bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EVALUATION OF BOTANICALS AND FUNGICIDES AGAINST SEED BORNE FUNGI AND GERMINATION OF ROUGH LEMON SEEDS
Authors: Khalid Haris , Jaskani Muhammad J. , Atiq Muhammad , Khan Sabir H. , Rajput Nasir A. , Ahmad Irfan , Azam Muhammad , Khalid Saud
Published: March 2019

Citrus fruits are grown all over the world, including Pakistan. However, the poor storage conditions for citrus seeds in tropical and sub-tropical regions compromise their viability during growth. In this study, M. olifera (Moringa) and A. niger (Neem) leaves were used as seed coating agents and were utilized for the first time without any deep treatment of such leaves with an objective to reduce the cost of botanical fungicides and to control the harmful effects of synthetic fungicides. Topsin-M, a synthetic fungicide, was used as a reference compound to compare the results of fungicides from botanical sources than that of a traditionally available synthetic fungicide. Three different concentration of fungicide solutions (C1, C2 and C3), that were coated on the surface of seeds for different duration of time (8, 10 and 12h), were prepared. It was observed that the coating of seeds with fungicides, either botanical or synthetic, significantly improved the horticultural (germination %age and number of days required for germination) and pathological (fungi %age and number of contaminated seeds) parameters of rough lemon, as compare to control or non-coated seed samples. It is expected that the findings of this study will promote the use of botanicals as seed coating agent as they are readily available to famers and are also acceptable for the cultivation of organic crops.
EVALUATION OF RAPESEED-MUSTARD GERMPLASM AGAINST ALTERNARIA LEAF BLIGHT UNDER LOCAL FIELD CONDITIONS
Authors: Latif Muhammad Z. , Haq Imran U. , Khan Sabir H. , Habib Amer , Khawaja Sajjad , Shehroz Arslan , Nazir Noman , Ramzan Imran
Published: March 2019

Rapeseed-mustard is the second most important oilseed crop after soybean. The two species of Brassicaceae family Brasica napus L. and B. rapa L gain the great importance from world’s commerce as the seed of both species contain about 40% oil content with 35-40% meal protein. There are many pathogens involve in the reduction of crop yield, Alternaria leaf blight is one of them. Among genus Alternaria, A. brassicae, A. brassicola, and A. raphai are important species from economic concerns throughout the world. The screening of rapeseed-mustard varieties/lines was carried at Regional Agriculture Research Institute (RARI), Bahawalpur. Total 28 varieties/lines were screened out against Alternaria leaf blight under field conditions. Normal agronomic practices were followed during the experiment. The pathogen was isolated from diseased plants and purified by using Single Spore Technique under aseptic conditions. It was noticed from the experiment that 8 varieties/lines showed moderately susceptible response while 16 were susceptible and 4 were highly susceptible. Among these 28 no varieties/lines showed highly resistant or resistant response. This study can be helpful for researchers to enhance the production potential of rapeseed-mustard in future.
PRI MUNG-2018 : A NEW MUNGBEAN VARIETY RELEASED IN PAKISTAN FOUND RESISTANT TO VIRAL DISEASES
Authors: Saeed Muhammad S. , Kaukab Sadia , Rafiq Chaudhary M. , Rehman Aziz U. , Tahir Aqsa , Riasat Ghulfam , Khan Ehsan , Ijaz Sobia
Published: March 2019

A cross was made between Line No.1 and E-321 in 2002. The material was handled in filial generations following pedigree method from 2002-2018. It was tested in yield trials 2009-14 and was found high yielding as compared to check variety AZRI Mung-2006. In disease screening nurseries it had shown good disease resistance against Mung bean yellow mosaic virus, Urdbean Leaf Crinkle virus and Cercospora disease. It also exhibited tolerance to insect pests. In addition to this, proposed variety needs no special production technology package and fit in a better way in Rice-Wheat cropping system or between wheat and succeeding crop as catch crop due to short duration. The new variety PRI Mung-2018 is suitable for all areas of Punjab province.
EFFECT OF SOIL NUTRIENT AND BIOTA DYNAMICS ON WILT DISEASE SEVERITY IN CHICKPEA
Authors: Moutassem Dahou , Belabid Lakhdar , Bellik Yuva , Rouag Noureddine , Ziouche Siham , Baali Faiza
Published: March 2019

The present study was performed to investigate dynamic and combined effects of soil nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and biotic factors on disease severity of Fusarium wilt in chickpea (AUDPC). Chickpeas were harvested, 180 days after onset of experiment, from eight natural infested soils during two years (2016 and 2017) and assessed for rhizospheric nitrogen (N-TotalR) and phosphorus availability (Olsen-P) in relation to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp ciceris inoculum density (ID-Foc), Trichoderma spp, and Pseudomonas spp as well as nitrogen (N-TotalPL) and phosphorus (P-TotalPL) plants uptake. The results showed that high level of ID-Foc significantly increased AUDPC values. It was found that ID-Foc was negatively correlated with Olsen-P and positively correlated with N-TotalR. Accordingly, AUDPC values were positively correlated with high concentrations of N-TotalR (r=0.77** in 2016, r=0.94*** in 2017) while negatively correlated with high concentrations of Olsen-P (r=-0.73** in 2016, r=-0.79** in 2017). In addition, AUDPC values showed negative interactions with N-TotalPL (r=-0.80** in 2016, r=-0.78** in 2017), whereas positive interactions with P-TotalPL (r=0.80** in 2016, r=0.87** in 2017). Moreover, AUDPC values were negatively associated with Pseudomonas spp and nodosity during the two years of study as with Trichoderma spp in 2017. The results demonstrated that wilt disease severity was strongly associated with nutrients and biological soil properties. It can be assumed that soils with highest Olsen-P levels, Trichoderma spp and Pseudomonas spp can help Fusarium wilt suppression.
22nd Postgraduate Presentation Programme 2015
Authors: Shah Omar J , Chowdri Nisar A , Malik Ajaz A , Naqash Sameer H , Parray Fazl Q
Published: March 2019

Editor's Note

The 22nd Postgraduate Research Presentation Program (PGRPP) is being held at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Srinagar (SKIMS) from 27th to 28th April. The program, started by SKIMS in the year 1998, serves as an important platform to all post-graduate doctors to present their research work, besides to learn the art of presenting scientific facts and defending them before a learned audience. A total of 103 abstracts from medical, surgical and other specialities are being presented this year in the program. It is, therefore, a matter of great pleasure that SKIMS is bringing up this issue of the Journal of Medical Sciences on the selected papers of 22nd PGRP Program. The organizing committee of PGRPP, led by Professor Nisar Ahmad Chowdry, has put great efforts in compiling and editing these abstracts at a very short notice. The editors of JMS would like to profusely thank the organizing committee for contributing to the January-July issue of the Journal of Medical Sciences with these abstracts. We hope that this compendium of selected papers of many stimulating and innovative papers from PGRPP-XXII will be appreciated, and will encourage the young authors to publish their research work as original papers in the Journal of Medical Sciences. Shariq Rashid Masoodi, MD, DM, FACP, FRCP (Editor-in-Chief, JMS)
BIOMARKERS OF SEPSIS
Authors: Fomda Bashir Ahmad
Published: March 2019

“Sepsis is a state caused by microbial invasion from a local infectious source into the blood stream which leads to signs of systemic illness in remote organs,” this was the first scientific definition of sepsis proposed by Dr. Schottmuller in 1914.Sepsis is among the most common causes of death in hospitalized patients. Its death toll is in the same range as that of myocardial infarction. 1 Early and reliable diagnosis is imperative, because of the remarkably rapid progression of sepsis into a life-threatening condition.2 Findings in a patient with suspected or proven infection include fever or hypothermia, tachypnea, tachycardia, leukocytosis or leucopenia, acutely altered mental status, thrombocytopenia, an elevated blood lactate level, respiratory alkalosis, or hypotensions. 3  JMS 2017; 20(1):2-4
The Role of Low Dose Misoprostol in Cervical Ripening and Induction of Labour Beyond the Age of Viability and its Effects on Maternal and Fetal Outcomes
Authors: Ali Humaira , Saldanha Cimona Lyn , Parveiz Tabasum , Khurshid Rabia
Published: March 2019

This study was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of oral (50 μg) and vaginal (25 μg) misoprostol for cervical ripening and induction of labour. Two hundred patients with indications for labour induction randomly received either 50 μg oral misoprostol every 4 h (Group-I) or 25 μg vaginal misoprostol every 4 h (Group-II), for maximum of six doses. Mean induction to delivery time, delivery within 24 hrs, mode of delivery, oxytocin use, number of doses used, failed induction rate and maternal complication and fetal outcomes were compared for the two groups. Mean induction delivery time was significantly longer in Group-I (20.55±5.59 hrs) than in Group-II (16.70±7.12 hrs) (with mean difference of 3.85 and P-value of <0.001). Mean number of doses of misoprostol used for oral and vaginal misoprostol study populations were 2.61±0.94 and2.37±1.20respectively. Oxytocin augmentation was required in significantly more number of patients in oral group (80%) than in vaginal group (68%) with P-value of 0.027. There were 3 failed inductions in the oral and 4 in the vaginal group after a total of six doses of misoprostol. Incidence of maternal and fetal complications was similar between two groups. Our findings indicated that, 25μg vaginal misoprostol has the potential to induce labor as safely as, and more effectively than, 50 μg oral analogue. JMS 2017; 20(1):18-21
Is Fast Track Cardiac Anaesthesia Cost Effective without Compromising Morbidity and Mortality?
Authors: Vimesh Puja , Singh Shyam , Mehta Shivani , Chander Ramesh
Published: March 2019

Background: With the evolution of anaesthesia and surgical procedures, fast track cardiac anaesthesia (FTCA) has gained an increased  interest, mainly based on the possibility of reducing health costs without compromising patient care and wellbeingObjective:The purpose of this study was to evaluate different durations in Early Extubation (EE) like Aortic Cross Clamp Time (ACCT),Cardiopulmonary bypass time (CPB Time), Mechanical Ventilation Duration (MVD), Operation Room time (ORT), Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and post ICU time as well as Total Hospital Stay Time (THST) in open heart procedures. This has been done to co-relate FTCA with lowering of hospital expenditure without compromising with morbidity and mortality.Methods: This is a “Prospective Cohort Study” comprising of a group of 80 patients who underwent open heart surgery in a Rural Cardiac Center, in 2014. After FTCA and surgical technique, we reviewed the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of Intensive Care Unit stay, reintubation, and incidence of in-hospital mortality and followed our cases prospectively till discharge from the hospital.Results : The group of Fast Track Cardiac Anaesthesia comprised of 80 patients. Range of ventilation duration (VD ) was 2-4 hours in 12.8%) to 8-10 hours in 9% cases; Aortic cross clamp time (ACCT) in minutes was 25-49 in 35% cases to 100-124 in 2.7% of cases. Similarly Range of Cardio- pulmonary Bypass Time (CPBT) in minutes 40-69 minutes in 21.6% to 160-190 minutes in 4% cases, surgery time (ST) in hours was 2-3 in 7.5% cases to 6-8 in 28.8 % cases; operation room time (ORT) in hours was 2-4 in 3.8% to 6-8 hours in 28.8% patients; ionotropic duration (ID) in hours was 2-5 in 20% to 18 to 24 hours in 6.3% cases; Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay in days was 1-2 days in 66.3% to 3-4 days in 3.8% cases ;and post ICU stay in days was 2-3 in 1.3% to 6-7 in 87.5% patients.Total hospital stay in days was 4-6 days in 4 case, 7-9 in 40 cases and 10-12 days in 36 cases.Reintubation was done only in 1 out of 78 cases. In our study there was no mortality. Conclusions :Fast track Cardiac anaesthesia is suitable with applied anesthetic technique in our centre. However there exists relatively small risk of re-intubation (1.3%). Small sample size is pointer towards a little lack of statistical strength of the study. JMS 2017; 20(1):22-30
Struma Ovarii : A Rare Monodermal Teratoma
Authors: Rather Abdul Rasheed , Bashir Shazia , Khan Ather Hafiz , Hassan Ashfaq Ul , Rasool Mohsin Ul , Sharma Shaveta , Shafi Afiya , Singh Jangbahadur , Shafi Yaavar
Published: March 2019

Struma ovarii is a rare tumor of ovary which accounts for 1% of all ovarian tumors and 3% 0f all dermoid tumors. It belongs to the group of monodermal teratomas. We present a case of struma ovarii in a 55 year old women who presented with symptoms of pain in lower abdomen and loss of appetite for the last one month. Radiological investigations including USG, CT scan and MRI revealed a complex right adnexal lesion. Final diagnosis of struma ovarii was made on histopathological examination which revealed colloid filled thyroid follicles lined by cuboidal epithelium. JMS 2017; 20(1):41-43
Diphenylhydantoin Induced Severe Gingival Hyperplasia
Authors: Saleem Sheikh , Verma Sawan , Yousuf Irfan , Wani Mushtaq Ahmad , Asmi Ravouf
Published: March 2019

Gingival overgrowth (GO) is a side effect, associated with some distinct classes of drugs, such as anticonvulsants, immunosuppressant, and calcium channel blockers. One of the main drugs associated with GO is the antiepileptic, diphenylhydantoin (DPH)/ phenytoin (1), which affects gingival tissues by altering extracellular matrix metabolism. Phenytoin (DPH)-induced gingival overgrowth (PIGO) due to chronic administration remains an unsolved problem especially in cases where this drug is taken without any supervision due usually to poor follow-up. Younger age groups experience more lesions than adults and in the mentally handicapped the prevalence appears to be highest. The most satisfactory treatment is the replacement of the drug by a safer antiepileptic. Patients who are to be maintained on DPH respond well to a program of meticulous oral hygiene at home along with frequent professional prophylaxes. We present a case of seizure disorder with mental retardation who developed severe gingival overgrowth wherein teeth are almost buried, caused by unsupervised intake of phenytoin. JMS 2017; 20(1):44-46
Hepatitis in Developing Countries: Still a Scourge.
Authors: Masoodi Shariq Rashid
Published: March 2019

Screening is defined as the application of a diagnostic test to an asymptomatic population in order to detect a disease at a stage when intervention may improve its outcome and natural history.1 In simpler terms, screening is a strategy that is used in a population to identify the likely presence of an as-yet-undiagnosed sickness in individuals without its signs or symptoms. By itself, screening tests are somewhat unusual in that they are performed on people who are apparently in good health. However, screening interventions are intended for early identification of disease in a population, that may enable earlier intervention and treatment. The idea is to  reduce mortality and suffering from a disease through early detection and management. Whereas screening may lead to an earlier diagnosis, the testing may not necessarily prove beneficial to person being screened. Apart from the issues of over- and mis-diagnosis, and inappropriate use or overuse, screening may create a false sense of security.  Though screening strategies are never designed to be diagnostic, how to deal with false positive and false negative results remains an issue. JMS 2017;20(2):55-56
A Study on Prevalence of Hepatitis B among Adult Population in Kashmir
Authors: Kadla Showkat Ahmad , Shah Nisar Ahmad , Bhat Mudasir Ahmad , Khan SM Salim , Khan Bilal Ahmad , Ali Irfan , Yousuf Ahmad Wajeed , Sharma Sakshi , Mohammad Jan , Shah Parvaiz Ahmad
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus is a small DNA virus that belongs to Hepadnaviridae family. Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is a major global health problem. It can cause chronic liver disease and chronic infection and put people at high risk of death from cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. More than 400 million people have chronic (long-term) liver infections. About a million people die every year due to the acute or chronic consequences of hepatitis B. High rates of chronic infections are found in the Amazon and the southern parts of eastern and central Europe. In the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, an estimated 2–5% of the general population is chronically infected. Not many community based studies are available from our country and none from the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of Hepatitis-B among adult population in South Kashmir.

METHODS: This community based, cross sectional study was conducted in four districts of South Kashmir over a period of one and half years by using HEPACARD kit (immunochromatography method), product code HB010020, HB010100, manufactured by J. MITRA & CO. PVT. The HEPACARD kit has a sensitivity of 99% and specificity of 97.8%.

RESULTS: Out of 5533 subjects screened for HBsAg, 2976 were males and 2557 were females. Out of total 5533 subjects, 133 tested positive for HBsAg, constituting a total prevalence of 2.40%. Out of 2976 males, 66 (2.21%) tested positive for HBsAg and among 2557 females, 67(2.62%) tested positive for HBsAg.

CONCLUSION: Overall prevalence of Hepatitis B was 2.4% in this study from South Kashmir; 2.21% in males and 2.62% in females. JMS 2017;20(2):82-89
Association of Age, Birth order and Family Income with Psycho-social problems in Rural Adolescents
Authors: Amin Noorul
Published: March 2019

Background: The present age is the age of stress. Everybody is disturbed due to one or the other reason irrespective of their age. However, adolescents are more prone to psychological and sociological disturbances.Objectives:To assess the psychosocial problems in adolescents.Methods: The study was conducted in selected schools of urban and rural areas taking 100 participants each for boys and girls using convenient sampling method. The tool used was youth self report. The data collected was analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.Results: The study revealed that 48.5% adolescents were well adjusted; 47% were having mild psychosocial problems; 4% had moderate psychosocial problems and 0.5% had severe psychosocial problems.Conclusion: Adolescents irrespective of their living places had varying degrees of psychosocial problems. JMS 2017; 20 (2):90-95
Collision Tumors of the Ovary: Dermoid Cyst with Borderline Epithelial Ovarian Tumor with Metachronous Invasive Epithelial Carcinoma of Ovary- A Case Series
Authors: Mir Abdul Wahid , Yasin Syed Basina , Arshad Syed , Robbani Irfan
Published: March 2019

Collision tumor is defined as the coexistence of two or more Histologically distinct tumors adjacent to each other in the same organ without any histological intermixing. Although collision tumors can occur in many organs in the body, its occurrence in ovary is extremely rare. In our series of two patients, dermoid cyst was co-existing with borderline epithelial ovarian tumors in one patient, which is rarest of rare variety of collision tumors reported in ovary. In another patient, there was recurrence in the form of invasive epithelial ovarian malignancy. JMS 2018;21(1):37-39
Malignant Hyperthermia: Management without DANTROLENE
Authors: Manzoor Sobia , Zahoor Syed Amer , Rather Jan Mohammad
Published: March 2019

Malignant Hyperthermia(MH) is a hypermetabolic syndrome which is quite rare in India.  Inhalational anesthetics and succinyl choline have been reported as potent triggering agents of MH. Dantrolene remains the gold standard for treating this life-threatening syndrome.

We encountered a case of malignant hyperthermia in a 34-year-old male undergoing ventricular septal defect closure under general anesthesia. We successfully managed our patient by timely recognition of this syndrome and by administering prompt, effective symptomatic treatment and without dantrolene which was not available in our hospital. JMS 2018;21(1):40-43
D3 LYMPHADENECTOMY IN RIGHT COLONIC RESECTION
Authors: Baba Arshad Ahmed , Kaleem Zahid , Parray Fazl Qadir , Chowdri Nisar Ahmad , Wani Rouf Ahmad , Dar Asif Mehraj , Khan Mudassir Ahmad , Laway Mushtaq Ahmad
Published: March 2019

Lymph node dissection in colon cancer is without a doubt necessary, it is just the extent of that dissection that is still under debate. As the individual steps of an oncologic operation cannot be separated from each other, analysis of the significance of lymph node dissection alone is difficult. It has been proven that the T category is directly related to the number and central spread of lymph node metastases. Micrometastases and isolated tumor cells may be detected in lymph nodes by using special staining techniques; their presence may worsen prognosis significantly and approximate it to UICC stage III. The numbers of dissected lymph nodes and the ratio of involved versus dissected lymph nodes have been used as markers for quality of surgery and histopathological evaluation. JMS 2018: 21 (2):109-113
Spigelian hernia-Our experience
Authors: Malik Ajaz A , Bari Shams Ul
Published: March 2019

Background; A Spigelian hernia is a very rare hernia which develops through the aponeurotic layer between the rectus abdominal muscles medially, and the semilunar line laterally.

Aim: The aim of this study is to understand the clinical presentation and management of this rare hernia.

Material and methods: This study was conducted over a period of five years in the Department of Surgery SKIMS Medical College Srinagar and included all the patients diagnosed as spigelian hernia.

Results: During our study, we encountered only four cases of spigelian hernia, which included three females and one male.

Conclusion: The spigelian hernia is a very rare hernia seen in adults and usually there is no notable swelling on examination. Although they are rare but there is a high risk of strangulation. JMS 2018: 21 (2):114-116
A Giant Tumour of Breast: Phyllodes Tumour
Authors: Bhat Javaid Ahmad , Andrabi Syed Muzamil , Wani Munir Ahmad , Chowdri Nisar A
Published: March 2019

Phyllodes tumour of breast is a rare fibro-epithelial tumour of the breast accounting for less than 1% of the tumours of breast. They are mostly found in females between 45-49 years of age; in contrast, invasive carcinomas of the breast are commonly seen a decade later. They are fast growing tumours with a median size of 4 cm and can grow upto 40 cm. They may be considered benign (58%), borderline (12%), or malignant (30%) depending on histological features of stromal cellularity, tumour infiltration at edge, and mitotic activity.  JMS 2018: 21 (2):125
Distributed Magnetic Flux Density on the Cross-Section of a Transformer Core
Authors: Li Lingzhi , Du Xuhao , Pan Jie , Keating Adrian , Matthews David , Huang Hai , Zheng Jing
Published: March 2019

In this paper, the magnetic flux density distribution on the cross-sections of a transformer core is studied. The core for this study consists of two identical U-shaped cores joint at their open surfaces with known air gaps. The magnetic flux density at one of their joint boundary surfaces was measured for different air gaps. A finite element model (FEM) was built to simulate the magnetic flux density and compared with experiment data. Using the validated FEM, the distributed magnetic flux density on the cross-section of the core structure can be obtained when the air gap approaches zero. An engineering model of the density based on the Ampere’s circuit law was also developed and used to explain the relationship between air gap and mean magnetic flux density on the cross-section. The magnetic flux density on the cross-section was found to have a convex-shaped distribution and could be described by an empirical formula. Using this approach, the magnetic flux density distribution in cores with different interlayer insulation was obtained and discussed. This method could also examine the leakage of magnetic flux density in the air gap region when the distance is non-zero, and the relationship between the leakage field and the field in the core structure. The proposed method and model can provide a more detailed understanding for the magnetic field of transformer cores and potential application in designing quiet transformers and condition monitoring.
A Control Alternative for the Hidden Enemy in the Wine Cellar
Authors: Peña Rubén , Chávez Renato , Rodríguez Arturo , Ganga María Angélica
Published: March 2019

Brettanomyces bruxellensis has been described as the principal spoilage yeast in the winemaking industry. To avoid its growth, wine is supplemented with SO2, which has been questioned due to its potential harm to health. For this reason, studies are being focused on searching for, ideally, natural new antifungals. On the other hand, it is known that in wine production there are a variety of microorganisms, such as yeasts and bacteria, that are possible biological controls. Thus, it has been described that some microorganisms produce antimicrobial peptides, which might control yeast and bacteria populations. Our laboratory has described the Candida intermedia LAMAP1790 strain as a natural producer of antimicrobial compounds against food spoilage microorganisms, as is B. bruxellensis, without affecting the growth of S. cerevisiae. We have demonstrated the proteinaceous nature of the antimicrobial compound and its low molecular mass (under 10 kDa). This is the first step to the possible use of C. intermedia as a selective bio-controller of the contaminant yeast in the winemaking industry.
Postharvest Dips of Persimmon Fruit in Gibberellic Acid: An Efficient Treatment to Improve Storability and Reduce Alternaria Black Spot
Authors: Maurer Dalia , Feygenberg Oleg , Tzoor Alon , Atzmon Guy , Glidai Shlomo , Prusky Dov
Published: March 2019

In Israel, fruit softening during storage and the occurrence of Alternaria black spot (ABS) disease, caused by Alternaria alternata, are the main postharvest factors that reduce quality and impair storability of persimmon fruit. The pathogen causing ABS infects the fruit in the orchard and remains quiescent until harvest, or renews its development just before harvest but mainly during storage. A preharvest spray with 50 µg·L−1 gibberellin (GA3) significantly improved fruit storability, as determined by fruit firmness and levels of ABS. While GA3 treatments have been commercially applied for more than 30 years, significant limitations of the use of the preharvest treatment like enhancing the risk of a reduced yield have been described. Recent findings suggested that postharvest dip treatments with increased concentrations of GA3 also delayed fruit softening and reduced ABS to similar levels to the commercially applied preharvest treatment in persimmon fruit stored for 3 months at 0 °C. Postharvest GA3 dip treatments at concentrations ranging from 500 to 1500 µg·L−1 were similarly more efficient in the prevention of fruit softening and ABS development than the 50 µg·L−1 preharvest spray. Present results indicated that postharvest GA3 treatment physiologically affects fruit firmness and susceptibility to ABS during storage.
Fusion of the Brooks–Iyengar Algorithm and Blockchain in Decentralization of the Data-Source
Authors: Iyengar Sitharama S. , Ramani Sanjeev Kaushik , Ao Buke
Published: March 2019

Information fusion has been a topic of immense interest owing to its applicability in various applications. This brings to the fore the need for a flexible and accurate fusion algorithm that can be versatile. The Brooks–Iyengar algorithm is one such fusion algorithm. It has since its inception found numerous applications that deal with the fusion of data from multiple sources. The uniqueness of the Brooks–Iyengar algorithm is the ease with which the data from multiple sensors in a local system can be fused and also reach consensus in a distributed system with the added capability of fault tolerance. Blockchain has found its use as a distributed ledger and has successfully supported and fueled many crypto-currencies over the years. Information fusion with regards to Blockchains is a topic of great research interest in the past couple of years. Since blockchain has no official node, the introduction of a decentralized network and a consensus algorithm is required in making the interactions and exchanges between multiple suppliers easier and thus leads to business being carried out without any hassles. In this paper, we attempt to understand and describe the deployment of multiple sensors to measure various aspects of the physical world. We discuss a novel technique of employing the Brooks–Iyengar algorithm in the design of the system that would decentralize the data source from the corresponding measurements and thus ensure the integrity of the transactions in the Blockchain. Finally, a theoretical analysis of the performance of the algorithm when used in a blockchain based decentralized environment is also discussed.
An Approach of Trustworthy Measurement Allocation Based on Sub-Attributes of Software
Authors: Tao Hongwei , Wu Hengyang , Chen Yixiang
Published: March 2019

Measurement of software trustworthiness is an important research field in the software engineering, which is very useful for analyzing the software quality. In this paper, we propose a mathematical programming approach to allocate the trustworthy degree to each sub-attribute of some software attribute appropriately and then to make the trustworthy degree of this attribute maximize under some constraint conditions. Some sufficient or necessary conditions for analyzing this mathematical programming problem are investigated. Moreover, a polynomial allocation algorithm is given for computing the optimal solution of this mathematical programming. Finally, an example is given in order to show the significance of this work. The results obtained here are useful for improving the software quality by adjusting the trustworthy degree of each sub-attribute under the same cost.
Pricing, Green Degree and Coordination Decisions in a Green Supply Chain with Loss Aversion
Authors: Feng Zhongwei , Tan Chunqiao
Published: March 2019

The consumer environmental awareness promotes green manufacturing and the behavioral preferences of members become prevailing in supply chain management. To promote further development of green supply chains, a two-echelon green supply chain with a manufacturer and a retailer is considered, where the manufacturer is loss-averse and the retailer is risk-neutral. We use a Stackelberg game to investigate the impacts of loss aversion and green efficiency coefficient on retail price, wholesale price, green degree, profits of members, and profit of the green supply chain under the assumption that manufacturer’s reference point of loss aversion is equal to the subgame perfect equilibrium partition. It is shown that, in the centralized decision-making setting (CDS), green degree and profit of the green supply chain are higher than those in the decentralized decision-making setting (DDS), while in the decentralized decision-making setting with a loss-averse manufacturer (DDS-LAM) loss aversion of manufacturer further decreases green degree and profit of green supply chain. It is also found that profits of the manufacturer and the retailer decrease with levels of loss aversion of manufacturer. Furthermore, it is also shown that wholesale price and retail price in the three decision-making settings depend on the green efficiency coefficient. Wholesale price and retail price in DDS-LAM are always the lowest (highest) if the green efficiency coefficient is sufficiently high (low). Finally, executing a greening cost-sharing contract can improve chain members’ profits if the retailer shares an appropriate proportion with the loss-averse manufacturer.
Urbanization Altered Bacterial and Archaeal Composition in Tidal Freshwater Wetlands Near Washington DC, USA, and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Gonzalez Mateu Martina , Park Cedric Evan , McAskill Cullen Patrick , Baldwin Andrew H. , Yarwood Stephanie A.
Published: March 2019

Urban expansion causes coastal wetland loss, and environmental stressors associated with development can lead to wetland degradation and loss of ecosystem services. This study investigated the effect of urbanization on prokaryotic community composition in tidal freshwater wetlands. Sites in an urban, suburban, and rural setting were located near Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Washington D.C., USA. We sampled soil associated with two pairs of functionally similar plant species, and used Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to examine changes in prokaryotic communities. Urban stressors included raw sewage inputs, nutrient pollution, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Prokaryotic communities changed along the gradient (nested PerMANOVA, Buenos Aires: p = 0.005; Washington D.C.: p = 0.001), but did not differ between plant species within sites. Indicator taxa included Methanobacteria in rural sites, and nitrifying bacteria in urban sites, and we observed a decrease in methanogens and an increase in ammonia-oxidizers from rural to urban sites. Functional profiles in the Buenos Aires communities showed higher abundance of pathways related to nitrification and xenobiotic degradation in the urban site. These results suggest that changes in prokaryotic taxa across the gradient were due to surrounding stressors, and communities in urban and rural wetlands are likely carrying out different functions.
The Design of Optical Circuit-Analog Absorbers through Electrically Small Nanoparticles
Authors: Monti Alessio , Alù Andrea , Toscano Alessandro , Bilotti Filiberto
Published: March 2019

In the last few years, the perfect absorption of light has become an important research topic due to its dramatic impact in photovoltaics, photodetectors, color filters and thermal emitters. While broadband optical absorption is relatively easy to achieve using bulky devices, today there is a strong need and interest in achieving the same effects by employing nanometric structures that are compatible with modern nanophotonic components. In this paper, we propose a general procedure to design broadband nanometer-scale absorbers working in the optical spectrum. The proposed devices, which can be considered an extension to optics of microwave circuit-analog absorbers, consist of several layers containing arrays of elongated nanoparticles, whose dimensions are engineered to control both the absorption level and the operational bandwidth. By combining a surface-impedance homogenization and an equivalent transmission-line formalism, we define a general analytical procedure that can be employed to achieve a final working design. As a relevant example, we show that the proposed approach allows designing an optical absorber exhibiting a 20% fractional bandwidth on a thickness of λ/4 at the central frequency of operation. Full-wave results confirming the effectiveness of the analytical findings, as well as some considerations about the experimental realization of the proposed devices are provided.
Role of Nitrate Reductase in NO Production in Photosynthetic Eukaryotes
Authors: Tejada-Jimenez Manuel , Llamas Angel , Galván Aurora , Fernández Emilio
Published: March 2019

Nitric oxide is a gaseous secondary messenger that is critical for proper cell signaling and plant survival when exposed to stress. Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in plants, under standard phototrophic oxygenic conditions, has long been a very controversial issue. A few algal strains contain NO synthase (NOS), which appears to be absent in all other algae and land plants. The experimental data have led to the hypothesis that molybdoenzyme nitrate reductase (NR) is the main enzyme responsible for NO production in most plants. Recently, NR was found to be a necessary partner in a dual system that also includes another molybdoenzyme, which was renamed NO-forming nitrite reductase (NOFNiR). This enzyme produces NO independently of the molybdenum center of NR and depends on the NR electron transport chain from NAD(P)H to heme. Under the circumstances in which NR is not present or active, the existence of another NO-forming system that is similar to the NOS system would account for NO production and NO effects. PII protein, which senses and integrates the signals of the C–N balance in the cell, likely has an important role in organizing cell responses. Here, we critically analyze these topics.
The Flotation Process Can Go Green
Authors: Kyzas George Z. , Matis Kostas A.
Published: March 2019

In today’s world of environmental strain, wastewater treatment has become a, more or less, conventional application of flotation—as for instance, in the oil, food, or chemical industries, and in potable water treatment. In this paper, different flotation methods (such as ion, adsorbing colloid, and adsorptive flotation, including biosorption) and techniques will be reviewed; and, in order to explain them further, several applications of these from the laboratory (General and Inorganic Chemical Technology) at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (AUTh) will be presented and analyzed, with the main focus on sustainability. The application of flotation as a separation process, when applied in pollution control or during water treatment, was often criticized due to the possible toxicity of the applied collectors; however, the use of biosurfactants may alleviate this concern and enhance its further acceptability.
Cable Failure Operation Strategy for a Rehabilitation Cable-Driven Robot
Authors: Boschetti Giovanni , Carbone Giuseppe , Passarini Chiara
Published: March 2019

Cable-Driven Parallel Robots (CDPR) have attracted significant research interest for applications ranging from cable-suspended camera applications to rehabilitation and home assistance devices. Most of the intended applications of CDPR involve direct interaction with humans where safety is a key issue. Accordingly, this paper addresses the safety of CDPRs in proposing a strategy to minimize the consequences of cable failures. The proposed strategy consists of detecting a cable failure and avoiding any consequent motion of the end-effector. This is obtained by generating a wrench that is opposite to the direction of the ongoing motion so that the end-effector can reach a safe position. A general formulation is outlined as well as a specific case study referring to the LAWEX (LARM Wire-driven EXercising device), which has been designed within the AGEWELL project for limb rehabilitation. Real-time calculation is carried out for identifying feasible cable tensions, which generate a motion that provides the desired braking force. Simulations are carried out to prove the feasibility and effectiveness of the strategy outlined here in cases of cable failure.
Combination of Probabilistic Linguistic Term Sets and PROMETHEE to Evaluate Meteorological Disaster Risk: Case Study of Southeastern China
Authors: Yu Xiaobing , Chen Hong , Ji Zhonghui
Published: March 2019

The meteorological disasters have brought destructive damages all around the world in the past decades. These disasters have posed great threats to sustainable development. It is necessary to evaluate meteorological disaster risk to make corresponding emergency measures. The process is uncertain and fuzzy regarding the experts’ preferences. To deal with the problem, a novel evaluation approach based on PROMETHEE method and probabilistic linguistic term set (PLTS) is firstly proposed. First of all, PLTS is adopted to express preferences’ of experts. Then, the weights of criteria are obtained by the differential evolution (DE) algorithm, and steps of the method are proposed. Finally, the proposed method is used to evaluate the whole meteorological disaster risk in the southeast coastal areas of China and results have verified the effectiveness of the method. By comparing with some similar methods, results have demonstrated the advantages of the approach.
Nomenclatural Novelties in Anthurium sect. Urospadix subsect. Obscureviridia from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Valadares Rodrigo Theófilo , Calazans Luana S. B. , Sakuragui Cassia Mônica
Published: March 2019

This paper presents and discusses nomenclatural novelties concerning names of Atlantic Forest species of Anthurium Schott sect. Urospadix Engl. in subsection Obscureviridia Engl. Nine lectotypifications, four neotypifications, one correction of authorship, and one clarification of a type are presented and discussed, and four designations are noted not to have been validly published.
What Should We Do Different, More, Start and Stop? Systematic Collection and Dissemination of Massage Education Stakeholder Views from the 2017 Alliance for Massage Therapy Educational Congress†
Authors: Munk PhD, LMT Niki , Dyson-Drake, BS Jasmine , Mastnardo, LMT Diane
Published: March 2019

Introduction: The Future of MT and Bodywork Forum, held July 27 during the 2017 Alliance for Massage Therapy Education (AFMTE) Educa-tional Congress in Tucson, Arizona, systematically gathered the thoughts and opinions of various massage education stakeholders through an exercise following the principles of the World Café model.Methods: Forum attendees participated in three, concurrent 30-minute Breakout Group Sessions (Rounds) in three different adjacent rooms, focused on Continuing Education, Schools, or Employment. During each session, participants rotated for 3, 2.5, 2, and 1.5 min-utes between four tables, asking what should be stopped, started, done differently, or changed in massage education related to the focus topic. Participants recorded their responses in marker on large Post-it® notes (3M, Maplewood, MN). These were reviewed by each of that round’s participants who awarded “importance points” to each response, with 6 blue and 3 orange dots each worth 1 and 3 points, respectively. The Post-it® notes with comments and point alloca-tions were transcribed into a data spreadsheet and analyzed for descriptive statistics and top scoring comments from each room.Results: 85–91 attendees participated in the three breakout sessions resulting in 674 comments with 3,744 assigned value points. The top five scor-ing comments from each room per session (N = 45) determined stakeholder’s most critical views. Stop comments made up the smallest total comments proportion (19%), yet largest top scoring com-ment proportion (36%)—potentially highlighting unified frustration for various massage education practices. Comparatively, Start comments made up 26% of total comments, but the smallest high-est scoring proportion (18%)-perhaps suggesting stakeholders feel it more important to improve what is already being done rather than beginning new endeavors in these areas.Conclusion: Stakeholder opinions on the future of massage therapy education can be system-atically gathered in large conference settings and organized, analyzed, and disseminated to inform field decision-making.
Species of Dendrostoma (Erythrogloeaceae, Diaporthales) associated with chestnut and oak canker diseases in China
Authors: Jiang Ning , Fan Xin-Lei , Crous Pedro W. , Tian Cheng-Ming
Published: March 2019

Dendrostoma was recently proposed in Erythrogloeaceae (Diaporthales, Sordariomycetes), with all known members recorded as being plant pathogenic on economically important tree hosts. During our collections of Dendrostoma species in China, mild to severe canker symptoms were observed on sweet chestnut (Castaneamollissima) and oak (Quercus spp.) trees. Dead and dying plant tissues exhibiting Dendrostoma canker symptoms were sampled for fungal isolation. A total of 37 Dendrostoma isolates were obtained and analysed using morphological characteristics and molecular data (ITS, LSU, RPB2, TEF1-α). Based on these data, 10 novel clades could be distinguished, which also proved to represent morphologically distinct species described here as Dendrostomaaurorae, D.castaneae, D.castaneicola, D.chinense, D.dispersum, D. parasiticum, D.qinlingense, D.quercus, D.shaanxiense and D.shandongense spp. nov. A key to species of the genus is also provided.
A new stiletto snake (Lamprophiidae, Atractaspidinae, Atractaspis) from Liberia and Guinea, West Africa
Authors: Rödel Mark-Oliver , Kucharzewski Christoph , Mahlow Kristin , Chirio Laurent , Pauwels Olivier , Carlino Piero , Sambolah Gordon , Glos Julian
Published: March 2019

We describe a new stiletto snake,Atractaspis, from western Liberia and southeastern Guinea. The new species shares with morphologically similar western AfricanAtractaspisspecies,A.reticulataandA.corpulenta, the fusion of the 2ndinfralabial with the inframaxillary. FromA.corpulentathe new species differs by a more slender body (276–288 ventrals and 19 or 20 dorsal scale rows versus 178–208 ventrals with 23–29 dorsal scale rows), a divided anal plate and divided subcaudal scales (both non-divided inA.corpulenta). The new species differs from mostA.reticulataby having 19 or 20 dorsal scale rows at midbody (versus 21–23, rarely 19), and a lower ventral count (276–288 versus 304–370). The new species thus has a relatively longer tail: snout-vent-length / tail-length in the female holotype (15.7) and paratype (21.5) versus a mean of 23.6 in seven femaleA.reticulata. The newAtractaspislikely is endemic to the western part of the Upper Guinea forest zone and thus adds to the uniqueness of this diverse and threatened biogeographic region.
Application of Geopolymer Composites in Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Shikuku Victor Odhiambo , Sylvain Tome
Published: March 2019

Geopolymers are amorphous aluminosilicates with some varied applications. However, the use of geopolymers in water treatment is a relatively new subject. This chapter discusses developments in synthesis, properties and applications of geopolymers and their composites for removal of heavy metals and dyes from water including reduction of hardness in water. The adsorption mechanisms and effects of various environmental conditions on adsorption efficiency are also highlighted. The chapter demonstrates that geopolymers are low cost and environmentally benign materials for wastewater treatment and offers opportunities as alternative adsorbents for sequestration of various pollutants from water subject to further investigations.
Polymer Nanocomposites Coating for Anticorrosion Application
Authors: Kumar Sudheer , Krishnan Sukhila , Samal Sushanta Kumar , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay Kumar
Published: March 2019

Corrosion is the foremost reason for the deterioration of metallic components used in harsh environments and hence research on the development of an innovative protective system with admirable performance has become a subject of leading importance. Currently, chromates free organic or the polymer coatings on the metal substrate bestow an efficient barrier amongst the metal and inhibit corrosion and save the environment. Researchers have involved in the development of polymer coating containing nanoparticles because reinforcement of nanoparticles decreases the porosity and provides a zig-zag diffusion path which in turn forms barrier layer on the metal surface to protect the metal from the harmful corrosive species. This present chapter deliberates the application of polymer-based nanocomposite coating to mitigate the corrosion of metals against harsh environment. This chapter covers the utilization of carbon-based nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticle, conductive polymer, self-heling polymer, etc., and could shows a new insight to for anti-corrosive metal surface protective coating.