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Integrated Adaptive Approaches to Ensuring Accessibility of Web Applications for Users with Disabilities
No full textThe article explores existing adaptive approaches to making web applications accessible to users with disabilities. Based on the literature review and modern methodological approaches, the possibility of using an integrated methodology aimed at adapting web interfaces to improve their user-friendliness is being investigated. The paper describes a conceptual model of an adaptive system that includes modules for interface adaptation, accessibility, and feedback monitoring. The experiment involved pilot-testing the developed adaptive web interface on a limited sample of users with various forms of disability (visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments), representing different age and educational groups to ensure demographic diversity. Iterative retesting cycles were applied for data processing and interpretation, using descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) and inferential tests (Student’s t-test and analysis of variance) to assess the significance of changes in System Usability Scale scores and compatibility with assistive technologies. The novelty of the approach lies in a comprehensive modular architecture that integrates adaptive, accessibility, and monitoring modules in accordance with WCAG and WAI-ARIA standards, enabling not only basic conformance but also the seamless incorporation of new algorithms into a unified system while maintaining consistency across all components. Adaptability is manifested in dynamic interface personalization based on user behavior data and device characteristics (via media queries, flexible CSS mechanisms, and JavaScript algorithms), as well as in iterative testing and feedback cycles that permit adjustment of the adaptation logic to the evolving needs of users with disabilities. The results of the work confirm the author\u27s hypothesis that the integration of adaptive mechanisms increases the efficiency of using web applications, thereby addressing the individual needs of users with disabilities. The information presented in the framework of the work will be of interest to other researchers, as well as specialists in the field of information technology and inclusive design, seeking to integrate advanced methodologies and standards for ensuring universal accessibility of web applications into the appropriate regulatory and methodological framework
Impacts of Oral Contraceptive Use on Depressive and Anxious Symptoms: An Integrative Review
No full textAims: This integrative review analyzed the psychological effects of oral contraceptives (OCs), focusing on depressive and anxious symptoms. It examined the influence of age, OC type, psychiatric history, and genetic predisposition, aiming to support individualized prescribing strategies.
Study Design: Integrative literature review.
Methodology: The review followed PRISMA guidelines. Searches were conducted on November 20, 2024, across PubMed, SciELO, MEDLINE, LILACS, and BVS, targeting studies published from 2014 to 2024. Boolean terms included "oral contraceptives," "depression," and "anxiety." Nineteen primary studies were included, involving diverse populations and methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, mixed).
Results: Adolescents using OCs, especially progestin-only types, showed higher risks of depressive and anxious symptoms. Combined OCs were associated with emotional stability, particularly in adults without psychiatric histories. Monophasic formulations induced fewer mood fluctuations than multiphasic ones. Genetic predisposition and mental health history were identified as key risk factors. Some subgroups showed mood stabilization and reduced emotional variability.
Conclusion: Emotional impacts of OCs depend on age, formulation, and psychiatric background. Clinicians should assess psychiatric history before prescribing OCs, especially for adolescents and high-risk women. These findings support personalized contraceptive counseling and the integration of mental health screening into clinical practice
Evaluation of Improved Forage Production Technologies under Irrigation in Korra, Denan district, Shebelle Zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia
No full textBackground: In arid and semi-arid regions, such as the Denan district, access to quality forage is a major constraint to sustainable livestock production. Enhancing forage availability through improved technologies is essential, particularly under irrigation-fed systems where water can be utilized efficiently. This study was conducted to address the forage gap by introducing and evaluating improved forage varieties suited to local conditions.
Objectives: The main objective of the study was to introduce and evaluate the performance of improved forage technologies-specifically Sudan grass, Rhodes grass, and Buffle grass-through participatory on-farm trials under irrigation-fed cultivation in Denan district during the 2022 production season.
Methods: The experiment employed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Three forage varieties (Sudan grass, Rhodes grass, and Buffle grass) were tested under irrigation conditions. Data were collected on agronomic traits including flowering days, maturity days, plant height, and biomass yield. Statistical analysis was conducted using SAS software to assess significant differences among the varieties.
Results: The analysis revealed significant differences (P<0.05) among the forage varieties in terms of growth and yield parameters. Sudan grass attained the highest plant height (185.3 cm), followed by Rhodes grass (121 cm), while Buffle grass recorded the shortest height (93 cm). Sudan and Buffle grasses matured significantly earlier (P<0.05) than Rhodes grass. In terms of biomass yield, Sudan grass outperformed the others significantly (P<0.01). Rhodes grass, however, recorded a significantly higher dry matter yield (P<0.05) than Buffle grass. Participating pastoralists ranked Sudan grass highest based on forage yield, palatability, early maturity, drought tolerance, ease of establishment, and manageable harvesting height.
Conclusion: Sudan grass demonstrated superior performance in growth, yield, and farmer-preferred traits, making it a suitable forage option for irrigation-based cultivation in Denan Woreda. It is therefore recommended for adoption by farmers in Denan and similar agro-ecological zones. Further multi-location and multi-season trials are advised to confirm its broader adaptability and performance consistency
Wild Edible Fruit Diversity and their Traditional Use for Local Livelihood in Dollo, Korahay and Nogob Zones, Somali Region, Ethiopia
No full textA study on the diversity of wild edible fruits and their traditional uses for local livelihood was conducted in the Dollo, Korahay, and Nogob zones of the Somali region, Ethiopia. The main objectives were to assess the abundance, dominance, and diversity of wild edible fruit species, as well as to analyze the factors affecting their availability and use. Data collection involved extensive discussions with local communities, district agricultural experts, and locals. A survey was conducted using transect to identify representative areas for assessing species abundance. Twenty wild edible herbs, lianas, shrubs, and trees were identified across Warder and Korahay districts, belonging to 8 families, with the most dominant being Apocynaceae, which comprised 6 species, followed by Malvaceae with 5 species. Together, the top three plant families accounted for approximately 30% of the total species recorded in the study area. Despite their ecological and nutritional importance, these wild edible plant species are underutilized informal food systems, while simultaneously facing increasing threats from overharvesting, habitat loss, and luck of sustainable management practice and environmental degradation. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness among rural households regarding the sustainable management, marketing, and domestic utilization of wild edible fruits
Assessment of Growth Media Effect on Cucumber Performance and Economic Returns in a Greenhouse Environment
No full textThis research was carried out in a greenhouse located at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) - Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), Nyankpala, Northern Region of Ghana from June, 2022 to September, 2022. The study compared the growth of cucumber grown on soil with that grown on cocopeat and soil-biochar and the cost-benefit ratio of the treatments in a greenhouse. The treatments consisted of three irrigation regimes (100 % crop evapotranspiration requirement (ETc), 75 % ETc, and 50 % ETc) and growth media included Soil (So), Soil plus Charred rice husk biochar (So + CRH), and Cocopeat (CP). The study was a 3 x 3 factorial experiment in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data was collected on media physico-chemical properties and growth parameters. Determination of the cost-benefit (CB) of the media was done by using the CBR formula. The result of the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that CP and So + CRH supported optimum growth of cucumber under greenhouse conditions. Cucumber growth parameters, including plant height and flower count, were maximized on CP. The highest leaf area index was obtained from plants grown on So + CRH; chlorophyll content was highest for cucumber plants grown on So, while the highest flower abortion occurred on plants grown on So + CRH. Use of So proved to be more profitable compared to CP and So + CRH. This could be due to the high cost of production of CP and high flower abortion associated with So + CRH-grown plants, which reduced the yield. More work could be done on the combination of CP and CRH for greenhouse cucumber production
Therapeutic Effect of Physalis angulata Fruit Extract on Hormone-induced Uterine Fibroids in Wistar Rats
No full textPhysalis angulata is an edible medicinal plant found in the tropics, which is used for the treatment of infertility-related issues in traditional medicine. This fruit exhibits antitumour, antiproliferative and anticancer properties. However, the therapeutic efficacy of this extract in the management of uterine fibroids remains largely unexplored. This study seeks to assess the therapeutic effect of Physalis angulata fruit extract on Hormone-induced uterine fibroids in Wistar rats. In the present study, 48 animals were randomly divided into 8 groups.The groups were as follows: Group I- Control group received normal feeds and distilled water for 6 weeks. Group II, III, IV and V- Animals were induced with uterine fibroids by administering Diethylstibesterol (1.35 mg/kg/d) every day for 6 weeks orally using oral gavage, Progesterone injection of 1.0mg/180g intramuscularly three times a week(Monday, Wednesday and Friday) for 5 weeks. 0.9 mg/kg/d adrenal hydrochloride injection was given intramuscularly in the last two weeks of the experiment. After the inducement of fibroids for 6 weeks, animals in Group III, IV and V were treated with 2.2 mg of mifepristone, 500 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg of extract, respectively, for 6 weeks. Group VI, VII and VIII- animals were treated with 2.2 mg of mifepristone, 500 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg of body weight offruit extract, respectively, daily for 6 weeks. Plant extracts were administered orally. Animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the last administration. Photochemical studies, gross morphology of the uterus, histological assessment of the uterus using H and E stains, apoptotic and non-apoptotic marker assessments using BAX and BCL2 and hormonal assay were assessed. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of nineteen bioactive compounds. The relative organ weight increased significantly in fibroid-induced groups and reduced in the treatment groups. Results showed increased levels of estrogen (16.38±0.80) and progesterone (9.66±0.58) in the fibroid induced group, which was reduced in low dose treatment groups (Estrogen= 12.69, Progesterone = 6.90) and high dose treatment groups (Estrogen= 11.64, Progesterone = 6.80) P≤0.05. Histopathological changes were observed in the uterus. Increased apoptotic marker reaction was seen in the low-dose(500 mg/kg/d) group. Prolactin level was significantly higher in the treatment groups (P≤0.05) compared with the control. The study successfully induced fibroid, evident by gross morphology of the uterine horn width, elevated estrogen and progesterone levels, up-regulation of BCL2, and down-regulation of BAX and altered endometrial histology. This study revealed that the extract is not cytotoxic to the organ studied. The extract has the ability to induce apoptosis, suggesting that its mode of action on fibroid may be through the induction of apoptosis, reduction of uterine horn width and correction of hormonal imbalance associated with fibroid development. Physalis angulata fruit extract has a promising potential as a supplement for the management of uterine fibroid
Fibre Blending Strategies in Nonwoven Fabrics: Advances toward High Performance and Sustainable Applications
No full textNonwoven fabrics have become integral to numerous industries due to their lightweight, versatile and cost-effective nature. It’s unlike traditional woven or knitted textiles, are manufactured by bonding or interlocking fibres through mechanical, thermal or chemical processes without converting them into yarns. A critical aspect of nonwoven production is fibre mixing and blending, which enables the enhancement of material properties such as tensile strength, absorbency, flexibility and functionality. The rising global demand for lightweight, high-performance and eco-friendly materials has driven innovation in nonwoven blending technologies. This review explores the strategic blending of synthetic, natural, regenerated and speciality fibres to meet diverse application needs in sectors like hygiene, medical, filtration, and geotextiles. This review compiles and synthesises recent research that emphasises the objectives of fibre blending, including performance optimisation, cost reduction and functionalization. A diverse range of fibre types—natural, synthetic, regenerated and speciality is used in nonwoven fabric production. The selection is based on intended end-use performance, processing compatibility, cost and environmental impact. This paper also highlights challenges such as achieving fibre compatibility and uniform distribution, as well as the growing importance of sustainable and biodegradable fibre options. Advances in digital control, nanofibres integration and bio-based material use are expanding the potential of nonwoven fabrics. Overall, fibre blending remains a cornerstone in engineering nonwovens for modern performance and sustainability requirements. The advancement of nonwoven fabric technology has opened new frontiers in material science, particularly through the strategic use of fibre mixing and blending. Continued interdisciplinary collaboration and technological investment will unlock the full potential of blended nonwoven materials in global industries. This review provides a timely resource for advancing multifunctional and eco-friendly nonwoven materials through strategic fibre blending
Development and Consumer Assessment of Muskmelon-Enriched Soft Serve Ice Cream: A Sensory-Driven Investigation
No full textThe present study was conducted to assess the impact of Muskmelon (Cucumis melo) pulp incorporation at varying levels on the sensory characteristics and consumer acceptance of softy ice cream. The primary aim was to develop a nutritionally appealing product and identify the formulation with optimal acceptability.
The experiment followed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) comprising five treatments—T₀ (0%, control), T₁ (10%), T₂ (15%), T₃ (20%) and T₄ (25%) muskmelon pulp—each replicated five times. The research was carried out during the academic year 2024–2025 at the Division of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, Dr. Sharadchandra Pawar College of Agriculture, Baramati.
Sensory evaluation was performed by a semi-trained panel using a 9-point hedonic scale to score appearance, flavor, texture, mouthfeel and overall acceptability. Additionally, consumer acceptance was studied by collecting responses from 30 untrained individuals across diverse age, education and occupational backgrounds. Data on purchase intent, sweetness level and product preference were statistically analyzed using ANOVA.
Among all treatments, T₃ (20% muskmelon pulp) received significantly higher sensory scores for flavor (8.82 ± 0.14), texture (8.70 ± 0.13) and overall acceptability (8.77 ± 0.16), indicating strong preference (P < 0.05). Consumer feedback echoed the sensory panel results, showing a marked inclination toward T₃ for its pleasant taste and natural sweetness. Favorable responses were observed across most demographic segments, supporting its market potential.
Conclusion: The incorporation of muskmelon pulp up to 20% significantly enhances the sensory quality and consumer appeal of softy ice cream. T₃ emerged as the most accepted formulation, highlighting its potential for development into a commercially viable and health-oriented frozen dessert
Assessing Land Cover Shifts and Fire Impact in Uttarakhand (2018-2024): A Cloud-based Geospatial Solution Using GEE and Dynamic World Data
No full textIn Uttarakhand, the 2024 forest fire season has seen a dramatic rise in outbreaks, marking one of the most severe incidents in recent years. Effective environmental management in ecologically fragile areas like Uttarakhand depends on analysing land cover changes and fire intensity. This article introduces a web-based tool that leverages cloud geospatial analytics to evaluate forest fire severity and land cover shifts in Uttarakhand, India. The application, built on Google Earth Engine (GEE), combines multi-temporal Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, Dynamic World land cover probability data, and FIRMS active fire alerts to provide near-real-time monitoring. The platform utilizes probabilistic land cover change detection and an enhanced Difference Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) method, specifically adapted for Himalayan Forest conditions. Four distinct goals are addressed by this study\u27s automated cloud-based platform for environmental monitoring in Uttarakhand, India: (1) To examine changes in land cover in Uttarakhand between 2018 and 2024, (2) Map and evaluate yearly fire incidents in Uttarakhand between 2018 and 2024, (3) Use spectral indices to assess burn severity within 10 km of a user-selected point, and (4) Create a time series analysis of changes in land cover for a user-selected pixel between 2018 and 2024.
The study uses Google Earth Engine to combine FIRMS active fire records, Dynamic World land cover data, and multi-temporal Sentinel-2 imagery. The increase of built-up areas by 28%, the stability of forest cover (27,000–29,500 km2) with fire-induced oscillations, and the notable variability in climate-sensitive classes are some of the main results. Using enhanced dNBR algorithms, users can visualize burn severity within a 10 km radius of a selected point. It also offers interactive visualization features via a dedicated dashboard.
At user-specified sites, this framework provides tool for land cover change detection, fire impact assessment, and temporal analysis, providing a solution for near-real-time environmental monitoring. The findings offer important new information for the sustainable management of Himalayan ecosystems in the face of mounting environmental stress
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Profiling of a Pyrazole-Based Schiff Base Incorporating 2,4-Dihydroxybenzaldehyde
No full textIn this study, a Schiff base (DHB-Pz) was synthesized via a condensation reaction between 5-amino-3-methyl-1-phenylpyrazole and 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde. The compound was characterized using elemental analysis, FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and conductivity measurements. The FTIR spectrum confirmed the formation of the azomethine linkage (C=N) through a distinct stretching band, while UV-Vis absorption at 412 nm indicated extended conjugation. The Schiff base was screened for antimicrobial activity against a panel of Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Serratia sp.) and Gram-negative (Klebsiella sp., Proteus sp.) bacteria, as well as fungi (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) using the agar well diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using serial dilution techniques. The compound exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with MIC values as low as 0.312 mg/mL for Aspergillus niger, and comparable potency to reference drugs (Gentamycin and Nystatin). The promising activity may be attributed to the presence of hydroxyl groups, the pyrazole moiety, and the conjugated system, which enhance membrane interaction and disruption. These findings underscore the potential of DHB-Pz as a scaffold for future antimicrobial agent development