bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Sulfur and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Rabi Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: anupama a. , singh rajesh
Published: November 2023

A field experiment was carried out at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (UP) India, during the rabi season of 2022-2023. To study the response of sulfur (20,30,40 kg/ha) and zinc (15,20,25 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design with 9 treatments replicated thrice. Results showed that the plant height (164.2 cm), dry weight (165.8 g/plant), Crop growth rate (15.9 g/m2/day), number of cobs per plant (2.33), number of grains per cob (533.8), grain yield (6.42 t/ha) and stover yield (14.36 t/ha) were recorded in treatment 9 with the application of Sulfur 40 kg/ha + Zinc 25 kg/ha. Higher gross returns (INR 1,30,264.40/ha), higher net returns (INR 90,007.65/ha) and maximum B:C ratio (2.23) were also recorded in treatment-9 (Sulfur 40 kg/ha + Zinc 25 kg/ha).
Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Yield of Sweet Pepper
Authors: Meher R. , Chakravorty S. , Nayak S. K.
Published: November 2023

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of plant growth regulators on growth and yield of sweet pepper (cv Indra) in Rayagada district of Southern Odisha during September-January of 2019-20 and 2020-21. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications and seven treatments. From the present study it was revealed that the maximum plant height (43.3 cm) was obtained with IAA (100 ppm) whereas maximum fruiting branches (8.20), maximum fruit weight (106.80 g) was obtained with 2,4-D (10 ppm). Maximum polar diameter (6.6 cm), shoulder diameter (5.2 cm) and single fruit weight (82.3 g) was obtained with BA (5 ppm). Maximum fruit yield (13.8 t/ha) was recorded with BA (5 ppm). Early fruit fetches higher market price than late harvested fruit and gives higher return to farmer which was obtained by application of BA (5 ppm) i.e., 28.1 days for first flowering and 60.2 days for first harvesting.
Distribution Patterns of Key Gastropods (Mollusca) Species Along the Intertidal Zone of Adri Coast, Kathiawar Peninsula, India
Authors: Dodiya Dimpal , Poriya Paresh
Published: November 2023

Distribution patterns of key gastropod species were studied on a rocky-sandy intertidal zone of Adri coast of Kathiawar peninsula. The studied coast has an ideal habitat for intertidal ecological studies. It has rich marine faunal and floral diversity devoid of any anthropogenic pressure. The present study was focused on distribution pattern of dominating intertidal gastropods species that considered as the most communal inhabitants of the intertidal zone worldwide. The coast has both rocky and sandy intertidal area with rock crevices and small to large pools and puddles. Physico-chemical parameters of seawater and ecological attributes like density, abundance, and frequency of five gastropod species Astralium semicostatum, Cerithium caeruleum, Gyrenium natator, Nerita albicilla and Onchidium verruculatum have been studied. Result indicates that all the species have their distinct preference for intertidal microhabitats like rocks, puddles, crevices and different substrata. The species has different strategies for the selection of microhabitat for their survival particularly in extreme environment of low tide when desiccation is at maximum.
Response of Fertility Levels and Liquid Biofertilizers on Soil Chemical Properties and Nutrient Uptake under Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop
Authors: Kumawat Hansa , Singh D. P. , Yadav K. K. , Khardia Neha , Dhayal Surendra , Sharma Sonal , Sharma Kriti , Kumawat Archana
Published: November 2023

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2019-20 at Instructional Farm of Agronomy, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur to examine the effect of fertility levels and liquid biofertilizers on soil chemical properties and nutrient uptake by wheat. The treatments comprised of four levels of fertility (i.e. control, 75, 100 and 125% RDF) and four levels of liquid biofertilizers (i.e. no inoculation, Azotobacter, PSB and Azotobacter + PSB). Experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replication taking wheat var Raj 4238 as test crop. The recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) was 100:60:40 kg ha-1 of N:P2O5:K2O. The results revealed that significant increase in available primary nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) in post harvest soil of wheat and also significantly increase in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur and micronutrients (Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn) uptake by wheat with increasing levels of fertility and liquid biofertilizers up to the 100% RDF and Azotobacter + PSB respectively.
Molecular docking analysis of Omt-A protein model from Aspergillus flavus with synthetic compounds
Authors:   Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia, Ajmal Ali Mohammad
Published: November 2023

Aflatoxin is a potent mycotoxin of Aspergillus flavus that has been classified as a Group I carcinogen. O-methyltransferase A (Omt-A) is a critical enzyme in the formation of aflatoxin. It catalyzes the methylation of norsalic acid to form the highly toxic intermediate averantin. The ligand-protein interaction of Omt-A was performed with piperlonguminin and blasticidins. The maximum affinity of -10.6 was found for the 5ICC_A piperlonguminine at site1 (X,Y,Z: -15.282, 21.785, 5.672). Compounds such as Blasticidin S, Neoeriocitrin, Blasticidin S - hydrochloric acid, 6,6''-Bigenkwanin, Pipernomaline, and Eriodictyol were found to have binding features to protein residues, as shown by computational interaction at the molecular level.
Neurological potency of native plants from sub-Himalayan West Bengal through reverse pharmacology
Authors:   Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia, Ajmal Ali Mohammad
Published: November 2023

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and epilepsy, pose a growing global health challenge due to an aging population. These conditions share common processes, including protein accumulation, oxidative stress, and neuro-inflammation, making their treatment complex and costly. Network pharmacology, an innovative approach integrating systems biology and computational biology, offers insights into multi-target formulations and the repurposing of existing medications for neurodegenerative diseases. We shortlisted 730 bioactive compounds from 25 traditional Himalayan plants, assessed their drug-like properties using ADME criteria, and predicted their potential target proteins through reverse docking and pharmacophore mapping. Our study identified 287 compounds with high gastrointestinal absorption and good blood-brain barrier permeability. These compounds were subjected to target prediction, yielding a list of 171 potential target proteins. Functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis highlighted their involvement in steroid hormone-related pathways, MAPK signaling, FOXO signaling, TNF signaling, VEGF signaling, and neurotrophin signaling. Importantly, one plant, Valeriana jatamansi, exhibited an association with beta-amyloid binding activity, a potential therapeutic approach for AD. From our study we could understand how these plants modulate our body to manage these diseases. However, further in vitro and in vivo validation is needed before commercial and public use of this data.
Logistics Management Practices and Performance of Agricultural Processing Firms in Laikipia County, Kenya
Authors: Githinji Johana Gitahi , Wachiuri Elizabeth Wangu
Published: November 2023

The general objective of this project was to establish the effect of logistic practices and performance of agricultural processing firms. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; material handling, inventory management, transport management, and logistics communication.The study adopted resource based view theory, game theory, firm theory and the theory of constraints. The study used descriptive design because it enhances systematic description that is as accurate, valid, and reliable as possible regarding the responses. The study was limited to agricultural processing firms in Laikipia County, Kenya. The researcher used questionnaires and secondary data as the research instrument to gather the relevant information needed relating to the study. The study involved the use of professionals and experts to test the validity of the questionnaire by trying to assess what concept the instrument was trying to measure and the accuracy of the representation of the concept under research. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Inaddition; the study used multiple regression analysis to analyse the data. This study provided evidence that material handling significantly and positively influences the performance of agricultural processing firms in Laikipia County, Kenya. Concerning inventory management; the study established a significant positive relationship between inventory management and firm performance. This study also provided evidence that transport management significantly and positively influences the performance of agricultural processing firms in Laikipia County, Kenya.Finally, information flow management was found to have a positive significant influence on the performance of agricultural processing firms in Laikipia County, Kenya. The study recommends that agricultural processing firms must have adequate storage facilities with modern materials handling equipment. The study also recommends the inclusion of inventory management in the strategic plans of the agricultural processing firms in Laikipia County, Kenya. The study further recommends the inclusion of inventory management in the strategic plans of the agricultural processing firms in Laikipia County, Kenya.Finally,the study recommends that internal structures and systems that allow a free and timely flow of information between individuals and departments should be put in place. This will allow real-time flow of information between the organization and key stakeholders.
Structured certificates of deposit
Authors: Deng Geng , Dulaney Tim , Husson Tim , McCann Craig
Published: November 2023

This article examines the properties and valuation of market-linked certificates of deposit (struc- tured CDs). Structured CDs are similar to structured products—debt securities with payoffs linked to market indexes— but while structured products have garnered significant interest in both the financial media and in the academic literature, structured CDs have received relatively little attention. We review the market for structured CDs in the United States and provide valuations for several common product types. Using our methodology, we find significant mispricing of several common types of structured CDs across multiple issuers, which is similar in magnitude to the well-documented mispricing in the structured products market. In particular, we estimate that structured CDs are typically worth approximately 93% of the value of a contemporaneously issued fixed-rate CD. These results suggest that unsophisticated investors may not understand the value, risks, and subtleties of these ostensibly conservative investments.
Financial knowledge acquisition among the young
Authors: Tang Ning , Peter Paula
Published: November 2023

This article explores how financial education, financial experience, and parents’ financial experi- ence influence young adults’ financial knowledge. We rely on a general model of learning to hypothesize the determinants of financial knowledge acquisition. Using data on 3,597 young adults from a national longitudinal survey, we find that financial education, financial experience, and parents’ financial experience all exert a positive impact on young adults’ financial knowledge. Moreover, these determinants work interactively. Both individual and parents’ financial experience help narrow the gap in financial knowledge caused by lack of financial education.
The Grable and Lytton risk-tolerance scale
Authors: Kuzniak Stephen , Rabbani Abed , Heo Wookjae , Ruiz-Menjivar Jorge , Grable John
Published: November 2023

Over a decade ago, Grable and Lytton (1999) developed, tested, and published a financial risk-tolerance scale in Financial Services Review that has since been widely used by consumers, financial advisers, and researchers to evaluate a person’s willingness to engage in a risky financial behavior. Analysis of data (n = 160,279) spanning the timeframe 2007 to 2013 provides evidence that the risk-tolerance scale’s reliability and validity have remained robust since the scale was first developed. The scale’s estimated Cronbach’s α was 0.77 during this time period. Consistent with the literature, high scale scores (representing a greater willingness to take risks) were found to be associated with equity ownership and negatively related to cash and bond holdings.
Does it pay to diversify?
Authors: Kanuri Srinidhi , McLeod Robert W.
Published: November 2023

Individual investors seek diversification in their portfolios using a number of approaches. One approach that is commonly used is to diversify globally. This article evaluates the performance and diversification benefits of international ETFs for U.S. investors during and after the recent financial crisis. Our results show that U.S. ETFs outperform all categories of international ETFs for the period of our study (January 2008 – June 2013); they have higher average monthly returns, lower risk (standard deviation of returns), higher risk-adjusted performance (Sharpe, Sortino, and Treynor ratios) and the highest cumulative returns over the entire period. When we form equally weighted portfolios of each ETF category and compute their risk-adjusted performance, we again find that U.S. ETF portfolios had the best performance for the entire period. We also find that U.S. ETFs have the lowest tracking error during the entire period. Most of these ETFs passively track the benchmark and do not manage for positive ɑ. Previous research has questioned the diversification benefits of international investing during times of financial distress. We find that international ETFs are highly dependent on major U.S. indices during the period of our analysis, and therefore, offered limited diversification benefits for U.S. investors.
Investment strategies when selecting sustainable firms
Authors: Shank Todd , Shockey Benjamin
Published: November 2023

“Sustainability” is the most recent construct to describe efforts by modern corporations to include environmental, social, and economic governance considerations in business operations. Such nonfinancial areas of firm performance have received increased focus, especially in recent years as firms seek to differentiate themselves from competitors. Of central concern to analysts and investors is whether the emerging emphasis on sustainability is financially rewarded by market participants. Research on this question has generally supported the idea that firms with greater attention to sustainable business practices outperform their peers financially; presumably because of the perception of lesser future risk. This study examines the efficacy of passive versus active investment strategies when selecting sustainable firms for inclusion within an equity portfolio. Utilizing two groups of “sustainability-focused” firms of varying degrees, this study finds financial support for an active selection of sustainable firms on a risk-adjusted basis. Specifically, the financial performance of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) and a group of Sustainability Leaders are compared with the broader market over a 10-year period. Thus, it can be understood whether an investor would have received a greater risk-adjusted financial return through either (1) an active “sustainability-focused” approach, (2) a passive sustainability-focused approach, or (3) a passive broad-market approach. The evidence presented here supports efforts to identify global sustainability leaders by industry, as they collectively showed greater financial performance over the past decade than both the DJSI and the broader market.
Active asset allocation for retirement funds using the fed model
Authors: Clinebell John , Kahl Douglas , Stevens Jerry
Published: November 2023

Active asset allocation, also known as market timing, is controversial but potentially effective for individual investors and financial advisors. Many studies support market timing based on the relationship between the aggregate earnings yield on equities and the intermediate Treasury bond yield, known as the Fed model. Nevertheless, skeptics point to common flaws in these studies and challenge the validity of the Fed model. In general, returns from timing models are difficult to adjust for transaction costs and tax effects from short term gains and losses. In almost all cases, there is data mining from reporting results over the same period used to build the timing model. Our study addresses these concerns directly. We control the transaction costs and tax effects by focusing on funds available for retirement accounts within a Vanguard fund family allowing costless monthly transfers. We use a “risk on” or “risk off” approach rather than experiment with arbitrary cutoff rules for switching funds. We first test for the time series properties of the Fed model to build a prediction model and then apply it over a recent five-year holdout of period. Our findings show that the switching portfolio offers attractive performance compared to either of the Vanguard funds, especially with respect to enhancing upside to downside risk ratios.
Partisispasi Masyarakat Dalam Kegiatan Pariwisata Di Kawasan Adat Ammatoa Kecamatan Kajang Kabupaten Bulukumba
Authors: Syarif Erman , Hasriyanti  , Dua Padang Reski Natalia , Ihsan Husnul Khotimah , Nasir Nirmala , Yuni Lamart Dwi Putri
Published: November 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bentuk partisipasi masyarakat dalam kegiatan kepariwisataan di kawasan adat Ammatoa, Kajang. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode analisis deskriptif kualitatif. Sedangkan, teknik pengumpulan datanya yaitu dengan menggunakan teknik observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Adapun hasil dari penelitian ini yaitu bentuk partisipasi masyarakat di kawasan adat Ammatoa dalam kegiatan pariwisata dimulai pada tahun 2018 dan diresmikan pada tahun 2019, bentuk partisipasi proses awal kepariwisataan karena kunjungan wisata yang meningkat, bentuk partisipasi masyarakat dalam perencanaan berdasarkan sejarah pembentukan kelompok adat, bentuk partisipasi dalam pelaksanaan dengan sesuai aturan adat yang berlaku, dan bentuk partisipasi dalam pengembangan dilakukan dengan cara memelihara yang sudah ada.
Tratamientos de alto costo: caracterización de solicitudes en la provincia de Mendoza, Argentina, entre 2018 y 2022
Authors: Álvarez Jorgelina
Published: November 2023

Introducción. Un desafío actual en políticas sanitarias es el financiamiento de la salud, con los sistemas de salud frente a una nueva situación: un mundo pospandemia con más necesidades de atención y escasez de recursos económicos. Los medicamentos de alto costo (MAC) constituyen un problema relevante por sus consecuencias para la salud pública. En Argentina coexisten múltiples mecanismos de financiación y acceso que, sin una valoración crítica y un acceso sostenido, atentan contra el uso racional de medicamentos. Objetivos. Describir las drogas solicitadas por vía del programa de la Dirección de asistencia directa de situaciones especiales (DADSE) como tipo, situación regulatoria, indicación, pertinencia de la solicitud según criterios de uso racional. Identificar MAC y conocer el gasto y el impacto en el sistema de salud. Material y métodos. Estudio descriptivo en base a datos de solicitudes de cobertura de tecnologías sanitarias y posterior análisis de variables de interés durante el período 2018-2022. Resultados. En el período se realizaron, a través del Ministeriode Salud de Mendoza, un total de 787 solicitudes. Del total de medicamentos solicitados, el 75,4% cumple con el criterio de ser un MAC: cinco (5) principios activos concentran el 72,46% de las solicitudes (adalimumab, secukinumab, omalizumab, infliximab y etanercept). Omalizumab, con menor respaldo de efectividad en la indicación solicitada, resultó ser el de mayor costo del tratamiento por día (CTD). Adalimumab resultó ser el tratamiento de mayor impacto en presupuestos, sujeto a la cantidad de solicitudes. Conclusiones. Los MAC son tratamientos novedosos por su indicación e irrupción en la práctica de la medicina. Nuestro trabajo muestra que su asequibilidad y la dupla precio-valor terapéutico no siguen una linealidad, sino que diversos factores convergen en su dinámica.
Análisis de la persistencia de síntomas en personas con covid-19 con control ambulatorio en la ciudad de Bahía Blanca
Authors: Buffone Ignacio
Published: November 2023

La covid-19 persistente se define cuando el paciente que cursó la enfermedad continúa con síntomas más allá de las cuatro semanas desde la fecha de inicio de síntomas (FIS). Dado que, en la actualidad, no existen datos sobre cómo es el comportamiento de esta condición a nivel local, se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo realizando entrevistas telefónicas a pacientes mayores de 18 años con covid-19 leve. El objetivo fue determinar la persistencia de los síntomas y los factores asociados en pacientes con covid-19 de forma ambulatoria atendidos en el Centro de Telemedicina (CeTeC) de Bahía Blanca. Edad, sexo, comorbilidades y estado de vacunación fueron las variables de interés. Se utilizaron medidas de tendencia central y proporciones para el análisis descriptivo y riesgo relativo para evaluar asociaciones. El análisis de datos se realizó con el SPSS 17.0.
Financial Literacy and Investment Intention in Financial Assets: A systematic Literature Review Synthesis
Authors: Agha Hina , Khan Dr Mubashir Ali
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study is to contribute through highlighting importance of FL while investments in financial assets. In this study, we use systematic literature review approach to evaluate the impact of FL on investment intention in financial assets. This review has many conceptual and theoretical implication as it provides a deep understanding of impact of FL on investment intention, which could be very useful for finance practitioners. More specifically,  the study aims to provide useful information to strategist in financial firms, advisors to state, investors who trade on the stock exchange, fund  managers, financial analyst and strategist, investment bankers, traders/brokers at the stock exchange, policymakers, academics and market players to make effective decisions, as well as provide suggestions for potential future actions for the government to encourage investment by households by understanding the nature of their problems. This study contributed conceptually as one of the few and authentic SLRs which highlights the importance of FL influence on financial assets investment intentions by presenting the authentic and contemporary published literature on the specific subject.
Gema Cow-Pu: Development of Mathematical Crossword Puzzle Learning Media on Students' Critical Thinking Ability
Authors: Darmayanti Rani
Published: November 2023

Critical personality is a skill that must be possessed in order to survive in the global competition of 21st century society. Given that critical thinking education is an important part of human life, innovations must be carried out to foster students' critical thinking. One of the studies he conducted was the innovation of crossword learning media (GEMA COW-PU). In this study, the development of learning media for mathematical crossword puzzles (Gema Cow-Pu) was carried out on Geometry material at YALC Pasuruan Middle School and tested the learning media on students' critical thinking skills. This is intended to determine its validity and practicality. The specialty of this research is research and development based on the Borg n Gall development model. The research subjects were ten students of class VIII. The instruments used were validation sheets, teacher and student response questionnaires, and student learning outcomes tests. The results showed that the relevance score of Gema Cow-Pu learning media with students' critical thinking skills was in the very valid category with an average score of 89.75 percent, and Practical with a percentage of 95.3%. This shows that the Gema Cow-Pu learning media meets valid and practical criteria so that it can help students' critical thinking skills in learning
The Influence of Brand Awareness and Brand Ambassadors on Vivo Cellphone Purchase Decisions for Eka Prasetya Medan Students
Authors: Dennis
Published: November 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of Brand Awareness and Brand Ambassador on Purchase Decisions for VIVO Smartphone at STIE Eka Prasetya Medan Student.The research methodology used is descriptive quantitative method. The population in this study amounted to 1.122 respondents and as the sample are 92 respondent. The results of the analysis show that the brand awareness has a positive and significant effect on the Purchase Decisions for VIVO Smartphone at STIE Eka Prasetya Medan Student on the partial test results. The results showed that Brand Ambassador is not effect and no significant on Purchase Decisions for VIVO Smartphone at STIE Eka Prasetya Medan Student based on the results of partial tests. The results showed that Brand Awareness and Brand Ambassador has a positive and significant effect on Purchase Decisions for VIVO Smartphone at STIE Eka Prasetya Medan Student based on simultaneous test results. The results of this study are supported by the value of R Square which means Brand Awareness and Brand Ambassador can explain purchasing decisions and the remaining influenced by other variables outside of this study such as Price, and Perception.
Pengaruh Harga Dan Segmentasi Pasar Terhadap Penjualan Hasil Laut Pada PT. Yasuriang Samudera Rezeki
Authors: Agus Vianus  , Agus Rahmadsyah  , Lokot Muda Harahap
Published: November 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of partially or simultaneously price and market segmentation on the sale of seafood at PT. Yasuriang Samudera Rezeki. The population in this study are customers of PT. Yasuriang Samudera Rezeki for 52 customers. The sampling technique in this study used saturated samples, which amounted to 52 customers. The research method used is the technique of collecting data through questionnaires. The analytical method used to solve problems and prove hypotheses is descriptive analysis, regression analysis. T test results indicate that the price of a positive and significant effect on the sale of marine products at PT. Yasuriang Samudera Rezeki and Market Segmentation has a positive and significant effect on the sale of seafood at PT. Yasuriang Samudera Rezeki. F test results indicate that the price and market segmentation has a positive and significant effect on the sale of seafood at PT. Yasuriang Samudera Rezeki. The coefficient of determination test results (R2) shows that 68% of the Sales variable is influenced by the Price and Market Segmentation variable, while the remaining 32% is influenced by other variables outside of this study such as service quality, distribution channels, and personal selling.
El doble papel de las especies reactivas de oxígeno en el metabolismo celular
Authors: Bibián-León M. E.
Published: November 2023

Las reacciones bioquímicas celulares producen moléculas altamente reactivas e inestables denominadas Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno. Estas moléculas continuamente causan daños que, de no controlarse, llevan a muerte celular. Sin embargo, cuando la concentración de las Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno se mantiene en niveles bajos o fisiológicos, fungen como moléculas señalizadoras en procesos metabólicos como lo es la producción de metabolitos secundarios. Estos metabolitos son de interés ya que muchos de ellos tienen efectos farmacológicos y toxicológicos sobre el ser humano. Por ello, dependiendo de la concentración de las Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno dentro de la célula, éstas tienen una doble función en su metabolismo.
Work-life Balance, Gender Role Beliefs, Gender Participation and Women's Representation in Leadership Positions in Public Universities: A Case of Makerere University
Authors: Tushabe Monica , Kyambade Mahadih , Kalisa Gerald , Birungi Felister
Published: November 2023

The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between work-life balance, gender role beliefs, gender participation, and women's representation in leadership positions in public universities in Uganda. 280 staff from Makerere University responded to the study. A cross-sectional study survey was adopted which involved descriptive, correlation, and regression approaches. The findings of this study revealed work-life balance, gender role beliefs, and gender participation significantly and positively influence women's representation in leadership positions at Makerere University in Uganda. Women who take on more leadership roles at Makerere University have to realize work-life balance. Women have to be given equal opportunity to participate in all university activities with support accorded to them just as the case is, with male employees. They should be supported to take on leadership roles and higher academic qualifications just as their male counterparts. The results show that among other driving forces to venture into leadership positions, achieving work-life balance is one of the most significant ones. Lack of ample time, gender stereotypes, social and cultural norms as well and family responsibilities are the greatest hindrances women face in achieving balance hence hindering their representation in leadership positions in Makerere University. This study shows how women's representation in leadership positions can be improved by family, domestic, and work-related factors.
Survey and Surveillance on Major Rice Diseases Severity in Karnataka, India
Authors: Shivakumar  , Patil M. B.
Published: November 2023

Rice blast, sheath blight and Grain discoloration diseases of rice were becoming a serious threat to rice crop in Karnataka. The patterns of spatio-temporal distribution of disease incidence were examined in two seasons (Kharif 2012 and 2013) with main objective of statues of rice diseases in paddy growing areas of Karnataka and variability with climatic condition.  Most of the fields in the paddy growing areas of Karnataka were diseased, but significant differences in disease incidence occurred among the some sites in paddy growing areas of Karnataka. The leaf blast severity showed that the highest mean per cent disease incidence 37.20 was observed in Mandya district.and sheath blight severity showed that the highest mean per cent disease incidence 41.76 was observed in Yadgir district. The spatio-temporal distribution of grain discoloration incidence in Kharif 2012 and 2013 varied with districts, the maximum disease was in Bellary (33.82% and 31.24%) followed by Koppal (31.78% and 27.16%), for sheath blight, maximum disease was in Yadgir (36.23% and 41.76%) followed by Raichur (27.16% and 30.59%) and maximum leaf blast disease was in Mandya (37.20% and 36.91%) followed by Ramanagar (36.67% and 36.54%) respectively. Many fungi have been isolated from discolored grain, Curvularia lunata (Wakker) Boed. were found as a dominant pathogen. Survey and surveillance were serve as a precursor for evolving management strategies against the disease effective for the zone in an integrated way for sustainable development of crop in the state.
Physico-chemical Characterization of Biochar from Different Biomass Materials
Authors: Diya R. , Meera A. V. , Rani B. , Leno N. , John J.
Published: November 2023

Aim: To conduct the physico-chemical analysis of biochar derived from various organic residues, an examination of the physical characteristics including bulk density, water retention capacity, and the chemical properties such as pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, total organic carbon, as well as the concentration of macro and micro nutrients were evaluated.

Study Design: Experiment was conducted in completely randomized design with 7 treatments and 3 replications.

Place and Duration of Study: The investigation was conducted at Integrated Farming System Research, Karamana, Kerala Agricultural University during 2021-2023.

Methods: Organic residues from different sources were converted into biochar utilizing a double barrel Biochar Kiln, and subsequently, the biochars were analyzed in a Soil and Plant Analysis laboratory to determine their physical and chemical properties.

Result: Physio-chemical properties of biochar vary significantly with the choice of feedstock material. Banana pseudostem biochar reported the lowest bulk density (0.21 Mg m-3) and highest water holding capacity (327.74%). All the biochar produced were alkaline in nature, and they contained high cation exchange capacity ranging between 9.34 to 14.10cmol (+) kg-1. Macro and micro nutrient contents were comparatively higher in Limnocharis flava biochar and Banana pseudostem biochar.

Conclusion: Organic residues can be successfully converted to biochar and results obtained show the suitability of application of produced biochar as a soil amendment.
Foreign Exchange Pressure and Foreign Exchange Intervention in Nigeria: A Review of Literature
Authors: Itodo Idoko Ahmed , Ichoku Hyacinth Ementa , Olushola Oluwatosin
Published: November 2023

This paper conducts a comprehensive examination of the concepts of foreign exchange pressure and foreign exchange intervention within the Nigerian foreign exchange market. It delves into the theoretical foundations and empirical evidence underpinning these crucial elements of economic policy in Nigeria. To begin, the paper elucidates the various factors driving foreign exchange pressure in the Nigerian context, encompassing trade imbalances, external shocks, and economic fluctuations, which exert significant pressure on the exchange rate and foreign exchange reserves, necessitating effective strategies for policymakers and market participants. Furthermore, the paper sheds light on the theoretical frameworks and models that form the basis of foreign exchange intervention, emphasizing the substantial impact of central bank and government interventions on maintaining foreign exchange market stability, averting abrupt currency devaluations, and upholding macroeconomic equilibrium. Additionally, the paper reviews empirical literature, offering valuable insights into the practical implications of foreign exchange pressure and intervention in Nigeria, showcasing the Nigerian central bank's use of measures like capital controls, foreign exchange auctions, and exchange rate pegs. The effective management of foreign exchange pressure in Nigeria plays a pivotal role in ensuring economic stability, bolstering international trade, and fostering sustainable economic growth within the nation.
Acute Myocardial Infarction Revealed by an Escape Rhythm in a Patient With Failed Sgarbossa Criteria
Authors: Varga Cecilia R. , Miles William M. , Ruzieh Mohammed
Published: November 2023

This case report describes a man in his 80s with a medical history of essential hypertension who presented to the emergency department with sudden onset epigastric pain.
Polygenic Risk Score, Environmental Tobacco Smoke, and Risk of Lung Adenocarcinoma in Never-Smoking Women in Taiwan
Authors: Blechter Batel , Chien Li-Hsin , Chen Tzu-Yu , Chang I-Shou , Choudhury Parichoy Pal , Hsiao Chin-Fu , Shu Xiao-Ou , Wong Jason Y. Y. , Chen Kuan-Yu , Chang Gee-Chen , Tsai Ying-Huang , Su Wu-Chou , Huang Ming-Shyan , Chen Yuh-Min , Chen Chih-Yi , Hung Hsiao-Han , Hu Jia-Wei , Shi Jianxin , Zheng Wei , Rositch Anne F. , Chen Chien-Jen , Chatterjee Nilanjan , Yang Pan-Chyr , Rothman Nathaniel , Hsiung Chao Agnes , Lan Qing
Published: November 2023

Importance

Estimating absolute risk of lung cancer for never-smoking individuals is important to inform lung cancer screening programs.

Objectives

To integrate data on environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), a known lung cancer risk factor, with a polygenic risk score (PRS) that captures overall genetic susceptibility, to estimate the absolute risk of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) among never-smokers in Taiwan.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The analyses were conducted in never-smoking women in the Taiwan Genetic Epidemiology Study of Lung Adenocarcinoma, a case-control study. Participants were recruited between September 17, 2002, and March 30, 2011. Data analysis was performed from January 17 to July 15, 2022.

Exposures

A PRS was derived using 25 genetic variants that achieved genome-wide significance (P < 5 × 10−8) in a recent genome-wide association study, and ETS was defined as never exposed, exposed at home or at work, and exposed at home and at work.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The Individualized Coherent Absolute Risk Estimator software was used to estimate the lifetime absolute risk of LUAD in never-smoking women aged 40 years over a projected 40-year span among the controls by using the relative risk estimates for the PRS and ETS exposures, as well as age-specific lung cancer incidence rates for never-smokers in Taiwan. Likelihood ratio tests were conducted to assess an additive interaction between the PRS and ETS exposure.

Results

Data were obtained on 1024 women with LUAD (mean [SD] age, 59.6 [11.4] years, 47.9% ever exposed to ETS at home, and 19.5% ever exposed to ETS at work) and 1024 controls (mean [SD] age, 58.9 [11.0] years, 37.0% ever exposed to ETS at home, and 14.3% ever exposed to ETS at work). The overall average lifetime 40-year absolute risk of LUAD estimated using PRS alone was 2.5% (range, 0.6%-10.3%) among women never exposed to ETS. When integrating both ETS and PRS data, the estimated absolute risk was 3.7% (range, 0.6%-14.5%) for women exposed to ETS at home or work and 5.3% (range, 1.2%-12.1%) for women exposed to ETS at home and work. A super-additive interaction between ETS and the PRS (P = 6.5 × 10−4 for interaction) was identified.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found differences in absolute risk of LUAD attributed to genetic susceptibility according to levels of ETS exposure in never-smoking women. Future studies are warranted to integrate these findings in expanded risk models for LUAD.
Trends in Prevalence of Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration Among US Children, 1999 to 2018
Authors: Ding Guodong , Shi Chutian , Vinturache Angela , Zhang Yongjun
Published: November 2023

This cross-sectional study analyzes changes in the prevalence of breastfeeding initiation and duration among US children over the past 20 years.
Choreography of lamina‐associated domains: structure meets dynamics
Authors: Alagna Nicholas S. , Thomas Tiera I. , Wilson Katherine L. , Reddy Karen L.
Published: November 2023

Lamina‐associated domains are large regions of heterochromatin positioned at the nuclear periphery. These domains have been implicated in gene repression, especially in the context of development. In mammals, LAD organization is dependent on nuclear lamins, inner nuclear membrane proteins, and chromatin state. In addition, chromatin readers and modifier proteins have been implicated in this organization, potentially serving as molecular tethers that interact with both nuclear envelope proteins and chromatin. More recent studies have focused on teasing apart the rules that govern dynamic LAD organization and how LAD organization, in turn, relates to gene regulation and overall 3D genome organization. This review highlights recent studies in mammalian cells uncovering factors that instruct the choreography of LAD organization, re‐organization, and dynamics at the nuclear lamina, including LAD dynamics in interphase and through mitotic exit, when LAD organization is re‐established, as well as intra‐LAD subdomain variations.
Black Phosphorus Accelerates Bone Regeneration Based on Immunoregulation
Authors: Qiu Minglong , Tulufu Nijiati , Tang Guoqing , Ye Wenkai , Qi Jin , Deng Lianfu , Li Changwei
Published: November 2023

A fundamental understanding of inflammation and tissue healing suggests that the precise regulation of the inflammatory phase, both in terms of location and timing, is crucial for bone regeneration. However, achieving the activation of early inflammation without causing chronic inflammation while facilitating quick inflammation regression to promote bone regeneration continues to pose challenges. This study reveals that black phosphorus (BP) accelerates bone regeneration by building an osteogenic immunological microenvironment. BP amplifies the acute pro‐inflammatory response and promotes the secretion of anti‐inflammatory factors to accelerate inflammation regression and tissue regeneration. Mechanistically, BP creates an osteoimmune‐friendly microenvironment by stimulating macrophages to express interleukin 33 (IL‐33), amplifying the inflammatory response at an early stage, and promoting the regression of inflammation. In addition, BP‐mediated IL‐33 expression directly promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), which further facilitates bone repair. To the knowledge, this is the first study to reveal the immunomodulatory potential of BP in bone regeneration through the regulation of both early‐stage inflammatory responses and later‐stage inflammation resolution, along with the associated molecular mechanisms. This discovery serves as a foundation for the clinical use of BP and is an efficient approach for managing the immune microenvironment during bone regeneration.
Achieving Long‐Wavelength Electroluminescence Using Two‐Coordinate Gold(I) Complexes: Overcoming the Energy Gap Law
Authors: Avula Sreenivas , Jhun Byung Hak , Jo Unhyeok , Heo Seunga , Lee Jun Yeob , You Youngmin
Published: November 2023

Two‐coordinate coinage metal complexes have emerged as promising emitters for highly efficient organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs). However, achieving efficient long‐wavelength electroluminescence emission from these complexes remains as a daunting challenge. To address this challenge, molecular design strategies aimed at bolstering the photoluminescence quantum yield (Φ) of Au(I) complex emitters in low‐energy emission regions are investigated. By varying amido ligands, a series of two‐coordinate Au(I) complexes is developed that exhibit photoluminescence peak wavelengths over a broad range of 533−750 nm. These complexes, in particular, maintain Φ values up to 10% even in the near‐infrared emission region, overcoming the constraints imposed by an energy gap. Quantum chemical calculations and photophysical analyses reveal the action of radiative control, which serves to overcome the energy gap law, becomes more pronounced as the overlap between hole and electron distributions (Sr(r)) in the excited state increases. It is further elucidated that Sr(r) increases with the distance between the hole‐distribution centroid and the nitrogen atom in an amido ligand. Finally, multilayer OLEDs involving the Au(I) complex emitters exhibit performances beyond the borderline of the electroluminescence wavelength−external quantum efficiency space set by previous devices of coinage metal complexes.
A Mammalian Conserved Circular RNA CircLARP1B Regulates Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis and Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Li Jingxin , Wang Xiaolin , Shi Liang , Liu Boqiang , Sheng Zhiyong , Chang Shuhui , Cai Xiujun , Shan Ge
Published: November 2023

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as crucial regulators in physiology and human diseases. However, evolutionarily conserved circRNAs with potent functions in cancers are rarely reported. In this study, a mammalian conserved circRNA circLARP1B is identified to play critical roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients with high circLARP1B levels have advanced prognostic stage and poor overall survival. CircLARP1B facilitates cellular metastatic properties and lipid accumulation through promoting fatty acid synthesis in HCC. CircLARP1B deficient mice exhibit reduced metastasis and less lipid accumulation in an induced HCC model. Multiple lines of evidence demonstrate that circLARP1B binds to heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein D (HNRNPD) in the cytoplasm, and thus affects the binding of HNRNPD to sensitive transcripts including liver kinase B1 (LKB1) mRNA. This regulation causes decreased LKB1 mRNA stability and lower LKB1 protein levels. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide complementary to theHNRNPD binding sites in circLARP1B increases the HNRNPD binding to LKB1 mRNA. Through the HNRNPD–LKB1–AMPK pathway, circLARP1B promotes HCC metastasis and lipid accumulation. Results from AAV8‐mediated hepatocyte‐directed knockdown of circLARP1B or Lkb1 in mouse models also demonstrate critical roles of hepatocytic circLARP1B regulatory pathway in HCC metastasis and lipid accumulation, and indicate that circLARP1B may be potential target of HCC treatment.
Flexible, Bending Stable, and Biocompatible Silk Fibroin/NiFe Films for Bio‐Integrated Microwave Applications
Authors: Guan Mengmeng , Zhang Qi , Qiu Ruibin , Hu Zhongqiang , Zhang Xiaohui , Peng Bin , Liu Ming
Published: November 2023

Integration of magnetic materials into bio‐integrated flexible electronics will bring multi‐functionality, such as magnetoception and wireless communication. In practical application, the performance of magnetic materials and devices should remain stable during cyclic bending–unbending and they can be degradable within a designated lifetime. However, direct integration of magnetic materials with flexible and biocompatible materials and maintaining mechanically stable microwave performance have not been achieved yet. Here, ultrathin (5–50 nm) permalloy (NiFe) films deposited on biocompatible silk fibroin (SF) films are shown to be bending stable, and dissolvable. The ferromagnetic properties of NiFe films deposited on SF, Kapton, and silicon are studied and compared by ferromagnetic resonance. Benefiting from the low surface roughness of fibroin, which is only ≈0.8 nm, SF/NiFe films exhibit comparable ferromagnetic properties to Si/NiFe, better than that of Kapton/NiFe films. Moreover, the ferromagnetic resonance field of SF/NiFe films remains highly stable during cyclic bending that is exposed to both compressive and tensile strain/stress, and its temperature stability is very close to that of Si/NiFe. Finally, the whole SF/NiFe films are demonstrated to be dissolvable and biocompatible. Therefore, SF/NiFe films can be a useful and stable platform for flexible and biocompatible microwave applications.
Novel Two‐Dimensional NbWO6 Nanosheets for High Performance UV Photodetectors
Authors: Song Peilong , Zhang Yong , Wang Jinshou , Liu Hui , Tian Li
Published: November 2023

A new ultraviolet photodetector (UV PD) is successfully fabricated based on 2D NbWO6 (NWO) nanosheets for the first time, which is synthesized by a facile solid‐state reaction, ion exchange and liquid exfoliation process. The NWO nanosheet‐based PDs exhibit excellent UV detecting performance at 1 V at 290 nm, high responsivity (378 A W−1), high external quantum efficiency (EQE, 1.6 × 104%), high spectral selectivity (R290/R400 = 8.84 × 103) and fast speed (1.05/88 ms). Furthermore, the NbWO6 nanosheets film based PD shows great potential for the application in UV image sensing. This work provides a feasible strategy for the development of new UV PDs based on other potential layered niobates.