bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Nutrient Management on the Land Equivalent Ratio, Yield of Various Quality Parameters, Economics of Oats and Chinese Cabbage in Intercropping
Authors: Glotra, Akshay , Singh Magan , Kumar Sanjeev , Jat Shankar Lal , Kumar Shital
Published: August 2023

Background: Proximate analysis of fodder crop helps us to design a balanced ration for the livestock. Oat is major fodder crop in North India during the Rabi season. Chinese cabbage can be a potential fodder crop for increasing the quantity as well as nutrient content of the available fodder during the season. The present study was conducted at NDRI research farm for assessing the yield, economics as well as the proximate analysis content advantage in oats and Chinese cabbage intercropping. Methods: A field trial was conducted during rabi season, 2020 at research farm of NDRI, Karnal. It consisted of seven treatments (Oats sole + RDF, Chinese Cabbage sole + RDF, Oats + Chinese Cabbage (1:1) + RDF, Oats + Chinese Cabbage (2:1) + RDF, Oats + Chinese Cabbage (1:2) + RDF, Oats + Chinese Cabbage (2:1) + 75% RDF+ FYM+ PGPR, Oats + Chinese Cabbage (1:2) + 75% RDF + FYM+ PGPR). Result: LER of intercropping was observed highest in the “Oats + Chinese Cabbage (2:1) + 75% RDF+ FYM+ PGPR” which was significantly higher than the other treatments. Yield of various quality parameters like crude protein, ether extract, NDF, ADF and hemicellulose for oats and Chinese cabbage solely were obtained in their sole treatment (Sole Oats+ RDF, Sole Chinese cabbage +RDF respectively) but the total yield of CP was recorded highest in the Oats + Chinese Cabbage (1:2) + 75% RDF+ FYM+ PGPR” and the total yield of remaining quality parameters were reported maximum in the “Oats + Chinese Cabbage (2:1) + 75% RDF+ FYM+ PGPR.” Gross returns (₹ 72022/ha), net returns (₹ 50593/ha) were again reported maximum in the “Oats + Chinese Cabbage (2:1) + 75% RDF+ FYM+ PGPR.”
Effects of Foxtail Millet Flour (Setaria italica) on the Proximate Composition, Texture Profile, Colour Profile and Microbiological Qualities of Duck Meat Sausages
Authors: Handique, Kiran Moyee , Laskar S.K. , Raquib M. , Choudhury S. , Upadhyay S. , Bora D.P. , Tamuly S.
Published: August 2023

Background: Dietary fiber can be effectively incorporated into processed meat products along with binders, extenders and fillers. Using millet in meat products can balance the enormous demand and supply for affordable, wholesome, dietary fiber enriched and healthful meat products. Methods: The duck meat sausages were developed by incorporating three different levels of roasted foxtail millet flour (FTMF) i.e. 5%, 10% and 15% and coded as T1 (5%), T2 (10%) and T3 (15%). The proximate composition, texture profile, colour profile and microbiological qualities of the control and treated sausages were estimated. Result: The moisture, crude protein, ether extract and calorie value of the sausages declined significantly (p less than 0.05) with increasing levels of FTMF in the treated sausages. In the case of texture profile, a significant (p less than 0.05) difference was observed in the springiness, hardness, chewiness and resilience (p less than 0.05) of the sausages between the control and treated groups. However, no significant difference in cohesiveness was observed between the control and the treated products. The colour profile revealed no significant (p greater than 0.01) difference in lightness (L*), redness (a*) and yellowness (b*). TVC and TVPBC showed a significantly (p less than 0.01) decreasing trend from control to treated products. However, the bacterial load increased during the storage for up to 15 days. No colititre, yeast, or mould were detected during the entire storage period.
Formulation, Characterization and Storage Stability of Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus) Fruit and Milk Based Fermented Beverage
Authors: Vachhani Nikunj M. , Ahuja Kunal Kumar , Thesiya Ankit J. , Hazra Tanmay , Ramani Vimal M.
Published: August 2023

Background: Fermented milk based beverages are popular all over the world and cherished by people of all ages. Health conscious consumers nowadays desire for beverages with enhanced functionality. Prickly pear fruit crop having resilience to grow in arid and semi-arid lands, possess excellent antioxidant and natural food colorant potential. Present investigation was an attempt to combine prickly pear fruit with fermented milk. Methods: Effect of milk fat, pulp level and sugar replacement with low calorie sweetener was investigated on the sensory acceptability. Optimized prickly pear fruit and milk based beverages was evaluated for nutritional, colour, antioxidant properties and consumer acceptance. Stability of pear fruit and milk based beverage under refrigeration storage was analyzed. Result: Consumer acceptability test (n=100) of selected formulation indicated wide acceptability with overall liking score of 8.17±0.05 on a 9-point hedonic scale. Antioxidant potential of optimized prickly pear fruit and milk based beverage was significantly higher (648±6.11 TEAC/g) than the control samples (410.33±5.49 TEAC/g). Packed beverage in glass bottles remained acceptable up to 9th day.
Metagenomic Study on the Influence of Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) Infection on the Gut Microbiota in Penaeus vannamei
Authors: Babu S. Ganesh , Uma A. , Kumar K. Anbu , Shanmugam S.A. , Pandian A. Kathirvel
Published: August 2023

Background: Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP), infects P.vannamei and causes hepatopancreatic microsporidiasis associated with severe growth retardation in shrimp culture. The influence of EHP in the shrimp gut microbiota is poorly studied and this would be an interesting area to investigate. In this study, metagenomic approach was followed to compare the overall species richness of the gut microbiota in healthy and EHP-infected P. vannamei. Methods: Bacterial genomic DNA from gut samples of EHP-infected and healthy shrimps were profiled for the 16S rRNA gene, targeting the V3-V4 conserved region. Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs), were identified and clustered together with a cutoff of 97% identity using UCLUST. The OTUs were then used for the computation of alpha diversity and beta diversity for each sample. Result: Gut samples from EHP-infected shrimp showed lower bacterial abundance throughout the family, class, order, and genus levels. This research also highlights that EHP not only affects the hepatopancreas of the shrimp, but it also has the ability to affect the shrimp gut, predisposing them to other opportunistic infections.
Assessing the Impact of Zinc and Boron Supplementation on Oats Grown under Red and Lateritic Soil of West Bengal
Authors: Naik Utkalika , Barik Arun Kumar , Rai Rubee
Published: August 2023

Background: Avena sativa L. (common oat) is the most important among the cultivated oat belongs to the Poaceae family and is known as Jai or Javi in Indian subcontinent. It is important winter forage in many parts of the world and is grown as multipurpose crop for grain, pasture, forage or as a rotation crop. Methods: A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of Zinc Sulphate and Borax on growth, yield components, yield and economics of oats seed production in red and lateritic soil of West Bengal during rabi seasons of 2015-16 and 2016-17 at agricultural farm, Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, West Bengal. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design having two factors each with four levels (Zinc Sulphate with 0, 15, 20 and 25 kg/ha as well as Borax with 0, 5, 10 and 15 kg/ha). Result: Pooled data over two years of experiments showed that soil application with Zinc Sulphate and Borax at various levels significantly influenced growth attributes (dry matter accumulation, leaf area index and crop growth rate), yield components (no. of panicles/m2, no. of filled grains/panicle and test weight), yield (seed yield, straw yield and biological yield) and economics of oats seed production. With increasing levels of ZnSO4 application, highest number of panicles/m2 (196.27), seed yield (3.00 t/ha), straw yield (6.94 t/ha) and biological yield (9.85 t/ha) were obtained at 25 kg/ha though these were at par with 20 kg ZnSO4 /ha. Higher number of filled grains/panicle (76.47), test weight (29.93 g), seed yield (2.95 t/ha), straw yield (6.70 t/ha) and biological yield (9.63 t/ha) were found with application of borax @ 10 kg/ha. The highest gross return, net return and return per rupee investment was achieved with application of ZnSO4 @ 20 kg/ha (₹ 1,17,257/ha, ₹ 68,997/ha and 2.65, respectively) which was significantly higher than both of 25 kg ZnSO4/ha (₹ 1,15,051/ha, ₹ 64,489/ha, and 2.52, respectively) and 15 kg ZnSO4/ha (₹ 1,05,198/ha, ₹ 59,240/ha and 2.44, respectively). Similarly, highest gross return, net return and return per rupee investment was obtained with application of borax @ 10 kg/ha (₹ 1,15,537/ha, ₹ 69,070/ha and 2.67, respectively). A significant interaction between Zinc Sulphate and borax was found towards seed yield, biological yield, gross return, net return and return per rupee investment in oats seed production. Use of ZnSO4 at 20 kg/ha and borax at 10 kg/ha conjunctively achieved highest seed yield (3.28 t/ha), biological yield (10.81 t/ha), gross return (₹ 1, 27, 530/ha), net return (₹78,760/ha) and return per rupee investment (₹3.78) in oats seed production.
Variability Studies in Iron and Zinc as Well as Protein Concentration in Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] Genotypes for Improving Nutritional Quality
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Sharma Sandeep , Toor Arvinder Kaur , Sharma Parul , Dhaliwal S.S.
Published: August 2023

Background: Micronutrients significantly impact agricultural production and are necessary for human health. Therefore, a systematic programme on identification of sources with high concentration of iron and zinc is important for overcoming the problem of micronutrient malnutrition. Therefore, present study was undertaken with the objectives (1) to find out iron and zinc concentrations and (2) to identify stable urdbean genotypes. This will be further helpful to set desirable level of iron and zinc concentrations in the upcoming urdbean varieties. Methods: The present study was conducted to evaluate 30 urdbean genotypes for variability studies of iron, zinc and protein content. The experiment was laid out in the randomized complete block design and replicated thrice at the experimental farm of Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Gurdaspur, Punjab (India) during spring 2019 and 2020. Result: Analysis of variance showed that effect due to genotypes was significant for iron, zinc and protein content as well Iron and Zinc content ranged from (28.75 ppm to 90.75 ppm) and (44.75 ppm to 60.0 ppm) respectively, while protein content ranged from (18.7 to 25.13)%. The genotype PDU1 and OBG35 possessed high level of all three nutrients viz., Fe, Zn and protein. Fe content showed significant positive correlation with Zn content suggesting that both the nutrient can be improved simultaneously. Micronutrient dense genotypes identified can be used as donar to develop nutrient enriched varieties either through conventional breeding or by using biotechnological tool like marker assisted selection.
Study on Tillage, Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Sources: A Short-term Agronomic and Economic Analysis of Soybean (Glycine max L.) under Sub Humid Agro-climatic Conditions
Authors: . Shilpa , Singh Janardan , . Pooja , . Raveena , . Parita , Kaur Navneet
Published: August 2023

Background: Tillage systems such as zero tillage and minimum or reduced tillage leave more crop residues and offer greater protection to soil erosion. Besides appropriate selection of tillage practices, the improvement in average yield per hectare can be achieved by maintaining the soil fertility through proper rate and mode of application of fertilizers. Inorganic and organic sources of nutrients have potential in reversing the declining soil-health and crop productivity by correcting the marginal deficiencies of secondary and micro-nutrients, micro-flora and fauna and their beneficial influence on physical and biological properties of soil. Methods: Experiment was laid out for two years (2020 and 2021) at the Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur. There were twelve treatment combinations comprising three tillage practices (zero tillage, reduced tillage and conventional tillage) and four organic and inorganic nutrient sources (75 and 100% recommended dose of nitrogen through FYM and 75 and 100% recommended dose of fertilizer through urea, single super phosphate and muriate of potash) which were tested in split plot design with tillage practices in main plots and different nutrient sources in sub plots. Result: Among different tillage practices adapted, reduced tillage recorded higher yield, nutrient uptake, protein content, oil content and economics of soybean, whereas among different nutrient sources tested, use of 100 per cent recommended dose of fertilizers provided highest profitability and productivity of soybean under mustard-soybean cropping system.
Genetic Variability and Diversity for Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in M3 and M4 Generations of Butter Bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.)
Authors: Ashokkumar G. , Sundar S.T. Bini , Savitha B.K. , Rameshkumar D. , Balasubramanian P. , Sampathkumar T. , Sathiyaraj D.
Published: August 2023

Background: Butter beans (Phaselous lunatus L) belong to the family Leguminaceae, is one of the oldest cool season food legume crops. A throughout knowledge of existing genetic variation among yield and its yield component traits is essential for developing high yielding varieties in butter bean. Realizing the importance of genetic diversity and variability in key economic characters, the present investigation had been planned to assess the genetic diversity and variability in for yield improvement in butter bean breeding programme. Methods: Investigation was carried at Horticultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu during 2019-2021. A total of 2734 M2 mutant lines were evaluated as individual progenies in the previous study. Stringent selection was made based on yield, earliness and plant habit and a total of 35 mutant lines were identified and forwarded to M3 and a total of 12 mutant lines for M4 generations in present study. The data on elevan quantitative were analyzed using Mahalanobis D2 statistic. Result: The present study has assessed the genetic variation among studied traits of butter bean mutants for yield and its component traits. Thus, a total of five mutant lines namely BBMG-7-9-7, BBMG-9-10-6, BBMG-18-9-6, BBMG-25-13-3, BBMG-35-7-2 were identified to be forward to the M5 generation as promising mutant lines for developing high yielding varieties and to test its homogeneity and stability.
Cholera Questions Bank: Quantitative Questions for Community Level Data Collection
Authors: Niederberger Eva , Johnson Ginger
Published: August 2023

This questions bank resource is a menu of quantitative questions related to socio-behavioural factors and Cholera. This resource seeks to facilitate the collection of quality data on community’s capacity, behaviours, practices and perceptions in relation to cholera prevention and management. It can be used by field teams and / or local research teams working in communities with cholera transmission and those at risk adhering to safety and protection protocols. Gathering and using high quality data on social, behavioural and community dynamics in relation to cholera prevention and management is vital to: 1. Understand people’s ability, capacity and behaviour in relation to prevent and/or reduce cholera infection risks. 2. Support evidence-based decision-making on communication and engagement strategies that address people’s needs and priorities in an evolving context. 3. Provide data that decision-makers can use to adapt cholera response and preparedness strategies and activities. 4. Support public health promoters and outreach workers in engaging with local populations to strengthen community-led actions. 5. Enhance the knowledge of public health promoters and outreach workers and support them in clearly communicating on cholera prevention and control. 6. Inform the design and adaptation of information content / messages shared and discussed with the local population.
STRATEGIC ANALYSIS IN THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY: A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO INCREASE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS IN NATIONAL AND NATO PROCESSES
Authors: TARCIN Uğur
Published: August 2023

The management of the interrelated processes of planning, budgeting, production, and supply chain logistics, as well as human resources and information sharing, is of paramount importance in the ecosystem of Türkiye's defense industrial system. Any disruption in this system could impede the timely provision of the necessary armaments for the readiness of the Turkish Armed Forces and Security Forces. Given the shifting global security landscape and its strategic geopolitical position, it is imperative that Türkiye possess a robust defense industry that can make technological leaps and advancements. This can be achieved through a collaborative effort that places a greater emphasis on research and development (R&D/Ar-Ge), swiftly addressing identified issues, enhancing the defense industrial ecosystem, and fostering organizations that possess critical technologies and a capacity for learning through a comprehensive approach. In this context, the acquisition and dissemination of information is of great import, and companies engaged in defense industry activities can effectively contribute and enhance interaction with national and NATO processes through the utilization of empirical and descriptive methods, as well as by adhering to certain recommendations for optimal results.
TERRITORIAL REVITALIZATION STRATEGY: THE CASE OF FRANCE SINCE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: FULCONIS François , PACHÉ Gilles
Published: August 2023

The place occupied by territories in the functioning of global value chains has been highly topical since economies were hit by external shocks of great violence from February 2020 onwards. Many components and final products have been subject to sometimes lasting delivery disruptions, which has highlighted the dependence of Western assembly plants on international sources of supply, particularly in the automotive and microcomputer industries. Even more seriously, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020, the lack of protective masks, the production of which was relocated to Asia, highlighted a vulnerability that could have deadly consequences for the population. Faced with this vulnerability, a virulent debate has been launched on the urgency of relocating industrial activities in Europe, which is part of a broader political approach to reindustrialization. This is particularly the case in France, where governmental authorities have decided to implement an ambitious plan for the revitalization of territories in 2021 under the leadership of President Emmanuel Macron. This change of course is surprising after decades of ‒desired‒ development of global value chains, one of the consequences of which is a dramatic deindustrialization in terms of employment, with the explosion of unemployment in many regions whose development was based on the steel and textile industries. The objective of this article is to present the main elements of the French plan for the revitalization of territories and to underline the importance of considering the shared value for a successful relocation of industrial activities.
Evaluation of the Readability of Antidepressant Drug Package Inserts Commonly Used in Psychiatry
Authors: AKKUŞ Merve
Published: August 2023

The understanding of a written text is directly related to the readability level of that text. Readability can be measured objectively using specific formulas. In this study, we aimed to determine the readability level of the drug package inserts of antidepressant drugs. A total of 51 drug package inserts were grouped according to antidepressant types. Title and drug license information was removed from the texts for standardization. These were evaluated using the Ateşman, Bezirci–Yılmaz and Çetinkaya–Uzun readability formulas, applicable to Turkish texts. The average Ateşman readability score was determined as 71.4. Accordingly, it was seen that the drug package inserts require a grade 7-8 of education for readability. The readability level of the Bezirci-Yılmaz formula was, similarly, of grade 7-8 (primary education) level. The Çetinkaya-Uzun readability score was calculated as 45.4 and an 8-9th grade level was determined. It was ascertained that the drug package inserts were readable at the secondary education (7th-9th grade) level on average. Considering the average education level in Turkey, it was established that the readability level was therefore high. We believe that writing the drug package inserts based on the average education level will increase readability and therefore intelligibility.
Implementation of Multiple Linear Regression to Estimate Profit on Sales of Screen Printing Equipment
Authors: Khairul Khairul , Nasyuha Asyahri Hadi , Ikhwan Ali , H. Aly Moustafa , Ahyanuardi Ahyanuardi
Published: August 2023

Traditional marketing strategies are no longer practical to implement because the process requires more costs and time to disseminate information which is much longer. Data Mining is a science that discusses knowledge from previous data to estimate the amount of production in the future. Data mining is a term used to find hidden knowledge in databases. “Data mining is a semi-automatic process using statistical, mathematical, artificial intelligence, and machine learning techniques to extract and identify valuable and helpful information in large databases. It is necessary to solve the problem by using one of the five methods in the field of Data Mining, namely the Multiple Linear Regression method, where this method will analyze the variables that have an influence and can make estimates. Multiple Linear Regression Is a method that can be used to analyze data and obtain meaningful conclusions about a relationship between one variable and another. This relationship is generally expressed by a mathematical equation expressing the relationship between the independent and dependent variables in the form of a simple equation
Application of the Improved Entry and Exit Method in Slope Reliability Analysis
Authors: Yang Rong , Sun Boyan , Wan Yukuai , Gao Xinyue
Published: August 2023

The entry and exit method is a simple and practical method to determine the critical slip surface of slope. However, it has the drawback of sacrificing computational efficiency to improve search accuracy. To solve this problem, this paper proposes an improved entry and exit method to search for the critical slip surface. Based on the random fields generated by using Karhunen–Loève expansion method, the simplified Bishop’s method combined with the improved entry and exit method is used to determine the critical slip surface and its corresponding minimum factor of safety. Then, the failure probability is calculated by conducting Monte Carlo simulation. Two examples are reanalyzed to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method. Meaningful comparisons are made to demonstrate the calculating accuracy and calculating efficiency of the improved entry and exit method in searching for the minimum safety factor of slope, based on which the effect of the reduced searching range on slope reliability was explored. The results indicate that the proposed method provides a practical tool for evaluating the reliability of slopes in spatially variable soils. It can greatly improve the computational efficiency in relatively high-computational accuracy of slope reliability analysis.
Thermospheric Density Response to the Solar Activity and QBO
Authors: Li Bo , Cui Ruifei , Weng Libin , Fei Jianfang
Published: August 2023

In this study, we discuss the thermospheric density response to the solar activity and QBO. By using the wavelet power spectrum method, the thermospheric density from 1967 to 2013 shows ~11-year period, semiannual and annual variations, while the seasonal variation is usually more significant under high solar activity conditions. Importantly, we investigate the possible link between the density and the QBO, with the aid of GAMDM model and different density residual method. As a result, the difference between the measured density and empirical model seemingly has QBO signal, but the ratio of them revels that the QBO signal does not exist in the thermospheric density. Comprehensively, we thought the stratospheric QBO cannot impact on the thermosphere, and more data and numerical modeling are needed for further validation.
Mineralogical Characterization of Historic Copper Slag to Guide the Recovery of Valuable Metals: A Namibian Case Study
Authors: Dzinomwa Godfrey , Mapani Benjamin , Nghipulile Titus , Maweja Kasonde , Kurasha Jacqueline Tatenda , Amwaama Martha , Chigayo Kayini
Published: August 2023

The depletion of the ore reserves in the world necessitates the search for secondary sources such as waste products (tailings and slag). A smelter in Namibia has historic slag which accumulated over decades of its operating life. Analytical and mineralogical characterization of the slag was performed using the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS), ICP-OES, scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis, and optical microscopy analysis. The chemical analyses showed that the metal values contained in the slag were mainly copper, lead, and zinc whose average contents were approximately 0.3%Cu, 2.4%Pb and 3.2%Zn. About 10.5%Fe was also contained in the slag. Germanium was detected by scanning electron microscopy, but was however below detection limits of the chemical analysis equipment used. Based on the results, approximate conditions under which the different slag phases were formed were estimated and the recovery routes for the various metals were proposed. Analysis by both optical and scanning electron microscopy revealed that Zn and Fe occurred mainly in association with O as oxides, while Cu and Pb were mainly associated with S as sulphides. The slag consisted of three different phases; namely the silicate phase (slag), metallic phase and the sulphide phases. The slag phases were mainly glass, silicate phases and metallic and sulphide phases. It was observed that the metallic and sulphide phases were dominant in the finer size fractions (-75 µm) whereas the sulphide phase was also present in the coarser size fractions (+300 µm). An important finding from the microscopy examination was that the sulphide phases were interstitial and could be liberated from the slag. This finding meant that liberation and subsequent concentration of the sulphide phases was feasible using conventional processing techniques.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of bZIP Family Genes in Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni
Authors: Mengyang Wu , Jinsong Chen , Weilin Tang , Yijie Jiang , Zhaoyong Hu , Dongbei Xu , Hou Kai , Yinyin Chen , Wei Wu
Published: August 2023

The basic (region) leucine zippers (bZIPs) are evolutionarily conserved transcription factors widely distributed in eukaryotic organisms. In plants, they are not only involved in growth and development, defense and stress responses, and regulation of physiological processes, but also play a pivotal role in regulating secondary metabolism. To explore the function related to the bZIP gene family in Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, we identified 105 SrbZIP genes at the genome-wide level and classified into 12 subfamilies using bioinformation methods. Analysis of physicochemical properties showed that the amino acid length readings ranged from 96 aa (SrbZIP13) to 704 aa (SrbZIP17), and the isoelectric point ranged from 4.64 (SrbZIP21) to 10.08 (SrbZIP101). The majority of these proteins (94.29%) were localized in the nucleus. Three main classes of cis-acting elements found in the SrbZIP promoter regions, including development-related elements (CAT-box), defense and stress-responsive elements (LTR/ARE/MBS), and phytohormone respon-
sive elements (ABRE/TGACG-mitif/TCA-element). Through protein-protein interac-
tion network of 105 SrbZIP proteins, SrbZIP proteins were mainly classified into four major categories: ABF2/ABF4/ABI5 (SrbZIP51/SrbZIP38/SrbZIP7), involved in phy-
tohormone signaling, GBF1/GBF3/GBF4 (SrbZIP29/SrbZIP63/SrbZIP60) involved in environmental signaling, AREB3 (SrbZIP88), PAN (SrbZIP12), TGA1 (SrbZIP69), TGA4 (SrbZIP82), TGA7 (SrbZIP31), TGA9 (SrbZIP95), TGA10 (SrbZIP79) and HY5 (SrbZIP96) involved in cryptochrome signaling, and FD (SrbZIP23, SrbZIP24, SrbZIP47, SrbZIP67, SrbZIP68, SrbZIP71, SrbZIP72) promoted flowering. The transcriptomic data showed that SrbZIP genes differentially expressed in six S. rebaudiana cultivars (‘023’, ‘110’, ‘1188’, ‘11-14’, ‘GP’ and ‘GX’). Moreover, the expression levels of selected 15 SrbZIP genes in response to light, abiotic stress (low temperature, salt and drought), phytohormones (methyl jasmonate, gibberellic acid and salicylic acid) treatment and in different tissues were analyzed utilizing qRT-PCR. Six SrbZIP (SrbZIP54, SrbZIP63, SrbZIP32, SrbZIP45, SrbZIP60 and SrbZIP9) genes were further identified to be highly induced by factors affecting glycoside synthesis. Among them, three SrbZIP genes (SrbZIP54, SrbZIP63 and SrbZIP32) were predicted to be related to stress-responsive terpenoid synthesis in S. rebaudiana. The protein-protein interaction network expanded the potential functions of SrbZIP genes. This study firstly provided the comprehensive genome-wide report of the SrbZIP gene family, laying a foundation for further research on evolution, function and regulatory role of bZIP gene family in terpenoid synthesis in S. rebaudiana.
Lecturers’ Experiences with Digital Assessments and Continuity of Digital Transformation in the Higher Education
Authors: Zitha Innocent , Mokganya Georgina , Sinthumule Orifha
Published: August 2023

There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the higher education sector in South Africa. However, academics and students’ preparedness and competencies have been considered a major conundrum concerning the integration of online learning in the classroom. The purpose of this paper is to examine the academics’ perspectives on a blend of a metaverse in the higher education sector in the post-COVID-19 era at one of the South African rural-based universities. A survey was administered in 2022 to ten (10) academics and the reports were consulted from four (4) E-learning practitioners to solicit their perceptions regarding the use of online learning and contact classes in the post-pandemic era. A qualitative research approach was employed to comprehend the challenges encountered in a historically disadvantaged rural-based university in Limpopo Province. The findings of this study show that there are major issues and challenges impeding the establishment of effective e-learning education. Consequently, technological continuity as a new normal in the post-COVID-19 era appears to be unattainable due to the challenges encountered by the students and lecturers. The use of Learning Management Systems among academics seems to have deteriorated due to the adjustments in COVID-19 rules and regulations. Furthermore, the findings revealed that most academics believed that contact learning remains irreplaceable throughout generations and ages as some are technophilic. This paper recommends that the incompetence and technological resistance and reluctance in adopting transformative pedagogies may not be used as a stumbling block to consider e-learning as a viable option to discontinue online education.
Prospects of Technology for Producing Non-Traditional Functional Oils
Authors: Isroilova Shoirakhon
Published: August 2023

{Background}: to develop a technology for hydrothermal processing of oilseeds and primary pressed cake in order to obtain functional vegetable oils from non-traditional oilseeds (melon and watermelon seeds). {Methods:} Analyses of mint, pulp, oils and cakes obtained from them were carried out in accordance with the methodology described in the "Manual on research Methods, technochemical control and accounting of production in the fat and oil industry". {Results:} Technological parameters of hydrothermal treatment of crushed oilseeds from melon and watermelon seeds before primary and final pressing are investigated. {Conclusions:} An advanced double pressing technology has been developed, which provides grinding of seeds without separating the husk up to 60% when passing through a sieve with a diameter of 1 mm, humidification with steam condensate up to 11% and heat treatment at a temperature of 80℃ for 50 minutes before pre-pressing and grinding up to 60% of the patency of the pre-pressed cake, moistening the material to a humidity of 12% steam at a temperature of 120 ° C and a pressure of 0.5 MPa for 30 minutes before distillation.
A Critical Review of NIO’s Business Model
Authors: Pisano Alessandro , Saba Manuel , Baldovino Jair Arrieta
Published: August 2023

The present study reports a critical review of NIO's business model, considering the evolving landscape of the electric vehicle market and servicing. The objective of this study is to develop a comprehensive framework that facilitates the identification of key elements characterizing a company's business model and highlights ongoing transformations, crucial for adaptation and survival in a rapidly changing environmental context. Focusing on the case study of NIO, a relatively young Chinese original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specializing in high-tech electric cars, the research delves into the challenging scenario of the Chinese electric vehicle market, which has recently faced a bubble in 2023. The market proliferation, supply chain disruptions, and price wars triggered by Tesla have resulted in a survival struggle for numerous automotive startups, leaving larger companies with increasing market shares. Despite facing adversities, NIO managed to secure a promising segment, catering to premium-range battery electric vehicles (BEVs), establishing a competitive advantage through differentiation. By pursuing ambitious investments, the company aims to create economies of scope and achieve cost leadership, venturing into new market sectors and vertically integrating the production chain. Given NIO's agility in adapting to market conditions, aggressive entry into new segments, and a strategic vision for the future, it serves as an excellent candidate for testing and validating the proposed framework. The research sheds light on NIO's trajectory and offers insights into its potential for sustained growth in the dynamic electric vehicle market.
Genomic Characterization of IMP-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Bulgaria Reveals the Emergence of IMP-100, a Novel Plasmid-Mediated Variant Coexisting with a Chromosomal VIM-4
Authors: Stoikov Ivan , Ivanov Ivan N. , Donchev Deyan , Teneva Deana , Dobreva Elina , Hristova Rumyana , Sabtcheva Stefana
Published: August 2023

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections represent major a public health concern and require comprehensive understanding of their genetic make-up. This study investigated the first occurrence of IMP-carrying MDR P. aeruginosa strains from Bulgaria. Whole genome sequencing identified a novel plasmid-mediated blaIMP-100 allele located in a In1300-like integron embedded in a novel putative transposon. Two other closely related chromosomal blaIMP variants IMP-13 and IMP-84 were also detected. The IMP-producers were resistant to last-line drugs including cefiderocol (CFDC) (2 out of 3) and susceptible to colistin. The blaIMP-13/84 cassettes were situated in a In320 integron inserted in a Tn5051-like transposon as previously reported. Lastly, the p47825-IMP plasmid rendered PAO1 transformant resistant to CFDC, suggesting a transferable CFDC resistance. A variety of virulence factors associated with adhesion, antiphagocytosis, iron uptake, quorum-sensing, as well as secretion systems, toxins, and proteases were confirmed, suggesting significant pathogenic potential consistent with the observed strong biofilm formation. Emergence of IMP-producing MDR P. aeruginosa is alarming as they remain unsusceptible even to last geneneration drugs like CFDC. Newly detected IMP-100 was even located in an CFDC-resistant XDR strain.
Ozonated Sunflower Oil Exerted Potent Anti-inflammatory Activities With Enhanced Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration Abilities Against Acute Toxicity of Carboxymethyllysine in Zebrafish With Improved Blood Lipid Profile
Authors: Cho Kyung-Hyun , Kim Ji-Eun , Bahuguna Ashutosh , Kang Dae-Jin
Published: August 2023

Ozonated sunflower oil (OSO) is an established therapeutic agent and nutraceutical harboring various therapeutic values, including antiallergic, derma-protective, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Conversely, the medicinal aspects of OSO for wound healing, tissue regeneration, and treatment of inflammation in dyslipidemia have yet to be fully elucidated. Herein, a comparative effect of OSO and sunflower oil (SO) was investigated to heal cutaneous wound and tissue regeneration of zebrafish impediment by carboxymethyllysine (CML) toxicity, following impact on hepatic inflammation and blood lipid profile. After OSO (final 2%, 1 μL) and SO's (final 2%, 1 μL) treatment, substantial healing was elicited by OSO in the cutaneous wound of zebrafish impaired by CML (final 25 mg). As an important event of wound healing, OSO scavenges the reactive oxygen species (ROS), rescues the wound from oxidative injury, and triggers the essential molecular events for the wound closer. Furthermore, the intraperitoneal injection of OSO was noted to counter the CML-induced adversity and prompt tissue regeneration in the amputated tail fin of zebrafish. Additionally, OSO counters the CML-induced neurotoxicity and rescues the zebrafish from acute mortality and paralysis, along with meticulous recovery of hepatic inflammation, fatty liver changes, and diminished ROS and proinflammatory interleukin (IL)-6 production. Besides, OSO efficiently ameliorated CML-induced dyslipidemia by alleviating the total blood cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and increasing high-density lipoproteins cholesterol (HDL-C). The outcome of multivariate assessment employing principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis supports a superior therapeutic potential of OSO over SO against the clinical manifestation of CML. Conclusively, OSO owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, counters CML-induced toxicity and promotes wound healing, tissue regeneration, hepatoprotection, improved blood lipid profile, and survivability of zebrafish.
The Effects of Electrochemical Hydrogen Charging on Charpy Impact Toughness and Dry Sliding Tribological Behavior of AISI 316H Stainless Steel
Authors: Falat Ladislav , Čiripová Lucia , Petruš Ondrej , Puchý Viktor , Petryshynets Ivan , Kovaľ Karol , Džunda Róbert
Published: August 2023

In this work a solution-annealed AISI 316H grade austenitic stainless steel was studied in terms of investigating the electrolytic hydrogen charging effects on the resulting Charpy impact toughness and dry sliding tribological behavior. Conventional Charpy impact bending tests were employed to study the mechanical response of the investigated material to dynamic loading conditions, whereas dry linear sliding tribological tests were used to study the material friction and wear behavior. The obtained mechanical and tribological properties were correlated with corresponding fracture and tribological mechanisms determined from morphological observations of fracture surfaces and tribological tracks. The applied testing procedures were individually carried out for the non-hydrogenated, hydrogen-charged, and dehydrogenated material conditions. The observed changes of individual properties due to applied hydrogen charging were rather small which indicated good resistance of the solution-annealed AISI 316H steel against material degradation in currently used electrolytic hydrogenation conditions.
Gene Editing: The Regulatory Perspective
Authors: Niazi Sarfaraz K.
Published: August 2023

Gene or genome editing (GE) revises, removes, or replaces a mutated gene at the DNA level; it is a tool. Gene therapy (GT) offsets mutations by introducing a "normal" version of the gene into the body while the diseased gene remains in the genome; it is a medicine. So far, no GE product has been approved, as opposed to 22 GT products that cost up to millions of dollars per dose. The FDA has recently added a guideline specific to gene editing that should be understood to enable faster development of GE products; at the same time, the FDA also needs to bring more clarification and make several amendments to this guideline to make it more rational.
A Synthetic Microbial Daisyworld: Planetary Regulation on the Test Tube
Authors: Maull Victor , Pla Jordi , Conde Nuria , Sole Ricard
Published: August 2023

The idea that the Earth system self-regulates in a habitable state was proposed in the 1970s by James Lovelock, who conjectured that life plays a self-regulatory role on a planetary-level scale. A formal approach to such hypothesis was presented afterwards under a toy model known as the Daisyworld. The model showed how such life-geosphere homeostasis was an emergent property of the system, where two species with different properties adjusted their populations to the changing external environment. So far, this ideal world exists only as a mathematical or computational construct, but it would be desirable to have a real, biological implementation of Lovelock's picture beyond our one Biosphere. Inspired in the exploration of synthetic ecosystems using genetic engineering and recent cell factory designs, here we propose such a living, microbial Daisyworld. This is based on a synthetic microbial ecosystem using pH as the external, abiotic control parameter. Several case studies are considering, including two, three and multiple species assemblies. Despite that oscillatory dynamics and chaos emerge in the latter case, it is shown that global regulation is also achieved in most cases as species diversity increases. The alternative implementations and their implications of this model in other synthetic biology scenarios, including ecosystem engineering, are outlined.
Use Case and Error Analysis of Inspection Methods of Modeling Platform for AECS Based on Generated Satellite Signals
Authors: Fu YiNing , Fang Zhe , Ni Xindong , Yang JingXuan , Wang BingJian
Published: August 2023

The positional deviation of the Automatic Emergency Call System (AECS) under collision conditions brings difficulties for post-rescue operations. Currently, there is a lack of analysis on the system operating conditions during collisions in the reliability assessment methods for the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) deployed in AECS. Therefore, this paper establishes an in-vehicle collision environment simulation model for emergency calls to explore the influence of parameters such as temperature and vibration on the data deviation of the simulated GNSS system. We also propose environmental limits applicable to comprehensive AECS tests, which can objec-tively evaluate the reliability of AECS and provide data support for AECS bench test. Through the satellite signal-based semi-physical simulation, AECS is subjected to bench test under different operating conditions. The findings of this study demonstrate that the occurrence of random vibra-tion and impact stress, induced by vibration, exerts considerable disruptive effects on positional signal data during collisions. Consequently, it leads to substantial interference with the accurate detection of post-collision satellite positioning information. When the simulation operates under a 2.4gRMS vibration condition, the maximum phase noise error in the positioning system is 8.95%, which does not meet the AECS test accuracy requirements. On the other hand, the semi-simulation system is less affected by temperature changes, and at the maximum allowable temperature dif-ference of the equipment, the maximum phase noise error in the simulated signal is 2.12%. Therefore, based on the influence of phase noise variation on the accuracy of satellite signal simulation, nec-essary environmental conditions for AECS test are obtained, including the temperature consistent with the maximum operating temperature of the vector generator and the vibration Power Spectral Density (PSD) lower than 1.2gRMS.
Edge Consistency Feature Extraction Method for Multi-source Image Registration
Authors: Zhou Yang , Han Zhen , Dou Zeng , Huang Chengbin , Cong Li , Lv Ning , Chen Chen
Published: August 2023

Multi-source image registration often suffered from great radiation and geometric differences. Specifically, gray scale and texture from similar landforms in different source images often show significantly different visual features. And these differences disturb the corresponding point extraction in the following image registration process. Considering that edges between heterogeneous images can provide homogeneous information and more consistent features can be extracted based on image edges, an edge consistency radiation-change insensitive feature transform (EC-RIFT) method is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the noise and texture interference are reduced by preprocessing according to the image characteristics. Secondly, image edges are extracted based on phase congruency, and an orthogonal Log-Gabor filter is performed to replace the global algorithm. Finally, the descriptors are built with logarithmic partition of the feature point neighborhood, which improves the robustness of descriptors. Comparative experiments on datasets containing multi-source remote sensing image pairs show that the proposed EC-RIFT method outperforms other registration methods in terms of precision and effectiveness.