bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sellar Metrics and Morphology in Ethnic Dogra Population of Jammu RegionA Cross-sectional Cephalometric Study
Authors: Arshad Faisal , Gupta Akshay , Lone Parveen Akhtar , Gupta Ritesh
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Sella turcica is an important landmark seen during cephalogram tracing and evaluation. Its morphology varies in persons, gender groups, age groups, and ethnicities. Aim: This cephalometric study was done on a novel population of Dogra ethnicity residing in Jammu to determine the characteristics of sella and its correlation with the sagittal skeletal structures. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study done on cephalograms and included a total of 87 patients which were equally classified as Skeletal Class-I, Class-II, ClassIII, respectively. The pre-treatment profile cephalogram of the patient were obtained in a standardised method. Manual tracing of all the cephalograms was done on an acetate paper with a tracing pencil under optimal illumination. Area, size, shape, bridging of the sella was measured using a novel template and tabulated in excel sheet and sent for statistical analysis. Results: The results showed mean area of sella was highest in skeletal Class-III (32.79±3.28 mm) followed by skeletal Class-I (28.31±1.63 mm) and least in skeletal Class-II subjects (23.27±2.91 mm). Skeletal Class-III had the greatest mean sella length (10.85±0.80 mm), depth (10.54±0.89 mm), Anteroposterior (AP) diameter (13.20±0.83 mm) followed by skeletal Class-I and least in Class-II. Normal sella turcica was prevalent among all the skeletal. Conclusion: The dimensions of the sella obtained from this study provide an estimate about the morphology and size of sella in Dogra population thus providing knowledge to the local Orthodontist about the varied appearance of sella and helps in distinguishing the physiological and pathological patterns of sella.
Immunologic Desensitisation of Allergens and its Impact on Insulin Use in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Report
Authors: Imran Mohammed Rasheeduddin , Anjum Sayeeda
Published: June 2023

Type1 diabetes mellitus, also known as juvenile diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. It is a chronic condition in which there is a destruction of pancreatic beta cells by autoimmune response. Here, a case of a 13-year-old girl, weighing 32 kg and with a Body Mass index (BMI) of 13.9 kg/m2 was reported to the family medicine clinic with complaints of weakness, increased appetite and thirst, and increased frequency of micturition for the past two months. Personal history revealed a consistent weight loss over the past six months with the problem of lice in the hair from the past two months. A family history of diabetes, hypertension, and allergies was present. General physical examination reveals no abnormality and vitals were within normal limits. Blood investigations revealed increased levels of random blood sugar levels, glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) and Immunoglobulin (Ig)E. Hormonal assay was within normal limits, and skin prick test result revealed strong positive reactions to some allergens. The treatment included subcutaneous insulin, regular physical exercise and immunologic desensitisation of food allergens through Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT). The treatment resulted in controlled blood glucose levels with a reduction in insulin dose, a decrease in HbA1c levels, increased body weight and an improved BMI.
Unveiling the Enigma of the Phosphatase and Tensinogen Gene in Cancer and its Potential Role in Oral Cancer- A Narrative Review
Authors: Narang Bindiya , Deshmukh Revati , Palaskar Sangeeta , Bartake Anirudha , Patil Swati
Published: June 2023

Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN) is a tumour suppressor gene that plays a vital role in the normal cell cycle. PTEN acts on the cell via the phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase pathway which is involved in the process of cell growth, differentiation, migration, and survival. PTEN is most frequently inactivated in human cancers, because of genetic alterations or transcriptional/ post-transcriptional modifications. Literature search was done using the keywords “PTEN in cancer” and “PTEN in Oral Cancer” using Pubmed as the database. This article briefly discusses the multiple features of the PTEN gene and its significance in cancer for improving the understanding of the biology of oral carcinogenesis and the potential for future research in this field.
Incidence of Ossification of Caroticoclinoid Ligament in Dry Adult Human Skulls with its Surgical Implications: A Cross-sectional Study from Telangana Region, India
Authors: Rao K Ephraim Vikram , Avula Rama Devi , Sirikonda Parimala , Katikireddi Rajasekhar
Published: June 2023

Introduction: The caroticoclinoid ligament extends from the Anterior Clinoid Process (ACP) to the Middle Clinoid Process (MCP). Occasionally, it gets ossified and forms the caroticoclinoid foramen. Anterior clinoidectomy is a common surgical procedure to treat internal carotid artery aneurysms or pituitary tumours. Abnormal ossification of the caroticoclinoid ligament may lead to intraoperative or postoperative complications as it is not normally present. Aim: To find out the incidence of ossification of the caroticoclinoid ligament in adult human skulls. Materials and Methods: This was an observational crosssectional study that included 100 dry adult human skulls collected from the Department of Anatomy, Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad; Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad; Bhaskar Medical College, Moinabad, Telangana, India, from January 2021 to February 2023. Adult human skulls with open vault were included. All the skulls were observed and skulls damaged in the clinoid regions were excluded from the study. The skulls were observed for the presence of any ossifications of the caroticoclinoid ligaments and the observations were noted. The qualitative data was presented as number and percentage was calculated. The data was recorded in MS excel version 2021. Results: The incidence of ossification of caroticoclinoid ligament was 8 (8%). The incidence was higher on right-side when compared to the left-side. Bilateral complete ossification of the caroticoclinoid ligament was observed in 2 (2%) skulls; bilateral incomplete ossification was observed in 3 (3%) skulls, unilateral complete ossification was observed in 2 (2%) skulls on the right-side. In one skull 1 (1%), complete ossification was observed on the right-side and incomplete ossification was observed on the left-side. Conclusion: Knowledge of the ossification of the caroticoclinoid ligament is important for neurosurgeons while performing anterior clinoidectomies or skull base surgeries. Radiological confirmation of the ossification of the caroticoclinoid ligament is essential to avoid complications.
P2P Crowdfunding: An Alternative Source of Credit for Enhancing the Financial Inclusion of Small Holder Farmers
Authors: Handage Sushant , Chander Mahesh , Panda Pratikshya
Published: June 2023

Background: Indian agriculture is considered as a major source of livelihood generation for more than 58 percent of rural households. Credit is a pivotal element both in agricultural production and marketing system. Presently, most of the marginal and small farmers solely depend on localized lending models viz., village money-lenders who lend money to farmers for short term. The ministry of agriculture estimates that to double farmers’ income, private investment in agriculture must increase to two-fold. P2P crowdfunding is gaining grip at a very fast pace and gradually becoming an attractive investment option for investors.

Methods: This paper attempts to explore different aspects of P2P crowdfunding and its scope as an alternate source of credit for the small and marginal farmers. Based on secondary data analysis (2014-2022) from a number of research papers, RBI notifications, blogs and newspaper articles.

Results: It is evident that the global peer to peer (P2P) lending market size was valued at $67.93 billion in 2019, and is projected to reach $558.91 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 29.7% from 2020 to 2027. This type of funding option has tremendous potential to magnify agriculture capital markets by allowing agricultural firms to build value more efficiently and involve more people directly in food production. The paper distinguishes the advantages of P2P lending over traditional credit system and private lending that are predominant in agriculture. However, P2P lending has its own limitations that is also discussed. Additionally, companies as well as investors need to analyse crowdfunding options carefully as per its economic feasibility and structure so that it will lead to mutually beneficial investment relationships.
Status of Coconut Farmer Producer Companies (CPCs) in Western Tamil Nadu
Authors: Deepa N.
Published: June 2023

Coconut Producer Companies (CPC) are formed with the main objective of socio economic development of farmers by providing a fair, steady and reasonable income by organizing the unorganized coconut sector through farmer collectives. The specific objective of the study was to analyse the performance and to assess the problems faced by the CPCs in Western Tamil Nadu. For this study, the data was collected using Focus Group Discussion and personal interview. In India there are 67 registered CPCs, out of which 17 CPCs (25.4 percent) are from Tamil Nadu, in that nearly 15 percent are from Western Tamil Nadu. The study results showed that in Western Tamil Nadu majority (60 per cent) of the CPCs are financially supported by NABARD. All the CPCs are at the initial stage of its formation and having less than four years of its existence. Results also indicate that Majority of the CPCs are facing the problems of inadequate access to market, inadequate access to credit and weak financials at the initial stage. The study concluded                     that Unified Market License without payment of Mandi fees, convergence of resources for               creation of farm level infrastructure i.e. specific schemes may be introduced for different activities like transportation, grading etc. and also the benefit of equity fund and credit Guarantee fund scheme of SFAC s may be extended to all forms of CPCs to overcome the weak financial access at the initial stage.
Food and Feeding Habits of Schilbe mystus from the Lower River Benue at Makurdi
Authors: Kwaghvihi O. B. , Ikyo B. , Iorfa J. T.
Published: June 2023

A study on food and feeding habit of Schilbe mystus in the Lower River Benue at Makurdi, was carried out. Two hundred (200) fish samples were examined for stomach content. The body weight (WT), Total Length (TL) and Standard Length (SL) of each specimen was measured to the nearest gram and centimeters using a weighing balance and tape/ meter rule on a dissection board. The length weight relationship was determined by plotting a graph of Length-Weight. The gut for each fish specimen was cut open using a pair of scissors and scrapped onto a grease-free glass slide and examined for stomach contents and viewed microscopically. Result revealed the following food items; insects (64.42%), fish (20.2%), crustaceans (10.6%), detritus (15.4%) and unidentified materials (50.1%). Insects recorded the highest percentage in the stomach both on frequency of occurrence and gastro-somatic index methods while crustacean recorded the least percentage in both frequency of occurrence and gastro-somatic index. Smaller fish within the length range of 10.1-15.0 cm weighing between 0.1- 50 g were more of empty stomach (65.0% and 67.2%) than those with food (35.0% and 32.8%). Fish within the length range of 25.1- 30.0cm and 35.1- 40.0cm weighing 100.1- 200.0g and 200.1- 350.0g were found to contain stomach with full diet components, particularly insects, fish and crustaceans. Length weight relationship (LWR) and Length- length relationship (LLR) indicated that values of correlation coefficient (r2) are highly correlated, r2 > 0.7 and r2 > 0.8 at p < 0.05. Therefore, Schilbe mystus tropical features in the lower River Benue showed that it is a carnivorous and the pray type is influenced by their availability. This study provides data for the better understanding of the biology and ecology of Schilbe mystus in the Benue River which will also contribute to the development of aquaculture industry.
Therapeutic Activity of Phyto Ligands from Honey and Standard Drugs against Staphylococcus aureus PBP2a (5M19)
Authors: Enenche Anyebe David , Uzoeto Henrietta O. , Nelson Christian , Samuel Cosmas
Published: June 2023

Staphylococcus aureus is the most dangerous of all of the many common staphylococcal bacteria. These gram-positive, sphere-shaped (coccal) bacteria often cause skin infections but can cause pneumonia, heart valve infections, and bone infections and may be resistant to treatment with some antibiotics. Phenols were the most abundant phytochemical compounds and accounted for 25.8% of the phytochemical composition of the honey. The presence of these phytochemicals implied that the honey could have therapeutic properties like antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory activities. two out of the six tested compounds faulted the Lipinski rule of 5 which states that Hydrogen Bond Donor (HBD) < 5 Hydrogen –Bond Acceptor  (HBA) < , 10 Molecular Weight  < 500 < 500 Molecular weight, < 5 H-bond donors, <10 H-bond acceptors.< 10 number of rotatable bonds, and  < 140 Å2 PSA value In this study. favourable overall docking score was observed in the range of -3.085 to -8.724. Chlorogenic acid had the best docked score (lowest binding energy)when compared to the synthetic inhibitors and other phytoligands. The binding manners and geometrical orientation of the studied phyto ligand from Honey and standard drugs against Staphylococcus aureus PBP2a (5M19). The results revealed that, Chlorogenic acid  showed pivotal binding interactions with PBP2a, as it exhibited the best binding energy (-8.724 kcal/mol) compared with to standard drugs (Cefoxitin; -5.985 kcal/mol, Oxacillin; -5.222 kcal/mol and methiclin -3.08 kcal/mol) and other phytoligands (protocatechuic acid -4.473 kcal/mol and Hesperetin -4.191 kcal/mol) tested. Hence, Chlorogenic acid could be studied as promising lead candidates acting as allosteric effectors of PBP2a that might be subjecte d to further structural optimization to enhance their biological activity and hence been synthesized and tested to evaluate their actual biological activity.
An Enhanced Data Transmission in Mobile Banking Using LSB-AES Algorithm
Authors: Orucho Daniel Okari , Awuor Fredrick Mzee , Makiya Ratemo , Oduor Collins
Published: June 2023

The advent of mobile banking applications has transformed the way customers’ access banking services from brick-and-mortar to remote banking. The ubiquitous nature of this innovation has encouraged its adoption. This is because of improved banking services and accessibility to the services on a 24/7 basis using the internet. However, mobile banking applications are susceptible to numerous security threats and vulnerabilities that adversaries take advantage of to siphon money from bank customers. The aim of this study is to design and evaluate least significant bit and advanced encryption standard cryptography (LSB-AES) hybrid algorithm to protect data on transmission in mobile banking. This study employs data science research design, and performance evaluations demonstrated through simulations using MATLAB. Findings of this study can be applied to banks offering mobile banking across the world. This study utilized six color images from University of Southern California’s Signal and Image Processing Institute (USC-SIPI) dataset which were stored in Tagged Image File Format (TIFF). Contemporary steganographic systems utilize a minimum of 2 to 10 images for test simulations. Visual quality analysis of cover images and stego images was done using the following evaluation metrics: Mean Squared Error (MSE), Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), and histogram analysis. Security of the proposed algorithm was done using entropy analysis. MSE values of cover and stego images should be closer to zero and indicate that cover image is of good quality for embedding data. On the other hand, PSNR values should be more than 40 decibel (dB) which indicates good imperceptibility. Histogram analysis should demonstrate no visible distortions between the cover and stego image for it to be free from statistical attacks. Entropy analysis should yield values close to 8 for the algorithm to be robust. Results from the proposed LSB-AES hybrid algorithm evaluation metrics reveals that Mean Squared Error (MSE) values ranges from 0.0001297 to 0.0005646 while Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) values ranges from 80.65 to 87.71 and entropy values ranges from 6.295 to 7.762. Histogram analysis reveals that the cover and stego images are almost similar. These results infer that the proposed algorithm has good quality images with good imperceptibility and that the proposed algorithm is reliable, robust and secure for mobile banking. Entropy and histogram analysis results show that the proposed algorithm is resistant to Man-in-the-Middle attacks. This study recommends that legislation evaluates and amends security of mobile banking policies so that the proposed LSB-AES hybrid algorithm can be adopted as a secure solution for mobile banking.
Isolation of Antibacterial Compound from Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) against Enteropathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Mishra Sarvesh Kumar , Ash Krishna , Srivastava Shailendra Kumar
Published: June 2023

Hexane, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol extracts of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) were analyzed for determination of antibacterial activity against enteric-pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli, Shizella dysenteriae, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Vibrio cholerae using agar well diffusion method. Only acetone extract of all of them exhibited an inhibiting effect on the development of the tested strains. By using the disc diffusion method, the chosen pathogenic bacteria were examined for their pattern of antibiotic susceptibility.  A comparison of antibiotics and acetone extract was performed. It was discovered that  acetone extract found to be remarkable sensitivity against the test pathogens, total 37 fractions were obtained from the fractionization of acetone extract through column chromatography and found 4 major and 13minor compounds were obtained through Thin Layer Chromatography method. Antibacterial activity of different fractions was determined by spot assay technique. The fractions 1, 7, 13, and 21 demonstrated the greatest antibacterial activity when tested against the test pathogens out of all the fractions collected. Octadecanoic acid and methyl ester were found in the fraction number 13 according to the results of the Gas Chromatography Mass Specrometry.  Stearic acid methyl ester obtained from the acetone extract of Ocimum sanctum has been recommended for human trials against various bacterial infections.
Influence of Cropping System and Nutrient Management Practices on the Yield, and Economics of Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum]
Authors: Iraiyanban A. Ajay Arockia , Manuel R. Isaac , Joseph P. A. , Kumar P. Dinesh
Published: June 2023

The Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of cropping systems and nutrient management practices on the yield, and economics of pearl millet in the School of Agricultural Science, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, India). The experiments were laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with two factors (Cropping system and Nutrient management) and three replications for two consecutive seasons in 2022-23. The study comprised three cropping system treatments namely C1 – Sole Pearl millet cropping, C2 - Pearl millet + Black gram intercropping (1:1), C3 – Pearl millet + Cowpea intercropping (1:1) along with four nutrient management treatments viz., N1 - 100% Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) @80:40:40 kg of N, P2O5, and K2O/ha., N2– 75% RDF + Azospirillum @2kg/ha and Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) @2kg/ha, N3 – 75% RDF + Soil application of Azospirillum (2kg/ha) and PSB  (2kg/ha) + Foliar spray of 2% urea @ 15 and 35 days after transplanting (DAT), N4 – 75% RDF + Soil application of Azospirillum (2kg/ha) and PSB (2kg/ha) + Foliar spray of Panchagavya3% @ 15 and 35 DAT. The results of the experiment revealed that the intercropping of black gram or cowpea in pearl millet proves to be beneficial and advantageous in terms of, grain yield and returns per rupee invested, rather than going for the sole cropping of pearl millet. On the other hand, reduced application of inorganic recommended dose of fertilizers by 25% with the inclusion of biofertilizers like Azospirillum and phosphate solubilizing bacteria, along with the foliar application of 2% urea or 3% Panchagavya will be an economically viable and environmentally sustainable nutrient management practice for improving the yield of pearl millet.
Assessment of Crop Weather Relations in Wheat (Triticum aestivum) in Western Maharashtra Plain Zone
Authors: Satish Misal Suraj , Bhambhar Kharbade Sattappa , Yadavrao Wankhede Sachin , Shaikh Abdul Aziz , Balasubramanian R. , Dadaji Jadhav Jaywant
Published: June 2023

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a thermo-sensitive long-day crop. Temperature is a major determinant of its growth and productivity. Late sown wheat exposes preanthesis phenological events to high temperature that influence grain development and ultimately the yield [1]. Comprehensive assessments of the influence of climate variability on crop yields at local and regional scales can be highly beneficial. With an aim to assess the weather influences on wheat at local scale this study was taken up. An experiment was conducted at Department of Agricultural Meteorology Farm, College of Agriculture, Pune, Maharashtra State (India) in a split-plot design with three replications and sixteen treatment combinations of four different varieties and four sowing windows. Four varieties used were NIAW-301 (Trymbak ), NIAW-917 (Tapovan), NIAW-1415 (Netravati) and NIAW-1994 (Phule Samadhan). Four sowings were taken up on 43rd MW (22-28 October), 45th MW (5-11November), 47th MW (19-25 November) and 49th MW (3-9 December). The grain yield of wheat was influenced significantly by wheat varieties. The grain yields were significantly higher in NIAW-1994 (51.07 and 48.52 qha-1) and significantly superior to the rest of the wheat varieties. This was followed by NIAW-917(45.72 and 43.43qha-1), NIAW-301(43.57 and 41.27 q ha-1). The variety NIAW-1415 recorded significantly lower grain yield (40.89 and 38.84 qha-1) during 2016 and 2017, respectively. Correlation analysis with weather parameters e.g. Temperature (Maximum and Minimum), Relative humidity (Morning and Evening), Rainfall and bright sunshine hours and yield showed that from tillering to 50% flowering stage, maximum temperature (-0.962*) was significantly negatively correlated with grain yield (r = -0.980**), (r =-0.950**) during 2016 and 2017, respectively in NIAW-301 (Trymbak ). The same trend was observed in the remaining varieties also. Regression equations were developed to predict the yield.
Influence of Phosphorus and Potassium on Yield and Economics of Lentil (Lens culinaris L.)
Authors: Sahithi Narisetty , Singh Rajesh , Indu Thakur
Published: June 2023

The field experiment was conducted during Rabi season 2022 at experimental field of Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India to verify the effect of phosphorus and potassium on lentil. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH7.3), low in organic carbon (0.36%), available nitrogen (171.57 kg/ha), available phosphorus (15.40 kg/ha) and available potassium (232.7 kg/ha). The treatments consist of 3 levels of Phosphorus 30, 40, 50 kg/ha and Potassium 15, 20, 25 kg/ha. The experiment was layout in Randomized Block Design with 9 treatments each replicated thrice. Significantly higher yield attributes namely seeds/pod (2.27), pods/plant (91.90), seed yield (1847.93 kg/ha), stover yield (2948.20 kg/ha), maximum gross return (112200.00 INR/ha), net return (81025.00 INR/ha) and B: C ratio (2.59) were obtained highest in (Phosphorus 50 kg/ha + Potassium 25 kg/ha).
Effect of Boron and Zinc on Growth, Yield and Quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) F1 Hybrid
Authors: Yamini P. , Prasad V. M.
Published: June 2023

The field experiment was conducted during Rabi season in the year 2021-2022 at post graduate Horticulture Experimental farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to study the foliar application of different micro-nutrient treatments on Okra cv. Sahnaaj. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 9 treatments and 3 replications. Okra plants were treated with (boron and zinc) subjected to growth, yield and quality parameters and showed better results in combination treatment T7 [0.3% Boron + (RDF 100:40:100)] the treatment whereas minimum was observed in T0 (control).
Evaluation of Changes in Temperature Extremes in Vamsadhara River Basin, Odisha, India
Authors: Kumari Ritu , Thomas T. , Chandola V. K.
Published: June 2023

With an emphasis on extreme events, several climate change indices that were derived from daily temperature data were computed and studied. Odisha is a coastal state of India which is severely prone to extreme events. With climate change, extreme events are also increasing in the world especially in coastal regions. Vamsadhara river basin which is situated at Odisha is selected for the study. The objective of this study was to compute and analyze the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI) extreme indices using CLIMPACT software. 14 temperature indices were used to analyze the signals of climate change in the study area. The IMD data for the period 1961-2022 has been used for the study. The trend detection of indices was done through Mann-Kendall test and magnitude of trend was calculated using Sen’s Slope estimator. The result showed that warm days (TX90), Diurnal temperature range (DTR) and Warm Spell Duration Index (WSDI) are increasing with 1%, 10% and 1% level of significance respectively. This indicates that indices associated with warming are increasing in river basin. The cold night (TX10) indices found to be decreasing with 10% level of significance and TNx showed a negative trend at 10% level of significance.
Effect of Micronutrients and Bioinoculants on Seed Yield and Seed Quality of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) under Kymore Plateau Zone
Authors: Singh Pragya , Sharma D. P.
Published: June 2023

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most extensively cultivated and economically important spice crops worldwide. Chilli is an economically important crop cultivated worldwide for its valuable fruits. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of micronutrients and bioinoculants on seed yield and quality of chilli. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD-Factorial) with three replications and twenty treatments, including four micronutrients (M1-M5) and three bioinoculants (B0-B3). The interaction effect of micronutrients and bioinoculants was found to be significant in enhancing the chilli seed yield and quality. The treatment combination M5B3 (ZnSO4 (0.2%) + Trichoderma viride (TV) + Pseudomonas fluorescens (PF) + Azotobacter chroococcum (AC) (2.5 kg/ha +2.5 kg/ha+ 5.0 kg/ha)) showed the highest improvement. Therefore, it can be inferred that a combination of micronutrients and bioinoculants is recommended for increasing the seed yield and quality of chilli.
Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Bacteria Isolated from Stored Water in Some Residential Homes
Authors: Chibuike Okafor, Afam , Owhonka Aleruchi, , K Robinson, Victor , Chibunze Chinagorom, C.
Published: June 2023

The right to water is a basic human right, but if the water is contaminated with microbes, it defeats the purpose of providing safe water and good health. Containers used to store water at home can be sources of microorganism. This study assesses the bacterial pollution of stored water in different homes and the antimicrobial pattern of the bacterial isolates. About 30 samples comprising of 15 storage water cans and 15 swabs from respective storage cans in 5 different homes were used in this study. Spread plate technique was used to enumerate the microbial distribution. Biochemical tests were also conducted to confirm the presence of microorganisms. The total heterotrophic bacterial count ranged between 1.4x106 to 1.55x107CFU/ml, total coliform count ranged between 0.00 ×103 to 2.0×105 CFU/ml, total fungal count ranged between 1.0×103 to 8.0×104 CFU/ml. The nine bacterial isolates from water samples belonged to Staphylococcus sp, Micrococcus sp, Proteus sp, Bacillus sp, Klebsiella sp, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp, Enterobacter sp, and Shigella sp.  The frequency occurrences of the isolates were 11.5%, 7.6%, 11.5%, 19.2%, 7.6%, 7.6%, 3.8%, 19.2% and 11.5% respectively. The 8 bacterial isolates from swab samples belonged to Bacillus sp, Staphylococcus sp, Shigella sp, Vibro sp, Escherichia coli, Proteus sp, Enterobacter sp and Aeromonas sp. The frequency occurrences of the isolates were 19.2%, 19.2%, 11.5%, 7.6%, 19.2%, 11.5%, 7.6% and 3.8% respectively. The presence of Klebsiella sp., Proteus sp, Enterobacter sp. and S. aureus in the water source have been known to cause diverse disease on human beings, such as skin infections, wound infections, urinary tract infections, gastroenteritis and respiratory tract infections, therefore there is need for regular washing of water containers used for water storage. The antibiogram showed that ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin and gentamicin are the most effective antibiotics, thus, they are recommended for treatment of infections.
Influence of Inorganic Fertilizers in Conjunction with Organic Manures on Growth, Yield and Quality of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica)
Authors: Kumar Sudarshan , Kumar Mahesh , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Chaudhary Santosh Kumar , Prabhakar Manikant , Choudhary Shiv Kumar
Published: June 2023

A research work was conducted in the research farm of Nalanda College of Horticulture, Noorsarai, Nalanda (Bihar-803113) during Rabi season of academic year 2021-22 to study the Influence of Inorganic Fertilizers in conjunction with organic manures on growth, yield and Quality of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica) in a randomized block design with 11 treatments. The Treatment, T5 (50% RDN + 50% N as PM) recorded maximum values for plant height (37.41cm and 56.13 cm), number of leaves per plant (16.53 and 20.11), leaf area (749.51cm2 and 949.57 cm2) at 45 DAT and 60DAT respectively. The treatment, T5 also recorded least days for head initiation (44.60 DAT) and highest value for diameter of head (15.93 cm), length of head (14.97 cm), wt. of head/plant (407.16 gm), wt. of head/plot (16.29Kg.), wt. of head/ha (150.65q.), vitamin C (92.43 mg/g), dry matter (11.57%), gross returns (Rs. 4,14,287.50/ha) and net returns (Rs. 3,19,448.00/ha) with B:C ratio of 3.36. This was followed by treatment T4 (50% RDN + 50% N as VC). Among all the treatments, the Treatment T5 (50% RDN + 50% N as PM) was found to be the best for obtaining better growth and optimum yield. Regarding qualitative characters and better soil health, treatment T4 (50% RDN + 50% N as VC) performed well.
Effect of Foliar Application of Boron and Silicon on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Kumar Pinninti Ajay , Mehera Biswarup , Kumar Prateek
Published: June 2023

This field experiment was carried out during Zaid season 2022 at experimental field of Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology& Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH7.3), low in organic carbon (0.48%), available nitrogen (230 kg/ha), available phosphorus (13.60 kg/ha) and available potassium (215.4 kg/ha).. Ten treatments, each replicated three times, were used in the one-year experiment, which was set up using a randomised block design. The results of the study showed that the treatment B3 (100 ppm) + Si3 (700 ppm) significantly increased plant height (193.66 cm), the number of leaves per plant (12.83), the dry weight of the plant (93.61 g/plant), and yield attributes such as the number of cobs per plant (3.4), the length of the cob (20.94 cm), the number of rows per cob (15.6), and the number of grains per cob (534.2). The yield parameters of Seed index (30.7), Grain yield (6.98 t/ha), and Straw yield (14.73 t/ha) were considerably greater with the same treatment B3 (100 ppm) + Si3 (700 ppm).
Effect of Different Indole Butyric Acid Concentrations on Air Layering in Olive (Olea europaea L.)
Authors: Manoj Achanta , Joseph Annjoe V. , Bahadur Vijay , Naveen Kamatala
Published: June 2023

The present investigation was carried out in the Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj in August 2022 to December 2022. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the best IBA concentrations among different concentrations of IBA for producing best layering and survival percentage in Olive. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design having 8 treatments and replicated 3 times. The treatment T4 in which IBA 4000 ppm was applied for air layering was found to be best in terms of shoot and root parameters observed, i.e., Number of days to root formation (46.11), Number of roots per layer (7.33), Root length (6.73 cm), Root thickness (1.66 mm), Number of new sprouts (2.67-1MAP, 3.89-2MAP & 5.67-3MAP), length of new shoot (2.78cm-1MAP, 3.73cm-2MAP & 5.44cm-3MAP), Number of new leaves (7.22-1MAP, 10.78-2MAP & 16.56-3MAP) and survival percentage (50.89%) in air layered olive plants, whereas minimum values were recorded in T8 (control). It can be inferred from this study that, the use of IBA 4000 ppm was effective to produce better root and shoot parameters and successful establishment of air layers in olive.
Assessing the Influence of Variations in Chemical Composition of Cement Brands in Ghana on their Setting and Workability of Concrete
Authors: Thomas Akyen , Kankam Charles Kwame , Awine Nnaa Kelvin
Published: June 2023

The reliance on inferior on cement products for the construction of housing projects and other civil engineering infrastructural facilities has led to a number of building and other structural failures in Ghana over the years. The manufacturing of concrete utilized in the building of various structural member, such as columns, beams, slabs, footings and wall, was negatively impacted by the use of low-quality cements, rendering them unable to sustain any loads placed on them. Another observation made from the cement used was the inadequate proportioning of the chemical compounds during the manufacturing process which has negatively affected the setting of the concrete contributing to poor performance of structural elements in buildings and other infrastructural projects. In this research, the impacts of the variations in chemical constituents including SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, Na2O, K2O, CaO, MgO, and SO3 in the different brands on setting times of cement and workability of fresh concrete were examined. The Vicat apparatus and the slump apparatus set-ups were used to measure the setting time and concrete workability respectively. It was found that the majority of the chemical compounds of the various cement brands evaluated in this research provided appreciable setting time as well as typical and acceptable consistencies. Most cement brands showed initial and final setting times between 30 and 271-306 minutes for cements in the 32.5R class. The initial and final setting times generated by the test were likewise observed to fall within 30 minutes and between 172-263 minutes, respectively, in the 42.5R class of cements, where a similar pattern was also observed. It was noted that for the same water-cement-ratio in all the concretes from the different brands of cement, good workability was obtained.
Free Radical Scavenging Activity and Phytochemical Investigation of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Dryopteris dilatata
Authors: Akpotu Ajirioghene E. , Ghasi Samuel I. , Ajibo Doris N. , Ike Amalachukwu O. , Akhator Amenotie Joy , Enya Joseph Igbo , Onyeleonu Ijeoma
Published: June 2023

Bioactive constituents are the active ingredients of herbal product such as Dryopteris dilataa that possess therapeutic efficacies in the treatment and management of several diseases. Thus, we evaluated different concentration of the free radical scavenging activity and phytochemical constituents of ethanol and sub-extracts of Dryopteris dilatata (Dd) leaves such as butane, hexane and benzene. Phytochemicals analysis was determined on the ethanol extract of Dryopteris dilatata sub-extracts using standard principles, also free radical scavenging capacity of the ethanol extract for Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), hydroxyl radical scavenging assay (OH), superoxide radical scavenging assay (SSRA), 2,2--Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH), 2, 2'-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphoric acid scavenging activity (ABTS) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay (TBA) was done using standard protocols. Results of the phytochemical analysis revealed flavonoids and cardiac glycosides in all extracts, terpenoid, phytosterol, alkaloid, tannins and saponin constituents were present in ethanol, butane and hexane extracts and absent in benzene extract, phenols is present in only hexane extract but absent in all other extracts, glycerols is present in only benzene extracts while phlobotannin and carbohydrate are absent in all extracts. The plant ethanol extract revealed statistically significant at P<0.05 capacity for (FRAP), (OH), (SSRA), (DPPH), (ABTS), (TA). The study therefore suggest that the plant extract could lead to producing therapeutic agent in the treatment and management of several disorders that are attributed to reactive species and oxidative stress.
Soil Erosion in Northern Nigeria: Potential Impact and Possible Solution: A Review
Authors: Bizi Abdulrahman Bulama , Sidi Yusuf Dawa
Published: June 2023

Aim: This research aims to discuss the environmental soil erosion problem in northern Nigeria: their potential impact and possible solution for sustainable agriculture and livelihood management

Methods: This research was carried out by reviewing the literature. The data were derived from; books, journals, internet and conference reports, and Google Scholar, and some university library catalog was used to search the literature. The search terms used are soil erosion, climate change, land degradation, Sahel, drylands, soil conservation, agroforestry, and sustainable land management.

Results: This paper reviewed environmental problems such as soil erosion which are generally considered as the most serious consequences and their impact will remain the main issues for the 21st century. Soil loss will however be prevented or decreased by appropriate crop management such as cover cropping, multiple cropping, and high-density planting. Cover crops have certainly influenced the properties of physical soil which include infiltration rate, moisture content, bulk density, increase organic matter content, the levels of Nitrogen (N) by use of Nitrate (N2) fixing legumes, exchange of cation capacity and crop yields.

Conclusion: The use of cover crops, multiple cropping, agroforestry, and conservation tillage are provided as some of the effective means of controlling soil erosion in the northern part of Nigeria. Therefore, the recommendation here is that the government extension services should incorporate farmers in the affected areas.
Hospital Use and Mortality Among Decarcerated Individuals With Substance Use Disorder After a Large-scale COVID-19 Emergency Prison Release Program
Authors: Treitler Peter , Nowels Molly , Feder Kenneth A. , Saloner Brendan , Reeves Rusty , DeBilio Lisa , Crystal Stephen
Published: June 2023

This cohort study examines hospital use and mortality among persons with substance use disorder (SUD) who were released from New Jersey state prisons after a COVID-19 emergency prison release program.
An Investigation into the Microstructural Response to Flexural Stresses of a Metastable β‐Phase Ti Alloy produced by Blended Elemental Powder Metallurgy
Authors: Naseri Ryan , Mitchell David R. G. , Gazder Azdiar A. , Niessen Frank , Nancarrow Mitchell J. B. , Savvakin Dmytro G. , Pereloma Elena
Published: June 2023

A Ti‐10V‐3Al‐3Fe metastable β Ti alloy is strained under three‐point bending conditions according to the ASTM E290‐14 standard. A combination of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) mapping and high‐resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is used to investigate the microstructural response to flexural stress. Results reveal a delayed formation of the deformation products, due to the load‐bearing capacity of the constituent voids. The deformation products are confined in narrow bands on either side of the fracture surface. {332}⟨113⟩ twinning system is identified as the primary deformation mode followed by the formation of α″ martensite both in β matrix and β twins. Accommodation of the microscopic strain arising from the development of α″ structure and β‐twinning triggers the formation of fine deformation‐induced ω plates, which are observed predominantly at the interfacial plane of β/β
twin and β/α″, and also in the interior of the β twins.
Micropore Evolution and Damage Behavior of Rapid‐Solidified Al–Zn–Mg–Cu Alloy during Hot Plastic Forming
Authors: Zhao Yan , Zhang Zhen , Hou Lin , Cong Hailong , Li Haichao
Published: June 2023

Rapid‐solidified Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys possess widespread application prospects owing to their excellent properties, particularly high specific strength. Nevertheless, their further development for use as advanced structural parts is significantly limited by their intrinsic porosity. Herein, the flow stress subroutine and micropore evolution model are combined to predict the cracking and damage behavior of a rapidly solidified Al–Zn–Mg–Cu disk‐shaped part during hot forging. The results reveal that the damage to the part during plastic forming is inversely proportional to the relative density. Reasonable matching between the height‐to‐diameter ratio (H/D) and the initial relative density is the key factor in avoiding cracking and damage to the part. The closure sequence of the micropores is from the center to the outside of the billet. A billet with an H/D of 1 and initial relative density of 0.95 can reach full density after forming, and a damage‐free part can be obtained. These simulation results are verified by analyzing the microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of the actual forged part.
Metal Particle Composite Hardening in Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.90Zr0.10O3 Piezoceramics
Authors: Zheng Mupeng , Zhao Changhao , Yan Xiaodong , Khachaturyan Ruben , Zhuo Fangping , Hou Yudong , Koruza Jurij
Published: June 2023

Hard‐type piezoceramics are key materials in high‐power transducers and transformers. Acceptor doping is the most widely used piezoelectric hardening approach, but the mobility of oxygen vacancies at large electric fields or at high temperatures inevitably leads to the deterioration of hardening performance. The present study proposes a new hardening method associated with intragranular metal particles for achieving strong pinning of ferroelectric domain walls. Highly effective piezoelectric hardening via intragranular Ag particles in Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.90Zr0.10O3 ceramic is realized, where the mechanical quality factor Qm and the coercive field Ec increase by 170% and 53%, respectively. The Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.90Zr0.10O3/0.10Ag sample features a larger high‐power mechanical quality factor than the pure Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.90Zr0.10O3. Moreover, the piezoelectric properties (d31 and k31) of the Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.90Zr0.10O3/0.10Ag sample show exceptional stability with the increase in vibration velocity. This composite approach of introducing metal particles can be considered as a generic hardening method and can be extended to other ferroelectric systems.
Practical Classification of Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reactions: Optimization Strategies and Mechanistic Analysis
Authors: Du Mingxuan , Li Deng , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Yan Junqing
Published: June 2023

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the core reaction of fuel cell/metal–air battery at the cathode, and it is of great significance to develop high‐performance ORR catalyst. Generally speaking, ORR catalysts are classified according to the class of materials they use, which often makes it difficult for different types of catalysts to have a clear connection with some unified optimization mechanism and creates difficulties in designing improvement strategies. Here, this review proposes three major strategies that can affect the activity of ORR catalysts: designing morphology, defect control, and heteroatom doping. The core content of this review is to analyze the principles of various optimization strategies that affect the performance of catalysts individually or synergistically at the micro level. In addition, the problems and challenges still faced in the design of ORR catalysts are sorted out, and possible solutions are proposed. This review makes the research direction of ORR catalysts clearer, and provides theoretical support and new ideas for the design of high‐efficiency electrocatalysts.
Electronic and Vacancy Engineering of Mo–RuCoOx Nanoarrays for High‐Efficiency Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Yujing , Lu Ruihu , Wang Cheng , Zhao Yan , Qi Limin
Published: June 2023

Exploring efficient strategies to achieve novel high‐efficiency catalysts for water splitting is of great significance to develop hydrogen energy technology. Herein, unique molybdenum (Mo)‐doped ruthenium–cobalt oxide (Mo–RuCoOx) nanosheet arrays are prepared as a high‐performance bifunctional electrocatalyst toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) through combining electronic and vacancy engineering. Theoretical calculations and experimental results reveal that the incorporation of Ru and Mo can effectively tune the electronic structure, and the controllable Mo dissolution coupling with the oxygen vacancy generation during surface reconstruction is able to optimize the adsorption energy of hydrogen/oxygen intermediates, thus greatly accelerating the kinetics for both HER and OER. As a result, the Mo–RuCoOx nanoarrays exhibit remarkably low overpotentials of 41 and 156 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for HER and OER in 1 m KOH, respectively. Furthermore, the two‐electrode electrolyzer assembled by the Mo–RuCoOx nanoarrays requires a cell voltage as low as 1.457 V to achieve 10 mA cm−2 for alkaline overall water splitting. This work holds great promise to develop novel and highly active electrocatalysts for future energy conversion applications.