bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Axial H-bonding Solvent Controls Inhomogeneous Spectral Broadening, Peripheral H-bonding Solvent Controls Vibronic Broadening: Cresyl Violet in Methanol
Authors: Myers Christopher A. , Lu Shao-Yu , Shedge Sapana , Pyuskulyan Arthur , Donahoe Katherine , Shi Liang , Isborn Christine M.
Published: March 2024

The dynamics of the nuclei of both chromophore and its condensed phase environment control many spectral features, including the vibronic and inhomogeneous broadening present in spectral lineshapes. For the cresyl violet chromophore in methanol, we here analyze and isolate the effect of specific chromophore-solvent interactions on simulated spectral densities, reorganization energies, and linear absorption spectra. Employing both force field and ab initio molecular dynamics trajectories along with the inclusion of only certain solvent molecules in the excited state calculations, we determine that the methanol molecules axial to the chromophore are responsible for the majority of the inhomogeneous broadening, with a single methanol molecule that forms an axial hydrogen bond dominating the response. The strong peripheral hydrogen bonds do not contribute to spectral broadening, as they are very stable throughout the dynamics and do not lead to increased energy gap fluctuations. We also find that treating the strong peripheral hydrogen bonds as molecular mechanical point charges during the molecular dynamics simulation underestimates the vibronic coupling. Including these peripheral hydrogen bonding methanol molecules in the quantum mechanical region in a geometry optimization increases the vibronic coupling, suggesting that a more advanced treatment of these strongly interacting solvent molecules during the molecular dynamics trajectory may be necessary to capture the full vibronic spectral broadening.
Data-Efficient, Chemistry-Aware Machine Learning Predictions of Diels–Alder Reaction Outcomes
Authors: Keto Angus , Guo Taicheng , Underdue Morgan , Stuyver Thijs , Coley Connor , Zhang Xiangliang , Krenske Elizabeth , Wiest Olaf
Published: March 2024

The application of machine learning models to the prediction of reaction outcomes currently needs large and/or highly featurized datasets. We show that a chemistry-aware model, NERF, which mimics the bonding changes that occur during reactions, allows for highly accurate predictions of the outcomes of Diels–Alder reactions using a relatively small training set, with no pretraining and no additional features. We establish a diverse dataset of 9,537 intramolecular, hetero-, aromatic, and inverse electron demand Diels–Alder reactions. This dataset is used to train a NERF model and the performance is compared against state-of-the-art classification and generative machine learning models across low- and high-data regimes, with and without pretraining. The predictive accuracy (regio- and site selectivity in the major product) achieved by NERF exceeds 90% when as little as 40% of the dataset is used for training. Another high-performing model, Chemformer, requires a larger training dataset (>45%) and pretraining to reach 90% Top-1 accuracy. Accurate predictions of less-represented reaction subclasses, such as those involving heteroatomic or aromatic substrates, require higher percentages of training data. We also show how NERF can use small amounts of additional training data to quickly learn new systems and improve its overall understanding of reactivity. Synthetic chemists stand to benefit as this model can be rapidly expanded and tailored to areas of chemistry corresponding to the low data regime.
Synergistic Improvement in the Thermal Conductivity of Hybrid Boron Nitride Nanotube/Nanosheet Epoxy Composites
Authors: Mohanraman Rajeshkumar , Steiner Pietro , Kocabas Coskun , Kinloch Ian , Bissett Mark
Published: March 2024

Epoxy composites with excellent thermal properties are highly promising for thermal management applications in modern electronic devices. In this work, we report the enhancement of thermal conductivity of two different epoxy resins, Araldite's LY 564 (epoxy 1) and LY 5052 (epoxy 2) by incorporating multi-walled boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT) and boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) hybrids as fillers. The highest thermal conductivity was observed at a loading of 1 wt% / 30 wt% of BNNT/BNNS hybrid, resulting in values of 2.6 Wm-1K-1 and 3.4 Wm-1K-1 respectively for each matrix, an increase of 10 to 17 times compared to the original epoxy. This improvement is attributed to the formation of a three-dimensional heat flow path formed through the intercalation of the nanotubes between the BNNSs. The thermal conductivity of the epoxy 1 and epoxy 2 composites improved by 940% and 1500% respectively, making them suitable as thermal interface materials in electronic packages requiring electrical resistivity.
Surfactant-Dependent Partitioning of Organics in Aqueous–Organic Reaction Systems
Authors: Zhang Yiqing , Blum Suzanne
Published: March 2024

Performing organic reactions in water provides environmental and toxicity advantages compared to in organic solvents, but such strategies are still evolving, limited by current understanding of these multiphasic systems. Here, a fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) technique characterizes surfactant-dependent partitioning of organics in a system that mimics the early, zinc-related steps of a Negishi-like cross-coupling reaction in water, under synthetically relevant high concentrations of substrate (0.18 M), where large emulsion droplets (5–20 um) form an organic phase. Brij-30 resulted in the highest degree of partitioning of organics in the aqueous phase, which was not predictable from simple hydrophilic–lipophilic balances (HLB). The ionic surfactant CTAC suppressed reactivity of the metallic zinc surface with both neutral (TMEDA) and anionic (carboxylate) reactants, presumably through competitive chloride binding and concurrent cetrimonium coating, a finding that may contribute to the reduced performance of ionic surfactant in the bench-scale coupling reaction.
Chondroprotectors in complex treatment of non-specific back pain: effectiveness evaluation
Authors: Kuznetsova Elena B. , Kuznetsov Nikita S.
Published: March 2024

Background. Degenerative and dystrophic spinal diseases and associated pain syndrome remain a leading problem for practical health. The symptom-modifying and structurally modifying effects of chondrobrotectors suggest that they may be effective in treating patients with lower back pain (LBP).
Aim. Study of the efficacy of Ambene® Bio in complex therapy of patients with acute LBP associated with degenerative dystrophic spinal diseases.
Materials and methods. The article analyzes the results of examination and treatment of 50 patients with dorsopatia and non-specific LBP, who received treatment in hospital in the neurological department of Saratov City Clinical Hospital №9 or outpatient on the basis of the clinic “Artromedcenter” Saratov. Patients are randomly sampled into two groups of 25 people: those who received (core group) and those who did not receive (comparison group) Ambene® Bio therapy. The groups were comparable by sex, age, and clinical manifestations of dorsopathy. Methods of non-parametric analysis have been applied to statistical processing of the study results. The analysis included computing the median (Me) and quartile scale (Q25–Q75 – 25th and 75th percentiles).
Results. All patients participating in the study noted improvement and reduction of pain syndrome during the treatment. The results of a survey using 100-point VAS indicate that on the 20th day of therapy (visit 2) the lower back pain syndrome significantly decreased from 66.1±8.54 to 23.32±6.76 (p0.05). In the comparison group the VAS dynamics pain was positive, but not so pronounced: before treatment – 70.11±11.43, on the 20th day of therapy – 46.15±9.38. The sum of test points on the Watkins scale in the core group did not exceed 15 points during the study, while in the HS the total scale was close to the value of 24 points.
Conslusion. The use of Ambene® Bio promotes a faster onset of the analgesic effect – on the 7th day of therapy, pain was practically relieved in 56% of patients in the core group. This made it possible to reduce the dose and shorten the duration of the NSAID course.
Non-pharmacological methods of treating chronic non-specific neck pain, possibilities of radiofrequency denervation: A review
Authors: Gaydash Maksim I. , Akif Haider N.A. , Zonov Mikhail G.
Published: March 2024

Chronic non-specific neck pain (CNSNP), or cervicodynia, is a common pathology that significantly reduces the quality of life of patients. It is believed to be based on degenerative and dystrophic changes in the spine, as well as myofascial pain syndrome. Currently, a comprehensive approach is used in the treatment of CNSNP, including kinesitherapy, ergotherapy, manual therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. In case of ineffectiveness of conservative patient management methods, radiofrequency denervation is used, which is an effective and safe procedure for reducing the severity of pain syndrome. The results of the use of radiofrequency denervation in CNSNP are discussed.
Determining the Landing Error Scoring System after a Jump by Artificial Intelligence
Authors: ERCAN Sabriye , SÜZEN Ahmet Ali , BAŞKURT Ferdi , BAŞKURT Zeliha
Published: March 2024

Objective: The study aims to examine the predictability of the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) results after the jump with the Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost) algorithm.

Materials and Methods: A model has been developed by artificial intelligence to shorten the scoring system significantly. In the data preprocessing stage, 17 different items contained in the original dataset were reduced to 13. A total of 3790 data items were included in the dataset used in the study, and the dataset was divided into 4 different sub-datasets. AdaBoost was chosen to give the highest accuracy tested in five different machine learning used for regression. The model's reliability was evaluated by testing the proposed AdaBoost model with performance metrics.

Results: The error score given by the clinician in the LESS was in the range of 0-86.6%. Recommended AdaBoost model for Sub1, Sub2, Sub3, and Sub4 respectively 98%, 87%, 88%, 89% accuracy has been achieved.

Conclusions: The score given to the LESS's 8th, 10th, 16th, and 17th items can be predicted with high accuracy, and the total score can be reached through the model proposed in the research.
The Frequency and Role of Urinary Tract Infection in Prolonged Jaundice in Neonates
Authors: TUNCE Eray , DEMİRHAN Salih , SEZER YAMANEL Rabia Gönül
Published: March 2024

Objective: The study aims to investigate the frequency and role of urinary tract infection (UTI) in prolonged jaundice in preterm and term neonates.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective study occurred at Zeynep Kamil Maternity and Children's Hospital in Istanbul between January 2014 and April 2018. The study involved 391 neonates who presented to our outpatient clinics with prolonged jaundice. UTI was defined as urine culture growth of at least 10.000 colony-forming units per millilitre (CFU/ml) in samples obtained via urethral catheterization. Birth weight, sex, gestational age, chronological age, laboratory results, hospital courses of patients, ultrasound findings and phototherapy history were recorded.

Results: UTI frequency was found to be 2.8% in 391 neonates with prolonged jaundice. Nine of them were male (81.8%), and 2 were female (18.2%). Eight patients with UTI (72.7%) were term and 3 (29.3%) were preterm. History of phototherapy, presence of leukocyturia or nitrituria, white blood cell count, and thrombocyte counts were significantly higher in the UTI group.

Conclusion: Prolonged jaundice may be the first sign of UTI in neonates. Routine urine culture in neonates with prolonged jaundice may be useful, especially in those with a history of phototherapy and high white blood cell and thrombocyte counts.
Examination of Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors of Athletes
Authors: CENGİZOĞLU İbrahim Can , KESKİN Burçak , ARSLAN KABASAKAL Sema
Published: March 2024

Objective: Athletes must lead healthy lifestyles to maintain their health and performance. This study aimed to reveal the levels of healthy lifestyle behaviors among athletes.

Materials and Methods: A total of 338 athletes were included in the study. The participants were administered a Demographic Form and the Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale-II. The demographic form provided information on participants' gender, age, nationality, and sports experience.

Results: The study found a significant difference in the nutrition sub-dimension of the Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale-II according to the participants' gender (p
Construction of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Artificial Human Urinary Bladder: A Preliminary Study
Authors: ERDEN TAYHAN Seçil , ŞENDEMİR Aylin , MİR Erol , DELİLOĞLU GÜRHAN İsmet
Published: March 2024

Objective: The present study aimed to obtain the required cells and select a suitable scaffold material for constructing an artificial bladder using the tissue engineering approach.

Materials and methods: The convenience of obtaining human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hADMSCs) was used in this study. It was attempted to differentiate these cells into smooth muscle cells (SMC), which are present along the wall of the bladder. Urothelial cells were enzymatically isolated from tissue biopsies. Synthetic (poly-lactide co-glycolic acid, PLGA) and natural (chitosan) polymers were used in scaffold fabrication using a tissue engineering approach.

Results: In the cellular experiments, urothelial cells couldn’t be cultured in polystyrene culture vessels in vitro and required a support material to maintain viability. Better results were obtained with the feeder layer. The hADMSCs exhibited the expected morphological changes in the serum-rich medium content in the SMC differentiation experiments. Chitosan, biocompatible and biodegradable, was mixed with PLGA as an alternative scaffold combination.

Conclusion: This study indicated that hADMSCs-derived smooth muscle cells and biopsy-isolated urothelial cells cultured on hybrid chitosan–PLGA scaffolds with appropriate physical properties could serve as a suitable model for tissue-engineered artificial bladder construction.
Evaluation of The Relationship Between the Selected Particle Size and Procedure Success and Complications in Bronchial Artery Embolisation
Authors: ÖZDEMİR Mustafa , ATEŞ Ayşe Şule , ÖZTÜRK Mehmet Halil
Published: March 2024

Objective: Hemoptysis refers to the discharge of blood, which originates from the lungs or bronchial system through the mouth. This study aimed to examine the importance of the particle size used in patients undergoing bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) regarding procedure success and complications.

Materials and Methods: Data from patients who underwent BAE using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles were collected retrospectively. Hemoptysis etiology and localisation, lesion type, the size of the embolising agent used, and postoperative complications were recorded. Thirty-day follow-up results were evaluated.

Results: Fifty-six patients were included in the study. The size of the PVA particles used was 300-500 microns in 30 patients (53.6%) and 500-700 microns in 26 patients (46.4%). Bleeding completely stopped in 92.9% of the cases within 30 days after the procedure. Procedure success or complications did not significantly differ between the patient groups in which 300-500 micron and 500-700 micron particles were used during BAE.

Conclusion: BAE is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive method that can be performed repeatedly to treat hemoptysis. This study showed that regardless of size, PVA particles were effective and safe agents that could be used during this procedure.
Potential Role of Laurus nobilis Essential Oil in Reducing Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats
Authors: ÜSTÜNDAĞ Hilal , TAŞ Necip Gökhan , KURT Nezahat , ISSİN Gizem , DANIŞMAN KALINDEMİRTAŞ Ferdane , KARAKUŞ Selcan
Published: March 2024

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective effects of Laurus nobilis leaves essential oil (LANO) against indomethacin (INDO)-induced gastric ulcers in rats.

Materials and Methods: In this study, an indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer model was employed. 30 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups (n=6): Control, LANO, INDO, INDO with famotidine (FAM), and INDO with LANO. Indomethacin (25 mg/kg) induced ulcers, while LANO and FAM were administered by oral gavage at 200 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, respectively. Gastric tissues underwent histopathological examination for ulceration, and biochemical assays measured total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and nitric oxide (NO) levels.

Results: Compared to the INDO group, treatment with LANO significantly decreased the number of gastric ulcer foci. Biochemically, LANO moderated TOS and OSI levels and preserved TAS, indicating reduced oxidative stress. Additionally, LANO appeared to stabilize NO levels. These biochemical findings were corroborated by histopathological examination.

Conclusions: The study's results indicate that LANO may be beneficial in protecting against NSAID-induced gastric damage. LANO's observed modulation of oxidative stress markers and NO levels suggests its potential role in managing gastric ulcers.
EFFECTIVENESS OF ELECTRONIC FILING AND COMPUTERIZED PAYMENT SYSTEM OF TAMP TAXPAYERS IN LUCENA CITY: A BASIS TO IMPROVE COLLECTION PERFORMANCE
Authors: D. Estrellana Keiza
Published: March 2024

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) established the Electronic Filing and Payment System (EFPS) primarily to facilitate faster processing, instant confirmation of filing tax returns and payment of taxes for Philippine taxpayers. This study aimed at identifying the level of effectiveness of the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s Electronic filing and its computerized payment under the Taxpayers Account Management Program (TAMP) as a basis in improving the Collection Performance of the bureau. The respondents in this study were 226 out of 520 registered taxpayers under TAMP from Lucena City, Quezon. The study used descriptive-correlational using a survey questionnaire to identify the level of effectiveness of the electronic filing and payment system. Results showed that majority of the respondents are aware of filing and paying taxes electronically. The respondents agree with the benefits and efficiency of utilizing the EFPS. Their desire to utilize the system is generally influenced by their perceived difficulties and concerns in filing tax returns. Aside from the recommendation for continuous taxpayer education and information dissemination, the research also proposes a faster method to issue confirmation receipts as well as the development of a user-friendly application for payment monitoring. The reliability and availability of e services must be emphasized to guarantee that taxpayers have efficient and effective access to services, which can lead to BIR increase revenue collection. This research will serve as a foundation for the improvement of the bureau’s EFPS implementation which in turn, may be a basis to help increase the BIR’s collection performance under TAMP.
LIMITS AND BEST PRACTICES OF THE SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING OF AN ELECTRIC COMPANY IN THE PHILIPPINES USING GRI FRAMEWORK
Authors: C. Alban Norlee
Published: March 2024

GRI framework is one of the generally used standards for sustainability reporting that became a fundamental requirement for most companies in the Philippines, including the electric utility sector. This paper aims to explore the limitations, drivers and best practices affecting the usage of GRI framework by an electric company (the “Electric Company”) in the Philippines in its sustainability reporting and adoption of sustainability KPIs. This research utilized qualitative approach which incorporated self-administered survey with open ended questions with relevant officers of the Electric Company and documentary analysis methodology using data sourced from sustainability reports of the Electric Company covering periods from 2019 until 2022 including other relevant public disclosures from its website. The data extracted were used to corroborate and support the output from the interview. The result explained the limitations encountered by the Electric Company in preparing its sustainability reporting following the GRI framework guidelines. Moreover, this study clarified that the sustainability reporting of the Electric Company was mostly influenced by the mandate of the government regulators and supported by its corporate governance goals to promote accountability and transparency. Lastly, this study suggested that the sustainability reporting of the Electric Company aimed to satisfy the information needed by its stakeholders and value creation expected by external users. Contextualizing the foregoing findings, this study has implications for regulators and researchers and contributes to the literature of sustainability reporting in the utility sector in the Philippines. It will increase pressure on other utility companies in the Philippines to assess the context-specific determinants of sustainability reporting.
USE OF COMPUTERIZED ACCOUNTING SYSTEM OF SMALL, MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN CANDELARIA, QUEZON
Authors: G. Magnaye Eugenia
Published: March 2024

This study examined the adoption of computerized accounting systems by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Candelaria, Quezon. The study investigated the level of managers’ acceptance of using computerized accounting information in connection with its functionality, reliability, usability, efficiency, maintainability, and portability. A descriptive correlational design was used to analyze the degree of relationship or association between variables. A total of 50 respondents from SMEs were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Based on the hypothesis, there is no significant relationship between the level of acceptance and the impact of accounting information systems that were rejected. The study found that managers’ acceptance of CAS in functionality, reliability, usability, efficiency, maintainability, and portability had a strong agreement, indicating the effectiveness of CAS in SMEs in Candelaria, Quezon. The researcher suggested that SMEs in Candelaria, Quezon, should consider upgrading to high-end applications that are more useful for their businesses. The results showed a strong relationship between managers’ acceptance of CAS and its effectiveness in SMEs in Candelaria, Quezon.
THE EFFECTS OF RADIO FREQUENCY RADIATIONS FROM TELECOMMUNICATION TOWERS ON OSOGBO RESIDENTS
Authors: Samuel Adebayo , B. Adeolu Ajide , K. Babatunde Babatola
Published: March 2024

High frequency electromagnetic radiations affect various biological mediums in a variety of ways. Studies are still being conducted to determine how radio frequency radiation affects people, particularly in light of the abundance of communication masts in urban areas. This study on radio frequency radiation from telecommunication masts was conducted to compare the radiation found in this research with the safe limit established by the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and to evaluate the continuous electro-sensitivity (ES) conditions associated with exposure to radio frequency radiation emitted from the telecommunication mast on the environment in Osogbo. Power density measurements at six different base stations are covered in this work. Four days’ worth of readings were taken at various masts, using the electric strength field. A range of 0 to 500 meters was taken into account. According to the results, Base Station 1 at the base of the GLO mast had the highest power density of 4.271mW/m2, while Base Station 2 at the MTN mast had the lowest power density of 0.048mW/m2. High power density measurements at both base stations were made at distances of less than 100 meters. Additionally, all but one (base station 4) show that power density diminishes with distance exceeding 200 meters. The ICNIRP set a limit for power density of 4.50W/m2 for public exposure, which is well below this maximum number. This research provides an analysis of power density measurements for radio frequency radiation emitted by telecommunication masts. The findings indicate that the levels of public exposure in the vicinity of Okebaale Osogbo and Osun State University are well below the established safety threshold. Consequently, this study offers significant contributions to the understanding of the safety implications associated with urban communication mast radiation.
UNLOCKING SOLAR POWER FOR SURVEILLANCE: A REVIEW OF SOLAR-POWERED CCTV AND SURVEILLANCE TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Izuka Uchenna , Daniel Bakare Adebowale , Otibhor Olurin Joy , Gbenga Ojo Gabriel , Augustine Lottu Oluwaseun
Published: March 2024

Solar-powered surveillance technologies have gained prominence for their sustainable, autonomous, and versatile solutions. This comprehensive review explores three key solar-powered surveillance technologies: solar-powered CCTV cameras, solar drones, and solar-powered sensor networks. Each technology offers distinct strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for various applications. Solar-powered CCTV cameras provide adaptability, energy independence, and rapid deployment, while solar drones offer an aerial perspective, extended endurance, and versatility. Solar-powered sensor networks excel in localized environmental monitoring. The choice of technology depends on factors such as the surveillance environment, budget constraints, required surveillance range, and specific monitoring needs. Organizations can benefit from hybrid solutions that integrate multiple technologies for comprehensive coverage. Future trends include advanced energy storage solutions, AI integration, enhanced power efficiency, and cloud-based data analytics, promising to improve performance and sustainability. Public-private collaborations and sustainable urban planning initiatives will drive further adoption and integration. Solar-powered surveillance technologies empower effective and environmentally sustainable surveillance solutions, contributing to a safer and more sustainable future.
DEPOSITIONAL SEQUENCES IN THE OFFSHORE WABI FIELD IN THE NIGER DELTA NIGERIA
Authors: S. Amakiri, , E. D. Uko, , I. Tamunobereton-ari, , A.R.C. Amakiri, , J. Amonieah,
Published: March 2024

Well-log, biostratigraphic, chronological chart and seismic data from offshore Wabi Field in the Niger Delta were used to delineate depositional sequences, stratigraphy, systems tracts and flooding surfaces. Geologic faults, horizons systems tracts were detected in seismic section. The faulting patterns ware boundary, synthetic, antithetic, and roll-over faults in N-W to S-E trending. Hydrocarbons are encountered between 9,560 and 12,750ftss in 3-stacked B, O, and R1 reservoirs in crestally collapsed rollover anticlines, which are predominantly shore face. Reservoir R1 was the thickest (320ft) sand unit; Reservoir B was the thinnest (50ft) sand unit. The thinning of the sand sequences at greater depths is indicative of bulk density being increased as the sediment compacted. Sequence Stratigraphic Analysis reveals Onlap is generally associated with marine transgression; Toplap which terminates below the surface, lap out in the landward direction. Three (3) maximum flooding surfaces (MFS) of 20.4Ma, 16.7Ma and 15.9Ma were inferred. The field was deposited during lower to upper Miocene Epoch using the Niger Delta Cenozoic Geologic Data. The reservoirs of interest fall within the following system tracts: B Sand is a Low Stand System Tract (LST), O Sand is a High Stand System Tract (HST) and R1 Sand is a Transgressive System Tract (TST). Two types of facies of channel (blocky signatures) and shoreface (coarsening upward) sand deposits with traces of heterolithic sand, silty sand (serrated motif) and marine shale are inferred. Wabi field is dominantly fluvial (channel deposits) environment as shown by the major blocky log signature. The results could help identify depositional sequences, systems tracts on seismic sections by interpreting the location of their boundaries and flooding surfaces. Moreover, delineation of subsurface structures, reservoir quality and lateral extents are of key importance in the determination of economic viability of Fields and exploration opportunities.
NEW RECORD OF THE EGYPTIAN MAASTRICHTIAN PLANKTIC FORAMINIFERA PLUMMERITA HAGGAGAE ANAN IN IRAQ
Authors: Anan Haidar Salim
Published: March 2024

The latest Maastrichtian planktic foraminiferal Egyptian species Plummerita haggagae Anan from the planktic foraminiferal zonation P. hantkeninoides Zone of Duwi section (Qusseir area, Red Sea coast, Eastern Desert of Egypt) has last spine-like prolongation of the three penultimate of four-chambered volution test, and also recorded here from the same stratigraphic horizon of Per Fat section (Duhok area, Kurdistan region of Iraq). This species represents the third group of Plummerita (Plummerita haggagae group of Anan). The other two groups of Plummerita, which produced by Brönnimann (1952) from Trinidad, are: Plummerita hantkeninoides group (last five-chambered volution: P. hantkeninoides, P. costata, P. inflata), and Plummerita reicheli group (last six-chambered volition: P. reicheli, P. pustulata, P. hexacamerata). P. haggagae is distinguished by its four-chambered volition in dextral coiling, with axially pointed spine-like prolongation for the three penultimate chambers, but without spine-like prolongation of the last fourth inflated chamber. The fauna of Gabal Duwi in central Egypt is predominantly considered here to be related to MTF (middle-upper neritic environment (100-200 m water depth).
PALEONTOLOGY, STRATIGRAPHY AND PALEOGEOGRAPHY OF THE TETHYAN MAASTRICHTIAN-NEOGENE ROTALIID BENTHIC FORAMINIFERAL MEMBERS OF THE GENUS PARAROTALIA
Authors: Anan Haidar Salim
Published: March 2024

The modern taxonomical consideration is used for most diagnostic sixteen Maastrichtian-Neogene Rotaliid benthic foraminiferal species of the genus Pararotalia Le Calvez which has wide geographic distribution in many Tethyan sites: USA, Northern Tethys (England, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Italy, Poland, Slovenia, Romania) and Southern Tethys (Libya, Egypt, Tanzania, UAE, Pakistan, India). The Maastrichtian-Paleocene species is P. tuberculifera (Reuss). The Paleocene species is P. macneili Loeblich and Tappan. The Paleocene-Eocene species is P. ishamae Loeblich and Tappan. The Eocene species are: P. audouini (d’Orbigny), P. clavezae Loeblich & Tappan, P. inermis (Terquem), P. khirthari Haque, and P. pakistanica Anan. The Eocene-Oligocene species is P. spinigera (Le Calcez). The Oligocene species are: P. byramensis (Cushman), P. curryi Loeblich & Tappan, P. parva (Cushman) and P. subinermis Bhatia. The Neogene species are: Pararotalia aculeata (d’Orbigny), P. armata (d’Orbigny) and P. loeblichi Anan. One species is believed to be new: Pararotalia loeblichi Anan, n. sp. Eight species of them were recorded from USA (about 50%), 6 from Romania (about 37.5%), 5 from each of France, Egypt, UAE and Pakistan (about 31.5%), 3 from Poland (about 19%), 2 from Belgium, Italy and Slovenia (about 12.5%), 1 species from each of England, Libya and India (about 6%). The petaloid test and keeled peripheral margin are mostly represented warm water environment.
UNVEILING EARTH'S GEOLOGICAL HISTORY: A GEOGRAPHICAL COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW
Authors: Hosen Bappa
Published: March 2024

Earth’s geological history spans billions of years, yielding insights into its evolution, climate shifts, and life’s development. This article provides a comprehensive overview, encompassing eons, eras, and pivotal events. Geological processes like tectonics, volcanism, and continental formation are explored. We analyze stratigraphy, paleontology, and dating techniques to offer a clear understanding of Earth’s journey. Beginning with the geological time scale, the narrative delves into Precambrian eons, from the fiery Hadean to the emergence of complex life in the Proterozoic. The Paleozoic era’s emergence of terrestrial life and Cambrian explosion are detailed, along with the Mesozoic’s reptilian dominance and Pangaea’s breakup. The Cenozoic era, spanning from dinosaurs to the present, covers mammalian evolution, ice ages, and hominid impact. Geological processes that shaped Earth’s surface and lithosphere are outlined, including tectonics’ role in continental movement. Extinctions, climate shifts, and land bridge formations demonstrate how geology influenced life. Human interaction’s geological consequences, such as climate change and resource utilization, are considered. Understanding Earth’s geological history underscores our planet’s dynamic nature, informing conservation and resource management decisions. Through this exploration, we uncover the intricate relationship between geological processes, biological evolution, and environmental systems that define our world.
NEW GEOGRAPHIC RECORD OF THE UAE PLANKTIC FORAMINIFERA TURBOROTALIA SEMICUNIALENSIS ANAN IN INDIA AND EGYPT
Authors: Anan Haidar Salim
Published: March 2024

The Late Eocene planktic foraminiferal species Turborotalia semicunialensis Anan with its raised keel in the first two chambers of the last whorl, was recorded recently from the planktic foraminiferal zonation Globigerinatheca index Zone (E16) of Jabal Hafit, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Another forms of this species, but under another names from the Turborotalia cerroazulensis group, were recorded from Cambay Basin, northwest of India (to the east of UAE), and from Wadi Hitan, Fayum area, Western Desert of Egypt (to the west of UAE). This documentation expanded the stratigraphic range of T. semicunialensis from E15 to P16 zonation throughout the Late Eocene. In general, the planktic foraminifera is predominantly considered to be related to open marine environment, photic zone, middle-upper neritic environment (100-200 m water depth).
CHARACTERIZATION OF SURFACE-WAVES IN THE CENTRAL SWAMP DEPOBELT IN THE NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA
Authors: A. Adam Yusuf , D. Uko Etim , S. Ayanninuola Olatunji, , Eniye Mienye , Cornell Ejere
Published: March 2024

This paper presents a detailed study on refraction survey carried out in the Central Swamp Depobelt of the Niger Delta in order to compute the characteristics of the surface waves. Twenty-seven (27) boreholes were each drilled in the Central Swamp Depobelt of the Niger Delta to 66m. The borehole data were acquired using Seismograph McSeis-160MX Recorder, hydrophone detector and electric detonator as the source. Analysis of the results shows two-layer refractors. The consolidated-layer velocities range between 1580 and 1906ms-1with an average of 1737.78ms-1. Weathered-layer (surface) velocities range between 213 and 781ms-1 with an average of 504.81ms-1. Air-blast low velocities range between 213 and 377ms-1 with an average of 307.33ms-1. Depths from refracting surfaces range between 2.25 and 6.12m with an average of 4.58m. Dominant surface wave frequencies range between 5 and 10Hz. The layer thickness and velocity parameters can be applied in static correction in the processing of seismic reflection survey data. The dominant frequency information can also be integrated with the other parameters in detector and source arrays design necessary for attenuating the ground roll noise in the study area.
FISH FARMING AND MARKETING SYSTEM IN BARA DISTRICT, NEPAL
Authors: Pathak Nabin , Ranjan Rahul , Dhital Sachina , Thapa Bishal
Published: March 2024

Bara district is one of the leading fish producing district of Nepal that lies in Madhesh Province in South- Central Nepal. Fish produced in Bara is marketed to distant markets along with the local market. However, the marketing system, actors in fish market and their benefits is studied too less. Thus, present study was carried out to understand and analyze the marketing system of fish produced in Bara district. The study was done by survey using questionnaire. A total of 76 farmers along with 30 traders were selected randomly for the survey. In present study area, mainly males (98.7%) were involved in fish farming with little involvement of females as entrepreneur. The major culture system followed is carp polyculture with some changes to produce huge volume of Chaddi. Chaddi fish includes the production and marketing of advanced fingerlings (30-50 g size) of Rohu and Mrigal. Different actors in fish marketing channel included farmer, wholesalers, and retailers. Altogether four different types of marketing channel were found in present study. Chaddi fish produced in study area is mainly exported to larger markets like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan while local market is dominated by silver carp due to its comparatively lower price. Price of fish at different stages of market depends on size as well as fish species. The general trend was that, larger the fish higher price it fetches in market. Wholesalers get a profit of around 4-8% while retailers get about 9-16% profit, but due to dhalta system, the net profit is higher. According to dhalta system, farmers have to provide 30% more fish as compensation to traders as fish are weighed live. Traders were found to use different types of transportation media from pickup vans, motorbike as well as cycle. Some of the traders also use ice for the storage of surplus fish. Different constraints in fish marketing included low market price, dhalta system in trade, lack of structured market and storage facilities, transportation issue and Indian market dependence among which low market price is most prevalent problem.
ROLE OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES FOR SUSTAINABLE FOREST RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: A REVIEW
Authors: Regmi Susma , Neupane Adarsha , Neupane Raksha , Pokharel Astha
Published: March 2024

Nepal, which lies between 260 and 300°N and 800 and 880°E longitude, consists of various climatic zones ranging from southern terai, whose annual rainfall ranges from 8 to 535 mm, to high Himalayan, where annual rainfall is maximum up to 2,185mm. As a 10% canopy cover, the forest is one of the essential resources on which millions of urban people depend. Hence, the government must promote sustainable use of forest resources through scientific principles and policies to meet the needs of the increasing population. Nepal conducted various activities like the first national forestry plan in 1976 A.D. and in 1988, master plan of forestry sector got started. Also, it conducted various other national workshops in 2015, which consisted of silviculture – based sustainable forest management. Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation and the National Planning Commission collaboratively changed the policies and improved forest resources. Changing from traditional practices to modern strategies, Nepal emphasizes frequent changes in its policies on community-based forests, and various donor organizations support the forest industry through financial and technical support. The forest department, established in 1942, generated the National Forest policy 2017, emphasizing equitable forest resource allocation. A focus on good governance should be placed, including making current strategies for environmentally friendly forest management practices at the local level more efficient and goal oriented.
THE GROWTH OF NIGERIA'S ECONOMY FROM 1981 TO 2019 IN RELATION TO THE FINANCING OF AGRICULTURE
Authors: Okon Jacob Augustine
Published: March 2024

The analysis of various economic variables in Nigeria from 1981 to 2019 shows that the country’s economy has been heavily reliant on oil exports, which has left it vulnerable to external shocks and hindered economic growth. This over-reliance on oil exports has led to neglect of the agricultural sector, which was once the main source of foreign currency earnings for Nigeria. As a result, there has been a decline in food production and an increase in imports. However, a study investigating the impact of government spending on agriculture on Nigeria’s economic growth using secondary data covering the same period shows that investing in agriculture is essential for Nigeria to achieve a diversified economy and sustainable economic growth. The study uses the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) approach and the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit root test to analyze the data and concludes that diversifying the economy into non-oil industries, such as agriculture, is likely to have a significant impact on economic growth. The regression analysis showed that government agricultural spending has a positive impact on economic growth. The findings suggest that RGDP, AO, AL, AE, and IFR had an up-down tendency, while INT had an up-down-up trend. The skewness statistic indicates that the variables’ frequency distributions were positively skewed, while the Kurtosis statistic indicates that they were normally distributed. The unit root tests indicate that all variables were stationary at 5%. The regression analysis showed that AO had a positive association with RGDP, while AL had a negative association with it. The study also provides additional information, such as the contribution of agriculture to Nigeria’s GDP and the statistical reliability of the variables.
VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS OF KIWIFRUIT (ACTINIDIA SPP.) IN DOLAKHA DISTRICT, NEPAL
Authors: Thapa Sulochana , Devkota Durga , Sharma Anup , Joshi Binod
Published: March 2024

Kiwifruit is one of the emerging, and high value fruit crops having tremendous nutritional and medicinal value that is being popular in Nepal. Under this context, research was done with the objective to carry out an in-depth value chain analysis of kiwifruit sub-sector in Dolakha district, Nepal. A total of 72 respondents, including 60 kiwifruit growers, 2 nursery owners, 2 wholesalers, 5 retailers and 3 consumers were selected for interview by using simple random sampling technique. Economic analysis revealed kiwifruit cultivation was running as a profitable agriculture enterprise in the district with the benefit-cost ratio value of 3.2. Additionally, kiwifruit production alone had 27.2% contribution in annual household income of growers. Five different marketing channels were observed, and majority of producers were found selling kiwifruit to consumers directly. On an average price spread was NRs. 87.4 per kg and producer’s share was 73.24% in existing marketing channels. Value addition activities such as grading, packaging, and processing were relatively poor in the study area. Furthermore, indexing identified inadequate technical knowledge and lack of storage facility as the major problems associated with production and marketing of kiwifruit, respectively. The findings of this research suggests that farmers are to be focused more on quality improvement practices and concerned authorities to prioritize their support in establishing proper marketing mechanism through provision of storage structures, processing units with least possible involvement of market intermediaries would be the best course of action to enhance future production and marketing of kiwifruit in the region.
CONTRIBUTION OF AGRICULTURE SECTOR IN THE GDP GROWTH OF BANGLADESH
Authors: Chowhan Sushan , Rahman Md. Moshiur , Sultana Razia , Abdur Rouf Md. , Islam Majharul
Published: March 2024

There are many sectors and subsectors in a country which runs the wheel of the economy. Gross domestic product or GDP is one of the important most indicator of the economic activity of a country which specially reflects about the size and performance of an economy. Since Bangladesh is an agrarian country it’s economic activities are largely agro based. But, with the pace of industrial revolution share of agriculture in GDP has been changed. Thus, to evaluate the overall changes in GDP from agro sectors and sub sectors and their possible reasons solutions were briefly stated in this review. Notably contribution of GDP from agriculture in current and constant prices over the last 12 years (2010 to 2021) has been following a declining trend. Contrary, the industry sector followed an upward trend but services sector showed a more or less stable trend. Previous five fiscal years (2016-17 to 2020-21) illustrated the reduction of about 1.5% GDP in the agriculture sector at current and constant prices but the growth rate remained in a steady state in both prices. Some key steps for preventing the drop of GDP share from agriculture was noted as- preventing environmental pollution, more emphasis on rural and remote area’s agriculture development, motivation and scope for cultivation of cash/profitable crops and sustainable market linkage development. To boost up the agro economic sector of the country adoption of new improved technology is imperative for the greater agricultural and economic development of the country.
AN EMPIRICAL AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF CASSAVA PRODUCTIVITY IN SELECTED AREAS OF SOUTHERN SIERRA LEONE
Authors: Mohamed Massaquoi Saffa , Mande Zhu , Johnson Adolphus
Published: March 2024

This study examined the productivity and economic analyses of the cassava production in three communities—Nyallay, Sammamie, and Sindeh sections in Bo districts, Southern Sierra Leone. The crop is processed into garri, fufu, akara, and other foods. Cassava can also be used to make flour, pellets, and chips for animal consumption, as well as biofuel and particle boards The data was gathered using a questionnaire and interview schedule that were both well organized. Descriptive statistics, financial techniques, and a multiple regression model were all employed in the data analysis. The main data came from a sample of 300 cassava growers from three regions. The collected data were evaluated using econometric regression analysis. The findings indicated that, the net farm income was Le 214,361 and the net return on investment was almost Le 258, 375. The findings of a regression analysis showed that the number of cassava cuttings, hired labor, farm size, farming experience, and age statistically substantially influenced the output of cassava in the research region. It is indicated that the availability of improved cassava cuttings in the area and farmers’ access to subsidized inputs like fertilizer. In the study it was suggested that farmers be prodded to invest in the cultivation of cassava because of its economic worth and profitability. Cassava growers should be encouraged to obtain instruction on correct agronomic practices and input usage, and inputs should be made available and at reasonable costs, especially improved types of cassava cuttings, this will increase productivity.
STUDY OF BIG DATA BASED PROBLEMS FOR DATA ANONYMIZATION
Authors: Singh Monika
Published: March 2024

In order to defeat typical attacks like the similarity attack, the probabilistic inference attack, and others that are possible with anonymized data, we have studied different techniques. To anonymize the data set and disseminate the anonymized data set on a distributed environment without endangering data privacy, a privacy-preserving distributed framework is suggested in most of the techniques. It is possible to achieve a better balance between privacy and data utility, and the data utility is demonstrated in terms of conventional measures. The privacy-preserved data set is also subjected to the application of several classifiers in order to measure the utility of the data When sharing and processing data in a distributed setting or with the Internet of Things, data privacy is a crucial requirement. High communication and computational costs are involved in collaborative privacy-preserving data mining based on secured multiparty computation. Data protection against identity revelation is achieved by the use of data anonymization, a promising technology in the field of privacy-preserving data mining. Anonymization faces significant difficulties, including information loss and frequent attacks that may be made on the anonymized data. Utilizing data mining techniques, data anonymization has recently demonstrated a considerable increase in data value. Still, the methods now in use are ineffective for dealing with attacks. Therefore, a clustering-based anonymization approach that is resistant to similarity attacks and attacks based on inference is suggested in this study. On the Hadoop Distributed File System, the anonymized data is dispersed. The technique creates a better balance between utility and privacy.