Research Institute Research Articles

Efficacy of the Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacterium and Lufenuron for Reducing Insect-associated Yield Losses in Cauliflower

Insect attacks on plants are a severe problem in the agricultural sector. The damages caused by insects have an adverse impact on plant growth which leads to slow economic growth, particularly in countries dependent on agriculture. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are widely utilized in agriculture because they offer a viable alternative to pesticides and artificial fertilizers. The growth and life cycle of insects/pests is inhibited by the insect growth regulators (IGRs), which belong to third-generation insecticides. Lufenuron is an IGR having a broad-spectrum insecticidal activity. Lufenuron inhibits insect growth by reducing chitin synthesis. A field experiment was carried out at Ayyub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, to evaluate the effect of MUR-4 (a potential PGRP) and lufenuron on cauliflower under insect attack. Cauliflower (Naran F1) seedlings were grown with and without a potential PGPR (MUR-4) using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Attacks of cutworms, diamondback moths, armyworms and aphids were recorded periodically. Lufenuron was applied as a foliar spray, to inoculated as well as non-inoculated plants, upon insect attack. A foliar spray of lufenuron exerted a positive effect and reduced the insect attack. Plant biochemical analysis manifested the higher activities of phenolics and proline (secondary metabolites) in MUR-4 PGPR inoculated plants. Increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 indicated oxidative stress in plants. Peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes play a very important role in defence against insect-induced biotic stress. MUR-4 PGPR inoculation enhanced the activity of the mentioned enzymes i.e. POD, CAT and SOD. We concluded that lufenuron spray can positively assist farmers in insect control strategies. Furthermore, MUR-4 PGPR inoculation improved the plant defence system against insect herbivory.

RISK FACTORS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES (DEPRESSION, OVERWEIGHT/OBESITY) AND THE ROLE OF FTO GENE POLYMORPHISM IN THEIR COMORBIDITY AMONG 25–34 YEAR-OLD INDIVIDUALS

HighlightsObesity and depression are a growing global public health problem affecting people of all ages and socioeconomic status. They are independently among the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In terms of biological mechanisms, genetic risk factors have been proposed as a potential factor associated with the comorbidity of depression and obesity. Significant correlations were found between the A/A rs9939609 genotype of the FTO gene and both depression and overweight/obesity compared to non-depressed and normal weight A/T+T/T genotypes in young individuals. Our findings will provide a useful starting point for understanding the biological mechanism involved in the association between obesity and depression in the population.AbstractAim. To analyze the relationship between the rs9939609 T>A genotypes of the FTO gene, depression and overweight/obesity as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among young people aged 25–34 residing in Novosibirsk.Methods. The population-based study included Novosibirsk residents aged 25–34, the study was conducted in 2013–2016 within the framework of the research topic FWNR-2024-0002. 975 people (43.7% men, Caucasians) were screened, the response rate was 71%. Demographic and social data and anthropometry were collected. All study participants took the “MONICA-MOPSY” psychosocial questionnaire. Genotyping of the FTO gene polymorphism was carried out at the Research Institute of Therapeutic Microbiology and Microbiology, a branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk.Results. The distribution of the A/A rs9939609 genotype of the FTO gene was higher in both the overweight (36.8%) and obese (45.6%) groups compared to the normal BMI group (17.5%). The distribution of the T/T genotypes was higher in the normal BMI group (51.6%) compared to the overweight (32%) and obese (16.4%) groups. The average BMI (body mass index) values were higher among carriers of the A/A genotype (30.4 ± 7.4 kg/m2) compared to carriers of the A/T (26.4 ± 5.2 kg/m2) and T/T (25.2 ± 5.2 kg/m2) genotypes (p < 0.001). The average depression scores were higher among carriers of the A/A genotype 4.4 ± 2.6, compared to carriers of the A/T genotype 3.1 ± 2.2 and T/T 2.9 ± 2.0 (p < 0.001). Carriage of the A/A genotype of the FTO gene was a predictor of both depression (OR = 3.267; 95% CI 1.770–6.030; p < 0.001) and overweight/obesity (OR = 2.208; 95% CI 1.228–9.777; p < 0.001) compared to carriers of the A/T+T/T genotypes without depression and with normal body weight.Conclusion. The results established the role of the A/A rs9939609 polymorphism of the FTO gene in the comorbidity of depression and obesity.

CHANGES IN THE PORTRAIT OF PATIENTS WITH ACQUIRED MITRAL AND AORTIC VALVE DISEASE BEFORE IMPLANTATION OF BIOPROSTHETIC HEART VALVES

HighlightsAcquired valvular heart disease (AVHD) is a widespread pathology that remains one of the leading causes of cardiac mortality and disability in the population. The article presents an analysis of the changes in the “portrait” of patients undergoing surgical treatment of AVHD. Aim. To assess changes from baseline characteristics of patients with acquired mitral valve disease before the implantation of a bioprosthetic heart valve.Methods. The study included 600 patients admitted in 2000–2020 and undergoing surgical treatment of AVHD using bioprosthesis produced domestically at the Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases (Kemerovo). The patients` portrait was assessed retrospectively, comorbidities, type and etiology of AVHD in 2000–2010 and 2011–2020 were evaluated. Results. The main changes in the “portrait” of patients with AVHD over the past decade are as follows: “aging” of recipients of bioprosthetic heart valves (median age went up from 52 [46; 58] to 68 [64; 71] years (p < 0.001)), an increase in the number of people with ischemic mitral insufficiency by 7.4 times, concomitant coronary artery disease by 4.4 times, and cerebral atherosclerosis by 3.7 times (p < 0.001).Conclusions. The results of the analysis highlight the changes in the “portrait” of patients undergoing surgical treatment of AVHD. Taking into account all of the above-mentioned, it is necessary to develop patient-oriented approaches to management of patients undergoing surgical treatment of acquired valvular heart disease.

EXPERIMENTAL SEARCH AN UNDERLYING BASIS OF PRINCIPLES FOR MICROBIOLOGICAL QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PRESERVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Introduction. Microbiological control of preservative solutions and assessment of the state of anatomical preparations are topical issues, the solution of which requires adaptation of methods for quantitative determination of the level of microbial contamination to the special conditions of equilibrium systems containing biological preparations. The aim of the study is screening, experimental testing and adaptation of microbiological methods for quantitative assessment of the level of microbial contamination for monitoring the microbiological purity of preservative solutions using the Melnikov–Razvedenkov solution as an example. Material and methods. The object of the study was the Melnikov–Razvedenkov preservative solution modified by the Scientific Research Center for Biomedical Technologies of the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. The study used methods for quantitative assessment of the level of microbial contamination on agar nutrient media. Results. As a result of screening, experimental testing and comparative analysis of methods for quantitative assessment of the level of microbial contamination, the most promising methodological approaches were identified and adapted for microbiological monitoring of modified Melnikov-Razvedenkov solution. Conclusions. The microbiological study of the modified Melnikov-Razvedenkov preservative solution showed the feasibility of using the membrane vacuum filtration method with membrane filters made of a mixture of cellulose acetate and nitrate with a nominal pore diameter of 0.45 μm. For sterilization of the test solution, the use of a vacuum filtration through membrane filters with a nominal pore diameter of 0.22 μm is promising.

Effect of age-associated oxidative stress on sperm viability, acrosomal integrity and sperm apoptosis and DNA fragmentation in Sahiwal breeding bulls.

Sperm motility is the prime functional attribute for semen quality and fertility of the bull. However, the bull's age directly affects the semen quality, and the bull's fertility and productive life decline with age. Even though research on age has been conducted in the past, it is still unclear how old a bull should be maintained at artificial insemination centers. The minimum standard protocol (MSP) states that a bull has an 8-years productive lifespan, yet it has been shown that some bulls older than 8 years have produced freezable ejaculates. It has yet to be established what the bull's ideal productive life is under the tropical climate of India without affecting in-vitro sperm functions. For the validation of the maximum age of a bull up to that it could be utilized in the artificial insemination centers, cut-off values of oxidative stress in freezable semen ejaculates were used. The current study was done at the Artificial Breeding Research Centre, ICAR-NDRI, Karnal, Haryana, India. A total of eighteen Sahiwal breeding bulls were divided into three groups: Young (2-4 years), Adult (> 4-8 years), and Older (> 8-11 years). Three ejaculates were taken from each bull; thus, a total of 18 ejaculates were utilized in each group for semen examination. Semen quality of Young bulls was poor compared with adult and older bulls. Seminal parameters such as dead, moribund, apoptotic, reacted acrosome, and protamine deficient sperms were higher in older bulls than in adult bulls; however, the values were non-significant. Less difference was found in the semen parameters among adult and older bulls. This indicates that the semen quality of older Sahiwal bulls was optimum, freezable, and can be utilized for up to 11 years (Average 9.5 years).

Knowing is Half the Battle: The Factors Leading to Efficient Recruitment of Representative Samples in Schizophrenia Research.

Drug development in schizophrenia is limited by thedifferential scaling of the active treatment and placebo arms of a study, such that, as the number of sites increases, the magnitude of placebo response disproportionately increases. The objective of this article was to identify factors conducive to efficient recruitment as a step towards trial designs allowing recruitment of more participants per site, leading to reduced variability, and potentially a smaller placebo effect. Using the information of 554 individuals, we calculated the percentage of individuals who were screened, consented, and retained in our research, along with rationale for nonconsent. Independent t tests and Chi-squared tests were performed to compare participant characteristics. Out of the 273 individuals who were fully screened, 84 did not progress to the consented stage owing to various reasons, leading to a total of 189 individuals who were screened and consented and a total of 365 individuals who were either incompletely screened or not consented into a study. Individuals with an externally validated medical history showed the highest yield in being consented and retained in research as new participants. In particular, chart reviews from clinics were highly efficient (25.8%) in facilitating new participants' enrollment, even when theseindividuals were not actively/prospectively seeking research. The most common reason for nonconsent was difficulty in telephone or email contact. Consenting and nonconsenting participants were similar in demographics, and recruitment sources only differed in their reported substance use. Referrals and chart reviews from known clinics were the most efficient method in retaining new participants, highlighting the importance of external validation and communication between research and clinical staff within a system. Consenting participants showed no significant differences from the database as a whole, demonstrating that the study samples were representative. Future studies should aim to confirm the present findings at other academic and commercial research centers.

Integrated Nutrient Management Strategies for Red Gram, Sorghum and Blackgram-Based Intercropping Systems

A field experiment was conducted at the National Pulses Research Centre, Vamban, Pudukkottai District, during the kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023 to evaluate integrated nutrient management strategies for redgram-based intercropping systems. The study included two intercropping treatments: (I₁) Redgram + Sorghum (1:2) and (I₂) Redgram + Blackgram (1:2), along with three organic fertilizer treatments: (F₁) Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF), (F₂) RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1, and (F₃) RDF + Farmyard Manure (FYM) @ 5 t ha-1. Two biofertilizer treatments were also evaluated: (B₁) without Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) and (B₂) with PSB. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The study utilized the red gram variety VBN 3, intercropped with the sorghum variety K 11 and the black gram variety VBN 6. Results indicated that the redgram + blackgram (1:2) intercropping system produced the highest redgram plant height (347.6 cm), branches per plant (21.2), and number of pods (295.8 per plant). This system also achieved the highest redgram seed yield (858 kg ha-1), redgram grain equivalent yield (1139 kg ha-1), and benefit-cost ratio (2.69). The application of RDF + vermicompost at 2.5 t ha-1 produced the tallest redgram plants (348.8 cm) and the highest number of branches (21.6), with significantly higher pod numbers (300.6 per plant) and seed yield (856 kg ha-1). PSB application further enhanced seed yields, with the highest redgram grain equivalent yield (1122 kg ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (2.76). The study concluded that the combination of redgram + blackgram intercropping, RDF + vermicompost, and PSB application offers an effective integrated nutrient management strategy, optimizing both grain yields and profitability.

Multicenter In-House Evaluation of an Amplicon-Based Next-Generation Sequencing Panel for Comprehensive Molecular Profiling.

Predicting response to targeted cancer therapies increasingly relies on both simple and complex genetic biomarkers. Comprehensive genomic profiling using high-throughput assays must be evaluated for reproducibility and accuracy compared with existing methods. This study is a multicenter evaluation of the Oncomine™ Comprehensive Assay Plus (OCA Plus) Pan-Cancer Research Panel for comprehensive genomic profiling of solid tumors. A series of 193 research samples (125 DNA and 68 RNA samples) was analyzed to evaluate the correlation and concordance of the OCA Plus panel with orthogonal methods, as well as its reproducibility (n = 5 DNA samples) across laboratories. The success rate for DNA and RNA sequencing was 96.6% and 89.7%, respectively. In a single workflow, the OCA Plus panel provided a detailed genomic profile with a high success rate for all biomarkers tested: single nucleotide variants/indels, copy number variants, and fusions, as well as complex biomarkers such as microsatellite instability, tumor mutational burden, and homologous recombination deficiency. The concordance for single nucleotide variants/indels was 94.8%, for copy number variants 96.5%, for fusions 94.2%, for microsatellite instability 80.8%, for tumor mutational burden 81.3%, and for homologous recombination deficiency 100%. The results showed high reproducibility across the five European research centers, each analyzing shared pre-characterized tissue biopsies (average of 1890 single nucleotide variants/indels per sample). This multicenter evaluation of the OCA Plus panel confirms the results of previous single-center studies and demonstrates the high reproducibility and accuracy of this assay.

Estimating Potential Tritium and Plutonium Production in North Korea’s Experimental Light Water Reactor

Our work explores North Korea’s 100 MW-th Experimental Light Water Reactor (ELWR) and its potential contributions to the country’s nuclear weapons program. Built at the Yongbyon Nuclear Research Center, the ELWR began operations in October 2023 and represents North Korea’s first attempts at a light-water reactor using domestically-enriched fuel. Our study examines possible configurations for energy generation, tritium production, and tritium-plutonium co-production. Assuming a single-batch core, the ELWR can be used to annually produce 48–82 grams of tritium, which can supply 2–4 new boosted warheads each year, up to a maximum arsenal of 88–150 warheads total. Concurrent production of tritium and weapon-grade plutonium is also possible but requires reprocessing of spent ceramic fuel. Overall, the findings underscore how North Korea’s nuclear capabilities may be advanced through the ELWR’s dual-use potential.

Beyond Leveraging Institutional Data for Student Success: Challenging Whiteness in Institutional Research Practice and Strategies

Beyond Leveraging Institutional Data for Student Success: Challenging Whiteness in Institutional Research Practice and Strategies

Utilization of Electronic Information Resources as Correlates of Publication Output by Researchers in Agricultural Research Institutes in Oyo State, Nigeria

The study examined the utilization of electronic information resources (EIRs) as correlates of publications among research scientists in National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) headquarter in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Correlational research method was used to determine the relationship between utilization of EIRs and publications output among research scientists. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 217 respondents from a sample frame of 282 researchers based on Morgan’s table for sample size in four (Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, National Institute of Horticultural Research, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria and Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria) NARIs. Data were obtained on types of EIRs utilized, extent of use, effect of EIRs utilization on publication and the total of researchers’ publications using a structured questionnaire. The results obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation) and Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient (PPMC). Results revealed that major types of EIRs utilized by the researchers for their publications were Access to Global Online Research in Agriculture ( 3.46), Online Access to Research in the Environment ( 3.41) and The Essential Electronic Agricultural Library ( 3.32). The result further revealed that researchers have a high extent of use of EIRs with 100% utilization. The researchers stated that utilization of EIRs enhances efficient and effective publications ( 3.58) improve the quality of their publications ( 3.52) and enhance their decision making in publishing ( 3.48). Results further revealed that 74.9% and 85.3% of the researchers published more in local journals and proceedings respectively compared to 25.1% and 14.7% that published in international journals and proceedings respectively. PPMC revealed a significant (p<0.05) relationship between utilization of EIR (r = 0.127) and researchers publications. In conclusion, utilization of EIRs enhances the publication output of researchers in agricultural research institutes. Therefore, the study recommended that stakeholders and policy makers in agricultural research institutes should invest in facilities that will facilitate utilization of EIRs for publications activities among research scientists.

Utilization of TiN and the Texture of Bionic Pangolin Scales to Improve the Wear Resistance of Cast Steel 20Mn Metal

This research centers around cast steel 20Mn, which is the material utilized for the ear-picking roller of a corn harvester. The study delves into methods of enhancing its hydrophobicity and wear resistance. Fiber laser-processing technology was employed to fabricate pangolin bionic micro-textures on the material surface, and PVD technology was utilized to deposit a TiN coating. The wear resistance of the modified surface was investigated via the reciprocating dry sliding wear method, while its hydrophobicity was concurrently examined. The results demonstrate that the laser texturing technology and TiN coating managed to reduce the friction coefficient of the sample surface by 20% and 30.9%, respectively. This can be chiefly attributed to the significant effects of the modified surface in augmenting hardness, diminishing the contact area of the friction surface, lowering shear stress, and entrapping wear debris. When the pangolin texture and TiN coating work in concert, the abrasive and fatigue wear between the two surfaces is conspicuously mitigated, and the friction coefficient is reduced by 38.09%. Moreover, the experiment also reveals that a superhydrophobic surface can be achieved by fabricating the pangolin micro-textures.

Chemotherapy-induced diminished murine ovarian reserve model and impact of low-dose chemotherapy on fertility.

To establish a murine model of chemotherapy-induced diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and investigate residual fertility after chemotherapy exposure. Two different chemotherapy protocols were tested to establish a valid DOR model by comparing follicle densities in mice given either protocol versus physiological solution. An ovarian stimulation protocol was then selected from among different gonadotropins by counting the number of day-2 embryos obtained from normal mice. Finally, DOR mice were stimulated 5 and 8 weeks after chemotherapy with the chosen gonadotropin protocols and day-2 embryos were recovered after mating, as was ovarian tissue for further immunohistological analyses. Seventy-two Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice. To compare day-2 embryo counts in both normal and chemotherapy-induced DOR mice. Ovarian histology and morphology were also investigated by follicle counting and classification, as was immunostaining for apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3), activation (phospho-Akt) and proliferation (Ki67). A dose of 12 mg/kg busulfan (Bu) + 120 mg/kg cyclophosphamide (Cy) was chosen to establish the DOR model, as it significantly reduced the ovarian reserve compared to both control mice (physiological solution) and the 1.2 mg/kg Bu + 12 mg/kg Cy protocol, without depleting it completely. When stimulated with 3.75 IU Menopur, normal mice produced significantly more embryos than DOR mice given 12 mg/kg Bu + 120 mg/kg Cy (41.40 ± 14.74 versus 23.67 ± 15.55 day-2 embryos). While the follicle count was statistically diminished after single-dose chemotherapy administration, the remaining follicles did not display any difference in terms of apoptosis, activation or proliferation rates. We successfully established a chemotherapy-induced DOR model using 12 mg/kg Bu + 120 mg/kg Cy, as evidenced by lower, but not completely depleted, follicle numbers and fewer retrieved embryos. Histological study of ovarian tissue exposed to DOR-inducing chemotherapy revealed that surviving follicles were of the same quality as tissue not exposed to chemotherapy.

Current status and trend of global research on the pharmacological effects of emodin family: bibliometric study and visual analysis.

Emodin, as a natural active ingredient, has shown great application potential in the fields of medicine, food and cosmetics due to its unique pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, etc. In recent years, with the development of science and technology and the increase of people's demand for natural medicine, emodin research has been paid more and more attention by the global scientific research community.The bibliometric analysis of emodin and the construction of knowledge map are still blank. We searched the publications of emodin related studies in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database from 2004 to 2024 and conducted a bibliometric analysis. Data processing was done using the R packages Bibliometrix, VOSviewer and CiteSpace.The consensus identified 4,125 emodin related articles from multiple countries, with China being the main contributor. The number of publications in this field is increasing year by year. China Medical University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine are all prominent research institutions in this field. The Journal of ethnopharmacology published the most articles on the subject. The total number of authors of these articles has reached 14,991, among which Yi Wang is the author with the most output and Xiaoxv Dong is the author with the most cited times. "emodin", "apoptosis", and "liver injury" were the main research focuses. Topics such as "pharmacology", "photodynamic therapy", "advancing drug discovery" and "gallbladder cancer cell" may represent emerging areas of research in medicine.The results of this study help to identify the latest research frontiers and hot topics, and provide a valuable reference for the study of emodin family.

Pharmaceutical development of sangviritrin spray for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity

Introduction. One of the most common bacterial infections includes acute and chronic tonsillitis, affecting 10 to 15 % of adults and approximately 20–25 % of children worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. The focus of this study was an original substance, sangviritrin, containing no less than 96.5 % of the sum of bisulfates of two alkaloids: sanguinarine and chelerythrine. Given the high antimicrobial activity of sangviritrin, the research aimed to develop a local delivery system based on this medicinal substance.Aim. The aim of this work was to develop an oral medicinal form of sangviritrin.Materials and Methods. Sangviritrin, produced by the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, was used as the active pharmaceutical ingredient. The selection of auxiliary components was carried out in accordance with the methodologies specified in the State Pharmacopoeia XV edition. The organoleptic properties of the substance and spray samples were studied using A. I. Tenzova's method. The local irritant action of the spray was assessed using the conjunctival test method on chinchilla rabbits weighing 3.5–4.3 kg. Quantitative determination of sangviritrin in the medicinal form was performed using spectrophotometric methods at a wavelength of 321 ± 2 nm on a spectrophotometer SPECORD® 200 PLUS (Analytik Jena GmbH+Co. KG, Germany).Results and Discussion. Optimal auxiliary component compositions were selected based on measurements of spray technological parameters. A comprehensive approach was justified for correcting the organoleptic properties of the substance, involving the introduction of a minimal amount of sweeteners and additional use of β-cyclodextrin. Examination of the local irritant action indicated a "weak or absent" degree of local irritation.Conclusion. A local delivery system for sangviritrin has been developed for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity.

Evaluation of training systems for growth, yield, photosynthetic activities and wine quality in Cabernet Sauvignon

The present study revealed the impact of different training systems on growth, yield, photosynthetic activities, and wine quality of Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines. Three training systems- (Mini Y-trellis, Vertical Shoot Positioned (VSP) and Kniffin System) were assessed over a three-year period (2018-19 to 2020-21) in a vineyard located at ICAR National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune. Results indicated significant differences among training systems in terms of growth, yield, and photosynthetic activity. Among three training system mini-Y trellis system had higher yield compared to Kniffin and VSP trellis system but wine quality was lower. Wine produced from Kniffin-trained vines exhibited superior quality attributes, including higher mallic acid, ethanol and improved sensory characteristics. The findings suggest that selecting an appropriate training system is crucial for optimizing vine performance and enhancing wine quality in Cabernet Sauvignon. This research provides valuable insights for viticulturists aiming to improve vineyard management practices and maximize the quality wine production.

3D plants: the impact of integrating science, design, and technology on high school student learning and interests in STEAM subjects and careers

STEAM education is an educational approach of interdisciplinary teaching of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. STEAM education, however, is often viewed as only including art elements into STEM teaching. Without true integration of the disciplines in STEAM curricula, students rarely are exposed to the connection among disciplines, and self-identify as solely scientists, artists, or technophiles. STEAM curricula also infrequently integrate design, which promotes creativity and innovation. Effective STEAM curriculum and practices are needed to prepare students to face 21st century challenges and work demands. We designed a high school STEAM educational module that integrated plant science, design, and emergent technologies through the creation of 3D models of plants and augmented and virtual reality (AVR) experiences and investigated its impact on students’ understanding of the intersection of art and design with science, learning and skills gains, and interests in STEAM subjects and careers. The module used a project-based learning approach that relied on student teamwork and facilitation by educators. In this 3D plant modeling module, students: (1) investigated plants under research at a plant science research center, (2) designed and created 3D models of those plants, (3) learned about the application of 3D modeling in AVR platforms, and (4) disseminated project results. We used qualitative and quantitative research methods both before and after the implementation of the model to assess the impact of the 3D modeling module. Student responses revealed that approximately half of the students had a good understanding of the intersection of art and design with science prior to the implementation of the module, while the other half gained this understanding after completing their projects. Students saw art and design playing a role in science mainly by facilitating communication and further understanding and fostering new ideas. They also reported that science influenced art and design through the artistic creation process. The most common learning gains were in plant science and 3D modeling, with 35% and 20% of the students reporting these themes only after completing their projects, respectively. The skill gains most cited were research, teamwork, and communication skills. Over 25% of the students reported these skill gains only after the completion of their projects. Paired comparisons of survey responses indicated a significant increase in students’ interest in science, mathematics, and design subjects after they completed their projects. At the end of the module, 40% of the students were more interested in STEAM careers. Another 13% of the students indicated they already had an interest in STEAM careers before beginning the module. Our findings indicate that our STEAM module effectively integrated science, art, design, and technology, enhancing student literacy in these fields, and providing students with essential 21st century skills. The module led to interdisciplinary learning and development of interest in STEAM subjects and careers. The combination of pedagogical strategies used in our module for active, collaborative, authentic, and meaningful learning exemplifies an effective STEAM curriculum with valuable instructional tools for educators, inspiring new ways of teaching and learning, contributing to the practice and applications in STEAM education.

Investigation of nutritional content and aflatoxin B1 in landraces and varieties of Ethiopian groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Aflatoxins, a group of toxic compounds produced by certain Aspergillus species, pose significant health risks due to their strong carcinogenic properties. Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is susceptible to aflatoxin contamination both pre- and post-harvest. This study aimed to investigate the nutritional content and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) levels in various landraces and varieties of Ethiopian groundnut. Groundnut germplasm was collected from three key regions: Gamo zone, Haramaya University (Haramaya), and Werer Agricultural Research Center (Werer). Key parameters, including individual seed weight (ISW), kernel colonization by Aspergillus flavus, total carbohydrates, protein, total free amino acids, and AFB1 content, were analyzed. The results revealed significant variation (P < 0.05) among the landraces and varieties. The groundnut varieties from Haramaya exhibited significantly higher mean ISW. All five varieties from Haramaya showed zero percent kernel colonization by A. flavus, indicating certain level of resistance. Landraces from Gamo zone were found to be rich in total carbohydrates and total free amino acids. AFB1 levels, determined using indirect competitive ELISA, ranged from 1.84 ppb to 6.89 ppb. While four landraces from Gamo, two varieties from Haramaya, and five varieties from Werer met the European Union’s AFB1 safety threshold (2 ppb), the remaining germplasm exceeded this limit, posing health and trade concerns. No relationship was found between nutritional content and AFB1 levels; however, a significant correlation was observed between kernel colonization and AFB1 content, suggesting kernel colonization could serve as a cost-effective proxy for estimating AFB1 contamination in groundnuts.

Preface: 7th International Conference on Advances in Materials, Machinery, Electronics (AMME 2024)

This conference proceedings includes original and peer-reviewed research papers from the 7th International Conference on Advances in Materials, Machinery, Electronics (AMME 2024), and it was held on November 29-30, 2024 in Wuhan, China. The aims of the conference are to provide an interactive platform for the academicians, R &amp; D organizations, industries, innovators, entrepreneurs, government agencies and policy-makers etc., from both China and abroad to exchange ideas on recent researches and advances in the domain of materials, machinery, electronics with its prospective application in the various interdisciplinary domains of engineering. This two-day conference is being organized in technical association with Research Center of Engineering and Science and include invited keynote talks and oral paper presentations from both academia and industry to ignite our young minds, to initiate them in the field of meaningful research and thereby enrich their existing knowledge. All full paper submissions to the AMME 2024 must be written in English and were sent to at least two reviewers and evaluated based on originality, technical or research content, correctness, relevance to conference, contributions, and readability. The full paper submissions were chosen based on technical merit, interest, applicability, and how well they fit a coherent and balanced technical program. The Committees of AMME 2024 invest great efforts in reviewing the papers submitted to the conference and organizing the sessions to enable the participants to gain maximum benefit. Hopefully, all participants and other interested readers benefit scientifically from the proceedings and find it stimulating in the process. With our warmest regards, Lin Liu, Jiaru Wu Conference Organizing Committee Wuhan, China

Development and Application of a Cost–Effective Analytical Method for Hydrofluorocarbons Using Preconcentrator–Gas Chromatograph–Mass Spectrometer

The expansion of atmospheric observation networks for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are closely related to climate change and contribute to global warming, significantly impacts our society and daily life. Their emissions are estimated to increase in the future, which is a major challenge. Observations of HFCs globally were performed using expensive GHG–specific equipment installed at AGAGE and other sites, but many research institutions find it difficult to install such equipment. Therefore, we successfully developed a measurement method for six components of HFCs (HFC–23, HFC–32, HFC–125, HFC–134a, HFC–143a, and HFC–152a) with high atmospheric concentrations in various parts of the world by optimizing measurement parameters such as the sample transfer volume and rate, module cooling temperatures, the injection time, the GC oven temperature program, and the monitored ions of a commercially available preconcentrator–GC–MS. Because this developed measurement method is cost–effective and simpler to operate than those of GHG–specific equipment, it is expected to provide an opportunity for many research institutes to measure HFCs. Furthermore, in addition to HFCs, we confirmed that simultaneous measurements can be performed for 97 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including hazardous components. This research can contribute to the observation of HFCs in countries and regions where the actual status of emissions is unclear or where no or few atmospheric observations were conducted. The results of those observations can be used to formulate more detailed global warming countermeasures.