bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First-principles calculations of point defect migration mechanisms in InP
Authors: Yan Li-Bin , Bai Yu-Rong , Li Pei , Liu Wen-Bo , He Huan , He Chao-Hui , Zhao Xiao-Hong ,   Department of Nuclear Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China,   College of Aeronautical Engineering, Air Force Engineering University, Xi’an 710038, China
Published: August 2024

As an important second-generation semiconductor material, indium phosphide (InP) possesses excellent advantages such as a wide bandgap, high electron mobility, high photoelectric conversion efficiency, and strong radiation resistance. It is considered an excellent material for electronic devices in aerospace applications. However, point defects generated by space radiation particles in InP electronic devices can cause their electrical performance to degrade severely. In this study, first-principles calculations are employed to investigate the stable structures of point defects in InP and calculate the migration energy values of nearest-neighbor defects. Four stable structures of In vacancies and three stable structures of P vacancies are identified by constructing the stable structures of point defects in different charge states. The migration process of vacancy defects is studied, revealing that the migration energy of P vacancies is higher than that of In vacancies. Moreover, charged vacancy defects exhibit higher migration energy values than neutral vacancies. Regarding the migration process of interstitial defects, it is found that the migration energy of interstitial defects is smaller than that of vacancy defects. In the calculation of In interstitial migration process with different charge states, two different migration processes are found. Besides, during the migration calculations of P interstitial, a special intermediate state is discovered, resulting in multiple paths migrating to the nearest-neighbor position in the migration energy barrier diagram. The research results are helpful to understand the formation mechanism and migration behavior of defects in InP materials, and are important in designing and manufacturing InP devices with long-term stable operation in space environment.
Single-cell RNA sequencing of the holothurian regenerating intestine reveals the pluripotency of the coelomic epithelium
Authors: Medina-Feliciano Joshua G , Valentín-Tirado Griselle , Luna-Martínez Kiara , Miranda-Negrón Yamil , García-Arrarás José E
Published: August 2024

In holothurians, the regenerative process following evisceration involves the development of a “rudiment” or “anlage” at the injured end of the mesentery. This regenerating anlage plays a pivotal role in the formation of a new intestine. Despite its significance, our understanding of the molecular characteristics inherent to the constituent cells of this structure has remained limited. To address this gap, we employed state-of-the-art scRNA-seq and HCR-FISH analyses to discern the distinct cellular populations associated with the regeneration anlage. Through this approach, we successfully identified thirteen distinct cell clusters. Among these, two clusters exhibit characteristics consistent with putative mesenchymal cells, while another four show features akin to coelomocyte cell populations. The remaining seven cell clusters collectively form a large group encompassing the coelomic epithelium of the regenerating anlage and mesentery. Within this large group of clusters, we recognized previously documented cell populations such as muscle precursors, neuroepithelial cells and actively proliferating cells. Strikingly, our analysis provides data for identifying at least four other cellular populations that we define as the precursor cells of the growing anlage. Consequently, our findings strengthen the hypothesis that the coelomic epithelium of the anlage is a pluripotent tissue that gives rise to diverse cell types of the regenerating intestinal organ. Moreover, our results provide the initial view into the transcriptomic analysis of cell populations responsible for the amazing regenerative capabilities of echinoderms.
Inhibitors of the small membrane (M) protein viroporin prevent Zika virus infection
Authors: Brown Emma , Swinscoe Gemma , Lefteri Daniella A , Singh Ravi , Moran Amy , Thompson Rebecca F , Maskell Daniel , Beaumont Hannah , Bentham Matthew J , Donald Claire , Kohl Alain , Macdonald Andrew , Ranson Neil , Foster Richard , McKimmie Clive S , Kalli Antreas C , Griffin Stephen
Published: August 2024

Flaviviruses, including Zika virus (ZIKV), are a significant global health concern, yet no licensed antivirals exist to treat disease. The small membrane (M) protein plays well-defined roles during viral egress and remains within virion membranes following release and maturation. However, it is unclear whether M plays a functional role in this setting. Here, we show that M forms oligomeric membrane-permeabilising channels in vitro, with increased activity at acidic pH and sensitivity to the prototypic channel-blocker, rimantadine. Accordingly, rimantadine blocked an early stage of ZIKV cell culture infection. Structure-based channel models, comprising hexameric arrangements of two trans-membrane domain protomers were shown to comprise more stable assemblages than other oligomers using molecular dynamics simulations. Models contained a predicted lumenal rimantadine-binding site, as well as a second druggable target region on the membrane-exposed periphery. In silico screening enriched for repurposed drugs/compounds predicted to bind to either one site or the other. Hits displayed superior potency in vitro and in cell culture compared with rimantadine, with efficacy demonstrably linked to virion-resident channels. Finally, rimantadine effectively blocked ZIKV viraemia in preclinical models, supporting that M constitutes a physiologically relevant target. This could be explored by repurposing rimantadine, or development of new M-targeted therapies.
Omissions of Threat Trigger Subjective Relief and Prediction Error-Like Signaling in the Human Reward and Salience Systems
Authors: Willems Anne L , Van Oudenhove Lukas , Vervliet Bram
Published: August 2024

The unexpected absence of danger constitutes a pleasurable event that is critical for the learning of safety. Accumulating evidence points to similarities between the processing of absent threat and the well-established reward prediction error (PE). However, clear-cut evidence for this analogy in humans is scarce. In line with recent animal data, we showed that the unexpected omission of (painful) electrical stimulation triggers activations within key regions of the reward and salience pathways and that these activations correlate with the pleasantness of the reported relief. Furthermore, by parametrically violating participants’ probability and intensity related expectations of the upcoming stimulation, we showed for the first time in humans that omission-related activations in the VTA/SN were stronger following omissions of more probable and intense stimulations, like a positive reward PE signal. Together, our findings provide additional support for an overlap in the neural processing of absent danger and rewards in humans.
The Neural Correlates of Ambiguity and Risk in Human Decision-Making under an Active Inference Framework
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Tian Yan , Liu Quanying , Wu Haiyan
Published: August 2024

Active inference integrates perception, decision-making, and learning into a united theoretical frame-work, providing an efficient way to trade off exploration and exploitation by minimizing (expected) free energy. In this study, we asked how the brain represents values and uncertainties (ambiguity and risk), and resolves these uncertainties under the active inference framework in the exploration-exploitation trade-off. 25 participants performed a contextual two-armed bandit task, with electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings. By comparing the model evidence for active inference and reinforcement learning models of choice behavior, we show that active inference better explains human decision-making under ambiguity and risk, which entails exploration or information seeking. The EEG sensor-level results show that the activity in the frontal, central, and parietal regions is associated with ambiguity, while activity in the frontal and central brain regions is associated with risk. The EEG source-level results indicate that the expected free energy is encoded in the frontal pole and middle frontal gyrus and uncertainties are encoded in different brain regions but with overlap. Our study dissociates the expected free energy and uncertainties in active inference theory and their neural correlates, speaking to the construct validity of active inference in characterizing cognitive processes of human decisions. It provides behavioral and neural evidence of active inference in decision processes and insights into the neural mechanism of human decision under ambiguity and risk.
Alasemenia, the earliest ovule with three wings and without cupule
Authors: Wang Deming , Yang Jiangnan , Liu Le , Zhou Yi , Xu Peng , Qin Min , Huang Pu
Published: August 2024

The ovules or seeds (fertilized ovules) with wings are widespread and especially important for wind dispersal. However, the earliest ovules in the Famennian of the Late Devonian are rarely known about the dispersal syndrome and usually surrounded by a cupule. From Xinhang, Anhui, China, we now report a new taxon of Famennian ovules,
Alasemenia tria
gen. et sp. nov. Each ovule of this taxon possesses three integumentary wings evidently extending outwards, folding inwards along abaxial side and enclosing most part of nucellus. The ovule is borne terminally on smooth dichotomous branches and lacks a cupule.
Alasemenia
suggests that the integuments of the earliest ovules without a cupule evolved functions in probable photosynthetic nutrition and wind dispersal. It indicates that the seed wing originated earlier than other wind dispersal mechanisms such as seed plume and pappus, and that three- or four-winged seeds were followed by seeds with less wings. Mathematical analysis shows that three-winged seeds are more adapted to wind dispersal than seeds with one, two or four wings under the same condition.
Microprism-based two-photon imaging of the mouse inferior colliculus reveals novel organizational principles of the auditory midbrain
Authors: Ibrahim Baher A , Shinagawa Yoshitaka , Douglas Austin , Xiao Gang , Asilador Alexander R , Llano Daniel A
Published: August 2024

To navigate real-world listening conditions, the auditory system relies on the integration of multiple sources of information. However, to avoid inappropriate cross-talk between inputs, highly connected neural systems need to strike a balance between integration and segregation. Here, we develop a novel approach to examine how repeated neurochemical modules in the mouse inferior colliculus lateral cortex (LC) allow controlled integration of its multimodal inputs. The LC had been impossible to study via imaging because it is buried in a sulcus. Therefore we coupled two-photon microscopy with the use of a microprism to reveal the first-ever sagittal views of the LC to examine neuronal responses with respect to its neurochemical motifs under anesthetized and awake conditions. This approach revealed marked differences in the acoustic response properties of LC and neighboring nonlemniscal portions of the inferior colliculus. In addition, we observed that the module and matrix cellular motifs of the LC displayed distinct somatosensory and auditory responses. Specifically, neurons in modules demonstrated primarily offset responses to acoustic stimuli with enhancement in responses to bimodal stimuli, whereas matrix neurons showed onset response to acoustic stimuli and suppressed responses to bimodal stimulation. Thus, this new approach revealed that the repeated structural motifs of the LC permit functional integration of multimodal inputs while retaining distinct response properties.
Multiple origins of dorsal ecdysial sutures in trilobites and their relatives
Authors: Du Kun-sheng , Guo Jin , Losso Sarah R , Pates Stephen , Li Ming , Chen Ai-lin
Published: August 2024

Euarthropods are an extremely diverse phylum in the modern, and have been since their origination in the early Palaeozoic. They grow through moulting the exoskeleton (ecdysis) facilitated by breaking along lines of weakness (sutures). Artiopodans, a group that includes trilobites and their non-biomineralizing relatives, dominated arthropod diversity in benthic communities during the Palaeozoic. Most trilobites – a hyperdiverse group of tens of thousands of species - moult by breaking the exoskeleton along cephalic sutures, a strategy that has contributed to their high diversity during the Palaeozoic. However, the recent description of similar sutures in early diverging non-trilobite artiopodans mean that it is unclear whether these sutures evolved deep within Artiopoda, or convergently appeared multiple times within the group. Here we describe new well-preserved material of
Acanthomeridion
, a putative early diverging artiopodan, including hitherto unknown details of its ventral anatomy and appendages revealed through CT scanning, highlighting additional possible homologous features between the ventral plates of this taxon and trilobite free cheeks. We used three coding strategies treating ventral plates as homologous to trilobite free cheeks, to trilobite cephalic doublure, or independently derived. If ventral plates are considered homologous to free cheeks,
Acanthomeridion
is recovered sister to trilobites however dorsal ecdysial sutures are still recovered at many places within Artiopoda. If ventral plates are considered homologous to doublure or non-homologous, then
Acanthomeridion
is not recovered as sister to trilobites, and thus the ventral plates represent a distinct feature to trilobite doublure/free cheeks.
Both neuropsychiatric symptoms and circadian rhythm alter effort-based decision-making
Authors: Mehrhof Sara Z , Nord Camilla L
Published: August 2024

Motivational deficits are common in several brain disorders, and motivational syndromes like apathy and anhedonia predict worse outcomes. Disrupted effort-based decision-making may represent a neurobiological underpinning of motivational deficits, shared across neuropsychiatric disorders. We measured effort-based decision-making in 994 participants using a gamified online task, combined with computational modelling, and validated offline for test-retest reliability. In two pre-registered studies, we first replicated studies linking impaired effort-based decision-making to neuropsychiatric syndromes, taking both a transdiagnostic and a diagnostic-criteria approach. Next, testing participants with
early
and
late
circadian rhythms in the morning and evening, we find circadian rhythm interacts with time-of-testing to produce parallel effects on effort-based decision-making. Circadian rhythm may be an important variable in computational psychiatry, decreasing reliability or distorting results when left unaccounted for. Disentangling effects of neuropsychiatric syndromes and circadian rhythm on effort-based decision-making will be essential to understand motivational pathologies and to develop tailored clinical interventions.
Community composition, population structureand regeneration potential of tree species in Oak-dominated mixed forests of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Authors: Jazib Mohd Junaid
Published: August 2024

The study was carried outto explore the diversity and regeneration potential of trees species in mixed Oak forest of Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir (India). A total of 20 tree species were recorded from the area dominated by various species of oak particularly Quercus leuchotrichophora. Quercus leuchotrichophora shows maximum values of density, basal cover and IVI. In different localities, it has different groups of associates like Q. floribunda, Q. semecarpifolia, Q. glauca, Buxux wallichiana, Pinus roxburghii, Aesculus indica, Rhododendron arboreum, etc. Majority of the species show very poor regeneration, which is a matter of concern and demands for proper conservation strategies.
Productive and physiological responses of West African dwarf goats fed diets containing gmelialeaf meal.
Authors: Jiwuba P.C. , Onwujiariri E.B. , Akazue R.C.
Published: August 2024

West African Dwarf (WAD) goat plays an important socio-economic role, hencethe effect of 82days of feeding Gmelina leaf meal (GLM)diets on feed intake, body weight changeand blood indicesof WAD goats were investigated.36WAD goats averaging 9.04kg in weight were randomly divided into four groups of nine goatseach with three goats constituting a replicate. The groups were randomly assigned four experimental diets (T1, T2, T3, and T4) in a completely randomized design. Results indicatedsignificant (p<0.05) improvementfor body weights and feed conversion ratiofor T2, T3, and T4. There was significant difference (P<0.05) for all the haematological parameters except packed cell volume (PCV). White blood cells (WBC)was improved (p<0.05) with incremental levels of GLM in the diets.Allthe serum biochemical indices showed significant (p<0.05)differencewith glucose and cholesterol concentration reduced(p<0.05) with incremental levels of GLM.It could be concluded thatGLMcan be included in the diets of goats up to 36% without deleterious effects on the performance of WAD goats.
Role performance of extension agents in post harvest activities of rice in southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Oyedukun Margaret Olayemi , Ajayi Adedayo Olufemi , Famawinka Michael
Published: August 2024

The paper assessed role performance of Extension agents (EAs) in Post-Harvest Activities (PHAs) of rice in Southwestern Nigeria. It specifically described the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents; identified the roles performed by respondents in PHAs of rice; determined the level of roles performance in PHAs of rice and identified constraints associated with their role performance in rice PHAs. A two-stage sampling procedure was used to select all (124) EAs across the selected States in the study areas. Primary data were collected through questionnaire. Frequency counts, percentages and means were used summarised the data collected while Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Chi-square analyses were employed to draw inferences on the hypothesis. The result showed that majority (84.7 % and 96%) of the respondents were males and married respectively, with a mean age of 49.1± 7.3years. Formation of rice farmers’ into cooperative groups (mean = 4.49) and provision of information on best time to harvest rice (mean = 4.48) were the foremost roles performed by respondents, whileinadequate staffing (mean=2.64) and poor funding of extension (mean = 2.46) were the majority constraints to the extension agents’ role performance.Sex (χ2 = 11.115) and secondary occupation (χ2 = 24.83) had significant association with role performance while significant relationship existed between years of working experience (r = 0.661), years of residence (r = 0.503 and role performance of extension agents. The study concluded that majority of EAs had average level performance in PHAs of rice.
Food habits and the prevalence of obesity and hypertension among the students of federal college of agriculture, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Authors: Adeoye-Agomoh Q. C. , Onunka B. N. , Ezenwa H. C.
Published: August 2024

Objectives: The specific objectives of this study are to describe the socioeconomics of the respondents, access the respondents’ frequency of food consumption, determine the respondents’rate of foods consumed weekly, determine effect of respondents’ food habit on obesity and hypertension prevalence and identify the factors influencing respondents’ food habits in the study area. Methodology: A sample of 238 participants (males and females) were randomly selected from 7 Departments in a descriptive cross-sectional survey. A semi-structured, validated and pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used to generate data on socio demographic, food dietary, food frequency and anthropometric characteristics (Body Mass Index (BMI)and blood pressure).Results: The study showed that 35.30% of the respondents were resident in the hostel, 35.7% were ≥28 years of age, 41.2% of their parents had secondary education, while 31.9% of them earned pocket money of N30001 -N40000 on monthly basis. About 37.4% ate three times daily, 41.2% ate depending on where they were 2.4% preferred eating their foods boiled, where 26.2% preferred fried foods. The respondents (34.9%) ate their lunch with friends. It was generally seen that a low percentage of them consumed alcohol beverages, beer was leading (29%) among all the listed alcoholic drinks. Noodles and bread were consumed more (50.0% and 43.2%), bambara groundnuts (okpa) (43.70%) and beans (30.25%) consumption. Yam and garri/fufuhad 42.44% and 33.61% consumption respectively. Beef and frozen fish (52.52% and 48.32%) and water leaf and onions (53.78% and 51.68%) respectively. Over half of the consumers in fruits had other fruits not listed (66.81%) while Plums had 51.68% consumption. Groundnuts was 46.64%, whilst tigernuts, 39.08%. Stimulating drinks and alcoholic drinks were 39.92% and 32.77% respectively. Honey and sugar had low 26.89% and 20.19% respectively consumption among sweeteners. Biscuits and tapioca among snacks were 51.26% and 42.89% respectively. Fried yam and chin-chin were 39.08% and 33.19% respectively. Over half of the percentage had normal BMI (66.8%) (18.5-25.5 kg/m2), while about half (54.8%) of the respondents had normal blood pressure (<120/<80 mmHg) followedby prehypertension (41.4%) (120-139.9/80-90mmHg). Moreover, the determinant to food habit on obesity and hypertension predisposition by the respondents wereeducational status and income. Also, the factors influencing respondents’ food habits were availability of food, income of the person, food cost and educational statusConclusion: There was no high negative impact of food consumption on the BMI and blood pressure of the students. Therefore, it could be deduced that the students feeding habits did not affect both their BMI and blood pressure.
Carbon sequestration and ecosystem analysis of semi-arid grazing lands at Sivagangai
Authors: Anusiya Devi. A , Manoharan Koildhasan
Published: August 2024

Present study is focused on biomass, net primary production and system transfer functions and carbon sequestration ofgrazinglands in the Semi-arid regions of Sivagangai.Climatic diagram was drawn based on the secondary data of Rainfall and Temperature collected from meteorologicaldepartment, Sivagangai. Study area is dominated by Heteropogon contortusat site I and Melochia corchorifolia at site II. Dry matter dynamics reflected in carbon sequestration study at site I and II. Even though above ground carbon fixation and total carbon input to the system were high at site II, Carbon output from the grazing land to soil was low due to over grazing. Monthly soil organic carbon study at site I and II also conform the low carbon output from the system to soil. Grazing land ecosystem at site I shows its stability and grazing land ecosystem at site II shows its degradation nature.Based on this study it is concluded that organic carbon is the major factor for soil nutrient bank and grazing land stability. Itis very much affected at site II. Mild grazing is recommended at site I and over grazing should be controlled at site II to maintain productive grazing lands at site I and II of semi-arid grazing lands at Sivagangai
Characterization and Property Analysis of Starch from Broken Parboiled Rice
Authors: Raajeswari P A . , Devatha S. M. , Pragatheeswari R.
Published: August 2024

Rice(OryzasativaK.) is the primaryfood consumed by half of the world’s population and it provides 40-60 per cent of energy in daily diet. Production and consumption is anticipated to grow steadily every year.Rice is the rich source of starch, a polysaccharide consisting ofamylose and amylopectin.Broken rice is the by-product and a key indicator of rice quality. Nearly 14 per cent of rice is broken while milling and duringthreshing process.The present study was carried out, to compare the properties and utilization of broken parboiled rice with whole rice.Alkaline extraction process is the best extraction method to isolate starch from broken rice that yields upto 70% of total starch with fewer residues. The characterisation of extracted starch from broken parboiled rice was investigated by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM).The quality of starch from broken rice estimated through physical, thermal and physiological propertiesshow a similar property as like starchextracted from rice. It is the colourless and odourless compound which doesn’t affect the colour and flavour of the product to be added thatcan be easily used in food industries at low cost. This studypaves a way to utilizebroken rice, afood industrial by-product and agro residuein an effective manner
Germination characteristics of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench under different pH regimes after chemopriming.
Authors: Onoabhagbe O.  , Ibrahim Saheed , Akpeh K  , Ekhator P.O.  , Francis Aribisala  , Beckley Ikhajiagbe
Published: August 2024

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) Moench is an important crop that is predominantly produced in the Nothern part of Nigeria. However, the challenge of desertification has consistently affected the soil pH, hindering the growth and yield of the crop. Soil pH plays a significant regulatory role in seed germination. This study investigated the germination characteristics of Sorghum under varying pH levels and possible ameliorative effects of seed priming using plant growth-promoting chemicals. Viable seeds of Sorghum were primed in 150ppm Indole Acetic Acid (IAA), Gibberellic Acid (GA3) and Ascorbic Acid (ASA) and that was sown in Petri dishes moistened with pH solutions at 1,3,5,7,9,11 and 13 levels. Results showed no seed germinated at extreme pH (1, 3 and 13) in the unprimed seeds, while seed germination was observed when primed with IAA, GA3 and ASA at all pH levels, except for 1 and 13. Germination time and germination percentage in the both primed and unprimed seeds were observed to show significant differences at different pH levels. Furthermore, it was observed that seeds chemoprimed with IAA showed highest average germination properties (30%) compared to other plant growth-promoting chemicals at all the assayed pH suggesting that germination characteristics of Sorghum can be improved through chemoprime even under different pH levels.
Assessing the intensity of land surface temperature in Thiruvarur district (India).
Authors: Vadakkuveettil Ashique , Grover Aakriti
Published: August 2024

Nature gives way to the emergence of concrete jungles as cities grow around them. The majority of these concrete masses are highly reflective, changing the surrounding temperature. Hence, urbanized regions often have higher average temperatures than their surrounding rural areas. This phenomenon is termed Urban Heat Island (UHI). The intensity of UHI depends up on Land Surface Temperature (LST). This paper intends to study the intensity of LST in the Thiruvarur district and its correlation with Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) using Landsat 8 Imageries (OLI & TIRS) of January 2018. To calculate the LST, we used the mono-window algorithm. The result shows that LST intensity varies from 20.68°C to 32.3°C, with the maximum being in built-up areas and the minimum being in vegetation areas and water bodies. The Pearson regression shows that there is a negative correlation (r = -0.925, P < 0.5) between LST & NDVI and a positive correlation (r = 0.925, P < 0.5) between LST and NDBI. The strong positive correlation of NDBI confirms the influence of urbanization on Surface Urban Heat Island (SUHI). The negative correlation between LST and NDVI shows that green covers can mitigate it. Hence, this study conclusively demonstrates that urbanization can raise temperatures, showing that sustainable development in cities is essential for sustainable growth.
Seismic pounding effect on two adjacent RCframed multistorey buildings using time history analysis.
Authors: Khurd Aditi V. , Dixit Jui S. , Paraskar Manjiri V. , More Nitin R. , Madhekar Suhasini N.
Published: August 2024

Seismic pounding is defined as the collision of structures during earthquakes when these structures have different dynamic characteristics. It is an instance of rapid strong pulsation like hammering and repeated heavy blows. This pounding of closely spacedbuildings can be seen largely in some densely populated urban areas. Some modern codes have included seismic separation gap requirement clauses for adjacent structures but since large parts of metropolitan cities in seismically active regions of India were built before such requirements were introduced, the seismic separation gap requirements have not been fulfilled. Pounding can be catastrophic and even more dangerous than the effect of earthquakes on a single building. Thus, the action of pounding of buildings needs to be mitigated to avoid loss of life and property during earthquakes. The problem of pounding is particularly common in many cities in India, located in seismically active zones, where due to various socio-economic factors and land usage requirements, buildings are often constructed crowded together. This paper is focused on the study of the seismic pounding between two RC buildings with different dynamic characteristics. A systematic study of response of seismic pounding between adjacent buildings and seismic hazard mitigation practices like effect of different separation distances and effect of providing dampers are investigated, using the ETABS software. A 12-storey and a 16-storey building have been considered for the study of pounding. Time history analysis is carried out for seven real earthquake ground motions on the models with varying separation gaps. The results were obtained in the form of pounding force and point displacements. It is revealed that the pounding effect varies inverselywith the separation distance. With increasing separation distance pounding effect is reduced greatly and so the damage to the neighbouring buildings is also minimized. Also, the pounding forces are seen to be decreasing considerably between the adjacent buildings due to the provision of dampers at suitable locations, as compared to the case of adjacent buildings without dampers. The study even confirms that the pounding effect can be mitigated considerably by installing dampers between adjacent structures.Dampers modelled in this study prove to be effective in reducing the displacement and driftin the range of15%-20%
Mapping women’s role in small scale fisheries value chain in India for fisheries sustainability
Authors: Sariga P.K , Sekharan Mini N , Eswarappa Kasi
Published: August 2024

Sustainability in small scalefisheries is receiving wider acceptance worldwide as the system faces different kinds ofexploitations. Gender can play a significant role in achieving sustainability as they are the primary beneficiariesin small scale fisheries. Exploring theirlevel of participation in resource use can providea database that functions as the key determinants for sustainability. This article looks for empirical evidenceson the roleof men and women in small scale fisheries through gender structure analysis.The indigenous communities (n=154) in Vazhachal Forest Division, Kerala, southern state in Indiais considered for the study. Methods adopted includes household survey using semi structured questionnaire, transect walks, focus groups and direct observations. Results reveal thatalthough higher percentage of men (66.20%),women’s role is substantial(33.80%)in fisheries value chain including pre harvest, harvest and post-harvestsector. Their presence had a significant relation in supportingmen in fisheriesactivities like collection of baits (χ2= 6.189, p= 0.013), accompanying men in fishing (χ2= 4.153; p= 0.042), sorting of fishes (χ2= 3.566, p=0.059), processing of fishes (χ2=9.776, p=0.002) and in mending of nets (χ2= 4.40, p=0.042). Results, further, reveal that men and womenhave unique and overlapping roles in small scale fisheries. The key findings of the study providequantitative evidence to develop strategies forsmall scalefisheries sustainability.
Urbanization and environmental unsustainability: an ecological footprint analysis for Nigeria.
Authors: Aderinto Esther
Published: August 2024

The earth’s limited natural resources and assimilation capacity, coupled with increased production and consumption activities of a rapidly growing population has made the global environment unsustainable. This study, therefore, analyses the empirical relationship between urbanization and environmental unsustainability in Nigeria by employing the ecological deficit obtained from the ecological footprint as a measure of environmental unsustainability. The study contributes to the empirical literature on the subject matter by employing the STIRPAT model against the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) model employed by most studies for Nigeria. Secondly, the study differs from others that have used carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) as a measure of sustainability(unsustainability) of the environment by employing the difference between biocapacity per capita and ecological footprint per capita otherwise regarded as ecological surplus (deficit) as a measure of environmental sustainability (unsustainability).
Time series data spanning from 1981 to 2019 was used and the STIRPAT framework was adopted. Autoregressive Distributed Lag Technique of estimation was employed for the long and short-run estimates, while the results are validated with the Dynamic Ordinary Least Square Technique (DOLS) as well as the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square Technique (FMOLS). Short and long-run results revealed that urbanization significantly has negative effects on environmental unsustainability. However, the working population has a positive effect on environmental unsustainability in the long run, however, in the short run, per capita income and working population have positive effects on environmental unsustainability. The study, therefore, recommends responsible consumption and production activities that will improve environmental quality.
An analysis of recovery from Covid-19 lockdown of Indian internal migrants: a case study of smart cities of Punajb State, India
Authors: Gurwinder Singh Badal  , Maurya Rajan
Published: August 2024

There is no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic has raved worldwide, and developing countries like India are no exception. Similarly, the same has disrupted global human mobility dynamics. In India, which has a sizeable number of migrants, the impact of COVID-19 has been more pronounced in the sub-section of 'migrant workers, particularly in socioeconomic and demographic terms. Thus, the present paper attempts to analyze the multifaceted impact of COVID-19 on Indian migrants' income, employment and consumption expenditure patterns. Moreover, the article also investigated some pulling and pushing forces responsible for post-lockdown internal migration in Indian Punjab. For empirical analysis, the study uses mainly primary data from 400 internal migrants collected from eight major cities of Punjab between May-November, 2022. The socioeconomic and demographic profile of migrants has been analyzed using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U test or Wilcoxon Rank-Sum Test. Major determinants responsible for migratory decisions have been discovered using the logistic regression model. The post-lock-down empirical results of internal migrations show that urban-urban movement was also one of the leading migration streams besides rural-urban migration. The recent internal migration trend in Punjab is basically from economically backward regions of India. Most migrants were male, young, educated/skilled, and from lower (SCs) and upper communities (GCs). More precisely, bigger household sizes, better employment/income opportunities, marriage, modernization and better education and hospitality facilities are the principal motivating/pulling reasons for migration. In contrast, loss of employment, poverty, low agricultural productivity, unequal distribution of land holdings, and monthly per capita expenditure are chief pushing factors for migratory force. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has affected internal migrants disproportionately, it needs to be given high priority with specific policy intervention.
Impact of laundry waste water on growth and biochemical characteristics of Vigna mungo L.
Authors: N Velkumar  , Mariappan V. , A. Nirmala  , J Rajamurugan
Published: August 2024

A pot culture experiment was conducted to study the effect of laundry waste water on seedling growth of Vigna mungo, L. The laundry waste water were collected near Chennai industrial area and their results have been estimated at different concentration of laundry waste water ( 10 , 25. 50 ,75 and 100%). The results showed that the application different concentration of laundry waste water at 30 th days treatment, as resulted significantly decreased of Vigna mungo,L compared with control. But the laundry waste water affected at 30 th day the plants of Vigna mungo L. seedling growth of shoot length, root length, fresh weight, dry weight , Vigor index and biochemical content viz pigment content and carbohydrates, protein was significantlydecreased compared with control. The laundry waste water effect leads to decrease the various growth parameters such as seedling growth of the root and shoot. The reduction in all the growth characteristics and biomass accumulation was parallel to decrease in carbohydrate, protein and nucleic acid content of the leaf and an increase in the anthocyanin, L-proline, peroxidasecatalase and leaf nitrate activity. Laundry waste water treatment should follow the treatment methods and that treated water to use and increases the soil fertility and the high yielding of crop production. The waste water on proper dilution can be also be materialized as cash by proper sale of the product thus the review fresh up the idea of motility of waste material.
Performance analysis of Fiber Reinforced Concrete by Partial Replacement of Coarse Aggregate with Waste Ceramic Tiles
Authors: Kaushik V. Pai Fondekar  , Prasanna Shwetha , Samrudhi Mandurkar  , Viraj Shirodkar  , Shashank Naik  , Sarvesh Parwar  , Anant Naik  , Shubham Madkaikar
Published: August 2024

A large quantity of ceramic materials changes into wastage during processing, transporting and fixing due to its brittle nature. Therefore, using these wastes in concrete production could be an effective measure in maintaining the environment and improving the properties of concrete. The increasing demand of construction material and degradation of environment, there is need to explore alternative construction material from industrial as well as household waste and recyclable materials. In this project control concrete is cast for M25 grade and the partial replacement of waste ceramic tiles 0f 10%, 20%, 30% by weight of coarse aggregate. Glass fiber-reinforced concrete consists of high-strength glass fiber embedded in a cementitious matrix. The inclusion of fiber reinforcement in concrete, mortar and cement paste can enhance many of the engineering properties of the basic materials, such as fracture toughness, flexural strength. An experimental investigation of compressive strength will be undertaken by partial replacement of coarse aggregate by waste ceramic tiles and glass fiber.
Pollution indices and health risk evaluation of heavy metals in a playground soil from Katsina State, Northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Aliyu Yaradua  , Alhassan AJ  , Bungudu JI  , Shuaibu L  , Nasir A  , Aminu MB  , Usman A  , Kankia IH  , Matazu NU  , Suleiman ZA  , Tukur AB  , Sani AS  , Yaradua AI  , Bello U  , Matazu SS  , Kabir ZG  , Yau S  , Kabir HG  , Dalhatu MM  , Halliru MI  , Abbas A  , Nasir R  , Rawayau MA  , Muhammad AN  , Yaradua IA  , Hassan M  , Nasir MN
Published: August 2024

The pollution indices and health risks to the population from exposure to heavy metals in a playground soil sample was carried out in the current study. The soil sample heavy metal concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The heavy metals soil pollution indices were computed based on the Geoaccumulation index (Igeo),enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk index (PERI). The health risks of the evaluated heavy metals to the population were calculated using the Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI)) to assess the possible non-carcinogenic effect and the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) for the cancer risks. The results had revealed that all the evaluated heavy metals were within the regulatory bodies’ permissible limits. The I-geo values have revealed that the soil sample was unpolluted with these heavy metals. In addition, the heavy metal enrichmentfactor (EF) shows a varying degree of enrichment; Fe and Mn (deficiency to minimal) Zn (Moderate), Ni (significant), Cr (extremely high). The result of the contamination factor has indicated that the soil sample in the study has low contamination by the heavy metals. The result of pollution load index was less than 1. With the potential ecological risk index (PERI)values presenting low ecological risks. The calculated non-cancer risk indices in both the children and adult population for the heavy metals were below 1. The Incremental Life Cancer Risk (ILCR) for both the adult and children population has revealed that the heavy metal Ni was beyond the threshold of the safety range for cancer risk. The results of the pollution indices have indicated that the soil sample have low contamination, while the results for the health risk evaluation pointed to the possible contribution of exposure to the soil sample to heighten the risks for cancer in the population.
Integrated development plans as catalyst to enhance small scale farming in municipalities: the case of Winnie Madikizela Mandela local municipality
Authors: Matyana Mandisi , RM Mthethwa
Published: August 2024

Farming, particularly on a small-scale, remains one of the mainstays of food security globally. It ensures better nutrition and decreases the likelihood of starvation. The South Africa Constitution (1996), Section 27 stipulates that the citizenry has the right to food. At the local sphere of government, integrated development plans (IDPs) should identify specific strategies, plans and actions to promote small-scale farming to enhance the community’s economic and social status. It is evident that increased local government support for small-scale farming through their IDPs could enhance food production and farming outcomes. This paper focuses on the utilisation of IDPs to lessen food insecurities through small-scale farming. The study adopted a qualitative research design. Data was gathered by means of semi-structured interviews from sampled local farmers at Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality. Moreover, an extensive literature review was conducted to highlight the significance of farming and the role of the IDP towards farming. The findings revealed that municipalities should support local farming. However, challenges such as corruption, political dynamics, and the lack of required skills proved difficult for this support to succeed. This article, therefore, recommends the establishment of an independent committee to oversee the food production process and to enhance participation of the agricultural community in local government planning.
An Inventory of Dye-Yielding Plants Indigenous to Gujarat
Authors: Patel Aarti , Shivani Patel
Published: August 2024

Gujarat harbors a remarkably rich biodiversity of angiosperms. Some of them produce colors, commonly known as dye-yielding plants. However, many plants remain unexplored for their dye-yielding capacity. The report is the first compilation using the state, and regional flora and published literature on the natural dye-yielding plant in Gujarat into a catalogue that reveal various information regarding the plants and the dyes. This archive records 210 dye-yielding plants belonging to 204 genera and 74 families, along with their vernacular name, plant parts, dye color, dye classification, and dye use. The Caesalpiniaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Mimosaceae, and Asteraceae families constitute the highest species. The genera representing the highest number of species included Acacia, Bauhinia, Senna-Cassia, Terminalia, Ficus, and Indigofera. The plant parts- bark, flower, leaf, and fruit yielded most of the dyes. The majority of the dyes belong to Flavone, Tannin, Anthocyanin, and Anthraquinone classes. The dyes from plant resources are mainly explored as textile dyes, food colorants, cosmetic dyes, and mordants. The documented an indigenous catalogue is an addition to the knowledge of the dye-yielding plants and provides an opportunity for their sustainable usage.
Physicochemical testing of developed functional jelly by using turmeric, basil leaf and aloe vera
Authors: Singh Abishek
Published: August 2024

In the study, functional jelly was formulate according to the need of the consumer and have many beneficial properties. It is seen in real time this value added jelly will have a positive effect on peoples health. Because jelly was prepared by various natural ayurvedic ingredient i.e aloe vera, basil powder, turmeric and eucalyptus oil those contain high nutritional, functional and medicinal properties. According to the USDA jelly contain nutrients are calories, fat, carbohydrates, protein, vitamin, mineral, and fibers etc. This jelly has been adapted to today’s times and it can be eaten by all group of people from kids to old age. Before making the final jelly, three samples were prepared which were respectively T1, T2, T3. According to the analysis of physiochemical properties of aloe vera jelly and identify the protein content is (0.03gm), fat (0gm) total soluble solid (16.04%) total solid (14.46%) ash content (0.33%), moisture content (73.25%), PH (3.5). In the coming times, apart from aloe vera jelly it can be seen in the forms of candy, marmalades etc that mostly like kids. And it will meet the health and body needs of  the people on the basis of their own merits.
Impacts of brick units on geo-environment along the Pravara River, West Maharashtra, India using statistical techniques
Authors: Raut Vaishali , Ashali C. Kharake  , Megha Bhamare
Published: August 2024

An attempt has been made to identify instream brick units and its Geo-environmental impacts on the Pravara river. The main aim of this research work is to analyse Geo-environmental impacts on the Pravara River water, for which water samples from 10 sampling stations within tehsil have been collected during 1st week of Jun 2021. Physico-chemical parameters have been analyzed by standard method. The Field observations reveal that enhancement in population has been observed every year and with population growth brick kilns also increased. It is easy source of money earning specially for rural economy. Many brick kilns are instream for easy availability of soil and water but it declined water quality. Study reveals that in the study area due to instream brick units Water quality has been deteoriated at Kokanevadi, Kasara Dumala (WQI-78.3) and Umbari. Results also shows that at Sangamner, Kokanevadi and Kasara Dumala water is not fit for drinking purpose. To analyze Physio-chemical characteristics of water is the main aim of the research with remedial measures to mitigate the deterioration and related consequences in future.