Production Components Research Articles

Evaluating Physical Access to Primary Health Care Services: A Case Study of Mashhad City

Background: Ensuring equitable access to health services is a primary objective of health systems. This study aimed to evaluate the physical accessibility of Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities in Mashhad city, Iran, in 2022. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized geo-spatial analysis, specifically the Two-step Floating Catchment Area (2SFCA) method. The population within a 4 km radius of each of the 83 PHC facilities was calculated using ArcMap software. A checklist for weighting the components of service production in the facility was designed that included three main components (manpower, materials, equipment and space) and 17 sub-components. The differences between geographical areas of the studied city in terms of Accessibility Index were determined using cluster analysis. Results: All areas of the city were covered by the 4 km buffer zones of PHC facilities and there was no area out of the 4 km buffer zones. In addition, the eastern regions of the studied city, which had lower socio-economic status, enjoyed higher capacity density and access indices. Considering capacity and access indices, physical access to PHC facility across the areas of the city was not equal. In areas with lower socio-economic status, there was better access to services than areas with higher status. Conclusion: Totally, at least in some areas covered by a PHC system contrary to the popular idea, having good financial situation may prevent a person from accessing some PHC and cause the creation of areas we called them “deprived affluent areas” in this study.

ALTERNATIVES OF CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT TO ENHANCE GRAIN YIELD FROM WHEAT CROPS

This study aims to evaluate chemical and biological management alternatives to enhance the grain yield of wheat crops, based on the evaluation of the crop's productivity components. The experiment was conducted in 2022, under field conditions, at Escola Fazenda of UNIJUÍ (Regional University of Northwestern Rio Grande do Sul), located in the municipality of Augusto Pestana, Brazil. The experimental design used was randomized blocks with an 8 x 9 factorial scheme, with eight wheat cultivars (TBIO Audaz, TBIO Ponteiro, TBIO Trunfo, TBIO Toruk, TBIO Astro, ORS Madrepérola, ORS Agile and BRS Belajoia) and nine management protocols, arranged in two repetitions. At full physiological maturity, the following agronomic traits were measured: number of grains on the cob; cob grain weight; thousand grain weight; and grain yield. Analysis of variance took place to detect the effects of cultivar, management protocols and their interaction on the analyzed variables. The Duncan test was used to compare treatment means, at 5% probability. The use of BOMBARDEIRO as a reinforcement to the chemical fungicide promoted an increase in the thousand grain weight. The highest values for grain yield were obtained with the protocols BIOASIS+BIOEQUILÍBRIO+BIOFREE, BIOTRIO and ORKESTRA SC, for the genotypes TBIO Toruk, TBIO Ponteiro and TBIO Trunfo. The use of biological management in wheat crops enhances nutrient absorption and acts synergistically with chemical fungicides, contributing to increased productivity and sustainable management.

Problems of organizational development of machine-building enterprises in the context of digitalization.

Relevance. Modern environmental conditions are a turning point for the development of the machine-building industry, where traditional organizational and managerial mechanisms are exhausting themselves as a productive activator of the production component. It is necessary to make a technological breakthrough in the scale of progress of the entire industrial sector of the economy. The purpose of the research is to scientifically substantiate the main directions of organizational development of enterprises of the machine-building complex, taking into account the challenges of the external environment. The objectives of the research are to study the trends and problems of organizational development of machine-building industry enterprises at the federal and regional levels with the definition of modern aspects of their activities, which is necessary to form the conceptual foundations of the transformation of the machine-building complex. Methodology. The methodological basis of the research consists of general scientific methods of cognition, statistical methods, as well as the principles and methods of the systematic approach. Results. As a result of the research, the possibility of functional restoration of mechanical engineering after the loss of the share of foreign products in the territory of the Russian Federation is identified, the factors of influence and digital responses of business are highlighted based on the analysis of strategies for responding to economic shocks. Based on the analysis of case-practices of domestic and foreign experience, the possibilities of transforming mechanical engineering in the context of organizational development are determined, taking into account the identified internal reserves of machine-building organizations using the example of the Orel region. Conclusions. The problems of organizational development of enterprises of the machine-building complex, taking into account its differentiation, require a special approach based on the development of model solutions and the creation of theoretical and methodological structures in the following areas: the formation of a unique profile in the modern ecosystem for regional engineering; the functional restoration of industry enterprises based on the principles of digital transformation; the development of a projective methodology for the formation of a culture of open innovation in enterprises ensuring synergy in the use of traditional areas of strategic potential development and digital drivers of industrial transformation for sustainable development.

Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Menstrual Health Inequities to Enhance Women's Workplace Productivity and Empowerment in India

Menstruation is a pivotal component of women's overall well-being and workplace productivity, yet it remains largely neglected in public health and workplace discussions. Despite a significant influence, menstrual health remains an under-researched condition in various policy frameworks in India. This study explains the conjuncture of menstrual health management (MHM) and participation rate of women in workforce that emphasizes the global inequalities in access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities. Considering the latest data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), the urban, educated and privileged women are more likely to make use of safe and hygienic methods in comparison to women hailing from rural and lower socio-economic status who depend on unhygienic traditional practices, thereby amplifying health risks and absenteeism. By underlining these divergences, the paper focuses on the urgent need for interventions that address the gap in menstrual health access. Highlighting the menstrual health inequities, not only aids in the improvement of women’s well-being but also enhances their productivity, gender equity and achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hence, this research contributes to the literature calling for an integrated approach to menstrual health as a key factor in women's empowerment and national economic progress.

Methods for greenhouse gas emission accounting in inland aquaculture: a systematic review.

This study systematically reviews methodologies for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting in inland aquaculture, focusing on their applicability to carbon footprint assessments. Aquaculture, as a critical component of global food production, faces growing investigation over its environmental impacts. The review identifies and evaluates two primary GHG measurement methods-floating static chambers and sediment analysis-against four criteria: flexibility, accessibility, precision, and ease of implementation. A comprehensive feasibility analysis indicates that while floating static chambers offer greater adaptability and simplicity, sediment analysis delivers higher precision, albeit with increased operational complexity. The study highlights the need for standardized functional units, recommending CO₂-equivalent emissions per kilogram of fish or edible meat produced as the most appropriate metric. Although each method has limitations, their integration can enable a more holistic approach to GHG accounting in aquaculture systems. By promoting accurate, scalable, and context-specific tools, this research emphasizes aquaculture's potential to become a low-carbon, sustainable source of protein, capable of meeting global nutritional demands while minimizing environmental impacts.

Determination of Plant Nutrition Capacities of Agricultural Areas by Soil Analysis: Example of Süleymanpaşa District of Tekirdağ Province

Soil is one of the most important components of agricultural production. Therefore, healthy soils are increasingly needed for food security, nutrition goals and combating climate change. Soil health is critical to both ecosystem balance and human life. Soil not only supports plant growth, it also performs many important functions, from storing water to sequestering carbon. In addition, soil health is a critical factor not only for agriculture and food production but also for general environmental health, combating climate change and sustainable development. In this study, it was aimed to determine the sustainable productivity capacities by evaluating the analysis results of 60 soil samples taken from the fields in Süleymanpaşa district of Tekirdağ province, which were exposed to intense agricultural activities with wheat-sunflower rotation. The average pH, total salt, organic matter and lime contents of the samples taken were determined as 7.28, % 0.40, % 1.29 and % 3.62 respectively. It was determined that the majority of the soils (47 units) were in the "loam" texture class. The total N contents of the soil samples were determined as the lowest % 0.02 and the highest % 0.15. The average P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu contents of the soil samples were determined as 14.94, 211.68, 5393.15, 408.86, 13.60, 12.71, 0.88 and 1.05 mg kg-1 respectively. When the average organic matter and total N contents in the samples were evaluated, it was determined that they had low levels of organic matter and total N contents. Considering the average values of the soil samples, it was determined that they were "high" in terms of Ca and Fe; "low" in terms of Mn and "sufficient" in terms of P, K, Mg, Zn and Cu. The biggest benefit of these studies is that, the correct use of fertilizer also has positive benefits in terms of economy and the environment. For this reason, organic fertilizers must be included in the fertilization programmes of soils with low organic matter.

ASAS-NANP SYMPOSIUM: MATHEMATICAL MODELING IN ANIMAL NUTRITION: Application of modeling innovations to support satellite remote sensing for sustainable grazing cattle management

Abstract Integrating modeling innovations and satellite remote sensing technology offers a transformative approach to sustainable grazing cattle management. Mathematical models, which translate real-life situations into mathematical formulations, are becoming critical components in livestock production, especially for describing patterns and predicting behaviors. Mathematical models are categorized by their purpose and methodology and include descriptive, prescriptive, static, dynamic, deterministic, and stochastic types. Grazing lands, covering 24.6% of the world’s land area, provide essential ecosystem services such as soil stability, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation. Sustainable management of these lands is necessary to optimize grazing performance and prevent degradation. Given its ability to rapidly scan vast expanses, satellite remote sensing has become indispensable for monitoring grassland conditions over large areas, surpassing traditional field methods in coverage and efficiency. Modeling approaches using satellite imagery include parametric and nonparametric artificial intelligence-based regression and physically based models. Parametric models, such as those based on vegetation indices, offer simplicity but may struggle with high vegetation cover and soil background interference. Nonparametric models, including machine learning algorithms like random forest and support vector regression, provide flexibility and improved accuracy in estimating forage mass and nutritional attributes. Physically based models, like canopy radiation transfer models, integrate satellite data to simulate vegetation dynamics. Practical applications of satellite-based vegetation data support real-time, continuous grazing management by adjusting stocking rates and predicting average daily gain. Studies demonstrate that integrating satellite data with field observations and mechanistic models can optimize forage use, improve livestock productivity, and enhance the sustainability of grazing systems. This comprehensive review highlights the pivotal role of satellite remote sensing in revolutionizing grazing cattle management, providing a detailed exploration of the technologies and models that drive sustainable practices in this field. Through continuous advancements, satellite-based approaches promise to enhance precision livestock farming further, contributing to ecological and economic sustainability.

Foliar application of micronutrients and potassium in soybean crop

Foliar fertilization can improve plant nutrition and yield of soybean crops, especially in low-fertility sandy soils. This study investigated the agronomic efficiency of using micronutrient-based foliar fertilizers during the vegetative stage combined with potassium foliar fertilization during the reproductive stage on production components and grain yield of soybean crops in sandy soils of the Cerrado. The treatments consisted of the application of five micronutrient-based foliar fertilizers during the V4 vegetative stage [Big Red® (Cu), Maxi Zinc® (Zn), Supa Moly® (Mo), Boster® (Zn, Mo) and CMZ Infinity® (Cu, Mo, Zn)] in association or not with the application of the K-based foliar fertilizer Yantra® during the R3 reproductive stage. An additional treatment without foliar fertilizer application was used as a control. The treatments were arranged in a randomized block design in a 5 × 2 + 1 factorial scheme with four replications. The results showed that the application of foliar fertilizers containing Zn and Mo (Boster®) and Cu, Zn and Mo (CMZ Infinity®) are the best alternatives for use in soybean crops, as they result in greater plant height, height of first pod insertion, number of pods, total pod weight and higher grain yield, regardless of the association with K-based foliar fertilizer in the reproductive stage. The application of foliar fertilizers based on micronutrients and K had no impact on the thousand-grain mass of the soybean crop. The foliar application of K at the reproductive stage resulted in higher soybean grain yield when associated with the application of Zn (Maxi Zinc®) and Mo (Supa Moly®) at the vegetative stage.

Q&A With SLB: Wired for Safety—Electric Well-Control Technologies

_ Electrification of critical drilling and production components is sweeping through the oil field, both onshore and offshore. As technology catches up with the energy storage requirements for given applications, service companies are introducing new electric-powered equipment to replace kit that has been historically hydraulically controlled. One of the latest additions to this movement has been SLB’s EWC electric well-control technologies. EWC technologies replace hydraulics and its complex network of hoses, valves, and actuators with a simplified electric power system that provides real-time data insights and a continuous supply of on-demand power to well-control components under any operating conditions. Electrically driven pumps deliver shear pressures up to 5,000 psi and the system’s lithium-ion 10C battery backup system provides immediate response and full functionality when rig power is unavailable. SLB’s EWC technology enables drillers to instantly and precisely control and monitor blowout preventers (BOPs) onshore and offshore, leveraging industrial internet of things components along the system architecture to provide instant pressure readouts, without the need for conventional pressure gauges. This is designed to help operators make better-informed decisions about the operation and maintenance of the well-control system—reducing nonproductive time and minimizing operating expenses. JPT sat down with Matthew Givens, a pressure-control equipment domain expert and 24-year veteran of SLB, to get the low down on this new EWC system and what it means for the industry. JPT: Traditionally, well pressure controls are manipulated hydraulically and remotely operated. What made SLB look at this system as a prime candidate for electrification? MG: Traditional BOP systems are hydraulically operated remotely, regardless of whether the BOP system is on land, offshore, or a mile below the surface of the ocean. Over time, these systems have become more complex, with hydraulics accounting for more than 60% of system failures. Industry standards and increased well depths require more hydraulic accumulation, increasing the size and weight of the BOP control system. We needed a way to improve performance, reliability, and monitoring of the BOP system while reducing the system’s overall footprint. Our EWC electric well-control technologies are simplifying the system architecture, transitioning from maintenance-intensive ‘stored energy’ of hydraulics to reliable, energy-dense, electric power sources that use data-based decision-making for maintenance. JPT: How long was the new system under development at SLB and were there any significant changes made from the earliest days to Serial #001? MG: Electrification has been a goal since the early 2000s, but stored-energy solutions just weren’t ready for our application. In the last 5 years we have accelerated our EWC developments, notably introducing the EWC pressure on-demand BOP control system. Initially, we aimed for full electrification of the BOP system. However, operational challenges made it apparent that some situations might still require hydraulically actuated equipment. Our EWC pressure on-demand system provides the end user with improved edge-based diagnostics and significantly reduces the footprint by using batteries as stored energy for existing hydraulically actuated equipment.

Microplastic in food chain-Major health issues-An update

Microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles measuring less than 5 mm in length, have been found to have significant negative impacts on both human health and the environment. Due to the alarming increase in contamination worldwide and excessive production of plastics and synthetic materials, there is an urgent need to investigate the effects of those substances on human health. It has been observed that there exists a definite correlation between exposure to micro- and nanoplastic particles and the onset of several cancers and other health disorders. Of particular concern are plastic additives, chemical compounds that are intentionally or unintentionally added to plastics to improve functionality or as residual components of plastic production. Microplastics and nanoparticles enter the human body even when consuming drinking water, food and during normal breathing. Contamination may occur also through the migration of nanoplastic particles from the packaging materials into food products. Micro- and nanoplastic fibers are also present in other foods, including beer, honey, table salt, tea bags and sugar. The sources of airborne microplastic include synthetic fabrics from clothing, rubber tire erosion, household objects, building materials, landfills, abrasive powders and 3D printing. Microplastic in the food chain have potential health risks on human includes, cancer, immunotoxicity, intestinal diseases, pulmonary diseases, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory diseases, loss of male and female sterility, adverse effects on pregnancy and maternal exposure to progeny. The actual impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on human health cannot be clearly and completely defined, since it requires extensive, multi-disciplinary long-term research.

An exploration of oral language profiles of students in early French immersion

Abstract This article describes an exploratory study of bilingual oral language profiles among a diverse group of students in Early French Immersion (EFI), in Ontario, Canada. Participants were 28 EFI students in Grade 4 (9–10 years of age). Oral language components were assessed with measures of comprehension (receptive vocabulary and following directions) and production (recalling sentences and mean length of utterance). Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify performance patterns in each language. There were substantial differences between English and French in terms of contrasts between, and consistency within the performance patterns, leading to identification of four bilingual profiles. The findings reinforce the importance of considering multiple language components in both languages in assessing bilingual students. A profiles approach may contribute to our understanding of variability in oral language skills and provide a broader perspective for the study of cross-linguistic interdependence by considering multiple components in both comprehension and production.

Significance of Nitrogen Limited Medium (NLM) Components on Lipid Production Lipomyces starkeyi Y853

Oleaginous yeasts, such as Lipomyces starkeyi, can convert carbon and nitrogen sources into lipids up to 50% of the cell's dry weight. A high lipid percentage was achieved (53.5%) using Nitrogen Limited Medium (NLM), which indicates that the components of NLM play a role in the production of biomass and lipids. Nevertheless, the statistical analysis of the role of NLM components on lipid production has not yet been conducted. Thus, this research was designed and carried out to determine the role of NLM components in lipid production using Plackett-Burman Design. The results show that the variables had an insignificant impact on lipid production based on the ANOVA test (P >0.05). Additionally, main effect plots were generated to identify the negative and positive effects of the components. The graph indicates that peptone and yeast extract (YE) are essential components in high concentrations to increase lipid production. This result was due to the insufficient concentration used in this experiment (YE= 0.5 g/L; peptone= 0.3 g/L) compared to the optimal conditions (YE= 8 g/L; peptone= 3 g/L). Therefore, further research should be conducted with the addition of external factors (pH, temperature, shaker speed) to acquire more significant results on biomass lipid production.

Obtaining New Materials from Liquid Pyrolysis Products of Used Tires for Waste Valorization

The innovative recycling of waste tires into fuel is essential for promoting sustainable development, enhancing waste valorization, and advancing waste-to-energy technologies. For the processing of fr. ≤ 200 °C, separated from the liquid products of the pyrolysis process of waste tires, polycondensation with formaldehyde and extraction with a polar solvent (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone) was used. Due to the sequential application of these processes, a raffinate product is produced that contains significantly fewer undesirable compounds, such as reactive unsaturated hydrocarbons and aromatics, which can negatively affect gasoline. Additionally, this raffinate demonstrates chemical stability during storage. Due to its operational properties, the obtained raffinate can serve as a high-quality component for gasoline production, which is advisable when mixed with low-octane gas condensate. As a result of compounding, Euro 4 gasoline is obtained with an octane number equal to 93 according to the experimental method. The possibility of effectively using the extract (concentrate of aromatic and unsaturated compounds) as a plasticizer for waterproofing mastic was shown. Overall, the valorization of waste tire pyrolysis processing contributes to waste reduction and is consistent with promoting sustainable industrial innovation by replacing primary petrochemical feedstocks with secondary feedstocks and supporting the development of alternative energy sources.

Assessing Ochratoxin A Contamination in Pre-Packaged Grated Cheese: Implications for Food Safety.

Cheese is a globally consumed dairy product, with Europe leading the world in its consumption. Italy, as the third-largest cheese producer within the European Union, plays a crucial role in the sector, particularly through its production of Protected Designation of Origin (P.D.O.) cheeses, including Grana Padano and Parmigiano Reggiano. These hard cheeses are widely utilized in pre-packaged grated cheese products, owing to their broad appeal and recognized quality. While mold is a common and often necessary component in cheese production for the development of flavor and texture, fungal growth can also detrimentally affect the quality of cheese, potentially causing economic losses and posing food safety risks. Some molds are capable of producing mycotoxins, such as ochratoxin A (OTA), a toxic compound that has been identified in cheese. This study aims to quantitatively assess the prevalence of OTA contamination in various pre-packaged grated cheese products using the high-performance liquid chromatography method while also exploring the potential implications for food safety. The results revealed a high incidence of OTA, with 97.6% of the samples tested positive for contamination, ranging from below the limit of detection (<LOD) to 19.15 ng g-1. Among the cheeses tested, the Parmigiano Reggiano brand exhibited the significantly highest average level of OTA contamination (5.06 ± 0.66 ng g-1), followed by pecorino (2.25 ± 0.31 ng g-1), mixed (2.15 ± 0.18 ng g-1), and the Grana Padano cheeses (1.53 ± 0.21 ng g-1). Given the widespread consumption of pre-packaged grated cheese products, these findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring and risk assessment of cheese products, particularly pre-packaged grated varieties, due to the potential health risks associated with OTA exposure. Further investigations are essential to identify the factors contributing to OTA contamination in cheese and to support the development of regulatory standards to ensure consumer safety.

Response of Sweet Potato (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Ipomoea Batatas&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) Variety to Nitrogen and Farmyard Manure Fertilizer Application in Mulo District, Ethiopia

A field experiment was carried out during the 2020–2021 growing season to examine how the sweet potato responded to various doses of organic and inorganic fertilizer. The treatment included three levels of farmyard waste and four levels of nitrogen fertilizers (0, 40, 70, and 100 kg N ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;) (0, 5and 10 FYM t ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;). The experiment was performed three times and set up using a Randomized Complete Block Design in a factorial layout. Software called SAS (version 9.3) was used to examine the data. The findings showed that the majority of the growth, yield, and yield components were significantly (P 0.01) impacted by the application of N and farmyard manure fertilizers. The highest and lowest vine lengths measured were 160.23 and 112.17 cm, respectively. Other measurements included shoot fresh weight (1009.6 and 109.8 g hill&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;), shoot dry weight (141.35 and 61.6 g hill&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;), days of bud sprouting (13.27 and 6.34), days of physiological maturity (147.8 and 119), number of branches per plant (7.30 and 4.28), harvest index (0.36 and 0.28%), biomass yield (1009.2 and 579.7), tuberous storage tuber diameter (22.5 and 15.6 cm), total tuber yield (22.45&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt; &amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;and 7.05 tha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;), marketable tuber yield (21.85 and 7.65&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt; &amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;tha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;), unmarketable tuber yield (3.25&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt; &amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;and 0.31&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt; &amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;t/ha), marketable storage tuber number (3.2 and 0.83), and un marketable tuber number (0.38&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt; &amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;and 0.02) were obtained from 10t ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;farmyard manure plus 100 kgha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; N fertilizer. However, the above-mentioned factors were countered by the number of branches per plant, the quantity of unmarketable tubers, and the yield of unmarketable tubers. In conclusion, the findings showed that the application of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer along with farmyard manure might improve the growth, production, and yield components of sweet potatoes. To get more trustworthy data, though, additional research must be done in various environments and at various times of the year while taking fertilizer rates for nitrogen and FYM into account.

Rapid Increases in Children's Spontaneous and Responsive Speech Vocalizations Following Cochlear Implantation: Implications for Spoken Language Development.

Cochlear implants are the most effective means to provide access to spoken language models for children with severe to profound deafness. In typical development, spoken language emerges gradually as children vocally explore and interact with caregivers. But it is unclear how early vocal activity unfolds after children gain access to auditory signals, and thus spoken language, via cochlear implants, and how this early vocal exploration predicts children's spoken language development. This longitudinal study investigated how two formative aspects of early language-child speech productivity and caregiver-child vocal interactions-develop following cochlear implantation, and how these aspects impact children's spoken language outcomes. Data were collected via small wearable recorders that measured caregiver-child communication in the home pre- and for up to 3 years post-implantation (N = 25 children, average = 167 hours/child, 4,180 total hours of observation over an average of 11 unique days/child). Spoken language outcomes were measured using the Preschool Language Scales-5. Growth trajectories were compared with a normative sample of children with typical hearing (N = 329). Even before implantation, all children vocalized and vocally interacted with caregivers. Following implantation, child speech productivity (β = 9.67, p < 0.001) and caregiver-child vocal interactions (β = 12.65, p < 0.001) increased significantly faster for children with implants than younger, hearing age-matched typical hearing controls, with the fastest growth occurring in the time following implant activation. There were significant, positive effects of caregiver-child interaction on children's receptive, but not expressive, spoken language outcomes. Overall, children who receive cochlear implants experience robust growth in speech production and vocal interaction-crucial components underlying spoken language-and they follow a similar, albeit faster, developmental timeline as children with typical hearing. Regular vocal interaction with caregivers in the first 1 to 2 years post-implantation reliably predicts children's comprehension of spoken language above and beyond known predictors such as age at implantation.

“A shoulder to lean on in hard times”: understanding the role of friendships in the lives of individuals convicted of sexual offences

ABSTRACT The notion of instrumental peer support has been promulgated as a productive component in creating narratives of change amongst individuals who have engaged in sexual-offending behaviour and consequently a protective factor against sexual recidivism. This paper presents a qualitative analysis of the reflections and experiences of individuals (N = 7) who have served custodial sentences for sexual offences regarding the role of friendship in their lives, both before and after conviction, and what impact friendships have had in helping or hindering their transition into the community. Data were collected through one-to-one semistructured interviews and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Two superordinate themes were identified from the data: true vs fair-weather friends and the cycle of help. Implications of the findings are unpacked and the authors make a plea for assisted reintegration through, for example, the provision of peer-support schemes and community-based reintegration services. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT This research highlights the challenges and difficulties in relation to establishing and maintaining friendships whilst dealing with the negative consequences of a sexual conviction. It demonstrates how the role of companionship and mutual commitment within friendships was an important factor supporting their reintegration into the community. The research highlights considerations towards community-based initiatives that support individuals with the emotional strain of friendship loss and provide them with resources to assist with maintaining existing friendships.

Interaction between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and biofertilizer in cotton crops

The use of biofertilizers and biological solutions to meet the nutritional needs of plants has grown significantly in agriculture as a way to replace mineral fertilizers, which in turn contribute to increasing the production costs for farmers. Therefore, it is essential to conduct studies to prove the effectiveness of these methods and assist producers in their decision-making. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of seed treatment with biofertilizer and inoculation with Rhizophagus clarus on cotton growth. The experiment was carried out in an experimental area in Rolândia-PR in a randomized block experimental design, with four treatments and four replicates: T1: (T) control (not inoculated), T2: (M) mycorrhiza (Rhizophagus clarus), T3: (B) biofertilizer of plant extracts of Aloe vera (Aloe solo) and T4: (M+B) mycorrhiza + Aloe solo. Cotton seeds of cultivar TMG 81 were treated according to the treatments described above. Sowing was carried out with 12 plants per linear meter with spacing of 90 cm between rows. Chemical management practices were carried out to control weeds and pests. Chemical fertilization was carried out at sowing in the furrow, where 310 kg per hectare of the formula 12-17-11 and 90 kg of calcium carbonate per hectare were deposited. Top dressing fertilization was applied 25 days after sowing with 125 kg ha-1 of NPK formula in the proportion 20-05-20, 63 kg ha-1 of urea and 75 kg ha-1 of potassium chloride, in addition to 0.625 L ha-1 of Boron 10 via foliar application. Plants from two 2-meter rows of each plot were evaluated for the following parameters: yield, plant height, number of open and closed bolls and nos per plant. Leaves were collected at the time of full flowering for leaf analysis. Data were analyzed using Tukey's test at 5%. The combined treatment of biofertilizer and mycorrhiza showed the best results, with a significant increase in all production components, including an increase of 525 kg per hectare compared to the control. Inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi and the application of biofertilizers contributed to higher yield and vegetative parameters of cotton.

The effect of weather factors on seed productivity components in pea accessions from VIR during their reproduction at Adler Experiment Station

Background. An analysis of the effect of agroclimatic conditions on the formation of pea yields in the humid subtropics of the Caucasus is important to determine optimal modes of heat and moisture supply, as well as to identify accessions with stable productivity as source material for breeding in the region.Material and methods. The materials of the study included 453 pea accessions from the VIR collection, which underwent a primary field study at Adler Experiment Station of VIR in 2020–2022. The studied set of accessions was characterized by diverse uses and various geographic origins. Field phenotyping was carried out in accordance with VIR’s guidelines. Statistical data processing was performed using the Statistica 13.3 software.Results. The effect size of the influence of weather conditions on phenotypic traits determining pea yield averaged 44.0%, and its genotypic component was 32.7%. The greatest effect of the genotype was manifested on the number of nonproductive nodes (97.0%), 1000-seed weight (83.6%), stem length (81.1%), number of flowers per raceme (80.9%), maximum number of seeds per pod (71.0%), pod size (68.3%), and average number of pods per plant (51.0%). The maximum influence of the environment was recorded for the durations of the growing season (79.0%) and the period from sprouting to flowering (65.1%).Conclusion. Excessive precipitation and high air temperatures during the maturation period were critical for peas during the years of studying. The patterns of seed productivity formation differed among the cultivars grown for three different uses: grain, vegetable, and fodder. The most productive accessions were identified, as well as those with stable productivity under weather fluctuations across the three years of testing.

Productive aspects and operating costs of hydroponic lettuce under different nutrient solution flow rates

Producing leafy vegetables in intensive hydroponic systems requires knowledge of production cost variables and their proper management. Flow rate is a decisive factor in both production and operating costs as it directly affects energy consumption. This study aimed to assess the productive aspects of lettuce in relation to nutrient solution flow rate and energy consumption in a nutrient flow technique hydroponic system. The experiment was conducted on individual benches, with treatments consisting of five nutrient solution flow rates: 0.5; 1.0; 1.5; 2.0 and 2.5 liters per minute (L/min). Production components and water pump operating costs were assessed. Average plant production was 250.5, 282.75, 316, 338.5 and 346.6 g for flow rates of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 L/min, respectively. The lowest operational energy costs and the highest production performance was observed at a flow rate of 1.5 L/min, while, reduced performance was noted at flow rates of 0.5 and 1.0 L/min. The different water management strategies evaluated indicate the feasibility of operating in a hydroponic system, considering all cost-benefit (C/B) ratios &gt; 1.