bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA Linear Block Codes: Generation, Error-Detection, and Error-Correction of DNA Codeword
Authors: Mondal Mandrita , Ray Kumar S.
Published: November 2023

In modern age, the increasing complexity of computation and communication technology is leading us towards the necessity of new paradigm. As a result, unconventional approach like DNA coding theory is gaining considerable attention. The storage capacity, information processing and transmission properties of DNA molecules stimulate the notion of DNA coding theory as well as DNA cryptography. In this paper we generate DNA codeword using DNA (n, k) linear block codes which ensures the secure transmission of information. In the proposed code design strategy DNA-based XOR operation (DNAX) is applied for effective construction of DNA codewords which are quadruples generated over the set of alphabets, . By worked out examples we explain the use of generator matrix and parity check matrix in encryption and decryption of coded data in the form of short single stranded DNA sequences. The newly developed technique is capable of detecting as well as correcting error in transmission of DNA codewords from sender to the intended receiver.
Advancements in Neuroradiology via Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Authors: Tripathi Sneha , Jha Mansi
Published: November 2023

Neuroradiology is significantly showing the broad impact in field of Artificial intelligence research and also in Machine learning. Neuro-radiology includes methods such as neuro-imaging which simply diagnose and characterize disorders of the CNS and PNS. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the main attribute in the field of computer science generally focusing on creating "algorithms" which can be used to solve any arbitrary desired problem. AI has several applications in the field of Neuroradiolody and one of the most common and influencing application is machine learning. Machine learning is a data science approach that allows computers to learn without being programmed with specific rules. Some of the factors which shows neuroradiological impact on AI research are; (a) neuroimaging comprising rich, multicontrast, multidimensional, and multimodality data which fit themselves well to machine learning tasks; (b) consideration of well-established neuroimaging public datasets of various neural diseases such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, tumors, different forms of sclerosis etc. (c) quantitative neuroimaging research history which proves clinical practices. Another major application is Deep learning which is useful in management of information content of digital pictures that a human reader can only identify and use partially. Except this various limitations also come in the picture such as adoption in neuroradiology practice etc. Till now several research has been done which connects the concepts of Neuroradiology and Artificial intelligence and yet more to be done so as to overcome the limitations of AI in Neuroradiology.
Review on DNA Cryptography
Authors: Mondal Mandrita , Ray Kumar S.
Published: November 2023

Cryptography is the science that secures data and communication over the network by applying mathematics and logic to design strong encryption methods. In the modern era of e-business and e-commerce the protection of confidentiality, integrity and availability (CIA triad) of stored information as well as of transmitted data is very crucial. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a genetic molecule consisting of two linked strands that wind around each other to form a double helical structure. The backbone of each strand is made of alternating deoxyribose sugar and phosphate groups. To each sugar one of four bases are attached i.e., adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) and thymine (T). DNA molecules, having the capacity to store, process and transmit information, inspires the idea of DNA cryptography. It is the rapid emerging unconventional techniques which combines the chemical characteristics of biological DNA sequences with classical cryptography to ensure non-vulnerable transmission of data. This innovative method is based on the notion of DNA computing. The methodologies of DNA cryptography are not coded mathematically; thus, it could be too secure to be cracked easily.
Identification of Selected Kinetoplastids 18S rRNA Residues required for Efficient Recruitment of Initiator tRNA Met and AUG Selection in silico
Authors: Ndung’u Mwangi Harrison , Muge Edward , Wagacha Peter Waiganjo , Ndakala Albert , Mulaa Francis Jackim
Published: November 2023

High Resolution 18S rRNA structures of kinetoplastids ribosomes from theoretical methods have provided atomic level details about the process of translation. This process entails detailed information on the mRNA and tRNA binding and decoding centers within the 18S rRNA that was previously not very well understood. We identified residues in selected kinetoplastids 18S rRNA critical in recruiting the first methionyl tRNA to the small ribosome subunit during initiation and comparing them to see the differences. The Kozak sequence presence on eukaryotic mRNAs tethers it to the AUG start codon. Kinetoplastids are a closely related group, and the three chosen exhibited differences in the A-site in terms of position and nucleotides found there. Interactions are found at the A-site (543-UUU-546 for T. cruzi, 560-CCUA-563 for T. brucei, and 540-UUUG-543 for Leishmania major), where the different mRNA get complementary sequences at the 16th helix. The current findings show that each messenger RNA has a sequence that is complementary to the appropriate 18S rRNA sequence, tethering the mRNA to the small ribosomal subunit, which then recruits the bigger subunit. When compared to the Kozak region that flanks the AUG start codon, this method effectively promotes start codon placement.
ProCbA: Protein Function Prediction based on Clique Analysis
Authors: Olyaee Mohammad Hossein , Behrouzinia Soudeh , Ghajehlo Mohammad Bagher , Khanteymoori Alireza
Published: November 2023

Protein function prediction based on protein-protein interactions (PPI) is one of the most important challenges of the post-Genomic era. Due to the fact that determining protein function by experimental techniques can be costly, function prediction has become an important challenge for computational biology and bioinformatics. Some researchers utilize graph- (or network-) based methods using PPI networks for unannotated proteins. The aim of this study is to increase the accuracy of the protein function prediction using two proposed methods. To predict protein functions, we propose a Protein Function Prediction based on Clique Analysis (ProCbA) and Protein Function Prediction on Neighborhood Counting using functional aggregation (ProNC-FA). Both ProCbA and ProNC-FA can predict the functions of unknown proteins. In addition, in ProNC-FA which does not include a new algorithm; we attempt to solve the essence of incomplete and noisy data of the PPI era in order to achieve a network with complete functional aggregation. The experimental results on MIPS data and the 17 different explained datasets validate the encouraging performance and the strength of both ProCbA and ProNC-FA on function prediction. Experimental result analysis demonstrates that both ProCbA and ProNC-FA are generally able to outperform all the other methods.
Striving for Excellence in Diabetes Management Research and Practice
Authors: Barsasella Diana
Published: November 2023

The research articles featured in this issue represent the pioneering efforts of scientists, clinicians, and researchers who strive to unravel the intricacies of diabetes. These studies shed light on novel therapeutic approaches, elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the disease, and explore the impact of lifestyle interventions on diabetes management. Through rigorous study design, meticulous data analysis, and robust conclusions, these research contributions form the foundation for evidence-based practice and inform clinical decision-making.
L’école d’été comme sémiotique de terrain. Positions de savoir dans un dispositif d’enquête urbaine
Authors: Provenzano François , Bonaccorsi Julia , Garcin-Marrou Isabelle , Valex Mathias , Darcis Damien , Regnault Cécile
Published: November 2023

L’article s’intéresse à un projet collectif mené depuis plusieurs années par une équipe pluridisciplinaire et ayant donné lieu à trois éditions d’écoles d’été sur le thème des « politiques des ambiances urbaines ». La démarche de l’école d’été consiste à collecter des matériaux audiovisuels permettant de problématiser un aspect de la ville dans laquelle est organisée l’école d’été, tour à tour en France et en Belgique. Les auteur·es mènent une analyse réflexive de cette expérience selon trois axes de problématisation : l’auctorialité reconnue aux résultats de l’enquête de terrain ; la formalisation sur laquelle elle repose en bonne part ; le pouvoir d’interpellation qui lui est prêté en réception. Il apparaît que l’objectif d’une sémiotique de terrain n’est pas tant de décrire ni même de révéler efficacement les régimes de sens qui structurent un environnement, que de faire porter ces effets critiques autant sur le terrain de l’enquête que sur l’enquête elle-même comme terrain.
Korporatīvās ilgtspējas virzītājspēku modelis uzņēmējdarbības dzīves ciklā
Authors:   , Zumente Ilze
Published: November 2023

Promocijas darbā pētīta ESG prakse CAE reģionā, īpašu uzmanību pievēršot Baltijas valstīm. Izpētīta ESG ieviešanas prakse Baltijas reģionā, kā arī apkopoti ESG virzītājspēki un šķēršļi. Pētīta saikne starp ESG ieviešanu un akcionāru vērtību. Pamatojoties uz ekspertu aptaujām un literatūras analīzi, noteikti ESG ieviešanas faktori. Darbā izmantota inovatīva pieeja, lai noteiktu attiecīgos ESG faktorus uzņēmuma dzīves cikla posmos, izmantojot analītiskās hierarhijas procesu. Secināts, ka atšķirīgi faktoru kopumi ietekmē ESG ieviešanas lēmumus dažādos uzņēmuma dzīves cikla posmos.
Model of Corporate Sustainability Drivers through Business Lifecycle
Authors:   , Zumente Ilze
Published: November 2023

The Thesis examines the state of ESG practices in the CEE region, with a focus on the Baltic countries. It outlines the status quo in ESG implementation and compliance with standards and summarises ESG drivers and barriers. The relationship between higher ESG implementation and shareholder value is examined. Subsequently, the factors affecting ESG adoption are determined based on expert surveys and literature review. Finally, an innovative approach is applied to determining the relevant ESG drivers across corporate life cycle stages using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The findings illustrate that different sets of drivers have an impact on ESG enactment decisions at different life cycle stages.
Genetic screen identified PRMT5 as a neuroprotection target against cerebral ischemia
Authors: Wu Haoyang , Lv Peiyuan , Wang Jinyu , Bennett Brian , Wang Jiajia , Li Pishun , Peng Yi , Hu Guang , Lin Jiaji
Published: November 2023

Epigenetic regulators present novel opportunities for both ischemic stroke research and therapeutic interventions. While previous work has implicated that they may provide neuroprotection by potentially influencing coordinated sets of genes and pathways, most of them remain largely uncharacterized in ischemic conditions. In this study, we used the oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model in the immortalized mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line HT-22 and carried out an RNAi screen on epigenetic regulators. PRMT5 was identified as a novel negative regulator of neuronal cell survival after OGD, which presented a phenotype of translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus upon oxygen and energy depletion both in vitro and in vivo. PRMT5 bound to the chromatin and a large number of promoter regions to repress downstream gene expression. Silencing Prmt5 significantly dampened the OGD-induced changes for a large-scale of genes, and gene ontology analysis showed that PRMT5-target genes were highly enriched for Hedgehog signaling. Encouraged by the above observation, mice were treated with middle cerebral artery occlusion with the PRMT5 inhibitor EPZ015666 and found that PRMT5 inhibition sustains protection against neuronal death in vivo. Together, these findings revealed a novel epigenetic mechanism of PRMT5 in cerebral ischemia and uncovered a potential target for neuroprotection.
Impact of nitrogen application and crop stage on epiphytic microbial communities on silage maize leaf surfaces
Authors: Wu Dan , Ma Xueling , Meng Yuanyan , Cai Rongjin , Zhang Xiaolong , Liu Li , Deng Lianping , Chen Changjing , Wang Fang , Xu Qingbiao , He Bin , He Mingzhu , Hu Rensheng , Zhen Jinjing , Han Yan , He Shaoshen , Xu Liuxing
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to examine the impact of nitrogen (N) fertilization on phyllosphere microorganisms in silage maize (Zea mays) to enhance the production of high-quality silage. The effects of different N application rates (160, 240, and 320 kg ha−1) and maturity stages (flowering and dough stages) on microbial diversity, abundance and physiochemical properties of the leaf surfaces were evaluated in a field experiment. The results showed that N application rates did not significantly impact the abundance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), aerobic bacteria (AB), yeasts, or molds on the leaf surfaces. However, these microbes were more abundant during the flowering stage compared to the dough stage. Furthermore, the N application rate had no significant impact on inorganic phosphorus, soluble sugar, free amino acids, total phenolic content, and soluble protein concentrations, or pH levels on the leaf surfaces. Notably, these chemical indices were lower during the dough stage. The abundance of Pantoea decreased with higher N application rates, while that of other microorganisms did not changes significantly. The abundance of AB, LAB, yeasts, and molds were positively correlated with soluble sugar, soluble protein, inorganic phosphorus, free amino acids, and total phenolic concentrations on leaf surfaces. Moreover, water loss was negatively correlated with the abundance of AB, LAB, yeasts, and molds, whereas water retention capacity and stomatal density were positively correlated with microbial abundance. We recommend applying an optimal N rate of 160 kg ha−1 to silage maize and harvesting at the flowering stage is recommended.
Precarious Privilege: Race and the Middle-Class Immigrant Experience
Authors: Browne Irene
Published: November 2023

Precarious Privilege demonstrates how social class permeates all aspects of the racialization of illegality in Atlanta today, from the stigmatized image of the “typical Latino” as a working-class undocumented Mexican to the political and media elites that construct this image to the heritage belief systems, identities, and markers of prestige that middle-class Latino immigrants deploy to resist such stigmatization. As the intensifying state-sponsored racialization of illegality throughout the United States threatens the status of Latino professionals, many marshal transnational middle-class status to combat it. To understand how social class privilege shapes both the experience of racialization of illegality and middle-class Latino immigrants’ reactions and responses, Irene Browne addresses two guiding questions: First, how do first-generation middle-class Mexican and Dominican immigrants experience the racialization of illegality in Atlanta? Second, how does social class factor into this experience of racialization, and into the strategies that Mexican and Dominican immigrants deploy to negotiate and resist it? The book will aid policymakers and scholars in efforts to address anti-immigrant racism and benefit professionals such as teachers, healthcare workers, and counselors by highlighting the diversity within the Latino immigrant population and identifying the difficulties that this population faces. It will also help activists by explaining how middle-class Latino immigrants situate themselves within the U.S. landscape of race and inequality and the general public by offering a more complex picture of Latino immigrants.
Avaliação da qualidade do pavimento dos trechos da BR-101 e da BR-415 através do método de levantamento visual contínuo
Authors: Teixeira Niel Nascimento , Miranda Neto Flaviano Gonçalves , De Lima Cleverson Alves , Cruz Júnior Dionísio Costa
Published: November 2023

Segundo um estudo divulgado em 2022 pela Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT), mais da metade (66%) das estradas do país foram consideradas deficientes, com classificação Regular, Ruim ou Péssimo. Esse cenário é ainda mais preocupante nas rodovias da Bahia, nas quais 72% apresentam algum tipo de patologia. A realização de avaliações e manutenções regulares das rodovias é fundamental para evitar o agravamento de problemas. Portanto, este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a superfície do pavimento e conhecer as atuais condições de qualidade em um trecho das rodovias BR-415 e BR-101, aplicando o método de Levantamento Visual Contínuo, seguindo as diretrizes estabelecidas pela norma DNIT 008/2003-PRO. O trecho avaliado tem uma extensão total de 16 km e foi dividido em segmentos com 1 km A divisão foi realizada de acordo com os critérios normativos, sendo adotada a extensão mínima indicada pela norma. Os segmentos foram inspecionados seguindo os critérios normativos, sendo posteriormente tabulados e sistematizados, obtendo-se os seguintes índices de frequência das patologias no revestimento: IGGE (Índice de Gravidade Global Expedito), ICPF (Índice de Condição de Pavimentos Flexíveis) e IES (Índice do Estado de Superfície). Pelos resultados obtidos após avaliação, o trecho da BR-415 foi categorizado como Regular nos subtrechos urbanos e Ótimo nos subtrechos fora da zona urbana, enquanto os subtrechos da BR-101 foram categorizados como Ruim e Péssimo, apresentando danos em diversos segmentos.
Plano municipal de saneamento básico de Cerro Largo/RS: avaliação da gestão de resíduos e proposição de melhorias ambientais
Authors: Leobett Jaqueline Steffler , Bertolo Jéssica Piovesan , Hellmann Liliane , Alves Alcione Aparecida de Almeida , Tones Aline Raquel Müller
Published: November 2023

De forma a considerar as exigências impostas pela Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos (PNRS), instituída pela Lei Federal nº 12.305/2010, e pela Lei Federal de Saneamento Básico, instituída pela Lei nº 11.445/2007, destaca-se como instrumento de gestão para os resíduos sólidos urbanos (RSU) a elaboração do Plano Municipal de Gestão Integrada de Resíduos Sólidos (PMGIRS) o qual deve estar contido no Plano Municipal de Saneamento Básico (PMSB), para municípios com população inferior a 20.000 habitantes. Dada a relevância e exigência legal, o objetivo do estudo baseia-se na revisão do antigo (2012) e atual (2022) PMSB do município de Cerro Largo/RS, para de verificar o atendimento ao conteúdo mínimo exigido pela PNRS, pelo Decreto Federal nº 7.404/2010 e pela Lei Federal nº 14.026/2020, a fim de comparar o avanço nesse período e propor melhorias conforme as modificações ambientais, sociais e legislação vigente. Utilizou-se os PMSB do município de Cerro Largo/RS para a coleta dos dados. A partir das análises verificou-se que o PMSB (2012) possui muitos itens que não atendem ao conteúdo mínimo da Legislação, sendo 48,2% em relação ao PMSB e 28,6% em relação ao PMSGIRS. A análise do PMSB (2022) também revelou inconformidades com a Legislação, sendo 33,3% relacionados ao PMSB e 5,3% relacionadas ao PMSGIRS, demonstrando uma carência de diagnósticos para questões futuras, como o crescimento populacional e o saneamento básico municipal. Estudos como este contribuem no conhecimento da realidade dos PMSB dos municípios brasileiros e torna possível a identificação de melhorias necessárias no saneamento básico municipal.
Alimentos da sociobiodiversidade do estado do Pará oriundos da agricultura familiar para atendimento ao PNAE
Authors: Sousa Jucilene Magalhães Alves , Rodrigues Aline Danielle Di Paula Silva , Da Silva Isameriliam Rosaulem Pereira , Da Silva Luisa Margareth Carneiro , Dutra Claudia Daniele Tavares , De Moraes Hellen Cristina Campos , Dias Ivanira Amaral , Frazão Andréa das Graças Ferreira
Published: November 2023

O Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar tem suas diretrizes pautadas no emprego de uma alimentação saudável e adequada, através do uso de alimentos seguros, variados e que respeitem a cultura alimentar local, bem como a utilização de gêneros alimentícios oriundos da sociobiodiversidade regional na composição dos cardápios escolares. O estudo objetivou elencar os principais produtos da sociobiodiversidade do estado do Pará solicitados para aquisição nas Chamadas Públicas de uma Região Geográfica Intermediária (RGI) do Estado do Pará. Estudo transversal, descritivo e analítico, com utilização de dados disponíveis para consulta pública no Mural de Licitações do Tribunal de Contas dos Municípios do Estado do Pará. Selecionou-se os processos de Chamada Pública, com seus respectivos Termos de Referência (TR) para aquisição de gêneros alimentícios para atendimento do PNAE, nos 19 municípios da RGI de Santarém, publicados no ano de 2021. Dos 50 itens da sociobiodiversidade do estado do Pará, apenas 13 itens foram solicitados nos TR. Evidenciou-se também, que a mandioca e seus derivados possuem forte peso na cultura alimentar do estado do Pará, sendo que a raiz in natura foi solicitada em 14 editais, a farinha de mandioca em 12 e a farinha de tapioca em 8, concentrando mais da metade dos itens solicitados. Outros produtos solicitados, em forma de polpa, foram: cupuaçu, maracujá, açaí, taperebá e caju. Constatou-se que a mandioca, a farinha de mandioca e a farinha de tapioca foram os 3 principais alimentos solicitados pelos 19 municípios que compõem a RGI de Santarém.
Quality Characterization of Instant Pounded Yam Flour and its Composites Using Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Kosoko Sulaimon Babatunde , Orunaboka Wilson Tamunotonye , Aina Abiona Sunday
Published: November 2023

The importance of producing acceptable composite instant pounded yam flour has been challenging in todays’ consumer market due to various substitutes been utilized during its  production process as a way of reducing the production cost hence the need to carry out quality assessment of the products.

Aims: This study examined the functional and pasting characteristics of composite Instant Pounded Yam Flour (IPYF) made from varying substitution levels (15%, 30% and 45%) of Dehulled White Sorghum Flour (DWSF), White Rice Flour (WREF) and High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF).

Study Design: The study was a factorial design.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at Food Technology Department, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State and Department of Food, Nutrition and Home Science, University of Port Harcourt (Processing and analysis of raw materials) between September, 2022 and May, 2023.

Methodology: Raw materials were processed into flours and combined with at varying levels. The functional and pasting properties of the flours (individual and composite samples) were subsequently determined and then subjected to Principal Component Analysis.

Results: Significant differences (P≤0.05) were found between the functional and pasting characteristics of the various flour samples, with IPYF having the highest mean value of 0.85 ± 0.02, 243.00 ± 3.00, 79.50 ± 1.00, 7.00 ± 0.56 and 83.10 ± 0.75 for pack bulk density, water absorption capacity, water binding capacity, peak time and pasting temperature respectively among others while HQCF has the highest mean value for oil absorption capacity (104.95 ± 2.77) and peak viscosity (350.75 ± 1.04), DWSF has the highest mean value setback viscosity (140.33 ± 0.92)  and white rice flour has the highest mean value for trough viscosity (227.75 ± 1.84) and final viscosity (334.67 ± 1.62). Significant variations (P≤0.05) were also seen across the composite flours, with the peak viscosity of the HQCF-IPYF increasing with the level of replacement.

Conclusion: HQCF substitution level of 15% would be recommended for the production of composite IPYF that has the nearly similar and pasting characteristics of 100% Instant Pounded Yam Flour.
A Study of Phytoplankton and Zooplankton Diversity in the River Sabarmati, Gujarat, India
Authors: Vaghela Krishnakumar B. , Shukla Devangee P. , Jain Nayan K.
Published: November 2023

Abiotic and biotic components are divided into two categories to describe the structural ecosystem. Aquatic plants and animals can find a suitable habitat in the river's water body. Planktons are an important component of the wetland ecology and may serve as a marker of altering water quality. Zooplankton mostly obtains its nutrition from phytoplankton, an ecosystem producer. Most fish larvae and other plankton-eating fishes feed primarily on zooplankton species. All aquatic ecosystems' dynamics revolve around primary productivity, which sustains various food chains and food webs. The overgrowth of macrophytes, pesticides from agricultural runoff, household garbage, sewage sludge, feces near rivers, bathing of domestic animals, washing of clothing and utensils, etc. have all put pressure on river ecosystems over the past many years. Most plants and animals struggle to survive in polluted environments, but those that can handle the stress of pollution on their own may be able to. These creatures can serve as pollution indicators, or more particularly, as bioindicators of the ecosystem's trophic condition. In this article, Sabarmati River's phytoplankton and zooplankton communities were evaluated at six different locations. The current investigations were researched from January 2017 to December 2019 over a period of around 3 years.  Several published plankton manuals were used for plankton collection and identification. Aquatic flora analyzed here in two respects i.e., phytoplankton and aquatic vegetation or aquatic weeds. Phytoplankton were represented by four groups, viz. Bacilariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, and Euglenophyceae. Diversity study reveals common planktonic forms present at different sites of sampling. In general, aquatic weeds like Hydrilla, Valesneria, Chara, Nymphea, Pistia, Typha etc. were commonly found in the study area. Protozoa, Cladocera, Copepoda and Rotifers are the main groups of zooplankton found in freshwater bodies. Six Molluscans and sixteen Arthropods were identified to be the most commonly occurring riparian fauna. The annual values of all zooplankton showed greater densities at site-1 and site-6 followed by other sites, respectively. When the data were analyzed for contribution of each phylum to the overall zooplankton densities, it was dominated by Protozoa and Arthropods throughout the study period. This was followed by Rotifera, Annelid and Nematoda, respectively. The percentile composition of protozoan fauna at six study sites suggested that on more than half of the sampling occasions their major contribution was recorded at sites 1, 2 and 6  followed by sites 5, 4 and 3, respectively.
Organic Carbon and Biological Properties of Soils in Various Agro-Ecological Units of Kerala, India
Authors: Adilakshmi K.  , Aparna B.  , Rani B.  , Gladis R.  , Leno Naveen , Thomas Usha C. , Visveswaran S.
Published: November 2023

A study was carried out in four agro-ecological units (AEUs), viz., southern laterites (AEU 8), south central laterites (AEU 9), north central laterites (AEU 10), and the northern laterites (AEU 11) of Kerala, with the objective of detailing the soil fertility status of the study area and unveiling the relationship between organic carbon (OC) and various biological properties of soils, like population of phosphorus solubilizers and acid phosphatase activity, by following one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings of the study revealed that the average values of OC among the four AEUs varied from 0.63 to 0.82%, and remarkably, 98% of the collected soils displayed OC content ranging from 0.5 to 1.5%. The mean values for the population of phosphorus solubilizers ranged from 3.12 to 3.34 log cfu g-1 soil. The acid phosphatase activity also varied across the study area, with mean values ranging from 24.84 to 30.70 µg p-nitrophenol produced g-1 soil h-1, and most of the collected soils showed activity between 25 and 50 µg p-nitrophenol produced g-1 soil h-1. Implementation of effective soil management practices, in accordance with soil test results, is imperative for the preservation and enhancement of organic carbon levels through the incorporation of organic matter, such as compost and cover crops, while minimizing the excessive use of chemical fertilizers. This approach not only augments organic carbon content but also enhances the biological properties of soils, thereby improving soil fertility and overall soil health.
Field Efficacy of Insecticides against Fall Army Worm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) on Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Chandar Ashok Sakharam , Tayde Anoorag R.
Published: November 2023

The field investigation was carried out during the Kharif season 2021 and 2022 in Central Research Farm (CRF), Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design with twelve treatments each replicated thrice viz., Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC (0.5 ml/l), Lambda cyhalothrin 2.5% EC (10 ml/l), Thiamethoxam 25 WG (10 gm/kg), Profenophos 50 EC (3ml/l), Cypermethrin 10 EC (4 ml/l), Neem oil 3% (30 ml/l), Verticillium lecani 1.15 WP (15 ml/l), Spinosad 45 SC (0.3 ml/l), Emamectin benzoate 5 SG (0.40 gm/kg), Indoxacarb 15.8 EC (1.5 ml/l), NSKE 5% (50 ml/l) and control plot. The result on Spodoptera frugiperda larval population after first and second spray in kharif 2021 and kharif 2022 evaluated that all the treatments were significantly superior over the control. Among the all treatments Emamectin benzoate 5 SG (2.24), (0.82) and (3.61), (2.33) was recorded minimum larval population of the both spray followed by, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC (2.41), (1.01) and (3.82), (2.46), Indoxacarb 15.8 EC (2.53), (1.13) and (3.92), (2.55), Thiamethoxam 25 WG (2.66), (1.26) and (3.99), (2.66), Lambda cyhalothrin 2.5% EC (2.73), (1.33) and (4.06), (2.73) and Spinosad 45 SC (2.86), (1.46) and (4.12), (3.79). In this Profenophos 50 EC (2.93), (1.53) and (4.19), (2.86), Cypermethrin 10 EC (2.99), (1.59) and (4.32), (2.99), Verticillium lecani 1.15 WP (3.06), (1.66) and (4.39), (3.06),  Neem oil 3% (3.13), (1.73) and (4.46), (3.13), NSKE 5% (3.19), (1.79) and (4.55), (3.24) is found to be least effective than all the treatments and is significantly superior over the control (4.99), (6.19) and (6.40), (7.19).
Analysis of Soil Microbial Activity and Population in Rhizosphere Soil Exposed to Chlorpyrifos
Authors: Avinash S. H.  , Naik Nagaraj M. , Swamy Mahadev , Bheemanna M. , Naik Harishchandra R. , Gundappagol R. C.
Published: November 2023

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a popular organophosphorus pesticide that is widely employed in agricultural activities. However, we lack information regarding the relationship between soil microbial activity and population under CPF influence, which prohibits us from measuring CPF's actual impact on soil. In the present study, the effect of chlorpyrifos on soil microbial activity was assessed in an indoor pot experiment. The fertile soil was treated with 500 ppm of commercial-grade chlorpyrifos and paddy seedlings were transplanted. The soils treated with bacterial inoculants showed an increased microbial population on the 30th day after inoculation compared to soil receiving sole chlorpyrifos treatment. The same trend was followed on the 60th & 90th day as well. The combination of inoculants resulted in a maximum increase in the population compared to the single inoculants. As a result, there was an increase in soil enzymatic activities viz. dehydrogenase and phosphatase. Thus, inoculating the pesticide-degrading bacteria would lessen the detrimental effects of pesticides on the soil health.
Conservation Agriculture System Impact on Soil Nutrient Status in Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India
Authors: Devappa  , Rajashekarappa, K. S.  , Mudalagiriyappa  , Devaraj, K.  , Latha, H. S.
Published: November 2023

Tillage is the physical manipulation of soil into optimum conditions, which enhance the soil health for better crop productivity. A field investigation was carried out to evaluate conservation agriculture effect on soil nutrient conservation and set up in spilt plot design. Zero tillage (M3) witnessed significantly (P<0.05) greater nitrogen availability (288.17, 251.39 and 239.70 kg ha-1), K2O (229.04, 209.80 and 193.73 kg ha-1) than conventional tillage (M1) at soil depths 0-7.5, 7.5-15 and 15-30 cm, respectively. In green manuring practices, horse gram (C3) recorded OC (0.53, 0.51 and 0.47 %), available sulphur (23.38, 20.61 and 18.10 mg kg-1) followed by sun hemp. The interaction combination of M3C3 recorded highest soil nutrient status. Significantly lowest microbial population were found in M1, was due to faster decomposition organic matter resulted in unfavourable condition for survival. Overall adopting M1 alone (1 Ploughing + 2 harrowing + 1 intercultural operation) adversely affect soil health.
Effect of Drip Irrigation and Nitrogen Fertigation on Some Growth Parameters of Fennel
Authors: Akash  , Ghiyal Vikram , Malik T. P. , Raa Vikas , Yadav Preeti , Chaman  , Kumar Sunil , Dagar Sandeep
Published: November 2023

The present investigation titled “Effect of drip irrigation and nitrogen fertigation on growth parameters of fennel” was conducted during the Rabi season for two years 2021-22 and 2022-23 at Research Farm of the Department of Vegetable Science, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana. The experiment consists of two varieties viz., V1: Hisar Swarup, V2: HF 143, four Irrigation scheduling viz., I1: 0.6 IW/CPE (Irrigation water/ Cumulative pan evapotranspiration) through drip, I2: 0.8 IW/CPE through drip, I3: 1.0 IW/CPE through drip, I4: 1.2 IW/CPE through drip, three nitrogen levels viz., N1: 20 kg/ha, N2: 35 kg/ha, N3: 50 kg/ha. During field preparation, half a dose of nitrogen as urea and a full dose of phosphorus in the form of SSP were applied as a basal dosage. Necessary measurements and plant protection measures were implemented following the recommended package practice of HAU to manage insect pests and diseases. There is a increase in growth parameters viz., plant height, number of primary and secondary branches, days to 50% maturity and flowering when drip irrigation and nitrogen levels increases. The study concluded that variety HF-143 with irrigation scheduling I3 and nitrogen dose N3 were found superior over other treatments for better growth parameters.
Assessment of Socio-economic Impact of Human-wildlife Conflict on Agriculture: A Case of Smallholder and Subsistence Farmers in Eastern Bhutan
Authors: Yoezer Karma , Dema Rinzin
Published: November 2023

Human-wildlife conflicts are a great concern in where ecosystem services are shared between humans and wildlife animals. This paper examines the socio-economic impacts of human-wildlife conflicts. A descriptive survey design was employed in this study. Primary data were collected by using a simple random sample from 120 households. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency and percentages. The study results showed that there is a substantial social and economic impact on the smallholder and marginal farmers through the loss of crops due to wild animals. The majority of farmers (23%) had incurred annual household economic loss ranging from US$49-US$59 per household.
Use of Connected Objects (IoT) in the Agricultural Sector in Burkina Faso: Approaches and Perspectives
Authors: Kabore W. Rodrigue , Imbga B. Kossi , Kabore Boureima
Published: November 2023

The connected revolution is the great revolution of the early 21st century, and it involves far greater upheavals than the arrival of smartphones and tablets. "Measuring", "calculating", "monitoring", "reporting", "controlling" and finally "understanding" and "correcting" are becoming personal reflexes in the same way as branches of business activity. It's a new way of understanding the world and interacting with it that is available to today's generations. These connected technologies undoubtedly play a major role in the competitiveness of human actions in their social and organizational lives. Businesses, government departments and public services are all concerned, given the role they play in economic performance, especially in Burkina Faso, where 80% of the population are farmers and agribusiness is seeing the light of day more and more. These technologies, known as IoT, give an arrange of interconnected gadgets and sensors for the industry that collects and share information. IoT can be inserted in soil, crops, apparatus, and animals to screen temperature, stickiness, soil dampness, supplement levels, and creature behavior. Encourage, this assembled information is at that point analyzed & utilized for making educated choices around water system, fertilization, illness avoidance, and in general cultivate administration. For occasion, agriculturists can presently get to real-time information from their smartphones or tablet and screen soil conditions and edit wellbeing. Exact experiences empower productive decision-making to maximize fertilizer utilization and optimize cultivate vehicle courses.
Microbiological Survey of Animate and Inanimate Surfaces in a Correctional Center, South-South, Nigeria
Authors: Ohanekwu C. I. , Sampson T. , Peekate L. P.
Published: November 2023

Correctional centers (formerly referred to as prisons, in Nigeria) are facilities where offenders of the law are kept after been convicted of a crime. Many factors have in recent time contributed to an increasing rate of morbidity and mortality in these facilities, including overcrowding, poor sanitary conditions, inadequate ventilation, extreme temperatures, inadequate means for maintaining personal hygiene, lack of access to clean drinking water, and nutritionally deficient food. This study therefore centered on the microbiological survey of animate and inanimate surfaces in a correctional center, South-South Nigeria. For this research, a total of 150 samples (100 from skin (upper arm) and 50 from wall surfaces) were collected from the inmate skins and inanimate surfaces, using sterile swab sticks and were immediately transported to the Department of Microbiology Laboratory, Rivers State University for analyses using standard microbiological procedures. Data obtained from the study showed the inmates within the age bracket 21-30 were the highest (44%) while the age bracket 71-80 represented the lowest (1%) number of inmates. The study showed that male inmates represented 75% of the prisoners studied while the female represented 25%. The result showed that 37% of the studied inmates had spent 2-4 years in the correctional center while the least period of exposure or stay in the facility was recorded for 13 years in the correctional center, which represented 1% of the inmates. The age bracket 21-30 recorded the highest number of microorganisms (39) and 71-80 showed the least (1). Different microbial species were recovered from the skin of the inmates and included Staphylococcus spp, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus spp, Klebsiella spp, Bacillus spp, and Aspergillus spp., with Staphylococcus spp showing the highest occurrence of 48%, while Klebsiella spp had the least occurrence (1%).The study indicated that the correctional center could pose serious environmental health concerns, requiring public health interventions. Adequate personal hygiene should be encouraged among the inmates. Regular sanitation as well as adequate healthcare and routine checkup should therefore be made available to the inmates.
As Semaglutide’s Popularity Soars, Rare but Serious Adverse Effects Are Emerging
Authors: Ruder Kate
Published: November 2023

This Medical News article discusses Wegovy, Ozempic, and other GLP-1 receptor agonists used for weight management and type 2 diabetes.
Swollen Right Upper Limb in a Man in His 60s Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Liu Shengmei , Hu Sixian , Peng Liqing
Published: November 2023

This case report discusses a diagnosis of in-stent thrombus using dual-layer spectral computed tomography with Z-effective images.
Perceptions of US-Based Muslim Patients of Their Dermatology Care
Authors: El-Banna Ghida , Rezaei Shawheen Justin , Chang Michelle , Merrell Sylvia Bereknyei , Bailey Elizabeth E. , Kibbi Nour
Published: November 2023

Importance

Cultural humility training is of growing interest, yet the religious and cultural accommodations of Muslim patients in dermatology have not been studied.

Objective

To explore the perceptions of Muslim patients of their dermatology care.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This qualitative mixed-methods study, consisting of surveys and semistructured interviews, recruited participants from 2 clinical sites within a large academic health care system in California. Participants were adult, English-speaking, Muslim patients who were evaluated at least once by a medical or surgical dermatologist between January 2022 and January 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

A survey obtained the following data: demographics, religious practices pertinent to dermatology care, and experiences of bias outside and inside the dermatology clinic. Semistructured interviews covered topics related to positive and negative experiences in the dermatology clinic, accommodation of cultural and religious needs in dermatology, and future interventions.

Results

A total of 21 patients (mean [SD] age, 36.4 [11.6] years; range, 26-71 years) participated in the study: 5 male individuals (24%) and 16 female individuals (76%), including 10 female individuals who wore hijab. Eleven participants identified as Middle Eastern (52%), 8 as South Asian (38%), 1 as North African (5%), and 1 as Pacific Islander (5%). Survey results showed variations in the impact of Islamic practices on dermatology care. Interviews showed that Muslim participants did not perceive dermatology care as a priority and expressed interest in community events focused on general dermatology education. They also experienced stigmatization of their skin disease and cosmetic care. Prior experiences with Islamophobia and colorism hindered the Muslim patient–dermatologist relationship and disclosure of the need for accommodations. There were instances when participants experienced bias and poor cultural humility from dermatologists. Finally, Muslim participants had unique religious and cultural needs pertinent to their care, including clinician gender concordance, medication timing adjustment while fasting, and halal medication ingredients.

Conclusions and Relevance

This qualitative mixed-methods study explored the experiences of Muslim patients in dermatology in the US. Recommendations supported by this study include incorporating religion into cultural humility training, increasing diversity in the dermatology workforce, implementing policies for clearer medication labeling, supporting dermatology research in subpopulations of Muslim individuals in the US, and partnering with community organizations for dermatology education.
Completion of Recommended Tests and Referrals in Telehealth vs In-Person Visits
Authors: Zhong Anthony , Amat Maelys J. , Anderson Timothy S. , Shafiq Umber , Sternberg Scot B. , Salant Talya , Fernandez Leonor , Schiff Gordon D. , Aronson Mark D. , Benneyan James C. , Singer Sara J. , Phillips Russell S.
Published: November 2023

Importance

Use of telehealth has increased substantially in recent years. However, little is known about whether the likelihood of completing recommended tests and specialty referrals—termed diagnostic loop closure—is associated with visit modality.

Objectives

To examine the prevalence of diagnostic loop closure for tests and referrals ordered at telehealth visits vs in-person visits and identify associated factors.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In a retrospective cohort study, all patient visits from March 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021, at 1 large urban hospital-based primary care practice and 1 affiliated community health center in Boston, Massachusetts, were evaluated.

Main Measures

Prevalence of diagnostic loop closure for (1) colonoscopy referrals (screening and diagnostic), (2) dermatology referrals for suspicious skin lesions, and (3) cardiac stress tests.

Results

The study included test and referral orders for 4133 patients (mean [SD] age, 59.3 [11.7] years; 2163 [52.3%] women; 203 [4.9%] Asian, 1146 [27.7%] Black, 2362 [57.1%] White, and 422 [10.2%] unknown or other race). A total of 1151 of the 4133 orders (27.8%) were placed during a telehealth visit. Of the telehealth orders, 42.6% were completed within the designated time frame vs 58.4% of those ordered during in-person visits and 57.4% of those ordered without a visit. In an adjusted analysis, patients with telehealth visits were less likely to close the loop for all test types compared with those with in-person visits (odds ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.47-0.64).

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that rates of loop closure were low for all test types across all visit modalities but worse for telehealth. Failure to close diagnostic loops presents a patient safety challenge in primary care that may be of particular concern during telehealth encounters.
Computational analysis of protein–protein interactions of cancer drivers in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Pei Jimin , Zhang Jing , Cong Qian
Published: November 2023

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer with rising cases in recent years. Extensive research has identified various cancer driver proteins associated with different subtypes of RCC. Most RCC drivers are encoded by tumor suppressor genes and exhibit enrichment in functional categories such as protein degradation, chromatin remodeling, and transcription. To further our understanding of RCC, we utilized powerful deep‐learning methods based on AlphaFold to predict protein–protein interactions (PPIs) involving RCC drivers. We predicted high‐confidence complexes formed by various RCC drivers, including TCEB1, KMT2C/D and KDM6A of the COMPASS‐related complexes, TSC1 of the MTOR pathway, and TRRAP. These predictions provide valuable structural insights into the interaction interfaces, some of which are promising targets for cancer drug design, such as the NRF2‐MAFK interface. Cancer somatic missense mutations from large datasets of genome sequencing of RCCs were mapped to the interfaces of predicted and experimental structures of PPIs involving RCC drivers, and their effects on the binding affinity were evaluated. We observed more than 100 cancer somatic mutations affecting the binding affinity of complexes formed by key RCC drivers such as VHL and TCEB1. These findings emphasize the importance of these mutations in RCC pathogenesis and potentially offer new avenues for targeted therapies.