Effects Of Various Levels Research Articles

Enhancement of DFIG LVRT Capability During Extreme Short-Wind Gust Events Using SMES Technology

Wind energy is one of the premier renewable energy sources that have gained popularity during the last decade. Among the currently available wind energy conversion systems (WECS), doubly fed induction generator-based technology has been widely employed due to its superior advantageous. The key features of the DFIG-based WECS include its ability to capture more wind energy and support the grid with large reactive power during short disturbance events. On the other hand, DFIG is very sensitive to grid faults which affect its fault ride through (FRT) capability. Furthermore, extreme wind gust even for short durations may lead to the violation of the low voltage ride through (LVRT) threshold limits set by worldwide transmission line operators. This situation cannot be mitigated by the turbine blades pitch controller since the response of the pitch mechanical control is much slower than the rapid dynamic change in the wind speed during short duration of wind gust events. While DFIG FRT capability has been discussed in several papers in the literature, not much attention was given to the mitigation of the effects of extreme wind gust of short duration on the DFIG performance. In this paper, the effect of various levels of wind gust on the performance of a DFIG-based wind energy conversion grid-connected system is investigated and mitigated using a new controller for superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) unit. A combination of hysteresis current and fuzzy logic controllers is employed to control the voltage source converter and the DC-DC chopper interfacing the SMES coil with the investigated system. Simulation results reveal the effectiveness of the proposed SMES controller that can be easily implemented within existing as well as new WECS installations.

Analysis of the physical meat quality in partridge (Alectoris chukar) and its relationship with intramuscular fat

This study was undertaken to assess the effect of various levels of intramuscular fat (IMF: <0.5%, 0.5–0.99%, 1.0–1.49%, 1.5–1.99%, 2.0–2.49%, and >2.5%) on the physical meat quality of partridge. Physical characteristics such as moisture, pH, shear force, water-holding capacity (WHC), and color, along with IMF, were measured on 414 partridges (pectoral muscle). In this study, partridge meat was described as a kind of tender and moderately juicy meat with a nice color. Additionally, tenderness was significantly different between IMF < 0.5% and IMF > 0.5% levels (P < 0.01). IMF >0.5% also obtained higher value of WHC than IMF <0.5% although the difference was statistically nonsignificant. IMF levels did not affect pH or color. The results showed that IMF content was not significantly correlated with physical meat quality. However, in terms of eating experience, the minimum IMF level for better meat quality for consumer was 0.5%.Pearson correlation coefficients indicated that IMF content had significant negative correlations with moisture content but not with pH (r = −0.066), shear force (r = −0.072), WHC (r = 0.085), or color (L*(r = −0.049), a*(r = −0.028) and b*(r = 0.045)). Besides, meat pH had significant negative correlations with WHC (r = −0.036; P < 0.01) and lightness (L*) (r = −0.292; P < 0.01). Consequently, we consider pH to be one of the most important factors in evaluating meat quality of partridge.

Hydrodynamic behavior of an airlift reactor with net draft tube with different configurations: Numerical evaluation using CFD technique

In terms of gas holdup, liquid velocity, and volumetric mass transfer coefficient for oxygen (KLa), the hydrodynamic behavior of four configurations of an airlift reactor (ALR) with a net draft tube (NDT) of different net mesh sizes (ALR-NDT-3, 6, 12, and ALR) have been numerically simulated for a range of inlet air flow rates. The effect of various levels of ratio of height (H) to inner tube diameter (D) of the net draft tube (H/D: 9.3, 10.7, 17.5, and 20) and ratio of inner cross-sectional area of the riser (Ar) to the inner cross sectional area of the downcomer (Ad) (Ad/Ar: 1.3 and 7) for different air flow rates is also evaluated for each reactor configuration operating with an air–water system. The two-fluid formulation coupled with the k–ε turbulence model is used for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of flow with Eulerian descriptions for the gas and liquid phases. Interactions between air bubbles and liquid are taken into account using momentum exchange and drag coefficient based on two different correlations. Trends in the predicted dynamical behavior are similar to those found experimentally. A good agreement was achieved suggesting that geometric effects are properly accounted for by the CFD model. After a comparison with experimental data, numerical simulations show significant enhanced gas holdup, liquid velocity, and KLa for the ALR-NDTs compared with the conventional ALR. Higher gas holdup values are achieved for ALR-NDT-3 than that for the other ALRs because it acts like a bubble column reactor as the holes present in the NDT are large. Maximum liquid velocities are seen in ALR-NDT-12, which operates like a conventional ALR. Moreover, the interaction between the NDT and upward gas flow leads to cross flow through the net, small bubbles, and high interfacial area as well as good mass transfer. This was significant in ALR-NDT-6 with maximum KLa value of 0.031 s−1. The applied methodology provides an insightful understanding of the complex dynamic behavior of ALR-NDTs and may be helpful in optimizing the design and scale-up of reactors.

Dietary olive (Olea europaea) leaf extract suppresses oxidative stress and modulates intestinal expression of antioxidant- and tight junction-related genes in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The present study was conducted in order to evaluate the effects of various levels of dietary olive leaf extract (OLE) on growth performance, whole body lipid peroxidation, and intestinal expression of hsp70 and antioxidant- and tight junction-related genes in common carp. Common carp juveniles (15 g) were fed with four diets, i.e. control and three diets supplemented with 0.1% (0.1E), 0.5% (0.5E) and 1% (1E) OLE for eight weeks. The results revealed that there was no significant difference in growth performance and feed efficiency between the control and OLE-treated groups (p > 0.05). There was no change in oxidative conditions among the treatments after one week, but the control group showed oxidative stress after eight weeks. The 0.1E and 0.5E treatments showed significantly suppressed oxidative stress (p < 0.05). After one week, there was no difference in sod gene expression among the treatments; cat showed down-regulation and up-regulation in the 0.1E and 1E treatments, respectively; gr showed up-regulation in the 0.5E and 1E treatments. After eight weeks, the 0.1E showed down-regulation; whereas, the 0.5E showed up-regulation in the antioxidant-related gene expressions compared to the control; the 1E treatment showed diverse changes in the gene expressions at this time. The 1E treatment had significantly lower hsp70 gene expression compared to the control after one week; however, after eight weeks, the 0.1E and 0.5E treatments showed significant down-regulation in the gene expression compared to the control and 1E treatments. Compared to the control group, the 0.1E (occl, cld3 and cld7) and 0.5E (occl and cld3) treatments showed up-regulation in tight junction-related gene expressions after one week. After eight weeks, there was no significant difference in occl and cld3 gene expressions among the treatments, but cld7 showed significant up-regulation along with the increase in dietary OLE supplementation. It is concluded that dietary OLE had no noticeable influence on common carp growth performance, but modulated gene expression of antioxidant enzyme and attenuated oxidative stress after 8 weeks.

Growth performance, haematological changes, immune response, antioxidant activity and disease resistance in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed diet supplemented with ellagic acid

The present study was performed to investigate the effects of various levels of dietary ellagic acid (EA) on growth performance, haematological values, immune response, protection against Yersinia ruckeri infection, and oxidant/antioxidant status in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Fish were fed with the control diet and three different experimental diets containing three graded levels of EA (50, 100 and 200 mg kg−1 diet) for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the growth performance [weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR)], haematological values [the red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, haematocrit (Ht) level and erythrocyte indices: mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)], immune response [white blood cell (WBC) count, oxidative radical production (nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) assay), phagocytic activity (PA) and phagocytic index (PI), total protein (TP) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels, serum bactericidal activity (BA), lysozyme (LYZ) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities] and oxidant/antioxidant status [tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities] were analysed. In addition, fish were challenged by Y. ruckeri and survival rate was recorded for 14 days. In the groups fed with EA the growth parameters such as WG, SGR, and FCR did not vary significantly. The RBC count, Hb concentration, and Ht level increased in the groups fed with EA when compared with the control group. However, there were no significant differences in the MCV, MCH and MCHC values among the groups. The results demonstrated enhancement in all the immunological parameters in the groups fed with EA compared to the control group. The results obtained from challenge with Y. ruckeri revealed reduction in the mortalities in the groups fed with EA. The dietary EA stimulated the SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities in liver, head kidney and spleen as compared to the control group; however, a reverse trend was observed in the MDA levels of tissues. The present study suggest that EA can effectively enhance the haematological values, immune response, antioxidant capacity, and disease resistance in rainbow trout.

Formulation Optimization and Biopharmaceutical Evaluation of Imatinib Mesylate Loaded β-cyclodextrin Nanosponges.

Many researchers have prepared and evaluated nanosponges and claimed their advantages as an effective drug carrier, especially it was observed prominently in case of anti-fungal drugs. The materials employed to synthesize nanosponges were mainly crosslinking agents, different beta-cyclodextrin and other cellulose-based polymers. Many of them had used ratio proportions of cross-linking agents, d polymers to synthesize these nanosponges which ultimately produce a porous mesh-like network known as nanosponges where actually drug is encapsulated or loaded. In the present investigation, we observed the effect of various levels of crosslinking agents and beta-cyclodextrin concentrations on porosity, drug encapsulation, zeta potential and drug release by employing the quality by design approach to synthesize nanosponges rather than merely keeping both concentrations in proportions. We have slightly modified the method reported earlier i.e. melting method in which we have used rota evaporator receiver vessel for melting cross-linking agent and beta- cyclodextrin, rotated at 20 RPM at 100°C. In a quality by design approach, we observed that out of four dependent variables i.e. porosity, drug loading, zeta potential and drug release, three significantly depend on the crosslinking of beta-cyclodextrin molecules which is highly appreciated by the amount of cross-linking agent present in the reaction. The pharmacokinetics of Imatinib loaded optimized nanosponges were compared with the reference product to observe the pattern of absorption and disposition. Nanosponges synthesized by optimization technique could be effective means of anti-cancer drug oral administration as they encapsulate the drug effectively and offer a prolonged release of drug which gradually releases the drug and avoids unnecessary exposure of the drug.

Associative effects of wet distiller's grains plus solubles and tannin-rich peanut skin supplementation on in vitro rumen fermentation, greenhouse gas emissions, and microbial changes1.

Two sets of in vitro rumen fermentation experiments were conducted to determine effects of diets that included wet distiller's grains plus solubles (WDGS) and tannin-rich peanut skin (PS) on the in vitro digestibility, greenhouse gas (GHG) and other gas emissions, fermentation rate, and microbial changes. The objectives were to assess associative effects of various levels of PS or WDGS on the in vitro digestibility, GHG and other gas emissions, fermentation rate, and microbial changes in the rumen. All gases were collected using an ANKOM Gas Production system for methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) analyses. Cumulative ruminal gas production was determined using 250 mL ANKOM sampling bottles containing 50 mL of ruminal fluid (pH 5.8), 40 mL of artificial saliva (pH 6.8), and 6 g of mixed diets after a maximum of 24 h of incubation. Fermenters were flushed with CO2 gas and held at 39 °C in a shaking incubator for 24 h. Triplicate quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analyses were conducted to determine microbial diversity. When WDGS was supplied in the diet, in the absence of PS, cumulative CH4 production increased (P < 0.05) with 40% WDGS. In the presence of PS, production of CH4 was reduced but the reduction was less at 40% WDGS. In the presence of PS, ruminal lactate, succinate, and acetate/propionate (A/P) ratio tended to be less with a WDGS interaction (P < 0.01). In the presence of PS and with 40% WDGS, average populations of Bacteroidetes, total methanogens, Methanobrevibacter sp. AbM4, and total protozoa were less. The population of total methanogens (R2 = 0.57; P < 0.01), Firmicutes (R2 = 0.46: P < 0.05), and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio (R2 = 0.46; P < 0.03) were strongly correlated with ruminal CH4 production. Therefore, there was an associative effect of tannin-rich PS and WDGS, which suppressed methanogenesis both directly and indirectly by modifying populations of ruminal methanogens.

Effect of dried oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) plant material in feed on methane production, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and milk fatty acid composition in dairy cows

Essential oils (EO) from oregano may have antimicrobial properties, potentially representing a methane mitigation strategy suitable for organic production. This study aimed to (1) examine the potential of oregano in lowering enteric methane production of dairy cows fed differing levels of dried oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum) plant material containing high levels of EO; (2) determine whether differing levels of dried oregano plant material of another subspecies (Origanum vulgare ssp. vulgare) with naturally low levels of EO in feed affected enteric methane production; and (3) evaluate the effect of various levels of the 2 oregano subspecies (containing high or low levels of EO) in feed on rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and milk fatty acids. Each experiment had a 4 × 4 Latin square design using 4 lactating Danish Holstein dairy cows that had rumen, duodenal, and ileal cannulas and were fed 4 different levels of oregano. Experiment 1 used low EO oregano [0.12% EO of oregano dry matter (DM)] and evaluated a control (C) diet with no oregano and 3 oregano diets with 18 (low; L), 36 (medium; M), and 53 g of oregano DM/kg of dietary DM (high; H). Experiment 2 used high EO oregano (4.21% EO of oregano DM) with 0, 7, 14, and 21 g of oregano DM/kg of dietary DM for C, L, M, and H, respectively. Oregano was added to the diets by substituting grass/clover silage on a DM basis. Low or high EO oregano in feed did not affect dry matter intake (DMI) or methane production (grams per day, grams per kilogram of DMI, grams per kilogram of energy-corrected milk, and percentage of gross energy intake). Rumen fermentation was slightly affected by diet in experiment 1, but was not affected by diet in experiment 2. In both experiments, the apparent total-tract digestibility of DM, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber decreased linearly and cubically (a cubic response was not observed for neutral detergent fiber) with increasing dietary oregano content, while milk fatty acids were slightly affected. In conclusion, dried oregano plant material with either high or low levels of EO did not lower the methane production of dairy cows over 4 consecutive days, and no substantial effects were observed on rumen fermentation or nutrient digestibility. This conclusion regarding methane production is in contrast with literature and requires further study.

Effect of various levels of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) as feed supplement on growth performance, feed utilization , immune response and hematology of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings.

Effect of various levels of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) as feed supplement on growth performance, feed utilization , immune response and hematology of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings.

MyotonPRO 시스템을 이용한 여러 근 수축 수준이 천지굴근의 기계적 속성에 미치는 영향 연구

Objective: The purposes of this study were to understand the effects of various levels of force exertions on the mechanical properties of hand muscles and to evaluate the correlation between the changes of mechanical properties and muscle fatigue.BRBRBackground: Understanding mechanical properties of human muscles for any types of activities is very important to prevent muscle damages and injuries. Although electromyography (EMG) has been widely used to investigate the muscle activity and fatigue for human movements, EMG system may need a lot of effort and time to install, measure, and analysis. MyotonPRO which is a very simple and fast measurement device has been developed to understand muscle

EFFECT OF MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI ON SESAME PRODUCTIVITY UNDER WATER STRESS IN LOW-INPUT AGRICULTURE SYSTEM

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are organisms that cause to enhance the resistance of having fungi to water stress. To survey the effects of various levels of water deficit and two kinds of mycorrhizal fungi on quantitative and qualitative traits of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) cultivars, an experimental using factorial-split plot design was carried out with three replications in the research field of Agricultural Research Center, West-Azerbaijan in 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons. The main plots (factor A and B) included different levels of irrigation; normal irrigation (irrigation after 70 mm evaporation of crop (ETc)), moderate water stress (irrigation after 90 mm ETc) and severe water stress (irrigation after 110 mm ETc) and factor B included three levels: two kinds of mycorrhizal fungi Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus intraradices and non-inoculated (control). Sub plots (factor C) consisted of eight commercial cultivars of sesame named "single branch Naz", "several branches Naz", "Dashtestan 5", "Dashtestan 2", "Darab 2", "Darab 14", "Halil" and "Pal". Mean comparison of 2-yr showed that with enhancing severity of water deficit, all studied traits decreased. Severe water stress reduced seed yield, oil yield, protein yield and biological yield about 64, 65, 62 and 40 percent, respectively. Using two kinds of mycorrhizal fungi F. mosseae, R. intraradices compared to non-inoculated (control) traits quantitative and qualitative traits increased. Also in three different irrigation conditions, "Darab 2" and "Darab 14" were superior commercial cultivars. To improve quantitative and qualitative traits of sesame, use of mycorrhizal fungi, especially F. mosseae was found to be recommendable.

Effect of fiber and starch in concentrate feed on gastric ulcers in horses

Nine Quarter Horses were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square with replication to determine the effect of various levels of dietary starch on glycogen replenishment in the light working horse. Horses were fed Coastal bermudagrass hay at 1% BW/d with remaining calories met by a high (HS), medium (MDS), or low starch (LS) concentrate. Horses were transitioned to 1 of 3 diets over 7 d for a 14-d treatment period where they were then worked to fatigue in a standardized exercise test. Total diets provided an average of 1,206.67, 844.61, and 263.13 g of starch/d in HS, MDS, and LS, respectively. Horses were lightly exercised for 30 min 3 d/wk. Skeletal muscle biopsies were taken from the biceps femoris at rest, immediately after the standardized exercise test, and 24 and 48 h after exercise. Venous blood samples were taken at rest, immediately after exercise, 10 min after recovery, and 24 h after exercise. There was a greater resting muscle glycogen concentration (P = 0.009) when comparing HS with MDS (10.25 vs. 8.28 μg/mg wet weight). There was a greater concentration of glycogen 24 h after exercise (P = 0.04) when comparing LS with HS (9.52 vs. 7.68 μg/mg wet weight). High starch used more glycogen than MDS or LS. A slight reduction in glycogen after exercise for MDS and LS indicated that fat or protein may have been used as substrate for exercise. Results indicated that feeding 1,206.67 g of starch/d did not yield an advantage in recovery time over a MDS or LS diet.

Effect of various levels of dietary whole cottonseed on blood parameters and performance of Awassi lambs under heat stress

This study was carried out to determine the effect of whole cottonseed (WCS) supplementation on finishing performance and blood parameters of Awassi lambs under heat stress. The compositions of diets for the various treatments were i) control: concentrate without WCS plus 15% wheat straw; ii) 8.5% WCS, 76.5% concentrate and 15% wheat straw; and iii) 17% WCS, 68% concentrate plus 15% wheat straw. Twenty seven male Awassi lambs (4 - 5 months old) were allotted to three dietary treatments in equal numbers for each diet in a completely randomized design. Following 15 days of diet adaptation, lambs were fed the experimental diets ad libitum for 56 days. According to the finishing trial, average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (FI), dry matter intake (DMI), feed efficiency and water consumption were not affected by the inclusion of WCS. Only numerical increment of daily gain, FI and DMI was observed in the 8.5% WCS group. Supplementation of WCS did not affect blood glucose, urea, total protein, albumin and potassium levels, but blood cholesterol level was increased. Changes in scrotal circumference were observed with supplementation of 17% WCS. As a result, WCS can replace concentrate up to 8.5% of diet without negative effects on finishing performance of Awassi lambs under heat stress conditions. Keywords: Sheep, finishing, efficiency, gain, oil seed

Effects of curcumin on haematological values, immunity, antioxidant status and resistance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) against Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. achromogenes

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of various levels of dietary curcumin on growth performance, haematological values, immunity and protection against Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. achromogenes infection in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Fish were fed with diets containing different levels of curcumin; 0% (C), %1 (E1), %2 (E2) and %4 (E3), as treatment groups. After 8 weeks of feeding, the growth performance [weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR)], haematological values [the red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, haematocrit (Ht) level and erythrocyte indices: mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)], various immune parameters [white blood cell (WBC) count, oxidative radical production (nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) assay), phagocytic activity (PA) and phagocytic index (PI), total protein (TP) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels, serum bactericidal (BA), lysozyme (LYZ) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities] and antioxidant capacity [tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities] were analysed. In addition, fish were challenged by Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. achromogenes and survival rate was recorded for 14 days. The results indicated that the growth performance was significantly influenced by the dietary curcumin levels, the maximal WG and SGR occurred at fish fed the diet containing 2% curcumin. Fish fed the diet containing curcumin had lower FCR than those fed the control diet. The RBC count, Hb concentration, and Ht level increased in the groups fed with curcumin when compared with the control group. However, there were no significant differences in the MCV, MCH and MCHC values among experimental groups. All the chosen immune parameters were enhanced in the groups fed diets containing curcumin. Also, the relative percentage survivals were higher in the groups fed with curcumin, especially in the E2 group, compared to the control. The dietary curcumin stimulated the SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities in liver, head kidney and spleen as compared to the control group; however, a reverse trend was observed in the MDA levels of tissues. The highest values for haematological, immunological (except TP level of E3 group) and antioxidant parameters were found in the E2 group. These results collectively suggest that curcumin can be used in aquaculture to improve the growth, haematological values, immune responses, antioxidant capacity and disease resistance of rainbow trout, O. mykiss.

The effect of the source and dose of manganese on the performance, digestibility and distribution of selected minerals, redox, and immune status of turkeys

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of various levels of manganese added to the diet of growing turkeys in the conventional form of MnO or in the form of NP-Mn2O3 nanoparticles on growth performance, absorption, and accumulation of Mn, Zn, and Cu, and antioxidant and immune status. The experiment was conducted on 1080 one-day-old Hybrid Converter turkeys randomly assigned to 6 groups with 10 replications, in a two-factor design with three dosages of manganese - 100, 50, and 10 mg/kg, and two sources-manganese oxide (MnO) and manganese nanoparticles (NP-Mn2O3). Neither reducing the addition of Mn from 100 to 50 or even 10 mg/kg of the diet nor replacing MnO with NP-Mn2O3 had a negative effect on the growth performance of the turkeys. Replacing MnO with NP-Mn2O3 in the turkey diet improved ileal digestibility of Mn and decreased accumulation of Cu in the liver and breast muscle. The study showed that irrespective of the form used, reducing the level of Mn supplementation of the diet from the 100 mg/kg recommended by British United Turkey to 50 or 10 mg/kg decreased its ileal digestibility and increased its accumulation in the liver, breast muscle, and skin. Reducing the addition of Mn to the turkey diet increased intestinal absorption of Zn and reduced accumulation of Zn and Cu in the liver, breast muscle, and skin. It did not increase oxidation processes in the liver or breast muscle of the turkeys. Reducing the addition of Mn to the turkey diet stimulated the immune system, which was manifested by stimulation of B cells to produce immunoglobulin M and by the release of the cytokine IL-6, but did not intensify apoptosis. The results of the study indicate that the recommended manganese supplement in turkey diets can be reduced. The use of manganese nanoparticles in turkey feeding requires further study.

Effects of various levels of organic acids and of virginiamycin on performance, blood parameters, immunoglobulins and microbial population of broiler chicks

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of various levels of organic acids and virginiamycin on performance, blood parameters, immunoglobulin and microbial population of broiler chickens. This trial was conducted in a completely randomized design using five treatments and four replicates. The dietary treatments included a control diet without additives, diets containing 0.05%, 0.10% and 0.15% mixtures of organic acids, and a diet containing virginiamycin as an antibiotic. Based on the results, there was no significant effect of the experimental diets on feed intake of the broilers during the starter period. However, at the end of the grower period and throughout the rearing period, feed intake was significantly improved by experimental dietary treatments. Moreover, diets including organic acids enhanced the microbial population of broiler gut. Thus, the current findings support the conclusion that organic acids improve productive traits and health status in broiler chickens. Keywords: Broiler, growth, haematology, gut

A study to evaluate effect of PEEP and end-tidal carbon dioxide on optic nerve sheath diameter.

Background and Aims:PEEP is commonly used to improve postoperative respiratory outcomes in surgical and ICU patients. It is thought to increase ICP by impending CSF outflow and cerebral venous drainage. Hyperventilation is used to decrease ICP in patients having intracranial hypertension. We investigated the effect of various levels of PEEP and EtCO2 on ONSD as an indirect predictor of ICP in patients undergoing surgery under GA.Methods:After induction, different levels of PEEP and EtCO2 were applied to 50 patients. Sonographic ONSD was measured 5 minutes after stabilization of each new setting. Haemodynamic parameters like pulse, SpO2, BP were also recorded. Quantitative variables were expressed as Mean ± SD and compared across between follow-ups using paired t-test. Qualitative variables were expressed in number and percentage.Results:Baseline ONSD was 0.44 ± 0.06 cm. It increased significantly to 0.45 ± 0.07 cm, 0.47 ± 0.07 cm and 0.49 ± 0.07 cm after applying PEEP of 8, 12 and 15 cm H2O PEEP, respectively. It significantly decreased to 0.42 ± 0.06 cm, 0.41 ± 0.06 cm and 0.40 ± 0.06 cm after hyperventilation, EtCO2 range 35–37, 32–34 and 29–31 mm Hg. Results were statistically significant but clinically not significant.Conclusion:We conclude that there are acute and dynamic alterations in ONSD in response to hyperventilation and presence of PEEP in anaesthetised patients. Ocular sonography may be used as a reliable indicator of acute variations in ICP.

Effect of various levels of IBA and stem cutting sizes on propagation of dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus)

The experiment was conducted using two-factor CRD with IBA concentrations (0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 ppm) and stem cuttings of stems (5, 10 and 15 cm) lenth of dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) plant replicated thrice at Department of Horticulture, Nagaland University, SASRD, Medziphema, during 2016–17. The shoot growth and establishment of stem cuttings in field were best achieved with the application of IBA 1000 ppm even with smaller-sized cuttings of stems, while total nitrogen and protein content (%) were more with lower concentration of IBA (250 ppm). The cutting size of 15 cm recorded good shoot and root development even without the application of IBA. There was cent per cent survival of stem cuttings after one year of their planting.

Effects of NPKS on growth, yield and quality of late sown toria varieties (Brassica rapa L. var. toria) under rainfed condition of north-east India

Results on the effect of various levels of NPKS on toria varieties (Brassica rapa var. toria) revealed that the growth attributes (plant height, branches/plant, dry matter/plant) and yield attributes (siliquae/plant, seeds/silique, length of silique and 1000-seed weight), seed, stover and biological yield increased with increasing the levels of NPKS application. Application of 150% RDF, which was at par with 125% RDF but showed significantly superior to 100% RDF and the control. Similarly, the higher economics, nutrient content (NPKS) and uptake, oil, protein content of seed and their yield were also increased with increasing levels of fertilizers (NPKS) up to 150% RDF. Amongst the three toria varieties, TS-38 and TS-36 had significantly higher growth and yield over M-27. Similarly, the economics, nutrient content and their uptake, oil, protein content and their yield were also significantly higher in TS-38 followed by TS-36.

PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT OF ONION (ALLIUM CEPA L.) UNDER AGRO- CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF MANSEHRA, PAKISTAN

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of various levels of NPK fertilizers on the yield and yield contributing factors of onion.Treatments includes namely T1(00-00-00),T2(25-25-12.5),T3(50-50-25),T4(75-75-37.5)and T5(100-100-50) NPK kg/ha. All P and K fertilizer was applied as basal dose while Nitrogen was applied in split doses. The variety used in the study was Swat-1. Data revealed that at harvest maximum plant height of 53.8cm, No. of leaves/plant (7), No. of roots/plant (95), No. of bulb/plot ( 221), fresh weight/bulb (127.7g), bulb size (6.4 cm), and yield of 24.92 tons/ha were recorded in treatment T5 provided 100-100-50 NPK kg/ha followed by plant height of 52.2cm, No. of leaves/plant (6), No. of roots/plant (83), No. of bulb/plot(156) , fresh weight/bulb 118g , bulb size 5.7cm, and 23.87 tons/ha yield in treatment receiving 75-57-37.5NPK kg/ha. The minimum plant height of 46.3 cm, No. of leaves/plant (5), No. of roots/plant (55), No. of bulb/plot (114), fresh weight/ bulb (103.5 g) bulb size (5.05cm) and yield of 17.80 tons/ha was recorded in control plot (without NPK). Results indicates that NPK @100-100-50 kg/ha proved to be the optimal dose of fertilizer to get maximum yield of onion.