bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experience with Active Learning: The Charleston, SC, USA Urban Heat Island Effect
Authors:   Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Citadel, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston, SC, USA, Larsen Emma ,   Lt. Col. James B. Near Jr., USAF, ’77 Center for Climate Studies, The Citadel, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston, SC, USA, Ghanat Simon ,   Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Citadel, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston, SC, USA,   Lt. Col. James B. Near Jr., USAF, ’77 Center for Climate Studies, The Citadel, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston, SC, USA, Curtis Scott ,   Department of Physics, The Citadel, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston, SC, USA,   Lt. Col. James B. Near Jr., USAF, ’77 Center for Climate Studies, The Citadel, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston, SC, USA
Published: May 2022

The urban heat island (UHI) effect is not well understood, especially within the cityscape. This editorial is from the perspective of an undergraduate student Cadet Emma Larsen, as she comes to understand the UHI through mentorship from professors Simon Ghanat and Scott Curtis, personal experiences as a cadet at a military academy in Charleston, SC, USA, and active learning through participation in a national heat observation campaign, the NOAA HeatWatch, and related independent research. HeatWatch seeks to understand the spatial variability of heat and humidity through citizen science. Volunteers fan out over a city three times in one day and collect information through car-mounted sensors. All the authors participated in data collection and team meetings, but this was the first time the student was exposed to project development across multiple institutions and realized the benefits a coordinated scientific endeavor has on her community. Finally, the student participated in her own heat study on the campus of The Citadel and gained a better appreciation of the relationship between land cover and geography on micro-scale temperature variability.
A View of the Strategic Planning of Public Safety in the State of Rondônia from the view of Criminality and Social Vulnerability Indexes: A Micro and Mesoregional approach
Authors: Cavalcante Fabio Robson Casara , Paraguassú-Chaves Carlos Alberto , Souza Lady Day Pereira de , Cavalcante Ana Maria Morais da Fonseca , Almeida Fabrício Moraes de , Dantas Lenita Rodrigues Moreira , Trindade Carla Dolezel , Filho Simão Aznar , Smith Ruy Drummont , Aznar Simão Dolezel , Uchôa Márcia Maria Rodrigues , Uchôa Marcélio Rodrigues
Published: May 2022

The issue of strategic planning for public security is recent in Brazil. Rondônia is no different. The question is whether the State's strategic planning includes approaches that characterize its mesos and micro-regions, from a reading brought by the construction of crime and social vulnerability indexes. Thus, the general objective of this research was to analyze the crime and social vulnerability indices of the municipalities of Rondônia, aggregating them in the micro and mesoregional perspective, in order to build a new vision for the strategic planning of public security at the state level. For this, the hypothetical-deductive method was adopted, as a line of reasoning. The methodology consisted of collecting data on secondary databases from official sources. Data were collected following the municipal logic aggregated by micro-regions of Rondônia. For the treatment of the data, the statistical tool SPSS, version 23, was used as an instrument to calculate the crime and social vulnerability indexes, based on the multifactorial analysis technique. It was possible to verify that the micro-regions of Porto Velho and Guajará-Mirim concentrated, on average, the highest rates of crime and social vulnerability, respectively. The two micro-regions highlighted, as already demonstrated, are inserted in the Madeira-Guaporé mesoregion. It is considered essential that public security strategic planning in Rondônia adopts meso and micro-regional technical criteria using quantitative and / or qualitative data subject to comparative analysis, like the one brought by the research, aiming to facilitate the decision making process in with regard to establishing different strategies to be taken in relation to the regions and their specificities that make them unique and specific, requiring different views for different scenarios.
Regional development of free trade areas in the context of the tax incentive policy of the Manaus free trade zone – Amazonas, Brazil
Authors: Cavalcante Fabio Robson Casara , Paraguassú-Chaves Carlos Alberto , Cavalcante Ana Maria Morais da Fonseca , Almeida Fabrício Moraes de , Dantas Lenita Rodrigues Moreira , Trindade Carla Dolezel , Filho Simão Aznar , Smith Ruy Drummont , Aznar Simão Dolezel , Uchôa Márcia Maria Rodrigues , Uchôa Marcélio Rodrigues
Published: May 2022

The research brings in its scope the need to analyze the socioeconomic development of the municipalities of Tabatinga (Amazonas), Guajará-Mirim (Rondônia), Boa Vista and Bonfim (Roraima), Macapá and Santana (Amapá) and Brasiléia (Acre), with extension for the municipality of Epitaciolândia, and Cruzeiro do Sul (Acre), which are subject to the fiscal incentive policy, in the form of Free Trade Areas, linked to the Superintendence of the Manaus Free Trade Zone - SUFRAMA. The general objective of the research was to analyze the regional development of the nine cities covered by the SUFRAMA policy in comparison with other nine Amazonian municipalities not covered by this policy, in order to identify the municipal performances achieved in the face of the Brazilian Amazonian reality. The research method used was hypothetical-deductive. The research data were submitted to the multivariate factor model to extract the scores for the construction of the indices, using the SPSS statistical tool, version 22. The data were submitted to the necessary requirements for the sieve of factorial studies, through the tests of Bartlett's sphericity and the adequacy of the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) sample. In this way, it was possible to build socioeconomic development indexes and, with that, proceed with the due analysis intrinsic to the epistemological question of this work. The data showed adequacy to factor studies and allowed us to observe, in general, the low level of socioeconomic development of the surveyed municipalities, however, with a more favorable situation for the municipalities covered by the SUFRAMA policy.
Design and Development of Hub-less Wheel
Authors: Panmiya Navinbhai D. , Patel Prof. C. V.
Published: May 2022

Abstract: The present invention is related to a cycle or an engine-driven vehicle that moves on a bearing surface and more particularly on a road. In the case of a motorcycle, the front steering wheel is fitted with a first crown-shaped roller bearing being comprised of an outer annular element that supports the rim and an interior annular element that is connected to an arm. The carries at its front end a second crown-shaped roller bearing of which the interior elements are made integral by way of a lug of the interior annual element of the roller bearing and of which the interior annular elements of bearing is made integral with the arms device allow transmitting the steering force at a point located as close as possible to the contact area between the rim and the road. In addition to that, the vehicle device becomes more compact. due to hub mass, it is difficult in comparison to without hub, which can be easily steered in manual, The power is transmitted with the aid of gear Drive mechanism which is more efficient that the chain mechanism. Keywords: Hub-lees Wheel, Rim, Tire, Try Wheel, Roller
A Literature Review and Study on Design, Fabrication and Analysis of Tie Rods for Steering Mechanism
Authors: Shareef Mohammed Aamir , Dehankar Dr. Ravindra N.
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Tie rods or Track rods are an integral part of vehicle’s steering system. Just as its name suggests a Tie rod ties vehicle’s steering rack to the steering arm. It is used to give direction to tires according to steering wheel movement. A tie rod assembly is attached to each end of the relay rod. The tie rod assembly consists of inner and outer tie rods that are usually connected through an adjusting sleeve. Tie rod may get fail due to varying forces and bumping of vehicle during steering. The forces from the steering are also considered during the static condition of car. Fatigue and buckling of Tie rod has been continuously a concern which may lead to structural failure if the resulting vibration and stresses are undesirable and excessive. Even if the stresses are less than yield they may fail under repeated loading. Considering this problem research work is aimed to assess buckling strength and compare buckling performance of Tie rod for different materials. In this first according to the condition basic cad geometry is designed using cad software and finite element model generated using Hyper Mesh. And then modal, static and transient dynamic analyses to obtain natural frequencies, displacement, stresses distributions in tie rod. For safe design of tie rod corrective actions and considerable modifications carried out and to validate the modified design of tie rod finite element analysis carried out.
Forecasting System for Donation of Blood Using SVM Model
Authors: Selvaraj Pooja , Sarin Aiman , Seraphim B. Ida
Published: May 2022

Abstract: The act of donating blood allows an individual to become a responsible citizen of the society by giving life to others by increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of a great practice. Forecasting blood supply is a serious and recurrent problem for blood collection managers. Machine Learning can be used to learn the patterns in the data to help to predict future blood donations in turn saving more lives. This will establish an efficient link between two major aspects of the blood donation process i.e. blood donation centres where blood is donated and hospitals where blood is in regular demand. Keywords: Blood Donation Prediction System, ML Techniques, Web App, Support Vector Machines
Challenges under Collapse of Building in Nigeria and Way to Improve It
Authors: Siddiq Jibril Abubakar , Xianyi Professor Li
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Building collapse in Nigeria is alarming and indeed has become a subject of great concern. For the past 10 years an overwhelming number of buildings have collapsed in Nigerian rural and urban cities, with about 77% rise from the previous decade. The incidence of building failures and collapses has become major issues of concern in the development of Nigeria as the losses in terms of lives and properties are now becoming very alarming. This study provides critical reasoning and contributions regarding structural failures observed in Nigeria. To address this problem, The study aimed at exploring major causes of building collapse in Nigeria with a view of establishing effective way of solving the problem. The primary data that will be used if from the Questionnaires and field observations while secondary data will be obtained from textbooks, newspapers and Journal articles . This significant of this paper is to use building information modeling BIM to improve full project visualization, reduced construction collapse, cost, increased productivity, safer construction, better building and information analysis. Keywords: Building Information Modelling, construction, industry, management project.
Excel Guide and Learning App
Authors: Bele Aditya , Shende Piyush , Ghogare Kalyani , Bawane Rahul , Boyer Tushar
Published: May 2022

Abstract: A application has been developed to assist students in understanding the working of Microsoft excel. The working of Microsoft excel is necessary element that students need to understand before they can solve problems such as calculations, table creation, data entry, giving presentations, accounting etc. This application will help students to learn basic functions of Microsoft excel. This app contains images, definitions, tips, suggestions and methods of how every functions of Microsoft excel is been used along with examples. Another feature of this application is that is could be further developed to enhance the user experiences and comfort. Developed application will focus on bug repairing, working on no internet connection, fast performance, mobile and desktop compatibility. The application is written in java language and html using the Android studio. The data required for developing this program are stored in Android studio. This program receives a positive feedback based on a perception survey on 10 students. Keywords: guide, application, learning, mentor
Conversion of Sign Language Video to Text and Speech
Authors: Reddy Mr. G. Sekhar , Sahithi A. , Vardhan P. Harsha , Ushasri P.
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Sign Language recognition (SLR) is a significant and promising technique to facilitate communication for hearingimpaired people. Here, we are dedicated to finding an efficient solution to the gesture recognition problem. This work develops a sign language (SL) recognition framework with deep neural networks, which directly transcribes videos of SL sign to word. We propose a novel approach, by using Video sequences that contain both the temporal as well as the spatial features. So, we have used two different models to train both the temporal as well as spatial features. To train the model on the spatial features of the video sequences we use the (Convolutional Neural Networks) CNN model. CNN was trained on the frames obtained from the video sequences of train data. We have used RNN(recurrent neural network) to train the model on the temporal features. A trained CNN model was used to make predictions for individual frames to obtain a sequence of predictions or pool layer outputs for each video. Now this sequence of prediction or pool layer outputs was given to RNN to train on the temporal features. Thus, we perform sign language translation where input video will be given, and by using CNN and RNN, the sign shown in the video is recognized and converted to text and speech. Keywords: CNN (Convolutional Neural Network), RNN(Recurrent Neural Network), SLR(Sign Language Recognition), SL(Sign Language).
Modified Formwork System for Slab Element
Authors: Kotwal Roshan S , Pawar Nivrutti V , Funde Rahul R , Chidre Maroti S , Bhusare Vijaykumar
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Formwork in construction is the use of support structures and moulds to create structures out of concrete which is poured into the moulds. Formwork can be made using moulds. Out of steel, wood, aluminium and , or prefabricated forms. 2. Formwork refers to either temporary or permanent moulds into which concrete or similar materials are poured. In the context of concrete construction, the falsework supports the shuttering moulds. 3. Formwork is an ancillary construction, used as a mould for a structure. Into this mould, fresh concrete is placed only to harden subsequently. The construction of formwork takes time and involves expenditure up to 20 to 25% of the cost of the structure or even more. The operation of removing the formwork is known as stripping. Stripped formwork can be reused. Reusable forms are known as panel forms and non-usable are called stationary forms. Keywords: Modified Formwork, Slab
Prediction of Pneumonia Using CNN
Authors: Kodali Anuradha , Daniel Vanamala , Raviteja Dasari , Atelly Sai Charan , Sagar Aditya , . Shagvi
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Pneumonia is one of the most deadly and dangerous lung infections. Pneumonia is a contagious, deadly disease in the lungs that is caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that invade the airways of a person's lungs with a load of fluid or pus. Chest Xray is a common method used to diagnose pneumonia and requires a medical professional to evaluate the outcome of the X-ray. For non-specialists, it is difficult to tell if a patient has pneumonia with chest X-ray images. When a convolutional neural network is used to handle this task, it will improve the diagnosis of pneumonia and reduce the workload of physicians. Medical Imaging has a great scope of application for the latest advances in computation. With emerging computer technology, the development of an automated pneumonia detection system is using Convolutional Neural Networks in line with different standardization (Dropout, L2, and Dropout + L2) and development methods (SGDM, RMSPROP and ADAM). Treatment for this disease is now especially possible, if the patient is in a remote area and medical services are limited. Therefore, the idea is to create an algorithm that automatically detects whether a patient has pneumonia or not by looking at chest X-ray images. Keywords: Convolutional Neural Network, Deep Learning, Image Recognition, prediction pneumonia
GDP of Indian Economy and Its Impact on Inflation
Authors: Lagad Santosh J. , Rodge Kailash D. , Gulave Madhuri R.
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Paper focuses on relationship and collision of inflation and population growth with GDP. This paper investigates the impact of Inflation and Population on GDP of India. The change in GDP is taken as dependent variable while Population and Inflation are considered as independent variables. The data have been taken from secondary sources i.e. financial reports of the RBI and World Bank. The period of the study comprehends twenty years as it provides us a sound analytical position for observing GDP, Population and Inflation at the national level of the Indian economy. The analysis has been carried out with the help of correlation, regression analysis, t-test and ANOVA model using SPSS software. Keywords: Inflation, GDP, Regression, Tax bracket.
Zero Energy Building
Authors: Perane Pranit B , Loni Swapnil S , Chavan Sanjana U , Aiwale H. D.
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Decarbonizing the building sector is extremely important to mitigating climate change as the sector contributes 40% of the overall energy consumption and 36% of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the world. Net-zero energy buildings are one of the promising decarbonization attempts due to their potential of decreasing the use of energy and increasing the total share of renewable energy. To achieve a net-zero energy building, it is necessary to decrease the energy demand by applying efficiency enhancement measures and using renewable energy sources. Net zero energy buildings can be classified into four models (Net-Zero Site Energy buildings, Net Zero Emissions buildings, Net-Zero Source Energy buildings, and Net-Zero Cost Energy buildings). A variety of technical, financial, and environmental factors should be considered during the decision-making process of net-zero energy building development, justifying the use of multi-criteria decision analysis methods for the design of net-zero energy buildings. This paper also discussed the contributions of renewable energy generation (hydropower, wind energy, solar, heat pumps, and bioenergy) to the development of net-zero energy buildings and reviewed its role in tackling the decarbonization challenge. Costbenefit analysis and life cycle assessment of net-zero energy building designs and their challenges were reviewed to shape the priorities of future development. It is important to develop a universal decision instrument for optimum design and operation of net-zero energy buildings Keywords: Zero Energy Building, Energy Efficiency, Greenhouse gases, Renewable Energy, Grid
Home Security System using Arduino Uno (Implementation)
Authors: Patil Prof. Pallavi , Fabian Ankit , Waghmode Hrithik , Barkul Rushikesh
Published: May 2022

Abstract: The Project is an implementation of the IOT based home security system, which is able to secure homes and make people feel safe and can be bought by almost everyone. The Major aim of the Project was to be cost efficient and simultaneiusly it should be secure, and this was accomplished with the use of internet of things and other electronics component. With the help of an LDR sensor and a keypad a working automatic door system was achieved.. IoT refers to the infrastructure of connected physical devices which is growing at a fast rate as a massive number of devices and object are getting connected with the internet. Home Security is a very important and useful tool of the IoT and we used it to build a low cost security system for homes which can be used by almost everyone. Keywords: Arduino , ESP32 CAM
Medical Disease Prediction using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Takke Kunal , Bhaijee Rameez , Singh Avanish , Patil Mr. Abhay
Published: May 2022

Abstract: There is a growing importance of healthcare and pandemic has proved that healthcare is an important aspect of an individual life. Most of the medical diagnoses require going to the doctor and fixing appointments for a consultation and sometimes to get accurate disease indications we have to wait for blood reports also we have to travel long distances to seek doctor consultation. When we are not feeling well the first thing we do is to check our temperature to get an estimate or baseline idea of our fever so we can consult our doctor if the temperature is high enough similarly a medical disease prediction application can be used to get a baseline idea of disease and can indicate us whether we should take immediate doctor consultation or not, or at least start some home-remedies for the same to find temporary relief. Combining machine learning with an application interface to interact with users provides opportunities for easy interaction with the users with the machine learning model to get more accurate predictions. Sometimes people feel reluctant to visit a hospital or consult a doctor for minor symptoms but there are cases where these minor symptoms may be indications of severe health problems hence medical disease prediction maybe useful to get a baseline prediction or estimation of disease in such cases. Keywords: machine Learning, prediction, medical diagnosis, healthcare
Comparative Study of Bubble Deck Slab with Conventional R.C.C Slab
Authors: Kamble Rushikesh U , Shaikh Musharaff S , Sayyed Shagufa M , Sayyad Ansar A , Aiwale Prof. Hari D
Published: May 2022

Abstract: When designing a reinforced concrete structure a primary design limitation is the span of the slabbetween the columns. Designing large spans between columns often requires very thick slabs thereby increasing the weight of the structure by requiring use of larger amounts of concrete. Heavier structures are less desirable than light weight structures in seismically active regions because a larger dead load for a building increases the magnitude of inertia forces which the structure must resist as larger dead load contributes to higher seismic weight. A new solution to reduce the weight of concrete structures and increase the span of reinforced concrete is “Bubble Deck Technology''. Bubble Deck Slab is a futuristic method which can effectively eliminate all the concrete from the middle of slab by replacing it with high density polyethylene balls. In this technique reinforcement mesh acquires, allocates and attaches the balls at exact position and also stabilizes the lattice. By these techniques the structural weight can be reduced from 25% to 50%. The main aim of our study is to compare bubble slab and conventional slab under cost analysis, stress and deflection. In our project, we designed both the slabs using AutoCAD and tested our design using Ansys software. The advantages are less energy consumption - both in production, transport and carrying out, less emission - exhaust gases from production and transport, especiallyCO2. Keywords: Bubble Deck Technology, HDPE Balls, AutoCad, Ansys, Conventional RCC Slab,Stress and Deflection.
Understory vegetation mediate the effect of lime application on soil respiration in subtropical Eucalyptus plantation
Authors: Liu Juan , Li Rui , Xiao Yi , Fu Shenglei , Wan Songze
Published: May 2022

Lime application and understory removal are two silvicultural practices
commonly used to improve stand productivity in subtropical plantations.
However, little is known about how the two practices, particularly in
their interaction, affect soil respiration ( R).
This knowledge gap limits our accurate assessment for the carbon balance
in plantations under lime application and understory removal, which are
usually applied simultaneously in practices. Here, using a field
manipulation experiment, we assessed the effects of lime application,
understory removal, and their interactions on R,
soil heterotrophic respiration ( R), and soil
autotrophic respiration ( R) in subtropical
Eucalyptus plantations in southern China. We also examined the
changes in soil pH, soil microbial communities (PLFAs),
Eucalyptus fine root biomass after lime application and
understory removal. Lime application inhibited R
due to the decreased R and the contribution of
understory root respiration ( R) to
R. Understory removal also reduced
R due to the decreased soil microbial and fungal
PLFAs, and the associated R, as well as the
R. Lime application decreased
R by 16.48% in the presence of understory and
only 4.49% when understory was removed. These results demonstrate that
lime application and understory removal interact to affect
R and highlight that understory vegetation can
highly mediate the effect of lime application on
R in subtropical Eucalyptus plantations
in southern China.
Management of hemorrhagic pleural effusion with intra-pleural streptokinase in peritoneal dialysis patient on dual anti-platelet therapy
Authors: Thapaliya Abhishek , Bhattarai Urza , Dhakal Deepak , Gautam Arun , Shah Bhupendra , Sharma Sanjib Kumar
Published: May 2022

We report a complicated case of 67 years old male with end stage renal
disease, with coronary artery disease and stent in situ under dual
antiplatelet therapy and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis with
left sided loculated hemorrhagic pleural effusion. He was managed with
intrapleural streptokinase therapy.
A Modified Extended Min-Sum Algorithm based on Posterior Probability Thresholding for Non-binary LDPC Codes
Authors: Zhao Yatong , Wang Liqian , Zhu Miao , Wang Weiming , Tao Kai , Shi Yinlong , Chen Xue
Published: May 2022

This letter focuses on the improvement in the error correction
performance of the extended min-sum (EMS) decoding algorithm.
Introducing factor/offset modifications in the check node update process
of the EMS algorithm can improve the performance. Based on this, we
propose a novel threshold-based modified EMS algorithm that introduces
the factor/offset in a targeted manner by setting a threshold for the
posterior probability. Simulation results show that an additional
performance gain of the order of 0.08 dB is obtained with the proposed
method without significantly increasing the method’s complexity.
A PRELIMINARY SEARCH ON THE MYSTIFYING INFLUENCE OF PRIONS ON ALZHEIMER: FACTS VERSUS MYTH
Authors: Sakib S M Nazmuz
Published: May 2022

Alzheimer’s disease, a common disease among the elderly, deserves
worldwide attention. Concerns about the aging population, which is a
global phenomenon, are closely related to this disease. According to a
United Nations report (2006), the number of people aged 60 and up is
expected to triple in forty years, totaling two (2) billion by 2050. To
add to this, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affected 500,000 people in the UK
and 36.5 million worldwide. The world’s aging population, combined with
an increase in Alzheimer’s cases among the senior population, justifies
the undertaking of this study to investigate the possible role of prions
in Alzheimer’s
A COMPARATIVE KEYWORDS ANALYSIS IN PET CAFÉ AND REGULAR CAFÉ REVIEWS: A CORPUS STUDY
Authors: Hariyatmi Sri
Published: May 2022

This paper aims to investigate the most frequently used keywords in pet’s café and regular cafe to identify the linguistics discrepancies between the reviews in the two cafes. A self- created corpora of pet’s café and regular café’s reviews were collected from TripAdvisor and google map and used as the main data to compare the linguistic features in each corpus. The analysis was conducted by using AntConc 3.5.9 for Windows (64-bit) to compare the keywords and concordance lines of notable keywords. A comparison of the keyword analysis indicates that the big discrepancies between the two corpora is the use of second- and third-persons pronouns  in pet café review and the use of the first-person pronouns in regular café review. This pronouns choice suggests that in pet café, the writers adopt customers and product- based review, whereas in regular café, the writer tend to focus their reviews on author-based review. Another notable finding is the absence of Wi-fi in pet café review and the absence of adverb and preposition in regular café. Despite the difference, the reviews in both cafés are heavily dominated by the use of verbs, nouns, and only small number of adjectives found in each corpus.
Evaluation of Environmental Barium Concentration Biomonitoring in Tree Rings
Authors: Işınkaralar Kaan
Published: May 2022

The effect of barium element that can be extremely harmful heavy metal to human and environmental health in urban centers. The barium can cause various environmental pollution due to its anthropogenic accumulation in the environment. Also, it has negative effects on plants, animals, and humans through atmospheric deposition. All Barium (Ba) compounds are harmful heavy metals and they show a poisonous effect on the environment. Thus, it is crucial to determine the Ba concentration in plants grown in areas with high pollution in the landscape, park, and roadside. Biomonitoring with the tree species can be determined which is the best passive biomonitoring method with the tree rings formed by the effect of seasonal differences. The barium has been accumulated in the tree rings for a long time that can provide critical knowledge about the atmospheric barium deposition. The temporal and spatial variations of Ba concentration were analyzed with organs of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) as biomonitors. This study results show that the outer bark of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) is a convenient biomonitor for Ba deposition.
Application of Multivariate Principal Component Factor Analysis to Morphological Characterization of Camels in Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Kefelegn , Bekele Berhanu , Tilahun Sisay , Serda Biresaw
Published: May 2022

This study was conducted to assess variability among linear body measurements (LBMs), deduce components that describe these traits, and investigate the inter-relationship among them. For this purpose, seventeen LBM traits namely heart girth, body-length, wither-height, ear-length, forelimb-length, hindlimb-length, barrel-girth, face-length, hip-width, chest-width, chest-depth, tail-length, neck-length, hump-length, hump-circumference, forehoof-circumference and hindhoof-circumference were measured on 300 (51 males and 249 females) camels. PC factor analysis was used to describe the variation in LBM traits where extracted factors were varimax rotated to enhance interpretability. Pearson’s correlation coefficients among the traits were positive and very highly significant. From the factor analysis, two principal components (PCs) were extracted, which accounted for 63.2% of the total variance. PC1 accounted for 57.0% of the total observed variance and was loaded by EL, BL, FL, HL, FLL, WH, CD, NL, and HC; while PC2 contributed 6.1% of the total observed variance and had its loading on HG, BG, and HW. The results obtained from this study could be useful in designing appropriate husbandry, selection, and breeding programs for utilization of camel genetic resources.
The Effect of Roasting on Volatile Compounds of Ground Coffee and Turkish Coffee Brew
Authors: Dadalı Ceyda
Published: May 2022

Roasting is the most important coffee processing stage that affects coffee flavour. Coffee brew is prepared by various methods and Turkish coffee brewing technique is one of the oldest methods among other coffee preparation techniques. In this study, volatile compounds of light, medium, dark roasted ground coffee and Turkish coffee brews prepared from light, medium, dark roasted coffees were evaluated and the effect of roasting process was determined. The volatile compounds from acid (2), alcohol (1), aldehyde (2), furan (8), furanone (3), ketone (1), lactone (1), phenol (3), pyrazine (19), pyridine (1), pyrrole (6), and thiophene (1) chemical group was detected in all roasted ground coffee samples. However, volatiles compounds from acid, alcohol and furanone group were not detected in any Turkish coffee brew. Pyrazines were main volatile compounds of light roasted ground coffee and Turkish coffee brew of light roasted coffee. On the other hand, furans were main volatile compounds of medium, dark roasted ground coffee and Turkish coffee brew prepared from medium, dark roasted coffees followed by pyrazines.
Suitability of Different Water Sources for Irrigation in Floodplain Areas of Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria for Sustainable Crop Production
Authors: Christopher Abednego , Philip Hegarty James , Gani Adashu Tanko
Published: May 2022

Floodplains known as 'Fadama' is encouraged in Nigeria by the world bank in order to boost agriculture and food security. This activity is being managed by the State ministries of agriculture through Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs) nationwide. This is a case study of Jalingo area of Taraba State, Nigeria where farmers used any available water from rivers, streams and wells without any regulations. The water samples for quality analysis were collected in five (5) different floodplain locations from three (3) different sources. Fifteen (15) water samples were collected from river, borehole and well using plastic bottle container both in August (peak of raining season) and November (end of raining season) respectively. Data from water samples were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) to test for significant effect of source and location water quality for irrigation purposes. The suitability of the source and location water quality after comparing with the water standard for irrigation have most of their chemical properties within safe limit for irrigation purposes both in August and November respectively. (pH =6.26 to 6.81, Total Dissolved Solid, TDS = 113 to 345 mg/L, Total Suspended Solid, TSS = 1.72 to 1.95 mg/L, Bicarbonates, HCO3 = 5.76 to 10.88 mg/L, Carbonated, CO3 = 0.07 to 0.77 mg/L, Sodium, Na = 0.003 to 0.031 mg/L, Magnesium Mg = 4.84 to 5.93 mg/L, Calcium, Ca = 9.62 to 11.97 mg/L). From the results of the study, it could be observed that the quality of water across the locations irrespective of period of observation and source are good and hereby recommended for irrigation purposes.
Economics of Plantain Production among Farmers in Northeast Nigeria
Authors: Joel Love , Jongur Abubakar Alhaji Umaru , Adebayo Elizabeth Femi , Michael Amurtiya
Published: May 2022

This study analysed the economics of plantain production in Northeast Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to; describe plantain farmers’ socio-economic characteristics in Northeast Nigeria; identify factors affecting plantain production in the study area, and also ascertain farmers’ resource use efficiency in plantain production. The study adopted a multi-stage sampling technique to collect primary data from 250 plantain farmers selected from 13 communities. In the analysis of the data, descriptive statistics and a stochastic frontier model were used. The finding of the study indicated that most (86.8%) of the respondents were male, having an average age of the respondents was 39.15 years, who are mostly educated (92.8%) and cultivate an average of 2.39 ha of land. The stochastic frontier production function maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters indicated that the production of plantain is determined by farm size, the number of suckers planted, the amount of hired labour used, and family labour. Similarly, the plantain production cost is being influenced by the cost of plantain suckers, labour, and the depreciated cost of land. Furthermore, the study revealed that the farmers were technically and allocatively efficient, although, the maximum technical efficiency was not achieved by farmers. Therefore, it was recommended that agricultural extension agents should be encouraged to reach plantain farmers with the required production technologies to promote production efficiency.
Adoption-Diffusion Model of Farm Innovations: Its Applicability to Radical Terraces Project in Rwanda
Authors: Emmanuel Murwanashyaka , Preston Orieko Chitere , James Gichuru Kariuki
Published: May 2022

The farming technique of radical terracing is one of the new agricultural technologies introduced in Rwanda to enhance farming activities in the highland areas. The study was designed to analyze the applicability of the adoption and diffusion model of farm innovation on adopting radical terraces in Rwanda. It adopted a descriptive correlational research design to the farmers owned radical terraces in Nyamagabe District. The purposive sampling technique was applied to select 19 Key Informants and 192 farmers. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, direct observation and documentary sources. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for quantitative data analysis whereas thematic and narratives content analyses were used on qualitative. The research outcomes show that the level of farmers' adoption was medium. Besides, the farmers’ access to agricultural information; and farmers’ participation were found to have a positive influence on the applicability of the adoption-diffusion model on the adoption of radical terraces. The study showed that the adoption of radical terraces in Nyamagabe depended on the compatibility with the existing values and practices among farmers based on the information-contagion model and the social participation model that is widely used in the agricultural context. The study recommended the government continue sensitizing farmers on the importance of adopting radical terraces for better use and maintenance as a modern farming practice. Further research should focus on the applicability of technology characteristics user's context model on the adoption of radical terraces in Rwanda.
Live Weight Prediction in Norduz Sheep Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Çakmakçı Cihan
Published: May 2022

The objective of this study was to compare predictive performances of four machine learning (ML) models: Support Vector Machines with Radial Basis Function Kernel (SVMR), Classification and Regression Trees (CART), Random Forest (RF) and Model Average Neural Networks (MANN) to predict live weight from morphological measurements of Norduz sheep (n=93). Seven morphological measurements; chest girth (CG), chest width (CW), chest depth (CD), height at withers (HW), body length (BL), heigth at rump (HR) and rump width (RW) were used to predict live weigth (LW) of Norduz sheep. All morphological measurements were positively correlated to LW. Live weight had the highest correlation with CG and the lowest correlation with HR. Initially, highly correlated predictors were removed from the data set. The remaining predictors were then subjected to variable selection procedures using the Boruta algorithm. The results of Boruta confirmed the importance of the four predictors HW, BL, CW, and CD. However, HR confirmed to be unimportant was excluded from the dataset. The ML models were trained on selected predictors. The results showed that the prediction performance validated using the test dataset indicated that RF had the lowest values of Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE). The permutation-based variable importance scores indicate that CW and CD were the most important variables in predicting LW. The actual LW had the highest significant positive correlations with the values predicted by SVMR and RF, and followed by ANN and CART models respectively. There were no differences between the means of actual and predicted LWs by machine learning models. The fact that the models generalized well on the testing data sets indicates that machine learning algorithms have valid predictive patterns and are effective methods in LW weight of Norduz sheep. Considering runtime of the models, although the CART model had the lowest computational cost, it had the worst performance. The MANN algorithm, on the other hand, required a longer runtime to process the same dataset.
Antimicrobial Activity Of Garlic (Allium Sativum L.) In The Preservation Of Merguez, A Traditional Algerian Sausage
Authors: Meriem Nasri , Hanane Abed , Noureddine Rouag
Published: May 2022

The objective of the present study is to determine the microbiological quality of Merguez-type sausages prepared and sold locally from meat offal and to study the antibacterial activity of fresh garlic (Allium sativum) during conservation at 4 °C. Thus, fifteen representative samples of sausages are taken randomly from several butcher's shops in the commune of BBA, Algeria, then subjected to a bacteriological examination with reference to the standards established by the Algerian Ministry of Public Health. Bacteriological analysis revealed the presence of 6.88 105 CFU.g-1 of total aerobic bacteria, 5.39 105 CFU.g-1 of total coliforms, 2.23 105 CFU.g-1 of fecal coliforms, 2.43 103 CFU.g-1 of Escherichia coli and 1.8 105 CFU.g-1 of coagulase positive staphylococci, values higher than Algerian standards. The Addition of fresh garlic as an antibacterial preservative at concentrations of 0.06, 0.12, 0.18 and 0.24g.g-1 to ground beef samples and stored in the refrigerator at 4 °C for 15 days. The addition of garlic to Merguez reduced significantly the presence of different bacterial groups during their refrigerated storage, compared to untreated meat by bringing it below the standards defined in the material. Thus, the use of garlic as a food additive at a concentration of 0.12 g.g-1 was sufficient to obtain levels under Algerian standards equal to 1.8 104 CFU.g-1 of total aerobic bacteria, 9.48 103 CFU.g-1 of Total Coliforms, 3.68 103 CFU.g-1 Fecal Coliforms, 4.56 102 CFU.g-1 of E.coli 2.39 104 CFU.g-1 of coagulase positive Staphylococci. Through this study, we can conclude that adding garlic to Merguez reduces the aerobic bacterial load and thus increases the shelf life in a refrigerated at 4 °C.
Evaluation of Genotoxic Effect of Phloxine by Allium Test
Authors: Kaya Nergis
Published: May 2022

Phloxine is used as a food dye. In this study, genotoxicity of phloxine at the root tip of Allium cepa L. was investigated. A. cepa L. meristematic root tip cells were treated with ten different doses of phloxine. In this way, the EC50 value was determined. Then, phloxine was applied to root tips at EC50/2, EC50 and EC50×2 doses. Treatment time was determined as 24, 48 and 72 hours. As a result, it was revealed that phloxine caused chromosomal aberrations in cells in mitotic cycle at the root tip of A. cepa. There are equatorial plate shifting in metaphase, laggard chromosome, disturbed spindle, chromosome stickiness, C-mitosis, polar shifting among the observed chromosomal aberrations. It was stated that the % chromosomal aberration index (CAI) increased depending on concentration increase. It has been demonstrated that the highest % chromosomal aberration index occurred at the EC50×2 dose for 72 hours. According to the research, it was revealed that phloxine has a genotoxic effect on the root cells of A. cepa. For this reason, it can be emphasized that care should be taken in its use in foods.
Random Surface Methodology: Process Optimization for Peanut Oil Extraction in A Mechanical Oil Expeller
Authors: Ogundahunsi Oluwafemi Emmanuel , Fagunwa Ayokunle Oluwasanmi , Ayorinde Adedayo Thomas
Published: May 2022

The extraction process of peanut oil has been a major concern for local processors due to the difficult task it constitutes during processing. The use of oil expellers has been found to reduce the difficulty in this task yet different processing factors tend to affect the efficiency of those oil expellers. In this study, the optimum peanut oil processing factors and their interaction were investigated using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with fractional factorial design (33) model of Central Composite Design (CCD). Processing factors such as Moisture Content (10, 12, and 14% db), Peanut Temperature (50, 65, and 80°C), and Water Quantity added during extraction (12, 14, and 16 ml). This aimed at providing the optimum parameter needed to obtain the optimum oil yield using a peanut oil expeller. From this study, it was observed that all three factors considered affecting the oil yield of peanuts during extraction. Only water quantity added during extraction is statistically different. The optimum condition of the oil extraction processing parameter was observed at 50oC, 10 db, and 120 ml. The correlation coefficient (R-squared) of the model analysis was found to be 0.8901.
Effect of Different Brewing Methods on Some Physicochemical Properties of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Göksu Sürücü Canan , Artık Nevzat
Published: May 2022

Different brewing methods can lead to changes in the physicochemical properties of green tea. In this study, the physicochemical properties of green tea brewed with different amounts (5, 7.5 and 10 grams) and times (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 minutes) were investigated. Green tea produced by Çaykur was used in the study. Mineral analysis of green tea samples was performed with ICP-OES, and color analysis was performed with Minolta Spectrophotometer. The antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH method and the total phenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. In terms of mineral content, it was determined highest levels of mineral content (mg/kg) for Al, Ca and Mg (10 g-25 minutes); Fe, Mn and Na (10 g-25 minutes); and B (10 g-50 minutes) as 16.005, 4.099, 24.075, 0.120, 13.855, 1.320 and 0.164, respectively. It was determined lowest levels of mineral content (mg/kg) for Al, Ca, Mg, and Mn (5 g-5 minutes); B and Fe (5 g-10 minutes), and Na (5 g-15 minutes) as 2.756, 1.193, 3.324, 1.23, 0.025, 0.002 and 0.48, respectively. In terms of color, it was determined that the lowest and highest L* values are 39.97 (10 g-45 minutes) -54.23 (5 g-35 minutes), lowest and highest a* values are -2.24 (5 g-5 minutes) (-4.70) (7.5 g-35 minutes) and lowest and highest b* values are 4.91 (5 g-5 minutes)- 23.98 (10 g-60 minutes). The antioxidant activity value (inhibition %) in green tea was found to be the range of 28.51 % (5 g, 45 minutes)- 47.95 (10 g- 40 minutes), and the total phenolic content (mg GAE/mL) was found to be the range of 15.99 (5 g, 5 minutes)- 35.61 (10 g, 15 minutes). The findings determined that green tea brewed with different amounts and times showed statistical differences in terms of color, mineral content, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content.