Local Varieties Research Articles

Language Attitudes in a Historic Latino Community: The Case of Spanish in Northwest Indiana

Despite the burgeoning Latino population in the Midwest, research on language attitudes in this region remains sparse. This study addresses this gap by examining language attitudes and beliefs towards Spanish in the Northwest Indiana region, one of the oldest Latino immigration gateways in the Midwest. Data collected from a 2018–2019 sociolinguistic survey, involving 236 participants representative of the local Latino community, form the basis of the analysis. The study aims to elucidate attitudes towards various Spanish dialects, particularly the local variety. Findings indicate widespread acceptance of the local Spanish variety, with participants viewing its divergence from Mexican or Puerto Rican Spanish as normal and inevitable. Despite perceptions of linguistic mixing with English, the community’s Spanish is valued as an effective communication tool and cultural asset, including in educational settings. This positive attitude towards a stigmatized linguistic variety suggests a preference for any form of Spanish over none, particularly in situations of low Spanish language maintenance. The study of language attitudes shows that speakers will tend to reproduce in their speech new ways of speaking that they find acceptable. This generalized behavior, in turn, leads toward linguistic change.

Fruiting Characteristics and Molecular-Assisted Identification of Korla Fragrant Pear Bud Mutation Materials

Korla fragrant pear is a high-quality local pear variety native to Xinjiang, China. Currently, the low fruit-setting rate and low calyx shedding rate problems in Korla fragrant pears have been highlighted, which seriously affect the fruit yield and quality. It is of great significance to research the fruiting characteristics and molecular-assisted identification of Korla fragrant pear bud mutation materials for enriching the germplasm resources of Korla fragrant pear. In this research, a natural pollination group (YB) of Korla fragrant pear bud mutation materials and a natural pollination group (CK) of Korla fragrant pears were established. On the fruiting characteristics, the fruit-setting rate and calyx-removal rate of the two groups were investigated. In terms of fruit quality, the fruit shape index, fruit specific gravity, soluble solids content, sugar:acid ratio, soluble sugar content, and other indicators were measured. For the anatomical structure of the calyx tube, the detachment cells were observed. The formation time of the two groups of detached cells was compared. In the GBS simplified genome sequencing, a phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the obtained SNP sites. A principal component analysis, population genetic structure analysis, and genetic diversity index analysis were carried out. In the aspect of SSR molecular marker identification, the SSR types were counted. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was performed. The results demonstrate the following: (1) the fruit-setting rate (30.87%) and calyx-removal rate (68.11%) in the YB group were significantly higher than those in the CK group (19.37%) and the calyx-removal rate (55.18%). (2) There was no significant difference in fruit quality indexes, such as average fruit weight (127.10–130.00 g) and soluble sugar content (9.47–9.56%) between the two groups. (3) Abscission-layer cells were observed at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 h after calyx tube discoloration in the YB group and at 48, 72, and 96 h after calyx tube discoloration in the CK group. (4) The genetic background of the YB group and the CK group was similar at the GBS level, but there were differences at the DNA level. This research finally shows that Korla fragrant pear bud mutation material is a good germplasm resource. This germplasm resource can promote the structural optimization of Korla fragrant pear varieties and the healthy development of the industry.

Isolation and characterization of probiotic lactic acid bacteria from local yogurt and development of inulin-based synbiotic yogurt with the isolated bacteria

Synbiotic yogurts can offer several potential benefits due to the combination of yogurts probiotics, prebiotics, and the nutritional qualities of milk. Local yogurt variants might add to the variety of probiotic alternatives because they frequently have distinct microbial communities. Employing indigenous strains not only represents cultural preferences but also increases the probability of obtaining bacteria adapted to the surrounding environment. This study was intended to isolate and characterize potential lactic acid bacterial strains from local yogurt and assess the effectiveness of inulin on the physicochemical and microbiological properties during the fermentation of synbiotic yogurt. A total of eight strains were identified and isolated. Two chosen isolates were combined with inulin at 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 % concentrations to produce synbiotic yogurts. The physicochemical and microbiological properties were assessed during the fermentation process of synbiotic yogurts. The result showed that the isolated Lactobacillus spp. and Streptococcus spp. strains had probiotic characteristics and good growth. After the fermentation, the yogurt sample containing 1.5 % inulin had the highest count of Lactobacillus spp. (8.17 ± 0.01 log CFU/ml) and Streptococcus spp. (8.03 ± 0.03 log CFU/ml), highest optical density (2.931 ± 0.001), acidity (1.43 ± 0.03), and water-holding capacity (63.54 ± 0.51), and lowest syneresis (34.75 ± 0.48). The addition of inulin did not affect color during the fermentation of synbiotic yogurt. This study concluded that inulin could boost yogurt's stability when combined with local lactic acid bacteria strains.

In silico designing of multi-epitope vaccine against canine parvovirus using reverse vaccinology.

Canine parvovirus (CPV-2) is a highly contagious virus affecting dogs worldwide, posing a significant threat. The VP2 protein stands out as the predominant and highly immunogenic structural component of CPV-2. Soon after its emergence, CPV-2 was replaced by variants known as CPV-2a, 2b and 2c, marked by changes in amino acid residue 426 of VP2. Additional amino acid alterations have been identified within VP2, with certain modifications serving as signatures of emerging variants. In Brazil, CPV-2 outbreaks persist with diverse VP2 profiles. Vaccination is the main preventive measure against the virus. However, the emergence of substitutions presents challenges to conventional vaccine methods. Commercial vaccines are formulated with strains that usually do not match those currently circulating in the field. To address this, the study aimed to investigate CPV-2 variants in Brazil, predict epitopes, and design an in silico vaccine tailored to local variants employing reverse vaccinology. The methodology involved data collection, genetic sequence analysis, and amino acid comparison between field strains and vaccines, followed by the prediction of B and T cell epitope regions. The predicted epitopes were evaluated for antigenicity, allergenicity and toxicity. The final vaccine construct consisted of selected epitopes linked to an adjuvant and optimized for expression in Escherichia coli. Structural predictions confirmed the stability and antigenicity of the vaccine, while molecular docking demonstrated interaction with the canine toll-like receptor 4. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated a stable complex formation. In silico immune simulations demonstrated a progressive immune response post-vaccination, including increased antibody production and T-helper cell activity. The multi-epitope vaccine design targeted prevalent CPV-2 variants in Brazil and potentially other regions globally. However, experimental validation is essential to confirm our in silico findings.

Evaluation of the characteristics of G1 genotypes in Tai Nguyen seasonal rice (Oryza sativa) in Tra Vinh province

Tai Nguyen variety is a local seasonal rice variety, grown in some districts in Tra Vinh province. This rice variety has delicious rice and is highly adaptable to acidic and saline soils in the Mekong delta. Phenotypic variation of agronomic characters was investigated to eliminate the genetic diversity of the Tai Nguyen populations. Forty G1 individuals with the same maturing day and uniform agro-morphological characteristics were selected for G2 generation at 3 locations as Chau Thanh, Tra Cu and Cau Ngang of Tra Vinh province. The agronomic indexes of 40 Tai Nguyen rice lines in the G1 crop reached the following average values such as culm length 128.8 cm, number of branches 40.5, leaf length 53.4 cm, leaf width 1.0 cm, number of panicles 34.8, panicle length 24.7 cm, total number of firm seeds 134.3, total number of seeds 170.7, grain length 8.4 mm, grain width 2.4 mm, dry weight 193.0 g, and weight of 1000 grain 22.9 g. The comparison results have selected the 13 best G1 lines to be used as raw materials for the G2 crop

Genotype x Environment Interaction and Stability of Heading Time and Grain Yield of 12 Open Pollinated Sorghum Varieties across Different Agro-ecological Zones in Burkina Faso

Sorghum is the most important crop grown in Burkina Faso and is a staple food for millions of people in rural areas. However, sorghum grain production is mainly from local varieties which are low yielding. Introduced exotic varieties were high yielding but low adopted due to bad grain quality for local dishes. Therefore, it is important to popularize new varieties that meet farmer’s needs. We assessed the agronomic performance and stability of 12 sorghum varieties in different agro-ecological zones in Burkina Faso. Studies were conducted in one location (Kamboinse research station) during 2022 and in six locations (Farako-Bâ, Kamboinse, Fada, Sabou, Zoula and Andemtenga) during rainy season 2023. Twelve sorghum varieties including checks (Kapelga, ICSV 1049) were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with genotypes as studied factors. Agromorphological parameters along with midge damage and number of Striga plants were collected in all the sites. Genotypes, environments and genotype × environment interactions were significant for heading time and grain yield. The varieties had different heading times and different grain yields within environments and across the six environments. The GGE biplot discriminated the study areas into a unique mega-environment for heading time and three mega-environments for yield potential. The majority of varieties yielded more than the average sorghum yield in sub-Sahara Africa, however low yielding varieties were found in environments affected by biotic and abiotic constraints. Some high yielding varieties (Sariaso 43 = 3960.94 kg/ha, 014-SB-EPDU-1004 = 3681.64kg/ha, Sariaso 42 = 3478,52 kg/ha and Sariaso 39 = 3427.73 Kg/ha) were clearly identified in constraintless mega-environments of Kamboinse and Farako-Ba. In conclusion, the GGE biplot analysis revealed that Sariaso 43 was the best genotype that combined suitable heading time and high grain yield across environments. The best performing genotypes for heading time were Sariaso 39 and PR3009B for grain yield. Identified high yielding varieties will be submitted for released and cultivation in suitable agro climatic areas.

Recovering Alpine Secale cereale (Rye) Varieties: Insights from Genetic, Agronomic, and Phytochemical Analyses to Support Sustainable Mountain Agriculture Economy

Rye (Secale cereale L.) cultivation has a long history in the Alpine region, where local ecotypes have been honed through generations of human selection. Despite the introduction of commercial varieties during the 20th century, traditional ecotypes are believed to persist in Valtellina, especially in the medium/upper valley (Teglio and Bormio). Our study aims to identify and preserve these local rye ecotypes by comparing them to commercial varieties. We examined 14 rye accessions through population genetic analyses (by using eight SSR makers), agronomic trials (germplasm characters, plant traits, and yields), and phytochemical analyses (total phenolic compound, flavonoids, and the radical scavenging activity). Two commercial varieties were used—one from Poland, previously genetically characterized (C_POL_P1; i.e., P1 ancestry), and one with an unknown origin. Additionally, we analyzed eleven accessions from Valtellina (medium and upper valley) and one from another alpine valley in South Tirol (Laimburg; LAI). Molecular markers analysis revealed the presence of two distinct genetic lineages: the first (P1) comprised all Teglio accessions and the commercial one from Poland, while the second (P2) grouped the two alpine accessions from Bormio (upper Valtellina) and South Tirol, along with a commercial one of uncertain origin. The clusters P2 exhibited significantly lower average values of the number of alleles (z = 2.03; p < 0.05), Shannon index (z = 2.35; p < 0.05), and expected heterozygosity (z = 1.97; p < 0.05) than in P1. Significant differences were observed in plant traits and agronomic performance between P1 and P2 accessions, with the latter displaying superior traits. For instance, the seed weight of germplasm was the highest in P2 (H(chi2) = 22.44; p < 0.001). Phytochemical analyses did not reveal a clear pattern between genetic lineages but identified some very well-performing Valtellina landraces in terms of scavenging activity. Characterizing these local rye varieties helps establish a short food supply chain to support Valtellina’s mountain economy. The medium valley (P1) and upper valley (P2) varieties have the potential for agroecological valorization, benefiting local farmers. Phytochemical analyses identified better accessions within P1 and P2 for nutraceutical use and commercialization. Additionally, selecting and conserving resilient ecotypes can address future challenges from extreme climate conditions.

Some Aspects of Lexical Variation in Na-Našo/-u (Molise, Italy)

Molise Croatian is a Štokavian Ikavian variety brought from the East Adriatic coast to the region of Molise at the end of the 15th and the beginning of the 16th century. Today it is spoken in three out of four officially recognized Croatian Molise villages in the region of Molise in south Italy, namely those of Mundimitar / Montemitro, Kruč / Acquaviva Collecroce, and Filič / San Felice del Molise, but even there its use has been declining, and intergenerational transmission is interrupted in some parts of the community. The aim of the paper is to present and discuss aspects of diatopic variation in lexicon between the three local varieties on the basis of the terms collected in a local language documentation project and published in Vocabolario polinomico (Sportelli linguistici 2020).

Эффективность использования куриного помета при выращивании зерна озимой пшеницы

In this paper, the possibility and effectiveness of using chicken manure as an organic fertilizer "Soil improver (UP-1)" is studied. "Soil improver (UP-1)" was obtained by adding the plant growth regulator "Mephosphone" to chicken manure. The drug "Mephosphone" is intended for the cultivation of grain crops, as well as the production of organic products. Experimentally, the prospects of using the drug "Mephosphone" to accelerate the processing of organic waste have been revealed. As a result of the research, field data were obtained on the cultivation of winter wheat of the Kazanskaya 560 Elite variety in the fields of JSC Agrofirma Ak Bars - Pestretsy. The introduction of chicken manure - "Soil improver (UP-1)", treated with the drug "Mephosphone" was carried out according to the described method. The local variety of winter wheat "Kazanskaya 560" Elite with a seeding rate of 280 kg/ha was used as an experimental crop. The predecessor was perennial herbs. Before the experiment and after harvesting, soil was selected for analysis from both experimental fields with an area of 300 hectares from 6 random plots at a layer depth of 0-20 cm. As a result of field tests, an increase in the yield of grain of the Kazanskaya 560 Elite variety was recorded when applying chicken manure. In the experimental plots, the yield was 33.5 and 36.0 c/ha. The grown grain with the use of chicken manure treated with the preparation "Mephosphone" meets the basic quality requirements and is practically not inferior to the grain of the control group, which allows it to be freely used for processing into flour of proper quality. Analysis of the indicators of experimental soil samples shows that they do not exceed the requirements of scientific and technical documentation. Thus, the resulting soil is safe for humans and agricultural production. The proposed technology for processing poultry waste will improve the environmental situation around modern poultry farms, reduce the use of unprocessed chicken manure as fertilizers, replacing it with higher-quality and environmentally friendly organic fertilizers formed as a result of anaerobic disposal of manure.

Population Dynamics and Integrated Pest Management of the Fall Armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith; Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Maize in Rivers State, Nigeria

Population dynamics and integrated pest management investigations of the fall armyworm (FAW) on maize conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture Teaching and Research farm, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria, made notable findings for the effective management of this notorious pest. This study involved 3 maize varieties namely Bende White (a local white variety), Oka (a local yellow maize) and Oba Super 98 (an improved white variety); two cropping patterns i.e. sole maize, and maize-yam intercrop; pheromonal trapping and pesticide (Kartodim 315EC). Pesticide applications were at 3 different phases (2WAP, 4WAP, and zero application as control, respectively). The pheromonal trap catches aided tracking of the pest’s population dynamics over the study duration showing the arrival times, build-up, peaks and falls. There was no significant difference in FAW populations between sole and intercrop plots; although 3 population peaks were found in maize-yam intercrop (at day 5, 7 and 17) against 2 peaks (day 4 and 15) in the sole maize. Oka variety showed significantly higher mean maize ear damages from FAW attacks (6.36 ± 2.45), compared to Bende (5.71 ± 2.87) and Oba 98 (4.77 ± 2.64) (p < 0.05), implying that Oba 98 may be the best maize variety for cultivation in this locality.

THE PERFORMANCE OF SEVEN ELITE MAIZE ACCESSIONS FROM DIFFERENT AFRICAN ORIGINS UNDER RAIN-FED CONDITIONS IN SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Maize is an important cereal crop, and millions of Africans rely on it as a major source of carbohydrates in their diet. Grain yield from local maize varieties is generally low. Evaluation of different maize genotypes within a specific region is one way to identify and introduce varieties with high yield potential. This study assessed the yield and agronomic traits of 6 exotic maize accessions and a local variety to compare the performance of the exotic accessions with the local variety. The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design with four replications. The treatments included six exotic maize accessions, TZM386, TZM85, TZM16, TZM109, TZM392, and TZM1330, and a local variety ‘Uwep’ the result indicated that there were no significant differences in plant height and plant population at anthesis. Grain yiel among all accessions was not greater than 0.5 t/ha in 2020 but ranged between 1-3 t/ha in 2021. There were no significant differences in grain yield and components between the exotic and local accessions in 2021. In 2020, TZM 386 outperformed the local variety (uwep) in grain yield, ear weight, and number of ears/ha. Multiple linear regression showed a high dependence of grain yield on the growth parameter-plant height and the yield component ear no/ha in 2020 and 2021. This study has revealed differences in yield traits between the local and exotic accessions. The maize accession TZM 386 showed potential for higher grain yield and yield components and appears to be a promising candidate for further research.

Karakteristik Durian Lokal Sinapeul di Dusun Sinapeul Kecamatan Ujungberung, Majalengka

Durian (Durio spp.) is a tropical fruit with high economic and cultural value in Indonesia. As a member of the genus Durio, there are nine consumable species of durian, with D. zibethinus being the most widely cultivated. Indonesia boasts various types of durian, differing in taste, aroma, and flesh color, which are crucial assets for increasing the number of superior parent plants. Durian is renowned for its unique taste and offers numerous benefits, including consumption as fresh or processed fruit, use in anti-aging treatments, and blood pressure improvement. Morphological identification of durian is essential for determining fruit quality, which is vital in plant breeding. The Sinapeul durian, a local variety from Majalengka, has unique characteristics and significant economic value, but knowledge about its distribution remains limited. This research aims to analyze the distribution and characteristics of the Sinapeul durian around the area of PT. Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa Tbk Unit Palimanan Cirebon, to support conservation and sustainable utilization efforts, and to provide a basis for the propagation of the increasingly rare Sinapeul durian

Results of estimating promising winter barley varieties and lines

The current paper has presented the results of an analysis of promising winter barley lines and varieties developed by the FSBSI “Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy” to select valuable genotypes for breeding programs. The basis for the analysis of the studied samples was the methodology for a comprehensive estimation of breeding results, developed by the researchers from the FSBSI “ARC “Donskoy” and the FSBEI HE DSTU. The study was conducted at the FSBSI “Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy” in 2021–2023. Sowing was carried out in 6-fold repetition, the local variety ‘Timofey’ was taken as a standard. There have been analyzed 14 economically valuable traits, identified as the most significant according to the methodology for a comprehensive estimation of barley breeding identifiers. The purpose of the current study was to conduct a comparative estimation of breeding winter barley lines according to the most significant traits for the selection of promising samples. The studied varieties and lines were ranked according to a set of traits and properties into three groups, such as promising, not very promising, and unpromising. The promising group included the new varieties ‘Step’ and ‘Alabai’, sent to the State study in 2, 5, 6 and 8 regions of the Russian Federation in 2022 and 2023, respectively, as well as the lines ‘Parallelum 2015’, ‘Parallelum 2136’, ‘Pallidum 2100’ and ‘Bezosty 2074’, characterized by high indicators of a complex of basic economically valuable characteristics and properties. These samples are being planned to send to the State Commission of the Russian Federation for Testing and Protection of Breeding Achievements.

Manifestation of the Effect of Growth Heterosis in Intraspecific Hybrids of Soft Wheat

The presented article presents the results of the study of height inheritance in hybrid combinations of the first generation (F1) of bread wheat. The research was conducted in the 2019-2020 growing season at the Apsheron District Experimental Farm under irrigation conditions. In 32 combinations of hybrids of the first generation (F1), obtained as a result of reciprocal crossing of 9 local varieties («Mirbashir-128», «Azeri», «Gobustan», «Fatima», «Gyrmyzy gul-1», «Murov-2», «Askeran», «Matin» and «Onur»). Studied the height of plants in comparison with parental forms and determined the degree of true heterosis and dominance. In the studied hybrid combinations, a variety from high dominance to depression was found in the transmission of heredity. When analyzing hybrids of bread wheat of the first generation (F1) according to the inheritance of plant height, high dominance was determined in 19 combinations (59.4%), depression — in 8 combinations (25.0%), intermediate heredity - in 5 combinations (15.6% ). Positive heterosis was revealed in 19 combinations (59.4%), negative heterosis - in 13 combinations (40.6%). As a result of the research, it is possible to initially conclude that it is possible to obtain low-growing hybrids by involving in the hybridization a variety of the same height.

Cluster Front Line Demonstrations on New Chickpea Varieties in Western Parts of Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh

Background: Cluster Front Line Demonstrations were conducted to study the comparative performance of new chickpea varieties in the western parts of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. These demonstrations were conducted at twenty five locations during the Rabi season of two consecutive years (2019-20 and 2020-21). Methods: Three improved chickpea varieties (Nandyal Gram-3, Nandyal Gram-49 and Nandyal Gram-452) were selected to implement these demonstrations and the improved varieties were compared with the locally grown JG-11 variety. Result: During two years of assessment, the pooled results revealed that the highest mean number of pods (51.3) per plant and average pod yield (2234 kg ha-1) were recorded in Nandyal Gram-452 compared to local variety JG-11 (41.2 pods per plant; 1862 kg ha-1). The lowest incidence of fusarium wilt was recorded in Nandyal Gram 452 (6.14%) followed by Nandyal Gram 49 (9.73%) and Nandyal Gram 3 (12.04%) compared to JG-11 (15.83%). The lowest dry root rot was also observed with Nandyal Gram-452 variety (10.92%) compared to JG-11 (18.19%). The higher average net income (80486 Rs ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.9) were realized in the demonstration with the improved Nandyal Gram-452 variety in comparison to lower net income (58370Rs ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.3) with JG-11. These results clearly indicated that the improved chickpea variety Nandyal Gram 452 is the best alternative old variety JG-11 which is being cultivated since 2005.

Productivity and thermal requirement of fodder oat varieties under different micro-environments in Bihar

A field experiment was carried out at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur during Rabi season, 2021–22. The experiment was conducted using a split plot design with three varieties of fodder oat (Kent, JHO-822 and Local) in main-plots and four different sowing dates (15th November, 25th November, 5th December and 15th December) in sub-plots with three replications. The results obtained from the experiment showed that ‘JHO-822’ recorded 9.4 and 29.5% higher green and dry fodder yield than local variety and accumulated the highest meteorological indices (GDD, HTU and PTU) and resulted in the highest HUE and PTUE. Among different micro-environments, seeding on 15th November recorded the highest green and dry fodder yield with substantially greater values of agro-meteorological indices which decreased with advancement of sowing date. Per day delay in sowing resulted in 0.7% decrease in green fodder yield and 1.2% decrease in dry fodder yield.

Physico-Chemical and Nutritional Evaluation of Flour Made from an Under-Utilized Food Crop Buckwheat

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) is widely regarded as a pseudo-cereal among economically significant yet underutilized crops. Nutritionally, it is comparable to or even superior to major cereals such as rice, wheat, and maize, particularly in terms of protective nutrients. Buckwheat is a gluten-free pseudo-cereal known for its high nutritional content and numerous scientifically proven health benefits. Its nutritional appeal lies in its high lysine content, absence of gluten due to lack of prolamin, and substantial protein levels. For processing buckwheat, seeds from a local variety were sourced from Roing, located in the Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh (Latitude: 28.17194, Longitude: 95.82454). The physico-chemical properties of the seeds were analyzed by measuring parameters such as length, width, bulk density, thousand kernel weight, moisture, crude protein, total fat, total ash, crude fiber, and in vitro protein digestibility. The study reported that buckwheat is an excellent source of protein, fiber, dietary fiber, and minerals. The nutritional content of buckwheat flour was determined as follows: moisture, 12.08%; ash, 2.33%; fat, 0.89%; protein, 12.84%; carbohydrates, 66.54%; energy content, 325.53 Kcal/100g; crude fiber, 5.38 g/100g; dietary fiber, 18.28 g/100g; protein digestibility, 74.38%; and carbohydrate digestibility, found to be low. The sodium and potassium contents were 3.7 mg/kg and 66.2 mg/kg, respectively. These findings highlight the nutritional benefits of buckwheat, showcasing its potential as a valuable food source, especially for those needing a gluten-free diet and seeking high-protein, high-fiber alternatives to traditional cereals.

Multidimensional Identity as Bricolage: Indexing Race and Place in Bakersfield, California

While traditional variationist research has been critiqued for positioning ethnic and regional variation in terms of separate “lects,” recent work has adopted a more nuanced view in which racialized subjects can combine individual linguistic resources to index multiple identities. Expanding upon this perspective, this paper explores how 12 African Americans in Bakersfield, California, combine elements of a local variety— California Vowel Shift (CVS)— and elements of a racialized variety— African American Language (AAL) via their realization of BOOT-fronting, BAT-backing, and the BOT-BOUGHT merger. While African Americans front BOOT and increasingly back BAT over time— as predicted by the CVS— they maintain a BOT-BOUGHT distinction— a pattern in line with descriptions of AAL. These patterns, which do not mirror either CVS or AAL in a wholesale way, align with the aforementioned perspective describing the linguistic practices of racialized individuals as a fluid linguistic repertoire, in which individual variables can be leveraged to articulate identity in complex ways. Relatedly, conversations in gender and linguistics have used bricolage as a theoretical framework to describe a similar phenomenon. Bridging these disciplinary conversations, it is argued that through stylistic bricolage, speakers draw from a fluid linguistic repertoire to articulate their identities as multidimensional.

Implementing Internet of Things for Real-Time Monitoring and Regulation of Off-Season Grafting and Post-Harvest Storage in Citrus Cultivation: A Case Study from the Hilly Regions of Nepal

Citrus fruit cultivation, especially mandarin oranges, is crucial to the economy of Nepal’s hilly regions due to their ideal geoclimatic conditions. Despite its economic importance, the sector faces several challenges, such as inadequate grafting techniques, low-quality saplings, and ineffective post-harvest storage. This paper explores these issues and proposes innovative solutions through the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology. To address these challenges, we identified key areas for improvement. First, we focused on extending grafting practices during the off-season to ensure a higher success rate and better-quality saplings. Second, we examined different post-harvest storage methods to determine their effectiveness in terms of shelf life, decay loss, and quality of fruit. In addition to exploring post-harvest strategies, this paper provides preharvest recommendations for farmers, emphasizing methods to enhance fruit quality and longevity through effective pre-storage practices. Our IoT-based approach introduces off-season grafting in polyhouses and advanced monitoring for post-harvest storage. The results are promising: We achieved grafting success rates of 91% for acid lime and 92% for local mandarin orange varieties. Additionally, our research compared different post-harvest storage methods for mandarin oranges, including room, cellar, and cold chamber. We assessed these methods based on shelf life, physiological weight loss, and the total soluble solids (TSS) to titratable acidity (TA) ratio. The cold chamber proved to be the most effective method, offering superior conditions for storing mandarin oranges. The IoT-based monitoring system played a crucial role in maintaining optimal temperature, humidity, and gas content within the cold chamber, resulting in reduced post-harvest losses and extended shelf life. These findings highlight the transformative potential of IoT technology in mandarin orange cultivation and post-harvest storage.

Nutritional composition, fatty acids, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of Nigella sativa seed grown in Bangladesh

Black cumin seeds are extensively utilized for foods, cosmetics, and medicinal purposes. The current investigation was undertaken to analyzse the nutritional values, fatty acid compositions, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant roles of different black cumin genotypes available in Bangladesh. The genotype BSK-2074 had a higher content of proximate composition of crude oil (35.17%), crude protein (23.51%), total carbohydrate (35.23%), moisture (6.54%), ash (3.74%), crude fiber (8.12%), and gross energy value (644.88 kcal/100 g) than the released varieties and cultivars of black cumin available in Bangladesh. The major fatty acid profile of the seed-oil of the BSK-2074 genotype revealed that the oil contained a high amount of linoleic (59.39%), oleic (25.72%), palmitic (13.11%), and stearic (2.25%) acids, as well as a low amount of arachidic, linolenic, myristic, behenic, palmitoleic, lignoceric, and eicosadienoic acids. Moreover, the genotype BSK-2074 contained a high amount of unsaturated (UFAs, 85%), and low content of saturated (SFAs, 18%) fatty acids, and the ratio of UFAs to SFAs was higher (4.39–5.37). Again, the seeds of the genotype BSK-2074 were also enriched in different minerals, viz., calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. Moreover, total phenolic contents (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) were found significantly higher in the genotype BSK-2074 (478.47 ± 7.33 mg GAE/100 g and 284.07 ± 2.08 mg QE/100 g, respectively) than the local Kalozira variety (316.48 ± 2.33 mg GAE/100 g and 120.53 ± 3.57 mg QE/100 g) found in Bangladesh. The activities of antioxidants 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were found significantly higher in BSK-2074 (37.93% and 129.65 ± 0.19 mg GAE/100 g), than the local Kalozira variety (98.09% and 193.75 ± 0.19 mg GAE/100 g). Thus, the new genotype, BSK-2074, was identified and suggested as the most promising and nutritionally enriched genotype of black cumin.