bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EPIDEMIOLOGIC SITUATION BY NATURAL-FOCI INFECTIONS IN THE CRIMEA FEDERAL DISTRICT IN 2014 - 2015
Authors: Popova A. Yu. , Kulichenko A. N. , Maletskaya O. V. , Vasilenko N. F. , Shaposhnikova L. I. , Kotenev E. S. , Dubyansky V. M. , Volynkina A. S. , Lisitskaya Ya. V. , Samarina I. V. , Penkovskaya N. A. , Evstafiev I. L. , Tovpinets N. N. , Tsapko N. V. , Belova O. A. , Agapitov D. S. , Samoded T. N. , Nadolny A. A. , Kovalenko I. S. , Yakunin S. N. , Shvarsalon N. K. , Zinich L. S. , Tikhonov S. N. , Lyamkin G. I. , Zharnikova I. V. , Evchenko Yu. M.
Published: April 2020

Aim. Analysis of epidemic manifestations of natural-foci infections (NFI), clarification of spectrum of their causative agents, determination of epizootic activity of natural foci in the Crimea Federal District (KFD). Materials and methods. Epizootologic examination of 10 administrative districts of KDF was carried out. 291 pools (2705 specimens) of ixodes ticks and 283 samples of organs of small mammals were studied by PCR method for the presence of DNA/RNA of causative agents of a number of NFI. Results. Morbidity by NFI in KFD was registered by 6 nosologies: Lyme borreliosis, Marseilles fever, leptospirosis, tularemia, intestine yersiniosis and tick-borne viral encephalitis, wherein, transmissive infections made up 91.6%. Circulation of causative agents of Crimea hemorrhagic fever, Q fever, group of tick-borne spotted fever, Lyme borreliosis, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, human monocytic ehrlichiosis, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, West Nile fever, tularemia and leptospirosis was established. Conclusion. Due to activity of natural foci of NFI further monitoring of epidemiologic and epizootologic manifestations of these infections in the Crimea, including using genetic methods of analysis, is necessary for ensuring sanitary-epidemiologic welfare of KFD population.
O TRABALHO COM PRODUÇÃO TEXTUAL NO ENSINO MÉDIO SOB O OLHAR DA LINGUÍSTICA DO TEXTO E DA PESQUISA-AÇÃO
Authors: Santos Patricia dos , Motta Vaima Regina Alves
Published: April 2020

O presente estudo diz respeito ao trabalho com produção textual na Educação Básica, mais precisamente com estudantes de Ensino Médio. As principais teorias que fundamentam o trabalho são a Linguística do Texto e a Pesquisa-ação. Objetivamos, neste estudo, apresentar os resultados de encaminhamento de processo de escrita desenvolvido em sala de aula, advindo da articulação entre a Linguística do Texto e a Pesquisa-ação para o trabalho com produção textual com estudantes de Ensino Médio. Nesse sentido, as reflexões aqui evidenciadas referem-se ao encaminhamento do processo de escrita pautado por referencial teórico-metodológico que privilegia a interação e a reflexão no processo de ensino e aprendizagem de textos na escola. No que tange aos resultados, entendemos que houve aprimoramento da escrita argumentativa dos estudantes investigados.
Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of the leaves and flowers of Tabebuia aurea and Cordia glabrata
Authors: Tomazeli E. C. , Valladão D. M. S. , Andrighetti C. R. , Magalhães M. , Battirola L. D. , Bonacorsi C.
Published: April 2020

The search for new compounds of plant origin with antimicrobial activity has been the goal of many research groups, due to the increase in the number of microorganisms resistant to antimicrobials. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of two plant species, Tabebuia aurea (“paratudo”) and Cordia glabrata (“louro branco”), present in the state of Mato Grosso. The plant material (leaves and flowers) was extracted by maceration in 70% ethanol (Et) and polar hexane (Hex) (non-polar solvent). The determination of the antimicrobial activity was carried out by broth microdilution technique, and the antioxidant potential determined by the DPPH free radical method. In the evaluation of the antibacterial activity, the ethanolic extract of C. glabrata leaves presented better antibacterial potential for Staphylococcus aureus, revealing a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 125 μg / mL. However, for strains of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhimurium, all extracts of C. glabrata showed MICs of 2000 μg / mL or higher. The ethanolic and hexanic extracts of T. aurea flowers and leaves did not show promising antibacterial potential for any of the tested strains. In the evaluation of antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis, the hexanic extract of C. glabrata leaves presented weak to moderate activity only for the C. albicans strain (MIC = 1000 μg / mL). The remaining extracts of C. glabrata and the extracts of T. aurea were not promising against the tested yeasts, showing inhibitory concentrations equal to or greater than 2000 μg / mL. In the determination of the antioxidant potential, the polar extracts (Et 70%) had a higher capacity to sequester the DPPH radical than the capacity obtained for the apolar extracts (Hex). The tests revealed promising antibacterial activity for Staphylococcus aureus and high antioxidant potential of the hydroethanolic extracts of leaves and flowers of C. glabrata, respectively.
Economic overview of ornamental flowers and plants in Brazil
Authors: Souza J. N. C. , Diniz J. W. M. , Silva F. A. O. , Almeida N. D. R.
Published: April 2020

This work aims to study the panorama of the floriculture and ornamental plants sector in Brazil, highlighting the main aspects related to area, production and distribution in the national scenario and consumption, the material used to obtain the data regarding the research carried out, was extracted from sources of research. Floriculture was an activity that was restricted only in the Southeast, more specifically in the State of São Paulo. Currently, due to the work of several institutions, this sector can be expanded to other regions of the country. Floriculture has great socioeconomic potential, generating jobs mainly for small producers. Although floriculture has great potential for expansion, it still has great difficulties due to the lack of habit of Brazilians in consuming flowers. The results showed that the domestic market generates a considerable source of income for the population in general, the ease of access of these products, makes the consumption of flowers in the country have gained more and more space, although it is very low in relation to other countries. Brazil has resulted in annual growth of 6.26% in recent years, moving around US $ 750 million per year, with a per capita consumption of US $ 4.70 and has 18,000 sales points throughout the country. The foreign market, however, has a remarkable growth, however, it needs to conquer much more space with other South American countries, corresponding to only 0.22% of the world market. Brazil exports to 40 destinations, with Holland being the largest buyer, followed by the United States. In 2011, Brazil exported US $ 20,699,521, 40.33% of which was related to ornamental plants, 48.37% for bulbs, rhizomes and similar, 3.67% fresh flowers and 7.63% of other products. It is concluded that there is a need to formulate strategies to manage in a way that the productive and commercial sectors grow in order to strengthen the market.
The importance of the rational use of medicines in pharmaceutical attention politics and the prevention of the population of self-medication
Authors: Fernandes P. C. , Faria G. G. , Pereira D. L.
Published: April 2020

Improper use of medications and self-medication are public health problems due to drug interactions, intoxications and delay in medical diagnosis. The objective was to discuss the importance of the rational use of medicines in the pharmaceutical care policies and the pharmacist's action to prevent self-medication practices by the population. This is a literature review of scientific articles published between 2005 and 2015 in the databases and virtual library, Scielo, LILACS and BVS. Self-medication is practiced by the adult, the elderly, and the child, and anti-inflammatories and analgesics are the most commonly used medications. Self-medication is practiced by the adult, the elderly, and the child, and anti-inflammatories and analgesics are the most commonly used medications. Pharmaceutical care reduces drug related problems, contributing to rational use and reducing the practice of self-medication for the population.
RITUAL ADAT NGUNDANG DAYAK HALONG : MENANAMKAN KARAKTER BANGSA DAN MELESTARIKAN BUDAYA DAERAH
Authors: Hestiyana NFN
Published: April 2020

Ngundang traditional rituals are one cultural heritage of the Dayak Halong people which continues to be maintained and carried out in traditional rituals. In the Dayak Halong indigenous people, there are several traditional rituals: inviting, namely ngundang baharin malem manta, ngundang baharin malem mandruu, ngundang wadian malem manta, ngundang wadian malem mandruu, ngundang palas kapateian, and ngundang palas nimbuk. This study aims to describe the preservation of regional culture in traditional rituals ngundang Dayak Halong as a means of instilling national character. The method used in this study is a qualitative descriptive method. This research data in the form of oral speeches in traditional rituals ngundang. In collecting data techniques used observing, recording, and interviewing. Analyzing is done with understanding, interpretation, and meaning, then they are presented in the form of description. From the results of the study, it is found that the preservation of regional culture in traditional rituals ngundang Dayak Halong as a means of instilling national character through values as follows: (1) religious, (2) honest, (3) tolerance, (4) discipline, (5) love for the homeland, (6) care for the environment, (7) social care, and (8) responsibility. Keywords: ngundang rituals, Dayak Halong, national character, preservingRitual adat ngundang merupakan warisan budaya leluhur masyarakat Dayak Halong yang terus dipelihara dan dilaksanakan dalam setiap ritual. Pada masyarakat adat DayakHalong, terdapat beberapa ritual adat ngundang, yakni ngundang baharin malem manta, ngundang baharin malem mandruu, ngundang wadian malem manta, ngundang wadian malem mandruu, ngundang palas kapateian, dan ngundang palas nimbuk. Penelitian ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan pelestarian budaya daerah dalam ritual adat ngundang Dayak Halong sebagai sarana menanamkan karakter bangsa. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode deskriptif  kualitatif. Data penelitian ini berupa tuturan-tuturan lisan dalam tata ritual adat ngundang. Dalam pengumpulan data, digunakan teknik simak, catat, dan cakap. Penganalisisan dilakukan dengan pemahaman, interpretasi, dan pemaknaan, kemudian disajikan dalam bentuk deskripsi. Dari hasil penelitian ditemukan pelestarian budaya daerah dalam ritual adat ngundang Dayak Halong sebagai sarana menanamkan karakter bangsa dilakukan melalui nilai-nilai sebagai berikut: (1) religius, (2) jujur, (3) toleransi, (4) disiplin, (5) cinta tanah air, (6) peduli lingkungan, (7) peduli sosial, dan (8) tanggung jawab. Kata kunci: ritual, ngundang, Dayak Halong, karakter bangsa, pelestarian
KEMAHIRAN BERBAHASA INDONESIA GURU SD DI KABUPATEN GORONTALO
Authors: Wumu Wahyuni
Published: April 2020

Tulisan ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan kemampuan bahasa Indonesia para pendidik di tingkat SD yang ada di Kabupaten Gorontalo. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan menggunakan angket berisi 50 butir soal mencakup 5 aspek kebahasaan yaitu aspek ejaan, bentuk dan pilihan kata, pengembangan kosakata dan istilah, kalimat, serta paragraf dan wacana. Kajian ini menemukan tingkat kemahiran bahasa Indonesia pendidik di Kabupaten Gorontalo masih rendah, yang ditunjukkan oleh nilai persentase pada tiap-tiap aspek yang rendah. Pada aspek ejaan didapatkan nilai persentase 48,79. Pada aspek bentuk dan pilihan kata didapatkan nilai persentas sebesar 17.069. Aspek kosakata dan istilah menunjukkan nilai persentase 43,966. Nilai persentase pada aspek kalimat menunjukkan angka 23,793, sementara aspek paragraf dan wacana menunjukkan nilai persentase 34,828.Kata kunci: kemahiran, ejaan, bentuk dan pilihan kata, pengambangan kosakata dan istilah, kalimat, paragraf dan wacana.
Peningkatan Kenyamanan Pelanggan dengan Sistem Customer Relationship Management (CRM) pada Smile Dental Care Padang
Authors: Helmi Yolla Rahmadi
Published: April 2020

In a business / company engaged in health both hospitals, clinics, practice requires something that can entice patients. In order to be comfortable and get facilities that can make patients loyal to treatment. One of the most supportive systems is the construction of an information system portal that can facilitate patients and companies in carrying out their activities and can establish good communication and get reciprocal relationships between patients and doctors. Smile Dental Care is a dental clinic specializing in braces installation in the city of Padang, West Sumatra. The purpose of this research is to apply Customer Relationship Management (CRM) to improve the relationship between patients and doctors, so that they get comfortable with each other. The results of this study are the creation of an information system portal, which is useful to support the improvement of Smile Dental Care, and provide excellent service to patients.
Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Program Kerja Pengawasan Tahunan Menggunakan Metode Simple Additive Weighting (Studi Kasus di Inspektorat Kabupaten Rokan Hulu)
Authors: Gunawan Indra , Santony Julius , Sumijan Sumijan
Published: April 2020

The Annual Supervision Work Program (ASWP) is a measure of efficiency and effectiveness in implementing supervision in supporting Inspectorate performance. For the preparation of this ASWP using a Risk-Based Supervision Planning (RBSP) based on certain criteria. Decision Support System (DSS) is a system used to determine alternative ASWP to be implemented. The criteria are determined using the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method. The basic concept of the SAW method is to find the total weighting of the performance rating for each alternative. Testing is done from ASWP alternative normalized according to the type of attribute criteria (benefit or cost). The final result is obtained from the calculation process, namely from the 10 test data there is 80% compatibility of the data from the system calculation. The sum of the normalized matrix with weights per criterion shows an alternative ranking of the regional apparatus organization that is closest to the criteria to the most distant from the criteria. In order to get an alternative ASWP to be implemented.
Penerapan Algoritma K-Means Clustering untuk Melihat Hubungan Kegiatan Tahfiz dengan Hasil Belajar (Studi Kasus Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 1 Bukiktinggi)
Authors: Hidayad Asri , Defit Sarjon , Sumijan Sumijan
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether Tahfiz activities and learning outcomes are effective or not. The data processed in this study were data on tahfiz activities and data on student learning outcomes in class XI (eleven) totaling 42 data sourced from memorization of tahfiz, tahfiz grades, and student grades in Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 1 Bukittinggi. Based on the analysis of the data, this classification uses one of the methods of the Data Mining algorithm, K-Means Clustering. K-Means Clustering algorithm works based on the grouping method, In this data mining technique consists of data testing and training data with the input of the number of memorization of tahfiz, and the value of tahfiz as well as learning outcomes. The results of this study the school can determine how influential this activity tahfiz on student grades.
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO MALAYSIAN SUSTAINABILITY ON PALM OIL
Authors: Shehu Sani , Salleh Prof. Dr. Mohd Afandi
Published: April 2020

Oil palm production serves as a leading sector which contributed a lot to the development of Malaysian economy as a great driving force for the country’s agro-industry. About a century ago, when the oil palm plantation was formed, its contribution was 71% to the national agricultural land bank. Malaysia has also received global recognition for resources allocation among its citizens and poverty alleviation within the country. Palm oil has risen as a global strategic commodity, it rose as the main source of income, which generates revenue, promotes economic development and alleviates poverty. palm oil contributed considerably to the economic growth of Malaysia through employment chances in rural areas, improvement of infrastructure which includes education, health facilities, generation of revenues for workers and the government. It raises governmental credits and training schemes and flourishes development of the agricultural sector. The primary objective of this paper is to show the contributing factors to Malaysian sustainability on palm oil, the research is qualitative in nature, it has adopted document analysis, the finds of the paper are the contributing factors towards Malaysian sustainability on palm oil.
First Generation Students in the Hungarian Higher Educational System
Authors: Bocsi Veronika
Published: April 2020

The first part of the study attempts to summarise the most frequently used and cited theories and empirical findings in the field of first generation students. The specialist literature has identified those factors (cultural background of family, parents’ special attitude toward learning, the features of the time-budget etc.) which can generate a disadvantageous situation within the higher education system for these students. However, the presence of this group is a significant indicator of the openness of a society and social mobility, and a more careful analysis of this population may reduce the drop-out rate, as well. During the empirical analysis two databases were used (Eurostudent VI, Hungarian Youth Research 2012 and 2016). Our results draw attention to the process of social closure and the decreasing chance of attending higher education for young people from lower social groups. This unfavourable shift can mirror the relatively closed features of Hungarian society, but at the same time it can make the distances among social groups more rigid.
Designing An instrument to measure explicit and implicit learning processes
Authors: Zólyomi Anna
Published: April 2020

In this research paper, the researcher’s intention was to design an instrument that is able to measure learning under two different conditions: explicit and implicit learning. Exploring explicit and implicit learning is gaining more and more attention nowadays in the field of second language acquisition (SLA). The Quantitative method was used in this study to investigate which learning mechanism proves to be more efficient in the selected sample. The present study involved Hungarian technical school, secondary school, and university students from Budapest (N = 40) who participated in completing an Artificial Grammar Learning (AGL) task. The most important finding of the present research endeavour is that implicit learning has proven to be more effective than explicit learning in the case of the selected participants and this was a statistically significant finding. The pedagogical implication of this study is that the effectiveness of implicit learning should be reconsidered by EFL teachers in Hungary.
Effect of different levels of fortification of wheat flour with defatted coconut flour on the quality of fibre-enriched biscuits
Authors: J.M.N. Marikkar
Published: April 2020

Defatted coconut flour obtained from the whitish kernel residue left after the extraction of virgin coconut oil has potential application in high protein-fiber enriched food products. A study was conducted to investigate the use of defatted coconut flour in the preparation of fiber-enriched biscuits. In this, wheat flour was fortified with defatted coconut flour in varying proportions (w/w, 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70%) to prepare a series of blends for biscuit dough. Biscuits samples prepared according to a standard recipe were evaluated by a 36-member semi-trained panel using a 7-point hedonic scale to determine the critical limit of defatted coconut flour substitution in wheat flour for acceptable quality biscuits. Results showed that defatted coconut flour could be used to substitute wheat flour up to a level of 40% without affecting the overall quality. At this level, the dietary fiber content of the biscuit was found to increase by about 10 times. Although biscuit samples showed good acceptability at the beginning, their keeping quality decreased with the increasing level of defatted coconut flour in the biscuit formulation.
Integrated management of Eriophyid mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer on coconut in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: K. Ramaraju
Published: April 2020

A field experiment was conducted at Vellalore from January 2002 to December 2004 to evaluate the influence of organic and inorganic nutrients and the effect of botanicals and insecticide against coconut eriophyid mite. Soil application of nutrients along with spraying of Triazophos 40 EC (5 ml/lit.), azadirachtin 1% (5 ml/lit.) and neem oil (30 ml/lit.) as first, second and third round of sprayings, respectively were evaluated. The results revealed that there was a significant reduction in mite population (65%) after two years in the Integrated Management (IM) treated trees (application of organic and inorganic nutrients, basin cultivation of sunnhemp and three rounds of spraying) followed by trees treated with Nitrogen: Phosphorus: Potash (1.3:2.0:3.5 kg/palm/year) + Farm Yard Manure 50 kg/palm/year + neem cake 5 kg /palm/year + micronutrients + three rounds of sprayings (52.8%).  Similarly, there was also a significant reduction in the per cent damaged green nuts after two years. After second year, the per cent damaged nut was lowest (41.9) in the IM treated trees which was statistically on par with treatment 6 (42.9) as against control (71.8). A similar trend was also recorded after third year. IM package treated trees recorded the lowest nut damage grade of 2.8, 2.4 and 2.1 at harvest followed by IM package without sunnhemp as basin crop 3.0, 2.6 and 2.2 as against 4.3, 4.3 and 4.5 in the check after first, second and third year, respectively.
Coconut Carbon Sequestration Part 1 / Highlights on Carbon Cycle in Coconut Plantations
Authors: O. Roupsard
Published: April 2020

This article reviews scientific information in order to prepare application of coconut plantations to the Clean Development Mechanism CDM of the Kyoto Protocol. It sums up some theories for describing the C cycle within a given plantation, separating the coconut trees, the under-storey and the soil. It synthesizes recent reports about the C cycle (stocks and fluxes) of a chronosequence of coconut plantations, considered to be a reference for productivity (high level of fertility, no drought). It gives figures for the potential C balance of a coconut plantation and compares them to other tropical humid evergreen forests. Although the results should not be extrapolated without caution, they highlight some main traits of this peculiar crop, such as a high productivity and a large C allocation into organs displaying rapid turnover (bunches of fruits, fine roots, leaves, peduncle and spikelets), the fate of which is to be turned into litter. Moreover, results bring new insights into the physiology of this plant, which is of high interest for understanding the components of yield, such as reserve dynamics. They also confirm that litter management is crucial for the C fixation and the sustainability of coconut cultivation, especially when the levels of inputs are low.
Assessment of Climate Variability for Coconut and Other Crops: A Statistical Approach
Authors: T.S.G. Peiris
Published: April 2020

Public opinion in Sri Lanka has been seriously concerned about the possible impact of climate change on different sectors, and in particular for the agricultural sector. Annual and weekly climate data were analyzed to provide useful information to farmers, planners and scientists to assess the suitability of different types of crops. The statistical methodology of the analysis is illustrated using daily rainfall and air temperature from 1951 to 2001 for Hambantota, a major coconut growing district in Sri Lanka. The increase in maximum air temperature and decrease in the amount of rainfall per effective rainy day (> 5mm) are the significant features of the climate variability in the Hambantota area. The warming rate for maximum air temperature was significantly higher (p<0.005) than that for minimum, mean and diurnal temperature, irrespective of time scales. The annual rate of increase of maximum temperature after 1995 is 0.0260C. The intensity of rainfall per effective rainy day (> 5mm) decreased significantly (p<0.005). Distribution of weekly rainfall during January to September is uncertain. The probability of weekly rainfall greater than 20 mm does not exceed 50% in any week during this period. Long-term weekly rainfall was greater than 30 mm only during mid October to early December, but the probability of weekly rainfall greater than 30 mm exceeds 50% only during the first three weeks of November. The probability of occurrence of dry spells of duration greater than 60 days in a year is around 70%, but the time of occurrence of such dry spell is not consistent among years. These findings suggest that the expected future climate would not be suitable for coconut cultivation, if growers do not apply the recommended practices to face long dry spells. Also the increasing temperature could impact to dominate plant pest during dry periods.
Characterization and Properties of Sri Lankan Coir Fibre
Authors: Dineth S. Samarawickrama
Published: April 2020

This study mainly concentrated on revealing the scientific data on the properties of Sri Lankan coir fibre and classifying them into different grades based on scientific parameters instead of visual observations to establish quality specifications for the coir fibre industry in Sri Lanka. Critical parameters were studied for suitability of the industrial applications. Size distribution and average length of different fibres were determined by the frequency distribution method, to be used as industrial oriented parameters. The weighted average breaking load of coir fibre was determined using the universal tensile strength tester.

As per the result, coir fiber has an elongation property of about 20-28%. Also, coir fibre is a highly resilient natural fibre and Omat coir fibre had the highest value among other coir fibre types. Porous microstructure of the coir fibre was observed through the scanning electron microscopy and hygroscopic characteristics described according to the structure. The moisture equilibrium values of coir fibre in Sri Lanka were observed at 15-18% and it was achieved by sun drying. This moisture levels avoid the heavy condensation during transportation particularly in countries with cold climate. Properties of coir fibre found in the study were used in the establishment of the National Quality Standard specifications for mechanically extracted coir fibre in Sri Lanka.
Abscission of Control Pollinated Coconut Fruits: Preliminary Investigations into the Possible Role of Ethylene
Authors: J. Owusu Nipah  , Matthew J. Dickinson
Published: April 2020

Recent advances in the spread of the Cape St Paul Wilt disease (CSPWD) necessitate a more rapid development of tolerant coconut types. Control pollination is the main method for producing legitimate coconut seeds for such breeding purposes. However, the process of bagging causes severe nut drop or abscission. Many scientists have implicated hormones as the primary regulators of organ abscission; with ethylene being particularly implicated. Unlike other plant hormones, which are mainly produced in other parts and transported to influence target organs, the production of ethylene could be initiated within the same organ, such as the fruit. This study was therefore undertaken to investigate the possible involvement of ethylene in abscission after control pollination. Pollen from Vanuatu Tall (VTT) variety was used to cross emasculated Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD) inflorescence after isolation with bags. Trials were laid out in Completely Randomised and Split Plot designs, with specified replications. Two ethylene inhibitors, namely aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) and silver thiosulphate (STS) were used. Five concentrations of AVG ranging from 2mg/l to 30mg/l were applied to inflorescences during and after bagging. AVG concentrations higher than 2 mg/l resulted in significant reduction in abscission. Fruit yields up to five times that of ordinarily bagged treatments without AVG were recorded. Four concentrations of STS ranging between 0.5mM – 10mM applied in similar manner, however, did not result in any significant reduction in abscission. The results from AVG application strongly suggest the involvement of ethylene in the abscission of control pollinated coconut fruits.
Effect of Gelling Agent and Selective Sub-culturing on Hyperhydricity in Anther-Derived Coconut Embryos
Authors: P I P Perera
Published: April 2020

Experiments were conducted to compare the liquid medium with the media solidified with agar or phytagel. Selective subculturing and use of the embryo maturation medium supplemented with higher concentration of phytagel (0.5%; w/v) were also tested for reducing the vitrified embryos. Modified Eeuwens Y3 medium was used as the basal medium. By culturing the anthers on the medium solidified with phytagel (0.25%; w/v), direct embryo formation (86.7%) and embryo conversion (21.5%) were significantly increased. Plant regeneration efficiency of anther derived embryos or calluses developed in the liquid culture medium was extremely low (2.4%). Vitrification was further reduced by incorporating 0.5% (w/v) phytagel into the embryo maturation medium. Highest plant regeneration efficiency was obtained by exposing the embryos to 0.5% (w/v) phytagel for 21 days, which reduced vitrification by 42%. Furthermore, selective subculturing of the embryos was effective for reducing vitrification.
The Production and Characterization of Carbon Composite from Coconut Shell Charcoal
Authors: Meytij Jeanne Rampe
Published: April 2020

Structure and chemical composition of coconut shell carbon with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the stimulant through the observation of TG-DTA, SEM-EDS, FTIR and XRD had been studied. The process was carried out by calcining coconut shell charcoal at the temperature of 873 and 1023 K under nitrogen flow, then mixed with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) under composition of 2.5 to 7.5% wt. in water solvent. The development of carbon composite structure was observed by heating the samples in Argon gas of 1673 K, the rate of temperature was 10 K/min in 3 hours. The products were then analyzed by TG-DTA, SEM-EDS, FTIR and XRD. The result showed that the products were in uniform particle size of micrometer dimensions and spherical particles in shape, with average content of C element at 97.44% wt., aromatic character and semi-crystalline structure.
Diversification for Livelihood Security: Experiences from Major Coconut Growing Countries
Authors: S. Kalavathi
Published: April 2020

This paper presents the success of community based organizations in achieving sustainability in marginal coconut holdings through diversification of crops and enterprises along with conservation of local varieties. The project was implemented in 19 communities of 10 coconut growing countries and findings from four major coconut growing countries, which had significant project outcome - India, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam - are discussed in the present paper. All the four major coconut growing countries recorded a significant difference in total household income over the project period. Among the four countries, India and Philippines had a significant difference in mean income derived from intercrops, India and Thailand for livestock integration and India and Vietnam for off-farm activities. Herfindahl index for indicating economic diversity of households revealed a significant diversification of income for India as well as the overall data for the four countries. A higher level of education and more available land also positively influenced total income. In general, improvements in income were better with bigger-sized farms and households, with male household heads. The overall data revealed significant improvement in food and nutritional security with clearest impacts in India and Philippines due to project efforts. Participation of women in trainings and interventions was the highest in India, followed by Thailand.
Curd Coconut: Its Mystery and Potentialities (Review Article)
Authors: Narong Chomchalow
Published: April 2020

Curd coconut (CC) is a rare abnormality in the meat of the coconut which is thicker than normal and is fluffy and soft like curd. Being more delicious than normal coconut, CC is favored by people who eat it as dessert. In ten countries where CC occurs, its occurrence is at a very low frequency of about 0.15%. CC is produced on a normal-looking palm which bears mostly normal fruits except for a very few CC fruits. Such fruit does not germinate, thus cannot be used to propagate the character. The experienced growers germinate normal-looking fruits obtained from the CC-bearing palm, which may or may not yield CC fruits after 8 years of planting. A controlled self-pollination of the CC-bearing palm yield a 3:1 ratio of normal: CC fruits, indicating the mother palm is a heterozygote (Kk) for the CC character, which is recessive (kk). The CC endosperm (kkk) cannot produce the enzyme galacto-mannanse to digest galactomannan to produce mannan. Thus, it contains galacto-mannanase that is viscous, but is not digested as food of the CC embryo. Consequently, it eventually dies. Galactomannan is responsible for the fluffy texture of the CC. CC embryo can be cultured in aseptic condition. Upon growing this cultured embryo to fruit-bearing stage, CC fruits are produced 100% if self pollinated. A hybridization scheme has been conducted by the Thailand Horticultural Research Institute. Pollen sources were from embryo-cultured palms while maternal parents were found dwarf cultivars, namely ‘Nam Hom’, ‘Thung Khlet’, Malayan Yellow Dwarf’, and ‘Malayan Red Dwarf’. The F1 hybrids were mostly semi-dwarf in stature (that is selfing in nature); they all produced 25% CC fruits as expected. The most interesting cross was that with ‘Nam Hom’, in which 56% have aromatic water. It is postulated that if a backcross is made between semi-dwarf F1 with the CC homozygous (kk) embryo-cultured palms, the resultant offspring would yield 50% CC fruits which doubled that of the F2 which yield only 25% CC fruits. Not only CC fruits are delicious, they are also nutritious with higher amount of saturated and less unsaturated fatty acid than normal fruits. CC is always high on demand because people love to eat CC as dessert, even at the price ten times as much as ordinary coconut. CC growers earn 2.5 times as much compared to ordinary palms if they grow F1 hybrids, but will double that amount if they make backcross by using pollens from homozygous embryo-cultured palms (kk).
Pollen Dispersal and Pollination Patterns Studies in Pati Kopyor Coconut using Molecular Markers
Authors: S. Sudarsono
Published: April 2020

Parentage analysis has been used to evaluate pollen dispersal in Kopyor coconut (Cocos nucifera L.). Investigations were undertaken to elucidate (i) the dispersal of pollen, (ii) the rate of self and out-crossing pollination, and (iii) the distance of pollen travel in Pati kopyor coconut population. The finding of this activities should be beneficial to kopyor coconut farmers to increase their kopyor fruit harvest and to support breeding of this unique coconut mutant. As many as 84 progenies were harvested from 15 female parents. As many as 95 adults coconut provenances surrounding the female parents were analyses as the potential male parents for the progenies. The adult coconut palms were mapped according to their GPS position. All samples were genotyped using six SSR and four SNAP marker loci. Parentage analysis was done using CERVUS version 2.0 software. Results of the analysis indicated that evaluated markers were effective for assigning candidate male parents to all evaluated seedlings. There is no specific direction of donated pollen movement from assigned donor parents to the female ones. The donated pollens could come from assigned male parents in any directions relative to the female parent positions. Cross pollination occured in as many as 82.1% of the progenies analyzed. Outcrossing among tall by tall (TxT), dwarf by dwarf (DxD), hybrid by hybrid (HxH), TxD, DxT, TxH, DxH, and HxD were observed. Self-pollination (TxT and DxD) occurred in as many as 17.9% of the progenies. The dwarf coconut was not always self pollinated. The presence of DxD, TxD, and HxD outcrossing was also observed. The donated pollens could come from pollen donor in a range of at least 0-58 m apart from the evaluated female recipients. Therefore, in addition to the wind, insect pollinators may have played an important role in Kopyor coconut pollination.
Phenotypic Variability of Ceratocystis paradoxa Isolated from North Western and Western Provinces of Sri Lanka and its Bio Control by Potential Bio-Control Agent; Trichoderma viride
Authors: D.L Jayaratne  , M.T.A. Dayarathna
Published: April 2020

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) is an important economic crop in Sri Lanka; one of the world's largest exporters of coir fiber and coir products.  Ceratocystis paradoxa is a pathogen causing stem bleeding, leaf and fruit rot in variety of crop plants including coconut.  Since C. paradoxa is associated with coconut trees, there is an opportunity for the pathogen exist in coir and coir products as well.  According to the quarantine requirements, this pathogen has to be free in coir and coir products that are exported from Sri Lanka.  During this study the pathogen was isolated from the samples of coir collected from different locations in North Western Province and Western Province of Sri Lanka.  Colony morphology and spore morphology were compared among these isolates.  Bio-control and the sensitivity of the isolates to the antagonist were evaluated against Trichoderma viride.  According to the results the pathogen was present in all the samples collected from different locations of the coconut growing triangle.  The isolated colonies grown on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) plates were white in early stage but became black, one or two days later.  The growing colonies produced two asexual spores; the endoconidia and chlamydospores.  Endoconidia are formed in the conidiophores making long chains.  They are thin-walled cylindrical 9-12 µm x 4.8-7.2 µm in size, yet two isolated from North Western Province had a smaller width of 2.4 µm endoconidia.  Chlamydospores are thick walled formed in short chains, dark color, and are mostly oval shaped, 9.6-16.8µm x 7.2-9.6µm in size, yet one isolated from North Western Province had a width of 4.8 µm.  The chlamydospores are varied in morphology according to the geographical distribution of the pathogen.  The variability of chlamydospore morphology predicts the genomic variability among the isolates.  Biological control of C. paradoxa using T. viride was successful in all the isolates used in vitro studies.  The experiments showed similar effects of T. viride on all C. paradoxa isolates as the biological control agent by killing the vegetative growth and losing the spore viability.
Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil Supplementation on Obese Rats’ Anthropometrical Parameters and Gut Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes Change Ratio
Authors: Amadeus Driando Ahnan
Published: April 2020

Previous clinical trials using virgin coconut oil (VCO) showed a potential anti-obesity effect, including for human, by reducing the waist circumference. However, there was not discovered any research that examined its anti-obesity effect in relation with gut microbiota parameters as one of current approaches of obesity parameters, for example Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. This research was conducted to examine the effect of VCO supplementation on the change of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in comparison to the anthropometrical parameters. The experiment was done using 14 days obese-induced female Sprague-Dawley rats supplemented with 0.01% w/w and 0.02% w/w VCO for 28 days. The anthropometric data collection consisted of body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), abdominal circumference (AC), and body length (BL). Ratio changes in –fold increase between Day 28 and Day 0 of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were retrieved by using relative quantification normalized against unit mass calculation, using the cycle threshold values from real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method with SYBR Green fluorescence and standard curve derived from tenfold 5 points dilution series of recombinant plasmid for efficiency calculation. VCO supplementation stimulated significant increase on anthropometric parameters on BW and AC (p<0.05), while insignificant changes were shown on Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes ratio with tendency of increasing and decreasing respectfully, with no significance. The result indicated that VCO supplementation in the given doses promoted pro-obesity effect on key anthropometric parameters, while showed potential anti-obesity effect on the gut microbiota parameter. Further researches were needed especially in determining the effective dose to promote the anti-obesity effect of VCO and revealing any possible cellular and molecular mechanisms.
Coconut: Natural Source of Potential Anti Cancer Agent
Authors: Dr. Amit Ghosh
Published: April 2020

The current strategy of drug development is time consuming and expensive. This contrasts sharply with the vision of affordable drug development. The costly and the lengthy paradigm of drug discoveries are major obstacles for combating with rapidly emerging and sporadic diseases. The dichotomy between the urgent requirement of affordable treatment development and the hindrance it faces is apparent in several recent literatures which reflects the importance of drug repurposing and development of botanical drugs. Consistent with this idea, past few decades of studies on Cocos nucifera has yielded a fair knowledge about the anticancer potential of coconut products. The aggregate knowledge is undeniably positive and offers the novel avenues for the therapeutics and affordable drug development. This article highlights the link between coconut products and its anticancer effects.
Study of some Morphological Characters in Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) as Effected by Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers Amendments in Sandy Loam Soil of Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Abdul Hameed Solangi
Published: April 2020

A comparison is made on the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the some morphological characters of coconut. The study demonstrated that the treatments T1 {Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Muriate of potash (NPK) + Neem seed powder (NSP) + Gliricidiasepium leaves (GSL)} and T2 (NPK+ GSL) significantly increased most of the morphological characters (stem girth, number of leaves, petiole and leaflets). The study revealed that vegetatively the coconut was grown well on soil amended with organic and inorganic fertilizers. The morphological characters i.e the stem girth (173.77 cm) of coconut at 20 cm height T1 (NPK + NSP + GSL) treatment produced maximum girth as compared to T2 to T8 {T2 (NPK+ NSP), T3 (NPK+ GSL), T4 (NSP + GSL), T5 (NPK), T6 (GSL), T7 (NSP), T8 (Control)} treatments. The 11 leaf scars length (80.44 cm) was significantly (p<0.05) highest in T1 as compared to T3 to T8 treatments. The present study also revealed that the number of leaves (28.77) were significantly (p<0.05) greater in T1 as compared to T5 to T8 treatments. The petiole length (139.44 cm) and thickness (3.27 cm), were found significantly (p<0.05) highest in T1 as compared to T8 treatment. Leaflets length and number of leaflets were significantly high in T1 and T2 as compared to T3 to T8 treatments while, the leaflets width (5.04 cm) was significantly high in T1 as compared to other treatments. It is therefore, recommended that treatment T1 {NPK (1.0:0.5:1.0kg) + NSP (10.0kg) + GSL (20.0kg)}/palm/year was enough to improve the morphological characters to enhance future productivity.
Formulation and Acceptability of Sports Drinks using Fruit Juices and Tender Coconut Water
Authors: Lalitha Ramaswamy  , Zeba Fathima. F
Published: April 2020

The aim of the study is to formulate sports drinks using fruit juices and tender coconut water and to test their organoleptic acceptability. Sports drinks were developed using sweet lime juice (F1), lime juice (F2), pineapple juice (F3) and tender coconut water (F4) blended with honey, salt and water. The prepared sports drinks were calculated for their nutrient content and organoleptically evaluated using a 5 point hedonic scale. The energy content of F4 was the highest (68.3 Kcal/100 ml), followed by F1 (65.35 Kcal/100 ml) and F3 had the lowest value of 54.9 Kcal/100 ml. The iron content of F3 was the highest (1.2 mg %). The amount of sodium and potassium of F1 was high (237.1 and 245.78 mg %) and almost equal in quantity. The sodium content of F3 was highest (301.05 mg %) followed by F4 (289.6 mg %) and F2 (473.8 mg %). The potassium content of F3 was the least (47.38 mg %), while that of F2 and F4 was 140.19 mg % and 128.69 mg % respectively. The mean scores obtained for overall acceptability was 3.5±0.7, 3.1±0.7, 4.2±0.6 and 4.6±0.5 for F1, F2, F3, F4 respectively. F3 and F4 obtained a mean score of more than 4.0 for taste and overall acceptability. Results of ANOVA indicate no significant difference for colour, appearance and flavour (p≥0.05) between the four variants whereas it was significant for texture, taste and overall acceptability (p≤0.05). The formulated sports drinks contribute to the nutrient requirement of the athletes. On comparing the costs of all the formulated sports drinks, F4 (sports drink made from tender coconut water) was found to be more cost effective and had less food wastage. It may be concluded that sports drink prepared with tender coconut water (F4) being highly acceptable and cost effective can be recommended for athletes for optimal performance.
Coconut Tissue Culture: The Indian Initiatives, Experiences and Achievements
Authors: Anitha Karun
Published: April 2020

Coconut is one of the principal crops of India cultivated in over 35 districts mainly in the southern states. The productivity of the crop is declining in many of the traditionally cultivated regions owing to ageing plantations as well as biotic and abiotic stresses. These plantations are to be replanted with high yielding varieties/hybrids for which adequate quantity of quality planting material is not available. Even though tissue culture research was initiated in many laboratories in the country, the work was eventually phased out in most of the laboratories for want of a repeatable protocol.  At ICAR-CPCRI, coconut tissue culture programs have been continuing for the past three decades. The attempts made include experimentation with different explants viz., immature inflorescence, plumular tissues, mature palm shoot meristem, ovary and anthers and different culture media supplemented with varying levels and types of hormones. Some of the successful protocols developed at the Institute include coconut zygotic embryo culture for collection and exchange of germplasm, cryopreservation and retrieval of zygotic embryos and pollen and plantlet regeneration from plumular tissues. Even though ICAR-CPCRI has succeeded in obtaining plantlets via direct organogenesis from inflorescence explants, the absence of friable calli formation from explants, the low rate of somatic embryo formation, large number of cultures turning to abnormal shoot development, non conversion of somatic embryos into plantlets, and formation of abnormal somatic embryos remain the major bottlenecks. Gene expression studies are being currently undertaken to decipher the molecular basis of in vitro recalcitrance.