bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Availability of Information and Communication Technology among the Agricultural Line Department Officials of Odisha
Authors: Sajeev Bhavana , Mohapatra B. P.
Published: December 2022

To evaluate the availability of information and communication technology among the agricultural department staff in the year 2021, a study was carried out in the Khordha district of the state of Odisha. The stratified random sample approach was used to choose 105 respondents for the current study, comprising 22 district level, 59 block level and 24 village level agricultural officers. Ex-post facto research design was employed for the study while taking into consideration the sampling method. The data collected was statistically analysed using frequency, percentage and mean score. The study found that the majority of the district level officers (100%) had the availability of Microsoft package, a laptop, internet services, social media, e-mail, web-based search engines, a modem, a mobile phone, headphones, a television and video conferencing and block level officers (100%) had the availability of Microsoft package, a laptop, internet services, social media, e-mail, web-based search engines, a modem, a mobile phone, a television and videoconferencing whereas the village level agricultural officers (100%) had the availability of only mobile phone and television. A functioning in the ICT tools can be handled with good awareness and training dependable electricity in the workplaces.
Constraints Faced by Administrators in Effective Functioning of Selected ICTs Based Agristart-ups through Garrett Ranking Analysis
Authors: Shrivastava Kalpna , Bisht Kamini , Naberia Seema
Published: December 2022

Agri-startups is the use of technology in agriculture, horticulture and aqua-culture with the aim of improving yield, efficiency and profitability. Agri-startup can be products, services or applications derived from agriculture that improve various input, output process. In adoption of technology through digital platforms is critical towards transforming India’s agriculture. For this goal ICTs based agristart-ups are established for proper utilization of resources and increase employment and farmers income. The investigation was conducted in four ICT based agristart-ups which established in Indore district of Madhya Pradesh based on their agricultural and allied activities, to identify the constraints faced by administrators for effective functioning of agristart-ups. For this purpose descriptive research design was used and data was collected through 80 administrator with structured questionnaire, which were selected by simple random sampling method with replacement. Major constraints reported by administrator was unsupportive bank officials and poor co-operation, which was analyzed through the garrett ranking method.
Influence of Plant Health Clinic Advisory Services on Potato Production among Smallholder Farmers in Molo Sub-County, Kenya
Authors: Chepkoech Beatrice , Maina Stephen W. , Ng’eno Joel K.
Published: December 2022

Potato is one of the most widely cultivated crops in Kenya and a crucial source of income and food. Despite the importance, potato production has been constrained by pests and diseases resulting in low yields and returns among the smallholder farmers precise those in Molo Sub-County. Plant health clinic advisory services are extension services that benefit farmers in terms of changes in knowledge, skills and management of crop pests and diseases leading to production improvement. Although are considered important mechanism in solving plant health problems, not much is known about their influence on potato production. This study sought to determine the influence of plant health clinic advisory services on potato production among smallholder farmers in Molo Sub County, Kenya. The study used a cross section survey design. The accessible population of the study was 6000 smallholder potato farmers and 10 key informants. Simple random sampling was used to select a sample of 152 respondents from four wards and purposive sampling for key informant. Data collected were analyzed using frequency tables, percentages and multiple regression analysis. Frequency of contact with adviser, use of advisory services, usefulness of plant health clinic services and type of advisory information access were found to have statistically significant influence on potato production p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.007 and p = 0.000 respectively with R2 = 0.618. The study recommendation is that the Ministry of Agriculture in the study area should enhance the provision of plant health clinic advisory services to potato farmers in the area. This could help in the identification of possible areas of intervention in utilization and access so as to improve potato production.
Can Noninvasive Tests Substitute Endoscopy for Diagnosis of Colonic Diseases?
Authors: Zaki Mohamed Mahmoud , Elfert Asem , Soliman Hanan , Hawash Nehad
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims: Fecal calprotectin was approved as a non-invasive screening tool for organic colonic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate fecal calprotectin and inflammatory indices as non-invasive markers for diagnosing and differentiating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) in comparison to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a cohort of Egyptian patients.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, fecal calprotectin, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic inflammatory index (SII) were assessed in 40 IBD patients, 40 CRC patients, and 20 IBS patients.

Results: Fecal calprotectin was significantly higher in IBD and CRC groups compared to IBS control group (P= 0.018 and 0.022 respectively), with no significant difference between IBD and CRC groups. PLR, NLR and SII showed no significant differences between the 3 studied groups (P= 0.469, 0.101 and 0.84 respectively). At a cut-off value 113, fecal calprotectin had the ability to differentiate CRC patients from IBS patients with 75% sensitivity and 60% specificity, while At cut-off value of 116, fecal calprotectin had the ability to differentiate IBD patients from IBS patients with 67.5% sensitivity and 65% specificity.

Conclusion: Inflammatory indices tested in our study (PLR, NLR, SII) showed no role for the differentiation between IBD, CRC, and IBS. Fecal calprotectin should be used with caution as a primary step for screening of colonic diseases as it cannot differentiate IBD from CRC. It has only moderate sensitivity in differentiating IBD and CRC from IBS. Unfortunately, neither fecal calprotectin nor inflammatory indices can substitute endoscopy in the screening or diagnosis of IBD and CRC.
Bankruptcy Prediction for Cement Industry in India Using Altman Z Score Model
Authors: Nimbalkar Pramod , Nagendra Marisetty
Published: December 2022

This study is to throw light on the financial performance of selected companies. It is based on Altman's Z score model, particularly for investigating financial soundness. It shows that most of the companies are not in good financial health. To improve the industry's business performance, the companies' financial stability should be maintained appropriately. Moreover, to improve financial performance, technological & managerial up-gradation is required. The general purpose of the study was to use Altman's Z-score model in predicting the corporate failure of financially distressed companies. In this study, we consider selecting ten cement companies for five years and analyzing their bankruptcy prediction. Using Altman's Z score formula, we calculate various factors affecting the company's financial health.
A Qualitative Narrative of the Lived Experiences of Informal Settlements Dwellers within Port Harcourt Municipality during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Brown Ibama , Eyenghe Tari
Published: December 2022

The formation of informal settlements is increasing rapidly, especially in some developing economies such as the Port Harcourt Municipality in Nigeria. These settlements are vulnerable to several urban challenges from natural and anthropogenic disasters, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The landscape of Port Harcourt Municipality is inundated with the proliferation of informal urban settlements especially around its southern fringes, which has engendered these settlements to become vulnerable to the vagaries of any occurring disaster such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study attempts to unfold residents' lived experiences in these informal settlements to get the narratives of their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of forty-one (41) informal settlements were identified, out of which three (3) of those settlements (Okrika, Nembe and Ibadan) were selected purposively due to ease of accessibility, safety and spread around the municipality. The study adopted the qualitative approach by applying semi-structured interviews with key informants in these selected informal settlements. A total of nine (9) key informants were selected, with three (3) comprising the head of the community development committee (CDC), Youth and Women representatives from each settlement were interviewed. In addition, photographs of these selected informal settlements were taken to depict the characteristics of those settlements. Content analysis was used to analyse the outcome of the interviews. Some key findings include poor orientation of residents regarding disease spread, no effective urban renewal scheme to improve residents' quality of life, no proper planning of those settlements and residents were not included in the planning of those settlements. This study recommends proper enlightenment of residents regarding the management of disease spread. The provision of sustainable measures that will build resilience and adaptive capacities for the dwellers and continuous urban renewal schemes to ensure the provision of basic social infrastructure that would improve the residents' quality of life. However, the study concludes that the identification and characterisation of informal settlements will provide a better understanding and knowledge of the settlements as a resource to improve the social and economic conditions of the dwellers, distribution of infrastructural facilities and services, and wealth, thereby enhancing the quality of life and wellbeing of the residents and the general urban affairs as this will equally present opportunities for proper urban planning and management.
Human Health Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Water Samples around Eket Metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Akpan Akanimo Dianabasi , Okori Bassey Sam-Uket , Ekpechi Daniel Chiejina
Published: December 2022

Aims: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are very toxic and persistent environmental contaminants. The paper is aimed at investigating the cancer risk exposure of PAHs in borehole water collected around five automobile repair workshops within Eket metropolis.

Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected between June - August (2018) in wet season and November (2018) – January (2019) in dry season from boreholes around the vicinity of five automobile repair workshops within Eket metropolis. 

Methodology: The water samples were prepared in the laboratory following standard procedures and analysed for 16 United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) priority PAHs using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometer (GC–MS). A total of fifteen PAH congeners were detected in the samples.

Results: Total PAHs concentrations in borehole water from all sampling sites were in the range of 1.71–16.07 mg/L and 1.07–12.97 mg/L for both dry and wet seasons respectively. The low PAHs levels recorded in water for the wet season was linked to dilution effect. Low molecular weight PAHs were more dominant in all samples. The estimated cancer risks of exposure to PAHs by ingestion in the water samples ranged from 7.10 × 10-7 to 1.12 × 10-4 and 6.76 × 10-6 to 3.69 × 10-1 for adults and children respectively in both seasons. The estimated cancer risks due to dermal exposure to PAHs in the water samples ranged from to 7.18 × 10-3 to 1.07 × 10-1 and 5.67 × 10-3 to 1.08 × 10-1 for adults and children respectively in both seasons. 

Conclusion: Carcinogenic risks due to dermal exposure calculated for both adults and children were higher than the US EPA acceptable cancer risk and much higher for children, which suggest that children could be prone to cancer and need to be monitored.
Ecological Evaluation of Natural Resources: A Baseline Study of Sustainable Livelihood Capital in Parts of Ilaje Riparian Community, Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Gbayisemore O. O. , Edwin-Wosu N. L. , Osuji L. C.
Published: December 2022

Aim: This study was aimed at evaluating the Ilaje coastal biodiversity scenarios and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Study Design:  A Participatory Rapid Appraisal and purposive random sampling technique were adapted.

Place and Duration of Study: Field sampling: Parts of Ilaje littoral community in Ondo State, Nigeria, between September 2020 and October 2021.

Methodology: Data analyses by descriptive analytical tools and Likert-Type scale 7 point and 5 point levels of agreements.

Result: Result of the natural resources biodiversity has recorded 20 representative flora diversity under 12 families across sampled communities, diverse representative fauna in Odonla (28), Ikorigho (14), Molutehin (10), Odun-Igo (8) and Awoye (3). The biodiversity composition has indicated Fishes as the highest resource among others particularly in Awoye with the highest percentage, while the highest mangrove livelihood of 50% for housing in Molutehin which also recorded with Awoye a highest (44%) alternative income source in trading among other communities.

Conclusion: this study was significant while providing a better understanding of the biodiversity scenarios and sustainable livelihoods associated with the Ilaje riparian community and their ecosystem interaction.
The Possible Solutions to Three Dimensions of Educational Reform in China
Authors: Cai Ping , Fa Hongliang , Yen Tsai-Fa (TF)
Published: December 2022

The application-oriented colleges and universities must implement the policy of vocational education reform in order to train practical talents. At the same time, they also face many three dimensions of educational reform (TDER) problems in the implementation of vocational education reform. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to clarify the TDER’s problems through literature review, and put forward countermeasures. Based on this, three dimensions of educational reform were taken as key words for literature retrieval, and a total of 20 literatures within the past three years were obtained. Then, the subsequent analysis and induction are conducted. Findings show that the essence of the TDER is how teachers can impart their professional knowledge to students in a reasonable and orderly way through textbooks and teaching methods, so as to achieve the teaching objectives of the course. Future research can be followed by teaching methods improvement of different types of majors and courses.
Effects of Blood Meal Inclusion Diet on Growth Performance, Feed Utilization and Survival Rate of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) in Concrete Pond
Authors: Chioma B. Mbagwu , Ibeawuchi R. Keke , Peter U. Okorie
Published: December 2022

The inclusion of blood meal as a substitution for commercial fishmeal in the practical fish diets was evaluated in Clarias gariepinus juveniles (initial weight: 11.45±0.25g and initial length: 9.00±0.91cm) for a period of 39 weeks. The proximate analysis of blood meal had 50.04%, 4.95%, 0.98%, 3.05%, 16.51% and 19.00% representing value of crude protein, lipid, fibre, ash, moisture and nitrogen free extract, respectively. Five isonitrogenous diets (40% crude protein) containing  fishmeal which was replaced by blood meal at graded level of 0% as control, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%  were formulated. A total of 300 juveniles were used and randomly distributed into five treatments with each having triplicates of 20 fish per pond respectively. Fish were fed twice daily at 5% body weight in equal proportions at 8.00 am and 4.00 pm. At the end of the feeding trial, the results showed that growth performance were significant higher (p<0.05) in fish fed control diet (1263.55g) and 25% BM diet (1068.67 g), mean length gain (54.16 cm and 50.85 cm), protein efficiency ratio (31.59% and 24.22%) and percentage weight gain (11035.3% and 8476.03%) compared to other treatments diets with the lowest values of (675.35 g, 46.86 cm, 11.73% and 4190.63%, respectively) recorded in fish fed 100% BM diet. However, Feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, average daily growth and survival rate were not significantly difference (p>0.05) in all the dietary treatments. The water quality parameters monitored were within recommended ranged and were not affected by the supplemented diets. It can be concluded that inclusion of blood meal up to 25% can efficiently replace fish meal without any deleterious effects on growth, feed utilization and survival rate. The use of blood meal as an alternative protein source in diets of farmed fish species will reduce the cost of feeds; boost the profitability and sustainability of the fish production.
Skeletal Dysplasia: Approach to Simplify Diagnosis, Looking for Radiographic Clue Signs
Authors: Tabban Hazar , Salem Tahiya A. , Salem Khaled Y.
Published: December 2022

Skeletal dysplasia is a heterogeneous group of disorders affecting the growth of bones and cartilage. Diagnosis can be difficult for many reasons; they are over 400 diseases, and some are rare and might have atypical presentation when clinical manifestations and radiological findings might not match the classical picture of the specific disorder. The final diagnosis of a skeletal dysplasia is a combined workup that includes clinical examination, family history, radiological assessment (skeletal survey and other investigations), and finally the laboratory, molecular and genetic assessment. These all steps require tertiary centers, therefore, the primary clinical practice would require a tool-kit to help identify the most common skeletal dysplasia easily and identify the most important features of uncommon or rare disorders. The combined clinical assessment and radiological assessment can together reach this goal.

The aim of this article is to spotlight on few important checkpoints to help the clinician and radiologist to narrow the differential diagnosis in the primary evaluation before the referral, if available, for molecular and genetic study. This article will focus on essential initial steps in diagnosis and some clue diagnostic features in the skeletal survey images that are classic for the most common disorders.
Bayesian Estimation of a Scale Parameter of the Gumbel-Lomax Distribution Using Informative and Non Informative Priors
Authors: Pam Douglas Jah , Lasisi Kazeem Eyitayo , Abbas Umar Farouk , Tijani Mustapha , Mafolasire Sheyi , Agbor Blessing Uke
Published: December 2022

Estimating the scale parameter of the Gumbel-Lomax Distribution using the Bayesian method of estimation and evaluating the estimators by assuming two non-informative prior distributions and one informative prior distribution is very important for the general application of the Gumbel-Lomax distribution. These estimators are obtained using the squared error loss function (SELF), Quadratic loss function (QLF) and precautionary loss function (PLF). The posterior distributions of the scale parameter of the Gumbel-Lomax distribution are derived and the Estimators are also obtained using the above mentioned priors and loss functions. Furthermore, a simulation using a package in R software is carried out to assess the performance of the estimators by making use of the Mean Squared Errors of the Estimators under the Bayesian approach and Maximum likelihood method. Our results show that Bayesian Method using PLF under all priors produces the best estimators of the scale parameter compared to estimators using the Maximum Likelihood method, SELF and QLF under all the priors irrespective of the values of the parameters and the different sample sizes. It is also discovered that the other parameters have no effect on the estimators of the scale parameter.
Physicochemical Characterisation and Determination of the Effect of Temperature on the Amylase Activities of Germinated Sorghum and Maize Grains
Authors: Bedel Fagbohoun Jean , Hyacinthe Anon Attoh , Ouolouho Coulibaly Seydou , Patrice Kouamé Lucien
Published: December 2022

Maize and sorghum are staple foods in many African countries. Along with rice, they constitute the bulk of the cereals consumed by the populations of northern Côte d'Ivoire. These cereals are used either directly or indirectly in malted and/or fermented form in the preparation of several traditional foods and the production of alcoholic beverages such as dolo a local beverage. This study aims at the physicochemical characterization and the determination of the effect of temperature on the amylase activities of germinated cereal grains of corn and sorghum collected on the market of the city of Korhogo. To do this, the analysis of cereals germinated over 6 days revealed that amylase activities are optimal on the second day of germination with a diastatic power of 110.29 ± 1.8 IU / g of protein and 114.17 ± 2, 4 IU/g of protein respectively for sorghum and maize. The optimal temperatures are mesophilic and are between 40 and 50°C. Beyond these temperatures, amylase activities are denatured until they reach 20% relative activity after exposure to 65°C. During germinationsand at an acid pH, the levels of reducing sugars, polyphenols and tannins increased with the duration of germination. The results of this study revealed that certain physicochemical characteristics and the effect of temperature condition the obtaining of a malt likely to influence the quality of a traditional beer. The germination time set at 2 days makes it possible to obtain fermentable sugars during malting for the preparation of alcoholic beverages according to the production conditions of traditional vendors. For sugars, they increase from 0.39±0.035 mg/100g DM (Dry Matter) before germination to 0.86± 0.003 mg/100g DM on the 6th day of germination for sorghum. As for maize, these levels increase from 0.11± 0.014 mg/100g DM to 0.43± 0.02 mg/100g DM. The diastatic power is optimal on the 2nd day, 110.29 ± 1.8 IU/g of protein for sorghum and 114.17 ± 2.4 IU/g of protein for maize.
Rings Domination Number of Some Mycielski Graphs
Authors: Dinorog Marvanessa G. , Jr. Isagani S. Cabahug,
Published: December 2022

A set S of a graph G = (V (G);E(G)) is a rings dominating set if S is a dominating set and for every vertex in the complement of S has atleast two adjacent vertices. The caridinality of the minimum rings dominating set is the rings domination number of graph G, denoted by \(\gamma\)ri(G). In this paper we determine the exact rings domination number of the mycielski graphs of path graph, cycle graph, and crown graph including its parameter.
Biochemical Characterization of Mango Kernel (Mangifera indica) Grown in Côte d’Ivoire and Formulation of Butter for Cosmetic Use
Authors: Kamelé Kossonou Yao , Martial-Didier Adingra Kouassi , Landry Yao Akpolè , Kablan Tano
Published: December 2022

Aims: The peel and the kernel of mangoes of KENT and KEIT varieties, although presenting enormous nutritive and technological potentialities, are considered as waste and, as a result, rejected in nature causing environmental pollution. This study therefore set itself the general objective of contributing to the development of mango by-products (Mangifera indica) by incorporating them into formulations of products for cosmetic use.

Study Design: Almond butter was obtained from the fresh and dried almonds of two varieties of mangoes (KENT and KEIT).

Place and Duration of Study: Fruits of mango (KENT and KEIT) varieties at commercial maturity used in this study came from Banco fruit market (Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire). The tests were carried out at the laboratory of food biochemistry of Nangui Abrogoua University, between May and July 2020.

Methodology: The mango kernels (Mangifera indica) were extracted and the biochemical characterization of both fresh kernels and almond powders was carried out on parameters such as lipids, ash, fibers, etc. Then, mango kernel powder of KENT with good potential was used for the formulation of butter. Following the control formulation, different formulations were made by reducing volume of extraction solvent (sunflower oil) and varying the amount of beeswax used at 10% and 35% of the mass of macerate used. Finally, physicochemical properties of butter were determined.

Results: The study showed that mango kernels produced in Côte d’Ivoire, specifically mango kernel powders, were rich in lipids (8-9%), proteins (2-7%), fiber (9-11%), carbohydrates (35-76%), ash (2.99-5.66%), vitamin C (35-104 mg/100g) and many other biomolecules, which made possible the production of butter. The physicochemical properties of butter gave results of acid numbers of 8.24 to 9.03 mg KOH/g oil and saponification of 189.45 to 212.09 mg KOH/g oil. These indices combined with pH (4.6 to 5.2), density (0.3 to 0.91) and color are indicators of the good quality of butter. Finally, the KE 1/3 formulation, with 35% beeswax added, gave the most satisfaction.

Conclusion: These physical and chemical properties obtained would suggest a finished product of quality and good conservation and good scent pleasant and would have various applications in the cosmetic field in particular in the nutrition of the skin and the hair.
Enzymatic Activity and Efficacy of Plant Growth Promoting Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on Feeding Behaviour of Spodoptera frugiperda on Maize
Authors: Sellappan Ranjith , Thangavel Kalaiselvi
Published: December 2022

Maize is a third important cereal crop which has been heavily infested with the invasive pest Spodoptera frugiperda. An alternate biological mode of control is necessary instead of seeking inorganic chemical control. Plant endophytes could be of great option for controlling plant pathogens and pest. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the potential of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens isolated from maize (COH6) leaf apoplastic fluid. This bacterium was found to have plant growth promoting traits like indole acetic acid, siderophore, ammonia and hydrogen cyanide production. In addition, it was found to produce hydrolytic enzymes such as protease, pectinase, chitinase, and lipase which imply its bioprotective potential. Further foliar spray of B. amyloliquefaciens with cell concentration of 108 CFU ml-1 on 4 days old maize seed germination @ 5 ml per plant showed greater colonization percentage (8.30×108 CFU g-1 fresh leaf) over other doses (1, 2, 3 & 4 ml plant-1). The highest feeding deterrence was observed when Spodoptera frugiperda fed on leaves inoculated with 5 ml of B. amyloliquefaciens.
Genetic Insights for Nutritional Traits in Elite Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Crosses Using Generation Mean Analysis
Authors: Lingaiah N. , Raju Ch. Surender , Sarla N. , Radhika K. , Venkanna V. , Reddy D. Vishnu Vardhan
Published: December 2022

The present investigation was carried out to understand the genetics and inheritance of yield components, physical, chemical and nutritional quality traits using generation mean analysis. In the present experiment, the fitting of digenic interaction model indicates the prevalence of interaction effects especially additive x additive [i] type in addition to the main additive and dominance gene effects in case of amylose content. The overall genetic analysis in the three crosses suggests a simple pedigree method to develop desirable lines from only cross viz., RP-Bio-5478-185 x NH-686 would be feasible. The generation mean analysis clearly indicated that apart from the additive and dominance gene effects, significant magnitudes [i] type were observed to play greater role in expression of iron content in rice. In comparison to the estimates of [d], the component due to dominance genetic effects [h] is very high in all the three crosses uniformly. However, due to prevalence of [h] component significantly in all the crosses, inter mating in early segregating generations, would further increase chances to develop iron enriched homozygous lines. Studies for zinc content revealed that among the interactions, [i] and [j] types were found to be significant, whereas the [l] component was totally negligible. From the study, all the three crosses were considered as superior on one or other way and among these three crosses, the last one (RP-Bio-5478-185 x NH-686) was considered as superior one. Simple pedigree method to develop desirable lines for protein and zinc, inter mating in early segregating generations for iron would be more feasible methods to develop nutrient rich desirable lines.
Study on Positions of Twin Scales and Growth Regulators on Propagation of Narcissus (Daffodil) cv. Stamen Cream
Authors: Masoodi Nasir Hamid , Sofi M. Nayeem
Published: December 2022

Study was carried out to evaluate the influence of position of twin scales and growth regulators on propagation of Narcissus (Daffodil) cv. Stamen creamx. Results of the study reveals that out of eight treatment combinations tested in the experiment minimum days for  callus initiation (26.00 days),root initiation (36.50 days) and bud initiation (44.50 days) after incubation resulted with combination of  outer scales treated  with IBA 100 ppm. Further maximum number of buds per chip (2.00), bud diameter (11.95 mm), bud length (2.76 cm) and bud weight (0.41g) were recorded with the same treatment. Inner scales treated with IBA 100PPM resulted with maximum days for callus initiation (37.50 days), root initiation (48.00 days) and bud initiation (60.50 days) after incubation. Least number of buds per chip (1.00), minimum bud diameter (7.45 mm), bud length (1.30 cm) and bud weight (0.19 g) were also recorded with same treatment. Most of the differences among the treatments for almost all recorded parameters were statistically significant.
Characterization, Extraction of Biochar and Humic Acid on Yield Parameters of Maize in Maize-Chickpea Cropping System and Its Residual Effect on Chickpea under Rainfed Condition
Authors: Sahebagouda . , Rao K. Narayana , Basavaraj K. , Bhat S. N. , Rao Satyanarayana , Mahadevaswamy .
Published: December 2022

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2019 and 2020 in a at ICAR-Krishi Vigyana Kendra, Kalaburagi-II (Raddewadagi), Jewargi taluk, Kalaburagi district, to study the characterization, extraction of biochar and humic acid on yield parameters of maize in maize-chickpea cropping system and its residual effect on chickpea under rainfed condition .The results showed that, the biochar was highly alkaline in nature (pH of 8.91), medium in salt content with an electrical conductivity of 1.89 dS m-1. The total carbon content (78.20 g kg-1), nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (0.64, 0.29 and 1.02 %, respectively). It also showed good amount of secondary and micronutrients. Biochar had also lower the bulk density (0.54 Mg m-3) and good water holding capacity (67.50 %). Whereas, the humic acid showed acidic in reaction (pH 4.20) and higher the nitrogen content (1.38 %). The maize was the test crop to study the direct effect and chickpea was raised to study the residual effect. The experiment were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with fifteen treatments and replicated thrice. The pooled analysis revealed that significantly higher significantly higher yield and yield parameters of maize and succeeding chickpea crops were recorded with application of 100 % NPK + biochar @ 5 t ha-1 + HA @ 10 kg ha-1 and it was on par with the treatment receiving 100 % NPK + biochar @ 2.5 t ha-1 + HA @ 10 kg ha-1 compare to other treatments.
Production and Characterization of Lipases from Aspergillus flavus Isolated from a Soil Sample of the Amazon Rainforest
Authors: Silva Beatriz Pereira da , Souza João Vicente Braga de , Souza Érica Simplício de
Published: December 2022

Lipases (E.C.3.1.1.3) hydrolyze triglycerides producing fatty acids and glycerol and can be produced by animals, plants and microorganisms. These enzymes are used in the food industry, biofuels, waste treatment, cosmetics and fine chemicals. Due to the great diversity of microorganisms in the Amazon rainforest and the fact that little is known about them, the present study aimed to produce and characterize lipases from fungi isolated from soil samples from the Amazon rainforest. Therefore, initially the six isolates belonging to the Collection of Microorganisms of Medical Interest at INPA were identified at the genus level by micromorphological analysis. Submerged bioprocesses were performed to determine the best lipase producer. Sequencing of the ITS region of the rDNA was performed to identify the isolate highlighted in the production of lipases. Univariate experiments were carried out studying the influence of carbon sources, nitrogen, initial pH, agitation, and inoculum size on the production of lipases by the isolated isolate. Finally, the enzymes produced were submitted to semi-purification and determination of their optimal temperature, optimal pH and thermal stability. As a result, the six isolates were identified at the genus level, five of which belonged to the Aspergillus genus and one to the Penicillium genus. The isolate highlighted in the lipase production screening was Aspergillus flavus INPA 83. The most suitable culture conditions to produce lipases by Aspergillus flavus INPA 83 were: soybean oil as carbon source, yeast extract as nitrogen source, pH initial temperature between 6 and 8, orbital agitation of 100 rpm and inoculum size between 103 and 106 cells/mL. The lipases showed optimal temperature between 40 oC and 50 oC, optimal pH between 6 and 7 and thermal stability of 72% after 24 hours of incubation at 30 oC. In view of the above results, it was concluded that Aspergillus flavus INPA 83 is a potential Amazonian source of lipases, the latter being a potential bioproduct for the bioeconomy development strategies in the Amazon.
Cardiac Myosin-Binding Protein C as a New Biomarker in the Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Panotopoulos Charalampos , Magiorkinis Emmanouil , Spyrantis Alexandros , Kotsiri Ioanna
Published: December 2022

Myocardial infarction is an emergency situation, and its early diagnosis is vital for patients and for the treatment which will be followed. Till now the diagnosis of myocardial infarction is based on the increased cardiac troponins I and T in the patient's serum, these biomarkers are the gold standard for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction but there are some limitations due to their slow release from the damaged myocytes. For this reason, new biomarkers are needed to be used for a faster diagnosis. New biomarkers should increase rapidly after acute myocardial infarction and should have cardiac selectivity. Myosin-binding protein C is a newly described candidate biomarker of cardiac injury and in small studies, it appears that its serum concentration decreases and increases faster than that of the troponin T and I.

Cardiac troponins are released and cleared slowly after myocardial injury, complicating the diagnosis of an early and recurrent, acute myocardial infarction. Cardiac myosin-binding protein C is a similar cardiac protein that may have different release/clearance kinetics.
A Two-Stage Color Correction Algorithm for Facial Image
Authors: Liu Huilin , Wang Lijuan , Qian Peng , Xu Ying , Sun Zhumei , Guo Chunrong , Li Fufeng
Published: December 2022

Aims: Facial image analysis is the main direction of facial diagnosis objectification, where realistic colors in medical facial images are essential clues for disease diagnosis. However, the same person's facial color information will have different display information under different light sources and display devices, which may lead to different diagnostic results.

Methodology: Firstly, we conducted group experiments on the selection of color patches and selected 12 face-related color patches for color correction of facial images. Next, to adapt to this task under different lighting conditions, we utilize an adaptive white balance algorithm to adjust brightness as the first step. We selected the D65 illuminate environment as the standard lighting condition. Finally, we employed a polynomial-regression algorithm based on ridge regression for color correction.

Results: The experimental results demonstrate that the average values of the chromatic distance of our method under all five lighting conditions are less than 3.0. We also compare the ablation experiments of adjusting brightness.

Conclusion: The results indicate that the proposed method has good consistency in color correction of facial images under different lighting conditions, which is more suitable for clinical medical diagnosis.
Lilium Cultivars and Flowering Behavior
Authors: Masoodi Nasir Hamid
Published: December 2022

Flowering behavior and flowering response of different Lilium genotypes was carried out during year 2018 at Division of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture SKUAST- K Shalimar. 15 cultivars including Navona , Malesco, Litouwen, Black Out, Revenna, Pink Palace, Tiber, Conca-D, Nello, Yellow Diamond, Tresor, Rialto, Courier, Cobra, and were evaluated on the basis of floral biology and flowering behavior. The outcome of the results revealed those maximum days to bud appearance after planting 44.48 days was recorded with cultivar Tiber where as minimum days 40.55 resulted with cultivar Black Out. Highest values for Bud diameter at maturity 26.59 mm was observed with cultivar Black Out and lowest values 18.87 mm with cultivar Navona. Bud length ranged 5.30 cm to 9.08 cm with cultivars Navona and Black Out, respectively. Number of florets per spike ranged minimum 2.36 to maximum 6.10 with cultivar Navano and Blackout respectively. Similar trend was followed for minimum to maximum values for floret diameter, inflorescence length and inflorescence diameter.
Frequency of Advance Maternal Age Pregnancy, Its Associated Risk Factors, Complications and Impact on Fetal Outcome
Authors: Yousfani Nazia Azam , Zafar Mehwish , Irshad Faisal , Khan Sahito , Ahmed Azra , Kousar Tasneem
Published: December 2022

Objective: To determine the frequency of Advance maternal age pregnancy, its associated risk factors and complications, and to evaluate the obstetric and fetal outcome.

Methods: Cross-sectional study, carried out at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Nawabshah, with a total of 125 Advance age (> 35 years) mothers who gave birth during the study period. Questionnaire based data was collected, statistically analyzed and results were tabulated.

Results: A total of 125 (17.85%) Advance age mothers (>35 years) were recruited for the study. Among this study group Cesarean Section (52%) remained the most observed mode of         delivery. Pregnancy related complications included Postpartum hemorrhage (44%), Gestational diabetes (22.4%), and Pregnancy induced hypertension (16%). The neonatal complications mostly observed were, still birth (35%), Low birth weight (17.5%), Preterm birth (26.3%), and Neonatal death (14%).

Conclusion: Advancing age exposes mother to have pregnancy related complications and adverse neonatal outcomes.
Establishing Normative Values for Amplitude of Accommodation and Accommodative Facility among University Students in Malawi
Authors: Chikuse Masautso , Mzumara Thokozani , Afonne Joseph
Published: December 2022

Aim: The study aimed to examine the distribution of Accommodative Facility (AF) and Amplitude of Accommodation (AA) and compare the findings with established guidelines.

Place and Duration of Study: Mzuzu University, Malawi. Between May and July 2022.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among students at Mzuzu university in Malawi. We recruited 77 students using a stratified random sampling technique. The participants' age ranged from 16 to 35 years of age. We measured AA using the push-up method while AF was measured using +/- 1.50 Diopters (D) flippers. Both techniques utilized black reading material on white background held at 40 centimeters (cm). Next, we measured the accommodation facility by counting the number of Cycles per Minute (c/m).  We utilized the Pearson correlation test and the One-way ANOVA where appropriate. The value of p< 0.05 was considered statistically           significant.  

Results: The participants comprised 44 (57.1%) males and 33 (42.9%) females. Monocular AA was 10.04D (SD=2.71) and Binocular AA was 10.51 (3.641). The difference was statistically significant (p=0.04). While Monocular AF and Binocular AF were 9 c/m (SD= SD=1.84) and 8.96 (SD=1.539) respectively but the difference was non-significant (p=0.868). AF and AA were not significantly different between males and females. All the parameters decreased with age. The measured AA was significantly higher than using Hofstetter’s formula.

Conclusion: The study provides a cut-off value for practitioners diagnosing Accommodation anomalies. However, indices in the study differ from the well-established guidelines hence practitioners should endeavor to perform the clinical assessment instead of relying on equations.
PP2A methylesterase PME‐1 suppresses anoikis and is associated with therapy relapse of PTEN‐deficient prostate cancers
Authors: Aakula Anna , Isomursu Aleksi , Rupp Christian , Erickson Andrew , Gupta Nikhil , Kauko Otto , Shah Pragya , Padzik Artur , Pokharel Yuba Raj , Kaur Amanpreet , Li Song‐Ping , Trotman Lloyd , Taimen Pekka , Rannikko Antti , Lammerding Jan , Paatero Ilkka , Mirtti Tuomas , Ivaska Johanna , Westermarck Jukka
Published: December 2022

While organ‐confined prostate cancer (PCa) is mostly therapeutically manageable, metastatic progression of PCa remains an unmet clinical challenge. Resistance to anoikis, a form of cell death initiated by cell detachment from the surrounding extracellular matrix, is one of the cellular processes critical for PCa progression towards aggressive disease. Therefore, further understanding of anoikis regulation in PCa might provide therapeutic opportunities. Here, we discover that PCa tumours with concomitant inhibition of two tumour suppressor phosphatases, PP2A and PTEN, are particularly aggressive, having < 50% 5‐year secondary‐therapy‐free patient survival. Functionally, overexpression of PME‐1, a methylesterase for the catalytic PP2A‐C subunit, inhibits anoikis in PTEN‐deficient PCa cells. In vivo, PME‐1 inhibition increased apoptosis in in ovo PCa tumour xenografts, and attenuated PCa cell survival in zebrafish circulation. Molecularly, PME‐1‐deficient PC3 cells display increased trimethylation at lysines 9 and 27 of histone H3 (H3K9me3 and H3K27me3), a phenotype known to correlate with increased apoptosis sensitivity. In summary, our results demonstrate that PME‐1 supports anoikis resistance in PTEN‐deficient PCa cells. Clinically, these results identify PME‐1 as a candidate biomarker for a subset of particularly aggressive PTEN‐deficient PCa.
Linac primary barrier transmission for concrete: Monte Carlo calculations
Authors: McDermott Patrick N.
Published: December 2022

Recent publications have called into question the accuracy of reference tenth‐value layer (TVL) data cited in official reports for linac primary concrete barriers. Doubts have arisen based on both experimental and theoretical evidence. Most of the standard reference TVL values trace back to a publication that appeared in 1984 that used beam spectra that are not representative of modern linacs. This study reports a new set of TVL data for concrete based on modern linac beam spectra and a definition of the barrier transmission that is consistent with its use in shielding calculations. TVL values have been computed for concrete using Monte Carlo simulation for beam energies of 4, 6, 10, 15, and 18 MV. The barrier transmission depends on the field size at the barrier and the distance from the distal surface of the barrier to the point of observation. The TVL values reported here lead to barrier transmission values that are up to a factor of 4 larger than those in official reports. The air kerma rate beyond the barrier does not obey an inverse square law as the barrier now acts like a new (non‐point) source of radiation. For distance greater than 0.3 m from the distal side of the barrier, inverse square predictions of the air kerma rate are low by up to a factor of 2. The average energy of the transmitted photons declines rapidly for all beam energies with increasing barrier thickness up to a thickness of about 50 cm and then slowly increases with increasing thickness.
Why harm reduction and treatment need to communicate
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2022

With overdoses and overdose deaths related to illicit fentanyl very much on the forefront of public health authorities' minds, harm reduction and how it can interface with treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) is a key topic. There is a tendency for harm reduction organizations to take a hard line against treatment, assuming that people who go to treatment will have to stop using drugs. Drug users don't want to stop, and therefore may shun treatment. This is well known in alcohol use disorders, as the work of Katie Witkiewicz, Ph.D. has shown (see Moderation vs. abstinence when it comes to well‐being in recovery: A continuum; ADAW Jan. 31; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33328), in which patients avoid treatment because they don't want to stop drinking.
Marijuana legalization associated with transitions to use
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2022

A Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study waves 3 and 4 found that among youths, those in states that legalized recreational cannabis were more likely to transition from non‐users to users. There was no evidence that youths in those states transitioned from users to non‐users, or from users to weekly users. There was evidence among adults that legalization was associated with transitions from use to weekly use.
Bioinspired Superhydrophobic Swimming Robots with Embedded Microfluidic Networks and Photothermal Switch for Controllable Marangoni Propulsion
Authors: Mao Jiang‐Wei , Han Dong‐Dong , Zhou Hao , Sun Hong‐Bo , Zhang Yong‐Lai
Published: December 2022

Chemical Marangoni propulsion enables dynamic and untethered motion by generating surface tension gradient through chemical release, thereby having great potential for the development of insect‐scale self‐propelled robots. However, as the release and diffusion of chemical “fuels” are commonly uncontrollable, the Marangoni propulsion is unstable, thereby restricting robotic applications. Herein, the laser fabrication of superhydrophobic swimming robots to develop controllable Marangoni propulsion based on a photothermal composite of graphene and polydimethylsiloxane is reported. By combining the microfluidic channels with photothermal air chambers, a light‐triggered switch that can control the release of chemical “fuels” is proposed. Furthermore, a superhydrophobic surface is fabricated on the swimming robot by laser treatment, which reduced water resistance and promoted propulsion. On‐demand actuation and swimming route planning are realized by programming the alcohol/air segments in the releasing channels, on‐demand actuation and swimming route planning have been realized. As a proof‐of‐concept, a Marangoni swimming robot equipped with a miniature digital camera is used in an actual environment. Therefore, this study is expected to advance the practical applications of the chemical Marangoni effect in swimming robots.