bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Evidence-based Intravenous Infusion Therapy Practice Education for Nursing Students Applying the Peer Teaching Method between Seniors and Juniors: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Yang Jeong Ha , Yeom Gye Jeong
Published: September 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to organize a training program for nursing students using the peer teaching method between seniors and juniors and to investigate its effects on self-confidence, skill performance ability, and self-directed learning ability.Methods: A non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. The study population comprised 76 nursing students (experimental group, n=37; control group, n=39) from two universities. The experimental group received four training sessions of 2 hours each, during which peer teaching was applied between seniors and juniors. Data were collected between September 4 and September 15, 2023 and analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 28.0.Results: Compared with the control group, the experimental group exhibited significant increases in self-confidence (t=4.36, p<.001), skill performance ability (t=4.74, p<.001), and selfdirected learning ability (t=2.25, p=.027).Conclusion: Peer teaching between seniors and juniors was found to be an effective tool in nursing education to cultivate nursing students' skill performance confidence, skill performance ability, and self-directed learning ability. The findings of this study can guide nursing professors in designing and implementing educational programs that incorporate peer teaching between seniors and juniors. Future studies should continue to apply peer teaching to nursing education programs and evaluate its effectiveness.
EXPERIENCIAS SIGNIFICATIVAS DEL PROFESIONAL DE ENFERMERÍA EN LA ATENCIÓN A PERSONAS CON DEPRESIÓN
Authors: Bonilla Fajardo Álvaro Andrés , Vargas Cruz Luz Dalila , González Hernández Oscar Javier
Published: September 2024

INTRODUCCIÓN: La depresión es un trastorno mental, en el mundo hay 350 millones de personas con la enfermedad, siendo la peor consecuencia el suicidio. Las intervenciones de enfermería requieren bases prácticas que se adquieren a partir de experiencias, a través de las cuales se construyen significados y se crean habilidades que permiten identificar necesidades en el sujeto de cuidado. OBJETIVO: Describir las experiencias significativas del profesional de enfermería en la atención a personas con depresión basado en la teoría de Rosemarie Rizzo Parse. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio cualitativo, método estudio de caso múltiple; técnica entrevistas semiestructuradas hasta saturación de datos con siete enfermeros que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. RESULTADOS: Se encontró que las experiencias que han tenido un significado en los enfermeros están en relación directa con los principios de la teoría de Parse, en donde se incluye estructurando significados, configuración de pautas rítmicas y co-trascendencia con lo posible; siendo el lenguaje el concepto más significativo dentro la atención a personas con depresión. Adicional, surgen las categorías emergentes de empatía, estigma, práctica de enfermería, sociedad, cultura y familia. CONCLUSIONES: La comunicación verbal y no verbal basada en la empatía es primordial en la atención de enfermería; adicional, la familia es fundamental en la recuperación del paciente, por eso debe vincularse en todo momento y la mejor manera es por medio de la psicoeducación.
RELACIÓN ENTRE FACTORES SOCIOCULTURALES Y ACTITUD DE POBLACIÓN ADULTA EN UNA ZONA CONURBADA DEL PUERTO DE VERACRUZ, HACIA LA DONACIÓN DE ÓRGANOS
Authors: Albañil Hernández Darian Alondra , Méndez Cordero Ernestina , López Ocampo Miguel Ángel , Castellanos Contreras Edith , Salazar Mendoza Javier
Published: September 2024

INTRODUCCIÓN. A través de la donación de órganos, se ha logrado minimizar el gasto del tratamiento en enfermedades crónicas y ha revolucionado a la medicina, al ser una tecnología que da una opción con durabilidad a largo plazo. OBJETIVO. Determinar la relación entre los factores socioculturales y la actitud de población adulta en una zona conurbada del puerto de Veracruz, hacia la donación de órganos. Materiales y método: estudio no experimental de tipo correlacional y transversal. Este estudio se llevó a cabo en zona conurbada de Veracruz-Boca del Río. Con el fin de obtener información se utilizó la técnica de cuestionario en línea a través de la adaptación del Cuestionario de Actitudes hacia la Donación (CAD). RESULTADOS. El 93% de la muestra estudiada tuvo una actitud positiva hacia donar sus propios órganos y sólo un 6.9% tuvo una actitud desfavorable. Los niveles de significancia de sólo algunos factores fueron menores a 0.05 y su valor rs oscilaba entre -0.01 a +0.04 CONCLUSIÓN. No existe relación estadísticamente significativa entre los factores socioculturales: religión, cultura de donación, información; y actitud hacia la donación de órganos: opinión, actitud hacia donar órganos propios y de familiares. El nivel de correlación entre los factores socioculturales: creencias, familia y allegados, nivel de estudios; y actitud hacia la donación de órganos fue baja o muy baja, pero existe la correlación tanto de manera positiva como negativa.
CUIDADO DE ENFERMERÍA EN PACIENTE CON PIELONEFRITIS AGUDA: REPORTE DE CASO
Authors: Bernal-Corrales Fatima Del Carmen , Vargas-Cabrera Cindy Elizabeth , Lizárraga de Maguiña Isabel Graciela , Cacho -Sajami Sthepfany Tatiana , Lluen- Mayanga Kevin Williams , Manay- Torres Lucila Nohemí
Published: September 2024

INTRODUCCIÓN. La pielonefritis aguda es la forma más grave de infección urinaria, afecta con más frecuencia a las mujeres jóvenes. OBJETIVO. Elaborar un plan de cuidado integral de enfermería con el fin de optimizar la calidad de atención de pacientes hospitalizados con pielonefritis aguda.MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio de caso en una mujer de 23 años, atendida en el servicio de hospitalización medicina por presentar un cuadro de pielonefritis aguda. Se utilizó la metodología del proceso de enfermería basada en las taxonomías de diagnósticos, resultado e intervenciones de enfermería y los patrones funcionales de Marjory Gordon. RESULTADOS. Cuatro diagnósticos fueron priorizados: deterioro de la eliminación urinaria, dolor agudo, hipertermia y autogestión ineficaz. En la planificación se elaboró un plan personalizado basado en los resultados de enfermería: eliminación urinaria, nivel del dolor, termorregulación, conocimiento: control de infección. Las intervenciones de enfermería ejecutadas fueron : manejo del dolor agudo, manejo de la eliminación urinaria, tratamiento de la fiebre, protección contra infecciones y enseñanza proceso de enfermedad. La evaluación de indicadores evidenció puntuación de cambio promedio de +3. Después de una semana de estancia hospitalaria la persona fue dada de alta. CONCLUSIÓN. Elaborar un plan de cuidados sustentado en la taxonomía NANDA, NOC, NIC y la valoración por los patrones funcionales de Marjory Gordon, resulta efectivo para ofrecer cuidados enfermeros de calidad y holísticos en personas con pielonefritis aguda, beneficia su recuperación, al conseguir los resultados esperados y el alta del paciente.
CONSENTIMIENTO INFORMADO Y TELEMEDICINA: EXPERIENCIAS COMPARADAS, ESTÁNDARES LEGALES Y ÉTICOS
Authors: Pezoa Alvaro A. , Kappes Maria , Alvial Juan Carlos , Reyes-Arellano Francisca
Published: September 2024

La telemedicina se convirtió en una gran solución para enfrentar la pandemia del Covid- 19. Asimismo, es una solución eficaz para atender pacientes en países con gran dispersión geográfica o donde las instituciones de salud no tienen la capacidad de abarcar todo el territorio. Sin embargo, la aplicación del consentimiento informado se vio afectada durante este período y es posible observar que aún quedan preguntas relevantes que ameritan atención de profesionales del área médica, de enfermería y la jurisprudencia. En la atención de enfermería la telemedicina ya ha demostrado ser útil en control de pacientes crónicos, por lo cual la revisión del consentimiento informado en estas condiciones es de gran importancia. En este artículo se analiza el concepto de consentimiento informado y su surgimiento histórico, las tensiones propias del consentimiento informado en el contexto de la telemedicina, algunos principios éticos orientadores en la práctica del consentimiento informado y el marco legal a partir del cual se puede formalizar el consentimiento informado en telemedicina.
The Effect of Varnishing and Soaking on Formability of the AW-5052-H28 Aluminium Alloy Sheets in Erichsen Cupping Test
Authors: Żaba Krzysztof , Kuczek Łukasz , Balcerzak Maciej
Published: September 2024

This article presents the results of experimental tests on the stretch-forming ability of 0.21-mm-thick AW-5052-H28 aluminium alloy sheets used in the production of pull-off cups. Erichsen test under various tribological conditions (dry friction, lubrication with graphite lubricant) was used to assess the sheet formability. Punches with a various diameter of the spherical end (8 and 20 mm) were used in the tests. The effect of soaking conditions and varnishing variants on the value of Erichsen indices IE and IE11 was investigated. The sheets were soaked for 13 minutes at various temperatures: 185°C, 190°C and 200°C. In test conditions without lubrication, the lowest value of the IE index = 3.3 mm was observed for sheets in as-received state and for samples after soaking. However, the highest values of the Erichsen index in tests without lubrication were measured for varnished samples and repeatedly soaked. The tests conducted under lubrication conditions with graphite grease revealed usually higher values of the IE index compared to testing conditions without the use of grease. The values of the IE11 index were approximately twice lower than the IE indices. Observation of the bulge surface revealed a smooth surface, which means that the material is characterised by a fine-grained microstructure.
Innovation in Horticultural Practices, Enhancing Crop Quality and Marketability
Authors: Shukla Pavan , Singh Ashutosh , Pandey Amit Kumar , Singh Akhilesh
Published: September 2024

This paper examines the role of innovation in enhancing crop quality and marketability in horticultural practices. It explores technological advancements, sustainable practices, and market-oriented strategies that are transforming the industry. The study covers precision agriculture, biotechnology, sustainable farming methods, and emerging technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence. It also analyzes the impact of these innovations on crop yield, quality, and marketability, while considering environmental sustainability and economic viability. The paper concludes that continued innovation, coupled with a focus on sustainability and consumer preferences, is crucial for the future of horticulture.
Agrarian Distress in Indian Agriculture: Causes, Socio-economic Consequences and Coping Strategies
Authors: Chaithanya Leela Krishna , Reddy G. Sreeja , Barua Sukanya , Anu.J  , Reddy Manoj
Published: September 2024

Agrarian distress is the economic, political and social challenges faced by the farmers and rural communities due to factors such as low crop yields, fluctuating prices of agricultural produce, high input costs, indebtedness, and lack of access to credit, markets, and infrastructure. Over 8,00,000 individuals are dies by suicide each year because of various reasons. More over the suicides are happening in the families whose own land is less than 1-2 hectares, who are in debt, have been identified the most at risk for suicide. The present article aims at better understanding of the causes, consequences and possible coping strategies for the agrarian distress in India. Causes such as fluctuations in crop sales, weather and climate conditions, dependent on natural resources, etc. are discussed in detail. Consequences of agrarian stress are suicides of farmers, rural migration, food insecurity, environmental impacts and so on. Solutions such as strengthening the forward markets, comprehensive crop insurance schemes for the framers where the non-MSP (Minimum Support Price) crops also may be covered, assured price to the farmers are discussed. Many researchers argued that farmers suicides are increasing but the research is limited in the specialised area of interest. In addition to that, researchers are focussing only on the socio-economic variables rather than the psychological variables. In order to mitigate the risks out of agrarian distress, farmers should be encouraged by the government and extension service providers to take up the subsidiary occupations and secondary agricultural occupations which helps them in getting profits in the situations where the crop damages due to the extreme weather patterns. As rightly pointed out by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), distress of the framers should have a long-term potential solution such as major reforms in the existing agricultural laws rather than farm loan waivers which acts as the short-term relief to the farmers.
Integrated Manure and Fertilizer Application: A Pathway to Enhanced Rice Yield and Soil Health
Authors: Nasim Md Roconuzzaman , Kundu Mitul Kumar , Rahaman Sadia , Keya Khadija Khatun , Ahmed Fahmida , Afroz Hasina , Moslehuddin AZM , Islam Md Rafiqul
Published: September 2024

A research study was carried out in the Soil Science field laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the Aman season of 2021 to examine the effect of various manure and fertilizer combinations for optimizing the growth and yield of rice. The experiment employed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications across eight treatments. The treatment combinations were: T­1 (Control), T2 (100% Recommended Fertilizer Dose (RFD)), T3 (75% RFD + Cowdung (CD) @ 5 t ha-1), T4 (75% RFD + Poultry manure (PM) @ 3 t ha-1), T5 (75% RFD + Compost @ 5 t ha-1), T6 (75% RFD + Dhaincha Green Manure (GM) @ 10 t ha-1), T7 (50% RFD +CD @ 2.5 t ha-1 + PM @ 1.5 t ha-1) and T8 (50% RFD + Compost @ 2.5 t ha­-1 + Dhaincha GM 5 t ha-1). Statistical analysis conducted using R programming revealed that T6 markedly improved growth metrics and yield-related traits, leading to a 12.2% rise in grain yield and a 13.24% rise in straw yield compared to T2, where only chemical fertilizers were applied. This treatment also achieved the greatest macronutrient content and uptake, outperforming other treatments (T3, T4, and T5) with equal nutrient amounts. Therefore, application of 75% recommended fertilizer dose along with dhaincha green manure (10 t ha-1) offers a promising strategy for successfully cultivating BRRI dhan71 with a good soil health. This approach offers farmers a cost-effective method to boost productivity and support long-term soil fertility, and policymakers could promote it to enhance agricultural sustainability.
A Comparative Study of Long-Term Conventional and No-Tillage Practices on the Basis of Available Soil Nutrients, Soil Organic Carbon and Crop Productivity in Black Soils of Central India
Authors: Raghuwanshi Sourabh , Chaudhary R. S. , Somasundaram J. , Sinha N. K. , Trivedi S. K. , Kurmi Pragya
Published: September 2024

Crop residue removal in conventional tillage (CT) can cause the depletion of soil nutrients (such as N, P, K) and organic carbon resulting in negative nutrient balance/depleted soil fertility. No-tillage (NT) is seen as a good substitute for CT in terms of preserving soil fertility and enhancing the soil productivity. The present study carried out in black soil of central India comprising of 2 tillage systems and 3 crop rotations to compared the effects of long-term conventional and no-tillage practices on available soil nutrients, soil organic carbon and crop yield differences in different cropping systems. Conventional tillage and No-till were factored into, soybean-wheat, maize-wheat and maize-gram systems. The long-term no-tillage treatment resulted in higher soil organic carbon (0.95%), available soil nitrogen (222.61 Kg ha-1), phosphorus (24.62 Kg ha-1) and potassium (583.63 Kg ha-1) contents at the 0–10 cm depth than the conventional tillage treatment. Crop productivity in terms of soybean grain equivalent yield (SGEY) was significantly higher in NT (41.42 quintal ha-1) compare to CT (35.36 quintal ha-1). The study proven that no-tillage is an effective strategy to improve soil fertility (organic carbon and available nutrients) and crop yield of different cropping systems in black soils of central India.
Impact of Potassium Fertilization on Growth and Yield of Small Millets
Authors: K Sathiya , TS Sukanya , A Nirmalakumari , C Vanitha , P Ayyadurai , SR Shri Rangasami , G Sathiyanarayanan , M Kathiravan
Published: September 2024

Aims: To evaluate the impact of varying potassium application levels on the growth and yield of small millets and to assess the economic viability of potassium fertilization in small millet farming.
Methodology: A split plot design experiment was carried out, featuring four crops as the main treatments: C1 - Proso millet, C2 - Barnyard millet, C3 - Kodo millet, and C4 - Browntop millet. Potassium fertilizer was applied at four different rates (0, 10, 20, and 30 kg/ha) as sub-treatments. Throughout the cropping period, various morpho-physiological traits were monitored, including plant height (cm), tiller count per plant, and yield-related metrics such as the number of panicles per plant, 1000-grain weight (g), and biomass production per plant (g). At harvest, yield data and yield attributes were recorded, followed by an economic analysis.
Results: The results indicated that, Proso millet showed a plant height increase from 75.85 to 94.37 cm, number of productive tillers (4.73) with high potassium doses, while Barnyard millet reached a maximum height of 119.13 cm, grain yield significantly increased from 1547 kg/ha without potassium to 2055 kg/ha with the highest potassium dose. Barnyard millet (achieving the highest gross return of Rs 61650/ha and a B: C ratio of 2.20 with the highest potassium dose.
Conclusion: Application of potassium 20 kg/ha, along with the recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus, recorded 31.8% higher yield, greater tolerance to lodging, reduced pest and disease incidence and remunerative economics in millet cultivation.
The Main Challenges Faced in the Implementation of Government Policy Interventions towards Access to Pre-primary and Primary Education by Street Children in North Rift, Kenya
Authors: Paul K. Lagat, , Joseph Lelan , Shadrack Saina
Published: September 2024

Aims: Despite of the strong policy measures to have street children in school, many school-going-age are still not attending school. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper was to evaluate challenges faced in the implementation of Government policy interventions towards access to pre-primary and primary education by street children in North Rift, Kenya.
Study Design: The study adopted a mixed method research design.
Place and Duration of the Study: A survey was conducted in three towns of the North Rift Counties of Kenya (Kapsabet, Eldoret, and Kitale) which are the headquarters of the respective counties.  Data collection done in the period between 1st December and 31st December 2022
Methodology: Purposive and simple random sampling was used to select 322 respondents (218 males and 23 females with a modal age of 10 -15 years; 18 female and 27 female teachers were aged between 30 – above 40 years). Data was collected using observation guides, in-depth interviews, and questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics as well as theme analysis were used to analyze the data, respectively. The data was coded and analyzed using themes.
Results: Main reasons street children had not enrolled in school were a lack of money for school materials (56.2%) and an unattractive school environment (30%). Other reasons included having to work to support their families (1.3%), distance to school (0.9%), being born and raised on the streets, being over-aged, and early parenting responsibilities.
Conclusion: The study concluded that government policy interventions alone are insufficient for improving street children's access to education. Effective implementation requires collaborative efforts from all stakeholders, addressing barriers like poverty and parenting responsibilities, and restructuring education to include informal systems.
Demographic Factors, Biochemical Markers, and Obstetric History Associated with the Risk of Preeclampsia in a Sudanese Population Sample
Authors: Abdon Faris , Amin Maha Ismail EL , Bakheit Khalid Hussein , Seyoum Yemane
Published: September 2024

Background: Preeclampsia significantly contributes to maternal and perinatal illness and death, particularly in low and middle-income countries like Sudan. It is classified by onset timing (early vs. late) and severity (mild vs. severe) and is one of the four hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, including chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia. This study aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical, and biochemical predictors of preeclampsia among Sudanese women.
Methods: This case-control study involved 100 women diagnosed with preeclampsia and 100 healthy pregnant women who acted as the control group at Omdurman Maternity Hospital in Khartoum State, Sudan, from 2019 to 2021. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, and biochemical markers, including platelet counts, were collected using a comprehensive questionnaire and blood sample analysis.
Results: Women with preeclampsia were more frequently over the age of 40 (OR=9.33, 95% CI: 4.54-19.19, p < 0.001) and had a longer median duration of marriage (OR=2.9, 95% CI: 1.51-5.58, p=0.001). Lower educational levels (p=0.008) and being housewives (p=0.024) were also more prevalent in the preeclampsia group. Clinically, headache (OR=18.98, 95% CI: 2.44-147.5, p=0.005) and blurring of vision (OR=25.83, 95% CI: 1.17-572.6, p=0.04) were more prevalent in women with preeclampsia. Biochemical markers showed lower platelet counts (p=0.002), higher levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (OR=2.23, 95% CI: 1.51-3.28, p < 0.001) and creatinine (OR=16.76, 95% CI: 2.31-121.5, p=0.005), while aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was not significantly associated with preeclampsia.
Conclusion: Family history of preeclampsia was the most significant predictor. Other important risk factors included older age, longer duration of marriage, lower education levels, headache, blurring of vision, and higher levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and creatinine.
Effect of Crop Establishment Methods on Rhizospheric Soil Microbiota in Mustard Due to Different Land-Use Systems
Authors: Bhatt Komal , Agrawal S. B. , Bajpai R. , Dwivedi B. S. , Malviya Poornima , Gupta Deeksha , Anand Anjali
Published: September 2024

A field study was conducted to assess the effect of crop establishment methods on rhizospheric soil microbiota in mustard due to different land-use system at the Research Farm, Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur (MP) for two consecutive years (2022–23 and 2023-24). The experiment was assessed in the double-split plot design with three replications. The experiment consisted of two land-use systems as main plot treatment (S1: Agroforestry system and S2: Open system), three crop establishment methods of mustard (M1: Broadcasting, M2: Line sowing, and M3: Transplanting) as sub-plot treatments and four levels of boron (B0: Control, B1: 1 kg ha-1 as basal B2: 2 kg ha-1 and B3: ½ kg ha-1 as basal + ½ kg ha-1 as foliar spray) as sub-sub plot treatments. The soil samples were collected after harvesting of crop during both the years of study to analyse soil microbiota (total bacteria, azotobacter, rhizobium, total fungi and actinomycetes). The results revealed that, significantly higher counts of azotobacter (31.37 CFU x 105), rhizobium (21.99 CFU x 106), total bacteria (42.78 CFU x 106), total fungi (8.30 CFU x 105) and actinomycetes (12.98 CFU x 105) were higher under agroforestry system than the open system. Meanwhile higher counts of azotobacter, rhizobium, total bacteria, total fungi and actinomycetes were found to be significantly superior in broadcasting (29.59 CFU x 105, 20.28 CFU x 106, 37.52 CFU x 106, 7.97 CFU x 105, 12.68 CFU x 105, respectively) over both line sowing and transplanting crop establishment methods. In case of boron levels, no significant changes occurred in the soil biology under both agroforestry and open systems. Hence, it could be concluded that vegetative cover over soil helps to proliferation of population of soil microbiota in the rhizospheric zone of crop.
Awareness of Zika virus Disease Effects on Children, and Attitude towards Infected Unborn Babies, among Caregivers that Visit Immunization Clinic of a Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria
Authors: Ndibuagu Edmund O. , Ugwu Innocent A. , Nweze Sylvester O.
Published: September 2024

Aims: To assess caregivers’ awareness of Zika virus disease effects on children, infected by their mother during pregnancy; and attitude towards infected unborn babies.
Study Design: This quantitative study, was of observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional design.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Immunization unit, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria; between November 2016 and February 2017.
Methodology: A trained Resident doctor in the department of Community Medicine, interviewed 10 randomly selected female caregivers that brought children to the hospital for immunization. Thirty respondents were interviewed each week for eight weeks, since immunization activity was conducted three days in a week. Sixteen were interviewed on the ninth week; making a total of 256 respondents.
Results: A total of 256 women participated in the study, with 89.5% of them being married, and 86.0% falling within the age range of 20 – 39 years. Overall awareness on Zika virus infection effect on children such as failure to thrive, involuntary muscle contractions, learning handicap, visual and hearing impairment, and less functional individual with reduced societal value were poor. None of the total scores were up to 50.0%. In situation where Zika virus is detected in an unborn baby, praying and leaving the outcome to God was the highest selected option (48.8%), while abandoning the baby in the hospital was the least selected option (6.6%). Other options were accepting and caring for the baby (41.8%), and terminating the pregnancy (14.8%).
Conclusion: Though the declaration of Zika virus infection by the World Health Organization, as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern was lifted since November 2016; the infection could still be going on undetected, in many low- and middle-income countries. Efforts should be made to improve on the level of awareness on Zika virus, and effects on children.
Estimation of Combining Ability Effect for Hybrid Breeding in Bottle Gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.] Using Diallel Mating Design
Authors: Keshari Deepesh , Singh D. K.
Published: September 2024

A half diallel mating design was employed to cross eight parental lines of bottle gourd, resulting in 28 F1 hybrids (excluding reciprocals). These F1 hybrids, along with the parental lines and a commercial check (Pant Lauki-3), were evaluated during the summer of 2024 at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. The study aimed to assess the combining ability for yield and yield-related traits using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The genetic variance ratio being less than unity suggested that non-additive gene action was dominant for all the characters. The analysis indicated that none of the parents consistently exhibited good general combining ability across all traits. However, the cross combination NDBG-104 × Pusa Sandesh followed by Pant Lauki-4 × Kashi Kirti emerged as the best for most of the traits analyzed. The results suggest that it may be possible to further enhance fruit yield and earliness through hybridization and selection in transgressive segregants.
Using PKPD Modeling to Optimize Gentamicin Dosing in Saudi Neonates
Authors: Alfaifi Khalid A.
Published: September 2024

The intricate interplay between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics is pivotal in optimizing gentamicin therapy for neonates, a population characterized by unique physiological developmental considerations and pathophysiological changes in critically ill neonates. Rapid growth, Altered body composition, the immature renal function and premature immune system, significantly influence pharmacokinetic parameters Cl and Vd which aggravate complexities to achieve targets attainment and therapeutic drug monitoring  compared to adults, necessitating individualized dosing strategies. The primary aim of this review, highlights the importance of PKPD modeling to optimizing gentamicin dosing in neonates Emerging trends in pediatric pharmacotherapy underscore the urgency for advancing pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) modeling to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Future research should focus on integrating real-world data from diverse neonatal populations. Genetic variations may influence the outcomes of PKPD studies, and subsequent dosing recommendations. Conducting PKPD studies in diverse populations is crucial for obtaining more robust and reliable results, which would allow for more representative models that account for physiological variations. Incorporating advanced computational techniques such as machine learning may further refine predictive accuracy, enabling personalized dosing strategies that minimize toxicity while maximizing therapeutic benefits As research evolves, the role of pediatric-specific biomarkers in PKPD modeling warrants closer investigation, potentially leading to breakthroughs that redefine dosing paradigms. By addressing these critical areas, the field can advance toward more effective and individualized pharmacotherapy, reducing adverse outcomes and improving clinical care for vulnerable neonates.
Genetic Component Analysis in Fruit Yield and Quality Traits in Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]
Authors: Harsiddhi Limbani , Acharya Bhagyashree , DR Mehta
Published: September 2024

A half-diallel cross involving nine okra genotypes was utilized to investigate the inheritance of fruit yield and its component traits. Data from the F1 generation and the parent genotypes were analysed using Hayman's (1954) diallel method. The additive genetic component (D) was found to be significant for the traits like days to last picking in environment E1, and for the number of fruits per plant in environments E2 and E3, but non-significant across all environments for fruit yield per plant. The dominant components (H1 and H2) were found significant for all traits studied under all environmental condition. This revealed that both additive and non-additive gene actions play a vital role in the expression of the traits studied. The dominant component's (H1 and H2) relative magnitude was greater than the additive component for most of the traits, suggesting the importance of dominance effects on expression of those traits. The average degree of dominance showed an overdominance effect for the traits studied. The ratio of dominant to recessive genes indicated that the parents had an excess of dominant genes for fruit yield per plant. Thus stated the presence of overdominance for yield, reciprocal technique is the most effective recurrent breeding scheme for producing improved hybrids.
Frequency dependence in seismoacoustic imaging of shallow free gas due to gas bubble resonance
Authors: Tóth Zsuzsanna , Spiess Volkhard , Keil Hanno
Published: December 2015

Shallow free gas is investigated in seismoacoustic data in 10 frequency bands covering a frequency range between 0.2 and 43 kHz. At the edge of a gassy patch in the Bornholm Basin (Baltic Sea), compressional wave attenuation caused by free gas is estimated from reflection amplitudes beneath the gassy sediment layer. Imaging of shallow free gas is considerably influenced by gas bubble resonance, because in the resonance frequency range attenuation is significantly increased. At the resonance frequency of the largest bubbles between 3 and 5 kHz, high scattering causes complete acoustic blanking beneath the top of the gassy sediment layer. In the wider resonance frequency range between 3 and 15 kHz, the effect of smaller bubbles becomes dominant and the attenuation slightly decreases. This allows acoustic waves to be transmitted and reflections can be observed beneath the gassy sediment layer for higher frequencies. Above resonance beginning at ∼19 kHz, attenuation is low and the presence of free gas can be inferred from the decreased reflection amplitudes beneath the gassy layer. Below the resonance frequency range (<1 kHz), attenuation is generally very low and not dependent on frequency. Using the geoacoustic model of Anderson and Hampton, the observed frequency boundaries suggest gas bubble sizes between 1 and 4–6 mm, and gas volume fractions up to 0.02% in a ∼2 m thick sediment layer, whose upper boundary is the gas front. With the multifrequency acoustic approach and the Anderson and Hampton model, quantification of free gas in shallow marine environments is possible if the measurement frequency range allows the identification of the resonance frequency peak. The method presented is limited to places with only moderate attenuation, where the amplitudes of a reflection can be analyzed beneath the gassy sediment layer.
Assessing the performance of community‐available global MHD models using key system parameters and empirical relationships
Authors: Gordeev E. , Sergeev V. , Honkonen I. , Kuznetsova M. , Rastätter L. , Palmroth M. , Janhunen P. , Tóth G. , Lyon J. , Wiltberger M.
Published: December 2015

Global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modeling is a powerful tool in space weather research and predictions. There are several advanced and still developing global MHD (GMHD) models that are publicly available via Community Coordinated Modeling Center's (CCMC) Run on Request system, which allows the users to simulate the magnetospheric response to different solar wind conditions including extraordinary events, like geomagnetic storms. Systematic validation of GMHD models against observations still continues to be a challenge, as well as comparative benchmarking of different models against each other. In this paper we describe and test a new approach in which (i) a set of critical large‐scale system parameters is explored/tested, which are produced by (ii) specially designed set of computer runs to simulate realistic statistical distributions of critical solar wind parameters and are compared to (iii) observation‐based empirical relationships for these parameters. Being tested in approximately similar conditions (similar inputs, comparable grid resolution, etc.), the four models publicly available at the CCMC predict rather well the absolute values and variations of those key parameters (magnetospheric size, magnetic field, and pressure) which are directly related to the large‐scale magnetospheric equilibrium in the outer magnetosphere, for which the MHD is supposed to be a valid approach. At the same time, the models have systematic differences in other parameters, being especially different in predicting the global convection rate, total field‐aligned current, and magnetic flux loading into the magnetotail after the north‐south interplanetary magnetic field turning. According to validation results, none of the models emerges as an absolute leader. The new approach suggested for the evaluation of the models performance against reality may be used by model users while planning their investigations, as well as by model developers and those interesting to quantitatively evaluate progress in magnetospheric modeling.
Charge Transport in Organic and Polymeric Semiconductors for Flexible and Stretchable Devices
Authors: Yao Yifan , Dong Huanli , Hu Wenping
Published: December 2015

An ultimate goal of organic electronics is to fabricate large‐area electronic devices and circuits on flexible and stretchable substrates. To achieve this target, understanding and/or tuning of the processes that determine charge transport is therefore of paramount importance for the development of high‐performance devices, e.g., organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). Significant progress in this field is summarized here, with particular focus on the new insights of charge transport under certain strain effects in flexible and stretchable OFETs.
Ruthenium(II)‐Catalyzed Oxidative Annulation Reactions of Arylimidazolium Salts via N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Directed CH Activation
Authors: Li Renhe , Hu Yang , Liu Ran , Hu Ruofang , Li Bin , Wang Baiquan
Published: December 2015

An efficient ruthenium(II)‐catalyzed oxidative annulation reaction of various arylimidazolium salts with alkynes via N‐heterocyclic carbene‐directed CH activation to obtain substituted benzo[ij]imidazo[2,1,5‐de]quinolizinium salts is reported. This catalytic reaction proceeds in an excellent regioselective manner when using unsymmetrical alkynes as reactants. The intermediate mono‐annulated products can be obtained by reducing the amount of catalyst. Two catalytically competent N‐heterocyclic carbene‐based cyclometallated ruthenium(II) complexes have been isolated and characterized, which represent the key intermediates in the catalytic cycle. Moreover, most of the products show a strong fluorescent property, indicating their potential for making new light‐emitting materials.

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Catalytic Enantioselective Arylative Dearomatization of 3‐Methyl‐2‐vinylindoles Enabled by Reactivity Switch
Authors: Wang Yang , Sun Meng , Yin Lei , Shi Feng
Published: December 2015

The first catalytic asymmetric dearomatization of 3‐methyl‐2‐vinylindoles has been established by using quinone monoimides as suitable electrophiles in the presence of chiral phosphoric acid, which afforded chiral indole derivatives bearing a quaternary stereogenic center in a chemospecific and highly enantioselective fashion (up to 81% yield, >99% ee). The success of this reaction was enabled by the reactivity switch of 3‐methyl‐2‐vinylindoles, which has not been reported before. This reaction also represents the first catalytic asymmetric arylative dearomatization of vinylindoles, which will help confront the challenges in catalytic asymmetric arylative dearomatization and dearomatization of vinylindoles.

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The Law, Exposed
Authors: Simões Alexandre P. , Mason Paul E.
Published: December 2015

To help resolve a wider spectrum of disputes, Brazil enacted its first Mediation Law on June 26, to take effect in 180 days.
Enantioselective Formal [4+2] Cycloadditions to 3‐Nitroindoles by Trienamine Catalysis: Synthesis of Chiral Dihydrocarbazoles
Authors: Li Yang , Tur Fernando , Nielsen Rune Pagh , Jiang Hao , Jensen Frank , Jørgensen Karl Anker
Published: December 2015

The first enantioselective formal [4+2] cycloadditions of 3‐nitroindoles are presented. By using 3‐nitroindoles in combination with an organocatalyst, chiral dihydrocarbazole scaffolds are formed in moderate to good yields (up to 87 %) and enantioselectivities (up to 97 % ee). The reaction was extended to include enantioselective [4+2] cycloadditions of 3‐nitrobenzothiophene. The reaction proceeds through a [4+2] cycloaddition/elimination cascade under mild reaction conditions. Furthermore, a diastereoselective reduction of an enantioenriched cycloadduct is presented. The mechanism of the reaction is discussed based on experimental and computational studies.
Total Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Rakicidin A and Discovery of a Simplified Bioactive Analogue
Authors: Tsakos Michail , Clement Lise L. , Schaffert Eva S. , Olsen Frank N. , Rupiani Sebastiano , Djurhuus Rasmus , Yu Wanwan , Jacobsen Kristian M. , Villadsen Nikolaj L. , Poulsen Thomas B.
Published: December 2015

We report a concise asymmetric synthesis of rakicidin A, a macrocyclic depsipeptide that selectively inhibits the growth of hypoxic cancer cells and stem‐like leukemia cells. Key transformations include a diastereoselective organocatalytic cross‐aldol reaction to build the polyketide portion of the molecule, a highly hindered ester fragment coupling reaction, an efficient Helquist‐type Horner—Wadsworth—Emmons (HWE) macrocyclization, and a new DSC‐mediated elimination reaction to construct the sensitive APD portion of rakicidin A. We further report the preparation of a simplified structural analogue (WY1) with dramatically enhanced hypoxia‐selective activity.
Amide‐Substituted Titanocenes in Hydrogen‐Atom Transfer Catalysis
Authors: Zhang Yong‐Qiang , Jakoby Verena , Stainer Katharina , Schmer Alexander , Klare Sven , Bauer Mirko , Grimme Stefan , Cuerva Juan Manuel , Gansäuer Andreas
Published: December 2015

Two new catalytic systems for hydrogen‐atom transfer (HAT) catalysis involving the N−H bonds of titanocene(III) complexes with pendant amide ligands are reported. In a monometallic system, a bifunctional catalyst for radical generation and reduction through HAT catalysis depending on the coordination of the amide ligand is employed. The pendant amide ligand is used to activate Crabtree's catalyst to yield an efficient bimetallic system for radical generation and HAT catalysis.
Effects of Lowering Glycemic Index of Dietary Carbohydrate on Plasma Uric Acid Levels: The OmniCarb Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Juraschek Stephen P. , McAdams‐Demarco Mara , Gelber Allan C. , Sacks Frank M. , Appel Lawrence J. , White Karen J. , Miller Edgar R.
Published: December 2015

Objective

The effects of carbohydrates on plasma uric acid levels are a subject of controversy. We determined the individual and combined effects of carbohydrate quality (the glycemic index) and quantity (the proportion of total daily energy [percentage of carbohydrates]) on uric acid levels.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, crossover trial of 4 different diets in overweight or obese adults without cardiovascular disease (n = 163). Participants consumed each of 4 diets over a 5‐week period, each of which was separated by a 2‐week washout period. Body weight was kept constant. The 4 diets were high glycemic index (≥65) with high percentage of carbohydrates (58% kcal), low glycemic index (≤45) with low percentage of carbohydrates (40% kcal), low glycemic index with high percentage of carbohydrates, and high glycemic index with low percentage of carbohydrates. Plasma uric acid levels were measured at baseline and after completion of each 5‐week period for comparison between the 4 diets.

Results

Of the 163 study participants, 52% were women and 50% were non‐Hispanic African American subjects; their mean age was 52.6 years, and their mean ± SD uric acid level was 4.7 ± 1.2 mg/dl. Reducing the glycemic index lowered uric acid levels when the percentage of carbohydrates was low (−0.24 mg/dl; P < 0.001) or high (−0.17 mg/dl; P < 0.001). Reducing the percentage of carbohydrates marginally increased the uric acid level only when the glycemic index was high (P = 0.05). The combined effect of lowering the glycemic index and increasing the percentage of carbohydrates was −0.27 mg/dl (P < 0.001). This effect was observed even after adjustment for concurrent changes in kidney function, insulin sensitivity, and products of glycolysis.

Conclusion

Reducing the glycemic index lowers uric acid levels. Future studies should examine whether reducing the glycemic index can prevent gout onset or flares.
Combined Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emphysema in Scleroderma‐Related Lung Disease Has a Major Confounding Effect on Lung Physiology and Screening for Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Antoniou K. M. , Margaritopoulos G. A. , Goh N. S. , Karagiannis K. , Desai S. R. , Nicholson A. G. , Siafakas N. M. , Coghlan J. G. , Denton C. P. , Hansell D. M. , Wells A. U.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To assess the prevalence of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and the effect of CPFE on the pulmonary function tests used to evaluate the severity of SSc‐related ILD and the likelihood of pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Methods

High‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans were obtained in 333 patients with SSc‐related ILD and were evaluated for the presence of emphysema and the extent of ILD. The effects of emphysema on the associations between pulmonary function variables and the extent of SSc‐related ILD as visualized on HRCT and echocardiographic evidence of PH were quantified.

Results

Emphysema was present in 41 (12.3%) of the 333 patients with SSc‐related ILD, in 26 (19.7%) of 132 smokers, and in 15 (7.5%) of 201 lifelong nonsmokers. When the extent of fibrosis was taken into account, emphysema was associated with significant additional differences from the expected values for diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) (average reduction of 24.1%; P < 0.0005), and the forced vital capacity (FVC)/DLco ratio (average increase of 34.8%; P < 0.0005) but not FVC. These effects were identical in smokers and nonsmokers. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of emphysema had a greater effect than echocardiographically determined PH on the FVC/DLco ratio, regardless of whether it was analyzed as a continuous variable or using a threshold value of 1.6 or 2.0.

Conclusion

Among patients with SSc‐related ILD, emphysema is sporadically present in nonsmokers and is associated with a low pack‐year history in smokers. The confounding effect of CPFE on measures of gas exchange has major implications for the construction of screening algorithms for PH in patients with SSc‐related ILD.
Brennpunkt „reading animal“. Hermann Cohn und die Genese der Lesehygiene
Authors: Grütter Fabian
Published: December 2015

Focal Point “Reading Animal”. Hermann Cohn and the Emergence of the Fin de Siècle Hygiene of Reading. From the 1860s onward, ‘eye experts’ increasingly fretted the alleged surge of myopia attributed to an increase of reading matter circulating in schools. In order to avert the inauspicious prospects, revised school desks designed to prevent children from becoming myopic were introduced. During the 1880s, said experts turned to printed matter, maintaining that books must become more reader‐ friendly. Along with the turn to books, a peculiar shift within the hygiene discourse occurred: While the ill addressed by school desk‐revisions was myopia, the goal of revising book design was to make reading less tiring. This paper explores both the shift from the hygiene of the eye to the hygiene of reading as well as the materialization of the stipulations and claims made by reading hygienists. In doing so, the paper demonstrates that optimizing the reading process was closely linked to a fear of overburdening and fatigue which expressed itself in the psychopathological discourse of the time.