bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances in macrophage and T cell metabolic reprogramming and immunotherapy in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Cheng Hua , Zheng Yongbin
Published: January 2024

Macrophages and T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play an important role in tumorigenesis and progression. However, TME is also characterized by metabolic reprogramming, which may affect macrophage and metabolic activity of T cells and promote tumor escape. Immunotherapy is an approach to fight tumors by stimulating the immune system in the host, but requires support and modulation of cellular metabolism. In this process, the metabolic roles of macrophages and T cells become increasingly important, and their metabolic status and interactions play a critical role in the success of immunotherapy. Therefore, understanding the metabolic state of T cells and macrophages in the TME and the impact of metabolic reprogramming on tumor therapy will help optimize subsequent immunotherapy strategies.
Factors Influencing Purchase Decision of Jackfruit Products in Thiruvananthapuram District
Authors: Arathi S. M.  , Ushadevi K. N.
Published: January 2024

Aim: Jackfruit is popularly known as a poor man's fruit in the eastern and southern parts of India. In India, Kerala is the largest jackfruit-producing state. Beyond its nutritional benefits, jackfruit has received attention for its significant environmental and economic benefits, which arise from its numerous culinary applications and potential as a sustainable food supply. Understanding the factors influencing consumer purchase decisions for jackfruit products is becoming increasingly important as the global perspective on food choices moves towards healthier and more sustainable options. Considering this, the study aimed to analyse different factors influencing the purchase decision of jackfruit products in the Thiruvananthapuram district.

Methodology: Primary data were collected from the consumers residing in urban centres of Thiruvananthapuram district who had consumed at least one selected product. A purposive sampling method was employed to select 30 consumers for each product category, namely jackfruit chips, jackfruit ice cream, jackfruit flour, and jackfruit varatty. Secondary data were gathered from government reports publications, and journals. Statistical tools like the Index method, Kruskal Wallis, test and Mann-Whitney test were used for the analysis. The study was conducted from August to September 2023.

Results: The taste and quality of the product emerged as common variables significantly influencing the four consumer groups in their purchase decisions. Factors like brand availability, quality certification, brand image, and social media were the factors not influencing consumers, except for jackfruit ice cream, which stands out due to additional promotional activities compared to other products. The results of the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test highlight significant differences among consumer groups regarding variables such as taste, convenience to use, convenience to cook, and convenience to travel.

Conclusion: The influence of each variable on selected products showed different levels of influence. The taste and quality of the product emerge as common variables significantly influencing consumers in their purchase decisions. The results of the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test showed that the effects of these factors on each consumer group were not consistent.
Analyzing the Seasonal Variations and Price Trends in Major Onion Markets of India
Authors: Parmar H. B. , Bhopala Upasana D. , Dhandhalya M. G.
Published: January 2024

The study was conducted about to analyse the onion price trend, seasonality and correlation in major markets of larger onion producing states of India with a study period of twenty years for onion crops (2001 to 2020). These data were collected from various portals such as APEDA, Agmarknet, and NHB. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using different methods. Twenty years data was used to analyze the seasonal and irregular fluctuations in onion prices, the variability of onion prices in major states in India and to measure trend and estimate rates of change in onion price in major states of India. The co-efficient of quadratic trend (T2) found non-significant in all markets reveals no change in growth pattern of onion price in last two decades, which indicates that farmers were not benefited by rise in price; it is the effect of inflation factors only. On an average the onion prices in major markets of India was increased annually at the rate of 8.50 per cent during last two decades. The seasonality is prevailing throughout all markets of onion in India. The price indices were found more than 100 in the months of August to January and lower during February to July. The magnitude of price volatility was found the highest in Bhopal (88.25%) and the lowest in Mahuva (53.81%) market. Whereas, the magnitude of arrival volatility was found the highest in Mahuva (187.25%) and the lowest in Mumbai (31.97%) market. The monthly (>0.87) and yearly (>0.90) onion prices were found highly correlated among all the markets. As onion price are highly volatile, requires creation of storage capacity to meet specific requirement of humidity and temperature, and the Government should take immediate action to enhance export, when price falls drastically and allow the import, when price increase beyond certain level.
Assessing the Production Potentials of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) using Two Seed Systems (Formal and Informal) in the Buea Municipality, Cameroon
Authors: Kerla Cyril , Takor Mandah Cicelia , Akongnwi Clive Neba , Ebobisse Marie Estelle Inès , Monono Ekwa Yawa , Ntane Ojong Agbor , Ngando Elsa Ariane Wandji , Levai Lewis Dopgima , Mbomi Elizabeth S.
Published: January 2024

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is the most extensively cultivated fruity vegetable in Cameroon, as its production has the potential to improve food security, as well as income stability for small-scale subsistence farming communities. Most studies on Tomato seed have focused on its response to environmental variations but there exist inadequate information on a comparative study of the use of formal and informal seed systems. This study was thus aimed at assessing the production potentials of two tomato seed systems (T1: Informal seeds, T2: Formal non-hybrid seeds and T3: formal hybrid seeds). Randomized Complete Block Design was used, with three treatments replicated thrice. A sample size of 20 plants were randomly selected from each experimental unit for data collection. T3 had the highest % germination (93%), while T2 had the least (72%). 4WAP, T3 had the tallest plants (69.53 ± 3.07 cm) and T2 had the shortest (50.03 ± 4.31cm), while T1 had the highest girth (8.40±0.75cm) and produced the most leaves (35.93± 6.14). T1 produced the most flowers (73.83 flowers) while T2 and T3 produced 19.83 and 62.93 flowers respectively with T1 producing the most fruits 27.6 as opposed to 4.23 fruits for T3 and 24.43 fruits for T2. T2 had a fruit weight 0.09 ± 0.14 Kg when compared to T1 (6.35 ± 5.67 Kg) and T2 (6.04 ± 4.29) with T1 having the highest fruit diameter (34.97 ± 3.54mm) and highest yield per ha (18.16 ± 16.20 ton/ha). In this studies we conclude that the informal seed system performed better germination percentage, growth and yield component than the formal seed system of  tomato.
Evaluation of Naturally Grown Termite Resistant Tropical Wood Species
Authors: Mahari Abraham , Eshete Getachew , Kolleh David M. , Watson Anthony T. , Watson Romell
Published: January 2024

Selecting termite resistant wood species for household and construction purposes can guarantee their durability and reduce the pressure on forest resources. The objective of this study was to evaluate the resistance of selected tropical wood species to termite attacks in a natural environment. For this evaluation, 100 wood specimens were cut to 20 cm length, 2.5 cm thickness, and 5 cm width and placed in an open field. Each wood sample was partially inserted into the ground to a depth of 10 cm, and the remaining part was kept above the ground for visibility and handling purposes during the sampling period. Wood density analyses were simultaneously carried out in the laboratory using wood specimens of equal length (2 cm), thickness (2 cm), and width (2 cm). The results indicated that species such as Terminalia superba and Hallea ciliata had the highest mean weight loss of 57.62% and 30.27%, respectively, and were highly susceptible to termite attacks compared to Terminalia ivorensis, Lophira alata, and Heritiera utilis, which were very resistant with only mean weight losses of 0.29%, 0.78%, and 0.81%, respectively. Some wood species, such as Terminalia superba, Piptadeniastrum africanum, Terminalia ivorensis, and Hallea ciliata exhibited low density, whereas Lophira alata, Nauclea diderrichii, and Tetraberlinia tubmaniana displayed high density. A significant correlation (r = -0.79, p < 0.001) was observed between the weight loss and the density of the selected wood species. It was noted that variations in termite resistance were primarily attributed to wood density.
Value of Red Cell Distribution Width in Children with Congenital Heart Disease Associated- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Hassan Hassnaa Atef , Elmeazawy Rehab , Hodeib Hossam , Amrousy Doaa El
Published: January 2024

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) commonly occurs as a consequence following untreated congenital heart disease (CHD). It’s often related to high morbidity and mortality rates. The work was aimed at assessing the RDW measurements in children who had PAH-CHD.

Methods: Thirty children who have PAH-CHD took part in this study. Electrocardiography and echocardiographic evaluation were applied to all participants. RDW, a parameter included in complete blood count, was measured.

Results: Our study involved thirty children. Up to 53.3% of them were males, whose age varied between three months and twelve months with median of 5 months. The optimal cutoff RDW measurement reached 17.0% (mean); a significant relation between RDW level and low oxygen saturation was reported (p=0.02), right ventricular fractional area change (p=0.023), and left ventricular ejection fraction (p=0.13).

Conclusion: RDW, a parameter included in the standard complete blood count, showed a sagnificant elevation in children who had PAH-CHD children. In addition, it was significantly correlated with hypoxia and right ventricular fractional area change and left ventricular ejection fraction.
Streptococcus gordonii: A Rare Cause of Infective Endocarditis with High Embolic Potential Revealed by Febrile Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Charfo M  , Afendi L  , Belmalyani R  , Errami A  , Haboub M  , Drighil A
Published: January 2024

Infective endocarditis is a relatively rare disease which, despite today's advances in diagnosis and treatment, is still associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Staphylococci and streptococci head the list of causative organisms. Few cases of Streptococcus gordonii endocarditis have been reported in the literature.

We report the case of a 34-year-old man with no previous history of S. gordonii IE, responsible for multiple systemic embolisms in addition to valvular lesions.
Physiological Insights of Melatonin Hormone for Alleviation of Drought Stress in Rice
Authors: Vanitha, K.  , Swethapriya C. , Swetha R. , Thulsi K. , Kumar M. Ajith
Published: January 2024

Drought stress significantly hampers crop growth and yield by negatively impacting various biochemical and physiological plant processes. This study aimed to assess drought tolerance in traditional rice varieties using Poly Ethylene Glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) and focused on the effectiveness of melatonin applied through both seed treatment and foliar spray in mitigating the effects of drought stress. The optimal drought screening conditions were determined at a PEG concentration of -4 bars. As the PEG concentration increased, key factors such as germination percentage, vigor index, root length, and shoot length decreased. This indicates that PEG can be a useful tool for early selection of drought tolerant rice varieties. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), known for alleviating abiotic stress, showed positive effects on seed germination at 200 ppm concentration. The study observed that stomatal closure is a natural response to drought stress, but melatonin application induced partial stomatal opening. Notably, a foliar spray of 100 ppm melatonin demonstrated better recovery from drought stress compared to the 200 ppm concentration. In conclusion, the research suggests that seed treatment with 200 ppm melatonin and foliar spraying with 100 ppm melatonin are the most effective approaches for reducing the adverse effects of drought stress in rice plants.
A Meta-analysis on Diversified Challenges Faced by Small and Marginal Farmers in Adopting Agricultural Technology
Authors: Tayang Weijimlu , Devi M. Nirmala , Karthikeyan C. , Selvi R. Gangai
Published: January 2024

Each year innovation takes place in Agricultural and allied sector and adoption of this agricultural technologies is essential for enhancing the agricultural output and productivity. For the successful transfer of agricultural innovations Government of India has implemented number of schemes to support farmers in adopting the technology for production. However, various literature have shown that small and marginal farmers, being largest population among the farming community in India, still lag in adopting agricultural technologies successfully. Therefore this study was taken with the aim to analyse the diversified challenges faced in adopting agricultural technologies. Meta-analysis was used to identify the elements that play a key part in adoption behaviour of small and marginal farmers. The study observed such major factors viz., Psychological based, Economic based, Resource based, Tech-Bridge based, Tech-outreach based, Diversity based and Ambivalence based that hampered decision making behaviour in adopting agricultural technologies among small and marginal farmers.
Potential of Integrated Nutrient Managements (INM) on Nutrient Uptake (N, P and K) by Chickpea
Authors: Meravi Kalyani , Patel Kamal Kishor , Shah Ajay Kumar , Baghel Shekhar Singh , Vikash  , Jaiswal Priya , Sahu Devid kumar
Published: January 2024

This work estimated the potential uses of NPK by chickpea under using of different combination of bio-fertilizer. The field experiment was conducted at Research Field, Department of Soil Science, JNKVV, Jabalpur (M.P.). The field is located in the south-eastern part of Madhya Pradesh at 23013’ North latitude, 790 57’ East longitudes at an altitude of 393 meter above the mean sea level. The experimental field was well-drained with levelled topography. The experiment was carried out on chickpea (JG-14). The experiment was consists of three main-plot treatments of NPK and six sub-plot treatments of vermicompost and biofetilizers which were replicated three times in a split plot design (SPD) with treatments error was P>0.05 value during analysis. The results revealed that the INM influence directly on NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) uptake. The treatment 100% NPK (65.08 and 26.39 kgha-1) with combination vermicompost and Rhizobium+ PSB+KSB+ Trichoderma (biofetilizers) (61.77 and 27.45 kgha-1) highest nitrogen uptake. Phosphorus uptake estimated maximum in treatment of 50% NPK (7.24 and 4.03 kgha-1) with combination vermicompost and biofetilizers (10.03 and 4.92 kgha-1) moreover potassium uptake found highest in 100% NPK (5.10 and 27.11 kgha-1) with vermicompost and biofetilizers (4.92 and 27.80 kgha-1) in grain and stover respectively.
Assessment of Heritability, Genetic Advance and Correlation Coefficient in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Bishwas Sajal , Singh Brindaban
Published: January 2024

The present research investigation was conducted at Instructional farm of AKS University, Satna, Madhya Pradesh during rabi Season of 2022. The experimental material for the present research trial comprised of 20 diverse genotypes of wheat collected from different sources through the help from Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture Science, AKS University, Satna (M. P.). This experiment was conducted by using Randomized Block Design with three replications. Five plants were chosen aimlessly from every genotype in each replication. Data were recorded for 12 yield and its contributing traits viz. days to 50 % flowering, number of productive tillers per plant, peduncle length (cm), plant height (cm), spike length (cm), number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, days to maturity, 1000 seed weight (g), biological yield (g), harvest index (%) and grain yield per plant (g) to estimate the heritability, genetic advance and correlation coefficient among various yield and its contributing characters of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The results revealed highly significant difference for all the characters which expressed huge amount of diversity among 20 genotypes of wheat. The maximum value of heritability was shown by number of grains per spike (97.75), number of spikelets per spike (97.16), spike length (cm) (90.68), plant height (cm) (87.68), 1000 seed weight (g) (87.37), days to maturity (86.59), number of productive tillers per plant (84.77), days to 50 % flowering (84.24), grain yield per plant (g) (81.25) and peduncle length (cm) (78.23). Characters 1000 seed weight (g) (47.0977) followed by Spike length (cm) (41.0351), Number of grains per spike (39.9853), Number of productive tillers per plant (37.6517) and Number of spikelets per spike (30.6568) showed higher  estimates of genetic advance in per cent of mean. The characters number of productive tillers per plant, spike length (cm), number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike and 1000 seed weight (g) exhibited great coupling in heritability and genetic advance. The characters number of spikelets per spike (0.8524**), number of grains per spike (0.8411**), biological yield (g) (0.8279**), spike length (cm) (0.7737**), days to maturity (0.7252**),1000 seed weight (g) (0.6038**) and plant height (cm) (0.4648*) exhibited positive significant correlation with grain yield per plant so maximum weightage should be given to these traits for further crop improvement program.
Impact of Nutrition Education through Innovative Story Telling in Pre-School Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Nair Amritha V. N. , Beela G. K.
Published: January 2024

Aim: To assess the impact of Nutrition education through innovative story telling in fruits consumption among the pre-school children with autism spectrum disorder.

Sample: Ninety children with autism spectrum disorder were selected from Preschools and BUDS schools of Thiruvananthapuram district.

Study Design: To assess fruit consumption of pre-school children (3-6 years) with autism spectrum disorder, ninety children with autism spectrum disorder was selected from urban and rural areas of Trivandrum district, Kerala. Out of ninety, forty-five children with ASD were randomly selected as experiment group and forty-five children as control group. The experimental group received the nutrition education through story telling using story books.

Place of study: Urban and rural areas of Trivandrum district were randomly selected for study.

Methodology: Frequency of fruits consumption of 90 children (45 as control and 45 as experimental group) were collected using food frequency questionnaire in pre and post phase. After the nutrition education, pre and post scores of both groups were compared to find the deviation among the population.

Results: Majority of the children with autism spectrum disorder shows significant changes in post Nutrition education. Frequency of fruits consumption increased after the Nutrition education in the experimental group compared to control group.

Conclusion: Early childhood is a period of rapid growth and is an important phase for developing eating habits because the dietary behaviours acquired during the early years of life can extend to adulthood. Fruits are rich in fibre, nutrients, and vitamins. It's important to encourage children to consume a range of fruits and veggies. It protects against illness and promotes health both now and in the future.
Microbial Interactions in the Management of Groundnut Stem Rot
Authors: Yamunarani K. , Sangeetha S. , Chitra K. , Dhanalakshmi K. , Dhanushkodi V.
Published: January 2024

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oil seed crop in the world belonging to the Leguminosae family. It is one of the essential food and cash crops of our country. In India, a large number of diseases attack groundnut [1]. Among soil borne diseases, stem rot or white mold caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. [2] is an important disease causing significant yield losses in several groundnut growing countries (Mehan et al., 1994). Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. is a destructive soil borne fungal pathogen of oil seed crop in India. Different practices are recommended for management of groundnut stem rot such as deep summer ploughing, destruction of plant debris, crop rotation with jowar and bajra, seed treatment with carbendazim or captan or mancozeb or tebuconazole, soil drenching with hexaconazole, application of ammonium sulphate or calcium ammonium nitrate instead of urea and application of gypsum at flowering stage. Further, no single treatment is full proof and disease continues to cause losses in farmers’ fields. Biological control offers an interesting alternative to fungicides for sustainable management of soil borne diseases. Biocontrol is a non-chemical measure, could be effective as chemical control by various techniques. Among the techniques, the mixture of antagonists was studied to enchance the control efficacy. In most studies, the involvement of only mechanism of biological control is demonstrated. Involvement of more than one mechanism has been reported in only a few systems. Use of several biocontrol agents with several mechanisms of control fits in well with the concepts of integrated disease management, in which several means of disease suppression are applied concurrently. When single or more means of mechanisms are not effective, the others may compensate for the former absence. The present study, involved three major bacterial antagonists viz., Streptomyces violaceusniger, Streptomyces exfoliatus and Pseudomonas fluorescens to find out the effective dose of mixtures. The different doses from 10-1 to 10-5 were studied, the dose 10-1 of Streptomyces violaceusniger have more efficiency of 86.70, than S. exfoliatus. The efficacy of Streptomyces violaceusniger with combination of other antagonists were tested and found that, the mixture of Streptomyces violaceusniger and P.  fluorescens have synergistic activity than any other combinations which have synergistic factor greater than one.
Water Contamination and Its Effects on Human Health: A Review
Authors: Mustafa Biryar Mohammed , Hassan Najmaldin Ezaldin
Published: January 2024

The study was done on the effect of water contamination on human health. The review revealed a complex network of factors contributing to water contamination, including home sewage, industrial discharges, pesticides, plastics, and systemic management deficiencies. The study highlighted the widespread effects on human health, including skin disorders, serious illnesses like cancer and diarrheal infections, particularly affecting children. It emphasized the need for synchronized efforts to alleviate pollution sources, focusing on sustainable farming methodologies and responsible waste management. The study also explored advanced wastewater treatment techniques, highlighting the urgent need for their widespread use worldwide. However, the study acknowledged limitations, such as geographical scope and contamination origins. Recommendations included a comprehensive strategy involving sustainable behaviors, strict laws, and advanced treatment technology. The study emphasized the need for governments, companies, and communities to work together to implement strong legislation, improve infrastructure, and increase knowledge about water quality. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach, focusing on mitigating constraints through ongoing research, innovation, and international collaboration.
Humanity in Diversity: A Simple Basic Complementary Act to Help the Marginalized and Lonely Elderly Living in a Private, Non-Profit Nursing Home
Authors: Panjaitan Ani Oranda , Novelyn Silphia , Daroedono Ekarini , Chairulnisa Yasinta Putri , Justine Anastacia , Parandida Iga Ayu , Wiharianti Yosephine Vania , Siagian Forman Erwin
Published: January 2024

Aims: To describe a simple basic complementary humanity act such as nursing home visit that can help a group of marginalized and abandoned elderly with no family who live together as residents of a non-profit nursing home feel better with simple but universal human touch and also to maintain or improve the functional status of elderly and reduce the use of institutional care services; an approach that can be consider as an alternative that complement the medical management of the elderly
Study Design:  Interventional cross sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Private non-profit nursing home Yayasan Bunga Bakung, north Jakarta, Indonesia, between November-December 2023.
Methodology: 12 individuals (1 man, 11 women; age range 65-85 years) with geriatric syndrome whose previously live alone with no family, no social security, abandoned and marginalized, which are then accommodated and maintained by a non-profit foundation in a nursing home as subject to our visit. Three out of these 12 residents have definite post-stroke condition with weakness or paralysis on one side of their body, and having problems with co-ordination and balance. 7 out of 12 suffer from hypertension. We conducted five simple and basic nursing home visit to maintain and improve the functional status of elderly and minimize the use of institutional care services. In the first two visit, a small advanced team conducted simple focus group discussion (to the management in the first visit, and to the inmates during the second visit) regarding the daily management of the continuity of nursing homes as well as the advantages and disadvantages and future hopes felt by the inmates. The third visit is our main social activity which centered on all the elderly and followed by the fourth and fifth visit where simple observation and analysis of the inmate’s response to the previous visit conducted.
Results: Observation conducted during the fourth and fifth showed a slight improvement. This basic risk limitation group intervention) related to the performance of the elderly, such as in the context of topics of conversation among themselves as well as increased personal perceptions regarding feelings of worth, being given attention, being considered present and important. A risk limitation group approach like the one that we did seems promising, but further scientific evidence is needed
Conclusion: Non-invasive complementary humanitarian approach for maintaining and even improving functional status of elderly is a possible approach that may produce happiness and well-being, and reduce medical as well as financial burden, hence improving the real time psycho-biological welfare is part of the management of geriatric problem. This approach, however, need further work to validate reliability.
Saudi People’s Knowledge and Attitudes about Herbals’ Side Effects and their Interactions with Medications
Authors: Alanazi Amal Sulaiman
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The safety of herbal medicines is of particular importance because the majority of these products is self-prescribed and is used to treat minor and often chronic conditions. If not used with caution, some herbals may cause side effects and interactions with drugs.

Objective: To determine awareness, attitudes of Saudi people about side effects of herbs and herbal products, their interaction with medicines and to determine the common source of information about herbals.  

Methodology: A cross-sectional study in the period from January to November 2023.  on a random sample comprised of 530 Saudi persons living in different regions of Saudi Arabia using questionnaire in Arabic language. All data were analysed by descriptive statistics.

Results: Among the study participants, there were 147 (28%) have medium interest in herbals and 36 (7%) have large interest, 150 (28%) believes that herbals have no side effects, 121 (23%) believes that herbals can be taken instead of medications, 82 (16%) believes that herbals have the same efficacy as medications, 103 (19%) take herbals with medications, 172 (32%) think that taking herbals with prescription medications may give better effect than taking each one separately, 78 (15%) don't know that taking medication with herbals can cause side effects, 87 (16%) don't know that herbals can interact with medications, only 73 (14%) reported that they told the doctor or pharmacist about taking herbals with medications. Laxative/constipation and carminative effect (19%), relieving pain (14%), cough and cold (13%), menstrual disturbances (8%) were the most conditions to be treated by herbal remedies among study participants. Only 12 (2%) had adverse effects from taking herbals. Anise (39%), Peppermint (37%), Ginger (21%), cinnamon (20%), cumin (19%), are among the commonly used herbs reported by participants. The source of information about herbals reported among participants were family and relatives (62%), media (12%).

Conclusion: Although herbals are widely used, knowledge of their potential adverse effects and interactions with drugs is limited. There’s a need to increase public awareness of the community about risks of medical herbs.
Socio-Economic and Psychological Attributes of Sugarcane Grovers of Barelilly District of Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Singh Anupam , Singh A. K. , Rajpoot Ashutosh Singh , Digarse Upasna , Kumar Ashish
Published: January 2024

The study was conducted in Bareilly district U.P., and the result of study will assist to various government organisation, stakeholders, sugarcane industry and NGOs to frame a specific programme, plan and policy for their further developments. The sugarcane industry refers to processing, manufacturing and value addition of sugarcane produces to produce jaggery, sugar, bagasse, molasses, papers, plastic, alcohol and biofuels etc. It is one of the most important sectors of the Indian economy, as it contributes to the rural development, employment generation, and export earnings. The study was carried out with 100 respondents. The result explore that, majority of respondents (70%) belong to middle age group, most of them (80%) were literate with formally educated (25%) up to high school level, majority of them (58%) were belongs to other backward cast, with mostly of them (96%) were Hindu, their family were nuclear type (64%) with medium family size (65%), majority of them (42%) were small land holders, maximum (87%) had pukka house, and agriculture as a main occupation, majority of respondents (45%) belong to ₹120001- ₹180000 annual income, they were (100%) ensure participation in gram panchayat activity, majority of them (62%) have medium level of overall material possession, under the various aspect of material possession, most of respondents (93%) possess diesel engine, they were (100%) perform their agriculture field operation by use of sickle, most of them (99%) were also use bicycle as a transportation mean, they (100%) had cots as household materials possession, most of them (55%) were medium level of communicational media, also most of them (65%) and (66%) were have medium level of economic motivation and risk orientation respectively.
Knowledge and Adoption Extent of Farmers Towards Scientific Production Practices of Sugarcane in Bareilly District of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Singh Anupam , Singh A. K. , Rajpoot Ashutosh Singh , Kumar Ashish
Published: January 2024

The present study was conducted out in Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh, India. The study was planned to investigate the knowledge and adoption levels of improved cultivation practices by sugarcane growers. The district Bareilly was selected purposely for the study. There are 15 blocks in the in selected district then one block was selected based on maximum production of sugarcane. From the selected block 10 villages were selected based on maximum production of sugarcane. From each selected villages, 10 respondents were randomly selected by using simple random sampling method without replacement. Thus, total 100 respondents were selected. From the study it was found that the majority of respondents 66 per cent were found to have medium level of knowledge, with 69 per cent adoption level towards improved cultivation practices of sugarcane. In may be concluded that there is favourable result obtain from the study but there is a scope for the respondents who have belongs to low level of knowledge and adoption towards improved practices of production of sugarcane so they improve their socio-economic condition.
Home visit in the first week integral health, according to primary care nurses / Visita domiciliar na primeira semana saúde integral, segundo enfermeiros da atenção primária
Authors: Carvalho de Brito Santos Nathanielly Cristina , Lima Kaspar Deininger Letícia , Soares Anniely Rodrigues , Alves Guedes Anna Tereza , Dantas Farias de Andrade Luciana , Alves de Medeiros Leano Heloisy
Published: January 2024

Objetivo: compreender a percepção e implementação da visita domiciliar na Primeira Semana Saúde Integral, segundo enfermeiros da Atenção Primária. Método: estudo qualitativo, realizado por entrevistas com cinco enfermeiras em Unidades de Saúde da Família no curimataú paraibano, entre agosto e dezembro de 2019. Os dados foram interpretados pela Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados: percebeu-se a partir de duas categorias que, os enfermeiros reconhecem a Primeira Semana Saúde Integral como estratégia de integralidade na saúde ao binômio, utilizando unicamente a visita domiciliar como ação; distinguem os elementos necessários para a implementação desta conforme as diretrizes nacionais, todavia identificaram desafios, bem como estratégias para dirimi-los. Considerações finais: reforça-se a ideia da educação permanente para qualificação dos profissionais na Atenção Primária, bem como a inserção de um instrumento para a realização das visitas domiciliares, potencializando assim as ações de cuidado.
Hedging long‐term commodity risk
Authors: Veld‐Merkoulova Yulia V. , de Roon Frans A.
Published: December 2002

This study focuses on the problem of hedging longer‐term commodity positions, which often arises when
the maturity of actively traded futures contracts on this commodity is limited to a few months. In this case,
using a rollover strategy results in a high residual risk, which is related to the uncertain futures basis. We use
a one‐factor term structure model of futures convenience yields in order to construct a hedging strategy
that minimizes both spot‐price risk and rollover risk by using futures of two different maturities. The
model is tested using three commodity futures: crude oil, orange juice, and lumber. In the
out‐of‐sample test, the residual variance of the 24‐month combined spot‐futures
positions is reduced by, respectively, 77%, 47%, and 84% compared to the variance of a
naïve hedging portfolio. Even after accounting for the higher trading volume necessary to maintain a
two‐contract hedge portfolio, this risk reduction outweighs the extra trading costs for the investor with
an average risk aversion. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 23:109–133, 2003
Asymptotic expansions for eigenvalues in the presence of small inhomogeneities
Authors: Ammari H. , Moskow S.
Published: December 2002

We provide a rigorous derivation of an asymptotic formula for perturbations in the eigenvalues caused by the presence of a finite number of inhomogeneities of small diameter with conductivity different from the background conductivity. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies of thiazide compounds in terms of density functional theory
Authors: Latosińska J. N.
Published: December 2002

A systematic study on the impact of hydrogen addition at positions N2 and C3, as well as the role of a substituent at position C3 of the benzothiadiazine ring, on the electronic structure of the chlorothiazide (CTZ) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) was carried out by the density functional theory (DFT) method. The results have shown the lowering of total energies with the addition of hydrogen atoms at positions N2 and C3. The HOMO and LUMO orbitals were located similarly in the unsaturated ring, along the C9C10 double bond with a delocalization on C5, on the C7C8 double bond, and on the nitrogen atoms N2 (only in CTZ analogs) and N4, regardless of the functional group at C3. The greatest contribution to HOMO in all thiazides comes from the atomic orbitals pz of nitrogen atoms N4; moreover, in the case of HCTZ analogs, in contrast to CTZ ones, the contribution of N2 nitrogen atom orbitals to HOMO is zero. For BTZ, there is a degeneracy in the HOMO orbitals, i.e., there are two orbitals with almost the same energy, one at C9C10 and the other at C7C8, opening the two reactive paths at HOMO and HOMO‐1. The greatest contributions to the LUMO orbitals comes from the atomic orbitals pz of the carbon atom C6 and only the LUMO orbital in BTZ is mostly localized on the carbon atoms C7 and C10. A comparison of the effective charge proves that the positions N2 and N4 can easily accept protons and of them N2 is more favored for HCTZ and CTZ whereas N4 is for the remaining thiazides. The higher charge density and electrostatic potentials are located in the NCN zone, especially on the N4 nitrogen atom. According to increasing electron–donor properties, the substituents can be ordered as CHCl2 < CH2SCH2CHCH2 < CH2SCH2Ph. Of key importance for stabilization of CTZ‐type compounds is the interaction of the free electron pair localized on N4 with antibonding π orbitals of the double bonds (nN4π and nN4π). The HCTZ type compounds are also stabilized by the interaction of a free electron pair localized on N4 with the antibonding π orbital of the double bond (nN4π) and by that of the bonding π with the antibonding π* orbitals (πC7C8π). A complementary objective was to gain some insight into the relationship between the physical and chemical properties and biologic activity of thiazides. The results of DFT calculations were confronted with experimental data from different spectroscopic and physical and chemical studies. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2003
Application of molecular cluster models to study the amino acid L‐α‐alanine and its derived radicals in the crystalline state
Authors: Pauwels E. , Van Speybroeck V. , Waroquier M.
Published: December 2002

In this study, molecular cluster methods are used to simulate the crystalline environment of L‐α‐alanine. Two clusters are constructed based on neutron diffraction data, containing 7 and 14 molecules respectively. The geometry of a central alanine molecule is optimised at several levels of theory, while the surrounding molecules in the cluster are kept fixed in space. By evaluating the difference between the optimised and the experimental geometries, an assessment is made of the different levels of theory used. These vary from semi‐empirical to full DFT‐B3LYP treatments of the cluster. Special attention is paid to hybrid methods, involving the ONIOM scheme. These cluster methods are then used to study a radiation‐induced radical of alanine, since they allow unbiased geometry optimisation of the radical under study. The influence of the theoretical treatment is considered on several calculated hyperfine coupling constants. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2003
Investigation of NLO properties of substituted (M)‐tetrathia‐[7]‐helicenes by semiempirical and DFT methods
Authors: Daul Claude A. , Ciofini Ilaria , Weber Valery
Published: December 2002

In this article, we propose a theoretical study of static and dynamic polarizability α, first hyperpolarizability β, and second hyperpolarizability γ of substituted (M)‐tetrathia‐[7]‐helicenes. Both a semiempirical approach, in the case of static and dynamic properties, and density functional theory, in the case of static electric properties, were used. The nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of a set of 10 molecules were investigated to predict the couple of donor–acceptor substituents that could best enhance the optical properties of (M)‐tetrathia‐[7]‐helicene. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2003
DFT study of electronic spectra and excited‐state properties of some 1,8‐naphthalimide derivatives
Authors: de la Peña O'Shea V. A. , Pardo A. , Poyato J. M. L.
Published: December 2002

The absorption and emission transitions of 1,8‐naphthalimide and two derivatives have been calculated using time‐dependent density functional theory methods. Only DFT methods obtained values in agreement with experimental photophysical behavior. Calculated electronic absorption and emission spectrum are reported. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2003
Delivery to Macrophages of Interleukin 3 Loaded in Mouse Erythrocytes
Authors: Olmos Gemma , Lotero L. Alfredo , Tejedor M. Cristina , Diez José C.
Published: December 2002

Mouse carrier erythrocytes containing 125I-interleukin 3 have been prepared and treated with band 3 crosslinking reagents. The incorporation of interleukin 3 by hypotonic treatment into mouse erythrocytes reached levels of about 15% of the interleukin 3 added to the medium being predominantly present in the cytosolic fraction (73%). Uptake fell to about 7.4% when using the same conditions but omitting hypotonic shock. The interaction of band 3 crosslinked interleukin 3 loaded erythrocytes with macrophages was also studied. A high level of incorporation of interleukin 3 into macrophages was observed either from band 3 crosslinked, interleukin 3-loaded erythrocytes or from interleukin 3 loaded erythrocytes. The observations encourage the view that the system may be able to deliver and target cytokines and other growth factors to macrophages.
Efficient Gene Delivery Using Anionic Liposome-Complexed Polyplexes (LPDII)
Authors: Guo Wenjin , Lee Robert J.
Published: December 2002

Synthetic gene transfer vectors based on polyplexes complexed to anionic liposomes (LPDII vectors) were characterized for their transfection efficiency in cultured mammalian cells. The effects of polycation to DNA ratio, lipid to DNA ratio, choice of polycation and lipid composition were systematically evaluated in human oral carcinoma KB cells, using a luciferase reporter gene. For LPDII formulations containing poly-L-lysine and dioeoylphosphatidylethanolamine/cholesteryl hemisuccinate (DOPE/CHEMS) anionic liposomes, at a constant lipid to DNA ratio, an increase in the polycation/DNA (N/P) ratio resulted in an increase in transfection activity. Meanwhile, the optimal lipid to DNA ratio for efficient gene delivery was influenced by the N/P ratio used, and was increased at higher N/P ratios. For the DNA condensing agent, poly-L-lysine could be replaced by polyethylenimine (PEI) as the DNA condensing agent in the formulations. For the lipidic components, CHEMS could be replaced by other anioniclipids including oleic acid, dicetylphosphate and phosphatidylserine, but DOPE, a fusogenic helper lipid, could not be replaced by dioleolyphosphatidylcholine. LPDII formulation showed significantly less cytotoxicity compared to the commonly used cationic lipsomes or PEI mediated transfection and several cell lines were transfected with high efficiency. LPDII vectors avoid the use of toxic cationic lipids and may have potential application in gene therapy.
A Structural Model of Acculturation and Mental Health Status Among Chinese Americans
Authors: Shen Biing-Jiun , Takeuchi David T.
Published: December 2002

This study examined the role of acculturation and its direct and indirect impact on depressive symptom severity through various correlates, including socioeconomic status (SES), stress, social support, personality negativity, and physical health perception. Using structural equation modeling, the proposed model was tested with 983 employed Chinese Americans from a representative community sample, the majority of whom were immigrants. The results demonstrated that acculturation, correlated with SES, contributed to depressive symptom severity only through indirect pathways. Higher acculturation was found associated with higher stress that in turn contributed to more elevated depressive symptoms. On the other hand, higher acculturation was also found strongly correlated with higher SES, which was associated with lower depressive symptoms directly or indirectly through several mediators. Better support, lower personality negativity, better health perception, and lower stress were found mediating the relationship between higher SES and lower depressive symptom severity. The simultaneous multigroup analysis showed that the final model was comparable for both men and women with very few differences.
Newborn mass screening versus selective investigation: Benefits and costs
Authors: Pollitt R. J.
Published: December 2002

Cost–benefit analysis of newborn screening has an unimpressive record and yet it is still regarded as an important decision tool. This workshop surveyed ongoing research into the costs and benefits of systematic whole‐population screening, as opposed to selective investigation of symptomatic patients, for inherited metabolic disease. Much current interest is focused on newborn screening by tandem mass spectrometry, which can replace current methods for detecting phenylketonuria and cover a much wider range of diseases. Two observational studies are comparing cost‐effectiveness of tandem mass spectrometry screening versus symptomatic diagnosis in either concurrent or historical control populations. A number of other studies are assessing screening performance against predetermined criteria but without any formal control group. Medium‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency is the most common of the additional diseases being detected and it seems that octanoylcarnitine in blood is a particularly sensitive indicator: some of the cases detected by screening have genotypes suggesting a relatively low risk of serious metabolic decompensation. Ongoing studies should provide further quantitative and qualitative data but will not in themselves define the optimum balance between screening sensitivity and specificity.
Garrod's foresight; our hindsight
Authors: Scriver C. R.
Published: December 2002

Archibald Edward Garrod introduced a paradigm, new for its day, in medicine: Biochemistry is dynamic and different from the static nature of organic chemistry. It led him to think about metabolic pathways and to recognize that variation in Mendelian heredity could explain an ‘inborn error of metabolism’. At the time, Garrod had no idea about the nature of a gene. Genes are now well understood, genomes are being described for one organism after another (including H. sapiens) and it is understood that genomes ‘speak biochemistry (not phenotype)’. Accordingly, in the era of genomics, biochemistry and physiology become the bases of functional genomics and it is possible to appreciate why ‘nothing in biology makes sense without evolution’ (and nothing in medicine will make sense without biology). Mendelian, biochemical and molecular genetics together have revealed what lies behind the four canonical inborn errors described by Garrod (albinism, alkaptonuria, cystinuria and pentosuria). Both older and newer ideas in genetics, new tools for applying them, and renewed respect for the clinician‐scientist will enhance our understanding of the human biological variation that accounts for variant states of health and overt disease; an ‘unsimple’ phenotype (phenylketonuria) is used to illustrate in some detail. What can be known and what ought to be done with knowledge about human genetics to benefit individuals, families and communities (society) is both opportunity and challenge.