bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Administered to Hospitalized Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Tucker Rebecca , Quinn Jill R. , Chen Ding-Geng (Din) , Chen Leway
Published: August 2016

Background and Purpose: The psychometric properties of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) have been examined primarily in community-dwelling patients with heart failure (HF). The objective of this research was to examine the properties of the KCCQ administered to patients hospitalized with HF (N= 233). Methods: Confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach’s alphas, and correlations were performed to examine the scale’s dimensions, reliability, and validity. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a 5-factor solution (63.6% of the variance). The Cronbach’s alpha levels were greater than .70, except for the self-efficacy dimension (.60). Convergent validity was not verified between the KCCQ and several illness severity measures. Conclusions: The psychometric properties of the KCCQ may be different based on the population in which the KCCQ is administered, which may have clinical implications.
Psychometric Testing and Modification of the Parkinson’s Disease Caregiver Strain Risk Screen
Authors: Abendroth Maryann
Published: August 2016

Background and Purpose: The Caregiver Strain Risk Screen-10 (CSRS-10) was psychometrically tested as a modification of the 28-item Caregiver Strain Risk Screen (CSRS) to measure risk for strain in caregivers of persons with Parkinson’s disease. Risk for strain in this population is high because of the unpredictability of disease progression. Methods: Caregivers (N = 223) provided data for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the factor structure of the items. Results: CFA and subsequent modification indices supported a 10-item, single-factor model and was determined to be a valid, reliable measure of risk for strain in this population. Conclusions: The CSRS-10 is an efficient, theory-based instrument to assess caregiver strain risk throughout the care recipient’s illness progression. It is ideal for researchers and nurses seeking a succinct strain risk measure for this population.
Transcultural Adaptation and Validation of Champion’s Health Belief Model Scales for Prostate Cancer Screening
Authors: Abuadas Mohammad H. , Petro-Nustas Wasileh , Albikawi Zainab F. , Nabolsi Manar
Published: August 2016

Background: Examining men’s health beliefs regarding prostate cancer screening is a vital issue and requires a reliable and valid scale. Purpose: Modify Champion’s Revised Health Belief Model Scale to measure Jordanian men’s beliefs about PCS, translate to Arabic, culturally adapt, and test its psychometric prosperities. Method: This was a methodological study in which 432 healthy men were selected by convenient sampling. Analysis included estimation of content validity indices, internal consistency, construct validity, and predictive validity. Results: Exploratory factor analysis yielded seven significant factors which explained variance 68.9% of variance. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that scale fit the data significantly. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient ranged from .83 to .92. Conclusion: Scale was found to be a valid and reliable for use with Jordanian men.
Clinical Deterioration Leadership Ability Scale: A Psychometric Study
Authors: Hart Patricia L. , Spiva LeeAnna , Mareno Nicole
Published: August 2016

Background and Purpose: Assessing nurses’ perceived leadership abilities during clinical deterioration provides a starting point for designing educational interventions to support leadership improvement. The study purpose was to provide psychometric testing of the Clinical Deterioration Leadership Ability Scale (CDLAS). Methods: The psychometric properties and factor structure of the CDLAS was examined. Results: Factor analysis determined a 1-factor structure (eigenvalues 5.783). Construct validity was supported by a significant difference between experienced (M = 3.48, SD = .57) and less experienced nurses (M = 3.27, SD = .68; t(146) = −2.00, p = .047). Acceptable levels of internal consistency reliability were found (.93, .95, and .94). Conclusion: The CDLAS has demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability. Further testing is needed in diverse populations and establishment of test–retest reliability.
Systemic Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Leukotoxin‐Neutralizing Antibodies in Periodontitis
Authors: Johansson Anders , Buhlin Kåre , Sorsa Timo , Pussinen Pirkko J.
Published: August 2016

Background: Leukotoxin (Ltx) expressed by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is a powerful exotoxin, which can cause imbalance in host response. Immunoreactivity to Ltx is a marker for presence of leukotoxic A. actinomycetemcomitans, a presence that may modify the disease pattern of colonized individuals. The aim of the present study is to examine presence of systemic immunoreactivity to A. actionmycetemcomitans Ltx with respect to clinical and inflammatory findings in individuals with or without periodontitis (N = 88).

Methods: Periodontal status was examined in patients with severe periodontitis (n = 49) and healthy controls (n = 39), and patients received periodontal treatment. Systemic biomarkers associated with inflammation and infections as well as clinical parameters were analyzed at baseline and 3 and 6 months after treatment.

Results: Presence of immunoreactivity against Ltx was associated with impaired remission of disease after periodontal treatment. This immunoreactivity was also significantly associated with increased systemic levels of A. actinomycetemcomitans‐specific immunoglobulins and increasing age.

Conclusion: Presence and levels of systemic immunoreactivity against A. actinomycetemcomitans Ltx are associated with decreased remission after otherwise successful periodontal treatment.
Validity of Self‐Reported Periodontal Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Abbood Hadeel M. , Hinz Juliane , Cherukara George , Macfarlane Tatiana V.
Published: August 2016

Background: Periodontal disease (PdD) has been shown to be related to other systemic diseases. However, to assess this relationship, large epidemiologic studies are required. Such studies need validated self‐report measures. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the validity of self‐reported measures in the diagnosis of PdD.

Methods: The review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched up to January 2016. Two periodontal journals were searched manually. Two reviewers independently made selected studies and extracted data. All disagreements were resolved after discussion with a third reviewer. Risk of bias was evaluated. Sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Of 933 papers found, 11 were selected for the review. All studies, except two, had acceptable quality. Four comparable studies were selected for meta‐analysis.

Results: Study size ranged from 114 to 1,426 participants. Sensitivity and specificity ranged from 4% to 93% and 58% to 94%, respectively. Diagnostic odds ratio was 1.4 (95% CI: 0.9 to 2.2) for the question on bleeding gums and 11.7 (95% CI: 4.1 to 33.4) for the question on tooth mobility. Heterogeneity was low for most questions except those on painful gums and tooth mobility.

Conclusions: Self‐reported PdD has acceptable validity and can be used for surveillance of PdD in large epidemiologic studies. However, there is a need for large, well‐designed diagnostic studies.
Mental Health in Cypriot Citizens of the Rural Health Centre Kofinou
Authors: Stavrou Georgios , Jelastopulu Eleni , Paikousis Lefkios , Charalambous Georgios
Published: August 2016

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the mental health of Cypriot citizens, living in the current difficult period of economic recession. Specific objective was to investigate the different factors (gender, age, socio-economic factors, etc.) that may affect the levels of emotional distress, anxiety and depression in visitors of the Rural Health Centre of Kofinou. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of total 300 Cypriots who visited Kofinou Health Centre in the period between August and September 2015. For the middle-aged citizens the Greek version of the HADS scale (Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale) was administered to 150 persons (Michopoulos I., 2007), while for the visiting senior citizens (aged over 65 years) the Greek version of the GDS scale (Geriatric Depression Scale) was used (Fountoulakis K., et al., 1999). All analyses were performed with the social science analysis package SPSS (version 21). Results: HADS: A total of 150 people of average age 47±11,5 years (23-64), were 56% women, while the 77.3% stated they had drastic reduction of income as well as 46.7% suffered from chronic disease. The 36.6% and 28.7% of the visitors showed moderate and severe forms of anxiety and depression, accordingly. Higher emotional distress is associated with lower educational level (p<0,001). Moreover, patients with low income have higher levels of anxiety (p=0,003), depression (p=0,036) and total emotional distress (p=0,007), while those with chronic disease have a higher stress (p<0,001), depression (p<0,001) and total emotional distress symptoms (p<0,001) compared to non - patients. GDS: 150 patients out of which 77 were women (51.3%). The average age of participants was 72±5,5 years. 93(62%) participants declared a drastic reduction of income due to the financial crisis while 139 (92.7%) stated they had chronic disease. 53 participants (35.3%) think they have symptoms of depression after the economic crisis. The women showed higher level of geriatric depression symptoms than men (p<0.001). Higher levels of depression is associated with lower income (p=0.001). Conclusions: The study shows that stress levels, depression and emotional distress are increased in specific population groups. The main factors affecting the mental health of the participants are the presence of chronic disease, income and level of education.
TPGS-Stabilized Curcumin Nanoparticles Exhibit Superior Effect on Carrageenan-Induced Inflammation in Wistar Rat
Authors: Rachmawati Heni , Safitri Dewi , Pradana Aditya Trias , Adnyana I Ketut
Published: August 2016

Curcumin, a hydrophobic polyphenol compound derived from the rhizome of the Curcuma genus, has a wide spectrum of biological and pharmacological applications. Previously, curcumin nanoparticles with different stabilizers had been produced successfully in order to enhance solubility and per oral absorption. In the present study, we tested the anti-inflammatory effect of D-α-Tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS)-stabilized curcumin nanoparticles in vivo. Lambda-carrageenan (λ-carrageenan) was used to induce inflammation in rats; it was given by an intraplantar route and intrapelurally through surgery in the pleurisy test. In the λ-carrageenan-induced edema model, TPGS-stabilized curcumin nanoparticles were given orally one hour before induction and at 0.5, 4.5, and 8.5 h after induction with two different doses (1.8 and 0.9 mg/kg body weight (BW)). Sodium diclofenac with a dose of 4.5 mg/kg BW was used as a standard drug. A physical mixture of curcumin-TPGS was also used as a comparison with a higher dose of 60 mg/kg BW. The anti-inflammatory effect was assessed on the edema in the carrageenan-induced paw edema model and by the volume of exudate as well as the number of leukocytes reduced in the pleurisy test. TPGS-stabilized curcumin nanoparticles with lower doses showed better anti-inflammatory effects, indicating the greater absorption capability through the gastrointestinal tract.
Perinatal Risk Factors and Genu Valgum Conduce to the Onset of "Growing Pains" in Early Childhood
Authors: Kaspiris Angelos , Chronopoulos Efstathios , Vasiliadis Elias
Published: August 2016

The most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder of childhood with unclear aetiology is Growing Pains (GPs). Anatomic deformities and factors that change bone turnover are implicated in GPs pathophysiology. Perinatal risk factors alter the bone metabolism affecting the bone mineral density and content. The aim of our study was to analyze the relationship between GPs, knock knees and perinatal factors. The examined population consisted of 276 children aged 3-7 years. Among them 10 pairs of dizygotic twins were evaluated. The data were collected by using a combination of semi-structured questionnaires, clinical examinations and medical charts of the children and the obstetric history of the mothers. 78 children presented GPs meeting Peterson’s criteria. Genu valgum severity was a significant factor for GPs manifestation and for their increased frequency and intensity. Subsequently, perinatal factors regarding gestational age, Apgar score, head circumference (lower than 33cm) and birth length or weight (smaller than 50 cm and 3000gr, respectively) made a remarkable contribution to the development of GPs. Conversely, antenatal corticosteroid treatment, increased maternal age and maternal smoking during pregnancy were not predictive for the disorder. Our data are potentially supportive for the “bone strength” theory and for the contribution of anatomical disturbances in GPs appearance.
Targeted Cancer Therapy: Vital Oncogenes and a New Molecular Genetic Paradigm for Cancer Initiation Progression and Treatment
Authors: Willis Rudolph E.
Published: August 2016

It has been declared repeatedly that cancer is a result of molecular genetic abnormalities. However, there has been no working model describing the specific functional consequences of the deranged genomic processes that result in the initiation and propagation of the cancer process during carcinogenesis. We no longer need to question rather or not cancer arises as a result of a molecular genetic defect within the cancer cell. The legitimate questions are how and why? This article reviews the preeminent data on cancer molecular genetics and subsequently proposes that the sentinel event in cancer initiation is the aberrant production of fused transcription activators with new molecular properties within normal tissue stem cells. This results in the production of vital oncogenes with dysfunctional gene activation transcription properties which leads to dysfunctional gene regulation, the aberrant activation of transduction pathways, chromosomal breakage, activation of driver oncogenes, reactivation of stem cell transduction pathways and the activation of genes that result in the hallmarks of cancer. Furthermore, a novel holistic molecular genetic model of cancer initiation and progression is presented along with a new paradigm for the approach to personalized targeted cancer therapy, clinical monitoring and cancer diagnosis.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography as Complementary Methods for the Analysis of Beer Samples
Authors: Johnson Sarah R. , Soprano Samantha E. , Wickham Laura M. , Fitzgerald Neil , Edwards John C.
Published: August 2016

Chemical analysis of the organic components in beers has applications to quality control, authenticity and improvements to the flavor characteristics and brewing process. This study aims to show the complementary nature of two instrumental techniques which in combination can identify and quantify the majority of organic components in a beer sample. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) was used to provide concentrations of twenty five different organic compounds including alcohols, organic acids, carbohydrates, and amino acids. Calorie content was also estimated for the samples. NMR data for ethanol concentrations were validated by comparison to a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) method. Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME) Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) was used to identify a range of volatile compounds such as alcohols, esters and hop derived aroma compounds. A simple and inexpensive conversion of a Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector (GC FID) instrument to allow the use of Solid-Phase Microextraction was found to be useful for the quantification of volatile esters.
Uncovering Spatio-Temporal and Treatment-Derived Differences in the Molecular Physiology of a Model Coral-Dinoflagellate Mutualism with Multivariate Statistical Approaches
Authors: Mayfield Anderson
Published: August 2016

Multivariate statistical approaches (MSA), such as principal components analysis and multidimensional scaling, seek to uncover meaningful patterns within datasets by considering multiple response variables in a concerted fashion. Although these techniques are readily used by ecologists to visualize and explain differences between study sites, they could theoretically be employed to differentiate organisms within an experimental framework while simultaneously identifying response variables that drive documented experimental differences. Therefore, MSA were used herein to attempt to understand the response of the common, Indo-Pacific reef coral Seriatopora hystrix to temperature changes using data from laboratory-based temperature challenge studies performed in Southern Taiwan. Gene expression and physiological data partitioned experimental specimens by time of sampling, treatment temperature, and site of origin upon employing MSA, signifying that S. hystrix and its dinoflagellate endosymbionts display physiological and molecular signatures that are characteristic of sampling time, site of colony origin, and/or temperature regime. These findings promote the utility of MSA for documenting biologically meaningful shifts in the physiological and/or sub-cellular response of marine invertebrates exposed to environmental change.
A Novel Series of Thiazoles and 1,3,4-Thiadiazoles Bearing Thiazole Moiety as Anticancer Agents: Synthesis, Spectral Studies, Biological Evaluation and Structure Activity relationship
Authors: Gomha Sobhi M. , Kheder Nabila A. , Abdelaziz Mohamad R. , Mabkhot Yahia Nasser
Published: August 2016

A novel series of thiazole based-1,3,4-thiadiazoles were designed and prepared via the reaction of the 2-(4-methyl-2-phenylthiazole-5-carbonyl)-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide with the appropriate hydrazonoyl chlorides. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were established based on spectroscopic evidences and their alternative syntheses. Thirteen new 1,3,4-thiadiazoles have been evaluated for their anticancer activity against liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2). Also, their structure activity relationship (SAR) was studied. The 1,3,4-thiadiazoles 12d, 12c, 6g,18b, 6c, and 6f(IC50 = 0.82, 0.91, 1.06, 1.25, 1.29 and 1.88 µM, respectively) have promising antitumor activity against liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2).
Large Scale Screening of Southern African Plant Extracts for the Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles using Microtitre-Plate Method
Authors: Elbagory Abdulrahman M. , Cupido Christopher N. , Meyer Mervin , Hussein Ahmed
Published: August 2016

The preparation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) involves a variety of chemical and physical methods. These methods use toxic and environmentally harmful chemicals. Consequently, the synthesis of AuNPs using green chemistry has been under investigation to develop eco-friendly nanoparticles. One method to achieve this is the use of plant-derived phytochemicals capable of reducing gold ions to produce AuNPs. The aim of this study was to implement a facile microtitre-plate method to screen a large number of aqueous plant extracts to determine the optimum concentration (OC) to bio-synthesize the AuNPs. Several AuNPs of different sizes and shapes were successfully synthesized and characterized from seventeen South African plants. The characterization was done using Ultra Violet-Visible Spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering, High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy. We also studied the effects of temperature on the synthesis of the nanoparticles and measured its effect on the particle size of the synthesized AuNPs and the data showed that changes in temperatures affect the size and dispersity of the generated AuNPs. Further, some of the synthesized AuNPs were stable upon incubation with different biological solutions in vitro.
Residential Demand for Water in a Nature Reserve of Mexico: Evidence of Effects of Perceived Price
Authors: Almendarez Marco , Aviles Gerzain , Hernandez Victor , Ortega Alfredo , Beltran Luis
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical evidence to water policy-makers and the evaluation of the application of economic instruments such as price and other factors affecting demand, they contribute to improved decision-making around water management in the Biosphere Reserve El Vizcaino, Mexico. It was estimated a dynamic function with average price specification and other price perception specification. The findings show that consumers react to average price perceived and not the marginal price; long-run price elasticity is higher than short-run and both elasticities are inelastic. Elasticities inelastic with rising prices generate high incomes to improve water planning, supply quality and expand service coverage. The results suggest that the level of knowledge of users on the price is key to take into account restructuring rates in a scenario where the consumer has asymmetric information and themselves achieve goals of economic efficiency, social equity and environmental sustainability.
From Oral to Written Dakwah: A Study on the Development of Preaching Methods in Indonesia
Authors: Agus Ahmad Safei
Published: August 2016

Musabaqah Tilawatil Qurân (MTQ/Al Quran Reciting Competition) is often regarded as a big and important momentum for the process of Islamic preaching in Indonesia. It has even become a tradition for Indonesian people, although Al-Quran reciting is a common activity and a universal phenomenon in the Islamic world. In the MTQ event, the participants compete at various fields, including Tilawah (the art of reciting Al-Quran), Fahmil Qurân (comprehension of Al-Quran contents), and hifzul Qurân (memorization of Al-Quran verses). In 2003, a new field was initiated in the MTQ competition; i.e Musabaqah Makalah Ilmiah Al-Qurân (M2IQ/Al-Qurân Academic Writing Competition). Since its first exhibition on the 2003 Regional MTQ in West Java Province, and later on the 2008 National MTQ, the M2IQ, which is based on written-preach (dakwah bilkitabah), is considered as an innovation of preaching method in Indonesia. Islamic preaching (dakwah) in Indonesia has always been leaning heavily on the oral-preaching (dakwah bilisan) method, as represented by other fields contested in an MTQ. This development warrants a comprehensive study to understand what considerations underlying the emergence of M2IQ, how the process is, and what contributions it provides to the development of Islamic preaching in Indonesia. This study utilizes analytic-descriptive approach to discover the phenomenon. The findings indicate that M2IQ has accentuated the intellectual aspect of MTQ. In addition, M2IQ widens the spectrum of Al-Qurân preaching in Indonesia; opening a new chapter of Islamic preaching (dakwah) in the country.
Synthesis of Polyaniline coated Graphene Oxide @ SrTiO3 Nanocube Nanocomposites for Enhanced Removal of Carcinogenic Dyes from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Shahabuddin Syed , Sarih Norazilawati Muhamad , Afzal Kamboh Muhammad , Rashidi Nodeh Hamid , Mohamad Sharifah
Published: August 2016

The present investigation highlights the synthesis of polyaniline (PANI) coated graphene oxide doped with SrTiO3 nanocube nanocomposites through facile in-situ oxidative polymerization method for the efficient removal of carcinogenic dyes, namely, the cationic dye methylene blue (MB) and the anionic dye methyl orange (MO). The synthesised nanocomposites were characterised by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The adsorption efficiencies of graphene oxide (GO), PANI homopolymer and SrTiO3 nanocubes-doped nanocomposites were assessed by monitoring the adsorption of methylene blue and methyl orange dyes from aqueous solution. The adsorption efficiency of nanocomposites doped with SrTiO3 nanocubes were found to be of higher magnitude as compared with undoped nanocomposite. Moreover, the nanocomposite with 2 wt% SrTiO3 with respect to graphene oxide demonstrated excellent adsorption behaviour with 99% and 91% removal of MB and MO respectively, in a very short duration of time.
Effect of Viscosity on Oil Production by Cocurrent and Countercurrent Imbibition From Cores With Two Ends Open
Authors: Meng Qingbang , Liu Huiqing , Wang Jing
Published: August 2016

Spontaneous imbibition is an important mechanism of oil recovery in naturally fractured reservoirs. The flow of oil from matrix system to fracture system will generally involve both cocurrent and countercurrent imbibition. Understanding the mechanism of cocurrent and countercurrent imbibition is essential in oil recovery from fractured reservoirs. In the previous work, we focused on the purely cocurrent imbibition (Meng et al. 2015), and we now focus on the combination of cocurrent and countercurrent imbibition. In this paper, a new mathematical model, which could be used to simulate the combination of cocurrent and countercurrent imbibition with the two-ends-open oil/water (TEO-OW) boundary condition, is developed. In the TEO-OW boundary condition, one end face of the core is exposed to water and the other is exposed to oil. Experiments of spontaneous imbibition with the TEO-OW boundary condition were performed. Air and oil were used as the nonwetting phase in the experiments to obtain different viscosities ranging from 0.018 to 103.4 cp. The porous media used in the experiments were packed with glass beads or quartz sand, both of which were strongly water-wet. The geometry of the glass beads is spherical and the particle-size distribution is narrow, and the geometry of the quartz sand is irregular and the particle-size distribution is wide. Both oil production from inlet and outlet faces and the advancing distance of the imbibition front were measured against time. The experimental results showed that the largest fraction of the oil/gas production occurred by cocurrent imbibition in both glass-bead packs and quartz sandpacks. In addition, for glass-bead packs, very little of the oil/gas was produced by countercurrent imbibition, and it has almost no change with the increase in oil/gas viscosity. For quartz sandpacks, much more oil/gas was produced by countercurrent imbibition, and it increases noticeably with the increase in oil/gas viscosity (but is still much smaller than cocurrent imbibition). The total oil/gas recovery for glass-bead packs is high and has almost no change with the increase in oil/gas viscosity. In contrast, the total oil/gas recovery for quartz sandpacks is lower and decreases noticeably with the increase in oil/gas viscosity. The relative permeability to water and oil could be obtained by fitting the simulated results with the experimental results. The fitting results show that the relative permeability to water behind the imbibition front decreases with the increase in oil viscosity and the relative permeability to oil for countercurrent imbibition increases with the increase in oil viscosity.
High-Temperature Solvent Injection for Heavy-Oil Recovery From Oil Sands: Determination of Optimal Application Conditions Through Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Leyva-Gomez H.. , Babadagli T..
Published: August 2016

Our recent experimental studies on superheated solvent injection for heavy-oil recovery showed that when a solvent is injected into the reservoir, the process is highly sensitive to pressure and temperature. The effects of these parameters on the recovery factor (RF) are accentuated when the operating conditions are closer to the saturation curve of the solvent injected. This paper investigates this process and formulates the optimal field-scale application conditions that yield the maximum profit, as a continuation of previous work. To achieve this, a hypothetical field-scale numerical model was constructed, and the key parameters identified through the aforementioned sensitivity analysis were incorporated. Then, the injection process was simulated for a two-horizontal injection/production pattern. An optimization study was performed to identify the relative contributions of the effective parameters (pressure, temperature, and injection rate) and to propose an optimal application scheme with a genetic algorithm (GA). The critical pressure and temperature yielding maximum production and highest profit considering solvent retrieval were defined for different injection rates and application scenarios. Our results indicate that, at the end of the hot solvent-injection process, an important volume of solvent is left in the reservoir, and its volume depends on the injection–production scheme selected. Nevertheless, if the project is performed under appropriately selected operational parameters (obtained through the optimization processes) and followed by the proper process to retrieve the solvent from the reservoir (low-temperature steam or hot-water applications), it can make the hot solvent-injection process profitable.
Uncertainty-based flood resiliency evaluation of wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Karamouz M. , Rasoulnia E. , Zahmatkesh Z. , Olyaei M. A. , Baghvand A.
Published: August 2016

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have a significant role in urban systems’ serviceability. These infrastructures, especially in coastal regions, are vulnerable to flooding. To minimize vulnerability, a better understanding of flood risk must be realized. To quantify the extent of efforts for flood risk management, a unified index is needed for evaluating resiliency as a key concept in understanding vulnerability. Here, a framework is developed to evaluate the resiliency of WWTPs in coastal areas of New York City. An analysis of the current understanding of vulnerability is performed and a new perspective utilizing different components including resourcefulness, robustness, rapidity, and redundancy is presented to quantify resiliency using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique. To investigate the effect of certain factors of WWTPs on resiliency, uncertainty analysis is also incorporated in developing the framework. As a result, rather than a single value, a range of variation for each WWTP's resiliency is obtained. Finally, improvement of WWTPs’ performance is investigated by allocating financial resources. The results show the significant value of quantifying and improving resiliency that could be used in development of investment strategies. Consideration of uncertainty in the analysis is of great worth to estimate the potential room for improvement of resiliency of individual WWTPs.
Documenting success stories of management of phosphorus emissions at catchment scale: an example from the pilot river Odense, Denmark
Authors: Kronvang B. , Tornbjerg H. , Hoffmann C. C. , Poulsen J. R. , Windolf J.
Published: August 2016

Documentation of the effects of different mitigation measures adopted at different scales to reduce phosphorus (P) loadings to surface waters is needed to help catchment managers select the best management practices. Water quality monitoring data from the outlets of two paired catchments (the river Odense catchment versus a neighbouring control catchment) on the island of Funen, Denmark, showed significantly different trends in annual flow-weighted P concentrations during the period 2000–2013. A significant downward trend in flow-weighted particulate P (PP) concentrations (0.051 mg P L−1) and loss (0.155 kg P ha−1) was detected for the river Odense catchment, whereas a similar trend did not emerge in the control catchment. The observed differences in PP reductions may be due to wetlands acting as P sinks since wetland restoration activities have been much more comprehensive in the river Odense catchment (1.8 ha wetlands km−2) than in the control catchment (0.5 ha wetland km−2). The excess downward trend in total P and PP in the river Odense catchment (5,600 kg P and 3,700 kg P) is corroborated by extrapolating the results from a mass-balance study and 10 years of in situ measurements of P storage (3,700 kg P and 15,000 kg P).
Productivity and Resource Use Efficiency of different Jute based Cropping Systems under Nutrient and Crop Residue Management Practices
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Ghorai A.K. , Mitra S , Majumdar B , Naik M Ramesh , Kundu DK
Published: August 2016

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of nutrient and crop residue incorporation on productivity jute based cropping system in split plot design during 2012-14. The main plot comprised of five cropping sequences viz., rice-rice, jute-rice-wheat, jute-rice-baby corn-jute (for leafy vegetable), jute-rice-garden pea, jute-rice-mustard-mungbean andfour nutrient management practicesviz. 75% recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF) with and without crop residue (rice, wheat, corn, garden pea and mungbean with their respective cropping sequence) and 100 % RDF with and without crop residue in sub plot. Jute-rice-baby corn- jute(leafy vegetable) cropping system recorded the highest system productivity (192.36q/ha) followed by jute-rice-garden pea (88.6 q/ha), water use efficiency (34.86 kg/m3), production efficiency (65.9 kg/ha/day), and economic efficiency (Rs724/ha/day) followed by jute-rice-garden pea recorded those parameter were (89.4 q/ha), 27.01 kg/m3, 30.31 kg/ha/day and Rs.346/ha/day, respectively.The land use efficacy (94.5%) was higher in jute-rice-mustard- mungbean followed by jute-rice-baby corn-veg. jute(93.2%). The higher system productivity of all crop sequences was recorded with 100 % RDF with crop residue. However it was at par with 75% RDF with crop residue and100% RDF.
Combining Ability of Plant Height and Yield components in Indian Mustard (Brassica junceaL.Czern & Coss.) under Salt affected Soil using Line×Tester Analysis
Authors: GAUTAM SHAILESH CHAND , Chauhan MP
Published: August 2016

Line × tester analysis of twenty lines and three testers of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss.) cultivars were used to estimate general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA) effects, high parent heterosis and narrow-sense heritability estimate for plant height, yield components and seed yield. Significant variance of line x tester for the traits like pods per plant and seed yield indicating non additive genetic effects have important role for controlling these traits. Significant mean squares of parents v/s crosses which are indicating significant average heterosis were also significant for all the traits except seeds per pod. High narrow-sense heritability estimates for all the traits except seeds per pod exhibited the prime importance of additive genetic effects for these traits except seeds per pod. Most of the crosses with negative SCA effect for plant height had at least one parent with significant negative or negative GCA effect for this trait. For most of the traits except pods per plant, the efficiency of high parent heterosis effect was more than SCA effect for determining superior cross combinations.
Effect of FYM and Fertilizers Nutrition on Production Potential, Nutrients Uptake and Soil Properties under Rice-Wheat Cropping System
Authors: Kanaujia Vinod Kumar
Published: August 2016

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif and Rabi seasons of 2001-2005 in regular crop sequence at Crop Research Station, Nawabganj, CSA University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur in order to find out the effect of farm yard manure (FYM) and NPK levels in rice-wheat cropping system. One level of FYM (10 t ha-1) and one level of N (120 kg ha-1),three levels of P (0, 30, 60 kg ha-1), four levels of K (0, 30, 60, 90 kg ha-1) were tested. The grain yield of rice and wheat crops were increased at levels of FYM (10 t ha-1) and NPK (120, 60, 60 kg h a-1). The application of FYM with 120 kg N, 60 kg P O and 60 kg K O ha-1 gave significantly highest yield of rice and wheat crops. The 2 5 2 application of NPK fertilizers with FYM were found increased in their uptake. The application of NPK fertilizers with FYM was found improvements in physio-chemical properties of soil like soil ph, organic carbon and available NPK.
Integrated Management of Root Rot Disease of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) caused by Fusarium solani
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Singh SK
Published: August 2016

Present study the most effective fungicides, plant extract, organic cake and bio-agent were evaluated in different combinations under field conditions for the management of papaya root rot disease. It was observed that there was 81.5% disease incidence in control while the lowest disease incidence (29.60%) was recorded in treatment (T ) (Comprising disease free seedling + mustard 13 cake (10%)+ wild garlic (10%) + dipping of seedlings in thiophanate methyl (0.1%) 30 min.+ soil drenching with thiophanate methyl (0.1%) solution three times (1st at time of transplanting, second at 3rd MAT and third at 5th month after transplanting)+ Soil application of Trichoderma viride @ 50g/plant three times (i.e. 1st at time of transplanting, second at 3rd MAT and third at 5th MAT)+ soil application of Pseudomonas florescence @ 50g/plant three times (i.e. 1st at time of transplanting, second at 3rd MAT and third at 5th MAT). This was followed by treatment T (37.0%), T (40.7%) and T 6 9 5 (44.4%). The effect of different treatments on yield was also studied and the highest fruit yield (1064.67 kg/plot) was obtained from the treatment T followed by treatment T (848.67 kg/plot) and 13 9 T (810.00 kg/plot) over the control T (209.00 kg/plot).
Food Security Status of Assam: A Districts Level Analysis
Authors: BORTHAKUR SANJOY , Singh Manoj Kumar , BORTHAKUR MRIDUSMITA
Published: August 2016

Food security is the foremost important issue of a state or a country. The development of a country or a state is highly dependent on it.Food unsecured population cannot think for other issues of their life. In the state of Assam, just after independence the state had enough food for the population, which gradually decreased until 1981-83. But, after 1981-83, the per capita availability of food grains had increased gradually due to use of modern practices of cultivation viz., high yielding varieties, fertilizers, etc. which led to increase in production. Nevertheless, this increase could not surpass the normative requirement of total food grains. Thus, although per capita availability of total cereals was marginally higher than the normative requirement, the state remains food deficit state since 1961-63 to 2000-02. Almost similar trend of change in per capita availability of food grains was observed in all the districts of the state with a few exceptions. Per capita availability of pulses as well as oilseeds was found to be very low, which was far below the normative requirement and in most of the cases revealed a declining trend.
Role of Honey Bee Pollination in Quality Seed Production of Cauliflower for Scalingup of Livelihood in Vaishali District of Bihar
Authors: Singh Pushpa , Singh KM , Shahi Brajesh
Published: August 2016

An On farm trial was conducted at KrishiVigyan Kendra, Vaishali, Bihar to study the impact of planned honeybee pollination on the seed production and quality of Cauliflower seeds as well as pollination behavior of Apis mellifera. More number of bees were found visiting the crop under net house condition (6.05 , 5.35, 5.05 bees/plant at all the three locations of traditionally seed producing Hariharpur, Rajapakar and Chakwaravillages of Vaishali district.Bees in the open conditions were found to spend less time on flower as compared to the net house conditions. Honeybees played an important role in enhancing the seed production of cauliflower at all location under study. Planned honeybee pollination was found to result maximum impact on the seed production seeds/pod in the range of 15.50-19.10 seeds/pod in net pollination as compared to 13.60-17.20 seeds/pod in open condition. Similarly, average 1000 seed wt. in net pollinated condition was 3.30-4.19 gm whereas 3.00- 3.97 gm in open field condition, and the yield in net condition was in range 534-637 kg/ha with additional income of 14 to 17 lakh rupees per hectare.
Traditional Wisdom of Rural Women's about Flora Kingdom and their Use in Various Diseases
Authors: Rashmi Uma , Singh Prakash
Published: August 2016

A medical plant is the plant whose are more organs contain substance that can be used for therapeutic purpose or which are precursors for chemo pharmaceutical semi synthesis. This study was conducted in Amaniganj block of Faizabad district. A sample size of 115 rural women (wife of household head) was selected from the list of families. The knowledge about medicinal herbs, shrub & lant against the various disease were as aonla, neem, sajhan, papaya, babool, peepal, mango, amrud (each 100%) behaya and gudhal (95%), kaner (80%), khajur (75%).
Information Needs of Farm Women for Efficient Farming in Uttarakhand
Authors: Sharma Arpita , Singh AK
Published: August 2016

Farm women in Uttarakhand State play an important role in managing different kinds of farming and home affairs. It is proposed that information for women involved in an enterprise is important to understand the production process and the economics of production. A sample of 100 farm women was selected using Simple Random Sampling technique. The survey research design was used for data collection. Data was also collected through interview schedule. Data were analyzed using quantitative approaches. Results show that the information needs of farm women in study area are mostly occupation driven. Farm women were found to have a need for information about dairy farming but also for home management. Most of the farm women depend on the friends, husband, neighbors and other native sources like local leaders and educated people for their information needs. Their primary and most important sources of information include friends, husband, neighbors and other native sources.
Evaluation of Combining Ability for the Expression of Traits of Tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum Mill.) through the Line X Tester Analysis
Authors: Singh Manoj Kumar , BORTHAKUR S , Singh HK
Published: August 2016

The present investigation entitled “Line X Tester analysis in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)” was undertaken at Main Experiment Station, Department of Vegetable Science of Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Narendra Nagar, Kumarganj, Faizabad (U.P.). Analysis of variance revealed significance differences among the genotype for all the characters indicating existence of wide variation in the experimental material evaluated. The analysis of variance of present investigation having 14 parents and 40 hybrids for 14 characters was carried out and mean squares obtained. The anylysis of variance for combining ability revealed significance difference due to lines, testers and line x tester interection for all the traits. The indicated that combining ability played vital role in the expression of the traits under study.
Screening of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes for Sheath Blight (Rhizoctonia solani) in changing Climate Scenario
Authors: CHANDRA SUBHASH , Kumar Pankaj , Yadav Neelam
Published: August 2016

Out of 108 germplasm, screened under natural as well as under artificial inoculated condition, none of the entries were found immune or resistant. However, forty five entries viz., Ramkajra, Baigani black, Beni, Prasada, Narendra-118, Narendra-97, Aswani, madhuri, Sawani, IET-14807, Pant Dhan-11, Gajgour, IET-16711, Karahni, Dalkachari, Bagri, Rambli-AS, Motiforam, Ram bhog, Kaland, Aktahwa -R, Lalkawa, Tulsi, IR-36, Suggapankhi, IET-16706, basti cul-9, Aktahwa- FIO, CR-1446, Sonachoor, Aktahwa, Bansfool, Saket-4, IR-24, NDR-359, NDR-637, Pant Dhan-4, NDR- 330, Gajgour, T-182, IET-16705, Pusa-33, Akasi, IR-8, Saryukushmaha were found moderately resistant, 37 moderately susceptible and fourteen were observed susceptible. Rest of the entries showed highly susceptible reaction. Under artificial inoculated condition, out of 82 entries, none of the entry was found resistant. Only two entries viz., Baigani black and Prasada showed moderately resistant reaction, seventeen moderately susceptible and twenty seven entries susceptible. Rest of the entries was found highly susceptible.
Effect of Balance Fertilizers application on Yield and Economics of Wheat
Authors: Sharma Saurabh , Singh RK , Singh Dhananjai
Published: August 2016

Wheat yield advantage of 20.07 % was obtained under recommended practices over farmers practices, consequently farmers gain additional profit in term of monetary of Rs 7150 and Rs 10248 /ha. This was due to significant increase in yield attributes viz. No. of effective tiller/plant, No. grains/ear, test weight (1000 grains) and yield q/ha 10.5,6.3,2.23 and 20.07 % respectively were recorded under recommended practice as compared to farmers practice. Percentage returns to fertilizers 3.7 to 4.8 % during 2008-2010 which is beneficial in future to farmers and improve their standard of living as per FAI expectation.
Smart Way to Nutritional Security in India
Authors: KHAN YASIN JESHIMA
Published: August 2016

In the changing climatic conditions and global scenario, in a continued green revolution; we have already accomplished food security and is legal through food security bill. Whereas, Systematic Management of Agricultural Resources and Technology (SMART) is the only way to nutritional security. India started breathing for agriculture with 30 Crore people (300 million) in the 1950's when we faced a huge food shortage and had to receive food under PL 480 agreement with the United States. Farmers brought us up from a net importer of food grains in 1950s, to an exporter; a huge jump. Whereas now again there is a shortage for pulses and oilseeds though we are having enough of cereals. What went wrong? We do have sufficient genetic diversity, we do have high yielding varieties, we have farmer supporting systems, but we were not SMART enough. Indian agriculture has registered impressive growth over last few decades with the same momentum of continued green revolution. Recent past has registered highest production levels in horticultural and fishery, animal husbandry products. The food grain production has increased from 51 million tonnes (MT) in 1950-51 to 265.57 MT during 2013-14 highest ever since independence. Even during 1950's we were the largest producers and exporters of many agricultural produce. At present, we have lost the first places in production of so many crops to our neighbours. It need not to be a monopoly but we should know our potential and at least to maintain the production level rather than giveup. So wise is the farmer, rich will be our nation. Hence, come on farmers raise up! We are your dependants! Self sufficiency has to be counted from the root level. If not at the level of an individual farmer, it should be from villages. A village should produce its needs starting from solar energy to food grain, milk, vegetables and feeds reducing the burden on transport and transportation loss. There is lack of 'we-feeling' or 'togetherness' in farm villages which cannot be created but can be inculcated in their minds for a better livelihood.