Higher Length Research Articles

Changes in Organic Acid Composition, Proton Efflux and Root Length in Rice Genotypes Differing in Grain Zinc Accumulation Efficiency

Background: Rice genotypes exhibit notable diversity in grain zinc content, with wild types accumulating higher levels than cultivated varieties, even in zinc-deficient soils. This study focuses on the wild rice genotype Karuppunel (Zn tolerant), along with cultivated varieties CO51 (Zn responsive) and ADT39 (Zn sensitive). The research explores the relationship between the composition of organic acids in root exudates, proton efflux and root length at various growth stages under both +Zn and -Zn conditions. Methods: The experiment was conducted by growing rice genotypes Karuppunel, CO51 and ADT39 under two different zinc applied conditions. Non target based metabolomics was done to study the alterations in organic acid composition in root exudates using LC-MS/MS. Proton efflux was studied by the methodology given by Bashan et al., (1989) and root length was measured from the plant’s base to the tip of the longest root. The data was analyzed by using Metaboanalyst 5.0 software and Origin Pro 2023b, version 10.0.5.157. Result: By non-target metabolomics we identified 14 organic acids were identified in rice root exudates across growth stages in response to zinc. Random Forest analysis’s variable importance plot consistently highlights nicotinic acid in Karuppunel, regardless of zinc conditions. Karuppunel exhibits higher proton efflux of 4.23 and 5.12 ìmole H+ g fresh weight-1 h-1 followed by CO51 i.e., 3.76 and 4.14 ìmole H+ g fresh weight-1 h-1 under +Zn and -Zn respectively, while ADT39 shows lower proton efflux. Despite varying zinc conditions, root length increases across stages, with Karuppunel consistently having the highest length, particularly at grain-filling of 16.65 cm under +Zn and 15.75 cm under -Zn. Understanding these physiological changes may contribute valuable insights for breeders in designing zinc nutrient acquisition-focused breeding programs.

Investigating the effects of nutrition priming on germination indicators, the concentration of elements in seeds, and growth rate in the initial stages of Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.)

Insufficient stand establishment and low seedling development of Persian Clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.) are major problems. A study involving laboratory and greenhouse conditions was conducted to determine seed priming effects on germination rate and growth index. To determine the best time for seed priming, pre-experiments were performed for 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 h. Afterward, germination parameters were measured in the laboratory by 16 different nutrient priming (B, Fe, Mg, Ca, and a combination of these) and two priming duration (one and two hours selected from pre-experiment). The greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the ability of nutrition priming with B + Fe + Mg + Ca to compensate for the deficiency of these soil nutrients where growth index (CGR and LAI) and SPAD index were measured in four treatments (control, nutrition priming, Nitrogen as starter fertilizers and nutrition priming + Nitrogen as a starter). Laboratory data for pre-experiment showed that one and two hours of hydro priming was suitable for clover seed. One hour of hydro priming led to a significant increase in germination rate (20%), length (26%) and weight (10%) vigor. Control, Priming with B + Ca, B + Mg and B + Mg + Ca led to highest germination percentage (≈96%), also B + Ca caused the highest length and weight vigor (61 and 2.22). The greenhouse experiment data illustrated that nutrition priming increased by about 10% in TDW, 23% in LAI, and 4% in SPAD index in the first 40 days of early growth stages, but increased by 27% in CGR, 47% in LAI, and 10% in SPAD index if combined with the application of nitrogen as a starter fertilizer.

Analysis of architecture of chrysanthemum plantlets in response to zinc oxide, silver and auxin treatment in shoot-tip culture

Nanotechnology creates opportunities to improve the micropropagation of horticultural plants. The aim of this study was to test the effects of zinc oxide submicron particles (ZnO SMPs), and nanoparticles (NPs) such as ZnO NPs, and ZnO+Ag NPs, at the concentrations of 100, 200, or 400 mg·L<sup>−1</sup>, on the growth parameters of Chrysanthemum × morifolium (Ramat.) Hemsl. ‘UTP Burgundy Gold’ and ‘UTP Pinky Gold’ plantlets propagated by shoot-tip culture on MS medium. Control shoot culture (without SMPs or NPs) and culture with auxin (MS with indole-3-acetic acid IAA) were also evaluated. Treatments with SMPs, NPs, and IAA stimulated the formation of leaves. Most often, plantlets treated with SMPs and NPs, especially with 100 and 200 mg·L<sup>-1</sup> ZnO SMPs, 100 mg·L<sup>-1</sup> ZnO NPs 1.5% H2O, and 100 mg·L<sup>-1</sup> ZnO+1% Ag NPs 1.5% H<sub>2</sub>O, produced leaves with the highest area, perimeter and horizontal width, compared to the control and the IAA treatment. Generally, shoot fresh and dry weights of plantlets treated with SMPs, NPs or IAA were higher compared to the control. The highest shoot fresh and dry weights were stated for 400 mg·L<sup>-1</sup> ZnO+1%Ag NPs 6% H2O and 100 mg·L<sup>-1</sup> ZnO SMPs, respectively, whereas the lowest shoot fresh and dry weights were found for 400 mg·L<sup>-1</sup> ZnO+1%Ag NPs 1.5% H<sub>2</sub>O. The highest values of root system fresh and dry weights were reported for IAA. Contrary, application of 400 mg·L<sup>-1</sup> ZnO+0.1%Ag NPs 6% H<sub>2</sub>O, ZnO+1%Ag NPs 1.5% H<sub>2</sub>O, and ZnO+1%Ag NPs 6% H<sub>2</sub>O resulted in the lowest fresh and dry weights of root systems. The auxin treatment also resulted in the highest length, area, and volume of the root system, as well as root diameter and number of root tips and forks. Nevertheless, the treatments with ZnO SMPs and ZnO NPs most often increased the root system parameters against ZnO+Ag NPs. The results are of scientific and practical importance for modulating chrysanthemum plantlets’ architecture during micropropagation.

Impact of seed priming with Selenium nanoparticles on germination and seedlings growth of tomato

Poor germination and seedlings growth can lead to significant economic losses for farmers, therefore, sustainable agricultural strategies to improve germination and early growth of crops are urgently needed. The objective of this work was to evaluate selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) as nanopriming agents for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seeds germinated without stress conditions in both trays and Petri dishes. Germination quality, seedlings growth, synergism-antagonism of Se with other elements, and fate of Se NPs, were determined as function of different Se NPs concentrations (1, 10 and 50 ppm). Results indicated that the germination rate in Petri dishes improved with 10 ppm, while germination trays presented the best results at 1 ppm, increasing by 10 and 32.5%, respectively. Therefore, seedlings growth was measured only in germination trays. Proline content decreased up to 22.19% with 10 ppm, while for same treatment, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total chlorophyll content increased up to 38.97% and 21.28%, respectively. Antagonisms between Se with Mg, K, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu and Mo in the seed were confirmed. In the case of seedlings, the N content decreased as the Se content increased. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) imaging confirmed that Se NPs surrounded the plastids of the seed cells. By this finding, it can be inferred that Se NPs can reach the embryo, which is supported by the antagonism of Se with important nutrients involved in embryogenesis, such as K, Mg and Fe, and resulted in a better germination quality. Moreover, the positive effect of Se NPs on total chlorophyll and TAC, and the negative correlation with proline content with Se content in the seed, can be explained by Se NPs interactions with proplastids and other organelles within the cells, resulting with the highest length and fresh weight when seeds were exposed to 1 ppm.

Growth performance of cleft grafted velvet apple (Diospyros discolor Willd.)

Velvet apple is usually propagated through seeds but seeded plants do not maintain its true-to-type quality. The present work was undertaken to study the fate of cleft grafting of five selected velvet apple genotypes during 2018 - 2019 at the Germplasm Center, Patuakhali Science and Technology University. The pot experiment was conducted in RCBD with two factors as scions and Days after Grafting (DAG) consisting of 10 replications of the scions. Scions from five promising mother plants were considered as treatments (Dumki-Dd-S1, Dumki-Dd-S2, Dumki-Dd-S3, Dumki-Dd-S4 and Mirzaganj-Dd-S5) and were cleft grafted on seedling rootstock of Dumki-Dd-R1. At 84 DAG, significant differences were observed among the scion treatments regarding the studied growth parameters. The days required to bud break varied significantly which ranged from 14 days (Dumki-Dd-S4) to 18 days (Mirzagonj-Dd-S5). The maximum length (54.30 cm) and diameter (2.00 cm) of rootstock were recorded in Mirzagonj-Dd-S5 at 84 DAG. However, maximum scion length (22.20 cm) and scion diameter (0.70 cm) were noted in Dumki-Dd-S1at 84DAG. The highest graft heights of Dumki-Dd-S2 (71.20 cm) and Mirzaganj-Dd-S5(71.50 cm) were statistically similar at84 DAG. Graft success was highest in Mirzagonj-Dd-S5(60.00%) followed by Dumki-Dd-S4 (40.00%) at 84 DAG. The maximum number of sprouted shoots (2.10) was counted in Dumki-Dd-S1, however, the highest length and diameter of sprouted shoot (7.1 cm and 0.66 cm, respectively) and maximum number of leaf (7.40 per graft) were found in Mirzaganj-Dd-S5during the study period. It could be concluded that, Mirzaganj-Dd-S5 and Dumki-Dd-R1showed the best stionic relationship for multiplication of velvet apple by cleft grafting. South Asian J. Agric., Vol. 9, No.1&2, 2022-‘23: 1-10

GENETIC EVALUATION OF MILK PRODUCTION TRAITS IN LOCAL GOAT

This study was conducted on 67 local doe goat, aged from 2-5 years old. The overall mean of TMY, DMY and lactation length of 1st and 2nd flocks were (130.541 ± 7.403 kg, 0.716 ± 0.033kg, and 182.432 ± 4.112 day) and (164.043 ± 8.788 kg, 0.832 ± 0.043 kg, 197.027 ± 2.650 day), respectively. The flock, age of doe, doe coat color, month of kidding and type of birth have significant effect on TMY and DMY, doe in 2nd flock production 33.502 and 0.116 kg milk/doe, respectively more than doe in 1st flock. Doe of five years old yielded (181.878 ± 10.171 kg /doe) and (0.892 ± 0.044 kg /doe/day) more milk than young doe. Doe kidding in Januarys were consistently produced high significantly (p≤0.001) more TMY (158.354 ± 7.076 kg /doe) and DMY (0.828 ± 0.033 kg /doe/day) in comparison with other groups. Doe with brown coat color produced significantly (p≤0.05) more TMY (165.205 ± 20.558 kg /doe) and DMY (0.835 ± 0.095 kg /doe/day) in comparison with other coat colors. Doe kidding twin’s kids were significantly (p≤0.05) yielded more TMY and DMY than single kids. The flock and age of doe significantly affected the lactation length, 2nd flock have higher length with 197.027 ± 2.650 day and higher lactation length recorded of doe with 5 years old with 200 ± 3.779 day. BLUP values for TMY of doe ranged from -130.65 to 224.77 kg/doe. The repeatability of DMY, fat%, protein% and lactose% in present study arrived 0.286, 0.319, 0.067 and 0.015 respectively. The MPPA value of TMY in this study ranged from 80.988 to 329.749. These results indicated the good genetic make-up of local goat for milk traits and the selection programs can play major role to increase production ability of local goat.

Association of reproduction with seasonality in a subtropical viviparous fish, Jenynsia tucumana (Cyprinodontiformes: Anablepidae)

For fishes in temperate environments, the timing of seasonal reproduction has been correlated with changes in photoperiod and temperature. In tropical environments, seasonal hydrological patterns have been found to be drivers of the onset of reproduction. Despite these established relationships, data on reproductive seasonality for viviparous fish are limited. Here, we investigate aspects of reproduction in the viviparous fish Jenynsia tucumana Aguilera & Mirande, 2005 over the course of 12 months in the Salí River basin (Tucumán, Argentina), which is characterized by dry, short winters, and long, tropical summers. Size and reproductive data were collected each month. We found J. tucumana displayed marked sexual dimorphism in size, with females having higher length and weight when compared to males. Larger females have higher fecundities compared to smaller females. The breeding season corresponds with seasonal changes in photoperiod, air temperature, and rainfall, but ends with the arrival of heavy rainfall later in the season. Interestingly, J. tucumana produce and mature oocytes year-round, unlike congeneric species. This may be an adaptive strategy imposed by the irregular flooding of subtropical mountainous river stream habitats, which maintain high productivity well into early autumn.

Co-supply with marine crustacean to enriched Artemia as food for the Patagonian red octopus (Enteroctopus megalocyathus) paralarvae

One of the most sensitive problems in the Patagonian red octopus (Enteroctopus megalocyathus) aquaculture is the high mortality of the paralarvae stage. Paralarvae are active hunters, and the enriched Artemia is the most traditional food for this species until 60 days after hatching (DAH). Then, the pre-settlement behavior appears, and co-feeding with juvenile sea crabs is initiated for another 30 days up to 90 DAH when settlement occurs and the paralarvae stage ends. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of marine juvenile crabs on the Patagonian red octopus paralarva's feeding history before the pre-settlement stage. Early paralarvae (1 to 15 DAH) were fed two diets: only enriched Artemia (A) or enriched Artemia plus juvenile crab (AC). At 15 DAH, one-half of each group was exchanged with the opposite treatment during the following 35 days of the experimental period. An experimental design resulted in four combinations of early and late diets, A-A, A-AC, AC-A, and AC-AC. The overall performance and the expression of genes related to fatty acid biosynthesis, antioxidant defense system, and stress response were evaluated in paralarvae at 15 and 50 DAH. Besides, fatty acids and amino acids were compared between the four combinations at 50 DAH. At 15 DAH, the main differences were the highest length and growth rate in paralarvae-fed AC. At 50 DAH, after 35 days fed the four combinations of early-late diets, no differences were detected in SGR. In contrast, those paralarvae of AC-A and AC-AC triplicate their survival upon A-A and A-AC. Paralarvae from the A-A combination resulted in the lowest protein content, highest ash, and the highest expression of FADS5. In comparison, paralarvae from the A-AC combination resulted in the highest 18:3n-3 and PUFA n-6 and the lowest amount of free serine. Precisely the contrary to paralarvae fed AC-AC. Therefore, the relevance of the first feeding until 15 DAH upon further paralarvae development is discussed, and how co-feeding with juvenile crabs improves the overall performance compared to using only enriched Artemia.

Influence of alumina on the formation process and morphology of silicon nitride whisker

β-Si3N4 whiskers were synthesized by heat treatment of α-Si3N4 and Y2O3 mixed powder, and different content of Al2O3 powder was introduced to adjust the synthesis condition and L/D. Introducing Al2O3 significantly accelerated the phase transformation from α-Si3N4 to β-Si3N4. The phase transformation can be completed at 1650 °C by introducing only 0.3 wt% Al2O3, and the phase transformation temperature was reduced by about 100 °C after 1.8 wt% Al2O3 was introduced. Y2O3 orients β-Si3N4 grain growth, while the role of Al2O3 is to reduce liquid viscosity, promote mass transfer, and accelerate grain growth. Introducing a small amount of Al2O3 and appropriately extending the holding time at a lower treatment temperature has been proven to be an effective method to obtain β-Si3N4 whiskers with higher length and diameter ratio (L/D) under mild conditions. High purity β-Si3N4 whiskers (99 wt%) were proved to be synthesized at low temperature (1650 °C) without pickling.

Agro-ecological Assessment of the Preponderance of Rill Erosion Channels under Different Land Cover Types in Humid Tropics of Akamkpa, Southeastern Nigeria

Agro-ecological assessment of proliferation of rill erosion channels in the humid tropic was conducted between January and July 2022. The purpose of the study was to seek possibility of preventing proliferation of rill erosion channels using a variety of crops; vetiver grass, potato plant, groundnut and fallow vegetation in erosion control. Different land slopes of 4, 5 and 6 per cents representing blocks 1,2 and 3 were used for the study. Soil samples were collected from each unit for laboratory determination of soil textural characteristics. Plots dimension of 10m x 80m were delineated on each slope to form a block. Sub plots of 10m x 10m were delineated from each block for each crops cover types. In-situ measurement of parameters, viz; number of rill erosion channels, length, width and depth of channels were accomplished. The total number of rill channels from each crops’ plot was statistically analyzed to determine their Coefficient of Variation (CV). The CV values for vetiver, potatoes, groundnut, fallow vegetation and control plot indicated; 40.50%, 31.11%, 60.62%, 38.00% and 62.50% respectively. Result of channel characteristics showed that fallow plot recorded the lowest number of channels of 1.8, width of 2.3cm and length of 142.5cm respectively. Average length and depth recorded in vetiver plots are 143cm and 1.6cm, Potatoes has a total depth of 2.2cm and length of 194.3cm. Similar result was recorded in fallow plot, indicating that vetiver, potatoes and fallow vegetation exhibited similar erosion control potential. Conversely, the highest length, width and depth and number of rill channels were traced to control plot with a mean of 3.8 spillways, depth of 4.8cm, width of 25.8cm and mean length of 312.5cm seconded by groundnut plot. Implying, soil protection as well as crop production can be guaranteed with the right choice of crops in the humid tropics

Impact of cardiac magnetic resonance channels to localize deceleration zones during VT ablation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Cardiac magnetic resonance has demonstrated to accurately identify voltage conduction channels and it is nowadays an important tool to analyze the arrhythmic substrate, to predict ventricular tachycardia (VT) events and to aid VT ablation. The characteristics of CMR channels (CMR-CCs) that predicts the presence of deceleration zone (DZ) have not been explored. Methods Forty-four consecutive patients with scar-related VT undergoing ablation after CMR (October 2018-July 2021) were included (medium age 64.8±11.6 years; 95.5% male; 70.5% ischemic heart disease, mean ejection fraction of 32.3±7.8). Characteristics of CMR-CCs were analyzed and correlation with DZs both in baseline maps and remaps were performed. Patients were prospectively followed for VT recurrence for one year. Results Overall, 129 automatically detected CMR-CCs were analyzed (2.89±1.83 per patient; length: 52.72±65.44mm (0.18–376.73), CC mass: 1.76±2.46grams (0.01–14.59); protectedness 19.02±24.51% (0.01–143.51)). Overall, 73.6% of CMR-CCs were associated with a DZ: 58.1% CMR-CCs in baseline map and 15.5% with a DZs not observed initially but in remaps. The univariate analysis showed that channels associated with DZs were longer (61.83±73.43 vs. 29.96±32.55, OR 1.01, p0.004), with higher border zone mass (2.02±2.75 vs. 1.09±1.44, OR 1.28, p0.031) and more protectedness (21.90±27.23 vs. 11.46±14.20, OR1.02, p0.036). VT recurrence after one-year follow up was 21.95%. Conclusions Pre ablation CMR can accurately identify channels that correlates with DZs that could be targets for ablation, especially those CMR-CCs with higher length, border zone mass and protectedness. Additionally, some channels not related with DZ in the first map have a clear DZ after abolishing the first region of slow conduction, suggesting a very useful role of CMR to detect potential DZs.

PO-04-122 IMPACT OF CARDIAC MAGNETIC RESONANCE CHANNELS TO LOCALIZE DECELERATION ZONES DURING VT ABLATION

Cardiac magnetic resonance has demonstrated to accurately identify voltage conduction channels and it is nowadays an important tool to analyze the arrhythmic substrate, to predict ventricular tachycardia (VT) events and to aid VT ablation. The characteristics of CMR channels (CMR-CCs) that predicts the presence of deceleration zone (DZ) have not been explored. To analyze the correlation between CMR-CCs and deceleration zones in isochronal late activation maps. Forty-four consecutive patients with scar-related VT undergoing ablation after CMR (October 2018-July 2021) were included (medium age 64.8±11.6 years; 95.5% male; 70.5% ischemic heart disease, mean ejection fraction of 32.3±7.8). Characteristics of CMR-CCs were analyzed and correlation with DZs both in baseline maps and remaps were performed. Patients were prospectively followed for VT recurrence for one year. Overall, 129 automatically detected CMR-CCs were analyzed (2.89±1.83 per patient; length: 52.72±65.44mm (0.18–376.73), CC mass: 1.76±2.46grams (0.01–14.59); protectedness 19.02±24.51% (0.01–143.51)). Overall, 73.6% of CMR-CCs were associated with a DZ: 58.1% CMR-CCs in baseline map and 15.5% with a DZs not observed initially but in remaps. The univariate analysis showed that channels associated with DZs were longer (61.83±73.43 vs. 29.96±32.55, OR 1.01, p0.004), with higher border zone mass (2.02±2.75 vs. 1.09±1.44, OR 1.28, p0.031) and more protectedness (21.90±27.23 vs. 11.46±14.20, OR1.02, p0.036). VT recurrence after one-year follow up was 21.95%. Pre ablation CMR can accurately identify channels that correlates with DZs that could be targets for ablation, especially those CMR-CCs with higher length, border zone mass and protectedness. Additionally, some channels not related with DZ in the first map have a clear DZ after abolishing the first region of slow conduction, suggesting a very useful role of CMR to detect potential DZs.Tabled 1Univariate analysis of channels characteristics and the primary endpoint (slow conduction properties) (PO-04-122)Total (n=129)Slow conduction (n=95)Non-slow conduction (n=34)ORpLength per channel (mm)52.72±65.44 (0.18–376.73)61.83±73.4329.96±32.551.01 (1-1.03)0.004Mass per channel (grams)1.76±2.46 (0.01–14.59)2.02±2.751.09±1.441.28 (0.97-1.7)0.031Width per channel (mm)4.94±1.91 (0.01–9.34)4.97±1.894.67±2.041.08 (0.88-1.31)0.465Protectedness per channel (mm)19.02±24.51 (0.01–143.51)21.90±27.2311.46±14.201.02 (1-1.05)0.036Layers:- Endocardium- Mesocardium- Epicardium- Endo/Meso- Meso/Epi- Transmural.48 (37.2%)7 (5.4%)26 (20.2%)21 (16.3%)8 (6.2%)19 (14.7%).3052215717.1824612.0.41 (0.18-0.91)0.89 (0.16-4.81)2.26 (0.72-7.12)0.88 (0.31-2.48)2.63 (0.31-22.16)3.49 (0.76-15.97).0.030.890.160.360.360.09Number of layers per channel3.05±2.32 (1–9)3.32±2.462.50±1.801.16 (0.96-1.4)0.104Number of AHA segments per channel2.28±1.20 (1–8)2.47±1.361.85±1.031.56 (1.01-2.4)0.028 Open table in a new tab

Efficient Decoding Algorithm for Binary Quadratic Residue Codes Using Reduced Permutation Sets

The Quadratic Residue (QR) codes have a rich mathematic structure. Unfortunately, their Algebraic Decoding (AD) is not generalizable for all QR codes. In this study, an efficient hard decoding algorithm is proposed to generalize the decoding of the binary systematic Quadratic Residue (QR) codes. The proposed decoder corrects t erroneous bits or less, in the received word, based on a reduced set of permutations derived from the large automorphism group of QR codes. This set of permutations is applied to the received word to move the error positions and trap all of them in redundancy. Then, to evaluate the proposed method, we applied it to many binary QR codes of moderate code length starting with 17 until 113 with reducible and irreducible generator polynomials. The proposed decoder was validated by inserting all possible error patterns, that have t or less erroneous positions, as input of the proposed decoder and the output is always a correct codeword. The complexity study, in terms of the number of operations used, reveals that the light permutation decoding LPD algorithm significantly decreases decoding complexity without performance loss. So, it is qualified to be a good competitor to decode QR codes with lower lengths but is the best for QR codes with higher lengths.

Biometric evaluation of the freshwater snail Pila globosa (Swainson, 1822) from the river Ganga in Bihar, India

Length-frequency distribution, morphometry, length-weight relationship, relative condition factor and sex ratio of the apple snail Pila globosa (Swainson, 1822) were studied from the river Ganga. A total of 922 specimens were collected during July 2020 to June 2021, ranging from 3.53 to 62.99 g and from 16.49 to 59.78 mm (shell length). Length-frequency distribution revealed that more than 50% of male and female specimens were within 35 to 45 mm in length and only few (1.58%) female specimens were observed in the higher length (>55 mm). Females have significantly longer shells and are heavier than males. Shell length has the strongest correlation with shell width (r=0.974) and the least with penultimate whorl length (r=0.855). Length-weight relationship, indicated that the species has negative allometric growth (b<3). The relative condition factor was 1.07 for males, 1.00 for females and 1.01 for pooled data. Sex ratio (M:F) statistically deviated from the hypothetical ratio of 1:1, indicating a heterogeneous snail population (1:1.9, p<0.05). Keywords: Ganga River, Growth pattern, Shell morphology, Snail Sex ratio

Modeling the river-aquifer via a new exact model under a more general function of river water level variation

The interaction between surface water and groundwater is a significant topic in groundwater-related problems. This study suggests an exact model based on Laplace transformation to calculate the groundwater flow in river-aquifer systems. Exact models play an important role in simulating the future behavior of river-aquifer systems. Therefore, investigation of the exact models for river-aquifer systems is a hot topic in the hydraulics of groundwater flow modeling. The objective of this research is to present new exact models for simulating the hydraulics of groundwater flow in river-aquifer systems with a more general function of river level variation under recharge by means of Laplace transform method. A general function is adopted to describe the river level variation, in which some situations such as linear, exponential and power of time variations in the river level can be treated as special cases. The effects of variations in aquifer parameters on groundwater hydraulic head are evaluated. It is shown that the groundwater hydraulic head grows slower in aquifers with a greater thickness or hydraulic conductivity. In addition, the effect of changes in specific storage is too little on the groundwater hydraulic head. The variations in hydraulic heads due to changes in recharge rate with different values of thickness, hydraulic conductivity, specific storage, and length are analyzed. It is observed that the groundwater hydraulic head in an aquifer with a lesser length, higher hydraulic conductivity or higher thickness is less sensitive to a change in the recharge rate than in an aquifer with a higher length, lesser hydraulic conductivity or lesser thickness. Furthermore, it is shown that the differences in hydraulic heads due to the increase in recharge rate are not significant for different values of specific storage. The results of the present new exact models are successfully verified by the results obtained from the analytical solution of Bansal and Das. Also, for more reliability, the results are compared with those results of MODFLOW. The results show that the presented new exact models are accurate, robust and efficient. One of the advantages of the solutions is to investigate the sensitivity analysis of aquifer parameters, which has been carried out in this paper. Furthermore, in the present research a more general function describing river level variation is considered, in which the linear, exponential and power of time variations are special cases.

In-vitro effects of sucrose and ascorbic acid on induction and shelf-life of micro-tuber of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) genotypes

Background: Cassava production faces threat from postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD). The PPD is usually observed within the first 72 hours of harvest. Therefore, extending the shelf-life of cassava root-tubers by few days could reduce appreciable financial losses. Objective: This study is aimed to investigate effects of sucrose and ascorbic acid on induction and shelf-life of micro-tubers of cassava cultivars using an In-vitro model. Method: Effect of sucrose (30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 g/L) on the micro-tuber induction was determined after 45 days in these cultivars (TME 1333 and TME 2060). The optimal level was later combined with ascorbic acid (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/L) to investigate its effect on micro-tubers shelf-life during a 10-day storage. Each study was laid out in factorial under CRD with 5 replications. Results: The 30 g/L sucrose (control) produced the utmost number of micro-tubers (4.33), highest length (6.68 cm), and fresh weight (0.1495 g). The cultivar ‘TME 2060’ had longer (5.26 cm) and higher fresh weight (0.1079 g) than ‘TME 1333’ with 5.04 cm and 0.0977 g respectively. Ascorbic acid (100 mg/L) significantly delayed the discolouration of micro-tubers over a 10-day storage. Also, the 100 mg/L ascorbic acid produced the least percentage of deteriorated micro-tubers. Conclusion: Results demonstrate the roles of sucrose and ascorbic acid in micro-tuber formation and antioxidant activity in delaying PPD. Therefore, we propose for In-situ production (via breeding strategy) of vitamin C-fortified cassava varieties in order to control the incidence of PPD and in turn improve farmer`s economy.

Effect of stone color, dosage and alkali type on Ahlat Stone (volcanic origin) based geopolymer concretes

In this study, the usability of volcanic based Ahlat Stone for the production of geopolymer concrete was investigated using two different physical colors (beige and black) of Ahlat Stone, two different alkali activators, NaOH + Na2SiO3 and KOH + Na2SiO3, and three different dosages (400, 500 and 600 kg/m3). The pozzolanic activity index, fresh unit weight, compressive and flexural strength, capillary absorption, length change, radiation absorption properties and microstructure analyze with scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDS) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) of the mixtures were examined. The photon interaction parameters such as effective atomic number (Zeff) and half value layer (HVL) were obtained experimentally and theoretically. According to the results, the pozzolanic activity index was determined as beige-colored Ahlat Stone was higher than the black-colored due to the high of Si content. The sample included KOH has the lowest capillary absorption ration with increasing value depending on dosage. Black Ahlat Stone has the higher length changes at early ages and compressive strengths comparing with the beige one. Microstructure analyzes revealed that black Ahlat Stone including KOH, has more reticulated and compact structure than the other sample. Optimum results were obtained in the production of Ahlat Stone based geopolymer concrete by using KOH + Na2SiO3, 500 kg/m3 and black Ahlat Stone. Moreover, the samples with KOH were more effective in absorbing radiation.

Effects of application of nitrogen and vermicompost on growth performance and yield of Bari Chinashak-1 (Brassica chinensis L.)

A field experiment was carried out at the Horticulture Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh from March to May 2018 to investigate the effects of various doses of nitrogen and vermicomposton growth and yield performance of BARI Chinashak-1. The research work comprised of two factors, factor A: four doses of nitrogen viz., (i) N0-0 kg N/ha, (ii) N1-90 kg N/ha, (iii) N2-120 kg N/ha and (iv) N3-150 kg N/ha and factor B: Three doses of vermicompost viz.,(i) V0-0 ton/ha, (ii) V1-3 ton/ha and (iii) V2-5 ton/ha. The tallest plant (38.71 cm), maximum leafnumber /plant (13.99), highest length (34.99 cm) and breath (22.70cm) of leaves and maximum yield (26.27 t/ha) were recorded when 150 kg N/ha was applied. The shortest plant (31.03 cm), minimum leaf number/plant (11.82), shortest length (28.31 cm) and breath (18.50 cm) of leaves and minimum yield (18.34 t/ha) was found in the plots that did not get any nitrogen (0 kg N/ha). In case of vermicompost, the maximum plant height (36.79 cm), number of leaves/plant (13.97), the highest leaf length (33.84 cm) and breath (22.09 cm) and maximum total yield (24.70 t/ha) was observed at 5 ton/ha, whereas the shortest plant (33.32 cm), minimum number of leaves/plant (12.22), the lowest leaf length (29.68 cm) and breath (19.57 cm), and minimum total yield (20.98 t/ha) was observed with 0 ton/ha. For combined effect, the tallest plant (40.56 cm), maximum leaf number (15.33), length (36.50 cm) and breath (24.11 cm) of leaves, plant spread (77.10 cm) were observed from N3V2combination.

Effects of drying temperature of corn from the center and extremities of the corncob on morphology and technological, thermal, and pasting properties of isolated starch

The corn grains from the extremities of corncob are known to have a spherical shape and the grains from the center of corncob have higher length and less thickness. It is understood that these differences in grain dimensions can affect post-harvest processes and the properties of the starch isolated from these grains. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effects of drying temperature (60, 80, and 100 °C) of corn from the center and extremities of corncob on morphology and technological, thermal, and pasting properties of isolated starch. Increasing the drying temperature results in reduced starch extraction yield and purity, and increases the thermal resistance of the starch. When the grains from the center and extremities were separated after drying at 80 and 100 °C, there was an intensification of these changes in the starch isolated from the corn from the center of the corncob. This condition results in a higher reduction in starch extraction yield, purity, and water-binding capacity. For the corn from the center, separation before drying at 100 °C increased the starch extraction yield from 16.42 to 23.09% and the luminosity (L*) from 96.96 to 98.28 and reduced the residual protein content from 2.56 to 1.33% and yellowness (b*) from 15.55 to 11.39. The results showed that the industrial separation of corn grains with different dimensions can increase the starch extraction yield by 35–40%.

A comparison of maxillary sinus diameters in Chinese and Yemeni patients with skeletal malocclusion.

This study aimed to compare the maxillary sinus dimensions and surface area in accordance with skeletal malocclusion, gender and ethnicity factors in a sample of Chinese and Yemeni patients. This cross-sectional study analysed 180 maxillary sinuses using 180 lateral cephalometric radiographs. The patients were subdivided into two ethnic groups: Chinese and Yemeni. Each ethnic group comprised 90 patients, and men and women were divided equally. Each ethnic group was classified into three skeletal classes using ANB and Wits appraisal (skeletal Classes I, II and III). Pearson's correlation coefficient was also used to assess the relationship between maxillary sinus dimensions and cephalometric parameters. Men had larger maxillary sinuses than women; skeletal Class II had a higher length and surface area increase than other skeletal classes, although skeletal Classes I and II were almost equal in height. Except for the maxillary sinus length, none of these findings were statistically significant. The maxillary sinuses in Chinese are larger than those in Yemenis (P = 0.000). These variables were positively correlated with SNA, SNB and Co-A. The maxillary sinus length and Co-Gn were positively correlated. The NA-APO and NA-FH angles were also correlated with the maxillary sinus surface area. However, the gonial and GoGn-Sn angles negatively affected the maxillary sinus dimension and surface area. Men had larger maxillary sinuses than women in both ethnic groups, and Chinese individuals had larger maxillary sinuses than Yemenis. Skeletal Class II malocclusion of both ethnicities had larger maxillary sinus dimensions. Furthermore, the maxillary sinus dimensions correlated with cephalometric parameters.