Gender responsive participatory varietal selection for sustainable seed potato systems in Assam, India.

This report presents the results of the Participatory Varietal Selection (PVSs) implemented in 2018. A total of 116 people participated in the PVSs at the flowering stage and 139 people participated at the harvesting stages. Gender‐responsive approaches were employed to facilitate women’s active participation. More than 50% of participants were women, and gender segregated group discussions were held to create a comfortable environment for women to speak in public

Structure and stability of spiro-cyclic water clusters

The structure and stability of spiro-cyclic water clusters containing up to 32 water molecules have been investigated at different levels of theory. Although there exist minima lower in energy than these spiro-cyclic clusters, calculations at the Hartree-Fock level, density functional theory using B3LYP parametrization and second order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory using 6-31G∗ and 6-311++G∗∗ basis sets show that they are stable in their own right. Vibrational frequency calculations and atoms-inmolecules analysis of the electron density map confirm the robustness of these hydrogen bonded clusters

Identification of the Factors Affecting the Academic Performance of the Science Undergraduates of the Eastern University, Sri Lanka: A Case Study

Academic performance of Undergraduates in Sri Lankan Universities becomes an important factor among the academics and educators because the employability of the Sri Lankan graduate is growing as a challenge these days. Therefore, there is a need to identify and address the factors affecting the academic performance of Undergraduates in Sri Lankan universities.  A survey designed was employed with questionnaires administered to the third year undergraduates of the Faculty of Science, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. The questionnaire covered the socio-economic factors, academic performances of the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Examinations in schools, extra studies of computer courses and English, extra-curricular activities and family backgrounds. The Grade Point Average for the first and second year of studies was used as the responses for the academic performance. The study revealed that gender, mother language, academic grades obtained for English language and general English at the GCE examinations, the stream of study of the degree programme in the University, the number of attempt at the GCE examination to enter the university were the mostly influencing factors. This study therefore recommended giving priority for learning mother language and improving English language and general English in GCE examinations in order to improve the academic performance of the students in the Faculty of Science, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. Keywords: Academic Performance, Undergraduates, GPA, Gender, Proficiency in English. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-15-17 Publication date:May 31st 202

Investigating the VLSI Characterization of Parallel Signed Multipliers for RNS Applications Using FPGAs

Signed multiplication is a complex arithmetic operation, which is reflected in its relatively high signal propagation delay, high power dissipation, and large area requirement. High reliability applications such as Cryptography, Residue Number System (RNS) and Digital Signal Processing (DSP)2019;s effective performance is mainly depend on its arithmetic circuit's performance. Trend of using Residue Number System (RNS) instead of Constrain over-whelming Binary representation is promising technique in VLSI Systems and Multiplier is the basic building block of such systems. In this paper we have considered signed Modified Baugh Wooley Multiplier and Modified Booth Encoding (MBE) Multiplier logic for analysis and synthesized on best suited application platform. Analysis has taken account of Delay, Number of Logic Element requirements; Number of Signal Transition for particular sample input and its Power Consumption were analyzed for both Modified Baugh Wooley Multiplier and Modified Booth Encoding Multiplier. Analysis of Multiplier is described in Verilog HDL and Simulated using two different simulators namely Xilinx ISIM and Altera Quartus II. Then for comparative study, both multipliers are synthesized with Xilinx Virtex 7 XCV2000T-2FLG1925 and Altera Cyclone II EP2C35F672C6 and same parameter as discussed above are also evaluated. Booth Recoding provides overall advent of 9.691% in terms of area and approximately 43 % in terms of Delay compared to Modified Baugh Wooley Multiplier implemented using FPGA Technology

The Effect of High Loaded Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes in Natural Rubber and Their Nonlinear Material Constants

The aim of this paper is to study the high load of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in natural rubber (NR) matrix. Firstly, the rubber matrix, fillers, and crosslinker are thoroughly mixed together in two-roll mill. Rheological tests are done from which scorch time, cure time, and cure index are estimated. The kneaded mixer is then compression molded, dumb bell samples as per ASTM D412 are prepared, and tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, and hardness are measured. It is noticed that NR/30% MWCNT has shown the highest tensile strength of 23.38 MPa and Shore A hardness of 90, which is 78.18% and 91.5%, respectively, higher than the unfilled NR. The increase in strength and hardness, the ductility loss, and decrease in elongation at break are observed upon increase in filler. FTIR, SEM, and AFM examinations are done and the results show high dispersion of nanofillers and strong interfacial interaction with rubber, which is responsible for overall enhancement in mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. Furthermore, the nonlinear material constants are evaluated through extended tube model and corresponding nonlinear material constants of different filler compositions are presented for the designers to use them in their component design and analysis

Relationship between electrophilicity index, Hammett constant and nucleus-independent chemical shift

Inter-relationships between the electrophilicity index (Ω), Hammett constant (óp @#@) and nucleusindependent chemical shift (NICS (1) - NICS value one ångstrom above the ring centre) have been investigated for a series of meta- and para-substituted benzoic acids. Good linear relationships between Hammett constant vs electrophilicity and Hammett constant vs NICS (1) values have been observed. However, the variation of NICS (1) against CO shows only a low correlation coefficient

A comprehensive review on Nipah virus infection control measures

Nipah virus (NiV) has emerged as a deadly zoonotic pathogen, causing sporadic outbreaks with high mortality rates. The patient typically exhibits thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and transaminitis along with fever, encephalitis, and/or respiratory involvement. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted realm of Nipah virus infection control measures. We explore the latest research, strategies, and practices aimed at preventing, containing, and mitigating the impact of NiV outbreaks. From surveillance and diagnosis to treatment and public health interventions, this review offers a holistic perspective on the ongoing efforts to combat this deadly virus

Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of plant leaf extract against enteric bacterial pathogens

Punica granatum, a fruit-bearing shrub belonging to the Lythraceae family, offers various benefits to humans, with both its fibers and seeds being valuable. The seeds contain important oil acids such as palmitic, punica, stearic, and oleic acids. In India, P. granatum (pomegranate) leaves have been investigated for their potential antibacterial activity against enteric pathogens. These pathogens are responsible for causing gastrointestinal infections and are often associated with antibiotic resistance. The study aims to explore whether pomegranate leaves possess properties that can combat these enteric pathogens effectively. This research holds promise in identifying a natural and alternative approach to address antibacterial challenges, potentially contributing to the development of novel antimicrobial agents pomegranate is commonly used as a traditional remedy for treating enteric bacterial pathogens. To investigate its antibacterial properties, researchers studied the aqueous extract of P. granatum leaf against enteric pathogens, conducting tests like biochemical examinations and microscopy on the isolates. The phytochemical analysis of P. granatum (pomegranate) leaf aqueous extract revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds. These compounds include amino acids, carbohydrates, alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins, and phenols. To evaluate its antimicrobial activity, the researchers used antibiotic discs, including chloramphenicol, vancomycin, and gentamicin, employing the standard Kirby Bauer method. Results showed that vancomycin had the highest zone of inhibition, followed by chloramphenicol and gentamicin, with respective measurements of 20 mm and 19 mm. Chloramphenicol exhibited sensitivity against Escherichia coli (19 mm), while gentamicin showed sensitivity against Salmonella typhi (20 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (19 mm), and E. coli (18 mm). Vancomycin demonstrated sensitivity against S. aureus (21 mm). The aqueous leaf extract displayed significant antibacterial activity at concentrations of 20, 40 mcg, and 60 μg, showing effective zones of inhibition ranging from 15 mm to 22 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus, Shigella dysentriae, Proteus vulgaris, and S. typhi. In conclusion, the study established that P. granatum leaf extracts possess remarkable antibacterial properties and contain valuable pharmaceutical bioactive compounds. Due to its efficacy in treating gastrointestinal disorders, it is utilized as a natural remedy in traditional medicine