Research Institute Research Articles

State Public Scientific and Technological Library of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the scientific and information space of the East of Russia

The scientific libraries participate in building the information and communication infrastructure being an integral part of the scientific, educational,socio-cultural and industrial complex of the region. The authors review in brief the evolution of the State Public Scientific and Technological Library of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SPSTL SB RAS) – the leading information and library center of Siberia in the context of changing scientific and educational environment.The Siberian Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences, established in 1957, contributes to the active development of science in the east of the country. Implementing strategic objectives, among the priority measures the Branch heads laid the new system foundations of research information support, which met the demands of science development and the specific character of the institution activity within the Siberian Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences. Big efforts to expand the network of libraries of research institutes were undertaken. The State Public Scientific Technological Library of the SB USSR AS, which began its activities in the region in 1958, was designed as the central library of the USSR SB AS (SB RAS). For 65 years, it has been providing information and methodological support for multidisciplinary research. The Library also acts as an institutional center in the library science, bibliography and bibliology, book history, and the largest library and information, cultural, educational, educational center, shaping the modern information, scientific, educational and cultural environment.

Genetic variability and path coefficient analysis among bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes for yield and yield‐related traits in bale highlands, southeastern Ethiopia

AbstractWheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important strategic crops to overcome food security problems in the world including Ethiopia. This can be achieved through genetic improvement of the crop and its production practices. In this connection, information on the mutual association of traits is important for effective selection in wheat‐breeding programs. In 2021/2022 production year, a field experiment was undertaken to estimate the extent of genetic variability, path analysis, and association of yield and yield‐related characteristics for the selection of desirable wheat genotypes. A total of 64 bread wheat genotypes, including yellow rust‐resistant Boru (resistant), Hachalu (moderately resistant), and Madda‐Walabu (susceptible) as control, were used for the field experiment at Sinana and Agarfa Agricultural Research Centers. The experiment was laid out in a simple alpha lattice design. The mean analysis of variances showed highly significant differences (p < 0.001) for all traits among the tested genotypes. The value of the phenotypic coefficient of variance was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variance for all studied traits, indicating the presences of higher genetic variability among the tested genotypes. Grain yield had a significant positive correlation with days to maturity, grain‐filling period, plant height, kernels spike−1, thousand seed weight, and biological yield at both genotypic and phenotypic levels including spike length at phenotypic levels at both locations and with plant height, thousand seed weight, and biological yield at both locations at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Similarly, days to maturity and grain‐filling period also showed a significant positive phenotypic correlation with grain yield. The analyzed path coefficients at both genotypic and phenotypic levels also indicated how grain yield is influenced directly and indirectly by other yield and yield‐related traits. The result also showed the existence of good heritability values along with high genetic advance, higher phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation for grain yield, biological yield, and grain‐filling period. This implies the true relationship among these traits and grain yield; therefore, due attention should be paid to such traits during selection for further improvement. Hence, the present study indicated the importance of the direct and indirect effects of the studied traits on yield and yield components which makes selection desirable for improving the grain yield of wheat and its genetic resistance against yellow rust in the study area.

Effects of gut microbiome on type 1 diabetes susceptibility and complications: A large-scale bidirectional Mendelian randomization and external validation study.

To assess and verify the effect of the gut microbiome on the susceptibility and complications of type 1 diabetes (T1D). To achieve this aim, a two-sample and reverse Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted. In addition, an external validation study was performed using individual microbiome data of patients with T1D from the gutMEGA datasets and the National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases. The circulating metabolites facilitated two-sample MR analysis, mediation and multivariable MR analysis to evaluate the direct relationship between the gut microbiome and T1D complications. The MR analysis results from the discovery and validation phases confirmed that Veillonellaceae can potentially reduce the susceptibility of T1D. In the gutMEGA dataset, the average relative abundance of Veillonellaceae in patients with T1D was 0.66%, compared with 1.09% in the controls. Furthermore, the external validation, which included 60 patients with T1D and 30 matched healthy controls, found that the median relative abundance of Veillonellaceae was also lower than controls at 1.10% (95% CI 0.50%-1.80%). Specifically, the Eubacterium coprostanoligenes group, known for its ability to regulate cholesterol, was significantly associated with a lower risk of developing renal, neurological and ophthalmic complications in T1D. Moreover, high cholesterol in small high-density lipoprotein and cholesteryl esters in high-density lipoprotein were associated with a reduced risk of T1D renal and ophthalmic complications. The mediation and multivariable MR analysis combining cholesterol indicated that the E. coprostanoligenes group is the most dominant factor influencing T1D complications. Our findings supported the potential causal effect of gut microbiota on the susceptibility and complications of T1D.

Community-based breeding programs can realize sustainable genetic gain and economic benefits in tropical dairy cattle systems

Implementing an appropriate breeding program is crucial to control fluctuation in performance, enhance adaptation, and further improve the crossbred population of dairy cattle. Five alternative breeding programs (BPs) were modeled considering available breeding units in the study area, the existing crossbreeding practices, and the future prospects of dairy research and development in Ethiopia. The study targeted 143,576 crossbred cows of 54,822 smallholder households in the Arsi, West Shewa, and North Shewa zones of the Oromia Region, as well as the North Shewa zone of the Amhara Region. The alternative BPs include conventional on-station progeny testing (SPT), conventional on-farm progeny testing (FPT), conventional on-station and on-farm progeny testing (SFPT), genomic selection (GS), and genomic progeny testing (GPT). Input parameters for modeling the BPs were taken from the analysis of long-term data obtained from the Holetta Agricultural Research Center and a survey conducted in the study area. ZPLAN+ software was used to predict estimates of genetic gain (GG) and discounted profit for goal traits. The predicted genetic gains (GGs) for milk yield (MY) per year were 34.52 kg, 49.63 kg, 29.35 kg, 76.16 kg, and 77.51 kg for SPT, FPT, SFPT, GS, and GPT, respectively. The GGs of the other goal traits range from 0.69 to 1.19 days per year for age at first calving, from 1.20 to 2.35 days per year for calving interval, and from 0.06 to 0.12 days per year for herd life. Compared to conventional BPs, genomic systems (GPT and GS) enhanced the GG of MY by 53%–164%, reduced generation interval by up to 21%, and improved the accuracy of test bull selection from 0.33 to 0.43. The discounted profit of the BPs varied from 249.58 Ethiopian Birr (ETB, 1 USD = 39.55696 ETB) per year in SPT to 689.79 ETB per year in GS. Genomic selection outperforms SPT, SFPT, and FPT by 266, 227%, and 138% of discounted profit, respectively. Community-based crossbreeding accompanied by GS and gradual support with progeny testing (GPT) is recommended as the main way forward to attain better genetic progress in dairy farms in Ethiopia and similar scenarios in other tropical countries.

DS-PACK: Tool assembly for the end-to-end support of controlled access human data sharing

The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements have prompted a shift from centralised controlled access genome-phenome archives to federated models for sharing sensitive human data. In a data-sharing federation, a central node facilitates data discovery; meanwhile, distributed nodes are responsible for handling data access requests, concluding agreements with data users and providing secure access to the data. Research institutions that want to become part of such federations often lack the resources to set up the required controlled access processes. The DS-PACK tool assembly is a reusable, open-source middleware solution that semi-automates controlled access processes end-to-end, from data submission to access. Data protection principles are engraved into all components of the DS-PACK assembly. DS-PACK centralises access control management and distributes access control enforcement with support for data access via cloud-based applications. DS-PACK is in production use at the ELIXIR Luxembourg data hosting platform, combined with an operational model including legal facilitation and data stewardship.

Studies on Heterozsis Breeding in Brinjal Germplasm for Growth and Yield Traits, Solanum melongena L.

Brinjal, Solanum melongena L. is one of the commercial annual vegetables grown all over India for its edible fruits. Heterosis in vegetable crops helps to exploit the superior hybrids based on its phenotypic superiority over their parents and indicates predominance of non-additive genetic effects. This research was carried out at Department of Vegetable Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam. The study involves six parents and thirty hybrids laid out in Randomised Block Design with two replications. The cross CO2 × Kothampatti Kathiri, obtained significant positive heterosis (16.53%) for plant height over better parent. Significant heterosis over mid parent was observed for number of branches in Kothampatti Kathiri × Odavai Pachai Kathiri, 33.33%, fruit width in Dharmapuri Oodha Kathiri × Poiyur Purple Kathiri, 25.54%, fruit length in Kothampatti Kathiri × Gobi Pachai Kathiri, 24.33%. Significant negative heterosis over better parent for number of days to 50% flowering was observed in the cross Odavai Pachai Kathiri × Gobi Pachai Kathiri, -9.25%. Significant positive heterosis over standard check was obtained for number of fruit per plant, 35.42% in the cross Dharmapuri Oodha Kathiri × CO2 and fruit yield per plant in Dharmapuri Oodha Kathiri × Odavai Pachai Kathiri, 21.54%. Heterosis exploited could be utilized in further crop improvement program in the development of a superior hybrid.

Analysis of Gaps in Techno-Economic Analysis to Advance Heliostat Technologies for Concentrating Solar-Thermal Power

Abstract The Heliostat Consortium (HelioCon) was launched in 2021 to advance heliostat technology. One of its first efforts was to do a detailed analysis of gaps in technology and capabilities in the heliostat industry and complete a roadmap study describing high-priority gaps. HelioCon gathered gaps through a series of outreach activities with representatives and experts from industries and research institutes. This paper discusses the gap analysis for the techno-economic analysis (TEA) topic. One of the main objectives of the TEA topic is to relate the cost and performance of heliostats and heliostat components to the overall system performance. In this study, we limit the scope of this topic to the heliostat field, tower, and receiver and do not consider downstream applications or uses of thermal energy. We conducted a thorough review of existing models and compiled a list of the state of the art in open-source tools currently available to researchers. We collected an initial list of gaps for the TEA of heliostats from industry developers and experts. Each gap is briefly described, and the heliostat development cycle stages that the gap impacts are indicated. We ranked the initial list of TEA gaps into tiers depending on their potential impact. For TEA, most of the gaps identified are related to developing models or data. Strictly speaking, none of these gaps are essential for heliostat development, but all would aid in the heliostat development process.

The InBIO Barcoding Initiative Database: DNA barcodes of Orthoptera from Portugal

The InBIO Barcoding Initiative (IBI) Orthoptera dataset contains records of 420 specimens covering all the eleven Orthoptera families occurring in Portugal. Specimens were collected in continental Portugal from 2005 to 2021 and were morphologically identified to species level by taxonomists. A total of 119 species were identified corresponding to about 77% of all the orthopteran species known from continental Portugal. DNA barcodes of 54 taxa were made public for the first time at the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD). Furthermore, the submitted sequences were found to cluster in 129 BINs (Barcode Index Numbers), 35 of which were new additions to the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD). All specimens have their DNA barcodes publicly accessible through BOLD online database. Stenobothrus lineatus is recorded for the first time for continental Portugal. This dataset greatly increases the knowledge on the DNA barcodes and distribution of Orthoptera from Portugal. All DNA extractions and most specimens are deposited in the IBI collection at CIBIO, Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources.

Genetic profile of Brazilian patients with LAMA2-related dystrophies.

LAMA2-related dystrophies (LAMA2-RD) constitute a rare neuromuscular disorder with a broad spectrum of phenotypic severity. Our understanding of the genotype-phenotype correlations in this condition remains incomplete, and reliable clinical data for clinical trial readiness is limited. In this retrospective study, we reviewed the genetic data and medical records of 114 LAMA2-RD patients enrolled at seven research centers in Brazil. We identified 58 different pathogenic variants, including 21 novel ones. Six variants were more prevalent and were present in 81.5% of the patients. Notably, the c.1255del, c.2049_2050del, c.3976 C>T, c.5234+1G>A, and c.4739dup variants were found in patients unable to walk and without cortical malformation. In contrast, the c.2461A>C variant was present in patients who could walk unassisted. Among ambulatory patients, missense variants were more prevalent (p < 0.0001). Although no specific hotspot regions existed in the LAMA2, 51% of point mutations were in the LN domain, and 88% of the missense variants were found within this domain. Functional analysis was performed in one intronic variant (c.4960-17C>A) and revealed an out-of-frame transcript, indicating that the variant creates a cryptic splicing site (AG). Our study has shed light on crucial phenotype-genotype correlations and provided valuable insights, particularly regarding the Latin American population.

The Politics of Expertise in Genomics Policy and Law

Genomics and biotechnology have generated controversy for decades, about the moral limits of tinkering with and commodifying life, the boundary between nature and technology, the respectful treatment of research participants, and the proper evaluation of emerging technologies. Socio-legal and science and technology studies scholars have demonstrated how the resolution of these questions has serious implications for both science and the law, including the appropriate conduct and direction of scientific research and the construction of legal categories and rights. This article demonstrates that these conflicts also have profound impacts on the politics of science and technology, and particularly approaches to relevant knowledge and expertise. Humanities, social scientific, legal, and lay knowledge asserted themselves through the establishment of human genetics research and battles over the ownership of biological materials and data. However, US political culture—which favors technical and market knowledge—constrained their authority. Cross-national comparison highlights this finding, as other jurisdictions have been more inclusive in their approaches to science and technology governance.

Structural and non‐structural numerical blind prediction of shaking table experimental tests on fixed‐base and base‐isolated hospitals

AbstractBase‐isolated hospitals are frequently preferred to fixed‐base ones because of their improved seismic structural performance. Despite this, the question remains open on the advisability of using this modern seismic protection technology in preference to other conventional solutions, on the grounds of a holistic approach based on limiting non‐structural damage as well as continuity of service to the community in the aftermath of an earthquake. Two full‐scale four‐storey (fixed‐base) and three‐storey (base‐isolated) hospital buildings have been recently built and subjected to three‐dimensional shaking table tests at the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (Japan), with particular attention to evaluating and classifying functionality of non‐structural components and vital medical equipment. A two‐phase experimental campaign was carried out considering two earthquakes scaled at different intensity levels and applied along the horizontal and vertical directions. The current study aims to provide results of a numerical structural and non‐structural blind prediction of these hospital settings. A homemade numerical code is developed to account for lumped plasticity modelling of steel frame members and variability of the friction coefficient of spherical sliding bearings. Moreover, three non‐structural components are modelled in the fixed‐base structure: that is, elastic single degree of freedom systems representing two tanks filled with sand at the top floor; elastic beam elements for piping at the third floor; five‐element macro‐model for the in‐plane‐out‐of‐plane nonlinear response of partition walls at the first floor. The identification of predominant vibration periods of the fixed‐base structure is carried out using a homemade numerical code based on the continuous wavelet transforms in combination with the complex Morlet wavelet. Finally, the sliding and rocking motion of three items of medical equipment (i.e., incubator at third floor, dialysis machine at second floor and surgical bed at first floor) are analysed by means of a homemade numerical code, considering acceleration time histories of selected structural nodes of the fixed‐base structure.

Temporal Availability and Women Career Progression: Evidence from Cross-Time-Zone Acquisitions

This study investigates whether an increase in the demand for nonconventional work schedules helps explain the gender gap in career advancement. We look at employees of U.S. firms acquired between 2010 and 2014 and distinguish between same and different time-zone acquisitions. The idea is that time-zone differences between the headquarters and the newly acquired firm increase the demand for and value of working outside the standard working schedule. This, combined with social norms about women’s role as caregivers, puts female employees at a disadvantage relative to men. Based on Zephyr-LinkedIn matched data, our results show that women are about 9.5% less likely than men to be promoted in cross-time-zone acquisitions than in same-time-zone acquisitions. The gap rises to 10.6% for managerial occupations, and it is higher for time-zone differences of two and three hours. We discuss the implications of our results for the management, evaluation, and retention of human capital in organizations and, more generally, for gender equality in the workplace. Funding: The authors thank the Editor and three autonomous referees for their comments on previous drafts of the paper. The authors also thank participants to the Strategy Science Virtual Conference 2020, the Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SIE) Virtual Seminars held in December 2020, the Wharton Technology and Innovation Conference 2021, and the Work and Organization Workshop held in Madrid in May 2022. The authors acknowledge the financial support of the Invernizzi Center for Research on Innovation, Organization, Strategy and Entrepreneurship (ICRIOS) at Bocconi University. S. Breschi also acknowledges financial support through the MUSA – Multilayered Urban Sustainability Action [ECS 000037] and the GRINS – Growing Resilient, INclusive and Sustainable [PE00000018] projects, funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU, under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2023.17685 .

Zinc uptake in rice (Oryza sativa)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system under the influence of microbial consortia (Pusa decomposer) mediatedin situ rice straw management options

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi) seasons of 2019–20 and 2020–21 at research farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to study the effect of various crop establishment methods and microbial consortia (Pusa decomposer) mediated in situ rice straw management options on zinc (Zn) concentration and uptake in rice (Oryza sativa L.) (cv. Pusa Basmati 1509) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (cv. HD 2967). The experiment was laid out in split-plot design (SPD) with 3 replications having 2 main plot (main factor) treatments, viz. aerobic rice (AR); and conventional transplanted (CT) rice in wet season; and 7 sub- plot (sub-factor) treatments, viz. Clean cultivation (removal of paddy straw); Paddy straw incorporation (PSI); Paddy straw mulching (PSM); PSI + Pusa decomposer (PD); PSM + PD; PSI + urea @20 kg/ha; and PSI + PD + urea @10 kg/ha in dry season. Findings showed that, in rice the zinc concentration (18.51 and 20.30 mg/kg in grain; 57.02 and 57.81 mg/kg in straw) and uptake (78.38 and 89.81 g/ha in grain; 427.1 and 434.6 g/ha in straw) were significantly superior in CT rice than AR in main plots during both the years of experiments. However, sub-plot treatments were non-significant in the zinc concentration and uptake. In wheat, among in situ rice straw management options (sub- plots), paddy straw incorporation + Pusa decomposer + Urea @10 kg/ha treatment significantly resulted in higher Zn concentration (38.08 and 39.03 mg/kg in grain; 28.24 and 29.01 mg/kg in straw) and uptake (185.0 and 191.9 g/ha in grain; 234.2 and 242.6 g/ha in straw) compared to other treatments and control (clean cultivation). The principal component analysis revealed that Zn uptake positively correlated with straw and grain yields in rice and wheat. Thus, the same treatment was found to be a better option for higher Zn concentration and uptake in the rice-wheat cropping system.

Interactive effect of ambient and elevated levels of tropospheric ozone, nutrition and PGPR on growth and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum)

An experiment was conducted during 2020 and 2021 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, to study the interactive effect of nutrient and PGPR (Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) on growth and yield of chickpea (Cicer aeritinum L.) cv. Pusa 3043 under ambient and elevated levels of ozone in FAOE (Free air ozone enrichment). A loss of 15–16% in dry matter production was observed under elevated ozone (EO3) when compared to ambient ozone (AO3) conditions. Seed treatment with PGPR was found to compensate for this loss as an increase in seed yield 18–19% was observed over untreated seeds. In terms of seed yield, the PGPR treatments with 75% nitrogen showed significant improvement compared to the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) application. A yield increase of 12% and 14% was observed with PGPR like RPAN8 (Anabena laxa) and An-Rh (Anabena torulosa with Mesorhizobium ciceri) (chickpea rhizobium) respectively, suggesting an advantage of an–Rh over RPAN8 under EO3. A combination of both PGPRs outperformed the individual PGPR, showing a 19% yield increase over RDF. This proves the potential of seed treatment with PGPR (RPAN8 and An-Rh) in ameliorating tropospheric ozone-induced stress in chickpea plants.

Performance of basmati rice (Oryza sativa) under variable irrigation and nitrogen management

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy seasons (kharif) of 2021 and 2022 at research farm of ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to study the effect of irrigation regimes and integrated use of prilled urea and nano-urea as a source of N, on productivity and profitability of basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was conducted in a three-time replicated split-plot design (SPD) comprised of 3 irrigation regimes, viz. irrigation at 1, 3 and 6 days after disappearance of surface water (DADSW) assigned to main-plots and 4 N-management variants including; 100% RDN (recommended dose of N, 120 kg/ha); 75% RDN + 4% nano-urea (NU) 2 sprays (75% RDN + 2 NU); 50% RDN + 2 NU; and no-N (control) in sub-plots. Irrigating basmati rice 1 DADSW exhibited the highest panicle weight (2.67–3.09 g) and number of grains/panicle (115.9, 109.8), across the years, respectively that were significantly higher than 3 and 6 DADSW. The most delayed irrigation at 6 DADSW caused significant reduction in grain yield, the magnitude of reduction was 13–19% over irrigation at 3 DADSW and substantially by 23–28% over 1 DADSW. Fertilizing rice crop with 100% RDN and 75% RDN + 2 NU resulted in statistically similar yield attributes and grain yield; however, both were, significantly superior to 50% RDN + 2 NU and no-N. Net returns, benefit cost (B:C) ratio and monetary efficiency were significantly higher when crop was irrigated 1 DADSW than 3 and 6 DADSW. The N-management options followed the trend as RDN&gt;75% RDN + 2 NU ˃50% RDN &gt; no-N for all studied economic parameters.

Assessing genetic diversity of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) genotypes cultivated under protected condition

Present study was carried out during 2018–19 and 2019–20 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to evaluate 16 quantitative and qualitative traits of 36 genotypes of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and to examine the genetic variability and character association between yield and its component traits. This investigation involved correlation and genetic divergence analyses to gain insights into the relationships among the various traits. The variance analysis revealed notable variations among genotypes, indicating a substantial level of genetic diversity among them. Among the genotypes, 178 and 115 were found promising for both yield and quality traits. Genotype no. 178 was found superior for fruit weight and yield. The principal component analysis indicated that the first 3 components i.e. component 1 (equatorial diameter, average fruit weight and fruit weight uniformity); component 2 (number of locule and equatorial/polar index); and component 3 (number of fruit and number of fruit/cluster) collectively accounted for 81.48% of the variability. The yield exhibited significant positive correlation with average fruit weight (g), pericarp thickness (cm), polar diameter of fruit (cm), equatorial diameter of fruits (cm) and average fruit weight after each harvest (kg).

Morphological characterization of indigenous potato (Solanum tuberosum) genotypes

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the most important non-grained food and vegetable crop lauded for its nutritional and health benefits. Identifying any new potato genotype primarily depends on its morphological traits, including vegetative, floral and tuber parameters. The present study was carried out during 2020–21 and 2021–22 at the research farm of ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, regional station, Modipuram, Uttar Pradesh and at ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Kufri-Fagu unit, Himachal Pradesh (for floral traits) to evaluate the potato genotypes for vegetative and tuber traits. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Total of 64 indigenous potato genotypes were characterized for 51 morphological traits for distinctiveness, uniformity and stability (DUS) test guidelines. For all traits, there was a high degree of variability between genotypes. Early maturing varieties are preferred owing to their suitability to fit into the potato-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)- paddy (Oryza sativa L.) cropping system. Most genotypes were either early or medium maturing based on foliage senescence. High variability was observed for tuber shape, i.e. genotypes bearing flattened, round, ovoid, oblong, long-oblong and reniform-shaped tubers were available. Tuber skin and flesh colour determining consumer preference depicted variability from whitish cream to dark purple-black skinned tubers. Novel genotypes bearing variegated tuber flesh with a niche market of specific consumer segments were noticed in genotypes Red flesh, Bareilly red, DRR Blue, Badami aloo and Kala aloo. Moreover, the results obtained from the present investigation indicated that the description of 64 indigenous potato genotypes based on notes can be used as a reference for the protection of new varieties under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Right Act (PPV&amp;FRA) rules as well as a comparison against new candidate varieties.

Hotspots and trends of risk factors in gastric cancer: A visualization and bibliometric analysis.

The lack of specific symptoms of gastric cancer (GC) causes great challenges in its early diagnosis. Thus it is essential to identify the risk factors for early diagnosis and treatment of GC and to improve the survival rates. To assist physicians in identifying changes in the output of publications and research hotspots related to risk factors for GC, constructing a list of key risk factors, and providing a reference for early identification of patients at high risk for GC. Research articles on risk factors for GC were searched in the Web of Science core collection, and relevant information was extracted after screening. The literature was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2019, CiteSpace V, and VOSviewer 1.6.18. A total of 2514 papers from 72 countries and 2507 research institutions were retrieved. China (n = 1061), National Cancer Center (n = 138), and Shoichiro Tsugane (n = 36) were the most productive country, institution, or author, respectively. The research hotspots in the study of risk factors for GC are summarized in four areas, namely: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, single nucleotide polymorphism, bio-diagnostic markers, and GC risk prediction models. In this study, we found that H. pylori infection is the most significant risk factor for GC; single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is the most dominant genetic factor for GC; bio-diagnostic markers are the most promising diagnostic modality for GC. GC risk prediction models are the latest current research hotspot. We conclude that the most important risk factors for the development of GC are H. pylori infection, SNP, smoking, diet, and alcohol.

A Scale to Measure the Perception of Graduates towards Student READY Programme

A scale was developed to measure the perception of graduates towards Student READY Programme (SRP). The Likert’s summated rating scale was followed in the construction of scale. Based on the review of literature and discussion with the expert’s, 49 statements were enlisted. The relevancy rating were sent to 160 scientists and extension specialists working in research institutes of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and State Agricultural University (SAU) for critical evaluation of statements on a 5 point continuum. Out of 160 judges 66 responded within a period of one month. Based on their judgment 40 statements were isolated in the first stage of screening by finding the relevancy weightage scores. Statements having relevancy weightage of more than 0.70, relevancy percentage of more than 70 per cent and mean relevancy score of more than 3.70 were considered for final selection. By this process, 32 statements were isolated in the first stage of screening, which were suitably modified and rewritten wherever applicable. Eight statements were added as per the comments of experts. Thus finally 40 statements were selected for item analysis. In item analysis the selected statements were administered to 80 agriculture graduates of non-sample area of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Finally a total of 28 statements were selected for the study based on ‘t’ values (&gt; 1.75) resulted from the item analysis and were included in the final scale. The ‘r’ value of the scale was found to be 0.922, which was highly significant at one per cent level indicating the high reliability of the scale. Hence, the scale developed was found to be reliable and valid. The instrument developed to measure the perception of graduates towards Student READY Programme (SRP) can be used by the researchers.

Determination of derived levels for radioactivity concentrations in foodstuff and environmental matrices at the Joint Research Centre (JRC-Ispra)

Determination of derived levels for radioactivity concentrations in foodstuff and environmental matrices at the Joint Research Centre (JRC-Ispra)