bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges Faced by Agri-Input Dealers in Delivering Agro-Advisory Services: Constraints and Suggestions
Authors: Akash  , Singh H. C. , Abhijeet  , Singh Prashant , Ram Lalla , Shankar Ravi
Published: September 2024

Aims: The aim of this research study is to identify and analyze the various constraints faced by agricultural input dealers in delivering effective agro-advisory services in the districts of Kannauj and Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, the study seeks to provide recommendations for enhancing these services through specialized training, improved communication strategies, and increased collaboration among manufacturers, researchers, and farmers.
Study Design: Ex-post facto research design was used for the study.
Place and Duration of Study: Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh was selected for the study from which Kannauj and Farrukhabad districts of were chosen purposively. From each district 5-5 blocks were chosen randomly between 2022-2023.
Methodology: The study employed a multistage stratified random sampling method to ensure a representative sample from each block. From the each selected block, 25 input dealers were selected randomly for study, who had minimum 5 year of dealership experience, thus, total 250 input dealers were finalized for the present study, who were involved in providing both agricultural inputs and extension services to farmers.
Results: The study identified key constraints faced by input dealers in providing agro-advisory services, including insufficient field diagnostic abilities, inadequate technical competence, and limited communication with farmers. Socio-economic challenges such as unprofitable diagnostic visits and insufficient dealer networks were prominent. To address these issues, recommendations included specialized training, improved communication strategies, and enhanced collaboration between dealers, manufacturers, and farmers, emphasizing the need for institutional support and regionally tailored advisory services.
Conclusion: The study concludes that addressing diagnostic, communication, and financial challenges through training, collaboration, and institutional support is essential to improve agro-advisory services and enhance agricultural productivity.
Empowering Farmers through ICT: Unveiling Access and Competency Gaps and Associated Factors in Puri District, Odisha, India
Authors: Banerji Anurag , Upadhyay Anup Prakash , Anjali
Published: September 2024

In developing country like India on one hand there are plethora of ICT initiatives operational across various areas, but on the other the persistent issues of crop loss, lack of market, vulnerability of small holder farmers etc. continues to prevail. These persistent situations do give rise to basic questions that in spite of large-scale ICT initiatives, whether farmers have access to these ICT? If they have access, are they competent in using the ICT? There could be multiple factors affecting the access and competency of farmers rendering most of the ICT initiative as ineffective. Previous researches provide limited understating of how socio-economic factors such as education levels, wealth status, and diversification of income sources influence farmers' ability to effectively utilize ICT tools. Additionally, there are limited studies examining the role of local extension services, such as those provided by KVKs, in bridging the ICT access and competency gap, particularly among smallholder farmers in vulnerable regions. Based on these the study was conducted in Puri district of Odisha on119 farmers. The study reports that the respondent farmers in the area were majorly smallholders and have been marred by agriculture issues like crop failures, pest attacks and market failure. The study examined the socio-economic profiles of these farmers and tries to relate it with the ICT competency levels and information access levels of the farmers. The results from the study shows that the major factors affecting competency and access of information included the level of education of the farmers, Wealth ranks and also the presence of non-farm income source. The local extension workers from KVK, Puri also played a vital role in improving the access and competency level.
The Influence of Electronic Banking on Customer Satisfaction in the Tanzanian Banking Industry: A Case of NMB Bank Branches in Morogoro Region, Tanzania
Authors: Mwakisoba Vena Adam , Meela Davis
Published: September 2024

The increasing number of digital platforms has allowed financial institutions to gain a competitive advantage and increase their market share. This has also led to developing new banking methods that can improve customer satisfaction. The study aimed to analyze the effect of electronic banking on NMB Bank customers' satisfaction. The study was conducted on a target population of more than 50,000 NMB Bank customers in the Morogoro Region. From there, a total of 200 individuals participated in the research. Data collection was carried out through primary methods, and a questionnaire was used to gather information about the participants. Descriptive statistics were utilized to summarize the data to determine the effects of electronic banking on customer satisfaction. At the same time, multiple regression analyses were also carried out to test the relationship between the outcome variables and predictors. The study revealed that only ATM and mobile banking had a positive, strong, and statistically significant influence on customer satisfaction, denoting that customers experience satisfaction through security, costs and ease of use when using ATM and mobile banking.
In contrast, internet banking had a negative and statistically significant influence on customer satisfaction, meaning that customers were not satisfied with online banking due to costs, security and ease of use. The study concluded that ATMs and mobile phones positively influenced customer satisfaction, while Internet banking negatively influenced customer satisfaction. Furthermore, all sectors, including government, private, and individual entities, must recognize the significance of electronic banking for improving living standards and economic development. The findings of this study indicate that banks still need to improve their network troubleshooting procedures to facilitate quick services.
Wild Edible Mushrooms of Rourkela Forest Division, Odisha, India
Authors: Sethi Jashabanta , Mishra Sweta , Kumar Sanjeet
Published: September 2024

12 wild edible mushrooms (WEM) are collected from Rourkela Forest Division, Odisha, India, and presented here along with the local name, availability, and economic values. Out of 12 enumerated WEM, nine have economic values. The presented data could be useful to enhance the livelihood of local communities.
Impact of Dietary Lysine Supplementation on Growth Performance of Large White Pigs in Tropical Environments
Authors: Seme Kpassi , Somenutse Koffi Ganyo , Magueda Wémbedeba , Madiala Didja Léon , Oke Oyegunle Emmanuel , Voemesse Kokou , Pitala Wéré
Published: September 2024

Context: The presence of lysine in the feed ration of pigs optimizes their growth rate and feed efficiency.
Objective: This study evaluated the effect of lysine supplementation on the production performance of weaned piglets.
Methods: A total of 120 Large White weanlings were subjected to four treatments (L0.95, L1, L1.15, and L1.3) with four replicates. Animals in batches L0.95, L1, L1.15 and L1.3 were fed a base ration supplemented with 0.95%, 1%, 1.15% and 1.3% lysine, respectively. Data were collected on feed intake, body weights and body measurements, such as back length, thoracic perimeter and height at the withers. The data collected were analyzed using one-way ANOVA.
Results: This study showed that live weight and feed intake were statistically similar for all batches; however, batch L1 gave the best feed intake index and average daily gain compared to the other batches. The strongest correlation was observed between weight and chest circumference. Economic evaluation revealed that the best production costs were found in batches L1 and L1.15.
Conclusion: Lysine supplementation at 1% in the diet resulted in better production and economic performance in large white piglets.
Implications: Lysine is a limiting factor in the growth of weaned pigs and strongly recommended to breeders.
Comparative Analysis of K-Means and Divisive Clustering Techniques on Balanced Mental Health Data
Authors: Leah.W.Chege  , Hellen.W.Waititu  , Cornelious.O.Nyakundi
Published: September 2024

Effective Clustering of mental health data can provide significant insights into patterns and relationships that are critical for understanding mental health conditions. This study investigated various clustering techniques applied to balanced mental health data to avoid biases associated with an imbalanced data. Clustering of the balanced mental health data was done with respect to the area of Residence feature. Firstly, Random undersampling and SMOTE techniques were incorporated to the imbalanced data set as balancing techniques so as to improve model performance. Random Undersampling Technique turned out to be the most ideal balancing technique with its accuracy, recall, precision and F-score values as 1. After balancing the data, two clustering techniques were applied to the Random Undersampled balanced data. The two techniques were namely: K-means and Divisive techniques. In order to select which of the two clustering techniques is ideal, two test statistics namely Internal Validation and Stability Validation were applied. Results showed that K-means clustering technique indicated slightly lower Average Propotion of None-overlap, Average Distance between Means and Figure Of Merit values given as 0.12, 0.41 and 0.9972 as compared to Divisive clustering technique which were 0.14, 0.42 and 0.9999. The conclusion was that K-means clustering has a better performance. This study's findings will help guide future researchers dealing with mental health data analysis on ways to improve model performance for better and more reliable predictions.
Adaptation and Growth Performance of Different Introduced Bamboo Species in Central Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Nigusse Redae , Tesfay Awash , Kahsay Tekleslase
Published: September 2024

Bamboo is a giant bushy grass and typically a faster growing perennial than any other tree species and it starts to give utility within three or four years of planting time, except bearing seeds. The study was conducted on four bamboo species (Bambussa bambos, Phyllostachus edulis, Yushania alpina, and Bambussa vulgaris) to evaluate their adaptability potential and growth performance at Laelay Maichew district, central zone of Tigray, Ethiopia. The design of the experiment was carried out using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The distance between the experimental plots and blocks was 2 m and 3 m, respectively, and the spacing between bamboo seedlings in the plot was 2 m x 2 m, with 4 bamboo seedlings per plot. A total of 48 bamboo seedlings were planted in the experimental site. The growth parameters; including survival rate, new emerging shoot, internode length, number of nodes, culm height, culm diameter, and root culm diameter were measured and recorded. The collected data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) between treatments following the post hock test of Tukey at P<0.05 using SPSS for Windows version 20. The results revealed that Bambussa bambos has a better survival percentage (100%), followed by Bambussa vulgaris (58.3%), Yushania alpina (41.67%), and Phyllostachus edulis (0 %). The growth parameters: new emerging shoot (culm), collar diameter, diameter at stump height, and diameter at breast height of Bambussa bambos were significantly higher than those of Yushania alpina and Bambussa vulgaris (P=.001). However, for similar parameters, Yushania alpina showed non-significant variation with Bambussa vulgaris (at P>0.05). The mean heights between treatments (Bambussa bambos (5.1 m), Yushania alpine (4.5 m), and Bambussa vulgaris (4.2 m)) were observed statistically non-significantly different (at P=.26).The other growth parameters were: the mean value of total internode length(TIL) and middle internode length (MIL) of Bambussa bambos was significantly higher than that of Bambussa vulgaris (at P<0.05). The study revealed that, among the four bamboo species, Bambussa bambos showed higher growth performance and adaptability potential, followed by Yushania alpina and Bambussa vulgaris. As a result, the best-performing introduced bamboo species (Bambussa bambos) could be promoted to end users in related agro-ecological areas for various benefits. Further studies should be recommended on the adaptability of the introduced bamboo species in other agro-ecologies.
A Review on Orchard Management and Cultivation Practices
Authors: Ahirwar Shiv Kumar , Bhatt Deepa , Gangele Priyanka , Saktawat Chetna , Dutta Anirban , Kaur Indrapreet , Mishra Ananya
Published: September 2024

An orchard is a space where fruit trees are grown. It includes a variety of resources, including land, water, trees, and several outside inputs. It is important for us to comprehend the proper management of orchards in order to maximize yield while preventing loss of food, fertilizers, manure, and other plant protection agents. As a result, it is important to comprehend how to regulate these output and resource characteristics. For the effective and sustainable production of fruit crops like mango, citrus, pomegranate, banana, guava, ber papaya, sapota, grapes, and others, orchard management is the most crucial cultural instrument. Effective orchard management systems impact fruit quality, output, and development by using best practices in orchard culture, which also preserve moisture, reduce weed competition, and increase nutrient availability. Effective orchard management techniques include clean cultivation, mulching, intercropping, cover crops, clean strips, tillage, clean basin management, green manuring, and the use of herbicides. The following are the orchard floor management strategies for preserving moisture: ridge basin + grass mulch 9.31% > clean basin; black polythene mulch 13.51% > grass mulch 12.38% > ridge basin.
Composite Effect of Drip Irrigation and Different Color Mulching of Banana Crop in North Bihar Agro-climatic Condition
Authors: Kumar Ravi Ranjan , R.Suresh  , S.K.Nirala
Published: September 2024

The Research work was carried out with three main treatments; 100, 80, and 60% of V volume of water through drip and five sub-treatment with different color mulch i.e black, blue, red, white color plastic mulch and without mulch (control) with three replications. Variety Grand Naine of Banana crop was selected. Experimental field layout designed by using split plot design (SPD).
Combined effect of drip irrigation and mulching on water saving, vegetative growth, flowering time, bunch emergence time, harvesting time, different yield parameters and quality of banana fruits were found to be better in treatment application of T2 i’e 80% of V volume of water through drip irrigation along with black color of plastic mulch to the tune of 14.95% in water saving; 176.15 cm plant height; 60.23 cm plant girth; average number of functional leaves 17.6; flowering time 292 day after planting; bunch emergence time318 day after planting; harvesting time391 day after planting. The average bunch length 101.90 cm; average number of hands per bunch 11.3: average number of fingers per bunch107.97; average weight of bunch19.77 kg; yield 879.42 q/ha; average length of fingers 14.01 cm; average circumference of fingers 11.90 cm and average weight of fingers 115.04 g. The water use efficiency was evaluated to be maximum i.e. 26.30 q/ha-cm in treatment T3 (0.6V volume (29.54 cm) of water application through drip). The maximum soil temperature (23.69oC) and soil moisture (29.29%) were found in treatment T3 and T1, respectively along with color plastic mulch. The maximum benefit cost ratio was estimated to the tune of 3.76 in treatment T2 along with black color plastic mulch.
Improvement of P2O5 Content in Tahoua Rock Phosphate Using Synthetic Diammonium Phosphate
Authors: Awali Abdoul Bari Idi , Bachir Mijitaba Sahirou , Abdou-Rahimou Koraou Nomaou , Salam Manzola Abdou
Published: September 2024

The rock phosphate Tahoua (TNP) is a nodular sedimentary phosphate, the vast majority of which is fluoroapatite, with an average P2O5 content of around 30%. But it has a range of impurities that prevent its solubility. However, this rock can be used by certain unconventional techniques to prepare a better-quality fertilizer to meet plant nutrient requirements. The aim of this study is to prepare improved rock phosphate at three different particle sizes (63, 100 µm, 160 µm) in order to assess its solubility in perchloric acid solution and distilled water. Diammonium phosphate (DAP) was synthesized at a NH3:H3PO4 molar ratio of 2:1. DAP was produced by reacting two moles of ammonia and one mole of phosphoric acid at laboratory room temperature for 30 minutes with stirring. The resulting product was characterized by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectrophotometry. These analyses confirmed no change in the structural properties of DAP. Next, the percentage mixtures of TNP particle sizes with the synthesized DAP were carried out.            Finally, a dissolution study was carried out. The results obtained from the dissolution of improved rock phosphate in perchloric acid solution and in water are respectively at 5% (50.55%; 43.85%; 45.33%); at 10% (48.90%; 46.88%; 43.70%); 15% (52.70%; 54.9%; 54.83%); 20% (60.67%; 63.95%; 60.44%) and 5% (18.88%; 26.20%; 26.20%); 10% (26.66%; 27.30%; 34.92%); 15% (43.18%; 45.86%; 59.68%); 20% (56.72%; 57.66%; 60.88%) respectively. The improvement in rock phosphate increased the level of P2O5 dissolved in the solutions.  These dissolved P2O5 levels in refined rock phosphate are interesting in water, even at 5%.
Screening of Mungbean Germplasms against Root-Knot Nematode, Melodigyne javanica to Find Out the Source of Resistance
Authors: Yadav Seema , Bishnoi S.P. , Gurjar Hemraj , Parwati  , Chandrawat B.S. , Verma Rajkumar , Abhi Ramavath
Published: September 2024

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) have been widely recorded in mung bean growing areas. Screening for resistant genotypes has reduced the damage caused by the root-knot nematodes. An experiment was conducted to find out the Screening of mungbean germplasms against root-knot nematode, Melodigyne javanica to find out the source of resistance. Total forty-one cultivars screened in which three cultivars i.e., IPM 1603-3, MH 1142 (Ch.) and MH 1772 were found to be moderately resistant, twenty-eight cultivars recorded as susceptible and ten recorded highly susceptible ones.
Estimation of Biochemical Constituents in Leaves of Elite Mulberry Hybrids
Authors: C Sushmitha , Chikkalingaiah  , Sadatulla Fatima , Chandrashekhar S.
Published: September 2024

Mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori nourishes its nutrition from its sole food plant Morus spp. Various biochemical techniques have facilitated the sericulture’s in identifying the most nutritive mulberry variety for obtaining eminent silk. A deficiency of certain nutrients or an imbalance of nutrients in leaves causes some changes in the composition or metabolic activity of larval body. Eight mulberry hybrids and two commercial check varieties were analysed for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphur, Ash, Crude Fibre, Carbohydrates, Proteins, Phenol, Sugar and Amino acid contents. The result revealed that hybrids, ME-65 × V1 recorded highest nitrogen content (3.47%), Potassium content (2.15%), calcium content (0.64%), Magnesium content (0.45%), Sulphur content (0.30%), Ash content (12.92%), Phenol (3.99 mg) and sugar content of (12.66%) compared to check variety V1 and S-36. Whereas ME-146 × MI-66 recorded highest total amino acid (8.37 mg/g). Similarly, biochemical constituents viz., phosphorous (0.55%), Crude Protein (18.81%), Carbohydrate (22.8%), crude fibre (9.89%) were recorded highest in the check variety V1.
Assessment of Elite Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Germplasm for Powdery Mildew (Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici) Resistance
Authors: Kushwaha Archana , Deepshikha  , Raghuvanshi Vishwa Vijay , Umriyal Himanshu , Dobhal Aditi , Chauhan Surbhi , Kandpal Kamakshi , Singh Shruti , Jaiswal J. P.
Published: September 2024

Background:  Powdery mildew is a significant fungal disease that poses a serious threat to wheat production worldwide. It reduces grain yield and quality by damaging plant tissues and inhibiting photosynthesis. Early infection can lead to substantial crop losses, making effective management and control strategies critical for maintaining wheat productivity and ensuring food security.
Aim: In the current investigation, an effort was made to confirm the resistance with gene linked markers in the genotypes showing phenotypic resistance to powdery mildew in the field conditions under epiphytotic conditions highlights the importance of finding resistant genotypes since they minimize crop losses, increase food security, use fewer pesticides, are environmentally benign, etc. that happened in 2021–2022.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, between December during 2021-2022.
Methodology: Twenty genotypes VL2041, HPW349, HS507, VL907, HD3349 PBW876B, DBW313, HD2967, HI1628, HI8827(d), MACS5057, PBW874, PBW874, PBW873, WH1270(I), WH1406, PBW868, WH1407, DBW368, along with two control: PBW343(C) and HS562(C) were taken.
Results: Characterized wheat genotypes can contribute to future breeding programs and the development of resistant wheat varieties in a number of ways, including: genetic diversity, drought stress, salinity stress, heat stress, and climate resilience. From the current investigation it can be concluded that four of the thirteen SSR markers that were used, representing 20 genotypes, were amplified in order to verify the resistance in genotypes exhibiting phenotypic resistance to powdery mildew.
Conclusion: Molecular marker characterization revealed that Xgwm312 confirmed the resistance to 9 genotypes (HS562, VL2041, PBW874, DBW313, DBW368, WH1407, HD3349, PBW873, and HD3043). Cfd26 confirmed the resistance in five genotypes (HS562, VL2041, DBW313, HS5079 and HD3043).  Xgwm174 confirmed the resistance in seven genotypes HS562, VL2041, WH1406, DBW368, WH1407, HPW349, and PBW873 and the marker Xgwm182 confirmed the resistance in 7 genotypes (HS562, DBW187 (I) (C), WH1406, VL907, HS507, WH1407, HPW349 out of 20 genotypes.
Ber Production in Arid Zones: Challenges, Management and Opportunities for the Future
Authors: Jain Shubham , Gavhale KN , Bele PD , S Prabakaran , Krishnamoorthi A. , Balo Sumana , Patel Brijesh , Kumar Lavi
Published: September 2024

Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana) is a drought-resistant fruit tree that shows promise for arid and semi-arid regions due to its ability to thrive in low-water conditions and poor soils. This review explores the challenges and opportunities associated with ber production in arid zones. Key challenges include water scarcity, soil degradation, and limited agricultural infrastructure. Conversely, opportunities exist in advancing irrigation techniques, utilizing drought-tolerant varieties, and improving soil management practices. Recent innovations in sustainable agriculture, such as rainwater harvesting and soil moisture conservation, could enhance ber cultivation efficiency. Additionally, increased research into genetic improvement and pest management could lead to higher yields and better-quality fruits. The integration of modern technologies with traditional practices holds potential for expanding ber production, offering economic and environmental benefits to arid regions. Addressing these challenges while leveraging opportunities could significantly improve food security and livelihoods in these areas.
Telangana Kandi 3 (TDRG 59): A Promising Medium Duration Pigeonpea Variety for Southern Zone of India
Authors: K.Sujatha  , Pushpavalli S.N.C.V.L. , Sandeep S. , Kumar C. V. Sameer , Sudhakar C. , Rani C. Sudha , Minnie C. Manikya , Reddy T. Rajeshwar , Rani K. Sandya
Published: September 2024

TDRG 59 is a medium duration high yielding pigeonpea culture identified at Agricultural Research Station, Tandur, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Telangana and was released by Central Variety Release Committee during 2021 in the name of Telangana kandi 3 for southern zone of India. It matures in 165-180 days in kharif and around 125-130 days in Rabi depending on the onset of cool temperatures during winter. The culture is most suitable for deep black soils to medium textured soils under rainfed or limited irrigated conditions owing to its medium duration. The culture recorded an average seed yield of 1708 kg/ha, which was 22.52% high over ICPL 8863 (National check), 27.4% high over CO 8 (Local Check) and 10.5% high over GRG 811 (Zonal check). It is moderately resistant to Fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic disease. The culture recorded lesser pod damage due to pod borers and pod fly when compared to checks.
Effect of Potash Application on Incidence of Bollworms in Bt Cotton Hybrid
Authors: Parmar Karan H. , Desai H. R. , Patel R. D. , Bhanderi G. R. , Sinipini Tirupati
Published: September 2024

Investigations on “Effect of potash application on incidence of bollworms in Bt cotton hybrid” were carried out at the Main Cotton Research Station, Surat during Kharif 2018-19 with twelve treatment combinations comprising three levels of potash (K2O) applications (0, 40 and 80 kg ha-1) as main treatments and two levels of potash mobilizing bacteria (KMB) @0 and 2.5 lit ha-1 and two levels of foliar sprays of potassium nitrate (KNO3) @0 and 3% at squaring, flowering and boll development as sub treatments under ETL based interventions in split plot design with three replications.The main treatment sub treatment and interactiion effect on bollworm were discussed.The treatment combination viz., K2O application @80 kg ha-1 along with the application of potash mobilizing bacteria (KMB) @2.5 litre ha-1 as basal application at 15 days after sowing and foliar sprays of potassium nitrate (KNO3) @3% during squaring (60DAS), flowering (75DAS) and boll development stages (90DAS) on G. Cot. Hy. 8 BG II recorded highest seed cotton yield (2777 kg ha-1), provided effective management of bollworms requiring one spray against pink bollworm affording good protection against ABW and SBW.
Stability Analysis of the Chaotic Reverse Butterfly-Shaped Dynamical System Represented in State Variable form Using Hurwitz Polynomials
Authors: Arhinful D. A. , Acquah J. , Otoo H.
Published: September 2024

The stability of a dynamic system of a differential equations in state variable form describes how it responds to significantly small perturbations. This qualitative behavior a of system of differential equations is studied using Lyapunov or Hurwitz polynomials. The latter reduces the problem of stability of equilibrium points of nonlinear systems to an algebraic linearized system, providing necessary and sufficient criteria in terms of Hurwitz determinant or Routh - Hurwitz Array for which the system is stable. In this paper, the stability analysis of the chaotic reverse butterfly-shaped dynamical system is presented using Hurwitz polynomials. The proposed procedure has been illustrated lucidly and validated with numerical simulations in MAPLE software.
Evaluating the Effect of Seed Priming Treatments on Yield and Quality of Wheat Seed (Triticum aestivum L.) under Rainfed Conditions
Authors: Kumar Shravan , Jatav A. L. , Maurya C. L. , Dixit Ravi , Singh Shailendra Pratap , Bhayankar  , Jayant  , Babu Sanjay , Deepu  , Kumar Dhirendra
Published: September 2024

The present study was conducted on wheat variety “K-1317”and was procured from Student instructional Farm, C.S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur. The experiment was conducted in Rabi 2022-23 and 2023-24. The seeds were used for pre-sowing seed treatments, T0 Control (Un soaking), T1 Soaking with tap water for 12hrs, T2 Soaking with tap water for 24hrs, T3 Soaking with Bacillus Subtilis for 12hrs, T4 Soaking with Bacillus subtilis  for 24hrs, T5 Soaking with Azotobacter for 12hrs, T6 Soaking with Azotobacter for 24hrs, T7 Soaking with NaCl @1% for 12hrs, T8 Soaking NaCl @1% for 24hrs, T9 Soaking with ZnSo4 @1% for 12hrs, T10 Soaking with ZnSo4 @1% for 24hrs, T11 Soaking with GA3 @(50ppm) for 12hrs, T12 Soaking with GA3 @(50ppm) for 24hrs & T13 Soaking Auxin (IAA) @(50ppm) for 12hrs & T14 Soaking IAA @(50ppm) for 24hrs. Pre-sowing seed treatment or priming was done by soaking of required quantity of seeds of wheat variety K- 1317 in tap water, biologicals, chemicals, and hormonals’ treatments in concentration for 12hrs and 24hrs in ratio of 1:1 (Kg of seeds/volume of solution) by using wet gunny bags. Then the treated or primed (soaked) seeds were dried in shade to maintain the seed moisture content approximately 12 or 13%. Seed dressing was done on primed and untreated (control) by Thiram (2.5%). Seeds priming was GA3@ (50ppm) for 12hrs on wheat variety K-1317 significantly present results the yield and quality of seed. The best results in found under the treatment T11 Soaking with GA3 @(50ppm) for 12hrs, in productive tillers, number seeds/spike, number of spikelet’s/spikes, spike length, grain yield and harvest index, protein content in 2022-2023. and the at par treatments T10, T12, T13 and T14.
First Report of Carpophilus dimidiatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in Stored Groundnut and Field Maize from West Bengal, India
Authors: Chakraborty Debanjan , Dutta Shubhayan , Chatterjee Moulita , Sahoo Shyamal Kr. , Hath Tapan Kumar
Published: September 2024

Genus Carpophilus belongs to the family Nitidulidae under the order Coleoptera. Majority of the members under this genus are either sap feeder or fungus feeder. A small number of these, however, is economically categorised as stored grain pests. The commonly known species under this genus are C. dimidiatus, C. hemipterus, C. humeralis, C. marginellus, C. mutilatus, C. obsoletus, C. davidsoni, C. lugubris etc. Among these, Carpophilus dimidiatus (Fabricius) has been reported worldwide as a pest causing significant post-harvest loss. In India, different cereals like bajra, rice products, sago flour as well as oil seeds have been found to be infested by this pest. This pest was reported earlier from our country. But the information on identification as well as the name of the crop(s) infested by the pest were lacking. It was recorded with proper identification in stored groundnut from Bangalore and Chennai for the first time from our country in the year 2022. This report is going to be the first ever report of Carpophilus dimidiatus on groundnut in storage and on maize in field from West Bengal.
Sibling earthquakes generated within a persistent rupture barrier on the Sunda megathrust under Simeulue Island
Authors: Morgan Paul M. , Feng Lujia , Meltzner Aron J. , Lindsey Eric O. , Tsang Louisa L. H. , Hill Emma M.
Published: February 2017

A section of the Sunda megathrust underneath Simeulue is known to persistently halt rupture propagation of great earthquakes, including those in 2004 (Mw 9.2) and 2005 (Mw 8.6). Yet the same section generated large earthquakes in 2002 (Mw 7.3) and 2008 (Mw 7.4). To date, few studies have investigated the 2002 and 2008 events, and none have satisfactorily located or explained them. Using near‐field InSAR, GPS, and coral geodetic data, we find that the slip distributions of the two events are not identical but do show a close resemblance and largely overlap. We thus consider these earthquakes “siblings” that were generated by an anomalous “parent” feature of the megathrust. We suggest that this parent feature is a locked asperity surrounded by the otherwise partially creeping Simeulue section, perhaps structurally controlled by a broad morphological high on the megathrust.
Initiation of Snowball Earth with volcanic sulfur aerosol emissions
Authors: Macdonald F. A. , Wordsworth R.
Published: February 2017

We propose that the first Neoproterozoic Snowball Earth event, the Sturtian glaciation, was initiated by the injection of sulfate aerosols into the stratosphere. Geochronological data indicate that the Natkusiak magmatic assemblage of the Franklin large igneous province coincided with onset of the Sturtian glaciation. The Natkusiak was emplaced into an evaporite basin and entrained significant quantities of sulfur, which would have led to extensive SO2 and H2S outgassing in hot convective plumes. The largest of these plumes could have penetrated the tropopause, leading to stratospheric sulfate aerosol formation and an albedo increase sufficient to force a Snowball. Radiative forcing was maximized by the equatorial location of the Franklin and the cool Neoproterozoic background climate, which would have lowered the tropopause height, increasing the rate of stratospheric aerosol injection. Our results have implications for understanding Phanerozoic mass extinction events, exoplanet habitability, and aerosol perturbations to the present‐day climate.
Light Trapping in Plasmonic Nanovessels
Authors: Ai Bin , Gu Panpan , Wang Zengyao , Möhwald Helmuth , Wang Limin , Zhang Gang
Published: February 2017

Inverse hollow nanocone arrays are fabricated by an efficient colloidal lithography technique and a facile transfer process. These structures have the peculiar features of nanobeakers, which may be promising reaction vessels. Local field distribution near this beaker and the influence on optical properties are investigated. A majority of light at the resonance wavelength can be trapped in the cavity due to multiple internal reflections in the cone and coupling with the surface plasmon of the nanostructures. Due to the strongly enhanced electric field distributed in air, the resonant reflection dip shows sensitive response to changes of the surrounding environment, with excellent linearity and relative sensitivity up to 62% per refractive index unit (RIU). Moreover, the Raman signal becomes much weaker when excited at the resonance wavelength, demonstrating the strong ability of trapping light. This nanostructure and the investigation of the plasmonic performances may contribute to the generation of nanovessels for optical tweezers and plasmon‐assisted chemistry.
The Parent Cyclopentadienyltin Cation, Its Toluene Adduct, and the Quadruple‐Decker [Sn3Cp4]2+
Authors: Schleep Mario , Hettich Clarissa , Velázquez Rojas Jennifer , Kratzert Daniel , Ludwig Thilo , Lieberth Katharina , Krossing Ingo
Published: February 2017

Truly cationic metallocenes with the parent cyclopentadienyl ligand are so far unknown for the Group 14 elements. Herein we report on an almost “naked” [SnCp]+ cation with the weakly coordinating [Al{OC(CF3)3}4]− and [{(F3C)3CO}3Al−F−Al{OC(CF3)3}3]− anions. [SnCp][Al{OC(CF3)3}4] was used to prepare the first main‐group quadruple‐decker cation [Sn3Cp4]2+ again as the [Al{OC(CF3)3}4]− salt. Additionally, the toluene adduct [CpSn(C7H8)][Al{OC(CF3)3}4] was obtained.
Electrocatalytic Oxidant‐Free Dehydrogenative C−H/S−H Cross‐Coupling
Authors: Wang Pan , Tang Shan , Huang Pengfei , Lei Aiwen
Published: February 2017

An environmentally friendly electrocatalytic protocol has been developed for dehydrogenative C−H/S−H cross‐coupling. This method enabled C−S bond formation under catalyst‐ and oxidant‐free conditions. Under undivided electrolysis conditions, various aryl/heteroaryl thiols and electron‐rich arenes afforded the C−S bond‐formation products in 24–99 % yield. A preliminary mechanistic study indicated that the generation of aryl radical cation intermediates is key to the success of this transformation.
Photocatalysis with Quantum Dots and Visible Light: Selective and Efficient Oxidation of Alcohols to Carbonyl Compounds through a Radical Relay Process in Water
Authors: Zhao Lei‐Min , Meng Qing‐Yuan , Fan Xiang‐Bing , Ye Chen , Li Xu‐Bing , Chen Bin , Ramamurthy Vaidhyanathan , Tung Chen‐Ho , Wu Li‐Zhu
Published: February 2017

Selective oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes/ketones has been achieved with the help of 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)‐capped CdSe quantum dot (MPA‐CdSe QD) and visible light. Visible‐light‐prompted electron‐transfer reaction initiates the oxidation. The thiyl radical generated from the thiolate anion adsorbed on a CdSe QD plays a key role by abstracting the hydrogen atom from the C−H bond of the alcohol (R1CH(OH)R2). The reaction shows high efficiency, good functional group tolerance, and high site‐selectivity in polyhydroxy compounds. The generality and selectivity reported here offer a new opportunity for further applications of QDs in organic transformations.
Kaolinite induced control of particulate lead and cadmium emissions during fluidized bed waste incineration
Authors: Huang Y. , Wang X. , Liu C. , Wang Y. , Dong L.
Published: February 2017

Kaolinite was utilized as in‐furnace sorbent to control submicron lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) emissions during waste incineration in a fluidized bed furnace. The secondary combustion chamber temperature ranged from 850 to 1000 °C. The metal capture was investigated for aspects of chemical reaction, physical conglutination and control performance of submicron metal emission. Pb reacted with kaolinite and caused conglutination of nanoscale metal particles at a lower temperature than Cd. Emission control of submicron Pb was far more effective than that of submicron Cd, particularly below 950 °C. For both Pb and Cd, there was capture limitation and an increase of kaolinite fraction above 3% could not further reduce the submicron metal emission. According to toxicity factors (5 Pb = 1 Cd) and the leaching fraction of submicron particles, the comprehensive performance of kaolinite was evaluated and numerous contradictory results were obtained. © 2017 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A multiple correspondence analysis of at‐fault motorcycle‐involved crashes in Alabama
Authors: Jalayer Mohammad , Zhou Huaguo
Published: February 2017

According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2012, more than 4950 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents. Compared to passenger car occupants, mile for mile, motorcyclists are more than 26 times more at risk to dying in crashes. Due to the high fatality rate associated with motorcycle crashes, factors contributing to this type of crash must be identified in order to implement effective safety countermeasures. Given that the available datasets are large and complex, identifying the key factors contributing to crashes is a challenging task. Using multiple correspondence analysis, as an exploratory data analysis technique to determine the dataset structure, we identified the roadway/environmental, motorcycle, and motorcyclist‐related variables influencing at‐fault motorcycle‐involved crashes. This study used the latest available dataset (2009 to 2013) from the Critical Analysis Reporting Environment database to study motorcycle crashes in the state of Alabama. The most significant contributors to the frequency and severity of at‐fault motorcycle‐involved crashes were found to be light conditions, time of day, driver condition, and weather conditions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between age and access to immediate breast reconstruction in women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer
Authors: Jeevan R , Browne J P , Gulliver-Clarke C , Pereira J , Caddy C M , van der Meulen J H P , Cromwell D A
Published: February 2017

Background

National guidelines state that patients with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy in England should be offered immediate breast reconstruction (IR), unless precluded by their fitness for surgery or the need for adjuvant therapies.

Methods

A national study investigated factors that influenced clinicians' decision to offer IR, and collected data on case mix, operative procedures and reconstructive decision-making among women with breast cancer having a mastectomy with or without IR in the English National Health Service between 1 January 2008 and 31 March 2009. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between whether or not women were offered IR and their characteristics (tumour burden, functional status, planned radiotherapy, planned chemotherapy, perioperative fitness, obesity, smoking status and age).

Results

Of 13 225 women, 6458 (48·8 per cent) were offered IR. Among factors the guidelines highlighted as relevant to decision-making, the three most strongly associated with the likelihood of an offer were tumour burden, planned radiotherapy and performance status. Depending on the combination of their values, the probability of an IR offer ranged from 7·4 to 85·1 per cent. A regression model that included all available factors discriminated well between whether or not women were offered IR (c-statistic 0·773), but revealed that increasing age was associated with a fall in the probability of an IR offer beyond that expected from older patients' tumour and co-morbidity characteristics.

Conclusion

Clinicians are broadly following guidance on the offer of IR, except with respect to patients' age.
Managing uncertainty in the clinical prediction of risk of harm: Bringing a Bayesian approach to forensic mental health
Authors: Duggan Conor , Jones Roland
Published: February 2017

Predicting the likelihood of harm posed by mentally disordered offenders remains controversial. It is proposed that a Bayesian approach may help quantify the uncertainty surrounding such prediction. An example of this approach quantifying the risk of breast cancer in the event of a positive mammogram is provided. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface Immobilization of Molecular Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion
Authors: Bullock R. Morris , Das Atanu K. , Appel Aaron M.
Published: February 2017

Electrocatalysts are critically important for a secure energy future, as they facilitate the conversion between electrical and chemical energy. Molecular catalysts offer precise control of structure that enables understanding of structure–reactivity relationships, which can be difficult to achieve with heterogeneous catalysts. Molecular electrocatalysts can be immobilized on surfaces by covalent bonds or through non‐covalent interactions. Advantages of surface immobilization include the need for less catalyst, avoidance of bimolecular decomposition pathways, and easier determination of catalyst lifetime. This Minireview highlights surface immobilization of molecular electrocatalysts for reduction of O2, oxidation of H2O, production of H2, and reduction of CO2.
Thermodynamics and Photodynamics of a Monoprotonated Porphyrin Directly Stabilized by Hydrogen Bonding with Polar Protic Solvents
Authors: Suzuki Wataru , Kotani Hiroaki , Ishizuka Tomoya , Ohkubo Kei , Shiota Yoshihito , Yoshizawa Kazunari , Fukuzumi Shunichi , Kojima Takahiko
Published: February 2017

Addition of 1 equiv of TFA to an acetone solution containing dodecaphenylporphyrin (H2DPP) in the presence of 10 % MeOH (v/v) resulted in selective formation of a monoprotonated form (H3DPP+), in sharp contrast to protonation of H2DPP directly affording a diprotonated form (H4DPP2+) in acetone in the absence of MeOH. The crucial role of MeOH for selective H3DPP+ formation was interpreted as hydrogen‐bonding stabilization of H3DPP+, since a MeOH molecule was found to form hydrogen bonds with an NH proton of H3DPP+ in the crystal. The selectivity of H3DPP+ formation was evaluated by the formation yield of H3DPP+, which increased when elevating the portion of MeOH (0–10 %) in acetone with saturation behavior, suggesting that H3DPP+ is stabilized by hydrogen bonding with MeOH even in solution, together with the thermodynamic parameters determined from a van't Hoff plot based on the spectroscopic titration. Femto‐ and nanosecond laser flash photolysis allowed us to elucidate the photodynamics of H3DPP+ in intermolecular photoinduced electron transfer (ET) from ferrocene derivatives as one‐electron donors to the triplet excited state of H3DPP+ as an electron acceptor. The second‐order rate constants of the ET reactions were evaluated in light of the Marcus theory of ET. The reorganization energy of ET was determined to be 1.87 eV, which is slightly larger than that of H4DPP2+ in acetonitrile (1.69 eV), due to larger structural change upon ET than that of H4DPP2+.
“Pyrene Box” Cages for the Confinement of Biogenic Amines
Authors: Feng Wei‐Xu , van der Lee Arie , Legrand Yves‐Marie , Petit Eddy , Su Cheng‐Yong , Barboiu Mihail
Published: February 2017

The complete structure of non‐crystalline compounds can be determined by confining them in crystalline structures. The reduced motional degrees of freedom of encapsulated guests can be obtained through their anchoring to the host cages, which results in the reduction of a significant amount of disorder. The “pyrene box” cages that easily crystallize from aqueous solutions are recommended to achieve complete structure elucidation of compounds of biological interest. In this study, the “pyrene box” cages have been used for the in situ encapsulation of biogenic amines: histamine, dopamine, and serotonin. NMR spectroscopy illustrates that these systems are stable in aqueous solution. The X‐ray single‐crystal structure analysis reveals that the pyrene box/biogenic amine systems are stabilized through combined interactions, strongly contributing to in situ fixation and accurate determination of their crystal structures.
Multidye Biosorption: Wavelet Neural Network Modeling and Taguchi L16 Orthogonal Array Design
Authors: Tabaraki Reza , Khodabakhshi Mina
Published: February 2017

Biosorption of safranin (SF), malachite green (MG), and Janus green B (JG) onto Sargassum ilicifolium was studied in single and ternary systems. Principal component‐wavelet neural network was used for the simultaneous determination SF, MG, and JG in mixture. Biosorbent dose, pH and time were optimized by Taguchi L16 experimental design and optimum values were 0.1 g L−1, 8.5, and 85 min, respectively. The maximum biosorption capacity was 0.671 mmol g−1. Kinetic, equilibrium and thermodynamic of the biosorption process were also investigated. The biosorption kinetic was described by pseudo‐second order model. Several isotherm models were fitted to experimental biosorption data and among the models, Hill, and Sips isotherms had the best fits. Negative ΔG° values confirmed the feasibility and spontaneous nature and of the biosorption process.