bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of rice husk biochar, carpet waste, farm yard manure and plant growth promoting rhizobium on the growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Singhal D. K. , Yadav Janardan , Meena Shiv Singh , Kala Divyesh Chandra
Published: April 2018

The present investigation was aimed for improving growth and yield of crop using waste products of differ-ent activities and also useful in ecological stability of soil environment. This objective is not only an economic option for poor farmer but also an effective strategy for increasing yield. The experiment was conducted in the organic farm-ing plot of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Varanasi during kharif season of rice crop in 2014. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with 10 treatments and three replications. Application of graded level of biochar, carpet waste farm yard manure (FYM) and plant growth promoting rhizobium (PGPR) was found to significantly enhance the grain and straw yield of rice by 57.70% and 56.08% over control, respectively.
Choice of parents for developing two line hybrids in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Karpagam V. , Kalaiyarasi R.
Published: April 2018

An investigation was carried out to evaluate two line hybrids in rice for yield traits. Four TGMS lines and eleven testers were crossed in line x Tester design. Greater proportion of sca variance was observed for all the characters which revealed that preponderance of non- additive gene action governing traits concerned and selection procedures based on the accumulation of additive effects would be successful in improving these traits. The line TS09 24 and testers viz., T 2006, KDML 105, Improved white ponni and BPT 5204 were found to be good combiners for the yield and yield components. The best hybrids based on sca value, TNAU 27S x Improved white ponni was derived from low x low combiners for thousand grain weight and TS 29 X ADT 38 for the number of filled grains per panicle spikelet fertility. The best performing hybrid TS 29 x KDML 105 produced 54.25g of grain yield per plant in 128 days which was 92.89 and 85.47 per cent increase over the standard checks CORH 3 and Improved white ponni respectively. This hybrid also recorded 27.32 and 64.30 per cent increase CORH 3 and Improved white ponni for thousand grain weight. Hence, the two line hybrid breeding system, utilizing thermo sensitive genic male sterility is economically feasible as well as viable alternative to cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) based three line breeding due to much simplified hybrid seed production.
Chemistry and analytical techniques for ent-kaurene-glycosides of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni - A review
Authors: Kumari Neena , Kumar Suresh
Published: April 2018

The Stevia genus encompasses about 200 herbs and shrubs species. Stevia rebaudiana, one of the members has gained commercial importance as a natural low calorie sweetener, due to the presence of high con-centration of stevioside and rebaudioside - A (25% to 45% of stevioside content) in the leaves. The major processes involved in the production and quantification of steviol glycosides are extraction, purification and estimation. Various extraction methods have been used for extraction of steviol glycosides in the world. The extraction methods of steviol glycosides mostly differed at the stage of clarification of extracts. The present study is an attempt to summarize the scattered literature and reports on a single podium. Moreover, it also depicts up to date literature regarding numerous extraction, purification and quantitative estimation methods for steviol glycosides
Effect of microencapsulated plant extracts on mosquito repellency
Authors: Rana Mamta , Singh Saroj S. Jeet , Yadav Saroj
Published: April 2018

Mosquitoes are the most important single group of insects in terms of public health importance. Mosqui-toes not only cause nuisance by their bites but also transmit deadly diseases. The activity of mosquitoes is affected by climate, light and temperature. In tropical areas like India, the population of mosquitoes is found huge day by day. Repeated use of synthetic insecticides for mosquito control has disrupted environment as well as human health. To overcome this problem, plant derived compounds may be the better alternate over synthetic insecticides. To enhance the health and hygiene qualities by means of use of medicinal plants through effective application technique on textiles, marigold (petals) and nirgundi (leaves) methanol extract was used as mosquito repellent finish on 100 % woven cotton. For applying mosquito repellent finish on fabric, complex coacervation technique of microencapsulation was used through pad-dry-cure method. Finished cotton samples were tested against Anopheles stephensi by using laboratory cage method for their efficacy and durability to washing and sun-drying as per standard test methods. Marigold (petals)and nirgundi (leaves) extract finished fabric samples showed 96 and 94 % repellency respectively after 60 minutes of observation. It remained 56 % and 54 % (after 15 washes) and 54 and 52 % (after expo-sure in sun for 3 hours) by the application of marigold and nirgundi extracts respectively. Hence, microencapsulation technique on selected cotton textile proved effective to repel mosquitoes up to acceptable level according to WHO (1996).
Biointensive integrated management of Lipaphis erysimi Kalt. (Homoptera: Aphididae) in Brassica spp.
Authors: Sharma Deepak , Yadav Satyapal , Yadav Sunita
Published: April 2018

Field experiment was conducted at Regional Research station, Samargopalpur, Rohtak (Haryana) during Rabi season of the year 2015-2016 to evaluate bioefficacy of various treatments against mustard aphid, Lipaphis-erysimi on Indian mustard. Treatments were: T1–Verticillium lecanii @ 108 CS/ml, T2–Beauveria bassiana @ 108 CS/ml, T3 - Neem seed kernel extract @ 5%, T4 - Neem seed methanol extract @ 5%, T5 - V. lecanii @ 108 CS/ml + Clipping of infested twigs, T6 - B. bassiana @ 108 CS/ml + Clipping of infested twigs, T7 - NSKE @ 5% + Clipping of infested twigs, T8 - V. lecanii @ 108 CS/ml + NSKE @ 5%, T9 - B. bassiana @ 108 CS/ml + NSKE @ 5%, T10 - Dime-thoate 30EC @ 250 ml/acre. Dimethoate was found to be most effective in reducing the aphid population (95.03 %) followed by V. lecanii @ 108 CS/ml + NSKE @ 5% (88.52 %), NSKE @ 5% + Clipping of infested twigs (87.77 %) and B. bassiana @ 108 CS/ml + NSKE @5% (86.91 %) after ten days of spray. The highest seed yield was recorded in treatment dimethoate 30EC (1702 kg/ha) followed by V.lecanii @ 108 CS/ml +NSKE @ 5% (1635 kg/ha), NSKE @ 5% + Clipping of infested twigs (1626 kg/ha) and B.bassiana @ 108 CS/ml + NSKE @ 5% (1617 kg/ha). Dimethoate was found to be highly cost effective with highest cost benefit ratio (1:14.92) followed by NSKE @ 5% + clipping of infested twigs (1:13.81) and NSKE @ 5% (1:11.41).
Effect of Homa organic farming on growth, yield and quality parameters of Okra
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Kumar Adyant , Chakraborty Soumyabrata , Basarkar P.W.
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2012 to study the biochemical efficacy of Homa organic farming practices in okra (Abelomoschus esculentus var. Arka Anamika) and laid out in randomized block design with 18 treatments replicated thrice. The treatments consist of control treatments i.e. conventional control and homa control; homa treatments (Agnihotra and Om Tryambakam homa) and non-homa treatments; and liquid organic manures viz, Panchagavya, Jeevamruta and Gloria Biosol for soil and foliar application. Among the control treatments, organic control recorded highest growth, yield and quality parameters than other controls. Soil and foliar application of Gloria Biosol was significantly superior over all the treatments in terms of growth, yield and quality attributes and recorded 20.28% more plant height and 21.41% more yield than organic control treatments. Ascorbic acid and free total phenol content of okra fruits in homa treatments were also significantly superior over all the treat-ments and recorded 15.45% and 5.33% more over organic control, respectively. Thus, it may be recommended that soil and foliar application of Gloria Biosol, among all the Homa organic treatments, will give the better crop produc-tivity and its produce quality.
Wasteland reclamation strategy for household timber security of tribes in Jharkhand, India
Authors: Islam M. A. , Quli S. M. S. , Mushtaq Tahir
Published: April 2018

The study sought to examine the timber dependency on forests and evolve wasteland reclamation strategy to eliminate the forest dependency in Bundu block of Ranchi District in Jharkhand, India. Multi-stage random sampling technique was applied to select 164 tribal households from 9 sample villages. Data were collected using structured interviews and non-participant observations which were analyzed using descriptive statistics viz., frequency, percentage, mean and range. Results revealed that forests contributed maximum timber (136.36 m3 annum-1) followed by traditional agroforestry (69.09 m3 annum-1), community forestry (41.33 m3 annum-1) and homestead forestry (35.71 m3 annum-1). Timber extracted is mostly consumed in housing (124.66 m3 annum-1) followed by agricultural implements (82.71 m3 annum-1), furniture (35.25 m3 annum-1), carts/ carriages (17.60 m3 annum-1), fencing (10.23 m3 annum-1), cattle shed/ store house (9.10 m3 annum-1) and others (2.94 m3 annum-1). Forests were exposed to timber pressure of 136.36 m3 annum-1 (48.27%) posing ample deforestation and degradation. The strategy consisted of timber and bamboo plantations is designed which would secure 1065.60 m3 annum-1 of timber, 0.455 lakh annum-1 of bamboo culms, 568.26 tons annum-1 of bamboo leaf and agricultural products. The strategy would yield income of Rs. 34210.78 household-1 annum-1 and employment of 67.15 person-days household-1 annum-1. Financial viability of proposed interventions has been worked out by meticulous economic calculations of Net Present Value, Benefit Cost Ratio and Internal Rate of Return. The execution of strategy would eliminate the current unsustainable timber extraction, safeguard the future timber predicament and ensure environmental security.
Bio-efficacy of Trichoderma species against Pigeonpea wilt pathogen
Authors: Chaudhary Balkishan , Kumar Sanjeev , Kushwaha Shiva Kant
Published: April 2018

Three biocontrol agent viz., Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma virens and Trichoderma harzianum were evaluated to test the antagonism against Fusarium udum under in vitro conditions. All the three biocontrol agents have the potential of parasitizing the growth of Fusarium udum in vitro. The rate of parasitism was found fastest in T. viride (61.12% over growth in 96 hrs) than T. virens and T. harzianum. The volatile compounds from Trichoderma viride suppressed the mycelial growth of Fusarium udum by 43.13% and found effective when compared to Tricho-derma virens and Trichoderma harzianum. Non-volatile compounds or culture filtrate from Trichoderma virens at 15% concentration shows complete mycelial inhibition of the test fungi. The antagonist T. virens was chosen to be the most promising bio-control agent for F. udum.
Effect of nitrogen and plant growth regulators on seed yield per plant and seed quality parameters in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)
Authors: Vaja Arpana D. , Patel J. B. , Daki R.N. , Chauhan Shital A.
Published: April 2018

The present investigation on effect of nitrogen [N0 (Control), N1 (50 kg N/ha), N2 (100 kg N/ha), and N3 (150 kg N/ ha)] and plant growth regulators [G0 (Control), G1 (50 ppm GA3), G2 (50 ppm NAA) and G3 (500 ppm Cycocel)] on seed yield per plant and seed quality parameters in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) cv. GJB 3 was carried out at the Instructional Farm, Department of Agronomy, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during kharif 2015-16. The experiment was laid out in field as per randomized block design (Factorial) with three replications. The seed harvested from 16 different treatments combinations replicated thrice from the field were analyzed in the laboratory following completely randomized design (factorial) for various seed quality parameters. Application of nitrogen @ 150 kg N/ha recorded significantly (P<0.05) highest seed yield per plant, shoot fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot dry weight and vigour index – 2 (mass), while application of 100 kg N/ha resulted in significantly (P<0.05) highest germination percentage, root length, shoot length, root fresh weight and vigour index – 1 (length). Application of GA3 at 50 ppm recorded significantly the highest seed yield per plant, germination percentage, root length, shoot length, root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, vigour index – 1 (length) and vigour index – 2 (mass). Among the 16 different treatment combinations, nitrogen @ 150 kg/ha and GA3 50 ppm noted the maximum seed yield per plant, shoot dry weight and vigour index – 2 (mass), while significantly the maxi-mum germination percentage, root length, shoot length, root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight and vigour index – 1 (length) were registered in treatment combination nitrogen 100 kg N/ha and GA3 @ 50 ppm. Therefore, it is advised that application of 100-150 kg of N/ha as a nitrogenous fertilizer and spray GA3 @ 50 ppm (G1) at 45 days after transplanting helps in increasing the seed yield per plant and seed quality parameters in brinjal seed production.
Assessment of physiological indices and energetics under different system of rice intensification in north western Himalayas
Authors: Pathania Ranu , Shekhar J. , Rana S.S. , Sharma Saurav
Published: April 2018

Field experiment was conducted at the research farm of CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Rice and Wheat Research Centre, Malan during kharif 2013 with the objective to select the best seedling age and spacing of rice under system of rice intensification in terms of energetic and employment generation for mid hill con-dition of Himachal Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in 3 times replicated split plot design, assigning of three seedling ages (10, 17 and 24 days) and two spacings (20 cm x 20 cm and 20 cm x 15 cm) in main plots and four seedling vigours corresponding to four seeding rates (25, 30, 35 and 40 g/m2) in sub plots. The leaf area per plant was significantly greater in 10 days seedling age and decreased with increase in age (P=0.05). Seedling rate did not affect leaf area index in all stages except 40 DAS when 35 g/m2 seeding rate had maximum LAI. Seedling age did not significantly influence crop growth rate at any interval but it did relative growth rate and net assimilation rate between 40-70 and 70-100 DAS (P=0.05). 24 days old seedling resulted in significantly higher relative growth rate and net assimilation rate between 40-70 DAS followed by 17 days old seedlings. Maximum value of energy input (13.23) was recorded in 24 days seedling. The energy use efficiency (Energy output: input) varied from 10.6 to 11.1 under different treatments. Wider spacing supporting less plant population consumed 10 man days less than closer spac-ing of 20 cm x 15 cm.
Thermal requirements, growth and yield of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] genotypes under different agroclimatic zones of Punjab
Authors: Singh Guriqbal , Virk Harpreet Kaur , Singh Sudeep , Singh Kulvir , Singh Satpal , Gill K.K.
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was carried out at four locations i.e. Ludhiana, Bathinda, Faridkot and Gurdaspur to study the influence of diverse environments on symbiotic traits, thermal requirements, growth in terms of plant height (cm) and yield (kg/ha) of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] genotypes under different agroclimatic zones of Punjab. Results indicated that crop sown on 15 May recorded the higher grain yield than later sowing dates of 1 June and 15 June at all the locations; 15 May sowing provided 23.3, 22.1 and 46.7% higher grain yield over 1 May, 1 June and 15 June sowing, respectively. Early sown crop acquired higher agro-climatic indices than delayed sowings. The crop sown on 15 May provided the maximum gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio as evident from the additional income of Rs 13599, 13040 and 22865 Rs/ha over 1 May, 1 June and 15 June sowing, respectively. Among the genotypes, AL 201 at Ludhiana and Gurdaspur, AL 1578 at Bathinda and PAU 881 at Faridkot resulted in the highest grain yield and maximum returns. The genotype AL 201 took more days to 50% flowering and maturity at all the locations. It can be concluded that 15 May is the optimum sowing date and AL 201 and PAU 881 are the promising genotypes for providing high productivity of pigeonpea under different agroclimatic zones of Punjab.
Enrichment of Lassi by incorporation of peptides from whey protein concentrate
Authors: Paul Preeti , Ghosh Bikash C.
Published: April 2018

Lassi is a refreshing beverage which is widely consumed throughout our country by people of all age groups. It is a reservoir of nutrients which are easily assimilable by the human body. The current study was initiated to increase functionality of Lassi by incorporation of hydrolyzed whey proteins. A solution of 10% whey protein was hydrolyzed to 7 % degree of hydrolysis (DH) using Flavorzyme at 50 0C for 30 min. using 1:25 enzyme: substrate ratio. Calculated amount of cream and lactic acid were added to the hydrolyzate to bring the desired fat content and pH levels to that of Dahi. It was found that the hydrolyzate could be incorporated at 40 % v/v level in Dahi without causing any adverse effect on the sensory attributes of Lassi. It was found that addition of sugar @15% (w/w) of Lassi gave acceptable quality product. The average composition of optimized product was - 23.04 % TS, 3.78 % protein, 2.33 % fat, 0.49 % ash and 16.5 % total carbohydrates. The average composition of control Lassi was - 22.8 % TS, 1.77 % protein, 2.10% fat, 0.49 % ash and 18.44 % total carbohydrate. The presence of low molecular weight peptides in the optimized product using Tricine SDS-PAGE was confirmed. Enriched Lassi was found to have 79.67 % ACE inhibitory activity as opposed to 42.17 % activity in control sample. It was found that non-thermized enriched Lassi sample had a shelf life of 9 days at 5+2 0C compared to 14 days for thermized sample.
Analysis of genetic diversity among tropical and subtropical maize inbred lines using SSR markers
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Singh S. K. , Malik V. K. , Vishwakarma A. K. , Gupta Vikas , Mahajan Vinay
Published: April 2018

Genetic diversity of 24 tropical and subtropical elite maize lines was assessed at molecular level employ-ing 42 Simple Sequence Repeats. A total of 107 alleles with an average of 2.55 alleles per locus were detected. The Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) values of 42 SSR loci ranged from 0.08 (UMC1428) to 0.68 (UMC2189 and UMC2332) with the overall calculated PIC mean value of 0.44, whereas the Discrimination Rate (DR) value for SSR markers ranged from 0.09 (UMC2089) to 0.42 (UMC1311) with the average DR value of 0.26. Pair-wise genet-ic similarity (GS) values, calculated by Jaccard’s coefficients, ranged between 0.25 and 0.78 with a mean genetic similarity of 0.63, indicating the existence of adequate amount of genetic divergence among the genotypes selected for the study. The cluster dendrogram separated all the inbred lines into six main clusters with sub clusters based on genetic similarity. Factorial analysis also confirmed a nearly similar pattern for grouping these inbred lines as pre-sented by cluster dendrogram. In this study, SSR markers were found to be powerful tool for detection of genetic diversity in maize inbred lines. These findings could provide information for effective utilization of these materials for development of maize hybrids as well as for genetic improvement of inbred lines.
Effect of potash and sulphur on yield and quality parameters under different planting methods in onion
Authors: Kaur Balvir , Sraw Paramjit Kaur , Kaur Amanpreet , Singh Kuldeep
Published: April 2018

A field experiment was carried out to examine the effect of potash and sulphur on yield and quality parameters under different planting methods in onion (Allium cepa L.) during Rabi 2014 and 2015. The experiment consists of 8 treatment combinations viz. 2 planting methods (bed and flat), 4 treatments of fertilizer viz. S1-N100 P50 K0 S0 (control), S2 - N100 P50 K50 S0, S3 - N100 P50 K0S40, S4 - N100 P50 K50 S40. The experiment was laid in factorial randomized block design and replicated thrice. Uniform dose of farm Yard manure (50 t ha-1) was applied to all the treatments. Data on plant height (cm), leaves /plant (No.), neck thickness (mm), fresh bulb weight (g), fresh bulb yield (q ha-1), total soluble solids (T.S.S), sprouting (%),rotting (%) and physiological weight loss (%) at 30 and 90 days after of harvest were recorded . It has been observed that planting methods and fertilizer treatments showed significant difference at 5% level of significance for plant height (cm), neck thickness (mm), fresh bulb weight (g), fresh bulb yield (q ha-1),total soluble solids (T.S.S), sprouting(%), rotting(%) and physiological weight loss (%) at 30 days after harvest. However their interaction was significant for Neck thickness (mm), fresh bulb yield (q ha-1) and rotting (%).It was found that application of potash and sulphur with recommended dose of Nitrogen and phosphorus gave better results in relation to yield as well as quality characters. The results revealed that application of potash and sulphur with recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus (S4 - N100 P50 K50 S40 ) gave better results in relation to yield (339.6 q ha-1) as well as quality characters like sprouting (2.38 %) and rooting (12.18 %) and physiological weight loss at 30 and 90 days of harvest(10.22 and 20.50 % respectively).
Impact assessment of frontline demonstrations on green gram: Experience from rainfed condition of Rajasthan
Authors: Meena M. L. , Singh Dheeraj
Published: April 2018

Pulses being rich in quality protein, minerals and vitamins are inseparable ingredients of diet of majority of Indian population. Despite high nutritive value of pulses and their role in sustainable agriculture desired growth rate in production could not be witnessed. The domestic production of pulses is consistently below the targets and actualdomestic requirements are also higher, due to these pulses are being imported. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra Pali has carried out frontline demonstrations on green gram covering an area of 26.5 ha of farmers’ field to exhibit latest production technologies and compared it with farmer’s practice. The study in total 40 frontline demonstrations were conducted on farmers’ fields in villages viz., Kishanagar, Bedkallan, Boyal, Kushalpura and Balara of Pali district of Rajasthan state during 2014, 2015 and 2016, to demonstrate production potential and economic benefit of improved technologies comprising sowing method, nutrient management and chemical weed control and adoption of whole package of practices for the crop. After sowing of seed application of weedicide Pendimethalin (within two days after sowing) at 1.0 kg/ha in 500 liters of water used for effective control of the weeds during kharif season in rainfed condition. The findings of the study revealed that the demonstrated technology recorded a mean yield of 982 kg/ha which was 35.5% higher than obtained with farmers’ practice (755 kg/ha). Higher mean net income of Rs. 46030/ha with a Benefit: Cost ratio of 4.3 was obtained with improved technologies in comparison to farmers’ practices (Rs. 38775/ha). The frontline demonstrations conducted on green gram at the farmers’ field revealed that the adoption of improved technologies significantly increased the yield as well as yield attributing traits of crop and also the net returns higher than the farmers’ practices. So, there is a need to disseminate the improved technologies among the farmers with effective extension methods like training and demonstrations. The farmers’ should be encouraged to adopt the recommended package of practices realizing for higher returns.
Design, development and demonstration of a Shallow solar tunnel dryer for non-electrified areas
Authors: Chavda T. V. , Singh Prem , Agravat Sagar , Philip S. K.
Published: April 2018

This paper presents the design, construction and performance evaluation of a shallow solar tunnel dryer for agro and industrial products. In the shallow solar tunnel dryer, there are three separate units viz.: an air heating unit, drying unit and air diversion unit. Total area of the solar tunnel dryer was 21 m². The heated air from a separate solar air heating zone is passed through a product bed, and at the same time, the drying tunnel bed absorbs solar energy directly through the transparent UV stabilized plastic sheet used as covering material. This dryer was not required any external sources of the power to operate the electrical fan. The system was designed to operate at a temperature of 50 to 60oC. The system was installed at the institute and initial testing was conducted. After that the system was also demonstrated at the actual potential user’s site. The results obtained during the test period revealed that the temperatures inside the tunnel drying zone and solar air heating zone were much higher than the ambient air temperature during most hours of the day-light. The temperature rise inside the drying tunnel was up to 67.4°C at peak hour’s period (noon). The drying rat e and thermal efficiency of the collector were 1.73 kg/h and 26.0% respectively. The high outlet temperature indicated the scope of loading the dryer further.
Performance of direct seeded rice in Tungabhadra command area of Karnataka
Authors: Ramesha Y. M. , Bhanuvally Manjunath , Gaddi Ashok Kumar
Published: April 2018

A large scale demonstration was taken on direct seeded rice in four locations (one at ARS, and three at Farmers field in 50 acres each) in and around the Agricultural Research Station, Dhadesugur, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka. Our analysis showed that, the yield performance of direct seeded rice (DSR) varied with transplanted rice (TPR) and with different locations. This may be due to variety used and crop management practices adopted by the farmers. In L2, maximum grain yield was recorded in DSR (6500 kg/ha) and TPR (6200 kg/ ha) compared to other three locations. Further, the grain yield was higher in DSR compared to TPR in all the locations. Similarly, economics of DSR varied with TPR and with different locations. This may be due to yield variation at different locations. In L2, net returns and B:C ratio were higher in DSR (` 93628/ha and 3.93, respectively) and TPR (`79868/ ha and 3.0, respectively) compared to other three locations. Further, net returns and B:C ratio were higher in DSR compared to TPR. Further, 47% of the labour requirement was saved in DSR compared to TPR. Therefore, concluded that, farmers can grow rice by direct seeding instead of planting to save the labour and the expenditure.
Detection of epistasis through triple test cross (TTC) analysis in maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Pavan R. , Gangappa E. , Ramesh S. , Rao A. Mohan , Shailaja Hittalmani
Published: April 2018

The present study was carried out to detect the epistasis present in two cross of maize through triple test cross (TTC) analysis. The mean squares due to total epistasis was highly significant at P?0.01 for all the characters in both C-I and C-II, except for ear length in C-I. The i type of epistasis was highly significant for the traits such as days totasseling, days to silking, earlength, ear circumference, kernels row-1,100 grain weight and shelling percentage in C-I and in C-II, ‘i’ type was non-significant for ASI, ear length, kernels row-1and grain yield plot-1. Both j type and l type of epistasis were significant for all characters in both C-I and C-II, except for ear length in C-I and days to silking in C-II. The estimate of additive genetic component (D) was highly significant for all characters in both C-I and C-II. Epistasis played a significant role in the inheritance of all the characters in both C-I and C-II except for ear length in C-I. Both additive and dominance components of genetic variance with a predominance of dominance genetic variance played an important role in the inheritance of all the quantitative traits except ear length in C-I and kernel rows ear-1 in C-II.
Desain Kemasan Buah Pasca Panen Dengan Fungsi Higroskopis Melalui Pemanfaatan Komposit Limbah Kayu
Authors: Wiyancoko Dudy , Djati Imam Damar , Riyadi Slamet , Jelantik Bismo
Published: April 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memaparkan hasil pemanfaatan material ramah lingkungan untuk pengembangan desain kemaÂ­san buah, khususnya kemasan dari tahap pasca-panen hingga pasar pengecer. Studi kasusnya adalah kemasan buah mangga gedong gincu di beberapa wilayah di Jawa Barat. Sedangkan material ramah lingkungan yang dimanfaatÂ­kan adalah tatal kayu yang mudah didapat sebagai limbah proses pengerjaan produk perkayuan. Hasil dari eksperiÂ­mentasi penelitian ini adalah: (1) Tatal kayu memiliki fungsi higroskopis, yakni kemampuan untuk menyerap moleÂ­kul air dan mampu menjadi material kemasan yang menahan buah agar tidak cepat busuk; (2) Desain kemasan buah yang dihasilkan dari bahan tatal kayu dapat dikembangkan sebagai wadah buah higroskopis dan kemasan buah secara moduler sehingga mudah untuk dibuat, dibawa, ditumpuk, dan digunakan oleh konsumen dengan tampilan yang dibuat menarik.This research aims to explain the potential and application of biodegradable material in fruit packaging design, specifically those prepared for post-harvest stage to the retail market. As a case study is packaging of mango â€˜gedong gincuâ€™ which is an excellent product of fruit farming in some regencies in West Java. Biodegradable material in this research is the use of wood shavings as a waste material obtained from woodworking process. The results of experimentation from this research are: (1) Wood shavings have hygroscopic function, that is having ability to absorb water molecules so the packaged fruit is not easy to rot; (2) The design of fruit packaging made from wood shavings can be developed as a hygroscopic fruit container and a modular packaging that is easy to make, deliver, stack, and used by the consumer with a good appearance.Â Â Â
Inovasi Desain Kemasan Ayam Betutu Sebagai Ikon Oleh â€“ Oleh Khas Bali di Kota Denpasar
Authors: Desi In Diana Sari Ni Luh , Pande Sarjani Ni Ketut
Published: April 2018

Tujuan khusus yang ingin dicapai pada tahap ke-dua penelitian ini adalah studi pembuatan desain terdiri dari : 1). Studi grafis kemasan (studi bahan, studi bentuk, studi warna, studi huruf dan teks; 2). Pembuatan alternatif desain kemasan kuliner ayam betutu, 3). Perwujudan prototype alternatif desain kemasan kuliner ayam betutu. Konsep yang dipilih adalah nuansa tradisional Bali dengan mengacu pada kriteria desain menurut Dameria (2014;53), terdiri dari Stands Out (menonjol), Contents (isi), Distinctive (unik), Suitable (sesuai) yang telah ditetapkan pada penelitian tahun pertama. Wujud desain kemasan pada tahapan perancangan dibuat ke dalam dua alternatif desain. Bahan yang digunakan kertas food grade, melalui tiga tahapan yaitu; 1). Tahapan ide 2). Tahapan desain terdiri dari perancangann kemasan, elemen grafis kemasan pada panel display utama (PDU). Kemudian dilanjutkan ke tahap 3). Feasibility Phase yang merupakan tahapan pembuatan prototype menggunakan bahan dan peralatan yang mirip dengan kondisi aktual desain kemasan kuliner Ayam Betutu. Hasil yang diperoleh adalah prototype desain kemasan berbahan dasar kertas untuk mengemas kuliner Ayam Betutu.Specific objectives to be achieved in this second phase of research is a design study that consists of: 1). researching graphic packaging (material studies, form studies, color studies, study letters and text, 2). Making alternative design culinary packaging for Ayam Betutu, 3). Embodiments prototype alternative design culinary of Ayam Betutu packaging. The selected concept has a traditional Balinese feel, with reference to design criteria consisting of Stands Out, Contents, Distinctive and Suitable that have been established in the first year of research. The form of packaging at the design stage is made into two design alternatives. Material used food grade paper. Two alternative designs are designed through three stages: 1). Stage Idea 2). Stages of design consisting of packaging design, graphic packaging elements on the main display panel. Then proceed to stage 3). Feasibility Phase which is the stage of making prototype using materials and equipment that is similar to the actual condition of culinary packaging designÂ  of Ayam Betutu. The results to be obtained is a prototype packaging design to pack the culinary Ayam Betutu.
Pencarian Identitas Desain Lampu Gentur Cianjur Dengan Pendekatan Teori Semiotik
Authors: Gumulya Devanny , Amanda Liony
Published: April 2018

Lampu Gentur merupakan lampu asli kota Cianjur. Keberadaan lampu ini sudah ada sejak 1920. Seiring dengan berkembangnya jaman, bahan pembuatan lampu Gentur digantikan dengan bahan kuningan dan juga kaca yang berwarna-warni. Namun sayangnya hal tersebut tidak diiringi dengan perkembangan desainnya. Desain lampu Gentur dari dulu hingga sekarang hanya mencontoh dari lampu-lampu lain, khususnya bentuk klasik Kolonial Belanda dan Timur Tengah. Hal ini sangat disayangkan karena membuat Lampu Gentur tidak memiliki ciri khasnya tersendiri padahal para pengrajin sangat terampil membuat lampu yang berbahan baku kuningan dan kaca ini. Dilatarbelakangi kurangnya identitas desain lampu gentur, maka paper ini mencoba menghubungkan teori semiotic dalam perancangan ini menghubungkan simbol budaya Cianjur yaitu ayam pelung dan lampu gentur. Tujuan dari penulisan paper ini adalah pencarian identitas desain lampu gentur dengan pendekatan teori semiotic, diharapkan paper ini dapat memberikan model bagi desainer, bagaimana mendesain produk yang beridentitas budaya lokal. Metode yang digunakan adalah pendekatan teori semiotic pada proses desain. Hasil yang didapatkan adalah desain lampu gentur baru dengan mengambil ayam pelung sebagai inspirasi.Gentur lamps are one of Cianjurâ€™s finest crafts. These lamps have been produced since 1920. At first, Gentur lamps were made based on the initiative of the Santri (Islamic priest) to make lighting by imitating Dutch peopleâ€™s lamps that they used in their houses. Unfortunately, from the 1920s until now, Gentur Lamp designs havenâ€™t developed much in terms of identity, always imitating whatâ€™s available in the market. On the other hand, Cianjur people are very skillfull in the craft skill of lamp making. From this lack of design identity background, this paper tries to elucidate the design identity of Gentur lamps by using semiotic theory, by connecting the cultural symbology of Cianjur, pelung chicken with gentur lamps. The purpose of this paper is to probe into design identity in Gentur lamp production by way of semiotics theoretical approach. In doing so, this paper postulates a cultural product design model that is meant to provide designers valuable reference material for designing successfully in a cross-cultural product modality. The final result being the new gentur lamp design with Pelung chicken as design inspiration.
A Review on Parametric Dynamic Models of Magnetorheological Dampers and Their Characterization Methods
Authors: Rossi Andrea , Orsini Francesco , Scorza Andrea , Botta Fabio , Belfiore Nicola Pio , Sciuto Salvatore Andrea
Published: April 2018

Magnetorheological (MR) fluids are capable of manifesting a rheological behaviour change by means of a magnetic field application and can be employed in many complex systems in many technical fields. One successful example is their use in the development of dampers: magnetorheological dampers (MRDs) are widespread in vibration control systems, as well as civil engineering applications (i.e., earthquake or seismic protection), impact absorption and vibration isolation technology in industrial engineering, and advanced prosthetics in biomedical fields. In the past, many studies have been conducted on MRDs modeling and characterization, but they have usually been focused more on the theoretical models than on the experimental issues. In this work, an overview of both of them is proposed. In particular, after an introduction to the physics of the magnetorheological effect, a short review of the main mathematical models of MRDs is proposed. Finally, in the second part of this study an overview of the main issues that occur in MRDs experimental characterization is reported and discussed.
Transducer Placement Option of Lamb Wave SHM System for Hotspot Damage Monitoring
Authors: Ewald Vincentius , Groves Roger M. , Benedictus Rinze
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we investigated transducer placement strategies for detecting cracks in primary aircraft structures using ultrasonic Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). The approach developed is for an expected damage location based on fracture mechanics, for example fatigue crack growth in a high stress location. To assess the performance of the developed approach, finite-element (FE) modelling of a damage-tolerant aluminum fuselage has been performed by introducing an artificial crack at a rivet hole into the structural FE model and assessing its influence on the Lamb wave propagation, compared to a baseline measurement simulation. The efficient practical sensor position was determined from the largest change in area that is covered by reflected and missing wave scatter using an additive color model. Blob detection algorithms were employed to determine the boundaries of this area and to calculate the blob centroid. To demonstrate that the technique can be generalized, the results from different crack lengths and from tilted crack are also presented.
Adjustment of Weed Hoeing to Narrowly Spaced Cereals
Authors: Machleb Jannis , Kollenda Benjamin , Peteinatos Gerassimos , Gerhards Roland
Published: April 2018

Weed hoeing can be successfully performed in wide row crops, such as sugar beet, maize, soybean and wide spaced cereals. However, little experience is available for hoeing in narrow cereal row spaces below 200 mm. Yet, mechanical weed control can pose an alternative to herbicide applications by reducing the herbicide resistant populations present in the field. In this experiment, it was investigated whether hoeing is feasible in cereals with 150 and 125 mm row spacings. The trial was set up at two locations (Ihinger Hof and Kleinhohenheim) in southwest Germany. Three different conventional hoeing sweeps, a goosefoot sweep, a no-till sweep and a down-cut side knife were adjusted to the small row widths, and hoeing was performed once with a tractor and a standard hoeing frame which was guided by a second human operator. The average grain yield, crop and weed biomass, and weed control efficacy of each treatment were recorded. The goosefoot and no-till sweep were tested at driving speeds of 4 and 6 km·h−1. The down-cut side knife was applied at 4 km·h−1. The results indicate that hoeing caused no yield decrease in comparison to a conventional herbicide application or manual weeding. The highest yield with a mechanical treatment was recorded for the no-till sweeps at both trial locations. Hoeing was performed successfully in narrowly spaced cereals of 150 and 125 mm, and the weed control efficacy of the mechanical treatments ranged from 50.9% at Kleinhohenheim to 89.1% at Ihinger Hof. Future experiments are going to focus on more distinct driving speeds ranging from 2 to 10 km·h−1 and performing more than one pass with the hoe. Additionally, combining the mechanical weeding tools with a camera-steered hoeing frame could increase accuracy, allow for higher working speeds and substitute the second human operator guiding the hoe.
A Two-Step Process of Nitrous Oxide before Carbon Dioxide for Humanely Euthanizing Piglets: On-Farm Trials
Authors: Smith Rebecca K. , Rault Jean-Loup , Gates Richard S. , Lay Donald C.
Published: April 2018

Current methods of euthanizing piglets are raising animal welfare concerns. Our experiment used a novel two-step euthanasia method, using nitrous oxide (N2O) for six minutes and then carbon dioxide (CO2) on compromised 0- to 7-day-old piglets. A commercial euthanasia chamber was modified to deliver two euthanasia treatments: the two-step method using N2O then CO2 (N2O treatment) or only CO2 (CO2 treatment). In Experiment 1, 18 piglets were individually euthanized. In Experiment 2, 18 groups of four to six piglets were euthanized. In the N2O treatment, piglets lost posture, indicating the onset of losing consciousness, before going into CO2 where they showed heavy breathing and open-mouth breathing; whereas piglets in the CO2 treatment did not lose posture until after exhibiting these behaviors (p ≤ 0.004). However, piglets in the N2O treatment took longer to lose posture compared to the CO2 treatment (p < 0.001). Piglets in the N2O treatment displayed more behavioral signs of stress and aversion: squeals/minute (p = 0.004), escape attempts per pig (p = 0.021), and righting responses per pig (p = 0.084) in a group setting. In these regards, it cannot be concluded that euthanizing piglets for 6 min with N2O and then CO2 is more humane than euthanizing with CO2 alone.
Antioxidant Activities and Caffeic Acid Content in New Zealand Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) Roots Extracts
Authors: Symes Abbey , Shavandi Amin , Zhang Hongxia , Mohamed Ahmed Isam A. , Al-Juhaimi Fahad Y. , Bekhit Alaa El-Din Ahmed
Published: April 2018

Asparagus officinalis are perennial plants that require re-planting every 10–20 years. The roots are traditionally mulched in the soil or treated as waste. The A. officinalis roots (AR) contain valuable bioactive compounds that may have some health benefiting properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC, respectively) and antioxidant (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and Ferric Reducing/Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays) activities of New Zealand AR extract. The antioxidant activity decreased with a longer extraction time.
Experimental Study of Damage Development in Salt Rock under Uniaxial Stress Using Ultrasonic Velocity and Acoustic Emissions
Authors: Li Haoran , Dong Zhikai , Yang Yun , Liu Bo , Chen Mingyi , Jing Wenjun
Published: April 2018

Ultrasonic waves and acoustic emissions (AE) are important technologies to reveal rock damage. However, few studies have simultaneously monitored both types of data in the same experiment because of limitations on the experimental apparatus. In this study, an integrated ultrasonic wave and AE testing device was developed to investigate the deformation characteristics and damage development of salt rock. Fracture experiments under uniaxial compression were carried out on three samples from the Jintan Salt Mine, Jiangsu Province, China. The deformation process can be divided into five stages. In the compression fissure and linear deformation stages, P- and S-waves rose slightly to stability, and acoustic emission activity was weak (0.04% and 2.66%, respectively). Subsequently, S-wave velocity slowly declined and AE events become more active, with about 13.8% of the total in the stabilized-growth cracks stage. When the salt rock entered the accelerated-growth cracks stage, AE events increased to 75.27%; with features of an earthquake swarm, the velocities of P- and S-waves began to fall significantly. After the peak stress, salt rock produced only a small number of AE events. The beginning stress of rock damage and dilatancy were about 42–50% and 62–67% of the uniaxial compressive strength, respectively. The ultrasonic wave velocity ratio, Ib-value, and r-value effectively predicted rock failure, but the r-value was superior owing to its sensitivity and ease of measurement.
Low-Rate Non-Intrusive Load Disaggregation with Graph Shift Quadratic Form Constraint
Authors: Qi Bing , Liu Liya , Wu Xin
Published: April 2018

Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) is a cost-effective technique for extracting device-level energy consumption information by monitoring the aggregated signal at the entrance of the electric power. With the large-scale deployment of smart metering, NILM should ideally be designed to operate purely on the low-rate data from smart meters. In this paper, an approach based on Graph Shift Quadratic Form constrained Active Power Disaggregation (GSQF-APD) is proposed, which is built upon matrix factorization and introduces graph shift quadratic form constraint according to piecewise smoothness of the power signal. In addition, a two-step iterative optimization method is designed to solve this problem. The first step minimizes the regularization term to find the signal with minimum variation, and then the second step uses the simulated annealing (SA) algorithm to iteratively minimize the objective function and constraint based on the total graph variation minimizer. Using one open-access dataset, the strength of GSQF-APD is demonstrated through three sets of experiments. The numerical results show the superior performance of GSQF-APD, with Graph Laplacian Quadratic Form constrained Active Power Disaggregation (GLQF-APD) and the state-of-the-art NILM methods as benchmarks.
An Evolutionary-Based MPPT Algorithm for Photovoltaic Systems under Dynamic Partial Shading
Authors: Dolara Alberto , Grimaccia Francesco , Mussetta Marco , Ogliari Emanuele , Leva Sonia
Published: April 2018

The increase of renewable energy usage in the last two decades, in particular photovoltaic (PV) systems, has opened up different solar plant configurations that need to operate and properly perform in terms of efficient power transfer with respect to all of the involved components, such as inverters, grid interface, storage, and other electrical loads. In such applications, the power characteristics of the plant modules all together represent the main components that are responsible for power extraction, depending on both external and internal factors. Conventional maximum power point tracking techniques may not have a proper conversion efficiency under particular external dynamic conditions. This paper proposes an evolutionary-based maximum power point tracking algorithm suitable to operate under dynamic partial shading conditions and compares its performance with classical maximum power point tracking methods in order to evaluate their conversion efficiency in partial shading scenarios with relevant and dynamic changes in the environmental conditions. Simulations taking into account the different dynamic shading conditions were carried out to prove the effectiveness and limitations of the proposed approach with respect to classical algorithms.
The Pathological Spectrum of Systemic Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL)
Authors: Montes-Mojarro Ivonne , Steinhilber Julia , Bonzheim Irina , Quintanilla-Martinez Leticia , Fend Falko
Published: April 2018

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) represents a group of malignant T-cell lymphoproliferations that share morphological and immunophenotypical features, namely strong CD30 expression and variable loss of T-cell markers, but differ in clinical presentation and prognosis. The recognition of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion proteins as a result of chromosomal translocations or inversions was the starting point for the distinction of different subgroups of ALCL. According to their distinct clinical settings and molecular findings, the 2016 revised World Health Organization (WHO) classification recognizes four different entities: systemic ALK-positive ALCL (ALK+ ALCL), systemic ALK-negative ALCL (ALK− ALCL), primary cutaneous ALCL (pC-ALCL), and breast implant-associated ALCL (BI-ALCL), the latter included as a provisional entity. ALK is rearranged in approximately 80% of systemic ALCL cases with one of its partner genes, most commonly NPM1, and is associated with favorable prognosis, whereas systemic ALK− ALCL shows heterogeneous clinical, phenotypical, and genetic features, underlining the different oncogenesis between these two entities. Recognition of the pathological spectrum of ALCL is crucial to understand its pathogenesis and its boundaries with other entities. In this review, we will focus on the morphological, immunophenotypical, and molecular features of systemic ALK+ and ALK− ALCL. In addition, BI-ALCL will be discussed.