bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Underground operations in Internatsionalny mine rock mass susceptible to gas dynamic phenomena
Authors:   Dynamic Phenomena Prediction and Prevention Service, Internatsionalny Mine, Mirny Mining and Processing Plant, ALROSA, Mirny, Russia, Vyunikov A. A. , Vorozhtsov S. G. ,   Dynamic Phenomena Prediction and Prevention Service, Internatsionalny Mine, Mirny Mining and Processing Plant, ALROSA, Mirny, Russia, Khoyutanova N. V. ,   Dynamic Phenomena Prediction and Prevention Service, Internatsionalny Mine, Mirny Mining and Processing Plant, ALROSA, Mirny, Russia, Pul E. K. ,   ALROSA, Mirny, Russia
Published: February 2021

Starting from 2019 extraction of diamond ore reserves from Internatsionalnaya pipe by Internatsionalny mine of ALROSA is carried out in complex geological and geomechanical conditions. Geodynamic situation is complicated by a few gas dynamic phenomena of different nature and scale recorded. The investigation results on gas release dynamics from dolomite rock mass during drivage of Spiral decline, in a test site on level.-802/-820 m in case of prediction and prevention measures undertaken to combat gas dynamic phenomena are presented. The dynamic characteristics of gas in outburst-hazardous dolomite rocks are calculated by the initial velocity of gas release. Efficiency of the current outburst hazard prediction method using facility MIG-Ts1 is proved. At the same time, it is necessary to perform additional studies to collect sufficient statistics and reliable data on gas release and gas pressure during drivage operations in the mine. The authors appreciate participation of Deputy CEO of VostNII Science Center, Doctor of Engineering Sciences, Professor V. S. Zykov, Doctor of Engineering Sciences, Professor A. V. Dzhigrin, Director of Research Center for Applied Geomechanics and Convergent Technologies in Mining at NUST MISIS College of Mining, Doctor of Engineering Sciences, Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences V. A. Eremenko and Director of VNIMI’s Kemerovo Division, Candidate of Engineering Sciences P. V. Grechishkin.
Moderate blasting technologies: Experience and prospects for introduction in Polyus mines
Authors:   Management Company Polyus, Moscow, Russia, Rakhmanov R. A. , Lushnikov V. N. ,   Management Company Polyus, Moscow, Russia, Alenichev I. A. ,   Polyus Proekt, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
Published: February 2021

It is commonly known that rock fragmentation by blasting is the most economically efficient method to prepare large volumes of rock mass to excavation and handling. The drilling and blasting technology accepted by a mine governs both rock fragmentation quality and mining safety connected with slope stability. Therefore, optimization of drilling and blasting is an objective calling for the effective blast design and control. This article presents the main principles and methods of moderate blasting implemented at Polyus company towards minimization of impact on pit walls and benches. The main point is stagewise reduction of the dynamic effect exerted by blasting on rock mass when approaching the ultimate pit limits. Polyus company initiated the far and wide review and introduction of the best international practices for improvement of blasting operations near the ultimate pit limits. The article describes the activities undertaken within implementation of projects on drilling and blasting technology justification and improvement to enhance stability of pit walls and, as a consequence, to reduce geotechnical hazards. As a complimentary measure to abate seismic effect of explosions on adjacent rock mass, the nonelectric blasting is replaced by electronic blast initiation systems with more accurate delay intervals, which almost nullifies probability of simultaneous ignition of two or more charges and ensures, thereby, the acceptable and seismically safe modes of blasting of large rock blocks. Furthermore, the introduction of the electronic blasting cardinally changes the approach to blasting order and sequence per intervals in blast holes depending on the current task within a block to be blasted.
Physical and mechanical properties of placers and rocks in the Rakovsky and Bolotny stream channels in the Vedugin gold occurrence area
Authors:   Burkandya, Magadan, Russia, Sergeev G. V. , Eremenko A. A. ,   Chinakal Institute of Mining, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia, Usoltseva O. M. ,   Chinakal Institute of Mining, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia, Shaposhnik Yu. N. ,   Chinakal Institute of Mining, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
Published: February 2021

The information on the rock mass behavior in the course of mineral mining is of vital necessity for exploration and mining companies. In engineering decision-making as well as for the prevention of possible difficulties, it is required to have the most comprehensive data on physical and mechanical properties of rock masses. The aim of this study is determination of physical and mechanical properties of placer rocks in the Rakovsky and Bolotny stream channels in the Vedugin gold occurrence area, as well as assessment of elasticity and brittleness of ore and rocks to define their susceptibility to rockbursting. It is found that bedding rocks in Rakovsky and Bolotny placers down to a depth of 87 m below ground surface are rockburst-non-hazardous. The research findings are usable in elaboration of project documentation for mining Rakovsky and Bolotny placers, as well as in selection of technologies for supporting rock mass and for actual mining of placer reserves. In the latter case, it is possible to make reasonable decisions on support design and geotechnology parameters so that to combine mining safety with the quality of mineral extraction as early as the project design. It is recommended that Burkandya company undertakes continuous monitoring and prediction of rockburst hazard as mining is advanced to deeper levels.
Epistulae “ad auctoritatem”: Rodrigo Vicente de Almeida escribe a Carolina Michaëlis de Vasconcelos
Authors: Arbor Aldea Mariña
Published: February 2021

Ofrecemos nas páxinas que seguen a edición e a análise de dúas cartas inéditas que don Rodrigo Vicente de Almeida, oficial da Biblioteca da Ajuda, lle dirixe a dona Carolina Michaëlis, a grande estudosa do códice por excelencia da citada Biblioteca, o Cancioneiro da Ajuda. Nestas misivas, custodiadas no Espólio de Carolina Michaëlis de Vasconcelos da Biblioteca Geral da Universidade de Coimbra coas cotas Ms. CMV 1/30 e Ms. CMV 1/31, Almeida fornece datos preciosos sobre un momento moi concreto da historia do manuscrito, o que precedeu o seu primeiro restauro, deitando luz, ademais, sobre as debatidas e sempre complexas numeracións modernas que se localizan nos seus folios.
Gentrificación turística en Lisboa después de la crisis capitalista 2008-2009 y rent gap: Evidencia reciente
Authors: Mendes Luís
Published: February 2021

El turismo urbano en sus diversas formas ha experimentado una gran expansión a principios del siglo XXI, pero la turistificación como fenómeno de masas, hegemónico y dominante en las grandes ciudades portuguesas de Lisboa y Oporto es un fenómeno reciente. Antes de la pandemia, Lisboa vivía un pico de proyección internacional como destino turístico, registrando considerables incrementos ininterrumpidos en llegadas de turistas, pernoctaciones e ingresos diarios, así como en número de hoteles, hostales y alojamientos turísticos de alquiler corto, pero el turistificación como un fenómeno de masas, hegemónico y dominante en el centro de la ciudad, con drásticos impactos en el tejido social y económico de los distritos históricos del centro de Lisboa es reciente. Este artículo se centrará en las fuerzas impulsoras del urbanismo de austeridad y el giro neoliberal en la política urbana que impulsa el proceso de gentrificación turística, en la última década, en los barrios históricos de Lisboa, especialmente la enorme expansión del alojamiento de alquiler a corto plazo para turistas, combinada con la alta rent gap y el elevado número de edificios vacíos en la ciudad.
What can Buddhism offer evaluation? Applying Buddhist concepts in evaluation
Authors: Chen Sonia
Published: February 2021

Buddhism and evaluation share many things in common: They both help people make progress towards their goals by overcoming problems and challenges with the understanding of their strengths and values and the relationship between causes and effects. This paper explores what Buddhism can offer evaluation by discussing five aspects of evaluation for which there is a distinct Buddhist perspective. A Buddhist worldview sees an equal and interdependent relationship between the evaluator and the evaluand, gives certainty to cause and effect, and is mindful and respectful of the subjective nature of knowledge. This Buddhist perspective brings an evaluator closer to a deeper understanding of causality for judgement and action. Through focusing on inner change, Buddhism provides a way for the empowerment of individuals and the transformation of society. The author concludes that looking at evaluation through a Buddhist perspective supports evaluation to be more honest, thoughtful, and inclusive as a discipline. The remaining task is putting theory into practice.
Āta-kōrero: Building evaluative conversation
Authors: Rewiri Toni , Taiepa Veraneeca , Dewerse Rosemary
Published: February 2021

At Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka/Unitec Institute of Technology, located in Auckland, our partnership agreement, Te Noho Kotahitanga, is inspiring us to apply kaupapa Māori to strengthen our ability in evaluative conversation, in response to an external review. Āta-kōrero, an evaluative frame drawn from the work of Taina Whakaatere Pohatu in Āta, is being applied and developed via action research. Āta-kōrero is a five-step process that moves from the gathering of evidence (Āta-haere), through its consideration (Āta-titiro) and interpretation (Āta-whakaaro), to goal setting (Āta-tohutohu) and reporting (Āta-tuhi). Āta requires that this be done with great carefulness, deliberation, and thorough-going reflection, prioritising people. An initial pilot and two full implementation rounds with 65 teams delivering more than 80 programmes have been conducted since March 2019. Āta-kōrero is enabling evaluative conversation that is culturally responsive, collectively owned, increasingly rigorous, empowering, and aligned with expressed values.
Linguosemiotic Representation of the British Royal Family Life in the Monarchical Media Discourse
Authors: Sklyarova Natalya G.
Published: February 2021

The goal of the article is to explore some linguistic means used in the British monarchical media discourse to describe the life of the Royal family. The research is carried out in the semiotic aspect with the help of contextual and distributive methods of analysis of the extensive language material taken from the authentic sources, such as: the Internet versions of British newspapers, the international news service BBC and the official website of the Windsors. The verbal signs that define the representatives of the British monarchy, their actions, relations, values and anti-values, tangible and intangible resources, quantitative characteristics, are used not only to inform the readers about the events in which the British Royals participate but also to enlarge the world picture of common citizens and to create the image of the contemporary monarchy. The results of the research show that the members of the Royal family are presented as approachable, amiable people, involved in charity, engaged in solving the urgent social issues and doing their best in popularization of monarchy, bringing it up to date. The article also contributes to the theory of discourse as it contains the definition of monarchical discourse and the characteristics of its personal, institutional and media subtypes from the point of view of their participants, the aims of the latter and the situations of communication.
Working towards modern, affordable & sustainable energy systems in the context of displacement. Recommendations for researchers and practitioners
Authors:   Coventry University, Halford Alison
Published: February 2021

This working paper is drawn from presentations and discussions that emerged during the ‘Agency of Change: Energy in the Displaced Context’ digital Conference held on Wednesday 4th November 2020. The conference was organised by the Centre of Data Science, Coventry University on behalf of the GCRF EPSRC Humanitarian Engineering and Energy for Displacement (HEED) project.
Statutory Acts of Constituent Entities of the Russian Federation as Financial Law Sources
Authors:   Associate Professor of the Department of State and Municipal Administration of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation PhD (Law), Associate Professor, Eremin Sergey G.
Published: February 2021

This article examines the normative legal acts of the Russian Federation subjects as sources of financial law. The article notes that the normative legal acts of the Russian Federation subjects have already proved their inseparability in practice and confirmed the need for the existence of the entire financial order in the system of financial and legal relations. There is no doubt that the regional level of financial regulation is a significant regulator of financial activity, the economic system and developing market relations.
Specifics of the Legal Identification of Finance: Generic Contradictions
Authors:   Head of the Department of Financial, Tax and Budget Law of the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation Professor of the Department of Public Law of the National Research University Higher School of Economics (NRU HSE) LL.D., Associate Professor, Povetkina Natalya A.
Published: February 2021

In the presented work, the author conducts a critical assessment of the content of the category “finance”, which is basic for the science of financial law, from the point of view of its categorization into state, public and public. The author examines the declared topic in the context of three planes — legislation, science and academic discipline. The purpose of this study is not to systematize and evaluate all available points of view on a selected topic, but to draw the attention of the scientific community to existing contradictions for subsequent critical analysis and development of recommendations. This work begins a cycle of author’s publications devoted to the peculiarities of the legal identification of finance.
ON STRATEGIC TASKS OF THE USE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF LEGAL REGULATION
Authors:   Doctor of Law Head of the Department of Energy Law of the Kutafi n Moscow State Law University (MSAL) Director of the Center for Energy Law of the Saint-Petersburg State Economic University, Romanova Viktoria V.
Published: February 2021

The development of the national scientific and technological potential, creation and application of advanced technologies in the power industry, including the technologies related to the use of renewable energy sources, are defined in the Energy Security Doctrine of the Russian Federation as the main tasks of ensuring technological independence and raising competitiveness of the fuel and energy complex. Renewable energy sources and energy storage units are referred to breakthrough technologies that may trigger structural and technological changes in the management and functioning of power systems and facilitate the transition of the power industry to a new technological basis (the so called “energy transition”). The above-mentioned strategic tasks of the further development of the power industry of the Russian Federation require financial support and due legal regulation. The paper brings forward proposals for the further development of the legal regulation of renewable energy sources on the legislative level enabling to fill in the gaps in the current legal regulation.
Lisitsin-Svetlanov Andrey G. Doctor of Law, Professor Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Authors:   Doctor of Law, Professor Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lisitsin-Svetlanov Andrey G.
Published: February 2021

The market relations based on competition laws established during the last quarter of the century and the accumulated experience inevitably require the elaboration of new development plans and the adjustment of the existing legal regulation. The introduction of some exceptions in the laws stipulates specific further “recalibration” of the basic as well as special regulation. The Energy Strategy of Russia until 2035 defining the aims, priorities and areas of the development of the power industry of the Russian Federation emphasizes the need for a structural diversification within which the significance of liquefied natural gas will be raised, the carbon-based power industry will be supplemented with the non-carbon-based one, the decentralized power supply will be added to the centralized one. The discussed plans of the competition development in Russia are still not widespread beyond the Strategy. The review of the list of natural monopolies in the power industry makes it obvious that their current essential reformation aiming at demonopolization is highly improbable due to their technical and economic characteristics. Thus, it appears that in the near future, taking into account the established technical and economic conditions in which natural monopolies exist, the adjustment of their operations in terms of securing market conditions can be connected with the adjustment of the regulation of the tariff setting mechanism and the legal “localization” of the non-discrimination principle in relation to the operations of specific natural monopolies.
Challenging Aspects of the Legal Regulation of International Economic Activities of Gas Exporters as Parties to Exchange Trade in Gas Abroad
Authors:   Postgraduate Student of the Center for Energy Law of the Saint-Petersburg State Economic University, Koshman Sergey S.
Published: February 2021

According to the Energy Strategy of the Russian Federation until 2035, the indicator of solution of the task of a flexible response to the world gas market dynamics is retaining by the Russian Federation of the dominant position of top three world gas exporters. Russian exporting companies are interested in trading in natural gas in European exchanges, as exchange trade in natural gas gives an opportunity to diversify the existing natural gas export mechanisms, gain access to highly liquid natural gas sales channels. At present, there is little legal research dedicated to challenging aspects of the legal regulation of exchange trade in energy resources, access of exporting companies to foreign exchanges. There are gaps and discrepancies in the existing legal regulation of this sector. The author reviews peculiarities of the legal regulation of relationships arising in trade in natural gas in European exchanges, the requirements set for exchange participants, the existing restrictions of these operations for Russian exporting companies, brings forward legal regulation development proposals.
Nuclear Materials Ownership in the Russian Federation
Authors:   Postgraduate Student of the Department of Energy Law of the Kutafi n Moscow State Law University (MSAL), Babich Sergey A.
Published: February 2021

In response to the challenges of the epoch, “nuclear” laws currently regulate safety issues related to handling of nuclear materials, nuclear facilities operation, related transactions, nuclear waste processing and disposal, state control over the nuclear energy use, and international cooperation in the nuclear sphere. One of the most important institutions of the “nuclear” regulation system in Russian law is the institution of ownership of nuclear materials, understood by the modern legislator as materials containing, or capable of reproducing, fissile (fissionable) nuclear substances. Consolidating the rules of nuclear materials ownership, the legislator further formulates requirements for nuclear materials control and accounting, transactions procedure, and safe operation of nuclear facilities, as well as introduces liability for violation of such requirements. Today, many aspects related to the legal status of nuclear materials owners and the notion of handling nuclear materials deserve a deep legal analysis, since the current legal regulation has gaps and contradictions. The legal writing method used to word such norms, structures, and basic notions must meet the criteria of clarity, unambiguous interpretation, and absence of regulatory gaps, that is why the system of legal regulation of the institution of nuclear materials ownership needs further improvement.
INFLUENCE OF ADDITIONAL SIZING OF CARBON FIBER IN PRODUCING VOLUME-REINFORCED PREFORMS ON THE PROPERTIES OF HIGH-TEMPERATURE CARBON FIBER
Authors:   Federal State Unitary Enterprise «All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Aviation Materials», Nacharkina A.V. , Zelenina I.V. ,   Federal State Unitary Enterprise «All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Aviation Materials», Valueva M.I. ,   Federal State Unitary Enterprise «All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Aviation Materials», Voronina O.G. ,   Federal State Unitary Enterprise «All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Aviation Materials»
Published: February 2021

Presents the results of experimental studies of the effect of additional apparet on the properties of high-temperature carbon plastic based on a heat-resistant thermosetting phthalonitrile binder and a volume-reinforced woven preform. Comparative data are given on physical and mechanical properties of carbon plastics based on preforms with and without an apparet, including after exposure to operational factors (thermal aging, water and moisture absorption), results of thermal analysis and microstructure research.
FEATURES OF THE STRUCTURE AND REINFORCEMENT TRANSMISSION SHAFTS MADE OF POLYMER COMPOSITE MATERIALS (review)
Authors:   Federal State Unitary Enterprise «All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Aviation Materials», Goncharov V.A. , Usacheva M.N. ,   Federal State Unitary Enterprise «All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Aviation Materials», Khrulkov A.V. ,   Federal State Unitary Enterprise «All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Aviation Materials»
Published: February 2021

A transmission shaft is required to transfer power from the engine to the axle and drive wheel in a rear wheel drive vehicle. A composite shaft has many advantages: greater length compared to a metal shaft, improved mechanical properties, less noise, vibration and weight. By adjusting the resin composition and the fiber reinforcement pattern, the mechanical properties of the transmission shaft can be improved. Various options for modifying carbon and fiberglass plastics to improve the characteristics of the shaft are considered.
BOOK REVIEW OF THE VOLUME MEDIEREA CONFLICTELOR FAMILIALE, AUTHORED BY IULIAN APOSTU, 2020
Authors:   PhD Univ. Prof., Faculty of Law, Social and Political Sciences, Dunărea de Jos University, Galați, Romania, ANITEI Nadia Cerasela
Published: February 2021

The book Mediation of family conflicts published by Pro Universitaria Publishing House in December 2020 is the latest publication by the authors Apostu Iulian and Voinea Maria. The paper develops a theoretical approach on the evolution of conjugal structures in the Romanian space, highlighting the resources that define these changes and their effects in terms of functional changes in the family. The originality of the work derives from the new vision that the book brings in this dilemma - mediation or separation – thus synthesizing the sociological and psychological elements about mediation, counseling and therapy. The book is an excellent landmark for those who want to understand the idea of mediation, an action viewed from a threefold perspective: sociological, psychological and of intervention in social work.
Application of GIS, GPS, Remote Sensing Technologies and Virtual Reality in Environmental Planning
Authors: Zhao Bing
Published: February 2021

Environmental planning is a systematic work with large-scale issues and big difficulties. This article briefly discusses GIS, GPS, remote sensing technologies (3S technologies) and virtual reality (VR), and verifies that these technologies can provide assistance for environmental planning. On this basis, this article focuses on the application of 3S technologies and VR in environmental planning, such as point processing, line processing and surface processing, constructing geometric virtual environment and image virtual environment. In order to maximize roles of these technologies, advantages, scientificity and rationality of environmental planning should be enhanced to create ideal space for social and economic development.
The link between self-efficacy and nutrition knowledge beliefs: Findings from South Africa
Authors:   University of Fort Hare, P/Bag X1314, Alice,5700, South Africa, Xazela NM , Chinyamurindi Willie ,   University of Fort Hare, P/Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa, Shava H ,   University of Fort Hare, P/Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa
Published: February 2021

Nutrition knowledge is an important factor leading to the promotion of good nutrition practice. Good nutrition practices can be linked to assisting,not only individuals,but also society in general to adopt healthy life-style practices that can prolong life. Calls exist within the literature for research that understands further how nutrition knowledge can be promoted at individual and community levels.Answering such research calls can also be the basis for useful practitioner interventions on the ground.Embedded within these calls is the need to also explore the role of individual-psychological factors on aspects of nutrition.Further, there is also need to pay attention to issues that affect the youth market,especially their attitudes towards issues related not only to nutrition practices but also nutrition knowledge. This research gives focus in determining the relationship between self-efficacy as an individual psychological factor and nutrition knowledge amongst a sample of youths residing in a rural community in South Africa. The study adopts a quantitative research approach using the survey design technique involving a sample of 150 youths residing in a rural community. The findings reveal two findings. First,concerning the age and gender,no significant effect existed with nutrition knowledge. Second, self-efficacy significantly predicted nutrition knowledge among the youth. Based on the findings, suggestions are made that promote and link individual self-efficacy beliefs to nutrition knowledge. At the core of this could be channels of expression through behaviour change and information acquisition as key conduits to promoting individual self-efficacy.Finally, practitioners on the ground can use the findings of the research as they implement targeted interventions that promote good nutrition practice. This can involve seeking ways that encourage the development of individual self-efficacy given its link (as found in this study) to nutrition knowledge.
http://ajfand.net/Volume21/No1/index.html#gsc.tab=0
Authors:   University  of  South  Africa,  Florida, Johannesburg, South Africa, Mthombeni Danisile , Antwi MA ,   University  of  South  Africa,  Florida, Johannesburg, South Africa, Rubhara T ,   University  of  South  Africa,  Florida, Johannesburg, South Africa
Published: February 2021

Agro-processing is becoming more popular and practiced by farmers to reduce post-harvest losses,add value to farm products and increase farm income. This paper presents the small-scale crop farmers’ level of participation in agro-processing in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Data were collected from 255 small-scale crop farmers selected by random sampling using a semi-structured questionnaire.Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 23 of 2015)was used to analyse data. Descriptive statistics (in form of percentages) were used to analyse the background characteristics of the farmers,whereas the multinomial logit model was further used to show the level of participationamongst the small-scale crop farmers. With respect to agro-processing, results indicated that 47.1% of the small-scale crop farmers participated partly,40.8% of them participated fully while 12.2% did not participate at all. Results of the multinomial analyses indicated that, educational level(p<0.05), size of the field(p<0.05),distance to the market (p<0.01),and access to credit (p<0.01)had positive significant influence on small-scale crop farmers’choice to participate fully in agro-processing. Gender,regarding male participation (p< 0.05),and age of farmer (p<0.01) had significant influence on farmers’ choice to fully participate in agro-processing. Furthermore, the results of the multinomial analyses showed that size of the field (p<0.01)owned by the farmer and access to credit(p< 0.05)had positive influence on the farmers’choice to participate partly in agro-processing whereas older farmers (p< 0.05),widows (p< 0.1) and farmers with more number of fields(p<0.01) were less likely to participate partly in agro-processing activities. These results have implications for the development of small-scale farmers venturing into agro-processing in the Gauteng province. Young females should be encouraged to join the agricultural sector as they are likely to participate in agro-processing activities which in turn results in improved income and food security at the household level. Furthermore, new agricultural education programmes should be encouraged in the area households as educated farmers are more likely to participate in the value addition activities of agro-processing.
Comparative evaluation of the nutrient and anti-nutrient contents of edible flours consumed in Nigeria
Authors:   University of Calabar. Cross River State, Nigeria, Onyenweaku Eridiong O , Ebai PA ,   Douala University, Cameroun, Okonkwo CO ,   University of Calabar. Cross River State, Nigeria, Fila WA ,   University of Calabar. Cross River State, Nigeria
Published: February 2021

Healthy foods/diets are essential for maintaining good health and preventing diseases. Recently, there has been increase in the incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide and this has brought about a lot of research on the effect of various foods on the nutritional status of people.Also,this has led to the development of healthier alternatives to manage such health conditions.The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the nutrient and anti-nutrient content of four commonly-consumed flours.Processed wheat, oat and unripe plantain flours were purchased from the market while fonio was purchased as whole grain before it was cleaned and milled into fine flour. Samples were stored at room temperature in properly-labelled, air-tight sample glass bottles for analyses. Proximate composition was determined using standard methods of the Association of Analytical Chemists(AOAC). Micronutrients were estimated by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry,while anti-nutrients were determined using standard spectrophotometric methods. Inferential and descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data at a significance level of P<0.05. The proximate parameters varied significantly (P<0.05) among the flours. Carbohydrate varied from 76.38 +0.59%(oat flour) to 87.65 +0.36% (unripe plantain flour). Protein was least (8.75 +0.25%) in unripe plantain flour and highest (16.08 +0.26%) in wheat flour. Oat flour had significantly (P<0.05)higher content of beta-carotene (8.67 +0.03mcg/100g),while wheat flour had significantly (P<0.05)higher content of calcium (45.36 +0.29mg/100g). For the anti-nutrients, oat flour had the least content of hydrogen cyanide and oxalate,while wheat flour had the highest content of both. Generally, oat flour showed significantly (p<0.05) lower levels of the 6 anti-nutrients analyzed.From the results of this study, oat flour shows some food properties which may be beneficial for people who seek to reduce starch and caloric intake.Fonio flour could be a healthier alternative to most starchy meals,as a result of its good micronutrient content and preferred nutritional value. Consumption of these cereal flours as alternatives to some indigenous starchy meals should be encouraged for both adults and children.
Lived Experiences of Women of Color in Education
Authors: Mendoza-Reis Noni , Quintanar-Sarellana Rosalinda
Published: February 2021

By building upon previous research of women of color in academia, this article focuses on the lived experiences and narratives of two faculty members. Their stories are presented as case studies which explicate the distinct difference between reading and researching poverty and having experiential knowledge of this circumstance. The first narrative presents a scholar from a farmworker background who understands and has lived in poverty. Because of this background, she is able to apply her own community cultural wealth to her work in education. The second narrative depicts a scholar with a rich academic background that did not have the opportunity to engage fully with her research agenda. Her life in academia was very rich and she was able to help many students, schools and communities. However, she was forced to set aside her dreams of conducting in depth research of the issues confronted by her underserved community.
Epidemiology and Seasonal Variation of Ixodid Ticks in Dairy Cattle of Gangetic Plains of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Singh Karan Veer , Kumar Awanish , Singh Mehar , Jaiswal Kamal , Mukesh Manishi
Published: February 2021

Background: The Gangetic plain of Uttar Pradesh is fertile land inhabited by second highest cattle population in India. A study was undertaken from May 2016 to March 2018 on the distribution and abundance of ticks in cattle. Methods: Data was collected from 3 organized farms, 5 Gaushalas and from local farmers. Studied animals were divided into three categories indigenous breeds (n=450), exotic (n=60) and crosses of exotic and local breeds (n=140). The prevalence of tick infestation was studied in the host cattle in the different seasons. Result: Total eight species of ticks were identified. Among the Ixodid ticks, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus was the predominant species (85.28 %) in all seasons. Significantly (p less than 0.05) higher prevalence was recorded in monsoon season as compared to other seasons. Animals aged 1 year of age (50.87%). Sex-wise, the males had higher infestation rate than the females. In the villages, Gaushalas and in unorganized dairy farms tick infestation prevalence was (45%) as compared to minimal prevalence 4% recorded from organized sector. Infestation in exotic cattle was high in fields as compared to crossbred and indigenous cattle breed. Most of the animals under farm management system were infected with single tick species. While multi species tick infestation was observed in the fields. This could be due to the management practices and timely tick treatment adopted by farms.
Conservation Agriculture: A Way for Soil Water Conservation
Authors: Selvakumar S. , Sivakumar K.
Published: February 2021

World population is going on increasing, it may be 2.4 billion by 2050, but stabilizing the yield of crop is questionable in Indian agriculture due to improper management of agricultural land. Excess tillage accelerate the organic matter oxidation present on the top soil, soil erosion and creates subsurface hard pan. This makes the field unsuitable for cultivation of crops in future. Climate change is worsening the situation by imposing water scarcity in India. So to evade these problems, conservation agriculture is the only way. Main objectives of conservation agriculture is reducing tillage, year round cropping, crop rotation, mulching may be live or residue. Due to reduced mechanical tillage, activity of micro flora and macro flora get increases that improves biological tillage of soil, that in turn improves soil structure and enhances the plant growth. Most of the studies showed that the cost of wheat production and CO2 emission from the field is reduced when conservation agriculture was fallowed in rice-wheat cropping system. Crop rotation and also mixed cropping improves soil fertility and also it reduces soil erosion. It can be a part of climate smart agriculture. It reduces greenhouse gas emission and also it can improve carbon sequestration. Considerably it can save 20-30% of water.
Pros and Cons of Women Empowerment Methodologies/Approches: A Review
Authors: Singh Neha , Raj Khusboo , Kaur Sarvjeet
Published: February 2021

As the concept of “empowerment” varies depending on the context or circumstances with different meanings and terminologies by different researchers the methods for systematically measuring empowerment differs. Multiple important instruments are constructed to monitor progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment at a regional and global scale. The paper will highlight particularly on the approaches developed by UNDP like Gender-related Development Index (GDI), Women’s Empowerment Index (WEI) etc with special focus on pros and cons of each methodology. Although many studies and discussions around empowerment are commonly limited to activities like “economic”, “social” and “political” forms of empowerment. Therefore it sometimes also requires interventions that are beyond survey and are more holistic that explores other dimensions that have practical implications for to women’s empowerment. The paper also reflects on some different kinds of non-survey instruments that can be useful for measuring women’s empowerment with their pros and cons. Most of the non-survey instruments described in this paper can generate both quantitative and qualitative data and have many uses including the evaluation of a development programme. Like our survey questionnaires, we can also pretest our non-survey instrumAents extensively with people who are alike to respondents in our study, so that the logistic work could be easy to conduct and understandable by the researchers.
Expression Analysis of Recombinant Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin in Three Host Systems: E. coli BL21C, Sf insect cell lysate and COS-1 mammalian cells
Authors: Bhardwaj Anuradha , Nayan Varij , Kumar Sanjay , Sharma Parvati , Kumar Sanjeev , Chakarvarty Neha , Kumar Sudarshan , Pal Yash , Yadav S.C. , Mohanty A.K. , Tripathi B.N.
Published: February 2021

Mammalian cells are the recommended host for recombinant eukaryotic protein production aimed at incorporation of post-translational modifications for downstream applications. The bacterial system and insect cells are widely used because of ease of technical methodology, economics of production, purification and yield of final protein. The present research objective was expression of recombinant reproductive hormones of animal origin and study of their immunogenic potential for reproductive applications. The equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) is one of the most heavily glycosylated protein amongst all glycoprotein hormone family. Hence, experiments were carried out to observe its expression in the three most popular host systems and it led to comparative studies for their post-translational modifications. The Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG, also called as eCG) gene was cloned in TOPO-TA vector, pIX 4.0 and pTARGET vectors accordingly and expression analysis in E. coli BL21C, Sf insect cell lysate and COS-1 cells was carried out. We observed diverse sizes of recombinant proteins in SDS-PAGE analysis which indicated post-translational modification in mammalian expression system towards the linking of tags as well as side chains in respective host cells. Basic diagnostic immunogenicity tests showed encouraging results, however, no significant in vivo and in vitro activity was observed for the expressed reCG in all the employed host systems.
Relaxation of Goat Detrusor Muscle by L-arginine Involves NO-dependent but Guanylyl Cyclase Independent Activation of KCa Channels
Authors: Baruah Rousy K. , Deka Dilip K.
Published: February 2021

Background: Urinary incontinence is a major problem both in man and animals particularly dogs. L-arginine, the precursor of NO, relaxes coronary artery smooth muscle by opening of KATP channels. L-arginine has beneficial circulatory effects in patients with essential and secondary hypertension. However, not much is known about the role of L-arginine on bladder physiology. In view of this, the present work investigated the functional role of L- arginine on detrusor smooth muscle of goat. Methods: Detrusor strips of goat, collected from local abattoir were mounted in a thermostatically controlled (37° ± 0.5°C) organ bath (20 ml capacity) containing physiological solution. After 1 hr of equilibrium, carbachol (CCh) (10-5 M) was used to induce sub-maximal contraction. L-arginine (10-3 M) was added at the plateau of contraction to see any observable effect in absence and presence of modulators of NO and ion channels. Result: L- arginine (10-3 M) reversed the contractions induced by CCh (10-5 M) on detrusor tissues. Methylene blue (MB) (10-5 M), the non-specific guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, failed to attenuate the relaxant response of L-arginine but, the NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME (3 x 10-6 M) inhibited the relaxant response of L-arginine. The KATP channel blocker glibenclamide (10-6 M) failed to inhibit the relaxation induced by L-arginine while KCa channel blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA) (10-3 M) inhibited the relaxant response of L-arginine. The results of the present study suggest that L-arginine produces relaxation of goat detrusor muscle and the L-arginine-elicited relaxation is NO-dependent but guanylyl cyclase independent which activates KCa channels.
Comparitive Genome Sequence Analysis of Bovine Lymphocyte Antigen BoLA DRB3.2 Alleles in Deoni and Ongole (Bos indicus) Cattle Breeds of India
Authors: Saravanan R. , Murali N. , Thiruvenkadan A.K. , Das D.N.
Published: February 2021

Background: India, a major livestock region of the Asian countries is rich in animal genetic resources having special qualities of hardy nature, resistance to many diseases and adopted to adverse climatic conditions. The cattle MHC, Bovine Lymphocyte Antigen DRB3 (BoLA-DRB3) is considered to be a major gene linked with disease resistance traits of Indian cattle. Methods: The present study was carried out to sequence the BoLA-DRB3.2 alleles in Deoni and Ongole breeds of Indian cattle. PCR RFLP analysis of the BoLA-DRB3.2 alleles in Deoni (n=51) and Ongole (n=60) cattle using three different restriction enzymes RsaI, BstYI and HaeIII to find out the possible restriction pattern. Based on the combined allelic patterns, each sample was further analyzed by PCR- SBT technique to detect the SNP variations present in BoLA-DRB3.2 alleles. Result: The PCR RFLP analysis revealed that the highest frequent alleles are *6 (0.216) and *15 (0.225) in Deoni and Ongole breeds of cattle, respectively. The second-highest frequency was observed for BoLA alleles *11 and *6 which were present at a frequency of 0.167 and 0.200 in Deoni and Ongole breeds of cattle, respectively. To get the complete picture of polymorphic pattern of BoLA-DRB3.2 allele direct sequencing was carried out for each plymorphic pattern. The interesting feature noticed in the Ongole breed was that at position 91 and 133 of the sequence, it had both A and G nucleotides in contrast to Bos taurus breed, which had only TT nucleotides. The sequence analysis of BoLA-DRB3 exon 2 between two breeds revealed that there are numerous variations in exon 2, whatever variation, that lead to different mobility shift and band pattern in gels. Deoni and Ongole breeds of cattle had similar variations at positions 94, 134, 211, 235 and 258noticed due to the unique nature of native breeds.
Influence of Potassium on Growth, Yield, Water Relation and Chlorophyll Content of Greengram [Vigna radiate (L.) Wilczek] in Inceptisols
Authors: Goud V.V. , Konde N.M. , Jaybhaye C.P. , Solunke P.S. , Kharche V.K.
Published: February 2021

Background: Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) is an important edible bean in the human diet worldwide. However, its growth, development, and yield may be restricted or limited by insufficient or unbalanced nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilization. Under intensive cropping systems, large amounts of K are removed, leading to serious depletion of soil K reserves. Therefore this study was conducted to generate the high yield and to improve yield components via effective and balanced fertilization. Methods: In this field experimentation during 2014-2016 different levels of potassium through soil application and foliar spray were studied. Three locations were selected on the basis dominance of the crops under rainfed condition. Result: In the present experimentation there was a significant effect of potash levels on plant height, number of pods per plant, 100-grain weight and grain yield. Significantly the highest grain yield (1120 kg ha-1) was recorded with 20 kg K2O ha-1, which was at par with 30 kg K2O ha-1. However, the grain yield with 20 kg K2O ha-1 was reported statistically equivalent yield with two foliar spray of muriate of potash (KCL) at flowering and pod filling stage. The pigments responsible for photosynthesis such as chlorophyll was favourably influenced by soil and foliar application of potassium. The K use efficiency parameters of AE, AR, ENUE and VCR were relatively high with potash application @ 20 kg ha-1 thereafter it declines. The positive balance of K is highly predominant in almost all the potassium applied plots which imply that the use of K fertilizers is optimal.
Optimising pig welfare during transport, lairage and slaughter
Authors:   Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada, Faucitano Luigi , Velarde Antonio ,   Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology, Spain
Published: February 2021

Preslaughter practices, such as transport, handling and slaughter, can affect the welfare of pigs, and carcass and meat quality both individually and additively. Poor transport conditions and handling may result in loss of profits due to animal losses, carcass downgrading and meat quality defects. These economic losses are limited when the design of trucks is improved, the recommended transport, handling, stunning and slaughter practices are applied and the ambient conditions are controlled. The objective of this chapter is to overview research findings on the effects of transport, handling and slaughter practices on behavioral and physiological response, and carcass and meat quality in pigs, and to provide recommendations about the best practices aimed at limiting the impact of these factors on the pork industry economy.
Alternatives to castration of pigs
Authors:   IRTA, Spain, Fàbrega Emma
Published: February 2021

Piglets have been traditionally been surgically castrated to avoid boar taint risk and aggression and mounting behaviour. However, castration without anaesthesia and analgesia induces pain and has become a controversial practice on welfare grounds. Therefore, alternatives to surgical pig castration that guarantee proper meat quality and welfare, are required if castration is to be abandoned. This chapter deals with the main alternatives which are commercially available at present: (1) Raising entire males and (2) Immunocastration. Sex sorting could be another possibility, if technological and implementation obstacles could be overcome. The chapter summarises the effects on welfare and meat quality of the available alternatives, as well as dealing with other aspects such as societal and farmers’ acceptance of those alternatives. The nutritional, management and breeding strategies, which are implemented when raising entire males to enhance welfare and meat quality are described. The methodologies being used or under development to assess boar taint risk on line or at line are presented. Further reading and future perspectives end the chapter.