Field Management, Storage Structure, Nanoparticles and Maize Weevil Pest: Important Considerations in the Sustainable Production of Maize Grains | Chapter 9 | New Perspectives in Agriculture and Crop Science Vol. 2

In the field, maize (Zea mays L.) should be grown in line with basic requirements for optimum performance and productivity. In postharvest entomology of maize (important in food security) for enhanced sustainability, the fundamental knowledge of storage structures and nanoparticles is very important because both storage technology and chemical constituents of grains have great influence on physiological activities of stored-product arthropod pests. It is possible to influence biological activities of the weevil insect because interactions of chemical constituents of grain with environmental variables of weather (temperature and relative humidity), moisture and gas are unequivocally possible too. Nanoparticles of maize grain have important associations with grain resistance to insect pest infestations and invariably, matter in the sustainable production of maize. Holistically, extent of field management of the crop, choice of storage structures, concentration and type of nanoparticles contained by a variety and the maize weevil pest, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky are strong determinants to sustainable maize production. To ensure sustainability, the farmer must manipulate and integrate these important factors to his favour. Insects are known to be lovers of protein, starch, minerals and some other intrinsic particles. Thus, the cultivation of a variety of maize with high amount of cherisable nanoparticles by the maize weevil insect will require more efficient storage technology against infestation and damage by the maize weevil pest. This constitutes an important recommendation for farmers seeking sustainability in maize production.

Author (s) Details

Dr. Luke Chinaru Nwosu
Department of Crop and Soil Science, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Dr. Victor Chijioke Okereke
Department of Crop and Soil Science, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Dr. Olutayo Modupeola Adedokun
Department of Crop and Soil Science, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Mr. Uwaoma Otuodichinma Aguwa
Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.

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Investigation of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Excoecaria agallocha L.: Critical Overview | Chapter 12 |New Perspectives in Agriculture and Crop Science Vol. 2

Mangrove survives in the most hostile environment with fluctuating tidal and saline regime. The present work focused on a detailed study on quantitative estimation of phytoconstituents and DPPH radical scavenging activity of Excoecaria agallocha L., a mangrove from Kattiparambu and Chirackal of Ernakulam District, Kerala. Preliminary phytochemical investigation indicated the presence of biologically active metabolites of leaf, stem and root of the plant in different solvents. Methanol and hexane gave maximum results. Since the plant grows in stress conditions showed the presence of amino acids. Recorded values for high protein in leaf (4.8%), stem (1.93%), Carbohydrate in the root (11.17%) at Chirackal. Phenols (6.02%), flavanoids (3.6%) and tannins (5.68%) was observed in leaf samples of the species at Chirackal. Methanolic extract showed maximum free radical scavenging activity (IC50-141.56 µg/ml) in leaf samples and stem showed minimum (IC50-931.3 µg/ml) in chloroform extract. The range of DPPH radical scavenging activity in the solvent is Methanol > Ethyl acetate > Ethanol > Chloroform. 

Author(s) Details 

S. Sofia
Department of Botany, St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam, Kerala, India. 

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Assessment of Resistance Status of the Major Storage Insect Pests of Cocoa to Deltamethrin in Ghana: Descriptive Research | Chapter 11 | New Perspectives in Agriculture and Crop Science Vol. 2

Due to the versatility of insects, many of them quickly and easily develop resistance to insecticides they have been subjected to for long periods. Should resistance strains arise in a population, its control with same and at times with similar, insecticides becomes more difficult. Possible development of resistance in the major insect pests of stored cocoa bean to deltamethrin was studied at the Entomology laboratory of the Research Department of Quality Control Company of Ghana COCOBOD at Tema. Samples of Ephestia cautella, Tribolium castaneum and Cryptolestes ferrugineus were collected from two sites with different insecticide use history and exposed to different concentrations of deltamethrin. The results showed that the response of the two populations of the insects followed a similar trend. Ephestia cautella was the most susceptible insect to deltamethrin, where 100% mortality was attained at 10 x 104 ppm concentration in both populations. Generally, the 35 x 104 ppm concentration achieved 90% mortality in the Tribolium castaneum and Cryptolestes ferrugineus populations studied. Therefore all the three storage beetles tested for resistance to deltamethrin had not developed resistance to the insecticide

Author (s) Details
Dr. W. Azalekor 
Department of Quality Control Company, Ghana Cocoa Board, Box Co 247, Tema, Ghana.

Prof. J. V. K. Afun 
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Prof. E. A. Osekre 
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Dr. E. A. Oyewo 
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

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Research on Degradation and Sustainable Practices for Forest Resources in Plateau State, Nigeria | Chapter 13 | New Perspectives in Agriculture and Crop Science Vol. 2

Aims: The study was carried out to determine the causes of degradation and sustainable practices for forest and its resources in Plateau state of Nigeria. Study Design: Descriptive survey research design. Place and Duration of Study: Kanke, Langtang, Quan Pan, Shendam and Wase Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State, between July 2013 and April 2014. Methodology: The study was guided by two research questions while the population was made up of local forest users. Stratified random sampling method was used to obtain a sample size of 500 local forest users. The instruments for data collection were a structured questionnaire and a structured interview guide. The reliability of the questionnaire instrument was established using Cronbach alpha technique and a co-efficient of 0.81 was obtained. Frequency and simple percentage were used to answer the research questions and to interpret the results.  Results: The study found 8 out of 12 causes of degradation and 13 out 14 adoptable sustainable practices for forest and its resources in the study area. Conclusion: The implementation of the identified sustainable practices for forest and its resources in Plateau state is necessary to help save and improve on the remnant forest in the state.

Author (s) Details

M. E. Ikehi
Department of Agricultural Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. 

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Critical Research on the Efficacy of Lippia multiflora (Verbenaceae) and Hyptis suaveolens (Lamiaceae) Leaves on Merchant Quality of Stored Maize Grain (Zea mays L.) in Côte d’ivoire |Chapter 8 | New Perspectives in Agriculture and Crop Science Vol. 2

The aim of this study was to monitor the merchant quality of maize grains stored for 9 months in polypropylene bags containing leaves of Lippia multiflora and Hyptis suaveolens, both species of which are known as biopesticides plants. The work was implemented in Timbé and Soko villages from respective departments of Katiola (Hambol region, Center-North) and Bondoukou (Gontougo region, Eastern-North) in Côte d'Ivoire. The parameters assessed consisted in weight loss, damages, moisture, fat, acidity, and peroxide values. The weight losses and damages were determined by methods of Harris, Lindblad and Boxall respectively, while moisture, fat, acid, and peroxide values were measured according to AOAC's standard methods. For any parameter assessed, the maize samples treated with leaves of L. multiflora and H. suaveolens recorded best values compared to control batches irrespective of the species and the study location. Indeed, the moisture varied between 9.00% and 14% from control maize grains and were below 13% in the treated batches. The weight loss rated below 15.25% from treated batches but reached 24.25% for the control maize grains samples. The grains damage was up to 47.40% in the control batches and remained below 32.40% in the treated sets. For the fat content of the grains, the averages decreased from 5.4% to 1.90% for control batches and remained over 2.4% from the treated maize. Oppositely, the acid and peroxide values were higher in control batches compared to the treated ones. Therefore, leaves of L. multiflora and H. suaveolens are successful products in the inhibition of insects activity and preservation of the maize grains quality with up to 9 months persistence. Such an inexpensive and easy-to-use technical should be sustained among farmers.

Author (s) Details 

Pierre Ezoua 
Laboratory of Biochemistry and Food Science, Training and Research Unit of Biosciences, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University of Abidjan, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Cote d’Ivoire.

Adama Coulibaly
Training and Research Unit of Biological Sciences, Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University, BP 1328 Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire

Ysidor Konan
Laboratory of Biochemistry and Food Science, Training and Research Unit of Biosciences, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University of Abidjan, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Cote d’Ivoire

Daouda Sidibe
 Laboratory of Biochemistry and Food Science, Training and Research Unit of Biosciences, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University of Abidjan, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Cote d’Ivoir

Godi Henri Marius Biego
Laboratory of Biochemistry and Food Science, Training and Research Unit of Biosciences, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University of Abidjan, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Cote d’Ivoire and Department of Public Health, Hydrology and Toxicology, Training and Research Unit of Pharmacological and Biological Sciences, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, BP 34 Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

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Bioindicators: Study on Uptake and Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Plant Leaves of State Highway Road, Bagalkot, India: Advanced Study | Chapter 7 | New Perspectives in Agriculture and Crop Science Vol. 2

In this study, Caesalpinia (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) and grass (Cyndon dactylon) was evaluated as the bioindicators of heavy metals such as the Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Chromium (Cr) and Nickel (Ni) contaminated in Bagalkot and along the state high way upto Mudhol. The soil samples at depth (0-20 cm) and caesalpinia and grass leaves were taken from different sampling stations namely Navnagar bypass road (S1), Gaddanakeri cross (S2), Tulasigeri (S3), Kaladagi (S4), Lokapur (S5), Chichakhandi (S6) and Mudhol (S7). The concentrations of Pb, Cu, Cd, Mn, Zn, Cr and Ni were measured using GBC- 932 plus Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Austrelia). The results of the study shows that the concentrations of heavy metals in caesalpinia ranged from Pb 20.36 to 29.39 µg/gmm, Cu 3.92 – 5.94 µg/gm, Zn 24.40 to 35.7 µg/gm, Cd 1.01 to 1.78 µg/gm, Mn 27.01 to 69.10 µg/gm, Cr 1.20 to 7.8 µg/gm and Ni 7.9 to 13.1 µg/gm. In grass heavy metal ranges between for Pb 20.16 to 28.01, Cu 3.95 to 5.76 µg/gm, Zn 24.50 to 35.8 µg/gm, Cd 1.15 to 1.52 µg/gm, Mn 28.91 to 72.51 µg/gm, Cr 1.28 to 8.0 µg/gm, Ni 8.1 to 15.1 µg/gm. Similarly in roadside soil heavy metal ranges between Pb 81.91 to 139.8 µg/gm, Cu 39.54 to 58.58 µg/gm, Zn 32.29 to 381.54 µg/gm, Cd 1.51 to 2.08 µg/gm, Mn 1257.9 to 2051 µg/gm, Cr 131.9 to 951.2 µg/gm and Ni 69.53 to 108.6 µg/gm. According to these results the concentration of heavy metals in grass was found high as compared to caesalpinia. Thus, compared to the metal accumulation potential grass is said to be heavy metal accumulator. The variation in heavy metal concentrations is due to changes in traffic density and anthropogenic activities. Thus, generally it is considered that grass and caesalpinia are good bioindicators and can be used in air pollution monitoring studies.

Author (s) Details

Dr. N. M. Rolli 
BLDEA’s Degree College, Jamkhandi, 587301, Karnataka, India.  

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Effect of Sugar Cane Whip Smut (Sporisorium scitamineum Syd) on Field Sucrose, Juice Quality and Ratooning Ability of Two Sugar Cane Varieties in Nigeria | Chapter 6 | New Perspectives in Agriculture and Crop Science Vol. 2

Two sugar cane varieties were evaluated in a split plot design experiment at Badeggi (lat.9°045'N; long 6°07'E at an altitude of 70.57 m.a.s.l) with four whip smut (Sporisorium scitamineum) inoculum concentrations 0 x 106, 2 x 106, 4 x 106 and 6 x 106 teliospores/ml in four replicates between 1998 and 2000. The field sucrose production (% brix) was measured with a hand refractometer by using the stalks of five tagged healthy and smutted canes which were individually punched and a drop of the juice from each of them placed on the hand refractometer and covered. This was then held against the sun and viewed for the brix reading, which was recorded in percent. For the juice quality laboratory yield loss assessment, 2 healthy stalks were randomly cut from each plot and five smutted stalks were crushed using the Jeffco cutter to obtain at least 2 kg of crushed material for quality analysis. Six hundred grams of the crushed material were taken and pressed using the hydraulic hand press. The resulting juice was collected in 250 ml conical beakers. The first and last expressed brix of the juice were recorded. The temperature and hydrometer readings of the juice were also recorded. The weight of the wet bagasse was taken and again recorded after oven drying to a constant weight. These readings were used in the calculation of % reducing sugars, % Pol., Corrected brix, % Purity and % Fibre. Results showed that S. scitamineum reduced field sucrose (% Brix), % Pol., % Purity and % Fibre but increased % reducing sugars of the two test infected cane varieties. The ratooning quality or ability of the two cane varieties was also impaired.

Author(s) Details

A. C. Wada
Sugar Cane Research Programme, National Cereals Research Institute Badeggi, P.M.B. 8, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria.

A. B. Anaso
Department of Crop Protection, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria.

M. S. Bassey
Sugar Cane Research Programme, National Cereals Research Institute Badeggi, P.M.B. 8, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria.

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Scientific Investigation for Determining the Sustainability Index of Tobacco Planted in Various Types of Land Typology in Pamekasan, Madura | Chapter 10 | New Perspectives in Agriculture and Crop Science Vol. 2

Economic importance of tobacco plantation has long been undeniable for East Java. In this province, especially in Madura, Pamekasan constitutes one of the greatest tobacco producers, cultivated in many types of farm typology such as sawah, tegal and gunung. This current study aimed at investigating sustainability index of tobacco planted in various land typologies in Pamekasan. Data were collected using in-depth interview and focus group discussion. The study was conducted in Pamekasan, Madura, between April 2016 and March 2016. Data obtained were evaluated using RapTobacco (derived from Rap-Fish) commonly known as Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS), covering ecological, social economy, institutional and policy and technological aspects. The results demonstrated that the highest sustainability index was observed at technological dimension, reaching up to 66.99 (sawah), 55.97 (tegal) and 58.13 (gunung). Although tobacco farming was sustainable in terms of technological dimension, more advanced technological supports might help it to reach a meaningful improvement, such as the use of information system for generating accurate climate data, as well as production and better distribution of proper tobacco seeds. Statistically, stress value was found <0.25%, while R2 value ranged from 92% to 94%. In short, we could conclude that the present model successfully fitted the testing data and could satisfactorily calculate sustainability index.

Author(s) Details

Raden Faridz
Department of Agroindustrial Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Trunojoyo Madura, Bangkalan, East Java, Indonesia.

Ariffin
Department of Agricultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Brawijaya University, Malang, East Java, Indonesia.

Soemarno
Department of Agricultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Brawijaya University, Malang, East Java, Indonesia.

Henny Pramoedyo
Department of Agricultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Brawijaya University, Malang, East Java, Indonesia.

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The Diversity of Green Bean Biochemical Compounds in Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner) as Evaluated by Near Infrared Spectroscopy: A Scientific Overview |Chapter 4 | New Perspectives in Agriculture and Crop Science Vol. 2

Aims: This study characterized biochemical compound variability that influence green bean quality in C. canephora as a basis for identifying heterogeneous genotypes for use in crop improvement because genetic erosion aided by climate change effects is gradually threatening the cultivation of Ugandan Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) local races. Study Design: Four hundred and fifty four accessions from twenty four districts were analyzed with Near Infra Red Spectroscopy (NIRS) for six biochemical compounds using calibrations developed at CIRAD, France. Place and Duration of Study: This work was conducted at the National Coffee Resources Research Institute (NaCORRI), Uganda between January 2007 and December 2013. Methodology: Spectrometer Nirsystem 6500 Foss- (Denmark) machine and Software ISI NIRS 2 version 4.11 (Infra Soft International, Port Matilda, USA) were used to analyze ground samples in diffuse reflectance from 400 nm to 2500 nm (2 nm steps) and predictive models were used to quantify the biochemical contents in the green beans. Data was analyzed with XLSTAT version 2011.2.05 (Addinsoft), Paris, France. Results: Chlorogenic acid and fat concentrations of 13.26 and 13.19% dry matter respectively reported in this study were much higher than 5.88 and 9.0% dry matter respectively reported earlier. Caffeine concentrations were positively significantly correlated with cholorogenic acid but negatively significantly correlated with trigonelline, sucrose, fat and dry matter contents. Caffeine and chlorogenic acid concentrations increased with age whereas trigonelline declined as trees aged. Chlorogenic acid and trigonelline concentrations were at their lowest levels in elevations of between 1000- 1200 metres above sea level and like fat and dry matter concentrations, the compounds were at their highest levels in higher elevations of about 1500 metres above sea level. Local landraces, “nganda” and “erecta” had higher concentrations of chlorogenic acid, sucrose and caffeine than improved, hybrid and commercial types. Conclusions: Ugandan C. canephora caffeine content was lower than that of West-African Robusta coffee but higher than that of Arabica coffee. Four distinct diversity groups derived from the   six biochemical compounds represented the major organoleptic categories. The results reported here

Author(s) Details

Prof. Kahiu Ngugi
Department of Plant Sciences and Crop Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O.Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.

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Multivariate Analysis of Genetic Diversity among Maize Genotypes and Trait Interrelationships under Drought and Low N Stress | Chapter 3 | New Perspectives in Agriculture and Crop Science Vol. 2

Multivariate analysis is the most popular approach for genetic variability estimation to study the patterns of variation and their genetic relationships among germplasm collections to enhance their use in crop breeding. The objectives of the present study were: (i) to assess the extent of genetic diversity in a collection of Egyptian commercial maize hybrids and populations, through field evaluation under water and N stressed and non-stressed conditions, using morphological data based on Principle Component Analysis (PCA), (ii) to measure the genetic distance among these genotypes using Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) analysis and (iii) to assess the relationship between grain yield and yield-related traits of maize genotypes using genotype × trait (GT)-biplot analysis. A two-year field experiment was conducted in a split-split plot design with 3 replications, where 2 irrigation regimes, three N rates and 19 maize genotypes occupied the main plots, sub plots and sub-sub plots, respectively. The germplasm was assessed for 21 agronomic traits. Highly significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) were observed among the maize hybrids and populations for all measured traits.  Results of the GT biplot in the present study indicated that high values of 100-Kernel weight, ears/plant, kernels/plant, kernels/row, plant height, nitrogen use efficiency, nitrogen utilization efficiency, and grain nitrogen content and short ASI could be considered reliable secondary traits for improving grain yield under stressed and non-stressed conditions. The highest genetic distance was found between G9 (SC-2055) and each of G15 (American Early Dent), G18 (Midland) or G19 (Ried Type). The AHC based on phenotypic data assigned the maize genotypes into five groups. The different groups obtained can be useful for deriving the inbred lines with diverse features and diversifying the heterotic pools.

Author (s) Details

Dr. Ahmed Medhat Mohamed Al-Naggar  
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.

Dr. Magdy Mohamed Shafik  
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.

Rabeh Yousef Mubarak Musa  
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Upper Nile University, South Sudan.

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Production Challenges and Postharvest Practices of Groundnut in Northern Ghana: The Participatory Rural Appraisal Approach | Chapter 2 | New Perspectives in Agriculture and Crop Science Vol. 2

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production and postharvest evaluation study was undertaken in thirty (30) districts selected from the Northern Regions of Ghana, by employing the Participatory Rural Appraisal (P.R.A.) procedure. Thirty (30) districts, ten (10) from each Region (Upper West, Upper East, North East, Savannah and Northern), were chosen. Interviews and focus group discussions were held using both closed and open-ended questionnaires, and involved 600 individual key informants; 20 from each district/community and thirty (30) focus group discussions in all. The main aim of the research was to solicit general information regarding the core production constraints and postharvest activities and marketing of groundnuts as it pertains in Northern Ghana, which is the major producing area in the country. The Statistical Package for the Social Scientists (SPSS version 17.0) and Microsoft Excel were used to analyze data obtained from the questionnaire; Results were summarized into means, using standard error and percentages, where necessary. The association between storage structures and duration of groundnuts in storage was tested by the Chi-Square statistic method. Results obtained from the study shows that ‘China’ local groundnut variety was the most cultivated (76.5%, 99.5%, 96.5%) in all three regions (N/R, U/E and U/W respectively). A participatory rural appraisal ranked drought (4.43), disease (3.53), yield potential (3.50) and pests (3.23) as the major and most important production constraints. Majority (41.0%) of the farmers who were aged between 40 and 49, had no formal education (74.7%) and maintained an average farm size of 4 acres, out of which groundnut farm sizes were about 1 to 2 acres. Most of the farmers also preferred ‘Chinese’, ‘Agric-Manipinta’ and ‘Obolo’ groundnut varieties based on high yield potential (pod and seed size), ease of harvesting, drought-tolerance, earliness and high market value. Reason for choice of variety was high yielding (73.33%) and ease of harvesting and drought tolerance (32.67%). Most efficient Storage structure for groundnuts was Jute sack (93%). Average length of storage was 5-6 months (74.45%). Most common storage pests were Grain weevils (57; 9.50%) and Cercospora sp. (28; 4.67%). Most common storage diseases were Aflatoxin (78; 13%) and Aspegillus sp. (21; 3.50%). Improvement in the storage structures, therefore, has a higher likelihood of increasing the duration of groundnut in storage. The major end use of groundnut according to the study was groundnut paste (50%). Groundnuts had ready market (489; 81.50%) according to farmers. Relay of information across the value chain was mostly by colleague farmers (39.33%),MoFA (31.33%) and NGOs (13.83%). The scale of measurement used was common for bowls and 100 kg bag. Average market price of a 100 kg bag and a bowl were Ghs136.55%, Ghs3.43 respectively. 

Author (s) Details

D. Oppong-Sekyere
Department of Ecological Agriculture, Bolgatanga Polytechnic, P.O.Box 767, Bolgatanga, Ghana.

Prof. R. Akromah
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana.

E. Y. Nyamah
University of Cape Coast Business School, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.

A. D. Ninfaa
Department of Ecological Agriculture, Bolgatanga Polytechnic, P.O.Box 767, Bolgatanga, Ghana.

M. M. Braimah
Department of Agricultural Engineering, School of Engineering, Bolgatanga Polytechnic,  P.O.Box 767, Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, Ghana.

Mrs. M. M. Akpalu
Department of Ecological Agriculture, Bolgatanga Polytechnic, P.O.Box 767, Bolgatanga, Ghana

A. R. S. Salifu
Department of Ecological Agriculture, Bolgatanga Polytechnic, P.O.Box 767, Bolgatanga, Ghana.

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Breeding for FHB Resistance via Fusarium Damaged Kernels and Deoxynivalenol Accumulation as Well as Inoculation Methods in Winter Wheat: Advanced Study | Chapter 1 | New Perspectives in Agriculture and Crop Science Vol. 2

FHB is one of the most destructive diseases of wheat. Resistance testing depends strongly on inoculation methods, and on measured traits. Therefore a four-year (2009-2012) study was performed using spray inoculation + polyethylene (PE) bag cover, spray inoculation + mist irrigation, and spawn method supported by mist irrigation on 40 genotypes, 20 from Hungary and 20 from IFA Tulln, Austria. Each year four isolates were used in artificial inoculations except the spawn method where maize stalk debris served the inoculum. Visual Fusarium head blight (FHB) scores, Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK) and deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination were checked. 7680 FHB and FDK, as well as 3840 DON analyses served as the background for the statistical evaluation. The most reliable method used was the spray + polyethylene (PE) bag; the other two were significantly poorer being valid for all traits. The FHB scores were the least reliable, whereas the FDK was much more consequent and the DON gave the best results. The FDK gave much better predictions for DON contamination than FHB. The cultivar responses correlated well at different epidemic severities. The presence of the kernel resistance was confirmed and a new trait as extra kernel susceptibility was described. Presence of DON resistance was confirmed again, and extra DON susceptibility (overproduction) was described as a new trait. DON performance varied on the most sensitive cultivar between 0.32 and 143 mg/kg (mean 17.52 mg/kg) and on the most resistant genotype between 0.00 and 18.19 mg/kg (mean 1.87 mg/kg). Correlations between stability and resistance level are r = 0.85 for FHB, 0.78 for FDK, and 0.88 for DON, all at a significance level of p = 0.001. The very close correlation between FDK and DON contamination (r = 0.81, p = 0.001) proves that control of DON contamination needs appropriate resistance. In the breeding program evaluation of FDK is the most important, and then DON will be decided. Variety registration must be updated; otherwise no improvement on the field will occur.

Author (s) Details

Prof. Dr. Akos Mesterházy
Cereal Research Non-Profit Ltd., Szeged, Hungary.

Dr. Szabolcs Lehoczki-Krsjak|
 Cereal Research Non-Profit Ltd., Szeged, Hungary.

Dr. Mónika Varga
Cereal Research Non-Profit Ltd., Szeged, Hungary.

Dr. Ágnes Szabó-Hevér
Cereal Research Non-Profit Ltd., Szeged, Hungary.

Dr. Beata Tóth
Cereal Research Non-Profit Ltd., Szeged, Hungary.

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Scientific Investigation on the Efficacy of Isolated Nomuraea rileyi and Spinosad against Corn Pests under Laboratory and Field Conditions in Egypt | Chapter 5 | New Perspectives in Agriculture and Crop Science Vol. 2

The entomopathogenic fungus, Nomuraea rileyi and commercial BT spinosad were tested on some corn pests: Ostrinia nubilalis, Chilo agamemnon and Sesamia cretica under laboratory and field conditions. Results showed that the N. rileyi LC50 of O. nubilalis, C. agamemnon and S. cretica, 124, 146 and 159 conidia/ml under laboratory conditions. The corresponding figure for Spinosad was 166, 179 and 185 microgram/ ml (µg/ml. Under field conditions, results showed that during the season 2011, percentage of O. nubilalis, S. cretica and C. agamemnon infestations were significantly decreased in plots treated with N. rileyi to 25±3.2, 21±2.4 and 24±2.3 individuals after 120 days after the first application as compared to 97±3.3 in the control.  When spinosad was applied in the field, the percentage of infestations was significantly decreased to 26±3.3 as compared to 99±1.3 individuals in the control during both seasons. During the harvest season, the corn weight was significantly increased to 3822±45.6 and 3940±60.4 kg/Feddan (Feddan=2400m2) in the plots treated with the fungus N. rileyi as compared to 2810±40.9 and 2710±73.2 Kg/Feddan in the control plots. Among plots treated with spinosad the yield significantly increased to 3000±60.7 and 3129±84.1 kg/Feddan during season 2011 and 2012, respectively. 

Author (s) Details

Prof. Magda Mahmoud Amin Sabbour
Agriculture and Biological Division, Department of Pests and Plant Protection, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt

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Commercial Biogas Production from Domestic Solid Waste | Chapter 8 | Emerging Trends in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 2

This chapter presents a study on the investigation of the potentials of commercial biogas production from biodegradable waste in Benin metropolis. The study was carried out in two phases. The first phase involved characterization of solid waste generated and determination of the quantity of potential feedstock for biogas production in Benin metropolis and the second phase was determination of the amount of biogas obtainable from biodegradable waste in the metropolis. The results from the study showed that an average daily generation rate of 0.358 kg per person per day (ppd.) of solid waste is generated in study area. Food waste accounted for about 78.5% of the generated solid waste representing 0.281 kg per person per day (ppd.) and a total daily food waste generation of about 305.1 tonnes. Based on this value for food waste the obtainable biogas was estimated to be 28,836.91 m3 of biogas per day. This volume of biogas can provide cooking gas for about 26 thousand families per month in Benin metropolis or alternatively can be utilized to generate about 49.0MW of electricity per day.

Author (s) Detail

E. P. Akhator
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

D. I. Igbinomwanhia
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

A. I. Obanor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

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Simple Maximum Power Point Tracker Based on Perturb and Observe Technique for PV Module: Advanced Study | Chapter 15 | Emerging Trends in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 2

For any PV module, both current and voltage vary proportionally to the load and the solar radiation level as a nonlinear relation, which causes the continuous variation of the maximum power point (MPP). Since the maximum power for a certain load can be taken from the PV module at a distinct point for each radiation level, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) can be used to follow the optimum operating point. This paper presents design and build a simple MPPT based on perturb and observe technique for a small DC load driven by a PV module. The experimental results showed that using the proposed MPPT promotes a good matching between the PV module and its load. According to the good matching, the daily output energy can be increased by about 37-42% more than that of the direct coupling between the load and the PV module.

Author(s) Details

E. T. El Shenawy
Department of Solar Energy, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.

Aiat Hegazy 
Department of Solar Energy, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.  

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Deducting of Prickle Noise from Satellite Galaxy Images | Chapter 14 | Emerging Trends in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 2

Images are intended to exhibit vital information and play an important role in technology and innovation. During their discovery, the main drawback of digital image is the level of noise and depletion. This article introduces a predictive model for satellite galaxy images to infer dull throb noise. The existing filtering techniques for image noise are presented and perhaps an approach is adopted by ascribing variability of pixel values to stuck up cells to discern dull throb noise. Precise image renovation is of supreme position for low-level computer vision. Many intricate refurbishment algorithms have been specified in the literature. Performance of these refurbishment algorithms differs with the nature of the image and misrepresentation. These algorithms are assessed both qualitatively or quantitatively by relating the reinstated image with the original image. The practical disadvantage of this quantifiable assessment is the requirement for the original image. This measure examines the deblurring as well as the denoising the refurbishment method. Approaches to image reconstruction can preserve image details while suppressing noise from the prickle. This technique's working standard is implemented and reviewed using MATLAB with visualization effects. Outcomes of experiments are compared with indicators of image quality.

Author(s) Details

Dr. M. Duraisamy
Department of Computer Science/Computer Application, Thiruvalluvar University College of Arts and Science, Tirupattur – 635 901, Tamil Nadu, India.  

W. Jai Singh
Department of Computer Applications, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

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Dynamic Voltage Restorer and Hybrid Active Power Filter for Power Quality Improvement: Comparative Study | Chapter 13 | Emerging Trends in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 2

Power quality means maintaining the voltage, current and power within the rating as per the IEC standards and supplying it back to the consumers without any delay and interruption. But this has become a difficult task for the power industry. To improve power quality many Custom Power Device’s (CPD) are used. Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR) is a CPD which is used to improve the voltage quality. Hybrid Active Power Filter (HAPF) is used to reduce current harmonics. In this chapter DVR and HAPF are simulated for various conditions. A controller is proposed which gives voltage signals to trigger the switches of an inverter using a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) scheme. As a result, there is drastic improvement in voltage profile and also reduction in harmonics. 

Author(s) Details

Mrs. M. Sharanya
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Malla Reddy College of Engineering and Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.  

Dr. Basavaraja Banakara
Davangere University, Davangere, Karnataka, India


Dr. M. Sasikala
Godutai Engineering College for Women (GECW), Gulbarga, Karnataka, India

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Plot and Property Management (PPM): An Initiative for Smart City Implementation Using ICT | Chapter 12 | Emerging Trends in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 2

The role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) improves the overall growth and economy of the country by implementing better services in smart city environment relating to the land and property. ICT implements proper management of properties through a single platform. Plot and Property Management (PPM) is a system which is made to improvise the manual system in urban areas. With the implementation of this system owner/allottees of the property can monitor the status of their application on internet. This system can reduce the rush in Estate Offices. This system brought transparency in the working of the current system. This system also increases the efficiency of the staff as compared to the earlier system.

Author(s) Details

Sapna Malik
Government College for Women, Sector-14, Panchkula, Haryana, India.

Parul Sharma
Government College for Women, Sector-14, Panchkula, Haryana, India.

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Simulation of Waste Plastic Pyrolysis Process Using Aspen Hysys V9 Simulator under Steady State Operating Condition | Chapter 11 | Emerging Trends in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 2

In the present research paper incorporates the steady state simulation of waste plastic thermolysis process and modelling for the conversion of hydrocarbon product from waste plastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) with the assistance of Aspen Hysys V9 simulator. This simulator was used to design the pyrolytic reactor model for waste plastic thermolysis process. A Peng-Robinson thermodynamics model was employed as a fluid package of this simulation work. The simulation process of plastic pyrolysis in the simulation environment, was taking places into two stages such as i) A conversion of plastic wastes into vapour-liquid fraction (VLF) with small amount of char-residue using conversion reactor (pyrolytic reactor) and ii) separation of produced vapour-liquid fraction to pyro-gases and liquid-fuel with the aid of water tube condenser. The obtained results demonstrated that, a conversion of polystyrene into liquid fuel is up to 88.7% has been optimum value than other plastic wastes like polyethylene produced of 81.95% and polypropylene produced of 83.54 %. The simulated model can provide an inspiration to the researcher in knowing expected products and their individual component for better understanding and scale-up studies.

Author(s) Details

T. Selvaganapathy
Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board, Tamilnadu, India.

Dr. R. Muthuvelayudham
Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamilnadu, India.

Dr. M. Jaya Kumar
Harmaya Institute of Technology, Harmaya University, Ethiopia

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The Rheological Properties of the Finishing Lime Composition with Additive Based on Synthetic Aluminosilicates: Recent Study | Chapter 10 | Emerging Trends in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 2

The information about the patterns of structure formation of lime compositions with the additive  based on synthetic aluminosilicate. It is shown that the introduction of additives based on synthetic aluminosilicate helps to speed dial plastic strength.

Author (s) Details

V. I. Loganina
Penza State University of Architecture and Construction, Street Titov, 28, 440028 Penza, Russia

M. A. Sadovnikova
Penza State University of Architecture and Construction, Street Titov, 28, 440028 Penza, Russia

Yu. P. Skachkov
Penza State University of Architecture and Construction, Street Titov, 28, 440028 Penza, Russia.

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Improvisation and Modification in Gearbox Components to Expedite Production | Chapter 9 | Emerging Trends in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 2

Agriculture is one of the main occupations in India. For that, a lot of machines are required. As the demand is increasing day by day, the tractor industry has planned to upgrade its system and work culture along with the manufacturing techniques. During this process, the company has decided to improvise their products.  As a part of the background study which needs to be done for this study, design and manufacturing of the gear box has been studied and has been noticed that some improvisations can be done in the manufacturing part as the turning operation is taking way much longer time than any other operation in the process. Turning operations of input shaft and lay shaft has been taken into consideration to expedite the production. This study aims at the manufacturing of input shaft and the lay shaft. Aiming to increase the production, an attempt has been made to improvise the CNC codes for faster production and also to improvise the work culture and operation techniques. 

Author(s) Details

Nikhil Kohli
School of Mechanical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, India.

Prof. S. Sivarajan
School of Mechanical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, India.

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Studies Effect on Structural Relaxation of the x(AgI+KI)+(1-x)NH4I System Base on Thermal Measurements: New Perspectives | Chapter 16 | Emerging Trends in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 2

Structural phase transitions in the x(AgI+KI)+(1-x)NH4I system, allowed quantifying the structural relaxation of the phases: : NH4Ag4I5 and : KAg4I5 respectively, being correlated with the NH4I content and with the presence of the glass phase within the compound. It is noticed the importance of having a first thermal treatment of the compound, in order to erase the thermal history. The spontaneous liberation of the residual enthalpy is achieved by using a Ta = 308 K isotherm for a twohour time span. Based on the obtained data, it is presented the phase diagram for variations from x = 0.45 to 0.95. 

Author(s) Details

J. F. Jurado
Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede Palmira, TDCP-Group, Colombia.

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Real Time Static Gesture Recognition Using Time of Flight Camera: Scientific Approach | Chapter 7 | Emerging Trends in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 2

Hand gesture recognition is challenging task in machine vision due to similarity between inter class samples and high amount of variation in intra class samples. The gesture recognition independent of light intensity, independent of color has drawn some attention due to its requirement where system should perform during night time also. This paper provides an insight into dynamic hand gesture recognition using depth data and images collected from time of flight camera. It provides user interface to track down natural gestures. The area of interest and hand area is first segmented out using adaptive thresholding and region labeling. It is assumed that hand is the closet object to camera. A novel algorithm is proposed to segment the hand region only. The noise due to ToF camera measurement is eliminated by preprocessing algorithms. There are two algorithms which we have proposed for extracting the hand gestures features. The first algorithm is based on computing the region distance between the fingers and second one is about computing the shape descriptor of gesture boundary in radial fashion from the centroid of hand gestures. For matching the gesture the distance between two independent regions is computed for every row and column. Same process is repeated across the columns. The number of total region transitions are computed for every row and column. This number of transitions across rows and columns forms the feature vector. The proposed solution is easily able to deal with static and dynamic gestures. In case of second approach we compute the distance between the gesture centroid and shape boundaries at various angles from 0 to 360 degrees. These distances forms the feature vector. Comparison of result shows that this method is very effective in extracting the shape features and competent enough in terms of accuracy and speed. The gesture recognition algorithm mentioned in this paper can be used in automotive infotainment systems, consumer electronics where hardware needs to be cost effective and the response of the system should be fast enough.

Author(s) Details

Dr. Netra Lokhande
 School of Computer Engineering and Technology, MIT World Peace University, Kothrud, Pune, India

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Curriculum Design: An Indicative Guide | Chapter 6 | Emerging Trends in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 2

Curriculum design is an important part of an academic system. It describes the contextual relationship between various elements of teaching learning process. Constructive alignment of various elements of academic system viz., educational objectives, instructional strategies and assessment is very much essential. This process starts with effective curriculum design understanding the requirements of all stakeholders. Curriculum design has to be done as a scientific process that clearly reflects and addresses the way to attain the objectives.  In the present chapter an attempt has re-iterated for an effective curriculum design framework. 

Author (s) Details

J. Raja Murugadoss
Department of Civil Engineering, GMR Institute of Technology (GMRIT), AP, India.

R. Priya Vaijayanthi
Department of CSE, GMR Institute of Technology (GMRIT), AP, India.

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Modeling and Simulation of Solar PV Energy Conversion Systems: New Perspectives | Chapter 5 | Emerging Trends in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 2

This paper explores the role of Power Electronic technology has been utilized in various types of applications where electrical power produced and distributed especially in Solar Photovoltaic Panel Systems. In this paper, discussed about designing and modeling of solar photovoltaic system parameters such as saturation current, photo current, reverse saturation current, shunt resistor current, voltage versus current characteristics and voltage vs power characteristics of solar photovoltaic cell that is simulated using MATLAB Simulink.

Author(s) Details

D. Bharathy Priya
Department Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Adhiyamaan College of Engineering, Anna University, Chennai, Hosur, Tamilnadu, India.  

Dr. A. Sumathi
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Adhiyamaan College of Engineering, Anna University, Chennai, Hosur, Tamilnadu, India

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Smart Agriculture: IOT with Cloud Computing, Fog Computing and Edge Computing | Chapter 4 | Emerging Trends in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 2

Smart Farming could be a explained as a farming method which works on the thought process of a fashionable technology to increase the yield of the amount and quality of agricultural merchandise. IoT-based smart farming, a system solely made for the observation of crops in the field with the assistance of sensors and automating the irrigation system in accordance to our needs. Antique cloud-based system which uses mostly IoT models are inadequate to handle the traffic and the database of knowledge. So as to an extent it turns out to be lower latency, longer battery life for IoT devices, a lot of efficient money-based knowledge management, access to knowledge management and AI, ML IoT-EDGE based system is proposed or may be adopted. Edge for the IoT brings potential edges for several IoT deployments, as well as removal of interval in conjunction with geometric communications potency, compared to exploitation of the cloud to process and store knowledge. For example, several IoT processes will have a high level of automation at the sting leading to low latency for fast processing. The machine if ogsim is employed for modelling and simulating the sting based mostly on the IoT system which also includes the edge and the fog. The results of this method are to indicate that Edge computing based mostly IoT models are a lot of economical and extremely fast and may turn out and provide higher results when put next to different systems.

Author(s) Details

Ms. S. Nandhini
Srm Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India.

Shivcharan Bhrathi
Srm Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India

D. Dheeraj Goud
Srm Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India

K. Pranay Krishna
Srm Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India


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Education, Technology and Curriculum: The “Classroom of the Future” and the New Pedagogical Innovation Horizons | Chapter 3 | Emerging Trends in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 2

One of the most debated concepts in Education and Technology is the “Classroom of the Future”, not only because classrooms changed, but first of all because students, society and teachers have changed. This is a global challenge for Higher Education: To prepare future teachers for these new ages of technology-based classrooms, students who master digital and informational tools and pedagogy that needs to be enhanced in order to follow all these simultaneous mutations. Our main objective is to discuss how Universities need to focus on new pedagogical approaches for the “Classroom of the Future”, combining Education, Curricula and Technology, preparing future teachers and drawing the path for teaching and learning success. 

Author(s) Details

L. Cardoso
Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, Centre for Comparative Studies, University of Lisbon, Portugal.

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Dielectric Coating Effect with Particle Movement in a 3-Phase GIB | Chapter 2 | Emerging Trends in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 2 Dielectric

The dielectric coating effect on the motion of the Particle  inside a Gas Insulated Bus duct (GIB) of three phase using epoxy resin coating of dielectric inside f GIB outer enclosure of inner surface without image charge is presented in this paper. Simulation is performed by considering various parameters like drag, gravitational and the electrostatic forces acting on the particle and a mathematical model was derived. A 2nd order differential equation for the particle motion is solved and restitution coefficient was considered at each impact of particle with the GIB enclosure. At the particle locations, estimation of electric fields instantaneously was made by CSM. The   particle motion in the absence of effect of image charge is considered in a 3-phase GIB with dielectric coating. For voltage levels like 400 kV, 600 kV, 800 kV and 1200 kV class, the movement of radial in nature is found for particles like aluminum and copper inside GIB. Analysis of all the results were done and presented in this paper.

Author (s) Details  

K. B. V. S. R. Subrahmanyam
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE), S R Engineering College, Warangal, India.

 Ram Deshmukh
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE), S R Engineering College, Warangal, India.

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Developing Fractals Using Iterated Function Systems: Advanced Study | Chapter 1 | Emerging Trends in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 2

The geometric modeling of fractal objects is a difficult process. An important class of complex objects in nature is trees, plants, clouds, mountains, etc. These objects cannot be satisfactorily described or acceptable in quality or quantity using conventional geometry. Diverse techniques are at present being investigated for modeling these complex objects. The development of a new approach to computing fractals is being taken up by us, known as Iterated Function Systems. Any set of linear maps (affine transformations) and an associated set of probabilities determines an Iterated Function System (IFS). IFS description forms, through a set of simple geometric transformations, a basic set of tools for interactive image construction. This paper presents the role of IFS in geometric modeling of fractal objects.

Author (s) Details

Dr. Bulusu Rama
Department of Computer Science and Engineering, MLR Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India.

Jibitesh Mishra
Department of Computer Science and Applications, College of Engineering and Technology, Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT), Bhubaneswar, India.

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Estimation of Annual Effective Dose Due to Ingestion and Inhalation of Radon in Groundwater from Kaduna, Nigeria: Recent Development | Chapter 11 | Theory and Applications of Physical Science Vol. 4

The variation in the concentration of radon in groundwater sources comprising of boreholes and wells in Kaduna metropolis and environs were determined by using Tri-carb LSA 1000 liquid scintillation counter. The radiation dose received by individuals within different age groups categorized under; infants, children and adults, depending on their average annual water consumption rates (ACRs) were also estimated. The mean radon activity in 16 boreholes and 18 well water samples were 1.8/Bq/L and 0.57 Bq/L respectively; while the average radon activities ranged from 0.85 to 2.57 Bq/L and 0.35 to 0.85Bq/L respectively with all values far below the United States Environmental Protection Agency MCL of 11.1 Bq/L. All the estimated annual committed effective dose (ACED) for all samples were observed to increase with radon concentration, age and ACRs, but were significantly lower than the United Nation Scientific Committee on Effect of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limit of 1mSv/yr. The radiation dose rate received by the lung cells due to the inhalation of waterborne radon in the air was considerably higher when compared to that received by the stomach walls via ingestion.

Author(s) Details
A. Kalip 
Department of Applied Physics, College of Science and Technology, Kaduna Polytechnic, P.M.B. 2021 Kaduna, Nigeria.

S. Gaiya
Department of Applied Physics, College of Science and Technology, Kaduna Polytechnic, P.M.B. 2021 Kaduna, Nigeria

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Patterns in Solar Variability, Their Planetary Origin, and Terrestrial Impacts: New Perspective | Chapter 10 | Theory and Applications of Physical Science Vol. 4

This is the Preface of the Special Issue of Pattern Recognition in Physics published in 2013, here reprinted with some modifications and updating. We hope that by the arguments and facts presented in this volume, we have lifted “the planetary hypothesis” to the level of a “planetary theory” and we even foresee that it will lead to a new paradigm on planetary–solar–terrestrial interaction. We are well aware of the fact that there is much more to learn and improve, but we trust the theory is here to stay. The volume consists of 12 independent papers. Several papers have addressed the question about the evolution of climate during the 21st century. Obviously, we are on our way into a new grand solar minimum. This sheds serious doubts on the issue of a continued, even accelerated, warming as claimed by the IPCC projects.

Author (s) Details

Nils-Axel Mörner 
Department of Paleogeophysics and Geodynamics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden. 

Roger Tattersall
Tallbloke, Wordpress, Leeds, UK.

Jan-Erik Solheim
Department of Physics and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.

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A Wide Infrared Tuning Range of the Bulk CdSe Doped with Cu Photodetector | Chapter 9 | Theory and Applications of Physical Science Vol. 4

In this work, the adopted method of the CdSe doped with Cu (CdSe: Cu) photodetector is presented. This detector is prepared by vacuum evaporation of CdSe films on a glass substrate followed by vacuum annealing under an argon atmosphere for doping with copper. The detector is found, for the first time, to cover a wide range of the infrared besides the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. This finding of the wavelength tuning is due to the localized energy states of copper atoms inside the band gap of the CdSe. These characteristics stem from the unique band structure of CdSe: Cu. This tuning is compared with recent work in the corresponding colloidal CdSe-ZnS core shell quantum dots and with the quantum well (QWIR) and quantum dots infrared detectors (QDIR). The major significance of this developed detector is in its synthesis simplicity and its fabrication processes costs in comparison with that of the (QWIR) and (QDIR) detectors. The structural analysis results demonstrated that the vacuum annealing in competition with the doping concentration improves significantly the film structure. A better crystalline structure is reported at 5 wt% of Cu concentration and at annealing temperature of 350ºC. Besides the measured specific detectivity at room temperature is D*=2.31×108 cm Hz1/2W-1. This value approaches the detectivity of the state of art mercury cadmium telluride (MCT). This result paves the way for further investigations and improvements.

Author(s) Details

Professor Hassan H. Mohammed
Department of Computer Engineering Technology, Iraq University College, Alestiqlal Street, Basrah, Iraq.

Professor Salwan K. J. Al-Ani
Department of Physics, College of Science, Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq.

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Outdoor Radon Measurements during 2018 in São José dos Campos, Brazil: Scientific Approach | Chapter 8 | Theory and Applications of Physical Science Vol. 4

During 2018 the intensity and its variation in time were monitored, every hour the presence of radon gas in two distinct points near each other in São José dos Campos, Brazil. One point was situated 25 meters high (ACA tower) and the other 3 meters high (ITA laboratory). Two identical RadonEye RD200 (ionization chamber) detectors were used calibrated in picoCurie/liter (pCi/l) or Bequerel/cubic meters (Bq / m3). These measurements indicate that there is always a (day/night) variation in the intensity of the local radon gas presence. With dry and hot periods, there is increasing in radon gas intensity. Intense rains during short period of time, there is also increasing in presence of the radon gas in that site. Fine and continuous rains provoke decrease in the presence of radon gas measured in the place. Comparisons between radon gas intensities per hour with gamma and neutron changes between (0-10) MeV of energy at the same time interval were observed.

Author (s) Details

Inacio M. Martin
Technological Aeronautics Institute, ITA, São José dos Campos, Brazil.

Douglas C. Vilela
Technological Aeronautics Institute, ITA, São José dos Campos, Brazil.

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BKL Method in the Bianchi IX Universe Model Revisited: Advanced Study | Chapter 7 |Theory and Applications of Physical Science Vol. 4

Given the extreme difficulty in finding analytical solutions to Einstein’s equations for universe models, such as the Bianchi type IX, different physical-mathematical techniques have been designed to attempt to find, at least approximate solutions that could have relevance in modern cosmology. Belinskii, Khalatnikov and Lifshitz (BKL) have developed a method to study a particular time evolution dynamic of the Bianchi type IX universe model. Herein, it is shown that this method contains pitfalls. These pitfalls, among other things, prevent the conclusion that this model provides chaotic behaviour. We show that the initial presumption made by BKL turns out to be inconsistent with the assumed initial conditions, since it cannot be kept along with the time-extended BKL process. That is, the Kasner stipulations corresponding to    , taken as initial conditions, are at odds with the initial assumption imposed on Einstein’s field equations.

Author (s)  Details

Leandro Meléndez Lugo
Departamento de Física, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Centro Nuclear de México, 52750 Mexico D.F.

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UHF Metamaterial Absorber with Small-size Unit Cell by Combining Fractal and Coupling Lines: Recent Study | Chapter 13 | Theory and Applications of Physical Science Vol. 4

We present an UHF prefect metamaterial absorber by combining coupling lines and fractal lines with very small unit cell. The proposed absorber consists of surface metal structure and metallic background plane, separated by a dielectric substrate and air. Simulation results show that the absorber has absorption peak at 442MHz with 99.73% absorptivity. The ratio between lattice constant and resonance wavelength is 1/68, significantly less than the existing absorber. According to the absorption mechanism of proposed absorber the design principle is introducing in detail. Moreover, the absorption peaks remain high with large angles of incidence for both TE and TM polarizations. Due to the small ratio, it can be widely used in radiation suppression for microwave relay communication such as mobile communication and wireless network by changing the parameters of structure.

Author(s) Details

Shicheng Fan
Department of Electronics Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.

Yaoliang Song
Department of Electronics Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.

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About Possible Role of Negative Pressure Waves in Geophysical Processes: Brief Overview | Chapter 12 | Theory and Applications of Physical Science Vol. 4

There are different model views on the mechanism of extreme geologic processes. Nevertheless, many principal questions remain unanswered because the models don’t characterize sufficiently the peculiarities of these processes. Here is proposed new approach to mechanism of evolution and appearance of extreme geologic processes on the basis of Negative Pressure phenomenon.

Author(s) Details

Prof. Fuad H. Veliev 
Baku Higher Oil School, Baku, Azerbaijan.

Prof. Ibrahim S. Guliyev
Geology Institute, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Azerbaijan.

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Quantum Electromagnetic Field in Maxwell Electronionic Plasma | Chapter 4 | Theory and Applications of Physical Science Vol. 4

It is shown that taking into account the presence of thermal longitudinally polarized Langmuir quanta dramatically changes the results of standard classical electrodynamics of low-temperature plasma.

Author (s) Details

B. A. Veklenko
Joint Institute for High Temperatures of the Russian Academy of Sciences (JIHT RAS), Moscow, Russia

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Taguchi Method to Analyze the Impacts of Commonalities in Multistage Production under Bottleneck and Uncertainty: An Overview | Chapter 3 | Theory and Applications of Physical Science Vol. 4

This chapter aims to measure the individual and combined impacts of common components and machines in manufacturing, under bottleneck and uncertain conditions. Simulation models have developed for multiple products, multi-period and multistage dependent demand system based on a live case from a Malaysian company. Machine breakdown and quality variation have incorporated in the models to create uncertainty. The delivery performances like (i) throughput of the finished products, (ii) average production time and (iii) work-in-progress (WIP) in the system for different experimental scenarios have examined. Taguchi approaches for orthogonal array were employed in designing experiments and these were executed in WITNESS, a simulation modeling software. The models corroborated historical data from the company by face validity. It was determined that batch size of 12 in bottleneck, 2 common components and 4 common machines ensure the best outcomes of the system under the storm of uncertainties. The focus of this chapter is determination of the best batch size in bottleneck point under uncertainties, commonalities (components and machines) and capacity constraint. 

Author (s) Details

M. A. Wazed
Ascent Pharmaceuticals Inc, Central Islip, NY 11722, USA.

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Deformability of Contact Layers: Scientific Study | Chapter 2 | Theory and Applications of Physical Science Vol. 4

Machine and structural components have volume and surfaces. The last does not have an ideal shape, and they are rough. When two components have mechanical contact (like one foot of a desk and the floor), this contact has a common contact surface. It is well known that real contact surface is much smaller than the nominal cross-section of the smaller component. Furthermore, the volume that is near the contact surface is not dense. It contains asperities and empty space between them. In this chapter is analysed the question “What happens with this contact volume and could we measure its size, depending on the load?”  The theory starts with an acceptance that this volume (contact layer) is filled non-homogeneously with solid material and therefore its mechanical behaviour is non-linear. It is explained a semi-empiric model for this phenomenon and also a method for interpretation and presentation of nonlinear force-displacement diagrams. This semi-empiric relationship is ∆= + | |, where P is the load, ∆ is the uniaxial deformation of the system with base length L, containing one contact layer and both a, b are regression coefficients. Results for deformability of the contact layer between a specimen, made of light silicate concrete and the steel support are shown.

Author(s) Details

Rumen Krastev Krastev
Institute of Mechanics - BAS, Acad. G. Bontchev Str., bl. 4, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.  

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