bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GAZLAŞTIRMA TESİSİ ODUN ATIĞI VE SİVAS KANGAL LİNYİT KÖMÜRÜNÜN BOYA ADSORPSİYONUNDA KULLANIM OLANAKLARININ ARAŞTIRILMASI
Authors: Kırma Ramazan , Sarıkaya Musa , Top Soner , Uçkun Şükrü , Timür İrfan
Published: December 2020

Bu çalışmada Sivas Kangal linyit kömürü ile Gebze MDF ve Yonga Levha Gazlaştırma Tesisi
ön çalışmalarında elde edilen odun atığının adsorban olarak kullanılma olanakları araştırılmıştır.
Böylelikle hem atıkların değerlendirilmesi hem de daha ucuz ve kolay elde edilen malzemeler ile
çevre kirliliğinin önlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. -75 μm boyutuna kırılıp öğütülen ve adsorban olarak
kullanılan odun atığı ve kömür numunelerin yapı ve yüzey özellikleri XRD, SEM ve BET analizleri
ile incelenmiştir. Ayrıca kül, nem, uçucu madde ve sabit karbon içerikleri ile elementel analizleri
yapılarak numuneler karakterize edilmiştir. Deneylerde boyar madde olarak C16H18CIN3S.xH2O
formülasyonuna sahip metilen mavisi (MM) kullanılmıştır. Sıcaklık, karıştırma süresi ve derişim
parametrelerinin MM adsorpsiyonu üzerine etkileri araştırılmıştır. Optimum konsantrasyonlarda
değişik sıcaklıklar için Langmuir izotermleri oluşturulmuştur. Sonuç olarak mevcut çalışma ile
adsorban olarak tercihen linyit kömürü ve odun atığının kullanılabileceği ortaya konulmuştur.
Linyit kömürü için 10 ppm ve odun atığı için ise 3 ppm MM konsantrasyonlarının adsorpsiyon için
ideal derişimler olduğu belirlenmiştir.
Loan Appraisal Protocol for Effective Microfinance Portfolio in Tanzania
Authors: NGONYANİ Danstun , SERBES Halil
Published: December 2020

The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive analysis on loan application appraisal protocol for effective microfinance portfolio in Tanzania. This study utilizes random sampling method and ordinary least square regression model on 219 microfinance institutions collected from Dar es Salaam, Morogoro and Dodoma regions. The results show that borrower business income, capital of borrower, membership duration of borrower and social collateral of borrowers have negative and significant impact on portfolio at risk of microfinance institutions. The findings therefore indicate that portfolio at risk of microfinance institutions can be reduced by (i) microfinance institutions to consider sound cash flow of the main business of microfinance client to enhance repayments; (ii) microfinance institutions must provide credit facilities to borrowers with relatively high capital in their business; (iii) microfinance institutions should extend credits to borrowers who are frequently willing to access credit facilities to enhance regular repayments; (iv) microfinance institutions should encourage borrowers to use group lending when accessing credits for effective repayments and diminish the risk of microfinance loan portfolio.
Kontrol Edilen Yabancı Kurum Kazancı ve Uluslararası Bilgi Değişiminin Önemi
Authors: ERCAN Taner
Published: December 2020

Tasarruf sahibi ülke ve şirketlerin fonlarından, sermaye akımlarından pay almak isteyen ülkeler, bu süreçte haksız rekabet işlemleri ile söz konusu pazardan faydalanmak için yeni vergisel düzenlemeler yapmaya başlamışlardır. Bu kapsamda kaynak ülkeler haksız vergi rekabeti, vergi kaçakçılığı, çifte vergiyi önleme, matrah aşındırması gibi kavramlar ile karşı karşıya kalmaya başlamışlardır. Zararlı vergi rekabetine zemin oluşturan bu süreçleri önlemek adına birçok ülke farklı tedbirler almak ve mevzuatlarında farklı düzenlemeler geliştirmek durumunda kalmışlardır. Bunlardan birisi de KEYKK (Kontrol Edilen Yabancı Kurum Kazancı) kavramı olarak şekillenmiş olup, bu kurumun çalışma temelini “uluslararası bilgi değişim” uygulaması oluşturmaktadır. Hızla hareket eden uluslararası sermaye ve yatırımlarda farkındalığı arttırmak adına uluslararası bilgi değişimi haksız vergi rekabetinin önüne KEYKK uygulamaları ile geçilebileceği düşünülmektedir. Bu makalenin temel amacı, KEYKK’nın Türkiye ve Dünyadaki yasal kapsamı hakkında bilgi vermek, zararlı vergi rekabetinin önüne geçebilecek bir müessese olan KEYKK’nın etkin ve verimli çalışabilmesi için uluslararası bilgi değişiminin önemine dikkat çekmektir. Makalede OECD model konvansiyonu, FATCA uygulaması, çifte vergiyi önleme anlaşmaları ve Avrupa Birliği Karşılıklı Yardımlaşma Direktifi gibi anlaşma ve düzenlemeler söz konusu amacın gerçekleştirilmesine dayanak olacak etmenlerdir. Countries that want to take a share from the funds and capital flows of the saving countries and companies have started to make tax arrangements in order to get a share from the market in question with their unfair competition. In this context, the source countries have started to face concepts such as unfair tax competition, tax evasion, double tax prevention, tax base abrasion. Many countries have had to develop important tax institutions in order to prevent processes that underpin harmful tax competition. One of these was the concept of KEYKK (Controlled Foreign Institution Gain) and the foundation of this institution is based on the application of “information exchange”. In order to raise awareness in rapidly moving international capital and investments, international information exchange can prevent unfair tax competition with KEYKK practices. The main purpose of this article is KEYKK’s Turkey and in the world to provide information about the legal scope of the KEYKK’s is an institution that can prevent the harmful tax competition in the international exchange of information in order to operate effectively and efficiently is to draw attention to the importance. Agreements and arrangements such as the OECD model convention, FATCA implementation, double tax prevention agreements and the European Union Mutual Assistance Directive are the basis for achieving this goal.
Yerel Hizmet Sunumunda Kalite ve Muhtarların Görüşleri: Buca Örneği
Authors: TAHRAN Şebnem , KORLU Rükan Kutlu
Published: December 2020

1980’den sonra küreselleşmenin etkisi ile birçok gelişmiş ülkenin kamu mali yönetiminde kapsamlı değişiklikler meydana gelmiştir. Bu değişim aynı zamanda yerel yönetimlerin mali sistemlerini de kapsamıştır. Türkiye’de yerel yönetimler bu değişim dalgasından etkilenmiş ve mali yönetim sistemlerini yeniden düzenlemiştir. Bu süreçte yerel hizmet sunumunda vatandaş odaklı yönetim anlayışı kapsamında; yerel hizmetlerin kalitesi önem kazanmıştır. En önemli yerel hizmet sağlayan kurum ise belediyelerdir. Bu çalışmada ilk olarak yeni kamu mali yönetimi anlayışı kapsamında kalite arayışından bahsedilecektir. Daha sonra bu kapsamda Türkiye’deki değişim ve kanuni yansımaları ele alınacaktır. Sonraki kısımda yerel hizmet kalitesini etkileyen faktörler ve aktörler olarak belediyeler ve muhtarlar değerlendirilecektir. Çalışma literatür taraması ile devam edecek ve ardından araştırma yer alacaktır. Araştırmada hem nitel hem de nicel yöntem tercih edilmiştir. Buna göre İzmir’in Buca ilçesi mahalle muhtarlarının belediye hizmetlerinin kalitesi konusunda görüşleri yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme tekniği ile araştırılmıştır. Nicel araştırma kısmında ise muhtarların kalite algısına dair nicel araştırmanın sonuçları yer almıştır. Çalışmanın sonuç kısmında Buca Belediyesi hizmetlerine dair muhtarların görüşlerinin değerlendirilmesi yapılmış ve bu kapsamda görüş ve önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
New Approaches to Assessing State of Insulating Material of Traction Electric Motors of Electric Locomotives
Authors: Teregulov O. A.
Published: December 2020

Increasing the efficiency of functioning of railway transport in the field of cargo and passenger transportation, reducing operating costs are immediately related at present to the cost of maintaining and restoring traction rolling stock. Optimization of operating costs is possible on the basis of the transition from a scheduled preventive system of repair of traction rolling stock, based on assessment of the average statistical level of its technical condition without considering peculiarities of the operating range, to a system of repair and maintenance based on the actual technical condition, objectively determined on the basis of creation and implementation of onboard, portable and stationary means of technical diagnostics of units and assemblies, of development of a data bank on the current state of electric locomotives and their units. Power plants belong to the basic elements and units of traction rolling stock structures. The reliability and service life of traction electric motors of electric locomotives, especially winding insulation, does not meet modern requirements, and the existing systems for diagnosing the state of winding insulation do not allow providing the required level of failure detection at an early stage. To qualitatively determine the wear category of the insulating material, new approaches have been developed. They are based on the method of IR spectrophotometry based on relative rate of transmittance of electromagnetic radiation in a gas atmosphere removed from the traction motor winding. This is the basis for development and implementation of onboard system for automated monitoring of the current state of the electric motor insulation and assessment of the residual resource.
The Study on Prerequisites for Operating Losses in the Airline Activity
Authors: Zhukov V. E.
Published: December 2020

Methods for analyzing the economic activity of airlines and forecasting the prerequisites for bankruptcy of airlines is becoming an important task for development of the industry. In past years, there were examples of a sound negative experience related to bankruptcy of airlines. At the same time, the main volume indicators of the airlines concerned had got positive dynamics shortly before the bankruptcy and were considered by BCG matrix as evident «stars» in terms of growth in production volumes and in the share of the air transportation market. In Russia that was the case of Sibir airlines which in 2007–2008 barely avoided bankruptcy, as well as of Transaero Airlines that has left the air transportation market forever. The first lowcost airlines, Skyexpress and Avianova, went bankrupt amid high growth in the number of passengers transported. The task of the research was to create a model that allows to simulate the situation associated with the airline overcoming the so-called «second break-even point». To forecast the possible time period for the airline to receive an operating loss against the background of growing volume indicators, production and financial indicators of one of the leading Russian airlines were used. The method of research is modelling of volume and financial indicators of the airline activity. The model is proposed to be built not on the study of future changes in the growth of volume and financial indicators, but on the study of dynamics of the rate of change of those indicators. The study is based on the fact that the dynamics of air transportation has a cyclical basis, which is invisible when directly analyzing changes in production and financial indicators, and which is on the contrary clearly visible when studying the dynamics of the rates of those indicators, which makes it possible to simulate a situation when the airline will have an operational loss in the future.
Methods of Selection of Transport Interchange Hubs Location Based on Optimization Mathematical Model
Authors: Moskvichev O. V. , Leonova S. A.
Published: December 2020

The article discusses development of a system of transport and interchange hubs (TIH). The need to create TIHs is due to an opportunity to increase efficiency of passenger flows in the urban public transport system, to reduce travel time for passengers, to ensure comfortable and safe conditions for transfer, and to improve quality of service to the population.  The objective of the research is to develop methods that allow solving the problem of optimal selection of TIH locations in any city according to the economic criterion and the criterion of the average travel time using the methods of mathematical modelling. The technique comprises search for optimal travel routes in the city and identification of effective interchange hubs using the developed software product called «Efficient transfers». Efficient transfer hubs with maximum passenger traffic are candidates for TIH locations. The work describes calculations made according the proposed methods and optimal options for location of this in the city of Samara considering limited funds, reduction in travel time and in the number of passengers using these TIHs. The research also resulted in obtaining the dependence of reduction in the average time of an urban trip on the number of TIHs.
Evgeny O. Paton (to the 150th anniversary of the birth)
Authors: Grigoriev N. D.
Published: December 2020

The article is dedicated to Evgeny Oskarovich Paton, an outstanding Soviet scientist with brilliant engineering talent. It was he who created a unique school of bridge building. The most famous creation of Evgeny Oskarovich bears his name – the famous Paton Bridge in Kiev.

E. O. Paton is the author of more than 300 scienti fic papers and several theoretical courses on bridge building and welding: «Calculation of end-to-end trusses with rigid joints», «Iron bridges» in 4 volumes, «Wooden railway bridges», «Automatic bare electrode welding under a layer of flux», fundamental textbook «Course of bridges» in 5 volumes and others. Organizer and editor-in-chief of the journal «Automatic welding» (1949–1953). Many of his textbooks are still being used in the study process.

The beginning of Evgeny Paton’s professional, research and teaching career was directly related to transport and railways, teaching at the then MIIT, where the future great scientist headed the department «Bridges and Tunnels» (founded in 1896). It was there that Evgeny Oskarovich worked until 1904. Paton’s laboratory has survived to this day and even continues to be used in teaching, and documents and photographs related to the scientist are carefully kept in the university museum.
Theoretical Method for Controlling the Flow Rate of the Pumped Medium by Positioning Locking Elements of the Pipe Fittings
Authors: Kravchuk A. S. , Kravchuk A. I. , Mikhievich A. P. , Gays N. Yu.
Published: December 2020

Any object located in the pipeline, including the flow meter, leads to a drop in pressure in the pipeline and the need to increase the power of the pumps. Therefore, it seems promising to reduce energy consumption for pumping fluid in the pipeline by reducing the number of flow meters installed after shut-off and control valves and to predict the flow rate of the pumped medium by the position of the locking element in the valve. This will also lead to a reduction in the cost of transporting media by reducing the number of metering devices. In order to solve this complex problem in pipeline transport, the article solves a number of regional problems of hydromechanics based on the finite element method. In order to simplify the acquaintance with these solutions, as well as their practical application by engineers, the article proposes «parametric stationary vortex flow models in such types of shut-off and control valves as a ball valve, butterfly valve, wedge gate valve, angle valve. Without prejudice to generality of the technique, water is considered as an example of a pumped medium. The analysis was performed using FLOTRAN CFD software of ANSYS10 ED program». The article describes in detail the capabilities of both the graphical interface and the command line. Creating models is accompanied by full comments on the actions, which allows any user to master these models. All stages of building models are considered in detail: construction of a solid-state model, selection of elements, appointment of properties of the pumped media, appointment of boundary conditions, as well as solving the problem and viewing the results. «It has been established that the flow rate of the medium is affected both by the geometry of the considered types of shut-off and control valves», and the position of the locking element. The technique can be applied to any designs of pipe fittings associated with calculation of movement of a viscous fluid.
Institute of Economics and Finance of Russian University of Transport: Milestones of Establishment and Development
Authors: Sokolov Yu. I.
Published: December 2020

The article discusses the main stages of development of the Institute of Economics and Finance of Russian University of Transport. Brief information about changes in the status and structure of the Institute is followed by description of the results of its scientific and pedagogical activity, prominent transport economists working at the Institute. IEF is now one of the leading institutes of Russian University of Transport. IEF trains engineers, bachelors, and masters in the fields of economics, management, trade, business and applied informatics, linguistics. The article is dedicated to the 90th anniversary of foundation of the Institute.
Sovremennik Magazine about the Railways (socio-economic analysis)
Authors: Razuvaev A. D.
Published: December 2020

The article is devoted to the analysis of the poetic works of the Russian authors of the middle 19th century, who published in Sovremennik [The Contemporary; the literary and socio-political magazine founded in 1836] and extensiv ely reviewed the topic of construction of railways in the Russian Empire. Citing selected fragments of works of A. S. Pushkin, N. A. Nekrasov, N. A. Dobrolyubov, A. A. Fet, Ya. P. Polonsky, helps to present the socio-economic analysis of the problems associated with construction of first railways in Russia, as they were seen by Sovremennik authors. The conclusion is made that Sovremennik authors regarded the topic of construction and operation of railways as one of the most socially significant and promising. Editorial note. Instead of a review of a scientific or educational edition traditionally suggested under that heading we publish the original analysis of the works of Russian writers and poets of 19th century made from the point of view of the history of transport and particularly of socio-economic aspects of its development. The publication might confirm the importance of transport industry, that enjoyed widespread attention two centuries ago, as it does it nowadays.
Assessment of Effectiveness of Sustainable Transport Development
Authors: Savosina M. I.
Published: December 2020

The traditional assessment of efficiency ofoperations and of development projects of transportsystems is based on a mercantilist approach thatconsiders efficiency of activities according to the«cost–income–profit of economic entities» pattern.In this case, non-systemic, external results areusually not considered, while they can be many timeshigher in value terms than the internal resultsobtained by economic entities. External results areoften seen outside the realm of purely economicrelations. This is especially evident in theinfrastructure sector, the material basis of which isformed by transport and logistics. To some extent acrisis of economic doctrine has arisen. An ecologicalcrisis is being observed due to unrestrainedanthropogenic activity. The concentration of peopleand production activities in cities has become thecause of the urbanization crisis. Growing inequalityhas led to an exacerbation of social contradictions.As a result, mankind has faced a complex crisis ofcivilization. Sustainable development was recognizedas the main means of resolving the crisis. Sustainabletransport dev elopement-being primarily aninfrastructure field of activity, serves as thefoundation for building sustainable development ofthe economy and social sphere. The sustainabledevelopment goals set by the world communityunder the auspices of the UN can only be achievedthrough the comprehensive assessment ofeffectiveness of management decisions (cumulativeaccounting of all internalities and externalities).Transport has become a pioneer in sustainabledevelopment of territories and cities. The approachto a comprehensive assessment of effectiveness ofsustainable development determines the reform ofeconomic and fiscal relations in the future accordingto the principle of the Pigou tax.The objective of this article is to explore ways toimprove assessment of effectiveness andmethodology of sustainable development oftransport organizations and transport systems. Thearticle substantiates the relevance and directions ofimproving the methodology for a comprehensiveassessment of the results of transport activities andpresents analytical models for a comprehensiveassessment of its effectiveness. The promising tasksfor continuation of research and development areassociated with justification and legal legitimation ofthe use of cost estimates of various external resultsof improving transport, as well as with developmentof a system for monitoring of information necessaryfor a comprehensive assessment of sustainabletransport development.
Stress-Strain State of Reinforced Concrete Overpass under Load
Authors: Bondar I. S. , Kvashnin M. Ya. , Aldekeeva D. T.
Published: December 2020

Beam spans are the most vulnerable elements ofthe bridge system, as they are exposed to directeffects of mobile load, environmental and climaticfactors (temperature and humidity effects, includingfreezing and thawing, shrinkage, humidity, etc.).Appearance of defects of the structure is inevitable;the refore civil engineers face a topical problem ofstrengthening of damaged structures of bridges. Thearticle discusses some results of calculated valuesand instrumental measurements of stress-strain state(SSS) of reinforced concrete beam span structuresof railway overpass under operational load caused bydifferent rolling stock units. The objective of this studyis to control stress-strain state of railway overpass foridentification and elimination of defects at earlystages. The calculation results obtained, carried outby finite-element method (FEM) in the programABAQUS/Standard correlate well with experimentaldata. These results can be used for monitoring thestate of artificial structures on main lines of JSC NCKTZ.
Factors Influencing Development of Longitudinal Profile Deformations of the Roadbed in the Permafrost Zone
Authors: Shapran V. V. , Fazilova Z. T.
Published: December 2020

Up to 2025 operations at the network of the Northern Railway (a subsidiary of JSC Russian Railways) may increase according to forecasts by 28,4 %, which is associated with construction of the Northern latitudinal railway. At the same time, a significant part of the Northern Railway is characterized by difficult climatic conditions: permafrost, polygonal-vein ice, peat bog areas, sharp temperature drops, significant amounts of precipitation in the form of snow. In the context of the planned increase in cargo intensity, the diagnostics of the roadbed in the zone of distribution of soils with weak bearing capacity against the backdrop of global climate change is of key character. The article is devoted to survey of the roadbed located in the permafrost zone. The results of diagnostics of the state of the railway track make it possible to forecast the state of railway infrastructure facilities, to categorize subsidence of the roadbed according to the degree of danger, and to develop measures for its stabilization. The objective of the work is to study the factors affecting degradation of the roadbed located in the permafrost zone. The methods of the work are based on field examinations of «sick» places of the roadbed and statistical forms of analysis of longitudinal profile deformations (subsidence) of the track. The result of this work is the study of influence of a number of factors on dev elopment of deformations of the roadbed located in the permafrost zone. In the future, it is planned, based on the results of diagnostics of the state of the railway track, to forecast the permafrost state of railway infrastructure facilities, to categorize subsidence of the roadbed according to the degree of danger, and to develop measures to stabilize it.
Bottom-up Urban Regeneration and Vacant Buildings: A Framework to understand how Empty Properties can be Strategically Embedded in Bottom-up Projects
Authors: Squizzato Alberto
Published: December 2020

The bottom-up projects, in the years after the Great Crisis, have been considered as a popular measure to solve urban issues, overcoming the conditions of austerity faced by public actors. However, these initiatives not only seem confined to solve very specific issues but are often linked to a more comprehensive urban regeneration strategy, thus capable of addressing the economic, social and physical aspects of a wider part of the city. This article presents the first findings of wider research, which analyses the link between bottom-up practices and the concept of urban regeneration. In particular, this article focuses on an element that appears to be fundamental for the development of these bottom-up urban regeneration practices: the presence of vacant buildings available for the reuse. This article suggests the possibility to analyse how vacant buildings are embedded in these practices through three steps, called steps for the regeneration through the reuse of vacant buildings (SteRVs), namely Recognition, Appropriation and Design. The validity of the three phases is demonstrated through a multiple case study analysis, that considers two renowned bottom-up urban regeneration cases developed in Europe mainly after 2000: Farm Cultural Park, in Favara (Italy) and NDSM wharf, in Amsterdam.
Effect of repeated atrazine and pendimethalin application on their bound residues in long term fertilized soil of semi-arid tropic region in India
Authors: A RagaPriya , P Janaki , K Arulmozhiselvan
Published: December 2020

Repeated and long term application of same herbicides forms bound residues in soil and becomes point source of pollution over a period of time and harms the soil microorganisms. Among the different herbicides, the atrazine and pendimethalin is widely and repeatedly used molecule in maize and sunflower cultivation for weed control, respectively. Hence the present study was undertaken to investigate the bound residue of the applied herbicides in soil under long term fertilized condition with varied nutrient sources since 1909 in North-Western agro-climatic zone of Tamil Nadu under the semi-arid tropic region of India.  Soil samples were collected at the time of maize and sunflower harvest and analysed for the bound fraction of atrazine and pendimethalin compounds respectively. The results showed that the repeated application of these herbicides at recommended dose formed a considerable amount of non-extractable bound residues in soil. While the bound fraction of parent atrazine was found below detectable limit, pendimethalin was at a quantifiable level in the soil irrespective of fertilization sources. However the bound form of atrazine metabolites, namely Des ethyl Deisopropyl atrazine (DEDIA) and Hydroxy atrazine (HA) was extracted from the maize cultivated soil. Bound forms of HA (4.34%) and DEDIA (3.43%) and pendimethalin (3.14%)to the applied quantity were witnessed at a higher amount in control plot than the fertilized plots. The omission of any one major nutrient recorded elevated DEDIA bound form than the HA fraction. The non-extractable bound residues of both the herbicides were detected at different proportions according to the herbicide nature, sources of fertilization and the crops cultivated in the soil. The fraction of bound form of atrazine metabolites was detected at higher level than the pendimethalin in soil. The present study revealed that the bound residues of atrazine, its metabolites and pendimethalin can be mineralized into the soil solution and bio-augmented over a period of time under the conditions of repeated application. Hence the remobilization of bound residues of these herbicides must be considered while gauging the environmental hazard and effect on non-target organisms.
Diversity of water-borne conidial fungi in some freshwater bodies of Kumaun Himalaya in district Nainital (Uttarakhand), India
Authors: Jalal Ruchi , Bisht Saraswati , Altaf Saima , Tiwari Anjali
Published: December 2020

The aquatic ecosystem harbours a variety of micro-organisms, among which water-borne conidial fungi occupy an important place. Their occurrence in freshwater habitat has great significance in the decomposition of submerged plant materials, nutrient release and productivity. Their occurrence and frequency to extreme temperatures and pH may have a profound effect on fungal community composition and metabolic activities. The present paper deals with the diversity of conidial aquatic fungi from different unexplored freshwater bodies flowing through different elevations (1000-1500 m) in district Nainital, Kumaun Himalaya. Comparative study of species composition in different seasons, sporulation temperatures and pH conditions was also carried out. In all, 18 species of conidial fungi belonging to 14 genera were recorded, out of which maximum species (11 species) were recorded in both rainy (July to September) and winter seasons (November to December). Anguillospora crassa, Beltrania rhombica, Campylospora chaetocladia, Cylindrocarpon aquaticum, Helicomyces roseus and Tetracladium setigerum were isolated only during rainy season; Alatospora acuminata, Clavariopsis aquatica, Clavatospora tentacula, Lemonniera pseudofloscula, L. terrestris and Tetrachaetum elegans were isolated only during winter season while Lunulospora curvula, L. cymbiformis, Setosynnema isthmosporum, Tetracladium marchalianum and Triscelophorus acuminatus were isolated in both rainy and winter seasons. The preferred pH and the sporulation temperature ranged from 6-7 and 15-20 °? respectively. The results of the present study are clearly indicating fungal species composition variations along pH, temperature, seasonal and altitudinal gradients and the sites selected for this exploratory investigation are being undertaken for the first time.
Soil organic carbon assessment under different land uses in Cauvery delta zone of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: A.C. Surya Prabha , R. Velumani , M. Senthivelu , K. Arulmani , S. Pragadeesh
Published: December 2020

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a vital role in soil fertility and is important for its contributions to mitigation and adaptation to climate change. The present study was undertaken to estimate the SOC stock in soils under different land uses of Cauvery Delta zone of Tamil Nadu. Four different land uses were selected for the study viz, Forests, Agriculture, Agro-forestry and Plantations. Soil samples were collected from Madukkur and Kalathur soil series of Cauvery Delta zone for soil carbon analysis. The soil samples were fractionated into three aggregate size classes viz., macro-aggregates (250-2000µm), micro-aggregates (53-250 µm) and silt and clay sized fraction (<53 µm). At 0-30 cm depth, the forest land use stored the maximum SOC stock in the different size fractions viz. macro-sized fraction (73.0 Mg ha-1), a micro-sized fraction (76.0 Mg ha-1) and silt+clay sized fraction (77.0 Mg ha-1) in Madukkur series. Agriculture land use registered the lowest SOC stock. Among the different size fractions, silt+clay sized fraction (< 53 µm) retained the maximum SOC in all the land uses. In Kalathur series also, maximum soil organic carbon stock was recorded in forest land use. The data generated in the study will be beneficial to the user groups viz., farmers in identifying the most suitable land use for enhancing the storage of soil organic carbon thereby improving yields of crops and trees.
Restorative effect of Azadirachta indica against fenvalerate induced haematological and biochemical toxicity in a freshwater fish Clarias batrachus
Authors: Kumari Pratibha , Jigyasu Sanjay Kumar , Paul Dilip Kumar
Published: December 2020

Pesticide use in recent times has increased many folds to enhance the yield of crops. The water bodies like ponds and others are extensively used for the cultivation of fishes. Since these fishes are a good source of protein and nutritious value, hence are consumed by humans. These pesticide-contaminated fishes are consumed by the human, causing health hazards. The objective of the present research work was to know the bio remedial effect of Azadirachta indica on fenvalerate induced toxicity in a freshwater air-breathing catfish "Mangur" known as Clarias batrachus ( Linnaeus). The fishes were treated with 1/3rd of LC50, i.e. 0.92 ppm of a pyrethroid pesticide fenvalerate and observed the fishes for 96 hours. Thereafter, the aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica was administered orally, daily by gastric intubation method at the dose of 100 mg/Kg body weight per day for 15 days. The study revealed that, after the exposure of 0.92 ppm of fenvalerate, there was a significant decrease in RBC count from 2.76 to 2.14 X (106) (mm-3), Total leukocyte count from18.10 to 16.30 X (103) (mm-3), , packed ell volume from 24 % to 16% , haemoglobin from 6.89 g/100 ml to 4.23 g/100ml of blood whereas increase in the level of serum glucose and cholesterol level from 50.33 mg/dl to 103.73 mg/dl and 168.52 g/dl to 248.99 g/dl respectively. At the same time, serum protein level decreased from  3.16g/dl to2.52 g/dl due to pesticide in the experimental fishes.   But, after the administration of aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica there was significant normalisation in the test parameters of the fishes. The study indicated that neem leaves possessed restorative effect against fenvalerate induced toxicity in Clarias batrachus.
Extraction of natural dye from the leaves of Wild Himalayan pear (Pyruspashia) and optimization of the dyeing parameters using Box-Behnken Design (RSM)
Authors: Kumari Manisha , Gahlot Manisha , Rani Anita , Sakshi
Published: December 2020

Today universe is inclined towards eco-friendly and sustainable products. Its interest is shifting from synthetic products to natural once. The present study involves the optimization of extraction pH of natural dye and optimization of dyeing parameters for dyeing of silk fabric using response surface methodology (RSM). The extraction of dye from the leaves of Pyrus pashia (Wild Himalayan pear) was carried out in acidic, neutral and alkaline pH. The neutral pH exhibited the highest colour strength than alkaline and acidic pH. Box-Behnken Design (RSM) was used for optimization of dyeing variables. The effect of independent variables i.e. dye material concentration, dyeing time and temperature were assessed on dependent variable i.e colour strength of the dyed silk fabric sample. The optimized dyeing variables obtained for application of P. pashia leaf dye on silk fabric were 5% (w/v) dye material concentration, 70°C dyeing temperature and 45 minutes dyeing time. It not only creates a source for a natural dye but can also lead to creating employment amongst the rural people. P. pashia has a potential to colour silk fabric and can be used to dye other natural fibres such as cotton and wool which can be a step towards sustainable development. dyeing with its leaf extract can be helpful in promoting eco-friendly processing of textiles.
Simultaneous application of AMMI measures and yield for stability analysis of wheat genotypes evaluated under irrigated late sown conditions of Central Zone of India
Authors: Verma Ajay , Singh G. P.
Published: December 2020

Reports on biased interpretation for the stability of the genotypes under AMMI analysis, considering only the first two interaction principal components, has been observed in recent past. Simultaneous use of yield and stability of genotypes in a single measure had been advocated for identification of highly productive and broadly adapted genotypes.  The performance of superiority index, allowed variable weighting mechanism for yield and stability, has been compared with AMMI based measures. For the first year (2018-19) Superiority index, weighting 0.65 and 0.35 for yield and stability, found UAS3002, MP3336 and HI1633 as of stable performance with high yield. Recent analytic measures the relative proportion of genotypic value (PRVG) and Harmonic mean of the relative proportion of genotypic value (MHPRVG) selected CG1029, HI1634 and HD2932 wheat genotypes.  Indirect relations were expressed by Superiority Index (SI) with other stability measures.  Superiority index saw stable performance along with high yield of HD2864  and HI1634 for the second year 2019-20. PRVG as well as MHPRVG measures observed suitability of  CG1029 and  HD2864 while MP3336  as unstable wheat genotypes. Values of SI measure had expressed only indirect relations of high degree with stability measures except with yield, PRVG and MHPRVG values.  Stability measures by the simultaneous use of AMMI and yield would be more meaning full and useful as compared to measures consider either the AMMI or yield of genotypes only.
Modeling on population growth and its adaptation: A comparative analysis between Bangladesh and India
Authors: Rezaul Karim A.N.M. , Nizam Uddin Mohammed , Rana Masud , Khandaker Mayeen Uddin , Faruque M. R. I. , Parvez Sofi Mahmud
Published: December 2020

The biggest challenge in the world is population growth and determining how society and the state adapt to it as it directly affects the fundamental human rights such as food, clothing, housing, education, medical care, etc. The population estimates of any country play an important role in making the right decision about socio-economic and population development projects. Unpredictable population growth can be a curse. The purpose of this research article is to compare the accuracy process and proximity of three mathematical model such as Malthusian or exponential growth model, Logistic growth model and Least Square model to make predictions about the population growth of Bangladesh and India at the end of 21st century. Based on the results, it has been observed that the population is expected to be 429.32(in million) in Bangladesh and 3768.53 (in million) in India by exponential model, 211.70(in million) in Bangladesh and 1712.94(in million) in India by logistic model and 309.28 (in million) in Bangladesh and 2686.30 (in million) in India by least square method at the end of 2100. It was found that the projection data from 2000 to 2020 using the Logistic Growth Model was very close to the actual data. From that point of view, it can be predicted that the population will be 212 million in Bangladesh and 1713 million in India at the end of the 21st century. Although transgender people are recognized as the third sex but their accurate statistics data is not available. The work also provides a comparative scenario of how the state has adapted to the growing population in the past and how they will adapt in the future.
Estimation of the SARS-CoV-2 specific reproduction number in SAARC countries: A 60-days Data-driven analysis
Authors: Nizam Uddin Mohammed , Rezaul Karim A.N.M. , Parvez Sofi Mahmud , RiazMahmud  , Shahadat Ali H. M. , Faruque M. R. I.
Published: December 2020

Novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) was acknowledged as a global pandemic by WHO, which was first observed at the end of December 2019 in Wuhan city, China, caused by extreme acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2). According to the Weekly operation Update on COVID-19 (November 13, 2020) of the World Health Organization, more than 53 million confirmed cases are reported, including 1.3 million deaths. Various precautionary measures have been taken worldwide to reduce its transmission, and extensive researches are going on. The purpose of this analysis was to determine the initial number of reproductions (Ro) of the coronavirus of SAARC countries named Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, the Maldives, and Sri-Lanka for the first 60 days as the growth is exponential in the early 60 days. The reproduction numbers of coronavirus for Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are 1.47, 3.86, 2.07, 1.43, 1.31, 3.22, 1.75, and 2.39 respectively. The basic reproduction number (R0) 3.86 for Bangladesh and 1.31 for Bhutan indicated that up to 60-days of the outbreak COVID-19, the epidemic was more severe in Bangladesh and less severe in Bhutan among all the SAARC countries. Our predictions can be helpful in planning alertness and taking the appropriate measures to monitor it.
Assessment of optimal growth conditions for specific carotenoids production by Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: G Sibi , Yadav Saroj , Bansal Sonu , M. L. Chaithra
Published: December 2020

Exploration of regional microalgae for carotenoids production under optimized cultural conditions is a sustainable economic and technical perspective. This study details comprehensive research on the influence of growth conditions on microalgal carotenoids. Carotenoid triggering factors were optimized to identify suitable growth conditions to produce specific carotenoids by Chlorella vulgaris.  Media optimization and cultivation conditions were the factors considered and the results revealed the optimum growth conditions for carotenoid production by C. vulgaris was pH 8, 35°C temperature, 0.04 M salinity and 160 µE\m²\sec light intensity. Among the nutrient sources, potassium nitrate and potassium phosphate were suitable for nitrogen and phosphorous supplements. The results indicated optimizing the culture conditions and nutrient sources help to attain desirable carotenoid production by C. vulgaris. Specific carotenoids were extracted from the algal extract and were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography in which lutein (8.8%) was present as major carotenoid followed by astaxanthin (4.6%) and ?-carotene (3.9%). This study revealed that that carotenoid production by C. vulgaris could be enhanced by manipulating culture conditions thereby attain desirable carotenoid production.
Development of a web-based tool for probit analysis to compute LC50/LD50/GR50 for its use in toxicology studies
Authors: Kumar Vinay , Sheoran O.P. , Rani Sarita , Malik Komal
Published: December 2020

The toxicity bioassays are essential to detect and estimate the potential toxicological effects of chemicals on an organism. LC50/LD50/GR50 is the estimation of dose/concentration necessary to kill 50 per cent of a population of the test species. Experimentally this is done by administrating a chemical at different doses to a group of organism and then observing the resulting mortalities in a set of the time period. A web-based module for a statistical analysis tool to calculate and compare the median lethal dose has been developed in ASP scripting language based on Server-Client Architecture. The module produces the final probit line, dose-response curve, LC50/LD50 with 95 % confidence interval. The Chi-square statistic has been obtained for testing the adequacy of fit. A user-friendly interface for entering/pasting the data and various parameters such as number of variables, number of observations etc. has also been provided. Additionally, a complete procedure to perform probit analysis has also been provided in the help file.
Development of Thabdi milk sweets of Gujarat State, India utilizing Ghee residue as an ingredient
Authors: Hirpara Parth , Prajapati J.P. , Mehta B.M. , Pinto S.V.
Published: December 2020

Thabdi an ethnic khoa based milk sweet of Gujarat State, which is famous for its characteristic colour texture and flavour, was prepared using ghee residue as an ingredient in order to provide a way to effectively utilize the by-product. Ghee residue was added in milk at different rates viz. T1 (control), T2 (2%), T3 (4%), T4 (6%), T5 (8%) and T6 (10 %). Addition of ghee residue in milk for making Thabdi was found to significantly (P?0.05) increase the fat, protein and ash content, Free fatty acids (FFA), Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value and acidity significantly (P?0.05) decreased the hardness of the products. Addition of ghee residue resulted in elimination of the 40 min holding period generally used for making Thabdi. Sample T4 (containing 6 % ghee residue) yielded the most acceptable product in terms of sensory attributes of product. It had a glossy brown colour, soft body, uniform grainy texture and pleasing rich nutty caramel flavour. During storage of sample T4 at cabinet temperature (20±1oC) and room temperature (37 C), the acidity, FFA, HMF (Hydroxymethyl Furfural), TBA and hardness increased significantly (P? 0.05) and sensory scores, moisture, water activity and pH decreased significantly(P? 0.05). It can be concluded that the most acceptable quality Thabdi could be prepared by addition of ghee residue at the rate of 6 % w/w of milk with improved shelf-life of 28 days at 20±1oC and 14 days at 37±1oC as compared to 21 and 12 days for control respectively. Thus, Thabdi sweet prepared with the use of ghee residue as an ingredient will provide a way to effectively utilize the by-product.
A review on the role of emerging revolutionary nanotechnology in forensic investigations
Authors: Tambo Francis , Ablateye Dorcas Naa Odarley
Published: December 2020

Due to the unique properties of nanoparticles, it has gained prominence in lots of fields with extensive research being carried around it. With lots of novel applications arising from this field, Forensic science seems to be one of the fast-growing fields in nano research applications. The growing and extensive use of nanotechnology being applied in forensic investigations is promising and could soon be the tipping point in the discipline. Applications mainly have been related to evidence identification and analysis in the broad major fields in Forensic Science such as single-crystalline semiconductor CdS nano slabs for explosives detection, functionalized TiO2 nanorods for organophosphorus chemical warfare agents in Forensic Chemistry, the use of Nanopowders for latent print visualization in Forensic physics and Gold nanoparticle protein nanopore for detection of single-stranded DNA in Forensic biology. Nanotechnology has also been employed in illegal drug detection in recent times. These and other applications of Nanotechnology provides prompt and precise results with reduced methods due to the limited instruments used for analyzing evidence as well as providing sensitive and selective ways of detecting evidence. As evidence is notable in forensic investigations, nanotechnology’s use in identifying and detecting these has potential in enhancing and providing efficient and rapid means for investigations and unravelling leads into crimes. This review emphasizes some disciplines in forensic sciences in which nanotechnology is having an impact, novel methods and newly developed instruments and also takes into account its challenges as well as perspectives into the future.
An overview of anthropogenic electromagnetic radiations as risk to pollinators and pollination
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Singh Vinay Kumar , Nath Pashupati , Joshi PC
Published: December 2020

Pollinators play a key functional role in most terrestrial ecosystems and provide important ecosystem service to maintain wild plant communities and agricultural productivity. The decline in pollinators has been related to anthropogenic disturbances such as habitat loss, alterations in land use, and climate change. The surge in mobile telephony has led to a marked increase in electromagnetic fields in the atmosphere, which may affect pollinator and pollination. Several laboratory studies have reported negative effects of electromagnetic radiation on reproduction, development, and navigation in insects. The abundance of insects such as the beetle, wasp, and hoverfly, decreased with electromagnetic radiation(EMR), whereas the abundance of underground-nesting wild bees and bee fly unexpectedly increased with EMR. Potential risks for pollinators and biodiversity are anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (AREMR) (light, radiofrequency). Artificial light at night (ALAN) can alter the function and abundance of pollinator. Evidence of impacts of AREMR is not adequate due to a lack of high quality, field-realistic studies. Whether pollinators experiencing a threat of ALAN or AREMR, while major knowledge gap exists. In this review, the effects of EMR on wild pollinator groups such as wild bees, hoverflies, bee flies, beetles, butterflies, and wasps etc. have been highlighted. Researchers are also recommended for further study on the effects of EMR on insects. This study will be significant to conserve pollinators and other important insects.