Maximum Beta Research Articles

Optimal production and purification of n.c.a.143Pr as a promising palliative agent for the treatment of metastatic bone pain

This study proposes the beta-emitting radioisotope 143Pr as a promising candidate for palliative treatment of metastatic bone pain due to its desirable physical decay characteristics. An optimized process was developed for the production and purification of non-carrier-added 143Pr using a medium flux research reactor. Calculations were performed to determine the optimal irradiation time and cooling period for irradiating 1 mg of natural cerium oxide to indirectly produce 143Pr through the decay of 143Ce. Following irradiation and cooling, extraction chromatography was employed to efficiently isolate 143Pr from the irradiated target material. A column containing Ln-resin was used along with nitric acid as the mobile phase and an optional oxidation step with NaBrO3/ascorbic acid to separate 143Pr from impurities such as 143Ce and 141Ce. Radionuclidic purity of over 99.995% was achieved as confirmed through gamma spectroscopy, demonstrating effective separation of 143Pr. Additional quality control analyses established the chemical and radiochemical purity of the purified 143Pr nitrate product. With a half-life of 13.6 days and maximum beta energy of 0.937 MeV, 143Pr exhibits favorable properties for palliative bone pain therapy. This study therefore provides a viable method for producing high-purity 143Pr through the optimized irradiation and purification processes described. Further investigation is warranted to explore potential clinical applications of 143Pr for palliation of metastatic bone cancer pain.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials Assessing Clinical and Haemodynamic Outcomes of Ivabradine in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction Patients

Ivabradine, a pure bradycardic agent, can be given to heart failure reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients with a sinus rhythm of ≥70 bpm on a maximum beta blocker dose, or when beta blockers are contraindicated. This study aimed to see how ivabradine affects the clinical and haemodynamic outcomes of HFrEF patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis searched ClinicalTrials.gov, OpenMD, ProQuest, PubMed, and ScienceDirect for potential articles. All relevant data were extracted. For all pooled effects, the random effect model was applied. A total of 18,972 heart failure (HF) patients from nine randomised clinical trials (RCTs) were involved in this study. Ivabradine decreased the risk of HF mortality (RR 0.79; 95% CI 0.64-0.98; p=0.03) and HF hospitalisation (RR 0.80; 95% CI 0.65-0.97; p=0.03). Ivabradine was related to a greater reduction in heart rate (MD -12.21; 95% CI -15.47 - -8.96; p<0.01) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improvement (MD 3.24; 95% CI 2.17-4.31; p <0.01) compared with placebo. Asymptomatic bradycardia (RR 4.25; 95% CI 3.36-5.39; p<0.01) and symptomatic bradycardia (RR 3.99; 95% CI 3.17-5.03; p<0.01) were higher in the ivabradine group. Ivabradine can reduce the risk of HF mortality and HF hospitalisation in HFrEF patients. Ivabradine also effectively reduces resting heart rate and improves LVEF. However, ivabradine is associated with a greater risk of symptomatic and asymptomatic bradycardia.

The radioactivity levels and beta dose rate assessment from dental ceramic materials in Egypt

There is a lack of available data on the radioactivity levels of these materials, despite the potential risks they may pose to patients, dental technicians, and dentists. A total of forty samples were collected from different dental markets in Egypt. Using an NaI(Tl) detector, the gamma-ray spectrometer measured the activity levels of uranium-238, radium-226, thorium-232, and potassium-40. The findings revealed that the mean concentration of 238U (below the minimum detectable activity, MDA), 226Ra (135 ± 5 and 132 ± 5 Bq/kg), 232Th (187 ± 4 and 243 ± 8 Bq/kg), and 40K (1560 ± 52 and 2501 ± 89 Bq/kg) in feldspar and zirconia (ZrO2) dental ceramic samples, respectively, were all within the limits established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the European Commission (EC). The use of feldspar and zirconia dental ceramics to restore all teeth would result in an estimated maximum beta dose of 1.5 mGy/year to the oral tissue. The results suggest that there is no cause for concern regarding any additional beta dose to the oral cavity from the use of feldspar and zirconia dental ceramics.

Gross alpha/beta activity concentrations in imported bottled drinking water in Saudi Arabia

This research assessed the gross alpha and beta activity levels in bottled drinking water imported to Saudi Arabia, applying the evaluation process recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO's approach for examining alpha and beta activity in drinking water consists of an initial phase of screening for gross alpha and beta levels to determine the need for further analysis. This is followed by a detailed assessment of specific radionuclide concentrations if initial screening levels are surpassed. The study utilized the evaporation method as a standard procedure to quantify the gross alpha and beta activity levels. Each water sample underwent evaporation, after which the activity levels of the residual matter were measured. Gross alpha activity was analyzed using a ZnS (Ag) scintillator detector system, while gross beta activity levels were gauged using a proportional counting system. The methodologies for determining gross alpha and beta activities align with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards ISO 9696 and ISO 9697, respectively. The research identified the maximum alpha and beta activity levels to be 0.18 Bq/L and 0.34 Bq/L, respectively. These values were evaluated against the WHO guidance threshold values of 0.5 Bq/L for gross alpha and 1.0 Bq/L for gross beta activities, confirming that the exposure remains below the individual dose criterion of 0.1mSv/year. The estimated committed effective doses fell under the WHO's advised cap of 0.1 mSv annually, indicating the safety of the water samples for consumption. The study recommends the analysis of a larger set of samples over extended periods for increased assurance.

Green synthesis of highly functionalized heterocyclic bearing pyrazole moiety for cancer-targeted chemo/radioisotope therapy

New derivatives of heterocyclic bearing pyrazole moiety were synthesized (eight new compounds from 2 to 9) via green synthesis methods (microwave-assisted and grinding techniques). 4,6-Diamino-1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-5-carbonitrile (2) shows high anti-cancer activity against both HepG2 and HCT-116 with IC50 of 9.2 ± 2.8 and 7.7 ± 1.8 µM, respectively, which referenced to 5-Fu which is showing activity of 7.86 ± 0.5 and 5.35 ± 0.3 against both HepG2 and HCT-116, respectively. The cytotoxic activity against HCT-116 and HepG2 was slightly decreased and slightly increased, respectively, by a different pyrazole moiety (compound 5). Pharmacokinetics of compound 2 was carried out using the radioiodination technique in tumour-bearing Albino mice which shows good uptake at the tumour site. The biodistribution showed high accumulation in tumour tissues with a ratio of 13.7% ID/g organ after one hour in comparison with 2.97% ID/g organ at normal muscle at the same time point. As I-131 has maximum beta and gamma energies of 606.3 and 364.5 keV, respectively, therefore the newly synthesized compound 2 may be used for chemotherapy and TRT.

Pristine/folate-functionalized graphene oxide as two intrinsically radioiodinated nano-theranostics: self/dual in vivo targeting comparative study

BackgroundNanomedicine offers great potentials for theranostic studies via providing higher efficacy and safety levels. This work aimed to develop and evaluate a new nanoplatform as a tumor theranostic probe.ResultsCarboxyl-functionalized graphene oxide nanosheets (FGO) was well synthesized from graphite powder and then conjugated with folic acid to act as a targeted nano-probe. Full characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation were conducted; besides, in vivo bio-evaluation was attained via intrinsic radioiodination approach in both normal and tumor-bearing Albino mice. The results indicated that FGO as well as conjugated graphene oxide nanosheets (CGO) are comparatively non-toxic to normal cells even at higher concentrations. Pharmacokinetics of FGO and CGO showed intensive and selective uptake in the tumor sites where CGO showed high T/NT of 7.27 that was 4 folds of FGO at 1 h post injection. Additionally, radioiodinated-CGO (ICGO) had declared a superior prominence over the previously published tumor targeted GO radiotracers regarding the physicochemical properties pertaining ability and tumor accumulation behavior.ConclusionsIn conclusion, ICGO can be used as a selective tumor targeting agent for cancer theranosis with aid of I-131 that has a maximum beta and gamma energies of 606.3 and 364.5 keV, respectively.

Optimization of Process Conditions (Blanching Time and Temperature) on the Beta Carotene Content of Diced Orange Flesh Sweet Potato

Optimization of process condition (blanching and drying) on the beta-carotene content of orange fleshed sweet potato (mother delight) using response surface methodology was studied. Sweet potatoes were washed, peeled, diced, blanched, and dried at various temperature ranges. Nutritional composition of the fresh and dried samples was determined using standard methods. A three-factor central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was used to study the effects of blanching time (X1), blanching temperature (X2), and drying temperature (X3) on the beta-carotene content of the orange fresh sweet potato. Fourteen experimental combinations were produced with six replicates at the center point to generate twenty (20) runs. The sweet potato was blanched at a temperature range of 60-900C for 3-5 minutes and dried at a temperature ranging between 70-800C. the result showed that the beta-carotene content of fresh sweet potatoes was 8403µg and dried ones ranged from 4401µg to 2826µg. Sweetpotato processed for 3mins (blanching time), at 900C (blanching temperature) and 700C (drying temperature) produced the maximum beta carotene. The experimental data was fitted to a second-order polynomial equation using multiple regression analysis and the quadratic model was highly significant (p&lt;0.05).

A study of dynamic hand orthosis combined with unilateral task-oriented training in subacute stroke: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy case series.

BackgroundMotor dysfunction in the upper extremities after stroke prohibits people with stroke from being independent in daily living. The application of fNIRS to explore brain activity under rehabilitation intervention is a research focus on neurorehabilitation.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to explore, using a grip-release ring motor task, the activated changes of regions of interest and changes in motor function utilizing fNIRS technology and test scales on persons with stroke who received unilateral task-oriented therapy with a hand orthosis in the early subacute stroke period before and after intervention. The study aimed to find a sensitive motor task and region of interest first, then to evaluate the feasibility and mechanism of this rehabilitation method by utilizing fNIRS technology in the next randomized controlled trial.MethodsIn this case series, eight right-handed, right hemiplegia subacute stroke persons (6 males,2 females from age 47 to 72) were enrolled. They received 30 min of unilateral task-oriented therapy without orthosis and 30 min of unilateral task-oriented therapy with orthosis (5 days/week) for 4 weeks. Activated channel numbers and beta values based on oxygenated hemoglobin concentration change using a grip-release ring motor task were estimated with fNIRS. Clinical outcome measures, including grip strength evaluation, action research arm test, and Fugl-Meyer assessment of the arm, were evaluated at the same time.ResultsIndividual activation analysis showed that, after intervention, Subjects 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8 had the maximum mean beta value located in the left premotor cortex, while Subjects 4 and 5 had the maximum mean beta value located in the left sensorimotor cortex. The activation analysis of Subject 3 showed the maximum mean beta value located in the right premotor cortex. Deactivations of left sensorimotor cortex, left premotor cortex, and bilateral prefrontal cortex were observed after intervention which were different from other cases. Group activation analysis showed that bilateral cerebral hemispheres were activated in all eight participants, with right hemisphere and right supplementary motor cortex activated dominantly. After the intervention, the activation of bilateral hemispheres decreased but in different brain regions; there was a trend that the activation intensity of left sensorimotor cortex, right premotor cortex, and right prefrontal cortex decreased while activation intensity of left premotor cortex and left prefrontal cortex increased. Each participant demonstrated improvements in all the clinical test scales after intervention.ConclusionsLeft premotor cortex, left sensorimotor cortex, and right supplementary motor cortex may be the primary regions of interest. Grasp-release ring task was not appropriate to achieve our fNIRS research objective and a more sensitive motor task or more sensitive evaluating indicator should be used in further studies.

Langetermijnoverleving na bètaceltransplantatie bij patiënten met diabetes mellitus type 1 in België: een overzicht en retrospectieve studie

Long-term survival after beta cell transplantation in patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 in Belgium: a review and retrospective study Diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) is a condition associated with loss of functional beta cell mass and the need for intensive insulin treatment. Despite the technological advances in recent decades (continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pumps), there are still patients who suffer from problematic hypoglycemia and severe glycemic variability. Beta cell transplantation may offer them a therapeutic solution. Belgium has several decades of experience with this therapy. Beta cell transplantation starts with the right choice of donors and the isolation of sufficient numbers of functional beta cells. Immunosuppressive therapy is necessary for the acceptance of the beta cells within the recipient’s body and requires close monitoring. Approximately 60% of the patients who have received at least 2 transplants of 2 million beta cells per kg, have a successful clinical transplant function 1 year after transplantation. Patients below 40 years of age clearly do worse than older patients. Of the latter group, 1/5 still has an optimal transplant function and protection against hypoglycemia after 5 years. The number of transplanted beta cells is insufficient to permanently stop insulin. Adequate immunosuppression, the maximum functional beta cell mass achieved after transplantation and the age of the recipient at the time of the transplantation appear to be important factors. According to this study, beta cell transplantation remains a valid therapy for DM1 patients with problematic hypoglycemia and high glycemic variability.

High precision measurement of the 151Sm beta decay by means of a metallic magnetic calorimeter

The beta decay of 151Sm was measured by means of a metallic magnetic calorimeter. The measurement and subsequent analysis yielded a beta spectrum with an outstanding high-energy resolution of about 70 eV (FWHM) at 22 keV and a very low energy threshold well below 400 eV. The spectrum exhibited unexpectedly elevated beta emission probabilities at very low energy that we have not been able to reproduce in our theoretical study. The data analysis was thus scrutinized and an independent analysis of the same data set carried out. All new approaches have confirmed the previously found shape of the beta spectrum. The measured spectrum was compared to predictions from an advanced theoretical modeling that includes the atomic exchange effect, precise radiative corrections as well as the realistic nuclear structure that usually plays an important role in first forbidden non-unique transitions.The measured spectrum was then carefully analyzed to determine the maximum beta energy, which was found to be Q = 76.430(68) keV. The dominant beta decay of 151Sm populates the ground state of 151Eu, and a weak beta branch populates the first excited state of 151Eu. From our measurements, the probabilities of these two branches were determined to be 99.31(11)% and 0.69(11)%, respectively.

NPN Sziklai pair small-signal amplifier for high gain low noise submicron voltage recorder

Small signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and multiple noise sources, coupled with very weak signal amplitudes of bio signals make brain-computer interface (BCI) application studies a challenging task. The front-end recorder amplifiers receive very-weak signal (few μV) from high impedance electrodes and for efficient processing of such weak and low frequency (&lt;1 kHz) signals a high gain amplifier with very low operating voltage and low total harmonic distortion (THD) is required. Existing amplifiers suffer from problem of high non-linearity and low common mode rejection. A good sense amplifier at predeceasing stage can solve this problem. Utilizing very high amplification factor of Sziklai Pair, this paper proposes two circuit topologies of common-emitter and common-collector negative-positive-negative (NPN) Sziklai Pair small signal amplifiers suitable for use in preamplifier stages of such signal acquisition circuit. Present study provides broad-spectrum of analysis of these amplifiers covering effect of additional biasing resistance RA, variation of ‘ideal forward maximum beta’ β, temperature dependency, noise sensitivity and phase variation. The tunable capability of first topology makes it a suitable candidate in wide variety of other applications. The first amplifier operates on very low input voltage range (0.1μV-6mV) whereas the second amplifier works on 100 μV-11 mV range of input voltage.

High performance piezoelectric energy harvesting based on PVDF-SnS2 nanocomposite

This study focusses on fabricating flexile piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) based on polyvinyl fluoride (PVDF) – tin diselenide (SnS2) composite. 2D-SnS2 was synthesized via simple hydrothermal method and was mixed with PVDF to form the nanocomposite solution, which was then drop casted to form flexible thin films. The phase purity of prepared SnS2 powder was confirmed and characterized using X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Different weight percentages of SnS2 were added to bare PVDF to study the role of weight percentage on the output performance of the PENGs. The enhanced beta (β) phase of PVDF-SnS2 based PENGs was studied using XRD analysis, where a rise in the intensity of β-phase peak is observed, as the SnS2 concentration (by wt. %) is increased. In order to analyse the piezoelectric outputs, the generation of piezo voltage (open circuit, Voc) and piezo current (short circuit, Isc) were recorded and compared. The Voc and Isc of fabricated PENGs composing different weight percentages of SnS2 in PVDF, were reported to have higher Voc and Isc as compared to bare PVDF based PENGs. The trends of increasing β-phase and hence, increasing piezoelectric output on increasing the wt. % of SnS2 were observed. Thus, the PENG fabricated from PVDF thin film with maximum SnS2 concentration, i.e., 7 wt% shows maximum beta phase enhancement and hence, maximum piezoelectricity.

Genetic variability studies for horticultural traits in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.)

Genetic variability parameters were estimated for yield and yield attributing traits in twenty five genotypes of muskmelon during kharif, 2017 at College of Horticulture, Anantharajupeta, Andhra Pradesh in randomized block design with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed a highly significant difference for all the traits studied indicating a sufficient amount of variability exists in the genotypes. With respect to per se performance, the accession Suvarna was found to be better in performance for vine length and number of fruits per plant while maximum TSS, total sugars, fruit firmness and beta carotene was recorded by Alpur-1. In general, no single accession was found to be a better per se performer for all the traits under study. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation coupled with heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean were recorded for fruit firmness, β- carotene, yield per plant, fruit volume and number of fruits per plant.

Computational evaluation of a novel beta radiation probe design using integrated circuits

Researchers at Texas A&M University (TAMU) have designed the radiation integrated circuit (RIC) for deployment as a new radiation detection system. Most integrated circuits are susceptible to radiation-induced failures, and decades of research have gone into solving this problem. Research at TAMU has led to a novel integrated circuit design that utilizes both radiation-hardened areas (RHAs) and radiation-sensitive areas (RSAs) to take advantage of these failures. The RSAs are susceptible to charged particle interactions, allowing the RIC to detect alpha and beta particles. However, beta particles are more penetrating compared to alpha particles, resulting in a lower interaction probability for beta particles incident on a bare RIC. In any material, the higher the beta energy, the deeper the beta particle can penetrate; therefore, the use of a wedge-shaped attenuator for beta particle detection not only increases interaction probability, but also provides the capability to perform maximum beta energy discrimination in the field. The objective of this research was to optimize the design of the RIC. Monte Carlo N-particle radiation transport code (MCNP) simulations assessed the beta particle detection and maximum energy discrimination performance of plate glass, borosilicate (Pyrex®) glass, acrylic (Lucite®), and natural rubber attenuators. In this proof-of-concept analysis, natural rubber was observed to be the optimal attenuating material for the beta probe with respect to maximum energy discrimination capability and weight, but all materials considered proved to be good candidates. The results of this study are promising and indicate the potential to achieve maximum beta particle energy discrimination of 50 keV using a wedged, natural rubber attenuator on the RIC.

Исследование радиационной устойчивости боросиликатного стекла к бета-и гамма-излучению с помощью ускоренных протонов

Preservation of the main physical and chemical properties of vitrified high-level waste over a long-time period under the influence of heavy radiation exposure is considered as an essential criterion for its quality assessment used to demonstrate the safety of intermediate storage under controlled conditions and subsequent final disposal of the waste. Earlier calculations covering a time period of up to 104 years allowed to identify the maximum beta- and gamma-radiation induced dose loads for borosilicate glass (BSS) of a basic composition specifically designed to vitrify liquid HLW from ODC MCC [1]. This study evaluates potential feasibility of applying an accelerated proton beam to simulate radiation damage according to the type of beta-gamma effects produced on the BSS and investigates the consequences of such effects on its properties which is seen as a distinctive feature of this research.

Ecological gradients hosting plant communities in Himalayan subalpine pastures: Application of multivariate approaches to identify indicator species

The development of vegetation communities is typically influenced by their response to variation in environmental, geographic and as well as physiographic gradients. The current study was planned to evaluate the influence of environmental gradients upon the structure of plant communities and to highlight their respective indicators in subalpine pastures of the Himalaya, Pakistan. In relation to this aim, ecological techniques were used following the Line transect (50 m) method to quantify the vegetation structure of the study area. Soil samples were collected from each sampling site and edaphic gradients were examined using standard protocols. Weather station data (Kestrel 4000) was used to determine the climatic gradients, GPS data was used to record the geographic and physiographic gradients. PCORD software was used to recognize communities through two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN), R and CANOCO software was employed for ordination analysis to find variation directories of different plant species. A total of 56 plant species, recorded from 21 sampling sites, were grouped into four plant communities with the help of environmental gradients. The highest index of similarity was recorded between the Bergenia-Sibbaldia-Rheum and Sibbaldia-Rheum-Bergenia communities and highest dissimilarity between Bergenia-Sibbaldia-Rheum and Juniperus-Sibbaldia-Poa communities. The highest number of plant species (50 species), maximum alpha diversity (H′ = 3.38) and beta diversity was reported in Sibbaldia-Rheum-Bergenia community (0.95), but Pielou's evenness was highest (0.89) in Juniperus-Sibbaldia-Poa among all recorded communities. Besides, the edaphic (i.e. organic matter, phosphorous, pH and soil texture) and climatic factors (temperature, humidity) were the strong environmental gradients that were responsible for structuring and hosting the diverse plant communities in subalpine meadows. Techniques adapted in the current study for identification of vegetation indicators could further be used for conservation management.

The determination of flood damage curve in areas lacking disaster data based on the optimization principle of variation coefficient and beta distribution

Flood loss assessment is an important part of urban flood risk management, and the establishment of disaster damage curve is the key of loss assessment. Because of the limitation of data, it is difficult for cities lacking disaster data to fit the damage curve through historical data. Generally, transferring the damage curve among regions is an effective method, but there are problems of data reference and statistical uncertainty. In view of the inland plain cities lacking disaster data, the damage factor of the data reference area can be transferred to the study area by referring to the principle of analogy. Then, based on the optimization principle of the minimum variation coefficient and the maximum beta distribution probability, the citation error and statistical error in the damage factor quotation were reduced, and the relatively accurate damage factor in the study area was obtained, and then the water depth - damage factor curve was established. Thus, a generalized damage curve fitting method for cities lacking disaster data was formed, which took the regional index values as the input parameters and the damage curves as the output results. Finally, taking Zhengzhou City, China as the study area, the loss curves of 10 property types were calculated. Compared with the original data, the average variation coefficient of the optimal scheme set was reduced by 0.1; the probability of the optimal value was increased by 1.39% compared with the average value. In addition, the method test was conducted in Jinan, China, where the data were available, and it was found that the three types of errors were significantly lower than the traditional comparison method of single city as reference object. This study is expected to provide a scientific reference for the establishment of flood damage curve in cities or areas lacking disaster data.

Identification of nonlinear features in cortical and subcortical signals of Parkinson's Disease patients via a novel efficient measure

This study offers a novel and efficient measure based on a higher order version of autocorrelative signal memory that can identify nonlinearities in a single time series. The suggested method was applied to simultaneously recorded subthalamic nucleus (STN) local field potentials (LFP) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) from fourteen Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients who underwent surgery for deep brain stimulation. Recordings were obtained during rest for both OFF and ON dopaminergic medication states. We analyzed the bilateral LFP channels that had the maximum beta power in the OFF state and the cortical sources that had the maximum coherence with the selected LFP channels in the alpha band. Our findings revealed the inherent nonlinearity in the PD data as subcortical high beta(20–30 Hz) band and cortical alpha (8–12 Hz) band activities. While the former was discernible without medication (p=0.015), the latter was induced upon the dopaminergic medication (p<6.10−4). The degree of subthalamic nonlinearity was correlated with contralateral tremor severity (r=0.45, p=0.02). Conversely, for the cortical signals nonlinearity was present for the ON medication state with a peak in the alpha band and correlated with contralateral akinesia and rigidity (r=0.46, p=0.02). This correlation appeared to be independent from that of alpha power and the two measures combined explained 34 % of the variance in contralateral akinesia scores. Our findings suggest that particular frequency bands and brain regions display nonlinear features closely associated with distinct motor symptoms and functions.

Biochemical studies on Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) varieties during various stages of fruit development

The present investigation was conducted on ten varieties of mango collected from orchard at ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya to study physical and biochemical parameters during various stages of fruit development. Highest total sugar content was observed in Amrapali (6.52%) at 30 days and 13.05% at 60 days after fruit setting. Maximum ascorbic acid content was recorded in Gilash (26.73 mg/100g) at 30 days, Langra (23.32mg/100g) at 60 days and Gulabkhas (19.83 mg/100g) at 90 days after fruit setting. Maximum beta carotene content was noticed in Amrapali (124.94 µg/100g) at 30 days and 90 days (3543.80µg/100g). Maximum crude fibre content was noticed in Gilash (1.28%) at 30 days and (1.11%) at 60 days. Dashehari variety was found to contain highest amount of total sugar while highest ascorbic acid content was recorded in Gilash at 30 days and Gulabkhas at 90 days.

Unimodal Relationships of Understory Alpha and Beta Diversity along Chronosequence in Coppiced and Unmanaged Beech Forests

Patterns of diversity across spatial scales in forest successions are being overlooked, despite their importance for developing sustainable management practices. Here, we tested the recently proposed U-shaped biodiversity model of forest succession. A chronosequence of 11 stands spanning from 5 to 400 years since the last disturbance was used. Understory species presence was recorded along 200 m long transects of 20 × 20 cm quadrates. Alpha diversity (species richness, Shannon and Simpson diversity indices) and three types of beta diversity indices were assessed at multiple scales. Beta diversity was expressed by a) spatial compositional variability (number and diversity of species combinations), b) pairwise spatial turnover (between plots Sorensen, Jaccard, and Bray–Curtis dissimilarity), and c) spatial variability coefficients (CV% of alpha diversity measures). Our results supported the U-shaped model for both alpha and beta diversity. The strongest differences appeared between active and abandoned coppices. The maximum beta diversity emerged at characteristic scales of 2 m in young coppices and 10 m in later successional stages. We conclude that traditional coppice management maintains high structural diversity and heterogeneity in the understory. The similarly high beta diversities in active coppices and old-growth forests suggest the presence of microhabitats for specialist species of high conservation value.