bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelos matemáticos para secagem de biomassa com cascas de palmeira-real colonizadas com micélio de shiitake
Authors: Timm Thaynã Gonçalves , Weise William Ferreira , Arantes Matheus Samponi Tucunduva , Helm Cristiane Vieira , Tavares Lorena Benathar Ballod
Published: April 2023

No processamento de palmeira-real (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana) para a obtenção de palmito são gerados excedentes sólidos como cascas que, se dispostos inadequadamente, causam danos ambientais. Estas cascas são nutricionalmente atrativas para a alimentação e quando colonizadas por fungos basidiomicetos comestíveis, podem resultar na agregação de valor pela geração de produtos para consumo humano. Propôs-se, com este trabalho, ajustar modelos matemáticos aos valores experimentais em função da temperatura sobre o tempo de secagem de uma biomassa contendo cascas de palmito da palmeira-real suplementada com farelo de arroz e farinha de mandioca e colonizada com micélio do fungo Lentinula edodes, também conhecido como cogumelo shiitake. O processo de colonização do substrato foi conduzido em sistema de fermentação em estado sólido (FES) a 25 °C por 40 dias. A biomassa resultante foi utilizada para o estudo da cinética de secagem em estufa convectiva, sendo construídas curvas de secagem nas temperaturas de 35, 50 e 65 °C com posterior ajuste de modelos matemáticos empíricos e semi-empíricos aos dados experimentais do processo de secagem. As umidades de equilíbrio e tempos de secagem, respectivamente, resultaram em 205 minutos e 0,22% para 35 °C, 145 minutos e 0,28% para 50 °C e 115 minutos e 0,12% para 65 °C. Dez modelos matemáticos foram testados e todos apresentaram ajuste às curvas experimentas, porém os que representaram mais satisfatoriamente a perda de umidade durante o período de secagem foram os modelos Modified Midilli-Kucuk, Two-term e Logarítmico (R²=0,998) para 65 °C, temperatura selecionada como mais satisfatória para processamento. Ao final do estudo a biomassa seca foi triturada gerando uma farinha, cuja análise indicou valores de nutricionais similares, independente da temperatura de secagem. Portanto, a transformação das cascas de palmito nas condições propostas trouxe, em adição a obtenção de um futuro produto alimentício, que práticas sustentáveis aplicadas à cadeia produtiva da palmeira-real poderão resultar na diminuição de um passivo ambiental.
Obtenção e caracterização do bio-óleo gerado por pirólise rápida da biomassa lentilhas d’água (Spirodela sp.)
Authors: Sanches Filho Pedro José , Medeiros Eliane Freitas de , Andrade Gabriela Oliveira , Sampaio Daniele Martin , Cunha Michele Espinosa da
Published: April 2023

Este trabalho avaliou a utilização da biomassa gerada a partir da macrófita flutuante Spirodela sp., para a obtenção de bio-óleo por meio do processo de pirólise rápida em diferentes parâmetros, buscando encontrar as melhores condições de rendimento de bio-óleo no processo. Esta macrófita apresenta crescimento rápido, podendo ser empregada com eficiência em processos de remoção de nutrientes e metais tóxicos, o que gera um grande volume de biomassa. Os parâmetros otimizados no processo de pirólise rápida foram sistema de condensação, massa de biomassa utilizada, tempo de processo, fluxo de nitrogênio e a temperatura do reator. No processo de pirolise onde foi utilizada 3,0 g de massa da biomassa em um condensador duplo, na temperatura de 700 °C em tempo igual a 10 minutos e fluxo de gás de 10 mL min-1, foi obtido o melhor rendimento na geração de bio-óleo, 22,9%±3,9%. Após separação por extração líquido-líquido sequencial utilizando os solventes hexano e diclorometano, o bio-óleo obtido foi caracterizado por cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massa (GC/MS) buscando definir o perfil do bio-óleo obtido. Concluiu-se que a macrófita flutuante Spirodela sp. (lentilha d’água) pode ser utilizada como biomassa para a conversão em bio-óleo. As frações orgânicas do bio-óleo apresentam uma mistura complexa, rica em compostos nitrogenados (62,5%), fenóis (15,3%) e hidrocarbonetos (6,6%), com interesse econômico, os quais podem ser utilizados como matérias-primas para diferentes processos industriais.
Habitação e Habitabilidade Rurais
Authors: Leite Liziana de Sousa , Scalize Paulo Sérgio , Hora Karla Emmanuela Ribeiro
Published: April 2023

A habitação instiga uma reflexão sobre seu conceito, podendo ser interpretada apenas como a ação de habitar, bem como uma estrutura física caracterizada pela habitabilidade. Com o intuito de discutir e definir conceitos de habitação e habitabilidade a serem utilizados em comunidades rurais brasileiras, foi desenvolvida uma revisão sistemática de literatura, tomando por base o Portal de Periódicos da CAPES, e aplicaram-se critérios de elegibilidade, resultando em 37 artigos para análise e discussão. Os artigos analisados apresentaram pontos de vista sociológico, ambiental e sanitário para o conceito de habitação, denotando a necessidade de um olhar diferenciado a partir dos modos de vida de seus residentes. Isso conferiu à definição de habitação rural uma estrutura física multifuncional, com espaços internos e externos para moradia e apoio laboral. Dentro desse contexto, o conceito de habitabilidade rural atribui à habitação rural características adequadas às realidades do campo e às necessidades de seus residentes, garantindo uma arquitetura confortável, salubre, segura e com acesso a equipamentos e serviços públicos de qualidade. Os conceitos definidos nesta pesquisa para habitação e habitabilidade rurais se complementam e subentendem a qualidade de vida do residente rural, podendo ser utilizados em posteriores estudos nos campos do saneamento domiciliar e da saúde ambiental.
Effect of fire retardants on germination of agricultural seeds
Authors: Souza Adilson Pacheco de , Silva Andréa Carvalho da , Santos Lucas Bartolomeu dos , Ximenes Elen Silma Oliveira Cruz , Nogueira Herculis , Anjos Alison Martins dos , Santos Rafael José Carvalho dos
Published: April 2023

The occurrence of fires in agricultural areas grown with winter maize has become recurrent in the Central-West region of Brazil, since the harvest occurs in the dry season in the region. Fire retardants can be used as an indirect control of fire; they consisted of chemical products that can remain in the straws or on the soil after the fire extinction.  The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of two short-term fire retardants (Phos-Chek WD881® and Hold Fire®) and a hydrogel (alternative fire retardant) on germination of rice (Oryza sativa), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), millet (Pennisetum glaucum), maize (Zea mays), and soybean (Glycine max) seeds. The control treatment consisted of only distilled water. The seed germination percentage and speed index, mean time for germination, and seedling growth (shoot and root length and dry weight) were evaluated. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with 4 replications per treatment; each experimental unit consisted of 100 seeds maintained in germination chambers (30 °C and photoperiod of 12 hours). The effects of the fire retardants and hygroscopic polymer on the seed germination and seedling initial growth were specific, and no significant effect caused by the variations in the concentrations of the fire retardants was found.
Agrobiodiversidade em comunidades quilombolas do Brasil: uma abordagem cienciométrica e perspectivas de estudo
Authors: Gonçalves Janaína Pinheiro , Alves Raynon Joel Monteiro , Martins Ana Cláudia Caldeira Tavares , Andrade Eloisa Helena de Aguiar
Published: April 2023

Este estudo objetivou realizar uma abordagem cienciométrica sobre as pesquisas de agrobiodiversidade em comunidades quilombolas no Brasil, durante o período de 2000 a  2021, utilizando diferentes bases de dados virtuais. Os dados quantitativos foram analsiados descritivamente e para gerar as perspectivas sobre a temática, com base na cienciometria, utilizou-se a literatura pertinente, que foi analisada qualitativamente. Foram encontradas 39 produções acadêmico-científicas desenvolvidas por autores predominantemente transeuntes, com predomínio de dissertações e artigos, sobretudo, em relação aos quilombolas da região Centro-oeste, vinculados à Universidade de Brasília. A distribuição temporal das publicações listadas foi esparsa durante o período analisado, com predominância a partir de 2018, tendo abordagens sobre a caracterização, mudanças e segurança alimentar no contexto da agrobiodiversidade. Os manuscritos possuem acesso livre ao público, sendo os artigos os mais citados, e inúmeros métodos e técnicas foram utilizados nestas pesquisas. As categorias de uso de plantas abordadas foram a alimentar e a medicinal, com destaque para as famílias Lamiaceae, Asteraceae e Fabaceae. Diante da agrobiodiversidade quilombola no Brasil ainda são mínimos os trabalhos desenvolvidos e divulgados no meio acadêmico-científico, com perspectivas relacionadas ao fomento de projetos e políticas públicas para a conservação ambiental, incremento de conhecimentos tradicionais e de manejo dos recursos no acervo científico, manutenção das comunidades e do modo de vida tradicional, e investimentos em Ciência e Biotecnologia, principalmente em regiões muito ameaçadas por ações antrópicas.
Análise morfométrica da Bacia do Alto-Médio Rios Mogi Guaçu e Pardo, Sul de Minas Gerais
Authors: Carvalho Débora Silva , Souza Denise Silva Leão , Mira Ítalo Rafael Costa , Silva Márcio Luiz
Published: April 2023

O objetivo do artigo consistiu em analisar os índices e parâmetros morfométricos como subsídios para a caracterização morfodinâmica e como instrumentos de planejamento e gestão ambiental da Sub-bacia do Alto-Médio Rios Mogi Guaçu e Pardo - MG. Os parâmetros analisados foram a ordem hierárquica do canal (U), número de canais (Nu), comprimento dos canais (Lu), comprimento da bacia (Lb), razão de bifurcação (Rb), área (A), perímetro (P), densidade de drenagem (Dd), densidade de rios (Dr), textura da drenagem (T), relação de alongamento (Re), índice de circularidade (Ic), fator de forma (Ff), altitude máxima (Hmax), altitude mínima (Hmin), amplitude da bacia (Bh), índice de rugosidade (Ir) e tempo de concentração (Tc). A sub-bacia, com área de 5.169,26 km2 e predomínio do formato alongado, possui densidade de drenagem e de rios muito altas, com padrão dendrítico de drenagem, morfologia fluvial meandrante a retilínea. A sub-bacia, de 8ª ordem hierárquica, possui amplitude de 1.135 metros, com predominância de médias altitudes e relação de relevo de 9,24 m/km, indicativo de um escoamento lento. Os parâmetros avaliados são de fundamental importância para o entendimento da morfodinâmica da bacia e constituem importantes instrumentos para o processo de planejamento e gestão ambiental.
The cultural code "Rimon" in the pictorial semiosis of the Jews of Crimea
Authors: Kotliar Elena Romanovna , Alekseeva Elena Nikolaevna
Published: April 2023

The subject of the study is the cultural code "Rimon", covering phytomorphic symbolic images in the Jewish pictorial semiosis. The object of the study is the traditional symbolism in the pictorial practice of the Jews of the Crimea. The article uses the methods of semantic and semiotic analysis in deciphering the meanings of plant symbols of the pictorial semiosis of the Jews of the Crimea, the method of analysis of previous studies, the method of synthesis in structuring groups of signs. The authors consider the following aspects of the topic: the codes of the pictorial semiosis of the Jews of the Crimea are designated, their morphology, semantics, key meanings and the main code are substantiated. The phytomorphic Rimon code and its features are considered in detail.   The main conclusions of the study are: 1. As a result of studying the traditional culture of the Jews of the Crimea, five main codes of the Jewish pictorial semiosis were identified, covering the following groups of symbols: skewomorphic (subject), phytomorphic (plant), zoomorphic (animal), numeric. The source of all codes and the generalizing code is the Sefer code (Book). The interrelationships between the codes, four key meanings – Creation, Paradise, Torah persons and Messianic aspirations are revealed. The semantic center of the code system is defined – the Torah and Aron Hakodesh, as a repository of the Torah. 2. The considered phytomorphic code Rimon is a symbolism of traditional images of plants, the mention of which is found in the Torah, as well as in the Talmud and Midrash. The images of plants in the Jewish reading convey the meanings of human virtues and negative qualities, and also indicate the Messianic hopes laid down in the Torah and especially in the Midrash of the Talmud.The scientific novelty of the study consists in the fact that for the first time a semantic-semantic analysis was carried out and the interrelationships of cultural codes in the pictorial semiosis of the Jews of the Crimea were determined, with an emphasis on the Rimon code.
International Scientific Conference "Historical Informatics as Historical Data Science": on the 30th anniversary of the Association "History and Computer"
Authors: Vladimirov Vladimir Nikolayevich , Volodin Andrei Yurievich , Garskova Irina Markovna , Frolov Alexei
Published: April 2023

The article discusses the content and results of the international conference of the Association "History and Computer" (AIC) "Historical Informatics as Historical Data Science", held on November 11-13, 2022 at the Faculty of History of Lomonosov Moscow State University. All stages and forms of the conference are described in detail: 2 plenary sessions, breakout sessions, a round table. The conference was dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the AIC and the 10th anniversary of the journal "Historical Informatics". The conference program included over 100 reports, the authors of which represented scientific centers of Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Germany, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Norway and Uzbekistan. The main part of the conference consisted of 10 breakout sessions, where reports were presented on topical historical problems, the solution of which was proposed by the authors on the basis of methods and technologies of historical informatics. At the same time, in most reports, considerable attention was paid to the characteristics of the data used, methods of their processing and visualization. Much attention was paid to the creation of databases and information systems, statistical processing of historical data, methods of text analysis, historical geoinformatics, 3-D modeling. The results of archaeological research using digital technologies, methods of historical informatics in the research work of archives and museums, digital technologies in historical education were also considered.
Retinal motion statistics during natural locomotion
Authors: Muller Karl S , Matthis Jonathan , Bonnen Kathryn , Cormack Lawrence K , Huk Alex C , Hayhoe Mary
Published: April 2023

Walking through an environment generates retinal motion, which humans rely on to perform a variety of visual tasks. Retinal motion patterns are determined by an interconnected set of factors, including gaze location, gaze stabilization, the structure of the environment, and the walker’s goals. The characteristics of these motion signals have important consequences for neural organization and behavior. However, to date, there are no empirical in situ measurements of how combined eye and body movements interact with real 3D environments to shape the statistics of retinal motion signals. Here, we collect measurements of the eyes, the body, and the 3D environment during locomotion. We describe properties of the resulting retinal motion patterns. We explain how these patterns are shaped by gaze location in the world, as well as by behavior, and how they may provide a template for the way motion sensitivity and receptive field properties vary across the visual field.
Carbono inmovilizado en las valvas provenientes de cultivos industriales de Argopecten purpuratus en el Perú y su potencial en el mercado de carbono
Authors: Loayza Aguilar Romulo Eugenio , Valencia Raúl , Valencia Gustavo
Published: April 2023

En el Perú el cultivo industrial de Argopecten purpuratus genera importantes cantidades de valvas, consideradas como un residuo; sin embargo, son estructuras que para su desarrollo inmovilizan el carbono presente en el agua, contribuyendo a la mitigación del cambio climático. En este sentido, a fin de cuantificar la cantidad de carbono que secuestran las valvas de A. purpuratus en cultivo, y analizar su potencialidad en el mercado de los bonos de carbono, se obtuvieron muestras de organismos vivos y valvas vacías, procedentes de los cultivos en Piura y Ancash, y se ha revisado información documental de la producción en el país desde 1996. Para determinar la cantidad de carbono en las valvas, se aplicó el método termogravimétrico, y luego se ha hecho una proyección de inmovilización de carbono al 2030. Se calcula que en el periodo 2010-2020, la inmovilización de carbono por las valvas del cultivo en el país, fue de unas 10 000 t de CO2 año-1, o 2730.79 tC inmovilizado año-1, estimándose que en el año 2030 la producción de A. purpuratus sea de 117 299.43 t, y que en el periodo 2021-2030, ser habría secuestrado 198 182.45 tCO2e o inmovilizado 54 119.40 tC. Esta información permitiría al Perú considerar la posibilidad de incursionar en el Mercado Voluntario de Carbono.
Respuesta genética y funcional de anfibios a perturbaciones causadas por actividades antrópicas
Authors: Soria-Ortíz Gerardo , Ochoa-Ochoa Leticia M. , Vázquez-Domínguez Ella
Published: April 2023

La perturbación ambiental de origen antrópico ha tenido, en la mayoría de los casos, efectos negativos en las comunidades bióticas. Sin embargo, también hay algunas respuestas positivas. Entender los mecanismos bajo los cuales estas perturbaciones influyen en los patrones de diversidad y estructura genética, así como posibles adaptaciones locales, es fundamental para generar planes de conservación que aseguren la persistencia de las especies en el largo plazo. Los rasgos funcionales nos permiten entender la interacción entre el ambiente y las especies. Los anfibios son un excelente modelo para analizar estas interacciones, por ser ectotermos y presentar múltiples rasgos funcionales relacionados con sus historias de vida. Aquí realizamos una revisión de literatura científica acerca de las múltiples respuestas de anfibios a las perturbaciones antrópicas desde una perspectiva funcional, y encontramos que las perturbaciones tienen efectos negativos, neutrales o positivos, dependiendo de las especies, relacionados con rasgos peculiares de los anfibios y la naturaleza y magnitud de la perturbación. De manera que es incorrecto generalizar sobre los efectos de las perturbaciones antrópicas en los anfibios, interacción que debe analizase con cautela y considerando los rasgos funcionales. Encontramos, asimismo, que varias de las especies resilientes en zonas perturbadas presentan cierta tolerancia a los cambios ambientales, la cual puede estar asociada con adaptaciones locales. Con base en los patrones que identificamos, brindamos una perspectiva sobre las ventajas y limitantes de analizar a las comunidades de anuros desde una perspectiva funcional y sugerimos algunas directrices para futuras investigaciones.
Geofagia y plasticofagia en Coragyps atratus
Authors: Richard Enrique , Contreras Denise , Angeoletto Fabio
Published: April 2023

Geofagia es el consumo intencional o incidental de suelo por parte de animales. Se considera un comportamiento poco común, y sus explicaciones son controvertidas y motivo contínuo de debate. La plasticofagia es el consumo deliberado o accidental de plásticos, un fenómeno cada vez más frecuente en aves alrededor del mundo. Aquí documentamos los primeros datos de ingesta de suelo y plásticos en Coragyps atratus en Ecuador. Trabajamos en un vertedero de residuos de la ciudad de Calceta y en la playa de Canoa (Manabí). En el vertedero analizamos 112 egagrópilas las cuales se incluyeron en 6 categorías de materiales antropogénicos y suelo y 18 subcategorías. Encontramos suelo en nueve egagrópilas (8%) y plásticos en todas las muestras. También se hallaron metales, vidrio, cartón e indeterminados. El análisis de las muestras indicaría que la ingesta de suelo y plástico podría ser incidental. Discutimos las implicaciones potenciales de la ingesta de suelo y plástico como vehículos de exposición a metales pesados, compuestos orgánicos persistentes y pesticidas. Nuestros aportes contribuyen a conocer la historia natural de la especie en contextos antrópicos en vistas a diseñar políticas de manejo y conservación de la misma; así como a su integración armónica a los ecosistemas antropogénicos.
Contaminación por vertidos de aguas residuales: Una revisión de las interacciones microorganismos–microplásticos y sus posibles riesgos ambientales en aguas costeras colombianas
Authors: Sáenz-Arias Sol , Garcés-Ordóñez Ostin , Córdoba-Meza Tania , Blandon Lina , Espinosa Díaz Luisa , Vivas-Aguas Lizbeth , Canals Miquel
Published: April 2023

Los vertidos de aguas residuales en los ecosistemas acuáticos son fuente de microplásticos y microorganismos patógenos, que afectan la calidad ambiental y representan un riesgo para la biodiversidad y la salud humana. Los objetivos de esta revisión fueron: (i) analizar los impactos de los vertimientos de aguas residuales sobre la calidad sanitaria de aguas costeras de Colombia, y (ii) examinar los posibles riesgos ambientales de las interacciones entre microorganismos–microplásticos. Durante el 2021, en el marco del monitoreo ambiental marino de Colombia se midieron los coliformes termotolerantes–CTE y los enterococos fecales–EFE en muestras de agua marina superficial en 128 estaciones, registrándose concentraciones de 2–704 000 NMP de CTE/100 mL y de 1–3360 UFC de EFE/100 mL. Los municipios con mayor impacto sobre la calidad sanitaria del agua marina fueron Santa Marta (Caribe) y Tumaco (Pacífico). En relación con lo anterior, se revisaron 84 documentos sobre contaminación microbiológica e interacciones microorganismos–microplásticos en aguas costeras publicados entre 2005 y febrero/2021, examinando aspectos metodológicos, grupos microbianos más comunes, interacciones microorganismos–microplásticos y sus riesgos ambientales. En Colombia existen riesgos asociados a la contaminación microbiológica y por microplásticos en las aguas costeras que requieren atención. Es necesario mejorar la gestión de residuos; la investigación/monitoreo de las comunidades microbianas, sus genes de resistencia/virulencia; y las interacciones de dichas comunidades con los microplásticos y otros organismos comercialmente importantes.
La unión hace la fuerza: modelos de distribución de especies integrando diferentes fuentes de datos
Authors: Fernández-López Javier , Acevedo Pelayo , Gimenez Olivier
Published: April 2023

Modelos de distribución de especies integrando diferentes fuentes de datos (software)
Postoperative Pain Management and Patient Satisfaction in an Indian Tertiary Care Centre-A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Banerjee Anwesha , Saxena Ashok K , Bhardwaj Neha , Srivastava Mohit K
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Despite various advancements over last two decades in pain medicine, post-operative pain remains inadequately addressed, even in a tertiary medical center. There are very limited studies addressing post-operative pain management in India. Few published studies have assessed post-operative pain, but only at 24 hours intervals, and utilising tools focusing on any one parameter of pain. Hence, a holistic assessment using four different pain assessment tools should be done to get a wider overview of the condition. Aim: To assess the intensity and severity of post-operative pain at 6, 12, 24 & 48 hours postoperatively for patients undergoing surgery for orthopaedics, gastrointestinal, general surgery, obstetrics & gynaecological ailments and patient satisfaction at 24 hours postoperatively. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational survey was conducted at a tertiary care centre of New Delhi from October 2020 to October 2021. Three scales were used to determine the status of post-operative pain at 6,12,24 and 48 hours followup. The three different pain scales were Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NRS-pain) static and dynamic, Global Perceived Effect (GPE) and Neuropathic Pain System Inventory (NPSI). Results: Total of 400 patients, with mean age of the study population was 43.26±4.98 years. Majority were males, 250 (60%) and of ASA Grade I, 208 (52%). Significant improvement was observed in the NRS pain score at each follow-up among those undergoing orthopaedic surgery, general surgery, and gynaecological procedures. Improvement in the mean GPE scale was only seen for orthopaedic surgeries. There was a significant neuropathic pain component observed in all the surgeries except gynaecological surgeries. Majority 321 (80.25%) had received information about their pain treatment but only 174 (43.5%) were satisfied with their pain treatment. Conclusion: A majority of the patients undergoing orthopaedic or general surgery, and gynaecological procedures had improvement in pain. This survey highlights the need for investigating future post-operative pain management protocols so that the intensity of post-operative pain, incidence of chronic persistent pain & resulting suffering, as well as disability, can be minimised to a large extent.
Burden of Rotavirus Diarrhoea among Children Less than Five Years of Age Attending a Tertiary Care Institute with Acute Gastroenteritis: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mir Anjum Ara , Fomda Bashir Ahmad , Bali Nargis , Bhat Mushtaq
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Diarrhoea due to rotavirus continues to cause significant morbidity in children less than five years of age especially in developing countries. Prior to the incorporation of rotavirus vaccine in the national immunisation program the prevalence of rotavirus in stool samples of children in India has been reported to vary from 4.6-33.7%. However, there is not much data regarding the burden of rotavirus diarrhoea after the widespread use of rotavirus vaccine. Aim: To find out the extent to which rotavirus is responsible for causing infection in children under five years of age. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in the Department of Microbiology, in collaboration with the Department of Paediatrics, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, among children who presented with acute gastroenteritis to the biggest tertiary care institute of the region. After seeking written consent from the parents/caretakers stool samples were collected and subjected to Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Demographic variables including vaccination status and seasonality were recorded for all the cases. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 and p-value of <0.05 was taken as significant. Results: A rotavirus positivity of 17.2% was seen in the studied population with 31 (63.8%) patients affected being males. A total of 37 (77.1%) children belonged to the age group of 0-12 months and 27 (56.3%) of those affected were from rural areas. Diarrhoea was the most common symptom in 28 (58.3%) patients. Most of the rotavirus positive children, that is, 26 (54.2%) were not vaccinated. Majority of the cases, 34 (70.8%), were seen in winter season. Conclusion: Majority of the children who visited the hospital were not vaccinated and were rotavirus positive despite a robust vaccination program. This puts an emphasis on the need to improve the vaccination rates in order to fight this illness.
Effect of Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaf Extract Consumption on Lipid Concentrations and Cardiovascular Risk Indices in Apparently Healthy Individuals
Authors: Kalio Ibiene Sarah , Chidinma Echeonwu Victoria , Aleru-Chuku Margret Deinma
Published: April 2023

Bryophyllum pinnatum has been consumed locally for various ailments without proper documentation of It’s effect on Lipid concentrations and cardiovascular risk indices in humans. This study sought to determine the effect of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract consumption on lipid concentrations and cardiovascular risk indices in apparently healthy individuals by estimating Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), Castelli Risk Index I and II, Total protein and Albumin in 15 apparently healthy individuals after consumption of 1.32g/180ml of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract for 14 days. Samples taken before the commencement of the study served as control samples, while samples collected on the 1st, 7th and 14thday after consumption of 1.32g/180ml of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract served as test samples. Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, High Density Lipoprotein were estimated using Colorimetric methods. Total protein was estimated using Biuret method while Albumin was estimated using Bromocresol green method. The results showed that levels of LDL(1.04±0.44mmol/l), AIP(-0.34±0.09), Castelli index I (2.16±0.53) and Castelli index II(0.94±0.47) were significantly reduced (p<0.05) after 7 days of consumption when compared to control LDL(2.65±0.18mmol/l),AIP(-0.15±0.18), Castelli index I (3.84±0.32) and Castelli index II(2.44±0.33).Further comparism of levels of LDL(2.22±0.74mmol/l),AIP((-0.15±0.18), Castellic index I ((3.74±1.80) and Castellic index II (2.42±0.98) after 14 days of consumption with levels after 7 days LDL(1.04±0.44mmol/l), AIP(-0.34±0.09), Castelli index I (2.16±0.53) and Castelli index II(0.94±0.47) showed significant increase (p< 0.05). Results obtained suggest that short term consumption of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract would reduce cardiovascular risk indices in humans but continuous long term use can predispose consumers to increased risk of developing cardiovascular pathological consequences.
Awareness of Zoonotic Diseases among the Bachelor of Science New Entrants at the Open University of Sri Lanka in 2020
Authors: Kulatunga Vidyani , Fernando Shehani , Jayawardena Uthpala , Jayasinghe Chanika
Published: April 2023

Global attention towards zoonotic diseases has been oriented with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 as they are infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, and they pose a significant threat to public health. This study draws on the awareness of a group of new BSc degree registrants (N=267) at The Open University of Sri Lanka in 2020 about common zoonotic diseases. A cross-sectional study was employed for the participants in a virtual orientation session in December 2020 using a structured online questionnaire. Pearson Chi-square test (χ2) was used evaualte statistical significance at p<0.05. The survey reveals that from the total respondents, 89.9% were aware of zoonotic diseases in humans by animals, 77.9% are aware that zoonotic diseases can be transmitted to humans by direct contact with infected animals and 75.3% knew that zoonotic diseases can be transmitted by eating raw meat of infected animals. Further, 82.4% and 86.1% of respondents agreed that zoonotic diseases could be treated and prevented while 85.4% agreed that zoonotic diseases could be controlled. The majority of the respondents were aware of Rabies, Covid 19, Malaria, Dengue fever and SARS as zoonotic diseases and a higher proportion of female respondents identified Hepatitis E as a zoonotic disease. Bovine tuberculosis was identified by students who studied biological sciences compared to other streams. Respondents below 24 years of age identified Anthrax and Leptospirosis, SARS and Trichinellosis as zoonotic diseases than other age categories. Students in suburban areas had a higher tendency to identify Ebola virus disease, Giardiasis, and Hepatitis E as zoonotic diseases. Urban and suburban students had a higher tendency to wash their hands thoroughly after petting the animals. Pet owners only identified Giardiasis as a zoonotic disease and agreed that avoiding direct contact with animals, avoidance of rearing pets indoors and discarding pet faeces in a proper place as good practices to avoid the transmission of zoonoses. Most of the respondents agreed that zoonotic diseases could be prevented by avoiding eating raw meat, avoiding eating unwashed fresh fruits and vegetables, avoiding direct contact with animals, avoiding rearing pets indoors, regular vaccination of pets, proper discharge of animal faeces, washing the hands thoroughly after petting the animals. Overall, this study revealed that the level of awareness about zoonotic diseases among the new BSc registrants was satisfactory. It is inferred that the students could be more educated about the preventive and control measures for zoonotic diseases. It is expected that students will develop essential life skills that are required for the prevention and control of diseases.
2-Secure Domination in Bipolar Hesitancy Fuzzy Graph
Authors: Mujeeburahman T. C. , Hussain R Jahir
Published: April 2023

We establish secure domination in bipolar hesitancy fuzzy graph. We extend the concept to secure total domination and 2- secure domination in bipolar hesitancy fuzzy graph. Further some theorems and examples related to secure domination are discussed.
Comparative Analysis of the Elementary and Amino Acid Composition of Nepeta olgae Regel L. Plants Growing in Uzbekistan
Authors: Mamadjonova M. Yu. , Dekhkanov R. S. , Abdullaev Sh. V.
Published: April 2023

This article for the first time presents the results of the study of qualitative and quantitative elemental and amino acid composition of the aboveground part of the plant Nepeta olgae  Regel (L.) taken in the territory of Chust and Kosonsai districts (from the slopes of Gova and Kosonsai mountains) of Namangan region during the period before and during flowering (May-June, 2021-2022).

The use of instrumental analysis of high-throughput energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, allowed to establish 20 mineral elements in the plant Nepeta olgae  Regel (L.), among which to vital 9 elements and 3 to conditionally necessary.

The amino acid composition of the plant Nepeta olgae  Regel (L.) was studied by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and 17 compounds were identified. Of these, 8 were substitutable and 9 essential amino acids.
Manual Shelling of Preconditioned Cashew Nut Using Handtool and Its Impact on Occupational Health of Workers
Authors: Borah Swapnali , Kumar Ashok , Chetia Darshana , Nath Dipak
Published: April 2023

India is the second-leading country in production of cashew nut. Cashew nut are roasted or steamed before shelling. The study was conducted in cashew nut processing industries situated in Selsella and Mankachar blocks of Meghalaya and Assam. The purpose of this study was to compare the cutting strength of cashew nut shells influenced by roasting and steaming. The impact of manual shelling of cashew nut on occupational health of workers was also assessed by using ergonomic tools. The moisture content, colour, and hardness of cashew nut shell were measured. The processing of cashew nut influenced the cutting strength of cashew nut significantly. Steamed cashew nut shell was stronger than the roasted cashew nut shell. Hence, manually shelling of steamed cashew nut shell required more force compared to with that of roasted cashew nut shell. Four cashew nut processing industries, two each from Selsella and Mankachar block of Meghalaya and Assam, respectively were selected purposively. A group of 10 female workers from each industry were selected randomly as sample for this study. Ergonomic parameters: working Heart Rate, energy expenditure, rated perceived exertion, hand grip measurements, RULA and REBA analysis were used to assess occupational health of workers. The results of the study showed that the workers of cashew nut industries were exposed to high occupational health and safety risk due to poor working environment, awkward working posture, repetitive and tedious job.
Clinical Insight on Warfarin Induced Diffuse Alveolar Haemorrhage: A Case Report
Authors: Harine G. , Jeevitha S. , Suresh S.
Published: April 2023

Background: Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) is a serious condition which requires a medical emergency. A contributing factor to DAH is anticoagulant treatment. Warfarin has been used as prophylaxis and treatment of venous thrombosis, thromboembolic complications from atrial fibrillation or cardiac valve replacement. Warfarin-induced diffuse alveolar haemorrhage is a serious medical condition. Initially, the diagnosis of DAH and for other pulmonary conditions clinical presentation and chest X-ray were enough to suggest the diagnosis.

Case Report: In this report a 72-year-old female patient with a history of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Hypertension, and surgical procedure of Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) and Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA). She was on warfarin therapy for 5 years and was admitted to the hospital for severe cough, haemoptysis and dyspnoea. DAH was suspected clinically and confirmed by Computed Tomography (CT) chest and bronchoscopy. The patient required treatment with non-invasive ventilation and fresh frozen plasma and other supportive care. Early diagnosis and treatment are highlighted in our case and an anticoagulation reversal is required. Therefore, it is important to carefully monitor patients receiving warfarin therapy for the main symptoms of such an incident and to start treatment as soon as possible in order to reduce mortality.
Tomato and Brinjal Germplasm Screening and Rootstock Identification for Fusarium Wilt Resistance
Authors: Anuradha B. , Kumar A. Kiran , Narayana D. Laxmi , Laxmi K. Venkata , Goud Ch. Raja , Mishra R. Purnima
Published: April 2023

Fusarium oxysporum is a destructive disease of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) that causes large yield losses in fields and commercial greenhouses, implying the need for disease resistance research. The current study was conducted in Rabi - 2021 at the Postgraduate Research Block, Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. In the present study, 25 genotypes of tomato and brinjal were studied for Fusarium wilt resistance at morphological level. Scoring of Fusarium wilt infection severity based on morphological symptoms revealed five groups viz., asymptomatic/no chlorosis in one cultivar (Solanum torvum) slight chlorosis of leaves in two genotypes (Arka Keshav and Surya), Moderate chlorosis with wilting or stunting of the plant in ten genotypes (EC-620509, EC-615055, EC-620378, EC-620389, EC-620394, EC-620422, EC-631369, AVTO-9803, EC-620428 and EC-631379), severe chlorosis with wilting and stunting of the plant in four genotypes (EC-620503, LA-1589, Marutham and PKM-1) and plant death was observed in eight genotypes (EC-620441, EC-620452, LA -0490, Money maker, Pusa rohini, Pusa sheethal, including susceptible checks (Pusa Ruby and Arka Vikas). Genotypes exhibiting Fusarium wilt resistance will be grafted on to commercial variety of tomato and evaluated under open field conditions for yield, quality parameters and disease resistance under Telangana conditions.
Effects of Phosphorus and Boron on Growth, Yield and Economics of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)
Authors: Kumar Shubham , Debbarma Victor
Published: April 2023

The experiment was carried out during kharif, 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) to determine the “Effects of Phosphorus and Boron on growth, yield and economics of green gram (Vigna radiata L.)’’. The result showed that treatment 9 [Phosphorus (50 kg/ha) + Boron (1.0 kg/ha)] recorded significantly higher plant height (42.57 cm), higher number of branches/plant (6.73), higher number of nodules/plant (24.13), higher dry weight (16.88 g). Significant and maximum numbers of pods/plant (32.47), maximum numbers seeds/pod (8.40), higher test weight (37.0 g), higher seed yield (12.43 q/ha), higher stover yield (22.83 q/ha) and higher harvest index (35.38 %) were recorded in treatment 9 [Phosphorus (50 kg/ha) + Boron (1.0 kg/ha)]. Maximum gross return (1,16,278 INR/ha), net return (82,434 INR/ha) and highest benefit cost ratio (2.43) were also recorded in treatment 9 [Phosphorus (50 kg/ha) + Boron (1.0 kg/ha)] as compared to other treatments.
Study of Soil and Crop Parameters of Coconut Orchard for Design of Tractor Operated Coconut Basin Lister Cum Fertilizer Applicator
Authors: Srinivas Jinukala , Jayan P. R. , Chakravarthi N. L. Kalyan
Published: April 2023

Aims: To study the soil and crop parameters of coconut orchard for the design of tractor operated coconut basin lister cum fertilizer applicator.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Instructional Farm, KCAET in the Year 2021.

Methodology: Soil parameters such as moisture content, bulk density, cone index and shear strength; crop parameters such as trunk diameter and root zone depth of coconut palm were studied using standard procedures to design tractor operated coconut basin lister cum fertilizer applicator.

Results: The soil moisture content varied from 13.2 to 15.6% with mean of 14.66%. The soil bulk density ranged from 1615 to 1865 kg m-3 with mean of 1696.6 kg m-3. The soil cone index varied from 0.428 to 1.506 N mm-2 with mean of 1.041 N mm-2. The soil shear strength varied from 1.47×10-3 to 3.13×10-3 N mm-2 with mean of 2.31×10-3 N mm-2. The trunk diameter of coconut palm varied from 32.3 to 38.1 cm with mean of 34.74 cm. The root zone depth of coconut palm varied from 13.4 to 15.2 cm with mean of 14.3 cm.

Conclusion: Soil moisture content, bulk density, cone index and shear strength helped in the design of power requirement, rotor shaft, cutting blades, main shaft etc. of the machine. The trunk diameter of the coconut palm aided in deciding the working width of the machine while the root zone depth assisted in finalizing the operational depth of the machine.
Patterns of Computed Tomography Urography Findings in a Tertiary Hospital in Rivers State: 2 Years Retrospective Study
Authors: Akagbue Vivian Ndidi , Wekhe Chidinma , Amadi Mary-Jane Orevaoghene , Robinson Ebbi Donald
Published: April 2023

Background: Computed tomography urography (CTU), is a radiological examination and has largely replaced traditional intravenous urography (IVU) as the gold standard in the imaging of the genitourinary tract, hence it is now used as a primary imaging technique to evaluate patients with diseases involving the urinary tract.

Objective: The aim of this study is to ascertain and document the indications as well as possible findings on CTU carried out on various patients sent to the Radiology department of a tertiary hospital in our environment.

Methods: A retrospective study and descriptive design was employed in this study. A total of 140 patient’s data was used. A P-value below 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: One-hundred and forty patients were studied over a 24months period. The commonest age range is 41 to 50 years and also with most abnormalities.  It also showed that more males presented for CTU than females. The most frequent indication for CTU is flank pain (31.4%, n=44). The most common finding in this study is hydronephrosis (39.3%, n=55) and it showed significant association with age (P-value=0.036). Stone is the next common finding with the inferior pole (n=23, 48.9%) as the commonest site for stones. Few congenital anomalies were noted with kinked ureters (n=9, 50.0%) been the most common. Right sided renal cyst is more frequent that left (n=21, 44.7% vs n=20, 42.6%) and inferior pole is the most common location.

Conclusion: CTU is the imaging modality of choice in evaluating the genitourinary system with the advantage of giving additional information about other abdominal structures.  Flank pain is the most prevalent indication in this study. Hydronephrosis is the commonest finding with significant association with age.
Roles of School Counsellors as Career Developers and Learning Motivators in Nigerian Secondary Schools
Authors: Isah Usman , Abdullah Syed Mohamad Syed
Published: April 2023

This paper explores the important roles of school counselors in Nigerian secondary schools as career developers and learning motivators. School counselors are critical stakeholders in the educational system, providing guidance and support to students as they navigate the complexities of academic and career choices. As career developers, counselors help students identify their interests and strengths, explore various career options, and make informed decisions about their future paths. In addition, they work with students to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen careers. As learning motivators, counselors create a positive and supportive environment that promotes academic success and fosters students' personal growth. They assist students in setting academic goals, developing study skills, and managing stress and other challenges that may arise during their academic journey. By providing this guidance and support, school counselors play a critical role in helping Nigerian students achieve their full potential and prepare for successful futures.
Assessment of seedling salinity tolerance of Bangladeshi coastal rice landraces using morpho-physiological stress indices
Authors: Somaddar Uzzal , Mim Sarah Khanam , Chandra Dey Hridoy , Biswas Ashish
Published: April 2023

Salt stress has detrimental effects on the growth and development of rice seedlings. In the present study we assessed salt-responsiveness of three coastal rice landraces namely Nona-morchi, Kalihytta and Nara. We conducted two factors pot trial that included five rice genotypes (three candidates coastal rice landraces, Binadhan-10 as tolerant check and BRRI dhan48 as sensitive check) against three salinity levels e.g., control (tap water), 6 and 12 dSm-1 of sodium chloride. Study revealed that, at 12 dSm-1 of salinity, Binadhan-10 showed the lowest reduction in shoot length (14.62%), shoot fresh weight (30.04%) and shoot dry weight (33.71%) which was followed by Nona-morchi, Kalihytta, Nara and BRRI dhan48. Two stress tolerance indices e.g., relative water content (RWC) and electrolyte leakage (EL), also support salt-induced responses of these five rice genotypes. At the highest level of salinity (12 dSm-1), the lowest RWC reduction was observed in Nona-morchi (8.20%) which is followed by

Binadhan-10 (11.38%), Kalihytta (38.93%), BRRI dhan48 (36.30%) and Nara (36.51%). And, the highest EL increased in Nara (40.06%) which is followed by BRRI dhan48 (22.06%), Kalihytta (21.12%), Binadhan-10 (8.64%) and Nona-morchi (5.87%) compared with their respective controls. Importantly, photosynthetic pigments profile (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll) were increased in Nona-morchi (24.48, 15.22 and 21.87%, respectively) and Binadhan-10 (13.75, 12.50 and 13.41%, respectively) and reduced in Kalihytta (7.89, 19.42 and 11.08%, respectively), Nara (27.76, 31.32 and 28.76%, respectively) and BRRI dhan48 (32.73, 36.97 and 34.02%, respectively) at 12 dSm-1 salinity compared with their respective controls. It is to noteworthy that at 6 dSm-1 of salt stress, shoot length significantly decreased in the sensitive check BRRI dhan48 by 23.07%, Kalihytta by 17.32% and Nara by 11.54%. While, no significant effect of 6 dSm-1 of salt stress was observed in Binadhan-10 and Nona-morchi in case of shoot length, root length, shoot fresh and dry weight, EL and RWC . Among the three coastal rice landraces, Nona-morchi found as highly tolerant and Kalihytta were found as moderately tolerant while Nara was identified as sensitive against salt stress (12 dSm-1). In the future, these identified salt tolerant rice genotypes might be the ideal resource for breeding new salt tolerant rice varietie