bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction Effect of Zinc and Boron on the Growth, Yield and Yield Attributes of Tomato in Acid Soils of Manipur
Authors: Gopal Dasari , Sarangthem Indira
Published: September 2022

The field experiment was carried out at the Research farm of Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur, during the rabi seasons of 2016-17 and 2017-18, to study the interaction effect of Zinc and Boron on growth, yield, and yield attributes of tomato (Pusa Ruby). There were ten treatments viz., T1 (Zn0.0+B0.0), T2 (Zn2.5+B1.0), T3 (Zn2.5+B1.5), T4 (Zn2.5+B2.0), T5 (Zn5.0+B1.0), T6 (Zn5.0+B1.5), T7 (Zn5.0+B2.0), T8 (Zn10+B1.0), T9 (Zn10+B1.5) and T10 (Zn10+B2.0) with three replications were laid out by FRBD design. The combined effect of zinc and boron showed a significant effect on the number of fruits plant-1, fruit weight plant-1, and yield ha-1, whereas there was no significant effect on plant growth parameters (plant height). Among the treatments, the T10 (Zn10+B2.0) treatment exhibited a significantly increased in the number of fruits plant-1 (35.83 in the first year and 36.52 in the second year), fruit weight plant-1 (1.62 kg in the first year and 1.76 kg in the second year.), highest fruit yield (60.06 t ha-1 in the first year and in 65.1 t ha-1 in the second year) was produced from the treatment combination of 10 kg of Zn ha-1 and 2.0 kg B ha-1 in both years than the control treatment (Zn0.0+B0.0).
Evaluation of the Foliar Application of Nano Urea on the Performance of Rabi Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Goud G. Manoj Kumar , Sudhakar Kasbe Sudhanshu , Pasha Md. Latheef , Madhavi A.
Published: September 2022

A study was conducted on clayey soils (vertisols) of southern Telangana zone (India) characterized by low soil organic carbon, low available nitrogen and medium available phosphorous (P) and high available potassium (K). The experiment involving seven nitrogen (N) management practices (T1 to T7) involving recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) as soil application, varied rates of foliar application of nano urea (liquid) was laid out in randomized block design replicated thrice. All the treatments were supplied with basal 50% of soil applied urea fertilizer at the time of sowing except in T1 (No nitrogen application) treatment. Results revealed that application of recommended dose of fertilizers in three splits as soil application resulted into significantly highest growth, yield ( 1774 kg) and yield attributes of sunflower, and was found profitable (Benefit:Cost ratio = 3.47) over foliar application of varied rates of nano- urea spray. Foliar application of nano urea @ 2-4 ml L-1 in T3 to T7 treatments could significantly improve growth and yield of sunflower (by 546 to 744 kg) when compared to no nitrogen application treatment. However foliar application of nano urea showed significantly lesser growth and yield compared to soil application of RDF in three splits in rabi sunflower.
Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Plant Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of Brinjal
Authors: Kumari Payal , Topno Samir E. , Bahadur Vijay
Published: September 2022

The present investigation was carried out with title “Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Plant growth, Yield and Fruit quality of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)” at the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during the Kharif-2021-22 with a view to determine the effect of plant growth regulators application on brinjal hybrid variety Indam Supriya for its growth, quality and yield and to work out the economics of various treatments. Under this experiment, overall 9 treatments was taken T1 Control (water spray), T2 (GA3 @ 5 ppm), T3 (GA3 @ 10 ppm), T4 (Salicylic acid @ 50 ppm), T5 (Salicylic acid @ 75 ppm), T6 (GA3 @ 5 ppm and Salicylic acid @ 50 ppm), T7 (GA3 @ 10 ppm and Salicylic acid @ 50 ppm), T8 (GA3 @ 5 ppm and Salicylic acid @ 75 ppm) and T9 (GA3 @ 10 ppm and Salicylic acid @ 75 ppm). From the above experimental finding it was concluded that the treatment T5 (Salicylic acid @ 75 ppm) was found to be best in the terms of growth yield and quality of brinjal. While, the highest net return was found in the T5 with Rs. 1,18,290 and the highest B:C ratio was found in the same with 2.3.
Assessment of Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance Studies for Yield Mentioning Traits in Chickpea Elite Genotypes (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Pravalika Dumpati , Pathak Sudheer K. , Praveen Shama , Singh Ravi Shankar , Rani Ganta Jyoshna
Published: September 2022

The present investigation has been done to conductan Assessment of Genetic Variability, Heritability, and Genetic Advance Studies for Yield and Quality Traits in Chickpea Elite Genotypes (Cicer arietinum L.). The experiment is laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications to minimize the error. The experiment was carried out during the Rabi 2020-2021. The analysis has been done with ten characters having plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length, days to 50% flowering, 100- seed weight, pod yield per plant, pod yield per plot as a dependent variable. High genotypic coefficient variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation were found in seed yield per plant (25.5 and 25.9), seed yield per plot(25.4 and 25.8) and several seeds per pod (15.7 and 28.5) displayed the negligible influence of the environment on the phenotypic expression of the character. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was seen in seed yield per plant (90 and 51.8), seed yield per plot(97.1 and 51.6), number of secondary branches per plant (90 and 27.8), number of primary branches per plant(70 and 23.3), number of pods per plant (96 and 20.6), and pod length (95 and 38.9), indicating an additive gene effect. Therefore, these characteristics can be used in further breeding programs for crop advancement.
Assessment of Variability for Yield Attributing Traits and Seed Quality Parameters in Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)
Authors: Harini Gangalapuram , Gupta Jai Prakash , Gupta Priyanka
Published: September 2022

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate ten germplasm of mung bean, used to estimate genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for 16 characters. The results showed significant differences among the mung bean genotypes in all characters. All the characters had a larger PCV, showing the enfluence of the environmental variable on their expression. In the present study, PCV is higher than GCV for all the characters under study. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance indicates additive gene action. Heritability for broad sense was estimated for all the studied characters observed range from 33.6 to 98.175%. Genetic advance as percentage of mean is observed range from 2.484% to 26.315%. All these characters coupled with hhigh heritability coupled with high genetic advance can be used for the selection of lines as a parents for further breeding programme, where as in breeding programme these traits were more important for selection.
Profile Distribution of Available Plant Nutrients in Western Hilly Tracts of Cuttack District, Odisha
Authors: Mohanty Shraddha , Nayak R. K. , Jena Bandita , Padhan Kshitipati , Sahoo Sanjib Kumar , Patra R. K.
Published: September 2022

Aims: An investigation was conducted to examine the distribution of available plant nutrients and the relationships between soil properties and available nutrient status in soil profiles in the Western Hilly Tracts of the Cuttack District, Odisha.

Place and Duration of Study: The research area, i.e. the Narasinghpur block, is located in the western part of the Cuttack district in Odisha and is characterized by lateritic uplands and mountainous terrain. Three soil profiles were exposed i.e. upland, medium land and low land before the rainy season (February, 2020).

Methodology: For experiments, five layers demarcated at 20cm intervals up to a depth of 100cm were sampled, processed, and stored. Several parameters, including particle size, pH, EC, OC, and available Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn were analysed and interpreted using standard protocols.

Results: Sand content decreased with pedon depth, whereas clay content showed the opposite trend. With increasing soil depth in all pedons, soil pH increased while EC and soil organic carbon content declined. The available Ca, Mg, and S in surface soils varied from 4.11 to 6.56 [cmol (p+)/kg], 2.15 to 3.54 [cmol (p+)/kg] and 9.85 to 12.06 mg kg-1, respectively. The corresponding subsurface ranges for these nutrients were 4.31 to 8.52 [cmol (p+)/kg], 2.41 to 4.52 [cmol (p+)/kg], and 6.95 to 11.41 mg kg-1, respectively. The available Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, and B range in surface soils were 127.85-278.81, 68.48-144.98, 0.64-0.9, 0.54-0.63 and 0.37-0.47 mg kg-1, respectively. The subsurface ranges for these nutrients were 102.32–234.46, 53.21–118.28, 0.28–0.89, 0.17–0.50, and 0.29–0.91 mg kg-1. The status of micronutrients in the present study region was as follows: Fe > Mn > Cu > Zn > B. With increasing soil depth, available Ca and Mg increased, but available S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and B declined. Positive correlations between available Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn with the soil organic carbon content of the soil and negative correlations with the soil pH were observed.

Conclusion: Plant nutrients in the research area varied with topography, although the differences between upland, medium land and lowland wasn't substantial. However, accelerated decomposition of soil organic matter and agricultural residues likely led to highermicronutrient concentrations at the soil's surface than subsurface.
Genetic Variability and Inter-relationship among Grain Yield and It’s Components in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Archana Boddu , Lal G. M. , Lavanya G. R.
Published: September 2022

The present investigation was carried out to estimate genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis for fifteen yield attributing traits of twenty maize genotypes in the kharif -2021 season at Field Experimentation Center, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Uttar Pradesh in Randomized block design replicated thrice. Among 20 genotypes, VL-19403(66.8g) and VL-19465(65.5g) genotypes were found to be superior for grain yield per plant over the check (Shaktiman-5). High GCV and PCV were observed for grain yield per plant, number of grains per row, number of grain rows per cob, harvest index, cob weight, ear height and biological yield per plant. Maximum heritability conjoined with higher genetic advance for the traits grain yield per plant, plant height, ear height, harvest index, biological yield and cob weight. Grain yield per plant was significantly strong association with harvest index, number of grains per row, cob weight, cob girth, cob length, ear height at both levels. The trait days to 50% tasselling had high direct positive effect on grain yield per plant at genotypic level and biological yield per plant had high direct positive effect on grain yield per plant at phenotypic level.
Serum Thioredoxin Level for Assessment of Response after Ablation Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Egyptian Patients
Authors: Elhaleem Sahar Shokry Abd , Ismail Saber Abd Elrahman , Saif Sabry Abd Ellatif Abou , Mabrouk Maaly Mohammed
Published: September 2022

Background: Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a major health problem worldwide and its diagnosis is still challenging. Thioredoxin (TRX) is a class of small redox proteins known to be present in all organisms. It plays a role in many important biological processes, including redox signaling.

Aims: The main aim of this study was to study the serum thioredoxin level for assessment of response after ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian patients.

Patients and Methods: This prospective case study was carried out in Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tanta University Hospital. The duration of study was from April 2019 till April 2020. 

Results: Significant differences were found between the four groups regarding TRX as group B and C showed significant elevation in TRX level compared to group A & D. TRX was significantly decreased after 6 months compared to 3 months and preoperative. TRX at cutoff 100 ng/ml can differentiate between early HCC and liver cirrhosis with the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV was 95%, 85%, 86% and 94% respectively.  There were positive significant correlations between TRX and focal lesion size. There were also positive significant correlations between TRX and aspartate transaminase (AST), Total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and international normalization ratio (INR). In group C after therapeutic intervention, there was a significant decrease in TRX level among patients showing complete response compared to those with partial response or progressive course.

Conclusions: TRX could serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker for HCC. TRX could be used as a predictive marker of therapeutic ablation outcome in hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
Case Investigation, Contact Tracing and Containment Prevents Spread of COVID-19 in Shibchar, Madaripur, Bangladesh 2020: An Evidence Based Observational Study
Authors: Khan S. R. , Rahman M. , Billah M. M. , Anowar T. , Shirin T. , Henderson Alden , Flora M. S.
Published: September 2022

Background: In December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic began in Wuhan and quickly spread in China and other countries in the world. The SARS-CoV-2 virus reached Bangladesh in March 2020 and the index case of the first cluster of COVID-19 was reported on 13 March, 2020, in Madaripur District.

Methods: A team from the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh investigated the cluster, established active syndromic surveillance for respiratory diseases, and implemented control activities.

Results: The index case traveled from Italy to Bangladesh and developed respiratory symptoms and sought medical treatment in Dhaka. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 and transferred and isolated in a hospital on the day of diagnosis. We followed up his contacts as soon as we got their names and contact information. We quarantined 34 among 139 contacts, rest of them were missed contacts. The attack rate among the index cases’ contacts was 18% (6/34). Eight cases in Madaripur District with COVID-19 were epidemiologically linked to the index case. The most common symptoms were fever (100%) and cough (86%). One case was asymptomatic. The Bangladesh influenza pandemic containment plan was modified for COVID-19 mitigation which included establishing a containment zone, mobilizing the local administrative authorities, and obtaining support from local community, religious and political leaders. Active case search in the containment zone identified new cases. No new cases were linked with the nine COVID-19 cases.

Conclusion: Active surveillance by health authority, prompt isolation of cases, quarantine of contacts and establishing a containment zone to focus mitigation efforts supported the prevention efforts for further transmission of the virus from this first COVID-19 cluster in Bangladesh.
Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of Non Traumatic Orbital Lesions
Authors: Gad Kawther Attia , Dawoud Mohammed Mahmoud , Eldesouky Mohammed Ashraf , Hemisa Manal Fathy
Published: September 2022

Background: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scans are better than high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans. They are frequently used to discover tumors, infections and chronic diseases that affect the structures in and around the orbits. This study's aim was to evaluate the contribution of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements to MRI in the assessment of non-traumatic orbital lesions.

Methods: This prospective research involved 30 cases with clinical and radiological non-traumatic orbital lesions. All patients underwent clinical assessment, ocular examination, laboratory investigations, radiological assessment (Conventional MRI, DW-MRI)) and histopathological analysis.

Results: There was substantial agreement between the magnetic resonance and pathologic diagnosis, k=0.722, p<0.001. The cut-off value of ADC for orbital lesions was ≤ 1.0 x 10-3 to be considered malignant lesions. Diffusion-weighted MRI and ADC had a sensitivity of 87.5 %, specificity 100%, and positive predictive value of 100 %, and a negative predictive value of 94.92 % to distinguish among benign and malignant orbital lesions.

Conclusions: MRI alone can detect orbital lesions, but they couldn't distinguish among benign and malignant lesions. The ADC value is non-invasive imaging technique that may be utilized to characterize orbital lesions and distinguish among benign and malignant ones.
Comparison between Loading Dose of Atorvastatin and Loading Dose of Rosuvastatin Prior to Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patient with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction for the Prevention of Contrast Induced Nephropathy
Authors: Saleh Mohamed Nagy , Khalfallah Mohamed , Deraz Enas Elsayed , El-Amrousy Mahmoud Zaki
Published: September 2022

Background: Early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the method of choice for myocardial infarction with ST-elevation, and a shorter interval between event and hospital arrival can result in lower mortality rates. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of loading dose atorvastatin defined as 80 milligrams versus loading dose rosuvastatin defined as 40 milligrams for the prevention of contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) in ST elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods: This prospective randomized study was carried out on 150 patients with clinical features of ST elevation myocardial infarction who randomly assigned to receive either atorvastatin (80 mg) or rosuvastatin (40 mg) before undergoing the primary PCI and diagnosed according to the 2018 European society of cardiology guidelines. Patients were divided into two equal groups: Atorvastatin group: experienced PCI accepting 80 mg Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin group: experienced PCI getting high portion (40 mg) of Rosuvastatin.

Results: CIN was insignificantly different between atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin groups. Procedural duration, contrast volume, hydration volume and number of vessels were insignificantly different between atorvastatin and rosuvastatin group. Culprit vessel was significantly different between atorvastatin and rosuvastatin group (P value= 0.0003). Number of stents was significantly different between atorvastatin and rosuvastatin group (P value= 0.013).

Conclusions: The CIN was insignificantly different between the atorvastatin and rosuvastatin groups. Thus, the antioxidant properties of both statins could protect against the CIN.
Evaluating Hypoglycaemic Activity of Pomegranate Peel Powder and Defatted Soybean Flour Formulated Cookies in STZ Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Thulsidhar Harish , Bhuvaneshwari . , Jagadeesh S. L. , Chandrashekhar V. M. , Terdal Deepa , Preethi Palpandian , Reddy Sanikommu Vijay Rakesh
Published: September 2022

Pomegranate fruit peel is an inedible part obtained during the processing of pomegranate juice. Compared to the pulp fraction, it contains more total polyphenols and has a better antioxidant potential. Even though they are good sources of protein, dietary fiber, a variety of minerals, and phytochemicals, soybeans often have a nutritional function. When soybeans are utilized to partially replace wheat in bread items, the nutritional quality will be improved. In the present investigation, defatted soybean flour (DSF) and pomegranate peel powder (PPP) based cookies were made, and their effectiveness on the glycemic activity at the serum level was investigated using two concentrations—5 g and 10 g/rat/day in diabetic and non-diabetic induced rats for up to 21 days. Serum glucose, cholesterol, and haemoglobin levels were favourably affected (-56.92%, -56.33%, and +22.34% correspondingly) by the laboratory diet plus 10g of cookies per rat per day in the G6 group of rats after the trial (21 days). In diabetic and non-diabetic rats, PPP and DSF included cookies that lowered blood glucose and cholesterol levels and raised haemoglobin content, but it kept their levels at the required range regardless of the dosage of cookies.
Influence of Larval Diet on Pupal Period and Size of Cocoon of Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Peterson)
Authors: Satapathy Satya Narayan , Mandal S. M. A.
Published: September 2022

A study was conducted in the Biocontrol Laboratory, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha during 2020-21 to record the influence of larval diets on pupal period and size of cocoon of Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Peterson). Six larval diets i.e. T1 (Purple aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch.), T2 (Green aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer)), T3 (Mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.)), T4 (Papaya mealy bug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink), T5 (Pink mealy bug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green)) and T6 (Corcyra cephalonica Stainton 1st instar larva) were tested along with one control (T7= Corcyra cephalonica egg). T1 was detected as the best larval diet which produced maximum pupal period of 8.90 days with 16.80% increased over control. Maximum cocoon diameter was also recorded in T1 i.e. 3.28 mm with 11.95% increased over control. T1 was closely followed by T3 with respect to pupal period (8.74 days with 14.70% increase over control) and diameter of cocoon (3.20 mm with 9.22% increase over control) of C. zastrowi sillemi.
Influence of Leadership, Competence and Innovation on the Performance of Bank Indonesia Employees in Money Management Department (DPU)
Authors: Supriyanto Eko , Soehari Tjiptogoro Dinarjo
Published: September 2022

Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of leadership, competence, and innovation on employee performance.

Methodology/Technique: The study was conducted using primary data obtained from a survey of 160 employees of Bank Indonesia Department of Money Management (DPU). The data analysis method used is SEM with Lisrel 8.80 statistical software.

Findings: Results show that leadership had no positive and significant effect on employee performance, while competency, and innovation had a positive and significant effect on the employee performance of Bank Indonesia. Department of Money Management (DPU).

Novelty: Data processing proves that leadership, competence, and innovation simultaneously affect the performance of Bank Indonesia employees (DPU), but leadership does not have a significant impress on employee performance, it shows that the performance of Bank Indonesia employees (DPU) prioritizes the system. From the results of competencies and innovations that show a positive and significant impress, it shows that the achievement performance of DPU employees which is driven by competence and innovation possessed by DPU employees is more dominant and also encourages the birth of breakthroughs that can make the work process more effective and efficient.
Adherence to COVID-19 Vaccine among Health Care Providers in Merowe Hospital in Rural Area at North Sudan
Authors: Hamad Nadia Ahmed Mohammed , Hamid Amal Mohammed , Mohamed Amal Abdelgadir , Sharaf Khalida Hussain Saeed
Published: September 2022

Aim: To assess Adherence to COVID-19 vaccine among health care providers in Merowe hospital.

Study Design: Across-sectional descriptive study.

Methodology: Study was carried out among 108 participants; they were selected by purposive sampling technique. Data was collected by questionnaire. Data was entered in to SPSS version 25. Analysis was done using frequency tables and cross tabulations, significance was regarded as P ≤ 0.05.

Results: 52.8% were not vaccinated, while 72.2% from total participants would recommend the covid-19 vaccine to their family, friends and patients and  53.7% said that they had contribution in community campaigns to encourage people to get the vaccine,64.7% of vaccinated participants took the vaccine because they were afraid of occupational hazards, 27.8% their respond about vaccine  effect in prevention was negative and a there was a significant association between profession and contribution in  community campaign P .value equal 0.035.

Conclusion: Nearly half of participants (47.2%) were immunized. Getting enough and correct information about the vaccines that are available was the main aspect that could enhancement vaccination uptake. The current analysis offers the authorities profound insights into the anticipated challenges, issues, and potential course of action.
Macroeconomic Aggregates and Oil Price Vagaries in Nigeria: An Impact Assessment
Authors: Onime Bright Enakhe
Published: September 2022

This study investigated the impact of negative oil price changes on macroeconomic aggregates in Nigeria from 1981 to 2020 using the autoregressive distributed lagged (ARDL) and the vector error correction models. Evidence from the findings showed that unemployment, foreign direct investment, and real gross domestic product are important determinants of oil price vagaries. In addition, there is empirical support for a positive relationship between oil price and unemployment on the one hand and a negative relationship between oil price and imports, foreign direct investment, and real gross domestic product on the other hand in both the short and long run. This implies that any decline in oil price is associated with a decrease in foreign direct investment and imports, and an increase in unemployment thereby resulting to the worsening of real gross domestic product in Nigeria during the period. In view of the findings, the study recommends a culture of uninterrupted savings of oil proceeds during episodes of oil price boom and by implication boosting of foreign reserves to provide sufficient cover for imports during periods of oil price decrease. In addition to this recommendation is the continuous clamour for a properly diversified economy away from oil dependence. In periods of negative oil price shocks which discourages investment, the government should encourage investors through various incentives such as tax holidays and havens, reduce cost of funds using the appropriate agency of government and ensure the provision of enabling environment and infrastructure (such as power, security, and roads) for investments to strive and improvement in the ease of doing business in the country. This will result in job creation; reduce unemployment and poverty, thereby improving the gross domestic product.
Thermodynamic Study of One-step Production from Isobutene to Methyl Methacrylate
Authors: Lau Lik Quan , Lai Sin Yuan , Li Haiyan , Ngan Cheng Loong , Arumugam Mahashanon , Nurhadi Mukhamad
Published: September 2022

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) has emerged as an essential industrial monomer. However, the toxic by-production and shortage supply of MMA in the global market has gained great attention. Herein, a one-step synthesis to produce MMA from isobutene via a direct oxidative esterification process has been demonstrated to curb the aforementioned downsides. Thermodynamic analysis via Gibbs free energy minimization method proved the feasibility of this route via the equilibrium constant. Despite tert-butanol and isobutane showed higher equilibrium constant than isobutene, they should be avoided. Isobutane is highly flammable while the precursor of tert-butanol is exorbitant. Thus, isobutene was selected for the equilibrium compositions screening. Isobutene conversion was 90% and 15% MMA yield at 700 °C and IBN: O2: MeOH ratio with 1:7:1. This route is mainly limited by the generation of side reactions from the reaction of CH3OH and O2. By varying the feedstock ratio at 1:2:1, the MMA yield increased to ~25%. Copyright © 2022 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Structural comparison of the cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP106A1 and CYP106A2 provides insight into their differences in steroid conversion
Authors: Carius Yvonne , Hutter Michael , Kiss Flora , Bernhardt Rita , Lancaster C. Roy D.
Published: September 2022

Understanding the structural basis of the selectivity of steroid hydroxylation requires detailed structural and functional investigations on various steroid hydroxylases with different selectivities, such as the bacterial cytochrome P450 enzymes. Here, the crystal structure of the cytochrome P450 CYP106A1 from Priestia megaterium was solved. CYP106A1 exhibits a rare additional structural motif of a cytochrome P450, a sixth β‐sheet. The protein was found in different unusual conformations corresponding to both open and closed forms even when crystallized without any known substrate. The structural comparison of CYP106A1 with the previously investigated CYP106A2, including docking studies for both isoforms with the substrate cortisol, reveals a completely different orientation of the steroid molecule in the active sites. This distinction convincingly explains the experimentally observed differences in substrate conversion and product formation by the two enzymes.
Topical Drug Delivery
Authors: Guy Richard H.
Published: September 2022

Skin barrier function is principally determined by the stratum corneum (SC), which provides an extremely efficient means to retard water loss from the ‘inside–out’ and to the penetration of xenobiotics from the ‘outside–in’. It appears that most compounds are constrained to transport via the tortuous lipid‐filled intercellular domain of the SC, substantially lowering the permeability of the membrane. Molecular penetration of the skin barrier depends upon the drug's lipophilicity, its size and its solubility properties. Various topical drug formulations have been developed to treat dermatological disease. However, typically, only a few per cent of the applied drug dose actually becomes available at the site of action. Consequently, drug treatment of skin disease is associated with large variability and the demonstration of safety and efficacy currently requires clinical trials with very large patient numbers.
Dermatoses of the Scalp
Authors: Farrant Paul , Mowbray Megan , Sinclair Rodney D.
Published: September 2022

The scalp is a common site of skin problems and a frequent reason for a dermatological consultation. The scalp has a large number of terminal hair follicles, arranged in follicular units that cover the scalp surface. The presence of hairs presents unique problems in the management of the inflammatory skin conditions discussed below. The loss of hair that occurs with age and disease leads to increased ultraviolet exposure to the scalp and subsequent risk of actinic damage and skin cancer. In addition to inflammatory skin conditions and tumours, the scalp is a common site of infections, pruritus and dysaesthesia. In this chapter the disorders that present most frequently in the scalp are discussed, focusing on the management differences at this site. A distinction is made between conditions that present with scale, pustules, secondary alopecia or pruritus and dysaethesia.
Dermatoses of the Female Genitalia
Authors: Lewis Fiona
Published: September 2022

The female genitalia are affected by specific dermatoses, such as lichen sclerosus and lichen planus, but are also involved as part of more widespread cutaneous disease. This chapter covers the clinical features and management of dermatoses, infections and pre‐malignant and malignant disease of the female genitalia and highlights the issues that are specific to the region.
Adaptive command filtered control for switched multi‐input multi‐output nonlinear systems with hysteresis inputs
Authors: Wang Yuanqing , Niu Ben , Ahmad Adil , Liu Yajuan , Wang Huanqing , Zong Guangdeng , Alsaadi Fawaz
Published: September 2022

This article is devoted to designing an adaptive command filtered control scheme for a category of multiple‐input multiple‐output switched nonlinear systems with backlash‐like hysteresis. The “explosion of complexity” issue, which comes from the derivatives of the intermediate controller, is eliminated by using a command filter technique. Meanwhile, an error compensation mechanism is introduced to offset the filter error's impact on system performances and overcome the drawback of traditional dynamic surface control methods. Furthermore, a proper Lyapunov function and an adaptive law are fixed in the last step of the backstepping design procedure to surmount the design difficulty arising from the backlash‐like hysteresis nonlinearity. In a word, by utilizing the command filter technique, backstepping algorithm, and average dwell time method, an adaptive controller is constructed, which can not only guarantee that the system outputs track the desired trajectories as far as possible but also ensure all the signals are bounded. Simulation results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Enantioselective Organocatalyzed Functionalization of Tetramic and Tetronic Acids
Authors: Ciber Luka , Gorenc Ana , Hozjan Mišel , Požgan Franc , Svete Jurij , Brodnik Helena , Štefane Bogdan , Grošelj Uroš
Published: September 2022

Organocatalyzed Michael addition of N‐substituted tetramic acids to nitroalkene acceptors followed by O‐alkylation gave polyfunctionalized tetramic acid (31 examples, 59–94% ee). The enantioselectivity of the product was influenced by the N‐substituent of the substrate. Quantum chemical methods provided the mechanistic insights of the studied transformation. The preferred reaction pathway follows the model proposed by Pápai et al. Single crystal structure confirmed the absolute configuration, which was in line with the ECD measured and calculated structure. Additionally, a comparative study of the alkylation of a selected tetramic and tetronic acid with trans‐β‐nitrostyrene is disclosed. Follow‐up amidations demonstrated the applicability of this class of compounds for the incorporation into both dipeptide and depsipeptide sequences.

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“Back‐to‐Front” Indole and Carbazole Synthesis from N,N‐Bis‐(2‐bromoallyl)amines by Combining Carbolithiation Reactions with Gold‐Catalysis
Authors: Muñoz‐Torres Miguel A. , Martínez‐Lara Fernando , Solas Marta , Suárez‐Pantiga Samuel , Sanz Roberto
Published: September 2022

The combination of organolithium chemistry with gold catalysis has enabled the development of a synthetic strategy for accessing polysubstituted indoles and carbazoles from readily available starting materials. This method is based on a “back‐to‐front” approach from ketopyrroles, generated by intramolecular carbolithiation of N,N‐bis‐(2‐lithioallyl)amines that evolve into 3,4‐bis(lithiomethyl)dihydropyrrole intermediates capable of reacting with carboxylic esters and Weinreb amides. These ketopyrroles have demonstrated to be excellent precursors of mono or bis(alkynols)pyrroles that, under gold‐catalysis, experience a benzannulation reaction providing access to regioselectively substituted indoles or carbazoles.

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Gill and haematological alterations in Macrobrachium amazonicum adults in acute exposure to ammonia and nitrite isolated and combined
Authors: Dutra Fabrício Martins , Juvenal Jonatan Raphael , Forneck Sandra Carla , Brazão Claudia Caramelo , Ballester Eduardo Luis Cupertino
Published: September 2022

The present study evaluated the isolated and combined effect of total ammonia and nitrite on Macrobrachium amazonicum adults through the median lethal concentration (LC5096h), histological analysis of gills and total and differential haemolymph cell counts. Prawns (n = 640; 9.8 ± 0.9 cm and 8.22 ± 1.29 g) were subjected to an entirely randomised design in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme. Individuals were exposed to total ammonia (0, 18, 36 and 72 mg/L) and nitrite (0, 1, 2 and 4 mg/L) alone and in combination. Interaction between the compounds was determined by summing the additivity of the substances (S) and by calculating the additivity index (AI). The LC5096h of isolated compounds was 27.98 mg/L for total ammonia and 1.87 mg/L for nitrite. Total ammonia and nitrite combined showed an LC5096h of 22.36 and 1.17 mg/L, respectively. The sum of additivity ranged from 2.70 to 1.42 and the AI indicated that the toxicity of the mixture was 1.70 to 0.42 times lower, indicating an antagonistic effect of the compounds. High total haemocyte counts (THC) were observed at the higher concentrations of both compounds at a shorter exposure time. Reduction in THC was observed in the treatments with a longer exposure time. Differential haemocyte counts were similar between treatments. Increases in the extent of regressive damage and organ index (Iorg) values occurred with increasing concentrations of isolated total ammonia and nitrite. Mild to moderate presence of progressive damage was observed at intermediate combined concentrations, which elevated the Iorg values. The interaction of total ammonia and nitrite promoted a reduction in mortality compared to treatment with the isolated compounds. Thus, the results obtained guide decision‐making in production systems, which are currently based on studies where the compounds were evaluated acting in isolation.
Dynamic modeling of biotechnology adoption with individual versus social learning: An application to US corn farmers
Authors: Yoo Do‐il , Chavas Jean‐Paul
Published: September 2022

Relative roles of individual versus social learning on biotechnology adoption are investigated with an empirical focus on the adoption of Genetically Modified (GM) corn in the US Corn Belt. Relying on a Kalman filter algorithm, the unobservable learning process is parameterized in a dynamic programming problem, and parameters are estimated using a minimum‐distance estimator. Estimates show that farmers are risk‐averse and that both individual and social learning affect GM technology adoption with more importance on individual learning than social learning, whose statistical significances are confirmed by hypothesis testing. Sensitivity analysis results show that social learning contributes to lower GM adoption rates, reflecting a strategic delay in the presence of information externalities in the early and middle diffusion stages. [EconLit Citations: C61, D83, O33].
Crash 2 Squash: An Autonomous Drone for the Traversal of Narrow Passageways
Authors: Fabris Amedeo , Aucone Emanuele , Mintchev Stefano
Published: September 2022

Access and exploration of confined and cluttered spaces is a major challenge in search and rescue, maintenance of infrastructures, and environmental monitoring. However, existing drones can only access passageways that are 30% narrower of their size. Herein, a drone that can squeeze its way through arbitrarily long passages that are half its width is presented. This is achieved by developing a quadrotor that synergistically embodies a soft foldable frame, multimodal mobility, and autonomous navigation. The drone exploits visual perception to detect the entrance of the gap and aerial mobility to align and fly toward it. The entry is made possible by the soft design of the frame, which passively folds without breaking when the drone flies and then collides at a controlled speed with the entrance of the passage, i.e., the “crash to squash” entry maneuver. Once inside, the quadrotor uses terrestrial locomotion for the traversal. The mechanical design of the drone and the performance of the “crash to squash” entry maneuver in passageways of different sizes are experimentally characterized. Finally, the control method is validated by indoor autonomous flights.
Design and Closed‐Loop Motion Planning of an Untethered Swimming Soft Robot Using 2D Discrete Elastic Rods Simulations
Authors: Huang Xiaonan , Patterson Zach J. , Sabelhaus Andrew P. , Huang Weicheng , Chin Kiyn , Ren Zhijian , Jawed Mohammad Khalid , Majidi Carmel
Published: September 2022

Despite tremendous progress in the development of untethered soft robots in recent years, existing systems lack the mobility, model‐based control, and motion planning capabilities of their piecewise rigid counterparts. As in conventional robotic systems, the development of versatile locomotion of soft robots is aided by the integration of hardware design and control with modeling tools that account for their unique mechanics and environmental interactions. Here, a framework for physics‐based modeling, motion planning, and control of a fully untethered swimming soft robot is introduced. This framework enables offline co‐design in the simulation of robot parameters and gaits to produce effective open‐loop behaviors and enables closed‐loop planning over motion primitives for feedback control of a frog‐inspired soft robot testbed. This pipeline uses a discrete elastic rods (DERs) physics engine that discretizes the soft robot as many stretchable and bendable rods. On hardware, an untethered aquatic soft robot that performs frog‐like rowing behaviors is engineered. Hardware validation verifies that the simulation has sufficient accuracy to find the best candidates for sets of parameters offline. The simulator is then used to generate a trajectory library of the robot's motion in simulation that is used in real‐time closed‐loop path following experiments on hardware.
Environmental contributions to the evolution of trait differences inGeum triflorum: Implications for restoration
Authors: Volk Kate , Braasch Joseph , Ahlering Marissa , Hamilton Jill A.
Published: September 2022

Premise

How the environment influences the distribution of trait variation across a species’ range has important implications for seed transfer during restoration. Evolution across environments could influence fitness when individuals are transferred into new environments. Here, we evaluate the role the environment has had on the distribution of genetic variance for traits important to adaptation.

Methods

In a common garden experiment, we quantified trait differentiation for populations ofGeum triflorumsourced from three distinct ecoregions and evaluated the ability of climate to predict trait variation. Populations were sourced from the Manitoba and Great Lake alvar ecoregions that experience predictable extremes in seasonal water availability and the prairie ecoregion which exhibits unpredictable changes in water availability.

Results

Plants sourced from alvar ecoregions exhibited smaller but more stomata and greater intrinsic water‐use efficiency relative to prairie plant populations, supporting the evolution of ecotypic differences. Estimates of standing genetic variance and heritable genetic variation for quantitative traits suggest alvar populations have greater adaptive potential. However, low evolvability suggests all populations likely have limited capacity to evolve in response to environmental change.

Conclusions

These results highlight the importance of the environment in influencing the evolution and distribution of genetic differences across populations used as seed sources for restoration. Additionally, these data may inform recommendations for seed transfer across novel environments and our expectations of populations’ adaptive potential.
COVID‐19 in the workplace: Self‐reported source of exposure and availability of personal protective equipment by industry and occupation in Michigan
Authors: Laskaris Zoey , Hirschtick Jana L. , Xie Yanmei , McKane Patricia , Fleischer Nancy L.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Fragmented industry and occupation surveillance data throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic has left public health practitioners and organizations with an insufficient understanding of high‐risk worker groups and the role of work in SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission.

Methods

We drew sequential probability samples of noninstitutionalized adults (18+) in the Michigan Disease Surveillance System with COVID‐19 onset before November 16, 2020 (N = 237,468). Among the 6000 selected, 1839 completed a survey between June 23, 2020, and April 23, 2021. We compared in‐person work status, source of self‐reported SARS‐CoV‐2 exposure, and availability of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) by industry and occupation using weighted descriptive statistics and Rao‐Scott χ2 tests. We identified industries with a disproportionate share of COVID‐19 infections by comparing our sample with the total share of employment by industry in Michigan using 2020 data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Results

Employed respondents (n = 1244) were predominantly female (53.1%), aged 44 and under (54.4%), and non‐Hispanic White (64.0%). 30.4% of all employed respondents reported work as the source of their SARS‐CoV‐2 exposure and 78.8% were in‐person workers. Work‐related exposure was prevalent in Nursing and Residential Care Facilities (65.2%); Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities (63.3%); and Food Manufacturing (57.5%). By occupation, work‐related exposure was highest among Protective Services (57.9%), Healthcare Support (56.5%), and Healthcare Practitioners (51.9%). Food Manufacturing; Nursing and Residential Care; and Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities were most likely to report having adequate PPE “never” or “rarely” (36.4%, 27.9%, and 26.7%, respectively).

Conclusions

Workplaces were a key source of self‐reported SARS‐CoV‐2 exposure among employed Michigan residents during the first year of the pandemic. To prevent transmission, there is an urgent need in public health surveillance for the collection of industry and occupation data of people infected with COVID‐19, as well as for future airborne infectious diseases for which we have little understanding of risk factors.
Newborn screening for Duchenne muscular dystrophy‐early detection and diagnostic algorithm for female carriers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Gruber Dorota , Lloyd‐Puryear Michele , Armstrong Niki , Scavina Mena , Tavakoli Norma P. , Brower Amy M. , Caggana Michele , Chung Wendy K.
Published: September 2022

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common pediatric‐onset form of muscular dystrophy, occurring in 1 in 5,000 live male births. DMD is a multi‐system disease resulting in muscle weakness with progressive deterioration of skeletal, heart, and smooth muscle, and learning disabilities. Pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in the DMD gene, which encodes dystrophin protein, cause dystrophinopathy. All males with a P/LP variant in the X‐linked DMD gene are expected to be affected. Two to 20% of female heterozygotes with a P/LP variant develop symptoms of dystrophinopathy ranging from mild muscle weakness to significant disability similar to Becker muscular dystrophy. Recently, with improvements in therapies and testing methodology, there is stronger evidence supporting newborn screening (NBS) for DMD for males and females because females may also develop symptoms. A consented pilot study to screen newborns for DMD was initiated in New York State (NYS) and conducted from 2019 to 2021. The identification of female carriers and the realization of the subsequent uncertainty of providers concerning follow‐up during the pilot led to the development of algorithms for screening and diagnosis of carrier females, including both NBS and cascade molecular testing of family members.