bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of the gill respiratory surface area and some features of the red muscle fibers in two teleost species
Authors: Mansour A.J.
Published: March 2023

The current study is a comparative analysis of the Gill Respiratory Surface Area (GRSA) and some features of the red muscle fibers including the proportions and diameters of the red muscle fibers in three body regions in two teleosts species; torpedo scad, Megalspis cordyla (L.) which belongs to the carangid and the red belly tilapia, Cotodon zillii (Gervaias, 1848) which belongs to cichlids. Fifty fishes (25 fishes for each species) were used in the current investigation. They range in length from 100 to 300 mm and their weight ranged between 66 and 305 gm. The results show that the M. cordyla have GRSA ranged between 78 and 100 mm2/gm whereas it ranged between 56 and 146 mm²/gm in C. zillii. The fish weight was the influential factor on the values of the relative GRSA (mm²/gm) while the total length of gill filaments was the influential factor on the values of the total GRSA (mm²) of the studied fishes which showed significant differences (p<0.05) between the studied species. The difference in the proportions of the red muscle fibers among the three body regions of both species showed a significant difference (P<0.05) between the total length of the fish and the proportions of the red muscle fibers which ranged between 8.16 and 12.80 % in M. cordyla whereas it was between 5.42 and 9.24 % in C. zillii. Also the results presented an increase in the proportions of the red muscle fibers towards the posterior region (R3) which were 8.80-12.80 % in M. cordyla while they were 6.24-9.24 % in C. zillii. The results revealed that the approximate diameters of the red muscle fibers varied between 13.70 and 47.85 μm in M. cordyla while they ranged between 17.10 and 44.50 μm in C .zillii but were not statistically significant differences (P>0.05) between the two species.
Improving the sub-base materials at Al-Fao port in Basrah Governorate-South of Iraq by adding some synthetic polymers and cement
Authors: Al-Maliki F.S. , Mahmood R.A. , Jabir M.A.
Published: March 2023

The improvement process by adding polymers and cement has been carried out to sub-base material used in the compaction processes, in order to observe their effects on the geotechnical properties of the sub-base such as compaction, unconfined compressive strength, shear strength, California bearing ratio and absorption ratio. It has been observed that there is a significant improvement in the geotechnical properties of the soil as the value of the maximum dry density increased from 2.144 to 2.220 g/cm3, while the value of the optimum moisture contents decreased from 6.3 to 5.2% with a percentage of 5 % of the first polymer (Polyvinyl Acetate & Polyol). It is also revealed that there is an increase in the value of the unconfined compressive strength after adding 5% of the first polymer and 5% cement to the sub-base sample, and then soaked in water for different periods of time, the result was 11550 kPa with a soaking period of 28 days. Also, the angle of the internal friction values increased in testing the direct shear strength from 35◦ to 45◦ by adding 5% of the first polymer, and cohesion occurrence among the particles of the material under the action of the polymer as a adhesive material, the value reached 200 kN/m2. The California bearing ratio increased from 49% to 64% by adding 5% of the first polymer, while the absorption ratio decreased considerably at the same ratio and material from 9.8% to 4.1%.
On the occurrence of the short-nosed tripod fish Triacanthus biaculeatus (Bloch, 1786) in the North of Basrah, Southern Iraq
Authors: Ghazi A.H. , Al-Faisal A.J. , Alfaris M.A.A.
Published: March 2023

In this article, we report on the occurrence of the short-nosed tripod fish Triacanthus biaculeatus (Bloch, 1786) in the North of Basrah, West of Al-Dair district which was not reported in this region before. Two specimens were obtained in November 2018 and identified as, T biaculeatus. They have a total length ranged from 69.0 to 137.0 mm. The first dorsal fin has 5 spines, the second spine is much less than half the length of the first one. The ventral surface of the pelvis is slightly tapered to words the posterior end.
Empirical prediction model of salt intrusion along Shatt Al-Arab River, southern Iraq
Authors: Al-Battat M.Q.
Published: March 2023

In this paper the prediction of salt intrusion model along the Shatt Al-Arab River was applied.The analyses showed the result of salinity intrusion inShatt Al-Arab River which is a confluence of Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, is essential to present a holistic picture. The analyses were based on data of seven years (2005-2011) as well as full day tide during 2009 when the salinity rose to its highest level.Due to the decrease in the quantity of water releases reaching the River from it's sources, the salinity of the saline water is increased with the flow decrease of fresh water. During the study period, the amount of flow was between 5-50 cubic meters per second. The salinity value fluctuated according to the flow reaching it's highest level in 2009, when the discharge was 5m3/Sec. The field salinity at the studied stations: Al-Fao, Al-Seba, Al-Ashar and BinUmmerwere 32.2, 26, 11.7 and 1.4 ppt., respectively. However, salinity prediction model gives values of 32.44, 24.1, 13.4 and 2.9 ppt. for the four stations, respectively. But when the discharge was 50m3/Sec., the field salinity at these stations were 27.5, 2.2, 1.92 and 0.8 ppt., respectively, the salinity prediction model gives values of: 27, 2.28, 1.73 and 0.5 ppt. at the four stations, respectively. These results represent a good salinity prediction modelin the Shatt Al-Arab River.
The Delta of Shatt Al-Arab River, Framework and Evolution
Authors: Al-Mosawi W.M. , Al-Manssory F.Y.
Published: March 2023

Shatt Al-Arab Delta was built at the northern end of the Arabian Gulf (AG) on the top of a longitudinal shallow marine basin shape. Today the hydrologic regime of Shatt Al-Arab River is suffering from many changes caused by anthropogenic activity impacts, led to a significant decrease in water feeding about 1000 m3/sec in 1990 into less than 50m3/sec in 2016. Many previous studies have been discussed as well as performing a marine geophysical surveys to assess the evolution of Shatt Al-Arab Delta during the history. Many phenomenon and progradational parts of the Delta: Prodelta, distributary channel, bay fill, and beach ridge have been identified from marine geophysical survey. The lower reflector is appear as irregular surface, which could indicate the presence of an ancient beach that appear as a terraces region due to fluctuation in the sea level. The second reflector appear as a layer have had variation depth, which may represent a beginning of the ancient delta creation after of the sea level stability (< 5000 years ago). The top layers have been deposited, which represent the present day delta. This present result suggests that there are three phases of delta evolution during history, the first phase represents the beginning of the modern origin of this delta during 1000-2000 yr. ago when the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers are connected together, at that time the delta was not so large and have been formed by the excess sediment that coming from the marshes after the two Rivers dumping most of their sedimentary load there. The second phase represents the activation of this delta with stabilized coastline, especially after the manmade connection between Karun and Shatt Al-Arab Rivers, which occurred before thousand years ago. The third phase represents the last half of the previous century when several factors contributed on the evolution of Shatt Al-Arab delta, including hydrological, climatological and anthropogenic factors.
Distribution and diversity of Meiobenthos in southern Caspian Sea (Mazandaran-Iran)
Authors: Zarghami M. , Fatemi M.R. , Al-Maliky T.H.Y. , Mollayousefi M.S. , Nazarhaghighi F.
Published: March 2023

Biodiversity and distribution of benthic Meiobenthos in the sediments of the Southern Caspian Sea were studied in order to introduce and determine their relationship with the environmental factors. From 12 stations (ranging in depths from 5, 10, 20 and 50 meters), sediment samples were gathered for four seasons (2012). Temperature, salinity, dissolved Oxygen and pH were measured during sampling with CTD (conductivity, temperature and Depth). Percentage grain size and total organic matter and calcium carbonate were measured. The average water temperature ranged from 9.52 to 23.93 ͦC, dissolved Oxygen from 7.71 to 10.53 mg/L, salinity from 10.57±0.07 to 10.75±0.04 ppt., pH from 7.44±0.29 to 7.41±0.22, EC from 17.97±0.12 to 18.30±0.04 μs/cm2, TDS from 8.92±0.04 to 9.14±0.02 mg/L, total organic matter from 5.83±1.43 to 6.25±0.97% and calcium carbonate fluctuated from 2.36±0.36 to 1.68±0.19%. From the 4 groups of animals (Foraminifera, Crustacea, Worms and Mollusca), 40 species belonging to 29 genera of 25 families were identified Ammonia beccarii caspica, was the common species in all sampling stations. Depth was an important factor in the distribution of meiobenthos. Mean of maximum and minimum Shannon index were measured at depth of 5m and 50 m and were in the order of 0.93 and 0.43, respectively. Account of Shannon and Peilou's index showed that this area is under pressure and is not steady.
Numerical simulation model of water-logging phenomenon at Al Jahza camp Al-Zubair town, Southern Iraq
Authors: Al-Qurnawy L.S. , Al-Abadi A.M.A.
Published: March 2023

The current study is focused on the groundwater modeling with three scenarios as future plans to find a suitable solution for the problem at Al-Jahza Camp south east of Al-Zubair town, south of Iraq. The objective of the study is find out a numerical model for simulating the behavior of the groundwater flow using (MODFLOW) software. The model was calibrated in the steady and transient states for four randomly distributed monitored wells in the study area with 21 stress periods. Suitable match was obtained from the comparison between the levels of the observed and calculated heads. The model was simulated to control the water-logging. The water level of the simulated head remains extremely constant in condition of constructing the underground barrier. By Supposing of digging wells and increasing the water pumping with an average of 432 and 216 m/day, the head level at exceeding extraction with constructed subsurface barrier decreased more than the head level in case of increasing the water pumping with no subsurface barrier to reach 35-40 cm and 45-50 cm respectively, and to enhance the benefit to control and decrease the water from waterlogged area in the future.
Mineralogy and sediment grain-size distributions as index of the modern sedimentary processes of Sawa Lake, Mothanna Governorate, Southwestern Iraq
Authors: Khaleefah U.Q. , Hussein M.A. , Chasib S.K.
Published: March 2023

Sawa Lake is located in the southwest of Samawa city, it is of geological significance because it lies in the transitional zone between the sedimentary plain and the western plain, which is semi-desert and relies on the ground water as providing sources. It has a special case in sedimentation. The mineralogical composition of the lake sediments is characterized by Gypsum Calcite, Anhydrite, and Hematite, which is in turn builds different forms of sedimentary structures, including the tuberous, concretion, Nodule, and linear forms, as well as the deposition of calcium carbonate at the bottom of the lake in general. The cones were deposited by Chara algae (biological deposition), which collect sand grains from the atmosphere and connect them with calcium carbonate, these structures in the southern part of the lake are close to the sand dunes. The physical deposition in the lake was based mainly on wind and dust storms and the presence of sand dunes in the south and south-west and some areas in the north-west of the lake. The results of the grain size analyses showed the dominance of sand, more than 80%, and the silt does not exceed 20% while the clay is 1%. The north and south east of the lake, which is far from the movement of sand dunes does not exceed 70%, while the silt reaches 30% and the clay is still about 1%. This process detects the effect of sand dunes movement in the area.
Geospatial analysis of groundwater contamination by heavy oil in the Dammam aquifer-Middle of Iraq
Authors: Al-Mayahi H.M. , Al-Abadi A.M.
Published: March 2023

This study aims to apply Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to map the groundwater contamination of the Dammam aquifer by heavy oil in the middle of Iraq. For this purpose, the inventory map of 139 groundwater wells (contaminated and non-contaminated with heavy oil) with the seven important factors playing a role in controlling contamination were used. The factors are distance to faults, faults density, groundwater depth, aquifer saturated thickness and hydraulic conductivity, elevation, and distance from Abu Jir fault. For the performance of ANN model, five statistical measures were used namely, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, kappa, and the relative operating characteristic curve. Obtained results from applying the model in R statistical package indicated that ANN has a high accuracy (> 90%) in training and testing phases. The probability prediction of ANN model was categorized into five groundwater contamination classes: very low-low, moderate, high-very high. The averages of areas occupied by these zones were 5267 km2 (65%), 488 km2 (6%), and 2362 km2 (29%), for very low-low, moderate, and high-very high, respectively. The contamination map developed in this study could be used to drill successful non-contaminated groundwater wells and avoid loss of many efforts in drilling contaminated wells in the study area.
Water Quality of Al-Dalmaj Marsh, Iraq
Authors: Al-Hemidawi F.N.M. , Mohammed A.H. , Al-Saad H.T.
Published: March 2023

Samples of water were taken during February 2018 to November 2018 at ten stations in Al-Dalmaj Marshes, to cover all the marsh area. Physical and chemical properties including the natural water quality parameters, Total Dissolved Solids (8270-10781 mg/l), Turbidity (2.63-5.72 NTU), Electrical Conductivity (12.92-17.12mS/cm), Total Hardness (3204-4034 mg/l), Water Temperature (18-40 ºC), Air Temperature (20-45 ºC), Salinity (1.72-10.94 PSU), pH (6.98-7.61), Total Alkalinity (396.8-443 mg/l), Calcium (468-607 mg/l), Magnesium (492-687 mg/l), Chloride (2977-4286 mg/l), Sodium (568-1221 mg/l), Potassium (29-84 mg/l), Bicarbonate (137-1210 mg/l) and Sulfates (706-984 mg/l). The above values show the seasonal variations of water variables at the study stations using statistical methods to verify the results, and these results provide important reference information for further study.
Spatial variations of water quality in Al-Hilla River, Babil Province, Iraq
Authors: Abdullah S.A.
Published: March 2023

The study was conducted to explain the variations of ten variables of WQI in four stations at Al-Hilla River which is the major branch of the Euphrates River, and located in the middle of Babylon Province. It extends for 101 km long. Water samples were collected from the river from June 2016 to May 2017. Ten of the physicochemical parameters were analyzed; dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, the potential of hydrogen, calcium, magnesium, nitrates, phosphates, turbidity and total alkalinity. The range of water quality index values of Al-Hilla River is 48.63 was recorded at station 1, the values indicate good water quality to very poor (85.67) at station 4, according to weighted arithmetic. The results indicated that there were significant differences between the first and fourth stations. The results values of WQI were 56.61 and 82.81 at stations 2 and 3 which indicate poor at station 2 and very poor status at station 3, respectively. The values of water quality index within turbidity ranged from 133.7 at station 1 to 192.04 at station 4 and the results values of WQI were 206.39 and 156.30 at stations 2 and 3. Significant (P<0.05) relationships were noted in the water quality index among the stations.
Removal of lead ion from industrial wastewater by using date palm seeds as a low-cost adsorbent
Authors: Maki A.A. , Abdulnabi Z.A. , Mahdi B.A. , Al-Taee A.M.R. , Al-Anber L.J.M.
Published: March 2023

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) seeds were used as an adsorbent product to remove lead ions from aqueous solutions through the batch adsorption process. In this study, the optimum condition used to determine the adsorption of industrial wastewater were including pH, temperature, agitation speed and contact time. The results were evaluated by using seeds of two date palm cultivars (Hillawi and Zahdi) The results showed that, the highest removal ratio of lead ions from industrial wastewater samples achieved by Hillawi seeds was 0.598 mg/g, 79.81% at time 90 min., pH 6.5, agitation speed 50 rpm and Temp. 25°C. While Zahdi seeds had given the results of 0.349 mg/g, 43.65% at Time 90 min., pH 4.5, agitation speed 200 rpm and Temp.35°C. Surface morphology and functional surface groups were determined by using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), respectively.
Evaluation of fish assemblages’ composition in the Euphrates River, southern Thi-Qar province, Iraq
Authors: Abdullah A.H.J.
Published: March 2023

Fish assemblage composition in the Euphrates River southern Thi-Qar province was assessed from January to December 2018. Various fishing methods were used to collect the samples. A total of 3010 specimens of bony fishes were caught represented 17 species, 17 genera, ten families and six orders. The species included ten native fish species and seven exotic fish species. The Abu mullet Planiliza abu was the most abundant species formed 26.21% of the total caught, blue tilapia Oreochromis aureus 19.30%, Prussian carp Carassius gibelio 17.48% and Redbelly tilapia Coptidon zillii 13. 29% of the total number of species. The dominance index (D3) value of the highest abundance represented by three fish species that preside the study area forming 62.99%, there are P. abu, O. aureus and C. gibelio. The occurrence of fish species contained seven fish species formed 92.03% of the total species caught. Seasonal fish species comprised of three fish species included 6.51% and occasional fish species contained seven species represented 1.46% of the total number of species. The diversity index values appear as poor ranged from 1.59 in December to 2.07 in April. Richness index values pointed to disturbing status, varied from 1.21 in September to 2.00 in May. Evenness index tends to be balanced, fluctuated from 0.79 in June to 0.91 in February and July. The present study verified the prevalence of the small-sized tolerance fish species represented by one native and three exotic species, with rarely or absence of the keystone native fish species of fish communities predominating the south of Iraq.
Effects of initial weight on growth criteria of grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella cultivated in earthen ponds
Authors: Taher M.M. , Muhammed S.J. , Al-Dubakel A.Y. , Mojer A.M.
Published: March 2023

The current experiment was conducted in the Agricultural Research Station-Aquaculture Unit, College of Agriculture, University of Basrah from 27th June to 10th Nov 2020 in Al-Hartha District about 16 km northern-east of Basrah Governorate (30o65`64.6"N, 47o 74`79.5"E). Six earthen ponds (600 m3) were used to investigate the effect of three different initial weights of grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella [220.1-276.8 g (T1); 146.5-169.3 g (T2); 81.5-82.7 g (T3)]. Fishes were fed 3% daily using commercial pellets manufactured by Agricultural Consultant Office. The results of the current study indicated that T1 had better growth criteria (WI= 296.8 g, DGR= 2.53 g/day, SGR= 0.59%/day and FCR 5.23) compared with the other two treatments. There was a negative allometric pattern of growth (b less than 3) in the three treatments before and after the experiment. Statistical analysis of the results proved that there were significant differences (P≤0.05) in the modified condition factor (Kb) between the three treatments at the end of the experiment, while there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the relative condition factor (Kn) and Fulton’s condition factor (K). It was concluded from the current experiment that the initial average weight of the grass carp must not be less than 250 g to achieved good results for fish culturist.
Monitoring of Total Petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) in the sediments of some local regions of southern Iraq
Authors: Al-Gizzi I.A. , Qzar I.A. , Al-Kinany S.A.
Published: March 2023

Petroleum hydrocarbons are pollutants with a wide range of dangerous organic chemicals, which have received a considerable attention because they are widely distributed in the environment, many of which have a mutated potential, cause genetic toxicity and carcinogenic effects on natural ecosystems. Spatiotemporal variations of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) in the sediments of some regions of southern Iraq were measured during 2019, the highest concentration were 14.94 µg/g in Al-Burqa at Al-Hammar marsh, and the lowest was 2.05 µg/g in Al-Sadda station in the East of Al-Hammar marsh too. These results were compared with previous studies since 1982 in the same region, these studies were calculated to estimate a bulk value for each study. The results of the present study showed that TPHs concentration in water and sediments at Al-Hammar marsh, Al-Chibayesh marsh and Shatt Al-Arab river were within the permissible limits and there were no significant differences spatially and temporally in the study area. So we can conclude that there is no real total petroleum hydrocarbons pollution in these specific water bodies southern Iraq since 1982.
Evaluation of levels of some heavy metals in marine environment, southern Iraq
Authors: Saleh S.M. , Abdulnabi Z.A. , Mizhir A.A. , Hantoush A.A. , Hassan W.F. , Al-Khion Dh.Dh.
Published: March 2023

Some toxic and essential heavy metals have been evaluated at five stations of the marine water region of Basrah governorate, southern Iraq. Eight of different elements (Pb, Zn, Ni, Mn, Fe, Cu, Cr and Cd) were measured at five stations from various regions these elements were collected by using water sampler at depth 20-25 cm in low tide at summer season in 2016. They have been analyzed using flame-atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results of all measurements of heavy metals indicated the dominance zinc more than the other elements at St. 1 and St. 4 ranged from 0.144 to 0.193 mg/l, respectively. St. 2 and St. 5 exhibited the dominance of lead in the range between 0.164 and 0.253 mg/l, respectively. While, St. 3 showed the highest concentration of nickel compared with the other elements (0.190 mg/l). Standard deviation was calculated for all elements measured and were in the ranged or(0.008-0.049).
THE URGENCY OF MAQASHID SHARIA IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHARIA BANKING PRODUCTS
Authors: Hadi Hendra , Sodiki Muhammad , Toyyibah Imro Atut , Komarudin Parman
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe movement and growth of Islamic banking in Indonesia is increasing every year and is in demand by Muslim and non-Muslim customers. This has encouraged Islamic banking to develop its products so that they can compete with conventional banks. However, of course, this must be balanced with knowledge of Islamic maqashid and ushul fiqh in the development of banking products which are sometimes ignored by Islamic financial institutions. As a result, there is rigidity, narrow space for movement and even negligence and errors in inspection and auditing. In this paper using library research methods (library research) with a qualitative approach. The urgency of maqashid in Islamic banking products regulates all fatwas, regulations, financial and banking products as well as fiscal and monetary policies so as not to lose their shari'ah substance. Maqashid syari'ah is a determining factor in creating sharia economic products that can play a dual role (social control tools and socio-economic engineering) to realize the benefit of Muslims. Keywords: Sharia Banking; Maqashid Syariah;  Banking Products.
Current challenges to health care access in Guatemala
Authors: Huchim-Pena Cristian
Published: March 2023

Guatemala is an upper-middle-income country in Central America, with a high poverty rate and significant inequality. The health care system is divided into three large sectors: the private sector, the Guatemalan Social Security Institute, and the public sector. However, the government's health care expenditure is low, which has resulted in inadequate access to medical services for many citizens, especially for the indigenous population, who face disproportionately high poverty levels and limited health care services compared to non-indigenous individuals. Over the past 63 years, various international efforts have tried to address the inequity in health care access, with one example being the Behrhorst program. This program aimed to offer basic medical care to impoverished rural communities in the late 20th century and was a success but faced significant challenges due to the widespread violence and oppression that took place in the late 1970s and the early 1980s. Despite many efforts, significant challenges remain, particularly in addressing the health disparities between urban and rural areas.
Empirical evaluation of the transfer of information resources in active learning
Authors:   Technical College – Sofia, Technical University of Sofia, Romansky Radi
Published: March 2023

Active learning is an alternative to traditional learning, using the capabilities of the global network to access remote information resources. The purpose of the article is to analyse the sources and factors of delay in the implementation of network services and the possibilities of access to distributed information objects depending on their size and remoteness. The research was conducted by collecting empirical data (monitoring) on the transfer of resources between client and server. A research organization model was developed and an implementation application was created. Experiments were carried out, and the obtained results were summarized and presented through statistical evaluations and graphical interpretation.
Inference and performance aware multi-channel scheduling and routing scheme with call admission control in wireless mesh networks
Authors:   K. L. S. Gogte Institute of Technology, Mathad K. , Math M. ,   K. L. S. Gogte Institute of Technology
Published: March 2023

As wireless mesh networks have been deployed in the urban area, dynamic channel allocation is more challengeable because co-located wireless mediums are likely to be tuned to the same channels and may interfere with communication. Further, existing model doesn’t consider reutilizing routing resource. This paper presents an efficient scheduling and routing model considering an external interference and routing resource reutilization for multi-channel wireless mesh networks. Each mesh node uses a novel technique to estimate the usage status of all the channels within its interference range and assigns channels dynamically to radios to minimize interference within the mesh network and between the mesh network and collocated wireless networks. Simulation results demonstrate that our proposed algorithm can improve the network throughput, reduce packet failure rate and consume more energy while transmission substantially compared to other algorithms by removing the interference overestimation problem and assigning channels aggressively with priority.
Employing Food and Industrial Microbiology to Accelerate Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Tripathi Charu , Malhotra Jaya , Kaur Jasvinder
Published: March 2023

Microbes have been employed by humans since ancient times for brewing and fermenting purposes. The knowledge about the potential of microbes has increased tremendously over the past century, wherein it has acted as a savior of human populace by providing antibiotics and vaccines. Microbial biotechnology has expanded ever since and found immense application in the areas of food and industrial processes. Enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, organic acids, alcohols, genetically modified crops and single cell proteins are only few of the vast array of products that have been provided by microbes. Chemical production of these products is not only expensive, but also generates toxic waste by-products which are dumped into the environment. Due to excessive waste generation, pollution and unaccountability towards the environment, we are currently facing a crisis, because of which our renewable resources are endangered, and the environment is deteriorating. To address these issues, microbiologists have been conforming and contributing towards the development of environmentally safe, sustainable and economical production of energy and food alternatives, so that sustainable development goals can be achieved. This review highlights the developments in the field of food and industrial microbiology and their contribution to production of sustainable alternatives.
Role of abiotic and biotic components in remediating environmental pollutants: A review
Authors: Somasundaram Sripoorna , Dagar Jyoti , Susan Abraham Jeeva , Maurya Swati , Antil Sandeep , Makhija Seema , Toteja Ravi
Published: March 2023

Increasing environmental pollutants due to various anthropogenic activities are of great concern nowadays since they affect the health of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Pollutants such as pesticides, heavy metals, fertilizers are non-biodegradable and persist in the environment for a longer duration affecting the health of living organisms. In this context, bioremediation technology is gaining considerable attention. Bioremediation technology involves various living organisms for the removal of toxic pollutants. This review discusses detoxification methods adopted by various microorganisms. An attempt has also been made to understand how these detox-mechanisms can be exploited to clean up the environment in a natural way. Finally, various environmental factors that regulate bioremediation processes and the methods to improve the rate of bioremediation have been mentioned. This comprehensive study may help to understand the fundamental aspects and future perspectives of microbial remediation of pollutants which could help in commercial success of waste management processes.
Prehranska obravnava bolnikov s hematološko maligno boleznijo
Authors: Grašič Lunar Karmen , Rupnik Erik , Sever Matjaž , Preložnik Zupan Irena
Published: March 2023

Pri hematoloških bolnikih obstaja veliko tveganje za razvoj podhranjenosti in s prehranjenostjo povezanih motenj (sarkopenija, krhkost). Prevalenca podhranjenosti se giblje med 30 % in 50 %. Zmanjšani vnos hrane, malabsorpcija hranil ter presnovne spremembe vodijo v slabše prehransko stanje oz. v podhranjenost bolnika, kar poveča tveganje za zaplete, okužbe, podaljša čas hospitalizacije, poveča stroške zdravljenja ter vpliva na slabše delovanje vseh organskih sistemov v telesu, slabšo kakovost življenja in slabši izid zdravljenja. Tega smo se vse bolj začeli zavedati na Kliničnem oddelku za hematologijo (KOH), UKC Ljubljana, kjer smo leta 2020 pričeli izvajati sofinancirani triletni program »Implementacija klinične poti prehranske podpore na terciarni ravni«, ki smo ga odobrili na javnem razpisu Ministrstva za zdravje (MZ). Z zaposlitvijo kliničnega dietetika na oddelku smo uvedli redno prehransko obravnavo bolnikov in oblikovati dokument klinične poti prehranske podpore. Klinični dietetik v obdobju od maja 2020 do junija 2022 opravil 1.593 individualnih prehranskih obravnav, od tega 377 prvih pregledov in 1.216 kontrolnih pregledov. Začeli smo tudi ambulantno obravnavo in izvedli 16 pregledov. Ob vsakem bolnišničnem zdravljenju bi bolnik moral imeti možnost zgodnjega prepoznavanja prehranske ogroženosti in dostopnost do zgodnjih prehranskih ukrepov, saj gre za ključne postopke preprečevanja velikih izgub puste mišične mase, za ohranjanje sposobnosti bolnika za izvajanje vsakodnevnih aktivnosti in za ohranjanje kakovosti življenja. Pomembno je, da je klinična pot prehranske obravnave dobro vpeljana in se izvaja na vseh oddelkih, saj le tako bolnikom lahko zagotovimo standardizirano, pravočasno, individualno prilagojeno ter multidisciplinarno obravnavo.
Utility of p63 and Alpha Methyl Acyl CoA Racemase in the Lesions of Prostatic Mimickers: An Observational Study
Authors: Patel Zeel Monajkumar , Doshi Preeti Rajeev , Lakhe Rachana Ravindra , Shelke Parineeta
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Prostate adenocarcinoma is the most commonly occurring cancer in men. Differentiation of prostatic adenocarcinoma from prostatic mimickers sometimes difficult on the sole basis of histologic findings. Diagnosis of carcinoma is based on Immunohistochemistry (IHC) by negative immune reaction with p63 and positive staining with Alpha Methyl Acyl CoA Racemase (AMACR). Aim: To evaluate the utility of p63 and AMACR in the prostatic mimickers. Materials and Methods: In this analytical observational study, all prospective prostatic mimickers with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided biopsies received in the pathology department of Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College, Pune, India in a tertiary care hospital from July 2020 to July 2022 were studied. 70 cases were collected, studied and analysed which included 38 Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) specimens and 32 TRUS guided tissue biopsies. The Haematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) stained slides of all the cases were examined and divided into three categories-malignant (08 cases), prostatic mimickers (53 cases) and suspicious for malignancy (09 cases). Furthur, these cases were subjected to IHC for p63 and AMACR. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 software was used for data analysis using chi square test along with p-value. Results: Out of the 53 cases of prostatic mimickers and 09 cases were suspicious for malignancy, 56 were positive for p63 and 06 were negative for p63. There was a statistically significant association between p63 IHC staining and the differentiation of benign cases from malignant prostatic lesions (p<0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of p63 were 93.3% and 100% respectively. There were 08 cases of prostate adenocarcinoma stained with AMACR, all were positive. The sensitivity and specificity being 100%. Results revealed that there was a significant statistical association between the positive IHC staining of AMACR and prostatic adenocarcinoma (p<0.001). Conclusion: The diagnostic performance of p63 and AMACR proves to be significant in differentiating between the mimickers of prostatic lesions and adenocarcinoma. IHC is recommended to reduce diagnostic error in suspected cases.
E-cadherin Immunoexpression Patterns in Gastric Carcinoma Histological Subtypes: A Hospital-based Descriptive Study
Authors: Divyagna T , Jyothi Chityala , Yeslavath Kavitha , Banuri Swapna Kumari , Rakam Sowjanya , Goud S Divya , Toopali Kavitha , Sreelakshmi I
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Gastric carcinoma is the second common Gastrointestinal (GIT) malignancy. Based on Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2020 data, it is the 5th most common neoplasm and the 4th most common cause of death. Epithelialcadherin (E-cadherin) is a transmembrane glycoprotein which plays a crucial role in maintaining cell-cell adhesion. Loss of E-cadherin contributes to enhanced invasion and metastasis in human cancers. Aim: To study E-cadherin immunohistochemical expression in tumour cells and its association with gastric carcinoma histotypes. Materials and Methods: It is a hospital-based descriptive study conducted at Department of Pathology, Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India from January 2010 to December 2012 as it was my dissertation. Routine histopathology and immunohistochemistry for E-cadherin were done on the sections. E-cadherin immunohistochemical staining and expression in tumour cells were evaluated according to the study by Jawhari A et al., Scores (0-3) were applied: 0-No staining; 1-Only cytoplasmic staining; 2-Cytoplasmic and membranous staining in the same case, 3-Normal membranous immunoexpression. Staining was evaluated based on absence of membranous expression scores (0 and 1) versus the presence of membranous expression (scores 2 and 3). Statistical analysis of the data was done by Chi-square test using Epi Info software. Results: Total 70 cases were studied, of which 48 were gastric biopsies and 22 were gastrectomies. Gastric adenocarcinomas were classified as intestinal 40 cases (57.14%) and diffuse 30 cases (42.85%) according to Lauren’s classification. Membranous staining of E-cadherin was seen in 34/40 cases (85%) of intestinal gastric cancer and 9/30 cases (30%) of diffuse intestinal cancer whereas non membranous or absent E-cadherin was seen in 6/40 cases (15%) of intestinal gastric cancer and 21/30 cases (70%) of diffuse gastric cancer. In this study, significant association was found between membranous E-cadherin expression (score 2 or 3) and intestinal histotype and absence of membranous expression (scores 0 or 1) and the diffuse histotype of gastric cancer. Conclusion: Normal gastric mucosa shows strong membranous E-cadherin positivity. There is a change in the pattern of E-cadherin expression from membranous in intestinal type gastric adenocarcinoma to non membranous expression of E-cadherin in diffuse type of gastric carcinoma.
Constraints in Rice Fallow Pulses Production in Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Rao P. Venkata , Neelaveni S. , Chittibabu G. , Jagannadham J.
Published: March 2023

Rice fallow cultivation constitutes the major portion of pulse production particularly black gram and green gram in Srikakulam district of A.P.  Farmers are reaping lower yields of 3.75-5.00 q/ha against 15.0-20.0 q/ha of its potential. Keep this in view an extension study was conducted on the study of constraints and reasons for low productivity in Pulses in Srikakulam District. Ex-post-facto research design was used for the study with a total sample size of 60. Results revealed that the low soil fertility was the major constraint in pulses production (100%), the incidence of yellow vein mosaic virus (93.33), labour scarcity and incidence of low temperatures and fog during the flowering period i.e., the first fort night of January (88.33%), weed infestation particularly vicia, cuscuta. xanthium and Echinochloa (86.67%). Lack of YVMV resistant varieties and suitable varieties (83.33%) and lack of a regulated market (96.67%) were the major technical or situational constraints. Non-adoption of irrigation management (93.33%), non-adoption of seed treatment (91.67%), non -adoption of proper sowing (way of broadcast) method and seed rate (90.00), non-adoption of weed management practices (88.33%), non- adoption of foliar nutrient management in rice fallow pulses (86.67%) were the adoption gaps perceived as constraints. There is a need to conduct more Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) in the farmer fields, more training programmes to the farmers and timely supply of inputs or make available to the farmers prior to the season.
The Effect of Red Flags and Internal Bank Auditor Professional Skepticism on Fraud Detection in Denpasar
Authors: Pramuki Ni Made Wisni Arie , Agustine Kadek Dwiyani
Published: March 2023

Aims: This study was conducted to examine the effect of red flags and auditor's professional skepticism on the ability of internal auditors to detect fraud.

Study Design: Quantitative method with survey method.

Place and Duration of Study: Internal Auditors who work at Rural Credit Banks throughout the City of Denpasar, between October 2022 to December 2022.

Methodology: This study uses a survey method by adopting the previous research variable measurement scale, namely red flags, professional skepticism and fraud detection. The red flags construct is measured by 4 items, professional skepticism is measured by 3 items and the fraud detection construct is measured by 3 items. A five-point Likert scale was used to measure all study constructs, where "5=strongly agree" and "1=strongly disagree". Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire survey using the saturated sampling method, with 42 respondents to the BPR Bank internal auditor research throughout Denpasar City where all respondents were able to participate well. 65% of respondents are male, and 35% are female. More than 55% of respondents have an undergraduate degree or more.

Results: The ability of internal auditors in BPR offices throughout Denpasar City can be improved by optimizing the detection signal (red flag) and expecting the auditor to always be critical through professional skepticism towards the audit evidence presented.

Conclusion: This study has limitations that the sample in this study is still relatively small and only limited to internal auditors who work at Rural Banks throughout the city of Denpasar, so this research suggests for further research by adding and expanding the area, number of samples and using the variable characteristics of internal auditors. Others such as personality, work experience, motivation and knowledge of the auditor as any factors that can influence fraud detection.
Toxic Effects of Methanolic Extracts of Plants Leaves on the Mortality and Enzymatic Parameters of Callosobruchus maculatus Fab. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) Juveniles
Authors: Oboho Diligent Efiong , Essien Rosemary Anietie , Mbong Emem Okon , Akpan Henry D. , Nelson Akwaowo Uduehe , Ononye Benjamin Uzonna , John Udo Inyang , Eyo Joseph Effiong
Published: March 2023

This study was conducted in the laboratory to evaluate the effect of leaves extract of three botanicals on the biochemical parameters of insect pest of stored beans, Callosobruchus maculatus. The results of the qualitative phytochemicals revealed the presence of different metabolites such as tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids etc. The toxic effect of methanolic leaves extracts of Lasianthera africana, Hippocratea africana and Uvaria chamae on the mortality and biochemical parameters after treatment against C. maculatus was evaluated. The result showed that treatment of the insects with these extracts significantly increased mortality in C. maculatus. There was a significant inhibition of the enzymatic activities of the digestive enzymes (such as amylase and invertase) in the treated larvae. The transaminase enzymes (AST and ALT) were found to be reduced in the insect after treatment (33.2 and 42.6) while the result of the phosphatase (ACP and ALP) enzyme activity  showed a potent inhibitory effect of the leaves extract, which was more pronounced in ALP (75.8%) than ACP (31.8%).
Comparison of Hydroponic and Conventional Grafting Techniques in Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.)
Authors: Ajith P. M. , Rini C. R.
Published: March 2023

The most devastating disease affecting black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is Phytophthora foot rot against which none of the varieties is resistant. This difficulty has been overcome by the horticultural technique of grafting P. nigrum on the resistant root stock viz. P. colubrinum- a marshy wild relative of black pepper .The conventional technique of grafting P. nigrum on P. colubrinum takes nine months to one year for developing a graft ready to be planted in the field and is labour and irrigation intensive. Hydroponic soil-less methods based on the marshy adaptation of P.colubrinum and which require lesser labour and water have been explored to address the issues with the conventional method. An experiment in complete randomised design  with  five grafting methods and six replications was conducted at Pepper Research Station, Panniyoor,Kannur, Kerala, India during 2019-20 to compare the conventional grafting technique with hydroponic techniques. Instant grafting of the scion portion on the non - rooted root stock portion and rooting of the root stock hydroponically once the grafting procedure is completed has been found to produce field ready grafts in 95 days with the lowest graft loss of 6.8  per cent and water use efficiency of 117.7 per cent.
Amplification of Small and Marginal Farmers Income through Integrated Farming Systems
Authors: Reddy A. Devivaraprasad , Nirmala T. Vijaya , Satish J. Venkata , Balakrishna C. H. , Subbaiah K. Venkata , Deepthi V. , Raju G. Shali , Reddy M. Raghavendra , Satish K.Venkata , KarunaSree E. , Prasad J. V.
Published: March 2023

India is a farming country, and agriculture is the primary source of income for most Indian households. Monocropping is used by the majority of small and marginal farmers. Low yields, low income, a late monsoon, pest and disease concerns, and other risk factors are all linked. Integrated farming systems (IFS), or the integration of many crops and enterprises, are the current day's answer to increasing income. With the growing demand for animal products and decreasing in land, which reflects in the reduction of feed, such as grain deposits are used properly. It is clear that the Integrated Farming System (IFS) focuses on enhancing farmer profitability by improving and integrating properties, reusing wastes, and reducing chemical dependency. One of the changes in farming standards is improvement. Because monocropping entails a high level of risk for a little yield, the issues include low income. Paddy, fish, maize, stew, feed grass, dairy, and poultry are among the units to support the enterprise. It has been established that the expansion of agribusiness leads to an increase in farmer efficiency within the development zone, as well as a reduction in human resources. Diversification in the cropping systems and integrated farming systems are very beneficial for enhancing income for livelihoods and socioeconomic status.
Microclimate: Diurnal Temperature Variation inside Crop Canopy of Pearl Millet under Different Sowing Environments
Authors: Singh Amit , Khichar M. L. , Singh Jagdeep , Mamta  , Rahul  , Ram Bittu
Published: March 2023

The microclimate was evaluated for the pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] crop at different height inside the crop canopy. Field experiments were conducted during autumn seasons and temperature was measured at bottom, middle and top of the crop canopy at panicle initiation stage, boot stage, 50 per cent flowering, dough stage and physiological maturity stages from 09:00 in the morning to 05:00 in the evening. The temperature profiles indicates that lower temperature were recorded at the top of crop canopy as compare to bottom of crop canopy i.e. temperature inside the crop canopy was higher than at top of the crop canopy in all the treatments. Temperature profiles showed decreasing trend in temperature inside the crop canopy means temperature decrease with increase in height inside the crop canopy in all the treatments within the crop canopy in both the crop seasons. The maximum temperature was observed in afternoon hours and the minimum temperature was recorded in the morning hours.