Phenotypic Variability and Stability of Okra Accessions Using Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability Descriptors |Chapter 5 | Research Perspective on Biological Science Vol. 10

 

Background: Okra is a vegetable of major nutritional and economic importance in tropical and subtropical regions. In Benin, its production remains limited by disease and pest pressure and the lack of high-performing varieties. Genetic improvement of okra is emerging as a strategic solution. Morphological characterisation based on qualitative traits of crops is a very crucial and essential first step in any crop improvement and breeding programme.

 

Study Aim: This study aims to assess agro-morphological traits of five varieties (TZSMN86, AVOK1501, AVOK1505, AVOK1502 and C101), as part of the requirements for their inclusion in the Beninese Catalogue of Plant Species and Varieties (CaBEV).

 

Methodology: Field trials were conducted using a Fisher Block design with five treatments and four replicates. Sowing was carried out on September 12, 2023, and April 19, 2024, for the first and second cycles, respectively. Qualitative and quantitative morphological data were collected from 20 plants per variety following the guidelines of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). The criteria of Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) were assessed over two cycles of on-station trials. Agreement between qualitative parameter classifications across production seasons was assessed using Cohen's Kappa coefficient, while phenological and agro-morphological data were analysed using generalised linear and linear mixed-effect models, followed by Tukey's post hoc tests for mean comparisons, in R (v4.3.0) with variety and season as fixed factors and block as a random factor.

 

Results: Findings revealed that several qualitative traits were uniform, while significant differences (P < 0.05) were noted in leaf blade colour and fruit shape. Quantitative data indicate significant variability between genotypes across seasons. Total fruit yield (including both commercial and non-commercial fruits) did not show any significant difference between cycles (P = 1). Ascending hierarchical clustering (AHC) grouped the varieties into three distinct clusters. Accessions AVOK1502 and AVOK1505 also showed good stability across seasons.

 

Conclusion: These results provide a scientific basis for the approval and registration of high-performing okra varieties (TZSMN86, AVOK1501, AVOK1505, AVOK1502 and C101) in the national variety catalogue. Directed crosses between the best-performing accessions, such as AVOK1502 and AVOK1505, could be considered with the aim of creating new hybrid varieties with improved characteristics.

 

 

Author(s) Details

A. C. G. Mensah
Institut National des Recherches Agricoles du Bénin (INRAB), Centre de Recherches Agricoles en Horticulture (CRA-H), Programme de Recherches sur les Cultures Maraîchères, 01 BP 884, Cotonou 01, Bénin.

 

A. B. B. Kouderin
Unité de Recherche Horticole et Aménagement des Espaces Verts, Laboratoire des Sciences Végétales, Horticoles et Forestières, Ecole d’Horticulture et d’Aménagement des Espaces Verts, Université Nationale d’Agriculture, BP 43 Kétou, Bénin.

 

W. T. Koura
Institut National des Recherches Agricoles du Bénin (INRAB), Centre de Recherches Agricoles en Horticulture (CRA-H), Programme de Recherches sur les Cultures Maraîchères, 01 BP 884, Cotonou 01, Bénin.

 

M. Sikirou
Unité de Recherche Horticole et Aménagement des Espaces Verts, Laboratoire des Sciences Végétales, Horticoles et Forestières, Ecole d’Horticulture et d’Aménagement des Espaces Verts, Université Nationale d’Agriculture, BP 43 Kétou, Bénin.

 

D. A. J. Azagba
Institut National des Recherches Agricoles du Bénin (INRAB), Centre de Recherches Agricoles en Horticulture (CRA-H), Programme de Recherches sur les Cultures Maraîchères, 01 BP 884, Cotonou 01, Bénin.

 

F. Yalinkpon
Laboratoire de Biomathématiques et d’Estimations Forestières, École Doctorale des Sciences Agronomiques et de l'Eau (EDSAE), Université d'Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Bénin.

 

M. Zandjanankou-Tachin
Unité de Recherche Horticole et Aménagement des Espaces Verts, Laboratoire des Sciences Végétales, Horticoles et Forestières, Ecole d’Horticulture et d’Aménagement des Espaces Verts, Université Nationale d’Agriculture, BP 43 Kétou, Bénin.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v10/7169

Human–Leopard Conflict and Coexistence: A Case Study from Gir Somnath, Gujarat, India | Chapter 4 | Research Perspective on Biological Science Vol. 10

 

Globally, the escalation of human-wildlife conflict poses a severe threat to both biodiversity conservation and the livelihoods of rural communities. In the semi-arid landscapes of Western India, the proximity of human settlements to protected areas has created complex dynamics of co-existence and confrontation. This study assesses the diel and seasonal patterns of human-leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) conflict in the Gir Somnath district of Gujarat, utilising a comprehensive dataset spanning a decade (2014–2023). By integrating secondary records from the Gujarat Forest Department with primary field observations and community discussions, we identified critical spatio-temporal hotspots. Analysis reveals that regions like Gir Gadhada (29%) and Talala (18%) are particularly vulnerable due to their forest-fringe location. While winter saw a peak in 2023, the monsoon remains the most consistently hazardous season over the 10-year period. Chronobiological findings highlight a significant nocturnal bias, with most incidents occurring between 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM, a period when leopards frequently visit settlements or multiple-use zones in search of prey. The study advocates for a shift from traditional mitigation to adaptive conservation strategies, emphasising the importance of "relief" mechanisms and nocturnal vigilance to foster a balanced co-existence.

 

 

Author(s) Details

 

Rahul B. Solanki
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Noble University, Junagadh-362001, Gujarat State, India.

 

Vibhuti B. Raval
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Noble University, Junagadh-362001, Gujarat State, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v10/7129

 

Surgical Correction of Unilateral Cherry Eye in a Beagle Dog: A Case Report | Chapter 3 | Research Perspective on Biological Science Vol. 10

 

Cherry eye is a disorder of the nictitating membrane, also called the third eyelid, present in the eyes of dogs. Several surgical techniques have been described for the management of cherry eye. Consequently, surgical repositioning of the prolapsed gland, rather than removal, is currently regarded as the gold standard for treatment. Among the various repositioning methods, Morgan’s Pocket Technique is widely preferred as it allows stable repositioning of the gland while preserving its physiological function. In this study, A 6 month-old Beagle dog was presented with a history of a swollen mass at the medial canthus of the right eye for 3 months. Clinical examination revealed a protruding reddish mass, congestion of conjunctival blood vessels, excessive lacrimation and frequent blinking of the affected eye. Based on the clinical history and ophthalmic examination, the condition was diagnosed as prolapse of the third eyelid gland. Surgical correction was done using Morgan’s Pocket Technique. Preservation of the third eyelid gland function, which has a role in tear production, was the main objective for this surgical approach. The dog showed complete recovery without postoperative complications during the follow-up period. Based on the outcome of this case, it is concluded that Morgan’s Pocket Technique is a safe and effective method for the surgical correction of cherry eye in dogs with excellent preservation of gland function and minimal risk of recurrence.

 

 

Author(s) Details

K. Mohan Rao
Hannah’s Pet Hospital, Madeenaguda, Hyderabad, Telangana-500049, India.

 

Ch. Ramya Sudha
Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary Science, Garividi, Andhrapradesh-535101, India.

 

Sajitha Franco
Hannah’s Pet Hospital, Madeenaguda, Hyderabad, Telangana-500049, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v10/7116

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Candida Infection in Post-menopausal Women: A Single-Centre Experience from the State of Odisha, India | Chapter 2 | Research Perspective on Biological Science Vol. 10

 

Background: Vulvovaginal infection is a common medical problem in India, presenting with many clinical signs and symptoms. Due to changes in the vaginal microbiomes, post-menopausal women are susceptible to many vulvovaginal infections, including Candida. The reported prevalence of Candida infections in this population varies, and there is limited literature on associated risk factors in postmenopausal women in India.

 

Aim: This study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence as well as the association of risk factors for Candida infection in post-menopausal women.

 

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in post-menopausal women attending the out-patient department (OPD) of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla, Odisha, India, from December 2016 to November 2018. Post-menopausal women presenting with abnormal vaginal discharge, itching and burning of genitalia, erythema, etc., were considered. Vaginal specimens from the posterior vaginal fornix were collected, and Candida albicans infection was investigated by using the Albi QuickTM rapid test. Various data, including socio-demographic features, sanitation access, and clinical presentations, were analysed statistically for possible association with Candida infections.

 

Results: From 209 post-menopausal women included in this study, Candida infection was found in 9.09% of women. Candida infections were found to be significantly high in post-menopausal women who were married (P=0.001), who had no formal education (P=0.044) and who were staying with >5 persons in their home (P=0.017).

 

Conclusion: The occurrence of Candida infections, along with the significant association of various factors reported in this study, calls for routine vaginal swab analysis in every woman presenting with symptoms, as well as the need for proper awareness of women's hygiene practices.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Nayak Madhumita
School of Life Sciences, Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar, Burla, Odisha, India.

 

Debta Alliyatri
School of Life Sciences, Asian Institute of Public Health, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

 

Purohit Prasanta
Multi-Disciplinary Research Unit, Maharaja Krishna Chandra Gajapati Medical College, Berhampur, Odisha, India.

 

Patel Ojaswini
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Burla, Odisha, India.

 

Sahoo Sunanda
School of Life Sciences, Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar, Burla, Odisha, India.

 

Das Padmalaya
School of Life Sciences, Asian Institute of Public Health, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v10/6865

Severity Assessment of Dieback in Green Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.) within the Western Traras Mountains (Northwestern Algeria) | Chapter 1 | Research Perspective on Biological Science Vol. 10

 

The Common Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.) is a tree representative of the Mediterranean flora, and is traditionally associated with cemeteries, symbolising mourning in the Mediterranean region. Dieback in forest trees is a complex phenomenon whose responsible factors can be diverse and not easily identifiable and prioritised, and they lead to general deterioration, which often ends with the death of the trees. The objective of this study is to characterize symptomatologically the decline of green cypress in the mountains of the Western Traras. The experimental approach prevails in the installation of the sampling units through all the tasks of Cyprès desperis in the region of Bab El Assa and Marsa Ben M'hidi. These sampling units number 25, with a surface area of 10 ares, or 450 stems sampled. The overall dieback index estimated at 2.6564 shows that the stands sampled are at the beginning of dieback. The results obtained show that 36% of the stands are at the beginning of dieback. 24% of the stands are declining, while 16% exhibit severe decline. Therefore, monitoring and precautions are necessary for maintaining the health of the Cypress tree.

 

Author(s) Details

Nichane Mohamed
Department of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Sciences, University of Naama, Algeria.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v10/8653A

A Machine-Aided Framework for Real-Time Gas Leak Detection: Case Study of the JK-52 Gas Processing Plant | Chapter 4 | Current Concepts in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 1

 

Natural gas is considered a fossil energy source from under the earth's surface. Its main component is methane, but it can contain non-hydrocarbon gases and natural gas liquids as well. Leaks are considered very dangerous since they can build up into an explosive concentration. Gas leaks can be hazardous to health as well as the environment. Leak detection is a method in which the existence of a leak within a system is determined. Many fluid leak detection mechanisms rely on observation of volume changes and physical evidence of a leak, which may take hours, days and sometimes weeks or months to be seen. This is a concern in gas plants where the proximity of the leakage may constitute environmental pollution as well as health hazards for personnel in the vicinity. Economic losses have also resulted from delays in mitigating a gas leak problem due to late detection.

 

This study applies a machine learning technique to develop an algorithm that can detect gas leaks in real-time, where the only possible delay is the lag-time between the inlet gauges at the upstream valve and the outlet gauge at the downstream valve. The dataset for the study was collected, and a pre-processing phase was performed, which included cleaning the data, attempting a linear regression model and other regressions (Random Forest). This study also proposed a model and evaluated its performance. In this case study of the JK-52 gas processing plant, the difference in pressure gauge readings was calibrated against the volume of the gas in the inlet section to quantify the leak volume. Because gaseous fluids do not present a physical indication of volume, a pressure-based method was used for the detection, where a drop in gauge pressure due to depressurisation indicates leakage in the absence of a recorded gas supply or collection. 

 

To build the model, the dataset was divided into samples to train and test the model. Python coding language, using Jupyter and PyCharm Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), was used for the programming. The machine learning algorithm analyses the incoming streaming pressure versus time datasets from the gauges during the residual and ramp-up flow phases to set the acceptable pressure difference cut-off. A minimum difference in gauge reading may be normal within an acceptable error margin. The change in the consistency of reading within this acceptable window defines the tolerance. The system is set up to blare an alarm when there is leakage, usually based on a cut-off or tolerance, to be detected by the machine-aided process. Even if no immediate event triggers the alarm, a leak can still be suspected and later confirmed through further analysis. Over time, the model becomes predictive, improving detection accuracy as it learns from experience.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Godsday Idanegbe Usiabulu
World Bank, Africa Center of Excellence, Center for Oil Field Chemicals Research, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.

 

Eddy Ifeanyi Okoh
FHN 26 Limited (First Hydrocarbon) Block W Shell Estate agent Edjeba, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.

 

Lucia Ndidi Okoh
Environmental Management and Toxicology, Southern Delta University, Delta State, Nigeria.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/ccert/v1/7080

 

The Vector Control of Induction Machines with MRAS-Based Third-Order Sliding Mode Speed Observer | Chapter 3| Current Concepts in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 1

 

The effectiveness of vector control depends heavily on the accurate estimation of rotor flux and speed. Among sensorless techniques, Model Reference Adaptive System (MRAS) are widely used due to its simplicity and low computational cost. This chapter presents an advanced vector control strategy for induction machines that combines a Third-Order Sliding Mode (TOSM) control scheme with a MRAS–based speed observer. The proposed MRAS-TOSM structure ensures precise and reliable rotor speed estimation under parameter uncertainties and varying operating conditions. By integrating third-order sliding mode control, the system exhibits enhanced robustness against disturbances and parameter variations (such as stator resistance and rotor inductance), fast convergence, and minimised estimation errors. Key performance metrics, including overshoot reduction, settling time, and steady-state accuracy, are analysed in detail through extensive simulation studies. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach significantly improves dynamic performance, stability, and robustness compared to conventional control methods. The results also highlight its potential for high-performance industrial drive applications and practical implementations, making it a suitable solution for both academic research and real-world engineering systems.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Rakia Tarkhani
Faculty of Sciences, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia and Laboratory of Automatic, Electrical Systems and Environment, National Engineering School of Monastir, University of Monastir, Tunisia.

 

Saber Krim
Laboratory of Automatic, Electrical Systems and Environment, National Engineering School of Monastir, University of Monastir, Tunisia.

 

Mohamed Faouzi Mimouni
Laboratory of Automatic, Electrical Systems and Environment, National Engineering School of Monastir, University of Monastir, Tunisia.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/ccert/v1/7058