bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Reform of Ceremonial Music and the Construction of New Music in the Huizong Period of the Song Dynasty
Authors: JIANG Xinchen
Published: April 2024

The Song Dynasty attached great importance to the performance of ceremonial music, and the Northern Song Dynasty experienced six large-scale music discussions. Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty was a renowned artistic emperor with a unique aesthetic outlook on music. His personal aesthetic led to the sixth reform of the Northern Song Dynasty’s ceremonial music, which created the Dasheng music with the personal element of Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty. After the formation of music, Yuefu was created. Dasheng Fu and Dasheng music can be said to be the pinnacle of Song Huizong’s personal pursuit. He attempted to fulfill his political ideals by playing Dasheng music. It can be said that the sixth reform of the Northern Song Dynasty was a selfperformance by Song Huizong.
A Comparative Analysis of Chinese-English Translation of Conceptual Metaphors in Song of a Pipa Player
Authors: LU Zhaoxia , WANG Yuanyuan , REN Liyuan
Published: April 2024

In this paper, the Chinese to English Translation of conceptual metaphors in Song of a Pipa Player, a famous Chinese poem, is analyzed with references to the two English versions of Yang Xianyi & Gladys Yang and Xu Yuanchong. After a review of the translation of metaphors, this paper adopts a cognitive approach to metaphor translation analysis. The three types of conceptual metaphors confined by Lakoff and Johnson1 are applied in the article. Finally, it was observed that three major translation methods are mainly employed in the two versions: retaining the source domain, replacing the original metaphor and deleting the metaphor.
The Application of Domestication and Foreignization Strategies in Translation of Tourism Texts
Authors: WANG Luyao , ZHANG Li
Published: April 2024

With the implementation of China’s reform and opening-up policy and economic development, the tourism industry has also grown rapidly, attracting an increasing number of foreign tourists to choose China as their travel destination. To better promote and introduce scenic spots, the English translation of tourist attractions is crucial. The choice of translation strategy has become a focal point and core in the translation work of tourist texts. Newmark’s text function theory provides theoretical guidance for the application of domestication and foreignization translation strategies in translating tourist texts. Therefore, the translation of tourist texts demands not only accurate conveyance of the original information but also linguistic simplicity. Tourist texts belong to the typical “vocative” functional category, primarily aiming to convey information and induce action. Simultaneously, they contain a wealth of highly distinctive cultural information. Therefore, the translation of tourist texts should accurately convey the original information while maintaining linguistic simplicity and accessibility. This requires translators, during the translation process, to integrate the different functions and communicative purposes of the text, considering the audience’s receptiveness and determining the application of domestication and foreignization translation methods based on practical considerations. This paper, based on the two translation strategies of domestication and foreignization, combines the Wudalianchi Global Geopark Text for Outdoor Interpretation Panels and Outdoor Discovery Land for Popularization of Science as an example to explore how to apply domestication and foreignization strategies in the translation of tourist texts, aiming for better communication effectiveness.
On the Research of English Translation of Chinese Public Signs from the Perspective of Polysystem Theory: A Case Study of a Chinese Enterprise’s Name in its Website
Authors: WANG Shaoci
Published: April 2024

Despite the upsurge of interest in English translation of Chinese public signs, the relevant research has long been limited to the prescriptive study. Translation error analysis and correction are the centre of inquiry of translated public signs. Few researches put translated public signs in a broader social context and probe into the root of translation problems. Inspired by the polysystem theory, this paper otherwise attempts to make a descriptive study on English translation of Chinese public sign. The English translation of a Chinese enterprise’s name in its website will be given a case study. Based on the three subdivided systems in the framework of the polysystem theory, this author will analyze how the multiple factors influences the generation and effectiveness of the translation of public signs.
The Suitability of Translanguaging Pedagogy on Business English Listening Teaching in Chinese Private School
Authors: ZHANG Huicheng
Published: April 2024

The aim of this paper is to explore translanguaging practices in Business English teaching in Cangzhou Jiaotong College in Hebei Province, China, taking listening as a pilot study and utilizing the IPO conceptual paradigm and quantitative research method to analyze and interpret the statistical results. The findings showed that EFL learners were relatively satisfied with the listening instruction using translanguaging pedagogy method. There was good perception about learning attention, learning interest, learning behavior, and learning satisfaction. A design for teaching listening comprehension was proposed by the researcher. For future study universities should provide orientation program in translanguaging pedagogy for both teachers and students to ensure effective classroom teaching and overcome traditional education culture barriers. Likewise, teachers should conduct further use of translanguaging pedagogy in Chinese higher education institutions to explore new features, teaching modes, and assessment modes using translanguaging pedagogy.
Regional Planning in France and Germany: towards convergence?
Authors: Zimmermann Karsten , Feiertag Patricia
Published: April 2024

The comparison of planning systems is a well-established field of study in the planning sciences. However, the typologies in use seem to be outdated as planning systems in Europe change continuously, showing disruption as well as path-dependent trajectories. The eventual demise of regional planning has been one of the focal points in this debate. In this paper, we compare two planning systems following the idea of variation-finding comparison. We seek to find the differences within a group of similar systems (i.e. western European social-democratic welfare states). The two countries chosen for this contribution are Germany and France and our empirical focus is on regional planning in city-regions. The two countries usually are considered to be very different in terms of politics and governmental structure as well as with regard to the planning system. Recent reforms in France demonstrate that regional planning goes into the direction of a more consolidated system, eventually showing more convergence with the German system than expected. Our results demonstrate that differences continue to exist but that there is also considerable sub-national variation in both countries so that there is more convergence on the level of city-regions than on the national level. In addition, we put into question the widely assumed demise of regional planning.
The Impact of Recent Climate Change on Plants
Authors: Popov Tatjana
Published: April 2024

Climatic conditions play a key role in the basic plants processes (photosynthesis, respiration, growth and development), their seasonal cycle, and in determining the limits of their distribution. Climate has a great impact on plant individuals, populations and species, as well as on their communities, ecosystems and biomes. As a result, concerns have grown in recent decades about the possible effects of global climate change on flora. The paper gives an overview of the observed climate change, primarily changes in the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases, air temperature (global warming), precipitation regime and extreme weather and climate events. Then, the observed effects of recent climate change on the plants are analyzed, primarily the effects on the physiology, phenology and distribution of plant species, as well as the effects on plant communities and ecosystems. The results of numerous studies in the world proved that recent climate change has led to significant changes in the plants distribution ‒ range (shifts to higher latitudes and higher altitudes), physiology (improving the rate of photosynthesis and water use efficiency, decreasing stomatal conductivity and increasing net primary production) and the seasonal cycle ‒ phenology (earlier onset of growing season and earlier occurrence of phenophases in spring and summer and delay of autumn phenophases ending the growing season, and as a consequence of these changes prolongation of growing season in many regions) as well as that changed climatic conditions have already led to changes in plant communities (through changes in composition and altered interactions between species such as pollination, competition, predation, parasitism, mutualism, disease transmission, food chains, etc.) and local extinction of certain plant species.
Recent Climate Change in the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Popov Tatjana , Ducić Vladan , Đurđević Vladimir , Trbić Goran , Gnjato Slobodan
Published: April 2024

The paper gives an overview of the observed climate change in the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina; primarily the changes in air temperature and precipitation regime. In the period 1961‒2015 the positive trends of mean, maximum and minimum annual and seasonal air temperatures were determined, which were most pronounced in the summer season, whereas in the autumn season there is only a slight upward trend of temperatures. Warming is most pronounced in the northern part of the territory, whereas the increase is much lower in the higher parts of the Herzegovina region. Unlike air temperature, precipitation trends are, both seasonally and regionally, very variable and of different signs (positive and negative), but mostly insignificant. However, in some areas, the interannual variability of precipitation and the frequency of extreme precipitation have increased. In addition, the paper presents the results of research on possible climate change (based on expected changes in air temperature and precipitation) by the end of the 21st century in the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina according to the climate scenario RCP8.5. The results indicate more pronounced climate change related to increasing annual temperatures up to 5 °C and reducing annual precipitation by up to 30%, whereas the deficit in the summer season (June, July and August) could go up to 40% by the end of the 21st century. Such changes point to the serious problem of drought and water scarcity and the need for more significant integration of climate change issues into planning and strategic documents.
Removal of pollutants from water as a function of sustainable development
Authors: Nikolić Bujanović Ljiljana
Published: April 2024

The realization of the concept of sustainable development is conditioned by the impact of human activities on natural resources, both renewable and nonrenewable. The basic areas that enable the concept of sustainable development are: food security, energy supply and environmental protection. Protection and use of water as the most important renewable resource is a problem present in all these areas. In the process of food and energy production, water is a raw material and means of work, and in environmental protection, the preservation of quality and protection of water from pollution, as well as water purification, is the most important problem. The constant increase in the number of inhabitants on planet Earth, as well as the accelerated development of society, industrial and technological, has led to the overexploitation of water resources, as well as increasing contamination of water. Decreasing the level of water quality reduces the possibility of its use, which has the immediate consequence of reducing its availability. Certain natural water selfpurification capacities can be reduced in extreme pollution or even completely eliminated. Such trends can lead, in the long term, to a significant reduction in water availability. Therefore, there is a constant need for simpler, more efficient and cheaper treatments for water purification. Conventional methods of water treatment of different origins are often accompanied by undesirable by-products, so modern research is aimed at finding environmentally friendly procedures. The ideal means for water treatment would be one that simultaneously disinfects, decomposes and oxidizes inorganic and organic pollutants, as well as removes colloidal or suspended material and heavy metals, without creating toxic side products. ferrate(VI) is recognized as one of the few such agents and is increasingly used in environmentally friendly water treatment processes. The use of ferrate(VI) as multifunctional chemical reagents has significant advantages in the simplicity and economic benefit of the water treatment procedure (use of one chemical, one dosing and mixing system and less production of sludge), as well as avoiding the formation of toxic by-products. The subject of this chapter is precisely the application of ferrate(VI) in the removal of pollutants from water of various origins in the function of sustainabledevelopment, through: reducing the use of chemicals, reducing the consumption of energy and water resources, environmentally friendly products, etc.
Impact of noise to the environment in Republic of Srpska
Authors: Popović Zoran P. , Ilić Predrag
Published: April 2024

Harmful effect of noise to the human health are various, begining from psihological to the irreversible damage of hearing. In order to prevent negative impact to the living and working environment, especially at the urban and industrial places where noise influence is the largest, at the specific location noise estimation must be performed before sources are build. Action of protection as well as reduction of the noise based on law and technical regulations, followed by detailed investigation are mostly applied in Banja Luka, the largest city of Republic of Srpska with huge dense of population and intensive traffic jam. Beside traffic noise, which has strongest effect to the human health, theoretical predictions are also performed for directional speakers, mostly temporary active in urban location during cultural manifestation. Theoretically obtained results from simulations are projected to the map of noise, where are further defined borders between places with enlarged noise in comparatione with referent levels, given by international standards but in agreement with national legislative. Review of data and their analysis in order to determine degree of the environment contamination in the Republic of Srpska with noise is the primary goal of this study. The measurement methods and theoretical assessment tools used for detection and prediction of these physical pollutants, which tend to grow permanently due to lifestyle, are also presented.
Oil and gas in Lebanon: shattered expectations
Authors: Katerenchuk Daniil Vladimirovich
Published: April 2024

The article is dedicated to the peculiarities of the oil and gas policy of the Lebanese Republic – one of the few countries in the Middle East that does not engage in hydrocarbon extraction. The issue of oil and gas production in Lebanon remains insufficiently studied, although certain aspects of Lebanon's oil and gas policy have been touched upon by Russian scholars in the context of the Lebanon-Israel multiyear maritime border dispute. The author examines Lebanon's attempts to discover oil and gas in the 20th and 21st centuries against the backdrop of the complex political and economic situation in the country, describes the procurement process, in which Russian companies were also involved, and addresses the legislative framework for hydrocarbon production and exploration. The article explores the prospects of significant hydrocarbon reserves in Lebanon, with special attention paid to exploration in the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). According to experts, Lebanon possesses substantial oil and gas potential, as evidenced by the discovery of significant gas deposits offshore Israel and Cyprus. However, initial drilling in Lebanon's EEZ did not confirm the presence of commercially viable hydrocarbon reserves. It is concluded that the unstable political situation in the country, as well as the dispute with Israel over maritime borders, significantly hindered exploratory drilling offshore Lebanon. The unsuccessful tender process in recent years indicates Beirut's insufficiently effective oil and gas policy. The author believes that even if confirmed oil and gas reserves are discovered, Lebanon's economic crisis cannot be resolved in the foreseeable future due to weak governance and a lack of developed infrastructure for hydrocarbon export.
Forecasting the Impact of Climate Change on Rice Crop Yields under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 Scenarios in Central Luzon, Philippines, Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Baltazar Rizza G.
Published: April 2024

Climate change poses a significant threat to the agricultural sector around the world, and it could impact the rice crop yields of the Philippines's major rice-producing provinces in Central Luzon; thus, there is a need to investigate the possible influence, both in the near and long term, of climate change on rice crop yields in these major rice-producing provinces. This paper presents the use of random forest, gradient boosting, regression analysis, and artificial neural network (ANN) methods for modeling climate factors (pressure, temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, wind, cloudiness, and sunshine) and rice crop yield (RCY) data from Central Luzon, Philippines, covering the years 2009 to 2018. The projected temperature and rainfall for Representative Concentration Pathways 4.5 and 8.5 (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively) scenarios were used as input to the models to estimate the possible influence of climate change on the rice crop yields in the rice-producing provinces in Central Luzon. The results suggest an increase in temperature of 1.14 °C in RCP4.5, which surges to 1.62 °C in RCP8.5, and an increase in rainfall by a mean of 3.70 mm in RCP4.5 and 12.28 mm in RCP8.5. Furthermore, three of the models: ANN, random forest (RF), and gradient boosting (GB) showed an increase in RCY, while linear regression (LR) showed a decrease in RCY for both the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios compared to the current RCY. Therefore, it is uncertain whether climate change, as characterized by rainfall and temperature, will have a positive or negative impact on rice crop yields in Central Luzon, Philippines.
Pre and Postoperative Serum miR-21 Expression Levels in Oral Cancer and it’s Association with Clinical and Histological Parameters: An Observational Study
Authors: Kala Rajat , Saini Sunil , Roy Partha , Gupta Meenu , Kumar Viney
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The patterns of microRNA (miRNA) expression have opened up new avenues in the search for prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for various tumours. In oral carcinogenesis research, analysing microRNAs expressed in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) unveils a complex network of interest. miR-21 is known to be overexpressed in numerous solid tumours and is linked to the progression of malignancies in hepatocellular carcinomas, breast cancer, and colon carcinomas. Aim: To determine the impact of surgical excision on serum miR-21 expression levels in OSCC cases and to establish correlations with clinicopathological parameters. Materials and Methods: The study was an exploratory prospective observational study conducted with proper institutional ethical approval at the Cancer Research Institute (CRI), Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), Jolly Grant, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. Fifty-six histologically confirmed OSCC cases were enrolled along with 25 healthy subjects as controls from May 2021 to June 2023. The relative fold expression change was calculated using the Livak method (2-∆∆ct). Data analysis was performed using software such as Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 and MS Excel. Non parametric statistical tests such as Wilcoxon signed-rank test, MannWhitney test, and Kruskal-Wallis test were utilised. Results: Out of 56 sample included, 28 exhibited high expression of miR-21 (p-value<0.001), while 27 cases showed downregulation postsurgery (p-value<0.001), with one sample showing the same level of expression. In cases where the time difference between pre and postsurgery samples was over 25 days, no significant change was observed (p-value=0.06), and similarly, in cases with a time difference below 25 days, no significant difference was noted (p-value=0.14). A significant negative correlation was found between presurgery serum Albumin to Globulin ratio (A:G ratio) and miR-21 expression (p-value <0.05), while no other parameters showed a significant correlation with miR-21. Conclusion: miR-21 expression decreased significantly in some OSCC cases; however, in the majority of cases, it increased postsurgery. A significant correlation was observed between miR-21 expression and the serum A:G ratio.
Clinical Applications of Intracochlear Electrocochleography in Cochlear Implant Users With Residual Acoustic Hearing
Authors: Kim Jeong-Seo
Published: April 2024

We herein review the use of electrocochleography (ECoG) to assess peripheral auditory system responsiveness in a growing population of cochlear implant (CI) users with preserved hearing in ears with implants. Twenty-eight recently published intracochlear ECoG articles were thoroughly reviewed to investigate the prognostic utility of intraoperative ECoG monitoring to assess hearing preservation, and the clinical applicability of postoperative ECoG for estimating audiometric thresholds and monitoring longitudinal changes in residual acoustic hearing in patients with EAS. Intraoperative ECoG studies have focused on monitoring the changes in the cochlear microphonics (CM) amplitudes during and after electrode insertion. Mixed results have been reported regarding the relationship between changes in CM amplitude in the operating room and changes in hearing thresholds after surgery. Postoperative ECoG studies have shown that CM and auditory nerve neurophonics thresholds correlate significantly with behavioral thresholds. ECoG thresholds sensitively detect changes as residual acoustic hearing decreases over time in some CI users. This indicates its potential clinical value for monitoring the post-implantation status of the peripheral auditory system. Intracochlear ECoG can provide real-time intraoperative feedback and monitor postoperative hearing preservation in a growing population of CI users.
Classroom recordings: Utilization and influence on course performance
Authors: Ferguson Amberly A. , Nightingale Lia M.
Published: April 2024

Objective

Providing video recordings of lecture material may enhance student flexibility, but does it alter attendance or influence their grade? This project assessed the extent and purpose of video usage by students and evaluated their impact on course performance within first-year basic science courses in a chiropractic curriculum.

Methods

All first-year students enrolled at a chiropractic college based in the United States were invited to complete a retrospective survey regarding video usage, attendance, and study behaviors for basic science courses they were enrolled during the previous term. Grades were third-party obtained for each consenting student. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and independent t tests for each course. Effect size using Cohen’s d was calculated for all statistically significant courses (p < .05).

Results

Overall, 260 students completed the questionnaire assessing 18 courses in total. The perceived helpfulness of video recordings was associated with heavier usage, primarily to study for exams. Shorter summary videos were preferred by 78% of students over full lecture recordings. Use of videos to replace lectures increased from 21.9% to 53.2% in first through third trimester, respectively. Video use in Neuroanatomy I, Neuroanatomy II, Gross Anatomy II, Organ Histology, and Endocrinology were associated with lower exam scores and overall grades (p < .05), yielding moderate to large effect sizes.

Conclusion

Videos were used < 1 hour per week, primarily to study for exams. When used as a study tool, video use decreased course performance. Rewatching videos to prepare for exams may be mistaken for mastery of material.
Association between Serum Biomarkers of Muscle Damage after Isokinetic Eccentric Exercise in Trained Males and Females
Authors: Junior Olavo João Frederico Ramos , Tavares Isabela Ribeiro Grangeira , Veiga Natalia Soares , Oliveira Gustavo Vieira de , Alvares Thiago Silveira
Published: April 2024

Eccentric exercise is well-known to induce muscle damage, and biomarkers may be related to the magnitude of impact on muscle force and muscle soreness after exercise. However, this phenomenon still needs to be investigated in more detail. The present study aimed to analyze if a correlation between muscle force, soreness, and biomarkers after eccentric exercise exists in healthy, trained 11 males and females. Eleven volunteers with previous resistance training experience performed 6 x 10 maximal isokinetic eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors in the muscle performance laboratory up to 72 hours after exercise. Peak torque was measured by maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) and muscle soreness by visual analogic scale (VAS) before, 24h, 48h, and 72h after the isokinetic eccentric exercise protocol. A fluorescence immunoassay analyzer determined Myoglobin and C-reactive protein levels. The MVIC significantly decreased while muscle soreness increased 24h, 48h, and 72h post eccentric exercise. Myoglobin significantly increased 48h and 72h after exercise. Muscle soreness was inversely correlated with MVIC 24h, 48h, and 72h and positively correlated with myoglobin 48h and 72h after eccentric exercise. The myoglobin was not correlated with muscle force. No significant correlation between C-reactive protein and muscle soreness and MVIC was found. In conclusion, our data suggest that myoglobin could be a valuable biomarker to be assessed alongside exercise-induced muscle soreness.
Improving Household Income by Growing Medicinal Plants in Hoa Binh Province, Vietnam: A Case Study of Celastrus hindsii
Authors: Ninh Ho Ngoc , Ha Le Thanh , Thao Lai Phuong
Published: April 2024

The study focused on surveying and evaluating factors affecting the income of households growing medicinal plants in Hoa Binh province, Vietnam. To ensure the sample size, the expected number of samples was 120 to survey medicinal herb growers in Lac Thuy, Luong Son, Yen Thuy districts, and Hoa Binh City (it was expected that 30 samples were to be collected in each district or city). After screening the survey results, the collected data was reduced to 109 samples that met the requirements for providing all necessary survey information for analysis. These are good signs in the transformation of crop structure in Hoa Binh province, Vietnam. Factors affecting mixed income of farmer households growing medicinal plants include fertilizers and pesticide costs, selling prices, infield transportation, and propaganda – incentives. Therefore, necessary solutions in the coming period to improve household income of farmers growing medicinal plants in Hoa Binh province include: (i) Promoting training, propaganda and encouragement for farmers to grow medicinal herbs; (ii) Investing in upgrading the internal transport system in medicinal herb production areas; and (iii) Strengthening linkages in promoting the consumption of medicinal products. Developing the cultivation of medicinal plants is an effective solution for raising household income in Hoa Binh province, Vietnam.
Design of a Scalable Content-based Publish-subscribe Model for Efficient Information Dissemination in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Authors: O. A. Oyinloye , J. O. Emuoyibofarhe , J. B. Oladosu , F. A. Ajala
Published: April 2024

Publish-subscribe models provide a scalable solution for exchanging information in the distributed environment of public health care. However, existing health information systems that have adopted the publish-subscribe models in the literature to alleviate the problem of delay in information delivery and retrieval are limited to Windows-based mobile platforms which are no longer popular with the availability of competing platforms such as Android operating System (OS) and iOS. Hence, this research aims to design model of a content-based publish-subscribe information system to represent the functional and non-functional requirements of the domain knowledge within the field using Microsoft Visio and Unified Modeling Language (UML). This research addresses the challenge of delayed information delivery in obstetrics and gynecological healthcare by developing a content-based publish-subscribe information system. The system utilizes a modern, platform-independent approach and deliver relevant health information to women of reproductive age. The evaluation findings showed average SUS score of 74.35, indicating the system is acceptable for use, with a good adjective and marginal acceptability scale. The initial findings suggest the system improves user knowledge about reproductive women’s health issues. This has the potential to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce child and maternal mortality rates.
Effect of Total Electrolyte Concentration and Sodium Adsorption Ratio on Swelling Percentage of Salt Affected Soils in Purna Valley of Maharashtra, India
Authors: Jadhao S. M. , Chakraborty Bhargabi , Kadu P.R. , Mali D.V. , Jadhao S.D. , Konde N.M.
Published: April 2024

The present investigation was carried out in the Purna valley of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra to study the effect of total electrolyte concentration and sodium adsorptionratio on swelling percentage of salt affected soils in Purna valley of Maharashtra. The sampling was done in the month of October, 2013. The soil samples were taken from two sites; at the depth of 0-20 cm (surface soil) and 20- 40 cm (sub-surface soil) respectively. For equilibration of soil samples, the synthetic waters were prepared with 4 levels of total electrolyte concentrations (TEC) i.e.10, 20,40,80 meL-1 with three levels of SAR viz., 5, 10 and 15 mmol1/2L-1/2. The increase in swelling percentage was due to the increase in SAR, ESP, levels and also decreases with increasing total electrolyte concentration. The swelling percentage was found to decrease by 27.74 % with increase in TEC levels from 10 to 80meL-1 similarly the swelling percentage was found to increase about 8.94 to 7.81% respectively with increase in SAR levels from 5 to 15 of the equilibrating solution.
Evaluation of Different Organic Manure on Nutrient Content, Uptake and Yield of Mustard (Brassica juncea L) Crop
Authors: Kumar Pardeep , Kumar Robin , Kumar Ajay , Yadav Vikas , Qidwai Sidra , Kumar Praveen , Kaushik Shivam
Published: April 2024

A field experiment was conducted during 2020-21 at Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.) during Rabi season to evaluate the “effect of different organic manure on nutrient content, uptake and yield of mustard (Brassica juncea L) crop.”. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with Eight treatments and three replications. Eight treatments viz. Control, 100% VC (8 tonnes per hectare), 100% FYM (10 tonnes per hectare),100% PM (10 tonnes per hectare),50% FYM + 50% VC + Natural liquid manure (Jeevamrit), 50% FYM + 50% PM + Natural liquid manure (Jeevamrit), 50% FYM + 25% VC + 25% PM, 25% FYM + 50% VC + 25% PM along with different management practices were implemented.
The result revealed that the highest nutrient content (%) by seed (3.15 N, 0.511 P, 0.560 K) and Stover (0.601 N, 0.180 P, 1.48 K) and the highest nutrient uptake (kg ha-1) of all the three nutrients by seed (56.54 N, 9.17 P, 10.05 K) and stover (28.80 N, 8.63 P, 70.92 K)  were recorded with combined effect of FYM, VC with application of Jeevamrit viz., and 50% NPKS through FYM+ 50% N through VC which was statistically at par toT6. Reduction in nutrient supply resulted significantly lower uptake of N, P and K in the treatment which received only 100% FYM. Similarly, the maximum seed (17.95 q ha-1) and Stover (47.92 q ha-1) yield of mustard was recorded in the T5 treatment (50% FYM + 50% VC + Natural liquid manure Jeevamrit) treatment received 50% recommended doses of NPKS through FYM and 50% N through VC which was at par to T6 in which 50% FYM + 50% PM + Natural liquid manure (Jeevamrit) was applied. However, the lowest value found in control treatment (T6).
Antioxidant Effect of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Extract on Paraquat-Induced Oxidative Stress in Sheep Red Blood Cells Using In-vitro Phytochemical Analysis
Authors: Hanuman Donga Durga Veera , Rao K V Venkata , Nagarjuna Gandham , Mounika Kamishetty , Debbarma Bhaskar , Sravathi Vemula , Venkatesh Vankudothu , Sravani Pechetty , Rao Mullu Atchuta , Kiran Amgoth Vamsi
Published: April 2024

Aims: Oxidative stress, which causes harm to cells, is a significant factor in many diseases. Red blood cells are easily damaged by free radicals. Lemongrass has powerful abilities to fight these free radicals’ because it contains a lot of phytochemicals. The study examined how effective lemongrass is in protecting red blood cells from damage caused by Paraquat. Additionally, phytochemicals present in lemongrass are also analysed.
Methodology:  The preparation of lemongrass leaf extract involved drying and grinding the leaves, followed by extraction with acetone using the Soxhlet method. Phytochemical analysis was done to reveal the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, and acids. A 10% RBC suspension was prepared from sheep blood. Oxidative stress was induced in RBCs using Paraquat, Ascorbic acid, and the extract. Antioxidant analysis included protein concentration via the Lowry method, Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) estimation for lipid peroxidation, Glutathione (GSH) estimation, and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity assay. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism, with significance set at p<0.05.
Results: The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, saponin, and tannin in lemongrass, while no acids or alkaloids were detected in the plant. In Group II exposed to Paraquat toxicity, total protein decreased significantly compared to the control group (10.24±0.53 mg/dl to 6.3±0.49 mg/dl). TBARS activity notably increased in Paraquat-treated group (629.7±2.85) compared to control (398.8±3.51), while Lemongrass and ascorbic acid treatments showed significant decreases (513.05±4.54 and 504.01±1.97, respectively). SOD and GSH levels decreased significantly in Paraquat-treated group (6.08±0.4 and 80.86±4.9 µg/mg of protein) compared to control (11.13±1.1 and 109.81±8.6, respectively), but Lemongrass treatment increased levels (14.12±2.0 and 114.8±4.5 µg GSH/mg of protein). Lemongrass demonstrated pronounced protective effects against oxidative stress, normalizing SOD levels and increasing GSH levels, comparable to ascorbic acid treatment.
Conclusion: The study successfully induced oxidative stress in RBCs with Paraquat, presenting avenues for further exploration in understanding cellular responses. Additionally, the research highlights Lemongrass's significant preventive impact (100μg), possibly attributed to its bioactive phytochemicals, including flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and tannins. This underscores Lemongrass's potential in countering oxidative damage induced by Paraquat in RBCs.
Indigenous Goat Populations in Northwestern and Western Zones of Tigray Region, Ethiopia: Characterization of Major Husbandry Practices and Kidding Patterns
Authors: Mekonnen Teweldemedhn , Markos Shishay , Esak Kibrom , Ataklti Tesfay
Published: April 2024

The survey was conducted before the war (before October 2020) in Tigray Region, Ethiopia. Goats are highly concentrated in the lowland areas than in the highlands of Ethiopia. Sample households of Begait (102), Hassan (106) and Arado (181) goats were randomly involved in the face-to-face interview. Statistical Package for Social Sciences software was used for data analysis. Illiterate respondents were in Begait (42%), Hassan (29%) and Arado (55%). Cattle and goats were the major economic sources in Begait (10.19±9.1 Tropical Livestock Unit (TLU), 4.30±2.8 TLU) and Arado (4.77±3.2 TLU, 1.27±0.9 TLU) respondents. The mean flock size of Arado goat population (12.65±9.9) was significantly (P<0.005) lower than the mean flock sizes of Begait (43.02±28.1) and Hassan (70.29±52.6) populations. Animals went to water source in most respondents (100.0% of Begait, 67.0% of Hassan and 87% of Arado), and river was the major water source for the animals of about 47% of Begait, 43% of Hassan and 79.0% of Arado respondents. Animals of about 56% of Hassan and 57% of Arado respondents travelled a distance of 1-5 Kilometer (Km) to obtain water, and dry season daily watering frequency of once a day was dominantly practiced in about 88% of Begait and 83% of Hassan respondents. Diseases and external parasites were reported in Begait (96%, 85%), Hassan (98%, 90%) and Arado (67%, 87%) respondents which affected indigenous goat productivity. There was no access to veterinary service centers (VSCs) in about 47% of Begait, 65% of Hassan and 93% of Arado respondents, and some respondents in about 24% of Begait and 17% of Hassan travelled a distance of greater than 10 Km to reach VSCs. Own buck use for mating and buck birth in own flocks were exhibited in Begait (93%, 85%), Hassan (95%, 76%) and Arado (38%, 35%) respondents, respectively. Uncontrolled mating and buck use outside of own flock were practiced in Begait (70%, 73%), Hassan (43%, 65%) and Arado (100.0%, 100.0%) respondents due to most goats graze in communal lands, respectively. Unknown buck to does ratio was practiced in 41% of Begait and 39% of Hassan respondents. Unknown buck to does ratio and a ratio of one buck to all does in the flock were practiced in Arado (8%, 67%) respondents, respectively, and crossbreeding was highly practiced in Begait respondents (41%). The dominant kidding months of Begait and Arado goat populations were in September up to November whilst that of Hassan goat population were in October up to December. Castration and traditional castration method were practiced in Begait (54%, 54%), Hassan (39%, 37%) and Arado (70%, 64%) respondents, respectively. Community education, access to water, access to VSC, buck to doe ratio, kidding pattern improvement and castration to control inbreeding need critical attention.
Structural Optimization of 60T Electric Mining Vehicle Frame: Finite Element Simulation Model and Analysis
Authors: Jialin Fan
Published: April 2024

Based on the research under the ore loading condition of the electric mine vehicle, this paper measures the physical frame of the 60T electric mine vehicle by means of rangefinder, ruler and drawings, and uses the software CATIA to complete the three-dimensional model of the frame and carriage of the electric mine vehicle, combined with the characteristics of ANSYS workbench software. The structure of the model is simplified. By comprehensively applying relevant knowledge of automobile dynamics, the frame load under full load condition is calculated, and the electric mine vehicle frame is applied by using ANSYS workbench software to simulate and optimize the three conditions of stationary, high-speed driving and turning before the mine car, and the position where the stress concentration and deformation of the frame structure are greatest. By increasing the thickness of the support plate and increasing its stress area, the overall weight was increased by 90.35kg, accounting for 0.9% of the total weight, and the weight increase was very small. Mechanical analysis was carried out on the three working conditions of the optimized frame of the mine car, and the stress was reduced by 25%, 24.1% and 39.2% respectively, effectively eliminating the stress concentration. The actual use of the vehicle can extend the service life of the frame, while improving the economy and stability of the vehicle.
Maximizing Solar Integration: Enhancing Off-grid Rural Energy Storage in Zambia
Authors: Chambalile M. , Su B. , Phiri X. , Huan J.
Published: April 2024

Energy stands as an indispensable aspect of contemporary human life. This study endeavours to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of photovoltaics (PV) for sustainable electricity supply in Africa, with a particular focus on Zambia. The primary objectives include assessing the current state of PV integration, identifying key obstacles, and highlighting potential applications in critical areas such as irrigation, rural electrification, and water heating.
Drawing upon the latest research on PV in Africa, this study synthesizes information from the top ten most cited studies, with a specific emphasis on the complexities involved in large-scale PV integration. The research design entails a comprehensive review of technical aspects such as storage and bifacial modules, providing insights into the challenges faced in optimizing PV systems.
The study primarily centres on Zambia, a country endowed with significant solar potential. Through case studies, it demonstrates the feasibility of employing PV for vital applications such as irrigation and rural electrification. The timeframe encompasses recent years, reflecting the dynamic nature of PV research and implementation.
To evaluate the advantages and obstacles of PV adoption, a multifaceted approach is employed. This includes examining the potential of PV in specific applications, analyzing electrification rates in Zambian urban and rural areas (57% and 13% respectively), and identifying barriers such as high costs, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of training. Additionally, thermal systems are considered, emphasizing both untapped potential and the limitations of solar cookers.
The study incorporates interviews conducted in Lwangwa Village to gather firsthand perspectives on the use and necessity of energy. Furthermore, data from previous literature is utilized to compile valuable insights into the demand for clean energy in Zambia.
Key findings underscore the untapped potential of PV in Zambia, highlighting its capacity to enhance energy access and reduce emissions. However, significant challenges exist, necessitating targeted policies, financial mechanisms, and community engagement to foster widespread adoption. Addressing infrastructure limitations, maintenance needs, costs, and social factors is essential to fully realize the benefits of PV implementation.
 Zambia's abundant solar resources present a promising pathway towards sustainable energy. However, strategic planning and support are imperative for successful PV integration. Future research endeavors should focus on investigating specific challenges arising from clean energy adoption, including potential health effects and negative impacts, to further advance sustainable energy initiatives.
Innovative Strategies in Historical Cost, Replacement Cost and Organisation Performance Using Human Resource
Authors: Olalere Mayowa , David Olalere Mayowa , Oyetola Odewusi , Olabode Aremu , Biodun Ogunbiyi-daives , Biola Adesina Hamed
Published: April 2024

.Technology is being used in industry and services. Rapid technological advancements alter many industries. Information helps build and sustain the economy. Modern businesses' social responsibility and public image are evolving quickly. According to a recent national survey, many Americans believe corporations should be accountable to shareholders, workers, and local communities. These changes are not reflected in modern financial reporting. A strategy-language approach for comparing the two methods is needed. This method integrates strategies from seemingly unrelated innovation types and allows systematic strategic analysis. Large commercial banks could consider including human resource expenditures in their asset structure and improving information quality via revenue expenses, which might positively impact their share price. The "human resources valuation approach" as a company performance measurement tool has gained popularity, boosting the use of metrics in human resource accounting. More studies are exploring the relationship between performance and HR.
Assessing the Fire Characteristics of Chair Materials in a New High-Speed Railway Vehicle Across Various Fire Environments
Authors: Han Kukil , Park Won-Hee , Kwon Tae-Soon , Yun Su-Hwan , Lee Duckhee
Published: April 2024

The heat release rate generated when a fire occurs in a railway vehicle is one of the most important factors when designing precautions for railway facilities such as railway tunnels. In this study, the fire characteristics of interior materials required to analyze the propagation of a fire in a new railway vehicle were identified via an experimental method. The fire characteristics of the main interior materials across various radiant heat fluxes were analyzed, and the ignition temperature of the interior materials was predicted using the heat release rate and ignition time. By predicting the ignition temperature, the critical heat flux and ignition temperature were confirmed to be low for the flooring of the main interior materials. The derived fire characteristics (ignition temperature and heat release rate) for each material can be used to analyze the fire propagation phenomenon in railway cars.
Finding Similar Nucleotide Sequences Using Network BLAST Searches
Authors: Ladunga Istvan
Published: June 2009

The Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) is a keystone of bioinformatics due to its performance and user‐friendliness. Beginner and intermediate users will learn how to design and submit blastn and Megablast searches on the Web pages at the National Center for Biotechnology Information. We map nucleic acid sequences to genomes, find identical or similar mRNA, expressed sequence tag, and noncoding RNA sequences, and run Megablast searches, which are much faster than blastn. Understanding results is assisted by taxonomy reports, genomic views, and multiple alignments. We interpret expected frequency thresholds, biological significance, and statistical significance. Weak hits provide no evidence, but hints for further analyses. We find genes that may code for homologous proteins by translated BLAST. We reduce false positives by filtering out low‐complexity regions. Parsed BLAST results can be integrated into analysis pipelines. Links in the output connect to Entrez, PUBMED, structural, sequence, interaction, and expression databases. This facilitates integration with a wide spectrum of biological knowledge. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 26:3.3.1‐3.3.26. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
RNA Secondary Structure Analysis Using The RNAshapes Package
Authors: Reeder Jens , Giegerich Robert
Published: June 2009

This unit shows how to use the RNAshapes package for the prediction of the secondary structure of a single RNA sequence using either minimum free energy methods or weighted ensemble information. It also includes a protocol for the consensus prediction of a set of related sequences. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 26:12.8.1‐12.8.17. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.