bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Humic Acid Addition and Urea Foliar Spraying on Shoot Characteristics and Chemical Content of Olive Sapling Cv. Khistawi
Authors: Hassan M K , Al-Ali H H
Published: December 2023

The experiment was conducted in the lath house belonging to the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Gardening, College of Agriculture, Anbar University, from 1/3/2022 to 15/11/2022 to determine the effect of soil application of humic acid at three levels (0, 10, 15 g sapling−1), respectively, and foliar spray of urea fertilizer at three concentrations (0, 10, 15 g L−1), respectively, and their interaction on the vegetative growth characteristics and leaf mineral content of Khistawi olive saplings. The results showed a positive effect of adding humic acid on most of the vegetative and characteristics and mineral content of the leaves. Adding (15 g sapling−1) resulted in a significant superiority in stem diameter, leaf area, new shoot lengths, percentage of nitrogen, chlorophyll content, carbohydrates, and leaf dry matter, with 4.236 mm, 5.190 cm2, 7.684 cm, 1.824%, 76.739 mg 100 g−1, 7.094%, 47.878% respectively compared to the control treatment. Foliar spray of urea fertilizer at concentration (15 g L−1) resulted in a superiority of the mentioned characteristics above when adding humic acid, reaching 4.530mm, 5.607 cm2, 8.066 cm, 1.844%, 77.578 mg 100 g−1, 7.190%, 48.126% compared to the control treatment. The interaction between the studied factors showed a similar behavior to the individual factors for all studied characteristics.
Effect of Foliar Application of CPPU and Two Type of Mulching Soil Pots in Growth and Flowering of Rose Plant (Rosa Hybrida L.)
Authors: Star S N , Ai-Saad K G S , Ahmed O I
Published: December 2023

The study was conducted in the Lath house of the College of Agriculture / University of Kirkuk / Agricultural Research and Experiment Station, for the period from September 15/ 2021 to Until the end of April / 2022, The research included studying the effect of spraying with a growth regulator (CPPU) at concentrations of (C1 0, C2 30, C3 60) mg L−1 with two sprays, the first one a day after the seedling rotation process, and the second one a week later, The first spray, And the type of mulching soil pots (bark and wood of eucalyptus trees) on the growth and flowering of Rosa hybrid L, The factorial experiment was conducted according to the (R.C.B.D), with a split experiment. The effect of spraying with the growth regulator CPPU at a concentration of 30 mg.L−1 led to a significant increase in the number of leaves, 167.66 leaves.plant−1 and the flower diameter was 13.91 cm, Plants grown in pots covered with eucalyptus bark obtained the highest significant values for some of the studied traits, As an increase in the number of developing branches, 11.00 branch.plant−1 and flower diameter 14.38 cm, The interaction between CPPU spraying and the type of mulching soil pots had a significant effect.The spray increased with 30 mg.L−1 of CPPU and plants growing in pots covered with eucalyptus bark, The number of developing branches is 11.50 branches.Plant−1 and flower diameter is 14.80 cm.
Response of Rosa Pygmaea to Humic and Fulvic Acids Under Exposed Environment Conditions
Authors: Al-Bayati M Y I , Sattar A G , Al-Fatlawi K A
Published: December 2023

This experiment was conducted in Agricultural Research and Experiment Station College of Agriculture/Kirkuk University. The experiment started on 15.11.2021 to 25.6.2022 on using R. pygmaea In age of two years. The experimental plants were sprayed in early morning using three different concentrations of Humic acid (0, 3, 6) gm.L−1 and two different concentrations of Fulvic acid (0, 4) gm.L−1. The spraying process was done via two spraying. the results analyzed using random Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D). The results displayed that 6 gm.L−1 of Humic acid showed significant effect on plant height, numbers of (leaves and flowers), stem flowers, date of flowers blooming and flowering duration comparing to control. However, that 4 gm.L−1 of Fulvic acid has significant on plant height, number of (leaves, branches, flowers), date of flowers blooming and flowering duration comparing with the control.
Growing (Pleurotus Pulmonarius) on Various Local Substrates in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Authors: Khorsheed A N , Ahmed A S
Published: December 2023

In this study the effect of five locally sourced organic substrates as raw material and supplemented with CaSO4 2%, CaCO3 2% and wheat bran10% and three levels of spawning rates (5, 10, and 15%) on growth, morphological characteristics and chemical composition of Pleurotus Pulmonarius mushrooms were examined. These organic ingredients include: (Wheat straw (WS), Rice straw (RS), cardboard, Populus Canadensis sawdust (PC), and Salix Alba sawdust(WW). The study found that organic substrates, such as wheat straw and rice straw, had a significant effect on the mushrooms’ fresh weight 1087.33g and 1030.67g respectively. Supplements increased the fruit content of crude protein15.3%, nitrogen2.44%, fiber15.44%, and carbohydrates 50.44% without affecting vitamin C 3.38 mg/100 g. It also found that a spawn rate of 15% was optimal for protein19.62%, nitrogen 3.13%, carbohydrates 52.26%, and vitamin C 4.1 mg/100 g content in the fruits, while the lowest content was observed at a spawn rate of 5% protein 8.87%, nitrogen 1.42%, carbohydrates 46.31%, and vitamin C 2.6 mg/100 g content in the fruits.
Physiological Correlates of Holstein Heifer Body Weight: Implications for Management
Authors: Saeed O A , Alnori H M , Essa A H , Hameed N A , Shareef M A , Hamza M A , Abdulghafoor R T , Attallah O K
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to predict arid and semi-arid of heifer body characteristics using physiological data. Twenty heifers were weighed on an electronic scale, and heart girth (HG) was recorded. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein, and serum was harvested. Blood parameters such blood urea nitrogen, BUN; glucose, Glc; and total protein, TP. In addition, blood hematological indices (red blood cells, white blood cells, lymphocytes, and hemoglobin) were measured. The growth of the body has resulted in an increase in weight, which has been steadily climbing over time. The body weight was ranged between 319 and 328 kg. There was no correlation between any of the physiological parameters and the live weight of the animals. While, there was a significant inverse correlation (P<0.001) between total protein and the vast majority of the other parameters. The multiple regression analysis shows a direct relationship between Glc and BUN as independent influencing factors on the characteristic that was being studied, which was body weight. Furthermore, with an average GLc measurement, the body weight rose by approximately 8. Overall, physiology as a predictor may be applied. Though, it is not sufficient for predicting live weight.
The Effect of Adding Lemongrass Leaf Powder (Cymbopogon Citratus) to the Diet as a Natural Supplement on Some Productive Traits and Oxidation Indicators in Broiler (Ross 308)
Authors: Al-Azzami A A , Mohammed Th T
Published: December 2023

The experiment aimed to demonstrate the effect of feeding vitamin E and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) to broiler chickens on production performance and physiology. 144 chicks were obtained and randomly assigned to four treatments, each with three replications and 12 birds in each replication. First and foremost, there is no addition to the control group. The second treatment T2 included 300 mg of vitamin E per kilogram of feed; the third treatment T3 included 5 g of lemongrass powder per kilogram of feed; and the fourth treatment T4 included 10 g of lemongrass powder per kilogram of feed. The following characteristics were investigated in the experiment: broiler weight gain rate; dressing percentage without edible giblets; dressing percentage with edible giblets; relative weights of edible giblets; estimation of fat oxidation in tissues by measuring the amount of Malondialdehyde in the liver; percentage of free fatty acids (FFA); and peroxide values (P.V) found in liver tissue. When compared to the control treatment, the fourth and third treatments were significantly superior (P≤0.05) in the rate of weight gain, while the second, third, and fourth treatments excelled in dressing percentage with edible giblets and without edible giblets, and there was no significant difference in the relative weights of edible giblets.
Relationship of Lei0258 Marker on some Productive Traits of Iraqi Local Chickens
Authors: Abdel Karim H D , Noori A A
Published: December 2023

This study was used 100 laying hens, for the period from 10/26/2021 till 3/5/2022 to studying the effect of LEI0258 marker on some productive traits of Iraqi local chickens, Productive traits were measured from the sexual maturity up to 100 days for each chicken, the blood samples were collected from 100 laying hens at the age of 38 weeks from a brachial vein. The LEI0258 marker have 11 alleles were (A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3, D1). The results showed that there were a high significant differences (P ≤0.01) for (A1, B1) alleles compared with different alleles of percentage number and genetic distribution with a percentage of (18 %). there was a significant effect (P ≤0.05) in age at sexual maturity for different alleles, while in weight at sexual maturity there were non-significant difference between different alleles. Egg weight trait showed that there was a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) for the periods (14, 42, 70, 100) day, and non-significant differences in the productive periods (28, 56, 84, 98) day. Feed intake ratio recorded non-significant differences in the period (14, 28, 42, 98, 100) day, while it recorded a significant difference (P ≤0.05) in the productive periods (56, 70, 84) day between different alleles. The qualitative traits revealed a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) for (shell weight, yolk weight, yolk height, yolk diameter, egg white weight, egg diameter, egg white height, and HU unit), While non-significant differences in shell thickness between the different alleles.
Study of Mouth Depth for Some Local Cyprinidae
Authors: Ghazwan M I
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to identify the depth of the mouth and its shape in some local fish belonging to the Cyprinidae family, and the extent to which the depth of the mouth is related to the way of feeding and the nature of food as well as the feeding habits of those species collected specifically from the Tigris River, the results showed a relationship of depth oral cavity with head length was highly significant at (P < 0.01) for all studied species. Also, there was a highly significant relationship between the height of the pharyngeal tooth-bearing bone and the depth of the oral cavity for fish of this local family.
Using Coefficient of Variation to Study the Carcass Traits Uniformity for Three Lines of Japanese Quail
Authors: Noaman H A , ZinAlabidin M M , Sidiq R D , Al-Taee I A , Ameen Q A , Shaker A S
Published: December 2023

Quail body weight and its traits are important to poultry breeders and processors. Body weight correlated positively and negatively to several linear body measurements. Moreover, body weight affected by several factors such as age, sex, breed, rearing and feeding system, handling and slaughtering conditions. Two hundred ten day old unsexed Japanese quail chicks were obtained from three genetic lines of Japanese quail to study carcass traits uniformity by using coefficient of variation. At 40 days of age the feed was withdrawn for 6h, the birds were weighed individually to obtain live body weight. Thereafter the birds were slaughter by knife and let to bleed for 3 min. After the removal of feathers, the carcasses were dissection manually into various parts (chest, thigh, wings, back, head, nick, feet, heart, liver, and gizzard) and weight in gram by using electronic balance with (0.001) sensitivity. General Linear Model within the statistical program SPSS was used to study the effect of genetic lines and sex on carcass traits. Some traits were non-significant effected between the genetic lines such as in male were (Live body weight, head, nick, heart, liver, gizzard), and in female (live body weight, carcass, chest, wing back, head, feet, heart, liver, gizzard). We conclude that the carcass traits of Japanese quail differ among the three genetic lines (white, brown, and grey). And the high values of coefficient of variation may due to the breeding system of the birds.
Nutritional and microbiological characteristics of Dadih and their application to the food industry: A review
Authors: Setiarto R H B , Anshory L , Wardana Ata Aditya
Published: December 2023

Dadih is a typical Minangkabau dairy product which is produced through the application of the natural fermentation of buffalo milk in a bamboo tube under conditions facultative anaerobic due to the presence of banana leaves as the packaging cover. This review aims to examine nutritional characteristics and microbiological aspects of Dadih as a traditional fermented food product from West Sumatra, and the challenges and development of Dadih products for application in the food industry. Microbes that play a dominant role in Dadih fermentation are Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Enterococcus liquefaciens, Lactococcus lactis. Dadih product contains 10 types of essential amino acids, namely threonine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histidine, lysine, and arginine. Diversification of Dadih products is an attempt to vary the types of Dadih on the market so that it can be produced sustainably and consumers have many choices for consumption. The use of packaging that is stable against gas pressure, such as the use of glass bottles or aluminum tubes that are vacuum packed, is expected to be a more appropriate choice and a solution to the problem of Dadih packaging in the future. One effort besides applying low temperature to extend the shelf life of the Dadih is to reduce most of the whey water content. Production of Dadih powder can be done by spray drying method. The development of commercial curd powder products can be carried out efficiently by direct spray drying technique without having to purify the starter. Powdered curd products have a longer shelf life and are standardized quality to be packaged in cans.
Concentrations of Amino Acids and their Concerned with some Blood and Milk Contents of Awassi Ewes
Authors: Obeyes H H , Mehdi L A
Published: December 2023

Nineteen ewes with single and twins birth were used to study the correlation between amino acids concentration and contents of milk (fat, protein, and nonfat solid materials) with contents of blood (WBC, RBC, PCV, HB concentration, total protein and Triglyceride). The results showed significant differences (p<0.05) in levels of amino acids in the age 2.5 years as compared with 3.5 years (4.13±0.12) mg/100 ml, (3.89±0.01) mg/100 ml, respectively. Increase levels of white blood cells and packed cell volume in both ewe’s twins and single birth. Significant differences (p<0.05) in total protein concentration in ewes with twins birth51.57±0.59 dl/g as compared with single bird. There were no significant differences (p<0.05) in (red blood cell, hemoglobin concentration and triglyceride). the results proved significant differences (p<0.05) in minerals (calcium, magnesium, zinc and phosphore) in ewes of both births single and twins. there were significant differences (p<0.05) in milk fat of ewes with twin’s birth than single birth.
Manufacture of Edible Films from Wheat Germ Protein and Study of its Mechanical Properties
Authors: Hussien S A , Morgab M A H
Published: December 2023

In this study, oil free wheat germ protein (DWGP) was extracted and purified by extraction at pH 9.5 and precipitation at pH 4.0. Its nutritional and functional properties were then evaluated. Microwave drying or room temperature circumstances were used to dry edible films made of (DWGP) isolate. The films needed to cure for 5 minutes in a microwave and 18 hours at room temperature. We measured the consumable coatings’ water vapor permeability (WVP), mechanical, characteristics, glitter, and haziness. The findings showed that while the temperature had an impact on the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), the water vapor pressure (WVP) did not. Both microwave and room temperature drying for the WVP provided equivalent results. With the use of the microwave, the values for elongation and tensile strength increased.
Utilization of Nano-Form Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals and their Significance in Health Boosting and the COVID-19’s Challenge
Authors: Abdulqahar F W , Hussein F F
Published: December 2023

Despite current developments in combinatorial sciences and high-throughput screening techniques, natural products are still critical components of pharmacopoeias. Currently, there is a global trend towards the usage of the alternative and complementary medicines. Unfortunately, there is a lack in clinical studies comparing the efficacy of conventional therapy and alternative therapies in this regard. Due to the difficulties of traditional medicines’ registrations with legislative offices, and ensuring of quality, safety, and efficacy concerns. This matter has alternatively created a new category of natural products that gives benign health effects beyond diet but before drugs, with less legislation restrictions. This article highlights the rise of nutraceuticals and functional foods, which are foods containing physiologically effective ingredients that afford additional health assistances beyond basic nutrition. The article defines dietary supplements, functional foods, and nutraceuticals and distinguishes between them. The article also discusses the potential advantages of nanoform functional foods and nutraceuticals, such as reducing the risk of chronic and diet-related diseases, and the challenges associated with their regulation. Additionally, this article discussed examples of functional foods and nutraceuticals served as health boosters for COVID-19’s pandemic. Overall, the article emphasizes the need for increased knowledge sharing and collaboration in the development and regulation of traditional and alternative medicines and functional foods.
The Impact of Economic Policies on the Hunger Index as a Criterion for Food Security in Iraq for the Period (2004-2020)
Authors: Hamad M F , Khalaf M A , Daraj A A
Published: December 2023

Food security is one of the most important priorities of economic systems in all its forms. Therefore, the level of achievement of this goal is monitored through appropriate indicators, including the hunger index as one of the globally approved indicators, in addition to that this indicator is in line with other indicators used globally such as the undernourishment indicator. and general food security index (GFSI), and the economic systems differed in their ways of dealing with the problem of food security, and the economic policies pursued by the systems are considered one of the important tools in achieving food security, and the hunger index It was measured in Iraq for the period (2004-2020) and it was found that there are percentages ranging between (22-27%) who suffer from food insecurity in Iraq during the study period, and the model of (ARDL) to analyse the impact of various economic policies (public spending, transfer expenditures, interest rate, the general level of prices, as well as the values of exports and imports) during the study period on the food security index, and it was found that public spending did not have the desired effect on food security, as it was found that the index was increasing with the increase in spending This may be due to poor planning of public spending, as well as levels of inefficiency in implementation and allocation, while it was found that transformational expenditures have a positive impact on food security, as it was found that the relative increase in transformational expenditures by (1%) is accompanied by a decrease in the hunger deficiency index by (0.14%), and it was It was found that the interest rate and the price index had direct effects on the undernourishment index, which are results that are in line with the logic of economic theory, and exports and imports had a positive effect, meaning that they reduce the hunger index in Iraq.
The above-ground biomass model of mangrove forest in Panai Hilir, Indonesia
Authors: Samsuri  , Pasaribu SN , Zaitunah A , Ahmad AG , Yunasfi  , Dalimunthe A , Sulistioadi JB
Published: December 2023

Mangrove forest is one of the forests with high biomass storage in the tropics besides mainland forests. The mangrove ecosystem has an ecological function as a carbon reducer through a sequestration process (C-sequestration). One technique that can be used to calculate biomass is the use of remote sensing technology using satellite imagery and the application of transformation of the vegetation index. This study aims to obtain the best biomass equation model from several vegetation indices, analyze the estimated biomass value from Landsat 8 imagery in 2022, and map the distribution of the estimated distribution of average above-ground biomass of mangrove forest in Panai Hilir using Landsat 7 imagery and Landsat 8 in 2002 and 2022. This study used a systematic sampling method with a random start with 70 plots. Biomass calculations are carried out using allometric equations. Modeling uses the dependent variable (biomass) and the independent variable (vegetation index). The vegetation indices used are NDVI, GNDVI, and TDVI. The results of this study showed that the chosen equation model was the GNDVI (Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) linear equation model y = 11, 479x – 2,5569 with r2 of 0,404. The average distribution of above-ground biomass of mangrove vegetation at research sites 2002 was 109,66 tons/ha, with the highest biomass distribution being 200,48 tons/ha. The average above-ground biomass content of mangrove vegetation at the research location in 2022 is 98,28 tons/ha, with the highest biomass distribution of 213,10 tons/ha. In calculations using the selected model and index, in 2022, a total estimated average biomass was obtained of 405,52 tons/ha.
Potential of aren (Arenga pinnata) in KHDTK Hasanuddin University Educational Forest, Rompegading Village, Cenrana District, Maros Regency
Authors: Mujetahid A , Faradiba Muin AV , Wulan Sri
Published: December 2023

. This study aims to determine the distribution potential of palm trees and the potential for palm sap production in the Palanro KHDTK Area of Hasanuddin University Educational Forest, Rompegading Village, Cenrana District, Maros Regency. This research uses an approach method participative. Based on the research results, it is known that the people of the Palanro area make the greatest utilization of the male flower parts, namely tapping the sap water for the manufacture of palm sugar. The Palanro area has an area of 46.70 ha with 9 plots of tapping areas in it. The distribution pattern of aren palms in the Palanro area is spread at an altitude of 500-600 meters above sea level and grows wild in the cliff area. It found 1,119 palm trees that had not been tapped, 260 trees were temporarily tapped and 6 trees were not tapped. The sap produced is an average of 47.5 liters/day, one palm tree can produce 8.75 liters/tree, with an average number of trees tapped which is 5 trees/day, and produces an average weight of brown sugar of 1.5 kg/shell.
Level of Participation of Conservation Partners in the Health Management of Conservation Forests (Case Study in the Tahura War Utilization Block)
Authors: Tapasya Sepia , Safe’i Rahmat , Tsani Machya Kartika
Published: December 2023

The Wan Abdul Rachman Grand Forest Park utilization block (TAHURA WAR) is one of the blocks utilized by the community around the forest through a conservation partnership. Until now, the level of participation of conservation partner members in managing the health of conservation forests has been low. The aim of the study was to determine the level of participation of members of conservation partners in managing the health of conservation forests. The research method used was interviewing 30 members of conservation partners and analyzing interview data using a Likert scale. The results showed that the level of participation of partner members in managing the health of conservation forests was, namely, 47% (moderate), the implementation was 57% (low), the maintenance was 43% (high), the utilization was 53% (moderate), and the protection was 53% (moderate). 50% (high). In the 5 stages of conservation forest health management, there are 2 stages in the high category and 2 stages in the medium category. This is because the involvement of conservation partner members in each stage plays quite an active role. Thus, the participation level of conservation partner members in the management of conservation forest health is in the moderate category (43-57%).
Monitoring Land Surface Temperature in the Karajae Watershed as an influential ecosystem for Pare-Pare City
Authors: Chairil A , Nursaputra Munajat , Ramdani Yunus Furqan
Published: December 2023

Temperature is an indicator that is often used to assess environmental conditions in an area because it affects food and air resources, hydrology, and all ecosystems on earth. Monitoring the temperature conditions of an area is also carried out from time to time to see trends that occur. Land surface temperature monitoring using remote sensing which has spatial resolution, temporal resolution, and spectral resolution. Monitoring is only in urban areas without looking at the surrounding conditions. However, temperature is influenced by several factors such as geographic location, position relative to the sun, altitude, and biophysical conditions such as land. This study looks at changes in land surface temperature in the Karajae watershed area as an ecosystem that affects urban areas, Pare-Pare City or vice versa. Analysis of land surface temperature monitoring using remote sensing methods in the form of multi-temporal Landsat Imagery data 2004-2021. The land image displays changes in land surface temperature with a single channel algorithm. In addition, land images are the basis for analyzing land cover changes which are the basis for estimating land surface temperature changes with normalized fractional vegetation cover relationships. The results show that changes in land cover must occur, which are estimated to be twice as large in the future. Settlements have experienced a very large increase in area, while the closure of forest land and dry agricultural land has experienced a reduction in area which will cause disruption to ecosystems and food. The trend of increasing land surface temperature continues to increase every period. The increase in settlements as built-up land, rice fields, dry land agriculture as a form of community activity causes an increase in land surface temperature. In addition, agricultural activities have an influence on increasing land surface temperatures in vegetated land cover. Indirectly, the city of Pare-Pare has an impact on increasing land surface temperatures in the upstream area of the Karajae watershed. This is a concern in the future, if urban activities, transportation, to industrial activities are much faster, and will cause a greater increase in land surface temperature.
Inoculation strategies for agarwood-producing species in Asia: A systematic review
Authors: Lloren Regie
Published: December 2023

Agarwood is a highly valued non-timber product naturally grown in South and Southeast Asian countries and is a valuable ingredient of incense, perfume, and medicines. It is a highly protected tree species and a lucrative investment for cultivation and production due to its high price. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the different inoculation strategies and examined the available agarwood-producing species in the literature. The published articles were extracted from the Web of Science database of the initial search of 184 records. Articles were screened according to the title, abstract and full text. A total of 37 eligible articles were qualified for review. Data extracted were synthesized and analyzed by vote counting, frequency count, and percentages, as well as figures and tables. Results revealed that the oldest article in the review was from 2005, and the most recent article was from 2022. China was the highest number of publications as of 2022. Among agarwood-producing species, Aquilaria sinenses was the widely utilized specimen for agarwood experiments, while Aquilaria malaccensis was the country-diverse species in the review. Further, fungal inoculation was the most widely used as agarwood inoculation strategy. Finally, this review highlighted the need for further agarwood studies.
Morphological Characteristics and Potential of Acacia Biomass (Acacia auriculiformis) in The Educational Forest of Hasanuddin University
Authors: Iswanto  , Restu Muhammad , Zulkifli Kariming Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2023

Acacia (Acacia auriculiformis) is a non-tolerant tree species and has a high Biomass potential. The purpose of this study was to determine the morphological characteristics and potential of Acacia Biomass in Hasanuddin University Educational Forest. The samples observed in this study were leaves, stems and bark, as well as measurement of the potential of Biomass with Allometric estimation, then further analysis such as correlation analysis and cluster analysis. Based on the results of this study, the morphological characteristics of acacia were obtained with cluster grouping consisting of 2 clusters and further divided into 4 sub-clusters with the highest difference in the sub-clusters found in sample P26 and the highest estimated value and Biomass potential were found in P26, namely 208.71 kg and 4.52 tons/ha while the lowest was at P5, namely 20.93 kg and 0.54 tons/ha. This study shows the value of Biomass estimation and potential biomass and which is quite high in Acacia stands in Hasanuddin University Educational Forest with an average estimation value and Biomass potential that varies in each sample or tree.
Development of an energy prediction model for residential buildings using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Nainwal Rajat , Sharma Aniket
Published: December 2023

A model has been developed in this study for predicting the energy consumption of residential building sector using Artificial Neural Network. This model was based on the Multi-Layer Perceptron architecture using feed-forward back propagation algorithm for training. The Levenberg-Marquardt function and the Gradient Descent with momentum function were used as training and learning function, respectively. The mean squared error was used to check the overall performance of the developed model. Trials were performed to finalize the number of hidden layers required for the model. Regression analysis was done between the predicted and actual data to validate the proposed ANN model. The prediction for the same dataset was also performed using the traditional trend extrapolation method, and the predicted results of both were compared with the actual energy consumption data recorded by the electricity regulatory authority of the state. It has been concluded that the accuracy of predicted data using the proposed model was very high (i.e., of 99.54%) as compared to the traditionally used TEM (i.e., 91.07%). MSE achieved for the ANN model was 0.01767% and that of TEM was 0.13115%. The outcome of this study can be used at building level to achieve energy efficiency by predicting the energy consumption and at the level of distribution companies to predict the overall energy demand by the respective sector, and take measures accordingly.
Effects Of Fins on The Performance of Vertical Alignment Cross-Flow Whirlybird Hydrokinetic Turbine
Authors: Bhagat Ravindra , Kumar Dinesh , Sarkar Shibayan
Published: December 2023

The hydrokinetic turbine (HKT) is used to transforms the energy available in fluid flow to mechanical energy. Its operational concept is akin to wind turbines. In contrast, HKTs possess the ability to generate greater torque as compare to wind turbines, obligations to the density of water is higher. In this study, a numerical analysis performed to assess the effects of fins on the performance of vertical alignment cross-flow whirlybird HKT. By the use of numerical method various outputs namely torque, torque coefficient (Ct), power and power coefficient (Cp) are estimated at different tip speed ratio. Further, the flow patterns are represented by velocity and pressure contour. Subsequently, the comparisons of torque and power coefficient are made for different numbers of fins (2, 3 and 4) as well as without any fins and further, the maximum power coefficient is observed as 0.275 at 2 numbers of fins.
Thermal Performance Evaluation of Vernacular Houses: A Case of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Sharma Ridima , Sharma Vandna
Published: December 2023

Vernacular buildings are well known for their climate-responsive and sustainable behavior. Solar Passive approaches used in them enhance the thermal performance of the interiors. The entire functionality of an interior space is influenced by the thermal comfort of those working in the built area. The current study emphasizes the evaluation of the thermal performance of the old slate-roofed mud houses in the hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh. The field study entails measuring environmental parameters on 35 houses in each of the state’s sub-humid mid-hills and Wet temperate high hills. The study undertakes both qualitative and quantitative aspects of thermal comfort through a questionnaire-based survey and interrelates them. The thermal analysis examined indoor outdoor temperature, humidity, and wind speed for the two months of January and April 2022, representing the two major seasons in the area: winter and spring. The study also included the resident’s votes on the ASHRAE thermal sensation scale. The study establishes a stronger dependence of thermal sensation votes on temperature and humidity as compared to wind velocity. A range of 16°C to 19°C and 14.76 °C to 22.1°C was established as thermal comfort ranges for zone 1 and zone 2 respectively. The study further determines the neutral temperatures for the zones and concludes that these traditional houses function admirably over the state’s harsh winter months, and the majority of residents are contented and satisfied in a wider range of temperatures.
Feasibility Evaluation and Numerical Simulation of Diesel–Diethyl Ether–2–Methoxy Ethyl Ether Blends Fueling in Stationary CI Engine
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Kumar Chandan , Das Umesh Kumar , Sharma Sumit
Published: December 2023

In many developed economies, the diesel engine is very important for transportation and farming. There is a lot of research being done in the field of renewable energy to replace conventional energy sources because of the major environmental issues and the rising expense of diesel. Diesel engine cannot be reinstate because of its efficient performance at higher power and reliability with alternative engines. Diesel engine emissions are very harmful to the atmosphere and human health. The main contaminants in diesel engines are smoke and NOx, which need to be effectively monitored. A numerous research is going on to diminish the emissions from CI engines by using some additives as well as the use of alternative fuels. This experimental inquiry was conducted to identify a suitable addition to lower exhaust emissions and improve CI engine performance. The trials used various mix ratios of pure diesel and blends of diesel and diethyl ether-2-methoxy ethyl ether. Mixing of 5% DEE and 5% MXEE with 90% diesel on volume basis (D90–DEE5–MXEE5) showed optimum results of emission and performance. Low exhaust emissions (HC 63.15%, CO 60.00%, and Smoke 18.29%) found to be substantial at peak loads and performance increase (decreasing in BSFC 5.00% and increasing in BTE 3.00%) were compared to mixture D90-DEE5-MXEE5 with diesel (at standard engine conditions). However, NOx rises (2.60%).
Green Trade: Transition Towards a Sustainable Economy
Authors: Mahajan N , Kaur N , Singh V , Gupta A , Garg N.
Published: December 2023

The study aims to explore the benefits and challenges of green trade for economic development. It will examine the experiences of countries that have successfully integrated green trade into their economic policies and the measures taken to overcome the obstacles. The study will also analyze the potential economic and environmental impacts of green trade on different stakeholders, including businesses, consumers, and the community. Overall, the study will demonstrate that green trade can provide a viable path towards sustainable economic development. By promoting the production and trade of environmentally friendly goods and services, green trade can create new business opportunities and improve the quality of life for people while also protecting the planet.
3-aminophenylboronic acid modified carbon nitride quantum dots as fluorescent probe for selective detection of dopamine and cell imaging
Authors: Gan Mingyu , Yao Rui , Wang Baoping , Li Jiarong , Wang Ning , Choi Martin M F , Bian Wei
Published: December 2023

Dopamine (DA) is the most abundant catecholamine neurotransmitter in the brain and plays an extremely essential role in the physiological activities of the living organism. There is a critical need for accurately and efficiently detecting DA levels in organisms in order to reflect physiological states. Carbon nitride quantum dots (C3N4) were, in recent years, used enormously as electrochemical and fluorescence probes for the detection of metal ions, biomarkers and other environmental or food impurities due to their unique advantageous optical and electronic properties. 3-Aminophenylboronic acid (3-APBA) can specifically combine with DA through an aggregation effect, providing an effective DA detection method. In this work, 3-APBA modified carbon nitride quantum dots (3-APBA-CNQDs) were synthesized from urea and sodium citrate. The structure, chemical composition and optical properties of 3-APBA-CNQDs were investigated by XRD, TEM, UV–visible, and FT-IR spectroscopy. The addition of DA could induce fluorescence quenching of 3-APBA-CNQDs possibly through the inner filter effect (IFE). 3-APBA-CNQDs shows better selectivity and sensitivity to DA than other interfering substances. By optimizing the experiment conditions, good linearity was obtained at 0.10–51 μM DA with a low detection limit of 22.08 nM. More importantly, 3-APBA-CNQDs have been successfully applied for the detection of DA in human urine and blood samples as well as for bioimaging of intracellular DA. This study provides a promising novel method for the rapid detection of DA in real biological samples.
Comparative electrochemical properties of polyaniline/carbon quantum dots nanocomposites modified screen-printed carbon and gold electrodes
Authors: Fayemi Omolola E , Makgopa Judith , Elugoke Saheed E
Published: December 2023

In this study, carbon quantum dots (Cdots) synthesized from a pencil graphite precursor using a bottom-up method were incorporated into polyaniline (PANI) to form Cdots-PANI nanocomposite. Cdots, PANI and Cdots-PANI nanocomposites were characterized using the Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The FT-IR spectra of graphene and Cdots show the emergence of a peak at 3500 cm−1, which was initially absent in graphene, after the formation of Cdots, among other peaks. The peak at 3500 cm−1 and the stretching vibration at 1647 cm−1 suggest the presence of –OH and C=C in the Cdots. The FT-IR spectra of PANI/Cdots and PANI show that the peaks in PANI shifted to higher wavenumbers after composite formation. Similarly, the UV–visible spectra of the PANI/Cdots composite revealed a hypsochromic shift of the characteristic PANI peaks at 320 and 600 nm to 300 and 560 nm, respectively. Electrochemical characterization of Cdots, PANI and Cdots-PANI nanocomposites was done with screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) and screen-printed gold electrodes (SPAuE) modified with the nanomaterials and the nanocomposites. The electrochemical properties of the as-synthesized nanomaterials and the nanocomposite were investigated with Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) in 10 mM K3[Fe(CN)6] solution using the bare screen-printed electrodes and the modified electrodes. The modified electrodes gave higher anodic peak current (Ipa) responses and lower charge transfer resistance (Rct) values in the redox probe than the bare electrodes. The SPCE-Cdots-PANI nanocomposite-modified electrode exhibited better redox potentials, faster electron transfer kinetics, larger surface area, and greater stability than the bare electrodes and the other modified electrodes. The outstanding electrochemical properties of SPCE-Cdots/PANI underscores its potentials as a sensitive electrochemical sensor for a wide range of analytes.
Experimental and optimization of die casting parameters on Al-Si alloy with snail shell reinforcing agent
Authors: Puspitasari Poppy , Suprayitno  , Nurmalasari Riana , Pramono Diki Dwi , Muhlasin Ainul Kahfi
Published: December 2023

The demand for aluminum in various fields continuously grows, including in the automotive industry. In this industry, aluminum is used as the material for the spare part. Therefore, aluminum with high mechanical properties and low casting defects is required. One of the available alternatives for producing excellent aluminum is through aluminum casting, including die casting. Die casting offers low cost in mass manufacturing of complex shaped components with acceptable casting results. Further, the selection of die-casting parameters and the addition of reinforcing elements can also improve the mechanical properties of aluminum. In this study, we strengthened the Al-Si matrix using High Pressure Die Casting process with particles from snail shell powder (calcium carbonate). Further, this study also explores the mechanical properties and microstructure of the product produced through experiment and optimization. The optimization was adopted to identify the optimum parameter. For the optimization, we used the Taguchi method. Our analysis results suggested that the reinforcing agent from the snail shell powder has the CaO and Ca(OH)2 phases, with a crystallite size of 106.59 nm. The morphology of the shell powder reinforcing agent showed the presence of agglomeration and interconnected structures, such as skeletons, with average particle size of 0.4 micro. The functional group of the shell powder reinforcing agent showed the OH band during the water absorption by CaO, along with asymmetric C–O with vibration from the carbonate group and Ca–O bound. The most excellent hardness level was identified from T8, with 86.33 HRB and die casting parameters of 0.15% reinforce agents, 750 °C temperature injection, and 50 MPa pressure. Meanwhile, the best tensile strength was found from the T9 sample, with 109,95 MPa and die casting parameters of 0.15% reinforce agents, 800 °C temperature injection, and 60 MPa pressure. Microstructure on the used piston die casting sample with snail shell powder reinforcing agent showed the presence of Al, Si, dendrite, and Al4Ca phases. The multiple response analysis on the three factors indicated that the reinforcing agent presented the most significant effects toward the tensile strength and hardness, followed by pressure and temperature injection. Meanwhile, the Taguchi method and ANOVA results showed the optimal parameter die casting was obtained from a combination of 0.15 wt% reinforce agent, 800 °C injection temperature, and 50 MPa pressure. A multiple linear regression mathematical model for tensile strength and hardness was developed from the observed data. In regression model, the value of R2 of tensile strength 74.02% and R2 of the hardness is 95,18% Thus, the developed model can be effectively used to predict the tensile strength and hardness
Antimatter ‘falls down’ like matter
Authors: Johnston Hamish
Published: December 2023

Physicists on the ALPHA-g experiment at CERN are the first to observe antihydrogen in freefall, as Hamish Johnston reports.
Estimates of water ice on the Moon drops ‘dramatically’
Authors: Harris Margaret
Published: December 2023

The Moon contains significantly less water ice than was previously thought, according to new estimates by planetary scientists in the US.
Percentage of disabled physicists in UK halved in a year
Authors: Hiscott Laura
Published: December 2023

The percentage of people with a disability in UK physics has halved in recent years, according to an analysis by the Lightyear Foundation.
Royal Society launches fellowships to support Black scientists
Authors: Hiscott Laura
Published: December 2023

The Royal Society is piloting a new fellowship programme for Black postdocs to encourage them to stay in science.
Honouring excellence
Authors: Durrani Matin
Published: December 2023

Scientific prizes should honour the best people, not those with the best connections.
Nobel prize rule must modernize
Authors: Schmalstich Hannah
Published: December 2023

Hannah Schmalstich argues that the Nobel Foundation’s three-winner limit for its annual prizes does not reflect modern science and must change.
Spinning sustainability: meet the physicists turning wood into clothes
Authors: Photopoulos Julianna
Published: December 2023

Janne Poranen is co-founder and executive chair of Finnish start-up Spinnova, which spins wood pulp into sustainable fibre for clothes. He talks to Julianna Photopoulos about falling into a physics career and using cellulose technology to help make the fashion industry more sustainable.
The power of an open mind
Authors: Photopoulos Julianna
Published: December 2023

Silvia Vignolini, a physicist who studies natural photonic structures, talks to Julianna Photopoulos about working across traditional scientific boundaries, co-founding start-up companies, and setting up a new department from scratch.
Ask me anything: Catherine Foley
Authors: Durrani Matin
Published: December 2023

Cathy Foley is a solid-state physicist and Australia’s chief scientist. She previously spent more than 35 years at the CSIRO national science agency, where she also served as chief scientist. With research interests in nitride semiconductors and superconducting electronics, she developed a sensor for locating underground deposits of minerals such as nickel sulphide, silver and gold.
CERN makes best-ever measurement of the strong force
Authors: Jarman Sam
Published: December 2023

Physicists working on the ATLAS experiment at CERN have determined the strength of the strong force to the highest level of precision to date.
Quantum entanglement observed in top quarks
Authors: Boerkamp Martijn
Published: December 2023

Physicists working on the ATLAS experiment at CERN have observed entanglement between pairs of top quarks for the first time.
Scientists link earthquakes to fast radio bursts
Authors: van Woerkom Ethan
Published: December 2023

Researchers in Japan have found striking similarities between the statistical behaviour of repeating fast radio bursts (FRBs) and earthquakes.
Petition calls on UK to save JET
Authors: Starckx Senne
Published: December 2023

More than 1000 people have signed a petition against the planned closure of what supporters describe as a “unique” fusion facility, as Senne Starckx reports.
NASA’s Mars Sample Return mission slammed by review panel
Authors: Gwynne Peter
Published: December 2023

The future of NASA’s next flagship mission to Mars has been put in doubt following a scathing report from the agency’s Independent Review Board.
Fusion industry outlines ambitious plans
Authors: Johnston Hamish
Published: December 2023

Andrew Holland, chief executive of the Fusion Industry Association, tells Hamish Johnston how commercial fusion could be delivering electricity to the grid by 2035.
The supercollider road not taken
Authors: Riordan Michael
Published: December 2023

Michael Riordan argues that if the US had followed a more conservative strategy when building the Superconducting Super Collider, the history of particle physics could have been different.