Average Index Research Articles

Antipyretic and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Sanchen Pediatric Antipyretic Paste

Objective:: This study aimed to investigate the antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of Sanchen Pediatric antipyretic Paste (SPAP). Methods:: Rats were randomly divided into 7 groups: negative control group, positive control group, positive treatment group, SPAP high-dose, medium-dose and low-dose groups, and blank substrate group. Except normal control group, rats in other groups were subcutaneously injected with 10% dry yeast suspension (10mL/kg) on the back to establish a fever model, and the normal group was given the same volume of saline. At the 4 h and 7 h after modeling, each treatment group was subjected to corresponding SPAP intervention. Anal temperature was measured every one hour after modeling for 10 consecutive times. The average temperature-rise curve, maximum temperature and body temperature response index (TRI) were calculated to evaluate the efficacy of SPAP. After the last temperature measurement, abdominal aortic blood was collected, and serum was separated from blood. The levels of IL-6, TNF-α and CRP in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results:: The body temperature of the positive control group was significantly increased (p < 0.01) 4 hours after model establishment, and that of the SPAP groups significantly decreased (p < 0.01) after 5 hours of the model establishment. The levels of Serum IL-6, TNF-α and CRP were significantly decreased (p < 0.01) in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion:: SPAP has an obvious antipyretic effect on fever caused by dry yeast in rats. One of its antipyretic mechanisms may be associated with inhibiting inflammatory reactions by reducing the production or accelerating the degradation of endogenous thermogenic cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF- α, and CRP.

Global Field Time-Frequency Representation-Based Discriminative Similarity Analysis of Passive Auditory ERPs for Diagnosis of Disorders of Consciousness.

Behavioural diagnosis of patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) is challenging and prone to inaccuracies. Consequently, there have been increased efforts to develop bedside assessment based on EEG and event-related potentials (ERPs) that are more sensitive to the neural factors supporting conscious awareness. However, individual detection of residual consciousness using these techniques is less established. Here, we hypothesize that the cross-state similarity (defined as the similarity between healthy and impaired conscious states) of passive brain responses to auditory stimuli can index the level of awareness in individual DOC patients. To this end, we introduce the global field time-frequency representation-based discriminative similarity analysis (GFTFR-DSA). This method quantifies the average cross-state similarity index between an individual patient and our constructed healthy templates using the GFTFR as an EEG feature. We demonstrate that the proposed GFTFR feature exhibits superior within-group consistency in 34 healthy controls over traditional EEG features such as temporal waveforms. Second, we observed the GFTFR-based similarity index was significantly higher in patients with a minimally conscious state (MCS, 40 patients) than those with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS, 54 patients), supporting our hypothesis. Finally, applying a linear support vector machine classifier for individual MCS/UWS classification, the model achieved a balanced accuracy and F1 score of 0.77. Overall, our findings indicate that combining discriminative and interpretable markers, along with automatic machine learning algorithms, is effective for the differential diagnosis in patients with DOC. Importantly, this approach can, in principle, be transferred into any ERP of interest to better inform DOC diagnoses.

Factors associated with the use of dental services in diabetic people

The use of dental services prevents oral diseases where its prevalence is associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM) that also has increased risks with age. Therefore, this observational, analytical and crosssectional study was conducted among 3,882 people. Data used for analysis in this research was collected from the Demographic and Family Health Survey of Peru (ENDES) from 2019 to 2021. Results from poisson regression analysis showed female gender had 1.02 times the probability of going to the dental service; likewise, people who were 91 to 100 years old had 12% more, the probability, like those with secondary education, had 8% more and those with the highest average, richest and richest wealth index had 20% more, 29% more and 29% more, respectively, the probability of going to the dental health service, as opposed to those who were very poor. The study concluded that there are several sociodemographic factors (such as being female, age progressed, natural region, those with high school, wealth index, type of residence) and personal factors (history of hypertension (HTN), physical disability) associated with a lack of access to dental services in people over 60 years old.

Performance, blood and antioxidant status in dual-purpose laying hens supplemented with aqueous extract of Christ's thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi L.) leaves as phytogenic agent in subtropical conditions.

The potential of aqueous extract of Christ's thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) leaves (SLAE) to reduce the negative impacts of heat stress on production performance and physiological traits was investigated in dual-purpose layers under subtropical farming. A total of 200, 25-week-old laying hens (Inshas strain) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments including SLAE at 0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 mL/kg, respectively. The average temperature-humidity index value was 26.69 during the experimental period. The SLAE contained saponin (0.045%), total flavonoid content of 17.9 mg of quercetin equivalent/ 100 g and overall antioxidant capacity concentration of 17.9 mg of ascorbic acid equivalent/100 g. The maximum final body weight (BW), BW gain, egg weight, number, and mass occurred at the level of SLAE7.5 inclusion. The egg quality was significantly higher in SLAE groups than in control, and overall, SLAE7.5 had the most favorable influence at 28 and 32 weeks. Liver and kidney function, as well as lipids profile, improved significantly by SLAE inclusion; the lowest concentrations of these parameters were in SLAE7.5 hens. Treatment with SLAE7.5 increased total antioxidant capacity and endogenous antioxidant enzymes compared to control, whereas no effect on superoxide dismutase was noticed. The addition of SLAE at 7.5 mL/kg diet improved egg laying performance and quality, metabolic profiles, and antioxidant status during hyperthermia conditions.

Multidimensional clustering analysis of mathematical knowledge difficulty based on Gspan

In addition to providing learners with a large amount of teaching resources, online teaching platforms can also provide learning resources and channels such as video courseware, Q&A tutoring groups, and forums. However, currently, there are still shortcomings in depth and dimensionality in mining student learning behavior data on the platform. In view of this situation, based on the learning interaction behavior, this study established the difficulty similarity model of knowledge points, and used spectral clustering to classify their difficulty. In addition, the study intended to use the maximum frequent subgraph under the Gspan framework to characterize learners’ implicit learning patterns. The outcomes expressed that the algorithm put forward in the study achieved the highest accuracy index of 98.8%, which was 1.4%, 4.0%, and 8.6% higher than Apriori-based graph mining algorithms, K-means, and frequent subgraph discovery algorithms. In terms of F1 index, the convergence value of the algorithm proposed in the study was 95.5%, which was about 2.5% higher than the last three algorithms. In addition, learners of all three cognitive levels had the highest maximum number of frequent subgraphs with sizes above 100 when the minSup value was 60%. And when the number of clusters was 3, the clustering accuracy of the three learners was the highest. In similarity calculation, the calculation method used in the study was at the minimum in terms of root mean square error and absolute error average index, which were 0.048% and 0.01% respectively. This indicated that the model proposed by the research had better classification effect on the difficulty of knowledge points for learners of different cognitive levels, and had certain application potential.

Enhanced Leaf Area Index Estimation in Rice by Integrating UAV-Based Multi-Source Data

The monitoring of crop growth, particularly the estimation of Leaf Area Index (LAI) using optical remote sensing techniques, has been a continuous area of research. However, it has become a challenge to accurately and rapidly interpret the spatial variation of LAI under nitrogen stress. To tackle these issues, this study aimed to explore the potential for precise LAI estimation by integrating multiple features, such as average spectral reflectance (ASR), vegetation index, and textures, obtained through an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The study employed the partial least squares method (PLS), extreme learning machine (ELM), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) to build the LAI estimation model under nitrogen stress. The findings of this study revealed the following: (i) texture features generally exhibited greater sensitivity to LAI compared to ASR and VIs. (ii) Utilizing a multi-source feature fusion strategy enhanced the model’s accuracy in predicting LAI compared to using a single feature. The best RP2 and RMSEP of the estimated LAI were 0.78 and 0.49, respectively, achieved by RF through the combination of ASR, VIs, and textures. (iii) Among the four machine learning algorithms, RF and SVM displayed strong potential in estimating LAI of rice crops under nitrogen stress. The RP2 of the estimated LAI using ASR + VIs + texture, in descending order, were 0.78, 0.73, 0.67, and 0.62, attained by RF, SVM, PLS, and ELM, respectively. This study analyzed the spatial variation of LAI in rice using remote sensing techniques, providing a crucial theoretical foundation for crop management in the field.

Quality of life in post-herpetic neuralgia in the dermatology department of Hospital Luis Vernaza

Introduction: Shingles (HZ) is the result of the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus. The main complication of HZ is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), pain that appears in the affected dermatome 3 months after the resolution of the cutaneous lesions. Despite the limited evidence, PHN significantly influences the patient's quality of life (QL), affecting their functional capacity, emotional state and work capacity in the active population. The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the quality of life in NPH. Previous studies have not been done in this institution and statistics on the subject are nil in Ecuador. Materials and Methods: The study was descriptive, observational, retroprospective with a non-experimental and transversal level. The universe consisted of 141 patients with a diagnosis of PHN treated at the outpatient clinic of the dermatology service of the Luis Vernaza hospital during the period from January 1 to December 31, 2016, with a sample of 92 patients, who underwent an interview and a physical examination, using a data sheet that included the DN4 and EQ-5D-5L questionnaires. Excel tables were used to record the data. Results: Of the total of 92 patients who participated in the study, tingling was the most frequent symptom. Regarding the symptomatic load related to QL in PHN, the friction pain and numbness with P values of 0.00 show a strong statistical significance followed by a puncture with a P value of 0.03. The scatter plot to assess the level of PHN severity and its relation to quality of life indicates that QL is related to neuropathic pain (NP). The average DN4 was 4/10. 82 % of cases, with or without neuropathic pain, had a better QL; 18 %, accompanied by NP, reported affectation in their QL. The average index value of the EQ5D5L was 0.814. Conclusions: It was concluded that the quality of life is affected in patients with postherpetic neuralgia.

Predicting the work ability of security guards at a university in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Thailand

Objectives. The number of security guards in universities has increased significantly. This study aimed to predict work ability of university security guards. Methods. A cross-sectional study of 97 university security guards in Thailand was performed. Data were collected through interviews using a questionnaire covering social demographics, behavioral health and work ability. The data were analyzed using χ 2 tests and logistic regression models. Results. The average work ability index (WAI) score was 38.1 ± 3.8, with 65.0% of participants scoring ‘good’. Social support significantly influenced the WAI (p = 0.004). Those with insufficient support were 4.3 times more likely to show poor work ability. Mental health also impacted the WAI (p = 0.006); those with poor mental health were 4.7 times at risk. Additionally, work experience affected the WAI (p = 0.039). Those with ≥5 years of experience showed reduced work ability compared to their less-experienced counterparts (adjusted odds ratio 0.4; 95% confidence interval [0.20, 0.96]). Conclusions. Supervisors should provide social support and offer rewards and commendations to enhance employees’ abilities, health behaviors and management of underlying diseases. Additionally, organizations should prioritize health and safety in the workplace to ensure their employees are healthier and perform their tasks more effectively.

Current Status of Stroke Thrombolysis in the Mission Thrombectomy 2020+ Caribbean Region

Background Low‐ to middle‐income countries have limited access to thrombolytic therapy. To our knowledge, there is no validated tool available to objectively measure access to thrombolytic agents or barriers to routine clinical use. Methods We developed the 17‐item tissue plasminogen activator Spot Check tool to assess usage of acute stroke thrombolysis regarding local experience, financial constraints, and perceived barriers to care; evaluating the current state of clinical practices in the Mission Thrombectomy 2020+ Caribbean region. The survey was disseminated via an online link, and the information was collected and analyzed via SPSS. Results The tool was validated by 3 international experts with an Average Content Validity Index of 1 and a Universal Agreement Index of 1 across 3 domains: local experience, financial constraints, and barriers to usage. The participant survey response rate was 64%, representing 15 of 44 Mission Thrombectomy 2020+ Caribbean countries. There was limited or no access to thrombolytic agents in 40% of countries surveyed. Among cases treated with thrombolytics, 43% of patients had to pay out of pocket before treatment was provided, and l<10% were covered by insurance/government. Among 51% of countries surveyed, no acute thrombolytic treatment was provided for acute stroke in the 2021 calendar year. Only 1 center treated >100 cases per year. Most respondents (88%) agreed there were barriers to acute stroke thrombolysis in the region. The tissue plasminogen activator Spot Check tool was able to identify barriers impacting the number of cases per year, including absence of stroke protocol ( P <0.001), upfront cost of alteplase ( P = 0.003), restricted the amount of thrombolytics ( P = 0.002), neurology intensive care unit or stroke unit monitoring of patients following thrombolytics ( P = 0.017), cost of thrombolytic agents to the hospital ( P = 0.042), and access to computed tomography scan ( P = 0.03). Conclusion This survey brings light to an enormous disparity in the care of stroke patients around the world, specifically in the Mission Thrombectomy 2020+ Caribbean region.

Molecular Characterization of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp Collection based on ISSR Markers

Background: In Azerbaijan, cow pea is one of the fundamental legumes. This study was carried out at the Institute of Genetic Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences to evaluate genetic diversity in 28 cowpea accessions from Azerbaijan national gene bank. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotypic diversity, relatedness and population structure among local cow pea resources available in Azerbaijan and the cultivated VIR accessions based on ISSR markers. Methods: The studies were conducted in 2017-2019 at the Institute of Genetic Resources (IGR) of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) of Azerbaijan. 28 samples were used as research material: 10 of them were local forms and 18 were samples obtained from VIR. Sowing of collection samples was carried out in duplicate with an area of food of one plant 10 ´ 45 cm at the optimum time, in the at the end of April. Result: In the study, 28 alleles were synthesized for the collection with five ISSR markers, with an average polymorphism index of 75%. The rich genetic diversity (GMO = 0.80; PIC = 0.34) was found in the collection. Statistical analyzes have shown that the efficiency of the UBC 835 and the UBC 818 premieres was high. The average genetic distance index in the cow pea collection was 0.33. 71% of the samples were genetically identifiable and 29% revealed that the genotype was identical across the studied loci. PCoA and cluster analysis identified 3 genetically distinct groups within the collection, with the first two coordinates explaining 57% of this genetic variation.

Heavy Metals in Common Fishes Consumed in Dhaka, a Megacity of Asia: A Probabilistic Carcinogenic and Non-Carcinogenic Health Hazard.

Heavy metal contamination of fish is a serious public health concern worldwide, including in Bangladesh. In this study, six commonly consumed fish species namely Hilsha (Tenualosa ilisha), Kachki (Corica soborna), Punti (Puntitus ticto), Taki (Channa punctatus), Meni (Nandus nandus), and Tengra (Mystus tengara) were analyzed for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni), by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The fish samples were collected from wholesale markets in Dhaka city, the main business hub of Bangladesh where the fishes converged from countrywide and are redistributed to the whole city. The metal concentration varied among the studied fish species. Hilsha, the national fish of Bangladesh, contained the highest As among the other fishes of this study, whereas Zn, Cd, Cu, Mn, and Ni were the highest in Kachki, and Pb and Cr were the highest in Tengra. The probable source of metal accumulation in the fish species may be the river or marine water that can be contaminated by industrial waste, pesticide, and/or fertilizer use in agriculture and/or commercial fish feeds. All analyzed fish species showed serious heavy metal pollution, having high average pollution load index (APLI) values (> 1). The estimated daily intake (EDI) values for the metals were lower than the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI). The hazard index (HI) for all the fish species was above 1 for adults, showing non-carcinogenic health risks. The targetcarcinogenic risk (TCR) values were below the acceptable limit (10-4) for most of the metals, indicating safe for consumption with respect to the risk of cancer.

Variability of biological indices and abundance dynamics of the Ozernaya River sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka (Walbaum) stock in the modern period (1971–2020)

Results of analyzing the spawning sockeye salmon age structure, length-weight composition and absolute fecundity are demonstrated for the Ozernaya River stock. In the course of maturation the sockeye salmon individuals can return into the Ozernaya River for spawning in the ages 3+, 4+, 5+, 6+ or 7+. A positive trend has been figured out for relative abundance of the 5+ and 6+ sockeye salmon individuals and generation abundances, a negative trend – for the 4+ individuals. Negative dynamics has described for the averaged length-weight indices and the mean absolute fecundity of sockeye salmon of the Ozernaya in the research period. Patterns of changes in biological indicators of the fi sh depending on density factors in the period1971–2020 have been identified.

Analyzing the dynamics influencing artisanal and small‐scale mining in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality, Ghana

AbstractThe gold mining sector in Ghana has significantly contributed to the nation's economic expansion by creating various employment prospects, both directly and indirectly, within mining communities. However, it is important to acknowledge that this industry has also had adverse environmental consequences. A sample size of 330 individuals, comprising small‐scale miners and farmers, was randomly selected from 10 mining communities within the Upper Denkyira Municipality to examine factors influencing artisanal and small‐scale mining (ASM) operations. Furthermore, 150 key informants, comprising representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Forestry Commission, the Mineral Commission, and other stakeholders, were also interviewed to ascertain the impact of mining on the environment. The research employed a logic regression model, the weighted average index (WAI), and X‐ray fluorescence as a method for the study data analysis. The study determined that low income, the impact of climate change on agriculture, and the high demand for gold exhibit a significant chance of influencing ASM. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that ASM have immeasurably contributed to water pollution, food security, and the loss of biodiversity in the municipality. Additionally, water resources, which serve as sources of potable water for drinking and irrigation, are heavily contaminated with arsenic, mercury, lead, copper, and nickel. The study concluded that implementing stricter regulations on mining practices, promoting sustainable mining methodologies, and providing comprehensive training to miners on environmental protection and land rehabilitation can help mitigate the negative impacts of ASM. Additionally, supporting alternative means of livelihood for mining communities, such as agriculture or ecotourism, can reduce the reliance on mining and promote sustainable development.

Strategies to Improve Intermodal Transportation Connectivity Services in North Maluku

Sea transport is one of the modes of transport providing great benefits such as a wide range, tariffs that are affordable to the public, safe and comfortable. To support the integration of the implementation of intermodal transport, it is necessary to integrate the service network, and the transportation infrastructure network. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of intermodal transportation services at Kupal Port, Bacan Island, South Halmahera Regency and the analysis method used was the Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) method and the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI). The results of the study obtained the average satisfaction index value of Kupal Feeder Port service users on 16 (sixteen) service factors or attributes of 78.97 percent in the satisfied criteria.

Spatial Patterns and the Evolution of Logistics Service Node Facilities in Large Cities—A Case from Wuhan

Logistics services are integral to urban economic activity, and delving into the spatial distribution traits and evolutionary pathways of various kinds of logistics service node facilities (LSNF) is markedly valuable for understanding a city’s functional spatial makeup and refining the spatial layout of logistics services. This study quantitatively and qualitatively analyzes the spatial congregation and spreading characteristics of diverse LSNFs in Wuhan in 2011, 2014, 2017, and 2020, employing kernel density analysis, average nearest neighbor index, mean center, and distance distribution frequency, seeking to characterize the spatial evolution characteristics of LSNF, alongside examining the trends in distances to city cores, principal adjoining roads, and production and consumption sites. The following conclusions were made: (1) Between 2011 and 2020, various types of LSNFs in Wuhan experienced a pattern characterized by the noticeable coexistence of spatial expansion and agglomeration, particularly visible after 2014. The degree of agglomeration is classified in a descending order as follows: CWC, STN, PSN, and PDN. (2) An “absolute diffusion” phenomenon characterizes the distribution of distances between various kinds of LSNFs and city cores or neighboring roads, with the lion’s share of high-frequency distribution zones spreading beyond city cores by 5–10 km, and a majority of the LSNFs being situated within 1 km from adjacent roads. (3) While the LSNF collective exhibits a stronger tendency towards the consumption facet, it reflects a surrounding of industrial production sites on the production facet and locations of manufactured goods consumption on the consumption facet, followed by locations of agricultural product consumption and comprehensive consumption sites.

Phosphorus distribution in the water and sediments of the Ganga and Yamuna Rivers, Uttar Pradesh, India: insights into pollution sources, bioavailability, and eutrophication implications.

River nutrient enrichment is a significant issue, and researchers worldwide are concerned about phosphorus. The physicochemical characteristics and phosphorus (P) fractions of 36 sediment and water samples from the Ganga (Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi) and Yamuna (Mathura, Agra, Prayagraj) rivers were examined. Among the physicochemical parameters, pH exceeded the permissible limit in Ganga and Yamuna River water and sediment samples. Electrical conductivity (EC) and alkalinity were within the permissible limits, whereas total nitrogen (TN) exceeded the limit in Yamuna water. The analysis of phosphorus fractions indicated the dominance of inorganic phosphorus (IP) (76% in Ganga and 96% in Yamuna) over organic phosphorus in both rivers, suggesting the mineralization and microbial degradation as major processes responsible for transforming OP to IP. The positive correlation of pH with IP, AP (apatite phosphorus), and NAIP (non-apatite inorganic phosphorus) explains the release of inorganic phosphorus under alkaline conditions. The correlation between total organic carbon (TOC), TN, and organic phosphorus (OP) indicated the organic load in the rivers from allochthonous and autochthonous sources. Phosphorus released from river sediments and the concentration of phosphate in overlying river water show a positive correlation, suggesting that river sediments may serve as phosphorus reservoirs. The average phosphorus pollution index (PPI) was above one in both rivers, with relatively higher PPI values observed in the Yamuna River, indicating the contamination of sediment with phosphorus, indicating the contamination of sediment with phosphorus. This study revealed variations in the P fractionation of the sediment in both rivers, primarily as a result of contributions from different P sources. This information will be useful for applying different mitigation techniques to lower the phosphorus load in both river systems.

Effects of integration of distributed generation on reliability in distribution system

The reliability of power supply to consumers is the main factor that is to be considered while designing, planning and operation of a distribution network. This problem can be solved by incorporating distributed generation (DG) at the consumer side itself. In order to enhance service availability, power quality, reliability, and loss reduction, DG is positioned optimally at the consumer end within the system. The optimal DG location and size is to be calculated in such a way that the total loss in the system should be minimal and cost savings should be maximal. In this study, for the investigation of effects of DG on reliability of distribution system, a practical 11 KV feeder with 41-bus, was employed. The selected practical feeder is modelled using the power world simulator (PWS) software and reliability of the system is verified by calculating various reliability indices such as system average interruption frequency index (SAIFI), system average interruption duration index (SAIDI), customer average interruption duration index (CAIDI), average system utility index (ASUI) and average service availability index (ASAI). After applying proposed loss sensitivity factor (LSF) method, the active and reactive power loss reduction are 41.30 % and 38.64 % respectively, least bus voltage is enhanced to 0.9405 pu from 0.8978 pu and the reliability indices are also improved.

External Progesterone Supplementation During the Ovsynch Protocol Reduces the Incomplete Luteolysis in Dairy Cows Under Heat Stress

Abstract The present study aimed to determinate the effect of external progesterone (P4) supplementation on luteolysis in cows under heat stress. Forty-eight (n=48) dairy cows in the period from July–September 2018 were part of and at day 35±3 postpartum scored for BSC, synchronized using PG-3-G + Ovsynch protocol and randomly allocated into two treatments: PRID group (n=27) treated with external P4 device between G1 and PGF2α and CON group (n=21) left without treatment. Collection of blood samples to assess P4 concentrations was done at Pre-PG, at G1, at PGF2α, at 72 h after PGF2α (at timed artificial insemination TAI) and at d 21 after TAI. The pregnancy diagnosis was done at d 21 and d 30 after TAI by ultrasound. The average temperature-humidity index (THI) was 79.5±0.6. At G1, the P4 was significantly lower in the PRID group (1.84±0.99 ng/mL) in comparison to the CON group (2.97±1.82 ng/mL). In contrast, at PGF2α, there was a tendency (p=0.09) of increased P4 concentration in PRID group compared with the CON group (4.26±1.68 and 3.74±2.39 ng/mL), respectively. At TAI, more PRID cows (p=0.0001) had a lower P4 (0.06±0.03 ng/mL), in comparison to CON (1.28±2.41 ng/mL). At d 21 and d 30 after TAI, more PRID cows were predicted and diagnosed pregnant (16/27 or 59.25% and 13/27 or 48.14%) compared with the CON group (11/21 or 52.38% and 8/21 or 38.08%) respectively, but without any significant differences. Supplementation of the P4 during the Ovsynch protocol increases the P4 before TAI and reduces the incomplete luteolysis in heat stressed dairy cows.

Change and Innovation Management for Successful Implementation of Post Covid-19 Reforms in Rivers State-Owned Universities

The study examined change and innovation management for successful implementation of post COVID-19 reforms in Rivers State-owned universities. Three objectives and three research questions guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised all 100 heads of departments in Rivers State-owned universities: 65 from Rivers State University and 35 from Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. A simple random sampling technique was used to engage 73% of the entire population in the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled, “Change and Innovation Management for Successful Implementation of post COVID-19 Reforms in Rivers State-owned universities (CIMSIEP). The reliability of the instrument was established using Cronbach's alpha internal consistency method. The average reliability index obtained for Sections A, B, and C respectively was 0.73. Mean and standard deviation statistics were used to answer the research questions. The findings from this study aimed to investigate change and innovation management in the successful implementation of post COVID-19 reforms in Rivers State-owned universities, focusing on the adoption of digital learning platforms, professional development in innovative pedagogical approaches, and the impact of adherence to change among staff members. The study revealed that the adoption of digital learning platforms improves the successful implementation of post COVID-19 reforms in Rivers State-owned universities. The study recommends among others that universities should continue investing in robust digital infrastructure to support remote and hybrid learning, which includes ensuring widespread access to high-speed internet, updating technological resources, and implementing user-friendly digital platforms.

Diversity and Abundance of Plankton From Peunaga, Cut Ujong Estuary, Meulaboh, West Aceh

ABSTRACTThe research aims to determine the structure of the plankton community in the waters of Gampong Peunaga Cut Ujong, Meureubo, Meulaboh, West Aceh. The study was conducted in September 2023. The collection point consisted of 3 stations, and sampling was carried out at high tide with three repetitions. The filtering process uses a plankton net with a mesh size of 30 µm. Phytoplankton at the research location consists of five classes, namely Cyanophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, and Dinophyceae. Meanwhile, zooplankton consists of 7 groups consisting of Protozoa, Rotifera, Crustacea, Polychaeta, Gastropoda, Pelecypoda, and Nematoda. Phytoplankton has the highest percentage in the Bacillariophyceae class, reaching 71.7%, and the lowest 1% (Dinophyceae, Euglenophyceae, and Chlorophyceae). The abundance of phytoplankton at station three during the study ranged between 2,025,600 cells/m3 - 6,710,400 cells/m3 and zooplankton in the range of 23,400 ind/m3 - 33,480 ind/m3. The average diversity index (H') for phytoplankton was 1.04, the uniformity index (E) was 0.40, and the dominance index (C) was 0.50. Meanwhile, zooplankton has values H' (1.42), E (0.65), and D (0.36). To maintain the Peunaga estuary area as an ideal buffer area, it is recommended to regularly monitor the community structure of aquatic biota (plankton, benthos, and fish).Keywords: buffer ecosystem, community structure, dominance index, Navicula sp.