bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Social Media as an Ideological Apparatus for Sexualization and Cultural Shifts
Authors: Bouajjar Abdelalim
Published: March 2024

In this digital age, social media has a ubiquitous presence and an ineludible impact. Unlike conventional media, it is promptly and instantly accessible and has a consistent uninhibited access to our brains and, thus, a magnum impact on our worldviews and our culture. This study, first, dwells on the well-established link throughout the literature between media, in its conventional forms, ideology, and cultural change. Then, fixating on social media per se, it reveals how social media in its design and algorithms is an ideology-loaded and driven tool that has more momentum in impact on culture than simple forms of media. Moreover, this article provides ample evidence on how the ideologies that lurk and drive conventional media are the same for social media. Those perennial ideologies are consumer culture, the objectification of women, and the sexualization of children. Furthermore, this article illustrates how such ideologies manifest themselves on social media and how they impact culture by altering people`s outlook on the world. At last, this paper reports some of the studies, western and non-western alike, that associate social media and the ideologies imbedded in it with moral decadence and cultural alienation.
Is the Availability of Personal Protective Equipment a Predictor of COVID-19 Prevalence among Healthcare Workers in Rivers State?
Authors: Amadi Christian Emeka , Diamond Tamunokuro
Published: March 2024

Background: The covid -19 pandemic had major disruptions on the health systems of several states in Nigeria. While PPEs have been shown to provide effective barrier against the spread of diseases among care providers, the concern raised by their widespread lack in health facilities heightened during the pandemic. 
Aim: To evaluate the availability of personal protective equipment as a predictor of covid-19 prevalence among healthcare workers in Rivers state.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among healthcare workers in secondary and tertiary health facilities in Rivers state using a multi-stage sampling procedure between January 1, and July 31, 2021. A semi- structured questionnaire was used to collect information from the respondents after obtaining informed written consent. Data        obtained included, availability of different PPE and occurrence of Covid-19.  Data was analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics were presented in tables, means and figures. Chi-square and Logistic regression models were done where applicable. A p-value of ≥0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.
Results: A total of 383 respondents were recruited for this study. The findings showed that hand gloves were readily available but the availability of other PPE was rather low. There was however no significant relationship between availability of COVID-19 PPE and COVID-19 prevalence among healthcare workers [f(1,354) = 3.102, p>0.05]. The study also revealed that higher cadre health workers were more likely to have PPE  [f(1,355) = 3.102, p<0.05].
Conclusion: PPE availability alone was not a significant predictor of COVID-19 prevalence as this may be influenced by other variables.
Analysis of Genetic Variability of Potato Induced Mutants Using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers
Authors: Chepkoech Emmy , Kinyua Miriam G. , Kiplagat Oliver , Ochuodho Julius , Bado Souleymane , Kimno Stephen
Published: March 2024

Aims: Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is ranked fourth amongst the world’s major stable food crop and second in Kenya after maize and thus plays a vital role in food and nutrition security and sustainable development. Despite its importance, potato production in Kenya is still low due to abiotic and biotic constraints. Traditional breeding and improvement have been difficult due to the narrow genetic diversity of the crop owed to the complex tetrasomic inheritance patterns. Induced mutation has been used to generate genetic variations in potato from which desired putative mutants are selected. In most cases the level of genetic variability is not known. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic variability of potato mutants using SSR markers.
Study Design: The study involved three potato varieties; Asante, Kenya Mpya and Kenya Sherekea which are high yielding and commercially grown varieties in Kenya.
Place and Duration of Study: Sample: They were irradiated at different dose rates of gamma rays at Co60 source at FAO/IAEA laboratories, Seiberdorf Austria in 2014. A total of 163 mutants were advanced to M1V4 generation at the University of Eldoret between 2015 and 2018.
Methodology: Genomic DNA was extracted to assess the diversity with 20 SSRs markers.
Results: All the 20 SSR primers were polymorphic with 6-19 bands amplified per primer and marker STM5127 showed the highest allele number (19) using PowerMarker software. The STRUCTURE analysis suggested that the potato mutants were clustered into six sub-populations based on the unweighted pair-group method of arithmetic averages (UPGMA) thus, the accessions were divided into three major clusters. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that 8.6% of total molecular variance was attributed to diversity among sub-populations, while 91.4% of variance was associated with differences within sub-populations.
Conclusion: This study highlights the most comprehensive investigation of the genetic diversity and population structure of potato mutants, and provides valuable information for genetic improvement, and systematic utilization.
Land Use Planning by Using GIS Techniques for Land Resource Inventory (LRI)- Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India
Authors: I. B Biradar, , A. Sreenatha, , Reddi Sanjeevraddi, G. , Prasanna, S. M.  , Tuppad, G. B.  , Hiremath Rajanand , Naragund Ruxanabi , H. P Maheswarappa,
Published: March 2024

A study was conducted to determine land capability and to develop suitability map based on soil characteristics and climatic factors of watershed area. Detailed soil survey was carried out for Donur-2 micro watershed which comes under Basavana Bagewadi taluka of Vijayapura district, Karnataka to acquire the comprehensive data related land resources. From the study area, it was observed that based on soil-site characteristics four soil series were identified such as Dadamatti, Karjol, Nidoni and Rampur series and mapped into eight mapping units using GIS techniques. Donur-2 watershed area has been grouped into three land capability classes (LCC) viz., II, III and IV with four subclasses IIes, IIIs, IIIse and IVe. Subclass ‘e’ is due to major limitation of soil property group ‘e’ i.e erosion and slope, subclass ‘s’ is due to major limitations group ‘s’ having parameters like texture, depth and gravelliness. Subclass ‘se’ and ‘es’ are due to limitations of both soil parameters group above mentioned, however se and es are different classes which are based major limitation one of the group and followed by other group. Land capability map was developed using GIS techniques which indicates that out of 324.3 ha study area, LCC class IIIs covering major area i.e. 179 ha (55.12%), followed by class IIs i.e. 109 ha (33.51%), class IVe i.e. 23 ha (7.15%) and minor area of 7 ha (2.15%) area is covered by class IIIse. Soil suitability assessment indicates that majority of land is moderately suitable for agriculture. Class III soils are designated as moderately fertile agricultural land with significant constraints. However, with special conservation practices soils under class III can be used for cultivation of different crops. Class IV soils are categorized as reasonably fertile for intermittent cultivation, characterized by significant restrictions that limit crop options but with careful management practices these can be used for cultivation of arable crops. Therefore, the utilization of a land use planning approach (LUP) is instrumental in formulating tailored land resource management strategies to enhance land productivity, mitigate land degradation and attain sustainability goals.
Impact of Different Nutrient Management Strategies for Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium Uptake and Availability in Chilli (Capsicum annuum var. annuum L.)
Authors: Sheetal . , Sharma K.C. , Sharma Shivam , Sharma Neha , Chaudhary D.R. , Manuja Sandeep , Sharma Akhilesh
Published: March 2024

A field investigation was carried out at the experimental farm of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, CSKHPKV, Bajaura (Kullu), Himachal Pradesh during kharif, 2022. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications comprising 12 treatment combinations of NPK fertilizers, biofertilizers (Azotobacter and PSB), organic and natural farming on chilli variety ‘Him Palam Mirch-2’. Different nutrient management practices significantly influenced NPK uptake and soil available N, P and K. The results revealed that treatment combination of 100% NPK + 10t vermicompost + Azotobacter + PSB recorded significantly the N (1.260%), P (0.156%) and K (1.387%) content in chilli stalk, N (1.870%), P (0.447%) and K (0.865%) content in chilli fruit, total uptake of N (132.34 kg ha-1), P (26.32 kg ha-1) and K (90.60 kg ha-1) by chilli crop. At the end of the experiment, treatment combination of 100% NPK + 10t vermicompost + Azotobacter + PSB recorded maximum available N in the soil while maximum P and K was recorded in treatment combination of 100% NPK + 10t vermicompost + PSB. Natural farming practice recorded lowest soil available N, P, nutrient content and uptake while organic farming practice recorded lowest value of soil available. Therefore, it can be concluded that the combined application of NPK fertilizers and organic inputs coupled with biofertilizers proved the best for NPK uptake and soil available N, P and K.
Efficacy of Methyl Eugenol and Cuelure Traps for Monitoring of Cucurbit Fruit Fly (Bactrocera spp.) in different Doses in Pumpkin
Authors: Kumar Puneet , Chandra Umesh , Mishra Rishabh , Aman Ashutosh Singh , Yadav Sova
Published: March 2024

The present study on the “Efficacy of methyl eugenol and cue lure traps for monitoring of cucurbit fruit fly (Bactrocera spp.) in different doses in pumpkin” was conducted in the Department of Entomology, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, during 2020-21.Among the 3 different doses tested, methyl eugenol rakshak trap with 1.5ml +2 ml (methyl eugenol +malathion 50 % E.C. were significantly superior in attracting highest number of fruit flies B. zonata and B. dorsalis with trap catches of 69.39 fruit flies /trap/week followed by 2ml +2ml doses (49.36 fruit flies/trap/week). 1ml + 2ml (methyl eugenol +malathion 50% E.C. performance was significantly lower to other doses (42.47 fruitflies/traps/week) and other three doses tested, cue lure rakshak trap with 2 ml + 2ml (cue lure + malathion 50% E.C) were significantly superior in attracting highest number of fruit flies B. cucurbitea and (19.92 fruit flies /trap/week) followed by 1.5 ml +2ml doses (13.69 fruit flies/trap/week). 1ml + 2ml (cue lure +malathion 50% E.C. 50 % E.C performance was significantly lower to other doses (7.42 fruitflies/traps/week).
Assessment of Microbial Interactions between Potential Lactic Acid Bacteria Starters and Major Microorganisms During in vitro Fermentation in a Medium Similar to Cocoa Pulp in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Ahoussi Jean-Marie , Ouattara Hadja , Samagaci Lamine , Kadet Victoria , Ettien Yannick , Niamké Sébastien
Published: March 2024

However, uncontrolled or random fermentations carried out in the country by farmers producing marketable cocoa beans of variable quality. The problem of variability in the quality of beans has led to significant economic losses in the country estimated at several billion CFA Francs. The objective of this work was to analyze the interactions between potential starter lactic acid bacteria and the major microorganisms selected during cocoa fermentations in Côte d’Ivoire. The work methodology began with the cultivation of yeast, lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria and Bacillus strains in their respective YPG, MRS, YEPG and BN media for 48 hours at 30°C. Then, the microbial load of each culture was determined and set at 105 cells/mL. The strains were subsequently placed in the similar interaction medium of cocoa pulp (PSM) alone (monoculture) or together (coculture) for the study of microbial interactions. This study took place over 5 days and samples were taken for analyzes after 0, 48 and 120 hours of incubation at 30°C. The interaction was monitored by assessing microbial growth using optical density and Thoma cell counts for monocultures and agar media for cocultures. Additionally, acid production and reduction in sugar intake were also measured over the 5 days. All crops showed good growth. Growth was greater in cocultures with values ​​ranging from 4.12 log (CFU/mL) to 9.21 log (CFU/mL). In addition, the cocktails acidified the environment much more than the monocultures with values ​​oscillating between 0.10 ± 0.00 and 0.21 ± 0.00. Also, the quantity of sugars in the different broths decreased significantly in the cocktails during the first 48 hours, going from 1.08 ± 0.08 to 0.20 ± 0.01. Microbial starters in monocultures and cocultures have shown their ability to adapt to the environment like cocoa pulp. The high microbial growth, sugar consumption, and acidification of the medium in the cocktails reflected a synergistic interaction between the strains during fermentation when they were together. In short, these strains could be used for a starter composition to control fermentation and obtain good quality beans.
Microbial Contamination and Hygiene Risks in Street-Sold Bissap Juice: A Case Study in Daloa, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Christelle Kouame Aya Bah Marie-Ange , Clement Kouassi Kouassi , Athanase Kouassi Kra , Ibrahim Konate
Published: March 2024

Ready-to-eat Bissap juice is often classified in the street food group. The unhygienic conditions in which Bissap juice is prepared pose risks, sometimes leading to microbial contamination. The general objective of this work is to evaluate the diversity of pathogenic microorganisms in Bissap juices sold in the city of Daloa. To achieve this objective, a consumption survey was carried out. Counts and isolations were carried out to assess the microbiological quality of juices sold in the streets. Physicochemical parameters were determined. These are Brix and pH. Salmonella was screened for in the juices sold using the NF-V08-52 standard. The survey revealed that women consume more Bissap juice sold in the streets than men with a rate of 52% respectively compared to a rate of 48%. The Mandé represent half of the consumers with 50%, followed by the Akan with a rate of 30%, the Krou with a rate of 14.70%. Young people aged between 20 and 30 consume more Bissap juice with a rate of 47.30%. Consumers of Bissap juice come from various professions. Consumers have experienced discomfort characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, fever and stomach bloating. Microbiological analysis revealed the presence of microbial flora of alteration and contamination. These are total flora, fungal flora and enterobacteria. There was also the presence of flora of fecal origin such as Thermotolerants coliforms. The Bissap juice samples analyzed does not contain potentially pathogenic bacterial species. The results regarding Mesophilic Aerobic Germs, fungal flora, enterobacteria, fecal coliforms are not satisfactory.  The pH of the different juices is very acidic, ranging from 4.41 ± 0.18 to 2.18 ± 0.03. Also some of the juice samples analyzed have very high sugar levels (34.83 ± 0,28) Bissap juices sold in the streets represent a danger for the population of Daloa.
Microcontroller-based Security System for an Industrial Complex: Design, Fabrication and Testing
Authors: Okolie Allison Chinedu
Published: March 2024

Aims: The necessity by man to protect his life, investment and property has called for security which is essential in maintaining law and order in a society.
Study Design: For effective realization of these goals, the security system must be able to incorporate different functions and monitor several activities instantaneously in real time. These activities include access, motion detection, fire hazard, plant production control etc.
Methodology: In this study, the concept of real time central monitoring security systems was adopted with emphasis on industrial security. The industrial complex needs to have a way of authenticating individuals requesting access to the complex as well as reactively responding to intruder attempts. To achieve these, a simple hardware data acquisition unit based on a microcontroller was designed. With the microcontroller, many sub systems (access, intrusion, motion detection, surveillance) were integrated into one module and monitored continuously. A central monitoring unit was also implemented using a PC. The software for analysis and display of the data was designed using an object oriented approach and is GUI based for easier monitoring. When tested, the GUI provides graphic display of the trends from the sensor device. The data from the hardware unit was connected to the PC via the parallel port interface.
Results: The designed and fabricated microcontroller-based security system performed effectively for the industrial complex with no reported issue or failure.
Conclusion: Microcontroller-based security system is an effective tool for the industrial complex.
Phenolic Compound Content and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from the Leaves of Anogeissus leiocarpus (Combretaceae), a Plant Used in the North of Côte d'Ivoire for the Traditional Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Ouattara Anzoumana Lassinan , Abou Ouattara , Tano Dominique Konan , Koffi Akissi Jeanne
Published: March 2024

Anogeissus leiocarpus (Combretaceae) (DC.) Guill. & Perr. is a plant found in West Africa, from Senegal to Cameroon and extending to Ethiopia and East Africa. In the north of Côte d’Ivoire, this plant is commonly used by livestock farmers to treat various pathologies, including digestive and gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the phenolic compound content and antioxidant properties of 70% hydroethanol and aqueous extracts of A. leiocarpus’ leaves.
Phenolic compound contents were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Antioxidant activities were assessed using ABTS, DPPH and FRAP tests.
The 70% hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts of A. leiocarpus presented roughly equivalent concentrations of total polyphenols (608.41 and 558.25 mg EAG/g respectively). However, the hydroethanolic extract was richer in flavonoids (539.60 mg EQ/g) than the aqueous extract (388.95 mg EQ/g). In addition, the average inhibition rate of the ABTS radical in the presence of the 70% hydroethanol extract was 11.56 µM Trolox equivalent/g, compared with 8.32 µM Trolox equivalent/g with the aqueous extract. The average chelation percentages were 31.93% (70% hydroethanol extract) and 20.92% (aqueous extract). As for the reduction of DPPH radical, the ICs50 for the 70% hydroethanol and aqueous extracts were 4.4 mg/mL and 6.0 mg/mL respectively.
This study confirms that Anogeissus leiocarpus is a plant containing phenolic compounds. The presence of these phenolic compounds in this plant, together with its antioxidant activities with low values (IC50), could justify its widespread use by livestock farmers in northern Côte d'Ivoire, particularly those rearing broiler chickens.
Population Dynamics of Cardamom Shoot and Capsule Borer, Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenee) on Cardamom Variety M2 under Hill Zone of Karnataka, India
Authors: Parashuram, M.  , Suchithra Kumari, M. H.  , Hanumantharaya L. , Mavarkar Narayan S. , M. Ganapathi,
Published: March 2024

The experiment was carried out to study the population dynamics of cardamom shoot and capsule borer, Conogethes punctiferalis(Guen.) at the Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station (ZAHRS), Mudigere during 2022-23. Infestation of borer was present throughout the year, but peak infestation on shoot was recorded in the month of December (56.67%). Whereas, infestation on capsules peaked during first fortnight of December (33.65%). The correlation studies revealed that there was a significant positive correlation with maximum temperature and sunshine hours for shoot infestation. While, morning relative humidity had significantly positive correlation with capsule infestation. However, rainfall had significant negative correlation for both shoot and capsule infestation.
Effect of Staggered Planting and Application of Bioinoculants on the Phosphatase Enzyme Activity in the Rhizospheric Soil of Gladiolus cv. White Prosperity
Authors: Divya . , Malik Arvind , Raveena . , Neha . , Kumar Pawan
Published: March 2024

The experiment consists of growing white prosperity cultivar of gladiolus at four different planting times (1st fortnight of October, 2nd fortnight of October, 1st fortnight of November and 2nd fortnight of November) and with eight different treatments of bio inoculants. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Among the different bio inoculants treatment, T8 treatment (RDF + Azotobacter + PSB + Mycorrhiza) proved best with respect to maximum phosphatase enzyme activity when compared to other treatments and among different time of plantings, 1st fortnight of October was the best planting time for gladiolus in terms of maximum phosphatase enzyme activity.
Effect of Activated Charcoal on Growth, Yield, Quality and Disease Incidences of Parthenocarpic Hybrid Cucumber under Protected Condition
Authors: Dalabehera Ankeeta Anusmita , Topno Samir Ebson , Bahadur Vijay
Published: March 2024

This study was carried out during the Rabi season 2023-2024 to investigate the effect of different levels of activated charcoal on the growth, yield, and quality of Parthenocarpic hybrid cucumber variety SFC-2125 (FITO) and to estimate the economics of crop. The research revealed that activated charcoal had significant effect on Treatment-5 (5g activated charcoal per plant) which performed best in terms of growth parameters with maximum Vine length 136.39 cm, number of nodes 17.52, maximum chlorophyll content 57.68, shortest duration for flowering 31.30 days and fruit setting 33.41 days, maximum number of female flower per plant (46.50), fruits per plant (37.67), fruit length(16.82cm) , number of fruit yield per plot 19.10 kg, and dry matter content (5.88%). The highest benefit cost ratio was at 3.86 in the same treatment.
Burden of HIV on Society Current Management Options and Future Prospective
Authors: Mami Daniel M. , Cuthrell Kimberly Morton , Manteghian Mehrab
Published: March 2024

Nevertheless, there is still a disparity in the availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART), especially in low- and middle-income nations, due to obstacles such as financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure,and on going social stigma. The future outlook for HIV management is optimistic, as current research is dedicated to exploring innovative treatment methods such as long-acting injectable, gene editing medicines, and therapeutic vaccinations. Furthermore, progress in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and other preventive measures provide optimism for decreasing the number of new infections. Furthermore, it is crucial to make endeavors towards tackling societal factors that influence health outcomes, such as poverty, education, and gender inequality, as they play a vital role in attaining long-lasting advancements in HIV prevention and care. Notwithstanding these progressions, there are still obstacles to overcome, such as the rise of drug-resistant variations, deficiencies in testing and diagnosis, and enduring social obstacles. To tackle these difficulties, a comprehensive strategy is needed that combines biological, behavioral, and structural interventions, with a focus on fairness and human rights. To reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS on society and achieve the objective of ending the epidemic, it is important to continue investing in research, improving health systems, and promoting collaboration across all sectors.
Enhancing the Aesthetic and Economic Value of Potted Zinnia through Pinching and Paclobutrazol Spray
Authors: Bhargavi Malepati S N V S Sripriya , Seenivasan N. , Prashanth P. , Mirunalini S. P. , Laxminarayana D. , Kumar P Praneeth
Published: March 2024

Potted plants constitute a significant portion of the global floriculture trade, highlighting the importance of pot presentation for commercial competitiveness. Despite being a commonly grown annual crop in flower beds during its season, zinnia's potential as a potted plant has been limited by its natural growth form that looks disproportionate in a pot. This study examines the impact of pinching and paclobutrazol application on enhancing the suitability of zinnia for pot presentation. It was conducted during the rabi season at the College of Horticulture, Hyderabad.The results indicate that both pinching and paclobutrazol treatment significantly reduce plant height while improving plant spread. Among the treatments, the combination of 100 ppm paclobutrazol application and double pinching demonstrated the highest pot presentation score at 87.41, followed by the treatment involving 50 ppm paclobutrazol and double pinching with a score of 85.31. Conversely, the control treatment without pinching or spray exhibited the lowest score of 60.33 points. Furthermore, when assessing the benefit-cost ratio, double pinching with 100 ppm of paclobutrazol proved to have significant commercial advantages with a B:C ratio of 1.4.
Bio-efficacy of Alcoholic Extracts of Botanicals to Mitigate Pea Root Rot Caused by Fusarium solani f.sp. pisi
Authors: Kaur Khushwinder , Thakur BR , Dhillon Kulveer Singh
Published: March 2024

Pea root rot caused by Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi has been observed as an alarming problem in pea growing regions of Himachal Pradesh and poses major constraints in pea cultivations. The alcoholic leaf extracts of four plants viz., Eupatorium adenophorum, Eucalyptus sp., Vitex negundo and Ageratum conyzoides were evaluated at different concentrations for their efficacy against F. solani f. sp. pisi under in vitro conditions. Among all extracts, E. adenophorum yielded maximum mycelial inhibition of 77.4 per cent followed by Eucalyptus sp. 74.9 per cent at 25 per cent test concentration. Thus, among all test botanicals, E. adenophorum was found the most efficient against F. solani f. sp. pisi. These findings suggest that E. adenophorum extracts could be used as eco-friendly alternatives to control Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi.
Influence of New Generation Herbicide on Microbial Biomass Dynamics in Sandy Loam Soil
Authors: Patel Shriman Kumar , Yadav Ramjeet , Namdeo Balkrishna , Chattopadhyaya Nilanjan , Kumar Pankaj
Published: March 2024

A laboratory experiment was conducted with two new generation herbicide pyrazosulfuron ethyl treatments, namely, recommended dose 15 g a.i. ha-1 (RD) and 30 g a.i. h-1 (2RD), carfentrazone ethyl 25 g a.i ha-1(RD), 50 g a.i. ha-1 (2RD) along with control (without herbicide) applied to sandy loam soil to determine their effect on microbial biomass dynamics in soil. The application of pyrazosulfuron ethyl (T1 and T2) and carfentrazone ethyl (T3 and T4) did not show any significant effect at 0 day after application. While, at 7 days after application of herbicide declined soil microbial biomass status. Whereas, at 28 days after application significantly increasement microbial biomass carbon and microbial biomass nitrogen except for microbial biomass phosphorus under herbicidal treatments compared to untreated plot. Hence, pyrazosulfuron and carfentrazone ethyl may cause short term transitory change in microbial biomass dynamics in soil moreover at 28 day after application of herbicide no any harmful effect at recommended dose of pyrazosulfuron ethyl and carfentrazone ethyl.
Aesthetic Surgery & the Indications at A Sub-Urban Tertiary Hospital in Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: A. A. Offiong , D. C. Nzomiwu , S. C. Onyima , B. O. Bassey , T. J. Udemba , C. O. Nsodukwa , U. C. Iheonu
Published: March 2024

Background: Aesthetic surgery though growing at an exponential rate in developed countries is still not well developed in Nigeria. Though lately, there has been an increasing demand for cosmetic procedures in Nigeria but still, the practice is still slow growing.
Objective: Few reports of the scope of aesthetic surgery are available from the sub region and Nigeria as a whole. In this study we seek to determine the aesthetic procedures and its indications in our centre, a sub urban teaching hospital in Irrua, Edo State, Southern Nigeria.
Methods: A retrospective study of all aesthetic surgery cases carried out over a 5-year period – Jan 2019 to December 2023 at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital. Data from theatre records and case notes were analysed with respect to age, sex, procedure and indications for surgery done. Descriptive analysis of variables, means and percentages were considered.
Results: In the period of study, 1,066 plastic surgery procedures were documented: 34 (3.19%) were for aesthetic indications. Sixteen of the patients (47.1%) were male and 18 (52.9%) female. Age range of patients that had aesthetic surgery was 1 - 60 years and the mean age was 24.1 + 18.08 years. The commonest aesthetic procedure was cleft repair 14 (41.17%) following cleft lip/palate, the rest were scar revisions 6 (17.65%) with the commonest indication being unsightly scar, otoplasties 5 (14.70%) following traumatic injury to the ear, liposuction 3 (8.82%) indicated by lipodystrophy, rhinoplasties 3 (8.82%) post traumatic injury to the nose, mammoplasties 2 (5.88%) which were done post mastectomy, and one (2.94%) cranioplasty following gun-shot orbital injury.
Conclusion: There is paucity in the volume of cosmetic procedures in Irrua and the pattern of requests here differs in many respects from western centres. With the current reduced pool of aesthetic surgery, it is advisable to establish an aesthetic surgery sub-unit in most tertiary institutions. This sub-unit should be fully functional including special clinic days, as this could help attract future clients and develop this branch of Plastic Surgery.
Diversity of the Ghrelin Gene in Nigeria’s Fulani and Yoruba Ecotype Chickens
Authors: Igbatigbi L. O , Osaiyuwu O. H , Fatai R. B , Coker O. M. , Fijabi O. E.
Published: March 2024

Ghrelin (GHRL) is a novel 28-amino acid gut-brain peptide linked to a gene associated with the regulation of growth hormones in birds. This study was carried out to investigate the polymorphism of the Ghrelin gene in Fulani and Yoruba ecotypes chickens in Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from seventy-eight (78) Nigerian indigenous chickens comprising of 41 Yoruba ecotype chickens and 37 Fulani ecotype chickens. Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used and the MboII restriction enzyme cut site 71 of the ghrelin and genetic structure were determined. Population structure was analyzed using allele and genotype frequencies, heterozygosity and genetic variation metrics. Two alleles (C and T) and three genotypes (CC, CT and TT) were observed. In the Yoruba Ecotype, the allele frequencies were C (0.34) and T (0.66) respectively while C (0.45) and T (0.55) were observed in the Fulani ecotype and the overall population was C (0.39) and T (0.61). The genotype frequencies obtained were; in the Yoruba ecotype, CC (0.10), CT (0.48), and TT (0.41) were observed. In the Fulani ecotype, CC (0.22), CT (0.45), and TT (0.32) were also observed, and in the overall population CC (0.15). CT (0.47) and TT (0.37) were observed. FIS values for the Yoruba ecotype (-0.0847) and Fulani ecotype (0.00702) reflects random mating and inbreeding respectively. The effective number of alleles indicates that the Fulani ecotype has more effective alleles compared to the Yoruba ecotype. These results suggest that the Yoruba ecotype may be at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, while Fulani ecotype deviates for the ghrelin locus. In summary, our results may open opportunities for genetic improvement in Nigerian indigenous chicken due to the polymorphic nature of the ghrelin gene.
Modification and Performance Evaluation of an Existing Prototype Mechanical Rice De-stoner
Authors: O.O. Koyenikan, , A.O. Filani,
Published: March 2024

An existing mechanical rice de-stoner was modified for the purpose of improving its efficiency. Some challenges were discovered with the performance of the existing machine that did not make it to perform effectively. The spring, cushion rubber, coil, capacitor, cable and plug were incorporated to modify the existing mechanical rice de-stoner. After modification of the machine, performance evaluation was carried out. A total of 6 kg of threshed rice sample was mixed with stones sized 2.36mm and was divided into three parts of 1.5kg, 2.0kg and 2.5kg and labelled A, B and C respectively. Each part was fed at different times into the rice de-stoner and de-stoned. Also, 200g of the threshed rice were taken for hand-picked which served as the control for separating and other foreign materials from the rice. This was used to compare the result of the efficiency of the machine. The efficiency of the handpicked method was determined to be 80% while that of the modified de-stoner was determined to be  66.7%, 60% and 64% respectively. Thus the performance evaluation of the mechanical rice de-stoner was rated above average but not as effective as the hand-picked method. Also, the machine`s throughput capacity was 13.60 kg/hr, 15.38 kg/hr and 15.38 kg/hr for the feed rates of 1.5kg, 2.0kg and 2.5kg respectively.. Thus, the modified mechanical rice de-stoner machine was to be used as a template for other new rice de-stoner to be constructed.
Investigation of a Cathodic Protection Configuration for the Steel Casing Pipes in Reinforced Concrete Bridge in the Niger Delta
Authors: Essien Gabriel , Etuk Victor E. , Livinus Aniefiok , Ita Okon, Edet
Published: March 2024

This paper details the Design of a Cathodic Protection System on the steel casing pipes of the 60m reinforced concrete bridge project in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Galvanic anode cathodic protection system was provided for the submerged steel support piles on the newly reinforced concrete bridge to ensure adequate corrosion protection of the structures. A total of fifty-six (56) Aluminum Anodes (32 kg) were used. Two of the Aluminum anodes were installed on each of the twenty-eight (28) steel casing piles. The anode installation was achieved by means of clamping at the predetermined water depth of 37.2 m with purpose made carbon steel clamps. The bonding of the anode to the pile structure to make electrical contact was achieved through welding of the pre-installed anode steel core extension bar against the steel pile at the water splash zone area of the river. A pre- and post-installation test and survey activities were conducted on each of the steel piles to ascertain the integrity of the installation and degree of corrosion protection of the steel casing piles. The field test and measurement results indicated mean values of open circuit potential of 0.600 Volts and polarized corrosion potential of 0.850 Volts. The recorded corrosion potential for the installed cathodic protection system confirmed adequate corrosion protection for ten (10) years from anode life for the steel casing supports of the 60 m reinforced concrete bridge.
Innovative Approaches for Dynamic System Monitoring: Signal Processing and Parameter Estimation Strategies
Authors: Gupta Aryan , Patel Meera
Published: March 2024

Dynamic system monitoring is essential for ensuring the optimal performance and reliability of various systems across multiple domains. This Abstract introduces innovative approaches focusing on signal processing and parameter estimation strategies for dynamic system monitoring. Signal processing techniques such as wavelet transform and adaptive filtering are utilized for noise reduction and feature extraction from sensor data. Additionally, parameter estimation strategies including Kalman filtering and Bayesian inference aid in accurately estimating system parameters and states in real-time. These advanced methods, integrating machine learning and statistical inference, promise enhanced monitoring capabilities, facilitating proactive maintenance and fault detection in complex dynamic systems. Through case studies and simulation results, the effectiveness and versatility of these approaches in addressing real-world challenges are demonstrated, illustrating their potential for advancing the field of dynamic system monitoring.
A Comparison and Evaluation of Loop Diuretic Frusemide Generic vs Brand Tablets
Authors: T Tamilveeran , B Karthikeyan , K. Balamurugan
Published: March 2024

Branded medications are the original products developed by pharmaceutical companies and generic drugs are copies of branded drugs whose patent has expired. The research work focused on comparisons and evaluations of generic VS brand of frusemide tablets. The study includes some of the specifications that should tested in the finished products in tablets such as appearance, thickness, diameter, weight variation, hardness, friability, disintegration time,  dissolution, hardness and thickness as per pharmacopoeial & non pharmacopoeial tests were performed. The generic and brand frusemide tablets quality control results showed within the range as per IP. The in vitrodrug release of generic frusemide tablets was found to be 96.7 %in 45 min and branded tablets which showed drug release 98.3% in 45 min. Hence, it can be concluded that evaluation of loop diuretic frusemide tablets generic and brand frusemide tablets showed same deviations in the quality control results as per IP.
Economic Analysis of Cost and Returns in Turmeric Production and Processing in the Chamarajanagar District of Karnataka, India
Authors: B. M. Navyashree, , Vedamurthy K. B. , Vaishnavi . , M. N. Venkataramana,
Published: March 2024

This study investigated the economic dynamics of turmeric production and primary processing in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, emphasized the significant role of this region in enhancing India's reputation for producing high-curcumin-content turmeric. Despite the growing domestic and international markets for turmeric, which have contributed to the crop's substantial increase in production and productivity over recent decades, there remains a significant gap in organized processing units at the local level. The analysis employed different cost concepts and the Garrett Ranking Technique. By examining the economic aspects of both turmeric cultivation and primary processing phases among farmers in the district, the findings revealed that farmers accrue a net return of ₹18,134 per acre from cultivation after incurring costs of ₹86,424, and a higher net return of ₹24,775 per acre from primary processing with an incurred cost of ₹99,439 per acre. The cost-benefit analysis further underscores the economic viability of turmeric cultivation, with ratios of 1.21 without primary processing and 1.25 with it, thereby highlighting the substantial profitability of turmeric production for local growers. However, the study identifies significant challenges, such as labour shortages and elevated wage rates, attributed to the crop's labour-intensive nature. Moreover, while primary processing increases profitability, it also demands considerable labour and time, potentially compromising the quality of turmeric powder. The research suggests that the adoption of advanced technologies and machinery in curing and processing operations could mitigate these challenges, enhancing efficiency and product quality in turmeric cultivation and processing sectors.
Reciprocal influences between maternal discipline techniques and aggression in children and adolescents
Authors: Sheehan Michael J. , Watson Malcolm W.
Published: December 2007

Most studies assessing the link between parental discipline and child aggression have focused primarily on discipline as a cause and aggression as an outcome. In addition to the pathway from discipline to aggression, however, aggressive behavior on the part of the child may lead to future use of discipline by the parent. In this study, structural equation modeling was used to assess reciprocal influences over time between a mothers' use of discipline and aggression in children. Data were drawn from the Springfield Child Development Project, a longitudinal study of middle childhood and adolescence, focusing on antecedents of aggression. The original sample consisted of 440 mother–child dyads living in the city of Springfield, MA. Children in the sample were between 7 and 14 years of age at the first data collection period and between 12 and 19 years of age at the final data collection period. Four hypotheses were tested: (1) a mother's use of aggressive discipline predicts an increase in later child aggression, (2) child aggression predicts an increase in later use of aggressive discipline, (3) the use of reasoning predicts a decrease in later child aggression, and (4) child aggression predicts an increase in later use of reasoning. All hypotheses except number 3 were supported to some degree. Results suggest that children's early aggressive behavior leads to an increase in their mothers' use of both reasoning and aggressive discipline; in turn, increased use of aggressive discipline leads to an increase in aggression during both childhood and adolescence. Aggr. Behav. 34:245–255, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variable neural adaptive robust controllers for uncertain systems
Authors: Lee Yonggon , Hui Stefen , Zivi Edwin , Żak Stanislaw H.
Published: December 2007

A class of variable neural adaptive robust controllers is proposed. Essential components of the proposed controllers are raised‐cosine radial basis function (RCRBF) neural networks that can vary their structures dynamically by adding or removing RBFs online. The compact support of the RCRBFs alleviate the problem of determining the parameters of the RBFs and can, together with a simple adding and removing algorithm, significantly reduce the computational effort in the training process of the network. The stability of the overall closed‐loop system is analyzed using the Lypaunov type of arguments. It is guaranteed that the tracking error of the closed‐loop systems driven by the proposed controller is uniformly ultimately bounded. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust multiple‐fault detection and isolation: A gradient flow approach
Authors: Casavola Alessandro , Famularo Domenico , Franzè Giuseppe
Published: December 2007

This paper presents a novel solution to the fault detection and isolation observer design problem for linear time‐invariant systems. A gradient flow approach is proposed for synthesizing a residual generator under optimal eigenstructure assignment. This is achieved by minimizing the spectral condition number of the observer eigenvector matrix. The properties of convergence of the gradient flow solution are proved and its efficiency demonstratedviaa numerical example. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
No association between prostate apoptosis response 4 gene (PAWR) in schizophrenia and mood disorders in a japanese population
Authors: Kishi Taro , Ikeda Masashi , Kitajima Tsuyoshi , Suzuki Tatsuyo , Yamanouchi Yoshio , Kinoshita Yoko , Kawashima Kunihiro , Ozaki Norio , Iwata Nakao
Published: December 2007

Altered dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) is hypothesized to be a susceptibility factor for major psychosis. Recent studies showed that a new intracellular protein, prostate apoptosis response 4 (Par‐4), plays a critical role in D2R signaling. We conducted a genetic association analysis between Par‐4 gene (PAWR) and schizophrenia and mood disorders in a Japanese population (schizophrenia: 556 cases, bipolar disorder (BP): 150 cases, major depressive disorder (MDD): 312 cases and 466 controls). Applying the recommended ‘gene‐based’ association analysis, we selected five tagging SNPs in PAWR from the HapMap database. No significant association was obtained found with schizophrenia or MDD or BP. We found a significant association of one tagging SNP with BP in a genotype‐wise analysis (P = 0.0396); however, this might be resulted from type I error due to multiple testing (P = 0.158 after SNPSpD correction). Considering the size of our sample and strategy, our results suggest that the PAWR does not play a major role in schizophrenia or mood disorders in the Japanese population. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of three crosslinkers on colored pH‐responsive core–shell latexes
Authors: Yuan Bing , States Jeremy , Sahagun Chris , Wicks Douglas
Published: December 2007

Environmentally responsive hydrogels have become attractive research subjects for many applications. In this work, a series of pH‐sensitive and color‐changing nanoparticles (nanogels) with core–shell structures were synthesized. The cores were blue latex particles synthesized by a miniemulsion technique with styrene and methacrylic acid as monomers and Neozapon Blue 807 as a dye. The shell was a pH‐sensitive polymer that was precipitation‐polymerized onto the core from 2‐(diethylamino) ethyl methacrylate with N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide, poly(propylene glycol) diacrylate, and divinylbenzene as crosslinking agents. In the resultant latexes, the color was observed to change from deep blue to pale blue as the pH of the system was changed from a high of 10 to a low of 3. The synthesized latexes and particles (gels) were then characterized with an ultraviolet–visible spectrometer, dynamic light scattering, Fourier transform infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Atomic force microscopy was also used to investigate the different morphologies of the particles after the synthesized latexes were dried at different pH values. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Polymeric decontaminant 2 (N,N‐dichloropolystyrene sulfonamide): Synthesis, characterization, and efficacy against simulant of sulfur mustard
Authors: Gutch P. K. , Srivastava R. K. , Sekhar K.
Published: December 2007

A polymeric decontaminant N,N‐dichloropolystyrene sulfonamide was synthesized by different steps from starting material polystyrene and followed by sulfonation, chlorosulfonation, and amidification. Halogeno‐sulfonamide was obtained by treatment of sodium hypochlorite with sulfonamide resin. It was characterized by FTIR, solubility, viscosity, DSC, and TGA techniques. Efficiency of this polymer as decontaminant was evaluated by reaction with 2‐chloro ethyl phenyl sulfide, a simulant of sulfur mustard (SM) at room temperature. This decontamination reaction was monitored by gas chromatography (GC) and products were identified by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The positive chlorine content of this polymer was checked by standard iodometry titration. The synthesized positive chlorine compound is observed to be a promising decontaminant against simulant of sulfur mustard, chiefly in the situation where use of aqueous medium such as acetonitrile : water (2 : 1) is precluded. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008