Advances in Research
Not a member yet
1523 research outputs found
Sort by
Response of Abiotic Stress through Signaling in Plants: A Review
No full textThis review explores the key components of abiotic stress signaling, including stress perception, secondary messengers like calcium ions and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the central role of phytohormones such as abscisic acid (ABA). Abiotic stress is the adverse effect of any abiotic factor on a plant in a given environment, affecting its growth and development. Abiotic stresses, such as low or high temperature, deficient or excessive water, high salinity, heavy metals, and ultraviolet radiation, are hostile to plant growth and development, leading to great crop yield penalty worldwide. Abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, and nutrient deficiencies adversely affect plant growth and productivity. Plants have evolved sophisticated signaling mechanisms to perceive, respond, and adapt to these environmental challenges. Plants respond to these stresses through intricate signaling networks that integrate external stimuli and coordinate adaptive responses. Key signaling pathways involve phytohormones like abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and ethylene, which regulate gene expression and physiological processes. Additionally, secondary messengers such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), calcium ions (Ca²⁺), and nitric oxide (NO) play crucial roles in stress perception and signal transduction. Cross-talk between these signaling pathways ensures a robust response, enabling plants to maintain homeostasis, activate stress-specific genes, and promote survival. The dynamic cross-talk between signaling pathways enables plants to integrate multiple stress signals, while transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation fine-tune stress responses. Emerging insights into epigenetic modifications reveal their role in stress memory, providing an adaptive advantage. These signaling networks offer promising targets for genetic engineering and crop improvement to enhance resilience against abiotic stresses. Understanding the intricacies of these mechanisms is crucial for developing sustainable agricultural practices in the context of climate change
Growth Performance, Survival, and Production of Pangasius pangasius at Different Stocking Densities in Intensive Aquaculture Systems
No full textStocking density represents a critical management parameter in intensive aquaculture, directly influencing growth performance, survival rates, production economics, and environmental sustainability. Determining optimal stocking density is essential for maximizing economic returns while maintaining fish welfare and environmental sustainability. This study investigated the effect of stocking density on the growth performance, survival rate, and water quality parameters of Pangasius pangasius in intensive aquaculture systems. Post-larvae of P. pangasius (PL-7 stage) with an average initial weight of 0.002 g were obtained from a registered private hatchery during August 2024. Four experimental tanks were established with stocking densities of 100, 150, 200, and 700 individuals/m³ (designated as Tank-1, Tank-2, Tank-3, and Tank-4, respectively) over a 98-day culture period. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with stocking density as the main factor. When significant differences were detected (P < 0.05), Tukey\u27s Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test was applied for multiple comparisons. Results demonstrated that lower stocking densities significantly improved individual fish growth performance. Tank-1 (100 individuals/m³) achieved the highest final weight (27.5 ± 0.41 g), growth rate (0.85 g/week), and survival rate (93.2%), while Tank-4 (700 individuals/m³) showed the lowest values (15.1 ± 0.87 g, 0.39 g/week, and 65.7% respectively). However, total biomass production was highest in Tank-3 (200 individuals/m³) at 99.21 kg/tank. Water quality parameters remained within acceptable ranges across all treatments, though total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), nitrate, and total phosphorus increased significantly at higher densities. The study concludes that a stocking density of 100-200 individuals/m³ provides an optimal balance between individual growth and total production for P. pangasius in intensive culture systems. Optimizing fish stocking densities in culture facilities is essential for an intensive culture system because it directly affects fish growth rates and survival percentage
Biomedical Implications of the Integrity of Petroleum Pipeline-Infrastructure Systems: A Comprehensive Review
No full textPipeline infrastructure in the global petroleum industry has advanced rapidly over the last two decades, yet these developments are associated with notable and often underexamined biomedical and public health outcomes. This critical review evaluates the potential health implications of petroleum pipeline systems, focusing on corrosion failures, material degradation, leakages, emissions, and maintenance activities linked to both conventional and emerging technologies. Using Nigeria and other oil-producing regions in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States as comparative case studies, the review synthesizes peer-reviewed evidence published between 2010 and 2024 associating pipeline operations with toxic chemical exposure, respiratory disorders, carcinogenic risks, reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, microbial contamination, and long-term ecological degradation. Data from oil-impacted communities in the Niger Delta (2015–2023) indicate elevated incidences of asthma, reduced pulmonary function, heavy metal accumulation, and adverse pregnancy outcomes among populations residing near pipeline corridors. Technological innovations introduced since 2015 including nanomaterial coatings, composite linings, smart sensors, and laser-based surface treatments enhance corrosion resistance and operational efficiency but may be linked to new biomedical risks through nanoparticle release, chemical leaching, and environmental persistence. The review identifies persistent gaps in regulatory enforcement, occupational health surveillance, and environmental monitoring, underscoring the need for integrated, multidisciplinary approaches. By bridging engineering, toxicology, public health, and regulatory science, this work highlights opportunities to mitigate the biomedical burden associated with petroleum pipeline infrastructure in oil-rich regions worldwide
Separating the Temporal Dynamics and Wealth Inequalities in Early Childbearing: Multilevel Statistical Analysis
No full textEarly childbearing remains a persistent global public health challenge, yet existing evidence is largely derived from cross-sectional or pooled analyses that ignore hierarchical data structures and within-country dependence. The study aims to quantify the temporal dynamics and socio-economic inequalities in national proportions of child, sexual, and early childbearing (CSEC) while addressing key statistical limitations in prior research. This study used a quantitative, longitudinal research design with secondary country-level data from the UNICEF global maternal and adolescent health data repository. The analytic dataset comprises 555 observations of countries and survey years 2000-2023. Analysis of the results indicates no statistically significant trend over time after accounting for the hierarchical relationship (β = 0.017, p = 0.254), suggesting irregular progress. Significantly positive relationships were found in both rural (β = 2.238, CI: 1.529-2.947) and urban (β = 2.069, CI: 1.462-2.677) settings. Wealth effects were non-linear, with the largest coefficients in the middle (β = 2.941) and fourth (β = 2.340) quintiles, challenging conventional poor-rich dichotomies. A substantial proportion of variance was attributable to between-country differences, confirming the inadequacy of pooled models. The novelty of this research lies in its equity-aware longitudinal multilevel framework, which overcomes independence and aggregation biases in earlier studies. Actionable recommendations include adopting hierarchical monitoring for SDG reporting, strengthening adolescent reproductive health services in both rural and urban settings, and targeting socio-economically transitional populations often overlooked in policy design
Optimization of Distribution Transformer Design for Harmonic Resilience using a Taguchi-FEM Approach
No full textThe Nigeria\u27s low-voltage distribution transformers suffer from significant harmonic issues leading to catastrophic failures. Existing strategies to address harmonics have overlooked transformer inherent parameter design optimizations. This study presents the optimization of a 30 kVA transformer, focusing on enhancing efficiency and minimizing harmonic susceptibility for low-voltage distribution systems in Nigeria. Utilizing a combined Taguchi-FEM approach, result shows that key design parameters were optimized with core area (0.773 m²), material (Amorphous Steel), core design (Six-Stepped Core), and flux density (1.354T), resulting in a 27% reduction in energy losses. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) revealed that the optimized transformer exhibited a core saturation of 19.2%, significantly lower than the baseline\u27s 42%, and demonstrated reduced energy density near the core-winding interface. Experimental validation through Open Circuit (OC) and Short Circuit (SC) tests confirmed a notable improvement in efficiency, with the optimized transformer achieving 97.15% efficiency at full load, compared to 95.5% for the baseline transformer. Core losses were reduced to 85W, and copper losses decreased to 800W. Also, the findings revealed a significant reduction in Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) from 16.78% in the baseline design to 4.12% in the optimized configuration. The findings align with international standards (IEC 60076-8). Optimizing core materials and stepped core design with advanced modeling can enhance reliability and reduce harmonic impacts. This study’s outcomes have potential promise on stable transformer operation, harmonic mitigation and reduced losses, enhanced reliability, and overall power systems stability; as well as the potential promise in terms of overall power systems cost savings and energy efficiency. Therefore, integrated optimization approaches, incorporating Taguchi-FEM and experimental techniques, can effectively enhance transformer performance, paving the way for broader applications in the field
Advancements in Seismic Isolation Technologies for Super High-rise Buildings
No full textWith the progress of modern building technology and the rapid development of social economy, super high-rise buildings have become an important part of urban landscape, and the number and height of construction in the world are rising. Therefore, it is particularly important to ensure the safety of these buildings and their internal facilities, especially the seismic performance in earthquake-prone areas. In this context, seismic isolation technology has been widely used as an effective seismic solution. The traditional seismic design method mainly resists the earthquake by enhancing the strength and stiffness of the structure itself, while the damping or shock insulation reduces the impact of the earthquake on the building by introducing energy-consuming components or isolation layers. In addition, seismic isolation is the hybrid systems of damping and shock insulation, which combines the advantages of both. Compared with a single method, which not only reduces the energy dissipation, but also improves the overall stability of the structure, and provides a more comprehensive and efficient guarantee for the seismic design of super high-rise buildings
Research Progress on Monitoring and Reinforcement of Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe
No full textPrestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe (PCCP), as a composite pipe material with high strength and good durability, is widely used in urban long-distance water transmission projects in China. Its main structure includes the steel cylinder, concrete, prestressed steel wires, and a mortar protective layer. However, over the long-term use of PCCP, problems such as cracks in the cement mortar protective layer, longitudinal cracks in the concrete wall, corrosion of circumferential prestressed steel wires, and wire breakage gradually emerge, leading to the degradation of pipe performance and even rupture accidents. Therefore, the safe operation of PCCP during its service life has attracted widespread attention from researchers. This paper provides a detailed review of the wire breakage monitoring technologies and reinforcement methods for PCCP, focusing on the wire breakage monitoring methods based on electromagnetic principles and distributed optical fiber sensing technology, and their applications in PCCP. In addition, this paper also introduces CFRP reinforcement technology and external prestressed reinforcement methods for PCCP pipe wire breakage issues. External prestressing has particular advantages over CFRP, which is commonly used for internal reinforcement, for in-service long-distance pipelines. Research shows that the use of modern non-destructive testing technologies and reinforcement methods can significantly enhance the safety and service life of PCCP pipes, especially in emergency repairs
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)-DAD Based Monitoring of Oxytetracycline Residues in Chicken Meat: A Case Study of Kamrup District, Assam, India
No full textThe experiment was conducted during Kharif (June–August, 2024) at Instrument Precision Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022 to assess oxytetracycline residues in poultry meat samples.The samples were obtained from 5 different cities of Kamrup districts of Assam, India. A total of 125 poultry meat samples, consisting of thigh muscle tissues were collected from local road side chicken stalls of Azara, Kamakhya, Khanapara, Narangi and Noonmati areas. The samples were collected and stored in sterile sealed containers and transported to the laboratory under ice packs and kept at -20°C till use. Residue analysis was conducted using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with quaternary pump system and diode array detector at 205 nm. The isocratic mobile phase consisting of 0.01 M oxalic acid, acetonitrile, and methanol in a 50:30:20 was used. Separation was achieved with C18 column. Limit of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantification (LOQ) were determined to be 0.005 μg g-1 and 0.008 μg g-1, respectively. The mean retention time for OTC was 3.2 min. Among the 125 samples tested for oxytetracycline residue, only 2 samples were found to be positive; however, none of the positive samples exceeded the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL). Therefore, the findings suggest that a high compliance rate with withdrawal periods, suggesting effective regulatory adherence and minimal public health risk from oxytetracycline residues in the sampled chicken
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preventing Practices Regarding Lassa Fever in Edo State: Insights from Community and Healthcare Workers
No full textLassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness endemic in West Africa, poses significant public health challenges in Nigeria, with Edo State as one of the epicenters. Despite the recurrent outbreaks, limited data exist on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of residents and healthcare personnel in affected areas, creating a critical research gap. This study aimed to assess these dimensions in Edo State to inform targeted interventions. Using cross-sectional study design, mixed sampling technique, data was collected using a well-structured questionnaire from 1,192 residents and 180 Primary Healthcare (PHC) personnel. The questionnaire was programmed and a Survey CTO software was used in the collection of the data and analyzed using SPSS version 23. The study highlights substantial gaps in awareness and preventive behaviors. Among residents, 80.1% recognized Lassa fever as a severe illness, yet only 6.9% had participated in awareness campaigns. Preventive measures such as storing food in rodent-proof containers (12.1%) and frequent environmental sanitation (25.4%) were underutilized. Misconceptions about transmission persisted, with only 3% aware of the 1–21 days incubation period and 0.3% acknowledging sexual transmission. Socioeconomic disparities significantly influenced practices, as higher-income households reported better compliance with sanitation measures (p < 0.001). Practices like using traps (14.5%) and participating in sanitation campaigns (6.8%) varied significantly by residence type (p < 0.001). PHC personnel demonstrated strong knowledge of Lassa fever, with a high Relative Importance Index (RII = 0.960) for facts such as its classification as a viral hemorrhagic illness and the role of rats as primary reservoirs. However, only 84% identified alternative reservoirs like bats and mosquitoes. PPE adherence was notably poor, particularly for facemasks and eye protection (RII = 0.217). The study\u27s findings underscore the necessity for targeted education, strengthened training for healthcare personnel, and equitable resource distribution to bridge the identified gaps. Addressing these issues is crucial to reducing the burden of Lassa fever in Edo State and beyond
Effect of Foliar Application of Humic Acid on Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)
No full textThe present experiment entitled "Effect of Foliar Application Humic Acid on Growth, Yield and Quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)" was undertaken at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Chandra Bhanu Gupta Agriculture Post Graduate College, Bakshi Ka Talab, Lucknow during Kharif season of 2023 & 24. The study was consisted for six treatments of Humic Acid levels (control, 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 ml/l). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design and replicated three times. The results revealed that significantly higher Plant Height (cm), Number of Flowers per plant, Number of Fruits per Plant, Average Fruit weight (g), Fruit Length (cm) and Fruit yield (q/ha), while minimum Days to 50% Flowering, Days to First Fruit Set (Days), Days to First Fruit Picking (Days) were recorded with treatment of T5 (100% RDF + foliar spray of Humic Acid 15ml/l)