Red seaweed liquid fertilizer increases growth, chlorophyll and yield of mungbean (Vigna radiata)

Received: October 29th, 2022 ; Accepted: February 12th, 2023 ; Published: April 3rd, 2023 ; Corresponding author: [email protected] demand for chemical fertilizers in Bangladesh is increasing by the day. Seaweed extracts are high in a variety of bioactive substances that can be used as a biostimulant as an alternative to agricultural plants. To assess the impact of foliar spraying of red seaweed (Gracilaria tenuistipitata var. liui) extracts at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% concentrationsin comparison to the control condition (water spray only) and soil application of recommended doses of fertilizer (RDF) as basal on growth, chlorophyll and yield of mungbean variety BU mug5, a pot experiment was conducted at the Department of Agronomy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur, Bangladesh during Kharif-1 season (March to May 2021). Seven (7) treatments: T1 – Control (foliar spray using water), T2 – Recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF) as basal, T3 – Foliar spray of 5% seaweed extracts, T4 – Foliar spray of 10% seaweed extracts, T5 – Foliar spray of 15% seaweed extracts, T6 – Foliar spray of 20% seaweed extracts and T7 – Foliar spray of 25% seaweed extracts were imposed following completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The results revealed that seaweed liquid fertilizer at 20% concentration increased leaf area, total dry matter and chlorophyll (SPAD value) by 25.00, 40.21 and 9.11% over the control and 15.42, 8.27 and 2.08% compared to RDF, respectively. Seed yield increased by 93.14% when compared to a control with 20% seaweed foliar spray, and by 9.04%, when compared to RDF. Foliar application of 20% seaweed liquid fertilizer performed best among the treatments in terms of mungbean growth and yield, according to findings of the experiment. The results of this study suggest that red seaweed extracts from Gracilaria tenuistipitata var. liui may be used as a fertilizer to reduce the chemical fertilizer to boost mungbean yield

PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF RED PALM OIL AND SUPER RED PALM OLEIN ON HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC RATS

The present work was conducted to study the effect of red palm oil (RPO) and super red palm olien (SRPOL) on the nutritional parameters of rats suffering from hypercholesterolemic. The vitamins (E, A, D and K) and β carotene were determinate by HPLC and indicated that RPO and SRPOL are considered the richest vegetable oils of antioxidant specially α- tocopherol and β carotene. Thirty male rats weighting approximately 210 grams were divided into five groups, each group containing six rats. Group G1 fed on basal diet as a control negative group. Group G2 fed on basal diets containing 2% of cholesterol as a control positive group and the other groups G3, G4 and G5 fed on the same diet used in group G2, yet the corn oil was replaced by RPO in G3 and SRPOL in G4, Meanwhile, group G5 was fed on the same diet used in group G2 and supplemented with a drug contained Lipitor Atorvastatin (20 mg/Kg BW rat daily by stomach tube). Concerning biological evaluation all the studied dietary oils compared to positive control group caused an decreases in serum LDL-c and TC and significantly increased HDL-c over the feeding period of experimental rat groups, thereby decreased the TC/HDL-c and LDL-c/HDL-c ratios. Aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) enzymes and albumin in rats serum were generally decreased by RPO, SRPOL and drug Lipitor compared to positive control group.     Also urea, creatnine and uric acid levels in rats serum were significantly decreased by the studied oils and drug. However, a significant increment in the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPXs), catalase and total antioxidant were observed in blood of hypercholesterolemic rats treated with RPO, SRPOL and drug. As such, the treated groups showed a significant decrement in malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma

Scientific notes on coptosoma variegatum herrich-schaeffer, 1838 (Hemiptera: Plataspidae): a potential pest of mango flower in Malaysia

The incidence of infestation by a black stink bug Coptosoma variegatum (Hemiptera: Plataspidae) on mango Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae) tree was scientifically reported for the first time in Malaysia. This insect is commonly known as home invader and legume pest. Abundance of this insect was monitored on mango panicles by 15 minutes hourly collection from 0800 h until 1500 h at 4-day interval from the beginning of flowering until all flowers dried up (12-28 February 2013 and 28 January 2014 – 7 March 2014). Five hundred twenty-six individuals collected during the study period with drastic increase observed in second season. However, their infestation on mango flowers was not fully evident therefore was suggested as a potential pest for mango flower in Malaysia solely due to their appearance on mango panicles. Nevertheless, co-occurrence of this sap-sucking insect with other secondary pests may pose a serious economic implication on the productivity of the crop. Thus, more research regarding this insect biology is required so that control requirement can be identified to maximize mango production in Malaysia

Radiation pattern reconfigurable fm antenna

In this work, a radiation pattern reconfigurable antenna design using compact printed spiral monopoles that operates at 102 MHz is reported. The proposed antenna changes its radiation behaviour that responds towards a desired direction with the use of RF switches. The antenna is printed on a 76.6mm × 50mm PCB layer providing more than 20MHz bandwidth at -10 dB threshold and is easily fabricated with low manufacturing cost. The antenna was also simulated on 500mm × 500mm ground plane that represents the roof top of a vehicl

Differentiation of ripe and unripe fruit flour using mineral composition data—Statistical assessment

Data on the mineral composition and content of one heavy metal measured in three different fruit flours prepared from ripe and unripe fruits (pulp and peel) are presented. The mineral composition (sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn)) and content of one heavy metal (lead (Pb)) of the flours were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The analysis showed that the data can be used for differentiation between different fruits and stages of ripeness, as revealed by discriminant analysis and cluster analysis. The data provided can be used by researchers and scientists in the differentiation of fruits based on major and minor mineral elements

Prevalence of multiple non-communicable diseases risk factors among adolescents in 140 countries:A population-based study

BACKGROUND: Modifiable non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors are becoming increasingly common among adolescents, with clustering of these risk factors in individuals of particular concern. The aim of this study was to assess global status of clustering of common modifiable NCD risk factors among adolescents. METHODS: We used latest available data from nationally representative survey for 140 countries, namely the Global School-based Student Health Survey, the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children and the longitudinal study of Australian Children. Weighted mean estimates of prevalence with corresponding 95% confidence intervals of nine NCD risk factors - physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour, insufficient fruits and vegetable consumption, carbonated soft drink consumption, fast food consumption, tobacco use, alcohol consumption and overweight/obesity - were calculated by country, region and sex. FINDINGS: Over 487,565 adolescents, aged 11–17 years, were included in this study. According to trend analysis, prevalence of four or more NCD risk factors increased gradually over time. Prevalence of four or more NCD risk factors was 14.8% in 2003–2007 and increased to 44% in 2013–2017, an approximately three-fold increase (44.0%). Similar trends were also observed for three and two risk factors. Large variation between countries in the prevalence of adolescents with four or more risk factors was found in all regions. The country level range was higher in the South-East Asia Region (minimum Sri Lanka = 8%, maximum Myanmar = 84%) than Western Pacific Region (minimum China = 3%, maximum Niue = 72%), European Region (minimum Sweden = 13.9%, maximum Ireland = 66.0%), African Region (minimum Senegal = 0.8%, maximum Uganda = 82.1%) and Eastern Mediterranean Region (minimum Libya = 0.2%, maximum Lebanon = 80.2%). Insufficient vegetable consumption, insufficient fruit consumption and physically inactivity were three of the four most prevalent risk factors in all regions. INTERPRETATION: Our results suggest a high prevalence of four or more NCD risk factors in adolescents globally, although variation was found between countries. Results from our study indicate that efforts to reduce adolescent NCD risk factors and the associated health burden need to be improved. These findings can assist policy makers to target the rollout of country- specific interventions. FUNDING: None

A Density Functional Study of Atomic Hydrogen Adsorption on Plutonium Layers

Hydrogen adsorption on delta-Pu (100) and (111) surfaces using the generalized gradient approximation of the density functional theory with Perdew and Wang functionals have been studied at both the spin-polarized level and the non-spin-polarized level. For the (100) surface at the non-spin-polarized level, we find that the center position of the (100) surface is the most favorable site with a chemisorption energy of 2.762 eV and an optimum distance of the hydrogen adatom to the Pu surface of 1.07 A. For the spin-polarized (100) surface, the center site is again the preferred site with a chemisorption energy of 3.467 eV and an optimum hydrogen distance of 1.13 A. For the non-spin-polarized (111) surface, the center position is also the preferred site, but with slightly lower chemisorption energy, namely 2.756 eV and a higher hydrogen distance, 1.40 A, compared to the (100) center site. The center site is also the preferred site for the spin-polarized (111) surface, with a chemisorption energy of 3.450 eV and a hydrogen distance of 1.42 A. Also, for the spin-polarized calculations, the over all net magnetic moments of the (111) surface changed significantly due to the hydrogen adsorption. The 5f orbitals are delocalized, especially as one approaches the Fermi level. However, the degree of localization decreases for spin-polarized calculations. The coordination numbers have a significant role in the chemical bonding process. Mulliken charge distribution analysis indicates that the interaction of Pu with H mainly takes place in the first layer and that the other two layers are only slightly affected. Work functions, in general, tend to increase due to the presence of a hydrogen adatom.Comment: The introduction is extended to include a short review of delta-P

Anemia prevalence in women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2018

Anemia is a globally widespread condition in women and is associated with reduced economic productivity and increased mortality worldwide. Here we map annual 2000–2018 geospatial estimates of anemia prevalence in women of reproductive age (15–49 years) across 82 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), stratify anemia by severity and aggregate results to policy-relevant administrative and national levels. Additionally, we provide subnational disparity analyses to provide a comprehensive overview of anemia prevalence inequalities within these countries and predict progress toward the World Health Organization’s Global Nutrition Target (WHO GNT) to reduce anemia by half by 2030. Our results demonstrate widespread moderate improvements in overall anemia prevalence but identify only three LMICs with a high probability of achieving the WHO GNT by 2030 at a national scale, and no LMIC is expected to achieve the target in all their subnational administrative units. Our maps show where large within-country disparities occur, as well as areas likely to fall short of the WHO GNT, offering precision public health tools so that adequate resource allocation and subsequent interventions can be targeted to the most vulnerable populations.Peer reviewe

Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 328 diseases and injuries for 195 countries, 1990–2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016

As mortality rates decline, life expectancy increases, and populations age, non-fatal outcomes of diseases and injuries are becoming a larger component of the global burden of disease. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2016 (GBD 2016) provides a comprehensive assessment of prevalence, incidence, and years lived with disability (YLDs) for 328 causes in 195 countries and territories from 1990 to 2016

Population and fertility by age and sex for 195 countries and territories, 1950–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

Background: Population estimates underpin demographic and epidemiological research and are used to track progress on numerous international indicators of health and development. To date, internationally available estimates of population and fertility, although useful, have not been produced with transparent and replicable methods and do not use standardised estimates of mortality. We present single-calendar year and single-year of age estimates of fertility and population by sex with standardised and replicable methods. Methods: We estimated population in 195 locations by single year of age and single calendar year from 1950 to 2017 with standardised and replicable methods. We based the estimates on the demographic balancing equation, with inputs of fertility, mortality, population, and migration data. Fertility data came from 7817 location-years of vital registration data, 429 surveys reporting complete birth histories, and 977 surveys and censuses reporting summary birth histories. We estimated age-specific fertility rates (ASFRs; the annual number of livebirths to women of a specified age group per 1000 women in that age group) by use of spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression and used the ASFRs to estimate total fertility rates (TFRs; the average number of children a woman would bear if she survived through the end of the reproductive age span [age 10–54 years] and experienced at each age a particular set of ASFRs observed in the year of interest). Because of sparse data, fertility at ages 10–14 years and 50–54 years was estimated from data on fertility in women aged 15–19 years and 45–49 years, through use of linear regression. Age-specific mortality data came from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2017 estimates. Data on population came from 1257 censuses and 761 population registry location-years and were adjusted for underenumeration and age misreporting with standard demographic methods. Migration was estimated with the GBD Bayesian demographic balancing model, after incorporating information about refugee migration into the model prior. Final population estimates used the cohort-component method of population projection, with inputs of fertility, mortality, and migration data. Population uncertainty was estimated by use of out-of-sample predictive validity testing. With these data, we estimated the trends in population by age and sex and in fertility by age between 1950 and 2017 in 195 countries and territories. Findings: From 1950 to 2017, TFRs decreased by 49\ub74% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 46\ub74–52\ub70). The TFR decreased from 4\ub77 livebirths (4\ub75–4\ub79) to 2\ub74 livebirths (2\ub72–2\ub75), and the ASFR of mothers aged 10–19 years decreased from 37 livebirths (34–40) to 22 livebirths (19–24) per 1000 women. Despite reductions in the TFR, the global population has been increasing by an average of 83\ub78 million people per year since 1985. The global population increased by 197\ub72% (193\ub73–200\ub78) since 1950, from 2\ub76 billion (2\ub75–2\ub76) to 7\ub76 billion (7\ub74–7\ub79) people in 2017; much of this increase was in the proportion of the global population in south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The global annual rate of population growth increased between 1950 and 1964, when it peaked at 2\ub70%; this rate then remained nearly constant until 1970 and then decreased to 1\ub71% in 2017. Population growth rates in the southeast Asia, east Asia, and Oceania GBD super-region decreased from 2\ub75% in 1963 to 0\ub77% in 2017, whereas in sub-Saharan Africa, population growth rates were almost at the highest reported levels ever in 2017, when they were at 2\ub77%. The global average age increased from 26\ub76 years in 1950 to 32\ub71 years in 2017, and the proportion of the population that is of working age (age 15–64 years) increased from 59\ub79% to 65\ub73%. At the national level, the TFR decreased in all countries and territories between 1950 and 2017; in 2017, TFRs ranged from a low of 1\ub70 livebirths (95% UI 0\ub79–1\ub72) in Cyprus to a high of 7\ub71 livebirths (6\ub78–7\ub74) in Niger. The TFR under age 25 years (TFU25; number of livebirths expected by age 25 years for a hypothetical woman who survived the age group and was exposed to current ASFRs) in 2017 ranged from 0\ub708 livebirths (0\ub707–0\ub709) in South Korea to 2\ub74 livebirths (2\ub72–2\ub76) in Niger, and the TFR over age 30 years (TFO30; number of livebirths expected for a hypothetical woman ageing from 30 to 54 years who survived the age group and was exposed to current ASFRs) ranged from a low of 0\ub73 livebirths (0\ub73–0\ub74) in Puerto Rico to a high of 3\ub71 livebirths (3\ub70–3\ub72) in Niger. TFO30 was higher than TFU25 in 145 countries and territories in 2017. 33 countries had a negative population growth rate from 2010 to 2017, most of which were located in central, eastern, and western Europe, whereas population growth rates of more than 2\ub70% were seen in 33 of 46 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2017, less than 65% of the national population was of working age in 12 of 34 high-income countries, and less than 50% of the national population was of working age in Mali, Chad, and Niger. Interpretation: Population trends create demographic dividends and headwinds (ie, economic benefits and detriments) that affect national economies and determine national planning needs. Although TFRs are decreasing, the global population continues to grow as mortality declines, with diverse patterns at the national level and across age groups. To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide transparent and replicable estimates of population and fertility, which can be used to inform decision making and to monitor progress. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation