bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Post-harvest Losses of Major Vegetables in Rangareddy District of Telangana
Authors: Krishna M. B. Abhina , Charyulu D. Kumara , Suhasini K. , Chary D. Srinivasa
Published: August 2022

Objective: Keeping in view the non-availability of systematic studies on post-harvest loss in Telangana, the current study was undertaken to assess the extent of post-harvest losses in major vegetables viz., tomato and brinjal and to identify the factors affecting post-harvest losses at farm level.

Methods: Tabular analysis was used to calculate the post-harvest losses, the data was summarized using statistical tools such as average and percentage and multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to examine the factors affecting post-harvest losses at farm level. The present study was conducted in Rangareddy district which is the leading vegetable growing district in Telangana with a sample of 30 farmers,6 wholesalers and 6 retailers for each crop.

Findings: The overall post-harvest loss in tomato and brinjal was 28.51 and 23.27 kg per quintal respectively and maximum losses was occurring at farm level for both crops. Functional analysis revealed that the factors such as age, education, extent of crop production and labour dummy (where family contribution is >50% in total labour demand ‘1’, else ‘0’) was significant in both crops studied. Timely plant protection measures in case of brinjal also significantly reduced the post-harvest losses. On an average, the per quintal monetary loss was relatively more for brinjal (Rs.239.6/q) than tomato (Rs.236.6/q). The total monetary loss at state level was Rs.251.6 crores for the study crops.

Conclusion: It is evident from the results that losses are occurring in the value chain due to poor infrastructure and lack of post-harvest management techniques. Proper training on pest management and policies ensuring labour availability during peak harvesting period can aid in reducing the losses.
An Analysis of the Environmental Knowledge among College Students of Dharwad, Karnataka, India
Authors: Kasar Shobha , Naikwadi Sakeena , Desai Rajeshwari
Published: August 2022

Environmental education is considered essential to ensure the environmental quality for sustainable development. By providing knowledge to students, it is expected to promote awareness and develop positive attitude towards environment [1]. An analysis of the environmental knowledge among college students of Dharwad, karnataka, India. This study was conducted during the year 2016-17.The objectives of this study, to measure the environmental awareness level among the college students and to study the general environmental practices among the college students. The sample of the study comprises of 50 students, data collected from three colleges of Dharwad district. The questionnaire method was used to collect the data. Appropriate statistical techniques like percentage, frequency and Garrett ranking test was used to analyze the data. The findings of the study revealed that, air pollution is the major problem faced in their daily life. Ozone layer is the Protective shield and earth’s umbrella now it is damaging by increasing temperature of earth. Water is most affected or polluted by housing activities and agriculture is main causes for deforestation, Students agreement with regularly watching TV programmes about environmental issues to know the protection of environment.
Influence of Different Concentrations of Jeevamrutha on Growth, Yield and Quality Parameters of Chilli (Capsicum annum L.)
Authors: Vedagiri Swetha , Deepanshu . , Prasad V. M. , Bahadur Vijay
Published: August 2022

An experiment on the “Influence of Different Concentrations of Jeevamrutha on Growth, Yield and Quality Parameters of Chilli (Capsicum annum L.)”  was conducted in Kharif season adapting Factorial randomized block design (FRBD) consisting of 10 treatments and replicated thrice during July to November 2021, in Horticulture research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P) India. Results regarding  the present investigation shows that cultivation of chilli with different concentrations of Jeevamrutha found as the best option for higher productivity whereas the treatment with concentration of 10% Spray of Jeevamrutha in variety TMPH-443 that is T5 (TMPH-443 + 10% Spray of Jeevamrutha) showed the best results in terms of  Plant height at 30 DAT (39.59 cm) and at last harvest (59.65 cm), Days to 50% Flowering (35.92 days), Days to First Harvest (56.03 days), Fruit Length (7.21cm), Fruit Weight (5.80 g), Fruit Girth (3.27 cm), Number of Fruits Plant-1 (78.67 fruits), Average Fruit Yield Plant-1 (0.46 kg), Fruit Yield ha-1 (5.07t), TSS  (8.10°B), were observed is dark green/green in colour (133). At level T10 with same concentration in different variety (TMPH-449) showed the nearest results. Hence the T5 (TMPH-443 + 10% Spray of Jeevamrutha) is best suited for the farmers in terms of growth, yield, quality and net returns.
Effect of Different Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Amaranthus under Polyhouse Condition (Amaranthus cruentus) cv. NSC 999IUS
Authors: T. Anjali K. , E. Topno Samir , Kerketta Anita
Published: August 2022

The present investigation was carried out in the polyhouse of Horticultural Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agricultural Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during year 2021on Amaranthus. The experiment was carried out in a Randomized Block Design consisting of 12 treatments with three replications using farm yard manure, vermicompost, poultry manure and goat manure for organic fertilizers and NPK for inorganic fertilizers to find out the best treatment combination. The application of treatment T9 [R.D.F50%+25% Poultry manure+25% Goat manure] was shown highest in terms growth attributes Plant height (37.02), Number of branches (29), plant spread (25.89), Root length (7.83), Yield per plant (151.27g), Yield per plot (5.56 kg), Yield per 200m2 (1112kg) and Anthocyanin content per 100g (158.8mg). T₉ [R.D.F 50%+50% Poultry manure] has given best results in terms of leaf length (7.36) and, Number of leaves (35.33). Therefore this treatment is best compared to other treatments and control.
Assessment of Genetic Variability Parameters and Character Association in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Bukke Anand Naik , Singh Lakshman , Parveen Shama , Gupta Priyanka
Published: August 2022

School of Agriculture, ITM University in Gwalior's Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding performed a Rabi season 2021–2022 study on 15 distinct genotypes of chickpeas to better understand their genetic variability. The genotypes were distributed using a Randomized Block Design with three replications. On the plants themselves, data was gathered on their overall height, the number of main and secondary branches they had at 50% flowering, the number of pods and seeds they had at 100 seeds weight, days to maturity, as well as their grain yields per plant and the total yield per plot. After analyzing the data, A statistical study of each character's genotypes revealed a wide range of results. Plant height, number of main and secondary branches, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of pods per plant, and 100 seed weight provided the highest GCV and PCV values in the experiment. All of these traits, as well as plant height, secondary branch count, days until 50% of the flowers open, pod count per plant, grain production per plant, and total yield per plot, demonstrated significant heritability and genetic advancement as a percentage of the mean. Traits such as plant height, no of seeds per pod, and total yield per plot, exhibited a significant positive correlation with grain yield per plant and this will show a greater direct effect on single yield plant.
Effect of Sowing and Harvesting Times on Growth Characters and Grain Yield of Rabi Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Balachander U. , Bhatt P. Spandana , Reddy P. Raghu Rami , Madhavi A.
Published: August 2022

Aim: To determine the optimum sowing and harvesting times to realize better performance of growth characters and higher grain yield in rice during rabi.

Study Design: Strip plot.

Place and Duration of Study: Rice Research Centre, Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad between November 2021 to May 2022.

Methodology: The experiment was assigned in eighteen treatments,laid out in strip plot with three replications.Treatments included were 3 treatments of varieties (i) M1=Telangana sona (short slender) (ii) M2= Jagtial rice 1( Medium sender) (iii) M3= Chintu (short slender) and 6 sowing and harvesting times (i) S1 = Normal sowing time (November 15) and harvesting at physiological maturity (ii) S2= Normal sowing time (November 15) and harvesting at 7 days after physiological maturity(iii) S3 = Delay sowing by 15 days (November 30) and harvesting at physiological maturity (iv) S4 = Delay sowing by 15 days (November 30) and harvesting at 7 days after physiological maturity(v) S5 = Delay sowing by 30 days (December 15) and harvesting at physiological maturity(vi) S6= Delay sowing by 30 days (December 15) and harvesting at 7 days after physiological maturity randomly placed in subplots of the main plot.

Results: Significantly higher plant height (93.8 cm), dry matter accumulation (14263 kg ha-1), grain yield (6127 kg ha-1) was observed in Telangana sona (M1), while significantly higher number of tillers m-2 (566) were found in Chintu (M3). Similarly, maximum plant height (94.4 cm), number of tillers m-2(462), dry matter accumulation (14501 kg ha-1), grain yield (6235 kg ha-1) was noticed at Delay sowing by 30 days (December 15) and harvesting at physiological maturity (S5). The lowest plant height, dry matter accumulation, grain yield was recorded in Chintu (M3), while lowest number of tillers were recorded in Jagtial rice 1 (M2) and above parameters were recorded lowest at Normal sowing time (November 15) and harvesting at 7 days after physiological maturity (S2).

Conclusion: Among varieties, Telangana sona (M1) performed better in terms of growth characters and grain yield. Delay sowing by 30 days (December 15) and harvesting at physiological maturity (S5) revealed better performance in terms of growth characters and grain yield under the present study during rabi conditions.
Effect of Different Organic Manures on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) c.v. (Harsh) under Prayagraj Agro Climate Condition
Authors: Ahmad Shahbaj , Prasad V. M.
Published: August 2022

A field experiment on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) c.v. (Harsh) under Prayagraj agro climate condition” was conducted Prayagraj agro climate condition”was conducted in a Randomized Block Design with three replications during the Summer season, 2021 at Horticultural Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj with a view to determine the effect of organic manures application on cucumber variety Harsh for its growth, quality and yield and to work out the economics of various treatments. Under this experiment, overall 10 treatment combinations were taken viz. T0 (Control), T1 (Farm Yard Manure 75% + Poultry manure 25%), T2(Farm Yard Manure 75% + Vermicompost 25%), T3(Farm Yard Manure 25% + Poultry manure 75%), T4(Poultry manure 75% + Vermicompost 25%), T5(Vermicompost 75% + Farm Yard Manure 25%), T6(Vermicompost 75% + Poultry manure 25%), T7(Farm Yard Manure 50% + Poultry manure 50%), T8(Vermicompost 50% + Poultry manure 50%) and T9 (Farm Yard Manure 50% + Vermicompost 50%).From the present investigation it was concluded that T8 (Poultry manure 50% + Vermicompost 50%) was found to be best among all treatment in terms of growth, yield and quality of cucumber i.e. T.S.S. The highest net return was found from T8 (Polutry manure 50% + vermicompost 50%) with ₹ 1,56,775 and the B:C ratio that is 1.92.
A Study on Profile Characteristics of Farmers on Soil Health Card in Rangareddy District of Telangana, India
Authors: Rani Akula Latha , Ganesamoorthi S. , Gowda N. S. Shivalinge , Sathish A. , Kumar T. L. Mohan
Published: August 2022

Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy and the primary source of income for the larger part of the Indian population. The investigation was conducted in two blocks namely Shabad and Kothur of Rangareddy district of Telangana State during the year 2019-2020 to analyse the profile characteristics of farmers on the soil health card. Ex-post-facto-research design was used for investigation. Data were collected using a standardised and pre-tested interview schedule. It was observed that the larger number of farmers were in the categories of middle-aged (45.83%), small farmers (29.17%), studied up to PUC(Pre-university course) (21.67%), medium level on farming experience (29.17%), medium level on achievement motivation (58.33%), medium level of management orientation (50.83%), medium level on scientific orientation (75.00%), medium level on mass media exposure (55.83%), medium level on extension participation (40.83%), membership in one organization about social participation (46.66%), medium level on innovativeness (70.83%), medium level extension contact (66.66%) and a medium level of cosmopoliteness (61.66%). Less than one-third of farmers had a farming experience of 30.00%, 58.33% of respondents belonged to the low annual income group and 11.66% had a high level of cosmopoliteness. The Panchayat Raj Institutes need to be involved in publicizing demonstrations and training farmers in ensuring farmer participation from nearby areas for widespread dissemination of technology. The government need to promote inclusive policies in its governance with adequate investment for sustainable soil management and provide effective education/extension programmes at various levels.
Diallel Analysis to Investigate the Nature of Gene Action in Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]
Authors: Maurya Brijesh Kumar , Neetu . , Singh Devendra Pratap , Singh Manish Kumar , Maurya Shravan Kumar , Mishra Upendra Kumar
Published: August 2022

A diallel scheme excluding reciprocal was adopted in okra to generate 45 F1 hybrids in Rabi season 2020 and the hybrids along with 10 parents were evaluated using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in Kharif 2020. The additive components (D) of genetic variance was found to be highly significant for days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, node at first flower appear, number of branches per plant and plant height (cm) at harvesting. The estimates of dominant components Ĥ1, Ĥ2 and ĥ2 were evaluated. Ĥ1 and Ĥ2 were highly significant for all the characters. Dominance components (ĥ2) were found in few characters viz. days to first flowering, number of fruit per plant, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, 100 seed weight, fruit yield per plant and fruit yield quintal per hectare suggested the role of dominance components for these traits. Near about fifty percent traits was showed significant value in environment component. The average degree of dominance was more than one for all the characters showed over dominance.
Computational Analysis Reveals that Dual Point Mutation in Rice SBEIIb Leads to Decrease in Starch Binding Affinity
Authors: Arora Namisha , Ashraf Suhail , Saranya N. , K. Kumar K. , Arul L. , Sudhakar D. , Varanavasiappan S. , Kokiladevi E.
Published: August 2022

Aim: To check the effect of mutation on the binding affinity of Starch branching enzyme II with maltopentaose substrate.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Bioinformatics, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, between May 2022 and July 2022.

Methodology: The wild type rice SBEIIb and mutated rice SBEIIb protein were modelled using SWISS MODEL and subjected to PROCHECK for validation of the modelled protein. These protein structures were docked with ligand maltopentaose using Auto dock vina of PyRx software. The docked structures were visualized in BIOVIA Discovery studio.

Results: There was a decrease in binding affinity after mutating the protein at 2 of the maltopentaose binding sites (Y178A & F234A). The binding energy of wild type rice SBEIIb protein was -7.5kcal mol-1 whereas after mutation it decreased to -5.8 kcal mol-1. The number of hydrogen bonds also decreased from 8 to 4 respectively.

Conclusion: Double mutation of binding site residues resulted in binding affinity as well as interactions.  In silico analysis prior to wet lab experiments lead to rational choice of mutations that may lead to the production of rice grains with reduced amylopectin content.
Epidemiological Studies of Polyparasitism and Gender Associated Factors in Women in Igede Land
Authors: Uweh P. O. , Omudu E. A.
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Polyparasitism remains one of the most pressing public health problems with one third of the world population generally estimated to be infected. Also, Women are particularly of concern due to their gender roles which is sensitive since iil health and/or the illness of family members generally represent greater burdens for poor women in comparison to poor men.

Aim: To epidemiologically study polyparasitism in Women of Reproductive age in Igede land of Benue State, Nigeria.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study design was adopted for this study. Fresh stool, urine and blood samples were collected from women in Igede Land of Benue State and processed for internal parasites, urine parasites and malaria parasite respectively from September 2019 to August, 2021 using systematic random sampling technique. The study was restricted to women of reproductive age in Igedeland only. Well-structured questionnaires were further utilized to elicit information on associated factors related to polyparasitism. Positive samples were afterwards processed molecularly using PCR technology and the results documented. Data obtained was analysed using SPSS and comparative analysis was done using chi-square statistical tool.

Results: The overall rate of polyparasitism is this study was 3.50% while a prevalence of 33.50% was recorded for single parasitic infection. The dominant parasite was Plasmodium spp. (52.16%) while the least was Strongyloides stercoralis (1.44%). Parasite combination involving Schistosoma haematobium and Malaria parasite recorded highest prevalence (36.11%) while least prevalence was recorded for coinfection with Hookworm, Entamoeba histolytica and Asccaris lumbricoides. (8.33%). Also, associated factors of excretion and water source were significant (P<0.05) while meat consumption and sanitation were not significant P>0.05).

Conclusion: Polyparasitism among women in Igedeland of Benue State is relatively low with malaria parasite being the most dominant parasite.

Recommendations: Awareness on polyparasitism should be increased among women and antihelminthic and antimalarial drugs should be distributed free of charge to women so as to help reduce the burden of parasite infection in the study area.
Assessment of Physicochemical Characteristics of Waters in Santa Barbara River, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: Okoro Duke , Diejomaoh Lily Chovwe
Published: August 2022

Effluents received by surface water increase the concentration of heavy metals and nutrients in the water to a level that is harmful to the aquatic organism and pose a health risk to humans. Santa Barbara River is known for its rich biodiversity; and is a fishing site in Bayelsa state, Nigeria. This study examines the physicochemical characteristics of waters in the Santa Barbara River to ascertain anthropogenic influence on the water quality. In two seasons (wet and dry), surface water samples were collected from 20 sampling stations along the Santa Barbara River and from 4 control points and analyzed according to standard methods and procedures. Total suspended solids, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and sodium were the only parameters that showed a statistical difference between values obtained in the control and study area (p > 0.05) at 95% confidence interval. The results of polyaromatic hydrocarbons, lead, chromium and sulphate observed indicated anthropogenic influence on the water quality that may be due to the use of lead in fishing net, combustion of fossil fuel, and waste discharge into the River. Impact mitigation measures are therefore recommended to improve the water quality of the River.
Flexible Ureteroscopic Laser Lithotripsy versus Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Management of Upper Ureteral Calculi up to 2 cm
Authors: Al Debeiky Abdullah Salah , Elbahnasy Abdelhamid Mahmoud , Elgamasy Abdelnaser Khalifa , Elashry Osama Mohamed
Published: August 2022

Aims: To compare the outcome after flexible ureteroscopic (FURS) laser lithotripsy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for management of patients with upper ureteral calculi up to 2 cm.

Study Design: A prospective randomized comparative study.

Place and Duration of Study: Tanta Urology Department, Tanta University in Tanta, Egypt between October 2018 to October 2021.

Methodology: We included 95 patients (62 men, 33 women) with upper ureteral calculi up to 2 cm. 48 patients underwent flexible ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy while 47 patients underwent extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. The outcome including the operative time, the success rate, retreatment rate, auxiliary procedures and complication rates was reported.

Results: The complete stone free rate was 95.8% in the FURS group and 72.3% in the ESWL group 1 month postoperatively (P value = <0.002). As regard auxiliary procedures (4.2%) in FURS group and (6.4%) in ESWL group underwent secondary procedures (P value = 0.677). The respective complication rates (evaluated using the Clavien system) were 5.2% in FURS group, and 7.3% in ESWL group (P value = 0.323).

Conclusion: FURS affords a comparable success rate than ESWL and seems to be a promising alternative to ESWL when higher stones densities are to be treated. Prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patients Presenting with Globus Pharyngeus: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kafle Khagendra , Baniya Abinash , Shahi Manoj , Gurung Bipana , Shrestha Barun , Baral Sovit Jung
Published: August 2022

Aims: This study aims to determine the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients presenting with globus pharyngeus in an outpatient clinic of a tertiary care center in Nepal

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the psychiatry outpatient department of Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur, Nepal between Aug 2021 and Dec 2021.

Methodology: Globus pharyngeus was diagnosed after ruling out obvious pathology related to the throat and gastrointestinal system by specialists from the respective departments. The Glasgow Edinburgh Throat Scale (GETS) with its Nepali translation and study-specific structured proforma for sociodemographic and clinical profiles has been used as the study tool. Patients were assessed by the consultant psychiatrist to find out psychiatric comorbidities.

Results: Among the one hundred patients with a diagnosis of Globus pharyngeus, most patients were female (n=69), from an urban background(n=63), living in nuclear families (n=57), and were married (n=85). The mean age of patients with globus diagnosis was 37 years. The mean duration of globus symptoms was 32 months. Ninety-seven patients were previously treated for their problems from other centers. Discomfort/irritation in the throat (n=92), Feeling something stuck in the throat (n=91), and pain in the throat (n=81), were common symptoms. Psychiatric comorbidities [lifetime] were seen in forty-two patients.

Conclusion: Female gender, age of thirties, married status, belonging to the urban background, living in a nuclear family, and long duration of treatment history are commonly observed characteristics of these patients. Comorbid anxiety and depression are frequently observed psychiatric comorbidities.
Insect Pests and their Direct Damage of Piliostigma reticulatum (D.C.) Hochst Flowers and Pods in North-Soudanian Region of Burkina Faso
Authors: Ebou DAO Madjelia Cangre , Souleymane KOUSSOUBE , Paul BAZONGO Jean
Published: August 2022

Aims: The objective of this work is to gain a better understanding of insect pests of flowers, fresh and ripe pods of P. reticultum in Burkina Faso.

Study Design: The P. reticultum trees were selected randomly. Also, the collection of flowers and pods from these trees was done in the same way.

Place and Duration of Study: Flowers, fresh pods and mature pods of P. reticulatum were collected in a village in the province of Bam called Yilou.

The observations were conducted in the laboratory. The study was carried out between December 2020 and September 2021.

Methodology: 120 flowers, 200 fresh pods and 2000 ripe pods of P. reticulatum were collected. Fresh flowers and pods were collected randomly from 20 trees and ripe pods from 100 trees. In the laboratory, fresh flowers and pods were dissected and insects were collected. Ripe pods were stored in the laboratory in polyethylene bags at room temperature for up to six months. When the bags were opened, all the insects observed were captured and placed in vials containing 70º alcohol. Insect damage to the pods was assessed using a score from 1 to 5. The pods were then dissected and the insects were collected again. All insects were identified under a binocular "stereomicroscope using identification keys.

Results: The results showed that Thysanoptera (Thripidae) were the most important insects in the flowers followed by Hymenoptera (Formicidae) and Coleoptera (Curculionidae). The main pests on fresh pods were Lepidoptera larvae (Lepidochrysops quassi Karsch). The extent of damage on mature pods in storage was high with an average score of 4.68. The pests of these pods in stock are Caryedon serratus (Olivier) followed by Tribolium castaneum (Herbst).

Conclusion: The study revealed that thrips, L. quassi and C. serratus are the main pests of P. reticulatum flowers, fresh pods and socked pods respectively.
Influence of Cyber-security Problems in Digital Assessment on Students’ Assessment Outcome: Lecturers’ Perspective
Authors: I. Eleje Lydia , C. Metu Ifeoma , C. Ikwelle Anthonia , G. Mbelede Njideka , C. Ezeugo Nneka , N. Ufearo Florence , A. Okenwa-Fadele Ijeoma , E. Ezenwosu Ngozi
Published: August 2022

The increasing use and continuing growth of e-Learning systems has been documented by abundant studies but, little attention has been given to the cyber-security issues in digital-assessment. In fact, there are dearth of studies on research and education about lecturers’ perspective towards the influence of cyber-security problems in digital-assessment on assessment outcome. The current investigation targeted this research gap. Thus, a descriptive survey research was conducted with 200 lecturers purposively drawn from education discipline of government owned degree awarding tertiary institutions in Anambra state, Nigeria. Instrument used for data collection was an 8-item questionnaire developed by the researchers. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics were applied in the data analysis to answer one research question and two hypotheses. Analysis was by SPSS version-23. A p-value ≤0.05 was taken as significant. The results from this study revealed that cyber-security problems in digital assessment mars negatively on students’ assessment outcome. There were significant differences on lecturers’ perspective on the influence of security problems in digital-assessment on students’ assessment outcome based on level and cadre but not on gender. Cyber-security problems in digital assessment mars negatively on students’ assessment outcome and it was significantly influenced by academic level and cadre.  Further research is needed to check the consistency of findings and to identify whether the relationship is causal.
Enhancing Engineering Development in Nigerian Institutions
Authors: Ujam Chinedu James
Published: August 2022

Technical development comprises the learning of professional skills, as well as theoretical and practical engineering knowledge. Engineering departments of different universities and polytechnics in Nigeria were investigated using Pareto Analysis to understand the major causes of poor engineering development in Nigerian Institutions and ways to enhance it. The findings indicate that the major causes of poor engineering developments were  poor funding, a lack of a functional policy framework, non utilization of existing laboratories, poor teaching skills, a lack of functional workshop facilities, an unstable engineering road map, a poor curriculum, decay in educational infrastructure, non-implementation of the educational budget, and poor collaboration between industries and institutions. After the analysis of all the problems hampering engineering development in Nigerian Institution using Pareto Analysis of 20/80 Rules, the result shows that the seven major causes, which mostly affected the engineering development are; Collaboration between engineering department and industries, poor teaching method, non-maximum utilization laboratories, non study of existing products and functions,  lack of functional laboratories, inadequate of professional and experienced teachers, non utilization of research findings. Tackling those seven problems head-on will bring significant improvement in the development of engineering in Nigerian Institutions. Other various methods for enhancing engineering development in Nigerian institutions were stated.
Spatial Analysis of Flow Patterns to Healthcare Facilities in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Muibi K. H. , Babatimehin Oye
Published: August 2022

Healthcare facilities in developing countries are most times inadequate and access to the available ones is made difficult by some uncongenial urban environmental conditions.  These among other factors results in the poor health indicators normally reported for cities in developing countries. Hence, this study examined the accessibility patterns of people to healthcare facilities and factors responsible for such patterns in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. The locations of healthcare facilities and respondents in the study area were captured through handheld GPS receivers. Also, a set of 591 questionnaires were administered to elicit information about people’s perception of healthcare facilities in the city. Spatial analyses of phenomena of interest were carried out using GIS analytical tools. Specifically, the road network was digitized with a connectivity rule from Ikonos Satellite Image and was converted to network data set. Also, the analysis of travel patterns to each healthcare facility was done using origin-destination matrix in the network analysis within the GIS environment. Results showed that the travel distance of most patients to tertiary healthcare facilities is above the WHO standard; while the travel distance to primary and secondary healthcare facilities is within the WHO standard. Furthermore, result showed disparities in the preference of people to healthcare facilities occasioned by distance, transport cost, travel time, quality of service and socio-economic factors. Approximately 62% of the household patronized hospital for treatment, 23% made use of herb and 15% engaged in self-medication. The result of this study also showed distance covered to healthcare facilities and flow patterns of healthcare users in which the distance are geometrically measured in numerical unit which has been rarely employed and these were documented in the study. The study concluded that spatial restructuring and reorganization of healthcare facilities is necessary in order to enhance access to healthcare facilities in Kano city.
Phytochemical Analysis and In-vitro Antioxidant Activities of Some Selected Higher Fungi from Oyo State, South West of Nigeria
Authors: Omeonu Francis Chukwumma , Jonathan Segun Gbolagade , Salami Adeola Temitope , Laba Sunday Ademola , Azuh Victor Okechukwu
Published: August 2022

Higher-fungi (Hf) of the polypore mushrooms are considered to have unique secondary metabolites, making them reservoirs of therapeutically significant bioactive compounds. Phytochemical and antioxidant properties of the Hf were accessed in this study.

Four Hf, which were found in several wild locations in Oyo state, Nigeria, were collected. At the University of Ibadan Botany Department Laboratory, the species of the four Hf were determined. In-vitro antioxidant activity were assessed using the 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) assays using methanol extracts of air-dried and powdered Hf. Results were presented as Mean SEM, graphs were created in Excel, one-way ANOVA was used for the analysis, and p ≤0.05 was regarded as significant.

These Hf were identified as Lycoperdon rimlatum (Lr) FFUI1, Trametes versicolor (Tv) FFUI2, Ganoderma lucidum (Gl) FFUI3, and Daedelia quarcina (Dq) FFUI4 and were recorded on the NCBI with accession numbers EU833664.1, JQ621899, JQ520179.1 and KP171209.1, respectively. All the Hf showed positive tests for the presence of saponin, tannin, alkaloid, terpenoid, carbohydrate,tannin and flavonoids. The Hf showed antioxidant activities, the highest DPPH inhibition was by Tv (94.48%), FRAP was by Gl (0.16 mg/g) and H2O2 inhibition was by Lr (70.90%). The antioxidant activities observed were due to the presence of useful phytochemicals making them therapeutically significant.
Demographic Profile & Pattern of Ocular and Adnexal Injuries from Sloth Bear Maul: a Study in Tertiary Centre of Bilaspur District, Chhattisgarh
Authors: Sonwani Prabha , Singh Suchita
Published: August 2022

This study was done in all cases of bear attacked patSients admitted in our tertiary centre Chhattisgarh institute of medical science (CIMS) who suffered ocular and adnexal injuries. Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) is found to be native in many forest areas of the state of Chhattisgarh including North Bilaspur Forest Division (NBFD). The study was conducted in the department of ophthalmology, Chhattisgarh institute of medical science (CIMS) Bilaspur Chhattisgarh for the duration of 3 years (January 2018 to December 2020).  All patients who were admitted in our institute with ocular and/or adnexal injuries from bear attack have been included in this study. 27 patients were attacked by sloth bear in the forest areas of Bilaspur division and referred to our tertiary centre. These patients had ocular and adnexal injuries.  These bears were found roaming in the forest areas and also at places of human and animal habitats. 67% (18 of 27) patients were attacked in the forest areas, while some were attacked in the crop fields (15%), home courtyard (7%) and near water bodies (11%).  Sloth bears are one of the most aggressive bears who have attacked human populations. The injuries cause severe visual loss and disfigurement to eyeball and adnexa. Proper measures are needed to be implemented to prevent such cases in future.
Statin Usage in Primary Prevention—Comparing the USPSTF Recommendations With the AHA/ACC/Multisociety Guidelines
Authors: Stone Neil J. , Greenland Philip , Grundy Scott M.
Published: August 2022

This Editorial compares the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations with the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC)/multisociety guidelines on statin usage in primary prevention.
Is extra naloxone needed for overdose reversal in the fentanyl era?
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2022

The news that more naloxone than the standard 2‐mg dose is needed in many overdose victims is largely tied to the potent illicit fentanyl. Typically, the first responder waits to make sure the naloxone is working, that the patient starts breathing again, and if not, administers a second dose. But some people now say that it's important to give enough right away, and that those moments without oxygen can be damaging. Naloxone has no effect on someone without opioids in their system; on someone who has overdosed, it pushes the opioids off the receptors and reverses the overdose. On someone who is physically dependent on opioids, it will also produce withdrawal symptoms. Either way, the victim recovers, but if the naloxone is given in a high enough dose to someone who is dependent, that recovery will come with unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
Simulation and Experimental Study on Metal Microstructure of Meniscus‐Confined Electrodeposition
Authors: Xu Jinkai , Xu Zhenming , Ren Wanfei , Zou Zhaoqiang , Wang Xue
Published: August 2022

Meniscus‐confined electrodeposition (MCED), as one of the multifunctional additive manufacturing methods for microsensor manufacturing and flexible electrical interconnection, has great potential in future miniaturized communication devices. At present, however, the understanding of the multiphysical field processes involved in this method, such as electrodeposition, fluid dynamics, and mass and heat transfer, is limited, and the deposition forming process has not yet been well explained. Herein, the manufacturing process of metal microstructure used by MCED is studied, and the contour features of the microstructure are characterized. Simultaneously, based on the law of liquid phase mass transfer in microzone, the theoretical model of MCED process is established, the important role of Marangoni effect in evaporation process is revealed, and the effect of evaporation process on MCED is analyzed and discussed. Besides, the effect of evaporation process on the dynamic process of deposition is further proved by simulation analysis. The additive manufacturing equipment based on MCED is built to manufacture metal microstructure. Furthermore, the effects of evaporation on the morphology, roundness, vertical angle, and chemical composition of deposited metal microstructure are analyzed experimentally. These results provide a promising platform for the direct fabrication of nanocircuit interconnections, microsensors, and microantennas.
Bottom‐Up Construction of Fluorene‐Based Porous Aromatic Frameworks for Ultrahigh‐Capacity and High‐Rate Alkali Metal‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Shuai , Bian Zheng , Liu Zhaoli , Wang Yinghui , Cui Fengchao , Wang Heng‐guo , Zhu Guangshan
Published: August 2022

Porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) have attracted much attention in various fields, yet an understanding of their applications in energy storage systems is in its infancy. Herein, a series of fluorene‐based PAFs are synthesized and then used as cation‐hosting organic anode materials in rechargeable alkali metal‐ion batteries. Experimental characterizations combined with theoretical calculations demonstrate that larger micropore volume, higher specific surface area, and more radicals can favor the redox activity and electrochemical performance of PAFs. As the anode material of lithium‐ion batteries, the optimum PAF‐202 delivers ultrahigh reversible capacity of 1152 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1, impressive cyclability with 95% capacity retentions after 5000 cycles at 20 A g−1, and extraordinary high‐rate capability of 286 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1. Moreover, PAF‐202 can also show good sodium/potassium‐ion storage properties. This study highlights the importance of building units and linking patterns of PAFs in designing high‐performance organic electrode materials for energy storage systems.
Mono‐, Di‐, and Tri‐Valent Cation Doped BiFe0.95Mn0.05O3 Nanoparticles: Ferroelectric Photocatalysts
Authors: Dubey Astita , Keat Chin Hon , Shvartsman Vladimir V. , Yusenko Kirill V. , Castillo Marianela Escobar , Buzanich Ana Guilherme , Hagemann Ulrich , Kovalenko Sergey A. , Stähler Julia , Lupascu Doru C.
Published: August 2022

The ferroelectricity of multivalent codoped Bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3; BFO) nanoparticles (NPs) is revealed and utilized for photocatalysis, exploiting their narrow electronic bandgap. The photocatalytic activity of ferroelectric photocatalysts BiFe0.95Mn0.05O3 (BFM) NPs and mono‐, di‐, or tri‐valent cations (Ag+, Ca2+, Dy3+; MDT) coincorporated BFM NPs are studied under ultrasonication and in acidic conditions. It is found that such doping enhances the photocatalytic activity of the ferroelectric NPs approximately three times. The correlation of the photocatalytic activity with structural, optical, and electrical properties of the doped NPs is established. The increase of spontaneous polarization by the mono‐ and tri‐valent doping is one of the major factors in enhancing the photocatalytic performance along with other factors such as stronger light absorption in the visible range, low recombination rate of charge carriers, and larger surface area of NPs. A‐site doping of BFO NPs by divalent elements suppresses the polarization, whereas trivalent (Dy3+) and monovalent (Ag+) cations provide an increase of polarization. The depolarization field in these single domain NPs acts as a driving force to mitigate recombination of the photoinduced charge carriers.
Metal–Organic Frameworks for CO2 Separation from Flue and Biogas Mixtures
Authors: Sahoo Rupam , Mondal Supriya , Mukherjee Debolina , Das Madhab C.
Published: August 2022

Great efforts have been made toward the separation of CO2 from flue gas and biogas to mitigate environmental pollution and the demand for renewable fuels, respectively. Nonthermal‐based separations, such as adsorption‐based or membrane‐separation technology employing porous materials, are considered to be more promising than traditional cryogenic and absorption‐based systems. Due to several advantages of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) over other conventional porous materials, reports on flue and biogas separation by MOFs are burgeoning (423 for adsorption and 56 for membrane‐based separations until June 2021) and demand urgent summarization. This review presents a bird's eye view on such separations while organizing the developed strategies and considering several performance parameters, such as trade‐off between sorption capacity and separation selectivity in adsorption‐based systems and permeability versus separation selectivity in membrane‐based systems. In addition, the mechanisms involving such separations at the molecular level are presented. A critical discussion section offers more crucial insights into these materials from industrial deployment viewpoints. Finally, future recommendations are made for further developments of MOF materials as flue and biogas separators and thus toward solving both the challenging universal problems of global warming and energy scarcity simultaneously.
Collective Behaviors of Active Matter Learning from Natural Taxes Across Scales
Authors: Ji Fengtong , Wu Yilin , Pumera Martin , Zhang Li
Published: August 2022

Taxis orientation is common in microorganisms, and it provides feasible strategies to operate active colloids as small‐scale robots. Collective taxes involve numerous units that collectively perform taxis motion, whereby the collective cooperation between individuals enables the group to perform efficiently, adaptively, and robustly. Hence, analyzing and designing collectives is crucial for developing and advancing microswarm toward practical or clinical applications. In this review, natural taxis behaviors are categorized and synthetic microrobotic collectives are discussed as bio‐inspired realizations, aiming at closing the gap between taxis strategies of living creatures and those of functional active microswarms. As collective behaviors emerge within a group, the global taxis to external stimuli guides the group to conduct overall tasks, whereas the local taxis between individuals induces synchronization and global patterns. By encoding the local orientations and programming the global stimuli, various paradigms can be introduced for coordinating and controlling such collective microrobots, from the viewpoints of fundamental science and practical applications. Therefore, by discussing the key points and difficulties associated with collective taxes of different paradigms, this review potentially offers insights into mimicking natural collective behaviors and constructing intelligent microrobotic systems for on‐demand control and preassigned tasks.
Fully Textured, Production‐Line Compatible Monolithic Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells Approaching 29% Efficiency
Authors: Mao Lin , Yang Tian , Zhang Hao , Shi Jianhua , Hu Yuchao , Zeng Peng , Li Faming , Gong Jue , Fang Xiaoyu , Sun Yinqing , Liu Xiaochun , Du Junlin , Han Anjun , Zhang Liping , Liu Wenzhu , Meng Fanying , Cui Xudong , Liu Zhengxin , Liu Mingzhen
Published: August 2022

Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells are promising avenues for achieving high‐performance photovoltaics with low costs. However, the highest certified efficiency of perovskite/silicon tandem devices based on economically matured silicon heterojunction technology (SHJ) with fully textured wafer is only 25.2% due to incompatibility between the limitation of fabrication technology which is not compatible with the production‐line silicon wafer. Here, a molecular‐level nanotechnology is developed by designing NiOx/2PACz ([2‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl) ethyl]phosphonic acid) as an ultrathin hybrid hole transport layer (HTL) above indium tin oxide (ITO) recombination junction, to serve as a vital pivot for achieving a conformal deposition of high‐quality perovskite layer on top. The NiOx interlayer facilitates a uniform self‐assembly of 2PACz molecules onto the fully textured surface, thus avoiding direct contact between ITO and perovskite top‐cell for a minimal shunt loss. As a result of such interfacial engineering, the fully textured perovskite/silicon tandem cells obtain a certified efficiency of 28.84% on a 1.2‐cm2 masked area, which is the highest performance to date based on the fully textured, production‐line compatible SHJ. This work advances commercially promising photovoltaics with high performance and low costs by adopting a meticulously designed HTL/perovskite interface.
Engineered Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicles as Controllable Two‐Way Adaptors to Activate Macrophage Phagocytosis for Improved Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Feng Qingqing , Ma Xiaotu , Cheng Keman , Liu Guangna , Li Yao , Yue Yale , Liang Jie , Zhang Lizhuo , Zhang Tianjiao , Wang Xinwei , Gao Xiaoyu , Nie Guangjun , Zhao Xiao
Published: August 2022

The most immune cells infiltrating tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) closely resemble immunosuppressive M2‐polarized macrophages. Moreover, tumor cells exhibit high expression of CD47 “don't eat me” signal, which obstructs macrophage phagocytosis. The precise and efficient activation of TAMs is a promising approach to tumor immunotherapy; however, re‐education of macrophages remains a challenge. Bacteria‐derived outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are highly immunogenic nanovesicles that can robustly stimulate macrophages. Here, an OMV‐based controllable two‐way adaptor is reported, in which a CD47 nanobody (CD47nb) is fused onto OMV surface (OMV‐CD47nb), with the outer surface coated with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) layer containing diselenide bonds (PEG/Se) to form PEG/Se@OMV‐CD47nb. The PEG/Se layer modification not only mitigates the immunogenicity of OMV‐CD47nb, thereby remarkedly increasing the dose that can be administered safely through intravenous injection, but also equips the formulation with radiation‐triggered controlled release of OMV‐CD47nb. Application of radiation to tumors in mice injected with the nanoformulation results in remodeling of TME. As two‐way adaptors, OMV‐CD47nb activates TAM phagocytosis of tumor cells via multiple pathways, including induction of M1 polarization and blockade of “don't eat me” signal. Moreover, this activation of TAMs results in the stimulation of T cell‐mediated antitumor immunity through effective antigen presentation.