bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Fire Model Uncertainty of Fire Dynamics Simulator in Multiple Compartments of Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Han Ho-Sik , Hwang Cheol-Hong , Lee Sang Kyu , Lee Jai Ho
Published: May 2022

It is necessary to consider the uncertainty of a fire model to ensure accuracy in fire risk assessment. Recently, NUREG-1824 reported fire model uncertainty data based on 340 full-scale fire experiment results. However, somewhat inaccurate test results can be obtained when the statistical uncertainty of the model is applied to specific fire risk assessments. In this study, the uncertainty of the fire model, Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), was investigated based on PRISME3 fire experiment results. Measurement and prediction results for approximately 200 locations were compared and analyzed, and the quantitative model uncertainty was calculated using the bias factor and relative standard deviation. The results showed that although the computed FDS bias factor of the heat flux based on NUREG-1824 test results was 0.89, 1.18 was obtained in this study, indicating a significant difference. Although the model uncertainties for the same fire experiment results were reviewed, a maximum difference of 12% in model uncertainty was observed, depending on the measurement location.
Ecology and Usage Areas of Gypsum Rock
Authors: KARTAL Fatih , COŞKUN Mücahit
Published: May 2022

Dünyada oldukça yaygın olarak bulunan jips kayacı kolay ulaşılabilirliğinin yanı sıra kullanım alanının geniş olması çalışma açısından önem teşkil etmektedir. Araştırmanın amacını jips kayacının ekolojisi ve kullanım alanları oluşturmaktadır.
Alanyazın incelemesi yapıldığında bu alana dair çalışmaların az sayıda olduğu görülmektedir. Bu nedenle hazırlanan çalışmanın yapılacak olan araştırmalara kaynak oluşturması beklenmektedir. Araştırma temel araştırma yöntemlerinden
derleme bir çalışma olup veri kaynağı temini noktasında ulusal ve uluslararası makaleler, lisansüstü tezler, yayınlanmış kitapların yanı sıra yurt dışı indeksli veri tabanlarında bulunan araştırmalardan yararlanılmıştır. Bulgular
doğrultusunda jips kayacının toprak tekstür ve strüktür yapısına olan etkisi, toprak düzenleyici ve ıslah maddesi olarak, gübre olarak, otlak ıslahında kullanımı, sulu ve kuru tarımda kullanımı, peletleme olarak, organik madde
olarak, hidrografik sahalarda su arıtıcı olarak kullanımı, toprak nemi ve bitki gelişimine olan etkileri üzerinde durulmuştur. Dolayısıyla jips sahaları dünyada hem önemli bir gen merkezi hem de toprak bünyesine katıldığı takdirde
ergonomik bir ıslah maddesi konumunda olduğu görülmektedir. Jips bu yönüyle düşünüldüğünde ülkemizde sürdürebilir tarım ve ekonomik uğraşlara daha çok entegre edilmeli bununla birlikte faydalanma alanı daha çok genişletilmelidir.
Bu konuda hem devlet hem de özel sektör daha çok yatırımlar yaparak tarımla uğraşan insanları bilinçli bir şekilde jips kullanımına teşvik ederek toprak ıslahında ve bitkisel verim artırılması noktasında desteklemelidir.
Transhumance Activities and Highlands on the Turkish Mountain (Adıyaman/Sincik)
Authors: TAPAN İrfan
Published: May 2022

Ülkemizin topraklarının yaklaşık üçte biri dağlık ve engebeli alanlar olan plato, yayla ve dağlardan oluşmaktadır. Dağlık ve engebelik alanların ülkede geniş yer kaplaması yaylacılık faaliyetleri ve yayla kültürünün geniş alanlarda
kendine yer edinmesini sağlamıştır. Özellikle Karadeniz, Doğu Anadolu ve Akdeniz bölgelerinde çok sayıda yayla bulunmaktadır. Güneydoğu Anadolu Bölgesi’nde de yaylalar bulunmakta olup, bu yaylaların bulunduğu illerden bir tanesi
de Adıyaman ilidir. Ancak araştırma sahası olan Adıyaman ilinin Sincik ilçesi Doğu Anadolu Bölgesi’nin sınırları içerisinde yer almaktadır. Dolayısıyla bu bölgedeki yaylalarda Doğu Anadolu Bölgesindeki yaylaların karakteristik
özelliklerini barındırmaktadır. Bu çalışmada Doğu Anadolu Bölgesi’nin sınırları içerisinde yer alan Sincik (Adıyaman) ilçesinin kuzeyinde 1608 metre yükseklikteki Türk Dağı’nın çevresindeki yaylacılık faaliyetleri araştırılmıştır.
Sincik ilçesi ve çevresi bulunduğu bölge itibariyle sıcak ve kurak bir iklime sahiptir. Ancak Türk Dağı ve çevresinin sahip olduğu yükseklik sebebiyle yaz ayları oldukça serin geçmektedir. Bu durum civarda bulunan pek çok köyün
burayı yaylak olarak kullanmalarına sebep olmuştur. Gerçekleştirilen arazi çalışmaları sonucunda bu Türk Dağı çevresinde on beş yaylanın hala kullanılmakta olduğu, dört yaylanın ise terk edilmiş vaziyette olduğu anlaşılmıştır.
Bu çalışmada bölgedeki yaylaların sayısı, isimleri, hangi köylülerin hangi yaylaya göç ettiği, yaylalarda yürütülen ekonomik faaliyet türleri, son otuz yılda yaylalarda meydana gelen değişim hareketleri araştırılmıştır. Yapılan
araştırma ve arazi çalışmaları sonucunda bölgede bulunan yaylaların sorunları ve bu sorunlar için çözüm önerilerinde bulunulmuştur.
An Assessment of Body-Space Relationship in Tourism
Authors: AVCI Ceren , HASSAN Azize
Published: May 2022

Beden ve mekan ilişkileri karşılıklı ilişki içerisinde birbirlerini etkileyen ve birbirlerinden etkilenen bir yapı sergilemektedir. İnsan deneyimi söz konusu olduğunda bu ilişki, deneyimin yapısının kavranması açısından önem arz etmektedir.
Nitekim beden, mekanın bir stereotipi, içerisinde yer aldığı çevreyi sürekli dönüştüren bir enerji topluluğu ve bu dönüşümde sonsuz bir ritim dizisi olarak doğaya geri dönen hareketin ortaya çıktığı ilk noktadır ve bedenin, yaşadığı
çevreden bağımsız olduğu düşünülemez. Bu nedenle mevcut çalışmada mekan içerisinde beden, “bir mekan olarak beden” bakış açısıyla, mekanın kendisine yansıması veya bedenin kendini mekana yansıtması temelinde çift yönlü olarak ele
alınmıştır. Gerek duyguların işlevleri, gerek turizm çalışmalarındaki yeri gibi boyutlarda ele alınmış, turistik deneyimde bedene ve beraberinde mekana yönelik ne tür yaklaşımlar geliştirildiği incelenmiştir. Özellikle turizm alanında
beden-mekan ilişkisine değinen çalışmalar sayıca yetersizdir ve nitelik bakımından da duyusal boyutlar veya mekanı tekrar ziyaret etme niyetiyle ilişkili olarak çalışılmıştır. Turistik mekan denildiğinde akla ilk gelen kavramın,
turistik tedarikçi merkezli olarak ‘destinasyon’un işleyişi bazında işlenmesi ve hatta turistik mekan ve mekan arasında bir ayrıştırmaya gidilmesinin ise, bazı noktaları dışarıda bıraktığı düşünülmüştür. Bu nedenle mevcut çalışmada
ritim ve beden ilişkisine değinilmiş, bedensel deneyim okumalarının turist bakışı okumalarına bir alternatif sunabileceği savunulmuştur. Son bölümde beden ve mekan arasındaki sıkı ilişki vurgulanarak, birini anlamadan diğerini
anlamanın mümkün olmayacağı dile getirilmiş ve konu ile ilgilenen araştırmacılara, turistik süreçte beden veya turistik bedensel deneyimin okunması üzerine çalışılabilecek konular hakkında görüş sunulmuştur. Çalışmada betimleyici
yöntem izlenmiştir.
Spectrum of Renal Histopathological Changes in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Nisha Thundi Parambil Raghavan , Bindu Chettithodi Sivasankaran , Sindhu Bhaskaran K
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Renal involvement is very common in myeloma. The evaluation of renal status plays an important role in diagnosis and prognosis of patients with myeloma. The kidney biopsy will show various patterns of injury and the chronicity of the disease which help in planning the treatment options. Myeloma comprises a significant number of malignancies but no data regarding renal biopsy changes in myeloma is available from North Kerala, India. Aim: To describe the various morphological patterns of renal involvement in all myeloma patients who required a renal biopsy for evaluation of renal dysfunction. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective, descriptive study conducted at Government Medical College, Kozhikode, a tertiary care centre from January 2016 to December 2019. A total of 63 patients of myeloma who underwent a renal biopsy for evaluation of renal dysfunction as the initial presentation or immediately after diagnosis were included in this study. Serum electrophoresis, skeletal survey, complete blood counts, bone marrow study and biochemical evaluation for serum creatinine, total protein, albumin globulin ratio were done in all patients. Data was analysed using standard analytical techniques with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 for Windows. Results: A total of 63 patients presented with renal dysfunction as initial symptom underwent renal biopsy. Most common age group of the study population was between 50 to 70 years. In 47 patients (74%) the renal dysfunction was the initial presenting symptom of myeloma. The presenting features were acute renal failure, nephrotic syndrome and acute nephritis. The renal biopsy findings included myeloma cast nephropathy, amyloidosis, proliferative glomerulonephritis and tubulointerstitial nephritis with cast nephropathy being most common pattern. Acute renal failure was more common in cast nephropathy while amyloidosis presented with nephrotic syndrome. The serum creatinine and calcium levels, plasma cell counts and degree of anaemia had a correlation with histological pattern of injury. Conclusion: Acute Kidney injury due to myeloma cast nephropathy is a medical emergency and prompt therapy with measures to reduce light chain load along with correction of dehydration can reduce renal damage and increase the patient survival. Many newly described entities like fibrillary and immunotactoid nephropathy can occur in myeloma and these can be identified only by electron microscopic evaluation of kidney tissue. They have important prognostic impact and significance when renal transplants are planned for. So renal biopsy supported by newer methods like immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy is a must to keep pace with newer advances in myeloma treatment like autologous stem cell transplantation.
Prognostic Effect of Hypoalbuminaemia on Severity and Outcome in COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gowda Manasa AS , Smruthi K , Vedavathi R
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Severe Acute Respiratory Disease Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel virus first detected in December 2019 causing the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) which has evolved into a pandemic rapidly. In patients who become symptomatic, 5% require oxygen and 15% develop severe disease ranging from respiratory failure to sepsis and septic shock. Severe COVID-19 infection is associated with high mortality. Hypoalbuminaemia is a negative acute phase reactant which has been associated with inflammatory response and poor outcome in infectious diseases. Hypoalbuminaemia is found in patients with severe COVID-19 disease. Aim: To assess the prognostic value of hypoalbuminaemia on severity and mortality of patients with COVID-19 infection. Materials and Methods: The present retrospective cohort study analysed data of 200 consecutive patients, with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 admitted, discharged or diseased between the period of April 2021 to June 2021. They were further classified as severe and non severe, survivors and non survivors based on oxygen saturation levels as per World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria and based on survival status of the patients. Hypoalbuminaemia was defined as serum albumin <3.5 g/dL. Demographic characteristics, previous co-morbidities, clinical findings and laboratory findings were collected. Results: Hypoalbuminaemia was more frequent in patients with severe disease than in patients with non severe disease (28% vs 15%, chi square value 34.54, p<0.001), also hypoalbuminaemia was more frequent in non survivors than survivors (23.5% vs 19.5%. Chi-square value 43.794, p<0.001). A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to attribute the true association between hypoalbuminaemia and severity and survival status of the patients with 95% CI for OR and it was found statistically significant. Hence, hypoalbuminaemia was found to be an independent predictor of severity and mortality in the study subjects. Conclusion: Hypoalbuminaemia may serve as an independent prognostic marker and may be used to identify patients at risk of severity and death in COVID-19 patients.
Effect of Chlorhexidine Mouthwash, Povidoneiodine Gargles and Herbal Mouth Sanitiser on Colour Stability and Surface Roughness of Conventional Nanohybrid CompositeAn In-vitro Study
Authors: Pisal Nidhi Surendra , Shah Nimisha Chinmay , Gandhi Namita Nitin , Dedania Meetkumar S , Rao Ajay Singh
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Chlorhexidine is commonly used to treat dental diseases as a broad-spectrum topical anti-bacterial medication. Povidone-iodine is a water-soluble blend of molecular iodine and the solubiliser polyvinylpyrrolidone. Amsarveda (pharmaceutical company) developed a natural mouth sanitiser with liposomal curcumin. Aim: Comparative evaluation of the effect of chlorhexidine mouthwash, povidone-iodine gargle and herbal mouth sanitiser on colour stability and surface roughness of conventional nanohybrid composite. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study was conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics at KM Shah Dental College and Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, from November 2020 to June 2021. Total 60 extracted human permanent maxillary premolar teeth were selected. Class V restorations were performed on the extracted teeth with nanohybrid composite resin. The samples were divided into three groups by computer randomisation. The three test solution groups (n=20 each) ie., Group A- chlorhexidine 0.2% mouthwash, Group B has povidone-iodine (2%), Group C- herbal mouth sanitiser. The colour change and surface roughness of all the samples were measured before and 15 days after immersion into the test solutions. The data was collected and statistically analysed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post-hoc test. Results: The ΔE values for all three groups show a statistically significant difference (p-value <0.001). The mean baseline and after 15 days values for surface roughness in groups A and B showed a statistically significant difference (p-value <0.001). Whereas, no statistically significant difference in Group C (p-value=0.654). Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, it can be stated that the povidone-iodine gargle showed more surface roughness and colour change of conventional nanohybrid composite followed by chlorhexidine mouthwash and herbal mouth sanitiser.
Histopathological Changes in Kidneys of Developing Chick Embryo on Exposure to Artesunate
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Mittal Lavlesh Kumar , Mittal Ghazal
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Chick embryo is one of the most commonly used animals to study the adverse effects of various drugs for research purpose. In India, Malaria imposes incredible socio-economic burden on humankind. India reports approximately two million cases of malaria yearly, with large number of deaths. Surveys have demonstrated that the rates of treatment failure are higher than 50% due to Chloroquine resistance and poor efficacy of Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine. Artesunate is a concentrate of Artemisia plant found in China, also called as Qinghaosu. It is a subordinate of a group of drugs artemisinin that have the most rapid action of all current drugs against Chloroquine resistant Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Aim: To understand the adverse effects of Artesunate on kidney of developing chick embryo. Materials and Methods: The present study was an experimental study which comprised of steps like selection and sampling of eggs in groups (control and experimental), selection and preparation of drug (dose titration), drug administration, incubation of eggs, manual hatching to obtain chick embryo, isolation of kidney, sectioning of kidney and staining for slide preparation, microscopical analysis of the slides. In this study, the fertilised eggs used were of White Leghorn chicken and were procured from King and King poultry farm Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Hundred fertilised chicken eggs were divided into five experimental groups denoted by A, B, C, D, and E and five control groups denoted by a, b, c, d and e one for each experimental group respectively. Each experimental and control group had 10 eggs. Experimental groups A, B, C, D and E were exposed to artesunate with dose of 0.0004 mg, 0.0005 mg, 0.0006 mg, 0.0007 mg and 0.0008 mg respectively and control group a, b, c, d and e were treated with same concentration of normal saline as artesunate. The eggs were broken by scalpel on 18th day of incubation and chick embryos were obtained. The kidneys were removed sectioned, stained and studied using light and compound microscope. Results: Histopathological changes like tubular degeneration, vacuolation in the cytoplasm of epithelium lining of Proximal Convoluted Tubules (PCT) and Distal Convoluted Tubules (DCT), congestion in Glomeruli, haemorrhage in urinary space and mild lymphocytic infiltration were observed. Conclusion: Exposure to artesunate increases the risk of nephrotoxicity with increase of embryonic age.
Neonatal Pulse Oxymetry Screening for Detection of Congenital Heart Disease in Asymptomatic Newborns: A Cross-sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Polanki Raghava , Bolishetti Kalyan Kumar , Shanigaram Kavitha , Palle Sreelekha , Babjan Syed , Sreeramdasu Lalitha Devi
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Screening for Congenital Heart Diseases (CHD) depends on the antenatal ultrasonography and clinical examination of the newborn, however both these methods have low detection rates and often life-threatening congenital heart diseases are missed. Pulse Oximetry (PO) is an easy, accurate, rapid, non invasive method of detecting hypoxaemia. The purpose of using PO to identify Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) is that clinically non detectable minimal hypoxemia can be detected by pulseoximetry. Aim: To study the accuracy of pulse oxymetry as a screening tool for early detection of critical congenital heart diseases in asymptomatic newborns. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics and the Postnatal Ward of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh, India, from January 2017 to December 2020. All the term asymptomatic newborns of age more than 24 hours were screened using PO. Screening was positive if -a: PO was< 90% in right hand or foot at any stage of screening, b; PO was 90%-< 95% on both; there was> 3% absolute difference in oxygen saturation between the right hand and foot on three consecutive measures (each separated by one hour). All the screen positive babies were subjected to 2D echocardiography. All statistical analyses were performed using OpenEpi website epicalculator, and Chi-square’s test was used to calculate the p-value. Results: The mean gestational age (weeks) was 38±4 days. Out of 14400, PO screening was positive in 45 babies, and subsequent echocardiography detected CHD in 30 babies. The sensitivity was 66.67%, positive predictive value was 66.67%, negative predictive value was 99.90%, with a diagnostic accuracy of 99.79%. Results of 2D electrocardiography, 30 were true positive cases, whereas, false positives and false negatives were 15 each. Remaining 14340 newborns were true negatives. Conclusion: Pulse oximetry is a safe, accessible, feasible test that can be used for early detection of CCHD’s that are often undetected on antenatal ultrasonography.
Gastrointestinal Complications and its Association with Common Risk Factors of Cerebrovascular Accident: A Retrospective Observational Study from Central India
Authors: Nandmer Vijay Kumar , Nandmer Ajay Kumar
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Patients with Cerebrovascular Accidents (CVA) may present with Gastrointestinal (GI) complications, negatively affecting the prognosis. However, the whole spectrum of GI complications in CVA patients is unknown. Aim: To assess GI complications in CVA patients and their association with risk factors of CVA. Materials and Methods: The retrospective, facitlity-based, observational study was conducted in Department of Medicine at Gandhi Medical College and associated Hamidia Hospital, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, from March 2019 to August 2021. Total 100 patients with CVA (age >13 years) were studied based on their medical records and laboratory examinations. Details on socio-demographic variables and clinical history were obtained. Detailed general and systemic examination and vitals were documented. Complete blood picture, liver function test, renal function test, lipid profile and magnetic resonance imaging scan was also performed. A Chi-square t- test was applied to assess the association of GI complications with various variables. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Most CVA patients were males (51%). Mean age of study population was 71.49±11.46 years. A history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus was observed in 60% and 54% of cases. Constipation (43%) was the most common GI complication, followed by dysphagia (25%). No significant association of GI complications with age (p-value=0.261), gender (p-value=0.217), hypertension (p-value=0.540) and diabetes mellitus (p-value=0.257) was observed in CVA patients. However, raised serum bilirubin, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase in 47%, 23%, and 37% cases with CVA was observed. Conclusion: Gastrointestinal complications are commonly observed in stroke patients irrespective of stroke but are more common in patients with ischemic stroke. Constipation and dysphagia were the most common. Fecal incontinence, abdominal pain, hiccups, and melena may also be seen in patients with CVA.
Impact of COVID 19 on Women Agripreneurs: A Study on Unveiling the Constraints
Authors: Dhanya K. , Ashok K. R.
Published: May 2022

COVID 19 is a humanitarian crisis that has created both a supply and demand shock to the global economic system. As most women’s businesses are younger and smaller, it has also disproportionately created a strong impact on women businesses. While other businesses were seizing new opportunities and reducing risks, this situation is especially difficult for women entrepreneurs, whose businesses are concentrated in the agriculture sector most severely affected by the economic shutdown. The present article tries to address the constraints faced by women agripreneurs during the COVID 19 pandemic. The study was carried out using a structured interview schedule with a total of 140 women agripreneurs in the Western and North Western zones of Tamil Nadu. The findings revealed that the COVID 19 pandemic has had a devastating influence on women-owned businesses, and that women volunteered for the loss of hours spent at work by working at home and also caring for family members. This article not only tries to provide policy recommendations indicating women entrepreneurship but also address larger questions on reducing gendered issues across social groups and building a sustained market participation for women.
Effect of Gravidity on Cardiovascular Markers in Normotensive Pregnant Women
Authors: Oladapo-Akinfolarin Tomaziga Tomiloba , Akinfolarin Oladapo Mayowa , Maduagwu Maureen Chibuzor , Aleruchi-Didia Tarila Ngowari
Published: May 2022

Gravidity, or the number of pregnancies a woman has had, is linked to a number of biochemical alterations, including changes in cardiovascular parameters. These modifications may increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease in this population. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect gravidity has on some cardiovascular markers among normotensive pregnant women. A cross-sectional study of 100 women of reproductive age was carried out at Rivers State University and Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, the subjects were chosen at random for the study. Blood samples were taken and tested for total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, uric acid, and Apolipoprotein A1 and B. Apolipoprotein A1 and B were all measured in blood samples for biochemical analysis. The levels of low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein were determined. Graph Pad Prism Version 8.0.2.263 was used to analyze the data from the study. Result gotten from the study showed that Gravidity had no significant effect on biochemical parameters (TC, TG, UA, LDL, Apo A1, Apo B, CRP, and VLDL) in pregnant women (P>0.05), but there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in HDL levels among the group; 0.87 ± 0.21 (1-2), 0.93 ± 0.21 (3-4), 0.86 ± 0.12(5-6) and 1.30 ± 0.00 for (7-8). The effect of gravidity (1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8) on HDL was shown to be significant for ANOVA and Turkey post hoc multiple comparison test; (1-2 vs 7-8) (P= 0.0204) and (5-6 vs 7-8) (P= 0.0250).. This study demonstrated that gravidity had little or no effect on the biochemical parameters but increases the HDL cholesterol level in normotensive pregnant women.
Economic Assessment of Milk Production with Improved Fodder in Tamil Nadu, Southern India: Two-stage Least Square Approach
Authors: Harishankar K. , Ashok K. R. , Saravanakumar V. , Duraisamy M. R. , Maragatham N.
Published: May 2022

Dairying has been an important auxiliary enterprise and regular source of income to the farmers. Indian dairy industry has grown commendably with the seven-fold rise in milk output since independence; however, the productivity of the milch animals was relatively low owing to inadequate fodder and inefficient input management. This study investigates the factors influencing milk production under enhanced fodder production in Tamil Nadu using the two-stage least square method. Primary data were obtained from 407 dairy farm households during the year 2021-22. Two models using single-cut and multi-cut fodder were employed to assess the factors determining milk production in dairy farms. The findings of the first stage regression of both models show that fertilizers, seeds, area under fodder, herd size, machinery, farming experience and education were the determinants of the fodder production. In the second stage, factors that influence milk production were fodder, concentrates, herd size, dairy experience, and education. Efficient utilization of feed coupled with concentrates will enhance milk production. The adoption of multi-cut fodder will offer succulent nutrient-rich fodder throughout the year to the cattle, even in the lean season and as a result, it improves the productivity of milk in the dairy farms.
Evaluating the Suitability of System of Rice Intensification Practices for Enhancing Rice and Water Productivity in Semi-Arid Environment, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Palanisamy Jeevanand , Geethalakshmi V. , Ramanathan S. P. , Senthil A. , Balajikannan .
Published: May 2022

In the world of rapid change in climate, irregular rainfall pattern tends to pose serious impact on water availability for agriculture. Rice is one of the important food crops to get affected by the low water availability because of its high water requirement. Various techniques were used in the past to mitigate low water availability and increase productivity but most techniques will improve one aspect at the expense of the other. System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is being tried by many countries with several modifications based on their priorities, with the aim of enhancing productivity besides reducing the water demand for rice cultivation.  It is essential to have more insight into the individual and compounding effect of multiple components of SRI on yield, and water productivity of rice for identifying the potential and suitable SRI practices. Investigating the influence of different practices of SRI viz., planting of young and single seedlings per hill in wider spacing, water saving irrigation like Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), and weed control using cono-weeders on rice using the data obtained from the field experiment carried out during 2021 in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India. Water productivity of rice plants under SRI were compared with conventional practices. The results revealed that plants grown with complete SRI practices had increased water productivity by 0.25 kg grain/m3 of water which is almost twice that of conventional cultivation system. The yield obtained in SRI treatments was higher about 39% than conventional treatments. The total water savings were 20 % higher in AWD treatments than continuous flooding treatments.
Bioactive Metabolites of Nodule Associated Microbes for Enhanced Drought Tolerance and Biocontrol Control Activity in Horsegram
Authors: Evangilene Shirley , Uthandi Sivakumar
Published: May 2022

In the present study, the potential bioactive compounds detected in the ethyl acetate microbial extract of root nodules of horsegram were determined using the gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS).  The bioactive metabolites of nodule associated microbes (NAM) revealed the existence of several soluble metabolites which includes phthalic acid, butyl hex-3-yl ester, 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol,Dodecyl acrylate, pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro, 1-Nonadecene, octadecane, 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-methylpropyl) ester, hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, dibutyl phthalate, diisooctyl phthalate, 1-docosene, heptadecane, 9-hexyl, pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-3-(phenylmethyl), n-Tetracosanol-1, ergotaman-3',6',18-trione, 9,10-dihydro-12'-hydroxy-2'-methyl-5'(phenylmethyl)-, (5'à,10à), eicosanal, ethanol, 2-(9-octadecenyloxy), E-15-heptadecenal, octatriacontyl pentafluoropropionate, etc.,.  Endophytic bacteria produces bioactive substances that provides resistance against phytopathogens as well as nutrient solubilization  during prolonged drought periods  in order to overcome biotic and abiotic stresses. Several antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antioxidant properties were brought under spotlight to realise the beneficial aspects of nodule associated microbes of horsegram. Understanding the roles of metabolites would enrich the crop growth under stressed environment by promoting the eco-friendly agriculture practices.
Determinants of Stock Market Performance in Zambia
Authors: Chungu Dominic Anthony
Published: May 2022

For economic development to take place, there are many components involved. Investment is a key component. The existence of stock markets has played a pivotal role in the raising of capital for companies. Therefore the performance of stock markets has been seen to be of significance. The stock Market in Zambia has been seen to fluctuate over the years. It has been noted that macroeconomic variables impact stock market performance. In this research it has  been arrived at Interest rates and exchange rates have are indirectly proportional to stock  market performance as money supply, GDP and Index of Industry performance have a direct relationship.
Urban Data Science Education: A Key Actor towards Improving Data-Driven Policy-Making for Solving Urban Problems
Authors: Gandhi S. R. , Anyiam F. E.
Published: May 2022

This paper explains the benefits of Urban Data Science Education in improving data driving policy-making and highlights the impact of vital use of available open data using a practical demonstration from the Summer-Winter School (SWS) at CEPT University Ahmedabad India.  Good Urban data policies can be an important driver for smart city research and the implementation of good data management practices. Many authors are also becoming interested in the data revolution that is enhancing the way we study and understand cities. It now becomes appropriate to respond to this need in an evidence-informed manner by working with stakeholders to encourage a more resilient approach via education for the younger enthusiast, leading to more transparent, improved, sustainable and safer urban cities. However, the major challenge we foresee is the inability to utilize the large amount of urban data generated daily. With the drive to mobilize more education towards urban data science and analytics, generated data can be effectively utilized to make informed and evidence-based decisions. This paper points to a practical methodology for reproducibility, the key steps taken, as it views the inclusion of an Urban Data Science curriculum as priceless, and a decision that will bring into notice the importance of engaging the younger generation in scholastic learning on data principles and analytics. Data along with spatial enhancement can be the driving factor towards improving data-driven policy-making for solving urban problems in smart cities.
In situ expression of ERG protein in the context of tumor heterogeneity identifies prostate cancer patients with inferior prognosis
Authors: Kidd Susanne G. , Bogaard Mari , Carm Kristina T. , Bakken Anne Cathrine , Maltau Aase M. V. , Løvf Marthe , Lothe Ragnhild A. , Axcrona Karol , Axcrona Ulrika , Skotheim Rolf I.
Published: May 2022

Prognostic biomarkers for prostate cancer are needed to improve prediction of disease course and guide treatment decisions. However, biomarker development is complicated by the common multifocality and heterogeneity of the disease. We aimed to determine the prognostic value of candidate biomarkers transcriptional regulator ERG and related ETS family genes, while considering tumor heterogeneity. In a multisampled, prospective, and treatment‐naïve radical prostatectomy cohort from one tertiary center (2010–2012, median follow‐up 8.1 years), we analyzed ERG protein (480 patients; 2047 tissue cores), and RNA of several ETS genes in a subcohort (165 patients; 778 fresh‐frozen tissue samples). Intra‐ and interfocal heterogeneity was identified in 29% and 33% (ERG protein) and 39% and 27% (ETS RNA) of patients, respectively. ERG protein and ETS RNA was identified exclusively in a nonindex tumor in 31% and 32% of patients, respectively. ERG protein demonstrated independent prognostic value in predicting biochemical (P = 0.04) and clinical recurrence (P = 0.004) and appeared to have greatest prognostic value for patients with Grade Groups 4–5. In conclusion, when heterogeneity is considered, ERG protein is a robust prognostic biomarker for prostate cancer.
Matched linac stereotactic radiotherapy: An assessment of delivery similarity and distributive patient‐specific quality assurance feasibility
Authors: Goodall Simon K , Dunn Leon , Dunning Jonathan , Muñoz Luis , Rowshanfarzad Pejman , Ebert Martin A
Published: May 2022

Matching multiple linacs to common baseline data allows patients to be treated, and patient‐specific quality assurance (PSQA) to be completed on any linac. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) requires higher levels of accuracy and quality assurance than routine radiotherapy. The achieved linac matching must therefore be evaluated before distributive treatment or PSQA models can be implemented safely. This investigation aimed to propose metrics for defining linacs to be matched for SBRT deliveries, assess 12 linacs against these criteria, and determine if a distributive PSQA model could be implemented by reviewing the rates of false PSQA results. Ten SBRT spine plans were delivered by 12 matched Elekta linacs and measured using one of seven SRS MapCHECK devices. For gamma criteria of (3%, 2 mm), 96.9% of equivalent location detectors, showed a range of gamma ≤ 1.0 and 99.9% showed a standard deviation of ≤ 0.5. For criteria of (3%,1 mm) and (2%,1 mm), these ranges decreased to 92.1% and 80.2% while the standard deviations decreased to 99.3% and 95.7%, respectively. The dose differences showed that 43.6%, 82.7%, and 91.4% of detectors had a dose range of ≤ 3.0%, ≤ 5.0%, and ≤ 6.0%, respectively. Standard deviations of dose differences were 1.5%, 2.5%, and 3.0% for 94.1%, 98.3%, and 99.5% of detectors, respectively. For the fleet of linacs, distributive PSQA yielded false results for 0.0%, 17.7%, and 33.0% of plans, equivalent to 1.2%, 3.5%, and 9.4% of detectors when using gamma criteria of (3%,2 mm), (3%,1 mm), or (2%,1 mm), respectively. These linacs could be considered matched for SBRT treatments and implement a distributive PSQA model when gamma analysis was completed with a criterion of (3%, 2 mm). For stricter criterion of (3%,1 mm) or (2%,1 mm), they did not meet the proposed metrics.
Eyewitness recall, lineup identification, and verbal and visual memory among chronic cannabis users after a minimum of 24‐h abstinence
Authors: Rosen Alexis S. , Hirst Rayna B. , Brown Colin C. , Arastu Sana F. , Hedbabny Katharine
Published: May 2022

Research has begun to investigate the reliability of cannabis‐intoxicated eyewitnesses; however, no studies have evaluated eyewitness memory among chronic cannabis users after a minimum 24‐h abstinence. This study compared cannabis users' (n = 23) and nonusers' (n = 26) eyewitness recall/identification and investigated the relationship between eyewitness memory and neuropsychological functioning. Users demonstrated better visual recognition relative to nonusers. Groups' neuropsychological performance was otherwise similar. Regarding eyewitness memory, users recalled more inaccurate crime details when cued, whereas total accurate and inaccurate details recalled were similar. Neither user status, lineup type, their interaction, nor education were credible predictors of lineup identification accuracy. Verbal memory performance and years of education, but not user status, credibly predicted eyewitness recall accuracy. Findings suggest that cannabis‐user eyewitnesses may require special consideration regarding police interviewing techniques; however, additional research is necessary to determine the conditions in which chronic cannabis users are reliable or unreliable eyewitnesses.
Reducing teachers' unfounded beliefs through critical‐thinking education: A non‐randomized controlled trial
Authors: Caroti Denis , Adam‐Troian Jais , Arciszewski Thomas
Published: May 2022

The prevalence of unfounded beliefs (e.g., supernatural or conspiracy beliefs) remains an important issue due to their negative consequences in various domains. Interventions were shown to reduce supernatural beliefs only when addressing pseudoscientific ones. Based on these findings, we designed a single session intervention aiming to teach participants the epistemological distinction between science and pseudoscience. We then assessed the effectiveness of this intervention. Secondary school teachers (N = 130) were assigned to one of two groups focusing on critical thinking with or without the intervention content related to pseudoscience. Supernatural beliefs, conspiracy mentality, and pattern perception were measured using computerized surveys pre‐ and one moth post‐intervention. Mixed‐model analyses revealed the expected decrease in conspiracy mentality, d = .60, supernatural beliefs, d = 1.01 and illusory pattern perception, d = .34 among teachers in the pseudoscience‐focused group. Our intervention constitutes a novel cost‐effective tool for critical thinking promotion among education professionals.
Adaptive neural containment control of nonstrict‐feedback multi‐agent systems with unmodeled dynamics
Authors: Shang Kunfeng , Zhang Tianping , Zhang Enze
Published: May 2022

In this article, an adaptive containment control scheme is put forward for uncertain nonstrict‐feedback multi‐agent systems (MASs) under directed graphs. The dynamic surface control (DSC) approach is extended to the containment control of a class of nonstrict‐feedback MASs, and time‐varying gains are used to replace constant gains in the design process. Using the property of Gaussian function and Young's inequality, and introducing an auxiliary dynamic signal, nonstrict‐feedback structure problem and unmodeled dynamics are effectively resolved. The time‐varying gain controller can make all followers converge to the convex hull spanned by multiple leaders with smaller containment error, and all the signals are bounded. Finally, compared with the constant gain control method, the validity of the time‐varying gain control scheme is illustrated by numerical and actual simulation results.
Stress Relaxation and Composition of Hydrazone‐Crosslinked Hybrid Biopolymer‐Synthetic Hydrogels Determine Spreading and Secretory Properties of MSCs
Authors: Borelli Alexandra N. , Young Mark W. , Kirkpatrick Bruce E. , Jaeschke Matthew W. , Mellett Sarah , Porter Seth , Blatchley Michael R. , Rao Varsha V. , Sridhar Balaji V. , Anseth Kristi S.
Published: May 2022

The extracellular matrix plays a critical role in mechanosensing and thereby influences the secretory properties of bone‐marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). As a result, interest has grown in the development of biomaterials with tunable properties for the expansion and delivery of MSCs that are used in cell‐based therapies. Herein, stress‐relaxing hydrogels are synthesized as hybrid networks containing both biopolymer and synthetic macromer components. Hyaluronic acid is functionalized with either aldehyde or hydrazide groups to form covalent adaptable hydrazone networks, which are stabilized by poly(ethylene glycol) functionalized with bicyclononyne and heterobifunctional small molecule crosslinkers containing azide and benzaldehyde moieties. Tuning the composition of these gels allows for controlled variation in the characteristic timescale for stress relaxation and the amount of stress relaxed. Over this compositional space, MSCs are observed to spread in formulations with higher degrees of adaptability, with aspect ratios of 1.60 ± 0.18, and YAP nuclear:cytoplasm ratios of 6.5 ± 1.3. Finally, a maximum MSC pericellular protein thickness of 1.45 ± 0.38 µm occurred in highly stress‐relaxing gels, compared to 1.05 ± 0.25 µm in non‐adaptable controls. Collectively, this study contributes a new understanding of the role of compositionally defined stress relaxation on MSCs mechanosensing and secretion.
Mechanism and Impact of Bipolar Current Voltage Asymmetry in Computational Phase‐Change Memory
Authors: Sarwat Syed Ghazi , Le Gallo Manuel , Bruce Robert L , Brew Kevin , Kersting Benedikt , Jonnalagadda Vara Prasad , Ok Injo , Saulnier Nicole , BrightSky Matthew , Sebastian Abu
Published: May 2022

Nanoscale resistive memory devices are being explored for neuromorphic and in‐memory computing. However, non‐ideal device characteristics of read noise and resistance drift pose significant challenges to the achievable computational precision. Here, it is shown that there is an additional non‐ideality that can impact computational precision, namely the bias‐polarity‐dependent current flow. Using phase‐change memory (PCM) as a model system, it is shown that this “current–voltage” non‐ideality arises both from the material and geometrical properties of the devices. Further, we discuss the detrimental effects of such bipolar asymmetry on in‐memory matrix‐vector multiply (MVM) operations and provide a scheme to compensate for it.
Solar‐Boosted Paper‐Based Microfluidic Fuel Cells for Miniaturized Power Sources
Authors: Wang Wei , Shen Liu‐Liu , Yu Hui , Xu Wenkai , Wang Jiansong , Yong Cong , Zhang Gui‐Rong , Mei Donghai
Published: May 2022

Paper‐based microfluidics emerges as an innovative platform for constructing miniaturized electrochemical devices, which mainly benefit from the spontaneous capillary action of paper. Nevertheless, the capillary‐driven flow dynamics on paper are determined exclusively by the intrinsic properties of paper and fluidics, thus lacking the controllability that conventional pump‐based microfluidics can provide. Herein, an approach to regulating the capillary flow on paper is introduced by conjugating the outlets of microfluidic channels with a photothermal module for water evaporation. The capillary flow rate on paper can be handily regulated from 4 to 37 µL min−1 under controllable illumination conditions. As a proof‐of‐concept, prototypical paper‐based microfluidic fuel cells integrated with the photothermal module are constructed. Their peak power density can be boosted from 0.3 up to 2.1 mW cm−2 under the simulated sunlight irradiation. The influence of capillary flow rate on the fuel cell performance is further validated using multiphysics simulations. The present work not only provides a practically feasible method to boost the performance of paper‐based microfluidic fuel cells using solar energy, but also opens a new avenue for modulating the performance of paper‐based microfluidics, which has long been a challenge in this field.
Succulent‐Inspired Ultraflexible and Multifunctional Carbon Aerogel for High‐Performing Strain Sensing and Thermal Management
Authors: Dang Shixuan , Yu Hongxuan , Fu Shubin , Deng Yuanpeng , Zhang Chuanwei , Gu Le , Guo Jingran , Zhang Pengyu , Zhou Jian , Zhu Jian , Xu Xiang
Published: May 2022

Porous carbon materials have exhibited many superior characteristics with extensive applications. To adequately exert their advantages at macroscale, the mechanical property plays a critical role to ensure the structural stability and functionality. Porous carbon monoliths overcome brittleness by endowing compressive superelasticity but are still plagued by poor toughness, easily suffering from the tensile, bending, or torsional fracture. Here, inspired by the biostructure of succulent plants, graphene aerogel is used to mimic the hydrenchyma tissue, carbon nanotube aerogel film as the epidermis, and graphene oxide ethanol solution as the hemicellulose binder to make ultraflexible carbon aerogels (UCAGs), addressing the critical and bottleneck issue between mechanics and functionality. The UCAGs feature a sequence of robust mechanical properties simultaneously, including compressive strain up to 99.5%, tensile strength up to 460 kPa, bending and torsional angle up to 180°. This ultraflexible aerogel is exploited for large‐deformable, and high‐sensitive strain sensor with extended working temperature (−196 to 400 °C), as well as lightweight thermal regulator with record‐high switch ratio (500:1). The high‐performance structures of this type establish a set of fundamental considerations in structural design of inorganic aerogels for a wide spectrum of applications.
Ferroelectric Field‐Effect‐Transistor Integrated with Ferroelectrics Heterostructure
Authors: Baek Sungpyo , Yoo Hyun Ho , Ju Jae Hyeok , Sriboriboon Panithan , Singh Prashant , Niu Jingjie , Park Jin‐Hong , Shin Changhwan , Kim Yunseok , Lee Sungjoo
Published: May 2022

To address the demands of emerging data‐centric computing applications, ferroelectric field‐effect transistors (Fe‐FETs) are considered the forefront of semiconductor electronics owing to their energy and area efficiency and merged logic–memory functionalities. Herein, the fabrication and application of an Fe‐FET, which is integrated with a van der Waals ferroelectrics heterostructure (CuInP2S6/α‐In2Se3), is reported. Leveraging enhanced polarization originating from the dipole coupling of CIPS and α‐In2Se3, the fabricated Fe‐FET exhibits a large memory window of 14.5 V at VGS = ±10 V, reaching a memory window to sweep range of ≈72%. Piezoelectric force microscopy measurements confirm the enhanced polarization‐induced wider hysteresis loop of the double‐stacked ferroelectrics compared to single ferroelectric layers. The Landau–Khalatnikov theory is extended to analyze the ferroelectric characteristics of a ferroelectric heterostructure, providing detailed explanations of the hysteresis behaviors and enhanced memory window formation. The fabricated Fe‐FET shows nonvolatile memory characteristics, with a high on/off current ratio of over 106, long retention time (>104 s), and stable cyclic endurance (>104 cycles). Furthermore, the applicability of the ferroelectrics heterostructure is investigated for artificial synapses and for hardware neural networks through training and inference simulation. These results provide a promising pathway for exploring low‐dimensional ferroelectronics.