bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internal and External Composition of I.A. Bunin’s Diaries
Authors: Chapaeva Lyubov G.
Published: February 2021

The history of the creation and publication of I.A. Bunin’s diaries are of interest to literary scholars and textual critics, but the study of their linguistic features is not complete. The diaries of I.A. Bunin as a whole and each separately are a communicative, structural and semantic unity, which is reflected in their composition. While retaining the characteristics common to this genre, Bunin’s diaries are original. The author, for example, rejects the classical methods of syntactic connection of records and sentences in them, freely combines fragments of various topics. The integrity of the entire text is preserved not with the help of interphrasal communication, but with the help of keywords repeated in the text, the predominance of certain lexical and semantic series, which determine a certain coherence, that is, a nonlinear type of connectivity that unites elements of different levels of the text. The characteristic properties of Bunin’s diary entries include the parsimony of linguistic means, the accuracy and detail of the chronotope, incomplete sentences, fragmentation and parceling, an abundance of clarifying comments, inserted constructions. Thus, the architectonics of I.A. Bunin, that is, the division of the text into separate semantic fragments, has both common features inherent in the genre and individual ones.
Legal Support of the Principle of Transparency of the Budget Process of Modern Russia: Topical Issues of Interpretation and Implementation
Authors:   Head of the Moscow State Budgetary Institution “Moscow Financial Agency” State Councilor of the Russian Federation, 1st class, Mikhaylov Denis L. , Semerina Elena I. ,   Deputy Head of the Moscow State Budgetary Institution “Moscow Financial Agency” Senior Counsellor of Justice, Subochev Vitaliy V. ,   Professor of Department of Legal Foundations of Administration, MGIMO-University Doctor of Juridical Sciences, Professor
Published: February 2021

The article is devoted to the principle of transparency (openness) in the budgetary process of modern Russia. The authors make an attempt to interpret the normative content of this principle and its implementation in the law enforcement activities of various courts. At the same time, a special attention is paid to the rather formal nature of the implementation of the principle under study, which guarantees access to information of interested parties and the possibility of public participation in the budget process. The article substantiates the position according to which the principle of transparency of the budgetary process as such has no value and turns only into a declaration if, in the end, such a result as targeted and effective spending of budget funds is not achieved. Based on the analysis of law enforcement practice, the conclusion is made that certain budgetary procedures that formally meet the standard requirements of transparency do not necessarily guarantee high efficiency and effectiveness of budget expenditures.
Legal Issues of Organization of Municipal Audit in Russia
Authors:   Academic Advisor, Associate Professor of the Department of State Audit of the Higher School of State Audit of the Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU) Associate Professor of the Department of Legal Support of Public Finance of the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation PhD (Law), Abramova Natalia E. , Lisitsin Pavel E. ,   Legal Counselor at Doverie Credit Consumer Cooperative
Published: February 2021

The article highlights the problems of the formation of external municipal financial control, in particular, analyzes the provisions of the legislation related to the option of transferring the relevant powers to the control and audit bodies of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.
The Legal Regime of the Temporary Application of Protocols to Tax Agreements between Russia and Cyprus, Russia and Malta
Authors:   Professor of the Department of Public Law of the National Research University Higher School of Economics (NRU HSE) LL.D., Khavanova Inna A.
Published: February 2021

Theoretical and practical aspects of provisional application of double taxation avoidance agreements are analysed in the article. The author analyses the conditions of provisional application of protocols on amendment of Russia’s tax treaties with Malta and with Cyprus of 2020. The Russian Federation as a rule resort to provisional application of international treaties only in exceptional cases when the treaty is of exceptional interest and there is a need in its “start” before its entering into force. The author draws attention to the fact that the provisional application of the treaty can be regulated both with indication on this condition in the treaty itself or with separate treaty. The author also provides examples from the practice of international cooperation into the tax sphere.
Losses of Extracted Crude Hydrocarbons for the Purposes of Application of the Zero Mineral Resources Extraction Tax Rate: A Legal Aspect
Authors:   Postgraduate Student of the Department of Financial, Tax and Budget Law of the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation, Korneva Ekaterina V.
Published: February 2021

In the article the author analyses the terminology of Chapter 26 of the Tax Code of Russian Federation that affect on application of the zero rate of tax in terms of normative losses of hydrocarbons. Based on the analysis current regulation and the concepts of “loss minerals”, “ normative losses”, “real losses”, “process losses”, the author proposes to make certain changes in Tax Code of Russian Federation to more clearly and intelligibly define terminology, and improve the efficiency of using the zero tax rate for taxpayers.
LEGAL SUPPORT OF TRANSPARENCY OF ACTIVITIES OF GOVERNING BODIES OF COMPANIES OF THE FUEL AND ENERGY COMPLEX
Authors:   Postgraduate Student of the Department of Energy Law of the Kutafi n Moscow State Law University (MSAL), Gorshkov Mikhail S.
Published: February 2021

In accordance with the Energy Strategy of the Russian Federation for the period of up to 2035, the enhancement of corporate governance is classified as a strategic task for the development of the fuel and energy sector. Legal support of corporate governance in companies with state participation in the energy sector, including companies in the power grid complex, is of great importance. The problems related to the legal support of transparency in the activities of the governing bodies of energy companies in the power grid complex are also of particular relevance. A significant problem of transparency of the governing bodies of energy companies, which still exists, is the identification and bringing the final beneficiaries to subsidiary responsibility. Within this work, the author identified the key problems that arise in case of transparency of activities of the governing bodies of companies of the power grid complex. The expediency of bringing the final beneficiaries of these organizations to subsidiary responsibility is justified, and proposals to improve the transparency and efficiency of the governing bodies of organizations of the power grid complex are made.
NUCLEAR MATERIALS OWNERSHIP IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors:   Postgraduate Student of the Department of Energy Law of the Kutafi n Moscow State Law University (MSAL), Babich Sergey A.
Published: February 2021

In response to the challenges of the epoch, “nuclear” laws currently regulate safety issues related to handling of nuclear materials, nuclear facilities operation, related transactions, nuclear waste processing and disposal, state control over the nuclear energy use, and international cooperation in the nuclear sphere. One of the most important institutions of the “nuclear” regulation system in Russian law is the institution of ownership of nuclear materials, understood by the modern legislator as materials containing, or capable of reproducing, fissile (fissionable) nuclear substances. Consolidating the rules of nuclear materials ownership, the legislator further formulates requirements for nuclear materials control and accounting, transactions procedure, and safe operation of nuclear facilities, as well as introduces liability for violation of such requirements. Today, many aspects related to the legal status of nuclear materials owners and the notion of handling nuclear materials deserve a deep legal analysis, since the current legal regulation has gaps and contradictions. The legal writing method used to word such norms, structures, and basic notions must meet the criteria of clarity, unambiguous interpretation, and absence of regulatory gaps, that is why the system of legal regulation of the institution of nuclear materials ownership needs further improvement.
LEGAL SUPPORT OF DIGITALIZATION IN THE WHOLESALE ELECTRICITY AND CAPACITY MARKET
Authors:   Postgraduate Student of the Department of Energy Law of the Kutafi n Moscow State Law University (MSAL), Koropets Nadezhda V.
Published: February 2021

The main objective of the electric power industry is to provide for uninterrupted and reliable operation of power systems in order to meet the demand for electric power. The introduction of digital technologies in the wholesale electricity and capacity market is aimed at improving the efficiency, safety and continuity of its operation. The author highlights the features of legal support of digitalization in the wholesale electricity and capacity market, and proposes the possibility of expansion of the experimental legal regime to the wholesale electricity and capacity market. Information security issues are considered taking into account the fact that market participants may suffer not only financial and reputational losses from the implementation of security threats, but also damage to the life and health of people, the environment and the market infrastructure. The author concludes that it is necessary to develop means of legal protection of interests of owners and users of electronic software systems, as well as legal regulation of automated actions carried out in the wholesale electricity and capacity market. The research was carried out with the financial support of the RFBR within scientific project No. 20-311-90034.
CHALLENGING ASPECTS OF THE LEGAL REGULATION OF INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES OF GAS EXPORTERS AS PARTIES TO EXCHANGE TRADE IN GAS ABROAD
Authors:   Postgraduate Student of the Center for Energy Law of the Saint-Petersburg State Economic University, Koshman Sergey S.
Published: February 2021

According to the Energy Strategy of the Russian Federation until 2035, the indicator of solution of the task of a flexible response to the world gas market dynamics is retaining by the Russian Federation of the dominant position of top three world gas exporters. Russian exporting companies are interested in trading in natural gas in European exchanges, as exchange trade in natural gas gives an opportunity to diversify the existing natural gas export mechanisms, gain access to highly liquid natural gas sales channels. At present, there is little legal research dedicated to challenging aspects of the legal regulation of exchange trade in energy resources, access of exporting companies to foreign exchanges. There are gaps and discrepancies in the existing legal regulation of this sector. The author reviews peculiarities of the legal regulation of relationships arising in trade in natural gas in European exchanges, the requirements set for exchange participants, the existing restrictions of these operations for Russian exporting companies, brings forward legal regulation development proposals.
STRATEGIC TASKS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MAIN GAS TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AND CHALLENGING ASPECTS OF THE LEGAL REGULATION OF CONSTRUCTION OF MAIN GAS PIPELINES
Authors:   Postgraduate Student of the Center for Energy Law of the Saint-Petersburg State Economic University, Kotousov Valentin A.
Published: February 2021

The development of the main gas transportation infrastructure and a socially and economically justified increase in the gas infrastructure expansion level in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation including creation of the conditions for preferential supply of gas to land plots used for housing construction are referred to strategic gas industry development tasks. The gas infrastructure expansion level and its growth pace are currently low in a number of regions of the Russian Federation. The citizens view this situation as social injustice, especially when main export gas pipelines are located in close proximity. Solution of strategic tasks related to the gas infrastructure expansion requires an improvement of the legal regulation of social relations arising at the gas infrastructure expansion, and that is impossible without legal research. The author brings forward proposals for the development of the legal regulation in the gas infrastructure expansion including provisions on the single operator of gas supply and gas infrastructure expansion programs
Fine-grained Multimodal Sentiment Analysis Based on Gating and Attention Mechanism
Authors: Sun Yingxue , Gao Junbo
Published: February 2021

In recent years, more and more people express their feelings through both images and texts, boosting the growth of multimodal data. Multimodal data contains richer semantics and is more conducive to judging the real emotions of people. To fully learn the features of every single modality and integrate modal information, this paper proposes a fine-grained multimodal sentiment analysis method FCLAG based on gating and attention mechanism. First, the method is carried out from the character level and the word level in the text aspect. CNN is used to extract more fine-grained emotional information from characters, and the attention mechanism is used to improve the expressiveness of the keywords. In terms of images, a gating mechanism is added to control the flow of image information between networks. The images and text vectors represent the original data collectively. Then the bidirectional LSTM is used to complete further learning, which enhances the information interaction capability between the modalities. Finally, put the multimodal feature expression into the classifier. This method is verified on a self-built image and text dataset. The experimental results show that compared with other sentiment classification models, this method has greater improvement in accuracy and F1 score and it can effectively improve the performance of multimodal sentiment analysis.
Aspergillus species and aflatoxin contamination in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in West Gojjam, Ethiopia
Authors:   Raya University, P.O. Box. 92, Maichew, Ethiopia, Tsehaynesh T , Abdi Mohammed ,   Haramaya University, P.O. Box138, Haramaya, Ethiopia, Hassen S ,   Mada  Walabu  University, P.O.Box:247,BaleRobe,Ethiopia, Taye W ,   Wolaita  Sodo  University, P.O.  Box  138,Wolaita  Sodo, Ethiopia
Published: February 2021

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important spice and source of income for smallholder producers in Ethiopia. Since the larger proportion is for the market, it takes a significant share of the national income from export commodity. However, often the product was rejected by some of the European Union markets due to the maximum aflatoxin level accumulations beyond their acceptable limits. So, the present study was carried out to highlight the importance of Aspergillus species invasion in pepper, and levels of aflatoxin contamination at maturity in the field (pod form), farmers' storage and local market (powder form)in West Gojjam, Ethiopia. A total of 135 pepper samples were collected from three districts of West Gojjam(Burie, Jabitehnan, and Fnoteselam), Ethiopia for fungal and aflatoxin analysis.The producers used a pre-validated structured questionnaire to obtain information on pepper production practices. Aspergillus species isolates were recovered using potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium and counting was through dilution method (cfu g-1). The pepper pods were ground to a fine powder for aflatoxin analysis using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay(ELISA). The prevalence of infected samples revealed that, pre-harvest samples(51%) were less infected by Aspergillus species, compared to local markets (65 %) and storage (79 %).Aspergillus flavus species were recovered in pre-harvest samples, whilst A.niger were found in local market samples. Aflatoxin contamination at pre-harvest, storage, and local market were 10, 47, and 42 % with levels which ranged from non-detected to 10.6, 0.3 -17.1 and 3.1 -19.2 ppb, respectively.The mean aflatoxin concentration detected from storage samples (10.6 ppb)and local market (12.6 ppb)were found to be above the tolerable limits set byEU (5 ppb) in pepper products.From the findings in this study, proper drying, physical separation of molded pods and use of clean storage structures should be implemented along the production chain in order to reduce aflatoxin contamination in pepper in Ethiopia.
Stakeholders’ impediments in promoting school nutrition education in South Africa: Implications on youth dietary knowledge of excess fats and carbohydrates
Authors:   University  of  Free State, P Bag x13, Phuthaditjhaba, Republic of South Africa, Mafugu Tafirenyika
Published: February 2021

There is prevalence of overweight and obesity in South Africa. Evidence of nutrition knowledge and challenges affecting the promotion of nutrition interventions is needed to produce more effective strategies to prevent nutrition problems in schoolchildren. The study sought to explore challenges encountered by stakeholders of the school nutrition programme in promoting nutrition education. Furthermore, the study aimed to assess the implications of the stakeholders ‘challenges on learners’ dietary knowledge of excess fats and carbohydrates. The study took place in eight secondary schools in the Pinetown District, KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa. The qualitative data from nine interviewees who were stakeholders of the school nutrition programme were analysed using thematic content analysis. Quantitative data were collected from 108 grade 12learners using self-administered questionnaires.The quantitative data was coded, collated and analysed using SPSS. Independent sample t-test was used to evaluate if there was significant difference between gender and the mean values. One-way ANOVA was used to establish if there was any significant difference between the mean values of learners’ knowledge on various nutrition principles.Learners displayed inadequate knowledge of a healthy diet(34%),the importance of vegetables in the diet (71%), the health risks of excess fats (64.8%) and excess carbohydrates (77.8%),and nutritious food to be eaten daily (40.7%). Comparison of group means of various nutrition principles using one way ANOVA indicated significant difference at p < 0.05 level[F(4, 528) = 43.3, P < 0.001]. The 44 male respondents had significantly higher scores for the awareness of health risks of excess fats t (103) = 2.6, p =0.01and excess carbohydrates t (103) = 2.7, p =0.01 compared to 61 females.Each food group could be listed only by less than 22% of the participants. Challenges encountered in promoting nutrition education included time constraints, lack of training on nutrition principles, lack of supporting documents and lack of nutrition principles in the curriculum.The inadequate knowledge displayed by learners and lack of training and supporting documents in promoting nutrition education indicate areas that can be targeted by intervention programmes to improve nutrition knowledge of learners and stakeholders.
The promise and challenges of vegetable home gardening for improving nutrition and household welfare: New evidence from Kasese District, Uganda
Authors:   University of California, Berkeley, USA, Gerny Rebecca , Marsh Robin ,   University of California, Berkeley, USA, Mwebembezi Jostas ,   Rwenzori Center for Research and Advocacy, Kasese, Uganda
Published: February 2021

Nearly eighty percent of Kasese District residents in Western Uganda pursue subsistence farming on the slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains where soil erosion and poverty contribute to declining agricultural yields, food insecurity, and high rates of stunting and wasting in children. In 2017, the Rwenzori Center for Research and Advocacy(RCRA) began a pilot home garden program aimed at sustainably improving nutrition for vulnerable households in Kasese. In 2019, the research team investigated whether a home garden intervention for nutritional benefit is an effective entry point to achieve broad household welfare. Data were collected from fifty randomly selected households in four sites with varied degrees of exposure to the garden intervention. Methods included a questionnaire, innovative card sorting game (CSG), 24-hour recall nutrition survey, in-depth interviews, and case stories of diverse Kasese women. Findings show that households experience diverse garden benefits and challenges depending upon baseline conditions, such as access to land, water, and money, as well as the quality and consistency of the technical and material support received.The frequency of vegetable consumption per day showed the most consistently positive results across households,while a 24-hour nutrition survey displayed increased consumption of leafy green vegetables high in iron and vitamin A among families with gardens, leading to ‘stronger children’ (CSG scenario) and improved family health. Further, over seventy percent of families generated income from their gardens, though varying widely in capacity to sell year-round. The garden income earned by women gardeners is spent almost entirely on child welfare. On average, more than ninety percent of garden households save ten percent of their income, primarily through Village Savings Groups. Therefore, regarding our research question, there is evidence to affirm that a home garden intervention for nutritional benefit can be an effective entry point to achieve broad household welfare. This conclusion is supported by numerous previous studies on garden initiatives for improved nutrition around the world.
Effect of partially substituting wheat flour with fish bones powder on the properties and quality of noodles
Authors:   Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep, Bangkok, 10120, Thailand, Uthai Narissara
Published: February 2021

Adding salmon (Salmo salar) fish bone powder (SBP), as a partial substitute for refined wheat flour in the production of fresh noodles, was developed as a method of utilizing a waste product from fish industry, reducing the use of wheat flour and enhancing the nutritional quality of the noodles. Refined wheat flour was partially substituted with salmon bone powder at 0, 5, 10, 15 or 20% of refined wheat flour. The noodles, made from these combinations, were then tested for their color, cooking quality, texture, chemical, sensory properties and level of microorganism during storage. The results indicated that as the amount of salmon bone powder increased, the appearance became yellowish and darker, the elasticity and softness of the noodles were decreased.Cooking quality; cooking time and cooking yield decreased while cooking loss was increased. When the noodles made from 15% salmon bone powder plus 85% refined wheat flour were tested their moisture content, protein, total carbohydrate, fat and ash were 36.45, 3.34, 43.60, 3.34, 6.74 g/100g, respectively and their calcium content also progressively increased with increasing levels of salmon bone powder in the refined wheat flour. The calcium content from noodles made from 15% salmon bone powder plus 85% refined wheat flour was 1.84 g/100g. The sensory evaluation in terms of appearance, color, odor, elasticity, softness, smoothness, taste and overall acceptability showed that the cooked noodles containing 15% salmon bone powder had similar characteristics to cooked noodles made from 100% refined wheat flour. Levels of microorganism including total plate count, yeasts and molds remained low,while Escherichia coli, Staphylococus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Samonella spp. were non-detected. All microorganism levels within acceptable levels and remained within criterion of microbiological quality standardization of foods and tableware announced by Department of Medical Science (No.3/2017) throughout the storage. Overall, the noodles retained acceptable quality for at least 9 days in refrigerator at 4±2oC.
Living on the Margin:
Authors: Sewali-Kirumira Jane Namuyimbwa
Published: February 2021

This article uncovers the hidden stepdaughter’s odyssey to Black African Feminism against the backdrop of Kigandan subservient womanhood and Euro-Canadian racism. The first section recounts early childhood experiences of an othered stepchild, followed by teenage anti-misogynist resistance to structural second-class citizenship in a majoritized boy’s school. Subsequent sections narratively capture the lived experiences of transitioning to racialized and subjugated Black womanhood in Germany and Canada, and the becoming of a proud Black African Anti-racist Feminist. Using personal photographs in the narratives makes the experience more present while the Luganda proverbs call forth the uniqueness of an African experience. This article uncovers different strategies of how a young Black African female combats multiple layers of Kigandan cultural subordination and systemic racism in order to excel as a professional immigration consultant and emerging anti-racism and Black feminism scholar.
Water Lily
Authors: Lewis Emma C.
Published: February 2021

A photographic image depicting a white water lily taken at St. Mary, Jamaica by photographer, Emma Lewis.
Teaching Black Students to Fly
Authors: Mason Alleson
Published: February 2021

Supplementary education programs1 play an important role in the educational development of Black students in the Global North. They provide students with knowledge, skills, and emotional support that is, generally, lacking in the mainstream public education system. For the most part, the community-based educational supports translate into Black students improving their academic performance significantly. This article uses Tara J. Yosso’s (2005) Community Cultural Wealth theoretical framework to situate studies concerning supplementary education programs and explore their contributions to Black students’ educational achievements in the United Kingdom, The United States of America, and Canada.
Reimagining Black Freedom – Beyond Place and Time
Authors: Cook Traci
Published: February 2021

In this article, the writings of three prolific writers, Canadian Katherine McKittrick, Canadian-Trinidadian Marlene NourbeSe Philips and American Maya Angelou, intersect at the point of Black liberation and form a singular voice where a reimagined freedom can emerge.

The piece begins with McKittrick’s research of Black geographies and what Black freedom as a destination looks like, by way of a fixed Underground Railroad journey to settlements like Ontario’s Negro Creek Road. It further interrogates and reverses the power dynamic between the European colonizer and Black settler, by engaging with Philip’s novel, Harriet’s Daughter. Here, teen protagonist, Margaret, changes the rules of her Underground Railroad game, making it possible for anybody to be a slave. Finally, these ideas are connected to Angelou’s autobiographical accounts of racism in the Deep South and her poetic expressions of hope and freedom through her writings, Caged Bird and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Michael Elliot: Artist Statement and Artwork
Authors: Elliot Michael
Published: February 2021

Included are images representing paintings from Michael Elliot's "Windrush Series, "Brixton Brewing" and "The Drop", preceded by a statement describing the importance of the series, which represents the history of West Indians who migrated to Britain and the social problems that they faced. Incorporated in the works are the elements of tea cups which are representative of the original Windrush ship, and tea bags which illustrate the essence being drained from the Black man until there is nothing left to give.
Asser Saint-Val: Artist Statement and Artwork
Authors: Saint-Val Asser
Published: February 2021

Featured artwork and accompanying Artist's Statement by Asser Saint-Val described as "A Function for alpha-MSH in fetal development and   the presence of an Alpha-MSH-like compound in nervous tissue", a mixed media on Masonite: using coffee, chocolate, acrylic, watercolor, house painting, and color pencils: 2013.
Contributor Biographies
Authors: Aujlal-Bhullar Sonia Kaur
Published: February 2021

Biographies of contributors to the Volume 12, No 1 issue of of Cultural and Pedagogical Inquiry, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings".
Tribute to Kamau Brathwaite (May 11, 1930 to February 4, 2020)
Authors: Reiss Timothy J.
Published: February 2021

A tribute to the life and works of Kamau Brathwaite , a prominant Caribbean poet and scholar born and raised in Barbados, by  close friend Dr.Timothy Reiss.
Beauty and the Beast: Using creative expression to envision a just society amid post-truth politics, pandemic, and climate change
Authors: Bohac Clarke Veronika
Published: February 2021

Call for Submissions for the  Special Issue of Cultural and Pedagogical Inquiry (CPI), Fall 2021 entitiled "Beauty and the Beast:  Using creative expression to envision a just society amid post-truth politics, pandemic, and climate change"
Analysis of Screening Tools for Drought Tolerance in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genotypes
Authors: Karimizadeh Rahmatollah , Keshavarzi Kavoos , Karimpour Farzad , Sharifi Peyman
Published: February 2021

Background: Chickpea is the third most significant food legume worldwide. While deeper rooting can increase water extraction, as it has been hypothesised for almost three decades. Therefore, understanding the regulation of leaf water losses in plant canopy, first when there is no water limitation and secondly when plants are progressively exposed to water deficit, are likely to be equally critical to roots for achieving high chickpea yield under terminal drought. Present study was carried out with an aim to evaluate the use of physiological traits such as canopy temperature depression (CTD) and chlorophyll content to determine drought tolerance of chickpea genotypes under varying environmental conditions. Methods: Trials were conducted in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 growing seasons at Gachsaran agricultural research station situated located in south-western of Iran. Chickpea genotypes were planted in two sets (each set had 3 replicates) by using a RCBD under two supplementary irrigation and rain-fed conditions. CTD measurements were made by infrared thermometer which was focused to 10:1 meter and at late morning to early afternoon cloudless periods (11:00 to 13:00 hours). Leaf chlorophyll content was measured at flowering and grain filling stages by using of a Minolta SPAD meter on 5-8 flag leaves per plot. Result: The CTD results in emergence of fifty percent of inflorescence stage and CHL in grain filling stage had high significant differences. The significant and positive correlation of DI, K2STI, Ys, GMP, STI, MP, Yp, K1STI showed that these indices were more effective in identifying high yielding genotypes under both conditions and result showed that CTD and CHL have played important roles to search physiological basis of grain yield of chickpea and CTD and CHL can successfully use as a selection criterions in breeding programs.
A Case Study on the Growth Pattern of Indian Free-ranging Dog in Natural Environment
Authors: Choudhury Tanima
Published: February 2021

Background: The Indian kennel club has determined the weight and height characteristics of adult Indian free-ranging dogs but not for the puppies despite the dogs existing in India for centuries. The formation of a growth chart for these dogs may help veterinarians to be better able to determine the age and health status of the rescued puppies. Methods: In this study, the weekly weight gains and monthly total length increases of a female Indian free-ranging puppy were observed from 5th-22nd week of the puppy’s life in order to form a growth chart. The puppy’s life during observation was divided into three phases-pre-weaned, weaned and scavenge by itself. The mother’s monthly weight gain was measured. Result: The puppy showed 0.71±0.30 kg in the first, 0.45±0.48 kg in the second and 0.38±0.40 kg increase in the third phase of the observation period. No significant difference in weight gain was observed in the three phases. The monthly weight gain and length increase were 1.95±0.587 kg and 21.25±19.05 cm respectively. No correlation was observed between them. No correlation between months after birth and mother’s weight gain were observed.
Evaluation of Bush Type French Bean Varieties through Organic Farming in South Chhotanagpur Plateau of Eastern India
Authors: Mahto S.K. , Dutta A.K.
Published: February 2021

Background: French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important protein-rich winter vegetable of our country but extensively grown in south Chhotanagpur plateau of Jharkhand during both kharif and rabi seasons. However, indiscriminate uses of agrochemicals lead to production of poor quality pods of the crop due to residual toxicity. Hence, the current study was aimed to evaluate of the crop varieties based on their yield and quality traits expression under organic growing condition. Methods: The present investigation was carried out by adopting five bush type varieties of French bean (V1: Arka Komal, V2: Swarna Priya, V3: HAFB-2, V4: HAFB-4 and V5: Falcon). They were grown independently under two growing conditions viz. organic farming (Oi) where FYM, vermicompost and Shasyagavya were used as organic inputs and absolute control (O0) where no organic input was applied. These varieties were grown with their four replications in each of the experimental situate following RCBD experimental design. Different yield and its attributes and proximate quality traits were studied under both growing conditions for their evaluation. Result: Findings revealed that most of the studied traits were influenced by organic growing condition with significant differences among varieties to pod length, pods per plant, pod weight, green pod yield, ascorbic acid, TSS and protein content. Consequently, the maximum green pod yield (17.55 t ha-1) was estimated in HAFB-4 under organic growing condition as against 7.57 t ha-1 under the absolute control condition. Different proximate quality traits were also expressed independently under different varietal situates but responded better under organic growing condition than its respective absolute control counterpart.
Vitex agnus castus and Some Female Disorders: A Review
Authors: Alamoudi Muna O. , Bakrshoom Yousef F.
Published: February 2021

Vitex agnus castus L., is a deciduous tree which has been utilized in ancient Greece, Iran, Egypt and Rome for over 2500 years for a large variety of female reproductive system health difficulties. In Saudi Arabia, many women have menstrual cycle disturbances and menopausal dysfunction and many have polycystic ovary syndrome at young age. Using Vitex is not in Saudi tradition like other Arab countries. Recently, just few people used this herb for treating some infertility problems. A variety of beneficial effects of this curative herb have been reported in clinical studies, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, anti-diabetic, hormonal modulatory, anti-nociceptive and opioidergic activities, preventing oxidative stress and nonalcoholic fat liver disease. Adverse effects of the plant are mild and reversible. The advantages of this herb as natural medicine attract the people and make it one of best choose and utilize widely in women disorders specially that related with menopauses. Its constituents could interact with dopaminergic antagonists and exhibited progesteronic and estrogenic activities. This brief review introduces this plant to Saudi society and others to expand it usage and discusses the potential effect of the plant to cure some of the women disorders displaying its main ingredients and the side effects.
Customized Fertilizers- An Artefact in Indian Agriculture: A Review
Authors: Vidyashree B.S. , Arthanari P. Murali
Published: February 2021

Indian agriculture is suffering from low crop productivity and poor sustainability as its land suffers from varying degrees of soil fertility depletion. There exists a wide gap between amount of nutrients removed by crops and added through fertilizers resulting in reduced yields is due to mineral deficiency. Besides, there are issues of poor fertilizer response and reduced fertilizer use efficiency. Therefore, the holistic approach should be soil-climate-crop specific. It is essential to supply both macro and micronutrients to cater the needs of the crop. As Indian soils are deficit in supplying nutrients especially nitrogen and zinc, customized fertilizer is one option, being a multi-nutrient carrier of both macro and micro nutrients, is tailored to meet the region, soil, crop specific needs designed through specialised smart fertilizer technology, manufactured through systematic granulation process. These, customized fertilizer boost crop yields and arrest soil fertility deterioration over long run in a sustainable manner.
Effects of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Viscera Hydrolyzate on Blood Pressure, TNF-α and IL-6 Expression in Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Induced by DOCA-Salt
Authors: Riyadi Putut Har , Tanod Wendy Alexander , Sulistiyati Dwi Titik , Aulanni’am Aulanni’am , Suprayitno Eddy
Published: February 2021

Background: Hypertension is a disease that has the potential to become the most significant cause of death in the world in 2020. Hypertension caused by an imbalance of the renin angiotensinogen system. Viscera hydrolyzate extract has an anti-hypertension activity. The research aimed to determine tilapia viscera hydrolyzate extract’s ability to reduce blood pressure, suppressing the expression of TNF-α and IL-6. Viscera hydrolyzed with alcalase and extracted to obtain viscera bioactive crude extract (VisBC). Methods: Spontaneously hypertensive rats induced by DOCA-salt, gave VisBC therapy. 15 Wistar rats divided into 5 treatment groups, namely normal control (without induced DOCA-salt), positive control (SHR-Spontaneous Hypertensive Rat = induced by DOCA-salt), comparative control (SHR + Captopril 5 mg/kg), VisBC 1 (SHR + BC 150 mg/kg) and VisBC 2 (SHR + BC 300 mg/kg), where each treatment consisted of 3 replications. Each treatment measured for blood pressure, TNF-α and IL-6 expression. The data represented as mean ± SD and analyzed by ANOVA (p less than 0.05) in any difference, a subsequent Duncan test. Data analyzed by SPSS 20.0 for Windows 10. Result: The results showed the treatment of VisBC could reduce systole (19.64%) and diastole (29.15%) blood pressure. Also, VisBC inhibited the expression of TNF-α (8.08%) and IL-6 (8.39%). The VisBC of tilapia with a dose of 150 mg/kg could inhibit the expression of TNF-α and IL-6, thereby affected the decrease in blood pressure (systole and diastole) in rats induced by DOCA-salt. This research proved that fish waste could produce bioactive as anti-hypertension.
Effect of Chelated and Inorganic Zinc, Selenium and Chromium on Antioxidant Status, Biochemical and Production Parameters in Broiler
Authors: Patel Pragati , Mishra Aditya , Singh A.P. , Singh A.K.
Published: February 2021

In the present investigation we explore the use of organic and inorganic zinc, selenium and chromium to modulate antioxidant defense system, biochemical status and enhance production response of Broiler. Total 312 day old Cobb broiler chicks were used in the experiment. The results indicate that mean plasma superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidise and glucose concentration were non-significantly different in all groups. Significantly (p less than 0.05) higher mean plasma catalase concentration and TBA value was found in T13 and control group respectively. Mean plasma total protein, albumin and globulin were significantly (p less than 0.01) higher in organic Zn, Se and Cr (T13) followed by organic Cr (T10) supplemented group. Mean body weight gain, feed intake, FER and PI were significantly (p less than 0.01) higher in organic Zn, Se and Cr (T13) followed by organic Se (T7) supplemented group. In the present investigation organic Zn, Se and Cr supplementation showed systemic effects with a better biochemical status, which could be translated into better production performance and lower mortality.
Regulatory Role of fnr Gene in Growth and tolA Gene Expression in Salmonella Typhimurium
Authors: K.C. Nikhil , Priyadarsini Swagatika , Pashupathi M. , Ratta Barkha , Saxena Meeta , Ramakrishnan S. , Behera Parthasarathi , Kumar Ajay
Published: February 2021

Background: Salmonella Typhimurium (S.Typhimurium) adapts to the broad fluctuations of oxygen concentrations encountered in the host. The transition from aerobic to microaerobic/anaerobic condition encountered in the intestine is mainly regulated by fumarate and nitrate reductase (fnr) regulatory gene and aerobic respiratory control A (arcA) gene. Aim is to appraise the role of fnr gene under anaerobic conditions. Methods: In this study, we deleted fnr gene from S.Typhimurium using lambda red-recombinase mediated gene knockout protocol. Further carried out in vitro characterization and analyzed the differential protein expression in wild type (WT) and isogenic Δfnr null mutant (Δfnr) using SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry under anaerobic conditions. Result: In growth competition, WT strain outcompeted the Δfnr and biofilm-forming ability of Δfnr was significantly reduced compared to WT strain. Swimming motility was reduced in Δfnr strain. Besides, differential protein expression revealed the global changes in the expression of many proteins in fnr strain. One differentially expressed protein was identified as TolA, an inner membrane envelope protein. It points out that fnr may regulate the genes responsible for motility and biofilm formation. FNR protein positively regulates TolA, which is important for bacterial virulence, maintenance of membrane integrity, LPS production and replication of bacteria.
Developmental Changes in Sublingual Salivary Gland of Indian Buffalo during Prenatal and Neonatal Life
Authors: Singh Amandeep , Singh Opinder
Published: February 2021

Background: The sublingual salivary gland being one of the major salivary glands contributes to a substantial amount of saliva secreted into the mouth. Saliva contains water, various enzymes, mucopolysaccharides and lubricating glycoproteins. It has an important role in providing lubrication for eating and vocalization, aid digestion and supply saliva for pH buffering. The study of prenatal development is prerequisite to understand the normal developmental biology of an organ. The documentation of normal foetal growth can serve as a guide for understanding the consequence of harmful influences at various stages of gestation. The present study was aimed at elucidating the histogenesis of sublingual gland of buffalo during prenatal as well as neonatal life. Methods: The study was carried out on 36 buffalo foetuses, during different stages of prenatal development, as well as 6 neonates. The fetuses were categorized into three groups based on their curved crown rump length (CVRL). The ontogenetic events in histogenesis of sublingual salivary gland of foetal and neonatal buffaloes were observed. Result: The primordial anlage of monostomatic and polystomatic parts of sublingual gland was observed at 39th day and 53rd day of development respectively. The primary ducts (interlobular) were first observed at 80th day of development. The lobulation of the gland was started at 107th day of development, whereas the capsule formation was initiated by the aggregation of mesenchymal tissue at 121st day of development. The duct system was completed at 121st day of development. At same day, the terminal tubules attained the structure of the acini. The typical compound tubulo-acinar nature was first observed at 122nd day of development. The gland showed predominantly mucous type of cells at 137th day of development. The myoepithelial cells were first appeared at 138th day of development. The monostomatic and polystomatic parts were clearly distinguishable by connective tissue at 170th day of development. In neonates, the gland was of compound tubulo-acinar nature with a well-defined capsule. Localization of acidic and neutral mucopolysaccharides was observed in mucous and goblet cells. Fine lipid droplets were observed in intralobular as well as interlobular connective tissue, however, phospholipids were found in the cell membrane of secretory acinar cells and ducts.
Body Condition Score (BCS) and Body Weight of Nellore Brown Sheep at Various Reproductive Stages in Different Systems of Rearing
Authors: Rangamma B. , Chandra A. Sarat , Rajanna N. , Prakash M. Gnana , Venkateswarulu M. , Krishna Ch. Hari
Published: February 2021

Background: Body Condition Score in sheep was used to evaluate the adequacy of previous feed supply, decide potential feed requirements in the future, evaluate individual animal health status, decide animal condition during daily routine, welfare inspection and in meat production systems. Methods: 60 Nellore brown ewes from Livestock Research Station, Mamnoor, Warangal district was randomly allotted to three rearing systems i.e Intensive (G1), Semi-intensive (G2) and Extensive (G3) system of each 20 animals. BCS and Body weight of the sheep was recorded at various reproductive stages i.e. just before breeding of animals, during pregnancy and lactation period to assess the nutritional status and reproductive performance of the sheep. Result: The mean average body weight (Kg) of pregnant ewes in G2 group had no significant (P less than 0.05) difference with G3 group. The average mean body weight (Kg) of ewes in G1 (27.58 ± 0.37kg) group had significant (P less than 0.05) difference with G2 (25.50 ± 0.32kg) group during lactation period of 90 days. The total gain of BCS during pregnancy period in the G1, G2 and G3 groups were 0.63 ± 0.06, 0.53 ± 0.06 and 0.44 ± 0.11, respectively. The overall mean BCS of the ewes 48hrs after lambing was higher in G1 (3.0 ± 0.10) group followed by G2 (2.73 ± 0.10) and G3 (2.38 ± 0.08) group.
Evaluation of Crossbreeding Parameters for Immunocompetence and Serum Enzyme Profile in a Partial Diallel Cross Involving Three Genetic Groups of Chicken
Authors: Vispute Mayur M. , Saxena Vishesh K. , Narayan Raj , Tomar Simmi , Rokade Jaydip J. , . Chandrahas , Verma Med Ram
Published: February 2021

Background: Poultry production in rural India is mostly a non-intensive venture comprising native chicken with low production potential but higher disease resistance and adaptability. Present study is attempted for developing a suitable cross for rural poultry production as well as identifying the genetic groups that are nicking well through a partial diallel cross. Methods: A partial diallel cross using three genetic groups/ breeds of chicken viz. coloured synthetic male line (CSML), Local native chicken (Desi) and CARI-Red as the parent lines was designed. CSML was used as male and CR as female line only. The progenies were evaluated for crossbreeding parameters viz. combining abilities and heterosis for immune response and serum enzyme profile to identify the best combining parent lines. Result: Significantly higher (P less than 0.05) cell-mediated (CMI) and humoral immune response (HIR) and immune organ (spleen, bursa of fabricius and thymus) weights were recorded in CR purebred followed by Desi purebred, while CSML purebred exhibited lowest immunity. Variances for SCA differed significantly (P less than 0.001) for HIR and immune organ weights. Inconsistent but significantly higher (P less than 0.01) serum enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) and AST/ALT ratio were recorded in triple cross and D x CR. Variances for SCA differed significantly (P less than 0.05) for serum enzymes. Results revealed that the CARI-Red and Desi were the improver parent lines for better immunocompetence and serum enzyme profile, respectively in the crosses.