Minimum Number Of Days Research Articles

Assessment of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) Hybrids for Growth and Yield Characters

Chilli hybrids are grown on Kamuthi and Paramakudi blocks of Ramanathapuram district on nearly 50 ha area. Assessment of chilli hybrids for growth, yield and higher productivity was conducted at five different farmers’ fields during the year 2017–18 under on farm testing. TNAU Co (Ch) 1, Arka Harita, Arka Meghana and local variety were used in this study. The results revealed that TNAU CO (Ch)1 hybrid recorded the highest values for growth, yield and cost economics traits. The growth characters like plant height (49.63 cm), number of fruits/plant (82.50), fruit weight (5.60 g) and fruit length (10.89 cm) observed the highest values in TNAU Co (Ch)1 followed by Arka Harita as (48.50cm; 78.30; 5.31g and 10.19 cm whereas local hybrid recorded the lowest values for all the traits. Arka Harita took the minimum number of days of 50 per cent flowering (43). Regarding yield, TNAU CO (Ch)1 hybrid recorded the highest plant yield (449.20 g) and yield/ha (16.76 t/ha) followed by Arka Harita (413.0 g; 15.47 t/ha) whereas local check recorded the lowest yield of 13.14 t/ha. In the case of benefit cost ratio, CO (Ch)1 recorded the highest ratio of 3.03 with the net profit of 1,34,920 followed by Arka Harita (2.85) whereas local check observed the lowest B:C ratio (2.19) and net profit of Rs. 83,200. TNAU CO (Ch)1 hybrid is performed well and increased yield of 27 per cent with good market preference over the farmers practices. Due to highest yield TNAU CO (Ch)1 was found to be the most suitable chillies hybrid under Ramanthapuram condition.

Effect of biofertilizers and micronutrients on growth and quality attributes of cabbage (<em>Brassica oleracea</em> var. <em>capitata</em> L.)

The present field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2016-17 and 2017-18 at the Experimental Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, (HP). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) Factorial with three replications comprising of fourteen treatment combinations having two levels of biofertilizers i.e. B0= No biofertilizers & B1= Biofertilizers (Azotobacter + PSB + KSB) and seven levels of micronutrients viz., M0= No micronutrient, M1= Boric acid @ 0.5%, M2= Zinc sulphate @ 0.5%, M3= Ferrous sulphate @ 0.5%, M4= Manganese sulphate @ 0.5%, M5= Ammonium molybdate @ 0.5%, M6= Multiplex @ 0.5%. The results revealed that growth attributes and quality status of cabbage were found significantly increased with the application of biofertilizers and micronutrients. The minimum number of days to 50 per cent head maturity (67.50) was recorded in treatment combination B1M1 (Biofertilizers + Boric acid 0.5%). The significantly maximum polar diameter (13.75 cm) and maximum equatorial diameter (13.36 cm) was recorded in treatment combination B1M3 (Biofertilizers + Ferrous sulphate 0.5%). Maximum TSS (5.72 ˚Brix) was observed in treatment combination B1M1 (Biofertilizers + Boric acid 0.5%). However, maximum Vitamin C content (59.97 mg/100 g) was recorded in treatment combination B1M2 (Biofertilizers + Zinc sulphate 0.5%).

Effect of biofertilizers on floral attributes and corm yield of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus) under hilly condition of Uttarakhand, India

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of biofertilizers on floral attributes and corm yield of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflora L.) var. Arka Amar at Floriculture and Landscaping Block, College of Horticulture, VCSG, Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, during 2016. The experiment consists of eight treatments, viz. control, PSB @ 2ml/l, Azotobacter @ 25g/l, VAM @ 20g/l and their combinations. Recommended doses of fertilizer were applied as a common basal dose in all treatments. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. The results revealed that minimum number of days were taken to first floret opening (111.76) and maximum number of spike per plant and per plot (2.00 and 32.00, respectively), floret diameter (12.46 cm) and number of corms per plot (31.00) were recorded from the corms inoculated with PSB @ 2ml/l + Azotobacter @ 25 g/l + VAM @ 20 g/l. There was maximum corm weight (60.60 g), corm diameter

Individual and social factors affecting the ability of American crows to solve and master a string pulling task.

Crows and other birds in the family Corvidae regularly share information to learn the identity and whereabouts of dangerous predators, but can they use social learning to solve a novel task for a food reward? Here we examined the factors affecting the ability of 27 wild-caught American crows to solve a common string-pulling task in a laboratory setting. We split crows into two groups; one group was given the task after repeatedly observing a conspecific model the solution, the other solved in the absence of conspecific models. We recorded the crows' estimated age, sex, size, body condition, level of nervousness, and brain volume using DICOM images from a CT scan. Although none of these variables were statistically significant, crows without a conspecific model and large brain volumes consistently mastered the task in the minimum number of days, whereas those with conspecific models and smaller brain volumes required varying and sometimes a substantial number of days to master the task. We found indirect evidence that body condition might also be important for motivating crows to solve the task. Crows with conspecific models were no more likely to initially solve the task than those working the puzzle without social information, but those that mastered the task usually copied the method most frequently demonstrated by their knowledgeable neighbors. These findings suggest that brain volume and possibly body condition may be factors in learning new tasks, and that crows can use social learning to refine their ability to obtain a novel food source, although they must initially learn to access it themselves.

Standardising the measurement of physical activity in people receiving haemodialysis: considerations for research and practice

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is exceptionally low amongst the haemodialysis (HD) population, and physical inactivity is a powerful predictor of mortality, making it a prime focus for intervention. Objective measurement of PA using accelerometers is increasing, but standard reporting guidelines essential to effectively evaluate, compare and synthesise the effects of PA interventions are lacking. This study aims to (i) determine the measurement and processing guidance required to ensure representative PA data amongst a diverse HD population, and; (ii) to assess adherence to PA monitor wear amongst HD patients.MethodsClinically stable HD patients from the UK and China wore a SenseWear Armband accelerometer for 7 days. Step count between days (HD, Weekday, Weekend) were compared using repeated measures ANCOVA. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) determined reliability (≥0.80 acceptable). Spearman-Brown prophecy formula, in conjunction with a priori ≥ 80% sample size retention, identified the minimum number of days required for representative PA data.ResultsSeventy-seven patients (64% men, mean ± SD age 56 ± 14 years, median (interquartile range) time on HD 40 (19–72) months, 40% Chinese, 60% British) participated. Participants took fewer steps on HD days compared with non-HD weekdays and weekend days (3402 [95% CI 2665–4140], 4914 [95% CI 3940–5887], 4633 [95% CI 3558–5707] steps/day, respectively, p < 0.001). PA on HD days were less variable than non-HD days, (ICC 0.723–0.839 versus 0.559–0.611) with ≥ 1 HD day and ≥ 3 non-HD days required to provide representative data. Using these criteria, the most stringent wear-time retaining ≥ 80% of the sample was ≥7 h.ConclusionsAt group level, a wear-time of ≥7 h on ≥1HD day and ≥ 3 non-HD days is required to provide reliable PA data whilst retaining an acceptable sample size. PA is low across both HD and non- HD days and future research should focus on interventions designed to increase physical activity in both the intra and interdialytic period.

Metabolic Effects of Fasting and Animal Source Food Avoidance in an Ethiopian Adult Cohort

Fasting is a religious practice to which the faithful comply strictly. The longest period of fasting in Orthodox religion is the lent (in Ethiopia known as “Hudade”). According to the doctrine of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, fasters should strictly avoid all animal source foods (ASF) and skip breakfast at least up to lunch time. This can be taken as a well-controlled natural experiment to evaluate the effect of breakfast skipping and avoidance of ASF for 55 days. However, there is no study that evaluated the effect of ASF fasting (avoidance of animal source foods and breakfast skipping) on lipid profiles, fasting blood sugar and body composition in Ethiopian set up. A retrospective cohort study was carried out among 704 employees of Jimma University (253 fasters and 451 non-fasters) from February 2015 to April 2015. Data on socio-demographic, anthropometry, blood pressure and blood samples were collected according to WHO STEPS procedure. Descriptive statistics and multivariable linear regression models were used to compare the effect of fasting on outcome variables. There was a significant difference in the body fat percent (mean ± sd) between non-fasters (32.35 ± 11.12) and fasters (30.59 ± 11.22, P = 0.045). Similarly, the mean ± sd waist circumference was higher among non-fasters (84.96 ± 11.43 cm) compared to fasters (83.04 ± 11.43 cm, P < 0.033). High density lipoprotein was significantly (P = 0.001) high among fasters (68.29 mg/dl) compared to non-fasters (57.24 mg/dl). Total cholesterol (T.chol) was also higher among non- fasters (181.01 mg/dl) than fasters (173.80 mg/dl, P = 0.035). The mean Triglyceride level was significantly (P = 0.035) high among non-fasters (142.76 mg/dl) compared to fasters (129.39 mg/dl). Similarly, fasting blood sugar was high among non-fasters (100.14 mg/dl) compared to fasters (95.11 mg/dl), P = 0.009. On multivariable linear regression analyses after adjusting for different variables, fasters had a significantly high mean HDL and lower mean T.chol, Triglycerides, FBS and LDL levels. Similarly, fasters had a significantly low mean waist circumference and low mean body fat percent (P < 0.05). In conclusion, animal source food avoidanceand breakfast skipping has a significant desirable health effects on lipid profiles, fasting blood sugar and body composition. The findings imply the need for considering such a dietary practice as a basis for public health promotion. Future research should investigate the effect of ASF fasting and breakfast skipping on micronutrient intake and determine the minimum number of days of fasting required to generate clinically significant effects.

Autonomous energy supply based on the wind-energy complex and hydrogen energy storage

The paper proposes an alternative scheme of guaranteed electricity and heat supply of an energy-insulated facility with a high potential of wind energy without the use of imported or local fuel. The scheme represents a wind power complex containing the park of wind generators located at the points with high wind potential. The wind generators provide guaranteed power supply even in periods of weak wind. For heat supply of the consumer, all surplus of the electric power goes on thermoelectric heating of water in tanks of accumulators, and also on receiving hydrogen by a method of electrolysis of water. The current heat supply is carried out with the use of hot water storage tanks, and the heat supply during the heat shortage is carried out by burning the stored hydrogen in condensing hydrogen boilers. We have developed the algorithm of calculation and the program "Wind in energy" which allows calculating annual balance of energy and picking up necessary quantity of the equipment for implementation of the scheme proceeding from the annual schedule of thermal and electric loading, and also potential of wind energy in the chosen region. The calculation-substantiation of the scheme proposed in relation to the real energy-insulated object Ust-Kamchatsk (Kamchatka) is carried out. The equipment for the implementation of an alternative energy supply scheme without the use of imported fuel is selected and compared with the traditional energy supply scheme based on a diesel power plant and a boiler house operating on imported fuel. With the introduction of an alternative power supply scheme, the equipment of the traditional scheme that has exhausted its resource can be used for backup power supply. Using climate databases, a number of energy-insulated facilities in the North and East of Russia with high wind energy potential are considered and the conditions for the successful implementation of the energy supply scheme are analyzed. This requires not only a high average annual wind speed, but also a minimum number of days of weak wind. In addition, it is necessary that the profile of the wind speed distribution in the annual section coincides with the profile of the heat load consumption.

The impact of the mandatory rest period in Fédération Equestre Internationale endurance events.

Endurance riding competitions are increasingly popular, with a corresponding awareness of the frequency of Failure to Qualify (FTQ) due to lameness or metabolic problems. Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) rules require a minimum number of days between competitions, known as a mandatory rest period (MRP). To analyse the impact on FTQ outcomes of MRPs which applied between January 2014 and December 2016, and model potential changes to MRPs to establish which rule change could lead to the largest further reduction in the number of FTQ outcomes. Retrospective cohort study and predictive model using a subset of data collected by the FEI of every horse start worldwide in Concours de Raid d'Endurance Internationale (CEI) competitions between 2010 and 2017. Descriptive statistics followed by predictive/retrospective modelling of potential scenarios. Scenarios involved extended MRP for all horses and/or for only the fastest ridden horses. There were clear direct benefits demonstrated from the introduction of MRPs. Among directly affected horses, current MRPs could have prevented 2.3% of FTQ outcomes. Further benefits could be gained by extending MRPs. The 'best-value' impact could be found in a 1-week extension for all horses plus a 1-week extension for the fastest ridden horses - which could result in a reduction of up to 11.5% of FTQ outcomes among directly affected horses. The data set covers all FEI competitions but no National Federation events. The data set is geographically comprehensive but it does not include every competition started by every individual horse. Training data for each horse were not available. Mandatory rest periods for horses between endurance competitions have had the intended impact of reducing numbers of FTQ outcomes in CEI events. Further benefits could be gained by extending rest periods for all horses and/or for horses ridden at the highest average speeds.

A bootstrap method for estimating the minimum number of days for representative step data

The Cosmic Ray Energetics And Mass (CREAM) instrument on the International Space Station (ISS) is an experiment to study origin, propagation, acceleration and elemental composition of cosmic rays. The Top Counting Detector (TCD) and Bottom Counting Detector (BCD) are parts of the detector suite of the ISS-CREAM experiment and are designed to separate electrons and protons for studying electron and gamma-ray physics. In addition, the TCD/BCD provide a redundant trigger to that of the calorimeter and a low energy trigger to the ISS-CREAM instrument. After launching, the TCD/BCD trigger was found to be working well. Also, the TCD/BCD have been stable and their hit positions were confirmed to be well matched with other detectors on board. We present the performance and status of the TCD/BCD in flight.

In vitro regeneration of double haploid line of African marigold (Tagetes erecta) derived from ovule culture using non-axillary explants

An efficient protocol has been developed for in vitro regeneration of double haploid line of African marigold variety Local Orange derived through ovule culture. Maximum survival (85%) of leaf explant was found in the treatment comprising of Bavistin (0.2%), Ridomil (0.2%) and 8-HQC (200 ppm). The surface sterilization treatment of explants with mercuric chloride (0.1%) for 3 minutes resulted in maximum survival (88.33%) and minimum contamination (18.33%). Three different portions of leaf explant (Tip, middle and basal) were used for regeneration. The treatment comprising MS medium supplemented with BAP (0.5 mg/l) and NAA (0.25 mg/l) resulted in maximum percent regeneration (86.25), lowest number of days taken for callus initiation (3.05), minimum number of days for shoot regeneration (13.25), maximum number of micro shoots per explant (3.50), minimum number of days to reach the stage of sub culturing (5.75) with basal portion of leaf explant. Among the different explants, basal portion of the leaf was found as the best explant for maximum regeneration. The basal portion of the leaf explant was further treated with best regeneration treatment, i. e. BAP (0.5 mg/l) and NAA (0.25 mg/l) along with different concentrations of putrescine and it was observed that maximum percent regeneration (89.83%), minimum number of days for shoot regeneration (13.50), maximum number of micro shoots per explant (6.25) and minimum number of days to reach the stage of subculturing (5.75) were found in the treatment combination of BAP (0.5 mg/l), NAA (0.25 mg/l) and Putrescine (50 mg/l).

How Short Is Long Enough? Modeling Temporal Aspects of Human Mobility Behavior Using Mobile Phone Data

Time–location data collected from location-sensing technologies have the potential to advance our understanding of human mobility. Existing human activity studies tend to ignore a critical issue in data collection—the time period for which the activity data will be collected. Our study investigated this significant gap in the literature on temporal aspects of human mobility behavior—how many days constitute a period long enough to capture individuals’ highly organized activity episodes and how they vary among individuals with heterogeneous demographic and social-economic characteristics. To determine a minimum number of days to capture individuals’ highly organized activity episodes in activity space, we examined a distribution of Kullback–Leibler divergence indexes. To evaluate the differences in the minimal number of observation days per subgroup whose demographic and economic characteristics are heterogenous, we used a Bayesian profile regression model. Our study showed that the estimated minimum number of days required to capture routine activity patterns was 13.5 days with a standard deviation of 6.64. We found that participant’s age, employment status, size of household, and accessibility to downtown, food, and physical activity, as well as economic status of residential environment, are important factors that affect temporal aspects of mobility behavior. Key Words: Bayesian profile regression, human mobility, Kullback–Leibler divergence, mobile phone data, temporal regularity.

Effect of time, techniques and environment of propagation on performance of guava (Psidium guajava)

An experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology-Meerut, to study the effect of time and techniques of propagation on bud/graft success and quality parameters in guava (Psidium guajava L.). Maximum survival percent (82.30) was recorded with patch budding performed in March under shade condition. Wedge grafting recorded minimum number of days to bud sprout (13.86 days) under shade conditions whereas, patch budding had recorded maximum number of days to bud sprout (36.86 days) under open conditions. The sprouting percentage of budded or grafted plant was higher under shade condition than open condition. Based on results obtained in the present study, it may be concluded that, patch budding was found to be better over wedge grafting in respect of survival, sprouting, plant and growth traits.

Production of quality planting material of Chandler strawberry by in vitro regeneration

In order to explore the in vitro regeneration potential of strawberry, experiments were conducted on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of cytokinins and auxins alone and in combination for establishment of aseptic cultures, shoot regeneration and multiplication, rooting and acclimatization of plantlets. Two type of explants viz., runner tip and nodal segment were used for the investigation. Establishment of aseptic cultures is a pre requisite for successful culture. Among several sterilizing agents ethanol (70%) for 30 sec followed by HgCl2 (0.1%) for 2 min was found to be the best treatment resulting in least contamination and maximum survival (53.3 ± 1.08 percent in runner tip and 53.1 ± 1.08 percent in nodal segments). Phenol exudation was the major problem during establishment which caused death of most of the explants. In our experiment, explants were inoculated in MS medium supplemented with ascorbic acid 200 mg per liter to control browning. Addition of BAP alone or in combination with IAA was found essential during shoot proliferation and multiplication. Among all the treatments, 3.0 mg/L BAP + 0.5 mg/L IAA was found most effective with regard to minimum number of days (16.1 ± 0.29) required for shoot induction and maximum number of shoots (12.8 ± 0.52). Half strength MS media with 1.5 mg/L IAA was found superior over other concentrations of IAA, IBA and NAA for various rooting parameters. During acclimatization, maximum percentage survival (45.2) was recorded when coco peat alone was used as primary hardening after 20 days and combination of coco peat with FYM (1: 1 v/v) recorded maximum percent survival (65.0) after 30 days in secondary hardening.

How many days are enough for measuring weekly activity behaviours with the ActivPAL in adults?

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine the number of monitoring days needed to reliably measure weekly activity behaviours with the ActivPAL (AP) monitor in adults. DesignCross-sectional study. MethodsParticipants (90 adults (51.1% men); age=39.1±12.43 years) wore an AP for 7 consecutive days. Mean time spent sitting/lying, standing and stepping per day, and mean number of transitions from sitting to standing per day were calculated for each participant using 7 days of monitoring (reference). Estimates for these activities were also derived from a combination of randomly selected days (from 1 to 6 days), and randomly selected weekdays and weekend days, and compared with the reference using ANOVA, correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman methods Spearman–Brown Prophecy Formula, based on Intraclass correlation of 0.8, was used to predict the minimum number of days needed to represent activity behaviours as measured with the AP. ResultsAt least five days of monitoring were necessary to achieve a reliability of 0.8 for all postures and transitions. Correlation coefficients between estimates derived from any combination of 5 days and the reference were high (rho=0.96–0.98). When using a combination of weekdays and weekend days, mean biases were comparable with those shown by any combination of days, but 95% limits of agreement were narrower. ConclusionsWhen using the AP for a week, data from a combination of any 5 days provided reliable estimates of all activities and transitions per day, but more precise estimates were achieved if at least 1 weekend day was included.

Effect of priming on okra cultivars with different single super phosphate (SSP) concentrations

Abstract The experiment was conducted at New Horticulture Research Farm Malakandher, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during the year 2016. The experiment was laid out according to Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 2 factor factorial, having 24 treatments each replicated three times. Factor (A) consisted of okra cultivars (Punjab Selection, Sabz Pari, Supper Green and Swat Green). Factor (B) consisted of different single super phosphate concentrations {0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%}.Seeds were primed for 24 hours. Unprimed seed and priming with water were taken as control treatments. Results showed that seed primed with 0.5 % of single super phosphate concentration had maximum germination percentage (93.17 %), minimum number of days to emergence (5.12 days) and number of days to first flowering (29.77 days), maximum plant height (140.84 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (32.62), number of pods plant-1 (25.09), pod length (9.76 cm), number of seeds pod-1 (42.22), pod yield (8.94 tons ha-1), seed yield (769.98 kg ha-1), and 100 seed weight (6.34 g), whereas maximum survival percentage (95.55 %) was recorded in the seeds primed with 2% SSP. In case of cultivars maximum germination percentage (88.32 %), minimum number of days to emergence (5.39 days) number of days to first flowering (30.67 days) maximum plant height (140.11 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (31.59), number of pod plant-1 ( 24.22), pod length (9.37 cm), number of seeds pod-1 (41.39), and pod yield (8.84 tons ha-1) were recorded in Sabz Pari whereas maximum survival percentage (92.72%), seed yield (768.06 kg ha-1), 100 seed weight (6.32 g) were recorded in Swat Green. It is concluded that seed priming with 0.5 % phosphorus gave better result in almost all parameters. Okra cultivar, Sabz Pari showed best result in majority attributes under the agro-climatic condition of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan. Keywords: Okra cultivars; Priming; Single super phosphate http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2018.700201

Consumer preferences for and beliefs about slow growth chicken

Improvements in genetics, feed, and housing have dramatically reduced the time required for broilers to reach market weight. However, some advocacy organizations have argued that the improvements in productivity have been accompanied by reductions in animal welfare and meat quality, prompting retailers to consider policies that either set a minimum number of days of production or require slower-growing heritage breeds. The overriding purpose of this project is to determine the market potential and consumer willingness-to-pay for chicken breast with different labels, with primary focus on slow growth labels. A national survey of over 2,000 US chicken consumers was conducted. A choice experiment, which simulates retail purchases, was included to compare slow growth chicken breast demand for consumers exposed to different types of information and who made choices in the presence or absence of brands. Willingness-to-pay for slow growth chicken, and importance of the attribute in consumer choice, is sensitive to the information provided and is generally lower in importance than other labels, except when consumers are provided pro slow growth information. There are multiple market segments consisting of consumers with distinct preferences for chicken breast attributes. Depending on the treatment in question, 30 to 40% of consumers are insensitive to price changes. If presented with a pairwise choice between slow growth chicken priced at a $0.72/lb premium, an estimated extra cost of slow growth, and an unlabeled chicken breast, slow growth is projected to be chosen by 37, 48, and 35% of respondents in the no added information, pro slow growth, and anti slow growth information conditions, respectively.

Two Days of Measurement Provides Reliable Estimates of Physical Activity Poststroke: An Observational Study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the duration of physical activity (PA) monitoring required for reliable measurements following stroke. DesignSingle-center, prospective, observational study. SettingPA was measured in a community setting. ParticipantsAdults (N=70) poststroke. Main Outcome MeasuresThe SenseWear armband was used to monitor PA for 5 days (≥10 hours wear per day). Data AnalysisVariance among 2, 3, 4, and 5 days of consecutive measurements for PA variables was examined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The minimum number of days to achieve acceptable reliability (ICC ≥0.8) was calculated. Differences between weekdays and weekend days were investigated using paired t tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. ResultsTwo days of measurement was sufficient to achieve an ICC ≥0.8 for daily averages of total energy expenditure, step count, and time spent sedentary (≤1.5 metabolic equivalent tasks [METs]) and in light (1.5-3 METs) and moderate- to vigorous-intensity (>3 METs) PA. At least 3 days were required to achieve an ICC ≥0.8 when investigating the number of and time spent in bouts (≥10 minutes) of moderate to vigorous PA and sedentary behavior. Participants took significantly more steps (P=.03) and spent more time in light PA (P=.03) on weekdays than weekends. ConclusionFollowing stroke, 2 days of measurement appears sufficient to represent habitual PA for many simple variables. Three or more days may be necessary for reliable estimates of bouts of PA and sedentary behavior. Consistent inclusion or exclusion of a weekend day is recommended for measuring step count and light PA. Short periods of monitoring provide reliable PA information and may make PA measurement more feasible in the clinical setting.

In vitro callus induction and indirect organogenesis of Brucea mollis Wall. ex Kurz – A potential medicinal plant of Northeast India

The present investigation was carried out to develop an efficient protocol for in vitro propagation of Brucea mollis Wall. ex Kurz, an important medicinal plant, confined to only Karbi Anglong district of Assam. The plant is extensively used to cure malaria. Due to several natural factors like inefficient pollination, seed dispersal mechanisms and anthropogenic activities, the plant is facing extinction. Through indirect organogenesis from leaf and internode explants on MS (Murashige and Skoog) media, callus induction was achieved at a maximum (100%). However, the minimum time (7–15 days) was observed for induction of callus on B5 as compared to MS media. The color and texture of the callus varied depending on the type of explants as well as the concentrations of growth regulators used in both the media. Best response for percentage of callus induction (100%) was obtained from the leaf explants on MS media, when the media was supplemented with the four combinations of growth regulators, i.e., (i) BAP (8.88 μM) + NAA (1.61 μM), (ii)BAP (8.88 μM) + NAA (2.68 μM), (iii) BAP (8.88 μM) + 2,4-D (2.27 μM) and (iv) BAP (8.88 μM) + 2,4-D (4.54 μM). While in the case of internode explants, maximum (100%) percentage for callus induction was obtained with BAP (8.88 μM) + NAA (1.61 μM) and BAP (8.88 μM) + NAA (2.68 μM). Multiple shoot regeneration was achieved from the callus of all the three types of explants when transferred to shoot regeneration media (both MS and B5 media) supplemented with BAP, NAA, Kinetin and IBA at different concentrations and combinations. The maximum percentage of shoot regeneration (100%) from the calli of all explant types were obtained with the combination of BAP, NAA and IBA. However, the best response in terms of minimum number of days taken to regenerate shoots and maximum shoot length was obtained using the leaf explants at BAP (8.88 μM) + NAA (2.68 μM) + Kinetin (13.95 μM) on MS media. The regenerated shoots were cultured for rooting on half strength media supplemented with IBA and NAA singly, and the highest rooting percentage was achieved when MS media was supplemented with 14.76 μM IBA. About 60% of the plantlets survived during acclimatization and were successfully transferred to the field. The regeneration protocols standardized for B. mollis could be found most effective for mass propagation of the medicinally important plant as well as its conservation.

Standardization of plant growth regulators for successful tissue culture of sweet potato

The experiment was carried out during the period from June 2016 to January, 2017 at the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) for in vitro regeneration of sweet potato. In this study, the nodal segment explants and different combinations of growth regulators were used for in vitro regeneration of sweet potato. BAP (6-benzylamino purine) and KIN (Kinetin) were used for in vitro shoot regeneration and IBA (Indole-6- Butyric Acid) with NAA (Naphthalene Acetic Acid) were used for in vitro root regeneration. The highest percentage of shoot initiation (91.30), the minimum number of days (9.00) for shoot initiation, the highest number of shoot/plantlet (11.00) and the highest shoot length (4.38 cm) was observed when nodal segment explants cultured on MS medium supplemented with BAP 1.5 mg/L + KIN 0.1 mg/L. On the other hand, the highest root initiation percentage (94.12), the minimum number of days (6.00) for root initiation, the highest number of root/plantlet (9.33) and the highest root length (11.13 cm) was observed in the MS medium supplemented with IBA 0.5 mg/L + NAA 0.1 mg/L. Regenerated plantlets were acclimatized for 5 days and adopted in soil by 6-7 days of transplantation.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(2): 178-181, August 2018

High spatiotemporal characterization of on-road PM2.5 concentrations in high-density urban areas using mobile monitoring

Mobile air quality monitoring reports air pollutant concentrations at a high spatiotemporal resolution, enabling the characterization of heterogeneous human exposure and localized pollution hotspots. In this study, on-road concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in a high-density urban area in Hong Kong were measured in December 2014 and January 2015 (winter) and June and July 2015 (summer) using a tramcar mobile monitoring platform. We developed a method of mapping the winter and summer on-road PM2.5 concentrations along a tramcar route at a 50-m spatial resolution, using mobile measurements. In addition, the minimum number of days required to precisely estimate on-road PM2.5 concentrations was estimated. The results showed that the on-road PM2.5 concentrations were highly correlated with PM2.5 concentrations measured at a nearby roadside air quality monitoring station (AQMS) in both winter and summer, with Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.89–0.93. The resulting maps of winter and summer on-road PM2.5 concentrations revealed small-scale spatial patterns used to identify more polluted areas. In addition, approximately 12 and 4 days were required to precisely capture spatial patterns of PM2.5 concentrations, with R2 higher than 0.6 in winter and in summer. The findings of this study offer valuable information on air pollution control and exposure reduction by highlighting localized pollution hotspots, and provide insights into the minimum sampling duration for mobile sampling campaigns.