bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Object detection and tracking in video sequences: formalization, metrics and results
Authors: Bohush R. P. , Ablameyko S. V.
Published: March 2021

One of the promising areas of development and implementation of artificial intelligence is the automatic detection and tracking of moving objects in video sequence. The paper presents a formalization of the detection and tracking of one and many objects in video. The following metrics are considered: the quality of detection of tracked objects, the accuracy of determining the location of the object in a frame, the trajectory of movement, the accuracy of tracking multiple objects. Based on the considered generalization, an algorithm for tracking people has been developed that uses the tracking through detection method and convolutional neural networks to detect people and form features. Neural network features are included in a composite descriptor that also contains geometric and color features to describe each detected person in the frame. The results of experiments based on the considered criteria are presented, and it is experimentally confirmed that the improvement of the detector operation makes it possible to increase the accuracy of tracking objects. Examples of frames of processed video sequences with visualization of human movement trajectories are presented.
Assessment of expected reliability of applied software for computer-based information systems
Authors: Borovikov S. M. , Kaziuchyts, V. O. , Khoroshko V. V. , Dick S. S. , Klinov K. I.
Published: March 2021

The reliability of computer-based information systems is largely determined by the reliability of the developed application software. The failure rate of its computer program is considered as an indicator of the reliability of the application software. To determine the expected reliability of the application software planned for the development (until writing the code of a program), the model is proposed that uses some parameters of the future computer program, data on the influence of various factors on its reliability, and further testing of the program. The model takes into account the field of software application and computer processor performance. The process of model parameters obtaining is analyzed., It is possible by use of proposed model to determine the predicted failure rate of the planned application computer program, and then the reliability of the computer-based information system as a whole. If necessary, the measures can be developed to ensure the required level of reliability of the computer-based information system.
Explicit Travelling Wave Solutions to Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations Arise in Mathematical Physics and Engineering
Authors: Jannah Muktarebatul , Islam Tarikul , Akter Armina
Published: March 2021

To describe the interior phenomena of the mysterious problems around the real world, non-linear partial differential equations (NLPDEs) plays a substantial role, for which construction of analytic solutions of those is most important. This paper stands for a goal to find fresh and wide-ranging solutions to some familiar NLPDEs namely the non-linear cubic Klein-Gordon (cKG) equation and the non-linear Benjamin-Ono (BO) equation. A wave variable transformation is made use to convert the mentioned equations into ordinary differential equations. To acquire the desired precise exact travelling wave solutions to the above-stated equations, the rational -expansion method is employed. Consequently, three types of equipped solutions are successfully come out in the forms of hyperbolic, trigonometric and rational functions in a compatible way. To analyse the physical problems arisen relating to nonlinear complex dynamical systems, our obtained solutions might be most helpful. So far we know, these achieved solutions are different than those in the literature. The applied method is efficient and reliable which might further be used to find different and novel solutions to many other NLPDEs successfully in research field.
PENGEMBANGAN JR-DESIGN VOLLEYBALL SMASH DRILLS BAGI MAHASISWA JURUSAN OLAHRAGA
Authors: Tapo Yohanes Bayo Ola , Bile Robertus Lili
Published: March 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan model latihan smash bola voli yang diberi nama: JR-Design Volleyball Smash Drills yang dibagi menjadi dua tahapan penelitian. Penelitian ini merupakan tahapan pertama yang lebih difokuskan pada pembuatan produk dan validasi kelayakan produk sebagai aktivitas latihan keterampilan smash bola voli bagi mahasiswa olahraga sebelum dilanjutkan pada tahapan uji coba pada penelitian selanjutnya. Desain penelitian yang digunakan mengadopsi pengembangan Borg and Gall yang disesuaikan dengan kondisi pandemi covid-19, sehingga fokus pengembangan pada pembuatan produk dengan dua kali tahapan uji validasi ahli. Instrumen validasi ahli menggunakan angket skala nilai. Data penelitian dianalisis menggunakan teknik analisis deskriptif kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Hasil penelitian: (a) produk akhir pengembangan JR-Design Volleyball Smash Drills yang disusun dalam buku pedoman latihan, (b) Berdasarkan hasil validasi ketiga ahli, yaitu (ahli 1: 47, Ahli 2: 47, dan Ahli 3: 49), yang berada pada interval kategori perhitungan (µ+1,0σ) ≤ X = 37 ≤ X atau Kategori Sesuai, sehingga model JR-Design Volleyball Smash Drills “Sesuai dan Layak” digunakan sebagai aktivitas latihan smash bagi mahasiswa olahraga.
A Reflection on the Effects of Mother-Tongue Hermeneutics on Christianity: An Entrepreneurial Dimension for Propagating the Christian Faith
Authors: Torsu Livingstone Yao
Published: March 2021

This study uses the historical method to display the importance of Mother tongue hermeneutics and its contribution to the viability of Christianity, particularly in Ghana. Though the enterprise of translation is primitive Mother tongue hermeneutics is a new development in theological studies. Its focus is to make the Bible easy for everyone to read and understand in his or her own mother tongue. Thus, it is an enterprise that conveys Biblical concepts from the original languages (Hebrew and Greek) of the Judeo-Christian Bible into varied local languages. The historical method helps to trace the historical context of an event of mother tongue hermeneutics and its impact on society. Mother tongue hermeneutics has birthed several indigenous churches as well as many preachers of the gospel today. It makes Christianity in Africa particularly Ghana viable.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, mother-tongue hermeneutics, inculturation, libration.
Modeling Solar Wind Variations over an 11 Year Cycle with Alfvén Wave Dissipation: A Parameter Study
Authors: Hazra Soumitra , Réville Victor , Perri Barbara , Strugarek Antoine , Brun Allan Sacha , Buchlin Eric
Published: March 2021

We study the behavior and properties of the solar wind using a 2.5D Alfvén wave (AW)-driven wind model. We first systematically compare the results of an AW-driven wind model with a polytropic approach. Polytropic magnetohydrodynamic wind models are thermally driven, while AWs act as additional acceleration and heating mechanisms in the AW-driven model. We confirm that an AW-driven model is required to reproduce the observed bimodality of slow and fast solar winds. We are also able to reproduce the observed anticorrelation between the terminal wind velocity and the coronal source temperature with the AW-driven wind model. We also show that the wind properties along an 11 yr cycle differ significantly from one model to the other. The AW-driven model again shows the best agreement with observational data. Indeed, solar surface magnetic field topology plays an important role in the AW-driven wind model, as it enters directly into the input energy sources via the Poynting flux. On the other hand, the polytropic wind model is driven by an assumed pressure gradient; thus, it is relatively less sensitive to the surface magnetic field topology. Finally, we note that the net torque spinning down the Sun exhibits the same trends in the two models, showing that the polytropic approach still correctly captures the essence of stellar winds.
Polarized Radiation and the Emergence of Biological Homochirality on Earth and Beyond
Authors: Globus Noémie , Fedynitch Anatoli , Blandford Roger D.
Published: March 2021

It has been proposed that spin-polarized cosmic radiation can induce asymmetric changes in helical biopolymers that may account for the emergence of biological homochirality. The parity violation in the weak interaction has direct consequences on the transport of polarization in cosmic ray showers. In this paper, we show that muons retain their polarization down to energies at which they can initiate enantioselective mutagenesis. Therefore, muons are most likely to succeed in establishing the connection between broken symmetries in the standard model of particle physics and that found in living organisms. We calculate the radiation doses deposited by primary and secondary cosmic rays at various prime targets for the searches of life in the solar system: Mars, Venus, Titan, icy moons and planetesimals, and discuss the implications for the enantioselective mutagenesis proposed as to be the driver of homochiralization. Earth is unusual in that spin-polarized muons dominate the cosmic radiation at its surface.
Radioecological modeling of the 131I activity dynamics in different types of grass vegetation in the Chernobyl accident year
Authors: Vlasov Oleg K. , Zvonova Irina A. , Krajewski Pavel , Shchukina Nataliya V. , Chekin Sergey Yu. , Tumanov Konstantin A.
Published: March 2021

The dynamics of 137Cs and 131I radioactivity in the crude biomass of the grass fodder and food vegetation in Mazovia, Poland, in 1986, the year of the Chernobyl accident, has been estimated. Density of 137Cs and 131I in the soil and vegetation have been measured as a function of rainfall and biomass density as of the time most of the fallout took place. A method is described to convert the instrumental data for the radionuclide activity dynamics in vegetation of one type to vegetation of other types. The results of such data conversion from lawn grass to other types of food and fodder grass vegetation are presented. A method is described for adjusting the dynamics of the radionuclide transport through the food chain components (pasture grass, green meat – milk – human body) by normalizing successively the estimated data in each next component for the average value of the instrumental data ratio to the estimated data in the preceding component. The proposed methods are intended to generate a mutually consistent base of estimated and reconstructed instrumental data: 137Cs and 131I activity in the atmosphere – rainfall – 137Cs fallout density on terrain – specific activity of 131I in vegetation. Such radioecological database will provide for a longer reliability of the estimated 131I specific activity dynamics in milk and in human body and, in the long run, when estimating the thyroid internal exposure doses.
Experimental investigation of the coolant flow in the VVER reactor core with TVSA fuel assemblies
Authors: Dmitriyev Sergey M. , Gerasimov Anton V. , Dobrov Aleksander A. , Doronkov Denis V. , Pronin Aleksey N. , Ryazanov Anton V. , Solntsev Dmitry N. , Khrobostov Aleksander Ye. , Noskov Aleksey S. , Samoylov Oleg B. , Shvetsov Yury K. , Shipov Dmitry L.
Published: March 2021

The paper presents the results of an experimental study to investigate the coolant interaction in adjoining fuel assemblies in the VVER reactor core composed of TVSA-T and upgraded TVSA FAs. The processes of the in-core coolant flow were simulated in a test wind tunnel. The experiments were conducted using models representing different portions of the VVER reactor core fuel bundle and consisted in measuring the radial and axial airflow velocities in representative areas within the FAs and in the interassembly space. The results of the experiments can be translated to the full-scale conditions of the coolant flow with the use of the fluid dynamics simulation theory. The measurements were performed using a five-channel pressure-tube probe. The coolant flow pattern in different portions of the fuel bundle is represented by distribution diagrams and distribution maps for the radial and axial velocity vector components in the representative areas of the models. An analysis for the spatial distribution of the radial and axial velocity vector components has made it possible to obtain a detailed pattern of the coolant flow about the FA spacer, mixing and combined spacer grids of different designs. The accumulated database for the coolant flow in FAs of different designs forms the basis for the engineering justification of the VVER reactor core reliability and serviceability. The investigation results for the coolant interaction in adjoining TVSA FAs of different designs have been adopted for the practical use at JSC Afrikantov OKBM to estimate the heat-engineering reliability of the VVER reactor cores and have been included in the database for verification of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes and detailed by-channel calculation codes.
A Machine Learning Way to Classify Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: R Sujatha , SL Aarthy , Chatterjee Jyotir Moy , Alaboudi A. , Jhanjhi NZ
Published: March 2021

In recent times Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is picking up its force quicker than at any other time. Distinguishing autism characteristics through screening tests is over the top expensive and tedious. Screening of the same is a challenging task, and classification must be conducted with great care. Machine Learning (ML) can perform great in the classification of this problem. Most researchers have utilized the ML strategy to characterize patients and typical controls, among which support vector machines (SVM) are broadly utilized. Even though several studies have been done utilizing various methods, these investigations didn't give any complete decision about anticipating autism qualities regarding distinctive age groups. Accordingly, this paper plans to locate the best technique for ASD classi-fication out of SVM, K-nearest neighbor (KNN), Random Forest (RF), Naïve Bayes (NB), Stochastic gradient descent (SGD), Adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), and CN2 Rule Induction using 4 ASD datasets taken from UCI ML repository. The classification accuracy (CA) we acquired after experimentation is as follows: in the case of the adult dataset SGD gives 99.7%, in the adolescent dataset RF gives 97.2%, in the child dataset SGD gives 99.6%, in the toddler dataset Ada-Boost gives 99.8%. Autism spectrum quotients (AQs) varied among several sce-narios for toddlers, adults, adolescents, and children that include positive predic-tive value for the scaling purpose. AQ questions referred to topics about attention to detail, attention switching, communication, imagination, and social skills.
An Educational Training Kit for an Efficient GPS Anti-Jamming System
Authors: Shaikh Sarmad Ahmed , Arshad Muhammad Minhaj , Cheema Hammad Mehmood , Abideen Muhammad Zainul , Ahmed Syed Masaab
Published: March 2021

Global positioning system (GPS) is one of the key satellite-based radio technolo-gy providing navigational services on earth or near earth. The increasing usage of GPS applications in daily life has proved that students/researchers of many edu-cational departments including information and communication technology (ICT) are particularly interested to learn and visualize the GPS anti-jamming techniques in a simpler way in their major communication courses. It is a fact that GPS radio signal is vulnerable in various ways to jamming signals launched by malicious el-ements. The traditional available GPS anti-jamming techniques generally involve either added hardware and/or computational complexity which introduce difficul-ty for students to understand the basic concepts. As an alternative, this paper pre-sents a simpler GPS anti-jamming system kit based on L1-band (1.575 GHz) of GPS for education purpose. More specifically, the proposed antenna array, inte-grated with two couplers, cancels out the jamming signal in radio frequency (RF) domain using sum and difference patterns generated by the latter. The simulated and measured results, in terms of scattering parameters and power profiles, of the proposed system have shown that the jamming signal can be eliminated with less complexity. Eventually, the proposed GPS anti-jamming system has great poten-tial to be used in ICT related disciplines for learning and training purposes.
Analysis of Volatile Compound from Commercial Swiftlet Aroma Using Solid-Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS)
Authors: Nordin Nik Fatin Nabilah binti Muhammad , bin Che Mohd Che Mohd Aizal , Tajuddin Saiful Nizam
Published: March 2021

This study was designed to investigate the compounds in the different types of commercial aroma used to attract swiftlets in the birdhouse. Analysis of the volatile compounds is done on two types of commercial aroma, which is categorized as floor aroma (F1, F2, F3) and top aroma (T1, T2, T3) using SPME-GC-MS. As a result, F1, F2 and F3 shows the presence of major constituents like 2-heptanone (13.53%, 3.22% and 0.37% respectively) and 2-nonanone (0.83%, 2.02%, and 0.82% respectively) using DB-1ms while 2-heptanone (5.87%, 0.78% and 0.45% respectively) and methoxy-phenyl-oxime (11.50%, 11.84% and 0.20% respectively) using DB-wax. Major constituents detected using DB-1ms for T1, T2 and T3 are 1-(2-methoxy-1-methylethoxy)-2-propanol (36.49%, 16.23% and 3.06% respectively). Meanwhile, no similar compounds detected by DB-wax for sample T1, T2 and T3. The overall findings concluded that most of the formulation used in the commercial aroma contained strong odor-producing chemicals to attract swiftlets. More studies should be done on investigating the effects of the commercial aroma towards swiftlet also on aroma made from natural substances instead of chemically produced commercial aroma.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Screening of Isolated Alkaloids from Tinospora crispa
Authors: Abd Hamid Hazrulrizawati , Mutazah Roziasyahira , Yahya Izzah Hayati , Zeyohannes Senait Sileshi
Published: March 2021

The antioxidant capacity by DPPH radical scavenging and antimicrobial activity by disk diffusion and broth microdilution method of nine isolated alkaloids from T. crispa were evaluated. All isolated alkaloids had been divided into three groups which were aporphine alkaloids, N-formylannonaine (1), N-formylnornuciferine (2), magnoflorine (9), oxoaporphine alkaloids, lysicamine (3) and liriodenine (4); and protoberberine alkaloids, columbamine(6), dihydrodiscretamine (7) and 4,13-dihydroxy-2,8,9-trimethoxydibenzo [a,g]quinolizinium (8). Protoberberine alkaloids showed (IC50 > 500-800 μg/mL) radical scavenging activity while oxaporphine alkaloids inhibited the growth of the Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (+) and Enterococcus faecalis (+).The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of different compounds support documented traditional use of T. crispa in wound healing and treatment of rheumatic, diarrhoea, ulcers, itches and wounds. Results of the present biological activity investigation further points to the potential of this plant species as a good source of natural antioxidant and preservative in food industry.
Parkinson’s Disease - A Review on Advances and Treatment Strategies
Authors: Raman Subashini , Mahmood Syed , Hilles Ayah R. , Rahman Azizur
Published: March 2021

Parkinson’s Disease ongoing progression treatment demonstrated that new treatment had indicated a promising potential to suppress better the motor and non-motor symptoms arising in PD. There are various pre-existing treatment strategies besides therapeutic drugs used in treating PD. This review discusses newly approved therapeutic medications, current advancements and new strategies to overcome Parkinson’s. It includes deep Brain Stimulation, Focused Ultrasound Surgery and Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNP) treatment in suppressing Parkinson’s Disease symptoms.
3D Printed Polyurethane Reinforced Graphene Nanoplatelets
Authors: Mohan Denesh , Sajab Mohd Shaiful , Bakarudin Saiful Bahari , Bin Roslan Rasidi , Kaco Hatika
Published: March 2021

3D printing allows industries to scale the development from rapid prototyping to mass production in an easier manner. However, a typical photopolymers resin for stereolithography 3D printing possesses lower mechanical properties which incapable to meet certain industrial requirements for high impact applications. Hence, 0.1 to 2.0 wt.% of graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) were incorporated into photo-curable polyurethane (PU) based resin through digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing to evaluate its reinforcement effect. FTIR spectrum proves that significant characteristics of PU were still dominant upon the addition of GnP, indicating there was no chemical interaction between PU and GnP. The interfacial adhesion and the homogeneity of GnP in PU matrix were investigated through morphological analysis and the strength and stiffness of the 3D-printed composites. Results shows, tensile strength and Young’s Modulus of the PU/1%GnP composite had an increment of 21% and 24%, respectively when compared to neat PU resin. However, further increment of GnP reduced the mechanical properties because of interruption in UV curing during printing, hence leading to interfacial voids and defects on the printed specimens.
Thermophysical Properties for ZnO-Water Nanofluid: Experimental Study
Authors: Rasheed Adnan H. , Alias Hajar , Salman Sami D.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the thermophysical properties of zinc oxide nanofluid that have been measured for experimental investigation. The main contribution of this study is to define the heat transfer characteristics of nanofluids. The measuring of these properties was carried out within a range of temperatures from 25 °C to 45 °C, volume fraction from 1 to 2 %, and the average nanoparticle diameter size is 25 nm, and the base fluid is water. The thermophysical properties, including viscosity and thermal conductivity, were measured by using Brookfield rotational Viscometer and Thermal Properties Analyzer, respectively. The result indicates that the thermophysical properties of zinc oxide nanofluid increasing with nanoparticle volume fraction increasing, as well as the thermophysical properties of zinc oxide nanofluid affected by the change in temperature.
Associated injury complicated by pediatric lower limb shaft fractures and clinical efficacy of flexible stainless-steel intramedullary nailing in children less than 15 years old
Authors: Miyamoto Shuichi , Otsuka Makoto , Hasue Fumio , Fujiyoshi Takayuki , Kamiya Koushirou , Kiuchi Hitoshi , Odagiri Takuma , Tanaka Tadashi , Nakamura Junichi , Orita Sumihisa , Ohtori Seiji
Published: March 2021

Although pediatric lower limb shaft fractures are common, little is known about associated injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine associated injuries complicated by pediatric lower limb shaft fractures and the efficacy of surgical treatment using a flexible stainless-steel intramedullary Ender nail in children less than 15 years old. This is a retrospective review of 29 children younger than 15 years old who were diagnosed with femoral or tibial shaft fractures and treated using Ender nails from 2005 to 2016. Baseline data, etiology, associated injuries, fracture site and patterns, operative and post-operative assessment were evaluated. The average age of the patients was 9.0 years, and mean follow-up was 18.2 months. Eleven patients (79%) had associated injury. At the final follow up, six patients (43%) sustained complications associated with the insertion area of the nail. There was no evidence of deep infection or nonunion at either fracture site. The clinical results were excellent in 10 (67%) fractures, and good in 5 (33%) fractures, based on the modified Flynn criteria. Almost all patients with a femoral fracture had an associated injury including abdominal visceral injury, cerebral contusion or other fractures. This study indicated good clinical and functional outcomes. On the other hand, the minor complications rate was high. Nevertheless, elastic stable intramedullary nailing recently has become available in Japan, and a prospective and comparative study is needed.
Table of Contents Vol 76, No 2 (2020)
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: March 2021

No abstract available.
Table of Contents Vol 91 (2020)
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: March 2021

No abstract available.
Table of Contents Vol 22, No 1 (2020)
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: March 2021

No abstract available.
Точные теоремы экстраполяции для локальных пространств Морри
Authors: Berezhnoi Evgenii Ivanovich
Published: March 2021

Показано, что вычисление суммы локальных пространств Морри можно свести к вычислению суммы пространств последовательностей, входящих в качестве параметров в определение локальных пространств Морри. Наличие такой редукции позволяет получить новые теоремы экстраполяции для локальных пространств Морри с точными константами.
О плотности финитных функций в пространстве с мультивесовыми производными
Authors: Kalybay Aigerim Aisultankyzy , Keulimzhayeva Zhanar Askerbaevna , Oinarov Ryskul Oinarovich
Published: March 2021

Определяется пространство с мультивесовыми производными на полуоси. Мультивесовой производной функции называется операция, при которой каждая последующая производная берется от функции, умноженной на некоторую весовую функцию. Предполагается, что все весовые функции, участвующее в определении мультивесовой производной, достаточно гладкие, поэтому множество финитных бесконечно гладких функций принадлежит пространству с мультивесовыми производными и его замыкание по норме пространства образует подпространство этого пространства. Исследуется взаимное отношение этих пространств в зависимости от интегрального поведения весовых функций в окрестности нуля и бесконечности.
Оптимальные кубатурные формулы для классов периодических функций многих переменных
Authors: Bazarkhanov Daurenbek Bolysbekovich
Published: March 2021

Установлены точные по порядку оценки погрешности оптимальных кубатурных формул для пространств типа Никольского-Бесова $B^{s \mathtt {m}}_{p q}(\mathbb T^m)$ и Лизоркина-Трибеля $L^{s \mathtt {m}}_{p q}(\mathbb T^m)$ для ряда соотношений между параметрами $s$, $p$, $q$, $\mathtt {m}$ ($s=(s_1,…,s_n)\in \mathbb R^n_+$, $1\leq p,q\leq \infty $, $\mathtt {m}=(m_1,…,m_n)\in \mathbb N ^n$, $m=m_1+…+m_n$). Оценки снизу устанавливаются методом Бахвалова. При получении оценок сверху используются кубатурные формулы Фролова.
О ядрах функционалов следа и граничных задачах теории поля на плоскости
Authors: Dubinskii Yulii Andreevich
Published: March 2021

Рассмотрен ряд нестандартных краевых задач для системы уравнений Пуассона на плоскости. В основе постановки этих задач лежит разложение пространства Соболева в сумму ядер функционалов следа и одномерных подпространств, натянутых на базовый вектор, определяющий нетривиальность соответствующего функционала следа. Нестандартность задач в том, что граничные условия нелокальны и могут содержать основные дифференциальные операторы первого порядка теории поля, т.е. градиент, дивергенцию и ротор. Доказаны теоремы существования и единственности решений в рамках двойственности пары - пространства Соболева и пространства, сопряженного к нему.
Classification and suitability evaluation of soils along a toposequence for rice production in Alabata, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Osinuga O.A. , Aiboni V.U. , Oyegoke C.O.
Published: March 2021

Soil classification and suitability evaluation are requirements for attaining optimum utilization of the available land resources. Detailed soil survey of  a top sequence at Alabata, Southwest Nigeria was carried out using the rigid grid method. The soils were characterized, classified, and evaluated for rain-fed rice production. The results of the study showed that the soils were loamy sand to sandy clay loam texture, fine to coarse sub-angular blocky structure and loose to hard consistency. Soil reaction ranged from strongly acidic to slightly acidic (pH 4.2-6.1) with low organic carbon (5.6-19.0 g/kg) and total nitrogen (0.5-1.7 g/kg). The potassium contents were moderate while exchangeable cations and available phosphorus were  very low. Pedon 1 was classified as KandicPaleustalfs, pedon 2 as TypicHaplustalfs and pedon 3 as Aeric Kandiaqualfs. The index of current productivity (IPc) by linear model ranged between 8.7 and 10.3, while by square root models ranged between 16.2 and 17.5. The values suggested that the soils were not currently suitable (N2 and N1) for rice production. The index of potential productivity (IPp) ranged from 48.5 to57.0 by linear model and from 53.9 and 58.5 for the square root model. Thus, pedons were potentially marginally (S3) and moderately (S2) suitable for the production of rice. The limiting factors were mainly low levels of macro nutrients, organic matter and cation exchange capacity.

Key words: Classification, climate, suitability evaluation, toposequence, rice production
Effects of wood harvesting on the livelihood of forest fringe communities in southwest Nigeria
Authors: Awe F. , Olarewaju T.O. , Orumwense L.A. , Olatunji B.T.
Published: March 2021

This study was carried out to assess effects of wood harvesting on the livelihood of forest communities in Ibarapa region, southwest, Nigeria. The  study was conducted to identify the various livelihood activities engaged in by forest communities in the region; to assess how wood harvesting in the forests has affected the livelihood of the people in the region as well as to determine the factors influencing wood harvesting in the region. Three hundred copies of structured questionnaire were used to elicit information from the respondents. Focused Group Discussion and Key Informant Interview were also used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results show that various livelihood activities were engaged in by the respondents, prominent among which were food crop production, cash crop production, charcoal production, among others. Among the factors that were responsible for wood harvesting in the region, only age, occupation, household size and the distance of respondent’s house to the forest were significant at 5%. It was observed that excessive wood harvesting has negatively affected the forests in the study area as most of the forests have been greatly degraded. This study recommends that the activities of forest communities should be regulated by local authorities and governments, at different levels, in order to sustain the forests in the region.

Key words: timber, charcoal, lumbering, regression, fuelwood
Manurial amendments and source of water for supplemental irrigation of sawah-rice system influenced soil quality and rice yield
Authors: Nnadi A.L. , Ugwu V.U. , Nwite J.C. , Obalum S.E. , Igwe C.A. , Wakatsuki T.
Published: March 2021

Soil and water management research on adapting the promising sawah ecotechnology for lowland rice farming in West Africa has largely focused on the abundant inland valleys; floodplains which too represent a huge agricultural resource in the region have not been so involved. Sawah refers to a bunded, puddled and leveled basin for rice, with water inlets and outlets for irrigation and drainage, respectively. In conventional sawah, soil fertility is augmented using mineral fertilizers, with an option to harness lowland water resources for use in small-scale irrigation to create the so-called sawah typologies. In this study, we evaluated the effects of three manurial amendments (rice husk, rice-husk ash and poultry droppings, each at 10 t ha–1) and NPK 20:10:10 at 400 kg ha–1 interacting with source of water (spring or pond) used for supplemental irrigation of three sawah typologies in a floodplain in southeastern Nigeria. Plots amended with poultry droppings and supplemented with spring water recorded the overall best performance of the sawah-rice system; the control being the unamended non-supplemented (solely rainfed) plots recorded the worst. Rice-husk ash and rice husk enhanced soil pH and soil organic carbon, respectively. The three sawah typologies showed a consistent trend thus spring-supplemented ≥ pond-supplemented ≥ non-supplemented sawah. Rice grain yield was influenced by soil total nitrogen and the sum of the three plant-nutrient basic cations (K+ , Ca2+ and Mg2+), with the influence of K+ alone being the greatest. To enhance rice performance including grain yields in floodplain sawah, farmers should utilise poultry droppings as soil manure and spring water for supplemental irrigation.
Carcass and organ characteristics of finishing broilers fed diets containing probiotics (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)
Authors: Ugwuoke J.I. , Okwesili O.R. , Dim C.E. , Okonkwo M.N. , Ndofor-Foleng H.M.
Published: March 2021

A five-week study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding varying levels of S. cerevisiae on carcass and organ characteristics of finishing broilers. One hundred and twenty 4-weeks old broilers of cobb strain were randomly assigned to four treatments (T1 = 0.6 g Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) kg–1 diet; T2 = 0.8 g SC kg–1 diet; T3 = 1.0 g SC kg–1 diet and T4 = 0.0 g SC kg–1 diet) with 30 birds per treatment and replicated twice with 15 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. Feed and water were provided ad libitum to the birds in a deep litter system. In the end, data on growth, carcass and organ indices generated from the study were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) among the treatments in the birds’ growth performance indices. However, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the birds’ values for liver weight, heart weight, shank length and thigh length with birds in T3 recording highest values of 61.30 g, 16.93 g and 12.00 cm for liver weight, heart weight and thigh length, respectively. It was thus concluded that finishing broilers fed 1.0 g of S. cerevisiae had superior carcass and organ characteristics than birds on the control and lower levels of inclusion.
Long-run and short-run responses of agricultural sector growth to its determinants in Nigeria
Authors: Umar H.S. , Audu S.I. , Okoye C.N.
Published: March 2021

The study examined the long-run and short-run responses of agricultural sector growth to its determinants in Nigeria using time series data (1981 2015). Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (DOLS) method was employed in the analysis of the data. Jarque-Bera Normality Test, Breusch-Godfrey serial correlation LM test, Engle Granger 2-Step Test for Co-Integration and CUSUM of Squares Test were used to test for normality, serial correlation and structural dynamic stability of the data. The trend of agricultural sector growth revealed that sustained growth of the sector has been experienced since 2001 up till 2015. The results revealed that agricultural sector growth was positively and significantly influenced by capital expenditure in the sector, which was proxy by Total Government Agricultural Expenditure (TGAE), in the long-run; while in the short-run, the sector growth was positively and significantly influenced by labour employment. It is therefore recommended that for sustained agricultural sector growth and development in the country, increased capital expenditure in the sector should be pursued with sustained vigour. Since agriculture sector shows immediate and significant response to employment, it should be made attractive to youth employment by provision of incentive. This would ensure dual gain of tackling unemployment problem in the country and ensure agricultural sector growth.
The use of nitrite and ascorbate in improving quality of stored intermediate moisture (IM) smoked meat
Authors: Ndife J. , Ubbor S.C. , Ezeocha V.C. , Olaoye O.A.
Published: March 2021

Smoking is one of the techniques employed to prevent spoilage of meat. Traditional smoked meat usually results in the production of over dried meat, with unattractive dark colour. This study aimed at improving quality of smoked stored meat. Beef samples were smoked before (CBS) and after (CAS) curing with nitrite and ascorbate in glycerol infusions to obtain intermediate moisture beef. The products were evaluated before and during six weeks of storage under ambient conditions for yield, pigment-conversion, residual nitrite, microbes, and sensory quality. The results of the analysis showed product yield for CBS (33.10-34.77%) to be lower than CAS (47.43-53.48%). Samples CAS contained more moisture (31.21-38.90%) than CBS (24.20-28.41%). CBS4 and CAS4 contained the highest residual nitrite values of 142 and 113 ppm, respectively. CBS4 and CAS3 had the highest myoglobin conversion of 31.31% and 74.68%, respectively. Microbial count of all the beef samples increased with storage time. CBS1 and CAS1 had the highest microbial loads of 3.89 and 4.74 log cful g-1. CAS samples had higher fungal growth than CBS during storage. Beef cured before smoking (CBS) had a better appearance rating (5.44-8.28) than CAS (4.78-7.39). CBS2 had the highest scores in appearance (8.28), taste (7.11) and aroma (8.06). Beef cured before smoking (CBS) had superior sensory scores than beefs cured after smoking (CAS) after six weeks of ambient storage. The quality of intermediate moisture meats was found to improve through curing, using nitrite and ascorbate.
Woody plant communities of Comoe-Leraba reserve: Characterisation and impact of soils on their distribution
Authors: Gnoumou Assan , Salfo Savadogo , Thiombiano Adjima
Published: March 2021

The protected areas are worth great in vegetation conservation; this supported their interest in scientific research on the tools being able to be used for their sustainable management. The present study enters within the framework of a better knowledge of Comoé-Léraba reserve plants communities’ and the soils conditions which explained their distribution, in the aim to make better decisions for it conservation. The objective of the survey is to discriminate the plants communities in relation to soils’ physicals and chemicals parameters which control their distribution. Thus, 368 physociological plots have been done in the field by applying Braun-Blanquet (1932) method and then the plants communities’ package has been carried out in CANOCO software. In related to each ecosystem, 11 plants communities’ have been clearly defined, according the phytosociological statements (DCA). Among these communities four news syntaxons were determined based on previous studies in the same phytogeographical zones. Then their direct ordination (CCA) with soil’s (physical and chemical) parameters, shows that plants communities’ distribution is governed mainly by the water regulation on the ground and also its texture. The obtained results will certainly contribute to lay down a constant policy maker in biodiversity conservation.

Lieux de refuge et de conservation de la végétation, les aires protégées sont des zones potentiellement diversifiées. Elles suscitent un grand intérêt pour la recherche en vue de découvrir des outils pouvant servir à leur gestion durable. La présente étude entre dans le cadre d’une meilleure connaissance des communautés végétales de la réserve de la Comoé-Léraba et des conditions édaphiques qui sous-tendent leur installation en vue de faciliter les prises de décisions entrant dans le cadre de sa conservation. Ainsi, l’objectif était de discriminer les groupements végétaux en relation avec les paramètres édaphiques qui gouvernent leur distribution. Sur le terrain, 368 relevés physociologiques ont été réalisés en appliquant la méthode de Braun Blanquet (1932) et l’individualisation des groupements végétaux a été réalisée grâce au logiciel CANOCO. L’analyse a permis de discriminer 11 groupements végétaux dont la classification syntaxonomique révèle quatre nouveaux taxons comparativement aux études réalisées dans les zones phytogéographiques similaires. L’ordination directe (CCA) intégrant les paramètres physiques et chimiques des sols, permet de considérer la texture et les paramètres hydriques des sols comme étant les plus efficients dans la distribution des groupements végétaux. Les résultats obtenus contribueront certainement à définir une politique soutenue de la conservation de la biodiversité.
Perceptions of local populations on the state of phytodiversity in the subwatershed of Kossi river in the municipalities of Dassa-Zoumé and Glazoué in the Center of Benin
Authors: Dissou Florent Essin , Adjakpa Jacques Boco , Weesie Peter D.M.
Published: March 2021

In Africa, since several decades a rarefaction of many plant species because of their daily use by people can be observed. This study which was conducted in the subwatershed of the Kossi River aims to collect peasant perceptions about the state of phytodiversity. The data were collected through an individual survey in 10 villages with 492 households. The software CAP version 2.15. and R version 3.3.3. were used for the statistical analysis. In total, 94 species belonging to 83 genera and 38 families were identified. The dominant genera are Ficus, Ocimum, Acacia and Blighia. Forty-six (46) species of the listed species (48.94%) are currently rare and 9 species (19.57%) of those rare species are threatened in Benin. Value of importance (IV) of activity and the consensus value (UCs) of the choice of activity show that logging, agriculture and breeding have greatest influence on species loss. This study gives information on the most used species by the populations and those we can select for reforestation campaigns. As a perspective, a work on the temporal dynamics of the land use units of this sub-basin will be done to better appreciate their evolution over time.

En Afrique, on assiste depuis plusieurs décennies à la raréfaction de plusieurs espèces végétales du fait de leur utilisation quotidienne par les populations. La présente étude conduite dans le sous-bassin versant de la rivière Kossi vise à recueillir les perceptions des populations locales sur l’état de la phytodiversité. Les données ont été collectées à travers une enquête individuelle dans 10 villages auprès de 492 ménages. Les logiciels CAP version 2.15. et R version 3.3.3. ont été utilisés pour les analyses statistiques. Au total, 94 espèces reparties en 83 genres et 38 familles ont été recensées. Les genres dominants sont Ficus, Ocimum, Acacia et Blighia et les familles les mieux représentées sont les Caesalpiniaceae, les Papilionaceae et les Combretaceae. Quarante-six des espèces recensées (48,94%) sont actuellement rares et 9 de ces espèces rares (19,57%) sont menacées au Bénin. La Valeur d’Importance (IV) de l’activité et la valeur consensuelle (UCs) du choix de l’activité ont révélé que l’exploitation forestière, l’agriculture et la transhumance sont les principaux facteurs responsables de cette raréfaction. Cette étude renseigne sur les espèces les plus utiles pour les populations et celles à apporter en cas d’enrichissement. Comme perspective, la dynamique temporelle des unités d’occupation du sol de ce sous-bassin sera abordée pour mieux apprécier leur évolution dans le temps.
Sparkling ′′wine′′ production tests from extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. flowers
Authors: Aziato Kokou , Bouka Ekpetsi Chantal , Lawson-Evi Povi , Savadogo Aly , Kwashie Eklu-Gadegbeku
Published: March 2021

The red calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. are widely used in the production of soft drinks in Africa. The anthocyanin pigments of the calyx give a red color to the drinks which are very appreciated by populations. The aim of this study was to develop a sparkling drink with characteristics similar to those of red wine. The production tests were carried out with the calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. commonly called "Bissap" and three types of fermentation: one based on palm wine lees, another by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and a third by endogenous fermentation or control wine. Physicochemical analyzes showed that the wine obtained from palm wine lees at 17th days had a pH of 2.77 ± 0.07, an acidity of 116.99 ± 13.03 (mmol H+ / L), a degree Brix of 7.5 ± 0.25%, an alcohol degree of 7.05 ± 0.24% and energy value of 74.27 ± 2.77 (Kcal / 100 ml). Sensorial tests revealed that the “bissap wine” obtained with fermentation based on palm wine lees had organoleptic characteristics very similar to grape wine.

Les calices rouges d’Hibiscus sabdariffa L. sont beaucoup utilisés dans la production de boisson rafraîchissante en Afrique. Les pigments anthocyaniques des calices confèrent une couleur rouge aux boissons très appréciées par les populations. L’objectif de cette étude était de mettre au point une boisson pétillante qui a des caractéristiques similaires au vin rouge. Les essais de production ont été réalisés en utilisant les calices d’Hibiscus sabdariffa L. communément appelées « Bissap » et trois types de fermentation dont une à base de la lie du vin de palme, une seconde à partir de Saccharomyces cerevisiae et une troisième par une fermentation endogène ou témoin. Les analyses physico-chimiques ont montré que le vin obtenu à partir de la lie du vin de palme au 17ème jour a un pH de 2,77 ± 0,07, une acidité de 116,99 ± 13,03 (mmol H+/L), un degré brix de 7,5 ± 0,25 %, un degré d’alcool de 7,05 ± 0,24 % et une valeur énergétique de 74,27 ± 2,77 (Kcal/100 ml). Les tests de dégustation ont révélé que le « vin au bissap » obtenu avec le ferment de la lie de vin de palme a des caractéristiques organoleptiques très proches des vins rouges du commerce.
Effects of avocado seed extracts on growth performance and caecal flora of guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)
Authors: Tatsinkou Alain Serge , Miegoue Emile , Noumbissi Marie Noëlle Bertine , Sawa Camara , Kuitche Mube Hervé , Nguedia Géneviève , Mouchili Mama , Fossi Josué , Tendonkeng Fernand
Published: March 2021

The diversification of animal protein sources is a beneficial strategy to fill the protein deficit that all developing countries like Cameroon are facing. This work was initiated with the aim of increasing the productivity of guinea pigs through the use of avocado seed extracts. Four experimental rations (T0, T1, T2 and T3) were formulated with graded level of avocado seed extracts (0; 100 g; 200 g and 300 g of extracts per 100 kg of food respectively). Each treatment was tested on 15 females and 3 males divided into 3 subgroups. The results reveal that the mean weights of the animals were significantly the highest: at farrowing (87.00 g); at weaning (160.80 g) and at 8 weeks of age (234.40 g) were obtained with the T1 treatment. The significantly highest total gains (147.4 g) were obtained with the T1 treatment, the T3 treatment having given the lowest mean gain. In animals receiving T0 and T1 treatments, the level of lactobacilli was higher than the level of E. coli. The reverse was observed with T2 and T3 treatments. The use of avocado seed extracts can be considered at an incorporation rate of 100 g / 100 kg in guinea pigs feed.

La diversification des sources de protéines animales est une stratégie salutaire pour combler le déficit protéique dont font face tous les pays en développement à l’instar du Cameroun. Ce travail a été initié dans l’optique d’accroître la productivité des cobayes à travers l’utilisation des extraits de noyaux d’avocat (ENA). Quatre rations expérimentales (T0, T1, T2 et T3) ont été formulées contenant respectivement 0 ; 100 g ; 200 g et 300 g de ENA pour 100 kg d’aliment. Chacune des rations a été testées sur 15 femelles et 3 mâles divisés en 3 sous-lots de 6 sujets chacun. Les résultats ont révélé que les poids moyens des animaux significativement les plus élevés : à la mise bas (87,00 g) ; au sevrage (160,80 g) et à 8 semaines d’âge (234,40 g) ont été obtenus avec les animaux recevant 100 g/100 kg d’extrait de noyau d’avocat (T1). Les gains totaux significativement les plus élevés (147,4 g) ont été obtenus avec le traitement T1, le traitement T3 ayant donné le gain moyen le plus bas. Chez les animaux recevant les traitements T0 et T1, le taux de lactobacilles a été supérieur au taux de colibacilles. L’inverse a été observé avec les traitements T2 et T3. L’utilisation des extraits des noyaux d’avocat peut être envisagée à un taux d’incorporation de 100g/100kg d’aliment chez le cobaye.