bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bank Characteristics and Financial Performance of Commercial Banks Listed at The Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya
Authors: Cherwon Samson , Ndede Fredrick W.S.
Published: October 2024

Commercial banks in Kenya have recently experienced a steady downturn in their financial performance, mostly as a result of strict regulatory requirements and a changing business environment. The subpar financial performance of numerous lower-tier banks has resulted in significant consequences, including the necessity of placing some of these banks under receivership. The purpose of this study was to look into how various factors influence the financial performance of commercial banks listed on the Nairobi Securities market. In particular, this study looked to see how financial performance was impacted by asset quality and liquidity management. The study employed a descriptive methodology and a target population comprised of 11 commercial banks listed on the NSE were included in the population sample for this study. Secondary data was collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The research exhibited that the financial performance of commercial banks is significantly influenced by quality of their assets. Furthermore, the study revealed a positive and statistically significant impact of liquidity on the financial performance of Kenyan commercial banks The study concluded that financial performance was substantially and positively impacted by the quality of assets and liquidity management practices. Consequently, it is recommended that banks maintain a low level of nonperforming loans, as these loans have adverse effects on bank profitability, which in turn affects overall financial performance. Although the statutory ratio is established at 20%, the central bank might think about increasing this ratio by taking into account the general growth of the banking industry in recent years.
Electronic Taxpayer Education and Tax Compliance of Manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises in Nairobi City County, Kenya
Authors: Gichohi Peter King’ori , Muchira Bancy
Published: October 2024

To enlighten taxpayers regarding their tax information, the Kenyan tax authorities have made tax education a top concern. To promote voluntary tax compliance and boost national revenue, this kind of education is essential. Low tax compliance among SMEs limits revenue generation from the government and, consequently, inefficient government expenditure since it makes it harder for the state to amass family earnings, which are vital assets for speculating. This study sought to investigate how electronic taxpayer education affects the compliance with tax laws of manufacturing SMEs in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study used a descriptive research approach and 641 manufacturing SMEs in Nairobi were the study's targeted audience. Output showed that electronic taxpayer education positively affected tax compliance in a significant manner as it relates to manufacturing SMEs. The conclusion arising from this outcome is that electronic taxpayer education plays an important role in manufacturing SMEs' tax compliance as most of them can access tax information electronically in their comfort zones. Policy makers should increase the utilization of electronic means to educate taxpayers on the need to pay taxes and the consequences of non-compliance to tax laws in Kenya. It is recommended that the Kenya tax authority should enhance the education of taxpayers via electronic means as most of the participants in the manufacturing SMEs are said to easily access electronic media that would enhance their competitive advantage over other firms in Kenya.
Introduktion
Authors: Instituttet for Historie og Samfundsøkonomi
Published: October 2024

Et Kvartalsskrift, der bringer Oversigter over det foregåående Kvartals internationale Begivenheder i Økonomiens og Politikens Verden samt Artikler af udenlandske Forfattere.
Semantical and Geometrical Protein Encoding Toward Enhanced Bioactivity and Thermostability
Authors: Tan Yang , Zhou Bingxin , Zheng Lirong , Fan Guisheng , Hong Liang
Published: October 2024

Protein engineering is a pivotal aspect of synthetic biology, involving the modification of amino acids within existing protein sequences to achieve novel or enhanced functionalities and physical properties. Accurate prediction of protein variant effects requires a thorough understanding of protein sequence, structure, and function. Deep learning methods have demonstrated remarkable performance in guiding protein modification for improved functionality. However, existing approaches predominantly rely on protein sequences, which face challenges in efficiently encoding the geometric aspects of amino acids’ local environment and often fall short in capturing crucial details related to protein folding stability, internal molecular interactions, and bio-functions. Furthermore, there lacks a fundamental evaluation for developed methods in predicting protein thermostability, although it is a key physical property that is frequently investigated in practice. To address these challenges, this paper introduces a novel pre-training framework that integrates sequential and geometric encoders for protein primary and tertiary structures. This framework guides mutation directions toward desired traits by simulating natural selection on wild-type proteins and evaluates variant effects based on their fitness to perform specific functions. We assess the proposed approach using three benchmarks comprising over 300 deep mutational scanning assays. The prediction results showcase exceptional performance across extensive experiments when compared to other zero-shot learning methods, all while maintaining a minimal cost in terms of trainable parameters. This study not only proposes an effective framework for more accurate and comprehensive predictions to facilitate efficient protein engineering, but also enhances the
in silico
assessment system for future deep learning models to better align with empirical requirements. The PyTorch implementation are available at https://github.com/tyang816/ProtSSN.
The Kremlin's Noose
Authors: Knight Amy
Published: October 2024

This book tells the story of Vladimir Putin and the oligarch Boris Berezovsky, who forged a relationship in the early years of the Yeltsin era. Berezovsky later played a crucial role in Putin's rise to the Russian presidency in March 2000. When Putin began dismantling Boris Yeltsin's democratic reforms, Berezovsky came into conflict with the new Russian leader by reproaching him publicly. Their relationship quickly disintegrated into a bitter feud played out against the backdrop of billion-dollar financial deals, Kremlin in-fighting, and international politics. Worth a reported $3 billion by 1997, Berezovsky engineered the reelection of Yeltsin as president in 1996 and negotiated an end to the 1995–96 Chechen war. Despite his own wealth, power, and influence, once he became Putin's enemy, Berezovsky was forced into exile in Britain, where he waged a determined campaign to topple Putin. Kremlin authorities responded with bogus criminal charges and demanded Berezovsky's extradition. Death threats soon followed. In March 2013, Berezovsky was found dead at his ex-wife's mansion outside London. This book sheds crucial new light on the Kremlin's volatile politics under Yeltsin and Putin, helping us understand why democracy in Russia failed so badly. The book provides a fascinating narrative of Putin's rise to power and his authoritarian rule, told through the prism of his relationship with Russia's once most powerful oligarch, Boris Berezovsky.
An Heir to the Throne
Authors: Knight Amy
Published: October 2024

This chapter begins by detailing how Boris Yeltsin dismissed Evgeny Primakov and named Sergei Stepashin as prime minister. The Duma, to avoid giving Yeltsin an excuse to dissolve the parliament, approved Stepashin. Yeltsin later wrote that he had never intended for Stepashin to become Russia's president and had appointed him prime minister as a buffer between Primakov and the real successor, Vladimir Putin. Operating on the belief that he was a serious candidate to succeed Yeltsin, Stepashin quickly stepped into the role of statesman and seemed to do a reasonably good job. A daunting challenge for Stepashin was the deteriorating situation in Chechnya, which the Kremlin had failed to address effectively. He also opposed the Kremlin's use of the media for mudslinging against its political opponents. The chapter looks at how Boris Berezovsky visited Putin to present Yeltsin's offer for him to be prime minister. On becoming prime minister, Putin asked Yeltsin to grant him “absolute power” to conduct the necessary military operations in Chechnya, which Yeltsin did.
The Outcast versus the Tyrant
Authors: Knight Amy
Published: October 2024

This chapter describes how Boris Berezovsky left Russia for good and requested political asylum in Britain. He hired his friend Alexander Litvinenko to work with him on a campaign to bring about Vladimir Putin's political downfall. Meanwhile, Putin gained control over television, which was essential to preserving his political power. Putin also had a firm grip on the Kremlin power organs—run by the so-called siloviki—which were crucial to keeping his people in line at all levels. A high point on his path to international prominence came when Putin met US president George Bush in Slovenia in June 2001. Later, after the September 11 World Trade Center bombings, Putin gained even more of Bush's trust when he offered help in the fight against terrorism. In contrast to Putin, Berezovsky's image in the West—just as in Russia—was that of a corrupt oligarch, a self-promoter, and a has-been Kremlin powerbroker. On December 14, 2001, he stated that he was now convinced of the Federal Security Service's (FSB) culpability in the 1999 acts of terrorism. Equally damning for the FSB were the murders of those who publicly questioned the official line. The chapter then looks at the arrest in October 2003 of Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who was viewed by the Russian president and his siloviki as a threat to their political and financial dominance.
The Kremlin on the Offensive
Authors: Knight Amy
Published: October 2024

This chapter explains that with politically active oligarchs like Boris Berezovsky and Mikhail Khodorkovsky out of the way and a landslide election victory in March 2004, Vladimir Putin was in a position to run the Kremlin like a fiefdom. He did just that, appointing his allies to head key state-controlled companies and merging money and political power as never before. In December 2004, a new law was passed ending the popular election of regional governors, who would henceforth be appointed by regional parliaments on recommendations from Putin. At the time this law came into force, the so-called Orange Revolution was occurring in Ukraine. The chapter looks at Berezovsky's efforts on behalf of the Orange Revolution. What Putin and his colleagues doubtless feared was what Berezovsky envisaged—that democracy in Ukraine would be contagious and spread to Russia, a fear that would motive the Kremlin's military aggression against Ukraine in 2014 and 2022. The chapter also considers how the Russian parliament approved an antiterrorism law that authorized both the armed forces and the Federal Security Service (FSB) to take action against terrorists abroad. It then assesses the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko, one of Putin's fiercest critics and an outspoken advocate of the Chechen cause.
Pre-trained quantum convolutional neural network for COVID-19 disease classification using computed tomography images
Authors: Asadoorian Nazeh , Yaraghi Shokufeh , Tahmasian Araeek
Published: October 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant influence on economies and healthcare systems around the globe. One of the most important strategies that has proven to be effective in limiting the disease and reducing its rapid spread is early detection and quick isolation of infections. Several diagnostic tools are currently being used for COVID-19 detection using computed tomography (CT) scan and chest X-ray (CXR) images.

Methods

In this study, a novel deep learning-based model is proposed for rapid detection of COVID-19 using CT-scan images. The model, called pre-trained quantum convolutional neural network (QCNN), seamlessly combines the strength of quantum computing with the feature extraction capabilities of a pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN), particularly VGG16. By combining the robust feature learning of classical models with the complex data handling of quantum computing, the combination of QCNN and the pre-trained VGG16 model improves the accuracy of feature extraction and classification, which is the significance of the proposed model compared to classical and quantum-based models in previous works.

Results

The QCNN model was tested on a SARS-CoV-2 CT dataset, initially without any pre-trained models and then with a variety of pre-trained models, such as ResNet50, ResNet18, VGG16, VGG19, and EfficientNetV2L. The results showed the VGG16 model performs the best. The proposed model achieved 96.78% accuracy, 0.9837 precision, 0.9528 recall, 0.9835 specificity, 0.9678 F1-Score and 0.1373 loss.

Conclusion

Our study presents pre-trained QCNN models as a viable technique for COVID-19 disease detection, showcasing their effectiveness in reaching higher accuracy and specificity. The current paper adds to the continuous efforts to utilize artificial intelligence to aid healthcare professionals in the diagnosis of COVID-19 patients.
Sequential lexicon enhanced bidirectional encoder representations from transformers: Chinese named entity recognition using sequential lexicon enhanced BERT
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhao Jiashan , Yao Junping , Zheng Hao , Wang Zhong
Published: October 2024

Lexicon Enhanced Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (LEBERT) has achieved great success in Chinese Named Entity Recognition (NER). LEBERT performs lexical enhancement with a Lexicon Adapter layer, which facilitates deep lexicon knowledge fusion at the lower layers of BERT. However, this method is likely to introduce noise words and does not consider the possible conflicts between words when fusing lexicon information. To address this issue, we advocate for a novel lexical enhancement method, Sequential Lexicon Enhanced BERT (SLEBERT) for the Chinese NER, which builds sequential lexicon to reduce noise words and resolve the problem of lexical conflict. Compared with LEBERT, it leverages the position encoding of sequential lexicon and adaptive attention mechanism of sequential lexicon to enhance the lexicon feature. Experiments on the four available datasets identified that SLEBERT outperforms other lexical enhancement models in performance and efficiency.
Predicting the influence of extreme temperatures on grain production in the Middle-Lower Yangtze Plains using a spatially-aware deep learning model
Authors: Mu Zijun , Xia Junfei
Published: October 2024

Grain crops are vulnerable to anthropogenic climate change and extreme temperature events. Despite this, previous studies have often neglected the impact of the spatio-temporal distribution of extreme temperature events on regional grain outputs. This research focuses on the Middle-Lower Yangtze Plains and aims to address this gap as well as to provide a renewed projection of climate-induced grain production variability for the rest of the century. The proposed model performs significantly superior to the benchmark multilinear grain production model. By 2100, grain production in the MLYP is projected to decrease by over 100 tons for the low-radiative-forcing/sustainable development scenario (SSP126) and the medium-radiative-forcing scenario (SSP245), and about 270 tons for the high-radiative-forcing/fossil-fueled development scenario (SSP585). Grain production may experience less decline than previously projected by studies using Representative Concentration Pathways. This difference is likely due to a decrease in coldwave frequency, which can offset the effects of more frequent heatwaves on grain production, combined with alterations in supply-side policies. Notably, the frequency of encoded heatwaves and coldwaves has a stronger impact on grain production compared to precipitation and labor indicators; higher levels of projected heatwaves frequency correspond with increased output variability over time. This study emphasizes the need for developing crop-specific mitigation/adaptation strategies against heat and cold stress amidst global warming.
Entorno construido en barrios vulnerables: aproximaciones para política pública
Authors: Figueroa Cristhian , Rodríguez Sebastián , Álvarez Martín , Muñoz Camila , Ríos Roxanna
Published: October 2024

El entorno construido ha sido clave en políticas y programas que buscan mejorar barrios vulnerables. La evidencia que sustenta tales iniciativas es, no obstante, escasa. Mediante el estudio de un barrio vulnerable, pero que se encuentra en ascenso, se provee evidencia para comprender el rol del entorno construido en contextos de vulnerabilidad socioeconómica.
Guía de indicadores de humedales urbanos para las metas del ODS 11
Authors: Rojas Carolina , Aldana Juanita , Moschella Paola , Stamm Caroline , Soto Evelyn
Published: October 2024

La guía aborda la relevancia de los humedales urbanos en el logro del ODS 11 «Ciudades y Comunidades Sostenibles», proponiendo la inclusión de indicadores específicos que midan la conservación y el impacto de dichos ecosistemas en las ciudades con el fin de fortalecer su rol en la sostenibilidad urbana
Chromoblastomycosis in the Gluteal Region: A Case Report
Authors: Suresh Swapna , Govindakurup Unnikrishnan , Raman Jayasree , Philip Febby K
Published: October 2024

Chromoblastomycosis manifests as a persistent, gradual fungal infection affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissues, attributable to various dematiaceous fungal species. It predominantly afflicts rural labourers in tropical and subtropical regions, with its progression typically slow-paced. The lower limbs and hands are commonly affected. The condition manifests with lesions that are ulcerated, crusted, verrucoid, flat, or raised on the skin surface. Medlar first described the characteristic sclerotic bodies. The present case reported a 32-year-old male presenting with an indurated plaque on the left buttock. The diagnosis was confirmed by visualising pathogonomonic sclerotic bodies on histopathological and microbiological examination. Fungal culture yields dematiaceous fungi with Fonsecaea type of sporulation suggestive of chromoblastomycosis in an unusual anatomical area. The patient was treated with itraconazole 200 mg once daily for three months and was relieved of the lesion.
Analysing Immunohistochemical Co-expression of CDH17, CK7 and CK20 in Lower Gastrointestinal Tumours: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Prasanna K , Palaniappan V , Kumar S Ashok , Ravi S
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Lower gastrointestinal tract malignancies, especially colorectal malignancy constitute one of the most common malignancies worldwide and most common cause of cancer-related deaths in developed countries. It accounts for third most common malignancy in men and the second most common in women worldwide. In this context, CDH17 and CK20 are emerging markers for diagnosis, prognosis, and for targeted therapy in the future. Aim: To assess the expression of immunohistochemical markers like CDH17, CK7 and CK20 in lower gastrointestinal tumours. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, Chengalpattu Medical College, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India, for the duration one year six months, April 2020-October 2021. All cases of lower gastrointestinal tract malignancies obtained as small biopsies or resected specimens of about 40 cases were included in this study. For all cases, four sections were taken: one for Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stain and the other three for immunohistochemical stains for CDH17, CK7, and CK20, respectively. The sections were stained using a standard protocol. Histopathological categorisation, pathological staging, and grading of lower gastrointestinal carcinomas were conducted in conjunction with the immunohistochemical markers CDH17, CK7, and CK20. Descriptive statistics, including frequency and percentages, were calculated. The association between categorical variables was analysed by Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Among the 40 cases, the expression of the CDH17, CK20, and CK7 markers showed 95.00% positivity (38 cases) for CDH17 and 92.50% positivity (37 cases) for CK20, whereas CK7 was found to be negative in 95.00% (38 cases) of the cases. Conclusion: The expression of CDH17 and CK20 in lower gastrointestinal malignancies, especially in the colorectum, was strong and diffuse. In contrast, the CK7 marker was not expressed in lower gastrointestinal malignancies. Thus, the IHC markers CDH17 and CK20 can be routinely employed as cocktail markers in lower gastrointestinal malignancies, especially in colorectal carcinoma of unknown primary origin.
Long-Term Care for Older Adults with Mental Illness: A Short Report on Defining Barriers to Placement
Authors: Dubois Sacha , Maxwell Hillary , Cottrell-Martin Elyse , Mcdonald Laurie , Gibbons Carrie , Bédard Michel
Published: October 2024

The path to long-term care (LTC) may be challenging, especially when transferring from inpatient mental health care. Here, eligibility and placement determinations may not fit within typical decision trees. This article outlines a process to visualize individual barriers to LTC placement. These visualizations facilitate discussion and planning to reduce client-specific barriers.
Amelioration of Soil Fertility by the Application of Different Fruit Waste Composts
Authors: Paul Priyanka , Billah Shaikh Motasim , Sarker Bidhan Chandro , Faiza Fahmida
Published: October 2024

The soil health status of Bangladesh decreased day by day, particularly organic matter and major nutrient content. The organic matter content in most of the agricultural soil in Bangladesh is <2%, which indicates poor soil health condition. In Bangladesh, almost every day, an enormous amount of waste material is produced from different kinds of seasonal and unseasonal fruit’s peels. Lack of proper recycling methods, most of these wastes are thrown away in drains, cannels, rivers, etc. which indicates a major threat to environmental safety. Composts derived from the wastes of different fruit’s peels can be an excellent source of organic matter and essential nutrients for soil health improvement. Therefore, the present study was carried out to evaluate the changes in physicochemical properties and nutrient contents of experimental soil treated with compost prepared from different types of fruit’s waste. The compost was prepared accordingly using different types of fruits waste and then the collected compost was thoroughly mixed with the soil and kept for six months. The experimental treatment consisted of three organic composts (jackfruit peel compost, mango peel compost, and banana peel compost) and three rates of application (1000, 1500, and 2000 kg ha-1). The experiment was arranged in a factorial completely randomized design and replicated thrice. The analyzed data showed that, the physicochemical properties and nutrient contents of experimental soil varied significantly with the use of different types of fruit’s wastes compared to no waste added soil, except in the case of particle size. Soil mixed with mango peel compost at a rate of 2000 kg ha-1 resulted in a higher available N content (2520 mg kg-1) and available P content (42.56 mg kg-1), whereas the available K content (219.88 mg kg-1), EC (1.55 dS m-1) and CEC (1209.56 meq 100g-1) were found higher in soil treated with banana peel compost of 2000 kg ha-1. On the other hand, soil treated with jackfruit peel compost of 1500 kg ha-1 showed the higher available Ca content (1533.33 mg kg-1) and the jackfruit peel compost of 2000 kg ha-1 resulted in the higher organic carbon (1.98%) and organic matter (3.41%). The findings of this experiment revealed that, compost prepared from different types of fruit peels can be an excellent source of organic matter and nutrients and among the tested composts, mango peel compost was better to improve the physiochemical properties of soil and supply sufficient nutrients for plant growth.
Atypical Presentation of Pre-excited Atrial Fibrillation in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Karmouchi Hamza , Abdalani Badr , Bennouna Mohammed El Ghali
Published: October 2024

Pre-excited atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant clinical condition associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, characterized by an accessory pathway that enables rapid conduction of atrial fibrillatory waves to the ventricles, leading to dangerously elevated ventricular rates. While WPW syndrome is typically diagnosed in younger individuals, its occurrence in elderly patients is rare and often underreported.
This case report discusses a 79-year-old male with well-controlled hypertension who was admitted for poorly tolerated irregular tachycardia with broad QRS complexes, indicative of pre-excited atrial fibrillation (AF). Urgent synchronized electrical cardioversion successfully restored sinus rhythm. Although catheter ablation was proposed as a definitive treatment, the patient chose to postpone the procedure, with close monitoring implemented afterward.
This case underscores the challenges of diagnosing WPW syndrome in elderly patients, the potential dangers of pre-excited AF, and the importance of individualized management strategies tailored to patient preferences and comorbidities.
Additional Report and Taxonomic Description of Common Pike Conger Muraenesox bagio (Hamilton, 1822) from Dholai Fishing Harbour, Gujarat, Northwest Coast of India
Authors: R. V Borichangar , J. N. Parmar , S. K. Bharda , D. P. Kotadiya
Published: October 2024

Muraenesox bagio was identified and described from Dholai fishing harbour on the Gujarat coast, northwest coast of India, marking the first recorded occurrence of this species in the region. Muraenesox bagio, a member of the family Muraenosocidae, shares significant morphological and genetic similarities with its closely related species, Muraenesox cinereus. This report confirms the presence of Muraenesox bagio along the northwest coast of India and provides a comprehensive account of its taxonomy and detailed morphological descriptions.
Understanding the Changes in Anthocyanin Degradation, Ion Leakage and Malondialdehyde in the Ageing Petals of Cut Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus) Cvs Stanza and Rosalin
Authors: Supriya Masanagari , Chowdhuri Tapas Kumar , Sarkar Madhumita Mitra
Published: October 2024

The present investigation entitled understanding the changes in anthocyanin degradation, ion leakage and malondialdehyde in the ageing petals, during stem bending of cut gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus) cvs Stanza and Rosalin were carried in the laboratory, Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya during the year 2021-2022. The results of the present study revealed that anthocyanin content in the petals was recorded highest at no bending stage in both the cultivars and declined further till full bending stage. The highest anthocyanin (3.56 mg/g FW) was noted in cv Stanza at no bending stage. Whereas the ion leakage and malondialdehyde content gradually increased in both the cultivars as the senescence progressed to full bending stage from no bending stage. The highest ion leakage (78.32%) was noted in cv Rosalin at full bending stage and the highest malondialdehyde (323.51 nmol.ml-1) was noted in cv Stanza at the full bending stage.
Nutrient Management with Nitrogen Based Formulations for Enhancing Growth and Yield in Fodder Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]
Authors: Sree Sabavat Sandhya , S. R. Sharu , P Shalini Pillai , Thomas Usha C. , G Gayathri
Published: October 2024

Fertilizers play a vital role in agricultural practices by boosting crop yield. Among various nutrient application methods, foliar application is one of the cost - effective method which allow rapid and efficient nutrient absorption through the stomata or cuticle, and subsequently into the cells. Applying nutrients through foliage offers several benefits, such as rapid nutrient absorption by plant tissues, improved transport to developing plant parts, elimination of leaching and fixation losses, regulated nutrient uptake by crops and enhanced nutrient utilization. Timely foliar application of nano fertilizers enhances crop output while reducing environmental risks. The current study aimed to evaluate the different concentrations of nano urea on growth and yield of fodder sorghum. The study was conducted at Instructional Farm, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala during December 2023- February 2024. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 13 treatments, replicated thrice. The treatments were T1:75% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) + nano urea (0.2%); T2:75% RDN+ nano urea (0.4%); T3:75% RDN + nano urea (0.6%);T4:100% RDN + nano urea (0.2%); T5:100% RDN + nano urea (0.4%); T6:100% RDN + nano urea (0.6%); T7:75% RDN + urea spray (2%); T8:100% RDN + urea spray (2%); T9: nano urea alone (0.2%); T10: nano urea alone (0.4%); T11: nano urea alone (0.6%); T12: KAU POP and T13: Control (without nitrogen). Both nano urea and urea spray were applied at 20 DAS and 40 DAS. Soil application of nitrogen was applied in three splits - 50% as basal, 25% at 20 DAS and 25% at 40 DAS. Full P and K were applied as basal. The study revealed that combined application of RDN along with nano urea 0.4% proved its superiority by registering higher growth and yield attributes such as plant height, stem girth, leaf: stem ratio, green fodder yield and dry fodder yield.
Impacts of Various Insecticide Forms on Avian Health and Mortality: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: M.P Sugumaran , A S Goveanthan , K Natarajan , K Kalaichelvi , J Jayakumar , G Gayathry , G Porkodi , S Akila , M Sinduja
Published: October 2024

Since the time of its synthesis and application, insecticides have prevented millions of deaths in humans, animals and avian lives. They have significantly contributed to the revolution in agriculture and human health by reducing agricultural pests and vector-borne illnesses. The chance of birds being exposed to insecticides is increased by a number of factors, including farming methods, insect and crop kinds, pesticide form, food, and habitat preferences. Granular insecticides, often used in agriculture, are highly concentrated and attractive to songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl. Liquid sprays, particularly those used for locust control, can affect bird species beyond agricultural areas due to wide-range applications. Treated seeds can poison birds depending on various factors like toxicity and seed availability. Despite the known dangers, many pesticide-related bird deaths go unreported, highlighting the need for comprehensive studies to understand and mitigate these effects. Insecticides have a variety of sub lethal effects on birds, such as deformed embryos, smaller broods, less vigilant parenting, weakened territorial defence, anorexia and weight loss, weakened immune response, lethargic behaviour, increased susceptibility to predators, disruption of the endocrine system, interference with thermoregulation, and inability to orient in the correct direction for migration. Therefore, exposure to pesticides lowers the likelihood of survival and successful reproduction, which eventually interferes with the growth of a robust bird population.
Organic Farming for Residue-Free Production
Authors: Singh Y. K. , Rakesh Shri , Singh Bal veer
Published: October 2024

Organic farming has emerged as a sustainable agricultural practice aimed at producing food without synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This approach promotes biodiversity, soil health, and environmental sustainability while ensuring residue-free food production. The key principles of organic farming include crop rotation, composting, natural pest management, and the use of organic inputs such as manure and biological controls. These practices not only enhance soil fertility and biodiversity but also contribute to mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon in soils. Residue-free production in organic farming is achieved through rigorous adherence to organic standards and certification processes. Organic certification ensures that farmers comply with strict regulations regarding inputs, practices, and traceability throughout the production chain. Consumers increasingly prefer organic products due to concerns about chemical residues in food and their potential impact on health. Organic farming promotes transparency and consumer trust by offering products that are free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. The global market for organic products continues to expand, driven by growing consumer awareness and demand for healthier and environmentally friendly food options. Organic farming presents opportunities for farmers to access premium markets, improve farm profitability, and contribute to sustainable agriculture. However, challenges such as certification costs, market access barriers, and competition with conventional agriculture remain significant. Future research and development in organic farming are crucial to addressing these challenges and enhancing the scalability and efficiency of residue-free production. Innovations in organic pest management, soil health management, and sustainable agriculture practices will further support the growth of organic farming worldwide. Overall, organic farming stands as a promising solution for residue-free food production, promoting human health, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development in agriculture.
Development of an Attendance Management System Using Facial Recognition Technology
Authors: T. Oluyemi Tolulope , T. Oyediji Funke. , J. Oyebiyi Adewale
Published: October 2024

Aims: The rise of automation has greatly impacted various aspects of daily life, including attendance management systems. Traditional methods like manual roll calls and card swiping are often inefficient and prone to errors, leading researchers to explore innovative alternatives such as face recognition technology. This technology employs advanced algorithms and image processing techniques to accurately identify individuals based on their unique facial features, thereby enhancing accuracy and security measures. The objective of this project is to develop a face recognition-based attendance system with specific goals, including circuit design, simulation using Proteus Software, implementation, and performance evaluation through rigorous field-testing.
Study Design:  The system comprises an input subsystem with a Camera module and two output subsystems: an LCD and a Web-database PC software. Initially, custom and stored image data of students are saved in a microSD card of the camera module, and attendance records are updated on a web-database upon successful scanning and recognition of students' faces.
Methodology: The implementation process involves assembling various hardware components, including securely mounting the ESP32 CAM and integrating a 16x4 Character LCD Display for visual feedback. LEDs are used as visual indicators for system statuses, while a Power Bank Module ensures consistent power supply. The system is controlled by the ESP32-CAM, which captures and verifies faces, displays actions on the LCD, and updates the web-database with attendance data.
Results: Testing results indicate the system's high accuracy, achieving a 100% attendance rate across multiple class sessions with zero misclassifications.
Conclusion: The user-friendly interface and seamless wireless connectivity enhance accessibility and real-time monitoring, making it a valuable tool for classroom management and office use. The research has some hardware limitations which includes processing large amounts of facial data requires robust hardware. Inadequate camera resolution or processing power can lead to slow performance or inaccurate recognition. Overall, the face recognition-based attendance system has the potential to revolutionize traditional methods, offering high accuracy, user-friendly features, and robust connectivity, with possible applications beyond education through further refinement and research. Facial recognition-based attendance systems are more accurate and efficient than traditional methods like manual roll calls or card swiping. By automating attendance, they reduce errors and provide real-time updates with web integration. Despite hardware limitations, the system's accuracy and ease of use make it a superior alternative with potential for broader applications.
Pre- Harvest Foliar Spray of Zinc, Calcium, Chitosan, and Salicylic Acid on Quality Standards of Indian Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.) cv. Gola
Authors: Bhateshwar Mukesh Chand , Khandelwal S. K. , Gupta Deepak , Sharma Pooja , Mahala Kamal
Published: October 2024

Aim: The present experiment was designed to find out the effect of a foliar spray of zinc, calcium, chitosan and salicylic acid on the fruit quality of ber.
Place and Duration of Study: This experiment was conducted at Horticulture farm, SKN College of Agriculture, Jobner in the newly established orchard of Indian jujube cv. Gola during the two-consecutive years 2022 and 2023.
Study Design and Methodology: The present experiment is laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. Factor A consists of 12 level of zinc, calcium, chitosan, and salicylic acid treatments along with the control, and factor B consists three foliar sprays i.e., single foliar spray at pea size stage, color turning stage of fruits and double foliar spray at pea size and color turning stage of fruits (green to yellow). Various quality parameters namely TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid, total, reducing and non-reducing sugars are observed as per standard procedures.
Results: Plants sprayed with ZnSO4 @ 4g/L + CaCl2 @ 2g/L + Chitosan @ 1.5g/L +Salicylic acid @ 1g/L recorded highest TSS (19.05°Brix), minimum acidity (0.415%) TSS: acid ratio (45.93%), ascorbic acid (89.08mg/100g), total sugars (10.25%), reducing sugars (6.68%) and non-reducing sugars (3.39%) were significantly more in the treated fruits in comparison to untreated fruits. These quality parameters were observed maximum with a double foliar spray of nutrients and agrochemicals at the pea size stage and color turning stage (S3).
Conclusion: It is concluded that ZnSO4 @ 4g/L + CaCl2 @ 2g/L + Chitosan @ 1.5g/L +Salicylic acid @ 1g/L is effective in improve the quality of ber fruits.
Urban Entomology: Navigating the Intersection of Pests and Human Environments
Authors: S. M Kishore , K. S. Shalini , M. S. Sachin , K.V.L Supraja. , Saini Ankit , Srivastav Shubham , G Harideep
Published: October 2024

Urban entomology, a distinct discipline within entomology, focuses on pests in human environments, addressing a wide range of species from insects to vertebrates. First coined by A.H. Waters in 1884 and popularized by W. Ebeling's 1975 book, urban entomology gives an idea about arthropods' interactions with humans, pets and structures. As urbanization accelerates, with a projected 68% of the global population living in cities by 2050, understanding pest dynamics becomes increasingly critical. Factors like invasive species, pesticide resistance and public health concerns underscore the need for effective pest management strategies, emphasizing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches. This review explores urban entomology's history, key pest groups and modern management challenges, while highlighting the industry's evolution in response to urbanization. It also discusses the roles of various stakeholders, including researchers, pest management professionals and regulatory bodies, in addressing urban pest issues. Ultimately, the review calls for collaborative efforts to enhance pest control practices, leveraging biological control methods and sustainable strategies to mitigate the impacts of urban pests on public health and infrastructure.
Evaluating The Therapeutic Potentials Of Riboflavin, Folic Acid, And Niacinamide In The Treatment Of Oral Ulcers: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Banerjee Dr. Sumantro , Bose Dr. Surajit , Ahmed Dr. Fahim , Chowdhury Dr. Sohini Roy
Published: October 2024

Oral ulcers are a common clinical problem, causing significant discomfort and impacting the quality of life. Traditional therapeutic approaches often fall short in providing effective relief, prompting the exploration of alternative treatments. Vitamins such as riboflavin, folic acid, and niacinamide have shown promise in this context, with various studies highlighting their roles in enhancing mucosal healing and modulating immune responses. This review synthesizes the existing literature on the efficacy of these vitamins in treating oral ulcers, examining their mechanisms of action, therapeutic potentials, and clinical outcomes. Through a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed studies and clinical trials, the review aims to elucidate the scientific basis for the use of these vitamins as therapeutic agents, thereby offering insights into their integration into current treatment paradigms. The findings suggest that while each vitamin displays unique benefits, their combined application could potentially amplify therapeutic effects, meriting further investigation in clinical settings.
In Vitro Study Of Molar Tooth With Endodontic Treatment At Endocrown Successful Prosthetic Rehabilitation
Authors: Popa Gabriela , Iliescu Andrei , Popa Gabriel Valeriu , Zaharescu Anamaria
Published: October 2024

Background: Side teeth, having a decisive role for mastication, require special attention after endodontic treatment. The rehabilitation of these teeth includes the analysis of current restoration techniques, materials used, as well as aesthetic and functional impact on the patient. Through a multidisciplinary approach, it aims not only to recover dental function, but also to improve the quality of life of the patient by restoring a healthy and harmonious smile. Materials and Methods: In this study, we conducted tests on 30 extracted teeth that had whole or partially whole dental crowns, the condition of selecting the tooth in the study being at least 3 mm of dental tissue present, and, necessary for the subsequent prosthetic preparation for endocrown prosthetics. The 30 teeth were divided into 6 batches, the control group (A) being made up only of integral teeth that were milling for covering crowns. The other teeth were divided into 5 batches (B-F) of 5 teeth, the teeth were endodontically treated and milling for prosthetic rehabilitation with endocrown. Each lot (B-F) benefited from a preparation of coronoradicular cylindrical shape of different depths between 0.5-2,5mm, on the occlusal face of the tooth in the endodontic access area, in order to increase the surface of the retention coronary dental tissues for the stability of the prosthetic crowns of the coating. Each tooth in A-F batches has benefited from 3 crowns made of the same material through 3 different technologies. Results: The values recorded by the A-lot, rehabilitated with crowns of sheathing on integral teeth, recorded an average value of the crown extraction force on tooth of 25.42±0.55 for CAD-CAM technology, for crowns made by baro-thermo-polymerization technique an average of 24,14±0,37, and for hot polymerization technique an average of 23,66±0,37. For B-F batches, the closest values for the extraction of endocorons were obtained by lot D with a preparation in the corono-radicular axe of 1,5mm, both for the CAD-CAM technology with a average of 25,74±1,91, and for the technique baro-thermo polymerization with an average of 24,92±1,83. For the technique of hot polymerization batch E, who has a preparation of 2 mm in the corono-radicular axe, recording an average of the extraction force of the endocrown of 23.56±2.05. Conclusion: The success of endodontic treatment also depends on prosthetic restoration for a long-term oral rehabilitation
Prosthodontic Treatment Of A Patient With Combination Syndrome: A Clinical Case Report
Authors: Vandana Dr. , Vidisha Dr. , Singh Dr Apinder , Singh noble Dr. Sukhvinder , Navyanshi Dr.
Published: October 2024

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Zinc LevelsIn Febrileseizure ChildrenFrom6MonthsTo5 Years In A Tertiary Care Centre -Observational Prospective Study
Authors: Ashik M Dr. Mohamed , Seeralar Dr. Arasar
Published: October 2024

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The Effect Of Changes In Lifestyle Measures On Weight And Body Mass Index Among Adult Pre-Hypertensive Patients In A Tertiary Hospital In North Central Nigeria
Authors: D.A Salihu , Y.O Tagurum , S Yohanna
Published: October 2024

Background: Results from several clinical trials show that comprehensive behavioral intervention programs improve lifestyle behaviors and lower weight and BMI. The study was undertaken to determine the effect of structured changes in lifestyle measures on weight and BMI among pre-hypertensive adults presenting it the GOPC of JUTH. Study Design/Setting: The study was a randomized controlled experimental study involving pre-hypertensive adults aged 18 years and above presenting in GOPC of JUTH. Methods: Participants were consecutively selected and randomized to a control and an intervention group. The intervention group was offered a structured lifestyle modification counseling while routine advice only was offered to the control group. Data was collected about patients’socio-demographic, medical and lifestyle habits that included dietary and exercise history. Physical examination was done to include height, weight and BMI. Participants were followed up monthly for twelve weeks during which physical examination was routinely carried out and changes in their lifestyle habits reported. The outcome measures were reduction in weight and BMI. The difference in the means of the outcome measures at pre- and post-intervention were determined using the independent and paired student t-tests at 95% confidence interval. Data were analyzed on an intention to treat basis. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant in all analyses. Results: On completing the study, independent t-test showed that the mean weight difference between the two study groups was 0.17kg (p=0.96; -5.77, 6.12, 95% CI) and the mean BMI difference was 0.32kg/m2 (p=0.79; - 2.07, 2.71, 95% CI). These were not statistically significant. However, significant improvement in healthy lifestyle habits were notably more in the intervention group. Desirable changes in the mean weight and BMI were more evident among participants of the intervention group after the 12 weeks study, although there were no statistically significant differences in the two groups. Conclusion: Findings from the study showed that although individuals with pre-hypertension can make and sustain, during a period of 12 weeks, multiple lifestyle modifications which can significantly control or reduce weight and BMI, structured changes on lifestyle measures may not be better than routine verbal advice only among pre-hypertensives in the study setting. There is a need for improved lifestyle intervention programs, including those appropriate for delivery in the clinical setting, that enable individuals at risk for hypertension to adopt long-term healthier lifestyles