bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction and Analysis of Landscape Ecological Information Map based on GIS of Xinbin Manchu Autonomous County
Authors: Hao Ou , Zhang Shuman , Xie Zhanyu , Zhang Xiaomin
Published: May 2022

The landscape ecology of Xinbin Manchu Autonomous County was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by using geographic information map. With the support of GIS, the index pattern of landscape ecological pattern in Xinbin Manchu Autonomous County was obtained by using the spatial analysis and data extraction function of Arcgis and the calculation function of Excel, using the land use remote sensing monitoring data in 1980 and 2020 as the main information source.
Comparative Analysis on Two Severe Convective Processes in Hunan Province in 2020
Authors: Zhou Hui , Zhou Li , Cai Ronghui , Chen Long , Tang Jia , Tang Minghui
Published: May 2022

In this study, two severe convective weather processes in late March 2020 are compared and analyzed based on the surface observation data, Doppler weather radar data, satellite black body temperature data and the reanalysis data from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. The results show that the two severe convective weather processes both can be divided into two stages, warm advection forcing stage and baroclinic frontogenesis stage. For the second process the warm advection forcing is not significant. In terms of dynamic conditions, in both processes there is low-level convergence, high-level divergence, middle-low-level southwesterly jet, and the intrusion of cold air. The upward motion in the second process is more intense than that in the first process. In both processes, the upward motion in the warm advection forcing stage is weaker than in the baroclinic frontogenesis stage. In the aspect of water vapor conditions, the divergence of water vapor flux at 850 hPa in the second process is larger than that in the first process. The water vapor convergence center rises to the level above 800 hPa and lasts for a long time. Through the comparative analysis in different stages, it is found that the water vapor convergence in the two processes in the baroclinic frontogenesis stage is stronger than that in the warm advection forcing stage. For the thermal conditions, the cold-dry air at high levels is superimposed over the warm-wet air at low levels, presenting a thermal unstable stratification. In the first process, the intensity and vertical extension of the low-level warm advection is larger than that in the second process.  In both processes, the unstable energy is accumulated obviously in the warm advection forcing stage, and is released to a certain extent before the baroclinic frontogenesis stage. In the first process, there are 3 supercells within 100 km from ChangDe radar. In both processes, there are hails from 1900 BJT (Beijing Time) to 2000 BJT in Guanzhuang Town. The radar echoes both present the typical characteristics of hail. In the first process, the maximum reflectivity factor is larger, the intensity and vertical extension of mesocyclone are larger, the increase of vertical integrated liquid is more significant, and the high-level divergence is more intensive. Thus, the diameter of hail in the first process is larger.
Isolation of urease-producing bacteria and removal effect on the Cd and Pb in filtrate
Authors: Chen Susu , Hu Xuewu , Lv Ying , Zhu Xuezhe , Liu Xingyu , Zhang Mingjiang
Published: May 2022

Heavy metal pollution in farmland soil around mining and metallurgical industrial parks in China is serious, which seriously affects crop yields and quality and threatens national public health. As an economic and environmental remediation technology, bioremediation can both reduce the metal availability in soil and decrease the accumulation of heavy metals in plants by using microorganisms. We used urea agar plates to screen and isolate urease-producing bacteria from the rhizosphere soil of agricultural crops in Cd- and Pb-contaminated farmland, and investigated its growth characteristics, the removal effects on Cd and Pb in the solution were also studied. The results showed that three urease-producing bacteria, Bacillus megateriumC6, Bacillus aryabhattaiC14, Bacillus sp.C15 were identified by screening. They had higher ability to produce urease, which were up to 876.1U/mL, 815.4U/mL and 809.3 U/mL, respectively within 24h. By studying the influence of urease-producing bacteria on the concentration of Cd and Pb in the solution, it was found that urease-producing bacteria had certain removal effect on Cd and Pb, and the removal efficiency was 51.9% and 84.1% respectively after 14 days, indicating that the urease-producing bacteria had better removal effect on Pb.
Sea water intrusion in the Yellow River Delta of Shandong Province based on hydrogeochemical characteristics Analysis
Authors: Dong Yulong , Wu Guangwei , Bi Wenwen , Wang Xiaowei , Chang Yunxin , Wang Qingbing
Published: May 2022

To study the source of sea water intrusion in the Yellow River Delta, groundwater sampling was conducted in typical sections of the Yellow River Delta. Through the analysis of major ions and isotopes of water samples, the study showed that the groundwater in the Yellow River Delta originated from ancient seawater and atmospheric precipitation deposited by sea intrusion during the geological-historical period, and there was basically no mixing of groundwater and modern seawater.
Application of virtual reality technology in campus landscape roaming
Authors: Chen Xinyi
Published: May 2022

With the popularity of the metaverse concept, virtual reality technology is widely used in people's lives, and the emergence of this new technology also brings new development opportunities to environmental design. Using computer-aided design, 3D roaming and other methods to build a virtual three-dimensional space, people can get an interactive and immersive experience. This paper takes the Liufang campus of Wuhan University of Technology as a prototype, and builds a 3D virtual campus landscape roaming based on SketchUp and Unity3D engine. It allows the campus to adapt to the development of digital informatization, and at the same time, through the roaming scene, the experiencer can understand the school style more intuitively and quickly, and help the campus culture to be better displayed.
Distribution and accumulation characteristics of nitrogen and phosphorus of 16 species of plants on ecological floating-bed
Authors: Jia Chengxia , Yang Mu , Qu Jiangqi , Liu Pan , Xin Zhiming , Zhang Qingjing
Published: May 2022

The distribution and accumulation characteristics of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) in the aerial and underground parts of 16 species of plants on ecological floating-bed were studied, and showed significant differences. The TN contents in the aerial part and underground part were 1.09%-2.91% and 0.68%-2.22%, respectively. The TN contents in the aerial and underground parts of Dracaena sanderiana were both the highest among the 16 species of plants. The TP content in the aerial part ranged from 0.15% to 0.45%, and in the underground part ranged from 0.12% to 0.76%, respectively. The TP contents in the aerial part of Dieffenbachia picta was the highest, while in the underground part of Anthurium andraeanum was the highest. Translocation factors of 14 species of plants for TN were greater than 1, and 12 species of plants for TP were greater than 1, respectively. Arundo donax var. versicolor which had considerable absolute accumulation of TN and TP both in the aerial and underground parts, can effectively remove nitrogen and phosphorus from water, will be a promising potential plant in applying of ecological floating-bed technology.
Ocean System Science to Inform the Exploration of Ocean Worlds
Authors:   Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, German Christopher , Blackman Donna , Fisher Andrew , Girguis Peter , Hand Kevin , Hoehler Tori , Huber Julie , Marshall John , Pietro Kathryn , Seewald Jeffrey , Shock Everett , Sotin Christophe , Thurnherr Andreas , Toner Brandy
Published: May 2022

Ocean worlds provide fascinating opportunities for future ocean research. They allow us to test our understanding of processes we consider fundamental to Earth’s ocean and simultaneously provide motivation to explore our ocean further and develop new technologies to do so. In parallel, ocean worlds research offers opportunities for ocean scientists to provide meaningful contributions to novel investigations in the coming decades that will search for life beyond Earth. Key to the contributions that oceanographers can make to this field is that studies of all other ocean worlds remain extremely data limited. Here, we describe an approach based on ocean systems science in which theoretical modeling can be used, in concert with targeted laboratory experimentation and direct observations in Earth’s ocean, to predict what processes (including those essential to support life) might be occurring on other ocean worlds. In turn, such an approach would help identify new technologies that might be required for future space missions as well as appropriate analog studies that could be conducted on Earth to develop and validate such technologies. Our approach is both integrative and interdisciplinary and considers multiple domains, from processes active in the subseafloor to those associated with ocean-ice feedbacks.
Chemical Evolution of Pore Solution in Metakaolin Concrete During Water Evaporation
Authors: WANG Xuebing , GUO Shengbo
Published: May 2022

Metakaolin concrete is a kind of porous material, which contains a variety of chemical ions in the pores. Solutions in these pores are exposed to the atmosphere and exist evaporation and condensation processes, therefore, the pore solution volume of concrete changes all the time. When the ion concentration in the pore solution changes, it has an important impact on the strength development and durability of concrete. However, the real-time monitoring of the concentration of pore solution was difficult. To study the chemical evolution of pore solution in concrete, the variation of saturated vapor pressure on the surface of metakaolin concrete was studied based on the Cisternas-Lam rule. The evaporation rate of solvent in the pore solution of concrete under the corresponding saturated vapor pressure in this paper was studied by the Stefan diffusion method. The dynamic equilibrium process equation of ions in pore solution was then established based on the thermodynamic equilibrium equation. Based on the above model, the change process of the pore solution of metakaolin concrete was studied, and it was verified by the results of the literature.
Pagamentos por Serviços Ambientais: uma abordagem conceitual, regulatória e os limites de sua expansão no Brasil
Authors: Oliveira Mariana Martins de , Nogueira Carolina de Mattos
Published: May 2022

Os Pagamentos por Serviços Ambientais (PSA) se inserem num contexto global como uma estratégia de gestão ambiental eficiente não apenas nas questões ambientais, mas também nos aspectos econômicos e sociais, pois através de práticas de incentivo financeiro e técnico, ações conservacionistas são estimuladas. Contudo, para que os PSA tenham efetividade, torna-se imprescindível considerar alguns critérios, tais como a inserção desses pagamentos na economia de mercado a partir de técnicas de valoração econômica e a sua regulamentação na legislação brasileira. Diante disso, o objetivo do estudo, com foco na gestão de recursos hídricos, visa analisar os conceitos, legislações e aplicações de programas de PSA, bem como compreender as dificuldades que limitam a sua expansão no Brasil. Para tanto, realizou-se uma pesquisa bibliográfica a fim de identificar dificuldades encontradas em casos já implementados, como o exemplo pioneiro do município de Extrema, Minas Gerais. Constatou-se que os desafios estão vinculados com questões técnicas, financeiras, institucionais e legais, devido à falta de acesso a recursos financeiros, a ausência de legislações específicas e a falta de informação do produtor rural sobre o tema. Além disso, vale ressaltar a importância de firmar parcerias entre órgãos públicos, privados e entidades locais para que a partir de um engajamento coletivo se busque superar os desafios e consolidar cada vez mais os programas de PSA no país.
Sibawayhi's Principles
Authors: Carter Michael G.
Published: May 2022

Michael G. Carter's Sībawyhi's Principles: Arabic Grammar and Law in Early Islamic Thought is a corrected version, with considerable Addenda, of his 1968 Oxford doctoral thesis, "Sībawayhi's Principles of Grammatical Analysis." It systematically argues that the science of Arabic grammar owes its origins to a special application of a set of methods and criteria developed independently to form the Islamic legal system, not to Greek or other foreign influence. These methods and criteria were then adapted to create a grammatical system brought to perfection by Sibawayhi in the late second/eighth century. It describes the intimate contacts between early jurists and scholars of language out of which the new science of grammar evolved, and makes detailed comparisons between the technical terms of law and grammar to show how the vocabulary of the law was applied to the speech of the Arabs. It also sheds light on Sibawayhi's method in producing his magisterial Kitāb.
Determining the Thickness Coating of Grinding Powders of Synthetic Diamond Based on a Specific-Surface Approach and using an Extrapolation-Affine 3D Model of Grain
Authors: Petasyuk Grigrii A.
Published: May 2022

: Methodological features of indirect determining of thickness coating of grains grinding powders of synthetic diamond are analyzed. A newly revised classification of known methods for determining the thickness of the coating is proposed. The prospects of the methods based on the application of an external specific surface are noted. A positive feature is the proposal to determine the thickness of the coating separately for each grain of the sample, followed by the generalization of the results by calculating the arithmetic mean. This calculation scheme allows you to get more reliable information about the thickness of the coating. The expediency of using an extrapolation-affine 3D grain model in such a calculation scheme is substantiated. Using the extrapolation-affininе 3D grain model allows for determining the thickness of the coating of diamond powder grains without the traditional assumption about the spherical shape of their grains and with less error. For an example of grinding powder AC125 400/315, the advantage of such a 3D model compared to a 3D model in the form of a sphere is proved. The method proposed on the basis of such methodical innovation can be used for powders of other abrasive materials.
Indian nurses’ beliefs on physical activity promotion practices for cancer survivors in a tertiary care hospital—a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Pai Hritika D. , Samuel Stephen Rajan , Kumar K. Vijaya , Chauhan Namrata S. , Eapen Charu , Olsen Alicia , Keogh Justin W.L.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To describe the physical activity (PA) promotion practices, beliefs, and barriers of Indian nurses working with cancer survivors, and to gain preliminary insights into how their educational qualification might affect PA promotion practices.

Methods

A validated questionnaire was used to obtain the data (N = 388). Sub-group comparisons were performed based on nursing qualification i.e., Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc) and General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) using Mann-Whitney U test and chi square analysis for continuous and categorical variables, respectively.

Results

The nurses believed that oncologists (47%) followed by physiotherapists (28.9%) were primarily responsible for providing information regarding PA to cancer survivors. The most common period in which the nurses’ promoted PA was post treatment (31.7%), although very few nurses (13.3%) promoted PA across more than one of the three treatment periods. Nurses felt that PA had many benefits for cancer survivors; improved mental health (87.7%) and HRQoL (81.1%). Lack of knowledge (42.2%) and lack of time (41.6%) were the most frequently cited barriers. The comparisons based on educational qualification did not typically reveal many significant differences.

Conclusion

Indian nurses both BSc and GNM qualified, wish to promote PA to cancer survivors despite numerous barriers, across various stages of treatment and believe PA is beneficial to the survivors in the process of recovery. Overcoming these barriers might aid in better promotion of PA to cancer survivors.

Implication for cancer survivors

Nurses working in a tertiary care hospital in India are willing to promote PA amongst cancer survivors but require more training and support in this area of practice.
El concepto de antihéroe o antiheroína en las narrativas audiovisuales transmedia
Authors:   Universidad Abat Oliba CEU, Freire Alfonso , Vidal-Mestre Montserrat ,   Universidad Internacional de Cataluña
Published: May 2022

Este artículo estudia el concepto de antihéroe o de antiheroína, con énfasis en los personajes catalogados como tal en la cultura pop transmedia y su contraposición a los héroes y superhéroes clásicos y modernos. A partir de una revisión bibliográfica y teórica desde los orígenes del concepto hasta la actualidad, se condujo una etnografía virtual en Instagram para extrapolar los rasgos y atributos de los denominados antihéroes que protagonizan algunas de las narrativas audiovisuales transmedia contemporáneas de mayor éxito entre 2015 y 2021. Lo anterior, con el objetivo de proponer una definición actualizada del término y establecer unas características comunes que permitan arrojar luz ante la falta de criterio unificado y respecto de las diferentes perspectivas que lo abordan.
La ciencia ciudadana a través de la escuela: la importancia de las relaciones interpersonales
Authors:   Universidade do Porto (Portugal), Costa Ilídio André , Morais Carla ,   Universidade do Porto (Portugal), Monteiro Mário João ,   Universidade do Porto (Portugal)
Published: May 2022

El proyecto de ciencia ciudadana CoAstro: un Condominio de astronomí@ involucra, en un proceso mediado, a profesores, astrónomos y comunicadores científicos en la investigación y en las prácticas de comunicación y educación científica. En CoAstro, los objetivos de la investigación científica se alinearon con los de la comunicación y la enseñanza de la ciencia para involucrar al público con escaso conocimiento de la astronomía. Uno de los objetivos de CoAstro era comprender los efectos de las relaciones establecidas entre los participantes, ya que son aspectos clave para el compromiso. Se realizó un estudio de caso, siguiendo a los participantes durante un año académico, con datos recogidos mediante entrevistas y observaciones participantes. A estas técnicas les siguió una reunión de grupo focal. Los resultados muestran los beneficios personales de las relaciones establecidas, los efectos institucionales, los cambios en los roles de identidad percibidos y la capacidad de entender y comprometerse con la investigación astronómica y la comunicación/educación astronómica. La comprensión de las interacciones sociales contribuye a aumentar el alcance de los proyectos de ciencia ciudadana y demuestra su relevancia para involucrar a los científicos, los comunicadores de la ciencia y las comunidades escolares, señalando un camino para el empoderamiento de la comunidad y el compromiso con la ciencia; es decir, un camino para desvelar una ciencia ciudadana que pase de la mera ciudadanía al desarrollo personal integral: actitudes, pero también conocimientos.
An Analysis of Online Purchasing Meat Products in Coimbatore City
Authors: Ukesh M. , Chandrakumar M. , Rohini A. , Vanitha G.
Published: May 2022

The study aimed to examine various factors influencing the purchase decision of respondents about meat products through online-based platforms. Primary data has been collected from 100 respondents through interviews using a well-structured questionnaire from various zones of Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu. Factor analysis is used to know a clear picture of major influencing factors used as a deciding parameter for the purchase of meat products through online-based platforms. From the study, the respondents are nowadays shifting to online purchasing of meat products because of their working patterns, and some factors like saving time & effort, convenience, COVID-19 pandemic situation, etc. also influence their decision of meat purchase.
Constraints Faced by the Women Labourers in Agriculture and Suggestions to Overcome Them
Authors: Deepa C. , Devy M. Rama , Gopal P. V. Sathya , Rao V. Srinivasa
Published: May 2022

The present investigation was done to study the Constraints faced by the women labourers in agriculture and suggestions to overcome them in of Andhra Pradesh. Three districts from the three Regions of Andhra Pradesh, Srikakulam district from North Coastal Region, Guntur district from Coastal South Region and Kurnool district from Rayalaseema Region of the Andhra Pradesh state were purposively selected based on the highest number of agricultural labourers in the Region. Case study research design was followed for the study and a sample of 180 respondents was drawn.
Appraisal of Practice and Some Socio-Economic Factors on the Utilization of Family Planning Methods in Nigeria
Authors: Ademuyiwa J. A. , Adetunji A. A.
Published: May 2022

Background: Family planning has the potential to minimize maternal mortality by lowering the number of unplanned pregnancies, and abortions. This study assesses the practice across different zones in Nigeria.

Aim: With a view to identify deterrence factors, the research is aimed at appraising the practice in some selected localities in the country

Method: A structured questionnaire was designed and used to collect relevant information from respondents in a state from each of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria. Hierarchical sampling technique is used to select a locality in each of the six geopolitical zones in the states that were studied. Logistic regression is used to assess effect of bivariate response variables on the covariates.

Results: More than 90% of respondents are aware of different family planning methods but only 26.2% have utilized contraception. Personal opposition was found to be the most frequent reason for non-utilization of family planning in the six geo-political zones. The oddsof utilization is highest in the North-Central and least in the South-East. North-Central is more than four times more likely to utilize contraceptives when compared with those from the South-West. Wealthy people who mostly reside in urban centers are also found to be more knowledgeable and utilize contraception more. As educational attainment increases, both utilization of contraception and knowledge of family planning methods also increase.
Effect of the Use of Writing Rubrics in Enhancing Creative Writing among Senior Secondary School Students in Sokoto State, Nigeria
Authors: Ibrahim Aisha Abdullahi
Published: May 2022

This quantitative quasi-experimental study investigated effect of the use of writing rubrics in enhancing creative writing among Senior Secondary School Students (SSS) in Sokoto State, Nigeria. The objective was to find out if the use of writing rubrics in creative writing will improve students’ writing ability. Three research questions along with three null hypotheses guided the conduct of the research. The study used research adviser (2006) to select 364 participants from SSS 2 out of the total number of 12,220 students in SSS2 in the state to serve as samples for the study. A Quasi-experimental design was used where a pretest, treatment and post-test were conducted. The researcher developed test instrument called Essay Writing Performance Test (EWPT) which was used to measure students’ writing ability and collect data for the study. A pilot study was launched to establish the reliability of the instrument which indicated the reliability index of 0.76 using Pearson Product Movement Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC). Intact classes served as Experimental and Control Groups respectively. The Experimental Group received instruction on rubrics used in creative writing while the Control Group received instruction on creative writing with the conventional English text. Findings from the research revealed that participants in the Experimental Group performed better than those in the Control Group. Based on the findings, it was discovered that using writing rubrics in teaching creative writing would help students to write better in content development, organization of ideas and use of good expression.
Identification of Nosema Sp. Paenibacillus larvae and Melissococcus plutonius by PCR in Benin’s Apiaries
Authors: Kelomey Aude E. , Legout Hélène , Djihento Angelo C. , Badé Farid T. , Sina Haziz , Adjanonhoun Adolphe , Garnery Lionel , Baba-Moussa Lamine
Published: May 2022

The bee A. mellifera L. is a key social insect, for its role in crop pollination and for the products generated in the hives. Nosema sp. Paenibacillus larvae and Melissococcus plutonius belong to the most important pests of A. mellifera Linnaeus bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae). The aim of this study was to identify the presence of Nosema Sp., Paenibacillus larvae, and Melissococcus plutonius in Benin’s apiaries by molecular characterization. Thirty-seven bee samples from three districts of Benin (North-East, North-West, and Centre) were analyzed in the study. We used Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests based on 16 S ribosomal RNA and primers specific to each of the parasites of interest to identify them in the bee samples. Data were analyzed with Graphpad prism 8 and Minitab 19. Only N. ceranae belonging to Nosema Sp was found in the tested samples with a rate of 13.51%. This indicates that the nosema parasite is present in the apiaries of Benin. This is the first report of N. ceranae in A. mellifera colonies in Benin. Intensive surveys should be carried out to determine the distribution and prevalence of N. ceranae in the different regions of Benin in order to effectively control this parasite.
Environmental Impact of the Real Estate Companies Boom in the Central Region, Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)
Authors: Kansole Michelline Marie Regina , Bontogho Tog-Noma Patricia Emma , Hie Souleymane , Rouamba Boudassida , Sana Boureima , Guiblweogo Issa
Published: May 2022

Aims: Impact of the real estate companies’ boom on the environment in the central region of Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou) and solutions to resorb the negative effects of the activity.

Study Design: The present study was run via the Problem-In-Context framework along with the Hydro-Quebec environmental assessment design.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Burkina Faso, for the Environment department of Fada N’Gourma University for twelve months.

Methodology: The environmental impact of the project was assessed according to Hydro-Quebec group method by prioritizing the inventory items regarding to their sensitivity.

Results: Burkina Faso revised Law No. 034 on agrarian and land reorganization (RAF) on July 2, 2012. This revision allowed the population to be landowners, generating a boom in Real Estate development with the sale of big surfaces of lands by landowners. This boom is not without impacts on the environment. It leads to the destruction of forests, loss of biodiversity, loss of agricultural production areas, threats to green spaces conservation areas, anarchic occupation of lands, etc.  by real estate companies and the non-ecological urbanization of the city of Ouagadougou. The anthropogenic and climatic constraints with which Burkina Faso is confronted generate strong pressure on the existing natural resources: soil, fauna, flora, water, etc.

Conclusion: The Burkinabe capital is about to engulf all the surrounding municipalities of Komki Ipala, Komsilga, Koubri, Loumbila, Pabré, Saaba and Tanghin-Dassouri. The main ways to reduce the environmental impacts of this real estate boom are the registration of agricultural production and conservation areas and the revision of the RAF in order to remove the right of land owning to the population.
The Effect of Different Extraction Methods (Steam Distillation and Supercritical Fluid Extraction) on Essential Oil Production of Aromatic Tagetes and Sweet Basil
Authors: Elhafez Zeinab A. Abd
Published: May 2022

Tagetes minuta L. (Aromatic Tagetes) is an erect and stout summer annual herb. Ocimum basilicum L. (Sweet Basil) is considered a summer aromatic plant. There are several methods for extraction of essential oils i.e. (HD) hydro-distillation, (SD) steam distillation, (SFE) supercritical fluid extraction, and organic solvents. It is now considered the method of extracting essential oil with steam distillation is the commercial method used in many countries that produce essential oils. SFE method consider is the latest extracting essential oils method but the method spread is limited due to the high cost of its establishment. The present study is aimed to compare the two methods SD and SFE to extract the essential oil from sweet basil and aromatic tagetes plants, and its yield on the resulting essential oil yield. SFE method increases oil yield and improves oil quality. SFE method gave a high percentage of the following major’s components for sweet basil oil (linalool (50.22%) and E- Citral (10.44%)) and aromatic tagetes oil ( β-Ocimene (27.49%) and cis-Tagetone (9.93%)) compared to the steam distillation method.
Nutritional Composition of Some of the Most Consumed Cereals and Legumes in Nigeria
Authors: Okonwu K. , Egerton N. A. , Ajayi A. E. , Agogbua J. U.
Published: May 2022

This study evaluated the nutritional composition of some of the most consumed cereals and legumes in Nigeria. The study is aimed at providing nutritional facts about these grains, which will guide its consumption based on nutritional requirement of individuals. These cereal grains were millet (Pennisetum glaucum), maize – hybrid IART, hybrid Oba super 6, hybrid Oba 98 and Native maize (Zea mays), rice (Oryza sativa) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) while legume grains were brown cowpea and black-eyed pea (Vigna unguiculata), soybean (Glycine max) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea). These samples were sourced from different parts of Nigeria and handpicked to remove impurities and damaged seeds. The proximate composition (ash, moisture, carbohydrate, protein, lipid and fibre) and mineral contents (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Zn and Fe) were determined following standard procedures. The study showed that carbohydrate content ranged from 50.40 – 66.90% and 20.02 – 48.98% for cereals and legumes, respectively, while the protein content ranged thus: 10.36 – 18.38% and 17.50 – 23.19%. Rice and groundnut had the lowest fibre value of 2.64% and 3.84%, while the highest fibre value of 12.24% and 17.80% were obtained for maize hybrid Oba super 6 and brown cowpea, in that order. Ash content of sorghum was low (0.038%) and significantly different from other cereals (millet, maize varieties and rice) that ranged from 1.38 – 1.92% while brown cowpea had high ash content of 4.20% and other legumes ranged from 0.68 – 1.20%. The average moisture and lipid contents of cereals were 12.08% and 5.98%, respectively, while 14.24% and 14.17% were for legume grains. However, among the grains, groundnut’s moisture and lipid content were 23.65% and 28.10%, which was significantly different from other grains. The mineral contents varied among the legumes. Black-eyed pea had high K, Mg and Ca contents when to others while groundnut had the least values for K, Mg, Fe and Zn.  Brown cowpea had the highest Na and Fe contents. The study has shown that cereals and legumes have varied nutritional content and high nutritional content that is capable of sustaining the energy requirement of human system.
Influence of Graded Levels of macro nutrients and Biofertilizers on Soil Health and Quality of Safflower in Vertisol
Authors: Patil B. A. , Ingle S. N. , Gadge Priya , Dange N. R. , Deshmukh D. P. , Guldekar V. D.
Published: May 2022

An investigation was carried out at farm of College of Agriculture Nagpur Maharashtra during, 2011-2012 to evaluate the soil fertility and quality of safflower. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replication and nine treatments combination of FYM in Kharif season, biofertilizer and inorganic fertilizer at the time of sowing in rabi season using variety AKS/S-41. The result indicated that various physical properties as bulk density were decreases with increasing level of RDF with seed treatment Azospirillum + PSB and maximum water holding capacity increased with increasing level of RDF alone or in combination with Azospirillum + PSB. The changes in pH due to fertilizer application were significant. The changes in EC due to fertilizer (organic and inorganic) application were non-significant. The highest organic carbon, available NPK and S was recorded in the treatment of 100% RDF + Azospirillum + PSB and available Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu was recorded significantly highest in same treatment.
Influence of Biofertilizers and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)
Authors: Vidmahe Vubbana Harshitha , Singh Vikram , George Shruti Grace , . Vivek
Published: May 2022

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2021-2022 to study the “Effect of biofertilizers and zinc on growth and yield of mustard (Brassica juncea)’’, at Central Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P). Mustard variety of Varuna T-59 was used with biofertilizers like Azotobacter and PSB along with different levels of zinc at 5, 10 and 15 kg.ha1. There were 9 treatments each replicated thrice. The result showed that growth and yield parameters viz., plant height (191.33 cm), no of branches (10.40), Plant dry weight (34.99g), Number of siliquae/plant (283.93), Number of seeds/siliqua (14.99), seed yield (2.23t.ha1) and stover yield(4.90t.ha1) were recorded highest in treatment 9 with the application of Azotobacter 10 g/kg1 seeds+ PSB 10 g/kg seeds + Zinc 15 kg.ha1. Gross return (1,33,800.00 INR/ha), Net return (93,921.00INR /ha). B:C ratio (2.35) were recorded superior with application of Azotobacter 10 g/kg1  seeds+PSB 10 g/kg seeds + zinc 15 kg.ha1.
Evaluation of Wheat Varieties for Terminal Heat Stress under Varying Environments
Authors: Singh Lavkush, Alok Kumar , Singh Shraddha , Tiwari Deeksha , Singh Piyusha , Zaidi Syed Tazeen , Yadav R. K. , Mishra S. R. , Singh A. K.
Published: May 2022

Climate change and global warming have increasingly become relevant factors in recent years in determining the success of wheat production under heat stress conditions. Throughout its growth period wheat crop requires varying degrees of temperature to achieve ideal growth. Any variation from optimal temperature adversely affects plant growth and development. Many places where wheat is grown have high temperatures at the time of grain filling which is a major constraint on yield potential. A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2020-21 at Student’s Instructional Farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh to evaluate the performance of wheat varieties under heat stress conditions. The treatment for the experiment consisted of sowing on three different dates i.e. D1 (30th November), D2 (15th December), D3 (30th December). It was observed that time of sowing decreased substantially almost all the yield components measured viz; number of ear bearing tillers per plant, number of grains per ear, ear length (cm), grain yield per plant (g), biological yield per plant (g), which caused severe reduction of yield in V1 (PBW-343) and V2 (HD-2967). This reduction was caused due to onset of high temperature during crop growth and particularly grain filling. Variety V3 (Halna) reduced the detrimental effect of heat stress by improving physiological traits which ultimately helped in obtaining higher yield.
Effect of Seed Treatment with Biofertilizers and Plant Growth Regulators on the Growth and Yield Attributing Characters of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.)
Authors: Arman Md , Bara Bineeta M. , Rai Prashant Kumar , Pal Abhishek Kumar , Devi Kshetrimayum Ellena , Rajesh Sanka
Published: May 2022

India is one of the largest producers of Field pea in the world and stands at the 5th place in the list of major pea producers next to Russia. A field experiment was conducted during Rabi  2021 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P). The experiment was placed in a randomized blocking design and consisted of 13 treatments and 3 replicates. The experimental results revealed that viz: Field emergence (%), plant height @ 30, 60 and 90 DAS, Days to 50% flowering, number of branches per plant, days to maturity. biological yield (gm), were recorded significantly highest in the treatment of T9: Gibberellic acid 100 ppm @12 hrs and yield parameters like Number pods per plant, Numbers of seeds per pod, Seed yield per plant (gm), Seed yield per plot (gm), Biological yield (gm), Seed index (gm) and Harvest index (%) were recorded significantly highest in the treatment of (T3) Rhizobium 30g @12 hrs as compared to the other treatment. It is clearly concluded from the research that T3: (Rhizobium 30g @12 hrs) significantly produced more yield. Hence the seed treatment of Rhizobium 30g @12 hrs could be recommended for the field pea.
Water Management Practices and Nitrogen Sources Effects on N-mineralization and Use Efficiency in Rabi Paddy (Oryza sativa L.) in Southern Telangana
Authors: Madhavi P. , Jayasree G. , Anjaiah T. , Pratibha G. , Hussain S. A.
Published: May 2022

A field study was conducted on clay loam soil at college farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India During Rabi 2015-16 and Rabi 2016-17, to investigate the effect of water management strategies and nitrogen sources on rice N-mineralization patterns. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design under two types of water management practices i.e., Continuous flooding (CF) and alternate wetting and drying (AWD) as main treatments with five treatments viz., T1- N0:P2O5 @ 60 kg ha-1: K2O @ 60 kg ha-1 (Control); T2- Nitrogen @ 120 kg ha-1 (Prilled Urea): P2O5 @ 60 kg ha-1: K2O @ 60 kg ha-1 T3- Soil test based Nitrogen fertiliser application (STCR); T4- Nitrogen @ 60 kg ha-1 + 60 kg ha-1 through green manure and T5- Nitrification inhibitor Coated Urea as sub plot treatments. The MTU-1010 variety was grown with the recommended management practices. Continuous flooding plots were kept at a 5cm water level at all times, while alternate wetting and drying plots were irrigated when a hairline fissure emerged on the soil surface.

Significantly NH4+-N content increases with time and peaked at 15 DAT under continuous flooding as well as alternate wetting and drying (27.12 mg kg-1 and 28.28 mg kg-1). Green manure treatment resulted in faster NH4+ -N release and accumulation, in the order of Green manure > PU > STCR > coated urea > control treatments. In comparison to STCR and green manure, NO3--N release was low in coated urea, followed by prilled urea. Alternate wetting and drying resulted in 29 per cent greater AE than continuously flooded rice. The treatment which receives nitrogen through STCR (21.30 kg grain yield per kg N applied and 23.94 kg grain yield per kg N applied) followed by nitrification inhibitor coated urea treatment had the highest AE.
Antiviral Activities of Jatropha curcas: A Review
Authors: Utshudi A. L. , Oleko R. O. , Kayembe C. T. , Onautshu D. O. , Kitete E. M. , Mbala B. M. , Mpiana P. T.
Published: May 2022

Background: The Plant of Jatropha curcas is known for their many biological activities including antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial.

Aim: To provide update knowledge on the phytochemistry, toxicology and antiviral activity of some medically interesting Jatropha curcas.

Study Design: Multidisciplinary advanced bibliographic surveys and dissemination of the resulted knowledge.

Results: The literature review shows that Jatropha curcas have antiviral properties on different types of viruses. Different parts of the plant such as leaves, roots, latex, seeds, fruits and other parts have been reported to have different compounds which have interesting bioactivities and antiviral properties.

Conclusion: The present mini-review can therefore help inform future scientific research towards the development of anti-Hepatitis B virus and antiCovid-19 herbal drugs of relevance as well as nutraceuticals from J. curcas for the improvement of human health and wellbeing using reverse pharmacology approach. Molecular docking of some naturally occurring isolate compounds against anti-Hepatitis B virus protease is in progress.
Genotype X Environment Interaction Studies in Single Cross Maize Hybrids for Quality Traits under Different Environments
Authors: Chittora Khushbu , Dubey R. B. , Gurjar Narayan Ram
Published: May 2022

Sixty eight genotypes of maize (48 hybrids, 16 parents and 4 checks were evaluated under three different environments to test their stability. Variance due to genotypes, environments and genotype x environment interactions were found significant for oil content, starch content and protein content. Regression approach by Eberhart and Russel 1966 used to investigate the nature of G x E interaction and for identifying genotypes possessing general and specific adaption. None of the hybrids had stability for all quality traits. For Grain Starch content hybrid EI-1155-1 x EI-2416, for oil content hybrid EI-670-2 x EI-2403 and for Protein content hybrids EI-2187 x EI-2403, EI-536-3 x EI-2403, EI-2176 x EI-561-2,EI-2173 x EI561-7 had higher mean values, non significant deviation from regression and regression coefficient around unity (bi=1) indicating the stable performance in different environment and wider adaptability.
Effect of Organic Production of Maize on soil Microbial Population and Activities on Alfisol in Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Adigun M. O. , Abiola I. O. , Babalola O. A.
Published: May 2022

The study investigated the effect of organic production of maize on soil microbial population and activities. In this study, different fertilizers such as compost, neem fertilizer, poultry manure, green manure, NPK, organo-mineral fertilizer, were applied to the soil for maize production and soil samples were collected and taken to the laboratory for analysis. The effect of the different fertilizers on growth of maize was determined. The soil samples were analyzed for microbial biomass nitrogen, carbon and phosphorus; total viable count and total fungi count; phosphorus mineralization and organic matter level. Results of the analysis showed that compost and NPK gave significantly higher numbers of leaves, plant height and leaf area than other fertilizers. Poultry manure and organo-mineral fertilizer gave significantly higher microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen relative to other fertilizers but organo-mineral fertilizer gave significantly higher microbial biomass phosphorus. Neem fertilizer gave a significantly higher viable count while NPK gave a significantly higher total fungi count compared to other fertilizers. Organo-mineral fertilizer gave significantly higher inorganic phosphorus and organic matter production shortly after application (3 WAP) whereas neem fertilizer gave higher levels at 6 WAP. Conclusively, the use of composts should be encouraged in the organic production of maize to enhance yield and improve the soil quality.
A Study to Compare and Adjust the Number of Occlusal Contacts in a Provisional Restoration in Centric Occlusion Using a Virtual Articulator and Functionally Generated Path Technique
Authors: Ashwin Matety , Tandan Amrit , Pande Swapnil , Upadhyay Manoj , Agarwal Garima , Tiwari Arun Kumar
Published: May 2022

Aim and Objective: The present study was done with the aim to compare and adjust the number of occlusal contacts of provisional restoration in centric occlusion using a virtual articulator and functionally generated path technique(FGP). objectives of this study were;1) To assess the number of occlusal contacts of a provisional restoration prepared on a virtual articulator and using FGP technique separately, 2)To compare the number of occlusal contacts of provisional crown fabricated by using virtual articulator and FGP technique. 3)To compare the number of adjustments required to equalise the contacts in provisional restoration made by using virtual articulator and FGP technique in centric occlusion.

Materials and Methods: The study involved Ten patients requiring complete veneers on lower first molars, were selected and given two provisional restorations one fabricated using functionally generated pathway and the other using a virtual articulator.

Results: The mean number of occlusal contacts in FGP at centric after the first four adjustments were 3.9, 5.4, 5.0, 6.6 respectively. The mean number of occlusal contacts in the prosthesis fabricated using virtual articulator at centric after the first four adjustments were 7.0, 9.7, 9.2, 10 respectively. The mean number of occlusal corrections made in FGP at centric was 6.4 and the mean value of occlusal corrections in virtual articulator at centric was 2.7. The mean value of number of occlusal contacts in prosthesis fabricated using FGP technique at eccentric after the first two adjustments were 4.6 and 4.7 respectively where as in the prosthesis fabricated using virtual articulator was 4.4 and 5.3 respectively. The number of occlusal contacts were marginally more in the prosthesis fabricated using virtual articulator than from the prosthesis fabricated using FGP. The mean value of occlusal corrections in FGP at eccentric was 2.7 whereas the mean value of number of occlusal corrections in a prosthesis using a virtual articulator was 1.9. The number of occlusal adjustments in virtual articulator was less in both centric and eccentric than that of FGP proposed by Meyers.

Conclusion: The present study shows that virtual articulator has been deemed better in terms of both patient compliance as well as operator’s ease in delivering of the prosthesis.
Quality Traits and Economic Returns of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea Var. Italica. Plenck) as Influenced by Different Date of Sowing
Authors: Singh Vipul Pratap , Prasad V. M. , Lal Bankey , Singh Pranjal , Maurya Pawan Kumar , Upadhyay Ashutosh
Published: May 2022

This study was conducted at Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad (U.P.) during the rabi season of 2016 to 2017 to find out the optimum time of sowing and planting spacing for broccoli varieties as Palam Samridhi, Pusa Kanchan and Lufa F1 Hybrid. Seedlings were raised by sowing on three different dates viz. 20th October, 04 November and 19 November were transplanted at spacing viz. 45 cm x 45 cm. Economic return and biochemical traits of broccoli were significantly influenced by the treatments. In view of experimental results obtained during the present investigation, treatment T4 D2 V1 04 November + V1 Palam Samridhi emerged as superior over all other treatments, in relation to economic return, cost benefit ratio and biochemical traits of broccoli under the agro-climatic condition of Allahabad.