Advances in Research
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Potential of Nano-particles in Mitigating Abiotic Stress in Crops
No full textClimate change, triggered by anthropogenic activities and other inexorable factors, has led to a surge in abiotic stresses, compromising agricultural productivity and exacerbating environmental degradation (Shahzad et al., 2018). Empirical evidence suggests that abiotic stresses significantly impair crop yields, underscoring the need for innovative solutions (Khan et al., 2018). Recent advances in plant sciences have elucidated the complex mechanisms underlying abiotic stress-induced damage to crop plants. Conversely, breakthroughs in plant physiology, genetics, and applied biology have paved the way for the development of stress-tolerant crop varieties. Furthermore, the nascent field of nanotechnology has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing plant resilience to abiotic stresses through the strategic application of nanoparticles (NPs) (Moisala et al., 2003). Studies have demonstrated that NPs can positively impact plant performance under stress conditions (Yadav et al., 2020). Moreover, the use of nano-scale agrochemicals, including nano-formulated pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, has garnered significant attention as a potential means of augmenting plant growth and productivity (Abdel Latef et al., 2017)
A Review of the Application and Research Progress of Composite Bonded Joints
No full textIn this paper, the mechanical connection, adhesive connection, hybrid connection (adhesive mechanical), suture connection (Z-Pin chain connection) of composite materials are introduced, the advantages and disadvantages of each connection are described in detail, and the structural form of the most widely used adhesive connection, the application and innovation in engineering practice are explained in detail. The challenge that the adhesive joint can not be further studied under the existing experimental conditions is put forward. In addition, two methods are given to improve the mechanical properties of the bonded joint. One is to improve the conditions of the adhesive itself, that is, the use of stripping cloth or sandblasting. The other method is to modify the adhesive, add nanoparticles or mix the adhesive. It provides a new direction for future research
The Role of Social Media in Marketing Value-Added Products: An Agripreneur Perspective
No full textIn recent years, social media has significantly impacted the marketing of value-added products, prompting agripreneurs to focus on value added products. The study was conducted among agripreneurs in India, aiming to assess the influence of agripreneurs on social media marketing. Through bibliometric analysis, the need for the study has been proved. Further, the study examined factors that affect social media use for marketing value-added products, applying the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and measuring its impact using Heckman analysis. The study identifies perceived usefulness, compatibility, and attitude as key drivers that shape agripreneurs\u27 intention to use social media for marketing, ultimately influencing their adoption of these platforms. Furthermore, the findings reveal that while Instagram and YouTube are gaining popularity, WhatsApp and Facebook remain the most effective platforms for marketing value-added products, particularly across different age groups
A Comparative Covid-19 Stability Analysis Using a Sir Epidemiological Model amongst the Kenyan Population for the Periods Before and After Vaccination
No full textIn this paper, the study focused on carrying out a stability analysis on the SIR model for the COVID-19 pandemic for the period before the vaccination roll out in Kenya. Earlier, in a related study using a modified SIVR that focused on the period after the vaccination roll out, has heavily been relied on by this current study. This study therefore aimed at drawing a comparison between the pre and post-vaccination stability analyses The eventual intention is to show that whereas there existed a form of herd immunity amongst the Kenyan people attributed to the people’s way of life, transmission dynamics during the pre-vaccination period show that the disease spread was largely uncontrolled. In contrast, the earlier study on post vaccination analysis by Mocheche GM, (Mocheche, 2024) revealed that the infections drastically reduced to near zero after vaccination except for a few isolated cases that were and still continue to exhibit mild symptoms to none at all. Accordingly, this was attributed to the development of the vaccine which upon a massive campaign by the Kenyan government, led into a significant portion of the population being vaccinated. It is believed this vaccination drive enhanced herd immunity amongst the population. This development has had a significant effect in the control of more recent COVID-19 variants like JN-1 that have remained largely mild and undetected in the country. Arising from this revelation and from the cultural beliefs that discourage the populace against conventional vaccinations, results from this comparative analysis will inform policy makers that there is considerable need for deliberate civic education for the Kenyan people to embrace vaccination as a means to protecting themselves against future COVID-19 and other infectious diseases of a similar nature
Enhancement of Morphological and Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Megathyrsus maximus Fibre-Reinforced Epoxy Composite
No full textLignocellulosic fibre-based polymer composites have gained significant attention due to their ecofriendly nature against the petrochemical fibre-based polymer composites. This study was done to enhance the morphological and thermo-mechanical properties of guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) fibre reinforced epoxy composite. The fibres were modified with 8% sodium hydroxide solution for 4 hours. The composites were fabricated by hand lay-up method, combining different lengths (10mm, 30mm and 50mm) and volume fractions (10%, 30% and 50%) of the modified fibres with epoxy matrix via compression moulding. The results of the mechanical analysis show that the composite with 50mm-30% fibre loading exhibit better tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength and flexural modulus of 130.51MPa, 4.731GPa, 57.89MPa and 2.742GPa respectively compared to other fibre composites examined. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Thermogravimetric/Differential Thermogravimetric (TG/DTG) analysis on the composites show that fibre modification affect the morphological and thermal properties of the composite
Development and Quality Evaluation of Biscuits by Using Shatavari Powder and Emmer Wheat Flour
No full textThe increasing interest in nutritious and functional foods has led to the investigation of alternative grains with enhanced health benefits. This research enters on developing nutritious biscuits using shatavari powder and emmer wheat. The food intake by such people is of substandard with respect to nutritive value and often leads to some disorder. Common and easy to eat food for such people is biscuit. The advantages of certain ayurvedic herbs are well documented in literature. Low-cost nutritive biscuits made of ayurvedic components shatavari powder were developed. It is rich in carbohydrate, energy, protein and fat which add to its medicinal importance for malnourished population. Newly formulated biscuits were investigated for its chemical and sensory characteristics by method reported in the literature. These grains are cultivated for their good nutritional values, such as high protein, essential minerals, and bioactive compounds, making them ideal for creating shatavari powder and emmer wheat seeds were investigated. Blends of shatavari powder and emmer wheat were carried out, with proportions of emmer wheat to shatavari powder being 96:4, 94:6 and 92:8. Temperature is 140°C, 150°C and 160°C.Time is 10, 12 and 14 min. The seventeen trials of biscuits formulation in based on proportion, temperature and time. Physical, chemical and sensory evaluation of all the samples was performed. Analytical methods were used to evaluate the nutrientcomposition, including protein, fibre, and mineral content. Sample T13 was (EW: S-96:4, Temperature 150°C and Time 12 min) selected for storage study of 90 days. The data obtained from sensory and proximate analysis in the present investigation are sufficient to conclude that shatavari powder is an effective substitute for wheat flourin biscuits preparation. This substitution increased the protein content of the biscuits. The biscuits made with a 40% replacement of wheat flour with shatavari powder flour were the most acceptable
Design of a Flour Mill Based on Engineering Properties of Green Gram Using SOLIDWORKS
No full textGreen gram (mung bean) is among the most vital pulse crops in India, both nutritionally and economically. As the world’s largest producer of green gram, India contributes over 70% of the global production. To ensure the efficient processing of green gram in flour mills, it is essential to understand its physical properties, such as sphericity, bulk density, coefficient of friction, angle of repose, terminal velocity, moisture content and thousand grain weight. These properties impact various aspects of the milling process, machinery design and overall milling efficiency. In this investigation the physical properties of green gram were studied. As per the physical properties, a flour mill was designed in SOLIDWORKS software. The role of SOLIDWORKS in design process are crucial for accurately modeling material flow, optimizing the design of hoppers, conveyors, and processing equipment for efficient performance and structural integrity. The calculated average bulk density of green gram grains is 834.66 kg m-³ was reported. The calculated average sphericity for green gram grains was 0.84 reported. For green gram grains, the coefficient of friction was recorded as 0.43 on mild steel, 0.65 on galvanized iron, 0.59 on aluminium and 0.76 on belt material. The computed mean angle of repose for green gram was 34.73º. The average terminal velocity for green gram is 11.7 m s-1 was reported. The average moisture content of green gram grains reported as 23.33%. The average thousand grain weight for green gram is 49.33 g
Glycemic Control Strategies and Management of Acute Complications in Children with Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review
No full textAims: This review aims to identify and analyze the main strategies for glycemic control and the management of acute complications in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D), focusing on the effectiveness of technologies, nutritional interventions, and structured education.
Study Design: Systematic literature review.
Place and Duration of Study: Database searches (PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, BVS, and MEDLINE) were conducted between March and April 2025.
Methodology: Studies published in the last 10 years were selected according to inclusion criteria targeting children with T1D. Articles addressing glycemic control (e.g., insulin therapy, continuous glucose monitoring, closed-loop systems), nutritional therapy, diabetes education, and management of acute complications (hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis) were analyzed. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers and thematically organized.
Results: The findings revealed that insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring significantly improve glycemic control compared to multiple daily injections. Nutritional therapy with a low glycemic index and structured educational programs enhance adherence and metabolic outcomes. Acute complications such as severe hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis remain leading causes of hospitalization, especially in settings with limited access to technology. Differences between public and private healthcare systems affect outcomes, and multidisciplinary education is crucial in both hospital and home care.
Conclusion: Glycemic control in children with T1D is more effective when technology, nutrition, and education are integrated. However, disparities in access to care and technologies persist. Healthcare professionals should adopt a comprehensive, individualized approach, and policymakers must ensure equitable access to effective interventions across healthcare systems
Technologies Available for Treatment of Saline Water for Livestock Drinking: A Review
No full textWater is an essential nutrient required for physiological and metabolic processes in livestock. However, in many arid and semi-arid regions, freshwater resources are scarce, and saline or brackish water becomes the only available source. Consumption of saline water can adversely affect livestock productivity and health. Desalination offers a solution by converting saline water into potable quality. This review explores the technologies available for desalination of saline water for livestock drinking, encompassing thermal, membrane-based, chemical, and renewable energy-assisted systems. Reverse osmosis (RO), electrodialysis (ED), multi-stage flash distillation (MSF), vapor compression distillation (VCD), and freeze desalination are examined in detail. Additionally, solar desalination and its potential for decentralized livestock farms is discussed. The review concludes by emphasizing the need for technology selection based on water quality, energy availability, scale of operation, and economic viability
Quantitative Analysis and Algebra of Norm-Attainability in Operators in Approximation Theory
No full textOn this note, we investigate the quantitative aspects of norm-attainability in operators, focusing on distances to the set of norm-attainable operators, rates of convergence, and approximation properties. Key results include the structural characterization of norm-attainable operators, convexity of the distance function, and convergence rates for sequences of approximations. We also establish optimality conditions and error bounds for norm approximations, providing new insights into their geometric and analytical behavior. Applications in approximation theory, including spectral and compact operator approximations, are explored, emphasizing practical relevance and computational efficiency