bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Östaki Tüpü Disfonksiyonunda Kullanılan Ölçeklerin Eksternal Validasyonu ve Etkinliğinin Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: ORHAN KUBAT Gözde , KAYA Hilal
Published: December 2022

AMAÇ: Çalışmanın amacı ÖTD tanı ve tedavisindeki sınırlılıkları ortadan kaldırmak için oluşturulan Östaki Tüpü Disfonksiyon Ölçeği-7’nin (ETDQ-7) Türkçe doğrulaması kullanılarak, eksternal validasyonunu sağlamak ve Sinonazal Sonuç Testi-22 (SNOT-22) testi ve alt gruplarının bu amaçla kullanılabilirliğini değerlendirmektir.

GEREÇ VE YÖNTEM: ÖTD tanısı almış hasta grubu ve kontrol grubu tarafından ETDQ-7 ve SNOT-22 anketleri doldurulmuştur. İç tutarlılık Cronbach-alfa katsayısı kullanılarak değerlendirilmiştir. Gruplar arasında ölçek skorları karşılaştırılmıştır. Etki düzeyleri alıcı işlem karakteristikleri (ROC) eğrisi ile hesaplanmıştır.

BULGULAR: ETDQ-7 için Cronbach alfa katsayısı değeri 0,832 bulundu. Hasta grubunda ETDQ-7 skoru kontrol grubundan anlamlı (p14,5 olan hastaların oranı, kontrol grubundan anlamlı (p
Histopathological Features of Intrathoracic Goitre are Important in Decision Making
Authors: ALTUN ÖZDEMİR Buket , AKKAŞ Yücel , ATAŞ Hakan , ÇOMÇALI Bülent , TÜTÜNCÜ Tanju , MENEKŞE Ebru
Published: December 2022

Aim: The aim of the study is examining the factors determining the need for thoracic approaches to remove an intrathoracic goitre.

Material and Method: This retrospective study was conducted between 2011 and 2018. Patients were categorized into two groups; Group A consisted of patients who underwent surgery via the transcervical approach, and Group B consisted of patients who underwent surgery via the transcervical plus thoracic approaches. The extension, size, and localization of the intrathoracic goitre was measured on computed tomography scans. Histopathological examination results were recorded.

Results: Group A was consisted of 268 patients, Group B was consisted of 17 patients. There was statistically significant difference in terms of recurrence between groups. There were no statistically significant difference for length of goitre in computed tomography, volume and superoinferior size of the specimen between groups. There was a statistically significant correlation between the choice of thoracotomy and the localization of the intrathoracic goitre. There was a statistically significant correlation between the choise of thoracotomy and pathological subtypes.

Conclusion: While dimentions of the goitre were not important in determining the necessity of thoracic approaches; recurrence, localization, and histopathological features were found to be determinants in removing an intrathoracic goitre.
Delivery of Hydrocephalic Fetus by Caesarean Section in Ewe
Authors: Dasari Sandhyarani , Guddeti Samskurthi , Komatireddy Ramachandra Reddy
Published: December 2022

Caesarean section is a life-saving procedure for animals which are struggling with dystocia or unable to expel a fetus after the completion of the gestation period. A sheep weighing 50 kg was presented to our clinic, Mobile Veterinary Clinic, Jagitial with a history of straining and difficulty in parturition. Per vaginal examination revealed that the head of the fetus was swollen, a condition called as hydrocephalus fetus or hydrocephalic fetus. For this reason, the dam was unable to expel the fetus through the birth canal, so it causes dystocia. Hence, a Caesarean section was performed in the left flank approach to deliver the dead hydrocephalic fetus to save the life of the dam. After the caesarean operation a course of antibiotics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents were administered for 7 days and on the day of operation intravenous fluids, and DNS was given to the sheep. The sheep responded well to the surgery and recovered normally without any complications within 14 days after the surgery. This article aims to report a case of dystocia due to a hydrocephalic fetus, which was successfully treated by Left flank caesarean section.
Integrated Farming Systems; Current Status, Scope and Future Prospects under Indian Perspective
Authors: Singh Pramod Kumar , Rani Rajni , Singh A. C. , Kumar Anil , Kumar Sachin
Published: December 2022

Small and marginal farmers are core to the Indian rural economy, constituting 86.2 percent to the farming community and possessing 47.3 percent of the total operational land. To handle the challenges to the labour oriented country like India, where farmers are even not able to earn their livelihood as they pay for all their inputs to the market for seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, energy, feed labour etc. The evolution and adoption of situation specific IFS module has enabled us to develop a framework for sustenance and economically feasible farming operation comparable to large sized single entrepreneur holdings. Under IFS an interrelated set of agri-entrepreneurs compatible to particular agri-ecological situation are tested and adopted so that the waste/ by product of an entrepreneur becomes resource for other, which reduces cost, improves production, enhances environmental quality, farm employment and farm income. After the trails conducted by AICRP on IFS, it has been found that the farm profitability may be increased from 3 to 5 times as compared to traditional farming. Multi-component farming is the way of efficient resource recycling within the system with increased economic profitability, production, sustainability and preserving environmental quality and maintaining biodiversity, helps for efficient utilization of natural resources and also may be potential tool to combat flood and drought.
Polynomial Analysis on Tendu Leaves Collection - A Case Study for Guarella-Pendra - Marwahi District
Authors: Tamrakar Muskan , Shukla Sindhu
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study is to look at the trends in collection and selling of Tendu leaves in the Guarella-Pendra-Marwahi district of Chhattisgarh. Chhattisgarh is the first state in India to produce high-quality Tendu leaves. For this study, the least square technique was used to fit curves and make short-term projections for Tendu Leaves collecting and sales. The data for this study came from Marwahi Van Mandal (which contains one District Union and sixteen Primary Co-operative Societies) for the years 2011 to 2020. These evaluations were carried out on a district, and societal level. The best fitted model was fourth order polynomial regression model in explaining the Tendu leaves collection and sales.
Biophysical Vulnerability of Fish Farmers to Climate Variability and Extreme Events in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands of Kitui County, Kenya
Authors: Nzilu Faith Mwende , Ndungu Charles , Mwangi Moses , Muendo Patricia
Published: December 2022

The present study assessed the household-level biophysical vulnerability to climate variability and extreme events of fish farmers in Kitui East and Kitui Central Sub counties of Kitui County, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive survey design and a total of 60 farmers constituted the sample. Carefully selected indicators for exposure and sensitivity were used to operationalize vulnerability. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to assign weights to the indicators. Biophysical vulnerability indices indicated that Kitui East fish farmers were more vulnerable (3.70) as compared to Kitui Central fish farmers (-0.80). In conclusion, the study revealed a high biophysical vulnerability of fish farmers to climate variability and extreme events in arid and semi-arid lands. Therefore, fish farmers’ access to off-farm income and their adaptive capacity should be a primary target as fish farming stakeholders lack control over environmental factors that increase the biophysical vulnerability of fish farmers.
Growth Performance of Crossbred Goat (Beetal ×Assam Local) by Feeding Cultivated Fodder under Intensive Farming
Authors: Singha L. D. , Saikia G. , Saikia B. , Tamuly S. , Saleque A. , Joysowal Mamata
Published: December 2022

The small ruminant husbandry sector in India is not an organized sector like poultry, however, now-a- days many young entrepreneurs are setting up goat units using scientific rearing practices, because small ruminants play an important role in the food and nutritional security of rural people providing meat, milk and skin specially by goat. Due to higher input and output ratio goat is well suited for marginal and landless labor. After extensive comparison with lamb meat difference in flavour, aromas of goat meat have been noted and found huge demand. So, to increase the production potential of goat in term of milk, meat and skin it is necessary to incorporate proper feeding schedule under intensive or semi intensive system of production to achieve optimum animal productivity and economic sustainability. Twenty crossbred (Beetal  Assam Local) male goats lambs (6.72 ± 0.24 kg) were randomly distributed into four groups, each with five animals. All groups (T1, T2, T3 & T4) were offered the same concentrate mixture and also offered individual grass and admixture of three fodder as roughage source (50:50) on DM basis. Statistically non significant (p>0.05) difference was observed among the groups in respect of DM intake per 100 kg body weight and per kg W0.75. The digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, CP, EE was significantly higher in group fed Teosinte (T2) and Napier (T3) grass compared to Para (T1) and mix (T4) grass fed groups. However, non significant difference was observed among the groups in respect to digestibility coefficient of NFE, CF, NDF and ADF. Significantly (<0.001) higher final body weight, total gain and average daily gain during entire feeding trial were observed in Teosinte (T2) and Napier (T3) grass fed group. Significantly (< 0.05) lower FCE was observed in both the Teosinte (T2) and Napier (T3) grass fed group.
Bio-synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles; Characterization and Evaluating their Biofertilizer, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Efficacy
Authors: Nalini Ganta , Vijaya Tartte
Published: December 2022

The present work was carried out to the chracterization and the evaluation of antimicrobial and anti-oxidant activity of Vn-ZnO NPs. The present research work focussed on the biosynthesized ZnO NPs by sodium hydroxide, zinc acetate and bio components of leaves of Vitex negundo in the reaction mixture was monitored in the precipitate from, which proved the formation of ZnO NPs. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized by advanced tool viz. UV-Vis spectrophtometer, FT-IR, Particle size and zeta potential, X-ray diffraction and TEM along with EDAX. The UV-Vis peak was aquiered at 375nm. The zeta average 28 nm and the zeta potential value was -16.3mV.The average size of the nanoparticles was 34.46 nm and the minimum sized NPs read 16.2 nm by HR-TEM. Antibacterial activity of Vn-ZnO NPs was evaluated by examine against selected two gram negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi) and gram positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus). Antimicrobial activity of Vn-ZnO NPs was found to be more suceptable to the against gram negative bacteria. Strong DPPH activity was found by the Vn-ZnO NPs.
Epidemiological Studies of Canine dermatoses in and around Kolkata,West Bengal, India
Authors: Roy Dalia , Jana Partha Sarathi , Guha Chanchal , Biswas Ujjwal , Mondal Mrityunjoy
Published: December 2022

A study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of different dermatological conditions in dogs during the period from May 2018 to April 2019. Out of total 19,668 dogs, presented in the Belgachia Veterinary Clinics, 1420 (7.22%) dogs were diagnosed as dermatoses. Most of the skin disorders were observed during rainy season (9.32%) followed by summer season (7.49%). The dogs above one year of age were the most affected (74.6%). Both sexes of dogs were infected by skin disorders (female: 58.4% and male: 41.6%). Results of the present study revealed that Labrador were more predisposed to various dermatological disorders (29.9%) followed by Spitz (13.7%).
Evaluation about the Response of Infection Control and Training Workshops among Nursing Students and Nursing Staffs in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Maharashtra
Authors: Dey Susmita , Harbade M. S. , Bhakre J. B. , Iravane J. A. , Omkari Amruta
Published: December 2022

A study done to evaluate the level of knowledge and infection control practices followed by nurses was carried out in a tertiary care hospital. The data was collected by a pre-structured questionnaire and training. The mean knowledge of staff nurses regarding infection control measures was 52.3% which increased to 68% after conducting training, demonstration and follow-up audits on infection control related topics. This emphasizes on the importance of proper training of healthcare workers regarding infection control practices. Infection control training of healthcare workers is needed to improve knowledge and practice in infection control.
Scope of Banana By-Products: A Potent Human Resource
Authors: Kumari Anjana , Agarwal Aparna , Aggarwal Amrita , Kaur Gurjyot , Sharma Kareena , Nehra Mannavi , Raizada Pooja , Siddhu Anupa
Published: December 2022

India is the largest producer of bananas globally, contributing to 27% of the world's banana production. As of 2020, banana production in India was 31.5 million tonnes, which accounts for 26.23% of the world's banana production. The top five countries (China, Indonesia, Brazil, Uganda and Ecuador) account for 53.47 per cent. In 2020, global banana production was expected to reach 120 million tonnes. Also, it's the second-largest produced fruit after citrus, contributing about 16% of the world's total fruit production. Edible bananas are derived from Australimusa and Eumusa series, with different origins from the same genus. Most edible bananas are cultivated mainly for their fruits; thus, banana farms generate several tons of underused by-products and waste. A lot of research has been done to improve the usage of banana by-products. Recycling these agricultural wastes proves to be of great importance as raw materials for other industries. This would prevent an ultimate loss of a vast amount of untapped biomass and environmental issues.
Potential Analysis and Distribution Flow of Waste Cooking Oil in Bali Province
Authors: Sadyasmara Cokorda Anom Bayu , Satriawan I. Ketut , Yuarini Dewa Ayu Anom , Wahyuni Deria , Mahendra Putra I. Gede Arie
Published: December 2022

Waste Cooking Oil (WCO) is a hazardous and toxic that has a negative impact on the environment. WCO becomes a potential if it managed properly, because it can be processed into products that have an economic value. The purposes of this research were to present data the use of cooking oil in the Province of Bali, the handling carried out, the distribution flow of WCO, public expectation and responses regarding the wasted cooking oil collection system. The research stage begins with an initiation, collecting data of respondent, processing and analyzing data. Data collection was conducted using questionnaires and interviews. The sample used was 365 respondents consisting of household respondents, hotels, restaurants, cafes, food-based SMEs, catering and street vendors. The results showed that the use of cooking oil in Bali is not less than 3,050.052 liters/month which will produce WCO not less than 1 million liters/month. The data obtained were then analyzed descriptively. In handling and distribution of WCO, it was found that 91% of respondents disposed of their WCO, and 6% was distributed to collectors or waste banks and the rest was processed themselves to make products such as candles. Then 98% of respondents hope and are willing to support the government to create a WCO management system, where WCO can be collected by villages or waste banks for households and collectors who have permits/legality for non-household WCO. This research provides positive information for the government, so that in the future WCO can be managed properly and provide added value for environmental, social and economic aspects.
Effect of Carbon tetrachloride on Liver enzymes and Lipid Peroxidation in Rat
Authors: Ganguli Neogy , Hansda Rabindra Nath , Mondal S. , Pradhan S. , Mukhopadhyay S. K.
Published: December 2022

In this present study, 12(twelve) albino rats divided into two groups. Each group consisting of three males and three females. T1 for control group received only liquid paraffin @ 3ml/kg.b.wt. on alternate day for four injections. T2 group treated with carbon tetrachloride @ 1ml/kg.b.wt. following dilution with liquid paraffin at the ratio of 1: 2 i.e. 3ml/kg.b.wt. subcutaneously on alternate day for four injections. T2 group rats showed decreased reduced glutathione(5%), increased lipid peroxidation(60%) and decreased SGOT(62.4%). The pathological changes in the liver tissue showed fally changes, coagulative necrosis, cirrhosis and hyperplasia of bile duct.
Significance of Eco Garbage Enzyme in Organic Farming for Improve Plant Growth and Fruit Quality on Guava (Psidium guajava) cv. Allahabad Safeda
Authors: Singh Amrinder , Singh Jaswinderjit , Singh Ravinder
Published: December 2022

Eco-enzyme is an organic compound in the form of a complex solution resulting from the fermentation process of kitchen waste materials in the form of fruit peels and vegetable waste. Alternative market waste processing, especially organic vegetables and fruit skin waste that is done is making an eco-friendly biopesticide called ecogarbage enzyme. The present investigations on “Significance of Eco Garbage Enzyme in Organic Farming for Improve Plant Growth and Fruit Quality on Guava (Psidium guajava) cv. Allahabad Safeda” was conducted at the farm, Village- Sarawan Bodla, Tehsil- Malout, Distt- Sri Muktsar Sahib, Punjab during 2021-2022. Experiments were laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with five treatments viz. T1- Control, T2-2.5 CC/L, T3-Cu1 5 CC/L, T4- 7.5 CC/L and T5- 10 CC/L. Eco garbage enzyme gives a real influence on root length, stem girth, plant canopy, fruit weight, fruit size, TSS, Ascorbic Acid and Acidity of guava plant with the best concentrations of ecogarbage enzyme is 10cc/ L (1 ml). Eco enzyme is a fermented liquid from organic waste fruits, vegetables, and other organic waste which is very useful for agriculture, health, and households. Waste ingredients such as vegetable waste or fruit peels can be processed into a multipurpose eco-enzyme liquid. Making eco-enzyme is very simple and can be done by anyone. Ecogarbage enzyme will be applied as a bio pesticide to be used on guava plant. This study aims to process organic waste market as eco garbage enzyme and to know its influence on the growth and fruit quality of guava plant. The method used in this research is descriptive quantitative. This research produces eco garbage enzyme which is the result of semi aerobic fermentation that can be applied as an environmentally friendly bio pesticide.
Vermicompost Production: A Successful Agro Enterprise by a Group of Women Farmer in Moriga on District of Assam
Authors: Baruah Saurav , Gogoi Sukanya , Deka Rijusmita Sarma , Sarma Pallab Kumar
Published: December 2022

Vermicompost is mainly the worm cast along with decayed organic matter which is rich in essential plant nutrients and various plant growth promoting substances. During the vermicomposting process brown coloured coelomic fluid of the earthworm is released, known as vermiwash, which is also considered as a liquid fertilizer. In recent years, demand of organic inputs for crop production has increased due to the growing concern on negative impact of chemical fertilizers on soil health. There is a huge scope for establishment of a vermicompost producing enterprise involving farm women which will help them in increasing their farm income. A group of women farmer trained by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Morigaon in collaboration with a Non-Governmental Organization named Rastriya Gramin Vikash Nidhi for low cost vermicompost production leading to formation of a Farmers’ Producer Company in Morigaon district of Assam.
Formulation and Stability of Clove Leaf (Syzygium aromaticum L.) Essential Oil Microemulsion
Authors: Swastika Braja I Wayan Ryantama , Mayun Permana I. Dewa Gde , Suhendra Lutfi
Published: December 2022

Clove leaf essential oil is a volatile compound, unstable to heat, light and air. Clove leaf essential oil can be prepared in microemulsion (o/w) preparations to maintain stability and aplicable in food. The purpose of this study was to obtain a microemulsion formulation of clove leaf essential oil (o/w) with good stability. The nonionic surfactants used consisted of Tween 20, Span 80 and Tween 80. This research was carried out in 2 stages. The first stage consisted of a mixture of surfactant ratios (Tween 20, Span 80 and Tween 80) with 5 treatment levels, namely (98:2:0), (98:0:2), (98:0,5:1.5), (98:1,5:0,5), and (98:1:1). The second stage consisted of the ratio of clove leaf essential oil and the ratio of surfactants selected in the first stage which consisted of 8 levels, namely (15:85), (17.5:82,5), (20:80), (22.5: 77.5), (25:75), (27.5:72,5), (30:70), and (32.5:67,5). Stability test was carried out on centrifugation force, heating, pH, and dilution with turbidity index parameters. The turbidity index value was below 1% and the transparent appearance was declared as a stable microemulsion. The results showed that the ratio of the mixture of nonionic surfactants (98: 0.5: 1.5) was the best result with the characteristic turbidity index value before testing 0.181±0.007%, after centrifugation 0.188±0.004% and after heating 0.215±0.013%. Meanwhile, the ratio of clove leaf essential oil to surfactant 22.5:77.5 was the best result with a transparent appearance, the turbidity index value before testing was 0.214±0.013%, after centrifugation was 0.225±0.013% and after heating was 0.268±0.012%. The clove essential oil microemulsion was stable at pH (3.5; 4.5; 5.5) and dilution (1:1, 1:9, 1:99). The size of the clove leaf essential oil microemulsion droplets formed 2 peaks, namely peak 1 of 93% with an average size of 35.4 nm and peak 2 of 7% with an average size of 2759.3 nm with a polydispersity index value of 0.420. The clove essential oil microemulsion had an average zeta potential value of 0.1 mV. Clove leaf essential oil was stable for 8 weeks of storage.
Seed Priming as a Tool for Enhancing Yield in Ragi (Eleusine corocana)
Authors: Priya Deepa , Narayanan A. L. , Saravanane P. , Aruna L.
Published: December 2022

A field experiment was conducted in agronomy farms at Department of Agronomy, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal during kharif season of 2019 to investigate the performance of different seed priming materials in ragi (TRY 1) for coastal deltaic regions of Karaikal. The crop was raised in Randomised Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments and replicated thrice. Ragi seeds were primed in different botanical extract and it was used for sowing. Primed seeds had generally shown higher germination percentage, deeper root system and early flowering than unprimed seeds. Seeds primed with three percent panchakavya had shown better growth attributes like plant height (109. 8 cm), LAI (4.64) and DMP (9965 kg ha-1) and yield attributes like number of productive tillers (4.1), weight of an ear head (7.75 g) and number of grains per ear head (1923). Grain yield of ragi was higher in panchakavya priming (1993 kg ha-1). However, certain priming treatments like pungam leaf extract, ocimum leaf extract and plain water was comparable with panchakavya priming. Lowest grain yield was obtained in control (1256 kg ha-1) Panchakavya priming had a higher B: C ratio of 2.37 with added returns of Rs. 18,078 ha-1.
Udder Morphology Traits and Milk Production of Najdi and Naeimi Ewes under Intensive Condition
Authors: Alhayani Abdulaziz Ali Nasser , Ayadi Moez Abdulhakem , Mohammed Matar Abdulkareem , Aljumaah Riyadh Saleh
Published: December 2022

A total of fifty multiparous ewes were selected immediately after lambing to study the relationship between udder morphology traits and milk production of Najdi and Naeimi ewes (n=25/ breed) under intensive Saudi Arabia condition. Immediately after lambing, lambs were allowed to suckle freely for 8 weeks; there after lambs were weaned. During suckling period, udder typology, udder depth and suspensory ligament in the udder wear visually evaluated 3 weeks after lambing. One week before weaning (Week 7), udder measurements and daily milk yield potential were determined. After weaning (Week 9), milk yield and composition wear determined, as well as cisternal and alveolar milk was measured 8h after the morning milking. Udders of Type II were the most frequent (45.6%) in both breeds. However, Naeimi breed showed a higher incidence (19.3%) of Type III, whereas Najdi sheep presented a larger percentage (29.8%) of Type I udders. The incidence of Type IV wear high (17.6%) in the two breeds. The presence of the suspensors ligaments wear observed in 75% and 46% of Najdi and Naeimi ewes, respectively. The proportion of Najdi and Naeimi ewes with udder depth over the level of the hook was 51% and 56%, respectively. Litter size and gender of lambs did not affect (p > 0.05) milk yield and udder measurements, but gender of lambs significantly (p < 0.05) affected teats length and width. In addition, lamb’s birth weight significantly affected milk yield (p < 0.05) and teat length and angle (p < 0.01) in Najdi and Naeimi ewes. Birth weight and gender of lambs did not produce any significant effect on milk composition, but litter of size significantly affected milk fat and total solids content. Najdi ewes produced greater (+33.3%; p < 0.01) milk yield and presented greater (P<0.01) udder depth, teat length and distance between teat than Naeimi ewes. Milk composition did not differ between Najdi and Naeimi ewes one week before weaning. The SCC varied significantly (P<0.05) between breeds and had a mean value of 9.7×105 cells/mL (log SCC = 6.16) and 6.6×105 cells/mL (log SCC = 5.5) in Najdi and Naeimi ewes, respectively. On average, cisternal milk accounted for 64% and 53% of the total udder milk in Najdi and Naeimi ewes, respectively. Fat percentages in alveolar milk were 41% and 37% greater (p < 0.05) than cisternal milk one week after weaning in Najdi and Naeimi ewes, respectively. In conclusion the indigenous Najdi and Naeimi ewes had acceptable udder morphology traits for machine milking. Udder morphology measurements and milk fractions had positive correlations with milk yield and can be adopted in breeding programs.
Induced Expression of Ovarian Heat Shock Proteins with Response to Thermal Stress in an Endemic Freshwater Crab, Sartoriana spinigera (Wood-mason, 1871) from East Coast of India
Authors: Pati Pradipta , Dubey Debasmita , Purohit Gopal Krishna
Published: December 2022

The Heat shock proteins (HSP) play an important role in controlling the apoptosis and inflammatory response. These proteins are released into the extracellular environment and act as mediators of inflammation. Protein folding accuracy is ensured by chaperone activity, which also prevents the accumulation of abnormal isoforms. In the current work, Sartoriana spinigera, an endemic freshwater crab, is examined for its survival and Hsps expression patterns in ovarian tissues in response to short-term heat stress. Crabs maintained at 25 oC served as control. Expression of Hsp genes were analyzed using semi-quantitative and quantitative PCR in both groups to see whether these crabs have lost the Hsp gene plasticity. Hsp gene expression analysis showed up-regulation of hsp90 (2.1-fold) and hsp47 (2.5-fold) in heat stressed crabs, whereas there was no alteration in expression of other Hsps. Up-regulation of all the Hsps was observed in the heat shocked crabs, whereas expression of all Hsps were down regulated to the basal level in crabs maintained at 34 oC/24 hour. These results indicate that Hsp90 and Hsp60 play important role in survival of Sartoriana spinigera under thermal stress.
Participant Farmers Perception about Effectiveness of ATMA
Authors: Kharade P. P. , Patel J. K.
Published: December 2022

The present study was carried out in Ahmedabad district of Gujarat State. From the ten talukas of Ahmedabad district, four talukas were selected on the basis of maximum number of Farmer Interest Group (FIG’s) functioning under ATMA. Five villages were randomly selected from each taluka. Thus, total 20 villages were selected. Ten respondents were selected from each village. Thus, total 200 respondents were selected randomly from four talukas. A standardized scale to measure the perceived effectiveness of ATMA was developed by using the Normalized Rank Order Method recommended by Guilford (1954). The scale consists of ten indicators namely attitude of beneficiary farmers toward ATMA, benefits derived from ATMA, task functions of ATMA, organization of extension activities, quality training, innovative ideas implementation, performance of FIG, demonstrations and its horizontal spread, technical capability of ATMA personnel and performance of farm school. As far as various indicators of perceived effectiveness of ATMA are concerned majority of ATMA participants had perceived favorable attitude towards ATMA having high benefits derived from ATMA with fair to good perception about task functions of ATMA having excellent perception regarding organized extension activities by ATMA with good perceived quality of training but fair perception about innovative ideas implemented from ATMA and had good perceived performance of FIG with high level of perception about demonstrations and its horizontal spread and were having good perception about technical capabilities of ATMA personnel as well as performance of farm school. Input delivery for demonstration is not timely, farm school activities are inadequate, insufficient out state exposure visit and tight schedule of farming were the major constraints experienced by the ATMA participants in deriving benefits.
Impact of Foliar Application of Specialty Fertilizer on Growth, Yield, Quality and Macro and Micro Nutrient Uptake of Chickpea
Authors: Deshmukh Mayuri , D. Jangilwad Madhavi , S. Mundhe Swati , Gupta Avinash , Kausadikar H. K.
Published: December 2022

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2010-11 on the Research Farm of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry department at MKV, Parbhani to study the effect of speciality fertilizers on chickpea (cv. Vijay) production. The treatments comprised of basal NPK soil application dose @25:50:00 kg ha-1 and foliar applications of starter (11:36:24 NPK), Booster (08:16:39 NPK) and multi micronutrient notified grade- II (Zn-3%, Fe-2.5%, Mn-1%, Cu-1%, B-0.5%, Mo-0.1%). The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design. There were total six treatments viz; T1- Only RDF through soil (25:50:0 NPK kg/ha), T2-RDF + water spray (4 sprays), T3 - RDF + 1% Starter (2 sprays) and 1% Booster (2 sprays), T4- RDF + 1.5% Starter (2 sprays) and 1.5% Booster (2 sprays), T5- RDF + 2% Starter (2 sprays) and 2% Booster (2 sprays), T6- RDF + 1% MS Govt. Notified multi-micronutrient grade II (4sprays). Among the treatments, the treatment T4 (RDF + 1.5% starter and 1.5% booster -2 spray each) showed maximum growth in case of plant height which was increased from 28.70 to 36.34 cm, the number of branches plant-1 was increased from 18.95 to 25.67, number pods plant-1 was increased from 42.24 to 68.45. Also, yield attributes like grain yield increased from 10.35 to 14.74 q ha-1 in treatment T4. In the case of quality parameters, test weight was increased from 13.67 to 17.57 gm and protein content from 17.2 to 20.0 percent in treatment T4. These results of T4 treatment were followed by treatment T5 and treatment T6. Thus the treatment of T4 was found beneficial in the economics of speciality fertilizers by returning a maximum C: B ratio of 2.96. Hence, the application of speciality fertilizer may be beneficial in the production of chickpeas in rainfed conditions.
Factors Influencing Utilization of Rain Water Harvesting Technologies for Improved Food Security in Kauwi Sublocation Kitui County, Kenya
Authors: Koreeny C. Modvine , Muriu Ng ang a F. W. , Ndung u C. K.
Published: December 2022

Despite the known advantages of the rain water harvesting technologies, studies show that the utilization rate at community level continues to be lower than expected. The current study focused on socio-economic factors influencing the utilization of rain water harvesting technologies in Kauwi sub-location, Kitui County, Kenya. The study adopted a survey design. Random sampling was used to identify the villages while households were systematically selected. A total of 160 households comprised the study’s representative sample size from which interviews were conducted. From the results, 60% of the variation of utilization of earth dams was explained by the outcome variables (Nagelkerke R2=0.6). Scrutiny of the results indicated that labour source (p<0.1, B=2.66) and access to credit (p<0.1, B=5.44) were the significant factors influencing earth dam utilization. The study concluded that different factors influenced utilization of different technologies differently. Findings of this study will help farmers in prioritizing factors that influence decision on utilizing rain water harvesting technologies.
Assessment of Teachers’ Competence and Interest in Online Teaching during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria
Authors: Adewale Sulaimon , Awodiji Omotayo Adewale , Ariyo Simeon Oluniyi
Published: December 2022

Despite the numerous advantages of the online mode of instruction in terms of flexible learning methods, convenience, broader coverage and its ability to ensure that no child was ignored educationally during the COVID-19 lockdown, teachers found it difficult to cope with such an approach. A survey was conducted on teachers' interests, competencies, and awareness of the online mode of instruction and its possible problems. The snowball sampling technique was used to identify 377 teachers at all levels of education in Nigeria during the lockdown. Amongst the outcomes of the study, it was revealed that teachers were fully competent in online teaching, thus encouraging them to continue using the approach after the COVID-19 pandemic. Support from private organisations, especially in the provision of subsidised technology devices and organisation of skills development programmes for teachers at all levels of education, will enhance their competency and performance in the ‘new normal’ generation. 
A Short Review of Online Learning Assessment Strategies
Authors: Amer Adan , Sidhu Gaganpreet , Bo Zhao , Srinivasan Seshasai
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a paradigm shift in how teachers, instructors and students approach teaching and learning, especially concerning the migration to online learning environments. One of the most challenging aspects of adapting to online/virtual education is evaluating students’ knowledge acquisition through learning assessments. The lack of face-to-face proctoring renders many of the traditional paper-based assessment techniques impractical, especially in the context of an engineering education that is heavily focused on applied learning. Since virtual education now represents an important evolution in education, it is pertinent for educators to familiarise themselves with the new possibilities of assessment methods in a virtual setting and to design tailored assessment strategies for individual courses. This article reviews and summarises commonly employed virtual assessment methods that are applicable to most engineering educational situations, such as open-book exams, online quizzes, or peer assessments. The paper also discusses some concerns that may arise in implementing these methods. Additionally, there is a particular focus on qualitatively-graded ePortfolios as a unique pedagogical tool in the virtual classroom due to their role as both a repository for storing learning artifacts and a vehicle for advancing students’ learning experience.
Overcoming Transactional Distance through Implementing Podcasts and Vodcasts: Perceptions from an Open Distance and e-Learning University
Authors: Sevnarayan Kershnee , Mohale Ntshimane Elphas
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged instructional methods of teaching and learning in universities around the world. To bridge this instructional gap, many universities opted for the use of digital technological innovations to reach students. Despite the implementation of these innovations, many higher education institutions were not fully prepared and ready for online teaching and learning during the pandemic. Researchers have argued that podcast and vodcast implementation in higher education institutions bring about no change to students’ motivation and performance. Consequently, there is still limited research on podcast and vodcast implementation and students’ perceptions on the utilisation of these tools in distance learning contexts. Using email interviews and online open-ended evaluation questions, this article aims to explore first-year undergraduate students’ perceptions of using podcasts and vodcasts to enhance academic writing skills in an open distance and e-Learning university in South Africa. Using transactional distance theory, the findings indicate lecturers and students’ positive perceptions towards the implementation of podcasts and vodcasts because today’s students consume digital content [digital natives], enjoy the use of technology and are adept to navigating online learning. However, even though, at first, novice lecturers were hesitant and unfamiliar with recording podcasts and vodcasts, through mediation, lecturers ended up recording quality podcasts and vodcasts that were clear and made use of illustrations that made it easier for students to understand the module’s content. The researchers recommend that lecturers consider their students’ interests, motivation, language and demographic backgrounds in creating podcasts and vodcasts.
Pelatihan Pembuatan Minumana Kesehatan Berbahan Jahe Merah dan Jintan Hitam pada Kelompok Ibu-ibu Pengajian Langgar Ar Rahman Banjarbaru
Authors: Suhartono Eko , Hartoyo Edi , Budianto Windy Yuliana , Hayatie Lisda
Published: December 2022

ABSTRAK

Pendahuluan: Jahe merah dan jintan hitam merupakan tanaman yang sudah lama digunakan untuk minuman herbal yang bermanfaat untuk kesehatan. Akan tetapi belum banyak masyarakat yang mengetahui cara pembuatannya. Berkaitan dengan tersebut,  dilakukan pelatihan kepada ibu-ibu kelompok pengajian Langgar Ar-Rahman Banjarbaru dengan tujuan memberikan edukasi dan ketrampilan cara pembuatan minuman kesehatan.

Metode: Metode yang digunakan adalah induktif partisipatif secara kelompok, yang diikuti oleh 37 anggota kelompok pengajian. Pemberian  materi  melalui penyuluhan dan pelatihan. Materi yang diberikan mulai pemilihan bahan hingga membuat minuman kesehatan yang siap disajikan.

Hasil dan Pembahasan: Kegiatan pelatihan pembuatan minuman kesehatan berbahan jahe merah dan jintan hitam berjalan dengan lancar. Para peserta antusias dalam mendengarkan pemaparan materi, dan aktif dalam tanya jawab seputar pembuatan pembuatan minuman kesehatan. Selain itu juga termotivasi untuk meningkatkan kesehatan dengan membuat dan mengonsumsi minuman kesehatan berbahan jahe merah dan jintan hitam.

Kesimpulan: kegiatan ini adalah ibu-ibu anggota pengajian Langgar Ar-Rahman termotivasi untuk  membuat dan mengonsumsi minuman kesehatan berbahan jahe merah dan jintan hitam.

 

Kata kunci: jahe merah; jintan hitam; minuman kesehatan

 ABSTRACT

Introduction: Red ginger and nigella sativa have long been used for herbal drinks that are beneficial for health. However, many people know how to make it. So that training is needed for members of the Langgar Ar-Rahman Banjarbaru recitation group. The aim is to provide education and skills on how to make health drinks.

Method: The method used is participatory inductive in groups. The training was attended by 37 members of the study group. The material is given counseling and training. The material provided starts from the selection of ingredients to making health drinks that are ready to be served.

Results and Discussion: The training activities ran smoothly. Participants are serious and actively participate in activities. In addition, they are also motivated to improve their health by making and consuming health drinks made from red ginger and black cumin.

Conclusion: this activity is that the members of the Langgar Ar-Rahman recitation are motivated to make and consume health drinks made from red ginger and black cumin.

 

Keywords: red ginger; black cumin; healthy drink
Palaeoentomological (fossil insects) outcrops in Lebanon
Authors: Maksoud Sibelle , Granier Bruno R.C. , Azar Dany
Published: December 2022

With 35 Cretaceous outcrops yielding fossil insects, either in amber or as rock (marls, limestones, cinerite, or dysodile) impressions-compressions (adpressions), Lebanon has continuously contributed significantly to the advance of palaeoentomology and to our understanding of entomological evolution and palaeobiodiversity. Compared to its small surface area, this country can be considered among the richest of fossil insect outcrops. This is due to its geological history and mainly to its forest, fluvial - lacustrine tropical and proximal marine subtropical palaeoenvironments plus Peritethys equatorial and subequatorial palaeogeography during the Lower and "Middle" Cretaceous. Herein, an exhaustive review of all outcrops with insects is given. A list of all fossil insects described from Lebanon is provided.
Miocene-Holocene paleoenvironmental changes in the Tinto River estuary (SW Spain) evidenced by sedimentology, geochemistry and fauna
Authors: Abad Manuel , Arroyo Marta , Ruiz Francisco , González-Regalado María Luz , Rodríguez Vidal Rodríguez Vidal , Cáceres Luis Miguel , Izquierdo Tatiana , Toscano Antonio , Gómez Paula , Gómez Gabriel , Romero Verónica
Published: December 2022

This paper investigates the paleoenvironmental evolution of a long core extracted in a small cove located in the Tinto-Odiel estuary (SW Spain). The inferred reconstruction is supported by sedimentological, geochemical, paleontological data and dating. Seven phases have been identified, with the transit from Late Neogene marine environments to a subrecent freshwater pond and a final anthropic filling. On the basis of these data, this area was flooded during the maximum of the MIS-1 transgression (6.5-5.2 cal. kyr BP), with the temporary presence of a subtidal channel with phanerogam meadows. During this evolution, three geochemical peaks have been detected, which correspond to 1) the first evidence of mining activities (~4.5 cal. kyr BP), 2) an interval of intensive mining (1850-1960) and 3) an industrial period (1966-1985), affected by the dumping of highly polluting waste into this estuary.
Just a different place to graze? An unusual occurrence of the echinoid feeding trace Gnathichnus pentax on a marine vertebrate coprolite (Miocene, Italy) and its palaeoethological implications
Authors: Collareta Alberto , Peri Emanuele , Godfrey Stephen J. , Bianucci Giovanni
Published: December 2022

Faeces produced by marine vertebrates and macro-invertebrates contain sufficient organic matter to represent a usable food source for a wide array of macroscopic animals. In some extant marine environments, coprophagy even represents a crucial trophic interaction in food webs. In ancient ecosystems, coprophagy by macroscopic animals is occasionally exemplified by coprolites that exhibit biting traces or burrows. Here, we report Gnathichnus pentax on an exquisitely preserved vertebrate-bitten vertebrate coprolite from the marine calcareous deposits of the Pietra leccese (Miocene, southern Italy). This unusual occurrence is interpreted as evidence of the feeding activity of a regular echinoid; in particular, it may represent either exploratory coprophagy or the browsing of an algal (microbial) film that locally developed on the exterior of the faeces. Strengthening the former interpretation, the development of microbial communities on submerged faeces often leads to their destruction; furthermore, some extant Antarctic echinoderms are well known to ordinarily feed on vertebrate faeces, and coprophagy is believed to be fairly widespread among sea urchins. Supporting the algal browsing hypothesis, in turn, only a limited area of the external surface of the faeces was subject to grazing, and the resulting trace is neatly defined, which suggest that the feeding sea urchin targeted a precise location on the dung's exterior when the latter was already rather firm. To our knowledge, the G. pentax specimen studied here represents the first published record of this ichnotaxon on a coprolite.
New larger benthic foraminifera from the subsurface Lower to Middle Eocene Oldsmar Formation of southeastern Florida (USA)
Authors: Robinson Edward , Cunningham Kevin J.
Published: December 2022

We describe two larger benthic foraminiferal taxa collected from wells drilled in the subsurface Eocene rocks of southeastern Florida that are new to peninsular Florida and the Caribbean region. Saudia floridana n.sp. is characteristic of a foraminiferal assemblage, along with Helicostegina gyralis, wide forms of the Cushmania americana group, and Gunteria floridana, in an upper part of the Oldsmar Formation. Globogypsinoides browardensis n.gen. n.sp. occurs in a second foraminiferal assemblage, along with Borelis cf. floridanus, Coskinolina cf. yucatanensis, and as-yet undescribed large rotaliids, in a middle part of the Oldsmar Formation. The foraminiferal assemblage of the middle Oldsmar unit is ascribed an Ypresian age and the assemblage of the upper Oldsmar unit a Lutetian age. These two assemblages indicate inner shelf water depths of 40 m or less on the Florida Platform during the Early to Middle Eocene deposition of the middle to upper part of the Oldsmar Formation.
Effect of Coupling Agent on Properties of Composites Made from Styrofoam Waste and Coconut Shell
Authors:   Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Sungai Long, Bandar Sungai Long, Cheras 43300, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia, Seong Chun Koay , Thangamuthu Subhramani ,   School of Engineering, Faculty of Innovation and Technology, Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus, No. 1, Jalan Taylor’s, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, Ming Yeng Chan ,   Department of Materials Engineering, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Kampus Utama, Jalan Genting Kelang, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thai Kiat Ong ,   Department of Materials Engineering, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Kampus Utama, Jalan Genting Kelang, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Published: December 2022

Styrofoam is amongst one of the highly used packaging materials due to its lightweight and vibration isolate properties. The usage of styrofoam rises yearly, but it is seldom received by the recycling facilities to recycle the post-consumed styrofoam due to the poor economic viability. The objective of this research is to investigate the potential value of recycling post-consumed styrofoam as feedstock in producing sustainable composite materials. Therefore, this study would increase the feasibility and interest in recycling of styrofoam and indirectly continue the life cycle of styrofoam waste. In this study, the composites with varying compositions were of recycled polystyrene (rPS), coconut shell (CS) and maleated polystyrene (MAPS) compounded using an internal mixer. The effects of compositions on torque rheological, flexural and morphological properties of the composites were investigated. The findings showed that rPS/CS composites filled with more CS content possesses higher processing torque due to increase in viscosity. However, addition of MAPS lowered the viscosity of composites. The flexural properties revealed that the rPS/CS composites without MAPS exhibited the highest flexural strength and modulus of 33.5 MPa and 3.1 GPa, respectively, when the CS content was measured at 30 wt%. Then, the addition of MAPS improved on average 29% of flexural strength and 14% of flexural modulus, individually. The results from scanning electron microscopy showed that the addition of MAPS had improved the interfacial adhesion between rPS matrix and CS particles, which resulted in an improvement on flexural properties. The flexural properties of rPS/CS composites are comparable to wood plastic composites (WPC) as found in literature, which demonstrates its potential to be used in applications similar to WPC.