bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ETHNOSCIENCE-BASED SCIENCE TEACHING AND LEARNING TO IMPROVE STUDENTS' COGNITIVE LEARNING OUTCOMES: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Wirama Tjokorda Gde Putra , Suja I Wayan , Tika I Nyoman
Published: August 2023

This study addresses students’ low cognitive learning outcomes in natural science subjects caused by several factors, one of which is the students’ inadequacy to analyze and communicate different scientific topics. Ethnoscience-based science teaching and learning, with its direct observation, is therefore viewed as a suitable approach to address the problem as it engages students to identify scientific problems, explain phenomena scientifically, and draw conclusions. The goal of this study is to analyze the importance of the role of ethnoscience-based science teaching and learning in improving students' cognitive learning outcomes. The systematic literature review is selected as the research method. The process of data collection is done through collecting data from many different sources; they are articles and scientific journals indexed by Scopus and accredited journals sinta 1 and 2. The study findings indicate that the ethnoscience-based science teaching and learning improve students' creative and critical thinking skills, and thus increasing the students’ cognitive learning outcomes.
ANALISIS EFEKTIFITAS SISTEM PEMUNGUTAN RETRIBUSI PASAR DI PASAR RUMBIO KABUPATEN KAMPAR
Authors: Ikhwani Ratna  , Silvi Hamidah
Published: August 2023

This research was conducted in Kampar District, Kampar Regency. Kampar Regency made a regional regulation to realize the concept of retribution services running well. One of the matters entrusted to the Regency or City area is the provision of public facilities and infrastructure such as markets. The market is considered important in addition to making it easier for the community to obtain household needs, it is also a means of providing opportunities for the community to do business both formally and informally. In order to maintain comfort and public order, the policies that take place in the market, each region, regency or city forms an agency or agency, the management of activities in the market is through an official body such as the market service. The levy collection system at the Rumbio market is through village officials giving it to the village head, the village head giving it to the market UPTD from the UPTD giving it to the Kampar Regency market service indirect collection by the market manager so that the delivery of problems felt by traders cannot be conveyed directly to the district market service Kampar. From the research results, it can be concluded that Regional Regulation Number 7 of 2012 concerning Public Service Retribution is categorized as not optimal. This can be seen in the planning for collecting fees that has not received a good assessment from the community.
The importance of MIR-4328 gene mutations in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Authors:   Hematology Department, “Fundeni” Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania, CALUGARU Onda-Tabita , DRAGOMIR Mihaela ,   Hematology Department, “Fundeni” Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania, APOSTEANU Silvia ,   Hematology Department, “Fundeni” Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania, JARDAN Cerasela ,   "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, MEIROSU Alina Cristiana ,   "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, CORIU Daniel ,   "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
Published: August 2023

Introduction: miRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of neoplastic syndromes by silencing target genes. As previously shown, hsa-mir-4328 is downregulated in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL). Objectives: The study aims to identify the somatic mutations of the MIR-4328 gene that caused its downregulation in APL and their localization in key regions of the mature miRNA structure. Material and methods: The study included 24 subiects: the study group (10 patients at the onset of APL, as well as at remission and relapse) and the control group (10 apparently healthy patients). High-Resolution Melting (HRM) was used for genotyping. Results: As MIR-4328 gene has not been studied before, a structure design of the coding region was performed to better understand the impact of somatic mutations on the mature miRNA. Following HRM, 2 mutant genotypes were identified, different from the wild-type (WT) genes. Conclusions and discussion: Due to the major deviation of the mutant genotypic curves compared to WT, the existence of major mutations (probably insertions/deletions) can be assumed. If these mutations are located in the seed region of the gene, attachment to exon 3 of the RARA gene is no longer possible, and therefore overexpression of the target gene occurs. Also, frameshift mutations, or substitutions that change the nucleotide sequence of the seed region, can produce a completely different mature miRNA that may have tropism for another gene. To test these hypotheses, sequencing of the entire gene is required.
Natural Killer cells at war: Unravelling the role of NK cells in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors:   Department of Hematology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania, CIANGA Vlad-Andrei , DANAILA Catalin Doru ,   Department of Hematology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania, ANTOHE Ion ,   Department of Hematology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania, PAVAL-TANASA Mariana ,   Department of Immunology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania, CIANGA Petru ,   Department of Immunology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania, RUSU Cristina ,   Department of Genetics, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
Published: August 2023

Natural Killer (NK) cells play a major role in the immune response against cancer, including hematological conditions such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemias (AML). This review explores the impact of the leukemic microenvironment on NK cell subsets in AML and MDS, shedding light on their potential implications in disease progression. In AML, studies have revealed a maturation blockade of NK cells in the altered bone marrow microenvironment, while NK cells from peripheral blood have the tendency to differentiate all the way to the final stages. The leukemic microenvironment not only affects NK cells but other immune compartments as well, including T cells. Therefore, a phenomenon of effector cell exhaustion has been described for both T cells and NK cells in AML, leading to compromised immune responses. Furthermore, altered expression of inhibitory receptors, such as NKG2A and KIR, on NK cells in AML and MDS suggests a potential involvement of leukemic cells in the preferential expression of key inhibitory molecules on the surface of these effectors. The dysregulated cytokine milieu within the leukemic microenvironment may account for the changes in receptor expression patterns, influencing both NK cell cytotoxicity and secretory functions. In conclusion, the leukemic cells and altered microenvironment have profound effects on NK cell subsets in both AML and MDS, affecting their maturation, function, and phenotype. Understanding these interactions may provide insights into novel therapeutic approaches to enhance the anti-tumoral immune response and improve outcomes for these patients.
Determining the Beginning of the Lunar Month By Astronomical Calculation
Authors: Tartory Hussain
Published: August 2023

Many religious duties in Islamic sharia depend on the lunar calendar. In the early times, Arabs did not have a means to determine the beginning of a new lunar month other than sighting the new crescent. Hence, Prophet Mohammad – peace be upon him – commanded Muslims to observe Ramadan and start fasting when the sighting of the new crescent is confirmed. The early scholars of Islam followed the tradition of determining the beginning of a new lunar month by moon sighting and opposed using astronomical calculation for this purpose. This is mainly because early Muslims did not have the capacity to perform precise the astronomical calculations and because the confusion between astronomy and astrology was prevalent. The situation, however, changed significantly nowadays owing to scientific advancements that allow astronomers to calculate the time of a new moon with precision. Consequently, most contemporary scholars rule for accepting astronomical calculations for determining the beginning of a lunar month. In this paper, the researcher presents the views and opinions of scholars on both sides of the issue of determining the beginning of the lunar month by moon sighting or astronomical calculation and discusses their arguments. The researcher believes that using astronomical calculations to determine the beginning of the Islamic lunar month is permissible. This study demonstrates the flexibility and applicability of Islamic Jurisprudence and its capacity to utilize scientific advancements for the benefit of the community.
Correlation Studies and Diversity Analysis in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Cultivars for Seed Yield and Associated Traits
Authors: Shekhawat H.V.S. , Meena V.K. , Sharma J.K. , Joshi N.
Published: August 2023

The present investigation was carried out at Agriculture Research Sub-station, Sumerpur. In the study six popular cultivars of chickpea were under consideration. The correlation study elucidated that seed yield has positive and highly significant correlation with number of primary branches per plant (0.96) and number of pods per plant (0.97) while none of the characters showed negative correlation with seed yield. Similarly, days to 50 % flowering showed positive and significant correlation with days to maturity (0.86) and plant height (0.82). The diversity among the varieties were studied using K-means and ward’s method. Through both the methods it was observed that CSJ-515, GNG-2144 and GNG-1958 were clustered into one cluster (cluster I), RSG-974 and RSG-959 were clustered into another cluster (cluster-III) and GNG-2171 remained alone (cluster-II). This showed that both the clustering methods are in agreement with each other. In terms of yield cultivar CSJ-515 reported highest mean seed yield per plot (2.65) followed by GNG-2144 (2.41).
مواجهة جريمة الاتجار بالبشر المرتكبة من جماعة إجرامية منظمة
Authors: Hussein A. Issa
Published: August 2023

يشكل الاتجار بالبشر إحدى الجرائم التي تتصف بدرجة بالغة من الخطورة، على الصعيدين الدولي والوطني، وتتفاقم خطورة هذه الجريمة في حالة ارتكابها من جماعات إجرامية منظمة، وبالنظر لذلك فقد اختصها المشرع الدولي باتفاقية خاصة لمواجهتها، هي بروتوكول منع وقمع ومعاقبة الاتجار بالأشخاص، وخاصة النساء والأطفال، المكمّل لاتفاقية الأمم المتحدة لمكافحة الجريمة المنظمة عبر الوطنية لعام 2000، الذي بموجبه جرت دعوة الدول الأطراف فيه إلى اتخاذ الآليات المختلفة للتصدي لها وردعها، ولاسيَّما عن طريق التدابير التشريعية بهذا الخصوص
#Filterdrop: Attending to Photographic Alterations
Authors: Anscomb Claire
Published: August 2023

It is well-documented that the alteration of portrait photographs can have a negative impact on a viewer’s self-esteem. One might think that providing written disclaimers warning of alteration might help to mitigate this effect, yet empirical studies have shown that viewers continue to feel like what they are seeing is real, and thus attainable, despite knowing it is not. I propose that this cognitive dissonance occurs because disclaimers fail to show viewers how to look at the contents of a photographic image differently. Consequently, viewers have the same perceptual experience, where the picture appears to faithfully resemble a direct visual experience of the subject, which conflicts with their changing sense of warrant. However, I argue that the degree of perceived similarity, and so contact, may be subject to change depending on what a viewer is attentive to during their viewing of an image, including subtle but unrealistic signs of alteration.
Maurice Scève entre Mallarmé, les avant‑gardes et le baroque
Authors: Hunkeler Thomas
Published: August 2023

Cet article passe en revue trois moments, dont certains anthologiques, qui lisent Scève tour à tour à la lumière de Mallarmé, des avant-gardes et du baroque. Trois moments qui éclairent, chacun à sa façon, ce que lire Scève dans la seconde moitié du xxe siècle a pu vouloir dire, qui mettent en évidence en quoi ce dernier a pu devenir une ressource essentielle dans l’aventure de la pensée littéraire de cette époque. Trois moments qui éclairent aussi, ce faisant, un pan de l’histoire littéraire et éditoriale, laquelle, pour le meilleur et pour le pire, n’est plus tout à fait la nôtre.
The optimal clutch size revisited: separating individual quality from the parental survival costs of reproduction
Authors: Winder Lucy A , Simons Mirre JP , Burke Terry
Published: August 2023

Life-history theory, central to our understanding of diversity in morphology, behaviour and senescence, describes how traits evolve through the optimisation of trade-offs in investment. Despite considerable study, there is only minimal support for trade-offs within species between the two traits most closely linked to fitness – reproductive effort and survival – questioning the theory’s general validity. We used a meta-analysis to separate the effects of individual quality (positive survival/reproduction correlation) from the costs of reproduction (negative survival/reproduction correlation) using studies of reproductive effort and parental survival in birds. Experimental enlargement of brood size caused reduced parental survival. However, the effect size of brood size manipulation was small and opposite to the effect of phenotypic quality, as we found that individuals that naturally produced larger clutches also survived better. The opposite effects on parental survival in experimental and observational studies of reproductive effort provides the first meta-analytic evidence for theory suggesting that quality differences mask trade-offs. Fitness projections using the overall effect size revealed that reproduction presented negligible costs, except when reproductive effort was forced beyond the maximum level observed within species, to that seen between species. We conclude that there is little support for the most fundamental life-history trade-off, between reproductive effort and survival, operating within a population. We suggest that within species, the fitness landscape of the reproduction–survival trade-off is flat until it reaches the boundaries of the between-species fast–slow life-history continuum. Our results provide a quantitative explanation as to why the costs of reproduction are not apparent and why variation in reproductive effort persists within species.
An optogenetic cell therapy to restore control of target muscles in an aggressive mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Bryson J Barney , Kourgiantaki Alexandra , Jiang Dai , Demosthenous Andreas , Greensmith Linda
Published: August 2023

Breakdown of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) is an early pathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that blocks neuromuscular transmission, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis and, ultimately, premature death. Currently, no therapies exist that can prevent progressive motor neuron degeneration, muscle denervation, or paralysis in ALS. Here, we report important advances in the development of an optogenetic, neural replacement strategy that can effectively restore innervation of severely affected skeletal muscles in the aggressive SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS, thus providing an interface to selectively control the function of targeted muscles using optical stimulation. We also identify a specific approach to confer complete survival of allogeneic replacement motor neurons. Furthermore, we demonstrate that an optical stimulation training paradigm can prevent atrophy of reinnervated muscle fibers and results in a tenfold increase in optically evoked contractile force. Together, these advances pave the way for an assistive therapy that could benefit all ALS patients.
Evolution and diversity of biomineralized columnar architecture in early Cambrian phosphatic-shelled brachiopods
Authors: Zhang Zhiliang , Zhang Zhifei , Holmer Lars , Topper Timothy P , Pan Bing , Li Guoxiang
Published: August 2023

Biologically-controlled mineralization producing organic-inorganic composites (hard skeletons) by metazoan biomineralizers has been an evolutionary innovation since the earliest Cambrian. Among them, linguliform brachiopods are one of the key invertebrates that secrete calcium phosphate minerals to build their shells. One of the most distinct shell structures is the organo-phosphatic cylindrical column exclusive to phosphatic-shelled brachiopods, including both crown and stem groups. However, the complexity, diversity, and biomineralization processes of these microscopic columns are far from clear in brachiopod ancestors. Here, exquisitely well-preserved columnar shell ultrastructures are reported for the first time in the earliest eoobolids Latusobolus xiaoyangbaensis gen. et sp. nov. and Eoobolus acutulus sp. nov. from the Cambrian Series 2 Shuijingtuo Formation of South China. The hierarchical shell architectures, epithelial cell moulds, and the shape and size of cylindrical columns are scrutinised in these new species. Their calcium phosphate-based biomineralized shells are mainly composed of stacked sandwich columnar units. The secretion and construction of the stacked sandwich model of columnar architecture, which played a significant role in the evolution of linguliforms, is highly biologically controlled and organic-matrix mediated. Furthermore, a continuous transformation of anatomic features resulting from the growth of diverse columnar shells is revealed between Eoobolidae, Lingulellotretidae, and Acrotretida, shedding new light on the evolutionary growth and adaptive innovation of biomineralized columnar architecture among early phosphatic-shelled brachiopods during the Cambrian explosion.
Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia integrate into mouse retina and recapitulate features of endogenous microglia
Authors: Ma Wenxin , Zhao Lian , Xu Biying , Fariss Robert N , Redmond T Michael , Zou Jizhong , Wong Wai T , Li Wei
Published: August 2023

Microglia exhibit both maladaptive and adaptive roles in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and have emerged as a cellular target for central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including those affecting the retina. Replacing maladaptive microglia, such as those impacted by aging or over-activation, with exogenous microglia that can enable adaptive functions has been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases. To investigate microglia replacement as an approach for retinal diseases, we first employed a protocol to efficiently generate human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived microglia in quantities sufficient for in vivo transplantation. These cells demonstrated expression of microglia-enriched genes and showed typical microglial functions such as LPS-induced responses and phagocytosis. We then performed xenotransplantation of these hiPSC-derived microglia into the subretinal space of adult mice whose endogenous retinal microglia have been pharmacologically depleted. Long-term analysis post-transplantation demonstrated that transplanted hiPSC-derived microglia successfully integrated into the neuroretina as ramified cells, occupying positions previously filled by the endogenous microglia and expressed microglia homeostatic markers such as P2ry12 and Tmem119. Furthermore, these cells were found juxtaposed alongside residual endogenous murine microglia for up to 8 months in the retina, indicating their ability to establish a stable homeostatic state in vivo. Following retinal pigment epithelial cell injury, transplanted microglia demonstrated responses typical of endogenous microglia, including migration, proliferation, and phagocytosis. Our findings indicate the feasibility of microglial transplantation and integration in the retina and suggest that modulating microglia through replacement may be a therapeutic strategy for treating neurodegenerative retinal diseases.
Orchestrating pH levels in plants
Authors: Barbez Elke
Published: August 2023

The growth of a plant root relies on careful control of root surface pH.
Immediate impacts of soybean cover crop on bacterial community composition and diversity in soil under long-term Saccharum monoculture
Authors: Mula-Michel Himaya , White Paul , Hale Anna
Published: August 2023

Saccharum yield decline results from long-term monoculture practices. Changes in cropping management can improve soil health and productivity. Below-ground bacterial community diversity and composition across soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) cover crop, Saccharum monoculture (30+ year) and fallowed soil were determined. Near full length (~1,400 base pairs) of 16S rRNA gene sequences were extracted from the rhizospheres of sugarcane and soybean and fallowed soil were compared. Higher soil bacterial diversity was observed in the soybean cover crop than sugarcane monoculture across all measured indices (observed operationational taxonomic units, Chao1, Shannon, reciprocal Simpson and Jackknife). Acidocateria, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Planctomycetes were the most abundant bacterial phyla across the treatments. Indicator species analysis identified nine indicator phyla. Planctomycetes, Armatimonadetes and candidate phylum FBP were associated with soybean; Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were linked with sugarcane and Gemmatimonadetes, Nitrospirae, Rokubacteria and unclassified bacteria were associated with fallowed soil. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis showed distinct groupings of bacterial operational taxonomic units (97% identity) according to management system (soybean, sugarcane or fallow) indicating compositional differences among treatments. This is confirmed by the results of the multi-response permutation procedures (A = 0.541, p = 0.00045716). No correlation between soil parameters and bacterial community structure was observed according to Mantel test (r = 211865, p = 0.14). Use of soybean cover-crop fostered bacterial diversity and altered community structure. This indicates cover crops could have a restorative effect and potentially promote sustainability in long-term Saccharum production systems.
Development and Storage Stability of Cookies from Whole Wheat, Sweet Potato and Mucuna utilis, Composite Flour
Authors: Attaugwu Roseline Nwabugo , Anyadioha Josephat Ikechukwu , Chukwuma Kachi Jude
Published: August 2023

Aim: This study evaluated the effect of storage conditions at ambient (28 ± 2°C) and refrigeration temperature (4 ± 2°C) on the physicochemical properties of Cookies made from Composite flours in the ratio of 50: 30: 20; 50:20:30 (whole wheat, sweet potato flour or Mucuna utilis respectively). Methodology: Flours were obtained from whole wheat (W), peeled and sun-dried potato (S), and boiled oven-dried mucuna (BM) and toasted oven-dried mucuna (TM) bean seed. Cookies made from 100 % whole wheat flour served as control. The physicochemical properties of the cookies were evaluated using standard methods and the data obtained were statistically analyzed.

Results and Discussion: The results showed an increase in protein (8.17 % - 18.84 %), crude fiber (1.57 – 7.38 %), and fats (8.81- 14.59 %.). The vitamin values decreased in all the samples after storage except vitamin E (1.05 – 1.87 mg/100 g (before storage) and vitamin E (1.08 -1.92) which remained unaffected after the storage period. After 30 days of storage, the percentage free fatty acid (FFA) values ranged from (0.39 – 0.56 % for samples stored under refrigerated conditions as against 0.58- 0.79 % observed in ambient temperature storage. The Peroxide value showed a slight increase in refrigerated samples (3.9 – 6.98 meq O2/kg) as against that of ambient temperature storage which had higher values (8.22 -12.58 meq O2/Kg).

Conclusion: The FFA and peroxide values of samples W50 S30 BM20 and W50 S20 BM30 were within acceptable limit under refrigerated condition indicating that boiling treatment is better preferred than toasting. The study indicated that refrigerated storage is a more suitable storage condition than ambient storage.
Impact of Digital Technologies in Agricultural Extension
Authors: Singh N. K. , Sunitha N. H. , Tripathi Gagan , Saikanth D. R. K. , Sharma Akanksha , Jose Asha Elizabeth , Mary M. V. Karuna Jeba
Published: August 2023

The emergence and widespread adoption of digital technologies have reshaped the landscape of agriculture extension services, fostering increased efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability. The proliferation of digital technologies such as smartphones, the internet, data analytics, and sensor-based devices has ushered in a new era of agriculture extension services. These technologies have enabled real-time communication, data-driven decision-making, and access to a vast repository of agricultural information. Farmers, extension agents, and policymakers now have a wealth of tools and applications at their disposal, empowering them to make informed choices for increased agricultural productivity and sustainability. Digital tools have profoundly impacted agricultural extension services, revolutionizing how information is disseminated and accessed by farmers. Some analysis of how mobile apps, web platforms, and data analytics have transformed agricultural extension, empowering farmers and increasing productivity. Mobile applications and web-based platforms have facilitated the dissemination of agricultural knowledge, empowering farmers with up-to-date practices. By reducing the digital divide, ICT-based extension services promote equitable access to information, leading to enhanced agricultural productivity and sustainability. By bridging the information gap, digital technologies enhance agricultural productivity, profitability, and sustainability. Local language support ensures farmers from various linguistic backgrounds can easily understand and benefit from the information provided, enhancing the tool's usability and impact. Tailoring agricultural information to specific regions addresses diverse farming practices and challenges, enhancing relevance and adoption. By promoting language and regional adaptation, digital technologies can bridge the digital divide and empower farmers with valuable insights for sustainable agricultural development.
Analysis of Spatio-Temporal Behaviour of Arrivals and Prices in Major Onion Markets of India
Authors: Chavan Sanket D. , Singh Virendra , Tripathi Shyam Mani , Kumar Katta Sravan Naga Parimala
Published: August 2023

The present study was an attempt to examine the behaviour of arrivals and prices of onion in major markets of India over the period from 2008 to 2022. The entire investigation relies on data obtained from secondary sources. Data on monthly wholesale prices and arrivals of selected markets was gathered from Agmarknet, Directorate of Marketing & Inspection, Government of India. Six markets were selected purposively, of which one each market was from four top onion producing states (Lasalgaon, Bangalore, Indore and Ahmadabad) and two were from top consuming cities (Mumbai and Delhi). Various statistical measures were such as linear trend analysis, ratio to trend method of seasonality and coefficient of variation were used to examine trend, seasonality, and inter-year prices variation, respectively in onion arrivals and prices in the selected markets. The findings of the trend analysis indicate that all markets experienced a significant increase in both arrivals and prices throughout the study period, except for the Delhi market, which showed a negative trend in arrivals. The seasonality indices reveal that prices tended to be higher from the month of August to January, while they were lower from February to July. Interestingly, an inverse relationship between onion arrivals and prices could not be established.
Variability of Chrysanthemum Species under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions
Authors: Rani Shweta , Singh Devi , Wesley C. John
Published: August 2023

The present study was made to identify the suitable variety for growing in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Twenty varieties were laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications during 2022-2023 at Departmental field of Horticulture, NAI, SHUATS, Prayagraj. In this experiment out of 20 varieties 2 varieties, Fantasy and Hemant Sagar was not able to survive in this condition. In this experiment data were recorded for various characters viz; Growth parameter, Floral parameters, Yield parameters and Economic parameters. Variety White cotton ball was found as elite variety for height (cm) 30DAP, 60DAP, and 90DAP in comparison with other varieties. Nanako was for number of flowers per plant. Apsara (24.14t/ha) was for flower yield(t/ha) in comparison to other varieties. Maximum B:C was obtained in Apsara (2.85). Based on findings of this experiment, it is recommended the Chrysanthemum varieties Apsara and White cotton ball should be used for commercial cultivation of chrysanthemum, although further studies may also be carried out for refinement for selection of best varieties from amongst these.
Impact of Various Cropping Systems on the Status and Distribution of Selected Micronutrients in Subtropical Region of Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Sharma Ankita , Sepehya Swapana , Sharma Rakesh , Kumar Anil
Published: August 2023

Globally, the majority of farmers use various cropping systems. In order to increase the production of food grains, the adaptation of these cropping systems necessitates intensive cultivation, which eventually calls for a greater quantity of macronutrients as well as micronutrients. The availability of micronutrients is greatly influenced by cropping practices, their distribution by profile and chemical pools, and their accessibility to plants. Many crops can reach beneath the soil layers and access the micronutrients with their deep roots, which they require to grow. The present study was conducted to quantify the impact of different cropping systems on DTPA extractable micronutrients viz., Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn over time. Soil samples were collected from the surface layer (0-15 cm) of four cropping systems i.e., cereal-cereal (CC), cereal-oilseed (CO), vegetable-vegetable (VV), and fodder-fodder (FF). The micronutrient cations were found highest under the VV cropping system when compared with all four cropping systems. The results illustrate that availability of micronutrients is affected by the presence of high organic carbon content and favourable soil reaction.
Effect of Manure and Glomus hoi on Heavy Metals and Soil Properties of Spent Engine Oil Contaminated Soil
Authors: Adebiyi Kehinde Adeyinka , Salami Abiodun Olusola
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to assesses the impact of spent engine oil on selected soil properties including the heavy metal uptake before and after application of manure. The field experiments were carried in the early cropping season (April – July) and in the late cropping season (September – December) of year 2020 at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching and Research Farm, Ile-Ife. Spent-engine oil (SEO) was sourced from a mechanic workshop in Osogbo, Osun State. Amendments (poultry droppings, cow dung and leaves of Gliricidia sepium) were collected from OAU Teaching and Research Farm, Ile-Ife. Glomus hoi was also collected from around the region, and the spores were isolated through wet sieving methods. The test crop used was maize (variety is AWR- SYN- Y. A land area of 69 m x 17 m was ploughed and harrowed and arranged in an 8 X 6 alpha lattice design, containing sixteen (16) treatments with three concentrations which resulted in a total of forty-eight (48) plots in each replicate, each plot measured 2 m X 2 m with a spacing of 1 m in between the plots. The plots were impacted with Spent-engine oil (SEO) sourced from petrol engines. The oil was applied in concentration of 0 ml (0 L/ha), 400 ml (1000 L/ha) and 800 ml (2000 L/ha) to the plots. The treatments were applied to plots 7 days after Spent-engine oil (SEO) application. The layout of the experiment is as follows: Treatment 1 (T1) - Spent-engine oil only; Treatment 2 (T2) - Spent-engine oil + Cow dung; Treatment 3 (T3) - Spent-engine oil + Poultry Manure; Treatment 4 (T4) - Spent-engine oil + Glomus hoi; Treatment 5 (T5) - Spent-engine oil + Gliricidia Sepium leaves; Treatment 6 (T6) - Spent-engine oil + Cow dung + Poultry Manure; Treatment 7 (T7) - Spent-engine oil + Glomus hoi + Gliricidia sepium leaves; Treatment 8 (T8) - Spent-engine oil + Cow dung + Poultry Manure + Glomus hoi + Gliricidia sepium leaves. After treatments application, the plots were left for two weeks before planting to allow for incubation. Data collected were analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques. At the end of the experiment, all soils were impacted with the presence of increased Spent-engine oil with an increase in heavy metals in the soil. The findings suggest that a combination of different organic amendments can significantly reduce the heavy metal uptake of soils contaminated with spent-engine oil. However, further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of these treatments on soil quality and plant growth.
Re-defining the Climatic Zones over Nigeria
Authors: Agada I. O. , Aondoakaa S. I. , Eweh E. J.
Published: August 2023

Aims: This study aimed at identifying climatic zones over Nigeria.

Duration of Study: Daily air temperature data for the 36 states and FCT in Nigeria were obtained from National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) for the period of thirty-seven (37) years (1984-2020).

Method: Several hierarchical clustering procedures–single linkages, complete linkage, average distance within clusters, average distance between clusters, centroid clustering, median linkage and Ward’s method were used in this study.

Results: Based on the findings, median linkage, complete linkage and Ward’s clustering method solutions seems more realistic. The application of cluster analysis, revealed five climate zones (cluster) over Nigeria. Cluster 1 covers Plateau state only while cluster 2 covers three south-west states and one north-west state (Kaduna). Cluster 3 covers all the states in south-east, south-south (except Cross River), North-central (except Kogi and Kwara), Bauchi in North-west and ogun and Oyo in South-west. Cluster 4 covers one state in south-south (Cross River), South-south (Lagos), two states in North-central (Kogi and Kwara), three states in North-east (Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba) and four states in North-west (Jigawa, Kano, Kastina and Zamfara). Lastly cluster 5 covers two states in North-east (Borno and Yobe) and North-west (Kebbi and Sokoto).

Conclusion: Our findings clearly show that cluster analysis can be applied to identify similar weather/climate state from air temperature data.
Fundamental study on probabilistic generative modeling of earthquake ground motion time histories using generative adversarial networks
Authors: Matsumoto Yuma , Yaoyama Taro , Lee Sangwon , Hida Takenori , Itoi Tatsuya
Published: August 2023

This study proposes a probabilistic model for earthquake ground motion prediction, named ground motion generation model, which can generate ground motion time history data directly. The ground motion generation model is based on a data‐driven technique called generative adversarial networks, allowing generation of ground motion time history data without making assumptions about physical or statistical models. A method to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the performance of constructed model is also proposed and the ground motion generation model is optimized for high performance from earthquake engineering and deep learning perspectives. Numerical experiments show that our proposed model is probabilistic, approximating the probabilistic distribution of the dataset of observed records and generating realistic ground motion time histories with various characteristics in the time and frequency domains.
A trichotomy method for defining homogeneous subgroups in a dementia population
Authors: Caprihan Arvind , Hillmer Laura , Erhardt Erik Barry , Adair John C. , Knoefel Janice E. , Prestopnik Jillian , Rosenberg Gary A. ,   for Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Diagnosis of dementia in the aging brain is confounded by the presence of multiple pathologies. Mixed dementia (MX), a combination of Alzheimer's disease (AD) proteins with vascular disease (VD), is frequently found at autopsy, and has been difficult to diagnose during life. This report develops a method for separating the MX group and defining preclinical AD (presence of AD factors with normal cognition) and preclinical VD subgroups (presence of white matter damage with normal cognition).

Methods

Clustering was based on three diagnostic axes: (1) AD factor (ADF) derived from cerebrospinal fluid proteins (Aβ42 and pTau), (2) VD factor (VDF) calculated from mean free water and peak width of skeletonized mean diffusivity in the white matter, and (3) Cognition (Cog) based on memory and executive function. The trichotomy method was applied to an Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative cohort (N = 538).

Results

Eight biologically defined subgroups were identified which included the MX group with both high ADF and VDF (9.3%) and a preclinical VD group (3.9%), and a preclinical AD group (13.6%). Cog is significantly associated with both ADF and VDF, and the partial‐correlation remains significant even when the effect of the other variable is removed (r(Cog, ADF/VDF removed) = 0.46, p < 10−28 and r(Cog, VDF/ADF removed) = 0.24, p < 10−7).

Discussion

The trichotomy method creates eight biologically characterized patient groups, which includes MX, preclinical AD, and preclinical VD subgroups. Further longitudinal studies are needed to determine the utility of the 3‐way clustering method with multimodal biological biomarkers.
Incidence Rate and Factors Associated With Fractures Among Medicare Beneficiaries With Ankylosing Spondylitis in the United States
Authors: Stovall Rachael , Kersey Emma , Li Jing , Baker Rahaf , Anastasiou Christine , Palmowski Andriko , Schmajuk Gabriela , Gensler Lianne , Yazdany Jinoos
Published: August 2023

Objective

We evaluated the incidence rate and factors associated with fractures among adults with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study with data from the Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness registry linked to Medicare claims from 2016 to 2018. Patients were required to have two AS International Classification of Diseases codes 30 or more days apart and a subsequent Medicare claim. Then, 1 year of baseline characteristics were included, after which patients were observed for fractures. First, we calculated the incidence rate of fractures. Second, we constructed logistic regression models to identify factors associated with the fracture, including age, sex, race and ethnicity, body mass index, Medicare/Medicaid dual eligibility, area deprivation index, Charlson comorbidity index, smoking status, osteoporosis, historical fracture, and use of osteoporosis treatment, glucocorticoids, and opioids.

Results

We identified 1,426 adults with prevalent AS. Mean ± SD age was 69.4 ± 9.8 years, 44.3% were female, and 77.3% were non‐Hispanic White. Fractures occurred in 197 adults with AS. The overall incidence rate of fractures was 76.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 66.4–88.6) per 1,000 person‐years. Older age (odds ratio [OR] 2.8, 95% CI 1.39–5.65), historical fracture (OR 5.24, 95% CI 3.44–7.99), and use of more than 30 mg morphine equivalent (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.08–3.19) conferred increased odds of fracture.

Conclusions

In this large sample of Medicare beneficiaries with AS, increasing age, historical fracture, and use of opioids had higher odds of fracture. Men and women were equally likely to have a fracture. Because opioid use was associated with fracture in AS, this high‐risk population should be considered for interventions to mitigate risk.
IL‐17A/p38 Signaling Pathway Induces Alveolar Epithelial Cell Pyroptosis and Hyperpermeability in Sepsis‐Induced Acute Lung Injury by Activating NLRP3 Inflammasome
Authors: Zhou Kun Lin , He Yi Ran , Liu Yu Jing , Liu Yi Mei , Xuan Li Zhen , Gu Zhun Yong , He Hong Yu , Ju Min Jie
Published: August 2023

Sepsis is a syndrome with poor prognosis. Nucleotide‐binding domain‐like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and T helper 17 (Th17) cells are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. This study aims to explore their roles and underlying mechanisms in sepsis. The blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid are collected from sepsis patients and healthy donors. A sepsis mice model is established by cecal ligation puncture (CLP). The contents of cytokines are detected by ELISA. The amounts of Th17 cells, IL‐17A, IL‐1β, IL‐18, and lipopolysaccharide is significantly elevated in sepsis patients. The increased differentiation of Th17 cells can promote lung cell pyroptosis and induce hyperpermeability via activating NLRP3 inflammasome and p38 pathway. The inhibitors targeting Th17 cells, NLRP3 inflammasome, and p38 pathway can significantly alleviate lung injury in sepsis mice. Th17 cells can secrete IL‐17A to activate NLRP3 inflammasome via p38 signaling pathway, which contributes to the development of sepsis‐induced acute lung injury.
Ductile Oligomeric Acceptor‐Modified Flexible Organic Solar Cells Show Excellent Mechanical Robustness and Near 18% Efficiency
Authors: Ye Qinrui , Chen Zhenyu , Yang Daobin , Song Wei , Zhu Jintao , Yang Shuncheng , Ge Jinfeng , Chen Fei , Ge Ziyi
Published: August 2023

High power conversion efficiency (PCE) and mechanical robustness are key requirements for wearable applications of organic solar cells (OSCs). However, almost all highly efficient photoactive films comprising polymer donors (PD) and small molecule acceptors (SMAs) are mechanically brittle. In this study, highly efficient (PCE = 17.91%) and mechanically robust (crack‐onset strain [COS] = 11.7%) flexible OSCs are fabricated by incorporating a ductile oligomeric acceptor (DOA) into the PD:SMA system, representing the most flexible OSCs to date. The photophysical, mechanical, and photovoltaic properties of D18:N3 with different DOAs are characterized. By introducing DOA DOY‐C4 with a longer flexible alkyl linker and lower polymerization, the D18:N3:DOY‐C4‐based flexible OSCs exhibit a significantly higher PCE (17.91%) and 50% higher COS (11.7%) than the D18:N3‐based device (PCE = 17.06%, COS = 7.8%). The flexible OSCs based on D18:N3:DOY‐C4 retain 98% of the initial PCE after 2000 consecutive bending cycles, showing greater mechanical stability than the reference device (maintaining 89% of initial PCE). After careful investigation, it is hypothesized that the enhancement in mechanical properties is mainly due to the formation of tie chains or entanglement in the ternary blend films. These results demonstrate that DOAs have great potential for achieving high‐performance flexible OSCs.
Boosting Oxygen Evolution Reaction of (Fe,Ni)OOH via Defect Engineering for Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis Under Industrial Conditions
Authors: Wu Libo , Ning Minghui , Xing Xinxin , Wang Yu , Zhang Fanghao , Gao Guanhui , Song Shaowei , Wang Dezhi , Yuan Chuqing , Yu Luo , Bao Jiming , Chen Shuo , Ren Zhifeng
Published: August 2023

Developing non‐precious catalysts with long‐term catalytic durability and structural stability under industrial conditions is the key to practical alkaline anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis. Here, an energy‐saving approach is proposed to synthesize defect‐rich iron nickel oxyhydroxide for stability and efficiency toward the oxygen evolution reaction. Benefiting from in situ cation exchange, the nanosheet‐nanoflake‐structured catalyst is homogeneously embedded in, and tightly bonded to, its substrate, making it ultrastable at high current densities. Experimental and theoretical calculation results reveal that the introduction of Ni in FeOOH reduces the activation energy barrier for the catalytic reaction and that the purposely created oxygen defects not only ensure the exposure of active sites and maximize the effective catalyst surface but also modulate the local coordination environment and chemisorption properties of both Fe and Ni sites, thus lowering the energy barrier from *O to *OOH. Consequently, the optimized d‐(Fe,Ni)OOH catalyst exhibits outstanding catalytic activity with long‐term durability under both laboratory and industrial conditions. The large‐area d‐(Fe,Ni)OOH||NiMoN pair requires 1.795 V to reach a current density of 500 mA cm−2 at an absolute current of 12.5 A in an AEM electrolyzer for overall water electrolysis, showing great potential for industrial water electrolysis.
An economic appraisal of the effect of tire inflation pressure for alternative tillage systems on a silty clay loam soil
Authors: Shaheb Md Rayhan , Misiewicz Paula A. , Godwin Richard J. , Dickin Edward , White David R. , Lowenberg‐DeBoer James , Shearer Scott A. , Grift Tony E.
Published: August 2023

Compacting soil has an adverse effect on soil properties, decreases crop productivity, and subsequently reduces farm income. Low tire inflation pressure (LTP) help in managing soil compaction and protecting the soil environment; however, there is scant economic data available on LTP in US Midwest farming systems. Hence, a 3‐year study investigated the effects of LTP, compared to tires inflated to the standard tire inflation pressure systems, on crop yield and farm economy for a typical maize/soybean rotation. The effect of the two tire inflation pressure systems was factorialized with three tillage systems: deep tillage (DT, 450 mm), shallow tillage (ST, 100 mm), and no‐till systems. The results showed that LTP systems increased maize (Zea mays) yield by 4.51% (2017) and 2.70% (2018) and soybean (Glycine max) by 3.70% in 2018. Annual earnings for both 200‐ and 800‐ha farms increased for all tillage systems with LTP tires based on a partial budget analysis. The payback periods for LTP tires were very short, ranging from 0.32 years for DT on an 800‐ha farm to 1.18 years for ST on a 200‐ha farm. The net present value of the higher returns with LTP tires was substantial, especially for the DT system. This study shows a strong economic benefit from investments in LTP tires on silty clay loam soils in the US Midwest.
Sequencing‐based analysis of clonal evolution of 25 mantle cell lymphoma patients at diagnosis and after failure of standard immunochemotherapy
Authors: Karolová J. , Kazantsev D. , Svatoň M. , Tušková L. , Forsterová K. , Maláriková D. , Benešová K. , Heizer T. , Dolníková A. , Klánová M. , Winkovska L. , Svobodová K. , Hojný J. , Krkavcová E. , Froňková E. , Zemanová Z. , Trněný M. , Klener P.
Published: August 2023

Our knowledge of genetic aberrations, that is, variants and copy number variations (CNVs), associated with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) relapse remains limited. A cohort of 25 patients with MCL at diagnosis and the first relapse after the failure of standard immunochemotherapy was analyzed using whole‐exome sequencing. The most frequent variants at diagnosis and at relapse comprised six genes: TP53, ATM, KMT2D, CCND1, SP140, and LRP1B. The most frequent CNVs at diagnosis and at relapse included TP53 and CDKN2A/B deletions, and PIK3CA amplifications. The mean count of mutations per patient significantly increased at relapse (n = 34) compared to diagnosis (n = 27). The most frequent newly detected variants at relapse, LRP1B gene mutations, correlated with a higher mutational burden. Variant allele frequencies of TP53 variants increased from 0.35 to 0.76 at relapse. The frequency and length of predicted CNVs significantly increased at relapse with CDKN2A/B deletions being the most frequent. Our data suggest, that the resistant MCL clones detected at relapse were already present at diagnosis and were selected by therapy. We observed enrichment of genetic aberrations of DNA damage response pathway (TP53 and CDKN2A/B), and a significant increase in MCL heterogeneity. We identified LRP1B inactivation as a new potential driver of MCL relapse.