bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyethylene Glycol Mediated Osmotic Stress on Germination, Seedling Traits and Seed Metabolic Efficiency of Wheat
Authors: Pramanik SK , Sikder S , Hasan MA
Published: May 2023

Germination characteristics, early seedling growth and seed metabolic efficiency of four wheat genotypes (BARI Gom 28, BARI Gom 29, BAW 1177 and ESWYT 29) were evaluated under 15% polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) induced osmotic stress (-3 bar). Germination characteristics (germination rate, co-efficient of germination and germination vigor index), shoot and root length, shoot and root dry weight, and seed metabolic efficiency decreased under osmotic stress induced by PEG than control treatment. But the degree of reduction was different for various wheat genotypes. Genotype BAW 1177 showed the highest performance in respect to germination and early seedling traits at both control and PEG induced osmotic stress than other three genotypes. So, genotype BAW 1177 can be considered as relatively drought tolerant genotype.

Bangladesh Agron. J. 2022, 25(2): 19-29
Effect of Defoliation on Growth and Yield of Maize
Authors: Jahan MN , Hasan MA , Islam MR
Published: May 2023

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of defoliation on grain and fodder yield of maize at the research field and laboratory of Crop Physiology and Ecology Department, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur during the period of December 2018 to June 2019. The trial was carried out in a randomized completely block design with three replications. The experimental treatments were: T1– Control (without leaf removal), T2–Defoliating all leaves except ear and adjacent two leaves above the ear at 7 days after silking (DAS), T3–Defoliating all leaves except ear and adjacent two leaves above the ear at 14DAS, T4–Defoliating all leaves below the ear at 7 DAS, T5–Defoliating all leaves below the ear at 14 DAS, T6– Detopping except two leaves above the ear at 7 DAS and T7–Detopping except two leaves above the ear at 14 DAS. Light intensity was increased (66.9 to 81.05%) when only lower leaves (T5) or both upper and lower leaves (T2) were removed, but when only the upper leaves (T6) were removed it was not increased. SPAD value was increased (13.58 to 24.5%) but number of leaves and leaf area plant-1 were reduced (60.5 to 63.09% and 64.4%) due to defoliation. Substantial amount of green fodder was obtained (0.776 Kg m-2) due to defoliation of maize. Grain yield of maize was reduced (5.56 to 21.83%) due to different defoliation treatments but the yield reduction was not significant when only lower (T4) or upper (T7) leaves were removed.

Bangladesh Agron. J. 2022, 25(2): 31-41
Grain, Yield and Quality of Transplant Aman Rice and Soil Nutrients Status with Application of Fertilizers and Green Manures
Authors: Nasrin Z , Karim MF , Ullah MJ , Siddiquee MA , Khan MA
Published: May 2023

A field experiment was conducted at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during 2014 on transplant aman rice var. BR11 (Mukta) under different levels of chemical fertilizers and green manures to evaluate its grain yield, grain quality and soil fertility status with incorporation of green manures. The experiment was carried out in a split- plot design with three replications. The level of fertilizers (0, 100, 75, 50% of recommended dose, RFD) was placed in main -plot and levels of green manures management (0, 5 and 10 t ha-1 each Mimosa invisa (Lajjaboti) and Sesbania spp. (Dhaincha) in sub-plot. Recommended dose of fertilizers of 83N, 21P, 37K, 11S and 1.5 Zn kg ha-1, were applied in the form of urea, triple super phosphate (TSP), muriate of potash (MoP), gypsum and zinc sulfate, respectively. Sixty-day old Mimosa invisa and Sesbania spp. were in - vitro incorporated before aman transplantation. Combined application of 75% RFD along with Mimosa invisa @ 10 t ha-1 was proved to be the best management in producing higher grain yield (7.25 t ha-1) and that was at par with treatment 50% RFD plus Mimosa invisa @ 10 t ha-1. Quality of grain was increased markedly in respect of amylose, carbohydrate, and protein as well. Furthermore, the treatment improved soil nutrient status in respect of organic matter, nitrogen, sulfur and Zn over no incorporations of green manures. So, addition of green manure like Mimosa invisa could cut fertilizer cost by 25-50%.

Bangladesh Agron. J. 2022, 25(2): 67-72
Foliar Application Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Growth, Yield and Drought Tolerance of Soybean
Authors: Dola DB , Mannan MA
Published: May 2023

In modern agriculture, the application of nano fertilizers is increasing the productivity and stability of different crops by reducing the destructive effects of abiotic stresses. The nano particles are significant for their particle shape, potential reactivity, tunable pore size and high surface area. A pot experiment was conducted at the Department of Agronomy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur during Rabi season (December 2020 to March 2021) to evaluate the effects of foliar spray of nano zinc (ZnO) in varying doses (0, 100 and 200 ppm) on growth, dry matter accumulation and yield of soybean under drought (40% of field capacity, FC) and control (80% of FC) conditions. The trial was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Plant height; fresh and dry weight of leaf, stem and whole plant; number of pods per plant; number of seeds pod-1; 100-seed weight and seed yield of soybean were suppressed due to drought stress. Under both drought and control conditions, the foliar application of nano zinc substantially improved the growth, dry matter accumulation and yield of soybean. In drought condition, the foliar spray of 200 ppm nano zinc solution increased plant height, total fresh and dry weight by 21.69, 34.23 and 76.03%, respectively. In drought conditions, nano Zn particles at 100 and 200 ppm increased seed yield by 26.79 and 63.50%, and in control conditions by 13.07 and 23.56%, respectively. As such the results indicated that foliar application of nano zinc oxide improved growth, yield and drought tolerance of soybean.

Bangladesh Agron. J. 2022, 25(2): 73-82
Intercropping of Pea and Kheshari as Vegetables and Fodder Crop with Dwarf Type Sunflower Variety
Authors: Roy P , Begum F
Published: May 2023

To find out the optimum row arrangement of pea and khesari as intercrop with sunflower for higher productivity and return, a field experiment of intercropping pea and khesari with sunflower was conducted in Oilseed Research Centre, BARI, Gazipur during rabi season of 2020-21 and 2021-22. Six treatments were T1= Sole sunflower, T2 = One row of gardenpea in between two normal rows of sunflower (50 cm x 25 cm), T3 = Two rows of gardenpea in between two normal rows of sunflower, T4 = One row of kheshari in between two normal rows of sunflower (50cm x 25cm), T5 = Two rows of kheshari in between two normal rows of sunflower & T6= Broadcast kheshari in between two normal rows of sunflower. Although intercropping reduced sunflower yield but total productivity was increased due to addition of pea and khesari yield. Total productivity in terms of sunflower equivalent yield (SEY) (7.02 t ha-1 and 6.64 t ha-1 during 2020-21 and 2021-22 respectively) was found to be highest from T3 (two rows of pea in between two normal rows of sunflower treatment while the lowest (1.80 t ha-1 and 1.72 t ha-1) in T1 (sole sunflower) for both the years. Highest benefit cost ratio (BCR) (4.0 and 3.80 in 1st and 2nd year respectively) was recorded in T2 treatment (one row of gardenpea in between two normal rows of sunflower) with highest gross margin (Tk. 263905 ha-1 and Tk. 244012 ha-1).

Bangladesh Agron. J. 2022, 25(2): 83-87
Yield of Mungbean as Influenced by Planting Geometry and Integrated Fertilizer Management
Authors: Hosen MS , Sarker SC , Hossain HMMT , Roy M , Hasanuzzaman M , Rahman A
Published: May 2023

Mungbean production is decreasing because of inappropriate management of fertilizer and plant population so a study was initiated to find out the effect of different combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers with different plant geometry on the yield of mungbean var. BARI Mung-5. The experiment was laid out in a split- plot design with three replications. The experiment comprised of three level of plant geometry viz. S1= 20 cm × 10 cm, S2= 30 cm × 10 cm and S3= 45 cm × 15 cm, and six level of fertilizers: F0= Control (without fertilizer), F1= Recommended dose of NPK, F2=5 t ha-1 cowdung, F3=5 t ha-1cowdung with recommended dose of NPK, F4= 2.5 t ha-1 cowdung with recommended dose of NPK and F5=2.5 t ha-1 cowdung with half recommended dose of NPK. Among the three spacing, 30 cm × 10 cm (S2) produced maximum seed yield (1022.8 kg ha-1) while the lowest in S3 (834.4 kg ha-1). Cowdung had a significant effect on the seed yield and yield attributes of mungbean. The maximum seed yield (1038.9 kg ha-1) was obtained F4 while minimum (930.0 kg h-1) by applying cowdung @5 t ha-1. Among the treatment combinations, S2F4 was showed maximum yield (1156.7 kg ha-1) when considering stover yield and biological yield. Plant spacing of 30 cm × 10 cm along with 2.5 t ha-1 with recommended dose of 40, 80, 30 kg ha-1 of Urea, TSP, MoP could be more beneficial for the farmers to get maximum yield from var. BARI Mung-5.

Bangladesh Agron. J. 2022, 25(2): 97-107
Effect of Exogenous Salicylic Acid and Silicon Application on Salinity Tolerance of Rice
Authors: Rima SA , Somaddar U , Samanta SC , Saha G
Published: May 2023

Soil salinity remarkably hinders rice growth, development and productivity. The present study was set up to explore the role of exogenous salicylic acid (SA) and silicon (Si) application on the growth and yield performance of two contrasting rice genotypes, namely BRRI dhan41 (salt-tolerant) and BRRI dhan49 (salt-sensitive) under salinity. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications and four SA and Si treatments such as control (tap water), 100 ppm SA, 100 ppm Si (as CaSiO3) and, co-application of SA and Si (50 ppm each). Results revealed that the maximum plant height (125.2 cm), fresh weight of shoot (267.3 g) and maximum K+/Na+ (5.2) were obtained in BRRI dhan49 after sole application of Si under salt stress. Besides, the number of grains per panicle and grains per hill significantly increased in BRRI dhan41 after the sole application of SA (64 and 46%, respectively) and co-application of SA and Si (29 and 21%, respectively), and in BRRI dhan49 with sole SA (182 and 277%, respectively) and Si (75 and 446%, respectively) compared with their respective controls. Besides, we observed that the K+/Na+ was increased where the shoot accumulation of Na+ reduced significantly in both rice varieties after sole and co-application of SA and Si compared with the untreated plants. However, the present findings showed new dimensions regarding the beneficial effects of Si on rice plants which could effectively be utilized to grow and maximize rice production in the saline-prone coastal areas of Bangladesh encountering detrimental effects of salt stress on rice.

Bangladesh Agron. J. 2022, 25(2): 119-127
Impact of Tobacco Industry Wastewater on Germination and Seedling Growth of Mungbean
Authors: Pramanik SK , Nezu NJ , Siddiquea T , Roy D , Roy JK
Published: May 2023

An experiment was conducted in the month of November, 2021 at Crop Physiology and Ecology Laboratory, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh to study the impact of tobacco industry wastewater on germination and early seedling traits of five mung bean accessions (BD-10022, BD-10023, BD-10024, BD-10026 and BD-10027) following factorial completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Mung bean accession, tobacco industry wastewater and their interaction significantly interacted on germination and seedling traits of mung bean. Tobacco industry wastewater reduced the germination percentage, germination rate and co-efficient of germination but insisted longer shoot and root as well as escalated the seedling dry weight of mung bean as compared to tap water. Among the five mung bean accessions, BD-10024 and BD-10027 performed comparatively better performance regarding germination and seedling traits, respectively under wastewater conditions.

Bangladesh Agron. J. 2022, 25(2): 129-137
Usability Evaluation of Mobile USSD-SMS Interactive Result Checking System for Resource-Constrained Settings (MIRCS) using System Usability Score (SUS).
Authors: Muhammad Zainab Tassala , Kawu Abdullahi Abubakar , Abdullahi Ibrahim , Bawa Musa
Published: May 2023

Mobile phones, especially smartphones have impacted the way we access information related to education. For instance, students are now able to view their results using a smartphone on a browser. However, these result systems that make it possible for students to view their exam results through web browsers or emails on their mobile devices need an internet connection for the process to work as expected. Also, given the indigent nature of most students in developing countries, this creates a digital divide for students that do not own smartphones. With many students coming from rural and often low economic status homes, not many can afford smartphones. Hence, leveraging on the potentials of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) and Short Message Service (SMS), a Mobile USSD-SMS Interactive Result Checking System for Resource-Constrained Settings (MIRCS) was developed to provide a device agnostic accessible Result Checking System. This study evaluated MIRCS using System Usability Scale (SUS) to verify the effectiveness from a usability point of view. The result of the evaluation shows that the MIRCS is usable which received grade C (66.21), although it does not meet the acceptable level specified by SUS. Further analysis of the interaction with respondents suggests some areas of improvement to include cost of service, high availability and accuracy.
Habilidades blandas para el logro de aprendizaje de los estudiantes de nivel superior
Authors: Mucha-Huamán Walter E.
Published: May 2023

El estudio demuestra que las habilidades blandas influyen en el logro del aprendizaje de estudiantes de nivel superior. El enfoque de investigación fue cuantitativo de tipo aplicada con nivel explicativo y diseño cuasiexperimental con pre y post test. La muestra fue de 42 estudiantes y la recolección de datos se realizó mediante el cuestionario y rubrica. La estadística inferencial que validaron las hipótesis, fueron mediante la prueba no paramétrica U de Mann-Whitney para muestras independientes, prueba t de Student para muestras emparejadas y la prueba de Wilcoxon para muestras emparejadas. Los resultados mostraron que la aplicación de un programa de habilidades blandas influyó de manera significativa en el aprendizaje de los estudiantes de nivel superior; con base en los resultados encontrados en la prueba de hipótesis general uno para muestras relacionadas y la prueba de hipótesis general dos para muestras independientes reflejaron que el P-valor es menor que el 0,05 (5%). Se concluye que las habilidades blandas influyen en la adquisición de conocimientos de los estudiantes de la asignatura de Gestión de Procesos de Negocios de la Escuela Profesional de Administración en la Universidad Nacional Agraria de la Selva (UNAS).
          Palabras claves: Habilidades blandas, aprendizaje significativo, gestión de procesos de negocios, programa de fortalecimiento, influencia.
Sistem Monitoring Smart Klinik Berbasis Internet Of Things (IOT)
Authors: Pratama Ari Fahreza , Sulistiyanto Sulistiyanto , Setyobudi Ranu
Published: May 2023

Abstrak  Kesehatan adalah salah satu permasalahan yang utama dalam kehidupan semua orang pada zaman modern ini. Aplikasi teknologi informasi yang canggih serta cermat terus diperlukan dan dikembangkan dikala ini. Sekarang pada aplikasi aspek data jasa, penyembuhan ataupun sistem registrasi di rumah sakit dengan cara online. Sistem pada alat yang dirancang ini merupakan sistem yang dapat memonitoring kondisi ruang klinik seperti kelembaban, suhu ruangan, kadar CO, CO2 kadar NH3, kadar NO2 serta memberikan informasi kondisi kesehatan pengguna seperti suhu tubuh, menggunakan aplikasi blynk, Untuk menyelesaikan Tugas Akhir ini digunakan model pengembangan untuk tugas akhir. Terdapat beberapa pengujian dan pembahasan blynk virtual write dari sensor buat memonitoring dan pembahasan blynk virtual write pada program Arduino IDE akan dibahas dan akan ditampilkan secara langsung pada Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), sedangkan untuk Internet of Things (IoT) ditampilkan pada aplikasi blynk yang ada di smartphone atau web yang ada di komputer.Dalam pengujian sensor DHT22 yang dilakukan pada ruangan kampus Lab. Elektro, untuk pengujian sensor Mics-6814 dilakukan secara real time tiap 30 menit, untuk pengujian sensor MQ135 untuk gas CO2 yang dilakukan secara real time tiap 30 menit, sedangkan pengujian sensor MLX90614 dilakukan pengukuran suhu tubuh dengan mahasiswa. Abstarck    Health is one of the main problems in everyone's life in this modern era. The application of sophisticated and accurate information technology continues to be needed and developed at this time. Now on the application of service data aspects, healing or registration systems at hospitals online. The system in this designed tool is a system that can monitor clinical room conditions such as humidity, room temperature, CO levels, CO2 levels of NH3, NO2 levels and provide information on user health conditions such as body temperature, using the blynk application. development for the final project. There are several tests and discussions of blynk virtual writes from sensors for monitoring and discussion of blynk virtual writes on the Arduino IDE program which will be discussed and will be displayed directly on the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), while for the Internet of Things (IoT) it will be displayed on the existing blynk application. on a smartphone or web on a computer. In testing the DHT22 sensor which was carried out in the Lab campus room. Electrical, for testing the Mics-6814 sensor in real time every 30 minutes, for testing the MQ135 sensor for CO2 gas which is carried out in real time every 30 minutes, while testing the MLX90614 sensor, body temperature measurements are carried out with students
Rancang Bangun Alat Trainer Kontrol Berbasis PLC Omron CP2E untuk Media Pembelajaran
Authors: Permatasari Delila Cahya , Fahreza Mochamad Aditya Rizky , Haitsam Haitsam , Pamungkas Diky Wahyu
Published: May 2023

Kemajuan IPTEK mengarahkan ke era otomatisasi industry seperti sistem kontrol dalam industry yang tidak lagi mengandalkan metode konvensional, tetapi beralih ke penggunaan sistem kontrol PLC. PLC juga merupakan sebuah komputer khusus yang digunakan dalam mengendalikan dan pengoperasian proses. Hal ini membuat proses produksi menjadi lebih sederhana dan efisien. PLC hampir digunakan disetiap aspek industri untuk lebih memperluas dan mengembangkan produksi. Media pembelajaran seperti trainer PLC adalah sebuah perangkat yang digunakan untuk mempelajari penggunaan  kontrol pada PLC, sebuah trainer yang berguna untuk mempermudah proses praktik mengenai komponen-komponen kendali dan pemanfaatan PLC dalam sistem kontrol. Sehingga pada penelitian ini bertujuan membuat inovasi alat  trainer kontrol berbasis PLC Omron. Trainer PLC yang dibuat berbeda dari umumnya karena menggunakan PLC Omron keluaran terbaru yaitu tipe CP2E dan menggunakan komponen input-output disesuaikan dengan pembelajaran dan penerapan pada dunia industry. Hasil trainer kontrol berbasis PLC Omron CP2E  yang telah dibuat menggunakan software CX-Programmer Versi 9.7 untuk program ladder diagram  dan pengujian hardwarw pada trainer plc pada input push button dan output berupa lampu LED, buzzer dan motor dapat berjalan dengan benar sesuai perintah program yang dibuat.
Analisis Kesuksesan Website Gratis Kabeh Dengan Pendekatan Delone And Mclean
Authors: Triana Latifah Adi , Fajarwati Septi , Yunita Ika Romadoni , Setyaningsih Gustin , Prasetyo Muhamad Awiet Wiedanto
Published: May 2023

The Kabeh Free Website is a system used for submitting population documents, the website is a solution for residents in Banyumas, especially those who are far from Purwokerto City, to be able to submit residence documents online without having to go to Dindukcapil. However, in practice, there are still residents who choose to register offline, while there are several complaints from the Banyumas community that there is no submission guide on the website, delays in confirmation via e-mail, users have difficulty submitting because the website is having an error. This is the reason for researchers to conduct research with the aim of knowing the success of the Gratis Kabeh website with the DeLone and McLean model and knowing which variables have an influence on the Gratis Kabeh website. The sample used in this study amounted to 250 samples with a purposive sampling technique. The method chosen is the DeLone and McLean Is Success Model, to determine the effect of the variables in this model. The results showed that the overall research hypothesis was accepted because it had a significant and positive effect, then the results of the F2 value showed a weak effect on the variables Information Quality, System Quality, Service Quality on Use and User Satisfaction, and the Usage variable on User Satisfaction and Net Benefit had a weak effect . However, the User Satisfaction variable has a moderate effect on Net Benefit
Implementasi Alat Penyesuai Sudut Panel Surya Terhadap Cahaya Matahari Berbasis Arduino Nano
Authors: Singgeta Ryan Laksmana , Wales Swensy , Rante Julie C , M. Padachan Chrysantus M.
Published: May 2023

Tenaga surya merupakan salah satu sumber energi bersih dan tidak menghasilkan emisi karbon atau polutan lainnya yang dapat merusak lingkungan. Salah satu alat yang menggunakan tenaga surya adalah panel surya dimana dapat mengubah energi matahari menjadi energi listrik. Panel surya pada umumnya, dipasang dengan posisi yang tetap sehingga menyebabkan nilai tegangan dan arus yang dihasilkan selalu bervariasi dan tidak stabil. Untuk itu, dirancang sistem kendali posisi panel surya, yang mana sistem ini akan menjadikan sudut datang cahaya matahari sebagai referensi, untuk menentukan posisi panel surya, agar cahaya matahari akan sebisa mungkin tegak lurus terhadap permukaan panel surya dalam jangka waktu yang lebih lama. Pada alat yang dirancang terdiri dari input/masukan Light Dependent Resistor untuk mendeteksi sudut datang sinar matahari. Nilai masukan dari sensor tersebut diproses dan diolah oleh Arduino Nano sebagai nilai pembanding dengan nilai referensi pada sistem kendali sehingga menghasilkan nilai keluaran untuk mengendalikan Motor DC (Direct Current). Berdasarkan hasil pengujian, pada saat cuaca berawan panel surya dengan pengatur sudut otomatis mampu menghasilkan daya lebih banyak 17.96 % dibandingkan dengan daya rata-rata yang diterima panel surya sudut yang tetap. Sedangkan pada kondisi cuaca yang cerah, panel surya dengan pengatur sudut otomatis mampu menghasilkan daya lebih banyak 39.96 % dibandingkan dengan daya rata-rata yang diterima panel surya dengan sudut tetap.
Perancangan Alat Perbaikan Faktor Listrik Rumah Tangga Dengan Monitoring Telegram
Authors: Pian Pian , Sulistiyowati Indah , Wisaksono Arief
Published: May 2023

Energi listrik merupakan salah satu kebutuhan hidup. Penggunaan beban listrik induktif dapat menurunkan nilai factor daya pada listrik, faktor daya yang baik adalah antara 0,85 sampai 1. Oleh karena itu perlu ditambahkan kompensasi daya reaktif yang timbul dari beban listrik induktif untuk menghindari kerugian yang timbul akibat kekurangan daya. nilai faktor daya. Dengan menggunakan kapasitor yang dipasang secara paralel dapat mengimbangi daya reaktif dan meningkatkan nilai faktor daya. Alat ini menggunakan ESP32 sebagai mikrokontroler dan sensor PZEM 004T untuk mengukur besaran listrik. Hasil pengukuran ditampilkan pada LCD dan smartphone Android yang dikirimkan melalui internet. Modul relai digunakan sebagai sakelar pemilihan kapasitor otomatis untuk peningkatan faktor daya. Ditemukan bahwa hasil tes pembacaan sensor memiliki akurasi hingga 99,7%. Untuk peningkatan efisiensi, nilai faktor daya dapat mencapai 95%, dan peningkatan tertinggi adalah 35,8%. Sedangkan pengujian pengiriman data juga dapat dilakukan pada jarak 53 Km.
SISTEM INFORMASI PENGOLAHAN DATA PASIEN DI PUSKESMAS
Authors: Sophian Sophan
Published: May 2023

Puskesmas merupakan suatu instansi yang melayani masyarakat dalam bidang kesehatan. Instansi ini belum menggunakan sistem komputerisasi dalam melakukan pengolahan data pasien. Dimana pengolahan data pasien masih dikelola secara manual dengan melalukan pencatatan pada buku pasien, banyaknya file-file pasien juga mengakibatkan staf puskesmas kewalahan dalam mencari data pasien sehingga waktu yang ada menjadi tidak efektif dan tidak efesien.. Hal ini menyebabkan keterlambatan dalam pencatatan data pasien dan pencatatan laporan data pasien yang akan diberikan kepada pimpinan. Dari permasalahan tersebut diusulkan perancangan sistem informasi pengolahan data pasien yang diharapkan  dapat menyelesaikan permasalahan pada Puskesmas terutama dalam pengolahan data pasien dan penyajian laporan data pasien.
Pelembutan Citra dengan Metode Filter Gaussian
Authors: Sanger Junaidy B , P. Saputro Immanuela P. Saputro , Komalig Yunita
Published: May 2023

Image is a multimedia component rich in information and has an essential role as an information provider. However, the images encountered often experience a decrease in quality, such as defects or noise, causing the information conveyed from these images less clear. Noise causes the image to be too contrasted, blurry, or not sharp enough. One type of noise is contrast noise. Image Smoothing here is one of the operations to improve quality which aims to smooth out images with unbalanced contrast noise. Disturbances in the image are generally in the form of variations in the intensity of a pixel that is not correlated with neighboring pixels. Contrasting images are caused by uneven lighting, which can cause the information in the image to be reduced and difficult to interpret. For this reason, quality improvement must be made to get a better image. In this study, the softening of contrasting images uses the Gaussian Filter method. This filter has the effect of equalizing the gray distance to make the image obtained smoother. Based on the results of the tests, it got an accuracy of 83.3%, meaning that the application's performance is suitable for image smoothing.
Effects of extract solution from magnesium alloys supplemented with different compositions of rare earth elements on in vitro epithelial and osteoblast progenitor cells
Authors: Nie Sheng , Chen Jiakai , Liu Chen , Zhou Chenhui , Zhao Jikuang , Wang Zhepei , Sun Jie , Huang Yi
Published: May 2023

Background: Magnesium alloys (Mg-alloys) have gained significant attention in recent years as a potential bioactive material for clinical applications. The incorporation of rare earth elements (REEs) into Mg-alloys has been of particular interest due to their potential to improve both mechanical and biological properties. Although there are diverse results in terms of cytotoxicity and biological effects of REEs, investigating the physiological benefits of Mg-alloys supplemented with REEs will help in the transition from theoretical to practical applications.

Methods: In this study, two culture systems were used to evaluate the effects of Mg-alloys containing gadolinium (Gd), dysprosium (Dy), and yttrium (Y): human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and mouse osteoblastic progenitor cells (MC3T3-E1). Different compositions of Mg-alloys were assessed, and the effects of the extract solution on cell proliferation, viability, and specific cell functions were analyzed.

Results: Within the range of weight percentages tested, the Mg-REE alloys did not exhibit any significant negative impacts on either cell line. Interestingly, moderate compositions (Mg-1.5Gd-1.5Dy-0.825Y-0.5Zr and Mg-2Gd-2Dy-1.1Y-0.5Zr) demonstrated a tendency to enhance osteoblastic activity and promote the vascularization process in both HUVEC and MC3T3-E1 cell lines.

Discussion: The results of this study provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of REE-supplemented Mg-alloys for clinical applications. The observed enhancement in osteoblastic activity and promotion of vascularization processes suggest that optimizing the compositions of REEs in Mg-alloys could lead to the development of novel, more effective bioactive materials. Further investigations are required to understand the underlying mechanisms and to refine the alloy compositions for improved biocompatibility and performance in clinical settings.
Prediction of functional characteristics of gari (cassava flakes) using near-infrared reflectance spectrometry
Authors: Adesokan Michael , Alamu Emmanuel Oladeji , Fawole Segun , Maziya-Dixon Busie
Published: May 2023

Gari is a creamy, granular flour obtained from roasting fermented cassava mash. Its preparation involves several unit operations, including fermentation, which is essential in gari production. Fermentation brings about specific biochemical changes in cassava starch due to the actions of lactic acid bacteria. Consequently, it gives rise to organic acids and a significant reduction in the pH. Consumer preferences for gari are influenced by these changes and impact specific functional characteristics, which are often linked to cassava genotypes. Measurement of these functional characteristics is time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, this study aimed to develop high-throughput and less expensive prediction models for water absorption capacity, swelling power, bulk density, and dispersibility using Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS). Gari was produced from 63 cassava genotypes using the standard method developed in the RTB foods project. The prediction model was developed by dividing the gari samples into two sets of 48 samples for calibration and 15 samples as the validation set. The gari samples were transferred into a ring cell cup and scanned on the NIRS machine within the Vis-NIR range of 400–2,498 nm wavelength, though only the NIR range of 800–2,400 nm was used to build the model. Calibration models were developed using partial least regression algorithms after spectra pre-processing. Also, the gari samples were analysed in the laboratory for their functional properties to generate reference data. Results showed an excellent coefficient of determination in calibrations (R2Cal) of 0.99, 0.97, 0.97, and 0.89 for bulk density, swelling power, dispersibility, and water absorption capacity, respectively. Also, the performances of the prediction models were tested using an independent set of 15 gari samples. A good prediction coefficient (R2 pred) and low standard error of prediction (SEP) was obtained as follows: Bulk density (0.98), Swelling power (0.93), WAC (0.68), Dispersibility (0.65), and solubility index (0.62), respectively. Therefore, NIRS prediction models in this study could provide a rapid screening tool for cassava breeding programs and food scientists to determine the food quality of cassava granular products (Gari).
A novel risk classifier to predict the in-hospital death risk of nosocomial infections in elderly cancer patients
Authors: Jiang Aimin , Li Yimeng , Zhao Ni , Shang Xiao , Liu Na , Wang Jingjing , Gao Huan , Fu Xiao , Ruan Zhiping , Liang Xuan , Tian Tao , Yao Yu
Published: May 2023

Background

Elderly cancer patients are more predisposed to developing nosocomial infections during anti-neoplastic treatment, and are associated with a bleaker prognosis. This study aimed to develop a novel risk classifier to predict the in-hospital death risk of nosocomial infections in this population.

Methods

Retrospective clinical data were collected from a National Cancer Regional Center in Northwest China. The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm was utilized to filter the optimal variables for model development and avoid model overfitting. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent predictors of the in-hospital death risk. A nomogram was then developed to predict the in-hospital death risk of each participant. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

A total of 569 elderly cancer patients were included in this study, and the estimated in-hospital mortality rate was 13.9%. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that ECOG-PS (odds ratio [OR]: 4.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.95-9.99), surgery type (OR: 0.18, 95%CI: 0.04-0.85), septic shock (OR: 5.92, 95%CI: 2.43-14.44), length of antibiotics treatment (OR: 0.21, 95%CI: 0.09-0.50), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) (OR: 0.14, 95%CI: 0.06-0.33) were independent predictors of the in-hospital death risk of nosocomial infections in elderly cancer patients. A nomogram was then constructed to achieve personalized in-hospital death risk prediction. ROC curves yield excellent discrimination ability in the training (area under the curve [AUC]=0.882) and validation (AUC=0.825) cohorts. Additionally, the nomogram showed good calibration ability and net clinical benefit in both cohorts.

Conclusion

Nosocomial infections are a common and potentially fatal complication in elderly cancer patients. Clinical characteristics and infection types can vary among different age groups. The risk classifier developed in this study could accurately predict the in-hospital death risk for these patients, providing an important tool for personalized risk assessment and clinical decision-making.
Transcriptome analysis reveals ADAMTS15 is a potential inflammation-related gene in remote ischemic postconditioning
Authors: Zuo Bo , Zhu Sha , Wang Guisong , Li Zhengpeng
Published: May 2023

Background

Remote ischemic postconditioning (RIPostC) induced by brief episodes of the limb ischemia is a potential therapeutic strategy for myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, achieved by reducing cardiomyocyte death, inflammation and so on. The actual mechanisms underlying cardioprotection conferred by RIPostC remain unclear. Exploring gene expression profiles in myocardium at transcriptional level is helpful to deepen the understanding on the cardioprotective mechanisms of RIPostC. This study aims to investigate the effect of RIPostC on gene expressions in rat myocardium using transcriptome sequencing.

Methods

Rat myocardium samples from the RIPostC group, the control group (myocardial ischemia/reperfusion group) and the sham group were performed transcriptome analysis using RNA sequencing. The levels of cardiac IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and TNFα were analyzed by Elisa. The expression levels of candidate genes were verified by qRT-PCR technique. Infarct size was measured by Evans blue and TTC staining. Apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assays and caspase-3 levels were detected using western blotting.

Results

RIPostC can markedly decrease infarct size and reduce the levels of cardiac IL-1β, IL-6 and increase the level of cardiac IL-10. This transcriptome analysis showed that 2 genes were up-regulated (Prodh1 and ADAMTS15) and 5 genes (Caspase-6, Claudin-5, Sccpdh, Robo4 and AABR07011951.1) were down-regulated in the RIPostC group. Go annotation analysis showed that Go terms mainly included cellular process, metabolic process, cell part, organelle, catalytic activity and binding. The KEGG annotation analysis of DEGs found only one pathway, amino acid metabolism, was up-regulated. The relative mRNA expression levels of ADAMTS15, Caspase-6, Claudin-5 and Prodh1 were verified by qRT-PCR, which were consistent with the RNA-seq results. In addition, the relative expression of ADAMTS15 was negatively correlated with the level of cardiac IL-1β (r = −0.748, P = 0.005) and positively correlated with the level of cardiac IL-10 (r = 0.698, P = 0.012). A negative correlation statistical trend was found between the relative expression of ADAMTS15 and the level of cardiac IL-6 (r = −0.545, P = 0.067).

Conclusions

ADAMTS15 may be a potential inflammation-related gene in regulation of cardioprotection conferred by remote ischemic postconditioning and a possible therapeutic target for myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury in the future.
Asynchronous destruction of marsh and forest in Neolithic age: An example from Luotuodun site, Lower Yangtze
Authors: Deng Zeyu , Ma Chunmei , Wu Li , Tan Yan , Wang Kunhua , Lin Liugen , Zhao Dongsheng , Shui Tao , Zhu Cheng
Published: May 2023

The natural marshland and forest landscapes in the Lower Yangtze region have undergone a long history of human-induced destruction; however, little is known about the beginning and process of this destruction. In this study, we investigate the anthropogenic impact on the marsh and forest using cores collected from the vicinity of the Neolithic Luotuodun site, employing palaeoenvironmental and palaeovegetation methods. Our results indicate that the marsh was disturbed by the Neolithic community at 7500 cal yr BP and was completely destroyed at 6500 cal yr BP. Deforestation began at 6500 cal yr BP, and the original mixed broadleaf evergreen and deciduous forest was completely cleared at 4800 cal yr BP. Our findings demonstrate that the Neolithic community in the Luotuodun site prioritized the transformation of marsh in low-lying areas before deforestation. Given that most recent research has focused on pollen-based forest dynamics to study terrestrial landscape changes, the emergence and evolution of anthropogenic landscapes may be greatly underestimated.
Cyclostratigraphy and high-frequency sedimentary cycle framework for the Late Paleozoic Fengcheng Formation, Junggar Basin
Authors: Liu Guoyong , Zhang Rui , He Xiangwu , Wei Ren , Zhu Rukai , Tang Yong , He Wenjun , Zheng Menglin , Chang Qiusheng , Wang Ran , Zhao Xinmei
Published: May 2023

The Late Paleozoic Fengcheng Formation within the Mahu Sag of the Junggar Basin (China) harbors the world’s oldest alkaline lake hydrocarbon source rocks. Spectral analysis of the natural gamma-ray (GR) series obtained from four boreholes traversing the Fengcheng Formation, with wavelength ranges of 28.4 m–50 m, 5.9 m–12.6 m, 2.3 m–3.9 m, and 1.2 m–2.7 m. These were controlled by Early Permian astronomical cycles, including 405 kyr long eccentricity, 100 kyr short eccentricity, 34.2 kyr obliquity, and 20.7–17.4 kyr precession. The most significant cycle was notably that of the 405 kyr long eccentricity, which was instrumental for dividing and correlating the high-frequency sedimentary sequences in lacustrine shales. Nine intermediate-term and 36 short-term base-level cycles were identified in the P1f1 and P1f2 members of the Fengcheng Formation. These cycle types are equal to the 405 kyr long eccentricity cycle and ∼100 kyr short eccentricity cycle, respectively. The paleolake-level variations in the Fengcheng Formation were reconstructed using sedimentary noise modeling, revealing that lake levels reached their highest value during the deposition of the P1f2 Member. The spatial distribution patterns of lithofacies in the Fengcheng Formation can be clearly demonstrated within the isochronous cycle framework under the constraints of long eccentricity cycles. The use of astronomical cycles in isochronous stratigraphic correlation offers great potential for characterizing alkaline lacustrine sequences and predicting favorable areas for shale oil exploration with higher accuracy.
Metabolic phenotypes and risk of end-stage kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zhao Lijun , Zou Yutong , Wu Yucheng , Cai Linli , Zhao Yuancheng , Wang Yiting , Xiao Xiang , Yang Qing , Yang Jia , Ren Honghong , Tong Nanwei , Liu Fang
Published: May 2023

Background

Obesity often initiates or coexists with metabolic abnormalities. This study aimed to investigate the pathological characteristics and the independent or mutual relations of obesity and metabolic abnormalities with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and associated diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

Methods

A total of 495 Chinese patients with T2D and biopsy-confirmed DKD between 2003 and 2020 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The metabolic phenotypes were based on the body weight index (BMI)-based categories (obesity, BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2) and metabolic status (metabolically unhealthy status, ≥ 1 criterion National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III) excluding waist circumference and hyperglycemia) and were categorized into four types: metabolically healthy non-obesity (MHNO), metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), metabolically unhealthy non-obesity (MUNO), and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO). The pathological findings were defined by the Renal Pathology Society classification. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for ESKD.

Results

There are 56 (11.3%) MHNO patients, 28 (5.7%) MHO patients, 176 (35.6%) MUNO patients, and 235 (47.5%) MUO patients. The high prevalence of the Kimmelstiel–Wilson nodule and severe mesangial expansion were associated with obesity, whereas severe IFTA was related to metabolically unhealthy status. In the multivariate analysis, the adjusted HR (aHR) was 2.09 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.99–4.88] in the MHO group, 2.16 (95% CI 1.20–3.88) in the MUNO group, and 2.31 (95% CI 1.27–4.20) in the MUO group compared with the MHNO group. Furthermore, the presence of obesity was insignificantly associated with ESKD compared with non-obese patients (aHR 1.22, 95% CI 0.88–1.68), while the metabolically unhealthy status was significantly associated with ESKD compared to the metabolically healthy status in the multivariate analysis (aHR 1.69, 95% CI 1.10–2.60).

Conclusion

Obesity itself was insignificantly associated with ESKD; however, adding a metabolically unhealthy status to obesity increased the risk for progression to ESKD in T2D and biopsy-proven DKD.
Impact of a natural disturbance on the performance and microbial communities in a full-scale constructed wetland for industrial wastewater treatment
Authors: Hollstein Marielle , Comerford Mattheau , Uhl Michael , Abel Michael , Egan Scott P. , Stadler Lauren B.
Published: May 2023

Constructed Wetlands (CWs) are a cost-effective, versatile and sustainable choice for wastewater treatment. In these environments, microbial communities play a significant role in pollutant removal. However, little is known about how microbial communities in full-scale CWs contribute to maintaining water quality or how their dynamics change in response to pulse disturbances such as fire or freezes. Furthermore, few studies have examined the relationship between CW microbial community structure and performance in full-scale industrial operations. We characterized the water-column and leaf-litter layer microbial communities in a 110-acre free water surface CW that provides tertiary wastewater treatment to a plastics manufacturing plant. The CW’s sampling campaign was conducted over a 12-month period that included Winter Storm Uri, a 100-year freeze event. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequences revealed that the bacterial communities experienced a temporal shift. There was also a shift in microbial community structure between the influent and the first segment of the CW. However, no differences in microbial community structure were observed in the second segment of the CW. There was a negative association between microbial community diversity and chlorophyll a, as well as microbial community diversity and total suspended solids (TSS); demonstrating an increase in microbial biodiversity as water quality improved throughout the CW. Six months after the freeze, CW performance in terms of removal of water quality constituents began to return to former removal trends. Yet, there was still a significant difference in microbial community structure within the CW relative to the previous year. This suggests CW functional resilience despite a shift in microbial community structure in the wetland.
Identifying the genetic causes of developmental disorders and intellectual disability in Africa: a systematic literature review
Authors: Baine-Savanhu Fiona , Macaulay Shelley , Louw Nadja , Bollweg Alanna , Flynn Kaitlyn , Molatoli Mhlekazi , Nevondwe Patracia , Seymour Heather , Carstens Nadia , Krause Amanda , Lombard Zané
Published: May 2023

Objective: Genetic variants cause a significant portion of developmental disorders and intellectual disabilities (DD/ID), but clinical and genetic heterogeneity makes identification challenging. Compounding the issue is a lack of ethnic diversity in studies into the genetic aetiology of DD/ID, with a dearth of data from Africa. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively describe the current knowledge from the African continent on this topic.

Method: Applicable literature published up until July 2021 was retrieved from PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases, following PRISMA guidelines, focusing on original research reports on DD/ID where African patients were the focus of the study. The quality of the dataset was assessed using appraisal tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute, whereafter metadata was extracted for analysis.

Results: A total of 3,803 publications were extracted and screened. After duplicate removal, title, abstract and full paper screening, 287 publications were deemed appropriate for inclusion. Of the papers analysed, a large disparity was seen between work emanating from North Africa compared to sub-Saharan Africa, with North Africa dominating the publications. Representation of African scientists on publications was poorly balanced, with most research being led by international researchers. There are very few systematic cohort studies, particularly using newer technologies, such as chromosomal microarray and next-generation sequencing. Most of the reports on new technology data were generated outside Africa.

Conclusion: This review highlights how the molecular epidemiology of DD/ID in Africa is hampered by significant knowledge gaps. Efforts are needed to produce systematically obtained high quality data that can be used to inform appropriate strategies to implement genomic medicine for DD/ID on the African continent, and to successfully bridge healthcare inequalities.