Canonical Discriminant Analysis Research Articles

Differentiation of Hair Sheep Breeds Based on the Physiological and Blood Biochemical Changes in Response to Different Stressors Using Multivariate Analysis Techniques.

Physiological and blood measurement changes due to high heat load, restricted feed intake, and limited drinking water availability in 135 animals of three hair sheep breeds (Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix) were subjected to multivariate analysis techniques. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the ability of these variables to separate individual hair sheep into groups based on adaptation characteristics in response to three physiological stressors and identify variables with greater discriminatory power. There were 16, 8, and 13 physiological and blood variables obtained from high heat load, restricted feed consumption, and water intake studies, respectively, for multivariate analysis. Physiological variables such as respiration rate, rectal and skin temperature, and panting score were measured only in the heat stress study. The results of the cluster and canonical discriminant analyses showed the presence of wide divergence (p < 0.05) between St. Croix and other breeds in their responses to high heat loads and restricted-feed- and -water-intake conditions. Dorper and Katahdin were grouped (p > 0.05) together based on the changes in physiological variables, which were separated (p < 0.05) from those of St. Croix as a resilient group. The stepwise discriminant analysis indicated that skin temperature, panting score, rectal temperature, respiration rate, and blood urea nitrogen and oxygen concentrations were the significant (p < 0.05) discriminating variables in clustering individual sheep into groups based on their responses to the high-heat-stress condition. Under the limited feed intake condition, the significant (p < 0.05) traits responsible for the separation of St. Croix from Dorper and Katahdin were blood triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations, whereas blood hemoglobin, osmolality, protein, and albumin were most important discriminating variables under the limited water intake condition. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that the stress responses of Dorper and Katahdin are similar and different from that of St. Croix. This finding can be useful information for future decisions in developing climate-resilient sheep through selective breeding.

Pruning and Fruit Thinning of Psidium guajava cv. Paluma under a Seasonal Tropical Climate

Maintaining the plant architecture of Psidium guajava L. (guava tree) is essential for enhancing capture and distribution in the plant, directly affecting the fruit quality. The lifespan of the harvest period can be extended by proper pruning. Both timeliness and proper pruning play crucial roles in achieving high-quality fruit production and in maintaining a consistent fruit size while stimulating ascorbic acid levels, sugar content, total soluble solids (TSS), and titratable acidity. From this perspective, this study aimed to characterize the influence of different intensities of fruit pruning and thinning on guava trees grown under a seasonal tropical climate in two growing seasons in Currais, Piauí, Brazil. The experiment was set up in a randomized block design with a 3 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement corresponding to short, medium, and long pruning intensities and 0%, 10%, and 20% thinning intensities during the two growth seasons, respectively. An analysis was performed to discriminate the treatment groups according to the physicochemical variables of the guava tree cv. Paluma and canonical discriminant analysis. There was significant variation in the SS, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, and pH contents. Cluster analysis of all treatments allowed division into five different groups for the two pruning times. Canonical discriminant analysis showed that the first two canonical variables explained 91% of the total variance. The fruits of the second harvest exhibited a lower level of acidity, higher levels of soluble solids, and higher levels of ascorbic acid contents. In addition, these fruits also obtained better nutrient contents. Short pruning with up to 20% thinning, medium pruning with up to 10%, and long pruning without thinning favored better levels of macronutrients and micronutrients and, consequently, better fruit quality. Medium or long pruning with up to 20% thinning resulted in higher average fruit weights and nutrient contents (especially of Fe and Cu), lower acidity, and higher ascorbic acid contents. Thus, in general, the importance of production pruning in guava plants is evidenced and thinning of 20% is recommended to improve the fruit quality.

Morfometric Character of Longtail Tuna (Thunnus Tonggol)

Longtail tuna is a pelagic fish that has a wide distribution from the Java Sea to the Natuna Sea or the South China Sea. This study aims to identified the character of the population and determine differences in population/stock of longtail tuna among stock in the Java Sea and the Natuna Sea. Sampling was carried out from May 2018 to April 2019, in Pekalongan representing the Java Sea, Pemangkat representing the west Natuna Sea and Tanjung Pinang representing the east Natuna Sea. The morphometric measurement consists of 20 characters, morphometric data is standardized by dividing all the morphometric characters by the standard length (SL). Principal components and discriminant functions analysis was employed to analyze morphometric variables to obtain distinguishing characters and stock identification. Discriminant Analysis to see the components of intra and inter-population sharing was carried out using SPPS ver.16 software. The results of Principal components analysis (PCA) found there are two distinguishing morphometric characters, namely: pelvic fin length (PeL) and anal fin length (PAF) characters. Canonical discriminant analysis found two subpopulation longtail tuna, which is one sub population Java Sea and west Natuna Sea, the other is east Natuna Sea sub population.

Determination of Anatolian Honeybee Biodiversity by Wing Characters

In this study, we report that there were five different subspecies and three different ecotypes defined so far in Türkiye, which has a rich biodiversity in terms of honeybee subspecies. However, recently, it has been thought that the current biodiversity is in danger of extinction due to the commercial queen bee supply and the migratory beekeeping activities from a single source. This study uses the morphometric method to reveal the current status of honeybee biodiversity in Türkiye. For this purpose, a total of 3186 worker bees were studied by samplings from 19 different provinces to represent the honeybee races and ecotypes distributed in Türkiye. We made wing preparations and established 19 landmarks on the right forewings using the BAB BsPro200 program. The program automatically obtained the wing’s metrics’ angle, length, and index values via these 19 landmarks. We used Discriminant function analysis to determine intragroup and intergroup variations by taking the colony averages from data obtained from 31 morphological characters. Given the canonical discriminant function analysis and UPGMA dendrogram, Zonguldak, Düzce, Sakarya, Artvin, Ardahan, and Trabzon constituted a group, and Edirne, Kilis, Van, and Isparta formed a separate group. Hakkari, Kahramanmaraş, and Ordu provinces formed a separate line together. On the other hand, the group centers of Kars and Kırklareli, two different ends of Türkiye, overlapped and formed a close line with Isparta. As a result, this study revealed that, although the protection measures taken at the local level effectively protected the honeybee biodiversity, these measures are insufficient.

Evaluating the Application of Portable Handheld X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Scanner for Determining Seafood Provenance: A Case Study on Penaeus monodon.

Seafood elemental profiling (SEP) is the quantification of a range of elements in seafood products and may serve in addressing questions of seafood provenance and quality. Traditional methods for analyzing soft tissue present several limitations for the industry-level use of SEP. Portable handheld X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis is a promising alternative to conventional methods; however, its application for biological analysis has not been fully established. Intact giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) abdomens were analyzed with a Vanta M series XRF portable analyzer following a novel soft tissue protocol. Exploratory statistics (principal component analysis, nonmetric multidimensional scaling, and canonical discriminant analysis), as well as random forest models, have been implemented with pXRF profiles, yielding 81% accuracy when assigning the geographical origin of P. monodon. The results of this study highlight that SEP via pXRF is a viable industry-level analysis, and its application will depend on improved instrument calibration to account for fluctuating wetness factors that are influenced by cooking, storage, and other pre- and post-harvest treatments.

Comparison of canonical correlation and discriminant analysis

Learning from data is at the heart of the statistical discipline known as statistics. Understanding statistics, you will be able to use the right techniques to obtain the data, carry out the relevant analysis, and present the results in an effective way if you have a working knowledge of statistics. The process of creating scientific discoveries, as well as decisions and projections that are founded on data, involves the use of statistics, which is a key element in the process.

Models of integration of TB and HIV services and factors associated with perceived quality of TB-HIV integrated service delivery in O. R Tambo District, South Africa

BackgroundTuberculosis is the leading infectious cause of death among people living with HIV. Reducing morbidity and mortality from HIV-associated TB requires strong collaboration between TB and HIV services at all levels with fully integrated, people-centered models of care.MethodsThis is a qualitative study design using principles of ethnography and the application of aggregate complexity theory. A total of 54 individual interviews with healthcare workers and patients took place in five primary healthcare facilities in the O.R. Tambo district. The participants were purposively selected until the data reached saturation point, and all interviews were tape-recorded. Quantitative analysis of qualitative data was used after coding ethnographic data, looking for emerging patterns, and counting the number of times a qualitative code occurred. A Likert scale was used to assess the perceived quality of TB/HIV integration. Regression models and canonical discriminant analyses were used to explore the associations between the perceived quality of TB and HIV integrated service delivery and independent predictors of interest using SPSS® version 23.0 (Chicago, IL) considering a type I error of 0.05.ResultsOf the 54 participants, 39 (72.2%) reported that TB and HIV services were partially integrated while 15 (27.8%) participants reported that TB/HIV services were fully integrated. Using the Likert scale gradient, 23 (42.6%) participants perceived the quality of integrated TB/HIV services as poor while 13 (24.1%) and 18 (33.3%) perceived the quality of TB/HIV integrated services as moderate and excellent, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that access to healthcare services was significantly and independently associated with the perceived quality of integrated TB/HIV services following the equation: Y = 3.72–0.06X (adjusted R2 = 23%, p-value = 0.001). Canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) showed that in all 5 municipal facilities, long distances to healthcare facilities leading to reduced access to services were significantly more likely to be the most impeding factor, which is negatively influencing the perceived quality of integrated TB/HIV services, with functions’ coefficients ranging from 9.175 in Mhlontlo to 16.514 in KSD (Wilk’s Lambda = 0.750, p = 0.043).ConclusionHIV and TB integration is inadequate with limited access to healthcare services. Full integration (one-stop-shop services) is recommended.

In vivo monitoring of hemoglobin derivatives in a rat thermal injury model using spectral diffuse reflectance imaging

IntroductionTo demonstrate the feasibility of our previously proposed Diffuse reflectance spectral imaging (DRSI) method for in vivo monitoring of oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated hemoglobin, methemoglobin, tissue oxygen saturation, and methemoglobin saturation in a rat scald burn wound model and assess whether the method could be used for differentiating the burn depth groups in rats based on the hemoglobin parameters. MethodologySuperficial dermal burns (SDBs), deep dermal burns (DDBs), and deep burns (DBs) were induced in rat dorsal skin using a Walker–Mason method. An approach based on multiple regression analysis for spectral diffuse reflectance images aided by Monte Carlo simulations for light transport was used to quantify the hemoglobin parameters. Canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) was performed to discriminate SDB, DDB, and DB. ResultsCDA using the total hemoglobin concentration, tissue oxygen saturation, and methemoglobin saturation as the independent variables showed good performance for discriminating the SDB, DDB, and DB groups immediately after burn injury and the SDB group from the DDB and DB groups 24–72 h after burn injury. ConclusionsThe DRSI method with multiple regression analysis for quantification of oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated hemoglobin, and methemoglobin proved to be reliable for monitoring these hemoglobin derivatives in the rat experimental burn injury model. The parameters of tissue oxygen saturation, methemoglobin saturation, and total hemoglobin concentration are promising for the differentiating the degree of burn injury using CDA.

Exploring European Eel Anguilla anguilla (L.) Habitat Differences Using Otolith Analysis in Central-Western Mediterranean Rivers and Coastal Lagoons from Sardinia

An otolith shape and morphometric analysis was performed on European eel (Anguilla anguilla) subpopulations from five rivers and three coastal lagoons of Sardinia (central-western Mediterranean) to assess the role of different habitats on otolith development. Sagittal otolith shape was described by 11 harmonics from elliptic Fourier descriptors. Comparisons among the harmonics were run through canonical discriminant analyses (CDAs). The CDA reclassification rate (75.7%) demonstrated a spatial environmental discrimination among local eel subpopulations of Sardinia. The Euclidean distance values demonstrated a dissimilarity between the river and lagoon groups. The form factor and roundness shape indices were significantly higher in the river group than in the lagoon group. The distances of the first three rings to the otolith core revealed site-specific otolith development. Moreover, the annual otolith growth rate was faster in the lagoon group than in the river group. The differences among the studied sites in terms of sagittal otolith shape could relate to changes in different local stocks potentially related to environmental peculiarities. Establishing a direct correlation between otolith morphology and environmental factors is challenging, and further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between habitat type/environmental variation and growth/body characteristics of eels. Nevertheless, the achieved results suggest that this method can be considered to be a valuable tool for studying the ontogeny of the European eel.

Diversification within Lycianthes moziniana (Capsiceae, Solanaceae)

Background: Lycianthes moziniana (Capsiceae, Solanaceae) is an endemic and widespread species in Mexico. Morphological and molecular evidence suggested three varieties (L. moziniana var. margaretiana, L. moziniana var. moziniana and L. moziniana var. oaxacana).&#x0D; Hypotheses: Lycianthes moziniana is integrated by differentiated lineages corresponding to the three varieties identified.&#x0D; Studied species: Lycianthes moziniana (Dunal) Bitter.&#x0D; Study sites and dates: Mexico from 2017 to 2021.&#x0D; Methods: We measured 11 morphological characters based on 207 herbarium specimens. Discriminant Canonical Analysis (DCA), Mahalanobis Square Distance (MD) and Canonical Classificatory Analysis (CCA) were used to uncover the differences among varieties. For geographic and climatic preferences and divergence, we used 288 records and four climatic layers.&#x0D; Results: Two canonical functions explained 100 % of the morphological variation and seven characters had the highest discriminatory power. In addition, MD was statistically significant. Meanwhile, the CCA recovered three groups at 77 %. The morphological evidence demonstrated the distinctiveness of L. moziniana var. moziniana. In contrast, L. moziniana var. margaretiana and L. moziniana var. oaxacana were morphologically similar. The identity test showed significant differences among Ecological Niche Models (ENMs). The evidence indicates geographic and climatic isolation among the varieties. Lycianthes moziniana var. moziniana is widespread and has intermediate overlap with the other two varieties. Lycianthes moziniana var. margaretiana and L. moziniana var. oaxacana were isolated in different biogeographical provinces and showed the lowest overlap.&#x0D; Conclusions: Morphological and geographic data indicates incipient speciation is occurring.

Weed-Hoeing Periods in Cowpea Cultivation under Direct and Conventional Systems.

Weed coexistence with an agricultural crop can negatively affect its growth, development, and yield. From this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate weed management strategies and their effect on the agronomic parameters of cowpea cultivation in direct (SPD) and conventional (SPC) planting systems. The experiment was set up in a completely randomized block design with a split-plot arrangement with four replications. The plots received a source of variation referring to the planting systems (direct and conventional planting), and the subplots corresponded to ten weed management strategies (manual hoeing 18 days after planting (DAP); at 36 DAP; at 54 DAP; at 18 and 36 DAP; at 18 and 54 DAP; at 18 and 72 DAP; at 36 and 54 DAP; at 36-72 DAP; at 18, 36, and 54 DAP; and a control with no hoeing). Density and dry mass evaluations of the cowpea plants were performed at harvest (72 DAP) by determining the number of pods per plant, pod length, number of grains per pod, 1000-grain mass, and yield. A total of 28 species distributed in 12 botanical families were identified in the two cultivation systems. The family Poaceae showed the highest frequency, with 25% of the species identified. At the end of the assay, treatment 20 had the highest positive influence and provided significant quantitative gains to the complex of traits related to cowpea production (SPD and hoeing at 18, 36, and 54 DAP). UPGMA cluster analysis and canonical discriminant analysis were performed and allowed a better classification of the evaluated treatments. It was observed that the first two canonical variables explained 90.8% of the total variance contained in the original variables. The use of SPD with weeding at 18, 36, and 54 days after planting provides greater weed control and significant quantitative gains for the complex of characteristics related to cowpea production. The results underscore the importance of choosing the correct cropping system and implementing effective weeding practices to optimize weed control and improve crop performance.

Factors related to academic performance among engineering students: a descriptive correlational research study

Academic performance (AP) is a proper pedagogical strategy to determine acquisition of learning outcomes. Monitoring is essential for decision-making regarding accompanying plans and improving educational quality. Saber-Pro is a standardized test applied by the Colombian Government to establish the ability in quantitative, English, critical reading, citizen comprehension, and written communication. The main objective is to determine which sociodemographic, pedagogical, and institutional factors will arise in AP. A canonical discriminant analysis was used to classify 100% of the student, and the risk of low AP was estimated. The model supports variables that explain potentiate risk factors associated with AP in engineering students according to Saber-Pro.

Discriminant canonical tool for inferring the effect of αS1, αS2, β, and κ casein haplotypes and haplogroups on zoometric/linear appraisal breeding values in Murciano-Granadina goats.

Genomic tools have shown promising results in maximizing breeding outcomes, but their impact has not yet been explored. This study aimed to outline the effect of the individual haplotypes of each component of the casein complex (αS1, β, αS2, and κ-casein) on zoometric/linear appraisal breeding values. A discriminant canonical analysis was performed to study the relationship between the predicted breeding value for 17 zoometric/linear appraisal traits and the aforementioned casein gene haplotypic sequences. The analysis considered a total of 41,323 zoometric/linear appraisal records from 22,727 primiparous does, 17,111 multiparous does, and 1,485 bucks registered in the Murciano-Grandina goat breed herdbook. Results suggest that, although a lack of significant differences (p > 0.05) was reported across the predictive breeding values of zoometric/linear appraisal traits for αS1, αS2, and κ casein, significant differences were found for β casein (p < 0.05). The presence of β casein haplotypic sequences GAGACCCC, GGAACCCC, GGAACCTC, GGAATCTC, GGGACCCC, GGGATCTC, and GGGGCCCC, linked to differential combinations of increased quantities of higher quality milk in terms of its composition, may also be connected to increased zoometric/linear appraisal predicted breeding values. Selection must be performed carefully, given the fact that the consideration of apparently desirable animals that present the haplotypic sequence GGGATCCC in the β casein gene, due to their positive predicted breeding values for certain zoometric/linear appraisal traits such as rear insertion height, bone quality, anterior insertion, udder depth, rear legs side view, and rear legs rear view, may lead to an indirect selection against the other zoometric/linear appraisal traits and in turn lead to an inefficient selection toward an optimal dairy morphological type in Murciano-Granadina goats. Contrastingly, the consideration of animals presenting the GGAACCCC haplotypic sequence involves also considering animals that increase the genetic potential for all zoometric/linear appraisal traits, thus making them recommendable as breeding animals. The relevance of this study relies on the fact that the information derived from these analyses will enhance the selection of breeding individuals, in which a desirable dairy type is indirectly sought, through the haplotypic sequences in the β casein locus, which is not currently routinely considered in the Murciano-Granadina goat breeding program.

Discrimination of milk species based on physico-chemical properties and chemometrics: application of principal component analysis and canonical discriminant analysis

Discrimination of milk species based on physico-chemical properties and chemometrics: application of principal component analysis and canonical discriminant analysis

Photosynthetic Assimilation of the Guava (Psidium guajava) cv. Paluma under Different Pruning and Fruit Thinning Intensities

In guava plants, production pruning can be performed twice a year, and the return of growth is dependent on the physiological responses that are altered by the different cultivation environments and adopted management. From this perspective, this study aimed to characterize the photosynthetic dynamics of guava plants influenced by different pruning and fruit thinning intensities during two growing seasons in the region of Currais, Piauí, Brazil. The plants were distributed in a randomized block design with a factorial arrangement (3 × 3 × 2) consisting of three pruning intensities (short, medium, and long) and three fruit thinning intensities (0, 10, and 20%) during two growing seasons. The data were subjected to a cluster analysis and canonical discriminant analysis to discriminate treatment groups based on the variables. Through a cluster analysis for the evaluated treatments, it was possible to split the two pruning seasons into five different groups clustered for the first pruning season and the second pruning season. The highest assimilation values were observed in the first pruning season and especially in plants that received short pruning with 0% fruit thinning, medium pruning with 10% and 20% fruit thinning, and long pruning with 10% fruit thinning. Through the graphic representation of the canonical discriminant analysis, the first two variables explained 93.40% of the total variance contained in the nine original variables. The highest means of ambient PAR, transpiration, leaf temperature, internal carbon, and ambient temperature were observed in the second pruning season and in plants that received short pruning with 10% and 20% fruit thinning, medium pruning with 0% and 20% fruit thinning, and long pruning with 0%, 10%, and 20% fruit thinning favors a higher photosynthetic accumulation in guava plants. We observed a multiplicity of responses; however, short pruning with 10% thinning should be considered for both seasons.

Colour descriptors for plant-based milk alternatives discrimination.

Colour characteristics of plant-based milk alternatives (PBMAs: almond, coconut, cashew, oat, soy) were monitored during long-term storage to select suitable descriptors for PBMAs differentiation. All colour descriptors evaluated varied depending on the raw material used in the plant-based milk alternative production. Long-term storage of plant-based beverages resulted in slightly noticeable (0.5-1.5) and noticeable (1.5-3.0) colour changes. Based on all colour descriptors, an absolute differentiation of PBMAs according to the type of raw material and storage time was achieved using canonical discriminant analysis. The results also indicate the possibility of using colour descriptors to detect the addition of honey to these products. Statistical analysis identified yellowness, browning index and lightness as the most discriminating parameters.

Thermoregulatory capacity of goat kids from birth to weaning in a dry hot climate.

This study aimed to evaluate the thermoregulatory capacity and performance of Saanen goat kids from birth to weaning in a hot climate. Twelve newborn males and female goat kids with an initial body weight of 4.17 ± 0.81 kg were used. Physiological responses, climatic variables, and biometric traits data were collected. Univariate and multivariate analysis techniques were used. Heart rate (HR) was high up to the 6th week of life, with a reduction from the 7th week on (P < 0.001). Rectal temperature (RT) was lower in the first 2 weeks (P < 0.001), with an increase and stabilization occurring in the 7th and 8th weeks. Coat surface temperature (ST) was more activated from the 5th week onwards (P < 0.001). Body weight (BW) and withers height (WH) were higher in later weeks of the calving phase with a linear effect (P < 0.001). The first principal component demonstrated the relationship of sensible heat dissipation × body area of the goat kids; the second component shows the relationship of meteorological data with RT, having a positive relationship between RT with RH and negative with AT, and the third component points to the association of RR and HR. Of the animals, 81.3% were correctly classified in their group of origin in discriminant canonical analysis, with emphasis on the classification of the kids in the 1st-2nd and 3rd-4th weeks (classification percentage Ʃ = 95.8%). It is concluded that (i) newborn kids activate latent mechanisms to maintain their homoeothermic during the first 2 weeks of life, and as they grow, they use sensitive heat loss processes, especially from the 5th week of life onwards and (ii) male and female goats do not show sexual dimorphism effect on body performance and body morphometric measurements up to 60 days of life.

Elemental composition in soft tissues as a model for identifying batches of juvenile Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus)

Integral Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) aquaculture will become a reality in the coming years and so tuna batches will have to be clearly identifiable to avoid commercial fraud and ensure this species’ conservation. Consequently, the objective of this study was to analyse the components of juvenile bluefin tissue to be able to discriminate between three tuna batches: specimens born in captivity and raised in inland facilities (onshore tanks), fish born in captivity and raised in the sea (sea cages), and wild tuna. Ten macro and trace elements (Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P, S, Cu, Mn and Zn) were selected, and their concentrations were analysed in four soft tissues: liver, kidney, brain and muscle. Only one of the elements (Cu) showed statistically significant differences for fish batch in all tissues, so multivariate tests (Principal Component Analysis, PCA and Canonical Discriminant Analysis, DCA) were performed. In the PCA, there were partial batches separation in kidney and muscle. In DCA, the percentage of cases correctly classified using this validation were 60.8 % (liver), 88.6 % (kidney), 79.5 % (muscle) and 82.2 % (brain). Globally, muscle appear to be the best tissue for discriminating the batch of tunas, and wild specimens are the most readily identifiable.

Analysis of the Association Between Health Literacy, Physical Literacy, and Scholastic Achievement; A Preliminary Cross-Sectional Study Among High- School Students From Southern Croatia

Theoretically, health literacy (HL) and physical literacy (PL) should be associated with overall education, but little is known about their association with scholastic achievement. The aim of this study was to investigate whether scholastic variables relate to HL and PL among high-school adolescents. We observed 268 high school students (202 females, 66 males) who were assessed on HL using the HLS-EU47 questionnaire and PL by PLAYself questionnaire. Scholastic variables included grade point average and excused and unexcused number of absences from school. Gender-stratified correlations, cluster analysis, and discriminant canonical analysis were calculated to establish the associations between study variables. The correlations between HL and scholastic variables were generally poor, while statistically significant correlations between grade point average and HL were noted only among girls (R=0.16, p&lt;0.05). Cluster and discriminant analyses confirmed higher HL and PL among girls who were better at school. While associations between HL and PL with scholastic achievement were generally poor, our results point to the necessity of further investigation of a problem. Hence, specific types of knowledge should be explored as possible correlates of HL and PL in adolescence.

Evolution and Classification of Musaceae Based on Male Floral Morphology.

Classification of the banana family (Musaceae) into three genera, Musa, Ensete and Musella, and infrageneric ranking are still ambiguous. Within the genus Musa, five formerly separated sections were recently merged into sections Musa and Callimusa based on seed morphology, molecular data and chromosome numbers. Nevertheless, other key morphological characters of the genera, sections, and species have not been clearly defined. This research aims to investigate male floral morphology, classify members of the banana family based on overall similarity of morphological traits using 59 banana accessions of 21 taxa and make inferences of the evolutionary relationships of 57 taxa based on ITS, trnL-F, rps16 and atpB-rbcL sequences from 67 Genbank and 10 newly collected banana accessions. Fifteen quantitative characters were examined using principal component analysis and canonical discriminant analysis and 22 qualitative characters were analyzed by the Unweighted Pair Group Method with an Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA). The results showed that fused tepal morphology, median inner tepal shape and length of style supported the three clades of Musa, Ensete and Musella, while shapes of median inner tepal and stigma classified the two Musa sections. In conclusion, a combination of morphological characters of male flowers and molecular phylogenetics well support the taxonomic arrangement within the banana family and the Musa genus and assist in selection of characters to construct an identification key of Musaceae.