bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of Stakeholders Regarding Use of ICT in Teachers’ Professional Development: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ahmad Tanveer , Ma Hongliang , Ali Nasir , Khan Abdul Basit
Published: September 2024

Due to the emerging usage of technology in the field of teaching and learning, it become mandatory for teachers to utilize ICT in every aspect. The purpose of this study is to find out teacher usage of ICT in their teaching methodologies for their professional development, it is also aimed to find out administrational cooperation with teachers integrating ICT for their professional development. A phenomenological research design was used. The researcher purposefully selected 05 teachers and 05 heads of the institutions to be interviewed as a sample of the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with teachers and heads of the institutions. Thematic coding of data was applied as part of the data analysis process. Seven overarching categories or themes surfaced, including teachers’ perception of ICT, teaching methodology, and better learning outcomes. The results revealed that teachers view ICT as valuable in teaching, and using school management resources effectively. However, others struggle with using ICT due to time and effort consumption. It also emphasized, the struggles with lesson plans requiring ICT but believes it takes longer to achieve targets. Teachers must develop methodologies aligned with their subject and content. The idea aims at the administrative responsibility of the principal in supporting and motivating teachers to adopt new technology and incorporate ICT in their lesson plans successfully. The recommendation is to prioritize ICT competency in teacher hiring, irrespective of grade level, and involve all stakeholders in the implementation of ICT developmental programs, ensuring appropriate usage for teachers.
Gender Differences in the Effects of Cadmium Exposure on Hematological Parameters in Wistar Rats
Authors: Olateju Bolade S. , Ige Serah F. , Ridwanullahi Adejumo , Samuel Olasupo Abiodun , Asegunloluwa Abiala Grace , Ibukunoluwa Akande Mary
Published: September 2024

This study aims to investigate the gender dimorphism in cadmium exposure on hematological parameters in male and female Wistar rats. Twenty Wistar rats (120g-150g) were divided into four groups: male control, male cadmium-treated, female control, and female cadmium-treated. Cadmium chloride (50 mg/kg) was administered orally to the experimental groups for 45 days. Hematological parameters were analyzed using an auto hematological analyzer. Data were statistically evaluated using two-way ANOVA with significance set at p < 0.05. Cadmium exposure significantly increased white blood cell (WBC) counts in male rats compared to controls, with notable decrease in neutrophils and an increase in lymphocytes. Female rats showed significant increase in monocyte and basophil levels. Furthermore, red blood cell (RBC) parameters showed significant reductions in hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) in female cadmium-treated rats. No significant effects were observed on platelet count or distribution width in both male and female rats. The study concluded there are gender-specific hematological alterations due to cadmium exposure in Wistar rats. These findings underscore the need for gender-specific approach in the understanding and amelioration of cadmium toxicity.
Impact of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia) Hypoglycemic Formulation on Biochemical Parameters in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Albino Rats
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Shachi Kumari , Dubey Nagina Kumar
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a widespread endocrine disorder that leads to chronic hyperglycemia, posing significant health challenges globally. Effective management of blood glucose levels remains a critical goal in diabetes treatment. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of natural products in diabetes management. Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter gourd, has been traditionally used for its purported hypoglycemic effects. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a methanolic extract of Momordica charantia in reducing blood glucose levels in an animal model of diabetes and compare its effectiveness to a standard antidiabetic medication, Glizid-M.
Materials and Methods: The study utilized alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats to assess the hypoglycemic effects of the methanolic extract of Momordica charantia. Diabetic rats were divided into groups and administered varying doses of the extract: 150 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 600 mg/kg. A control group received Glizid-M, and a baseline group received no treatment. Blood glucose levels were monitored at regular intervals to evaluate the efficacy of the extract in managing hyperglycemia.
Results and Discussion: The administration of the methanolic extract of Momordica charantia resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in blood glucose levels. Among the tested dosages, the 600 mg/kg dose demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in blood glucose compared to the lower doses of 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. The 600 mg/kg dosage showed comparable efficacy to the standard antidiabetic drug, Glizid-M, indicating a strong hypoglycemic effect.
The results of this study suggest that Momordica charantia has a potent hypoglycemic effect, with its efficacy increasing with dosage. The significant reduction in blood glucose levels at the highest dosage implies that the extract may influence glucose metabolism effectively. The dose-dependent response highlights the importance of optimizing dosage for maximum therapeutic benefit. Comparison with Glizid-M further supports the potential of Momordica charantia as a viable alternative or complementary therapy in diabetes management.
Conclusion: This study provides scientific validation for the use of Momordica charantia methanolic extract as a therapeutic agent for diabetes management. The observed dose-dependent reduction in blood glucose levels suggests its potential as an effective natural remedy for controlling hyperglycemia. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and long-term efficacy of this extract in diabetes treatment.
Performance Evaluation of Eighteen Grain Corn Varieties Cultivated in BRIS Soil
Authors: A. B. Nur Khairani, , A. G. Mohamad Bahagia, , B. Mohd Nazri,
Published: September 2024

In Malaysia, grain corn is mostly used as poultry feed. Grain corn is an important crop that plays a major role in the food, feed, and seed industries. This study aims to evaluate and identify the best hybrid va with high yield, wide adaptability, and high stability when cultivated in BRIS soil for recommendation to growers or farmers. The field experiment was conducted in MARDI Bachok with BRIS soil type. All 18 hybrid lines' performances were evaluated based on yield, days to 50% pollen shed, plant height, total cob number, cob weight with husk, and cob weight without husk. This study used modified basic agronomic practices in terms of planting and maintenance of grain corn in the field. The result showed that dry yield production does not show a significant difference between the 18 hybrid varieties tested, but these results are mostly the highest compared to cultivation in Kelantan, Malaysia, over past years. Days to 50% pollen shed, plant height, ear placement height, cob girth, cob weight with no husk, and core weight showed a significant difference between all grain corn hybrids tested. Out of 18 hybrids, DK9979C and P4554 variety showed higher yields (12.9 tons/ha) compared to others. Meanwhile, variety GWG111 had the lowest yield (8.4 tons/ha), whereas the rest of the variety had a moderate yield (average 9 to 11 tons/ha). These results indicate that BRIS soil can potentially be used as an alternative for high-yield production.
Evaluation of Groundnut Varieties for Resistance to Seed Infection by Aspergillus flavus
Authors: V J Chaudhari , B R Nakrani , Jitaliya V M
Published: September 2024

Groundnut is a legume crop an important food crop in the world and the third most important oil seed crop. However, groundnut crop suffers from major diseases such as flavus rot caused by Aspergillus which are soil-borne, they produce a potent toxin and carcinogenic substance called aflatoxin. This toxin has a great impact on human health. The resistant varieties can be the most viable and economical approach to reduce this problem. This research consisted of two experiments, the first was conducted at the Department of Plant Pathology Laboratory, while the second pot experiment was conducted in the green house at the Department of Plant Pathology, C. P. College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India during Kharif, 2020. The objective of the experiment was to evaluation of groundnut varieties for resistance to seed infection by Aspergillus flavus. Ten varieties were tested i.e. GJG 9, GJG 32, JL 501, TG 37A, KAUSHAL, GJG 17, GG 20, GJG 22, GJG 31 and KDG 128. A CRD design was used for this experiment, with three replications. Out of ten varieties tested against Aspergillus flavus in vitro, none of the varieties were found resistant. The minimum seed infection (20.48%) was recorded in JL 501 and KAUSHAL, whereas the maximum (80.46%) in GJG 31, maximum seed germination was recorded in variety JL 501 (99.99%), whereas the minimum recorded in GJG 31(20.48%). The minimum mortality of germinated seeds (10.49%) was observed in the varieties GJG 9, GJG 32, JL 501, GG 20, GJG 22, and KDG 128, whereas the maximum in GJG 31 (30.48%). In the pot study, none of the varieties were found resistant or moderately resistant. The minimum seed infection (40.47%) was recorded with GJG 9, whereas the maximum (70.46%) in GJG 31. Maximum seed germination was recorded in GJG 9 (80.46%), whereas the minimum was recorded in GJG 31 (23.67%). The minimum seed mortality (10.49%) was observed in varieties GJG 9, TG 37A and KDG 128, whereas the maximum in GJG 31 (30.48%).
Land Evaluation of Tribal Talukas of Bharuch District in South Gujarat, India
Authors: L. M. Patil , K. G. Patel , V. R. Naik, , N. K. Pampaniya
Published: September 2024

Climate change interrupts existing agriculture, emphasizing the need for land evaluation to assess current capacities and introduce climate-resilient alternative crops. A study was undertaken to evaluate soils of three tribal talukas viz. Jhagadia, Netrang and Valia of Bharuch district in South Gujarat during 2021-24. The total fifteen representative soil profiles were identified and excavated from various landforms based on GIS maps. Land evaluation was conducted using land capability classification, land irrigability classification and soil site suitability for existing crops and alternative crops for the study area. The study area is predominantly classified under Land Capability Class II, indicating minor limitations and covering the majority of the region. The study area also includes Class III with moderate limitations and Class IV in Netrang taluka, which faces severe limitations due to soil quality, wetness, and erosion. The study area soils were grouped under three irrigability classes with further divided into six sub-classes based on the limitation of soils and site characteristics. Soil suitability indicates high cotton potential in specific profiles, while pigeonpea and soybean shows broad suitability. Sugarcane thrives in Jhagadia and Valia, with marginal suitability in Netrang and banana is highly suitable in most of Jhagadia. Key alternative crops suitable for the study area are finger millet, castor, groundnut, green gram, cluster bean, mango, guava and Kamalam. The study advocates soil and water conservation for intensified, sustainable agriculture, proposing tree-based BAIF's Wadi model for hilly terrains.
Deciphering Farm Pond Adoption Dynamics and Operational Efficiency in Drought-Prone Regions of Maharashtra, India
Authors: S. Gireesh , T.N. Srinatha , Kumbhare N.V. , M. S. Jagadeesh , Dineshkumar M. , Preetha D. Jeba , Kumar Pramod , Kumawat Pavan Kumar
Published: September 2024

The study delves the dynamics of farm pond adoption and operational efficiency in the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions of Maharashtra during 2022-23. Through a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, data were collected from 160 beneficiaries and 160 non-beneficiaries, employing focus group discussions and structured interviews. Agricultural risks were examined, revealing a significant impact on farm income. Challenges such as low ground water table (MS 0.978), high temperatures (MS 0.966), and least evapotranspiration (MS 0.759) affected farmers' livelihoods, underscoring the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address these issues. The study highlights factors influencing farm pond adoption, with high awareness (96.56%) contrasting with lower adoption rates (51.56%). Adopters cited increased water access (22.81%), and relief from water scarcity (20%) as motives. Non-adopters faced barriers like financial constraints (21.88%) and land shortage (18.75%). Farm pond characteristics were comprehensively explored, revealing variations in size, structure, year of adoption, and irrigation sources. Maintenance activities were examined, showcasing key areas for pond health. Regular inspection (31.88%), vegetation management (17.50%), sediment removal (25.63%), and erosion prevention (19.38 %) emerged as crucial tasks, with variations between the regions. Financial aspects of pond construction and maintenance were elucidated, indicating a need of subsidies. Despite widespread awareness of farm pond benefits, adoption rates remained constrained by financial limitations, land availability, and awareness gaps. The study underscores the importance of targeted interventions, including financial aid, technical guidance, and capacity-building. These efforts are essential for promoting widespread adoption, enhancing agricultural productivity, water management, and the resilience of farming communities in both regions.
Vitamin-Resistant Rickets Type 2 Hereditary Disorder: About a New Case
Authors: Arsalane G. , Oulahyane N. , Omar H. Ait , Chkirate B.
Published: September 2024

The Aim: The aim of the study is to resume the difficulties to diagnosis and to manage a rare type of rickets the vitamin-resistant type II.
Introduction: Rickets is a disease of the skeleton of growing children due to a defect in bone mineralization.
Much rarer is vitamin-resistant rickets secondary to genetic or acquired abnormalities of phosphocalcic metabolism. Pseudo-deficiency rickets type ll is a vitamin-resistant rickets due to an abnormality of the vitamin D receptor.
Report Case: This a 3 years old boy of consanguineous parents, with totally alopecia who presented an inability to walk and stand. The paraclinical signs (radiological and biological ) also the character genetic mutation put the diagnosis of vitamin-resistant rickets type II.
Discussion: Vitamin-resistant ricket type II is a rare disease, the alopecia and the normal level of plasma 25 OH vitamin D is very suggestive of the diagnosis. The management of the disease is very difficult and requires a long term multidisciplinary approach.
Conclusion: Target gene therapy and genetic counselling offer hope of cure for children who do not respond to long-term high-dose replacement therapy.
Harnessing Abiotic Defence Inducers for Effective Management of Pod Rot of Mungbean
Authors: Dobhal Prerna , Yadav L. B.
Published: September 2024

Pod rot is a significant issue for mung bean plants, causing substantial reductions in yield and quality. In this study, several defence inducers, including salicylic acid (SA), nicotinic acid (NA), indole butyric acid (IBA), chitosan, and benzothiadiazole (BTH), were applied as foliar sprays to assess their effectiveness in enhancing resistance to pod rot in field conditions. The results indicated that benzothiadiazole -treated plants experienced a marked reduction in disease severity of 18.667% compared to untreated plants (control) with 36.177%. This indicated that benzothiadiazole has antifungal properties, decreases disease severity, and stimulates defence mechanisms in Mung bean against pod rot.
Impact of Adoption of Mulberry and Silkworm Practice on Yield and Income of Bivoltine Hybrid Silkworm Rearing Sericulturists of South Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka
Authors: N. Amarnatha, , M. Narmada, , N. S. Mamatha, , M. T. Lakshminarayan, , G. Dakshayini, , M.S. Sreenatha Gowda,
Published: September 2024

The study was conducted in Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts of Karnataka state, to analyze the impact of adoption of bivoltine and multi × bivoltine hybrid silkworm rearing practices on cocoon yield and income of silkworm rearers. A sample of sixty bivoltine and multi × bivoltine hybrid silkworm rearing farmers were randomly selected from both the districts. The data was collected using a pre-tested interview schedule and the data was analyzed using suitable statistical tools. The results revealed that, more than two-fifth of the bivoltine hybrid silkworm rearers belonged to high (43.33%) adoption category whereas, more number of multi × bivoltine hybrid silkworm rearing 40.00 per cent of the rearers belonged to low adoption category with regard recommended mulberry cultivation practices. More than half of the bivoltine hybrid silkworm rearers belonged to high adoption category (53.33%) as compared to the multi × bivoltine hybrid silkworm rearing, greater proportion of the rearers belonged to low adoption (40.00%) category with regard to improved silkworm rearing practices. The mulberry leaf yield (23.50 tonnes/acre/ year) and cocoon yield (1494 kg/acre/year) of the bivoltine hybrid silkworm rearers were significantly found high with an average net income of Rs 3,20,397.00 per acre per year as compared to the mulberry leaf yield (20.50 tonnes/acre/year) and cocoon yield (1049 kg/acre/year) of multi × bivoltine hybrid silkworm rearers who are getting an average net income of Rs. 2,23,663.00 per acre per year.
Interactions Calculated between Medications and Enteral Nutrition Using an Updated Protocol in an Elderly Population in the Intensive Care Unit of a University Hospital in Central Brazil
Authors: Leite Eriadny Laiana Nogueira , Albanezi Daniele Furtado , Arunachalam Karuppusamy , Oliveira Ruberlei Godinho de
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Drug-nutrient interactions refer to alterations in the pharmacodynamics or pharmacokinetics of a drug due to interactions with physical, chemical, physiological, or pathophysiological factors related to nutrients.
Objective: To investigate potential drug-nutrient interactions in patients receiving enteral nutrition admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU).
Methods: This observational, descriptive, retrospective study employed non-probabilistic sampling of elderly patients at a university hospital in Brazil's Central Region. Potential drug-nutrient interactions were identified using the Up To Date® database, with interactions classified by risk level.
Results: The study included data from 50 elderly patients, predominantly male (58%), with an average age of 70.6 ± 8.63 years. A total of 75 medications administered via the digestive tract were analyzed, of which 26 (34.66%) were found to have potential interactions according to Up To Date®, resulting in 47 types of pharmacokinetic interactions. Most interactions involved either the food/nutrient reducing the therapeutic effect of the drug or the drug lowering the serum level of the nutrient, accounting for 24 (51.06%) of the interactions. The average number of interactions was higher in deceased patients (1.5 ± 1.64) compared to those who were discharged (1.19 ± 1.44). Statistical analysis using the t-test (95% bilateral confidence interval) showed no significant difference between the groups (p-value > 0.99).
Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of monitoring drug-nutrient interactions in ICU patients, as these interactions can potentially have adverse effects on patient outcomes.
An Analysis of Farmer’s Perception Towards WhatsApp as a Farm Technology Dissemination Tools
Authors: Balaji G. , Kavaskar M.
Published: September 2024

Quick dissemination of technological information from agricultural research systems to the farmers and reporting of farmers’ feedback to the research system has always been one of the critical inputs in transfer of agricultural technologies leading to increased production. At present the ratio of farmers to extension workers is very less.  The cost factor in face to face information dissemination at the right time and the difficulties in reaching the target audience have also created the urgency to introduce Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Agricultural news and communication be spread using social media platforms popular in the farming communities [1]. Social media is essential for closing the communication gap and instantly disseminating information to anyone anywhere in the world. Social media networks are used to share and discuss user-generated content such as opinions, videos, audio and multimedia. These networks are widely accessible, even in remote areas of the country. Among the many social media platforms, WhatsApp is especially useful for forming groups of people with similar interests, enabling the sharing of information. For farmers, WhatsApp has not only become a tool for information dissemination but also created a kind of support system. Hence, the present study was taken to assess the farmer’s perception towards WhatsApp as a farm technology dissemination tools. In this study was conducted in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu with the sample size of 100 respondents. The results indicated that more than two-third (68.00 %) of the respondents had high level of perception towards WhatsApp.
Assessing the Operational Constraints of Direct Benefit Transfers: An Empirical Investigation of PM-KISAN Scheme of India
Authors: Ghosh Bhaskar , Burman Rajarshi Roy , Padaria Rabindra , Mahra Girijesh Singh , Kumar Pramod , Bhowmik Arpan
Published: September 2024

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) plays a crucial role in tackling widespread corruption and interference from middlemen, which often obstruct policy measures from reaching their intended recipients in developing countries like India. The PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi) scheme, a key initiative by the Indian government, aims to offer financial support to small and marginal farmers. However, the scheme encounters several implementation challenges that diminish its effectiveness. This study investigates the constraints faced by the beneficiaries of PM-KISAN scheme through research conducted in eight Gram Panchayats in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Data were collected from 120 small and marginal farmers and 30 state department officials using surveys and interviews. Employing Garrett ranking, the study analyzes and prioritizes the obstacles encountered in the scheme's execution. Major issues identified include discrepancies in land area records, a complex grievance resolution process, delays in fund disbursement, and inaccuracies in beneficiary data. These constraints critically affect the scheme’s efficiency and reach. By systematically ranking these constraints based on their frequency and impact, Garrett ranking provides a clear understanding of the most pressing issues. The study offers practical recommendations for policymakers and implementers to improve the PM-KISAN scheme's effectiveness, ensuring that the benefits more accurately reach the intended beneficiaries.
Digital Twin-driven Health Operation and Maintenance Strategies for Complex Equipment with Self-healing Capabilities
Authors: Wei Hui
Published: September 2024

With the development of the industrial level, the service-oriented transformation of the manufacturing industry has become a new growth point for the interests of the manufacturing industry recognized by all countries, and in this transformation process, the health operation and maintenance (HOM) of equipment has become a crucial link, especially for complex equipment, and its health operation and maintenance level directly affects the overall efficiency of the manufacturing industry. However, with the improvement of intelligence and complexity, a more general and complete set of methods and theories is needed for the healthy operation and maintenance of complex devices with self-healing states. Based on an in-depth analysis of the key issues of complex equipment health operation and maintenance, this paper introduces digital twin technology as a breakthrough. Digital twins provide new ideas for the healthy operation and maintenance of complex equipment. By defining a digital twin-driven PHM (Prediction and Health Management) framework, this paper not only solves the problem of mobility (i.e., virtual and real connection) of the cross-platform health operation and maintenance model, but also focuses on improving the accuracy and evaluation indicators of the model (the consistency between the virtual model and the entity). Addressing issues of strategy development and effectiveness evaluation. Based on the digital twin technology, a general model was established, and the self-healing phenomenon and different maintenance strategies were introduced to explore its impact on reliability. Based on the game idea, the reliability model is used to evaluate different maintenance strategies. So as to develop the optimal operation and maintenance strategy. This not only improves the accuracy and efficiency of O&M, but also provides a solid theoretical foundation and technical support for the intelligent and autonomous health O&M of complex equipment.
Understanding Constraints in Zero Budget Natural Farming: A Comparative Study of Two Districts in Northern Karnataka, India
Authors: Patil Dayananda , Jha Sujeet K , Manjunatha B. , Kanagalabavi Arun C , Kambale Parashuram , Moreshwar Meshram Pankaj , N. D Chethan Patil , H Gunashekhar
Published: September 2024

The Green Revolution successfully achieved food security but also brought about new challenges, such as decreasing factor productivity and inefficient nutrient utilization. As concerns about food safety, environmental sustainability, and climate change continue to grow, Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) has emerged as an alternative and gained support from governments. This study aimed to identify the constraints of ZBNF in Northern Karnataka. Using an ex post facto research design, data were collected from 100 respondents in Belagavi and Haveri districts, categorized into planners and adopters. The Garrett Ranking Technique and Mann-Whitney U test were applied to analyze the constraints. Planners faced challenges, such as low initial yields (62.58) and a lack of confidence in using ZBNF inputs (59.54). However, adopters cited inadequate government support (53.96) as their top constraint. Both groups reported the labor-intensive nature of practicing ZBNF and issues with market access, highlighting systemic barriers to ZBNF adoption. Statistically significant differences were found between planners and adopters in terms of the non-availability of traditional seed varieties (p=0.012), low yields in the initial stages (p=0.030), lack of information on preparing asthras (p=0.024), and inadequate government support (p=0.015). Other constraints, such as purchasing indigenous cows (p=0.05) and intensive labor requirements (p=0.223), were identified but not statistically significant. These findings contribute to the sustainable agriculture discourse and offer insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to promote ZBNF as a viable alternative to conventional farming.
Socio-Economic Sustainability of Rearing Deoni Cattle in Bidar District of Karnataka, India
Authors: B. N. Priyanka, , Sankhala Gopal , Patil Dayananda , Meena Deepak Chand , H Gunashekhar,
Published: September 2024

The desi cow has been a part of the Indian life since ages immemorial. The desi cattle are not only seen as a beneficial source but also considered as a family member and respected with a motherly status. One such desi cattle is Deoni. The present study was conducted in the Bidar district of Karnataka, which is one of the native tracts of Deoni. The study targeted three blocks in Bidar- Bhalki, Basavakalyan, and Aurad - due to high Deoni cattle population. Twelve villages were randomly selected from these blocks, and data were collected from 120 Deoni cattle owners, each possessing at least one lactating Deoni cow. To assess socio-economic sustainability, an index developed by Rahman (2011) was used with slight modifications. To calculate the socio-economic sustainability, economic sustainability index (ESI) and social sustainability index (SSI) were calculated separately, then pooled to arrive at Socio-Economic Sustainability Index (SESI). Economic sustainability was measured by six key indicators, viz. milk productivity, net profit, lactation length, dry period, calving interval, and marketing, while social sustainability was measured using two indicators, viz. community relation of dairy farmers and their access to resource and support services. The socio-economic sustainability index of rearing Deoni cattle by dairy farmers range from 0 to 1. The results reveal that the majority of the respondents (47.50%) belonged to medium economic sustainability (0.47 to 0.55), 55.33 per cent of the farmers belonged to medium social sustainability (0.48 to 0.63) and 48.33 per cent of the respondents belonged to medium socio-economic sustainability group (0.50 to 0.56), and only 26.67 per cent of the respondents belonged to high socio-economic sustainability (>0.56), depicting that efforts should be made by various actors involved in Deoni cattle farming to improve the sustainability of rearing Deoni cattle through scientific dairy farming practices, marketing, better community relation, and access to resources. The correlation analysis between eight independent variables, viz, age, education, landholding, herd size, social participation, extension contact, mass media exposure, and milk production and socio-economic sustainability revealed that land holding, social participation, extension contact, and milk production were strongly correlated with socio-economic sustainability, whereas Age and mass media were found to have a non-significant relationship with socio-economic sustainability.
PURCHASING BEHAVIOR AND SATISFACTION OF FAST-FOOD RESTAURANT CUSTOMERS IN CALBAYOG CITY
Authors: David Joseph Emil Ampuan , Fabillar Herbert Manang
Published: September 2024

This paper examined the relationship between satisfaction and purchasing behavior of fast-food res­taurant customers in Calbayog City. In addition, this study also aimed to identify the respondents' profiles and the different factors influencing their satisfaction and purchasing behavior. The researchers used a descriptive-correlational research design to conduct this study. The researchers used a structured questionnaire adopted from a previous study. The questionnaires were provided to 384 participants in Calbayog City. The gathered data were analyzed using SPSS 29. The analyzed data by the researchers showed that family members, dine-in or online order options, and restaurant menus influence the purchasing behavior of fast-food restaurant cus­tomers. On the other hand, the satisfaction of fast-food restaurant customers in Calbayog City was influenced by menu options, payment methods, online application or website navigation, food placement technology, customers’ testimonials, friends and family recommendations, and services. The study revealed no significant relationship between satisfaction and purchasing behavior of restaurant customers in Calbayog City.
Explorando a Complexa Relação entre Confi ança e Desempenho de Memória nas Práticas Jurídico-Criminais
Authors: S. Sousa Weslley , F. Santos Matheus Philippe , Jaeger Antônio
Published: September 2024

The relationship between confi dence and accuracy has been the focus of memory research for over a century. As a result, several studies have indicated it as a dynamic, complex, and multifaceted relationship. Although the topic is controversial, confi dence is still commonly used in forensics as a predictor of memory accuracy. However, the literature shows that the interaction between confi dence and accuracy can be aff ected by various factors, making it diffi cult to establish direct and linear relationships between them. Therefore, the goal of this article is to discuss the specifi cities of such a complex interaction. To achieve this, we conducted a narrative review examining the main methods used to analyze the interaction between confi dence and accuracy, as well as the main variables that infl uence it. In addition, the article includes a theoretical discussion followed by a discussion of the practical implications in everyday legal-criminal practices, with a special focus on the Brazilian context. Although confi dence is still used as an indicator of the veracity of testimony, it is important to consider that this relationship is aff ected by several factors, highlighting the need for caution when interpreting accuracy and confi dence data.Keywords: Memory, confi dence, accuracy, recognition, eyewitness testimony
Global sampling to assess the value of diverse observations in conditioning a real‐world groundwater flow and transport model
Authors: Delsman Joost R. , Winters Pieter , Vandenbohede Alexander , Oude Essink Gualbert H. P. , Lebbe Luc
Published: February 2016

The use of additional types of observational data has often been suggested to alleviate the ill‐posedness inherent to parameter estimation of groundwater models and constrain model uncertainty. Disinformation in observational data caused by errors in either the observations or the chosen model structure may, however, confound the value of adding observational data in model conditioning. This paper uses the global generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation methodology to investigate the value of different observational data types (heads, fluxes, salinity, and temperature) in conditioning a groundwater flow and transport model of an extensively monitored field site in the Netherlands. We compared model conditioning using the real observations to a synthetic model experiment, to demonstrate the possible influence of disinformation in observational data in model conditioning. Results showed that the value of different conditioning targets was less evident when conditioning to real measurements than in a measurement error‐only synthetic model experiment. While in the synthetic experiment, all conditioning targets clearly improved model outcomes, minor improvements or even worsening of model outcomes was observed for the real measurements. This result was caused by errors in both the model structure and the observations, resulting in disinformation in the observational data. The observed impact of disinformation in the observational data reiterates the necessity of thorough data validation and the need for accounting for both model structural and observational errors in model conditioning. It further suggests caution when translating results of synthetic modeling examples to real‐world applications. Still, applying diverse conditioning data types was found to be essential to constrain uncertainty, especially in the transport of solutes in the model.
Importance of titanohematite in detrital remanent magnetizations of strata spanning the Cretaceous‐Paleogene boundary, Hell Creek region, Montana
Authors: Sprain Courtney J. , Feinberg Joshua M. , Renne Paul R. , Jackson Mike
Published: February 2016

Intermediate composition titanohematite, Fe2‐yTiyO3 with 0.5 ≤ y ≤ 0.7, is seldom the focus of paleomagnetic study and is commonly believed to be rare in nature. While largely overlooked in magnetostratigraphic studies, intermediate titanohematite has been identified as the dominant ferrimagnetic mineral in an array of Late Mesozoic and early Cenozoic Laramide clastic deposits throughout the central United States. Intermediate titanohematite is ferrimagnetic and has similar magnetic properties to titanomagnetite, except its unique self‐reversing property. Due to these similarities, and with detrital remanent magnetizations masking its self‐reversing nature, intermediate titanohematite is often misidentified in sedimentary deposits. Past studies relied upon nonmagnetic techniques including X‐ray diffraction and electron microprobe analysis. While these techniques can identify the presence of intermediate titanohematite, they fail to test whether the mineral is the primary recorder. To facilitate the identification of intermediate titanohematite in sedimentary deposits, we characterize this mineral using low‐temperature magnetometry and high‐temperature susceptibility experiments, and present a new identification technique based on titanohematite's self‐reversing property, for sediments that span the Cretaceous‐Paleogene boundary (Hell Creek region, Montana). Results from the self‐reversal test indicate that the majority of remanence is held by minerals that become magnetized parallel to an applied field, but that intermediate, self‐reversing titanohematite (y = 0.53–0.63) is an important ancillary carrier of remanence. While earlier literature suggests that intermediate titanohematite is rare in nature, reanalysis using specialized rock magnetic techniques may reveal that it is more abundant in the rock record, particularly within depositional basins adjacent to calc‐alkaline volcanics, than previously thought.
Reconnection events in Saturn's magnetotail: Dependence of plasmoid occurrence on planetary period oscillation phase
Authors: Jackman C. M. , Provan G. , Cowley S. W. H.
Published: February 2016

During its exploration of Saturn's magnetotail the Cassini magnetometer has detected many in situ examples of magnetic reconnection, in the form of plasmoids, traveling compression regions (TCRs), and dipolarizations. Meanwhile, many magnetospheric phenomena have been shown to be organized with particular regularity by planetary period oscillation systems driven separately from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres of the planet. Here we examine the relationship between the occurrence of plasmoids and TCRs and the magnetic phases of the northern and southern systems. We find a striking degree of organization of the events by both northern and southern phases, with events linked preferentially to intervals in which the magnetospheric plasma and field lines are displaced outward from the planet and the current sheet thinned, both effects being likely to favor the occurrence of reconnection and plasmoid‐related mass loss. Little evidence is found for significant visibility effects associated with north‐south motions of the plasma sheet.
Sources, fate, and pathways of Leeuwin Current water in the Indian Ocean and Great Australian Bight: A Lagrangian study in an eddy‐resolving ocean model
Authors: Yit Sen Bull Christopher , van Sebille Erik
Published: February 2016

The Leeuwin Current is the dominant circulation feature in the eastern Indian Ocean, transporting tropical and subtropical water southward. While it is known that the Leeuwin Current draws its water from a multitude of sources, existing Indian Ocean circulation schematics have never quantified the fluxes of tropical and subtropical source water flowing into the Leeuwin Current. This paper uses virtual Lagrangian particles to quantify the transport of these sources along the Leeuwin Current's mean pathway. Here the pathways and exchange of Leeuwin Current source waters across six coastally bound sectors on the south‐west Australian coast are analyzed. This constitutes the first quantitative assessment of Leeuwin Current pathways within an offline, 50 year integration time, eddy‐resolving global ocean model simulation. Along the Leeuwin Current's pathway, we find a mean poleward transport of 3.7 Sv in which the tropical sources account for 60–78% of the transport. While the net transport is small, we see large transports flowing in and out of all the offshore boundaries of the Leeuwin Current sectors. Along the Leeuwin Current's pathway, we find that water from the Indonesian Throughflow contributes 50–66% of the seasonal signal. By applying conditions on the routes particles take entering the Leeuwin Current, we find particles are more likely to travel offshore north of 30°S, while south of 30°S, particles are more likely to continue downstream. We find a 0.2 Sv pathway of water from the Leeuwin Current's source regions, flowing through the entire Leeuwin Current pathway into the Great Australian Bight.
Influences of El Niño Modoki event 1994/1995 on aerosol concentrations over southern China
Authors: Feng Juan , Li Jianping , Zhu Jianlei , Liao Hong
Published: February 2016

The potential influence of El Niño Modoki event 1994/1995 on tropospheric aerosol concentrations was investigated for southern China using the GEOS‐Chem model with meteorological data collected from 1986 to 2006. The results suggest that aerosol concentrations increase during mature phases of El Niño Modoki event 1994/1995 (boreal winter) and decrease during decay phases (boreal spring, summer, and autumn). Aerosol concentrations anomalies were found to be due to circulation changes associated with El Niño Modoki, whereby both the horizontal and vertical transport of aerosol mass fluxes determined the pattern of aerosol concentrations associated with the event. In contrast, the role of wet deposition appeared to be limited. Furthermore, these results suggest that the amplitude of anomalous aerosol concentrations associated with El Niño Modoki event 1994/1995 have the potential to reach approximately 30% of the climatological mean, indicating that El Niño Modoki plays an important role in influencing aerosol concentrations over southern China.
Analysis of the seasonal ozone budget and the impact of the summer monsoon on the northeastern Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhu Bin , Hou Xuewei , Kang Hanqing
Published: February 2016

Seasonal variations in ozone (O3) and the impact of the East Asian summer monsoon at Mount Waliguan (WLG) in the northeastern Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau (TP) and in the surrounding regions were analyzed for 1997–2007 using a global chemical transport model coupled with O3 tagging simulations. The model‐simulated O3 and its precursors agreed well with observed values. An O3 budget analysis combined with O3 tagging results implied that photochemistry over the TP and long‐range transport of O3 from East Asia, Europe, and Africa were responsible for the surface O3 summer maximum at WLG. In June, the contribution of O3 from the TP was 11.8 ppbv, and the total contribution of O3 transport from eastern China, Japan, Korean Peninsula, Europe, and Africa was 22.7 ppbv. At 400 mb, the O3 exports from the stratosphere, Europe, Africa, and the Americas seemed to be the main sources of O3 at WLG. The contributions to surface O3 from deep convection process and lightning‐induced photochemistry at WLG were both low in summer and are unlikely to be the key processes or contributors for the O3 peak. At several mountain sites in southeast East Asia, the increasing summer monsoon index was related to a decreasing trend for O3 from spring onward at Mount Tai and Mount Huang. At Mount Hua and WLG, regional O3 accumulated over the monsoon's northernmost marginal zone under the influence of the East Asian summer monsoon and TP thermal circulation; this is most likely a key reason for the O3 summer maxima.
Temporal and spatial patterns of remotely sensed litterfall in tropical and subtropical forests of Taiwan
Authors: Wang Hsueh‐Ching , Lin Kuo‐Chuan , Huang Cho‐ying
Published: February 2016

Litterfall is important for returning nutrients and carbon to the forest floor, and microbes decompose the litterfall to release CO2 into the atmosphere. Litterfall is a pivotal component in the forest biogeochemical cycle, which is sensitive to climate variability and plant physiology. In this study, we combined field litterfall estimates and time series (2001–2011) climate (the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) land surface temperature (LST) and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitations) and green vegetation (MODIS photosynthetically active vegetation cover (PV)) variables to estimate regional annual litterfall in tropical/subtropical forests in Taiwan. We found that time series MODIS LST‐ and PV‐derived metrics, the annual accumulated MODIS LST, and coefficient of variation of PV, respectively, but not the TRMM precipitation variables were salient factors for the estimation (r2 = 0.548 and p < 0.001). The mean (±standard deviation) annual litterfall was 5.1 ± 1.2 Mg ha−1 yr−1 during the observation period. The temporal dynamics of the litterfall revealed that typhoons and consecutive drought events might affect the litterfall temporal variation. Overall, the annual litterfall decreased along the elevation gradient, which may reflect a change in the vegetation type. The northeast and northwest facing slopes yielded the highest amount of annual litterfall (≥5.9 Mg ha−1 yr−1), which was in contrast with the southern aspect (5.1 Mg ha−1 yr−1). This variation may be associated with the dryness of the microclimate influenced by solar radiation. This study demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing time series MODIS LST and PV data to predict large‐scale field litterfall, which may facilitate large‐scale monitoring of biogeochemical cycles in forest ecosystems.
Assimilative model for ionospheric dynamics employing delay, Doppler, and direction of arrival measurements from multiple HF channels
Authors: Fridman Sergey V. , Nickisch L. J. , Hausman Mark , Zunich George
Published: February 2016

We describe the development of new HF data assimilation capabilities for our ionospheric inversion algorithm called GPSII (GPS Ionospheric Inversion). Previously existing capabilities of this algorithm included assimilation of GPS total electron content data as well as assimilation of backscatter ionograms. In the present effort we concentrated on developing assimilation tools for data related to HF propagation channels. Measurements of propagation delay, angle of arrival, and the ionosphere‐induced Doppler from any number of known propagation links can now be utilized by GPSII. The resulting ionospheric model is consistent with all assimilated measurements. This means that ray tracing simulations of the assimilated propagation links are guaranteed to be in agreement with measured data within the errors of measurement. The key theoretical element for assimilating HF data is the raypath response operator (RPRO) which describes response of raypath parameters to infinitesimal variations of electron density in the ionosphere. We construct the RPRO out of the fundamental solution of linearized ray tracing equations for a dynamic magnetoactive plasma. We demonstrate performance and internal consistency of the algorithm using propagation delay data from multiple oblique ionograms (courtesy of Defence Science and Technology Organisation, Australia) as well as with time series of near‐vertical incidence sky wave data (courtesy of the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity HFGeo Program Government team). In all cases GPSII produces electron density distributions which are smooth in space and in time. We simulate the assimilated propagation links by performing ray tracing through GPSII‐produced ionosphere and observe that simulated data are indeed in agreement with assimilated measurements.