bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Slovak Army at Zero Hour
Authors: Pejs Oldřich
Published: August 2024

Formally, the Slovak Army was established on 14 March 1939, when the independent Slovak State was proclaimed. The Slovak State marked this historical moment as the beginning of one of its essential components. Concurrently, the Slovak Army established a new tradition, distinct and independent from Czechoslovak influence. In fact, the formation of the Slovak Army was a gradual process that extended over time. The new Slovak Army emerged not as a separate entity but from within the existing Czech-Slovak Army, adopting its organizatio nal structure, command system, and military regulations. Only gradually, step by step, it was adapting the old mechanisms to the new national security conditions and the reduced territorial range. After initial improvisations, a new phenomenon entered the process of the Slovak Army origin: the guidance by the German Armed Forces.
Situation among Slovak Salaried Employees in the Czechoslovak Armed Forces after World War 2. from the Viewpoint of the Office of the State Secretary of the Ministry of National Defence, General Mikulas Ferjenčík
Authors: Maskalík Alex
Published: August 2024

The documents submitted vividly illustrate the negative tendencies associated with the acti vities of Slovak salaried employees (gážisti) who served during World War II and continued serving in the post-war Czechoslovak Army. In the first post-war year, these issues were openly pointed out and severely criticized by the State Secretary of the Ministry of National Defence, General Mikuláš Ferjenčík. As a Slovak, he was actively involved in decision-making concer ning the Slovak portion of the Army. Moreover, as a non-partisan individual, he aimed for an objective assessment of the situation. These documents offer a unique period testimony to the character and mentality of the former Slovak defence salaried employees. Keywords: Slovaks in CS Army, command corps of the CS Army, national question in the CS Army
Pulmonary Embolism in high risk pregnancy: A case Study
Authors: Jamil Mahwash , Khan Nida , Zainab Shaista , Shaheen Fehmida
Published: August 2024

Management of high risk pregnancy is challenging for the care givers, and healthy feto-maternal outcome is the utmost aim for antenatal care. A good pre-pregnancy screening program, vigilant monitoring for obstetrical complications in prenatal and postnatal periods, multidisciplinary approach and timely decisions are key factors for successful management.
Pattern of Dental Diseases among patients presenting at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Mustafa Ghulam , Sheikh Fahad Amjad , Siddiqui Sana Shaukat
Published: August 2024

Objective: To determine the pattern of the dental diseases among patients attending dental department of the Sheikh Zayed Hospital Rahim Yar Khan
Methodology: The study was carried out at the Dental Outpatient Department (OPD) of Sheikh Zayed Medical College and Hospital. It used a cross-sectional design. The period of the study was June through December 2023. Consecutive sampling was used to enroll a total of 300 patients. Patients of any age with dental conditions, regardless of gender, who were undergoing treatment at the Dental OPD were eligible to participate as long as they fulfilled the inclusion requirements. A predesigned and pretested questionnaire covering relevant study variables including demographic and different dental diseases was used for data collection. For analysis, data were imported into SPSS version 20.
Results: A total of 300 patients were included in the study, the mean age was 31±15 years, 181 (60.3%) were females. Most of the patients 160 (53.3%) presented with dental caries, 41(13.7%) with broken down root, 14 (4.7%) with calculus, 14 (4.7%) with gingivitis, 12 (4%) with periodontal disease, 6 (2%) with mal-aligned teeth, 4 (1.3%) with trauma, 1 (0.3%) with staining, 48(16%) with other diseases. About one third 93 (31%) of the patients had duration of disease as more than a year.
Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the distribution and management of dental diseases in a tertiary care setting. It emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to address dental health disparities and improve access to care in resource-constrained regions. Future research should focus on the socio-economic, environmental, and behavioral determinants of dental diseases to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Keywords: Calculus, Caries, Dental diseases, Frequency, Gingivitis,
Implications of information technology on business education
Authors: Durojaye Modupe Oluwatoyin
Published: August 2024

Implications of information technology on business education
The role of entrepreneurship education in economic empowerment and development
Authors: Igbokwe Chidiebere Uka , Nwosu Rose Yeyeda
Published: August 2024

The role of entrepreneurship education in economic empowerment and development
The Influence of Product Quality and Prices on Customer Loyalty in The Tough Factory in Dusun I Panca Bakti, South Marbau Village, Marbau District, Labuhanbatu Utara District
Authors: Hasibuan Midrawati , Sukmal Jeni , Ritonga Nurhabibah , Budiman Syahrul , Munthe Syafaruddin
Published: August 2024

A This research aims to find out whether product quality has an influence on factory customer loyalty, product price on customer loyalty and to find out whether product quality and price have an influence on customer loyalty. The research was conducted in hamlet 1 Panca Bakti, South Marbau Village, Marbau District, North Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra Province. The data collection method was carried out through surveys and questionnaires with the population in this study being all consumers of tofu factories in hamlet 1 Panca Bakti. The method for determining the sampling technique used is nonprobability sampling with an accidental sampling technique for a sample size of 41 people. The analysis used is multiple linear regression. The research results showed that product quality had a significant and positive effect on the level of customer loyalty with a t-count value of 4.797 > t-table value of 2.01 with sig. 0.004 <0.05 at the 95% confidence level. Product price influences the level of customer loyalty, where the t-count is 3.600 > t-table value 2.01 and the significance is smaller than 0.05 (0.017 < 0.05) at the 95% confidence level. Product quality and price simultaneously influence tofu customer loyalty in the research area where the F-count value is 4.125> F-table 3.21 and the significance value is 0.023 (<0.05) at the 95% confidence level.
International Anti-Corruption mechanisms: The United Nations Convention against Corruption as a model
Authors: Khasawneh Ameed , Mazni Rania
Published: August 2024

Corruption is considered a multifaceted criminal phenomenon worldwide, and its combat is only effective through international mechanisms. The United Nations Convention against Corruption, issued in 2003, is regarded as the most important international framework for countries in combating corruption. The current study aims to understand the international mechanisms related to combating corruption according to the United Nations Convention, utilizing both descriptive and analytical methodologies. The descriptive approach was adopted to identify the specific nature of corruption crimes and the relevant substantive and procedural rules. Meanwhile, the analytical method was used to determine how to address these crimes within the existing international framework. The study concluded several noteworthy results, including the absence of a comprehensive, agreed-upon definition of corruption that satisfies all researchers. Additionally, the United Nations Convention did not include a clear and legal definition of corruption under study. It was also revealed that the legislative framework of the convention incorporates specific provisions for preventive measures against corruption, as stipulated in Articles 5, 6, 10, and 13. The convention also includes deterrent measures that criminalize various forms of traditional and non-traditional corruption acts. The United Nations Convention goes beyond merely criminalizing corruption-related crimes; it extends to obliging member states to criminalize and punish any public official who abuses their power and engages in trading influence for illicit gains. However, the convention, according to Article 17, limits the crime of embezzlement of public funds to national public officials, without any reference to foreign public officials or civil servants in international organizations. The study recommended the necessity of incorporating supervisory and executive measures into the United Nations Convention.
Exploring the influence of rural longitudinal multidisciplinary student placements on interprofessional education and collaborative practice in South Africa
Authors: Muller J , Archer E , Couper I
Published: August 2024

Background. Training health professions students along the continuum of care on the distributed training platform (DTP) is increasingly being adopted by universities across Africa to promote the development of responsive healthcare professionals. Interprofessional collaboration to meet patient needs is an integral part of this ideal. Multidisciplinary student placement on the DTP (MDTP) provides opportunities for interprofessional education (IPE). Stellenbosch University offers longitudinal undergraduate student placement at two rural MDTPs in South Africa.
Objective. The objective of this study was to explore the perceived IPE opportunities in Worcester and Upington in South Africa.
Methods. Sixteen purposively selected undergraduate students from five-degree programmes who trained in Upington or Worcester were individually interviewed in 2022 using a qualitative case study research design. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted in reflection with an independent researcher, after which data were deductively analysed using the definition of IPE to guide data coding and theme development.
Results. The value of curricular IPE activities and the need for co-curricular IPE activities focused on holistic patient care were noted. Extracurricular themes related to purposive co-ordination of accommodation, transport and social activities to promote interprofessional interaction were noted.
Conclusion. It is not always possible to purposively design IPE activities on rural MDTPs owing to financial and human resource constraints. This study offers insight into curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular facilitators for IPE in the design of learning opportunities and logistics on rural MDTPs. Recommendations for the development of future MDTPs are presented.
Primary cutaneous melioidosis - A rare case needing intensive care unit admission
Authors: Tripathy S , Pal S , Gutte S
Published: August 2024

Background. Melioidosis cases are increasing in Southeast Asia, posing a significant challenge owing to the rising number of diabetic and immune- compromised patients. Pneumonia is the most common presentation of melioidosis, while cutaneous melioidosis is rare.
Objective. We report a case of primary cutaneous melioidosis (PCM) that eventually required intensive care unit (ICU) management.
Method. We describe the case of a 33-year-old male with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus who initially presented with a skin lesion, which was followed by gradual multiorgan involvement diagnosed as melioidosis based on culture-positive results from blood and synovial fluid, and needed ICU admission.
Results. He was successfully treated with intravenous antibiotics and invasive mechanical ventilation after ICU admission.
Conclusion. Cutaneous melioidosis can lead to ICU admission and, if untreated, has a high fatality rate. Faster diagnostic methods like VITEK 2 Compact and MALDI TOF substantially reduce delays in initiating required treatment.
Machine learning approaches identify immunologic signatures of total and intact HIV DNA during long-term antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Semenova Lesia , Wang Yingfan , Falcinelli Shane , Archin Nancie , Cooper-Volkheimer Alicia D , Margolis David M , Goonetilleke Nilu , Murdoch David M , Rudin Cynthia D , Browne Edward P
Published: August 2024

Understanding the interplay between the HIV reservoir and the host immune system may yield insights into HIV persistence during antiretroviral therapy (ART) and inform strategies for a cure. Here, we applied machine learning approaches to cross-sectional high-parameter HIV reservoir and immunology data in order to characterize host-reservoir associations and generate new hypotheses about HIV reservoir biology. High-dimensional immunophenotyping, quantification of HIV-specific T cell responses, and measurement of genetically intact and total HIV proviral DNA frequencies were performed on peripheral blood samples from 115 people with HIV (PWH) on long-term ART. Analysis demonstrated that both intact and total proviral DNA frequencies were positively correlated with T cell activation and exhaustion. Years of ART and select bifunctional HIV-specific CD4 T cell responses were negatively correlated with the percentage of intact proviruses. A Leave-One-Covariate-Out (LOCO) inference approach identified specific HIV reservoir and clinical-demographic parameters, such as age and biological sex, that were particularly important in predicting immunophenotypes. Overall, immune parameters were more strongly associated with total HIV proviral frequencies than intact proviral frequencies. Uniquely, however, expression of the IL-7 receptor alpha chain (CD127) on CD4 T cells was more strongly correlated with the intact reservoir. Unsupervised dimension reduction analysis identified two main clusters of PWH with distinct immune and reservoir characteristics. Using reservoir correlates identified in these initial analyses, decision tree methods were employed to visualize relationships among multiple immune and clinical-demographic parameters and the HIV reservoir. Finally, using random splits of our data as training-test sets, machine learning algorithms predicted with approximately 70% accuracy whether a given participant had qualitatively high or low levels of total or intact HIV DNA. The techniques described here may be useful for assessing global patterns within the increasingly high-dimensional data used in HIV reservoir and other studies of complex biology.
Bursts from the past: Intrinsic properties link a network model to zebra finch song
Authors: Medina Nelson D , Margoliash Daniel
Published: August 2024

Neuronal intrinsic excitability is a mechanism implicated in learning and memory that is distinct from synaptic plasticity. Prior work in songbirds established that intrinsic properties (IPs) of premotor basal-ganglia-projecting neurons (HVC
X
) relate to learned song. Here we find that temporal song structure is related to specific HVC
X
IPs: HVC
X
from birds who sang longer songs including longer invariant vocalizations (harmonic stacks) had IPs that reflected increased post-inhibitory rebound. This suggests a rebound excitation mechanism underlying the ability of HVC
X
neurons to integrate over long periods of time and represent sequence information. To explore this, we constructed a network model of realistic neurons showing how in-vivo HVC bursting properties link rebound excitation to network structure and behavior. These results demonstrate an explicit link between neuronal IPs and learned behavior. We propose that sequential behaviors exhibiting temporal regularity require IPs to be included in realistic network-level descriptions.
Early-life stress induces persistent astrocyte dysfunction associated with fear generalisation
Authors: Guayasamin Mathias , Depaauw-Holt Lewis R , Adedipe Ifeoluwa I , Ghenissa Ossama , Vaugeois Juliette , Duquenne Manon , Rogers Benjamin , Latraverse-Arquilla Jade , Peyrard Sarah , Bosson Anthony , Murphy-Royal Ciaran
Published: August 2024

Early-life stress can have lifelong consequences, enhancing stress susceptibility and resulting in behavioural and cognitive deficits. While the effects of early-life stress on neuronal function have been well-described, we still know very little about the contribution of non-neuronal brain cells. Investigating the complex interactions between distinct brain cell types is critical to fully understand how cellular changes manifest as behavioural deficits following early-life stress. Here, using male and female mice we report that early-life stress induces anxiety-like behaviour and fear generalisation in an amygdala-dependent learning and memory task. These behavioural changes were associated with impaired synaptic plasticity, increased neural excitability, and astrocyte hypofunction. Genetic perturbation of amygdala astrocyte function by either reducing astrocyte calcium activity or reducing astrocyte network function was sufficient to replicate cellular, synaptic, and fear memory generalisation associated with early-life stress. Our data reveal a role of astrocytes in tuning emotionally salient memory and provide mechanistic links between early-life stress, astrocyte hypofunction, and behavioural deficits.
SentinelFusion based machine learning comprehensive approach for enhanced computer forensics
Authors: Islam Umar , Alsadhan Abeer Abdullah , Alwageed Hathal Salamah , Al-Atawi Abdullah A. , Mehmood Gulzar , Ayadi Manel , Alsenan Shrooq
Published: August 2024

In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern technology, the convergence of blockchain innovation and machine learning advancements presents unparalleled opportunities to enhance computer forensics. This study introduces SentinelFusion, an ensemble-based machine learning framework designed to bolster secrecy, privacy, and data integrity within blockchain systems. By integrating cutting-edge blockchain security properties with the predictive capabilities of machine learning, SentinelFusion aims to improve the detection and prevention of security breaches and data tampering. Utilizing a comprehensive blockchain-based dataset of various criminal activities, the framework leverages multiple machine learning models, including support vector machines, K-nearest neighbors, naive Bayes, logistic regression, and decision trees, alongside the novel SentinelFusion ensemble model. Extensive evaluation metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score are used to assess model performance. The results demonstrate that SentinelFusion outperforms individual models, achieving an accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score of 0.99. This study’s findings underscore the potential of combining blockchain technology and machine learning to advance computer forensics, providing valuable insights for practitioners and researchers in the field.
Ferroptosis-related gene transferrin receptor protein 1 expression correlates with the prognosis and tumor immune microenvironment in cervical cancer
Authors: Shang Xiujuan , Wang Hongdong , Gu Jin , Zhao Xiaohui , Zhang Jing , Sun Bohao , Zhu Xinming
Published: August 2024

Background

Ferroptosis is a non-apoptotic iron-dependent form of cell death implicated in various cancer pathologies. However, its precise role in tumor growth and progression of cervical cancer (CC) remains unclear. Transferrin receptor protein 1 (TFRC), a key molecule associated with ferroptosis, has been identified as influencing a broad range of pathological processes in different cancers. However, the prognostic significance of TFRC in CC remains unclear. The present study utilized bioinformatics to explore the significance of the ferroptosis-related gene TFRC in the progression and prognosis of CC.

Methods

We obtained RNA sequencing data and corresponding clinical information on patients with CC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEx) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression, we then generated a multigene signature of five ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) for the prognostic prediction of CC. We investigated the relationship between TFRC gene expression and immune cell infiltration by employing single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA) analysis. The potential functional role of the TFRC gene was evaluated through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Immunohistochemistry and qPCR was employed to assess TFRC mRNA and protein expression in 33 cases of cervical cancer. Furthermore, the relationship between TFRC mRNA expression and overall survival (OS) was investigated in patients.

Results

CC samples had significantly higher TFRC gene expression levels than normal tissue samples. Higher TFRC gene expression levels were strongly associated with higher cancer T stages and OS events. The findings of multivariate analyses illustrated that the OS in CC patients with high TFRC expression is shorter than in patients with low TFRC expression. Significant increases were observed in the levels of TFRC mRNA and protein expression in patients diagnosed with CC.

Conclusion

Increased TFRC expression in CC was associated with disease progression, an unfavorable prognosis, and dysregulated immune cell infiltration. In addition, it highlights ferroptosis as a promising therapeutic target for CC.
A Critical Examination of Digital Competency among Postgraduate Students of Burdwan University
Authors: Saha Sudeshna , Karmakar Payel , Chattopadhyay K N
Published: August 2024

In the age of continuous transformation, keeping in view the gradual increase in the usage of digital platforms, this study aims to explore digital competency among postgraduate students of Burdwan University. In this study, researchers have used a standardized questionnaire developed by Tzaflkou et al. [1] consisting of 28 items. 5- The Point Likert scale has been used for this research. Among randomly selected 112 respondents 65 were boys and 47 were girls in this study. The researchers used the “t-test” to analyze the data. The evaluated data revealed an insignificant difference in digital competency between male and female postgraduate students, whereas a significant difference in digital competency at .05 level between postgraduate students belonging to the arts and science stream prevailed here. Between Urban and rural postgraduate students, there was a significant difference at 0.05 level. The justification of this study shows that digital competence can make students more capable, and more job-oriented than before. The recommendations regarding digital competency for students, teachers, and overall educational institutions proved that it is essential for upgrading themselves and coping with the modern world. In conclusion, the study revealed that the proposed scale could be utilized for new acts and schemes regarding lifelong learning, and planned modifications, in the solitary areas for the betterment of people including students.
Assessing Environmental Sensitivity Areas (ESA) Using Medalus Model in Telkaif District of Northern Iraq
Authors: Alhamdany S. A. , Alnaser Y. H.
Published: August 2024

This study conducted in Tel Kaif district in the northern part of Nineveh Governorate, located between longitudes (˝42′33°41– ˝20′19°43) east and latitudes (˝20′23°36-˝14′54°36) north to assess its environmental sensitivity to desertification (ESA). Fifteen representative sites selected based on the agricultural uses, vegetation cover, and topography. The geographical coordinates of the study sites were determined using a GPS device, and climatic and descriptive data for the study area taken, and soil samples taken for the required laboratory analyses. The obtained data converted into weighted evidence from special tables, so that four indices were calculated, namely the Soil Quality Index (SQI), Vegetation cover Quality Index (VQI), Climate Quality Index (CQI) and Management Quality Index (MQI) required according to the requirements of achieving the Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use (MEDALUS) model. Finally, the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Index (ESAI) equation applied to classify the study area and evaluate its environmental sensitivity to desertification, and then the Kriging technique was used within GIS programs to employ the results of the study by classifying the lands and representing them cartographically. The results showed that most of the study sites have a high environmental sensitivity to desertification (ESA) of the Critical type and below the C3 type, site 15 was Critical - C2, while sites (7 and 9) were Fragile - F2, and Site 6 was Fragile - F3. Therefore, the study area is located within the areas threatened by desertification, according to the assessment of the Environmental Sensitivity to Desertification Index, which is based on the MEDALUS model.
The Effects of Climate Change on Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in the Al-Hawizeh Marsh
Authors: Al-Saadi Mohammed Waheed Hassan
Published: August 2024

This study aims to classify Landsat 7,8 satellite data using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) thresholds. Initially, visible and near infrared bands of Landsat 8 satellite were used to derive (NDVI) image. Vegetation, non-vegetation and water areas were then analyzed where thresholds for separating them are carefully determined with the aid of ground truth information of the study area. Also, The Mann-Kendall test was conducted to analyze the trend of temperature and precipitation in the study area. The results of the analysis showed a positive trend with an increase in temperature. On the contrary, a negative trend in precipitation remained constant, as it was not statistically significant. The study correlated the historical trends of climatic elements as a central factor in the degradation of swamps (vegetation cover) from 2000 to 2010 and (2015-2023). The results showed that the year 2015 witnessed an increase in the area of NDVI compared to the years studied, as the total area of vegetation cover during this year amounted to about 537.47 km2, by 79.4%. While the year 2023 was one of the worst years of the study area, as the marshes witnessed an increase in the area of dry lands at the expense of the marsh waters, as the area of these lands reached about 354.69 km2 by 52.40%. The findings of this study are that the application of the three indices is useful for evaluating land, especially NDVI in wetlands. So it is necessary to develop and integrate with other remote sensing indices.
Effect on Temperature Influences of the Life Table Studies for Aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch. in Cowpea under Laboratory Condition
Authors: K Sasikumar , N Ganapathy , M Shanthi , M Deivamani , P Senthilkumar , S Usharani , T Senthilkumar , K Govindan
Published: August 2024

Aim: To study the life table aphid, Aphis craccivora in cowpea at different temperature.
Study Design: Simple random sampling design with two treatments and 12 replications.
Place and Duration Study: Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai and  2019-2020.
Methodology: We used a simple random sampling design, which included two temperature variables (30 and 35°C) and 12 repetitions for A. craccivora. The female adult aphids were placed in dishes with leaf dishes and 12 hours light appropriate temperature. Female adult aphids were placed in dishes containing leaf discs and incubated at the appropriate temperature, with a 12-hour light phase. They were transferred to new dishes as needed. We evaluated the pre-reproductive and reproductive periods under a stereomicroscope every 24 hours, and we determined the number of nymphs produced and their longevities at each temperature.
Results: Aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch. is most important pest in Pulses ecosystem and life table studies on cowpea, the net reproductive rate (22.53  individuals / female at 300 C; 14.23 individuals / female at 350 C, mean generation time 11.41days at 300C; 10.39 at 350C, population doubling time (2.710 days at  300C, 2.539  at 350C in Cowpea. The age specific survivorship curve revealed that the population followed Type III curve and 50 per cent mortality of A. craccivora 9 days at 300C and 7.5 days at 350C in cowpea.
Conclusion: The life table aphids insects parameters of net reproductive rate, population doubling time, mean generation time and age specific curve was maximum in 300C than 350C in Cowpea.
Impact of Different Inoculum Levels of Cereal Cyst Nematode (Heterodera avenae) on the Physiological Traits of Wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Sindhu Ajay Singh , Kanwar R. S.
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to examine the effects of various inoculum levels of H. avenae on wheat physiology. The experiments were conducted in the screenhouse at the Department of Nematology, CCSHAU, Hisar, with inoculum levels set at 5, 10, and 15 eggs and juveniles per gram of soil. Observations on physiological parameters were made 30 days post-sowing. It was found that increasing inoculum levels led to significant decreases in total chlorophyll, carotenoid content, chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance. The highest inoculum level showed the most pronounced reductions, with respective decreases of 39.71%, 30.55%, 7.90%, 39.75%, 51.58%, and 64.86%. Highest nematode inoculum level also resulted in the highest reduction in gaseous exchange parameters, biomass and leaf pigments concentrations and maximum increment in nematode population density.
Soil Fertility Dynamics and Identify the Most Limiting Nutrients Affecting Walnut Productivity in Nepal
Authors: Paudel Laxmi Kanta , Sigdel Diksha , Acharya Rabina
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to assess the soil nutrient status in walnut orchards of different ages in Jajarkot district, Nepal, to understand soil fertility dynamics and identify the most limiting nutrients affecting walnut productivity. The research employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three treatments representing different age groups of walnut orchards (1-5 years, 6-10 years, and 11-15 years), each replicated seven times across various municipalities. The study was conducted in Jajarkot district, Karnali Province, Nepal, encompassing municipalities including Nalgad, Junichadey, and Barekot, from March to April 2023. Soil samples were collected from multiple depths (1, 2, and 3 feet) in each orchard and analyzed for pH, soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and correlation analyses to explore relationships between soil parameters and orchard age. The study showed that significant variations were observed among different age groups of walnut orchards for soil pH, SOM, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels. Soil pH decreased with orchard age, while SOM, nitrogen, and phosphorus tended to increase with orchard age. Phosphorus was identified as the most limiting nutrient across all sampled soils, followed by nitrogen and potassium. Moreover, strong correlations were found between orchard age and soil N (r = 0.894, p < 0.01) and P (r = 0.776, p < 0.01), underscoring age-dependent nutrient dynamics. The study highlights the critical role of orchard age in shaping soil nutrient dynamics in walnut orchards. Older orchards exhibited higher levels of SOM, nitrogen, and phosphorus, indicating the accumulation of organic matter and nutrients over time. Phosphorus emerged as the primary limiting nutrient, essential for root growth, flowering, and fruiting in walnut trees. These findings underscore the importance of targeted fertilization strategies to optimize soil fertility and sustain long-term walnut productivity in the region.
Influence of Colored Shade Nets and Media Types on the Development of Rhoeo discolor (Boat Lily)
Authors: T. V. Udaya , Beura Sashikala , C. T. Pratheeksha,
Published: August 2024

Study was carried out Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha during 2018-19. The experiment was designed to determine the optimal conditions for enhancing plant growth, focusing on the effects of different colored shade nets (green, white, red and black) with open light and various media mixture combinations (soil, coco peat, and FYM). Key growth parameters such as plant height, plant spread, leaf number, leaf area, chlorophyll content, and number of suckers were measured over a specified growth period. Results indicated that boat lily grown under red shade net and pots filled with soil, FYM and cocopeat media mixture in 1:1:1 (v/v) proportion performed best in all the characters. It has significantly enhanced plant height (22.11 cm), number of leaves per plant (15.89) and leaf area (110.42 cm2), plant spread in E-W direction (28.78 cm), plant spread in N-S direction (28.78 cm) and leaf thickness (1.32 mm).
Study of Metroglyph Analysis in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Genotypes for Different Quantitative Characters
Authors: Shashank Warale , Thomas Neha
Published: August 2024

The study conducted at the Research Farm of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences during the rabi/winter season of 2022-23 aimed to estimate the genetic diversity and morphological variations among 20 Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes using Anderson’s metroglyph analysis for different quantitative traits. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for all the characters studied indicating the presence of considerable amount of variability among the genotypes. The genotypes viz, IVT HB19-14 I, IVT HB 19-11, ABSPS-2-1, AVT I HB16-15, IVT HB18-15, VIKRANT (CHECK), ABSPS-1-5, ABSPS-1-2 recorded significantly superior seed yield and yield contributing traits respectively. Six distinct morphological complexes were identified as a result of the analysis, which showed significant variation among the genotypes for the majority of traits. Complex I included eight genotypes with high seed yield and a high number of seeds per plant, while Complex II comprised five genotypes with low seed yield and a low number of seeds per plant. Complex III: High seed yield with a lower number of seeds per plant including three genotypes. Complex IV: Moderate seed yield with a higher number of seeds per plant, represented by two genotypes, Complex V: Very low seed yield and a very low number of seeds per plant, represented by one genotype and Complex VI: Low plant height with a very low number of spikelet’s per panicle, represented by one genotype. The genotypes IVT HB18-15, IVT HB19-13, IVT HB19-14 I, IVT HB19-11, ABSPS-1-1, ABSPS-1-2, ABSPS-1-4, and VIKRANT were identified as superior due to their high index scores and were suggested for use in breeding programs to enhance yield and other desirable traits. The study concluded that metroglyph analysis is an effective method for assessing genetic diversity and morphologicalvariations, providing valuable insights for breeders to improve Faba bean yield and adaptability through targeted cross-breeding of superior genotypes.
Efficiency of EMB Medium Combined with MALDI-TOF in Isolating and Identifying Coliform Lactose Fermenters and Non-Lactose Fermenters from Wastewater
Authors: Pascale Tetty Aya Marie , Fabrice Gnali Gbohounou , Rosine Yao Djeha , Sabine Vakou N’dri , Eric Yao Kouamé , Julien Coulibaly Kalpy
Published: August 2024

In Côte d'Ivoire, the sewer network is largely underdeveloped, resulting in the absence or incompleteness of sanitation infrastructure in many urban and rural areas. This lack of infrastructure leads to untreated wastewater being frequently discharged into rivers and other sources of drinking water. The contamination of water sources by untreated wastewater spreads waterborne diseases, which particularly affect children and vulnerable populations. Coliforms, as key indicators of the microbiological quality of water, play a crucial role in assessing health risks. The presence and diversity of these coliforms can provide insights into the extent of water contamination and the potential health risks to the population. This study focuses on the diversity of lactose-fermenting and non-lactose-fermenting coliforms in the wastewater of Abidjan. The objective is to use MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for the rapid and accurate identification of these coliforms, thereby providing a detailed understanding of the microbiological quality of wastewater. The study aims to identify the predominant coliform species present in the wastewater and assess their potential impact on public health. Out of 80 wastewater samples collected from various locations in Abidjan, a preponderance of lactose-fermenting coliforms was found. The most frequently identified species were Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. The results showed that these species were present in significantly higher numbers compared to non-lactose-fermenting coliforms. The use of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry allowed for rapid and precise identification of the coliforms, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of the microbiological quality of the wastewater. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved wastewater management strategies in Abidjan and similar urban settings in Côte d'Ivoire. The high prevalence of lactose-fermenting coliforms, particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, in untreated wastewater poses significant public health risks. Effective wastewater treatment and management are essential to protect public health, reduce the spread of waterborne diseases, and limit the development of antimicrobial resistance. Implementing such measures will require coordinated efforts from local authorities, public health officials, and the community to ensure safe and sustainable water practices.
Model of electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves in the inner magnetosphere
Authors: Gamayunov K. V. , Engebretson M. J. , Zhang M. , Rassoul H. K.
Published: September 2014

The evolution of He+‐mode electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves is studied inside the geostationary orbit using our global model of ring current (RC) ions, electric field, plasmasphere, and EMIC waves. In contrast to the approach previously used by Gamayunov et al. (2009), however, we do not use the bounce‐averaged wave kinetic equation but instead use a complete, nonbounce‐averaged, equation to model the evolution of EMIC wave power spectral density, including off‐equatorial wave dynamics. The major results of our study can be summarized as follows. (1) The thermal background level for EMIC waves is too low to allow waves to grow up to the observable level during one pass between the “bi‐ion latitudes” (the latitudes where the given wave frequency is equal to the O+–He+ bi‐ion frequency) in conjugate hemispheres. As a consequence, quasi‐field‐aligned EMIC waves are not typically produced in the model if the thermal background level is used, but routinely observed in the Earth's magnetosphere. To overcome this model‐observation discrepancy we suggest a nonlinear energy cascade from the lower frequency range of ultralow frequency waves into the frequency range of EMIC wave generation as a possible mechanism supplying the needed level of seed fluctuations that guarantees growth of EMIC waves during one pass through the near equatorial region. The EMIC wave development from a suprathermal background level shows that EMIC waves are quasi field aligned near the equator, while they are oblique at high latitudes, and the Poynting flux is predominantly directed away from the near equatorial source region in agreement with observations. (2) An abundance of O+ strongly controls the energy of oblique He+‐mode EMIC waves that propagate to the equator after their reflection at bi‐ion latitudes, and so it controls a fraction of wave energy in the oblique normals. (3) The RC O+ not only causes damping of the He+‐mode EMIC waves but also causes wave generation in the region of highly oblique wave normal angles, typically for θ > 82°, where a growth rate γ > 10−2rad/s is frequently observed. The instability is driven by the loss cone feature in the RC O+ distribution function, where ∂F/∂v⟂>0 for the resonating O+. (4) The oblique and intense He+‐mode EMIC waves generated by RC O+ in the region L≈2–3 may have an implication to the energetic particle loss in the inner radiation belt.
Possible modification of the cooling index of interstellar helium pickup ions by electron impact ionization in the inner heliosphere
Authors: Chen Jun Hong , Bochsler Peter , Möbius Eberhard , Gloeckler George
Published: September 2014

Interstellar neutrals penetrating into the inner heliosphere are ionized by photoionization, charge exchange with solar wind ions, and electron impact ionization. These processes comprise the first step in the evolution of interstellar pickup ion (PUI) distributions. Typically, PUI distributions have been described in terms of velocity distribution functions that cool adiabatically under solar wind expansion, with a cooling index of 3/2. Recently, the cooling index has been determined experimentally in observations of He PUI distributions with Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE)/Solar Wind Ion Composition Spectrometer and found to vary substantially over the solar cycle. The experimental determination of the cooling index depends on the knowledge of the ionization rates and their spatial variation. Usually, ionization rates increase with 1/r2 as neutral particles approach the Sun, which is not exactly true for electron impact ionization, because the electron temperature increases with decreasing distance from the Sun due to the complexity of its distributions and different radial gradients in temperature. This different dependence on distance may become important in the study of the evolution of PUI distributions and is suspected as one of the potential reasons for the observed variation of the cooling index. Therefore, we investigate in this paper the impact of electron ionization on the variability of the cooling index. We find that the deviation of the electron ionization rate from the canonical 1/r2 behavior of other ionization processes plays only a minor role.
Risks of Herpes Zoster in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis According to Biologic Disease‐Modifying Therapy
Authors: Yun Huifeng , Xie Fenglong , Delzell Elizabeth , Chen Lang , Levitan Emily B. , Lewis James D. , Saag Kenneth G. , Beukelman Timothy , Winthrop Kevin , Baddley John W. , Curtis Jeffrey R.
Published: September 2014

Objective

To evaluate whether the risks of herpes zoster (HZ) differed by biologic agents with different mechanisms of action (MOAs) in older rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods

Using Medicare data from 2006–2011, among RA patients with prior biologic agent use and no history of cancer or other autoimmune diseases, this retrospective cohort study identified new treatment episodes of abatacept, adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab, and tocilizumab. Followup started on initiation of the new biologic agent and ended at any of the following: first incidence of HZ, a 30‐day gap in current exposure, death, a diagnosis of other autoimmune disease or cancer, loss of insurance coverage, or December 31, 2011. We calculated the proportion of RA patients vaccinated for HZ in each calendar year prior to biologic agent initiation and HZ incidence rate for each biologic agent. We compared HZ risks among therapies using Cox regression adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

Of 29,129 new biologic treatment episodes, 28.7% used abatacept, 15.9% adalimumab, 14.8% rituximab, 12.4% infliximab, 12.2% etanercept, 6.1% tocilizumab, 5.8% certolizumab, and 4.4% golimumab. The proportion of RA patients vaccinated for HZ prior to biologic agent initiation ranged from 0.4% in 2007 to 4.1% in 2011. We identified 423 HZ diagnoses with the highest HZ incidence rate for certolizumab (2.45 per 100 person‐years) and the lowest for golimumab (1.61 per 100 person‐years). Neither the crude incidence rate nor the adjusted hazard ratio differed significantly among biologic agents. Glucocorticoid use had a significant association with HZ.

Conclusion

Among older patients with RA, the HZ risk was similar across biologic agents, including those with different MOAs.
The Influence of the Clay Particles on the Mechanical Properties and Fracture Behavior of PLA/o‐MMT Composite Films
Authors: FRANCO‐URQUIZA EDGAR ADRIAN , CAILLOUX JONATHAN , SANTANA ORLANDO , MASPOCH MARIA LLUISA , VELAZQUEZ INFANTE JULIO CESAR
Published: September 2014

In this study, calendered films of polylactic acid/organo‐montmorillonite clay (PLA/o‐MMT) were prepared and the influence of the clay particles' morphology on the mechanical properties and fracture behavior was evaluated. An image analysis was performed using transmission electron microscopy micrographs to complete the morphological study. The micrographs were taken from ultramicrotomic samples corresponding to the melting flow (MD) and transverse direction (TD) of the films. The micrographs revealed intercalated particles and tactoids, which were in accordance with the wide angle X‐ray scattering patterns. Uniaxial tensile tests were performed in the MD and TD directions, finding a slight anisotropy in the films, which was associated with a low level of polymer chain orientation due to the calender processing. The fracture behavior was also evaluated in the MD and TD directions using deeply double‐edge‐notched tension (DDENT) specimens. The mechanical and fracture tests were evaluated on aging (brittle) and deaging (ductile) films by applying a thermal treatment that consisted of heating above the glass transition temperature of the PLA and subsequent quenching. For ductile PLA composite films, the reinforcement effect promoted by the clay particles was not so evident.
Molecular and prognostic correlates of cytogenetic abnormalities in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia: a Mayo Clinic‐French Consortium Study
Authors: Wassie Emnet A. , Itzykson Raphael , Lasho Terra L. , Kosmider Olivier , Finke Christy M. , Hanson Curtis A. , Ketterling Rhett P. , Solary Eric , Tefferi Ayalew , Patnaik Mrinal M.
Published: September 2014

Four hundred and nine patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) were included in the international collaborative study (268 (66%) and 141 (34%) from Mayo clinic and French consortium respectively). Thirty percent displayed an abnormal karyotype, including; 72% sole, 16% two, and 11% complex abnormalities. The most common abnormalities included; +8 (23%), ‐Y (20%), ‐7/7q‐(14%), 20q‐ (8%), +21 (8%), and der(3q) (8%). Patients with an abnormal karyotype were more likely to be elderly (P = 0.03), be anemic (P = 0.0009), have leukocytosis (P = 0.02) with neutrophilia (P = 0.03), demonstrate increased circulating immature myeloid cells (P = 0.0003), peripheral blood blasts (P < 0.0001), and bone marrow blasts (P < 0.0001). ASXL1 (P = 0.04) and SF3B1 (P = 0.03) mutations clustered with an abnormal karyotype, whereas SRSF2 (P = 0.02) mutations occurred more commonly with a normal karyotype. A step‐wise survival analysis resulted in three distinct cytogenetic risk categories: high (complex and monosomal karyotypes), intermediate (all abnormalities not in the high or low risk groups) and low [normal, sole ‐Y and sole der (3q)] with median survivals of 3 [hazard ratio (HR) = 8.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.6–14.2], 20 (HR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2–2.3) and 41 months, respectively. In multivariable analysis, this particular cytogenetic risk stratification remained significant in the context of the Molecular Mayo Model (P < 0.0001), MD Anderson prognostic model (P < 0.0001), the GFM CMML model (P < 0.0001) and was effective in predicting leukemic transformation (P = 0.004). Am. J. Hematol. 89:1111–1115, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Bis(indole) Alkaloids from Arundo donax: The Ynindole Diels–Alder Reaction, Conformational Chirality, and Absolute Stereochemistry
Authors: Chen Jingjin , Ferreira Andrew J. , Beaudry Christopher M.
Published: September 2014

Bis(indole) alkaloids from Arundo donax were synthesized using the first ynindole Diels–Alder reaction. The alkaloids are chiral, having stable enantiomeric conformations with half‐lives of racemization of t1/2=4150–25100 seconds at room temperature. Their absolute stereochemistry was determined using the exciton chirality method.