul , Rath S S
Published: March 2024

A total of 598 buffaloes were sampled for both coprological (210) and haematological (388) investigations at the Large Animal Clinics, GADVASU, Ludhiana, Punjab, India. Coprological examination revealed that the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections was 23.33% (49/210). Among the revealed parasites, amphistomes, Fasciola spp., Eimeria spp., Balantidium coli and strongyles were in 4.29, 3.33, 0.95, 2.86 and 15.71% of the examined buffaloes. Except coccidiosis, there was no significant variation of GI infections in relation to sex. Eimeria spp. was significantly higher in males. The present work emphasized that strongyles were the most prevalent gastrointestinal parasites found during coprological examination of buffaloes in Punjab, India. Examination of Giemsa-stained peripheral blood smears exhibited that 4.9% (19/388) of buffaloes were infected with haemoparasites comprising Theileria annulata (2.32%), Trypanosoma evansi (1.8%), Babesia bigemina (0.26%) and Anaplasma marginale (0.77%). Mixed infection appeared in one (0.26%) animal. Trypanosomosis was predominant in elder animals with no infection recorded in males.
Molecular Detection of Natural Babesia bovis Infection from Clinically Infected and Apparently Healthy Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and Crossbred Cattle
Authors: Mahmmod Yasser Saadeldien
Published: March 2024

Babesia bovis (B. bovis) is a major causative agent of bovine babesiosis, with a considerable worldwide impact. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of PCR assay and microscopical examination (ME) for detection of B. bovis in naturally infected and apparently healthy water buffaloes and crossbred cattle under field circumstances from Sharkia province of Egypt. A total 34 animals (20 crossbred cattle and 14 buffaloes) were clinically and laboratory investigated during the period from March to August 2008. Fifteen animals showed symptoms of bovine babesiosis while 19 animals were apparently healthy. Two blood samples were collected from each animal; one was used for preparation of Giemsa-stained smears for ME while the other sample was used for DNA extraction and PCR testing. Out of 34 cattle and buffaloes, ME identified 13 animals (38.2%) as infected by B. bovis whereas PCR identified 29 (85.3%). B. bovis infected animals showed high fever, anaemia, jaundice, haemoglobinuria, and accelerated heart and respiratory rates. Out of 15 animals clinically infected, PCR identified 14 animals (93.3%) as infected while ME identified only, 8 animals (53.3%). Out of 19 animals apparently healthy, 5 animals (26.3%) were identified as infected by ME meanwhile 15 animals (78.9%) were identified by PCR. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that water buffalos are likely to have a natural tolerance to B. bovis pathogen and/or more likely to be persistent carriers which were not picked up by microscopy. The severity of clinical symptoms of B. bovis infection on water buffaloes was less than the severity of clinical symptoms appeared on cattle. PCR assay is more sensitive technique than microscopical examination for detection of B. bovis in both clinically infected and apparently health cattle and water buffaloes which suggests its use as a routine technique for diagnosis of bovine babesiosis.
Affordability of Higher Education in South Africa
Authors: Serfontein C. , Smit A. V. A.
Published: March 2024

This article investigates why South African universities increased their tuition fees above inflation during the period 2010 to 2019 (intentionally excluding the potential distortion caused by COVID-19). The affordability of higher education is the subject of increased debate among stakeholders in South Africa. From a financial point of view, universities, as typical service organisations, should have benefited from an increase in enrolments. The main reason is that their expenses are typically period costs and are hence less affected by an increase in enrolments. However, the key findings of the study on which this article is based were that revenue increased above inflation, with tuition fees the main culprit. In turn, the reason for increased tuition fees is a significant increase in expenses. This suggests that universities did not benefit from economies-of-scale or efficiency in managing their expenses. The research makes a unique contribution to the body of knowledge by assessing why university tuition fees increased using a financial model to project budgeted revenue, expenses and tuition fees (taking inflation and growth in student enrolments into account) for 2019 using actual financial data from 2010.
Educação Patrimonial na Escola e suas perspectivas pedagógicas
Authors: Rocha Geórgia Fernanda do Nascimento , Mota Antonia da Silva , Velôso Thayllon Monteiro
Published: March 2024

O presente artigo busca inserir o tema da educação patrimonial como ferramenta necessária para o trabalho que poderá ser realizado no ambiente escolar, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento de ações educativas e pedagógicas auxiliando o professor na sua prática docente e para o exercício da conscientização dos educandos para a preservação do patrimônio cultural no qual convivem, buscando dessa forma a formação da sua identidade e o exercício pleno da cidadania. Contudo, foi realizada uma revisão literária sobre a temática abordada, envolvendo diversos autores que compartilham a reflexão sobre os fundamentos educativos de educação patrimonial que objetivem a aproximação do estudante com o patrimônio cultural de sua localidade.
AS POLÍTICAS DE AÇÕES AFIRMATIVAS RACIAIS PARA O ACESSO AO ENSINO SUPERIOR PÚBLICO BRASILEIRO: ANTECEDENTES E PERSPECTIVAS
Authors: Piscitelli Rui Magalhães , De Moraes Godoy Arnaldo Sampaio
Published: March 2024

O presente artigo visa a apresentar os antecedentes nacionais para a criação da importante política de ações afirmativas raciais para o acesso de estudantes no ensino superior público.  Inicialmente, serão trazidos os fundamentos teóricos que vieram, inclusive, a ser chancelados constitucionalmente pela Suprema Corte brasileira para tal política pública. Após, serão analisados alguns resultados da aplicação, no âmbito federal, da política pública afirmativa, bem como analisado o contexto social, já passados 10 anos da promulgação da Lei nº 12.711, de 2012. Ao final, serão feitas reflexões necessárias para que o legislador venha a cumprir mandamento contido na Constituição Federal e na referida Lei para a revisão desta, em face do decurso do lapso temporal estabelecido.
A MULHER NEGRA E O DIREITO
Authors: Marccius Jade Hermano , Gonçalves Rocha Renan
Published: March 2024

This article aims to critically reflect on the concept of "Subject of Law". It focuses on race, gender and class and seeks to understand how these intersectionalities are determinant in the distribution of punitivism within the criminal justice system. The study reveals that black women arrested in flagrante, who are subsequently held in pre-trial detention for drug trafficking, are more penalized by the criminal system in place. This is explicitly selective, racist and stigmatizing. The standard procedures and reasoning employed in custody hearings and decisions are real instruments of repression against these women. Therefore, black women experience their own regime of subalternization, which is not contemplated by white Eurocentric feminism, nor by the universalist and positivist formulations of Law and its concept of "Subject". It is necessary to question not only how the law is operated and who operates it, but the entire construction of this constitutional guarantee regime, built on the colonial epistemic aegis that excludes the experiences of black female bodies. In this sense, this article aims to reflect these vulnerabilities from decolonial and intersectional theories as a way of thinking critically about law.
O ESTIGMA DO SEXO FRÁGIL NO TRABALHO: os desafios das mulheres em cargos de liderança
Authors: Oliveira de Castro Thailice , Ávila Assunção Any
Published: March 2024

As mulheres em posições de liderança no setor privado ainda são enquadradas em estereótipos, sofrem preconceitos relativos à capacidade e adequação para o cargo, convivem com o estigma de “sexo frágil” em diversas questões. O presente artigo visa abordar, em linhas gerais, a dificuldade das mulheres brasileiras em alcançar cargos de liderança no setor privado a partir da pesquisa bibliográfica, análise de dados oficiais e pesquisas recentes do mercado de trabalho formal no tocante ao papel da mulher ao longo da história do Brasil desde o período colonial, seu acesso à educação e finalmente sua evolução profissional no setor privado. É necessário um movimento com ações concretas amparadas em políticas públicas com foco no setor privado, conscientização do viés inconsciente de discriminação de gênero, treinamento corporativo de conscientização das lideranças, além de vivências e experimentos de campo para haver igualdade desprovida de preconceitos oriundos de nossa cultura, de opiniões infundadas e de concorrência desleal.
AI IN FINANCIAL INDUSTRY: ETHIC ISSUES
Authors: Glavina Sofya
Published: March 2024

Now Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the world, making the revolution in business operation and changing business models. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in the financial industry, revolutionizing various aspects of financial services. With its ability to learn, reason, and make decisions on its own, AI has the potential to revolutionize the financial and business sectors of the economy. As machines take over critical decision-making processes that impact people's lives, it is important to consider the possible ethical implications of using AI. From privacy concerns to potential biases, it is important to examine the implications of AI in business and financial services. Along with the technological and managerial problems of introducing artificial intelligence technologies, ethical aspects like job cuts, confidentiality and impartiality are becoming very important. It is for this reason that ethical issues in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) have become a growing but important area of scientific research. The paper reveals that AI ethics must pay attention to the morally significant systemic consequences of AI use. The growing use of AI has brought ethicists and practitioners' attention to systemic risks that have yet to be clearly addressed in AI-related professional codes of conduct, industry standards, and ethical discussions in general. In this article, we examine the key ethical issues raised by advances in artificial intelligence and technology projects related to artificial intelligence and machine learning systems in the financial industry.
A participação da família na escola: uma análise da sua influência
Authors: Silva Everaldo Oliveira da , Soares Maíza Francisca
Published: March 2024

A influência da participação da família na escola pode contribuir na prática pedagógica dos professores que atuam na Educação Infantil e Ensino fundamental. Especialmente por razão esse estudo traz uma abordagem da relação que a família vem fazendo com a escola na atualidade. Os conflitos, as consequências positivas e as consequências negativas da boa/má relação da família com a escola. Para tanto, as abordagens foram baseadas nos pesquisadores (as) Marcelo (1999), LDB (9394/96) e ECA (1990) para abordarmos sobre a importância, direito e deveres dos pais realizarem o acompanhamento dos filhos na escola, bem como zelar pela frequência dos mesmos na instituição; Rosely Sayão (2002), Andrade (1998), Fernandez (1991), Lakatos (1999) e Delors (2003) para tratarmos das consequências da participação da família no processo de ensino aprendizagem. Dos pais que ajudam quais os tipos de ajuda, das vantagens para os estudantes quando os pais acompanham a rotina escolar bem como as consequências que os professores enfrentam quando a família é totalmente ausente da escola, o que fazer quando isso acontece. Espera-se que esta pesquisa possa influenciar de forma significativa os professores, as famílias a reconhecer sua importância e procurar inseri-la como peça fundamental capaz de contribuir para uma aprendizagem significativa voltada aos alunos, a família e a escola. A metodologia utilizada para produção deste artigo foi a de pesquisa bibliográfica usando como base, os conceitos dos autores aqui mencionados.
Microbiological diagnostics: From traditional to molecular genetic methods: A literature review
Authors: Ivashko Maxim , Burmei Svitlana , Yusko Lesya , Chaikovska Tetiana , Boyko Nadiya
Published: March 2024

The development of new and optimisation of known cultural and molecular genetic methods for accurate species identification of microorganisms is an urgent and practically necessary task that is receiving great attention from researchers. The purpose of this study was to analyse and systematise theoretical scientific data on methods of microbial identification and assess their main advantages and disadvantages. For this purpose, a systematic review of 53 randomised research papers published between 2018 and 2023 was conducted. The search for publications using the keywords “microbiome”, “microbiological diagnostics”, “identification of microorganisms”, “sequencing”, and “omics technologies” in the title or text of the research paper was carried out in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The study provides generalised information on traditional and modern methods of microbial identification. It is established that the advantages of traditional diagnostic methods include the possibility of preserving the obtained microorganisms for further research, in particular, for determining their antibiotic sensitivity. Modern molecular genetic methods open up new possibilities for the accurate identification of microorganisms, including those that are difficult to incubate using traditional cultural methods. The use of these methods allows obtaining detailed data on the genetic structure and diversity of microorganisms, which is important in many fields, including microbiology, medicine, and ecology. However, molecular methods are more sensitive to contamination or errors in the sample collection and processing. Moreover, omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) open up new opportunities for studying cells at more complex levels of life organisation. In everyday clinical practice, the microbiological method of isolating microbial cultures remains the main one, as it is the only one that allows determining not only the cause of the infection but also the antibiotic sensitivity. However, cultural methods for studying fastidious microorganisms are quite limited. Thus, the results obtained contribute to the development of fast and accurate methods for identifying, classifying, and systematising microorganisms, which facilitates the processes of diagnosis and development of strategies for the control and treatment of infectious diseases in laboratories and clinical institutions
Inactivation of microorganisms by high hydrostatic pressure: A literature review
Authors: Pyatkovskyy Taras
Published: March 2024

The use of high hydrostatic pressure is intended to perform non-thermal inactivation of microorganisms in food products, to ensure their freshness and to prevent foodborne infections. These infections impact the healthcare system, the food industry, and consumers directly. This study aims to analyse the literature on the effectiveness of high hydrostatic pressure against pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food. Scientific publications for 2011-2023 were selected for the review. A total of 44 scientific publications were selected, the information from which was critically analysed, systematised and presented in the form of a literature review. The mechanisms of high hydrostatic pressure’s effect on microbial cells are described. To illustrate the effectiveness of high hydrostatic pressure against microorganisms, data from selected publications regarding efficiency and treatment parameters are presented in tables. The inactivation of such clinically important microorganisms as Bacillus cereus, Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus and Toxoplasma gondii in liquids and food has been demonstrated. High-pressure treatment has been shown to be a non-thermal food processing method, which distinguishes this method from traditional thermal processing methods such as boiling or pasteurization. One of the notable advantages of using high hydrostatic pressure is the non-thermal inactivation of various microorganisms, which preserves the nutritional and flavour properties of the processed product. It is also noted that food products can be processed in the final packaging, which reduces the risk of microbial contamination at the post-processing stages. The main disadvantages are the impossibility of complete inactivation of bacterial spores and the high cost of high-pressure processing equipment. Combining high-pressure treatment with other methods, such as heat treatment, can overcome the limitations of spore inactivation
Teknik Penanganan Deformasi Pengelasan Elemen Pendukung Konstruksi Bangunan Kapal
Authors: Purnama Bulan , Rachman Taufiqur
Published: March 2024

Deformasi merupakan perubahan bentuk akibat tegangan pada logam yang disebabkan oleh ekspansi dari logam las selama proses pemanasan dan pendinginan yang berpotensi mengurangi kekuatan struktur maupun efisiensi operasional kapal. Bentuk deformasi akibat proses pengelasan pada elemen pendukung konstruksi kapal adalah deformasi penyusutan, deformasi sudut, deformasi buckling, dan deformasi memanjang. Penelitian ini menganalisis faktor-faktor penyebab deformasi pengelasan pada elemen pendukung konstruksi kapal, mengidentifikasi teknik penanganan deformasi pengelasan yang telah ada, dan menganalisis efektivitas teknik penanganan deformasi guna menjaga integritas struktur bangunan kapal. Penelitian ini diharapkan dapat memberi konstribusi ilmiah dalam peningkatan kualitas, estetika, dan keamanan konstruksi kapal, serta meningkatkan efisiensi proses produksi pembangunan kapal. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam bentuk studi literatur dengan mengakses dokumen kepustakaan atau data sekunder dari studi kasus yang telah ada. Deformasi ini disebabkan oleh panas pada material, harga koefisien muai dan harga koefisien perambatan panas. Teknik penanganan deformasi pengelasan pada elemen pendukung konstruksi kapal dapat diterapkan dengan cara pemanasan (firing) dan pendinginan.  Hal ini akan memberikan hasil yang sangat baik jika dilakukan dengan prosedur yang benar dalam penanganan deformasi yang terjadi antar elemen pendukung konstruksi kapal pada proses fabrikasi.

Kata Kunci: Deformasi, Konstruksi Kapal, Pengelasan.
Analisa Perubahan Aliran Pada Model SPAR (4VP)
Authors: Nurhikma Nurhikma , Assidiq Fuad Mahfud
Published: March 2024

Penelitian mengenai aliran di sekitar model SPAR dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk mengetahui seberapa besar efek aliran terhadap struktur SPAR yang di gunakan pada offshore wind turbine. SPAR merupakan jenis floating structure biasanyadapat digunakan di laut dalam dan menjadi struktur yang efektif dan dapat diandalkan dari segi konstruksi. Spar memiliki keunggulan yang mana letak titik buoyancy (KB) berada di atas titik gravitasi (KG) sehingga memberikan stabilitas yang baik. Namun penggunaan struktur SPAR di laut dalam juga masih terdapat kendala terkhusus Ketika kondisi lingkungan yang ekstrim, yang mana struktur SPAR yang belum mampu meredam arus pada tingkat kecepatan tertentu. Kemudian pada penelitian ini bermaksud untuk menguji model SPAR dengan sistem konfigurasi empat pelat vertical (4VP) yang kemudian dimodelkan dengan pemodelan numerik berbasis Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) yang bertujuan untuk menginfestigasi aliran sekitar SPAR yang ditinjau dari kecepatan aliran. Terutama pada tingkat kecepatan aliran tertentu, kecepatan dipilih dengan cermat disetiap tingkatannya mulai dari : V1 = 0.611m/s, V2 = 6.114, V3 = 61,144, V4 = 611,438. Penambahan pelat vertikal pada konstruksi bawah SPAR memiliki peran dalam meredam aliran dan juga efek turbulen akibat hantaman arus.
Green Banking in Pakistan: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Khan Altamash , Laeeque Syed Harris , Munir Munibah
Published: March 2024

In the face of escalating global warming, the call for transformative action becomes increasingly urgent. As industries and consumers grapple with the imperative of environmental stewardship, the banking sector takes centre stage in the journey towards a sustainable future. Green Banking is a ground-breaking shift aimed at harmonizing financial practices with ecological imperatives. This study delves into the evolving landscape of Green Banking within Pakistan, investigating its impact on customer engagement and institutional viability. Through qualitative research methods, interviews with key stakeholders from leading Pakistani banks unveil a nuanced interplay of challenges and opportunities. While initial reservations and differing viewpoints persist among stakeholders, a growing consensus emerges regarding the inherent benefits of Green Banking. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks including theory of planned behaviour, ecological consumerism, innovation diffusion theory, and prospect theory, our analysis highlights the increasing allure of Green Banking initiatives for Pakistani banks. Despite enduring obstacles, our findings underscore the necessity for Pakistani banks to embrace and advocate Green Banking, not only as a moral obligation but also as a strategic imperative for maintaining market relevance and sustainability.
Are Banking Financial Performances and Green Banking Disclosure Associated with Bank Profitability?
Authors: Walzer Michael , Tamimi Abdul Hakim At , Firmansyah Amrie
Published: March 2024

This study examines how banking financial performance and green banking disclosure influence profitability. Financial performance in this research consists of capital adequacy ratio, non-performing loans, efficiency ratio, and loan-to-savings ratio. The research sample consisted of 30 samples selected using a purposive sampling method from 6 banking sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2018-2022, which consistently reported their green banking practices and did not experience losses during the research period. The analytical method in this research is panel data regression analysis. The research results show that the capital adequacy ratio and efficiency ratio have a negative effect on profitability. On the other hand, non-performing loans and the loan-to-deposit ratio positively affect company profits. Furthermore, green banking disclosure has a negative and significant effect on profitability. Implementing Green Banking can cause a decrease in profitability due to additional costs associated with its implementation. This research provides additional literature related to the implementation of green banking in Indonesia.
Kualitas Pelayanan E-KTP pada Dinas Kependudukan dan Catatan Sipil di Kota Bandung
Authors: Sumiati Imas
Published: March 2024

Pelayanan E-KTP adalah salah satu inovasi pelayanan publik yang bertujuan untuk memberikan kemudahan dan kenyamanan bagi masyarakat dalam proses perolehan Kartu Tanda Penduduk Elektronik (E-KTP). Kualitas pelayanan E-KTP memiliki dampak yang signifikan terhadap kemampuan pegawai yang terlibat dalam penyelenggaraannya serta kepuasan pegawai yang merupakan faktor penting dalam menjaga produktivitas dan efektivitas layanan publik. Kemampuan pegawai dalam mengoperasikan sistem E-KTP dan memberikan pelayanan yang efisien berperan penting dalam meningkatkan kepuasan pegawai. Peningkatan kemampuan pegawai dapat diwujudkan melalui pelatihan, pendidikan, dan pengembangan karir yang sesuai dengan tuntutan pekerjaan. Upaya untuk meningkatkan kualitas pelayanan ini harus dimulai dengan investasi dalam pengembangan kemampuan pegawai, serta pembangunan lingkungan kerja yang mendukung kepuasan pegawai. Hal ini akan memberikan manfaat besar bagi masyarakat dan membantu menciptakan pelayanan publik yang lebih efisien dan responsif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kemampuan pegawai dalam mengoperasikan sistem E-KTP dan memberikan pelayanan yang efisien berperan penting dalam meningkatkan kepuasan pegawai. Pegawai yang merasa memiliki kompetensi yang cukup dalam menjalankan tugasnya cenderung lebih puas dengan pekerjaan mereka. Selain itu, kebijakan yang mendukung pengembangan kompetensi pegawai juga berkontribusi positif terhadap kualitas pelayanan E-KTP.Peningkatan kemampuan pegawai dapat diwujudkan melalui pelatihan, pendidikan, dan pengembangan karir yang sesuai dengan tuntutan pekerjaan. Dalam hal ini, kebijakan pengembangan sumber daya manusia yang berkelanjutan akan mendukung peningkatan kualitas pelayanan E-KTP. Sebagai hasilnya, kualitas pelayanan E-KTP yang tinggi akan memenuhi harapan masyarakat dan membantu dalam meningkatkan kepercayaan terhadap pemerintah.Hal ini dapat memberikan manfaat bagin masyarakat dan membantu menciptakan pelayanan publik yang lebih efisien dan responsif.
Syndrom Pembiayaan Akad Salam Dalam Perbankan Syariah
Authors: Norrahman Rezki Akbar
Published: March 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji secara mendalam rendahnya penggunaan akad Salam dalam perbankan syariah di Indonesia dan dampaknya terhadap sektor pertanian, ekonomi syariah, serta pengembangan instrumen keuangan syariah. Akad Salam adalah instrumen keuangan berdasarkan prinsip-prinsip syariah yang me­mi­liki potensi besar dalam mendukung per­tumbuhan ekonomi ber­lan­das­kan pada nilai-nilai lokal dan etika bisnis yang sejalan dengan prinsip-prinsip syariah. Penelitian ini mencakup analisis data terkait rendahnya penggunaan akad Salam, dengan fokus pada faktor-faktor seperti hambatan regu­lasi, kesadaran pemangku kepentingan, tantangan praktis, serta dampaknya terhadap sektor pertanian dan ekonomi sya­ri­ah secara keseluruhan. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa keter­ba­tasan penggunaan akad Salam memberikan dampak negatif, termasuk peng­hambatan pertumbuhan sektor pertanian, keti­dak­optimalan penge­lo­laan risiko harga, dan terbatasnya diver­si­fi­kasi portofolio perbankan syariah, terdapat peluang besar untuk mengatasi rendahnya peng­gu­na­an akad Salam melalui strategi diver­si­fikasi produk, peningkatan kesa­daran, perbaikan regulasi, dan pen­di­di­kan/pelatihan.
Places Hidden in the Old Testament.
Authors: Lawrence Paul
Published: March 2024

None
Craig A. Evans, 2012 Jesus and His World: The Archaeological Evidence, Louisville KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 978-0-664- 23413-3, pp. 208 USD 17.
Authors: Kitchen Merrill
Published: March 2024

None
Excavations at Tuleilat Qasr Mousa Hamid
Authors: Verduci J.A.
Published: March 2024

Tuleilat Qasr Mousa Hamid, in southern Jordan, is believed to be the Iron Agesite of biblical Zoar. This paper reports on an excavation that was undertaken in January 2015. It is clear from finds that there was a significant agricultural and industrial settlement at the site in the Iron Age II period.
Effect of different pre and post-emergent application of herbicides on the productivity of Black gram (Vigna mungo L.) under acidic soils of Manipur
Authors: Shashidhar K S , Jeberson M S , Premaradhya N , Priyanka I , Vinoda K S
Published: March 2024

A field experiment on “Effect of different pre and post-emergent application of herbicides on the productivity of Urd bean under acidic soils of Manipur” was conducted at Central Agricultural University (CAU) research farm, Andro, Imphal, Manipur. The experiment was carried out in randomized block design with eleven treatments viz weedy-check, 2 hands weeding at 20 and 40 DAS, pre-emergent application of pendimethalin 30%EC @ 1.0 kg/ha, Quizalop ethyl 75 g/ha as post-emergent application, Fenoxyprop-p-ethyl-ethyl 50g/ha as a post-emergent spray, pendimethalin + Imazathapyr 0.75 kg/ha, pendimethalin + Imazathapyr 1 kg/ha, Imazathapyr 250 ml/ha at 15 DAS, Imazathapyr 400 ml/ha at 15 DAS, Imazathypr 55 g/ha as post-emergent sprays and weed-free check. The results point out that the treatment weed-free check recorded significantly higher seed (629.2 kg/ha) and stover yield (1807.2 kg/ha) which was consistent with pendimethalin 30% EC + Imazathapyr 2% EC @ 1 kg a. i. per ha (602 & 1724 kg/ha respectively) besides other yield attributes. These treatments were recorded a substantial reduction in weed count and weed dry matter. Furthermore, weed control efficiency was significantly higher at 30 & 45 DAS, and weed index was lowest compared to other treatments. The two-year study concludes that pre-emergent application of a ready mixture of pendimethalin 30% EC + Imazethapyr 2% EC @ 1 kg a. i. per ha. + one hand weeding at 25-30 DAS and post-emergent application of Imazathypr 55 g a.i. per ha is the most effective treatment in controlling weeds under Manipur conditions.
Distribution pattern of weed seedbank in strip and bed planted sandy clay loam soil after five years of cropping in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Mobarak , Begum M , Rahman M M
Published: March 2024

Tillage practices can alter the distribution of weed seedbank and might be a useful tool for integrated weed management. The objective of this shade house experiment was to study the effects of strip planting (SP) and bed planting (BP) relative to conventional tillage (CT) with increased residue mulching (20 vs. 50%)  of previous crops on the floristic composition of weeds in the field. A five-years longer conservation agriculture experiment was sampled from the Rajshahi district of Bangladesh. The weed seedbank in 0-15 cm soil was quantified by assessing weeds emergence during January-December 2016. The year-round count of emerged weeds revealed the fewest number of weed species (especially broadleaf weeds) and lowest weed density in SP, followed by CT and BP with 50% mulches. The SP and BP produced a higher number of perennials weeds than annual weeds, which was the opposite of CT. Therefore, it could be concluded that continuous practice of SP and increased crop residue retention for five years decreased the weed seedbank size. Still, they increased the relative proliferation of perennial weeds compared to CT. Weed seedbank size in SP was even smaller than BP.
Exploitation and diversity of edible macrofungi resources in Mount Harriet National Park, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Authors: Aravind S , Sharmah Dipon , Dhanavel D
Published: March 2024

Mushrooms have an essential part in ecological dynamics as well as human health. The present investigation on the assessment of macrofungal diversity was carried out in one of the reserve National Park of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mount Harriet National Park. The ecological characterization of mushroom taxa surveyed and revealed 17 families. At least 22 species belong to the genera Polyporus, Trametes, Ganoderma, Clitocybe, Daedaleopsis, Steccherinum, Auricularia, Coltricia, Panus, Calvatia, Xeromphalina, Cookenia, Geastrum, Amanita, Calocera, Ischnoderma, Neonectaria, Stereum, Agaricus and Schizophyllum. Out of these, 08 species were reported to be edible, while the rest were inedible.  Furthermore, this study is one of the first to examine macrofungal diversity in Mount Harriet National Park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It aids in a better understanding of the mushroom types found in this biologically diverse National Park.
Recent trends of useful algae and their role in food production, healthcare and pharmaceuticals products: A mini-review
Authors: Sompura Yashwant , Chayadevi H , Vaishnavi Gohri , Karthik Manickam , Ashokkumar Kaliyaperumal
Published: March 2024

We use a variety of species in this fast-paced environment, and algae is one of them. Algae is valuable to humans in a variety of ways. They are useful bioactive compounds that develop autotrophically. Algae are used extensively in biotechnological and medicinal applications. The study of algae components and their actions has a lot of potential in biotechnology and pharmaceutics. Algae has an important part in biology. Algae's utility has gradually expanded in recent years. It plays a significant role in the industrial and pharmaceutical sectors as a new food product, medicine, and so on. Microalgae are commonly utilised in the manufacturing of medicinal and industrial products. Microalgae's pharmaceutical and industrial goods are worth billions of dollars. As well as being used in healthcare items. Usually, it's amyotrophic algae. And it can be found all over the planet. Algae contain a wide range of features that can be used to make synthetic medications.
Evaluation of Cicer arietinum (chickpea) growth performance and yield in different soil types in Zimbabwe
Authors: Parwada Cosmas , Parwada Tatenda F , Chipomho Justin , Mapope Nyamande , Chikwari Emmanuel , Mvumi Culver
Published: March 2024

Chickpea performance under different soil types is still hazy in Zimbabwe. A 3-year study to evaluate growth performance and yield of chickpea under different soils types was done at Department of Research and Specialist Services. Two chickpea cultivars (Kabuli and Desi) and 3 different soil types (Domboshava, Harare, Mazoe soils) were tested in a 2 × 3 factorial pot-experiment laid in completely randomized block design (CRBD) with three replicates. Percentage germination, days to initial flowering and 50% flowering were recorded. Crop growth rate (CGR), leaf area ratio (LAR), total dry matter production (TDMP), grain yield and harvest index (HI) were measured. Data was analyzed for variance using JMP version 11.0 and means were separated by HSD0.05. Desi had significantly lower percentage germination and longer days to flowering than Kabuli in all soils. Kabuli under Mazoe soil had shortest (36) average days to initial flowering and both cultivars took longer (> 60) days to flower under Domboshava soil than other soils. Kabuli had highest CGR, LAR and TDMP at 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks after planting in Mazoe soil compared to other soils. Kabuli had highest (1.2 t ha-1) grain yield under Harare soil but with significantly the same HI to Mazoe soil. Generally, the chickpea cultivars performed better on Mazoe and Harare soils than Domboshava. Farmers can grow chickpeas in pH 4.9 clay soils and avoid sand soils pH 4.9 soils. Nevertheless, further researches to evaluate the chickpea growth performance in more than 3 soil types are required.
Varietal performance of jute based on yield and yield contributing characters under the Terai region of Province -1 Nepal
Authors: Karki Sujan , Rijal Tirtha Raj , Timsina Govinda Parsad , Sharma Sabita
Published: March 2024

A research experiment was conducted to know the varietal performance of some jute varieties at the farm of Jute Research Programme, Itahari, Sunsari, Nepal, during the jute growing period in 2019 and 2020. A total of fifteen tossa jute varieties viz. CO-58, JRCM-2, JRO-524, JRO-2407, SM-100, JRO-204, NJ-7010, Mahabij, JBO-2003H, JRO-7835, YA-41, Itahari-2, OM-1, JRO-632 and KEN-DS-058 were used as experimental crops. The experiment was laid out in Randomize Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, and each replicate had 12 lines with an inter and Intra row spacing of 25 cm and 5 to 7cm, respectively. Varietal performances of jute showed statistically significant variation for all the traits. Among the tested varieties, the jute variety NJ-7010 showed the tallest plant height (366 cm), highest basal diameter (20.6 mm), bark thickness (1.7 mm), leaf width (4.8 cm), petiole length (4.7cm), lowest disease incidence (2.5 %) respectively. However, the variety JRCM-2 and JRO-524 showed the highest leaf length (15.1 cm), while the variety JRO-524 showed the lowest pest incidence (4.2 %). Furthermore, the jute variety NJ-7010 also showed greater results on various yield characters viz. green leaf weight (17.3 ton/ha), green plant weight (100.3 ton/ha), green fibre weight (44.7 ton/ha), green stick weight (57 ton/ha), dry fibre weight (7.2 ton/ha), dry stick weight (17.3 ton/ha). Thus, the jute variety NJ-7010 understood superiority in growth, yield, and yield-attributing traits. Therefore, the jute variety NJ-7010 could be a more successful, productive variety than other tested varieties in the terai region of Province-1 Nepal.
Diversity of Ladybird Beetle Communities (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) under different Cucurbit Farming practices in Morogoro, Tanzania
Authors: Kibulei Ernest , Kudra Abdul , Kabota Sija , Bakengesa Jackline
Published: March 2024

The farmers' friends, ladybird beetles, serve as predators to keep the plant-feeding insects from reaching damaging population levels and could be helpful in pest management. Farming strategies that retain biodiversity could be a viable option for pest management in agricultural systems. The current study examines the effects of various management practices on ladybird beetle diversity in cucurbit crops in both conventional and agroecological contexts. Trapping and netting were used to collect data on the diversity of these ladybird beetles in 2021. Collected data were analyzed using R software to determine both alpha and beta diversity. In the plateau and mountainous zones, 222 predatory ladybird beetles were collected, with nine genera and 12 species classified. Cheilomenes lunata (28.82 %) was the most prevalent of the nine (9) genera in terms of the total number of individuals, followed by Cheilomenes sulphurea (20.72 %) and Hippodamia variegata (15.90 %). The plateau zone collected 64.86 % of the total, while the mountainous zone comprised 35.14%. These findings are important in the decision-making and effective biological control and management of cucurbit crop pests. This study will help to gain insights into ecological balance and pest management.
[Cost per Responder Analysis of Filgotinib in Patients Suffering from Ulcerative Colitis]
Authors: Povero Massimiliano , Castello Luca , Pradelli Lorenzo , Visentin Elena
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the costs and benefits associated with the use of biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) for the treatment of bio-experienced patients suffering from ulcerative colitis in Italy.METHODS: This pharmacoeconomic analysis compared JAKi (filgotinib, tofacitinib and upadacitinib) and biologics (vedolizumab and ustekinumab). A decision tree model with a 1-year time horizon was built in MS Excel in order to estimate treatment cost and clinical efficacy expressed in terms of clinical response (CR), clinical remission (CRe) and mucosal healing (MH). Efficacy of each treatment was estimated using relative risks elaborated from a recent network meta-analysis of 17 RCTs. The investigated population concerned patients previously treated with biologic drugs (bio-experienced). Both induction and maintenance phases were considered and dose escalation (when allowed) was planned for patients not reaching an appropriate response after induction. Outcomes included total treatment cost (acquisition and administration), overall response rate, and cost per responder at one year.RESULTS: According to the model results, the treatment associated with the best clinical response at 1 year was vedolizumab (69.6%) followed by filgotinib (60.9%) and upadacitinib (60.1%). Despite differences in efficacy, filgotinib resulted in the lowest cost per responder, in every outcome, compared with all the other alternatives. The same trend applies when observing results at the end of the induction phase only. Results were robust to probabilistic sensitivity analyses, filgotinib has a posterior probability to be better than the other alternatives higher than 96% according to all the three response definitions (CR, CRe, and MH).CONCLUSIONS: Generally, JAKis and vedolizumab were associated with higher treatment response. Among the alternatives included in the analysis, filgotinib has the lowest cost per responder for all the outcomes included. These findings could help deliver more effective and efficient healthcare in the NHS.
Evaluation of Antibody Response After COVID-19 Vaccination in Healthcare Workers: A Turkish Tertiary Hospital Experience
Authors: Çubuk Fatih , Aslan Rukiye , Hasbek Mürşit , Taşkın Kafa Ayşe Hümeyra
Published: March 2024

Objective: It was aimed to explore the correlation between demographic characteristics and the presence of comorbidity in the antibody response after the second dose of vaccination in healthcare workers in this study. In addition, the third and fourth dose approaches of the participants and the protection of the antibody levels formed by the two doses of vaccine against COVID-19 were examined observationally.

Materials and Methods: Health workers, whose NCP and S protein antibody levels were detected on the 30th day after the second dose of the CoronaVac vaccine, were followed up in terms of being vaccinated for the third and fourth doses and having COVID-19.

Results: Higher levels of S antibodies were detected in women after two doses of vaccination (p=0.001). It was pointed out that smoking has a negative effect on the antibody response after vaccination (p=0.008). People who had pre-vaccine COVID-19 had higher NCP antibody levels after two doses of vaccination (p=0.013). Of the participants, 152 (97.4%) were vaccinated with the third dose and 110 (70.5%) with the fourth dose.

Conclusion: The antibody response after two doses of inactivated CoronaVac® vaccination probe is significantly higher in women, younger people, non-smokers, and people who have not been previously infected with the SARS-CoV-2.
Advancements in Computer Vision Applications for Traffic Surveillance Systems
Authors: Radojčić Vesna , Sandro Cvetković Aleksandar , Dobrojević Miloš , Spalević Petar , Mohamed E. Guider Jalal
Published: March 2024

With the increasing need for efficient traffic surveillance systems, computer vision emerges as a promising technology to address various challenges in this domain. This paper aims to provide an overview of recent advancements in the application of computer vision in traffic surveillance. It commences by discussing fundamental concepts of computer vision and its role in traffic monitoring, followed by an exploration of various techniques and algorithms used in computer vision systems, including object detection, tracking, and classification. Furthermore, it investigates the integration of computer vision with other technologies such as machine learning and deep learning, emphasizing their impact on enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of traffic surveillance systems. The review explores specific applications of computer vision in traffic surveillance, such as traffic flow monitoring, anomaly detection, and license plate recognition. Additionally, it addresses challenges and limitations associated with the implementation of computer vision in real-world traffic scenarios. Synthesizing existing literature, case studies, and research findings, this review offers a comprehensive insight into the current state-of-the-art in the application of computer vision for traffic surveillance systems. The paper concludes with a discussion of future directions and potential research opportunities in this rapidly evolving field.
Mapping natural groundwater potential recharge zones using GIS-AHP in the Upper Cheliff alluvial aquifer, Algeria
Authors: Merouchi Hanane , Bouderbala Abdelkader , Elmeddahi Yamina
Published: March 2024

Water scarcity is a big issue in arid and semi-arid regions. This challenge is particularly evident in the Upper Cheliff plain in Algeria, where the alluvial aquifer plays a vital role in drinking water supply and supporting irrigation. This aquifer faces high demand and quality issues. A study was conducted in this context, employing a cartographic approach to assess potential groundwater recharge from precipitation into the alluvial aquifer. The current study aimed at mapping zones with potential natural groundwater recharge zones by applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) integrated within a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment, combining various factors that can influence recharge, such as rainfall, surface soil type, slope degree, land use and land cover, unsaturated zone, groundwater depth, and curve number. The map resulting from the analysis indicates that only 22% of the assessed area covers zones with very low and low potential recharge, 35% with moderate potential recharge zones, and 43% with high and very high potential recharge zones. This map reveals that the eastern region of the plain, from the cities of Djendel to Ain Soltane, is moderately to highly favorable for recharge. This is due to the natural recharge from rainfall and watercourse infiltration during dam release periods, excess irrigation water, and recharge from the Miocene sandstone aquifer in areas with direct aquifer contact. A validation process was performed using data from 66 wells distributed in this plain and it indicated that 48 wells exhibited good agreement with the resulting map, while 18 wells showed slight deviations. The results indicate an agreement of 72.72% between expected and exist number value of wells which confirming the good prediction of the AHP technique.
Water quality aspects from Spanish sites to support managed aquifer recharge (MAR) guidelines not based on maximum allowable concentration standards
Authors: Fernandez-Escalante Enrique , Henao Casas José David , Calero Gil Rodrigo
Published: March 2024

Most countries that have technical guidelines or regulations for artificial recharge or managed aquifer recharge (MAR), that include water quality aspects are based on the establishment of standards or Maximum Allowable Concentrations (MACs) to regulate the quality of the water percolated or injected into an aquifer. The number of parameters in these guidelines vary considerably (from 6 in Spain to 156 in the USA) and often apply to all aquifers within administrative boundaries (e.g., national territory), regardless of the nature of the receiving medium, the depth of the water table, and other key factors. Eleven MAR systems in Spain have been studied (eight operational and three experimental, with limited number of data from three sites), characterising both, the recharge water quality and the water resulting from the interaction processes recharge water-soil-unsaturated zone-saturated zone of the aquifer. In all cases, an improved effect on groundwater quality is observed, even though some parameters in the recharge water don’t comply with the standards employed in some European countries, where this article focuses. The article suggests that regulating water quality for MAR through MACs at national level gives room for another alternative approach specific for each site. It might be recommendable to establish local standards at the regional or aquifer-wide level to better reflect the diversity of groundwater occurrence. As per the article, sectoral water authorities could receive more decision-making power on granting permits for MAR based on the quality of the hydrogeological and risk studies for each request. This would help reduce the application of the precautionary principle when in granting permission.