bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reporting of Mammary Tumours in Indigenously developed Spontaneous NIN/Sprague Dawley Mutant (Nude) Rat Strain
Authors: Vani Motha Satya , Patil Pradeep Bhatu , V. Surekha M. , B. Tulja , Naik Ravinder , M. Srinivas , Qadri SSYH
Published: October 2023

Background:
Breast cancer has been linked with many causes including nutrition. However spontaneous mammary tumour rodent model will unlock many such mechanisms. The past five decades, the ICMR-NIN animal facility has diligently maintained a colony of Sprague Dawley rats. Around a decade ago, a spontaneous mutation emerged within this colony. This mutation, rather than being discarded, was intentionally nurtured to comprehend its phenotype and its potential utility as a research model. This manuscript is dedicated to presenting significant insights into its immunological and histological characteristics.
Materials and Methods:
Selective breeding of nude rats (SD/NINhr−/− animals) was carried out by maintaining and crossing them with both their heterozygous phenotype (SD/NINhr+/−) and homozygous phenotype (SD/NINhr−/−). Throughout their entire life cycles, these animals were closely monitored for any development of abnormalities or distinctive traits. The spontaneous development of tumours was recorded under close observation of 24 animals to detect the extent of tumours. Apart from routine body composition, animals were evaluated for their serum biochemistry and CD 4/8 profile.
Results and Discussion:
No significant alterations were observed in the vital organs when compared to the heterozygous animals. Nevertheless, both the homozygous (nude) animals and the heterozygous rats exhibited the spontaneous development of fibroadenomas in the mammary glands during the adult stage, as opposed to the parent colony of NIN/SD rat. Interestingly, the biochemical and T/B cell profiles displayed no correlation with the presence of these tumours. The tumour presented histological pattern similar to mammary tumour in human.
Conclusion:
This unique hairless SD rat model has the capacity to be a suitable choice for research focused on cancer, particularly in the area of mammary tumours. It possesses an immunocompetent nature, mirroring real-life human scenarios, and it has been developed locally, adding to its distinct advantages.
Tunable in-plane bi-hyperbolicity in bismuth monolayer
Authors: Zhao Mingwen , Hou Shuting , Wang Mingzheng , Du Yueheng , Ding Chao , Gao Han , Sun Lei , Ma Xikui
Published: October 2023

The distinctive hyperbolic properties of natural two-dimensional (2D) materials have garnered considerable attention in recent years due to their potential to surpass the limitations of meta-hyperbolic surfaces. It is essential to control hyperbolic regions and the categories of hyperbolicity. In this research, we establish a critical connection between the semiconducting characteristics of 2D materials and their hyperbolic attributes, introducing a concept of “bi-hyperbolicity” using a simple tight-binding model. Based on first-principles calculations, we illustrate how this strategy can be applied to materials like the recently-synthesized bismuth monolayer. Our computations revealed that n-type semiconducting bismuth monolayers exhibit type-I hyperbolicity, whereas p-type semiconducting bismuth monolayers display type-II hyperbolicity. This captivating interplay between hyperbolicity and semiconductivity lays the foundation for crafting in-plane type-I/type-II hyperbolic heterostructures using well-established semiconductor technologies. These heterostructures unlock a plethora of exotic optical phenomena, including negative refraction and negative reflection, which open up new horizons in optical engineering and device design.
Sustainable and environmentally friendly lignin-based degradable composites
Authors: Zou Shuang-Lin , Xiao Ling-Ping , Yin Wen-Zheng , Gui Tao , Sun Run-Cang
Published: October 2023

The fabrication of composite materials from lignin has attracted increasing attention to reduce the dependence on petrochemical-based resources toward carbon neutrality. However, the low lignin content and the compatibility of the biocomposites remain a challenge. Herein, industrial lignin is fractionated by an organic solvent to reduce its structural heterogeneity. Subsequently, the purified lignin samples are combined with polyvinyl alcohol to produce lignin-based materials with uniform thicknesses and smooth surfaces. The mechanism investigations reveal that the hydroxyl groups of lignin and PVA form hydrogen bonds, resulting internal non-covalent interactions enable the PVA/lignin composite film to achieve excellent mechanical properties. The resultant composite films exhibit stresses and strains up to 75 MPa and 1050%, respectively, which surpasses those of state-of-the art lignin-based biocomposites. Notably, the PVA/lignin compliant film is biodegradable after 92 days burial in soil. This work provides new principles for designing lignin-based films as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.
A procedure for temperature-sensitive, fluorescence-active carrageenan nanogel using disoriented conformation of carrageenan with de-solvating agent.
Authors: purohit Priyank , Bhatt Akanksha , Khailkhura Shashank
Published: October 2023

Polymers, in their grafted and derivatized forms, are frequently used in medical research due to their unique properties as diagnostic, targeted, sustained, and regulated carriers. The method of iota carrageenan nanogel has been developed in this invention. The method is based on solubility, which was first investigated using the solvent screening technique. The de-solvating agent was then used to reduce the particle size and produce the gel in nano form, moreover, the viscosity and other physical properties were evaluated. Furthermore, it was compared to the basic gel, which was formed by adding polymer to hot water without any additional procedures, as opposed to the nano gel. The nanogel has an advantage over the regular gel due to its increased stability, fluorescence activity, and other favorable qualities. The special benefit of nanogel was discovered to be that it is an effective spreader material due to its low gel point and viscosity. The breakthrough technique that depends just on temperature and desolation without the need for crosslinking compounds will be more ecologically friendly and advantageous to polymer scientists, particularly in the domain of medical science.
Assessment of the Impacts of Flood on Socio-Economic Activities in Atan Offot and its Adjoining Communities, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Peter Brendan Michael , Umoh Justin Imeh
Published: October 2023

The study examined the effects of flood on the socio-economic activities of residents of Atan Offot and its adjoining communities, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State-Nigeria. A sample of 168 households consisting of males and females participated in the study. Data were gathered using an interview schedule and a questionnaire. The questionnaire measured demographic variables and impacts of flood on socio-economic status such as housing, property/assets, agriculture, education, health, water/sanitation and transport system. From the study, 24% of the sampled household lost their homes, 87% indicated their crops were damaged and 52% indicated that flooding had negative impact on their main source of drinking water. It also showed the vulnerable groups and coping strategies of the people of Atan Offot and its environs. The study found that the flood had a negative impact on the socioeconomic well-being of the locals and that the majority of their coping mechanisms were insufficient. It is advised that all parties concerned assist the locals in moving to less/non-flooding prone areas and providing the necessary utilities and introducing them to alternate means of subsistence. It is important to find a long-term solution to the problem of food insecurity brought on by flood damage like cultivating on higher grounds and making sand banks. Government entities in this area should make sure that homes are constructed farther from areas susceptible to flooding and using high-quality building materials. To help the residents return to normal, all damaged amenities should be repaired by the government through agencies charged with the responsibility.
Plasmodium falciparum kinetochore proteins stabilise a nexus between the mitotic apparatus and the apical complex
Authors: Tilley Leann , Li Jiahong , Shami Gerald , Cho Ellie , Liffner Benjamin , Braet Filip , Absalon Sabrina , Dixon Matthew
Published: October 2023

Plasmodium falciparum is the causative agent of malaria and remains a pathogen of global importance. Asexual blood stage replication, via a process called schizogony, is an important target for the development of new antimalarials. Here we used Airyscan super resolution imaging coupled with ultrastructure-expansion microscopy to probe the organization and function of the chromosome-capturing kinetochores in relation to the mitotic spindle, the centriolar plaque and the apical organelles during schizont development. We provide evidence that the inner and outer domains of the centriolar plaque nucleate the spindle and cytoplasmic microtubules, respectively. This, in turn, provides a physical nexus between the mitotic apparatus and the apical complex. Conditional disruption of the kinetochore components, PfNDC80 and PfNuf2, causes aberrant mitotic spindle assembly and disrupted karyokinesis. Surprisingly, kinetochore disruption also leads to disengagement of the centrin-containing, outer centriolar plaque from the nuclear envelope. Severing the connection between the nucleus and the apical complex leads to the formation of merozoites lacking nuclei. The data suggest that correct assembly of the kinetochore/ spindle complex plays a previously unrecognised a role in positioning the nascent apical complex in developing P. falciparum merozoites.
Structural, mechanical, electronic and optical properties of MgZnO3 perovskite: First-principles study
Authors: Lawati Dhan Raj , Neupane Hari Krishna , Chaudhary Dinesh Kumar , Shrestha Pitamber , Adhikari Rajendra Prasad , Joshi Leela Pradhan , Parajuli Rajendra
Published: October 2023

This study examines the structural, mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of MgZnO3 perovskite using the first-principles calculation based on density functional theory (DFT). We perform the comparative study using four different exchange-correlation functionals–LDA:CA, GGA:PBE, GGA:PBEsol and mGGA:SCAN, and incorporate a Hubbard U-potential of 4.0 eV to address the electron-correlation effect of Zn-3d orbital. Further, we implement a hybrid functional–HSE06 for the band correction. From the assessment of structural optimization, tolerance factor, and formation and cohesive energies, we predict the stability of our system. The investigation of its structural properties shows that it exists in a cubic phase with 3.71-3.81 Å of lattice constant. An analysis of its mechanical properties predicts that it is a stable, rigid, ductile, and crystalline material with a metal-ionic bond. Based on the band structure analysis, MgZnO3 perovskite has an indirect band gap energy in the range of 0.92-1.77 eV along R-Γ high symmetric points, indicating a suitable material for photovoltaic and photocatalytic devices. We observe the dominant contribution of O-2p orbitals around the Fermi level from DOS/PDOS calculations. Moreover, the optical characterization of this perovskite has been found to indicate high values of refractive index, optical conductivity, and reflection coefficient in the infrared region, and absorption of radiation in the ultraviolet region, which suggests it as a potential material for optoelectronic devices.
Brecciation and fracturing by water ingress into a basaltic andesitic lava flow, Iwate volcano, northeastern Japan
Authors: Hoshide Takashi , Ishibashi Nao , Iwahashi Keisuke
Published: October 2023

The Genbudo lava in the southwestern part of Iwate Volcano is a 70 m thick columnar jointed lava flow and divided into three parts from the bottom: the colonnade, the entablature, and the uppermost part. Two main types of fractures develop in the entablature: pseudopillow fractures that develop in a network-like pattern throughout entablature, and sheet fractures with curved surfaces that are nearly parallel to each other. At the uppermost part of the lava flow, finger-like structures of lava extending upward from the coherent lava is distributed, and cogenetic pyroclastic rocks are deposited between the fingers. The occurrence suggests that hyaloclastites generated at the uppermost part. The texture of lava near the pseudopillow fracture of the entablature is commonly hypocrystalline, while the other parts exhibit holocrystalline. There are two types of pyroxene microlites, large prismatic (average size ~ 30 µm) and dendritic (< 10 µm in length) crystals in the lava near the pseudopillow fracture. These suggest that the cooling rate of the lava became greatest in the vicinity of the pseudopillow fractures. Networks of palagonite-filled micro-fractures (less than 10 µm in width) are found in this part, and many bubbles are generated along the fractures. This is irrefutable evidence that the rapid cooling of the lava was caused by water infiltration through the pseudopillow fractures. By the measurement of the Fe-rich droplet sizes due to liquid immiscibility, we could estimate the cooling rates of the colonnade and entablature about 49°C/h and 642°C/h, respectively.
The Influence of Surface Irregularities on the Mechanical Properties of Thin-Walled Wire and Arc Additively Manufactured Parts
Authors: Molochkov Denys , Kulykovskyi Ruslan , Brykov Michail , Hesse Olaf
Published: October 2023

Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is a metal additive manufacturing process commonly used to deposition medium to large, near net-shaped parts. It can efficiently use materials and deposit objects with fewer assembly parts. The main disadvantage of WAAM is the surface quality. This work investigates the geometry shift defect that could be formed due to the wear of the welding contact tip. As a result of the wear, the filler wire deviates from the nominal position, and errors occur in the positioning of individual layers of printed parts. The main objective of this work is to investigate the influence of surface irregularities on the mechanical properties of as-deposited thin-walled WAAM parts. Finite element modeling of static and cyclic tensile and compressive tests showed that the surface waviness formed during layer-by-layer deposition increases the stress level under static loading applied transversely to the deposited layers. Surface waviness also significantly reduces the life of parts under cyclic loading. Replacement of a worn contact tip causes the layers to shift, and the resulting load eccentricity increases the stress level. Uneven stress distribution throughout the cross section means reduced material usage efficiency. During compressive loading, the load eccentricity destabilizes, causing the specimen to deform after exceeding the yield strength in stress concentration zones. The relationship between unmachined and machined walls with equivalent stresses was obtained, allowing the influence of surface waviness on the strength and durability of structures to be considered at the design stage.
Variety-strain interaction specificity of Bacillus subtilis with salt-stressed Phaseolus vulgaris L. plants
Authors: Markova O. V. , Garipova S. R. , Pusenkova L. I.
Published: October 2023

The effectiveness of crop inoculation using growth-stimulating bacteria can depend on the plant variety and environmental conditions. The reactions of three-week-old plants of the Ufimskaya and Zolotistaya green bean varieties to inoculation with strains 26D and 10-4 in normal conditions and under stress (1% NaCl 48 h) were analysed. Although the Zolotistaya variety formed less biomass and leaf area, it surpassed the Ufimskaya variety in terms of chlorophyll and root water content, as well as reacting to stress by reducing the content of photosynthetic pigments and root water content. Inoculation contributed to the preservation of these indicators at the level of non–stressed plants: the positive effect of strain 26D was expressed in the effect on the composition of pigments, while that of strain 10-4 was expressed in the hydration of roots. Under stress, the Ufinskaya variety improved the water status of the roots, on which inoculation had a weak or negative effect; however, the decrease in the level of synthetic pigments under stress was compensated by inoculation with both strains. According to the biomass of three-week-old plants, the Zolotistaya variety was shown to respond positively to inoculation with both strains both normally and under stress, while the Ufimskaya variety tended to react negatively to inoculation with strain 26D; under stress, the effect of inoculation with both strains was positive. Compared with the stress-induced control, the malondialdehyde content in the roots of inoculated plants of both varieties decreased in comparison with that of the uninoculated control both in normal conditions and under stress. The revealed differences in plant reactions to inoculation serve as a basis for further analysis of the effectiveness of variety-strain combinations of symbiotic partners.
Synthesis of cellulose nitrates from Miscanthus × giganteus var. KAMIS cellulose obtained under pilot production conditions
Authors: Korchagin A. A.
Published: October 2023

The work is devoted to the study of a novel national raw material resource Miscanthus × Giganteus var. KAMIS, which is positioned as one of the most promising natural sources for obtaining high-quality cellulose for the purpose of its further chemical functionalisation. A batch of technical cellulose isolated from raw materials under pilot production conditions using the nitric acid method having a cellulose content of 50.2% was characterized by high α-cellulose mass fraction (92.8%) and degree of polymerisation (1200) values. On the basis of the pilot batch of technical cellulose, a sample of cellulose nitrates offering basic functional properties was obtained: mass fraction of nitrogen – 11.18%; viscosity – 48 MPa·s; solubility – 94%. The synthesised sample is characterized by extremely high solubility in acetone, confirming the production of cellulose nitric acid esters, and a high yield of 150%. IR-Fourier spectroscopy was used to identify the main functional groups in the experimental batch of technical cellulose (3384, 2902, 1639, 1428, 1370, 1319, 1161, 700–500 cm-1) and in a sample of cellulose nitrates (1659, 1278, 834, 746, 683 cm-1). Acorresponding affiliation to cellulose and cellulose nitric acid esters was established. The structural and morphological features of the fibres of the experimental batch of technical cellulose and a sample of cellulose nitrates were characterised using scanning electron microscopy. Combined methods of thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses were used to establish high initial temperature (197 °C) and specific heat of decomposition (6.92 kJ/g) values at the beginning of intensive decomposition. The obtained results substantiate the possibility to chemically functionalise cellulose isolated from a new alternative source into cellulose nitric acid esters with satisfactory functional properties.
Carotenoid content in Prunus armeniaca L. apricot fruits depending on the extraction method
Authors: Semenova M. V. , Kuklina A. G. , Kondratieva V. V. , Olekhnovich L. S. , Voronkova T. V.
Published: October 2023

In the middle of the 20th century, specialists of the Tsitsin Main Moscow Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences collected a valuable apricot gene pool characterized by high diversity and winter hardiness. From this gene pool, L.A. Kramarenko carried out selection work to develop winter-hardy apricot varieties, such as Aisberg, Vodoley, Guiani, Lel’, Tsarsky and others, which were included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation. The use of these varieties in further selective breeding requires information on their carotenoid content. In this work, we determine carotenoids in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L., Rosaceae) fruits of Moscow breeding varieties Aisberg, Vodoley, Guiani, Lel’, Tsarsky and Zachat’ievsky. We employed different extraction methods of plant raw materials, contributing to the optimal extraction of carotenoids from apricot fruits. Extraction was performed with hexane, 96% ethanol at room temperature, and EtOH heated to 60°C (water bath) for 40 min. The highest carotenoid content was observed in Lel’ (31.73 mg%) and Vodoley (31.77 mg%) varieties, while the lowest content was observed in the Zachat’ievsky sample (11.93 mg%). The application of multiple solvents increases the reliability of determining carotenoids in plants for computational and experimental studies. The discovered range of their content can be used for description of promising forms during breeding works. In this way, new and beneficial for health varieties may emerge.
Supercritical extract from the Japanese sea brown algae Undaria pinnatifida as a source of bioactive compounds
Authors: Tabakaeva O. V. , Tabakaev A. V.
Published: October 2023

Bioactive compounds contained in algae have practical applications in the pharmaceutical industry, production of human food and animal feed, and other fields. Since brown algae contain a wide range of bioactive substances, producing high-quality and chemically safe extracts on their basis is an urgent task. This study was aimed at characterization of supercritical extract from the corresponding algae, as well as the identification and evaluation of the content of bioactive compounds. The content of carotenoids, phenolic compounds and mannitol was determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy; a fatty acid analysis was carried out by GLPC; the qualitative composition of carotenoids and phenolic compounds was analyzed by HPLC. Supercritical CO2 extraction of the brown alga U. rinnatifida with EtOH as a polar modifier is characterized by high ejection efficiency of fatty acids, phenolic compounds and carotenoids. The latter profile of the collected supercritical extract consists of 14 representatives. In particular, fucoxanthin (58.1% of the sum), zeaxanthin (12.6% of the sum), and fucoxanthinol (14.5% of the sum) are the most abundant compounds. Palmitic acid, oleic acid, arachidonic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acids are the main of the 20 fatty acids found in the corresponding extract. However, the class of polyunsaturated fatty acids is predominant, which content of the ώ-6 and ώ-3 groups does not differ significantly. The total content of phenolic compounds is 13.45+0.43 mg/g of gallic acid equivalent. For instance, the most represented phenolic substances are epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, syringic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid and salicylic acid.
The Roles of Agency and Contemplation in Aesthetic and Ethical Dimensions of Ancient Greek Tragedy, according to Late Nietzsche
Authors: Parmeggiani Marco
Published: October 2023

U svojim kasnijim godinama, Nietzsche tragičkoj umjetnosti vraća privilegirani položaj koji joj je dao u Rođenju tragedije. Pažljivo čitanje pokazuje da, unatoč snažnoj suprotnosti između njih, tragički duh i romantičarski pesimizam imaju više od jedne zajedničke stvari, osobito kada se manje usredotočimo na teorijska pitanja, a više na utjecaj svake teme na ljudsku psihu. Ovaj članak ima za cilj odgovoriti na dva pitanja: (1) koji je element koji može biti razlikovna značajka u odnosu na učinke svakog od njih, te (2) kako taj element različito djeluje u tragičkom duhu i romantičnom pesimizmu. Da bismo odgovorili na ova pitanja, nije dovoljno pozvati se na Nietzscheovu razliku između obilja i iscrpljenosti. Potrebna je pažljiva analiza složene uloge radnje i kontemplacije u određenoj vrsti estetskog iskustva na kojem se temelji starogrčka tragedija.
Toxigenic fungi collected in maize fields from four states of Mexico
Authors: Arizpe Abiel Sánchez- , Vázquez José Luis Arispe- , Zamudio Daniel Alejandro Cadena- , Cepeda Ma. Elizabeth Galindo- , Bautista Adriana Antonio- , Avilés Leslie Carnero- , Hernández Juan Mayo- , Sánchez Susana Elizabeth Ramírez-
Published: October 2023

Maize is the most important crop for the Mexican society. Phytopathogenic fungi pose a major challenge to this cereal. These fungi are harmful to people and animals, mainly as a result of their mycotoxins. The objective of this research was to identify the fungi found in 18 maize genotypes collected in fields from the states of Morelos, Coahuila, Chiapas, and Puebla, Mexico. Pathogens were isolated in potato dextrose agar (PDA) culture medium and identified using morphological criteria. The pathogens were purified using monoconidial cultures and sheltered at 4 °C ± 2 °C. An analysis of variance was carried out using the SAS® 9.1 statistical software. Fungi from the following genus and species were identified: Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, Bipolaris, Trichothecium roseum, and Fusarium verticillioides. It is worth mentioning that F. verticillioides and Penicillium sp. are the most common pathogens in maize genotypes, with an incidence of 63.68 and 6.57%, respectively. Moreover, along with genus Aspergillus, they are considered to be the most important toxicological fungi, given the harm that they cause to humans and animals. Therefore, management strategies are needed to guarantee that grains can be safely consumed by society
Green manure, a sustainable strategy to improve soil quality: a case study in an oxisol from northern Brazil
Authors: Pimentel Marcelo Laranjeira , Reis Iolanda Maria Soares , Romano Maria Lita Padinha Corrêa , Castro Jailson Sousa de , Vildoso Carlos Ivan Aguilar , Gasparin Eloi , Sia Eliandra Freitas de , Sousa Leandro Silva de
Published: October 2023

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an easy to manage crop with good tolerance to drought and low-fertility soils. Although chemical fertilization is known to improve cassava yield, little is known about the potential of legume green manures to enhance soil chemical properties and consequently increase crop production. Here we analyze how different legume green manures affect cassava root growth and soil quality in an oxisol from northern Brazil. In this field study, we evaluated the effect of four green manure treatments (no fertilization, Crotalaria, jack bean, and cowpea) on soil exchangeable cation contents, pH H2O, pH KCl, ΔpH, exchangeable aluminum, sum of bases (SB), cation-exchange capacity (CEC), soil organic carbon (SOC), plant diameter, plant height, and root yield. Cowpea treatment was the most effective in increasing exchangeable cations, CEC, SB, and root yield, whereas jack bean treatment increased acid cations and SOC. A hierarchy of exchangeable cations was observed, Ca2+>Mg2+>K+, a result likely associated with nutrient absorption by cassava plants. Plant diameter had a positive linear correlation with root yield. Overall, our results indicate that green fertilization positively influences SOC, minimizing the depletion of exchangeable cations and thereby preventing yield losses. Cowpea treatment, however, acted more broadly on the variables studied
Identifying farm risk management strategies of rubber farmers: A study in Southern Thailand
Authors: Kongmanee Chaiya , Ahmed Ferdoushi , Longphichai Onanong
Published: October 2023

This study aims to identify and analyze the farm risk management strategies of rubber farmers in Southern Thailand. The study also provides efforts to examine the factors influencing risk management strategies in rubber farming in Thailand. The data were collected from a cross-sectional household survey conducted in Songkhla and Phatthalung Provinces of Thailand. A standardized and structured questionnaire was used to gather data from a total of 400 respondents. A number of statistcal tools such as descriptive statistics and multiple regression model were employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the rubber farmers adopted 8 (eight) main strategies to manage the risks in rubber farming, namely i) diversification in production, ii) market management, iii) labor and contract management, iv) decreasing production costs, v) production planning, vi) increasing non-farm employment, vii) debt management and viii) using high frequency tapping systems. The study also identified a number of factors including age, gender, level of education and farming experience of the farmers, number of household members, non-farm labor, off-farm labor, hired-labor, household income, debt, landholding size, participation in replanting scheme with RAOT, and membership in farmer institution that affect significantly (with the confidence level > 90%) the risk management strategies of the rubber farmers. Finally, the study recommends that the government should support and promote the research and development on risk management strategies in agriculture sector so that the farmers and farmer institutions can achieve more knowledge and efficiency to cope up successfully various risks in rubber farming in Thailand.
Mini-cutting as a technique to propagate Tabebuia aurea, an important tree found in tropical dry forests
Authors: Souza Lohany Sthefany , Diógenes Francisco Edislan Gurgel , Silveira Gleydson Vinicius dos Santos , Silva Carlos José da , Araujo Poliana Coqueiro Dias
Published: October 2023

Tabebuia aurea is a hardwood species from Brazil. This species yields high-quality wood for diverse applications and has a high value in phytosociological importance, but little has been done regarding an effective propagation method for large-scale production in nurseries. Alternatively, vegetative propagation techniques such as mini-cutting technology (an evolution of the cuttings technique) can be used, which has the potential to facilitate mini-stumps (stock plants), productive capacity, and vigour of the propagules (mini-cuttings). Therefore, this paper aimed to establish a protocol for vegetative propagation using the mini-cutting technique for Tabebuia aurea. For this, four independent experiments were conducted: the first evaluated the survival and production of mini-stumps between four harvests; the second tested the interaction between mini-cutting types (apical and intermediate) and different concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA; 0, 2.000, 4.000, and 6.000 mg.L-1) on adventitious rooting; the third analysed the effect of leaf area reduction (0%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) on mini-cuttings; and the fourth verified the substrate effect (100% coconut fibre, 50% coconut fibre + 50% commercial organic compost, and 100% commercial organic compost) on mini-cuttings rooting. The survival; percentage of rooted mini-cuttings; number of roots; length of the largest root; aerial dry mass; and root system dry mass were measured as response variables. The results indicated that all mini-stumps survived four harvests, remained productive, and produced propagules responsive to adventitious rooting. Rooting and mini-cutting survival rates were high, up to 80% without IBA, and the maximum mean setting value of 90% for apical mini-cuttings in the IBA concentration of 2000 mg.L-1 and 4000 mg.L-1 to intermediate mini-cuttings. Treatments without leaf reduction and with a reduction of 50% promoted better results concerning rooting and plant development. The substrate influences adventitious rooting; coconut fibre + organic compost (1:1) are indicated for the species propagation. For the highest system productivity, apical mini-cuttings with 2000 mg.L-1 of IBA, no leaf reduction, and coconut fibre + organic compost (1:1) are recommended as substrates
Importance of bioprotector in growth and yield of soybean plants
Authors: Matos Fábio Santos , Borges Larissa Pacheco , Cardoso Nathália Carvalho , Júnior Jaime Santos do Rego , Basílio Amanda Ayda Garcia , Gratão Mariana Souza , Abdala Arielle Gonçalves , Amorim Víctor Alves
Published: October 2023

Bioprotectors are resistance inducers recently launched on the market for several plant species and may represent an important tool for increasing the productivity of the soybean crop. The present study aimed to identify the effects of H2 Protector in growth and yield of soybean plants. The experiment was carried out in an agricultural production area at Ipameri city with NS 7505 IPRO soybean cultivar in 115 days cycle. The experiment was set up following the randomized block design, three replications and 9m2 plot. To perform the treatments, it was used the commercial product H2 Protector with 300 ml ha-1 concentration and 150 L ha-1 flow rate with addition of mineral oil H2 Citrus. The treatments corresponded to the use of the bioprotector in different phenological stages of the soybean plants in a clinical way or overlapping applications in the previous stage: control, V4, R2, R5, V4+R2, V4+R5, R2+R5 and V4+R2+R5. The application of H2 Protector as bioprotector has biostimulant role in plants cultivated without stress conditions and must be applied with two applications to obtain high yield in soybean plants in V4+R2 or R2+R5 growth stages. The H2 Protector when applied in soybean plants in V4 growth stage increased growth and with a second application in R2 (V4+R2) resulted in higher yield of 17.3% corresponding to 636 kg ha-1 (kg hectare-1). H2 Protector when used in R2+R5 growth stages increase in 18.4% soybean grain yield corresponding to 678 kg ha-1. In this way, the use in two phenological stages becomes economically viable, since the costs represent 10% of the increase in productivity
Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Primary Health Care Workers in Minna, Niger State
Authors: KA Otojareri
Published: October 2023

Work related musculoskeletal disorders are conditions that health care providers are themselves highly prone to from their daily activities of handling patient care. This study was conducted among primary healthcare workers in Minna, Niger State to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) resulting from performing occupational duties in PHC centers. The objective of this study was to investigate the proportion of healthcare workers affected by work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the most common disorder affecting this category of people. The NMQ was used to gather information from respondents. A total of 334 workers of the PHC centers were selected through purposive sampling which comprised of clinicians with the exception of administrative and other support staff. After analysis of data lower back pain showed the highest prevalence (41%) followed by shoulder pain (18%) and neck (14%). The majority of PHC workers in Minna metropolis are affected with low back pain. It is the most common WRMSD among clinicians. This is also in alignment with the global menace of low back pain as one of the most common reasons for individual work absenteeism. High-quality experimental studies, such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs), are needed to investigate specific etiological factors responsible for these disorders and objective means to quantify the level of discomfort from these disorders. Keywords: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, Low back pain, prevalence, Healthcare worker, clinicians, primary health care centers, Minna metropolis, Niger State.
Assessing the Availability and Utilisation of Adolescent Reproductive Health Services in Northern Region of Ghana
Authors: Abdulai Abdul-Malik
Published: October 2023

Youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services involved range of Sexual and Reproductive Health services that are delivered to the specific needs, vulnerabilities, and desires of young people. This study aims to determine the availability and utilization of adolescent sexual and reproductive health services among youths in selected districts and municipalities in the Northern Region of Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted in four selected districts using a mixed method of quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collections. Both male and female adolescent and young person aged 10-24 years were selected by simple random sampling through balloting. Convenient sampling was used to select four health workers for interviews. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and qualitative analysis was done using manual thematic analysis. The qualitative data was collected using an unstructured interview guide and analysed with thematic analysis. Findings showed average age was 16.64 years, and 70.5% had good knowledge score of SRH services availability. Types of SRH services provided include counselling and education on SRH issues, STIs screening, diagnosis, and management. About 69.8% have ever visited the health facilities for SRH service, and 36.1% covered more than an hour before accessing SRH services. About 21% had access contraceptives and family planning services. Barriers to accessing SRH services were attributed to; cost of healthcare (21.9%), long queues at facilities (15.3%), and distance to healthcare facility (12.4%). Associated factors were sex (OR = 1.72; 95%CI 1.16-2.57; p = 0.007), father educational attainment (OR = 2.03; 95%CI 1.35-3.03; p = 0.0001), and district of residence (OR = 5.72; 95%CI 2.01-16.25; p = 0.0005). Most adolescents and young people from the study findings had increased knowledge score on the types and availability of SRH services in the district health facilities. But utilization of the SRH services was low because, the point of delivery of these SRH services were far, and most have to cover long distance. Keywords: Adolescent, Availability, Utilization, Reproductive Health Service, Ghana.
Qualitative Analysis of Factors Influencing the Use of DHIS2 for Tuberculosis Surveillance: A Case Study in Guinea
Authors: Aboubacar Sidiki Magassouba
Published: October 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in Guinea, where many cases are undetected and untreated. A robust health information system is needed to improve TB case detection and treatment outcomes. DHIS2 (District Health Information Software 2) is a web-based system that collects, analyses and reports data on TB indicators. However, its use and use in Guinea is affected by various factors. We explored these factors using a qualitative survey with health workers and managers who use DHIS2 for TB surveillance. We collected data through a survey with open-ended questions and analysed them using classical content analysis. We conducted a qualitative survey with 35 health workers and managers who use DHIS2 for TB surveillance at different levels of the health system in Guinea. We collected data through an online survey with open-ended questions and analysed them using classical content analysis with NVivo software. We identified four main themes: technical issues (such as internet connection, data synchronisation, and validation rules), data quality issues (such as data validation, data aberrations, and data completeness), training and support issues (such as data analysis techniques, online training, orientation on DHIS2), and organisational issues (such as integration of community data, standardisation of data elements, meetings for data validation). We discussed how these findings could inform the improvement of DHIS2 for TB surveillance in Guinea and other similar settings. Keywords: DHIS2, Health information system, Surveillance, Tuberculosis, Qualitative study.
Knowledge and Attitude of Caregivers in Paediatrics’ HIV Management and Viral Suppression in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Osinowo Olakunle
Published: October 2023

This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practices of caregivers of children living with HIV (Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus) in Lagos State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 caregivers of children living with HIV who reside and are receiving treatment in a government health facility in Lagos State. The Sampling technique was purposive sampling based on some inclusion and exclusion criteria, data collection was administered by telephone interview, and the questionnaire was deployed using CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interviews) (Kobo Collect) for ease and time management. The study discovered that caring for children living with HIV is demanding. As most of the caregivers are married, and self-employed. The majority of the children living with HIV in this study have been on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least 5 years. Most caregivers are parents of the infected child/children living with HIV. Additionally, most caregivers had a good knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention, but they had limited knowledge of paediatric HIV management and had negative attitudes towards HIV. They also reported experiencing stigma and discrimination. These findings suggest that there is a need to improve the knowledge and attitudes of caregivers in order to improve the management of paediatric HIV, Interventions should be designed to address the stigma and discrimination experienced by caregivers. Accurate information should be provided to caregivers about paediatric HIV and paediatric HIV management. The results from this study may not be generalizable to other settings as this study was conducted in Lagos State. In addition, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias. Keywords: Attitude, Caregiver, HIV, Knowledge, Practice and Viral Load.
Scaling Up the Uptake of Tuberculosis Preventative Therapy among HIV Positive Clients at Okahao Clinic, Northern Namibia; A Quality Improvement Capstone Project
Authors: Magumba Caeser
Published: October 2023

Globally over 10.4 million people fell ill with TB, of which 1.7 million died from the disease in 2016. And in the same year, 40% of HIV deaths were due to TB. 95% of TB deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, and Namibia has one of the highest case notification rates (CNR) of TB in the world. Tuberculosis Presumptive Therapy (TPT) treats latent TB infection, and this reduces the likelihood that active TB disease will develop. Whereas Namibia adopted TPT use for PLHIV in 2005, the national coverage has remained low and was estimated to be 35% in June 2018, and specifically at 42% for Okahao, ART Clinic. We therefore designed a quality improvement project to scale up the uptake of TPT at this clinic. We used both quantitative and qualitative methods. We conducted health education sessions daily for 15 minutes, and patients were taught about TPT. Three categories of clients were registered according to those who suggested TPT initiation. Category one (C1) were those where a clinician suggested TPT, Category two (C2) by the client themselves and category three (C3) by data administrators. We analyzed data using simple excel spread sheets as either trend graphs or pie charts. Category two had more clients started on TPT (n=1,609, 58.3%). TPT coverage within the backlog cohort improved from 42% to 94%, and for the new cohort, coverage increased from 81% to 100%. 13 clients (64%) reported skin related manifestations as side effects. Daily health education about TPT in HIV care settings improves uptake. Keywords: TB Presumptive Therapy (TPT), Uptake, HIV positive, Quality improvement project.
Investigating the relationship between toxic parents and self-esteem in elementary school students
Authors: Fidrayani Fidrayani , Serojaningtyas Meidy
Published: October 2023

This study aims to explore the correlation between the behavior of "toxic parents" and the self-esteem of elementary school students. The research adopts a quantitative approach with a correlation method and involves a total of 90 respondents, comprising 9 fathers, 81 mothers, 52 male students, and 38 female students, selected using a quota sampling technique. Data collection is carried out through carefully designed questionnaires, and hypothesis testing is conducted using product-moment correlation analysis. The study's results reveal a correlation value (r) of -0.484, surpassing the critical value (r table) of 0.207, with a significance level (p) of 0.000, which is lower than 0.05. Additionally, the coefficient of determination at 23.42% signifies a substantial influence of "toxic parents" behavior on the self-esteem of students. These findings unequivocally confirm a significant negative relationship between "toxic parent" behavior and students' self-esteem. The implication is a pressing need for fostering positive and supportive parenting approaches as a potential avenue for positively impacting the self-esteem development of elementary school students.
A Study of School Principals' Practices to Ensure Teacher Accountability for Curriculum Implementation in Ethiopian Primary Schools
Authors: Urga Feyera Beyessa , Kenea Ambissa
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the curriculum implementation practices of principals in public elementary schools in East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia. Using an exploratory case study approach and a multiple case study research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and document review, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The results of the study confirm that principals prioritize holding teachers accountable for tasks other than curriculum implementation in the classroom. They pay insufficient attention to curriculum implementation while effectively managing subordinate accountability. The research reveals that stringent actions, such as removal from promotion and salary cuts, are imposed when teachers' performance in subordinate tasks declines. When teachers are present at schools, their shortcomings in implementing the curriculum are usually addressed by moving them to lower grades instead of imposing harsh punishments. In contrast, sanctions such as fines equivalent to three months' salary, demotion, and dismissal are reserved exclusively for violations of the teachers' code of ethics, not for performance issues in the classroom. Based on the findings, the study suggests that the government create a fresh educational accountability policy. This policy should motivate school principals to emphasize and strengthen accountability for executing the curriculum successfully.
Ökse Otu Temalı Tasarımlar Üzerine Bir Araştırma
Authors: Aygün Müzeyyen
Published: October 2023

Ökse otu yarı parazit bir bitki olup dört mevsim yeşildir. Ağaç dalları üzerinde kümeler şeklinde yetişir. Meyveleri nohut büyüklüğünde ve beyazdır.
Ökse otu toplumlarda saygı duyulan bir bitki olmuş, tıpta tedavi amaçlı kullanılmış, sanatta ise esin kaynağı olarak sanatçıların ilgisini çekmiştir. Ağaçların dallarında yetişen ve çekici inci benzeri, parlak meyveleri ile tasarımlara ilham kaynağı olmuştur.
Ökse otu 1800 ve 1900’lü yıllarda günlük kullanım eşyalarını süslemek için oldukça popüler olmuştur.
Araştırmada ökse otu temalı tasarımlar literatür taraması ile araştırılarak ifade edilmiştir. Ökse otu hakkında alan, yazın (literatür) taraması yapılarak derlenen bilgiler ve görsel malzemeler doğrultusunda ökse otu temalı tasarımlar ele alınmıştır. Yapılan araştırmalar sonucunda ökse otunun kartpostal, pul, ev dekorasyonu ve ev eşyalarında, aksesuar ve mühürlerde kullanıldığı görülmüştür. Özellikle 19. yüzyılın sonlarında ve 20. yüzyılın başlarından kalma parçalarda ökse otu motifinin moda olduğu söylenilebilir. Bu ökseotu öğelerinin çoğu, İngiltere ve Britanya İmparatorluğu'nda Edward dönemiyle çakışan Art Nouveau tarzında tasarlanmıştır.
Rigid body dynamics from the Euler equations to the spacecraft attitude control in the works of scientists from Saint Petersburg State University. Part 1
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Tikhonov Аleksey А.
Published: October 2023

This survey, which consists of several articles, is dedicated to the 300th anniversary ofSaint Petersburg State University (SPbSU) and is an attempt to analyze the scientific achievements of the Saint Petersburg School of Mathematics and Mechanics in the field achievements of the period from the founding of SPbSU to the mid-1970s. Due to the anniversary nature of this work, the scientific results obtained at SPbSU are considered in the context of events inextricably linked with the founding of the Academy of Sciences, the University and the gymnasium in 1724 and their further development over the next 250 years. Due to the impossibility to cover even briefly all the publications that appeared during this period, attention is focused on the most important general areas of scientific thought and on those outstanding scientists of SPbSU, whose works enriched these areas.